Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
We have recently noticed that some pupils are using offensive or derogatory language between friendship groups in an attempt to be more 'street'. Some of the language comes from Hip-Hop and popular culture and might even be used to greet friends in wider society. However, within the school context, these are words which cause offence and upset to many people.
It can be very hard for our pupils to understand different social contexts and when a word can be used inoffensively and when it can't.
An example of this might be the use of swear words. Many people use swear words but understand that in certain situations this would be inappropriate. For example, you might say s#*t in front of your mates at the park, but not in front of your Nan in the family home.
We are working with all our pupils to develop their understanding of this complexity of language. Our approach to any inappropriate language will continue to be education first for the user and support and understanding for the person the language was directed towards. For most pupils, this approach works quite quickly. For some pupils, this is a longer process.
We would be very grateful if families could support their child with this matter. An example might be pointing out the use of a word which is felt to be OK in the home, but could be offensive or inappropriate in other situations i.e. school, the workplace or on the street.
If you feel this is an area that your child is particularly struggling with, and you would like more support from us, please make contact with your child's form tutor to discuss what we can do.
Build Update
Please look out for the photos from our first onsite visit to the replacement block on Royal Lane. School staff went in this week and could see the windows being fitted, the internal walls going up and some external brickwork being done. At the moment, we are anticipating that staff will set up the new block in the last week of term in December so that we can occupy it on our return in January 2025.
We have now had dates confirmed for the conversion of our 6th form hall and a classroom into a café and industrial kitchen. This will start on the 8th July and be completed by 16th September, at which point we will start using these facilities. We will be hosting some events in the Café next academic year, so please look out for details of these in the bulletin.
If you have driven through Harefield this week you may have seen the crane demolishing the current building on our Northwood Road site where the new school will be built! There is also a brand new separate entrance from Northwood Road onto the site where school staff, visitors and pupils will enter.
Photographer In School Next Friday
Next week (Friday 28 June) we have a photographer in school to take photographs for the school website. Please make sure that pupils are in uniform and have their best smiles ready !
Very best wishes to you all for a lovely weekend.
Kind regards
Mrs J Rigby
Headteacher:
Huge congratulations to Josie in Year 8. She volunteered to play a piece of guitar music in the assembly that she had composed herself. Josie exhibited talent, bravery and skill and the pupils and staff were all very impressed. 
