As such, Shrove Tuesday and the period of Lent always had great significance in our house. My mum always gives up chocolate for Lent, which she is adamant is her only sin, and I always try to give up something. This year, I have chosen to give up ‘giving up’. There are so many times when I should refuse the pudding, or I should go for that run/attend that gym session but I make excuses for myself and ‘give up’ - well not for the next 40 days and nights. 

I took inspiration from our Year 11s and their Maths teachers who, I think we can all agree, have not had the easiest of times when preparing for their January exams. They have had numerous opportunities to say ‘it is too hard’ and give up, but they have kept going through it all.  The effort of the students and their teachers were rewarded today when they received their results. The attainment is impressive; 100% of them passed at grade 4 and above. 94% achieved grade 5 and above, 61% grade 6 and above and 29% gained grade 7 (equivalent to an A) and above. Ms O’Clee, Ms Tyne and Ms Barnes were absolutely delighted with the results and there were so many happy young people this morning. This is what happens when great teachers combine with great learners. I was so proud of everybody because I know how hard they have worked for these and they have still balanced this with full involvement in school life. The Y11s don’t have long to celebrate, as they have their mocks next week and I know these positive results will give them confidence to go on to great things from here. 

I would also like to congratulate our Y9 Netballers. They won the bowl at the national ISA finals in Nottingham. We are so proud of you champions! Our small school with students playing from Y7 and Y8 showed that we are among the best in the country. Our Netball programme is going to go from strength to strength; we have recruited some exciting coaching talent and have high aspirations for this crop of talented and hardworking young people. 

Finally, in my assembly on Monday I covered the crisis in Ukraine. The government has released some very helpful guidance about how to speak to young people about what is happening out there. The link to this document is here. I found it very helpful, especially the section on misinformation. I know our families sit down and talk about the news already but it is a helpful reminder. 

Have a great weekend.