As we reach the half-term break, I would like to congratulate all of our year 11 students who have continued to approach the examination season with maturity, resilience and determination. Exams are continuing, and students have been fantastic in the way they have conducted themselves both in lessons and during assessments. We are very proud of them.
Over the holiday, I would encourage all students to continue revising and preparing carefully for the weeks ahead. At the same time, it is equally important that they take time to relax, recharge and enjoy a well-earned break with family and friends.
A reminder to all Year 11 History students that there will be a revision session on Friday 29 May from 10.00 am – 12.00 pm. All Year 11 History students are warmly invited to attend.
This week saw our much-anticipated Battle of the Bands take place on Wednesday evening. It was a fantastic event and a wonderful celebration of the talent, confidence and creativity of our students. My sincere thanks go to Miss Peckham for all of her hard work in organising the evening, and to every student who performed or helped behind the scenes. Thank you also to the many parents, carers and students who came along to support the event and create such a brilliant atmosphere.
Alongside this, Wednesday’s mufti day and Battle of the Bands, together, so far raised £605. Thank you to everyone who contributed so generously. If you haven’t handed in your £1 mufti payment, cash can still be given to your tutor.
It was especially meaningful to welcome Pete’s family to the event. Pete, our much-loved caretaker, was very much in everyone’s thoughts and the evening was a fitting tribute to him. Everyone involved did him proud.
The occasion also gave us the opportunity to wish a very happy retirement to Mr Freeman after 10 years as a valued Cover Supervisor at Carisbrooke College. Mr Freeman said, ‘I will miss not being in school but most of all, I will miss all of you.’ We thank him for his commitment to the school community over the past decade and wish him every happiness in his retirement.
After a rigorous selection process, I am also delighted to announce that Paul Shoulders has been appointed to the role of Deputy Head.
Paul has an excellent track record of improving exam outcomes for students, having held the role of Assistant Head for raising standards at Lift Ryde for a number of years. He is deeply committed to Island Education. We hope that Paul will join us for a number of induction days ahead of the summer before formally taking up the post on 1 September 2026.
I wish all of our students, families and staff a wonderful half-term break. I look forward to welcoming students back on Monday 1 June ready for the final stretch of the year and all it entails, including our exciting activities' week!
For your information, we have updated our Educational Visits Policy which is on our website here.
Natalie Sheppard
Headteacher
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