We had another very successful Open Morning yesterday, with so many families visiting the school. Our students acted as tour guides and they did a superb job. Many parents commented to me afterwards how impressed they had been by their guide’s confidence, knowledge of the school and the clear pride they had shown in being at HSW. Thank you to all the staff and students who helped to make the event a great success. 

The GCSE exams have begun in earnest and the Y11 students have been tackling their papers this week with resolve and self-discipline. I am so proud of them all. I want to say a special thank you to all the teachers and teaching assistants who have been providing extra booster sessions and revision top-ups to help each and every student to do their very best and enter the exam room with confidence. As adults, I am sure we all remember our own school days, lining up outside the gymnasium, and entering it to see neat rows of individual desks and a large and ominous clock face on the wall. Have we revised the right things? Will there be a question on the one topic we’re not sure about? Will we finish in time? These feelings are completely natural and yet our students march into that room with gusto and unwavering determination. I see them on the gate every morning and they always smile and say good morning. They are superstars. 

Our Year 3 and Year 4 pupils have been designing their own hats in Art this week. They have shown tremendous innovation – one of our core values. If you have a moment, be sure to watch this week’s highlights film and look out for their unique creations! Thank you to our brilliant staff for creating these exciting learning opportunities week on week. 

Have a lovely weekend everyone. 

Yours,