Hertswood School

The Ark has been incredibly busy this week. On Monday evening 6th Formers enjoyed a film night and stayed behind to watch ‘The Hangover’. I hasten to add that this is the Hollywood blockbuster not some kind of public information film shown to highlight the dangers of drinking. (Although there’s an idea!) A great evening was had and many thanks go to Mr Gill for organising the event.

On Tuesday evening a number of our parents joined us to watch this year’s Spelling Bee taking place in The Ark. Over twenty incredibly brave students from Years 7, 8 and 9 entered the competition to find the best speller in the Lower School. After a long and closely fought competition the overall winners were students in 7MBL. Many congratulations go to Lauren Miller, Laura Batley and Molly Georgiou who formed the winning team.

On Wednesday The Ark hosted our annual Options Evening for Year 9 students and their parents. I am delighted to say that all but four students and their parents attended to listen to advice about their choices of subjects at Key Stage Four. This is an exciting and crucial time for Year 9 as they decide which aspects of, what Ofsted described as, our ‘outstanding curriculum’ to take advantage of. Parents, please guide your son/daughter in making decisions based on their aspirations and aptitude and obviously on what subjects they thoroughly enjoy. Details about returning your choices form are contained within the booklet handed out on the evening.

As I write we are all looking forward to tonight when the theatre hosts ‘Electric Eclectic’, an evening of students in Year 10 and 11 and the 6th Form belting out their favourite rock ballads as they aspire to be the next Jimi Hendrix. So, ear muffs at the ready…

There have been numerous sports fixtures this week including a fantastic win for our IMPACT First XI in the Football Conference Youth League. The young men beat Spalding 3-0 with their best performance to date leaving Head Coach, Chris Andrews of Watford F.C. and Mr Younghusband stating ‘This is what we have been working towards, a team which showcases the abilities of each and every player, plays quality football and is proud to pull on the Watford FC shirt’. Many congratulations to all concerned.

On a more serious note, each year there is some kind of an incident on the crossing outside the Lower School. Each evening approximately 500 students use the crossing and despite our reminders to wait for the green man to show, many try and rush across. There are times when drivers are too keen to move on and ignore a flashing amber light. This leads to a dangerous situation. Please remind your son/daughter of being sensible and remaining alert when crossing the road.

Traffic outside school at 3:30 is horrendous. We have received complaints from local residents about our parents being a little inconsiderate whilst waiting for students to leave school in terms of where they park. I know that the Police are aware of this situation and may be making spot checks over forthcoming weeks. You have been warned!

Enjoy the week ahead!

Neil Kenny - Deputy Headteacher