Nord Anglia Education
WRITTEN BY
Nord Anglia
22 August, 2025

Head of Secondary fortnightly blog

Nicola Head Message
Week 1, Term 1, 2025/2026
It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all back at the start of this new academic year. I hope the summer break provided time to rest, recharge, and enjoy quality moments with family and friends.

Over the holiday period, our school has been a hive of activity, with significant improvements made to both learning spaces and communal areas. Classrooms have been renovated to create brighter, more flexible environments that support collaboration and creativity, while our eating areas have been redesigned to offer a more welcoming space for students to enjoy meals and social time together. I’m confident these changes will enhance both teaching and learning, as well as the overall experience of daily school life.

This year also brings exciting structural and curricular developments. We’ve refined the structure of the school day to promote a more balanced rhythm, enabling students to engage more deeply with their studies while also benefiting from time to reflect, connect, and explore broader interests. Our updated curriculum places even greater emphasis on nurturing the individual skills and competencies each child needs to thrive in an ever-changing world.

As always, our focus remains on ensuring every student feels known, supported, and inspired to achieve their very best. I’m confident the year ahead will offer many opportunities for growth, success, and memorable experiences, and I look forward to working with you all to make it a rewarding one.

Please take a moment to speak with your children about their learning this week, including their understanding of the ETC model introduced by Dr Geddes during recent assemblies for Years 8–13. Mrs Humphrey also shared updated information about designated break and lunch spaces for eating, socialising, and play. Additionally, Mr Milliner outlined the exciting new House activities taking place every Friday lunchtime and reminded students to wear their House shirts on those days to show their team spirit. We understand it will take time for students to absorb and remember this information, and we’ll continue reinforcing expectations daily until new habits are formed.

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to our school. Together, we can look forward to an exciting and fulfilling year ahead.

 

DR NICOLA BROWN
HEAD OF SECONDARY