Dear Parent
It has been some time since my last update, and I would like to bring a few things to your attention.
Visit by the City of Edinburgh Council Sharing Classroom Experience Team
The Sharing Classroom Experience Team will visit the school from Tuesday 15th to Wednesday 16th November. The team will gain an overview of the school’s work through visiting classes and speaking to students and staff.
We have been meeting students in assemblies this week to prepare them for the visit, and we have been emphasising the importance of showing the very best versions of ourselves at Forrester. We have specifically focussed on self-belief and the difference this can make to motivation and achievement. We have also emphasised the importance of good routines and our three classroom rules:
Ready – Respectful – Responsible
A New Website for Forrester
We have been working hard towards the launch of our new website. This will bring things up-to-date and enable parents and students to access information more easily. Although we are very close to launch, there are a still few finishing touches required. Ms T has been out and about taking pictures in classes which we will use to enhance the look and make it more engaging.
Changes to Modern Languages S2 into S3
We have been working to develop a new school curriculum for session 2023/24. We want to offer students an additional choice going into S3. The changes we are making will affect how we deliver Modern Languages. Modern Languages is part of the compulsory core curriculum which all S3 students currently study for 3 periods per week. Next year, Core Modern Languages will reduce to two periods in S3. Going forward into S3, all students will have 2 periods of French (core) and will have the opportunity to choose Spanish as part of their course choice.
This has implications for our current S2 students who have been studying two periods of Spanish and one period of French this year. After Christmas this will change to two periods of French and one of Spanish.
Formal Assessments for Senior Phase Students (S4-6)
From 21st November senior phase students will take part in some formal assessments to enable teachers to gather evidence and measure progress so that they can best support students as they move forward with National Qualifications. Class teachers will be preparing students for these assessments and will keep them informed of the dates and content. We will be returning to a more traditional ‘prelim’ diet in January. Mr Ennis will share the timetable with students and parents before the Christmas Holidays.
National Discussion on the future of Scottish Education
“As parents and carers, you play a vital role in your children’s education. The National Discussion is a chance for you to share your hopes and ideas for the future of all aspects of Scottish education, from early years to options for school leavers.” For more information, please follow link below.
Wider Achievement Opportunities
When students look back on their school days, the things they remember most fondly are the extra-curricular and wider achievement activities they took part in. You will see, from our Twitter feed and website, that Forrester High School offers a huge range of activities every week – Football, Basketball, Science Club, Library Club, Drama Workshops, Duke of Edinburgh, not to mention a variety of trips and excursions, to name but a few. Most of these activities are free, open to everyone and only possible due to the dedication of our staff. Please encourage your child to get involved in clubs and the wider life of the school. Participation in these activities really improves motivation and the way young people feel about their school.
Thank you for continuing to support the school.
Best wishes
Stephen Rafferty
Head Teacher