Principal’s Weekly Post – Week 11

Dear Parents and Carers,

I hope this newsletter finds you well. It has been another productive and impressive week here at York High School, despite the challenging weather conditions we’ve experienced.

I am delighted to share some truly superb news regarding the recent Year 11 mock examinations. The effort, focus, and dedication demonstrated by our Year 11 cohort during this vital assessment period was exceptional. 

While mocks are a practice run, the commitment shown is a fantastic indicator of future success. Please continue to support your Year 11 students in maintaining this momentum as they progress towards their final GCSE examinations. Well done, Year 11.

As we move into the busiest part of the academic year, I must stress the critical importance of consistent attendance. Learning is sequential, and even one missed day can mean falling behind on essential topics and classroom discussions. High attendance is directly correlated with higher academic achievement and positive mental wellbeing.

• Aim for 100%: Every lesson, every day, makes a difference.
• Punctuality: Being on time ensures a settled start to the lesson for everyone.
• Communication: If your child is unwell, please inform school promptly.

Let’s work together to ensure all our students are present and ready to learn, maximising their educational opportunities at York High.

I would like to finally extend a personal thank you to all our students for their efforts this week. Navigating the snow, cold weather, and early dark mornings to get to school takes resilience and commitment. Your positive attitude, punctuality, and continued focus in lessons, despite the challenging conditions, have been noted and deeply appreciated by all staff members.

Warmly,

Gavin Kumar
Principal

Year 9 Learning Experience Day

On Friday 28 November, Year 9 will be off timetable for a fantastic Learning Experience Day. As part of the day, students will design their own businesses, working with employers from Portakabin, Yorkshire Ambulance Service, Bettys and Taylors, among others. In the afternoon they will be watching a Theatre in Education performance called ‘YOLO’ from Stephen Burke’s An Invisible Man theatre company.

A summary of the play’s content is below. If you have any questions, please contact Miss Bettney via email: v.bettney@yorkhigh.elt.org.uk

A summary of the play and workshop content is below:

Sophie lives with her father (a soldier) and her stepmother. She’s locked in her bedroom with her father outside the door as they try to discuss the activity and motivations of the weekend just passed. Sophie has just returned from hospital, where she found herself after a bad reaction to legal high drugs at a party, and Dad wants to know “why?!”

Daniel is in a meeting with a school counsellor. This is a readmission meeting after he has been found to have supplied the drugs to Sophie at the party.

YOLO explores how these young people react to pressures around them, pressures to do things and pressures not to. It’s hard fitting in when nobody really knows what we are supposed to be doing or saying. Looking at many risk-taking activities, YOLO explores the pressure we feel to do things. Why? Because, “You Only Live Once”…

YOLO is designed to allow the audiences to actively, honestly and directly address and discuss topics, in the play and workshop, including alcohol, legal highs, sexting, online bullying, sexual health (including STIs), teenage pregnancy and online safety, not to mention teen vs parent relationships.

Year 8 Learning Experience Day

On Friday 5 December, Year 8 will have their next Learning Experience Day, including a workshop from Aviva on communication.

Half of the year will then go to the University of York for periods 3-5, as a workplace and higher education experience opportunity. Students will get to engage with a sporting experience and a networking event, as well as enjoying a free lunch.

The other half of the year will go in March. They will have an engaging morning of sessions, including a talk from York Rescue Boat, which enhance their classroom learning.

If your child is down to visit in December, you will be emailed a letter separately, with a paper copy given to your child. Responses are required for Friday 28 November please.

If you have any questions, please contact Miss Bettney via email: v.bettney@yorkhigh.elt.org.uk.

Mystery Club

Last night, Mystery Club were looking at breaking codes and ciphers. With a new theme each week, get yourself to SC5 on a Thursday for an exciting mystery!

York College Taster Day Deadline

The deadline for York College Taster Day applications is Sunday 23 November. No changes are available after this point.

To sign up, please click this link and scroll to the bottom of the page.

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.