This week we enjoyed a terrific Open evening on Wednesday. The Hall was absolutely packed with prospective parents and it was great to see so many people so keen to get their children into Roding Valley. I did have the chance to speak to a large number of parents and every one of them was incredibly complimentary about the school as a whole and the students in particular. We had over 350 of our students helping on the night, acting as tour guides or taking part in activities in faculty areas. I was stopped on numerous occasions by prospective parents who wanted to say how impressed they were with the student who had shown them around and been such wonderful ambassadors for the school. I would like to thank all of the staff who worked so hard to make the evening such a memorable one. The Premises team did sterling work to ensure that the school looked at its best. However, I would like to make special mention of four students who spoke during the presentation to parents in the Hall. Olivia Tinker, Head Girl, and Will Cain, Head Boy are old hands at this sort of thing and again spoke confidently and warmly about their first six years at Roding Valley. Then George Howard and Ellie Crookbaine from Year 8 stood up and gave a lovely account of their time in Year 7. I must say that they spoke with clarity and fluency and it was tremendous to hear such positives comments about the school. They were a real credit to the school and I must confess that I got a lump in my throat just listening to them. On Thursday evening it was great to see so many Year 7 parents in the Hall for the Information Evening. It is more important than ever that parents are aware of how their sons and daughters are being taught and the changes that are taking place in education. I spoke about the new 9 to 1 curriculum and how we are ensuring that every student is challenged from day one in school. Mr Vermaak and Mrs Routledge then discussed the way Maths and English are being delivered to make sure of the best outcomes in years to come and give the parents an insight into what their children are doing in class. Mr Hudgell, Progress leader for Year 7, also spoke about the positive start the year group have made and the extracurricular opportunities that they have already enjoyed. Again, it was an excellent evening and a real treat to speak to so many supportive parents. Have a lovely weekend. James Luck Headteacher
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