Thank you for your support throughout what has been an enjoyable, exciting, and busy first half of the Spring Term. I do hope that you and your child(ren) have a pleasant and relaxing break.

Despite the impending Half Term break, this week has been full of student highlights, and I am pleased to share details of Maths successes, student showcases, and Chemistry competitions.

Team of Sixth Form students display strong Chemistry

On Saturday 10 February, a team of our passionate Sixth Form Chemistry students were the first from the College to compete against 60 other student teams from across the country in the Cambridge Chemistry Race at the University of Cambridge. They were tasked with answering as many Chemistry questions as possible within two hours and our students performed incredibly well.

Despite Sunday 11 February being International Day of Women and Girls in Science, there was a disappointingly large gender divide at the competition, with the majority of the teams being made up of male students. I am incredibly proud that our team was flying the flag for women and girls in STEM, with the majority of our team being female. Thank you to them for representing both the College, and women in STEM, in such a positive light.

Energise student showcase

Elsewhere, our Performing Arts students joined the region’s leading performers in ballet, street, contemporary, tap and other dance disciplines at the Energise Youth Dance Showcase, which was held at Swavesey Village College. During the event, our Sixth Form and main College students starred in a Michael Jackson style group dance performance, before Sixth Form student, Marina B., performed a solo vocal piece. Congratulations to them for yet another stunning showcase of the Performing Arts talent we have at the College.

Athletes shine again

In a recent blog post, I mentioned that a cohort of our keen mathematicians entered this year’s UK Maths Trust’s Intermediate Maths Challenge. I am absolutely delighted to share that almost 90 percent of our entrees achieved Bronze, Silver or Gold level. For comparison, the national average is around 40 percent. Furthermore, 13 of our students performed so well that they have been entered into the next round of the Challenge that will take place on 21 March. Congratulations to every student who took part, and best of luck to those who have secured places in the later rounds. I look forward to sharing their progress with you.

A laughing matter

Our Parents, Staff and Friends Association (PSFA) does a fantastic job of organising events throughout the year to raise funds to support the work of the College and help us to deliver more enrichment opportunities for our students, such as field trips and activities. Its Custard Comedy nights are always a highlight and I am pleased to share that live comedy will once again be coming to the College on 15 March. Tickets are priced just £15 but, be warned, this event almost always sells out! Secure your ticket. 

Guys and Dolls – thanks for joining us!

Finally, as you may be aware, our talented students dazzled audiences last week with three consecutive performances of Guys and Dolls. I am delighted to share that the students received the reaction they deserved and sold out all three nights. This helped the PSFA to raise a significant sum of money. Thank you to all who attended and congratulations to the students who starred in the show.

Have a wonderful break! I look forward to welcoming your child(ren) back to the College on 26 February.