Dear Parents/Carers,
Everybody at the Academy hopes that you and your family had a relaxing Christmas break and a celebratory New Year. As we welcome all students back to learning at the start of Module 3, it gives me great pleasure to write to you in my newly appointed capacity as Interim Principal at The Halley Academy. I am committed to leading a learning community of excellence for all.
The Academy is at an exciting moment in its history. Over the last four years, under the leadership of Mr Dixon, the Academy has experienced transformative improvement. I am looking forward to building upon our community’s success to date in the next stage of our development to provide an outstanding education for all young people in our care. I am excited to lead an aspirational, disciplined and inclusive academy whose values embody my own: where human-scale education, a dynamic curriculum, and excellent teaching and pastoral care maximises the achievement of all students.
As Interim Principal, I will be driven by the same values that have defined my own work and that of all staff at the Academy over the last few years. We believe in the potential of every student. We work hard to ensure that every student feels empowered and supported to be the best version of themselves. Our core values – respect, achievement, collaboration, integrity and resilience – permeate everything we do.
In the last decade, I have worked in the leadership teams of two inner-London comprehensive schools that have transformed the lives of students. I am excited and ready to build upon these experiences as I take on my new role at the Academy. I pride myself in championing the highest outcomes for all young people. I have high expectations of all children and staff; my work is focused on supporting everybody in our learning community to reach their potential, regardless of background or circumstance.
We have an exciting module ahead, full of innovative and enriching learning experiences for students. Our extensive extra-curricular programme commences next week. We have a wider range of trips and additional enrichment activities planned than ever before. All Key Stage 3 students will be completing their interim IB Middle Years Programme assessments, and a number of Sixth Form students will complete important vocational examinations. We also have a number of important events that you’ll be invited to shortly, whether our Year 11 and Year 13 Parents’ Evenings, or our MYP Parental Information Evening.
As always, your support with your child’s learning is key to their success. We always aim to build strong partnerships with parents and carers, working closely together to ensure that your child enjoys a fulfilling and rewarding education. We would like to thank you in advance for your ongoing and continued support. Should you have any questions about your child’s learning, please do get in touch with a member of your child’s Small School team.
Yours faithfully,
Mr Ben Russell
Interim Principal