We have had another busy week here at St George’s, including a visit from the Fire Service and a special effects makeup artist. A number of our students were able to participate in these visits and found them beneficial in thinking about their own aspirations and future choices for life beyond St George’s.
Two of our teachers have been away this week on training to enhance our positive behaviour support team, so that we have 5 Qualified Proact-SCIPr-UK Instructors on site. The role of the team is to support staff with understanding behaviour as a communication and identifying appropriate strategies and provision for our students, who at times experience challenges which are presented through behaviour. The team also provides valuable training to all staff to ensure a consistent approach to supporting behaviour is implemented by all staff.
As I stated last week Teachers Union NEU has balloted in favour of strike action and the following dates may affect the Isle of Wight and possibly St George’s.
Wednesday 1st February
Thursday 2nd March
Wednesday 15th March
Thursday 16th March
This strike is taking place because of a national dispute over pay between the union and the Secretary of State for Education and not because of any issues in the school. I wanted to give you as much notice as possible that learning may be disrupted on these days. I am working closely with the local authority to keep up to date with the situation and the intention is to keep St George’s fully open for our vulnerable students.
The Education & Inclusion Team have launched a campaign to promote and support good attendance and I have included information below, which may be of interest.
Myself and Dave Piggott (Chair of Governors) were invited to attend a 6th Form debate regarding the reintroduction of hoodies as a privilege for our 6th Form students who do not need to wear school uniform. The students who presented opinions were incredibly impressive and convincing; they have definitely given the Senior Leadership Team and myself some additional work in considering their view. As you know the student voice is strong, and highly valued, at St George’s therefore we will be discussing the pros, cons and impact on the wellbeing of students and links to the cost of living crisis as presented to us last week. I was particularly impressed with one student who was able to present a case against the reintroduction of hoodies whilst the rest of 6th Form were in favour. This took incredible strength and resilience to stand up against the views of their peers. Thank you so much to the following students for their participation: Macy R, Katie W, Nikita C, Dylan H, Liam C, and
Sam T. Thanks also to the rest of 6th Form and the staff who supported the students to make such excellent presentations.
I wish you all a good weekend and look forward to seeing you all next week.
Best wishes
Steff Gleeson
Headteacher
