Unlike August of course, all is not lost, as every student has the opportunity to convert a poor mock result into a successful GCSE; and exams and modules already taken can be re-sat. But the third Friday in January is always a good wake-up call for those students who up until now might have assumed that natural talent and a dose of good luck would substitute for sheer hard work and secure them the results they deserve. Not so! — and it was good to hear some of our students at today´s parents´ evening recognising this fact as they described their aspirations for college next year (and university in two years´ time in many cases).

One parent whose sons have all attended HCC/ Hampton Academy commented how the current generation seem to have a surer grasp of the routes into further and higher education than their predecessors. This was good to hear. We have been placing a lot of emphasis on progression routes and careers education (our first national award as Hampton Academy was Investors in Careers status) and both teachers and support staff, especially those working with years 10 and 11, have worked hard to ensure that students are advised of the different pathways and options open to them.

One of the most pleasing aspects of being a now relatively long-serving headteacher (this is my seventh year) is that I know so many of the families who have sent, and continue to send their children to our school. The current Year 11 includes members of many of these Hampton ‘dynasties´ who have seen three, four and even five of their children completing their education with us: good to see the Charringtons, Lines, Newton Savages, Trevelyans, Noors, Hamaouis and Rutherfords this evening (to mention just a few) and thank you to all our parents for your ongoing trust and support.

I also hope that some of our parents of our younger students who are reading this are planning to attend this week´s meeting of the Hampton Academy Association, the parents´ group which supports our school so steadfastly. There are lots of helpful and fun ways to become involved in the HAA even if your time is limited - do try and come along on Thursday 27th January at 7 o´clock (you´ll be met at reception) and find out more.

Other dates for your diaries: our second annual Dance Show takes place on 2nd and 3rd February. This was an absolute treat last year and tickets are selling fast. Then the following week sees us gearing up for the Grand Finale of Hampton Academy´s Got Talent, on 8th February — another unmissable occasion. Readers will also have seen the photos of our academy orchestra elsewhere on this website. 3rd February sees some of our students performing in a very special concert at Hampton School to showcase the talents of Gifted & Talented musicians. I will be a proud headteacher that evening and do hope that all the parents of our young performers are able to attend.

January notwithstanding, it´s been a remarkably upbeat start to the new year. Our Year 7 students will be completing their third themed curriculum module, ‘A Star´ by half term and tutors and teachers are looking forward to their performances and portfolios showcasing their achievements over the past few weeks. Year 9 are getting excited about making their subject preferences after half term in preparation for moving into the Upper College and starting their new GCSE/ BTEC curriculum in June. And students from all over the academy are getting stuck in to our massive ‘Accelerated Readathon´ launched in a series of assemblies by Ms. Glendenning, whereby through reading and testing their understanding of lots of books they can also raise money for their base group charities. It´s meant crowds of goggle-eyed children clustered round strange posters of disguised teachers reading their favourite books, sprawling room only in parts of the library, and long queues for books — now these are the kind of problems a headteacher likes...

Coming soon: our February newsletter, reports on the performances mentioned above, and an update on our building plans. Keep logging in!

Sue Demont