Dear Parents/Carers

I hope you are well and had a lovely half term. The nights are getting lighter and hopefully Spring is on the way. Welcome to the first edition of our new format Head’s Herald which has been re-designed in order that we can be more inclusive of our families where English is an additional language. As all pages on our website can be translated to various languages, and PDFs cannot, changing the format to a web page means all of our families can enjoy the Head’s Herald, whatever their home language. To change the language, please just click the ‘Translate’ button and select the appropriate flag.

We have had a positive first week back and the Year 11 Students are focused and doing well in their second set of GCSE mock examinations. We have been very impressed with their work ethic and how dedicated they are to doing well. They are very motivated and they are utilising their independent study time wisely. We are very proud of them.

Next Wednesday, 5th March we welcome DC Andrew Kevan in school to deliver a session on Cyber Safety to Year 7 students. DC Kevan will then be staying on at school to speak at our Parents’ Forum. The session will be on the very important topic of keeping your child safe online, starting at 17:30. We hope you are able to attend.

The Orangery will be officially opened on the 13^th March by Andy Moorcroft, TCAT CEO and our Senior Head Students. This resource will be able to be used as a breakout space for 1 to 1 and group work as well as a performance space. It will be used as a canteen every day at break and lunchtime and the food on offer will be exactly the same as the main canteen area. The Orangery will be used at break and lunchtime by Year 11 students in the first instance, so we can get an idea of flow. Therefore, the queue times at break and lunch will now be much shorter, which has been on the student ‘wish list’ for a while.  Again, apologies for the delay in opening this facility but this has been out of our hands as there has been some building issues which are nearly rectified. Many thanks for your patience.

Another priority for us is the toilet facilities. Again, this is something the students feel very passionately about. I have just submitted a bid to get both KS3 and KS4 blocks completely redone. If I am successful then the work on these will take place over the Summer Holidays. We will not hear until March, but I will keep you updated.

Please do let us know if there is anything you would like to raise with us reading school. I am always happy to hear from you and answer any questions you may have. I would rather know and help than not know and find out. It is sometimes just easier if you tell us and then we can support or sign post you to the right person. We love working with our families and the very positive relationship we have with you.

Have a lovely weekend.

Beverley Scott-Herron

Headteacher

 

Independent Study Packs (ISPs): What next?

Parents and carers may still recognise this resource as a Knowledge Organiser as this is what it was known as for the first few years following it’s introduction. Over time this resource has evolved and is being used increasingly in lessons to support learning. Additionally this is ‘folder’ ensures a student can be organised and holds their timetable and other important documents including mainly, subject specific knowledge organisers, support materials etc which is why it was renamed the ‘independent Study Pack’ (ISP). 

We never stand still in terms of supporting learning and our ISPs, or more specifically, the subject Knowledge Organisers (KOs) within them, are evolving. One of our priorities is to enhance ‘student agency’. This means a student taking ownership of their learning in terms of both organisation but also, how they approach academic challenges both inside and outside of the classroom.  Please engage with the KOs to see how certain subjects, particularly English and RE are driving forward proposed refinements to improve a student’s learning journey. 

These subjects very clearly outline the knowledge that is required for a student to engage with a task but also, the skills and approach needed. Addressing a task has various steps which may look different in each subject. As our KOs evolve they will identify exactly what these steps are and also contain, what we call, a WAGOLL (What a Good One Looks Like). By modelling this it provides our students with clear criteria and clarity with regards to what they are expected to produce.

Please engage with this resource and discuss with your child, particularly in relation to the above subjects mentioned.

If you have any questions regarding the above please do not hesitate to contact Mr Kinsey [email protected].

 

Year 11 Easter Exam Revision Classes

As we approach the last term for Year 11, I would like to take this opportunity of thanking you for your ongoing support and cooperation. The Easter holiday is fast approaching and is a crucial time for student’s exam preparation where sufficient revision can make a significant difference to the overall grades a student achieves in the summer. On returning from Easter, there will only be 9 school days until the first GCSE written exams start.

It is so important that students are working independently at home each evening and that students engage with all the revision material and resources that have been provided. A reminder that for students in Year 11, the national average is between 3-4 hours of revision each evening.

In addition to the revision that students should be carrying out at home, revision sessions are also taking place, in school during the Easter holidays. Mr Koltan is currently working on the timetable for this and will be writing to parents next week. It will also be included here in the Head’s Herald.

A reminder that these sessions are to supplement and support the revision that students should be doing at home and not a replacement for it.

 

Year 11 Mock Exams

The Year 11 mock exams continue and will come to an end on Friday 14 March 2025. I would like to congratulate Year 11 on their conduct so far during this assessment window.

A reminder that additional dates for Music Performance/Composition and MFL speaking tests are running either side of mock fortnight and time slots will be sent out separately to the students involved.  

Morning Exams: start at 9am and students must be in the canteen by 8.45am.  Students must be on time for their exam. Late arrival in the real exams, may result in them not being allowed to sit the exam.

Afternoon Exams: start at 1pm. Students will wait in the canteen at the end of lunch, where they will be escorted to the exam venue.

All exams will be conducted under national exam conditions and will be supervised by external invigilators.  This is to give students the best preparation in readiness for the actual exams in summer 2025.  We cannot emphasise enough the importance of these examinations and they should complete as much revision as possible in the run up to their exams.

Students MUST bring all the necessary equipment required (including a scientific calculator) for each subject. Full uniform must be worn for the exams. 

Students are reminded that mobile phones, earbuds, watches or any other electronic devices are NOT permitted in the exam rooms. Water bottles and pencil cases must be clear and with no writing on them.

All students will be on early lunch until Friday 7 March 2025 (12.15 – 13:00).

 

 

Corridor Courtesy

In school we continue to ensure that all students feel safe when navigating the building. With being full, the corridors are naturally busier and we have employed one-way systems on stairways and reinforce our CALM message. To be CALM means all students follow the below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Considerate

• Think of Others: 
• Move through the corridors without pushing, shoving, or blocking the way.
• Respect Personal Space: Give people enough room to walk comfortably.
• Help When Needed: Hold doors 
  open or assist somebody if needed.

Aware

• Stay Alert: Pay attention to your surroundings — watch for others entering or exiting classrooms or carrying items.
• Notice Hazards: Be mindful of any spills, obstacles, or other safety hazards and report them if necessary.
• Respect Rules: Be aware of school policies on corridor behavior, like no eating, running or shouting.

Left, Low Voices and Listen

• Left: Always walk on the left-hand side of the corridor.
• Low Voices: Always speak at a reasonable volume.
• Listen: Listen to staff and follow instructions at the first time of asking.

Move without delay:

• Move with purpose, avoiding distractions and do not stop the flow.
• Five minutes movement time to your next lesson, which includes going to the toilet.

 

Attendance focus for HT3

At Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School, we aim for all students to achieve an attendance rate above 96%. This target reflects our commitment to ensuring every child has the best chance to succeed. We want to commend those students who have already met or exceeded this target— their efforts are truly appreciated. We also understand that genuine illnesses and unforeseen circumstances can affect attendance, and we are here to support families in these situations.

How You Can Support Your Child

1. Encourage a Fresh Start to the half term: Remind your child that the new half term is an opportunity to improve their attendance and take control of their learning.
2. Monitor Attendance: Keep track of your child’s attendance and address any patterns of absenteeism early using the Arbor Parent App.
3. Communicate with Us: If your child is struggling with illness or other challenges, please inform us at the earliest point so we can provide support and guidance.
4. Promote Healthy Habits: Ensure your child gets enough sleep, eats well, and is organised to reduce the likelihood of missing school.

Why Attendance Matters

• Learning Continuity: Regular attendance ensures that students keep up with their lessons and do not miss critical parts of the curriculum. This consistency is key to understanding and retaining knowledge. Students are more likely to enjoy their lessons with regular attendance.
• Academic Performance: Research shows a strong link between attendance and achievement. Students with higher attendance are more likely to meet or exceed expectations.
• Developing Life Skills: Good attendance habits teach responsibility, time management, and commitment—all essential skills for future success.
• Building Confidence: Regular attendance helps students feel connected to their school community, which enhances their confidence and well-being.

Persistent Absenteeism (PA)

A student is classified as a Persistent Absentee (PA) if their attendance falls below 90%. This means that they are missing the equivalent of one day every two weeks. Over the course of a year, this amounts to nearly four weeks of lost learning. Persistent absenteeism can lead to:

• Falling Behind: It becomes increasingly difficult for students to catch up on missed work.
• Lower Grades and Underperformance: Missing lessons impacts exam performance and grades.
• Reduced Opportunities: Poor attendance can lead to missed opportunities at key events and limit future opportunities in education and employment.

 

The Boteler Big Easter Raffle

In assemblies this week we are offering all students the opportunity of a fresh start in relation to attendance and entries into The Boteler Big Easter Raffle. For a chance to win:

• • Amazon Fire HD tablet
  • Bluetooth Wireless Earbuds worth £89.99
  • Uefa Champions League Football
  • £10 ASOS voucher 

….and more.

Students must:

• Have a positive aggregate of conduct points for half-term 4 (House Points minus Behaviour Points)
• Have 96% + for half-term 4 (Fresh start for all. Attendance of 96% = 1 entry, 98% = 3 entries and 100% = 5 entries – exceptional circumstances considered)

 

Huge congratulations to 176 of our students who are currently on 100% attendance since the beginning of September. This is a huge achievement and we thank you for your continued support.

If you need any support with your child’s attendance, please email Miss Mannion on [email protected]

 

 

SEND News

Warrington Parents and Carers Working Together Conference is taking place on 18^th March. Click here for details and to book your place. https://www.boteler.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/WarrPAC-Conference-Ticket-bookings-are-now-open.pdf 

 

National Careers Week

Next week is National Careers Week, a time to support your child in their future choices and the opportunities available to them.

Please use the following websites with your child to access a virtual Careers Fair:

Countdown – NCW 2025 Virtual Careers Fair

 

Use Bitesize to examine careers further:

Tips and inspiration – Careers – BBC Bitesize

 

Year 10 

As part of NCW Year 10 will be completing a ‘How to write a CV’ workshop. Their CVs need to be completed on a word document and handed to their form tutor by Friday 21st March.

 

Year 11 

Click here for details about an exciting HGV apprenticeship opportunity at a local firm.

 

Year 11 Warrington Vale Royal 

College Experience Evening of the year on Wednesday 5th March, 4.45-7.00pm at Warrington campus.

This fantastic event provides the opportunity to try an exciting two-hour session in the course you have applied for, experience our state-of-the-art facilities, whilst meeting our expert tutors and your potential future classmates.

Although parents/guardians are unable to accompany their child into their session and are not required to stay, we warmly welcome you to wait for your child on campus if desired. During this time, you will also have the opportunity to tour the college and meet our principle & chief executive at 6.30pm, where you will receive important information to support you with your child’s decision-making after school. You will then re-join your child at the end of their sample session at 7.00pm.

Places are filling up quickly, but there are certain sessions that still have a few spots remaining, so please encourage your pupils who may not have signed up as of yet to register at wvr.ac.uk/cee before registrations close this Friday at 12.00pm.

With waiting lists now being in place for tickets to certain sample sessions, we also ask that applicants who may no longer be able to make it let us know as soon as possible. Please remind them to contact our Learner Services Team if they do need to cancel. They can email [email protected] or call 01925 494400.

 

Comic Relief

This Red Nose Day, let’s celebrate 40 years of going big, giving big and feeling good with Comic Relief. Whether you give a few quid or give your all, let’s do it together and support incredible projects which help children to be happier, families stronger, women safer, communities prouder, and millions of lives fairer. Red Nose Day 2025.

On the 21st March Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School will be raising money for this fantastic charity which helps so many people around the world- it would be brilliant if we could beat our total of last year which was an incredible £369! 

Events will be going on in the week leading up to the 21st and there will also be stalls in the main hall during lunch on the 21st.

Just Giving is fundraising for Comic Relief

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parent Forum

We are excited to invite you to our next Parent Forum on Wednesday 5^th March, where we’ll be tackling an important topic: keeping your child safe online.

In today’s digital world, cyber threats are everywhere, from online scams to data breaches and social media risks. This engaging session will be delivered by DC Andrew Kevan, an expert Cyber Protect Officer who has helped over 50,000 people safeguard themselves online. He will share practical tips, real life examples and essential advice to help you and your child navigate the internet safely. 

Date: Wednesday 5^th March

Location: Main Hall

Time: 17:30 – 18:30

This is a must attend event for any parent who wants to stay informed and protect their child in the digital age. 

Refreshments, including tea, coffee and cake, will be provided to create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

Please click on the link to confirm your attendance: https://forms.office.com/e/3QLBWset0v

If you require more information about this event please email Mr S Mason [email protected].

We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday 5^th March.

 

 

English Department

World Book Day 2025: ‘Get Ready To Read Your Way!’

Thursday 6^th March 2025 will see staff and students celebrating the annual World Book Day with a range of activities in English lessons that will encourage our young people to find the fun and enjoyment in reading, because reading for pleasure changes lives.

On the day, we will encourage all students to share their ideas about their favourite books, poems, plays or comics so that they can inspire others to broaden their reading horizons.  We want to open their minds to consider reading books by writers they’ve never read before and to try genres they haven’t yet delved into.  So, whilst they may currently prefer Harry Potter, find Walliams wildly hilarious, or enjoy the horror of Horrible Histories, perhaps after this World Book Day they might choose a Kiran Millwood Hargrave novel, find a fascination for the ‘Fantastically Great Women’ series or discover the true stories revealed in ‘Unbelievable Football’ by Matt Oldfield.  The choice really will be theirs!

Why not take this opportunity to talk at home about the books that you enjoyed as a child?  Staff in school will be doing the same, to hopefully inspire students to pick up something new, and all Key Stage 3 students will be bringing something home that they created in their World Book Day-inspired English lesson.  We’re really looking forward to giving all our young people the opportunity to ‘get ready to read their way’.

 

Poetry by Heart Competition 2025

I am thrilled to announce that Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School will be taking part in the Poetry by Heart Competition 2025.

ALL staff and students are welcome to attend and take part. I can’t wait to see what you come up with!

You simply just need to choose a poem already written and published, learn it by heart and record a copy of this to be entered into the competition. I will handle all of the logistics/recording.

Sessions will be held on Thursday lunchtimes in Room 22