I would like to commence this week’s Blog by thanking all of the parents and carers of students in Year 11 who last night (Thursday 10^th December) took part in what was another Wright Robinson first when they joined staff for a ‘virtual parents evening’.

The evening proved a huge success and attendance was very high. I will be seeking the views of parents/carers in Year 11 over the coming weeks and from parents/carers in years 7,8,9 and 10 once they have experienced a parents evening facilitated through the virtual platform. However, initial feedback suggests that parents/carers really liked this way of working. I can see the merits of holding parents evenings this way in that it nullifies travel time and transport issues; it allows parents/carers to book a specific time slot with no waiting around and it reduces the carbon footprint. However, I also appreciate that it reduces the human element of a personal meeting despite it still being a ‘face to face’ experience.

As stated, I will be canvassing opinion on this topic but for the foreseeable future it would appear that due to the ongoing threat of Covid this is the safest way for the college to hold a parents evening.

This week has been hugely satisfying for me as we have finally been able to present our students with their Academic and Pastoral Awards for the 2019-2020 Academic Year. The event proved to be a masterclass on social distancing with large numbers of students receiving awards. Large numbers of students receiving awards is what we have come to expect here at Wright Robinson and it was only right that we eventually celebrated their success. Well done to all of the students who received an award.

The final week before Christmas is usually such an exciting time at Wright Robinson. Unfortunately, this year it will be very different. However, we do intend to make the last day of term as fun packed as possible whilst operating within the restrictions. Students are permitted to attend college in their ‘own clothes’ on Friday 18^thDecember and a variety of Christmas activities are planned for the day.

It would be remiss of me not to give a special mention in the Blog to the remarkable achievement of Kevin Sinfield who this week ran seven marathons in seven days, all inside four hours. Many parents will remember when Kevin spoke so articulately and inspiringly at one of the college’s Sports Presentation Evenings. During the evening I found Kevin to be extremely personable and humble, an athlete who was able to convey a message that everyone could relate to.

At the time of writing Kevin has raised in excess of £2.5 million for Motor Neurone Research whilst demonstrating to us all what resilience and focus can achieve. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Kevin on his amazing work for charity. If parents/carers would like to donate they can do so at https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/sinfield-7-in-7

All year groups have view this presentation today on Kevin Sinfield… Kevin Sinfield – Marathon Challenge 11.12.20

Whilst recognition of outstanding achievements is the order of the day I must extend my congratulations to ex Wright Robinson student Kean Bryan who recently made his Premier League debut for Sheffield United away at West Bromwich Albion. Kean had a hugely successful time here at the college and he always supports Wright Robinson whenever he can. I know that all of the staff will join me in saying how proud we are of his achievements. Well Done Kean!

We are proud to announce that as a college we raised £271.75 for The Royal British legion by selling poppies.

Hopefully the theme of celebration and success will continue across the Christmas period and into the New Year.

Mr Haworth
Headteacher