Dear Parents
As we prepare to welcome our students back for the new academic year, I wanted to share some important updates with you. School will resume for all students on Wednesday, 4th September. Over the summer, we’ve been busy getting everything ready, and we’re excited for the year ahead.
We’re proud to report that our students achieved strong A-level performances, and we wish them all the best as they embark on the next stage of their lives. Our GCSE results also showed significant improvement, and we are especially proud of our outgoing Year 11 students, whose hard work was rewarded with great results. We continue to strive for academic excellence for all our students.
This year, we are eagerly anticipating an OFSTED inspection, which we see as an opportunity to showcase the fantastic work of our students and staff here at WHS. Our key priorities for the year include strengthening opportunities for character development and developing positive behaviour in all. In the classroom we will focus on fostering an environment where students can think critically and independently. Improving reading for all students remains a top priority, as it is crucial to success across all areas of learning.
Attendance will continue to be a major focus, as we know it is vital for strong learning outcomes. Inspired by the incredible performances of athletes at the Paris Olympics this summer, we are committed to a high-performance approach at WHS—aiming to exceed expectations while maintaining overall well-being and positive relationships for everyone.
We know that student success is a team effort. We need your support as parents to help us achieve this. Positive, respectful communication is key to our partnership, and we value the role you play in your child’s education.
We are also excited to welcome new staff members this year: Gary Trewhitt joins us as our new Deputy Head, Ali McCombe and Andy Guest will be joining our Maths department, and Liz Terry will be taking on the role of Head of Languages. Please take a moment to read the key information in this bulletin to ensure your child is fully prepared for the start of the school year.
I look forward to another exciting year at WHS and to welcoming all our students back next Wednesday.
Best Wishes
Kath Pigdon, Headteacher
(Download the newsletter here as PDF: Headteacher’s Bulletin, September 2024)
School Day Change from September 2024
We have changed the school day timings this year extending House Tutor Time by 5 minutes. The start and finish times are however the same. The new timings of the school day are as follows:
| 8.45 am – 9.05 am | House Tutor Time |
| 9.05 am – 10.05 am | Period 1 |
| 10.05 am – 10.10 am | Travel Time |
| 10.10 am – 11.10 am | Period 2 |
| 11.10 am – 11.40 am | Breaktime |
| 11.40 am – 12.40 pm | Period 3 |
| 12.40 pm – 1.15 pm | Lunchtime |
| 1.15 pm – 2.15 pm | Period 4 |
| 2.15 pm – 3.15 pm | Period 5 |
| 3.15 pm | End of the School Day |
First Day Back
On Arrival:
- All Year 7 students go straight to the Performance Hall on arrival for assembly, along with their House Form Tutors.
- All other students will be directed to form rooms on arrival (there will be notice boards in the foyer with form rooms listed).
Registration and Assemblies:
Registration takes place in form rooms and a rolling programme of assemblies takes place as follows:
- Periods 1 and 2 will be an extended tutor period.
- Period 3 starts at 11.40am for the whole school (with the exception of Sixth Form)
| Year 7 | 8.45 to 9.15am | Mrs Buckley/Mr Davies & Miss Elliot |
| Year 8 | 9.20 to 9.40am | Mr Anderson & Mrs Braithwaite |
| Year 9 | 9.45 to 10.05am | Mr Tidmarsh & Mrs Jones |
| Year 10 | 10.10 to 10.30am | Ms Ledger & Ms Furniss |
| Year 11 | 10.40 to 11.05am | Miss Mulholland & Mr Dawson |
| Years 12 & 13 | 11.40am to 12.05pm | Miss Nicholls & Mrs Meakin |
Timetables:
Timetables should be visible on Edulink just prior to the return to school and all students will receive a hard copy with their Planner during the extended tutor time. As always, when timetabling just short of 1400 lessons a week, there may be the odd issue along the way, but if there are any concerns please contact the Year Group Team.
Welcoming and Supporting Year 7
We appreciate starting secondary school for many can be both an exciting and anxious time, but we are committed to providing the required support to all students. For the first three days of the new term, we will adapt the school day slightly to ensure our Year 7 students comfortably adjust to their new school life and routines.
At the start of the first day, Year 7 will go directly to the Performance Hall for an assembly. Following the assembly, students will be taken to their form room by their House Form Tutor. For the first two hours, all students will receive key information and support. At the end of the first day, all Year 7 students will regroup in the Performance Hall to enable the Year Group Team to check in with students and support the leaving of the school site comfortably. During the first three days in school, Year 7 will finish Period 2 ten minutes early to support them in accessing the canteen.
Following the settling in period, we will be organising a House Challenge Team Building Day; continuing our drive and focus on character. We encourage all students to fully participate and try their best for their House and House Tutor Group, forming strong positive relationships with their peers along the way.
Open communication is key to ensure a smooth transition, so please do not hesitate to contact the Year Group Team if you have any concerns or questions.
Mobile Phone and Electronic Devices (this includes earphones)
As previously outlined, the school will be a phone-free zone from September 2024 to enhance the learning environment and promote social interaction. Mobile phones and any electronic devices must not be visible in school at any time. We have observed successful implementations in other schools and believe this change will benefit our students.
To help with this transition, we ask that you work with your child to reduce their use of mobile devices during school hours for the remainder of the summer break. Excessive use of mobile phones can lead to addictive behaviours, which distract students from their studies and hinder meaningful social engagement with their peers. By removing this distraction, we aim to foster a more focused and interactive educational experience next year.
Following student and parental feedback we have agreed that students can continue to bring their mobile phones to school, recognising their importance for safety and parental reassurance when students travel to and from school. However, mobile phones MUST be turned off and stored in school bags as soon as students arrive at the main doors for the duration of the day, this includes lesson times, transition times, and social times.
Sixth Form students will be permitted to use their phone in the sixth form block.
It is not acceptable for mobile phones to be in blazer pockets or the waistband of trousers/skirts. If a student is found using their mobile phone, it will be removed and taken to the main office until the end of the day. The removal of the device will be logged by admin staff.
- First Offence: Students may collect their device at the end of the day from reception.
- Second Offence: Parents or another responsible adult will need to collect the device.
- Third Offence: The student will be issued a phone ban and will be expected to hand the phone over to the staff on the door each morning to ensure their mobile device is not brought into school. We ask parents to support this by removing the phone at home. If a student needs their phone for travel, we expect students to hand their phone in at the beginning of the day and collect it at the end of the day.
We know some students will find this new policy challenging initially, and we appreciate your support in reinforcing these expectations.
A Change in Attendance and Holidays During Term Time
The Department of Education has updated its policies for all Primary and Secondary State Schools which comes into effect as of September. Since students returned from the National Lockdowns the levels of attendance across the whole country are the lowest they’ve ever been. Good attendance at school is vital for so many reasons; we know from our own analysis of GCSE results that when we compare attendance with GCSE grades, the higher the student’s attendance the higher their GCSE grades were overall. Good attendance is also key for social development, mental health and wellbeing and helps give children structure and a sense of community daily. As a school, we work tirelessly to help students maintain good attendance, however it is the parents that play the biggest role in making sure their children attend school. Creating good routines, such as:
- Ensure bedtime is at a sensible time each night (teenage children need between 8-10 hours’ sleep a night to be healthy according to research).
- Uniform is ready the night before so there are no barriers in the morning.
- Alarm clocks are set to foster independence in the morning.
- Limit mobile phone and social media use late at night.
We all know that when we have a cough, cold, mild virus/bug that the mornings feel the worse, however after an hour we normally feel a lot better. Supporting your child to get into school, even when they’re not feeling 100% is a key role that parents play.
You may have seen via the news or other social media sources, that the government has outlined a much tougher stance on unauthorised absence, whereby a period of 5 days of unauthorised absence (this can be an accumulation of days, not just a single week of unauthorised absence) can lead to a fixed penalty fine. This can increase further when 10 days of unauthorised absence has been recorded. Please see link below to the latest policy that has been released by the Department of Education.
Punctuality
Punctuality to School and Lessons to Maximise Learning Time
As a school, we recognise the importance of maximising learning time for students to achieve their best. Students who arrive late to school, form time and/or lessons miss out on key content and instructions, disrupt the learning for peers and the teacher, and it disrupts the flow of the lesson. Even missing a few minutes can add up to a significant amount of time and increase learning gaps. We encourage you to support us in reiterating the importance of good punctuality to your child. We will not accept persistent lateness from our students.
Parental Communication Through Edulink
Parental Support through Edulink App
We welcome your support in regularly checking the Edulink App for any updates whether that be behaviour or achievement.
Thank you for your ongoing support and cooperation. Together, we can ensure a productive and positive learning environment for all our students. If you have any issues accessing Edulink please contact the main reception for further support.
School Uniform
Wearing the correct school uniform from day one is of paramount importance, as it fosters a multitude of benefits that extend far beyond mere dress code adherence. Firstly, wearing the uniform consistently creates a sense of pride among students, as it symbolises their affiliation with the school’s values and identity. Our uniform cultivates a strong sense of belonging, instilling a feeling of unity and camaraderie among our school community. Moreover, adhering to the uniform policy demonstrates a readiness to learn and contribute positively to the school community.
It is the parental responsibility to ensure that your child wears the correct uniform each day. Students uniform will be checked on the main door in the morning. As a school, we have items of uniform that students can borrow for the day if their uniform is not up to our expected standard. A note in the student planner is useful to inform us of any short-term issues with uniform. House Tutors will also be checking uniform each day and following up any uniform infringements throughout the year. Persistent breaches of the uniform policy may result in students being removed from the school community at social times.
If currently buying uniform, please check our uniform policy on our website to ensure items are acceptable or contact us if reassurance is needed. https://www.williamhoward.cumbria.sch.uk/parents-info/uniform/
Just a reminder, as a school we have a partnership with the Cumbria Cerebral Palsy shop in Brampton (located at 40 Front Street), who sell second hand uniform and accept donations.
Homework and Summer Learning
We appreciate that when students return from the summer break, learning habits take time to reform. Therefore, please support students to complete their summer learning before they return to school.
Establishing good homework habits and routines from day one is essential for all year groups.
The school homework expectation is as follows:
- KS3 – English, Maths and Science set weekly. All other subjects at least bi-weekly.
- KS4 – All subjects will set weekly homework except for core PE and PD.
- KS5 – All KS5 teachers will set at least 2 hours of homework per week.
Student Equipment
We expect all students to attend school with a school bag and the basic equipment as detailed below. Being equipped and prepared to learn is essential for an effective start to the new school year. Establishing a routine the night before, where students pack their bag to include their planner, pencil case, reading book, appropriate books and PE kit, if necessary, not only teaches good organisational skills but also makes the morning routine a little easier.
School Bags
We expect ALL students to carry a school bag and bring it daily. We have a small supply of school bags in school which will be loaned for the day if students do not arrive with a school bag.
Equipment and Planners
Students should have the correct equipment to allow them to access their subject learning and their planner every day. A small amount of equipment may be purchased daily in the Library. House Tutors will be checking equipment and bags daily to ensure students are equipped for learning. Due to changes in the policy regarding the use of mobile phones in school (further information is provided below), it is imperative that students have their planners each day to check their lesson timetables. Any catchups given by class teachers will also be written in planners and they will also serve as a form of home-school and in-school communication. We ask parents to check and sign planners weekly to maintain high expectations and good communication. Please be aware lost planners will need to be replaced at a cost of £2.50 each.
Minimum Expected Equipment List
- Planner
- Reading Book
- Pencil case – e.g. pens, pencils, rubber, ruler, protractor, compass, highlighters etc..
- PE kit (on timetabled days)
- Homework
Reading Books
Reading is a fundamental skill that significantly enhances your child’s learning and development. It not only improves their vocabulary and comprehension but also sparks creativity, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of learning. With this in mind, we expect all students to carry a reading book in their bag daily, as there will be numerous opportunities to read throughout the school day. Your support in encouraging regular reading will greatly benefit your child’s educational journey.
Parents will be notified via their House Tutor if their child arrives without basic equipment.
Breaktime and Lunchtime and a Change in Catering Company
As you are aware, we have moved from Caterlink to Aspens to provide catering for our students. Every Common Room has a pantry and food outlet which is open each break and lunchtime. Additional to this, Years 7 and 8 students will have priority access to the canteen for hot food during the first breaktime at 11.10am. Years 9, 10 and 11 have priority access during the second breaktime at 12.40pm. The Sixth Form have access to food throughout the day from Café 6.
Please contact the Year Group Team if you or your child have any issues with the catering system and/or access to food. Hungry teenagers do not make good learners so please contact us.
Celebrating Success
Celebrating student success in school is vital for fostering a positive and inclusive environment that motivates all students to strive to be the best they can be. Recognising achievements, whether academic, sporting, artistic, or personal inspires others to pursue their own successes and builds a culture of excellence and resilience. By highlighting success, we send a powerful message that all students’ unique strengths and efforts are valued.
Additionally, we encourage parents to share out-of-school accomplishments to help bridge the gap between home and school, this creates a stronger sense of belonging and community. Students are awarded House Points every time their success is recognised which can be used to bid for prizes in our bi-annual auction assemblies. Parents with the Edulink App can track student achievement points and we ask you to recognise and celebrate this success at home. The following are the ways we celebrate success at WHS:
- Weekly Headteachers Award – This is staff nominated. It is awarded to the student who truly goes above and beyond to ‘be the best they can be’ and exemplifies our values.
- Learner of the Lesson – This is chosen by the class teacher every lesson and awarded to the student who has gone above and beyond in their learning.
- Values House Points – Staff award House Points when students overtly demonstrate one of our core values. For example, a student exemplifying good manners would receive a respect house point.
- Half-termly Positive Behaviour Award – Students who receive no behaviour indiscretions during the half-term are automatically awarded 20 House Points in recognition of their positive behaviour in school.
- Half-termly 100% Attendance Award – Students who attend school 100% of the time each half-term are automatically awarded 20 House Points.
- Standards Cards – It is an expectation that all students carry a Standards Card with them in school. Students displaying our core behaviours can be awarded House Points through this card which the House Tutor inputs onto the system. This has been a positive way of recognising positive behaviour outside the lesson.
- Extra-Curricular Participation – Students are awarded House Points for attending extra-curricular whether it be after school or during break times.
- School Representation and Whole School Contribution – House Points are awarded to students who represent the school and contribute positively to the whole school. We also offer students various opportunities to take on leadership roles within the school, and we greatly appreciate and acknowledge the positive impact this has on our entire school community.
- Special Recognition Award – Our special recognition awards celebrate and acknowledge students’ achievements outside of school, highlighting their talents, dedication, and successes in various areas of life. We encourage parents and students to keep us informed of these accomplishments, as sharing them not only strengthens the sense of belonging within our school community, but also allows us to support and recognise the diverse skills and interests our students pursue. A dedicated section in the student’s record of achievement will be available to document these outside successes, ensuring that all aspects of their growth and development are valued and remembered.
Record of Achievement for KS3
This year we are introducing a Record of Achievement for all KS3 students. During House Tutor Time students will complete different activities linked to developing character. A record of achievement in school serves as a valuable tool for both students and teachers, documenting a student’s progress, accomplishments, and areas of growth over time. It provides a comprehensive overview of academic performance, extracurricular involvement, and personal development, helping to build a sense of pride and motivation in students. This record will also be used to set future goals, identify strengths and areas for improvement, and support applications for further education or employment. Ultimately, it reflects the student’s journey and achievements, offering a clear picture of their hard work and dedication throughout their school years.
New Bike Storage and Active Travel
We are excited to announce the installation of our new bike shed, generously funded by Active Cumbria, as part of our efforts to promote active travel to school this year. This new facility allows students to securely store their bikes for the day, with the shed locked at the start of school and opened at the end. We are also encouraging more of our staff to bike to school, and we hope this will inspire our students to do the same. We strongly recommend that all students wear a helmet when riding to school for their safety. An official launch will be organised on our return to school. Moving forward we will be working with Active Cumbria and Cyclewise, who provide our Bikeability training to implement our active travel strategy further. If you have any questions about bike storage, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Positive Respectful Communication
Positive and respectful communication between home and school is essential in supporting your child’s education. We believe in modelling the behaviour we want our students to emulate, and when we work together as a team, it reinforces the value of education and contributes to your child’s success. Respect is one of our core values and is central to how we interact with one another. For any concerns, please refer to the contact information on our website. Academic issues should first be directed to the class teacher or Curriculum Leader, while pastoral concerns should be addressed by the Year Group Teams. We are committed to maintaining open and transparent communication with our parents. While we strive to do our best, we understand that frustrations may arise. Even in challenging situations, we expect all communication to remain positive and respectful to ensure that concerns are addressed and resolved quickly.
Contact Us – William Howard School
Parents Evenings
Parental involvement is crucial to a child’s educational success. When parents actively support their child’s learning, it not only boosts academic achievement but also reinforces the importance of education in their child’s life. We expect all parents to attend Parents’ Evenings, as these meetings are vital opportunities to discuss your child’s progress, address any concerns, and collaborate with teachers to ensure your child reaches their full potential. Your engagement sends a strong message to your child that their education is a priority, and it helps us work together to create the best possible learning experience for them.
| EVENT | DATE |
| Tutor Evening (Y7, Y8, Y9, Y10, Y12) | Wednesday, 6 November 2024 |
| Year 7 Parents Evening | Wednesday, 26 February 2025 |
| Year 8 Parents Evening | Wednesday, 20 November 2024 |
| Year 9 Parents Evening & Options Evening | Wednesday, 12 March 2025 |
| Year 10 Parents Evening | Wednesday, 29 January 2025 |
| Year 11 Parents Evening | Wednesday, 16 October 2024 |
| Sixth Form Information Evening for Year 11 students | Wednesday, 15 January 2025 |
| Year 12 Parents Evening | Wednesday, 5 February 2025 |
| Year 13 Parents Evening | Wednesday, 4 December 2024 |
School Calendar
Upcoming events include:
| Monday, 2 September | INSET Day (students not in school) |
| Tuesday, 3 September | INSET Day (students not in school) |
| Monday, 9 September | Year 7 beginning of KS3 Testing |
| Monday, 9 September | Year 8 & Year 9 beginning of Reading and Literacy Testing |
| Tuesday, 10 September | Tempest Photography (Y7, Y9 & Y12) |
