Head of School Update
As we reach the end of what has certainly been a challenging half term—made no easier by the relentlessly grim weather—I want to take a moment to recognise the fantastic things that have been happening across our school community. Despite the rain and the grey skies, our students and staff have continued to shine.
Across the year groups, pupils have shown real commitment to their learning, embraced new opportunities, and demonstrated the resilience we so value. From engaging curriculum activities to an evergrowing range of extracurricular clubs, it has been brilliant to see students trying new things, developing their confidence, and supporting one another. As you will read below, we have acknowledged these fantastic achievements and efforts from students in our rewards assemblies that have been running all week.
We’ve had some superb trips taking place across the school, and this morning we waved off 40 excited students heading out on a ski trip—the first of two running this year. Experiences like these play a huge role in shaping memories and building character, and I’m incredibly proud that we continue to offer such enriching opportunities alongside the hard work happening in classrooms every day, you can see this from the year updates which capture just some of the activities that have taken place just this last couple of weeks.
Our Year 11 students, in particular, have worked exceptionally hard through their mock exams and are more than ready for a wellearned rest. Their attitude and maturity this half term have been a real credit to them.
Attendance across the school has been improved, though—as I always say—it can always be better, it is so important that students are here every day. When we return after the break, we want every student to come back ready to Enjoy, learn and succeed, and ready to make the very most of the second half of the spring term.
I’d like to extend a thank you to our staff, whose dedication and care for our students has been unwavering throughout a demanding few weeks. I’d also like to thank our parents and carers for the support you continue to show the school and your children—it makes a genuine difference.
I hope everyone enjoys a restful, safe, and refreshing halfterm break. We look forward to welcoming students back, energised and ready for the exciting learning and opportunities ahead.
Year 7 News
Another wonderful half term from the year group. All the students are working hard towards their goals, and we are proud of their behaviour around the school. Last week we had Keighley Cougars Rugby League team in, along with Keighley Albion Rugby League team to do some training sessions with the girls in Year 7 and they loved it. As I keep saying, give new things a go Year 7, you never know how much you might love it!
Year 8 News
Year 8 have worked hard on their recent assessments and celebrated their achievements at our celebration event this week. 3 students had the opportunity to attend the University of Bradford and become Junior detectives for the week, they enjoyed following the scientific and legal aspects of what happens when a crime is committed and became ambassadors for the anti-knife crime initiative in Bradford. They will be sharing their knowledge with the year group next half-term.
Year 9 News
Year 9 continue to grow in confidence as a Year Group and are actively engaged in lessons (see photos). Over 40,300 positive rewards were given this term which is amazing and shows most pupils are learning and doing what they are being asked to do. Lots of our lovely pupils regularly take part in extra curricula activities which is lovely to see as new friendships are made and pupils enjoy their time.
Our student leaders have been involved in a number of events throughout the term and should be proud of what they do.
Parents and carers having access to class charts is really critical for us as a Year group as it helps school ensure discussions about great and poor behaviour are taking place at home. It also is great if parents and carers can encourage pupils to complete their Educake homework (see end of Newsletter for how to do this). If families continue to have difficulties with either of these platforms please just ring the school reception / call into school and someone will help set you up.
As a Year group we are looking forward next term to helping pupils make their option choices. Each pupil will have the opportunity to speak to a member of SLT about their choices before making their final decisions just before Easter.
This term has ended with a celebration assembly where the Head of Year Awards for excellence, resilience and improvements over the term were given to:
Well done to all those who got prizes in the celebration assembly.
| Ms Farrar Head of Year (HOY) | Ms Rashid Assistance Head of Year (AHOY) | Ms Humpherson AAHT |
| Ethan C Harry D Kyra C Esha K Adam R | Alfie A Riley B Abbie C Anisah S Yasin U | Lily G Zarrar H Gracie M Adil H Max B |
Year 10 News
As a year group, year 10 have been very busy with extra-curricular activities. 100 pupils took part in a GCSE poetry slam competition, 30 students took part in an apprenticeship unlocked event as part of a careers experience initiative, The lunchtime walking club has become so popular that staffing has had to be doubles to support the growing number of pupils.
We’ve had a great celebration assembly at the end of the week to champion those pupils who have made great effort within the school environment. Well done to all those who won prizes.
Year 11 News
Year 11 have had a busy half term and will be ready for a well-earned break over half term. Over the course of the last 6 weeks, students have completed 2 weeks’ worth of mock exams, attended the Craven College Taster Day and participated in our own Sixth Form Subject Day, naming just a few activities which have been completed in the school day. One area which has stood out in particular is the exemplary behaviour students demonstrated through the mock exam period, with students clearly readying themselves for the final 8 week push before the first summer exams. One mock exam stands out in particular, where excellence was demonstrated throughout. This is the food mock exam, with students showing off their culinary skills, pictures below.
We have also had sporting success over the last week, with the Y11 Footballers bringing home a trophy from the Bradford 6 aside tournament. The students went through the tournament unbeaten, triumphing in the final 2-0 against Laisterdyke. The players to represent school were Zak, Timmy, Ollie, Santi, Jackson, Jamie and Freddie. A great way to end the season boys, well done!
We are also incredibly proud of Year 11 student Yvie, who recently represented Great Britain in the Taekwondo Championships. Out of over 800 competitors, she powered her way to the final, showcasing outstanding skill, determination, and resilience. Unfortunately, due to injury, Yvie had to retire in the final — but reaching that stage is an extraordinary achievement in itself.
Well done, Yvie — we are all so proud of you!
We finished the half term with a celebration assembly ensuring many of the students have been recognised for their efforts over the last half term. Well done to all those who won prizes and keep up the hard work.
We are pleased to share the link for our Year 11 leavers hoodies. Please click on the link below to place your order.
The deadline for the hoodie order is Monday 18th May and they will be delivered in school on Tuesday 9th June.
Post 16 News
Our Sixth Form team had the pleasure of facilitating our Sixth Form Taster Day on Friday 6th February. We welcomed 125 Year 11 students, who explored a range of subjects they are considering for September and experienced a taste of Sixth Form life here at Beckfoot Oakbank.
With regards to our Sixth Form students, it has been another productive half-term. Both Year 12 and Year 13 have completed assessments over the past two weeks, and we are proud of the mature and focused way they approached their revision and conducted themselves throughout.
In addition, our Year 12 students have been actively involved in charitable work within the local community this term. They hosted bingo sessions at a local nursing home and raised funds in support of Dementia Friendly Keighley, demonstrating both compassion and commitment to making a positive difference.
CTMC News
CTMC students have had a busy and creative couple of weeks! Our young chefs have been hard at work baking delicious flapjacks, pizzas and a crowd pleasing chocolate orange cake. We’ve also begun preparing the CTMC garden for spring, and we would be incredibly grateful for any plant or bulb donations from families to help bring the space to life. In Life Skills, students have cooked a fantastic spaghetti bolognese and proudly completed their First Aid certificates, a brilliant achievement that builds confidence and independence.
Over in Technology, Year 9 students have been exploring the world of graffiti artists and have channelled their inspiration into designing their own fashionable bags, Stella McCartney better watch out! Our students have also been keeping active, with Keighley Cougars delivering engaging rugby sessions that everyone has loved. To top it all off, our Year 11s took part in a Craven College Taster Morning, giving them a valuable glimpse into future opportunities and next steps.
Homework
Educake can be accessed online: https://www.educake.co.uk/
select student login from the top right of the screen
log in using ‘sign in with Microsoft’
Your child’s username is their login to their school account with @beckfootoakbank.org added to the end of it and their password remains the same as their school account.
