Ten Feet Tall!

In 1956, the first race of the sail training 'Tall Ships' took place from Torbay, UK to Lisbon, Portugal. It was supposed to be a celebration of the world’s remaining, magnificent, Class A Tall Ships – everyone thought they were close to retirement. However, things didn’t quite go as everyone expected… in the best way possible.

Fast forward to September 2018 and we had 10 students, ably supported by two members of staff; Mrs Patman and Mr Newton, navigating the complex weather and sea conditions to guide a Tall Ship around a section of the UK Coastline.  It wasn’t easy. They couldn’t give up and they certainly needed to work together to get where they needed to be.

I will let the staff share their amazing observations of the week long sailing venture.  There are many comparisons with my previous messages about how we need to heed the steps of success and avoid regrets, not least:

1.    The discipline of working together to achieve a common goal (success)

2.    The need to have resilience and endurance when things get tough

3.    Demonstrating the amazing leadership and communication skills which our young people have

Bryan Erwin
Principal

4 crew plus 2 staff. I’m not sure if the best thing we did was the climb up the 95 foot mast or the comradery when cooking and working the hoists or tying off the sheets, or if it was learning how to tie a bowline knot or a reef knot. It could have been travelling at 35 knots speed with the wind battering the sail and tacking into the wind to create the maximum speed. Students loved the dingy races, and climbing along the spinner out over the side of the boat.

A highlight could have been the night navigation, students plotted and steered a route into Portsmouth harbour using red lights to read the instructions they have created.

In my view, the highlight started when we boarded on the Monday and stopped when we became landlubbers again on the Friday morning.

Students were awarded with certificates for their efforts and have an opportunity to return as volunteers if they wish. A special mention goes to Ethan Lutterer who received the award from our skipper for most improved crew member. It’s the kind of experience that could make a difference or introduce the wider world outside Peterborough and school. It’s the kind of experience that allows students to think ‘I can…’ and you know what.. they did!

Thanks to Cross Keys homes for making a difference!

Mr Newton and Mrs Patman
Teacher of Humanities / Pupil Premium Admin

These are a snap shot capture of your child’s attitude towards their studies. This will help to inform both parents/carers and teachers about a student’s readiness to learn and help us to proactively work together in making sure each child achieves their potential in their studies.

These reports will be sent home via email each half term. This is in addition to the standard end of term reports we also send home via email.  As this is a new process we welcome any feedback on these reports. There will be a link within the email where parents/carers can give feedback using a simple online form.

The first set of Attitude to Learning Reports are due to be sent home by Friday 12 October.

Mr P Swift
Assistant Principal

I hope you and your children have had a restful summer and that you are looking forward, as much as we are, to the new school year ahead. Congratulations to Integrity House who have taken back the first place for attendance this week. This gives us an average school attendance of 95.66%.

Can I remind parents the process for requesting permission for medical appointments. Appointments must be made outside of school time if you are able. For unavoidable appointments, advance notice must be given to the school and an appointment card must be sent to school so that we can update our records. Please encourage students to come to school with coughs/colds unless they have a temperture. Please note that a medical document is still required from the third day.

Thankyou to those parents who take particular care to follow our policy in this area to meet expectations about the importance of full attendance at school in helping your children to acheive their full potential.

Mrs S Blackledge
Attendance Officer