Principal’s Weekly Post – Week 20

It’s been another superb week at York High School.

It was wonderful to see a group of students visiting the ex-racehorse retraining centre at New Beginnings. This was yet another invaluable enrichment experience that a group of our students absolutely loved.

A large number of our Year 8 students also went on two residential visits to Manchester and Liverpool this week to enhance their cultural capital. These trips provided a blend of experiences where once again our students learnt outside of the classroom and have taken away some lifelong memories. 

I would like to remind our parent/carer community about the consultation that went out last week regarding the proposed changes to the school day for the academic year 2025/26. If you would still like to submit your feedback, please email d.becton@yorkhigh.elt.org.uk. Thank you to those who have already shared their feedback with us. It has been wonderful to read your views and also meet a number of our parents/carers this week in person to gather their invaluable feedback. I look forward to the next round of meetings next week.

I hope you all have a lovely weekend!

Gavin Kumar
Principal

New Beginnings

On Thursday 30 January, with the kind and generous support of the Gerald Leigh Charitable Trust and Racing to School, we were able to take eleven Year 7 and 8 pupils to New Beginnings at Bishop Wilton, near York.

New Beginnings is an ex-racehorse retraining centre with a new education hub where our pupils met former racehorse Remy and Poppy the pony. Alongside the horses, we were also able to get up close with the stable goats and cats!

We were able to watch a horse exercising in the Lunge Ring, listened to a horse’s heartbeat with Katherine, the Equine Vet, and watched Liam, the Farrier, shoe a horse, learning about all of the industry employment opportunities from the professionals.

Thank you so much to Pam and Kevin who were fabulous hosts for the day, allowing us to share and learn about their charity work and for really looking after us; to Katherine and Liam for spending time with us to talk about their careers; to Andrea, Carrie and Toby for sharing their experiences and giving us the opportunity for such a wonderful learning journey; to all of the other staff at New Beginnings for being so kind and friendly and for the Gerald Leigh Charitable Trust for their generosity in making this visit happen!

We had the most fabulous day.

Mrs Becton and Miss Linsey

Liverpool with Year 8

On Monday and Tuesday, 37 Year 8s visited Manchester and Liverpool for our Big Culture Trip. Students visited the Jewish Museum, the Beatles Museum, went on a river ferry cruise, went bowling, and visited Anfield in an action-packed couple of days. 

The students were absolutely wonderful, and it was a real pleasure to take them! Thank you to Mr Rowe, Mr Shaw and Mrs Leeman for accompanying such a great group.

More photos will be available next week. If your child does not have social media permissions, and you would like to see some photos of their trip, please contact main reception to update their photo permissions. 

I’m looking forward to sharing information and photos from ‘Liverpool trip two’ next week, from which we’re returning as this edition of the newlsetter is posted!

Miss Bettney

Excellence Every Day

Lots more rewards this week – well done to Maddison R, Dom K, Jack L, Alyssia W, Alfie S, Lucy P, Izzy S, Ben L, Ryder R-M, Safiyah L, Scarlett C, Zack H, Amelia S-R, Jake A-W, Skye H-C, Hayla H, Sophie B, Faith C, Evan S, Kian N, Andrea B and Max B!

Keep up the great work everyone!

Community Cupboard

Our school is committed to helping those in need through our community cupboard, ensuring that every student and family has access to essential food/household items. Donations are always welcome and greatly appreciated, as they help us continue to support the local community.

If you or someone you know needs any support, please contact Aimee a.stewart@yorkhigh.elt.org.uk or Emma e.masterman@yorkhigh.elt.org.uk, or pop into main reception.

All requests will be handled with care and confidentiality.

The YHS Way

Next week’s focus: Routines and Habits – Personal Space