Dear Parents
A very warm welcome back for you and your children after a wet and hot summer to this new term and academic year. I hope you are all rested and eager, as we are, for what is in store.
The first few days have seen three Orientation Days successfully completed, helping our record number of new students and parents feel supported, informed and more ready for the term ahead.
In this week’s Hub, we also celebrate the students examination results, and there is a full letter for your to read. Suffice to say, the students and staff have done brilliantly, far exceeding last year’s wonderful results. The teaching staff are fully to be praised for their drive and commitment, their expertise and care for the students’ success. This year, 51.4% of all examinations sat were graded at the highest levels (41.3%:2016). This is a truly impressive achievement. It is worth bearing in mind that when students apply to universities these IGCSE results are the only ones that the university admissions offices will see. So we are very pleased that the students are being so well prepared for the next stages of their education.
Do please take time to read that letter. It is just one of the many important reasons why more and more students re opting for BVIS, as they can now see the outcomes for students are first-class.
Also on the Hub, you will see a graphic detailing some responses to the Nord Anglia Parent Survey from last term. All parents will have an opportunity to respond, when it comes out later in the year. We want as many parents as possible to engage in their child’s education and to be able confidently to share their voice about each aspect on the survey and so this year we will launch a campaign entitled: “You said. We did” to help you see our response to your survey comments.
To that end I encourage parents to attend the excellent workshops and information sessions being laid on this year. Nick Lee has highlighted these in his article and Nick West will be hosting a very important session early next week; I do encourage you to attend this and the many events we have planned for you..
It’s been a busy summer also in the development of facilities and infrastructure. The key areas have been in external play space to allow children better access to the outdoors even in wet weather. Secondary sports facilities and in Dining have been enhanced with the first phase developments, including a new caterer, Epicure . Sound proofing and new theatre-style seating will constitute the second phase in Half Term, allowing greater flexibility of use and greater comfort for events. More details will be available to parents in the Vue Point magazine due out shortly.
It has also been a busy time helping our new staff settle into the school, its structures and procedures. The feedback from new staff has been so positive, and the staff teams are now taking shape. There is a great deal of experience here all focused on delivering the highest quality education for your children.
It is indeed an exciting time, busy but great fun, preparing for this our 5th year. We are very glad to see the staff, students and parents back and look forward to working with you all for the advancement of your children in every area of school life.
With all best wishes
Mr Mark Sayer - Principal
