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Secondary Parents' Bulletin 30.01.26



Head of Secondary's Message


Last week, our Key Stage 4 students enjoyed a live performance of Macbeth at school. The students were highly engaged throughout, and the visiting theatre company shared very positive feedback about their excellent conduct, respect and enthusiasm. We would like to thank the PTFA for supporting this event, and Poonam and the English department for organising such a memorable learning experience. 


Over the past two weeks, attended the AST induction days over the past two weeks, led by James Biddulph. This has supported staff in developing a strong understanding of the Avanti Way, our core values and ethos, ensuring high-quality teaching and learning for our students. 


Next week, we have a number of exciting enrichment opportunities planned for our Year 8 and Year 9 students. Year 8s will be visiting Bletchley Park as part of the mathematics enrichment programme, while Year 9s will take part in practical workshops at De Montfort University laboratories as part of the science super-curricular offer. These experiences are designed to bring learning to life and help students see the real-world applications of their studies. 


A reminder our next INSET day will take place on Friday 13th February. Only GCSE Art students will be required to come to school to complete their art mock exam. Students and parents have been informed of the arrangements for the day. Please ensure your child arrives to school on time for their art mock exam. 

 

Warm regards

Ms N Kholia 




Key Updates:


The school has recently updated our invacuation and lockdown sounding system and have updated our procedures because of this. We have shared the updated procedures with staff today. Next week, we will be running a drill to ensure that all pupils are familiar with the new sounding system. Please do not be concerned if your child comes home next week sharing that they were in a ‘lockdown’.


Thank you for your continued support.


Calendar Updates 


Department / Students Updates


Behaviour expectations during the mock exams

As we enter 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).

  

Year 7 Artwork 

Shoutout for Khushi D in Year 7 - she shows constant enthusiasm in Art and is always asking for pointers to improve her work. Well done Khushi! 




Year 8 Artwork 

Year 8 Art students have been focusing on observational drawings of sea creatures, using various artistic techniques to complete these. Students have been showing incredible artistic ability and knowledge throughout the past few weeks. Well done Year 8! 


  

Year 10 GCSE Artwork 

The Year 10 GCSE Art class has been experimenting with new materials over the past few weeks, more recently they have been creating landscape backgrounds inspired by various artists. Keep smashing it Year 10! 




Lost Property Display

We have arranged a lost property display on Friday 6th February outside of Reception Area between 3:30 – 4:00pm students and parents are welcome to claim their lost items.

Please note that after the display period, all unclaimed property will be donated to charity.

Thank you for your cooperation.


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 10thFebruary - 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 


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 acheive 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.


 

LOROS Charity: Valentines Day Sweet sale 

A Super Sweet Sale ahead of Valentines Day will take place in 0.131 (Mrs Winter’s art room) at break times on Mondays and Tuesdays from 26th January until Valentine’s Day.  

Candy Kittens Vegan sweet packets will be on sale for £3 each. Treat yourself or a special person to a packet of gourmet sweets!  

Anonymous delivery to a person of your choice with a message of love or friendship will cost an extra £1. All money will go to LOROS as part of our fundraising for the charity following the painting of our LOROS elephant. 


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

 

External Community Events


Supporting a child with ADHD

For further information please click the link below:




Monthly Parent Coffee and Advice Mornings

On the 1st Thursday of each month, Zinthiya Trust hold a free coffee morning at the Belgrave Neighbourhood Centre.  Each month there will be a range of advice groups available to help with support on things such as welfare rights, crime, mental health, housing, and much more.   The coffee mornings run between 10am and 12pm and start on Thursday 5th February.


 Coffee Mornings by Zinthya



 
 
 

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