Dear ALS Community,
We have just two mantras left for this term and, I think, we have two of the best to close out the term. Up first, arguably our finest mantra from Amicus: “Smile. Help others smile, too”. I don’t put such an emphasis on the weekly mantra in my weekly communication as I once did as they’ve been around enough now that we’ve all internalised them but this is one that’s always worth a highlight! For next week, take a little bit of time to try and make someone else and smile and brighten their day. Call a friend you haven’t spoken to. Buy someone flowers. Make a hot chocolate. Whatever it is, a kind gesture that helps another smile will go a long way.
This week saw the annual ALS ‘mock election’ led by Mr Colledge. Each year, Year 12 pupils engage in a political process where they are assigned one of four politics parties and they have to then identify their stances on key issues, their focus for their platform for election and to elect a party leader. Once this is complete, the pupils make a pitch to the Seniors in assemblies and then design and film a party political broadcast which is shown in mentor time. From here, pupils in Years 7-13 vote for the party they would most like to vote for. Whilst it is lots of fun, the process raises awareness and engagement in politics for all of our pupils and develops a wide range of skills for Year 12. This year, the ‘Transform Party’ were victorious – a big well done to Jai, Y12 and Thomas, Y13…and a well done to Mr Colledge, too – the enthusiasm for politics at ALS is certainly a reflection of his own passion and drive for the subject.
It has been a busy few weeks for our Year 11 pupils, culminating in our Sixth Form Taster session earlier this week on Wednesday. Alongside the chance to sample a series of lessons to help pupils pick their subject options for study in Years 12 and 13, pupils had the chance to take part in an enrichment style afternoon including a cooking challenge from Mrs Crocker. The day was very successful with both our own pupils and prospective pupils finding it very helpful in securing their decision for Sixth Form in the future. My thanks to all who supported the day to make it such a success
On the sport front, the U13 hockey team travelled to King Henry’s for what was a very wet hockey game. Both games started well and were very even with both teams having chances. However as the game progressed torrential rain meant the game was abandoned just before half time. At the point the matches were stopped, our A team were winning 1-0 with a fantastic individual goal from Leo and the B team drawing 0-0.
Keeping with pupil achievement, our Robotics Team have kept up their high standard of performance set at the first tournament of the year with another resounding victory. On Monday, having taking part in the competition at King Henry VIII school up against 28 other teams, our Robotics Team left as Tournament Champions and continued to sit as the #1 ranked team in the United Kingdom (that’s not to mention that our teams came 1st, 2nd and 3rd filling the entire winners podium!). As a result of the success of the team so far this year, our Robotics Team have now qualified to compete in the World Tournament held in the US next year. Considering the team have only been together since last Summer, they are performing to an outstanding level.
Congratulations to Miss Lannie who has been appointed to the newly created role of Assistant Head of STEM. Working with Mr Brewer, Head of STEM, Miss Lannie will support leadership of Science and Mathematics to help secure the very best outcomes for pupils in those subjects.
Picking up from the weekly email last week, I’d like again to promote the Christmas festivities as we have a number of events to share. Firstly, the Reception and Year 1 & 2 Christmas Performances on Thursday 1st December. If you haven’t booked your tickets yet for these please do so here (Reception / Year1&2). Following on, we have the Juniors’ Celebration Assembly on Thursday 8th December at 2:30pm which also doubles as our Christmas Jumper day here at ALS.
Then, on Friday 9th December, ALPA are organising the annual Christmas Fayre, from 3:00pm here in the School Hall. More information can be found here. Finally, to end the term, the ALS Carol Service will take place on Tuesday 13th December at 7:00pm at Holy Trinity Church and more information can be found in this letter and if you would like to book tickets please do so here.
Finally, a big well done to Mr Hawkins from our P.E team who has completed the Israeli Iron Man in an effort to raise money for Molly Ollys charity and pushing himself to his physical limit. Mr Hawkins is very much living the school values and acting as an inspiration with his integrity, hard work and kindness through his actions and I know the whole school community will wish to pass on their congratulations.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Best wishes,
David Preston | Headteacher
November 25th 2022
