Principal’s Weekly Post – Week 6

Dear Parents and Carers,

I hope you’ve all had a lovely week.

I want to extend a massive thank you to all our Year 11 students, parents, and carers who attended our ‘Steps to Success/Slice of Advice’ evening this week. The turnout was excellent, and the atmosphere was focused and positive.

The evening provided key information and strategies for our Year 11 students to ensure they are successful in their final GCSE year. From study skills to managing stress, we covered essential advice designed to help them make the most of the crucial months ahead. It was wonderful to see so many of them engaging with the material.

We were delighted to cap off the evening by sharing pizza with everyone who attended! This year is challenging, but with the support of our dedicated parents, carers, and staff, our students are set up for a fantastic year.

I would like to also extend a massive thank you to all students across every year group for your hard work and engagement this week. It has been genuinely wonderful to see your efforts in your lessons, demonstrating excellent focus, participation, and a real enthusiasm for learning.

Have a restful and safe weekend.

Warm regards

Gavin Kumar
Principal

Aesthetica Film Festival 2025

Families are at the heart of Aesthetica Film Festival 2025, taking place from 5–9 November.

York transforms into a hub of creativity and imagination, offering children and parents experiences they cannot find anywhere else in the city. From films and workshops to VR, games, music, and interactive events, the festival creates a safe and inspiring space where families can explore new ideas together, share discoveries and spark the creativity of the next generation.

Specially curated film screenings introduce children to inspiring stories whilst interactive workshops for ages 7-14 years old, let young minds explore filmmaking, coding and stop-motion animation with expert support. Children can produce mini movies, design characters and spark new passions.

Beyond workshops, the UNESCO City of Media Arts EXPO celebrates cutting-edge art, tech and design. From VR and games to podcasts and storytelling, Aesthetica is a hands-on adventure for the whole family. Be part of the UK’s most expansive and dynamic event for screen and media, taking place across York city centre in 15 venues from 5-9 November.

Tickets are on sale now. Children 5-14 Years Single Screening £6.00 | Kids’ One Day Pass £25 | Kids’ One Day + Workshop £35

You can take a look at the ‘Families at Aesthetica’ flyer here.

Gabrieli workshop

On Friday 17 October we have a visit from Emily and Charles from the world-famous Gabrieli Consort. They are doing a vocal workshop with some of our singers in school. This is a fabulous opportunity and York High School is hosting the event for other secondary schools within York.

P2 & 3 will be students involved in the School Show and singers from Millthorpe.

P4 & 5 will be Singing Group, GCSE Music students and Year 9s who are interested in GCSE Music (please come and discuss with Mrs Lancaster to register your interest), joined by students from Vale of York and Huntington.

This is a fabulous opportunity and one we are very much looking forward to.

Aesthetica Premiere

Letters have gone home to students involved in Aesthetica Film Project last academic year ahead of their film premiere at City Screen in November.

Please contact Mrs Lancaster if you haven’t received your letter and would like to reserve free tickets for the premiere and reception at Thor’s Tipi.

Instrumental and vocal lessons

Payments should now be on Parent Pay for instrumental and vocal lessons, unless your child receives a bursary from York Music Hub.

Science Club

This week in Science Club, our students got to make gold coins! Everyone had great fun!

Year 7 Learning Experience Day

Year 7 have had a wonderful Future Stars Learning Experience Day, looking at the skills needed for a range of jobs in the workplace. They have worked beautifully in their groups, supported by staff from The Place and York High, led by colleagues from Aviva. Students also had opportunity to develop critical thinking skills, and to learn about the dangers of the water from Lisa at York Rescue Boat.

Restart a Heart Day – 16 October

Year 8 will be off timetable next Thursday for their Restart a Heart Day. We’ll be welcoming Hull York Medical School, Yorkshire Ambulance Trust, Nestle, and colleagues from NHS Nursing England.

Preparing for Adulthood opportunities event

This event is for anyone in Year 9 or above with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities and their parents/carers. It aims to inspire them about post-16 options and employment.

Exhibitors include education providers, employers, City of York Council and other support services, such as DWP. There will also be sessions on Supported Internships and until 5.30pm, VR activities in agriculture and animal tasks.

The event will be held from 3.30-6.30pm on Tuesday 14 October 2025 at Askham Bryan College.

Activities at The Place

The Place, based in Sanderson Community House on Bramham Lane in Acomb, provides activities for children, young people and adults who live locally.

The Place is open Monday to Friday, and each week they have an exciting programme of free activities on offer. Please take a look below for information about the after-school activities available for York High students.

You can find out more about The Place here.

Exciting Opportunity: Become a Committee Member for Inspire Alternative Provision

Are you passionate about supporting vulnerable young people and making a difference in their education? Excel Learning Trust’s alternative provision, Inspire Academy, is looking for dedicated and committed individuals to join its first-ever academy committee (a sub-committee of the trust board).

Further details about this opportunity and how to apply, can be found here.

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.