25th October 2024

Message from the Headteacher

As I look back at the activities in which our pupils have participated over the half-term it was astonishing to see how many different events and activities have taken place. From team building trips and sports fixtures, to drama performances, digital challenges and first aid training; it has been an incredibly busy start to the school year.

The drama performance last night was a great success. Well done to all the students who took part and thanks to Mrs Hastings for all her work supporting them and organising this event.

Thank you also to the Music Department for taking our talented students to local primary schools to showcase their talents and their department this week. We received some wonderful feedback from the schools so well done to those students for being such excellent school representatives.

This week to celebrate the opening of the cycle paths at the back of the school site we have had a focus on cycling at lunchtimes with a form competition to see which form could cycle the furthest in a set time.

Students have all been issued with a leaflet that our local Councillor has supported school in producing. It has a useful plan of the cycle and footpaths in the Harrogate area to encourage them to get outside, get healthy and help their mental health. We have asked students to share this with their families so please look out for it. There is a QR Code on the back of the forms that leads to a form. If completed, this enters you into a draw to win a £130 voucher for a full day bike hire for two adults and two children at Dalby Forest. A great prize so worth entering!

There have also been additional cycle related events this week and in addition, we encourage students to take photos of themselves outside using the local community using cyclepaths and footpaths in the area. Photos of students out on their bikes over half term that are submitted to hello@hhs.nsat.org.uk may be used on social media and will be entered into a draw to win a ride for two on the "Big Wheel" at the Harrogate Christmas Fair. Please encourage your child to take part in this drive to get them outside, get physical, help their mental health and love their local community!

Year 11 mock exams commence when we return to school so please support your child in preparing for these. Useful links to guide you with help can be found here.

As ever, I would like to thank my staff team for all the work they do to support our students. It has been a relatively long half term, with lots going on including of course, the important task of settling the new year 7s into their new school community.

Thank you to each and everyone of the team as we all work together to enhance this thriving school community. As we continue to drive our high expectations next term we thank parents/carers for their continued support.

Wishing all staff, students and families a positive and healthy half term. We look forward to students returning to school on the 4th November.

Mr Gill Head of Academy.

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