Principal's update 22 March 2024
Published on 22/03/24
Dear Parents and Carers
This week, our assemblies have focused on a sense of belonging and creating a welcoming and friendly community for everyone. We talked about equality for all, hate crime, unconscious bias and racism and reminded students that our school is an inclusive place for everyone. We also discussed protected characteristics in the Equalities Act and fundamental British Values as defined by the British Government.
What’s going on in school:
- The Hope Valley College climbing club visited the Climbing Works last Friday. Eleven students from years 7-9, accompanied by Miss Townend and Mr Fitton explored the many problems at the Climbing Works bouldering wall. The students had a great time, climbed hard and were very tired by the end of the evening. Well done to everyone!
- Y7 students took part in a pets show and tell in French lessons last week. Well done to all who took part.
- Thank you to parent Mr Weeks, who kindly donated several plants and assorted pots to our Pastoral Gardening Club. The club is one of our pastoral intervention support groups, run by Mrs Daniel and Mrs Cottle.
- This week in drama, Y7 have been learning about Elizabethan theatre as part of their theatre history topic. They have learnt about the Globe theatre in London, practiced their Shakespearean insults in a rap battle, and have even learned how to recognise iambic pentameter! Miss Starbuck is very impressed.
- Meanwhile, week 8H have presented their design projects this week. Students were asked to create a costume, lighting and set design for a musical/play of their choice. They have all worked incredibly hard and have such a sense of pride in their work. Well done 8H!
- Good luck to Charlotte Y10 and Hannah Y7 who are off to Ardennes in Belgium this weekend to represent England in the National Orienteering Championships.
- This week the Y8 girls competed in the High Peak Netball Tournament, with five other schools. The A team played to such a high standard, coached brilliantly by Connie from Y11. They came second in the end, only losing to Chapel A team by two goals. Well done team! Our B team also played really well and showed so much progress. They came 5th overall with other teachers commenting on their improved performance.
- Well done to Charlie in Y7, who competes at regional, national and world level in BMX for British Cycling. Charlie has to travel around the UK and Europe for training and is hoping to be part of the GB team later this year.
- Our Student Council recently completed a project working with Derbyshire Children's Services to review their oral health questionnaire, providing feedback on areas they felt needed to be improved. Our visitors were very complementary of the Student Council and the work they did.
- Another group of Y9 students were out and about weaselling at Higger Tor last Friday, enjoying the Spring conditions!
Student Sickness
A request from reception: if your young person becomes unwell during the school day, they should come to the medical room in reception, where they will be assessed. If necessary, we will then contact parents and carers to collect students. We have an increasing number of students who are contacting parents themselves and asking to be collected before going to reception. If your young person contacts you directly, can we please ask you to call the school reception on 01433 620555 before coming to school. We can then ensure that all the correct channels and processes have been followed. Thank you.
Term Dates for 2024/2025
Term Dates for the next academic year have now been added to the website: Term Dates - Hope Valley College (chorustrust.org)
Thank you for reading our communication. Here are some helpful email addresses, should you need to contact us:
- attendance@hopevalley.chorustrust.org to report a child’s absence
- enquiries@hopevalley.chorustrust.org for general enquiries
- pastoral@hopevalley.chorustrust.org for any issue with a child’s wellbeing
- principal@hopevalley.chorustrust.org to contact the Principal
- safeguarding@hopevalley.chorustrust.org to report safeguarding concerns. If a child or any young person is in imminent danger, then please report this to the police.
Kind regards
Gaynor Jones
Principal, Hope Valley College
T: 01433 620555