Head of School's Note
As a keen runner, I often draw parallels between education and participating in a race. When training for a race, or preparing for exams, building stamina is key, as is discipline and routine. Every runner is different, but all are striving for the same goal.
One feature of running that is often overlooked is the significance of teamwork. Even achieving a ‘personal best’ relies on the help of others.
At Ark Boulton, we strive to encourage our pupils whenever possible, providing support and motivation where needed. Parents, carers and families of our pupils are a crucial part of the training term: our pupils cannot get off the starting blocks or finish the race without you.
We have dedicated pastoral, safeguarding, inclusion and leadership teams to help us to accomplish this but be assured that every member of Ark Boulton staff is committed to cheering your child on, ensuring that each child achieves their ‘personal best’, regardless of the colour of medal they receive at the end.
Mr L Cole
Head of School
Year 11 Mock Exams
Mock GCSE examinations commence on Monday 21st October and continue through to Monday 11th November. Each Year 11 pupil has an individual exam timetable, accompanying revision plan, and will be invited to attend specific in-school sessions over the half-term break.
During the Mock exam period, there will be no after school sessions (Period 7) for Year 11 pupils. Year 11 pupils will be dismissed at the end of each afternoon examination.
If you have any questions or would like to know more about how you can support your child through their GCSEs, please contact Mr Rashid, Assistant Principal for Pupil Progress, through our Enquiry Form.
Parent and Carer Engagement
Interacting with the parents, carers and families of our pupils is an integral part of Ark Boulton life.
As mentioned in my previous update, we were so pleased to see so many of you at the Year 7 Settling-in evening. The next Parents’ Evening will be for parents and carers of our Year 11 pupils on Thursday 28th November. This is a crucial point in the academy year, where GCSE progress is discussed as well as ways in which we can work together to support our pupils to achieve their very best.
We will soon be resuming Coffee Mornings, where parents and carers will be invited into school to speak to senior leaders and other staff members about specific topics, and to raise any queries they may have.
Team Boulton Updates
A huge well done to our Year 7, 8, 9 and 10 boys football teams who participated in two matches this week as part of the East Birmingham Schools Football Association. We are proud of how each pupil conducted themselves and of their efforts.
A group of Year 9 pupils have been selected to participate in the Envision programme. These pupils will be allocated a mentor who supports them to design, develop and deliver an in-school youth social action project that will make a positive change to the Ark Boulton community. The first mentor visits took place this week and we look forward to seeing the outcome of their endeavours.
Final Day of Half-Term Arrangements
On Friday 25th October, pupils with the highest ‘pastoral scores’ – those with excellent attendance, punctuality and positive behaviour reports – will be invited to enjoy an end of half-term rewards session in school in recognition of their efforts this half-term.
Please note that all pupils will be dismissed by 12.45pm on this date.
Dates for your Diary
School is closed to pupils for staff training on Friday 18th October.
Pupils break up for half-term on Friday 25th October, and return to school on Monday 4th November.
Year 11 Residential is taking place from Monday 25th – Wednesday 27th November.
Year 11 Parents’ Evening will be held after school on Thursday 28th November. More details on times and how to book appointments will follow but we strongly encourage parents and carers of all Year 11 pupils to attend.
Please click here to see our Calendar and here for 2024 – 2025 Term Dates.