Messages from our Heads of Year:
Year 7
What a term it has been for our year 7 cohort! They have made us all so proud with the way they have shown confidence in throwing themselves into Henley Bank life. Year 7 have the best attendance across the school showing determination and resilience in keeping this as high as possible. It was also fantastic to share a celebratory donut with all of the students who had 100% attendance. Year 7 have also showed fantastic commitment to co-curricular clubs being confident in engaging with students in older year groups.
In their lessons, teachers from across the school have told me how brilliantly the students have pushed themselves to achieve excellence. I am so excited to see how well they do when their assessments come around next half term.
A highlight of the term was the trip to see the pantomime Aladdin at the Everyman theatre. It was wonderful to see Year 7 share in the magic of this event. There was an incredible feeling of team spirit and community on this trip which will be one that lives long in the memory for all the staff and students who went on it.
We are excited to see Year 7 get even better after the Christmas break.
Year 8
This term has been a term full of success stories
for Year 8.
A new mentality shift of no longer being the youngest members of Henley Bank is an important transition for all students and they have taken this role fantastically well.
They have been working on the value of 'Ambition' this term and the importance of making the most of every opportunity presented to them. The Year 8's have taken this in full stride with a huge number of students signing up for co-curricular offers, in addition to seeing the sheer amount of praise points and awards handed out this term for showing the value of ambition. Both of these are great examples of how seriously Year 8 students are taking their new role within the school.
One of the many highlights this term was seeing the huge success some of the Year 8 Girls had in the District Football Event, becoming back to back champions for the first time in our history and not conceding a single goal on route to victory. Another highlight I would like to mention was the positivity on the History trip of Gloucester, where students really embraced the challenge of finding out more about our wonderful city and making connections with the local community.
It has been a delight to see how much progress the Year 8's have made in such a short space of time. I am already looking forward to welcoming them back in the New Year ready to hit the ground running once more.
Every Year 8 student deserves a well earned break and I wish each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Year 9
This term has been a great start at the top of Key stage 3. Year 9 have embraced the vision of Believe, Achieve, Celebrate and Grow with great enthusiasm. I've loved hearing them chant it at other teachers and take pride in what it stands for. We have had a memorable visit from a Japanese group of students, who taught Year 9 some Japanese language, origami and how to write their name. They have demonstrated great service to the school with Year 9 being the main tour guides for our open morning and evening events. We have had a considerable uptake of the Duke of Edinburgh awards and Ten tors, I look forward to hearing about all the work they are doing to go towards achieving this.
The Year 9 girls have had great success with football this term and having won the Gloucester district are moving forward to the next Gloucestershire district competitions.
As part of our year's vision, I asked students to create a video of themselves teaching others a skill or sharing a talent that they have. We have seen a couple and would love to have more handed in so we can aim to achieve or celebrate the work/skill.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of you a Merry Christmas and I look forward to our next term where it will be busy with option choices and more opportunities, giving more chances for us to grow.
Year 10
A fantastic start to the year from all of Year 10 taking a number of new challenges in our stride. As a cohort we have been striving to make small changes to have a big impact over time and this has been so evident all around the school! So many students have been involved in gaining valuable experience for the future with events such as: Ten Tors, touring our Japanese visitors, teaching languages to primary students and success in sports! So many positives already, and I can't wait to see how much progress and development Year 10 makes as the year continues!
Year 11
As we approach the end of another term, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey our Year 11 students have embarked upon over the past few months. Their hard work and dedication have truly shone through in every aspect of their studies and preparations.
The attitudes displayed during this term’s Pre-Public Examinations (PPEs) have been nothing short of exemplary. Students approached each assessment with focus, determination, and resilience. Alongside this, their efforts in completing their BTEC Tech Sport PSAs and coursework for Non-Examined Assessments (NEAs) have been exceptional. These achievements highlight their readiness for the challenges ahead and their commitment to achieving great outcomes.
It’s important to recognise not just their academic efforts but also the gratitude and respect they have shown towards their peers and staff. This term, they have embodied the mantra of “being here, being present, and being together,” demonstrating unity and mutual support. Well done, Year 11—your hard work is inspiring! You have been here, been present and you have definitely been together.
