Dear Parent/Carer,
Welcome back to a new term at Sharples and a very Happy New Year to all our families.
This term we are continuing our push on getting all students at Sharples reading more. Research shows that reading for just 20 minutes a day makes better readers, improves writing, reinforces grammar and usage skills, and even promotes higher exam scores. We have a well-stocked, engaging library which is open to all students every day, and lots of opportunities to read during form time and in lessons.
All students should have their chosen reading book in their school bag at all times and from next week will be expected to bring their book into assembly with them.
It would be helpful for parents to reinforce this message by encouraging your child to read at home.
We are also still celebrating the 50th Sharples Golden Jubilee in 2024-25 and we will be hosting alumni tours over the coming months. If you, or any family member are a former student of Sharples School and you would be interested in joining us to see how our school has changed over its first 50 years, then we would love to hear from you alumni@sharplesschool.co.uk
This half term will also see Year 10 students embark on their Work Experience, which is always very rewarding and valuable for students. The careers team are currently working on the final arrangements for this and further details will be sent to parents in due course.
Over the next few weeks, both Year 9 and 11 students will sit formal examinations in preparation for their next steps. It is vital that their preparation is focused and thorough. We are supporting students in school and we would advise parents to use the dedicated section of our website for help and advice to support your child at home with the exam preparation:
https://www.sharplesschool.co.uk/revision-guidance/
The dates for the exams are:
Year 9 – Monday 13th – Friday 24th January
Year 11 – Monday 27th January – Friday 15th February.
Finally, you will be aware that OFSTED visited Sharples this week for a two-day ungraded inspection of our school. All students were absolutely fantastic throughout the inspection, and I would like to thank all parents who completed the inspection survey to provide feedback to the OFSTED team. The report will be published within 30 working days and we look forward to being able to share more information regarding the outcome with parents and carers.
Yours sincerely
Ms C Molyneux
Headteacher
