Hello!
All lessons resume this week. I have sent a newsletter to parents (in the form of a blog like this) and copied you all into the email to read.
It has been a busy week, setting up lessons and sorting timetables. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this, especially Sue, Clare, Debbie and Alex. They have provided so much support to their teams. I am aware that fixing most Year 10 and 11 lessons has led to rotation issues, but I will again copy you into an email to school staff about the lessons. Swaps should be avoided at all but the most pressing costs - please pass this onto the students.
One of the most pleasing things of the week has been to see how everyone has started using google docs and technology more and more. It is fantastic, and the blogging session that Alex led on Thursday was very well received.
Theory - I have set up a new blog with some theory videos on it, found on You Tube. They relate directly to the AB grade 5 theory and are fantastic. The blog - simonballemusictheory.blogspot.com can be used by everyone. I have asked Cynthia and Jeremy to lead on theory, and am working out how we can get this to work on a sustainable basis for students to take the exams. Ideas welcome.
Sue still does not have SIMS, so please can you come to get a student from a class lesson, or use your previous student to go fetch someone if they are late. I want all students to be fetched this week please if they forget. Sue has put a list of reminders for the first week in your trays. Most importantly, take each Year 7 student to the timetable to show them how to find their lesson time. Better still, write it in their practice book.
With practice books, please use last years for another week or so until I can get more printed. Year 7 can have a new one as there are enough in the kitchen cupboard. Explain how to use it and all that!!
Open Evenings are on Wednesday 5th and Thursday 6th October and I need all areas covered, as with last year. Please suggest things to do. Team leaders will approach you!!
The year has started in a very positive way. Students are buzzing about coming back for lessons. Remember to ensure that everyone is in an ensemble and understands our ethos. Work with them and set your expectations. Inspire them. Enthuse them. Develop their love for learning. Without this, we are not a department!
Have a good week.
Mark
