Headteacher Letter
18th October 2021
Dear Parent/Guardian,
We are approaching the end of what has been a busy and eventful first half term for this academic year, but I am pleased to say we have settled back in to the normal school routine very well. Before we end for this half term, I wanted to share some recent notices with you.
Ofsted Inspection
Last week, on Wednesday 13th and Thursday 14th, our school was inspected by Ofsted. I would like to thank those parents who completed the Parent View survey that was circulated. We should receive the final outcome of the inspection within the next few weeks, and I hope to be able to share some positive news with you on our return after half term.
Covid-19
You will be aware that at the start of the term our school implemented our Covid-19 contingency outbreak plan, and I am delighted to say that we were able to lift restrictions before the end of the term. Can I remind all students and families to continue with twice weekly home testing, during the October half term and on their return to school on the 8th November. Home test kits can be collected from your child’s form tutor.
You will have also received communications about the school facilitating Covid-19 vaccinations on the 10th November 2021 for students aged 12-15. An e-consent form from Vaccination UK was also sent to the relevant year groups. The e-consent form should be completed should you wish for your child to receive their vaccination in school on the 10th November. Please note the vaccination will only be given to students whose parents have completed the e-consent form. A copy of the letter sent out can be viewed on the school website – https://www.stepneyallsaints.school/vaccination-uk-covid-19-vaccination-consent-form/
Accelerated Reader
As part of our continued focus on establishing reading for pleasure as a lifelong pursuit, we are pleased to inform you of our further investment in the Accelerated Reader programme. We know that actively reading every day is the cornerstone to developing students’ literacy skills. Strong literacy skills will in turn open up professional, academic and cultural opportunities for students both now and in later life.
Accelerated Reader is an online platform which quizzes students on books read. The platform helps to guide students across years 7 to 10 to books suitable for their current level, and helps teachers to know where to praise and where to intervene. All students will be expected to have at least one book from the library which they will read in form time twice per week. All students will be given a Reading Journal for them to summarise their thoughts on the book as they read as well as note down the definitions of words new to them.
We kindly ask for your support in encouraging your child to read at home for twenty minutes every day outside of school to help bolster their progress with reading and literacy.
Unifrog – The Complete Destinations Platform
In keeping with our commitment to provide students with outstanding careers guidance and tailored support when choosing their next step after school and sixth form, all students in years 7-13 have access to the Unifrog platform. This platform is designed to support learners in making the most informed decisions about their future and has a range of tools to support students with a wide range of information related to their interests and aspirations.
Parents can also set up an account to allow them to support their child through the process. For further information email careers@stepneyallsaints.school
Edulink One App – Parental Information and Communication
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to our new parental information and communication system; EdulinkOne. We are keen to maintain good and immediate communication between families and the school, and this new app will keep you up-to-date with information on your child at school, including achievements, behaviour, catering, and lesson attendance. EdulinkOne is a purpose built parental communication tool in the form of an iOS and android app – with support from a website for those unable to access the apps. A letter regarding this, along with a guide on how to set up your account was sent out last week. This letter can be viewed on the school website –
https://www.stepneyallsaints.school/edulinkone/
Year 11 Mock Examinations
The Year 11 mock examinations will commence on the 10th November. The timetable can be viewed on the school website – https://www.stepneyallsaints.school/7723-2/. If you have any questions regarding the Year 11 examinations, please speak to your child’s Head of Year, Ms M Begum.
Enrichment
Enrichment activities complement our students’ studies, and help to develop well-rounded individuals. Countless studies also demonstrate that those students who participate in enrichment activities have a marked improvement in their grades. We continue to encourage all of our students to participate in at least one extra-curricular activity from our enrichment timetable. A copy of the enrichment timetable can be viewed on our school website – https://www.stepneyallsaints.school/content/uploads/2021/09/Enrichment-timetable-Autumn-2021.pdf. Students and parents can speak to Ms Daly to find out more about the activities on offer.
I would like to wish you and your families a restful two-week half term break. Please do remember to keep safe and complete regular lateral flow tests throughout the half term. We will be welcoming students back to school on Monday 8th November 2021 – this will be a Week 1.
Yours sincerely,
Paul Woods
Headteacher