Diolch yn fawr, Pedr - blodau prydferth!!

Additions:

Change the timetable after May half term.

Stop the bells but keep the 8.30, 8.35 and the 8.40 am bells please.

I'm sorry that I won't be able to join you at the Champions weekend - I'm sure you'll all have a great time, learn lots and lots and come away with fantastic ideas for transforming our school.  As the 'operational' member of Leadership Group, I'll be interested in the 'who', 'how' and 'what do we do when....' elements of these ideas - and I'm looking forward to helping turn the creativity into reality.

The things that I would really like to see are:

A curriculum that allows more qualifications to be gained in Years 9 and 10 - one that is less linear, one that is more concentrated on designated subjects for shorter periods of time.  I would LOVE to have 5 months of RE at 4 or 5 lessons a week rather than 2 years at 1 lesson a week, especially as we lose 30/40% of our learning time through additional activities.

An ethos that develops even further the way we get the kids on our side, working with us, rather than against us, one that makes individuals and groups feel valued members of our community with something worthwhile to contribute.  We've moved so far away from the days when we were striving to make it 'cool to succeed' - I believe pupils are now proud to belong to and learn at Highfield, but we must keep on at this.  I'd like us to continue working in a SEAL fashion, but also in an atmosphere that does not tolerate disruption and indiscipline.  Pupils who are less willing to do things our way must end up feeling in the minority, 'left out' unless they accept the opportunities we offer them by meeting our expectations.

A day that maximises good learning opportunities and minimises or negates opportunities for mischief and time wasting, and a year structure that enables staff development opportunities on a week by week basis.

A building that is comfortable, airy, spacious, clutter-free, full of light, eco-friendly, clean, tidy, no nooks and crannies to hide in/be bullied in, designed so that staff aren't so compartmentalised into their own areas that they never meet people outside their subject, with ONE really good entrance area, multi-purpose rooms that can be small, medium, large or very large, an easily supervised outdoor area .....  yes, please, I'd love a chance to visit another school with all the staff.

Best time to roll the timetable forward?  June after the summer half term, I think. Best of luck - you have SO much to discuss!!

Anne Evans

Deputy Headteacher

Highfield Humanities College

Thanks Anne  - I don't think there is anything I wouldn't fully agree with is your wish list!

As you say - lots to discuss and a real need to 'get on with it' on our return!

Peter