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Blog by Category: Headteacher's Log Book
Together Stronger
Today marks the end of term, and it genuinely has been a term like no other. In some respects the announcement from the government late yesterday about arrangements for the start of the new term have illustrated the challenges we have been faced within a school setting. We are…
Category: Headteacher's Log Book
Lifting dampened spirits
Last Friday saw the first slush fall of the academic year. The weather can often prove a challenge for us at West Hill as the layout of the site, as well as the lack of outdoor cover, means the boys are exposed to the elements in a way pupils in many other schools are not.
The rain is often a…
Category: Headteacher's Log Book
Modern reporting to parents and carers ... but with a traditional twist
Last night we had our first full parents consultation with our Y11 families. Traditionally this would be a succession of face to face meetings as parents circulated around different teachers, discussing the progress their son had made and more critically what was needed to improve his outcomes. …
Category: Headteacher's Log Book
Parents Old Boys Information Headteacher
Community commitment
One of the key elements of our curriculum is our IDP (individual Development Programme) dimension. This comprises a timetabled lesson for all boys across all year groups, as well other activities involving assemblies, visits or guest speakers. Led by Mr G Harrison, it is a vital component in…
Category: Headteacher's Log Book
3 Peaks Carol Service Headteacher
Presentation Evening 2020
Tonight we should have been assembling in Dukinfield Town Hall for our annual Presentation Evening. As it is, our Class of 2020 and their families, will not be gathering together with our staff to reflect back on their five years at West Hill and celebrate their achievements.
As well as being…
Category: Headteacher's Log Book
The Wider Team
One of the critical component parts of West Hill and its success, are our wider support team. Strictly speaking they are not directly involved in teaching the boys, but their contribution is as important. They help ensure the boys' experience, as well as all other stakeholders, is as positive as…
Category: Headteacher's Log Book
Remembrance
Returning after half term allowed a refocussing of priorities, and also provided a reminder of the often unrecognised contributions our boys make outside of school. Many of our boys do work in the local community, volunteering in a formal context, but also simple acts of kindness that therefore…
Category: Headteacher's Log Book
October half term
Today sees the end of our first half term of this academic year. It is no exaggeration to say that from a school’s perspective, it has been one of the more challenging experiences we have faced. The adjustments we have made in respect of our normal routines have been difficult at times, but the…
Category: Headteacher's Log Book
Autumn colours
Looking around the school grounds, there is little doubt that the first signs of autumn are beginning to become more pronounced. The contrasts in colour provide a palette all our boys will appreciate, given the time they have spent with our Art department. It is always a pleasure when visiting…
Category: Headteacher's Log Book
The school council
We cannot hold full year assemblies currently, but the pastoral system remains at the heart of what West Hill is about. We have continued to use the Form Tutor structures to underpin our values and the relationships that exist within year groups remain as strong as ever. They are even more…
Category: Headteacher's Log Book
Sounds more like it
One thing that has been missing from school since we returned in September, has been the sound of musical melodies as a backdrop after the regular school day has ended. The restrictions we have been operating under, led us to curtail any extra curricula activities in the opening few weeks.…
Category: Headteacher's Log Book
A different language is a different vision of life
That is a quote attributed to Federico Fellini. On Monday our Modern Foreign Languages team launched the European day of languages, with the theme running through the rest of the week. Our boys have been involved with quizzes and competitions to help them appreciate the rich diversity of…
Category: Headteacher's Log Book