Principal's update 9 June 2023
Published on 09/06/23
Dear Parents and Carers
Welcome back to school for the final half term of this academic year. We hope you had an enjoyable half term break.
This week, Ms Hayes has delivered assemblies to all year groups which have focused on 'Making Learning Stick'. They have helped students with how prepare for end of year assessments. This month, Years 7, 8 and 9 are taking assessments in English, Maths, Science, MFL and Geography. The assessments happen in lesson time; teachers will share with students the date of each assessment (they vary depending which class you are in). The main purpose of these end of year assessments is to help students consolidate what they have learned across the year. Students should prepare for their assessments by revising the materials their teachers have shared with them on ClassCharts. By understanding how to revise, students will gain valuable experience which will serve them well later on in their school lives.
In our assemblies, students learned about the value of 'retrieval practice': this strategy involves self-testing or quizzing using knowledge organisers and flashcards. Digital flashcards on sites like Quizlet can be just as helpful but it was great to spot some year 8 students revising for Maths in the dining room using their homemade flashcards. We can help by providing cards for your young person to use - just ask in tutor time.
In Year 10, a more formal assessment period will take place starting on 22nd June. These mock exams will be held in the gym – more information can be found later in this communication.
What’s going on in school:
- Some of our Y7 students have been selected to participate in a project called 'Let's Get Singing', led by Emily Morris, singing lead for Derbyshire Music Hub. The project started this week and will continue on the following dates:
- Wednesday 14 June 1:30-2:30pm
- Wednesday 21 June 12:10-12:40pm
- Wednesday 28 June 12:10-12:40pm
- Friday 7 July 2:30-3:30pm
- 300 primary students took part in the Hope Valley College Primary School Sports Day held at the EIS stadium in Sheffield. Fourteen of our experienced Sports Leaders helped organise, run and record events throughout the day. They did a great job, managing everything from announcing events on the microphone, recording results, handing out medals and assisting with collating data! The primary students had a wonderful time - we look forward to welcoming some of these young people to HVC as Year 7 students in September!
- On Thursday, 14 of our Key Stage 3 students took part in a project called Travelling Light which is about transport, travel and access to nature in Sheffield and the Peak District. We were joined by 21 students from King Edward VII school in Sheffield to talk about the campaigning they have been doing on these issues. The visitors gave their ‘Elevator Pitches’ about how to make positive change and Hope Valley College students questioned them, feeding back their own ideas and experiences. Lots of great ideas were shared all round and we have been invited on a return visit to Sheffield.
- PE lessons last term included athletics practice for all our year groups.
- Our Y8 boys cricket team played against Westbourne on Wednesday afternoon. They played very well and beat Westbourne 128-81. Well done to all involved!
- One of our Y10 students recently attended an Elton John concert. She decided to dress up and was noticed by a member of Elton John's team and she explained how much Elton John has inspired her in her song writing and performing. She and her dad were offered VIP passes and moved from the very back of the arena to the very front! She said it was absolutely amazing and hasn't come back down to Earth yet!!!
Y10 Mocks
Y10 mocks will run from Monday 26 June to Thursday 7 July (please note that the Art mock will take place on 19 July), please see the link to the timetable below. More details about these exams will be available over the next few weeks and students will be handed their statement of entry nearer the time. Students should also keep checking the exams notice board next to the library for upcoming information.
Exams - Hope Valley College (hopevalley-chorustrust.org)
Please can Y10 students also take some time to watch the video below which details the instructions that students should be aware of ahead of an examination series. This information will also be emailed out to students today.
Instructions for Candidates 2022/2023
Year 11 Parents
Please ensure any dinner money owed is paid and library books borrowed are returned to school as soon as possible. In order for all of our students to continue to enjoy the school library, we may have to charge the full RRP to replace any books which are not returned.
Upcoming Cricket Matches
Tuesday 27 June Y10 cricket match vs Westborne at Hathersage Cricket Club. Those playing need to be picked up from Hathersage Cricket Club at around 16.00-16.30
Well dressing
Each year, Miss Nicklin, Head of Design, leads our students in designing and creating a well dressing which ties in with Hope Wakes week. We would be very grateful for any petal or flower donations to help us complete our well dressing. If you are able to contribute anything, please bring these into school on the week commencing 12 June. Thank you in advance.
Summer Activity Days
Attached is a poster from the Hollowford Centre in Castleton with details of their Summer Activity days.
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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
Hope Valley College
T: 01433 620555
