As we grow up, we’re inevitably exposed to new and challenging feelings – whether it’s sadness, fear or rage. These emotions can be tough to handle when we’re still learning about the world – and even once we’ve passed into adulthood – which is why emotional literacy is a vital life skill.

Of course, when emotions are running high, it can be tricky to help young people process these feelings in a healthy way, but it’s incredibly important that we do so as parents and educators.

Back in the Autumn term, excitement buzzed as we launched The Big Win Competition, an initiative designed to foster teamwork and community spirit while raising funds for a worthy cause. Each of our Houses - Swift, Skylark, Kestrel, and Kingfisher took on the challenge, with colour-coded buckets placed in reception, students asked staff, family and friends to donate any spare coins they could.

The atmosphere was charged with friendly competition as the Houses rallied their supporters. Everyone was encouraged to contribute whatever they could spare, reflecting the spirit of generosity and solidarity within our school community. The excitement built as the 2 weeks went by, and by the end of the competition, it was clear that one House had truly risen to the occasion.

In total an impressive £300 was raised through the collective houses but Swift House emerged victorious. As the winning House, their next task was to choose a charity to support, and the decision was unanimous—Julia’s House, a charity known for providing invaluable care and support to children with life-limiting conditions and their families

Over time, more and more fitness apps have been finding their way into circulation. Usually free to download – at least initially – these apps claim to offer helpful advice and assistance in routine management to those looking to lead a healthier lifestyle.

JusTalk Kids is an alternative version of the JusTalk app, aimed at an audience aged 13 and under. As that upper age limit suggests, this social networking platform is intended to be suitable for youngsters, providing them with a space of their own to interact with a community their own age.

The Year 8 girls had a fantastic start to their netball league. The A-Team played Parkstone B in their first match and were fantastic. They started the game with nerves and dread, thinking that they were going to get beat by Parkstone, because historically this has always been the case. However, from the start, they were sharp, agile at picking up loose balls and making interceptions. Hettie’s shooting was spot-on, not missing a goal, they beat Parkstone B 7-4. The next game was Parkstone A, and although they lost this game, Parkstone would normally run away with the game, this certainly did not happen. We put up a good fight, and did not get annihilated. The girls should be very proud of their performance, they are starting to gel as a team, and play lovely flowing netball.

As part of our behaviour policy, in every lesson, each student is given a score.  Students receiving a 7 have exceeded expectations for the lesson. The following week the names of the students will be compiled and they will each receive 7 house points. Shortly after this, they will be presented with their Super 7 wristband which provides them with:

1. Queue jump for themselves and one friend for all break times and lunch times throughout the week.
2. An invite for a Friday hot chocolate with the Headteacher and House Leaders.

Week of 7th January