Friday 9th May 2025

 

Dear Parents and Carers

 

School Values and RISE

 

The themes of this week have been integrity and being safe.

We have also taken time to mark the 80^th anniversary of VE day which has been the theme of our assemblies.

 

Academic success

 

We are incredibly proud of Ollie in Year 12 who has just been awarded the top ranking in the prestigious Gold Seren Maths award. This is a national competition with only a few students across the country achieving the very top level of Gold.  The competition ranks the students who achieve the top grades with either a commendation, a bronze level 1 or 2, a silver or, for the very top students, a gold award. Not only did Ollie achieve the gold award in this competition but we have also just found out that he has been accepted by Oxford University into their Summer School. Again, another significant achievement. I am sure you will join me in wishing Ollie the very best of luck with this amazing opportunity.

 

Exams

 

Our public examinations started this week. Please note, in line with all other Newport schools, there is no study leave for students in KS4.  All students in Year 11 will need to continue to attend school every day until they have sat their last exam and completed all coursework.

It is vital that students continue to attend their normal lessons even if they have sat the exam for that subject. If they have sat the exam for a timetabled lesson, they will need to bring revision materials with them to continue revising for their remaining exams. The evidence is overwhelming that students who continue to attend lessons until their final examination is completed do much better in their final exams.

The Power UP website has a range of useful revision guides and materials which can be accessed by following this link - Power Up

If any students need additional support with any of their subjects, please encourage them to speak to their class teacher who is best placed to support and guide them.

A-Level Results Day is Thursday 14^th August and GCSE Results Day is Thursday 21^st August. Further details about results days will be shared later on in the Summer Term. 

 

Mobile Phone – on site but out of sight

 

Mobile phones are only allowed on site if they are switched off and kept in a bag – on site but out of sight. We refer to this as a gate-to-gate ban. This means, from the moment a student walks into the school building, until they leave the building their mobile phone must switched off and in their bag. The vast majority of students work with us and keep their mobile phones off and away, however, we still have a small number of students who choose not to bring a bag to school and, whilst they are not using their phones, still move around the building holding them. This is not allowed under the policy and we will continue to confiscate mobile phones that are seen. We will be working with these students and asking for support from their families to ensure that all mobile phones can be on site but out of sight. We are reviewing the sanctions for mobile phone use for the small number of students who are receiving multiple logs for having their phones out.

 

Support and community information

 

Many of you will know that we now have our own Family Engagement Officer, Charlotte Taylor. Charlotte started working with us initially through a joint role across Newport High, Monnow and Millbrook primary schools. This year we have been lucky enough to have Charlotte at Newport High full time and her role is to work directly with students and families to reduce barriers to attending school and support our students to thrive in the school environment.

 

Charlotte has pulled together a range of school and community resources which can be accessed through this Padlet.

 

If anyone would like to contact Charlotte please email info@newporthigh.co.uk putting Family Engagement in the title.  

 

Uniform

With the warmer weather we see an increase in the number of students choosing to wear shorts to school. Please note, students are not allowed to wear sports shorts. Any student wearing sports shorts to school will be required to change into correct uniform.

Our uniform is extremely affordable and easy to get hold of. It consists of plain black shoes/trainers, black socks, white shirt and the school tie. Skirts must be of appropriate length and trousers or shorts should be tailored fit. Please note that in addition to sports shorts, track-suit bottoms and leggings are not part of our uniform.

Cardigans, jumpers and blazers are optional but students may choose to wear a plain black knitted V neck jumper or cardigan without the logo, or purchase the Newport High branded jumper, sweatshirt or cardigan.

Jewellery is limited to one pair of small stud earrings and one ring. Students are allowed to wear a nose stud but please note that this has to be a stud and not a sleeper or any other style. Any headwear, worn for religious reasons, should be of a plain black material. Extreme hairstyles are not acceptable and hair should be of a natural colour.

All students must be in correct school uniform and have a coat and school bag.  We have a range of ‘pre-loved’ school uniform at school which is available for anyone who would like to access it. Please let us know if we can help with school uniform in anyway.

If you have any problems getting hold of school unform please let your child’s Form Tutor know in the first instance or email info@newporthigh.co.uk with “Uniform” in the title as we are happy to support with this.

As the weather gets warmer can you please ensure your child has a water bottle with them.

 

Free School Meals

We are aware that many of our families may be entitled to Free School Meals but are not claiming this additional financial support. You can check if you are entitled to Free School Meals at www.newport.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/school-meals/free-school-meals

If you are not in receipt of Free School Meals but think you are eligible and would like any help in accessing, please let us know so we can support.

Families who are eligible for Free School Meals can also apply for additional help with other school costs including school uniform. You can find out more at https://www.newport.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/school-meals/free-school-meals

 

Social Media

Please can I urge all parents who have an issue or concern about school to contact us directly to discuss. This will give us the opportunity to try to resolve the issue.

If you have any concerns, please email us on: info@newporthigh.co.uk

 

Inset days and Term dates – 2024/2025

There are three INSET days left this year;

• Friday 27^th June 2025
• Monday 30^th June 2025
• Monday 21^st July 2025

 

The last day of school this year is Friday 18^th July 2025.

 

With many thanks for your continued support.

 

Kind Regards

Mrs Lee