Year 9, Mr Rich

What a wonderful first half-term with our new Year 9 cohort!

We want to acknowledge how incredibly well you've settled into school life. Adapting to new subjects, teachers, and a big school is a huge step, and we've been thoroughly impressed with your resilience and positive attitude.

It's been heartening to watch you all form new connections and build a strong, supportive Year 9 community. Your open-mindedness and inclusive spirit have led to friendships that have blossomed quickly. Keep up this brilliant start to making lifelong bonds here!

Finally, we’re thrilled by your uptake in extra-curricular activities and clubs! Whether on the sports pitch or getting creative in DT and Art, your energy has added so much vibrancy. Behaviour on all trips has been exemplary. This engagement is vital as we look toward choosing GCSEs and BTECs next term.

Enjoy the well-deserved break, and we look forward to your continued enthusiasm!

Stay Golden, Mr Rich.

Year 11, Mrs Godfrey

Year 11 students have shown fantastic effort over the last 8 weeks, and it’s been great to hear that many have attended or are planning to attend college open event’s. With mock exams ahead, the half-term break is the perfect opportunity for some focused revision and well earned rest.

A good balance will help students return refreshed and ready to shine. Thanks for your continued support.

Year 13, Mrs Hoad

As the end of October approaches, our students are primarily focused on preparing for their next round of Internal Progression Exams (IPEs).
To ensure they are ready, students should have already:

1. Received their predicted reports (issued October 16th).

2. Discussed their progress at Subject PRE (Thursday, October 23rd).

Students should now have a solid understanding of the exam content and a strong study plan in place. If more support is needed, we strongly encourage them to ask their subject teachers.

This continues to be a busy and critical time for both university (UCAS) and apprenticeship applications, and we have already processed several submissions. Students are encouraged to speak with their tutor and seek advice from our independent careers advisor. Careers appointments can be booked by emailing lfreeman@bestacademies.org.uk or by visiting her office in 902.

Application Process:

• UCAS applications are well underway. Students must make sure they are making good progress on their personal statements and finalising tutor references during form time.

• To get final approval and send their application, students must book a "final check and send" appointment with a member of the Sixth Form team. This appointment is arranged via Miss Collins in the office (available Monday–Thursday, 9:30 am–2:30 pm).

We have provided extensive guidance and resources for both pathways, and students can find more ideas and support available through their Unifrog accounts.

Exploring the Frontiers of Physics

SWA Sixth Formers recently returned from an incredible trip to the European Organisation for Nuclear Research—better known as CERN.

Click here to read more

Aaron Nahani Foundation

Last week, Laurence and Gavin, representatives from the Brains4Brains Trust, launched the Aaron Nahani Foundation – a bursary to support our Sixth Form students in exploring wider opportunities.  They have set up the foundation to remember our wonderful Sixth Former, Aaron Nahani, who made an immense contribution to our Sixth Form community. 

Students can apply now, sharing their ideas of how they could use up to £250 to support their further development in a pastime, extracurricular activity, travel, or sport. We are very interested in hearing about a wide range of areas for our students to use the funds. 

Applications are open here, and the closing date is Monday, 10^th November.  If students have questions about the foundation or their ideas for their application, please ask their form tutor.