Messages from our Heads of Year:
Year 7
Year 7 have made a strong start to their journey at Henley Bank. It has been wonderful to see the growth in them in just one half term, supporting one another, being welcoming and kind, and showing great amounts of Determination and Ambition in their lessons. They have flourished in the challenges I gave them before the summer of showing our values of Respect and Confidence. Year 7 have started off on a strong foot with their participation in Clubs. It has been particularly inspiring to see the number of Year 7s who have applied for the Student Leadership Programme, with some wonderful and heart-warming reasons why they want to join.
I look forward to seeing what the next half term will look like for Year 7. The mark Year 7 has already made at Henley Bank has been exceptional, with only better
things to come. Our Panto trip will surely be a highlight.
Year 8
Year 8 have made a super start to their second year at Henley Bank. Year 8 have been working on our school value of Respect this term, and it has been pleasing to see the increase in kind words, thank yous and doors being held open for others. Year 8 have been attentive in a range of assemblies, covering Black History Month, Mental Health Day, and Dyslexia Awareness. It has been wonderful to see the respect Year 8 have shown throughout these and with their growing awareness of the world and others.
It has been wonderful to see the Confidence displayed by many as they auditioned for the school production, The Addams Family. I look forward to seeing the result of all the cast’s hard work and dedication later this school year. Year 8 have also had the opportunity to go on their first whole year trip. They took part in a History Walking Tour of Gloucester, where they learnt about the stories behind the Quays and how Gloucester has grown from a Roman fort to what we see today. This is one of the highlights of the term, with many more to come in the future.
Year 9
After a well earned break Year 9 have come back hitting the ground running. Year 9 have returned with the task of becoming role models as the oldest in Key Stage 3, one which they have taken in their stride and made us as a school very proud. They are taking advantage of the opportunities at hand, so far students have begun The Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award, been involved in Open Evenings and the preparation for our school production. Our rugby and football teams
have kicked off their campaigns of which I know there will be a lot of success to follow. As a year group we are discussing and beginning to map out what our journey might look like in GCSE's and further, learning and understanding what options are out there for us to continue our success. We've already had so much engagement across the year in all of our clubs and opportunities and as we return there are so many more to look forward to! Year 9 have again made me proud and I can't wait to see how the rest of the year progresses.
Year 10
What a great start to the academic year. Year 10 often comes as a shock to students who are not only getting to grips with the pressures of studying at GCSE and BTEC levels but, for many of them, they are also studying new subjects and dealing with the demands of increased homework. The current Year 10s have really
impressed with the way they have applied themselves to their studies (homework completion currently at around 80%), but also with the way they have represented the school in sports fixtures, open evenings, careers visits and field trips. I look forward to encouraging and seeing their continued growth throughout the year.
Year 11
As we come to the end of the first half term as year 11 students, and the routines of Period 0, Period 6, Working Lunch and Champions Hours are all deeply embedded into the students' daily routines - we can reflect, and see how much amazing work has already been accomplished, by all. With the GCSE
results 2023 now published, the target has been set for this year group to rise to - and risen they have! All staff at Henley Bank High School are right behind you Year 11, and we have no doubt that you will continue to achieve incredible things.
Keep it up year 11!
