WEEKLY LETTER FROM MS KATTIRTZI, HEADTEACHER

This week we have been much more focused on our students and in particular Year 11 and 13 who have had their celebration assemblies and next week begin their study leave for their GCSE and A Levels. Exams appear to be starting earlier this year, but we know that our students have been prepared and supported well as they begin the last bit of focused study that leads to their exams. For GCSE students studying 11 GCSEs this means that they will be taking around 25 exams over the next few weeks, an enormous effort that they are unlikely to do ever again. For A Level students, a three A or 4 Level pathway will result in them taking between 9-12 papers, in some cases a couple more, but these exams are of greater length and intensity. We wish all our students well and know that their several years of study will result in providing them with fantastic opportunities for the future.

Other events that have taken place this week include the Spring Concert, another significant occasion when we our leaving Year 13 students are able to perform to their friends and family for the last time at a school concert. This year Petra, Heather and Diana were the three music students who performed solo items at the concert providing us with such a lovely opportunity to see how they have grown into mature and gifted musicians over the last seven years. At the end of the concert, the three students expressed thanks to Mrs Cooper which was a most touching gesture, acknowledging her and the Music Department for the opportunities and support they have received over their time at Kendrick.

Another group of Year 13 students this week, Esha and Manahil, were keen to raise some money for charity as the last thing they could do before leaving. The situation in the Middle East has dominated most of this academic year and their request was to raise some more money for the victims of war in that region. I believe well over £500 will have been raised for the charity Medicines Sans Frontieres.    

As always, some interesting articles on the website detailing activities students have been involved in. Please read the items below.

Kendrick School - Innovation Challenge Competition

Kendrick School - Kendrick Young Reporter Competition

Finally, thank you to parents who joined the Social Media Webinar led by Miss Hyde on Wednesday afternoon at 5.30pm. This webinar was targeted at Key Stage 3 parents and carers and aimed to support and guide parents when promoting healthy relationships with students and their mobile phones. The webinar covered social media topics, trends and advice for parents when it comes to using the apps themselves. Thank you to those who attended, and we hope to do more in the future. The webinar for parents of students in Year 10 upwards will be Wednesday 15^th May 2024 at 5.30pm. A google meet link will be shared closer to the time. 

Please read further into the Weekly Update for important information about safety and safeguarding in the Reading area, including in the vicinity close to our school.

Wishing everyone a good weekend,

Ms Christine Kattirtzi
Headteacher 

For the Weekly Update in full please click here