Secondary Parents' Bulletin 24.04.26

avantifields
5 days ago
5 min read

Head of Secondary's Message

Dear Parents/Guardians,

As we move through the summer term, we are entering an important period for our examination groups, with a number of NEA (Non-Exam Assessment) deadlines approaching in the coming weeks. These assessments contribute to final GCSE and vocational grades, and we are very proud of the focus and commitment our students are showing. We would also like to thank our Curriculum Leaders and teaching staff for the care, support and guidance they continue to provide during this crucial time.

This week, our Year 8 students took part in Avanti Sings rehearsals as they prepare for their final performance in June in London. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to come together through music, and we are delighted to see their enthusiasm and dedication. A heartfelt thank you to Miss Jones for working closely with the Trust to lead and coordinate this initiative at our school.

Looking ahead to next week, Year 7 and Year 8 students will be participating in the Junior Maths Challenge – an exciting opportunity to develop problem-solving skills and mathematical thinking. We also have a group of Year 10 and Year 11 students who will be sitting their iGCSE Sanskrit examinations at Avanti House Secondary School. These students have demonstrated real commitment, attending after-school lessons and undertaking additional revision in their own time, and we wish them every success.

It has also been fantastic to see House competitions underway this half term. These events provide valuable opportunities for students to engage beyond the classroom, build confidence and develop a strong sense of community and team spirit. Thank you to Mrs Kansara and our House Captains for their hard work in organising such enjoyable experiences for our students.

Warm regards

Ms N Kholia

Calendar Updates

Tuesday 28^th April – Anti-Bullying training
Wednesday 29^th April – Y7 & Y8 Junior Maths Challenge
Thursday 30^th April – Y7 Transition Event (16:30 –18:00)

New Y-7 Transition Information Event 30th April 2026

Event Details:

Date: 30 April 2026

Time: 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm

We welcome our new Year 7 class to our Transition Information Event, meet staff, explore key services, and prepare for the move to secondary school.

What to Expect at the Event: During the event, you will have the opportunity to explore various information stands, meet key staff members, and interact with our ‘Friendly Faces’ student ambassadors, who will be on hand to answer any questions and guide you through the event. The event will include:

Brigade Uniform Suppliers – Meet our uniform suppliers and explore the available options. Your child will be able try on blazers. Please bring your child’s waist measurement, if you wish to order any trousers, skorts etc. Brigade order forms will also be available if you wish to place any orders on the day.
School Tour/Student Leadership – Talk to our friendly student leaders, who will help guide you through the event and offer school tours.
Arbor Pay – Learn about our cashless school system and get information and guidance.
SEND – Discuss any SEND concerns with our SENCO.
School Policy – Speak with our helpful administration team regarding school policies.

Department / Student Updates

Year 9 Computer Science - Generative AI talk

We were excited to introduce the Year 8 Computer Science groups to Generative AI (Gen AI) in an engaging and age-appropriate talk. It was delivered by Dr M Solanki, a Principal Consultant – Data & AI at Accenture UK. She is also a registered STEM Ambassador and Tech We Can Champion.

Generative AI is a type of artificial intelligence that can create text, images, and even music based on patterns it has learned. The goal was to help students understand how AI works, its real-world applications, and how to use it responsibly.

During the session in school, students learnt about:

AI in simple terms using fun, interactive examples
Shown how AI can assist with creativity and problem-solving
Discussed the ethical considerations, such as misinformation and responsible AI us.
The types of careers currently available in the field of AI

Generative AI is shaping the future of work, opening up exciting careers in AI development, creative AI design, and even AI ethics and policy. Students who develop an interest in AI today could become the innovators of tomorrow, working in fields like robotics, game design, and digital art.

Gratitude Club updates

Throughout March, the Gratitude Club marked International Day of Happiness 2026 with a month-long celebration in the Gratitude Club. This year’s theme explored the relationship between social media and happiness, highlighting both the challenges social media can present for wellbeing and the positive ways technology can support connection, kindness and joy.

Students were encouraged to reflect on wellbeing in the digital age and to consider how social media can be used to promote genuine connection and positivity. While there is no single “right” way to use social media, small and thoughtful choices about how we engage online, and how we treat one another, can make a meaningful difference.

As part of the celebration, students made personal pledges on golden leaves. These included reducing their use of social media, reading a book instead, taking a walk in the park, sending positive messages to family and friends, and thinking more carefully about online safety for themselves and others.

Students were also invited to live out the values of the Avanti Way by writing golden leaves to thank members of Avanti staff for their support, care and kindness.

The response was wonderful. Across two lunchtime sessions, more than 50 students took part in the celebrations. Each student who participated was entered into a prize draw to win an Easter egg. The five winners were:

Kiyan M, Lyra P, Queena P Tulsie D and Seeval S

Many of the students’ messages of appreciation and kindness are now displayed on the Gratitude Tree in the library, creating a visible reminder of the importance of gratitude within our school community.

Parents and Carers resources for Summer Term

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