Dear Parent/Carer

As we rapidly approach the end of another extremely busy term, we would like to reflect on some of our successes and keep you up to date with developments at and involving the college.

Firstly, we would like to thank the many parents and students who attended the New Horizons Evening earlier in March. It was, once again, a very successful and well attended event , with the companies and colleges in attendance very complimentary about the organisation and the interest shown by our students. We would also like to thank the team of students led by Miss Powell who took part in the recent School news report event.

It has been another very successful term on the Sports Field with students of all ages and both girls and boys sharing in our successes. Details of our achievements can be found on our website (http://www.sawtrycc.com/sportsnews.html) .
Probably the biggest news this term has been the decision to move to a new style of uniform over the next two years. We would like to thank everyone who took part in the consultation regarding this change. There was overwhelming support from all groups involved and lengthy discussion at the full Governors Meeting, where all sides of the debate were fully aired before the final decision to proceed was taken.

Other developments this term have included the introduction of a new till system for the cafeteria which has been introduced with a minimum of disruption and has proved both faster and more reliable than the previous system. Parents may, also, have read press articles linking us to developments at the Voyager School in Peterborough. No final decision on this matter have been taken yet but the proposals basically relate to us offering professional development support to the staff at Voyager in the same way as we have to other schools over recent years. You may be assured that there will be no effect on the service provided to your child at Sawtry if we do become involved in this project.

A final change which you may like to be aware of is linked to school admissions. Due to a change in the law regarding admissions, all admissions to year 7 were taken out of the hands of the college and passed to the Local Authority some years ago. From April, the Local Authority will take responsibility for all admissions, including midyear transfers. Any parent who approaches the college regarding a place will be referred to the Admissions Team at Cambridgeshire County Council from now on.

One of our major focal points this term has been supporting Year 11 students as they reach this crucial stage leading up to their final examinations. As this is being written, students are involved in a range of activities as part of a Year 11 Intervention Day, which emphasises the importance of revision and offers advice on how to revise. We hope that students will take some valuable lessons from this day and start revising in earnest over the Easter holiday.
Finally, may we wish you all a Happy Easter and remind you that next term starts on Tuesday 20 April and will be a WEEK A. Please note that on this occasion we are, in order to even up the number of days in the year, ending this term and starting next term with the same timetable week.

Best wishes

J Stewart (Principal)    N Smith (Head of School, St Judiths) S Wilson ( Head of School, St Andrews)