Welcome to Northfield School and Sports College Website
Dear Parents and Carers
In my first newsletter of the year, I am pleased to be able to inform
you of some of the exciting events and developments that are taking
place at Northfield School and Sports College.
Mrs Rissanen-Howells leaves the school at the end of February. Mrs
Rissanen-Howells has taught at Billingham Campus and Northfield School
since 1995. She has been an exceptional teacher and SENCO. We will miss
her and wish her well in her retirement.
Questionnaires
By now you should have received your questionnaire asking you to share
your views and opinions about the school. It is important that we
receive as many completed forms as possible to allow us to have a true
picture of what our parents and carers think about our strengths and
areas to improve. All returned questionnaires will be included in a £50
prize draw.
Year 11
The results of our recent GCSE exams for our Year 10 and 11 in English,
Maths and Science are very pleasing, providing many of our students with
excellent qualifications in these subjects. I have to thank staff for
running an impressive programme of after school sessions and also the
students who have attended these sessions. It has not been uncommon for
over 120 students in Year 11 to stay back after school to prepare for
their examinations. As we approach the main period of examinations such
efforts will only increase in intensity with students receiving support
in addressing barriers to progress.
Soon Year 11 students will receive their final reports from their
teachers. This year we are trying to streamline the reports to provide
parents and carers with the most relevant and important pieces of
information concerning student progress. I hope that Year 11 parents and
carers approve of the changes and would welcome feedback on how
effective these changes have been.
A number of members of staff have asked me to organise an additional
parents evening for students they feel need encouragement or support in
the final run up to their examinations. I have therefore arranged for
such a Parents’ Evening on Thursday, 23rd February. Invites will be sent
to the parents of selected students along with the students’ reports.
Detentions
You may be aware that from the 1st of January, school’s no longer have a
legal obligation to give 24 hours written notice when placing students
on detention. I want to reassure parents that whenever possible
Northfield School and Sports College will continue to provide parents
with 24 hours notice. When this is not possible, I would ask for your
support in promoting outstanding behaviour from our young people.
Social Network Sites
I am increasingly concerned at the numbers of incidents involving
students’ misuse of social network sites. It would appear that a small
number of students are using these sites to say inappropriate things to
one another. This can lead to problems in school when the students next
see one another. Some parents have informed me that in a few cases
students are creating false identities on Facebook claiming to be
considerably older than they are and that their status is ‘married’.
From talking to parents, I know that many of you share my concerns. I
would ask that as parents and carers you continue to be vigilant in
monitoring your child’s use of such sites. I do not wish to alarm
parents and carers and would remind them that the vast majority of our
students are able to use such sites responsibly. However, I am sure that
you are all aware of the dangers that face some of our vulnerable young
people.
In order to ensure the safety of our young people two staff have just
received training in this area from the Child Exploitation On-Line
Protection Service (CEOPS). Over the next few months staff and students
will receive training and instruction on Cyber Safety. I also intend to
offer advice and training sessions for parents to provide them with
advice on how to ensure that our children are safe. More details will
follow once dates and times of such events are finalised.
I would also ask you to appreciate the school’s position concerning such
sites in understanding that if there is an insult, or an offence, it is
actually committed at home, where parents have responsibility and not in
school. The school will always work with and support parents. However in
such cases, the punishment may lie outside of the school’s area of
responsibility.
Please note that the school does not use Facebook to convey information
to parents. Information is posted on the school website or Stockton
Borough Council’s website or local radio stations for school councils.
The school will also use its text message facility to contact parents or
carers when appropriate.
Little Shop of Horrors
Students and staff are currently working really hard in preparation for
the school’s production of ‘The Little Shop of Horrors’ which runs from
7th to 10th February in our Thames Road Hall. Tickets are £5 and £3 for
concessions. I would strongly advise you to get your tickets as quickly
as possible. The school has hired special lighting as well as a series
of puppets, including a ten foot carnivorous plant!
House of Lords
Northfield School’s special relationship with the House of Lords
continues. Before Christmas we were visited by representatives from the
House of Lords who were very impressed with our students and our school.
This month the school’s Debating Team received an invitation to
participate in a debate at the House of Lords in March. Only three other
schools have been invited to participate in the debate. Congratulations
to Miss Watton and Mrs Jones for their work with our debating team.
Musical Excellence
I am very proud to inform you that in July, students Emma Hardy (Head
Girl) and Jenny Gibson along with Miss Hird, Head of Music will be
performing and recording Brittens’ ‘Noyes Fludde’ with the world famous
Gabrieli Consort conducted by Paul McCreesh. This will be the first time
in 50 years that there has been a professional recording of this piece.
My congratulations to all three.
Sports Awards Evening
On Wednesday, 1st February Northfield School and Sports College will
once again host the Teesside Schools Sports Council’s Annual Prize
Evening. Several of our students have been nominated for prizes. This
year our guest of Honour is Jeff Stelling of Sky Sport and Countdown
fame.
Norway Exchange
Several students and staff will spend a week in Norway at our sister
school Tananger School. During the week our group will take part in
lessons and visit local areas of interest.
Staff CPD Day Reminder
The school will be closed for a staff training day on Monday, 20th
February.
The World’s Fastest Blind Man
Finally, I’d like to end my newsletter on a very positive note. Steve
Cunningham is an exceptional man. He holds the world speed records on
land and in the air. When you consider that Steve is blind this
achievement is even more remarkable. The self-proclaimed ‘World’s
Fastest Blind Man’ will visit the school on Tuesday, 21st February to
talk to students in Years 7 to 9 as well as students from the school’s
Visually Impaired Unit.
Forthcoming Events and Holidays
• 7th – 10th February: School production of ‘Little Shop of Horrors’
• Year 11 reports – Friday, 10th February
• February Half Term – Monday, 13th February to Monday, 20th February
• Staff CPD Day – Monday, 20th February
• Year 11 Parents Evening (Invite) – Thursday, 23rd February
• Year 9 Options Evening – Thursday, 8th March
• Year 9 Reports – w/c 12th March
• Year 9 Parents Evening – Thursday, 22nd March
• Easter Break – Monday, 2nd April to Friday, 16th April
• June Half Term – Monday, 4th June to Friday, 8th June
• End of Summer Term –Thursday, 19th July
• Staff CPD Day – Friday, 20th July
Craig Walker
Headteacher
