I have been observing lots of lessons over the past few weeks and it has been a delight to be present in each and every one. I have seen hugely engaging starter activities which pull you in from the moment you walk into the classroom; questioning which has supported, stretched and challenged; students thinking, sharing and working in pairs (ask them about this); extended reading and writing and a thread of literacy running through every lesson; innovative use of mini-whiteboards, extended writing and books and folders of which students are very proud. In short, it’s been a joy: most of all, I have seen motivated, focused students enjoying their learning, working hard and aspiring to achieve. Thank you to our staff – and that includes our fantastic Teaching Assistants – for all that they are doing in the classroom and very well done to all of our students from Year 7 to Year 13 for their collective approach. 

Beyond the classroom, this week has seen a focus on the Restart a Heart programme for all year groups with Year 7 having their own sessions today. We had a visit to the Tate Modern for Year 10 Art and Photography students on Thursday. School production rehearsals are starting to gather momentum with a huge cast in the Hall several times each week. Finally, it’s been a week of House assemblies and they are typically entertaining, competitive and a lot of fun. As always, a packed Hall means students from Years 7 to 13 are being fired up to participate and compete and that is something to behold. 

A final thankyou this week to the Wallingford School Association (WSA) – our parent-teacher group - who held their AGM last week. They are a brilliant group of volunteers who make a valued contribution to our school and I would like to formally thank them for all that they have done for the students of Wallingford School over the past twelve months. It was also great to see some parents of new Year 7 students at the meeting which bodes very well for the future!