Parental Newsletter 12th July 2016

Dear Parent/Guardian

We arrive at the end of a very productive year at Falinge.  Thank you for all the support you have given me during my first year at Falinge and in Rochdale.  It has been a very happy year.

I have included in this pack our latest Footlights magazine.  We share these termly but, as the parent of two teenage boys, I know that sometimes they may well be found at the bottom of a school bag rather than where they are supposed to be.  There is also separate information about end of term and first day back arrangements, uniform and punctuality.  I hope these are of use to you.  If there are any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us in school or look on our website www.falingepark.com.

Teaching and learning

As you may know, our objective here is simple: To create a compelling learning experience – and I was incredibly proud of the staff here at school who, last week, showcased a Festival of Learning.  They shared the action research they had been working on since September collectively and evaluated how they had been able to improve learning for pupils in their classes.  Some of our staff also presented at an EED.NET meeting, an international research hub which has the likes of Eton as one of its members!  You can be assured the staff here at Falinge are at the forefront of the latest educational practice, which can only benefit the outcomes for our children.

Curriculum

We have been working on a unique programme for our pupils which will come into practice next year.  The programme has a number of ‘challenges’ over the course of the year including a series of educational experiences and visits.  We are very excited about the opportunities this will provide following its launch in September.  In the meantime, I have attached our Curriculum Aims so that you know what we want to achieve for every individual who walks through the door.

Goodbyes and hellos

We say goodbye to a number of our staff who are retiring this year and wish them well.  I would like to personally thank them for working closely with me and being an asset to the school for many years.  I am sure many of you will remember being taught by them and have many fond memories of Mr & Mrs Rudkowskyj, Mrs Sapsford, Mr Hollows and Miss West.  I hope their retirement is every bit as enjoyable as it should be.

I am pleased that we are fully staffed for September and that we have recruited excellent specialist teachers in all core areas which, in these times, is highly unusual.  Applicants to the school say they are drawn by our excellent reputation and the fact that we are truly child-centred.  For the first time ever we are also over-subscribed with first choices in Year 7.

We can’t be complacent about this however and that is why one of our priorities next year is to develop stronger links with parents and the community.  We will be holding half-termly drop-ins with Senior Leaders for parents over the course of the year and a number of extra parent events where we will seek your views.

Until then, I hope your summer is a good one and I look forward to starting the new year with you in September.

Yours faithfully

Miss J Allen

Headteacher