24 May 2023

No Learning Wasted

This week Year Managers are speaking to their year group about making every lesson count and for all students to be ‘ready to learn’ and organised.  This means being prompt to lessons with their Super 7 (equipment) and ready to engage with learning.  Students will be reminded that this includes filling water bottles and using the toilet facilities at break times rather than leaving lessons mid-way through a key part of the lesson.

This focus on being ‘ready to learn’ supports our inclusiveness value and a learning culture that every second counts.  Of course, exceptional circumstances agreed with the Pastoral Team will be permitted but I am sure you agree that students need to be in lessons to make progress with their learning.  Please can you reiterate this message of being ‘ready to learn’ with your son or daughter.

Charlotte Wilson

Following the visit from Charlotte Wilson from the DfE (Department for Education) last week I am pleased to say that she was delighted with our Mental Health and Wellbeing strategy and has since stated the following:

“I very much enjoyed my visit to Collingwood College to hear about your work with the MHST(Mental Health Support Team), and I was impressed to see how well the MHST and the College work collaboratively.  This approach to put students’ mental health and wellbeing first came across as a key feature of life at Collingwood.  Charlotte Wilson, Regional Delivery Lead for MHST rollout in DfE.”

A superb endorsement for our outstanding work and collaboration with the Mental Health Support Team in supporting our students, staff and parents with their mental health and wellbeing.

Emma Gilmore

I am absolutely delighted to report that Emma Gilmore, first ever female racing driver for McLaren, visited Collingwood this week and spoke to our Year 7 students; the visit was organised by Sophie Cherry, Head Student in Year 11.  Emma has a busy schedule, but Sophie persevered liaising with her between events to come to College and work with our students. 

Emma was very well-received by our students who were impressed with her successful story.  Emma also met Mr Thomas and our brilliant Status Racing Team.  She told our students that she wished she had this fabulous provision when she was at school!  Thank you to Sophie for arranging such a great event that we hope Year 7 will be inspired by!  A fabulous afternoon!

KS3 Girls’ Football Team

Congratulations to Mr Cleary and the KS3 girls’ football team who after a long trip to Plymouth this week beat a strong Plymstock side with an outstanding performance to win 5-0.  Now they are in the last eight of the Nationals and hoping for the next match to be closer to home!  A great result!

I wish all families and students a lovely restful half-term break.

Miss Watling - Acting Principal