“BE THE BEST YOU CAN BE!”

As we start a new term, we can look back and reflect on what we achieved last term. As always it was an action-packed term with different activities and events. We had world book day, Pi day and wrapped up with the Key Stage 3 residential trip. We also had assemblies and PSHCE on different topics and themes such as courage, diversity and identity. This half-term in PSHCE the KS3 will explore building relationships and types of relationships. They are meant to make progress in their self-regulation, self-awareness and work towards developing their sense of self-worth and respect for others as they build positive lasting relationships with peers and other people that they interact with. This knowledge can help them move forward in life holistically.

Being in Year 9 involves having lots of responsibilities and time management. Last term they had to sit for their Checkpoint mock examinations and go through the subject choices process. There was evident and absolute participation by students, teachers and parents. It requires time to know what options to get and which ones will help them with their future. In my opinion, at this time of their lives, it can be quite difficult to have clearly defined what their futures will look like. However, by having the opportunity to choose the subjects gets them to start thinking about what they love, and what they are more capable of doing; and therefore matching their qualities and interests with future careers that require these characteristics. The students also had the opportunity to virtually meet with Alex Manning (Braeburn groups’ career adviser) who shed light on different areas.

It is wonderful to see most of the students back for the final term of the year and enjoying their studies so far. Congratulations to the Year 9 students for completing the Cambridge Assessment International Education Checkpoint examinations which were done in the exam room, under examination conditions and supervision. I urge all the students to finish the year strong, and not leave anyone behind since we are a community. A big thank you to the dedicated KS3 team who work tirelessly to offer support and encouragement. Thank you!

Rachel Simon

KS3 Coordinator