Letter for Foundation and Year 1 Students

Dear Parents and Carers,

As we approach the half term break, I hope all of our students have begun to feel settled into college life and are enjoying their lessons. It has been a pleasure to witness students showing high levels of enthusiasm and focus within the classroom. It's also encouraging to see so many with 100% attendance, as there is a strong link between attendance and successful outcomes.

We want to ensure that all students have the opportunity to let us know how the first half term has been. Students can follow the appropriate links below to complete this survey:

Year 1 Student - Settling in Survey

Foundation Year Student - Settling in Survey

Autumn Update

I can thoroughly recommend ourAutumn Updateas a joyful read filled with articles on what our incredible students and staff have been up to since the Spring.

Reading Week Arrangements

As a reminder, after half term, we haveReading Week fromMonday, November 4th - Friday, November 8th, 2024. This is an opportunity for Year 1 and Foundation students to engage in one-to-one meetings with their subject teachers to review their progress so far. Further information for Year 1 and Foundation students is below:

• Subject Progress Reviews: Teaching staff will meet with each Year 1 and Foundation year student during Reading Week for individual "subject progress reviews" via Google Meet. Students will not attend normal lessons during this week.
• Booking Subject Progress Reviews: A reminder of instructions on how to book can be foundhere. The booking system went live onWednesday, October 16th. Students should have now made their appointments with their subject teachers and will attend the meetings via Google Meet.

During Reading week there are a number of external exams taking place including GCSE English and Maths. We wish all students taking resitting their exams the very best of luck. Our library is openduring Reading Week, 5th, 6th & 7th November from 10:30- 4:30.In additionif any student would like to use another space, arrangements can be made to come on-site. Please contact us atinformation@varndean.ac.uk.

I would like to apologise for the issues with the new toilet facilities in the Quad extension. These will be fixed over the half term break, and they will be fully functional for students in the coming half term.

Parent Governor vacancy

We have a vacancy for a new Parent Governor. It's a fantastic opportunity to be a part of the College corporation and be part of the strategic development of the College. The deadline is the 15th of November. Please see the link here:VC Parent Governor Letter nomination Autumn 2024.

As usual, If you would like to provide feedback or get in touch with me or the Senior Leadership Team please contact us at: parents@varndean.ac.uk. We will respond to any questions after we return from the half term break. Our front office will be open over half term, so if you have any urgent queries, please do not hesitate to reach out at:information@varndean.ac.uk.

Information on upcoming dates next term is in ourParent/Carer Guide.

Thank you once again for your continued support. We are looking forward to welcoming students back after the half term break and Reading Week. In the meantime please accept my best wishes for a lovely half term break, whatever you are doing.

Best wishes,

Donna-Marie Janson
Principal, Varndean College