Message from the Head

It was a real pleasure to meet so many Year 11 students and parents/carers at the Options
evening on Monday. In such a challenging economic climate, having a clear set of goals and progression pathways with appropriate advice and guidance is crucial to ensure future success and with nearly 90% attendance it is clear that all are taking Post 16 options seriously. This was the first phase of discussion about Post 16 opportunities and parents and students are welcome to speak to individual subject teachers for further advice. All students will receive individual interviews and guidance to support their long term decisions.

Last week you may have read about the updated Admissions criteria for entry to secondary school for 2013 onwards. I have set up a subcommittee of governors, parents and staff in order to review the current and new code and will be undertaking a full consultation with all parents prior to the end of the spring term.

At break today as part of our ‘Wear it Pink’ campaign students observed the two minute silence which concluded with pink balloons with messages attached being sent off into the sky – with such a large student body it was an extremely poignant moment to have complete silence at such a special moment of remembrance which is a huge credit to the students involved and particularly to the organisers Sam Williamson and Bethany Nicholls.

A reminder that we have a Parent Voice meeting on Tuesday 22nd November in the Library at 7pm. Any agenda items should be sent to John Doyle.

I am sure that you have seen and heard in the media about the proposed public sector strike action on 30th November. There is on-going discussion with the Government and all unions about the future of public sector pensions and as soon as I am able to confirm arrangements for 30th I will be able to advise you of implications for our school organisation.

Finally, Congratulations to Sanaya Khambatta who met HRH Prince Phillip recently at the "Zoroastrian Centre". She shook his hand, introduced herself and proudly told him she was doing the Duke of Edinburgh award at school - he was thrilled to hear this!

My aim is to ensure that you receive Stagslink on a Friday in future so that you can see events for the week ahead.

Examination results at STAGS:

We are delighted and extremely proud of the successes and achievements of all of our students. It is wonderful to see their diligence and determination rewarded so well, opening the gateway to their futures. We are also pleased to celebrate the success of one of our ex students who has been awarded a First Class Degree in English from the University of Leeds. Everyone involved should be extremely proud of their achievements.

A Level successes:

Our A level results were again record breaking, exceeding targets and celebrate so much individual success:

• 15 students achieved an incredible total of straight A* and A grades.
• Over 60% of all grades were A*-B
• We show an upward trend in A* successes and a total of 32% of students achieving A* and A grades
• We are also delighted with our AS performance with 29 students securing straight A grades, with 32%
securing A grades (19% in 2010) and 57% securing A & B grades (43% in 2010)

Congratulations to all of our students and staff on these fabulous successes achieved through diligence and hard work.

GCSE successes:

I am delighted to confirm another outstanding year of results:

• 85% of all Year 11 students achieved 5A*-C grades including English and maths
• 90% of all Year 11 students achieved 5 A*-C without English and Maths
• An amazing 39 girls achieved 9.5 or more A* and A grades
• 48% achieved A* and A grades

Congratulations to all students and staff who worked so hard to ensure success.

We are proud of our school and rightly so. Not o­nly do we achieve excellent public examination results at all levels but we have a superb extra-curricular programme with a wealth of activities for all age groups. The atmosphere in the school is exciting and vibrant because the girls are always busy.

We encourage all girls to be aware of the needs of others and every year they collect several thousands of pounds for different charities. We have a very good sporting record and the house system encourages healthy competition.

As a Business & Enterprise College we encourage innovation and entrepreneurship through all curriculum and non-curriculum activities and we regularly have ten or more Young Enterprise groups in years 12 and 13. You will find our staff knowledgeable excellent practitioners and supportive and caring.

Our activities are too many to mention so please take time to browse through our website and see for yourself what STAGS is really like.