On Thursday of this week we had a visitor from Oxford University. Dr Catherine Redford from Hertford College, Oxford was here to discuss the application process and to give a taste of what life is like as an undergraduate. She was full of helpful advice for our students, a number of whom are keen to attend one of the world's most prestigious universities. She was an engaging speaker and was full of encouragement for our students and I was impressed with the insightful questions that several of our Year 12s put forward. In the afternoon the students were treated to an Oxford University-style seminar to give them a glimpse of what they could expect should they be successful in their applications next academic year. I think it is tremendous that our students have such superb opportunities and have such aspirational goals. I am very keen that all of our students, in all year groups, set their sights high and work tirelessly to ensure that they achieve the very best that they can. Whether this means university, college, apprenticeships or other education or training opportunities, there are so many possibilities out there and I want Roding Valley High School students to enjoy a successful life in whatever they choose to do when they eventually leave us. It will not have escaped your attention that this week has been the coldest it's been this winter. I would ask parents to make every effort to ensure that students are still wearing their uniforms to the highest standards. We have made a concerted effort to ensure that formal shoes are worn by all students and there is no doubt that this change has improved the look of Roding Valley students both in school and in the local community. Tutors and Heads of Year will be checking that all students are wearing the correct footwear in the next week so please make sure that your sons and daughters are adhering to this policy. If there is a medical reason to explain why a student cannot wear formal shoes please ensure that their Head of Year is appraised of the situation so that they can put a note in their planner. Should this cold snap continue I will make sure that I put out an update of our "Alternative School Day" schedule which will come into play should a significant amount of snow fall. I would like to mention that two of our students are representing Essex at Rugby at the weekend. Thomas Reed and Harry Gipson are both turning out for the county and the fact that they are playing at Allianz Park, the home of Saracens, should make it an even more exciting day. I wish them both every success. Finally I would like to say congratulations to all those students who had their work displayed at Loughton Arts Centre on the High Street this week. Their work formed part of the Winter Exhibition of Art and Photography where work from GCSE and A Level was brought together as part of a competition. Roding Valley have therefore been competing with students from Davenant and Epping Forest College and we look forward to hearing the judges verdicts next week. The quality of work was extremely high and our Art Department have once again outdone themselves. Very well done to all concerned. J Luck Headteacher You can follow us at www.rodingvalley.net , on Facebook at the ‘Roding Valley High School Official’ page or on Twitter (@RodingValleyHS). You can also sign up to our free electronic media release service at rodingvalleymedia@gmail.com
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.