Our Year 9 and 10 were challenged with questions from Bob Tait, a former Royal Navy policeman, now drug educator. The evening session to parents was equally forthright and he stressed time and time again the importance of discussing these matters with our youngsters, and reinforced to us why we have such topics on our PSHEE programme.

Tuesday was also about choice - this time Year 9 girls and parents came along to our GCSE Information Evening and then had the opportunity to go to the Subject Fair and listen to our passionate teachers extol the wonderful world of their subject. Parents and pupils left with clearer ideas, interesting choices and, I hope, greater knowledge and understanding.

Open Morning on Wednesday... choices again... as we show ourselves to prospective pupils, from Junior to Sixth Form. Year 7 and Year 8 were brilliant guides this time - so confident and articulate.

On Thursday morning ex pupil Vikki Leach, Kantar’s Global Head of Inclusion and Diversity, gave a presentation to the school on diversity and inclusion in the workplace. 

Vikki said:

“Everyone has a talent, it's about unleashing it, and the talent is more likely to be unleashed in a supportive, inclusive and equal environment. Teams that work together outperform those that don’t. Success feels better when it’s shared with others.”

For National Storytelling Week Year 7 took part in a Creative Writing Presentation with visiting author, Ali Sparkes. Ali is a British children's author whose books include the Shapeshifter series, 'Out of this World', and 'Wishful Thinking'. The pupils had a fabulous morning and everyone very much enjoyed the engaging talks, interactive sessions and seeing the pupils really thinking about creative writing.

Next week we look forward to the G7 & 8 Drama Showcase (Wednesday 7 February) and G9 and select G7 & 8 showcase (Thursday 8 February).