Head of Year Messages  

Year 7 – Mr Guest 

Year 7 have had another really positive week, and I have been particularly impressed by the excellence I have seen during lessons. I have had the opportunity to visit a number of Year 7 lessons and have seen some really well-developed scholarly habits. Students have been focused, engaged and taking real pride in their learning. It has been fantastic to see how much they have developed since joining us in September, and I would encourage them to keep pushing themselves and maintaining these high standards. 

This week our focus has been on gratitude, encouraging students to recognise and appreciate the people, opportunities and experiences around them. This leads perfectly into our Belonging Week next week. Belonging is at the heart of our vision for Year 7, and we want every student to feel known, valued and proud to be part of our community. 

An important part of belonging is taking pride in being part of MEA Central. We would really appreciate your continued support in keeping students focused on excellent attendance, wearing their uniform with pride and getting involved in enrichment. These everyday habits help students feel connected to school and ensure they make the most of everything Year 7 has to offer. 

We also began the week with our Black History Month assembly on Monday. On Friday, I will be building on this by looking at some of the key figures in the fight for civil rights, encouraging students to reflect on courage, equality and the importance of standing up for positive change. These messages link closely to our vision of creating a year group in which everyone feels valued and that they belong. 

Overall, I continue to be incredibly proud of Year 7 and the progress they are making. Thank you, as always, for your continued support, and I am really looking forward to seeing our students embrace Belonging Week next week. 

 

Mr Guest, Mx Eastwood  

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Year 8 – Ms Park 

Dear Parents and Carers, 

This week, Year 8 continued to focus on our autumn term value of Citizenship. Students were encouraged to demonstrate respect, kindness and responsibility in all aspects of school life whilst recognising the positive contributions of others. Throughout the week, we reflected on the quote: 

"We rise by lifting others." – Robert Ingersoll 

This message linked closely to both our Citizenship focus and Praise Week, reminding students of the positive impact that supporting, encouraging and celebrating others can have on our school community. 

Form Time Activities 

Students took part in a range of activities and assemblies throughout the week. On Monday, they attended an assembly focused on speaking kindly to everyone and participated in the launch of Black History Month. Tuesday's form session revisited the importance of attendance and provided preparation time for upcoming House competitions. Wednesday's session focused on Black History Month, whilst Thursday's form time developed students' numeracy skills. The week concluded with a Head of Year assembly celebrating CAP achievements and highlighting inspirational figures as part of Black History Month.  

Black History Month

October marked the start of Black History Month at MEA Central. Students began exploring the achievements and contributions of influential Black figures and considered important themes of equality, respect and inclusion. We were pleased to see students engaging thoughtfully with discussions and reflecting positively on the learning opportunities provided.  

Praise Week We celebrated our first Praise Week of the academic year, recognising students who consistently demonstrated our school values through positive attitudes to learning, excellent effort, kindness, contribution to school life and strong citizenship. Throughout the week, students were reminded of an important message: 

"You matter here." 

We know that recognition plays a significant role in building confidence, wellbeing and a sense of belonging, and it was wonderful to see so many students acknowledged for their positive contributions.  

Rewards and Recognition 

Staff completed nominations for Rewards Assemblies and praise postcards, with a continued focus on recognising students who have consistently demonstrated the value of Citizenship. Students will receive further recognition as these awards are revealed during upcoming celebrations.  

Key Messages Reinforced This Week 

Throughout the week, tutors and teaching staff continued to reinforce the importance of: 

• Excellent attendance and punctuality 

• Correct uniform and equipment 

• Positive behaviour around the school site 

• Respectful communication with staff and peers 

• Consistent classroom routines 

• Kindness and inclusion 

• Making positive choices 

• Taking pride in representing Year 8 and MEA Central 

These expectations remain central to supporting students' progress, wellbeing and success.  

Thank you for your continued support. The partnership between home and school plays a vital role in helping our students thrive, and we are proud of the positive contributions Year 8 students continue to make to our school community. 

 

Mrs Karen Park, Miss Costello, Mr Choudhury 

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Year 9 – Mr Roper   

It’s great to see Year 9 settling back into their normal lessons following their series of Big Tests. Pupils have approached this week with enthusiasm and a positive attitude, demonstrating resilience and a strong commitment to their learning. 

It has also been wonderful to hear about Monday’s visit to the library, where a number of Year 9 pupils attended an engaging workshop led by author Darren Shan. Opportunities such as these help to inspire a love of reading and creativity and the pupils represented the year group exceptionally well. 

As the term progresses and our pupils continue to develop and mature, I would like to take this opportunity to highlight the importance of responsible social media use. Social media can offer many benefits, including opportunities to connect, communicate and learn. However, when used inappropriately, it can also have a significant negative impact on individuals and friendship groups. 

Our simple message to all pupils is: 

• Think before you post. 

• Consider who you are speaking to or inviting into group chats. 

• Never forward inappropriate content. 

• Speak to a parent/carer, trusted adult, or a member of the Year Team if something does not feel right. 

By encouraging pupils to make thoughtful and responsible choices online, we can help ensure that social media remains a positive influence in the pupils lives. 

Thank you, as always, for your continued support in reinforcing these important messages at home. 

 

Mr Roper & Mrs Renshaw 

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Year 10 – Ms Bradbury 

It has been another fantastic week for Year 10, and it has been a pleasure to celebrate the many successes of our students during Praise Week. Throughout the week, we have recognised students who have consistently demonstrated our Grade 1 scholarly habits and embodied the values of a true MEA Central Scholar. It has been wonderful to make positive phone calls home, send postcards and award CAPS to students whose effort, commitment and attitude to learning have stood out. A huge congratulations to all students who were recognised, and thank you to parents and carers for your continued support in helping your child achieve their best. 

This week also saw the release of Year 10 Central Target Grades. We hope that students and families have found these helpful in understanding current progress and future aspirations as students continue their GCSE journey. Thank you to all parents and carers who attended the recent information briefing. For those who were unable to join, a recording of the session is now available, ensuring that all families can access the information shared by Mrs Kilty and Mr Grimes regarding target grades, student progress and future pathways. 

Looking ahead, we are beginning to encourage students to think about their future work experience placements. Work experience provides a valuable opportunity for students to develop employability skills, gain insight into different career pathways and build confidence in professional environments. Information about work experience, including key guidance and timelines, is available on our school website Year 10 Work Experience - MEA Central. We would greatly appreciate your support in discussing possible placements with your child and helping them explore opportunities that align with their interests and aspirations.  

Thank you, as always, for your ongoing support. Year 10 continue to make us proud through their hard work, positive attitudes and commitment to excellence. I look forward to celebrating even more successes with the year group in the weeks ahead. 

 

Ms Bradbury, Mx Umpierrez 

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Year 11 – Mr Blackburn  

Year 11 continue to make an excellent start to the year, and I would like to congratulate the year group on their outstanding attendance and positive attitude. They are currently in the top 4% nationally for Year 11 attendance, which is a fantastic achievement. Please continue to ensure your child attends school every day, as excellent attendance gives them the very best chance of success in their GCSEs and future applications. 

Participation & College Applications 

Our key focus this week is on college applications. Students are expected to apply to five colleges and keep their options open. To support this process, students should now be emailing their form tutor with regular updates on their progress, which will be tracked centrally. 

Students should continue completing all sections of their applications; however, please do not enter predicted grades or submit applications yet. Further guidance will be provided when students are ready to do so. 

I have also been incredibly impressed with the focus and engagement shown in CAP lessons. The work students are completing on personal statements will be invaluable as they prepare for their next steps after MEA Central. 

Revision Month 

A key message for the year group is that October is Revision Month. The first set of mock examinations will begin immediately after we return, so it is essential that students use the coming weeks wisely. Revision does not need to be hours every evening; instead, we encourage students to revise little and often, using strategies they have been taught in school such as retrieval practice, flashcards, Cornell notes and exam questions. 

Starting revision early reduces stress and builds confidence. The students who prepare consistently now will put themselves in the strongest position when the exams begin. 

The Key to Success in Year 11 

Success in Year 11 is not about being busy all the time; it is about being organised and preparing early. A simple revision timetable that balances study, exercise, family time and relaxation will help reduce stress and build confidence. Consistency is far more important than cramming. 

On the Horizon 

A reminder that the deadline to secure a place on the Winmarleigh Residential is Friday 16th October. A £5 deposit is required to secure your child's place, and a flexible payment plan will be shared with families shortly.

We would love to see the entire year group attend this exciting opportunity. The residential promises to be a fantastic experience, helping students build confidence, resilience and relationships whilst creating memories during this important year. 

Thank you for your continued support. Together, we can ensure Year 11 has a successful, memorable and rewarding year. 

Best wishes, 
Mr Blackburn and Mrs Shahbaz