End of Week Newsletter
November 7th 2025
A Message from the Principal
Welcome back, after what I hope has been an enjoyable half term for our school community. We go again with another half term of learning, experiences and school improvement.
Our year 11s will begin their first round of mock exams on Monday. This is an important milestone of year 11 for them and we wish them well and look forward to seeing their results. We know they won’t get their final outcomes this time around but it will be good to see where the year group is at and what we need to work on in the coming months.
I wrote to all parents/carers in half term about some behaviour refinements. Thank you to anyone who has reached out to me for queries, observations or comments. I don’t enjoy writing this type of letter to all parents/carers, particularly when the vast majority of students will not need to concern themselves with the contents. However, as outlined in the letter it is always best to be clear with everyone and I hope you will join me in attempting to uphold high standards and expectations. Students will get it wrong from time to time, but our behaviour system is designed to not only act as a deterrent but also to provide opportunity for reflection and education.
With Remembrance Day upon us next week, the Academy will be holding the annual two minutes silence. Please take the opportunity at the weekend to outline the importance of what this represents to your child so that we can show our support in the best possible way.
Curriculum Enrichment
On Wednesday, our year 8 students were visited by a company called Upfront Theatre and they took part in an interactive performance called ‘In Harm’s Way’.
The performance explored mental health, self-harm and the varying forms these can take, as well as looking at positive coping mechanisms. Our students showed a high level of engagement and maturity, giving lots of input to support the characters in making positive choices throughout.
On Monday and Wednesday lunchtimes, we hold our EAL club to support those students for whom English is an additional language or who have moved to the UK from a different country. Students can practise their English, play games, get help with homework and share their experiences in an informal atmosphere. This is an optional club, which many students have found really helpful as they begin their studies at Ipswich Academy.
Humanutopia
On Tuesday, our year 11 students took part in an event called Humanutopia.
This event enabled our students to reflect on their journey so far through secondary school, consider their future pathways and think carefully about their mental health and wellbeing throughout the crucial months they have ahead of them.
The students’ conduct and engagement throughout the day was highly commended by the external visitor and the students gained a great deal from the day. It was encouraging to see a number of our students sharing their thoughts and experiences in such an eloquent and respectful way.
Local Events
Y10 visit to Suffolk Skills Fair at Suffolk New College
Selected students visited this interactive event which highlighted opportunities in a variety of employment sectors relevant to Suffolk and beyond. The Future Skills Fair had something for everyone, from general work inspiration to post 16 and post 18 vocational and academic opportunities.
Y10 Maths Project
Selected students visited the University of Suffolk as part of the Year 10 What a Difference Maths Makes project, an exciting opportunity run by NEACO. This project helps young people build confidence and skills for their mathematical tasks and GCSE exams.
Our students have been taking part in local football fixtures:
5 Nov 2025 – U13 Girls vs East Bergholt High School
Thank you to the students who took part, who showed great determination and gave their best. We are so proud of all who represented the school!
Useful Tips for Parents/Carers
Safeguarding
Notice Changes in Friendships:
If your teenager suddenly changes their friends or avoids socialising, they might be having problems with peers. Talk to them about their friendships and listen to their concerns. Inform the school so we can help them navigate these changes and we can monitor the impact of the changes.
Attendance
Monitor School Communications:
Stay up to date by regularly checking emails and messages from the school. This ensures you’re aware of any upcoming events, deadlines, or attendance concerns.
Reading/Literacy
Encourage Them to Read Aloud:
Ask your child to read aloud to you or a sibling. This practice builds their confidence, improves pronunciation, and helps them understand punctuation.