Thank you for your cooperation whilst school was closed due to the adverse weather conditions yesterday. The decision to close school is not something we take lightly, and we consider all factors when making this decision. We hope students were able to complete some of their home learning.

This week has been National Apprenticeship week and students have been learning about this Post 16 option in tutor time and assembly.  

What’s going on in school:

• F1 in Schools Regional Finals, University of York - Two teams of students travelled to the National STEM centre at the University of York to compete in the regional finals of the prestigious international F1 in Schools competition.  Racing against 6 other teams, our students had to compete in several different challenges, including car scrutineering, technical presentations to panels of judges, presenting their pit displays and racing their cars against other teams.  Both teams were very successful in a very competitive ‘professional class’ and we even came away with the award for the fastest reaction time.  Although we didn’t qualify for the next stage of the competition this time, we have learnt a lot from our first experience of this level of competition and are confident that this experience will stand us in good stead for next year’s event. Thank you to our sponsors, particularly Breedon, without whom we could not have travelled to this year’s event. 

• KS3 students have been enjoying their gymnastics module this half term and have tried a wide range of activities.

• Next week in tutor time, students will have the opportunity to vote in the British Youth Council's 'Make Your Mark' campaign. This is the largest youth vote in Europe, with students being asked to vote on the issues which are most important to them. The results of this nationwide poll of 11-18 year olds will be debated in the House of Commons by the UK Youth Parliament and will form their agenda for their next 2 year term. We encourage you to have discussions at home, ensuring that students make the most of this opportunity to be heard.

We Will Rock You

Our school production of We Will Rock You is taking place from Tuesday 5 to Friday 8 March. We are super proud of all 65 students involved; they have been working so hard since September to get this show ready.  

👑✨Tickets are available now! ✨🎸 HURRY! Over 265 tickets already sold! 

 https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/derbyshire/hope-valley-college/we-will-rock-you-school-edition/e-raabma

 We also have WWRY hoodies available, and tomorrow is your last chance to order (there will be a bulk delivery to school on the 26 Feb). https://www.farmembroidery.co.uk/hvc-school-of-rock

Y11 Mock Exams

Due to school being closed yesterday, we have moved some of the Y11 mock exams next week.  Students have been handed their revised statement of entry in tutor today and this will also be emailed to them.

Y10 Report / Subject Evening

The first progress and attainment report in Year 10 has been given to students today, emailed to parents and students and uploaded to the Arbor parent portal.  The Year 10 subject evening takes place next Thursday in school, please book using the link previously emailed home. 

Year 9 Options

The Year 9 options form has been emailed to parent/carers this afternoon.  Please complete the online form by Friday 1 March.  Information about the options process is on our website here: Key Stage 4 Options - Hope Valley College (chorustrust.org)

Y11 CRY Screening

We will be holding a CRY heart screening for Y11 students on March 7. Information has been sent to parents/carers and students. Once you have made an appointment, please ensure the consent form is completed and sent to lcritchlow@chorustrust.org

GCSE PE Revision Guides

GCSE PE revision guides are now available to purchase again via ParentPay.

Road Closure

We have been informed that Winnatt’s Pass will be closed between 19 February and 1 March for repairs.

Derbyshire Junior Choir

The next Derbyshire Junior Choir morning will be Sunday 3 March from 9.30am – 1pm. The Derbyshire Junior Choir meet once every half term at County Choir in Matlock. All pupils aged 7 – 14 are very welcome. The Derbyshire Junior choir is directed by experienced members of the singing Team and parents/carers are invited to come along from 12.30pm on the day for an informal performance.  There is a charge of £5 for each child to be paid at the time of booking. Please book early to avoid disappointment.

Lost Property

We have several unclaimed items in our Lost Property box. If your young person has lost something, please tell them to check at reception. Any unclaimed items will be taken to a local charity shop over half term.

Thank you for reading our communication. Here are some helpful email addresses, should you need to contact us:

• attendance@hopevalley.chorustrust.org to report a child’s absence
• enquiries@hopevalley.chorustrust.org for general enquiries
• pastoral@hopevalley.chorustrust.org for any issue with a child’s wellbeing
• principal@hopevalley.chorustrust.org to contact the Principal
• safeguarding@hopevalley.chorustrust.org to report safeguarding concerns. If a child or any young person is in imminent danger, then please report this to the police.

Kind regards

Gaynor Jones

Principal, Hope Valley College
T: 01433 620555