July 2023 

Star Student: Nominated by their Head of Year 

Year 7: Mia H
Mia has been incredibly conscientious all year and staff always comment on how polite and determined she is. Her peers also recognise her efforts and have nominated her for a Respect Half Colour for some work that she has done.

Year 8: Jack A
I would like to nominate super Jack A. Jack across this whole year has demonstrated so many Henley Bank values. Throughout this year Jack has seen fantastic progress across all areas of school which has been down to his determination and ambition to always strive to do his best. Jack's care and consideration for all students and staff brightens everyone's day and demonstrates the fantastic role model he is. Keep up the great work Jack!

Year 9: Dylan J
This term’s Year 9 Star Student is Dylan. Dylan has shown immense amounts of determination this year. He has thrown himself into a range of clubs, showing great enthusiasm and dedication to his work, continuing to improve himself and motivate others. Dylan has been incredibly conscientious with his work, holding himself to high standards. Dylan has also shown great ambition and determination over the last two years fundraising for a Scout camp in South Korea this summer. I hope you have a brilliant time and I cannot wait to hear all about it. Keep up the high levels of determination, Dylan! It will serve you well going into year 10.

Year 10: Leah M
Leah has had such a great term, but also year throughout Year 10. She never fails to throw herself into our co-curricular clubs, mainly enjoying performing whether that be in our school production, creative art exhibit or for the school festival. It has been so lovely to watch Leah’s confidence and talent grow. She has worked so hard in PPEs and I am so proud of what she is achieving. The thing that really stands out for me though is Leah does everything with her huge delightful smile!

Messages from our Heads of Year:

Year 7

I am so proud of the progress that Year 7 have made this year. To think that this time last year they were all preparing to say good bye to their Primary Schools and get ready for the big school transition, it seems like they have always been our students! This term has been a busy but productive time for Year 7. I want to begin by congratulating every single student for their fantastic Art work that was on display in our Art and Music Exhibition on Thursday 13th July. All the students had been working hard on their self portraits in the style of Julian Opie and it has been lovely to see these being built up over time whilst dropping in to classes. 

At the very beginning of the Summer Term, which seems so long ago now, was our Matilda Production. Seeing Year 7s take to the stage to show off their acting and singing talents makes me incredibly proud and excited to see what they will achieve when they move into Year 8 and can audition for The Addams Family. It is unusual for us to have Year 7s with main speaking parts in a School Production which I think is a testament to the confidence and ambition this Year Group has shown.

Year 7 students have also had a chance to take part in our Greenshaw Athletics event. This is something that I know Mr Healy feels confident that we can build on for future success and I would like to thank those students that represented Henley Bank High School so well. I look forward to seeing more successes on the sports field as they move into Year 8. On the subject of Sport, I am writing this before their first ever Secondary School Sports Day but having seen the sign up and enthusiasm, I know it is going to be a fantastic day. Now that we know Jenner have won the overall College Competition this year, I wonder if Dowty, Hill and Holst can get their revenge in the races? A special highlight I’m sure will be introducing Year 7 to their first ever Henley Bank High School Cheese Roll…

May I take this opportunity to wish all the families of Year 7 a restful summer break and thank you for all of your support in ensuring that your students thrive here at school. I wish them all the best in Year 8 with their new Head of Year, Miss Lothian.
 

Year 8

The summer term has rounded off a fantastic Year 8 filled with success. Sporting achievements have continued with the addition of the Greenshaw Learning Trust Athletics Tournament as well as performances and work displayed at our first ever Henley Bank Art and Music Exhibition. More highlights included Year 8 embarking on a History Trail through Gloucester looking into the sights and history of their local area, an experience filled with determination, ambition and confidence. A select group of students also represented Henley Bank as finalists in the Young Green Britain Challenge at the House of Lords, an unforgettable experience! The growth and progress shown over the course of this year has made me an extremely proud Head of Year. 
All of these experiences draw to a close what has been a brilliant year for Year 8. I wish them all a well-earned, restful break where we will see them back in September to raise the bar even higher!

Year 9

Year 9 have had an excellent year, and this term has been no different. They have completed their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze experiences. It has been incredible to see the amount of determination they put into completing their awards. Both the practice and actual expeditions showcased true dedication to their work and respect to one another. Year 9 have also had the opportunity to explore their potential futures, with trips to the University of Gloucestershire, as part of a Science trip and as part of a careers trip. This got them thinking about the possibilities their futures could bring them. The Year 9s have shown great confidence, showcasing their creativity in the Art and Music Exhibition. It was wonderful to see the work they had produced this year, and see the confidence of our performers. It has been a great end to a wonderful year for Year 9. I have been privileged to be their Head of Year for the last two years. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for them.

Year 10

Wow- what a year! The Year 10s have grown into such polite hardworking young people and I have loved seeing this growth, not only this past academic year but over the past four. This is my last term with the year group and teaching at Henley Bank. I will forever be grateful for the opportunities the school has given me and the experiences and lessons the students have taught me.
Year 10 you will forever hold a special place in my heart. Four years ago we began our journey at HBHS together, nervous, new students and a brand new teacher. Together we have learnt, succeeded, failed, been resilient, got through a pandemic but overall have been a team. Thank you, even though I have been your teacher of History, PSHE, Geography, Religious Studies and English over the years and would like to think you have learnt lots from me with our time together, it is you guys that have taught me so much. I've learnt how to be a better teacher, how to show resilience in hard times, laughed so much at you all, learnt how to be a parent and what it means to be part of a wonderful crazy family. I will forever be grateful to you all and the Henley Bank team and wish you all nothing but success and happiness in your futures.
I cannot wait to hear about the great things you achieve- smash it class of 2024! 

A message for Year 11

To begin with, I just want to pass on a massive well done to all our Year 11 students. Every member of staff who has worked with you this year has commented on how brilliant you have been as a year group and your ambition to reach your potential this year. Whatever grades you open on Thursday 24th August (and I am sure they will reflect your work ethic!) remember that we are all incredibly proud of you and wish you every success moving forward. 
Year 11 Prom was a fantastic night and an amazing reflection of a lovely year group. The atmosphere was so celebratory and friendly, which was a credit to your support of each other and kindness you have shown all year round. The entrances from a tractor to a Mclaren F1 to a Peaky Blinders tribute were awesome and really set the tone for a wonderful evening of celebration. The joy of the event is something that staff will remember for a long time and we hope that you do too. 
On a personal note, I joined Henley Bank this year and have been constantly reminded of how lucky I was to have this year group as my first Year 11. From the small things like our morning routines and repeated conversations, to having to remind the same people about shirts or lesson punctuality or blazers or earrings, to watching you all line up for exams and work incredibly hard to be successful - you have been just amazing at every single turn. (Even in those testing moments!) Take that hard work and humour and enthusiasm and use it to smash whatever your next step is. You can achieve whatever you want to achieve. 
Enjoy the summer - it will be one you remember for the rest of your life! We will see you in August to celebrate results day. 

Below are some photos taken during the Year 11 Prom 2023

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