15 Oct 2024

Reading Week Monday November 4th - Friday 8th November 2024

Dear Student, Parents, Carers,

As we now approach half term I hope students are beginning to feel settled into the routine of college life and enjoying their lessons and life at college. It has certainly been pleasing to see students enjoying their studies and showing high levels of enthusiasm and focus within the classroom. It's also encouraging to see so many students with 100% attendance as there is a direct link between attendance and outcomes. For the small minority of students who are falling below attendance expectations, you will receive a separate letter.

I thought it timely to remind everyone about our plans for reading week, the first week after half term. This is a time of the year when our new students will meet their subject teachers on a one-to-one basis to review and reflect on the start of the term. It is also a time for our year 2 students to spend time focusing on their progression plans.

Year 1 and Foundation students

Our teaching staff will meet individually with each year 1 and foundation year student during reading week. These "subject progress reviews'' will be held online via Google Classrooms. Students will not be required to attend their normal lessons for reading week. This week staff are explaining how to book progress reviews via My Varndean. Instructions on how to book can also be foundhere. The booking system will go live to students onWednesday 16th October and students should make an appointment with each of their subject teachers. At their appointment time, students should use their Google Classroom Meet link to meet with their teacher online. If any students need support accessing an online meeting then we can make arrangements for them to come onsite. Students should contact office@varndean.ac.uk.

Year 2 students

Year 2 students will also not be required to attend timetabled lessons during reading week, they will instead receive study materials from each of their subject teachers to complete.

They should also be focusing on researching and finalising their progression plans. For those students applying to university their HE Mentor will continue to email individual appointments during reading week, so students will need to be available. The Careers team are holding personal statement writing workshops during that week and a talk on Apprenticeships and Degree Apprenticeships on Wednesday 6th November at 2pm in Rm 63. They will have a Google form emailed for sign-up.

All year 2 students should now have completed work experience - whether in person or virtual. This should have been logged on Unifrog, For those few students who have not yet completed work experience there is a guideHERE to help them plan a session in reading week. This can then be logged in Unifrog.

Library Opening Times

The library will be closed during Half Term so essential work can take place. The library will be open 10.30 am - 4.30 pm Tuesday 5th November, Wednesday 6th November and Thursday 7th November.

Thanks all for your continued support.

Best Wishes

James Gordon

Deputy Principal