I would like to welcome you to the new academic year at Roding Valley High School and to introduce myself to you as Headteacher. Having been appointed to the post way back in April, I am delighted to be finally getting started in earnest. Firstly I would like to say how impressed I have been with the warm welcome that I have received from the students, staff, Governors and parents. From the moment I first visited the school in March I was struck by the positive atmosphere throughout the school and this was one of the main factors that attracted me to the post. I have very high expectations for Roding Valley High School moving forward and I am very keen to build on the excellent work of Mr Banks. I demand first class teaching, outstanding academic achievement, exceptional care, guidance and support, and excellent enrichment provision for all students. It is my aim that every student becomes a confident and responsible member of society and can go on to lead a happy and fulfilling adult life. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the outgoing Year 11s on their fantastic examination results which are the best that the school has ever achieved. At GCSE level, 68.3% of students achieved the headline indicator of 5 A*-C grades including English and Maths. This was an increase of 4% on 2013 in a year where changing Government policies have meant that many schools have had their grades hit hard. The percentage of students achieving A*-C grades in Maths and English, the most important subjects for progression onto Sixth Form courses, apprenticeships and college courses, was 79% and 78% respectively. Clearly students should be applauded for their efforts but I would also like to thank the staff for the part that they played in these outcomes. They worked tirelessly to support the students throughout the two years and deserve a huge amount of credit. It is certainly an exciting time for Roding Valley High School and I feel honoured to be taking over the reins at a time when the school is in such a strong position to move forward. The fact that we have been successful in being granted a Sixth Form from September 2015 will also help to propel the school to become a first rate academic establishment. We will be launching the new Sixth Form at an evening event on the 25th September and parents of Year 11 pupils will receive an invitation to this presentation very soon. In short, I am very much looking forward to working with the students, staff, parents and Governors in the weeks and months to come. In the meantime I would like to thank you for your ongoing support of the school. Best Regards James Luck Headteacher
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MEDIA RELEASE Roding Valley High School celebrates record GCSE results Year 11 students at Roding Valley High School, Loughton, have been celebrating following another record set of GCSE results for the school. Some 68.3 per cent of all students achieved five A*-C including English and Maths, surpassing the previous record set last year at 64 per cent. There were some outstanding individual performances from students with Amy Kibblewhite, Georgina King, Jake Leggat, Rhianna King, Lauren McCorkell, Laura Barritt, Phoebe Cushion and Caris Jaffe achieving exceptionally high levels of attainment. Headteacher Paul Banks said: “The results that our students have achieved are superb. Every student has worked incredibly hard and deserves their success. “In a national context where GCSE results are dropping overall and grade boundaries are being pushed even higher, it is very pleasing to note that our students, once again, are bucking this trend. “Our results this year are the best the school has ever achieved by some considerable margin and I would like to congratulate the students on their hard work and dedication. “I would also like to thank the staff whose expertise and tireless support of the students has helped us achieve these outstanding results. “Our continued outstanding performance means that more and more of our students are achieving the highest levels of attainment. “Our results are considerably above the national average and, coupled with the school being given a new sixth form next year, represent another notable achievement for everyone involved with the school.” The school’s incoming headteacher from September, James Luck, said: “I would like to add my congratulations to all the students and to Paul Banks and his staff for such a magnificent set of results. “This is clearly the outcome of so much hard work from all concerned and the students thoroughly deserve their success. “I am certainly in a fortunate position to be taking over at a time when the school is in such a strong position.”
Student Absence If your child is unable to attend School for any reason then please report their absence by phoning the school number by 9.30am, you must also ring in each day of your child’s absence.
020 8508 1173 On their return to School please ensure your child brings with them a letter explaining the reason for the absence for our records.
Medical Appointments When possible please make sure you make any medical or dental appointments outside of school time. If this is not possible then please try to ensure that your child attends before and/or after their appointment.
Holidays in Term Time It is not school policy to authorise any holidays during term time except in exceptional circumstances. If you put in a request a ‘Leave of Absence’ form must be completed (these are available at Student Reception). Please be aware if the absence is not authorised and the holiday is taken, the case may be referred to the Education Welfare Service who may issue a Penalty Notice for £120 (or £60 if paid within 21 days) to each parent for each child taken out of school. For full details regarding attendance please see our Attendance Policy which can be found in the ‘Parents’ section on our website or contact Mrs Jeanette Low our Attendance Officer on the school number 020 8508 1173.
Drum Lessons
Guitar Lessons
One to One, Two to One and Small Group lessons available. Learn with your friends! Learn to play the drums from as little as £5 per week Contact: jameswelsted@hotmail.co.uk
Lessons slots are available on Mondays with lessons priced at £12 per half hour. Please contact Steve van Niekerk on vn.steve.vn@gmail.com if you are interested.
www.jwdrums.co.uk
School Shop Opening Times Before School: 8.30am - 9.00am Break: 11.00am - 11.20am Lunch: 1.20pm - 2.05pm After School: 3.05pm - 4.00pm PUPILS WILL NOT BE SERVED OUTSIDE THESE HOURS
LIBRARY OPENING TIMES The library is open to all students for homework , G.C.S.E. work and private study / reading at the following times : Monday - Friday (excluding Tuesday): Before school 7.15 am – 8.30 am , break time , lunch times and after school for homework club 3.15 pm – 4.15 pm. Tuesday: Before school 7.15 am - 8.10 am , break time and lunch times. Access for early opening is via the door by resources. Julia Martin / Stephen Murray
Singing Lessons Private singing lessons are now available. Please contact Gemma Kirk for more details and to book your slot.
email: g.kirk_88@hotmail.com