Happy Friday!

Evening Year 13,

Who needs a night out when you can stay in and read my blog post?!

Remember I told you that my parents got a sweet new puppy? Well, here he is having his first sniff around the garden (I really hope the video works). You'll be pleased to know that he's doubled in weight in one week! 

Congratulations on surviving the first week of self-isolation!
I'm sure that many of you have loved it, but that the majority of you have found it difficult at times, which is totally normal.

I hope you are all well and have managed to maintain some sort of structure to your day. I am managing to keep sane by going for a long run every day (does 5km count as long?!) and limiting my time watching the news and on my phone. If you are feeling anxious or worried I would definitely recommend limiting time on your phone and turning off your notifications. Decide on a time to watch the headlines and limit this to a couple of times a day.


In addition, try and do some sort of daily exercise. Not only will this elevate your mood but it will also make you sleep better 😴😴😴

MOOCs 
I know a lot of you are a bit anxious that, if you have got a place at University, there is going to a gap between where you're at now and where you need to be for when you start University. One really good thing you can do to bridge the gap between school and University is to sign up to a MOOC (Massive Online Open Courses). 

One of the best websites to use is called Future Learning which joins with English Universities such as Cardiff and Exeter University. Most courses are 3-6 weeks long and many of them are free!
Other great websites are edx and OpenLearn.

Not only will this give you something to focus on, but it will also put you in a really good place for your first year at University.

Some happy news...

👏I hope that you all went outside yesterday at 8pm to clap our amazing NHS and key workers. I was clapping for my two incredible sisters who are currently working on the front line in hospitals. In times like this, I am so incredibly grateful for our NHS and the many selfless workers that put their life on the line every day👏

Throughout everything, there has been so much to celebrate...

Messages from your teachers...

I know I showed you these during our mini Leaver's Assembly, but I wanted to remind you of how wonderful you all are. Just in case you've forgotten already, here are a few messages from your teachers...

Mr Creen:

"Well done to all of the Maths students – you are a group who stand out in your professionalism, attitude to work, and drive to succeed. I and your other teachers are so proud and privileged to have you in our classes, and appreciate everything you have done. We look forward to continuing to work with you to get you university-ready.

To the College Choir – it’s been great singing and accompanying you all – you’re so enthusiastic and it’s such a nice thing to do in the middle of a busy day."

Mr O'Reilly:

"Both my Y13 Lit classes have been an absolute pleasure to teach. I have been so impressed by the maturity and level of discussions in class. They are also all such a kind group of people who I will miss teaching enormously (if this is goodbye..)

It is reassuring to know that they are the future leaders of our society."

Mr O'Keeffe:

"Hi Year 13 Artists and Photographers – Amazing work this term so far. We feel that you should all now really now believe in your own high abilities. Remember that, no matter what happens, you should always reflect back on the brilliant progress you have made, both technically and artistically. Enjoy doing a bit more independent work at home, and I am sure that you will all get what you deserve.

Always here, just an email away.

Mr OK, The Hunter Gatherer, Miss McKeogh and the T man."

I'll continue to post these messages of thanks from your teachers in future posts.

Right well, that's all from me for now. I'll leave you with this clip. 

In a world where you can be anything... be kind... but also be more like Jeremy (he's the chilled out one)

Mrs Clarke x