Year 7 boys football trials took place on Tuesday with 80 students keen to get involved for the first game on Tuesday, away to Parmiters. It is great to see so many students wanting to represent the school. I look forward to bringing you news of results for both boys and girls sports throughout the year.
Students are back in their regular lessons this week, after their orientation and induction sessions into their new year groups. I enjoy chatting to students and staff during the day, and am particularly pleased with the energy my new colleagues are bringing to our community. Many of them comment on the friendliness of students, which is very pleasing to hear. I take staff development very seriously here to ensure students can always benefit from teachers who are equipped to give them the very best learning experiences, so I am pleased that this year we are working with 'Teaching Leaders' who are an organisation accredited by the National College for Teaching and Leadership to deliver the National Professional Qualification for Middle Leaders. This course is being delivered by our teachers for our teachers, and will continue to have an impact in classrooms.
Next Thursday is our annual Open Evening, for prospective Year 7s hoping to join us in September 2015. Last year over 1,000 visitors came to see us, and as a result we were oversubscribed for Year 7s joining us this year. Given our continuing success, we expect even more visitors this year. School does close early on Thursday and start late on Friday. Students have had a letter with these details, so do look out for this. Thank you for your support.
Finally this week we were delighted to receive a very complimentary email from the Bushey Museum following the First World War exhibition we hosted on their behalf over the summer. 3,100 visitors attended, from which they raised £1260 for the Watford Peace Hospice.