JS/JEC

Y6WELCOME2017

March, 2017

Dear Parent/Guardian,

I am delighted to welcome you to Heysham High School for the next stage of your child’s education. This is one of the most important decisions you and your child will make, and I can promise you that you will not be disappointed in the outcome.

Over the past three years the school has made dramatic improvements to the learning environment, and in 2016 our progress for all groups of children improved at GCSE level and post-16. However, we are always looking for ways to improve the life chances of our students, and for the past year the school and governing body have actively sought additional capacity from a multi-academy trust. We await confirmation from the Regional Schools Commissioner which sponsor is best placed to provide that capacity.

In addition, the school is currently exploring extending the school day, which would provide an extra 2½ hours of lessons a week. This would amount to an extra nineteen days of learning a year and would focus on further enriching the curriculum from which our students already benefit. Based on educational research, we know that this will have a significant impact on raising achievement.

Despite the financial challenges being faced by all schools, we have been able to continue this year with our ongoing refurbishment programme. Work has just been completed on a university style lecture theatre with close-up camera and screen facilities; a further science laboratory has been completely refurbished, and improvements to the IT facilities have continued. We have also extended the number of covered areas outside the school to enhance the experience of moving from block to block. Those of you whose children have taken advantage of our weekly primary enrichment activities will already be familiar with the purpose built main entrance to the school at Osborne Road, the Sports Hall mezzanine viewing area and the professional standard hair and beauty salons. We are in negotiations at the moment with Lancaster City Council, looking at the possibility of taking over the running of Heysham swimming pool for the school, primary schools and the local community. If these negotiations are successful, it will mean further extensive building work to create a new shared reception area.

Heysham High students also benefit from our well established and highly successful Scholars Programme. Your son or daughter will have the opportunity in years 8 and 9 to study a series of subjects in more depth, to broaden their knowledge and help them to make meaningful and informed choices at GCSE level.

There will be days and evenings between now and the end of the summer term when you and/or your child will be invited into school so that they can acclimatise themselves to a new and larger establishment, and we can pass important information on to you. For your diary, the main Transition Evening will be on Wednesday, 7th June; more information to follow.

The Head of Year 7, Mr. Finney, will also be visiting primary schools from this half term onwards to speak with the students and staff so that we can gather as much information as possible to ensure that all students have the smoothest transition possible in what can be a quite anxious time for them. If you have any specific worries or questions about your child’s transition to Heysham High School, please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Finney on the main school number.

All general school information can be accessed on our website, www.heyshamhigh.co.uk, and you can also follow us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/HHSSportsCollege. If you were not able to visit us on our Open Evening, or would like another look round now that your child will be enrolling in September, Mr. Finney will be delighted to make a mutually convenient time for you to do so.

We are committed to ensure that Heysham becomes a world class school and that our students will be not only prepared for their futures, but inspired. I look forward to working together with you to ensure that your child can access all the countless benefits that Heysham High School has to offer.

Yours sincerely,

John Shannon

Headteacher