Dear Parents and Carers,

As we approach the October half-term break, I hope all of our new students have begun to feel settled into college life and are enjoying their lessons and time here at Varndean Sixth Form College. It has been a pleasure to see students showing high levels of enthusiasm and focus within the classroom. It's also encouraging to see so many with such excellent attendance records.

Autumn Update

I can thoroughly recommend looking at our Autumn Update where you can read about the incredible achievements of our students and staff last summer term and this term. From our Creative Arts Showcase and our exceptional IB, A Level and vocational results, to our impressive range of achievements, awards and college trips.

Reading Week Arrangements

As a reminder, after half term we have Reading Week from Monday 3rd November - Friday 7th November. 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 about this is below:

• Subject Progress Reviews: Teaching staff will meet with each Year 1 and Foundation year student for online individual "subject progress reviews" via Google Meet. In some cases, students may be given the option to attend their review in person, particularly where a face-to-face discussion would better support the review of their progress. Students will not attend normal lessons during this week.
• Booking Subject Progress Reviews: A reminder of instructions on how to book can be found on MyVarndean. The booking system went live on Friday 17th October. Students should have now made their appointments with their subject teachers and will attend the meetings via Google Meet.

During Reading week there are also a number of external exams taking place, including GCSE English and Maths. We wish all students taking their exams the very best of luck.

Library

Our library is open during Half Term on Monday 27th and Tuesday 28th October from 10am - 4pm and during Reading Week on Monday 3rd, Wednesday 5th & Thursday 6th November from 10am - 4pm.

Parent/Carer Consultation Evening

Our first Parent/Carer consultation Evenings for students in Year 1 and Foundation Year will be held online on Wednesday 19th and Thursday 27th November. This provides an opportunity for parents and carers to discuss progress directly with subject teachers. We will be writing to you at the start of the next half term with further details, including how to book.

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 main reception 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.

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 Sixth Form College