A study from the British Psychological Society found that the majority of children (71%) had at least one close friend as early as five years old.These connections can form rather quickly and develop with equal speed. At such a young age, it can be remarkable how suddenly two children can hit it off with one another.

However, it is deeply important that children can recognise both the features of a healthy relationship, as well as the potential signs of a less healthy dynamic. Our #WakeUpWednesday guide offers some top tips on reinforcing the formation of healthy friendships among children and young people. 

. At the Old Ash Dene and all are welcome,

Dear Parent / Carer,

Our second set of progress assessment weeks for this academic year will be taking place from the 17th June 2024 for Years 7,8 and 9. Please see the timetables below which show exactly when each assessment for each year group will take place. 

Years 7, 8 and 9 will all have sat these style of tests at least once before and should now be familiar with the process. As in the February tests, students have been provided with revision materials and knowledge organisers for each subject in which they will be sitting a test and they will be expected to use these materials to revise and prepare. Revision can be a daunting thing to do for children of any age so in order to provide some support there is a link on our website for a guide on how to use our school’s Learn > Revise > Test approach to effective revision (https://dukes.ncea.org.uk/revision-support-for-ks3-progress-tests/). This has been shown to be a highly effective revision method and is something that the students will become increasingly familiar with over the next year or two.

The main idea behind these assessments is to ensure that students experience as much practice as possible in the sitting of controlled tests so that by the time they come to sit their final exams at the end of Year 11 they are familiar and confident in the examination and revision process and are in a position to perform to their potential. The results of these assessments will also help to inform the school of the progress of the students in key subjects and will help us to ensure that they are receiving the correct provision and support. Results of the tests will be reported to parents after each of the assessment periods. Outcomes may result in some students moving classes to ensure that they are receiving the correct levels of support. 

Yours sincerely,

Ben Line

Deputy Principal

Statistics from the Children’s Commissioner found that in the 2022/23 academic year, 22.3% of all pupils were persistently absent – a significant increase from 2018/19, when that figure was 10.9%. This lost time can have a notable impact on children’s development, learning and overall wellbeing.

The specific reasons for school avoidance are sometimes hard to pin down – and it can be even harder to know how best to help absent children return to education. That’s why this week, our Wake up Wednesday guide breaks down some of the causes and effects of school avoidance and provides advice on how you can help young people triumph over this potentially damaging cycle

Y9 Additional Options Parental Meetings Wednesday 15 May & Thursday 16 May 2024

We would like to invite you to attend our additional Options Parental Support Meetings on  Wednesday 15 May & Thursday 16 May 2024.  These sessions are an extra opportunity for you to access last minute advice and support for your child over their GCSE option choices.  If your child has yet to complete their option choices and you would like to discuss them with a member of the options team  before the final deadline for forms of 24 May.

For this evening the school will be using the new on-line Arbor system.  It has its very own online appointment booking system which allows you to choose your own appointment times and receive an email confirming your appointments.  Once you have followed the guides below and logged in, the appointment booking times will appear.  Staff will be available between 3.30pm – 5.00pm.  The appointment booking system will be open from Monday 13 May 2024 at 4.00pm and will close on Wednesday 15 May 2024 at 12.00pm.