Newsletter Friday 15 May

As always, it has been a very busy couple of weeks at Oakbank – and this week has been no different.

Earlier this week, we welcomed Ofsted into school for a monitoring visit. As you will appreciate, we are at that stage where we are unable to share specific feedback until the formal letter is published. However, I am pleased to say that the visit was a positive one. Inspectors recognised the continued improvements we are making on our journey as a school. Whilst there is, of course, more work to do, we are encouraged by the progress so far and confident in the plans we have in place to continue moving forward. I will share further details with you once we are able to do so.

Our Year 11 and Year 13 students are now fully into the exam season, with the timetable in full swing and many students sitting both morning and afternoon exams. This is always a demanding time, and we are doing everything we can in school to support, encourage and, where needed, gently push students to give their very best. Thank you, as always, for your continued support at home during this important period.

It has also been fantastic to see our students representing Oakbank beyond the classroom. A group of our student leaders recently attended the Yorkshire Citizens event in Bradford. Not only did we have one of the largest student delegations present, but we were also incredibly proud to see Logan in Year 11 deliver the keynote speech to an audience of over 300 people – a remarkable achievement and a moment that truly reflects the confidence and character of our students. Thank you to all those who represented the school so positively.

What another wonderful half term we have had as a year group. We have worked hard in lessons, and we are currently supporting the Year 11’s and their exams by walking with purpose around the school. We have one more week before the holidays and then it is our final half term of Year 7! It has flown by. As a year group we want to finish strong and ensure we keep our good habits. Can we ask that every student aims for 100% attendance for the final half term and next week. Also let’s aim for everyone getting at least 5 golden tickets in a week. Miss Rhodes, Mrs Majid and Mr Thacker are proud of how you have worked so far this year. Keep it up!

Another half term is almost complete and once again your children are doing their very best to be supportive and mature by transitioning between lessons as calmly and quietly as possible to support our year 11’s revision during the exam season.  Due to the exam season our learners are now completing their morning meetings in form time every day, preparing for their end of year assessments which will occur over the next 4 school weeks.  We have also had 20 students take part in a new careers experience, completing interactive careers education and taking part in a visit to a college in Bradford next week.   As your child moves forward into Year 9 we will focus more on career opportunities and they will begin to consider what they might like to do in the future, you may hear them discussing possible job opportunities in the near future, if they have any questions they can access our careers advice service in the LRC.

The final half-term of this school year approaches and with it some end of term activities, please check in with class charts regularly to receive messages and updates from the school. 

Year 9s have been selecting options, thinking about careers in PSHE and working hard in lessons.  Our year group will be having assessments next term.  We will be looking at how to revise in morning meetings to ensure each pupil works to the best of their ability over these coming weeks, so they are ready for GCSE classes in Year 10 which is fast approaching.
Attendance has remained a high priority this term and we are pleased that lots of our Yr 9 students arrive on time (0815) every day, equipped and ready to learn.  We are looking forward to the reward trip to Flamingo Land next term for those who continue to have good attendance. 

We welcome Ms Greathead to the Year 9 team who works with pupils each morning to ensure uniform and equipment is provided where needed.  The Year 9 Team are really proud of our students and are looking forward to the end of term celebration assembly next week where we can acknowledge those pupils who get the Learning Habit right and Golden Tickets in lesson by doing the right thing every single lesson, every single day.  They are creating a culture in year 9 of pupils enjoying learning and becoming successful young adults.

Year 11 are in full flow with exams now, with all students having completed some of their options subjects and English and Maths Paper 1. The students are getting into a good routine in a morning and are responding positively to the pre-exams which are being put on before the exam to help students gain as many marks as possible. To support students further, we have adapted the Period 6 programme. Each evening 2.50-3.50 there will be a P6 on for the exam the following day, including Fridays in preparation for exams on the Monday. Please encourage as many students as possible to attend and receive the additional support.

Outside of exams, a large group of Year 11 students represented school at the West Yorkshire Citizens Event in Bradford recently, campaigning for more safety on public transport, in particular on buses. One of our students had the privileged of co-hosting the event with over 300 people in attendance, well done Logan!

We are also pleased to share the link for our Year 11 leavers hoodies. Please click on the link below to place your order. Orders must be completed by Sunday 17^th May. https://gdbclothing.co.uk/shop/beckfoot-oakbank-school/ob502-beckfoot-oakbank-leavers-overhead-hoodie/.

It has been a positive week in the Sixth Form, with Year 13 and Year 12 students showing commitment and maturity at a key point in the year. Our Year 13 students have made a strong start to their official examinations, approaching them with focus and determination. Staff have praised their attitude, and we are proud of how students are supporting each other. We wish them continued success.

Reminders for those still to sign up to the Year 13 leavers’ meal, taking place on Friday 19th June, this can be booked via ParentPay. Leaver’s hoodies are also available to be ordered here: https://gdbclothing.co.uk/shop/beckfoot-oakbank-school/ob502-beckfoot-oakbank-year-13-leavers-overhead-hoodie/

There’s been lots going on at CTMC recently and students have been getting involved in some fantastic activities. Our new polytunnel has officially been built and students have already started the vegetable growing challenge, getting stuck into planting and looking after the area. It’s also been great to see how well our Year 8 students have settled into CTMC and become part of the provision so quickly. Our Year 11 students have been working really hard and have embraced the exam season with a positive attitude and plenty of determination.

We’ve also had The James Project in school delivering RSE sessions with our Year 9 and 10 students, encouraging lots of thoughtful discussions and positive engagement. In PE, students have been focusing on athletics and preparing for Sports Day, with lots of effort and enthusiasm being shown. End of year assessments and reading tests have now started too, and students have been approaching them really positively. A quick reminder for Year 8 to 10 students to return their Yorkshire Wildlife Park trip letters as soon as possible.