This week

Assemblies this week have included a musical item from next week’s School Production of Oliver. Rehearsals are in full swing, and the stage is set for what we know will be an amazing performance by students from all year groups.

The assemblies themselves have been looking ahead to next week’s Anti-Bullying Week and referencing Oliver where there the exploitation of the poor by the rich and powerful is a form of bullying. The theme of Anti-Bullying Week this year is about coming together to Reach Out and prevent bullying. Definitions of bullying vary but one agreed by the Anti-Bullying Alliance is:

Bullying is the repetitive, intentional hurting of one person or group by another person or group, where the relationship involves an imbalance of power. It can happen face to face or online.

In light of feedback from students, parents and staff we are in the process of re-writing Darrick Wood’s Prevention of Bullying Policy. Ensuring we have an agreed definition of what bullying is, how the School works to prevent it, what the School does when bullying happens and how the School supports students on these matters is of the highest priority. The revised policy will be published on our website once the Governing Body has reviewed and approved it later this month. In the meantime, as expressed in the assemblies this week, and through other opportunities throughout the year, students at Darrick Wood School are expected to treat each other with respect, to take responsibility and reach out to each other and to staff, being honest about any situation they find themselves in, so that we can work together to ensure all students feel safe, happy and welcome in our school community at all times.

Today being 11th November, shortly before break time, everything stopped and the whole School held a two-minute silence as a mark of respect for those who have lost their lives to war. Next week’s assemblies will focus on working towards a more peaceful world and no doubt many of our students will be taking part in Remembrance ceremonies on Sunday.

Ski trip 2024

As stated in last week’s Parent Bulletin the letter for the Ski Trip travelling in 2024 can be found below. If you are interested in your child attending this trip, then please download the letter and read carefully. It contains a link to an electronic form which will go live at 8.30am this Monday (14th November 2022). Places are RESERVED via this electronic form on a first come first served basis. If your child is successful in reserving a place, they will get a second letter confirming the place where ParentPay information will be distributed and deposits collected. Please note that this has historically been a very popular trip so parents will need to act fast to reserve a space for their child. Email replies will not be considered, only the submission of the form linked to in the letter. Many thanks in advance. Mr Simpson, Head of PE.

Whiteboard pens

The School equips all classrooms with sets of mini whiteboards, pens and rubbers that teachers give out to students enabling them to be assessed individually and receive instant feedback from their teachers. We have noticed that if parents are able to provide whiteboard (wipeable) pens for their children to bring into school, it does save time distributing them in the classroom. We are not expecting all to do this, but the more that do, the smoother things go in the classroom. Assessment and feedback in this manner is known to be highly effective in supporting children’s progress.

Pathways Careers Fair

This is a fantastic opportunity for students in Years 10 to 13. Information has already been shared with students in these year groups and their parents, but a summary of representation at the event and timings is indicated below:

Dates for the diary

15th to 17th November – School Production of Oliver – Main Hall

21st November to 2nd December – Year 11 mocks

24th November – Pathways careers event

5th December to 15th December – Year 13 mocks

7th December – Year 12 parents’ evening (4-7pm on SchoolCloud)

16th December – last day of term

Tuesday, 3rd January 2023 – Start of spring term