Dear Parents,

once again, I am writing to you at the conclusion of another busy and successful school year. As usual, I would like to remind you what some of our priorities are as a school:

• Support progression routes for pupils (how we support pupils moving here from primary school, through Year 9 and, of particular importance, moving from Ribblesdale to other institutions as the raising of participation age takes effect from 2013)
• Involving parents in discussion about the curriculum in Years 9-11 (we now have a parents’ focus group and they take the opportunity to meet us regularly)
• Professional development for teachers focused around making learning in class consistently ‘active’
• Enable access to pupil information by parents via the internet as set out by the government

Last week, we held our ‘Shine’ event; this celebrated the diversity and talents of our pupils and staff. The week began with a sport and music evening in the sports hall. Over 70 pupils demonstrated and showcased their sporting and musical talent to a good audience. Some pupils, who are national or regional champions in their respective sports, gave a short presentation. It is truly amazing how many of our young people have such high level skills. ‘Spotlight’ was held mid-week at the Grand in Clitheroe and there was a packed hall each evening. Every year I do not believe that the quality and standard of what we see can be improved on – but it does get better and better. Well done to everyone involved in the organization of performances. It was fantastic! At the end of the week we had the ‘Shine’ event in school, a day in which every pupil did something a little but different: African drumming; climbing; cooking; celebrating fashion; animals; gardening; model making to name just a few. It was a truly incredible day and well worth all the hard work. It was an exciting and memorable way of celebrating cultural diversity and the society we live in.

Earlier this term members of my team and I spent the week looking at the sport/PE curriculum and lessons. Working with the PE teachers, we observed lessons, spoke to the pupils and looked at the work of the department. We do this termly in different curriculum areas, and I am really pleased to report back to you that what we saw was an incredibly hard working department focused on achieving the best in everything they do – just like all the other successful subject teams we have in school. This year, there have also been more successes in competitions.

In my summer letter to parents, I always make a plea to you. When buying your son or daughter’s new school uniform, please buy the right thing! In particular, footwear. It is incredibly frustrating trying to keep 1300 pupils looking smart, but it can be done! Black shoes only please – not pumps, anything with a stripe or trainers. Hair pieces, to tie long hair back, should be simple and not elaborate flowers, etc. Hair styles: please note that on the first day back, hair styles must not be extreme – in colour or style – and fake tan should not be worn – I don’t want orange pupils!

At this time of year, we say goodbye to a number of staff who are leaving the school. We thank Mrs Allonby, Mrs Woodward and Miss Woods from the support staff; Mr Hanslip, Miss Thomson (RE), Mr Harris, Mr Hetherington and Mrs Simpson from teaching staff. Miss Sumner and Mrs Crewe are retiring and we wish them well in whatever they do next (Mrs Crewe will be working with us part-time next term). We welcome back in September, from maternity leave, Mrs Schofield, Dr Osborne and Ms Holaday.

My own thanks of course go to governors, staff, parents and pupils for their hard work this year. I wish everyone connected to the school a very restful and enjoyable summer break.

School re-opens for (new) Year 7 and Year 11 pupils on Thursday 2 September at 8.45am and for all pupils the following day on Friday 3 September at 8.45am.

Yours sincerely

S A Smith