26 January 2024
Dear parents and families,
We hope you have had a productive and enjoyable week. It is extremely busy here at Monkton Wood, not least for our Year 11 students who are now just one week away from the start of their ‘pre-public examinations’ (similar to mocks) and who are showing just how committed they are, with their extremely hard work and positive attitudes. Information was sent to Year 11 parents regarding the upcoming exams and other key dates, earlier this month. Please do check back in the parent/carer update section of our website if you missed this.
In this letter:
A parent forum on anti-bullying, on Thursday 01 February
Performing Arts Showcase
SPACE open evening
Parent Forum on Anti-Bullying, Thursday 01 February at 5:30pm
We are currently undertaking a review of our anti-bullying policy and approaches, and are keen to hear the views of our stakeholder groups, including parents and carers. We would like to invite you to a parent forum on this topic. The format of the evening is that we would like to reach a shared understanding of what constitutes bullying, child-on-child abuse, and peer conflict. We would also like to get feedback from parents about the school’s response to reported incidences of bullying, what the most effective preventative action that the school could take would be, and what the role of parents and carers is, when bullying occurs. There will be a short introduction from myself and Mr Draper, associate assistant headteacher. We will then be asking parents to join in discussion activities in groups, with feedback noted and collected by senior school staff. If you think you could provide us with some insight on this topic, please do come along. If you plan to attend, please let us know by putting your name down on this list, so that we can cater accordingly. Please click this link.
Performing Arts Showcase
I was delighted to attend the recent Monkton Wood Performing Arts Showcase in our Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre. The standard of performance from our students, in dance and drama, was exceptionally high. Ms Cadden, acting head of department, said, “’ massive congratulations to all students involved, you showed great professionalism throughout the technical rehearsals and the show. You could really see all your hard work within the performances. Thank you to all that came to support the showcases and the students, it really means the world to them!” My thanks also to Ms Cadden and her team for everything they do to support the students in preparing for their performances.
SPACE Open Evening
Our sixth form centre, the Somerset Performing Arts Centre of Education (SPACE) held its second open evening of the year on 17 January 2024. The event was successful, and our current company members and staff represented themselves and their course extremely well. Places are still available to start the University Arts London diploma here, from September 2024. Please do contact the team if your child is interested. Young people travel from all over the area to attend our sixth form provision, so if you have family, friends and neighbours who want to pursue performing arts or production, then please do signpost The SPACE to them.
With thanks for your continuing support for the academy and our young people.
Yours faithfully,
Mrs Hannah Jones
Principal
