Focus on Food!

It has been a busy term in the food room, with 9 Young Chefs battling it out on Saturday 21 November for the title of ‘Sleaford’s Young Chef of the Year’. This was a fantastic morning of skills and presentation. We were lucky to have visiting chefs from RAF Coningsby in attendance as judges along with members of the Sleaford rotary club.

The standard was very high; each student worked really well at timing. The judging took longer than usual, due to the closeness of the marks.

Jemima in Year 8 took the title, with Anya in Year 10 coming a very close second. 

These two students will travel to Loughborough College in February to compete in the next round for the Regional Final.

I would like to thank all the parents /carers who support this event, for their time and patience as students practise and need driving to venues on Saturday mornings.

Enrichment

This term we have had 16 students taking the enrichment option in the food room, developing skills, budgeting and creating awareness of recipe adaptations.

The students have selected a range of sweet and savoury dishes to focus on, often working in pairs or teams to allow the budget to stretch to more challenging dishes. It has been wonderful to see the engagement, enthusiasm and skills being developed.

The term ended with a paired Yule Log challenge, with students having fun rolling Swiss rolls and developing decoration techniques.

I look forward to welcoming the next group in term 3.

Mrs J Pankhurst

Subject Leader Design & Technology / Head of Year 10

On Monday 8 December, I had the opportunity to spend the day at the Nottingham Royal Concert Hall, working with the National Youth Choir of Great Britain and secondary schools from Nottinghamshire. We learnt two ensemble pieces in 4-part harmony to perform at the Inspire Christmas Concert, which was celebrating its 10th year. I also performed three pieces with Inspired Voices; the County Choir that I sing with. Singing is a huge passion of mine and I was so grateful to be part of this amazing event. 

Imogen 8NP

Talent Show

The House Talent show final took place on Friday 12 December. This year was probably the most varied in terms of talents on show, from musical performances and dance routines, to Rubix Cube and Diabolo skills. Our finalists were Clare, Year 8 playing a grade 5 clarinet piece, Drew, Year 13 playing the guitar and singing, 4 Year 10 students performing a dance routine to a Katseye song, Crescentia, Year 7 showing off her skills with the Diabolo, and Gemma, Year 11 playing the piano.

This year’s winners were the Year 10 students who performed their dance routine again in Friday afternoon’s whole school assembly. Second place went to Gemma, Drew and Crescentia from came equal third. Prizes were awarded to them all for their participation and success.

A message from Head of Year 11

As we approach the end of this term, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible efforts of our Year 11 students during their recent mock examinations. This period is always a significant milestone, and I am immensely proud of the resilience, commitment, and maturity they have demonstrated.

These qualities are essential as we move toward the summer GCSEs, and it has been inspiring to see so many of them rise to the challenge. As we move forward, I cannot stress enough the importance of maintaining attendance. There is simply no substitute for being in the classroom, learning directly from our experienced teachers. Every lesson counts, and consistent attendance will make a significant difference in your child’s confidence and performance in the summer exams.

For now, I encourage all students to take a well-deserved break over the Christmas holidays. They have worked incredibly hard, and rest is just as important as study. Please allow them time to recharge, spend quality moments with family, and return in January ready to build on the fantastic progress they have made.

Miss N Byrne

Head of Year 11