7 February 2012
Dear Parents/Carers
As we approach the end of this half term, we would like to share with you some of the highlights and look forward to what promises to be a fantastic year for Hipperholme and Lightcliffe High School. The Government’s league tables show that the school remains the top performing non-selective school at Post 16 on all published (BBC website) measures and has done really well at GCSE as well. The school has sustained this level of performance for ten consecutive years and it reflects the focus we have on the development of our students throughout their time at our school.
We are also proud to inform you that HLHS has bid for 16-19 Free School Status for ‘The Maltings’. This will enable us to secure the further development of needs led industry qualifications that will help young people across Calderdale to secure the skills and qualifications they need to gain employment. This will complement the academic pathways already open to all of our students in the Sixth Form at HLHS. We are also delighted to announce that in a recent Ofsted inspection, our nursery "Fountain Springs" did exceptionally well - full details will follow in due course when the report is officially published.
Key updates at the start of this term include:
The Olympic Year at HLHS
As we enter the Olympic year, we have reshaped our values to reflect our school and promote an ethos of Friendship, Leadership, Respect and Excellence. There are opportunities for students to secure a visit to the Olympic Park and Stadium through a range of competitions including our ‘Design an HLHS Olympic Logo’. We look forward to celebrating the Olympic Games and the spirit of the Olympics with you.
Year 11 Countdown to Exams
The Year 11 Countdown to Exams has started and there is a range of support available to help all Year 11 students to achieve the best results they can this summer. This includes revision sessions, free access to past examination papers at ‘The Paper Shop’ and free access to SAM learning- a revision tool proven to improve results after just 10 hours online. A revision timetable for all year 11 is enclosed (y11 students only). Well done to those Year 11 students who have recently secured good grades in mathematics and other subjects!
Year 9 Options
The Year 9 Options process is now underway. A reminder of key dates is below:
- 10th February 2012 Year 9 Options booklet sent home
- 21st February 2012 Year 9 Parents’ Evening and Options Evening
- 21st February 2012 onwards Form Tutor Consultation with students & Parent/Carer
- 16th March 2012 Final submission date for option forms
Fundraising at HLHS
On Friday 20th January 2012, all staff and students wore purple and odd socks as we remembered Adam Dixon who tragically passed away on 8th January 2012. Our efforts raised a fantastic £1224.50 for The Meningitis Trust and Macmillan Cancer Support. Our thoughts remain with Adam’s family and friends at this sad time.
Sports and Enterprise
Sports and Enterprise continue to have a huge impact on our work and ethos at HLHS. This half term, all Year 9 students enjoyed an exciting Enterprise Event that developed their ability to work as part of a team and their presentation skills. Thank you to the Sixth Form Enterprise Leaders who supported the event and acted as excellent role models to younger students.
Uniform
Thank you for your continued support in ensuring that students look smart and wear correct school uniform. To avoid any ambiguity, we have sent all parents/carers a pictorial guide clarifying what is expected. Any breach of uniform rules will be challenged in line with our behaviour code.
Weather
In the event of a school closure due to extreme weather, we will text all parents/carers using text-messaging system and update both the school and Calderdale websites. To support us, please ensure we have your up to date contact details.
May we remind you that school closes on Friday 10th February at 3pm. We hope you have a relaxing half term and we look forward to welcoming students back to school on Monday 20th February 2012.
Yours sincerely
Anthony Smith
Executive Head