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Secondary Parents' Bulletin 06.02.26


Head of Secondary's Message


Week one of the Year 11 mock exams has been running smoothly, and we are very pleased with the way students have approached this important period. We continue to reinforce high expectations around exam conduct, routines and JCQ exam regulations to ensure students are well prepared for their final GCSEs. 


We are looking forward to a fantastic day of workshops on Tuesday as part of our PSHE provision: 

  • Year 8 Knife Crime workshops 

  • National Careers Week EMAAN workshops  

These sessions are designed to support students’ personal development, safety awareness and future aspirations. 


I would like to extend my thanks to Ms Vaghela for organising a fantastic trip to Bletchley Park for our Year 8 students, and to Mrs Parekh for planning an exciting visit to the DMU laboratories for our Year 9 students. Students thoroughly enjoyed both enrichment opportunities, which provided valuable real-world learning experiences beyond the classroom. 


Next week we will be welcoming several Trust teams as part of our ongoing quality assurance processes. These visits focus on areas such as assessment, progress, spiritual insight and health and safety, helping us to continually improve the experience for all students. 


A reminder that the school will be closed to students on Friday 13th February for a staff training (INSET) day. This day is dedicated to professional development to further strengthen teaching and learning across the school.  A reminder only GCSE Art students will be required to come to school to complete their art mock exam during the INSET day. Please ensure your child arrives to school on time for their art mock exam. 

 

Warm regards

Ms N Kholia 


Calendar Updates 


Department / Students Updates


Gate Timings

We would like to share our updated gate opening and closing times for the secondary phase. Thank you in advance for taking a moment to read through them.

Secondary start of day (Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri): 07:20 – 08:25

Secondary start of day (Wed): 08:45 – 09:10

Secondary end of day: 15:20 – 15:35

End of secondary detention: 15:50 – 16:05


For any clubs or detentions that finish at 16:30, please use the park and stride route, as only the pedestrian gate will be open at that time. This helps us keep the site safe and calm for all our students at the end of the day.

Thank you for your continued support.


Behaviour expectations during the mock exams

During the GCSE mock exam season, we would like to inform you of some important expectations regarding student behaviour, particularly in and around the PE corridor and changing rooms.

The changing rooms are directly connected to the main sports hall, where all GCSE exams are taking place. To ensure our centre remains fully compliant with JCQ examination regulations and to provide our Year 11 students with the quiet, respectful environment they deserve, it is essential that all students follow the behaviour expectations that have been clearly and explicitly communicated to them.

Students must not communicate with others at any point along the PE corridor or while in the changing rooms. Sound easily carries through to the sports hall and any noise can disrupt exams, potentially compromising the exam conditions for those sitting them.

Please note that:

  • Any student who communicates in these areas will be issued with a C3.

  • These rules are in place throughout the exam season and are non-negotiable.

  • Students are reminded to show self-discipline and respect for those currently sitting exams - your child will be experience sitting their GCSEs in future exam seasons and would appreciate the same level of respect.

We kindly ask for your support in reinforcing this message at home, helping students understand the importance of maintaining a quiet and respectful environment during this critical period.


Thank you for your continued support.

PE Department 


Art Mock Exam: Friday 13th February 09:00 – 15:00

All GCSE Art students will be completing their 5-hours Art mock Exam on Friday 13th February. This mock exam is part of the students’ exam project and will also prepare students for the 10-hour exam that will take place over 2 days in March (23rd and 27th March).

  

Gratitude club updates


As part of our continued focus on gratitude across the school, students have taken part in the ‘Choose One Change - Write One for 2026’ initiative. Instead of aiming for big resolutions, students were encouraged to choose one small, realistic change that could strengthen their wellbeing and positively impact others - the Avanti way. 

During lunchtime in Gratitude Club, participation has been fantastic, with over 50 students taking part so far. What has stood out most is the maturity and purpose behind their choices. Students have committed to changes such as arriving at school on time, practising kindness, being respectful, reducing screen time, reading more, listening carefully in lessons, and supporting others. These are not just ‘goals’ -  they are actions that build character, strengthen community, and create a culture where everyone can thrive. 

Each student recorded their chosen change on a leaf, which will form part of the Gratitude Tree in the library. This growing display delivers a clear and inspiring message: small changes, repeated daily, create lasting impact.

This initiative has reinforced our values and expectations in a meaningful, student-led way. It has been especially encouraging to see students taking ownership of their behaviour and recognising the role they play in shaping the culture of our school. This is empowerment in action - young people making intentional choices that improve their lives and uplift others. 

  


Workshops by Leicester City Youth Service

As part of the PSHE curriculum, Year 8 will be attending a workshop delivered by the Youth Service.  The workshops are aimed to educate young people on the laws and effects of knife crime and to develop knowledge and safety.  Subjects covered will include joint enterprise and the impact on victims, families and the wider society.  We are very excited to welcome the Youth Workers into Avanti Fields and hope that the students find the workshops interact and informative. 

The workshops will form part of the usual daily timetable and will not affect start time, break, lunch or home time.  Each tutor group will attend 1 x 55-minute session.  Workshops are designed to be age appropriate and tailored to each year group.  

Workshops and an assembly are also scheduled for other year groups as listed below, and reminders will be sent in due course. 

Tuesday 10th February - Workshops for Year 8

 Tuesday 10th March - Assembly for Year 11

 Thursday 12th March - Workshops for Year 9 

Wednesday 15th April - Workshops for Year 7 


The Eco Committee updates



As our eco committee aim to achieve the eco badge, we have added a wonderful addition to our garden - bird feeders. Our initiative is to help local wildlife especially in the winter, therefore adding wild bird seeds and suet cakes will help the birds have the required nutrients they need. We hope by the end of this academic year we will achieve our goal to earn the eco badge and increase biodiversity in our local area.

 

CyberFirst Trailblazer Event

The next CyberFirst Trailblazers event for Year 8 is happening on Saturday 7th February 2026.  

This free half day event is designed to showcase the varied opportunities that can be achieved through the understanding of how technology is used in the workplace. This is the second in a series of CyberFirst events which will start each student on the exciting path of considering which GCSE’s they will take and how Computer Science can play a key role in future career prospects. Sessions will be delivered alongside a DMU open day, so the whole family can enjoy the day.


The session aims to achieve the following learning outcomes:

  • Develop an understanding of how technology is used in the workplace

  • Identify how Computer Science can play a key role in future career prospects, not just within programming and coding

  • Consider Computer Science as a subject at GCSE

  • Demonstrate Computer Science at University


Please click on the link below for further information:

 

Parents and Carers resources for Spring Term

Please see link below to register for the live parents and carers webinars and access resources:


Bitesize video link

'Bitesize' 15-minute videos about common mental health difficulties in adolescence: anxiety and low mood.


SENDIASS Information :

Please find enclosed our leaflet for parents and carers of young people aged 0-25 with special educational needs or disabilities.

 

PTFA Events


Maestros of Music Concert


🎶 Dev Joshi Live in Concert – A Musical Tribute 

Date: Saturday  7th February

Following previously sold-out concerts throughout the UK, Dev Joshi brings to you an unforgettable live performance.

Dev and his talented musicians will re-imagine and celebrate the timeless music of the Maestros - Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Mehdi Hassan, Mohd Rafi, and Jagjit Singh.

Featuring a stellar line-up of musicians, each artist brings their mastery to create a journey unlike anything you’ve heard before. Prepare for a night of hypnotic melodies, soul-stirring rhythms, and unforgettable energy.


PTFA Presents: A Gujarati Comedy Natak


“Wife Happy Toh Life Happy” 😂

PTFA is proud to bring you another hilarious Gujarati comedy natak that will have you laughing from start to finish!

 5-star reviews in India Performed by a talented cast travelling from India. A fun, family-friendly play with a meaningful message

Date:  28th February 2026 Time: 7:30 PM prompt start

 











 
 
 

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