Year 8
“Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new”
Albert Einstein
Students have now settled in and established positive relationships with their peers and classroom teachers at Cecil Jones I believe Year 8 students are a mini-school where I expect students to support each other and celebrate each other’s successes, I will be promoting a can do attitude no excuses to achievement success.
We will endeavour to ensure that our students work with their fellow year 8 students and their classroom teacher to ensure they reach their full potential academically and socially. Year 8 is the year where our students will be encouraged and supported to develop all the essential life skills needed to help them build strong foundations for the challenges ahead. We continue to promote and develop resilience, collaboration, curiosity and empathy. A skill set that will help them grow and become ambassadors within modern, British society. This is a year to nurture their skills ready for year 9 where students will select their GCSE options.
We aim to provide a stimulating and supportive environment conducive to learning and personal growth. All students are actively supported and equally challenged in their learning and all students have the opportunity to be recognised and rewarded for their hard work, progress and exceptional achievements. We are keen to celebrate students’ achievements, successes and progress.
In year 8 students have access to a broad and balanced curriculum and take part in weekly PSHCE, careers and British Values lessons, whereby students are developed not just academically but socially and morally.
Continuing to develop independence is crucial this year and students are expected to be prepared with all the necessary equipment every day; making full and efficient use of their planners. The planners will allow students to record and track homework, as well as monitor their own attendance and punctuality. The planner is also a fantastic tool for communication between the school and home.
Every student at Cecil Jones is expected to have high standards of themselves, and we expect students to work and behave in the appropriate manner, following the School’s Code of Conduct and ‘being in the right place, at the right time, doing the right thing.’ Sanctions are used where students fail to meet our expectations, with students made to take responsibility for their actions.
Students will be fully supported by all members of the academy, in particular from their year team which include myself, their form tutor, and the care team for year 8, Mrs Presland. The Year Care Team will be there throughout the day to provide extra support, and ensure students are always reaching their full potential.
We are keen to involve parents and carers in the learning of their children, and are always available to discuss any concerns or queries you may have about your child’s education and progress. Consistent communication and a solid home-school relationship are imperative. There will be regular contact made by the School to keep parents and carers informed about the progress of their child.
Homework club being offered to students every week, Tuesday – Thursday in order to offer a calm and productive space for students to complete work. They will have access to a member of staff and computer throughout this time.
The year ahead will undoubtedly challenge and stretch our students more than ever before, but with support from our dedicated year team, the wider school and parents, I am confident that it will be a very successful year with lots to celebrate.
Mrs Hume
Year 8 Achievement Team Leader