13/10/2024Year Groups
Each of our year groups is led by an enthusiastic and dedicated Head of Year. They, along with their team of form tutors, work to support and enhance every aspect of our students' education here at St. James'.
This is achieved through working collectively to monitor the attitudes and behaviour of our students. Concerns are addressed as they are identified whilst ensuring that achievements are fully recognised and rewarded, not only within the year group but also the wider school community.
The work of the year teams is further enhanced by our Assistant Heads of Year, Mentors and Mental Health First Aiders.
Year 7
I am thrilled to serve as the Head of Year 7, entrusted with guiding our students through this important stage of their education. In this role, I am dedicated to providing support, encouragement, and guidance to help our Year 7 students thrive academically and personally.
I am eager to work closely with each student to help them realise their full potential. I expect them to uphold high standards of behaviour and maintain a strong enthusiasm for learning as they face new and exciting challenges ahead.
As part of a larger support network, I collaborate with a team of form tutors who serve as the primary point of contact for Year 7 students. Together, we aim to create a positive and inclusive environment where every student feels valued and understands our collective responsibility in nurturing their academic, emotional, and social growth to prepare them for successful futures as young adults.
Our school's Catholic ethos and core values are central to our mission, and I encourage Year 7 students to embody these values through their actions. I am excited to celebrate the accomplishments of Year 7 students both inside and outside the classroom, and I hope that your child will take full advantage of the diverse opportunities available at St. James' School.
Our Assistant Head of Year, Ms McKenzie will also be instrumental in ensuring that all students settle in smoothly and thrive at St. James' School.
Miss Alleyne
Head of Year 7
Year 8
Welcome to Year 8, It is a privilege to be the Head of Year for this talented year group.
This year group made a very encouraging start to their secondary education last year, developing their academic skills and getting to grips with the clear expectations the school has with regards to behaviour and conduct.
I am very much looking forward to working with each pupil individually and building a strong partnership with parents. I have no doubt that this will be another successful year.
Year 8 is an exciting and important moment in our pupils' lives. No longer the newest members of the school, this year is the point when pupils begin to really focus on their academic studies, consider what their strengths and interests are, and utilise this information to plan further ahead. Pupils will be encouraged to seek support and be held accountable for their own learning, with the guidance of the team of Year 8 form tutors, Mr Dyer and myself.
We expect Year 8 to continue with the focused and outstanding behaviour that they demonstrated in their first year. We aim for pupils to have excellent attainment through our teaching, intervention & mentoring programmes and to help them further develop their gifts and talents through our extra-curricular activities.
Pupils will be encouraged to do their very best to achieve and make the most of their time in the school. We will be walking step-by-step with each pupil to ensure they are on track and plan to engage with parents regularly to ensure this happens.
I am supported by our form tutors who are on hand to discuss any queries you may have, but if you would like to contact me directly, please click my name below.
Head of Year 8
Year 9
Welcome to Year 9,
I am delighted to be the Head of Year for year 9, having been this group's Assistant Head of Year during Year 8. I will be well supported by Miss Williams who will be our Assistant Head of Year. We look forward to continuing working with this amazing group of pupils to carry on with pursuing excellent behaviour, coupled with positive friendships and communication.
We look forward to supporting your child to thrive academically this year and beyond through parental engagement and working with pupils to be ready, respectful and safe. Following this mantra will set all pupils in the Year 9 for a fulfilling year ahead.
During this year, pupils will be making their option choices for their GCSE courses, which they will undertake starting in Year 10. This is an important step in a pupil's journey to identify what subjects inspire them, motivate them, and ultimately help them to achieve their full potential, and this is not a decision taken lightly. Our team of form tutors and I will be on hand to support them along the way and ensure that they make the decisions which are most suitable for them. If you have any questions about this process, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Head of Year 9
Year 10
Welcome to Year 10
I am thrilled to be the Head of Year, having working with this cohort last year, in Year 9, as their Assistant Head of Year. I will be supported by Mr Haffner as the Senior Link for Year 10 and Mrs McGovern as our year team Mentor.
This is an exciting year as pupils begin their GCSE courses and I am committed to supporting them to fulfil their potential academically and more widely.
Our focus on attainment has not changed and we expect each pupil to be engaged in their learning and work to the very best of their abilities. We encourage each pupil to seek support as early as possible and to be accountable for their own learning, but we will always endeavour to be around to motivate, help and intervene where necessary.
I will encourage our pupils to continue to make the most of the extra-curricular opportunities available to them.
I am supported by our dedicated form tutors, who are on hand to discuss any queries you may have.
To e-mail me, simply click on my name below.
Head of Year 10
Year 11
Dear Year 11
We are delighted to continue as your Head of Year during this important time of your academic career.
We want you all to be assured that, despite interruptions to your education caused by the pandemic, the school will continue to ensure that you are in the best position possible to succeed in your exams and have a hugely positive future ahead of you.
All we ask is that you take the challenges that this year will present head on, recall all the lessons and messages from last year and work with us as you reach the end of this key stage.
If you are prepared to put the work in, then absolutely anything is possible but remember that success is not handed on a plate, it requires commitment and dedication, but know that we will be here to support you to achieve your full potential.
We look forward to a really positive year ahead with plenty of opportunities for praise, exceeding expectations and making the most of your time, as this year will go very quickly.
To contact us by e-mail please click on my name below.
Heads of Year 11
