Welcome back to all and a very warm welcome to our new Year 7 families. A very warm welcome to all our new staff too. It has been a very positive week and I am delighted to share with you that students have come back ready, respectful and safe for the year ahead. They really have been a credit to you and to themselves and we are proud to have them with us.
We look forward to working with you all to ensure all students achieve their best as well as enjoy coming to school. We can only do that by working together. I would like to thank staff for all their hard work last year and it is down to them that our GCSE results have improved significantly from the previous year. We still have a lot work to do to ensure we provide the best quality of education for all our students. Our priorities for the year ahead are many but will fall under the three main priorities below:
School Priorities:
- Progress: Ensuring exceptional progress for every child, regardless of their starting point, by providing a well-designed curriculum that supports adaptive teaching strategies that engages all learners
- Assessment: Enhancing assessment practices within the curriculum, fostering active classroom participation through effective questioning and engaging parents through meaningful reporting.
- Processes and systems: Ensuring all staff relentlessly and consistently uphold high standards across all aspects of the school - by aligning processes and systems.
Here is to an exciting and fulfilling year ahead.
Assal Ruse
Monday 9th September: Year 10 Information Evening, 6pm - 7pm
Wednesday 11th September: Year 11 Information Evening, 6pm - 7pm
Monday 16th September: Year 9 Information Evening, 6pm - 7pm
Wednesday 18th September: Year 7 Information Evening, 6pm - 7pm
Wednesday 25th September: Year 8 Information Evening, 6pm - 7pm
Thursday 26th September: School Photo Day
As the new academic year begins, I would like to introduce myself as the Pastoral Lead at The Matthew Arnold School. My role is to work with staff to ensure consistency in pastoral care across all year groups, supporting both the academic and personal development of our students. I am committed to working closely with students, staff, and parents to create a positive, supportive environment where all students can thrive.
Additionally, I would like to remind all students of the importance of embodying our core values of respect, kindness, and aspiration, as well as adhering to our behaviour expectations of being ready, respectful, and safe. This year presents a fresh start, and it is essential that students strive for 100% attendance, as absences will result in missed lesson content, which is crucial to the students' academic development.
I look forward to collaborating with both parents and students throughout the year.
Mr Schofield
Head of Year 7
I am delighted to share how incredibly well our Year 7 students have settled into their new environment. Transitioning to secondary school is a significant step, and I am proud to say that our students have shown remarkable resilience and perseverance throughout this initial period.
From navigating new routines to embracing a more challenging curriculum, our Year 7 students have demonstrated an exemplary attitude. Their behaviour has been outstanding, reflecting their commitment to making the most of this new chapter in their educational journey. It has been heartening to see them support one another, form new friendships, and approach each day with enthusiasm and a positive mindset.
I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to you, the parents and carers, for your continued support and encouragement. Your role in this transition is invaluable, and together, we can ensure that our students continue to thrive.
Here is to a fantastic year ahead, filled with growth, learning, and many more achievements.
Mrs McGrath
At our school, we are committed to ensuring that every child reaches their full potential, regardless of their background. Our Pupil Premium (PP) and Free School meal (FSM) support program is designed to provide additional resources and tailored assistance to students who may face financial or social challenges. If you would like more information on how we are supporting PP and FSM students or if you believe your child may be eligible, please contact Mr Watts.
PP and FSM students may not be aware they are entitled to one of following items each morning: bacon roll, sausage roll, Danish pastry, porridge, or cereals, fruit. Breakfast is served from 8am. We encourage students to get to school early for breakfast, to ensure they are fuelled up for the day.
Please complete a copy of this of this form if you think your child is eligible for free school meals.
The Matthew Arnold School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We are fully committed to ensuring that consistent and effective safeguarding procedures are in place to support families, students and staff at school.
The Matthew Arnold School’s Safeguarding Team would like to remind you that if you are concerned about a child, you must share your concerns, without delay. To report a concern out of hours, please call Single Point of Access on 020 8770 5000.
We would also like to remind you of our partnership with Thinkuknow. We have a CEOP button on our School’s Safeguarding Website, which can be used 24 hours a day to keep children safe from sexual abuse and grooming online.
All concerns are passed to the members of staff who are trained as Designated Child Protection Officers (Safeguarding Leads) complying with the sharing of information guidance.
You are welcome to attend a Coffee morning with Ms Ruse on Tuesday 24th September, 9.15 – 10.15am. This will be an opportunity for you to collaboratively work with us and share your views.
If you would like to attend, please can you let us know by completing this online form:
We look forward to meeting you on the day.