Principal's update 17 March 2023
Published on 17/03/23
Dear Parents and Carers
As we are all aware, smart phones continue to play a growing role in our culture and society. The immediacy of social media and the availability of content has revolutionised the way we interact with each other and the world. In our school and many others, staff are increasingly dealing with issues where a mobile phone has played a significant role. We continue to review our policy and procedures on mobile phones and as ever welcome your support.
Below are some websites have information can help you to ensure that, should you wish to, you are able to support your young person in setting up parental controls on their phone. There is also a link to help you talk to your young person about using the internet and what might be age appropriate. It also includes information about apps that students may use.
Parental Controls & Privacy Settings Guides | Internet Matters
Internet safety advice and information | Internet Matters
We know that technology and apps are constantly evolving, so it is important to ensure that our children have support to navigate the ever-changing technological world. We regularly review online safety with students in school and from next week we will be reminding students about our expectations for mobile phones: that they are invisible in the building - switched off and in bags. We would ask for your support in reinforcing this expectation.
What’s going on in school:
- Music lessons have been actioned packed this term. Y7 have had been playing ukuleles in lessons, as well as working on their group performances of 'talking drums', through chanting rhythms. Y8 have been learning about the links between classical music and popular music, through playing and listening to 'Pachelbel's Canon' and will also compose their own canons. Y9 are learning the main 'ingredients' of how to write a song and we've had some fantastic ideas. They are also learning how to write their own arrangement of a song using music technology. Our GCSE Music students are continuing to soar in lessons. Y10 know lots about 'Africa' by Toto and Y11 are making their final touches to their coursework performances and compositions.
- Y9 and Y7 Technology students have been working with local furniture re-imaginer Peter Redman. They have begun designing their fabric for the seats of the chairs and they will eventually learn how to upholster.
- F1 in Schools Regional Finals, University of Bolton - This year two teams of students travelled to the University of Bolton to compete in the regional finals of the prestigious international F1 in Schools competition. Racing against 12 other teams, our students had to compete in several different challenges, including car scrutineering, technical presentations to panels of judges, presenting their pit displays and racing their cars against other teams. Both teams were very successful, and for a long time our Year 7 team, Project Red-Speed Racing, were the fastest car on the track, eventually finishing second by a fraction of a second. Although we didn’t qualify for the next stage of the competition this time, both teams are confident that this experience will stand them in good stead for next year’s competition. Thank you to our sponsors Breedon, Networks and Pimoroni.
Reporting absences
Please continue to inform us if your young person is absent from school, either by email or phone. For safeguarding reasons, it is vital that we receive confirmation each day if a student will be at home and not expected in school. This applies in all cases, even when a student has been advised by a medical professional to remain at home for a specific period of time. Please use the email address below, rather than emailing an individual member of staff. Thank you for your cooperation.
Email: attendance@hopevalley.chorustrust.org Phone: 01433 620555
Work Experience – Y10
A reminder that work experience forms for Y10 students need to be returned by 24th March. The dates for work experience are 10th – 14th July. Completed forms should give details of the placement.
Y11 Data Reports
Data reports and exam entries and concessions information has been sent home today. Please check this information carefully and let us know of any issues.
Y9 Options Process
Thank you for your support with the Options process. We have now spoken to the small number of students who have to study a reserve choice of subject. Final options will be confirmed after Easter.
School of Rock – Tickets on Sale!
- Tickets for our musical, School of Rock, are now available to purchase online: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/hope-valley-college
The show will run from Monday 20th March to Thursday 23rd March 2023 from 6:30pm-8:30pm. Tickets cost £10 (£8 concessions). Doors open from 5:45pm and refreshments will be served in the dining hall by the PFTA before the show. There will also be a short interval and we ask that you pre-order drinks/snacks before the show starts. There will also be raffle tickets available to buy from the PTFA. All profits from ticket sales will go towards enhancing music and drama resources and facilities in school.
School of Rock Rehearsals
Saturday 18th March: 9am-5pm (sound/tech). 10am-5pm (Whole Cast)
Monday 20th - Thursday 23rd March: 3:30pm-6:00pm. Shows 6:30pm.
Hope Valley Adventure Film Festival (HVAFF)
Taking place at Hope Valley College on Saturday 25 March 2023, the Hope Valley adventure Film Festival will see the best in adventure films, as well as a range of family-friendly activities. For tickets and more information, go to the website at www.hvaff.co.uk
All the money raised by the Hope Valley Adventure Film Festival goes to Hope Valley College, and the proceeds are spent on facilities and equipment for the students. If you would like to help out, we would love to hear from you - please email PTFAhv@hopevalley.chorustrust.org
Job Vacancies
We currently have a vacancy for an Assistant Cook to join our friendly kitchen team. Hours are 7.30am – 2.15pm Monday to Friday. For more information and to download an application form, please visit our website: Vacancies - Hope Valley College (hopevalley-chorustrust.org)
Derbyshire Holidays and Activity and Food Programme
It’s About Me - Derbyshire’s Holidays and Activity and Food Programme will be delivered in our area over the upcoming school holidays between Monday 3rd April - Friday 14th April.
It’s About Me is a FREE Holiday Activity and Food Programme funded by the Department for Education for children aged between 4-16, eligible for benefits-related free school meals.
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Thank you for reading our communication. Here are some helpful email addresses, should you need to contact us:
Kind regards Gaynor Jones, Principal
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