I trust that you and your families are well. I write this letter having just seen Year 11 arrive for their second day of our ‘Making Opportunities’ Conference. Many have taken up our suggestion to wear business dress for their mock job interviews today, following on from their preparations yesterday with local employers. Whilst there will no doubt be some nerves, I am sure they will rise to the challenge, present well at interview and that they will all appreciate the feedback and tips from external colleagues who have come in to support us today. I’ll put some photos on our website when I get a chance soon.
As you will be aware, I spoke to Year 11 a couple of weeks ago to personally explain the leaving date and celebration arrangements as their time in secondary school draws to a close. Since becoming Principal at the newly formed Outwood Academy Normanby some two years ago, I have been nothing short of inspired by the resilience, positivity and determination of our young people to adapt to the circumstances under Covid. Year 11 are a genuine credit to you as parents and carers, and you should be very proud of all they have achieved. I have no doubt they couldn’t have done it without your support and encouragement. Thank you.
Year 11 students will finish their studies at school on Friday 28 May 2021 at 2.30pm. From this date onwards a programme of online learning and activities will be available to prepare students for their next steps at college, sixth form, or chosen apprenticeships. Further details of this online programme will be shared very shortly, and it will include academic mentoring, careers information and tutor support.
An invitation will be extended to a small number of individual students to attend some activities in the academy during the week beginning Monday 7 June 2021. This will be in exceptional circumstances and we will make contact with you directly if this is appropriate for your child.
Whilst we are all very disappointed not to be able to hold a Prom this year due to the uncertainty around ongoing restrictions, we will be holding a Year 11 2021 Leavers’ Breakfast/Assembly/Celebration on Friday 18 June from 9.30am. This will be an opportunity to be served a full English breakfast (with vegetarian and other options available) in the Auditorium, followed by a Leavers’ Assembly/Celebration/Awards, and with an extended opportunity to sign shirts with staff and each other. Professional photographs will be taken and the hoodies will have arrived too. This should be a fantastic occasion to celebrate hard work, great memories and friendships amongst an incredibly close year group, and I really hope all of Year 11 will come along to be together one last time.
Year 11 should arrive in full uniform at 9.30am on Friday 18 June, and so should keep their uniform safe until then. In my experience, it makes the photos we take look brilliant. I will share some photographs from previous events on our social media shortly.
I would also be very grateful if Year 11 could on that date bring in any spare uniform or PE kits, that are in good condition, to help us donate to those who would appreciate them.
I will write again in the coming weeks to confirm the arrangements for the collection of GCSE and vocational results which will take place on the morning of Thursday 12 August 2021.
Thank you again for your superb support of Outwood Academy Normanby, it is greatly appreciated. If you have any questions about any of the arrangements for the Leavers’ Breakfast or Results Day, please do not hesitate to contact Mrs Rowe, our amazing Year 11 Learning Manager on k.rowe@normanby.outwood.com or Mrs Bullock, Exams Officer on k.bullock@normanby.outwood.com
I wish you and your family well for the half-term break.
