Dear HP families,

In line with other schools in the Greenshaw Learning Trust, we are increasing the daily food and drink spending limit for students from £5 to £6. This change will take effect immediately after the Easter break. If you would prefer for your child to remain on the current £5 limit, please complete the opt-out form, which has been shared via the 'Letter from the Head' email.

Year 10 students have been out on work experience this week, and we have already received encouraging feedback from many of the organisations involved. These opportunities provide valuable insights into the world of work and are an important step in preparing students for life beyond HP.

On Wednesday, a group of Year 9 students attended the GROWs trip to the University of Gloucestershire. They took part in workshops on university life and higher education, and had a chance to tour the campus. Students were particularly fascinated by the facilities, including the medical labs and hypoxic chambers.

Meanwhile, our other group of Year 9 students have returned from the Battlefields trip. Staff reported that the experience was both moving and memorable, and students came back with a much deeper understanding of the impact of conflict. A huge thank you to the staff involved but also to our external tour guides, who we have been fortunate to have for two years in a row and are incredibly knowledgeable.

Today we held our end-of-term Celebration Assemblies. Huge congratulations to all award winners and to the students who performed so confidently in front of their peers. It’s always brilliant to end a term celebrating students’ hard work and achievements.

A reminder about KS3 homework deadlines over the break. Sparx and Bedrock must be completed by the Friday and Sunday deadlines this weekend, or an Academic Prep will be set for the first week back. Kay Science has been set today and is due on the first Wednesday back. After Easter, the next deadlines for Sparx and Kay Science will be 2nd and 4th May respectively.

Our Year 11 and 13 students have been sent off for their Easter break with vital exam revision tasks. Independent work is absolutely key to ensure success come August so please both impress this importance and continue supporting them to do their absolute best.

Finally, our weekly attendance update. We are aiming for 95% attendance or higher this year, as it remains the most important factor in student success. Today we held HP Hero Club inflatable rewards on the field for all students who met the target which proved extremely popular. We’ve also written to families whose children can still achieve a place in the club by the end of the year with improved attendance over the next term. Please continue to check MCAS regularly and contact your child’s Head of Year with any concerns.

I wish you all a lovely Easter,

Mr Hudson
Headteacher