Principal's Letter 23.05.25

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23rd May 2025

Principal’s Message for Week A , wb 2nd June 2025  

 

Library News 

The library has continued this term to be a warm, welcoming and inclusive space for our students.  Key Stage Three English classes have visited to select a book using the new library cataloguing system.  Books now have a colour-coded sticker to indicate the reading age level of the book to encourage smarter book choices by our students.  Please ask your child about their recent visit! 

 

  

We are also celebrating some national competition winners!  The ‘Fright Club – Creepy Moments Anthology of Short Stories’ has been published featuring 10 students’ work.  Each student has received a certificate, and we have ordered a copy of the anthology for each winning entry. Our thanks go to David Scott, our spoken word professional, who worked with our students to develop economy of language and impactful phrases.  Our published authors are Emman Rizwan, Hawa Chowdhury, Zaynab Ahmad, Florence Perry, Zaydan Shafi, Tala Osman, Hala Imbasaat, Phoebe Newman, Azura Afzali and Anaya Mehmood. 

   

Finally, despite loaning thousands of books this year, many have not yet returned.  Please may we ask that you help your child look for any outstanding library books in the home and bring them back so they can be loaned by other students.  They will be given a CAP and raffle ticket for living our value of Citizenship.  Thank you for your support! 

 

Eid ul-Adha and GCSE Examinations 

We would like to make you aware that Eid ul-Adha is expected to fall on Thursday, 6th June, which coincides with two important GCSE examinations: English Language and Geography. We fully recognise the cultural and religious importance of Eid ul-Adha and the value of family celebrations. However, in accordance with national examination regulations, these exams cannot be rescheduled and must be taken on the scheduled date.  

Your child must attend school and sit these exams. Missing these examinations will mean that they fail the qualification and this will impact their future opportunities. 

 

Summer Extra-Curricular Clubs 

The summer term at MEA Central is all about our value of participation with a wide variety of opportunities for students to enrich their curriculum experience. The knowledge and skills learnt during clubs are beneficial when students are applying for college and university places as it sets them apart from others.  The clubs below have spaces available in the Summer 2 term. Please encourage your child to join and take advantage of this opportunity.  

 

Day 

Offer 

Monday 

 Chess Club   

Monday 

 Drama Club   

Monday 

 Film Making Club   

Monday 

 Running Club   

Tuesday 

 Community of Belonging: Student Action Group   

Wednesday 

 Computer Aided Design   

Wednesday 

 History In Film   

Wednesday 

 K Pop Dance Club   

Wednesday 

 Magic Club   

Wednesday 

 Spirited Arts and Crafts   

Thursday 

 Board Games Club   

Thursday 

 Debate Mate   

Thursday 

 Languages Film   

Thursday 

 Maths Challenge   

Thursday 

 Y9 and 10 Art Club   

Friday    

 Circus Club   

Friday    

 Read Into Film   

 

Clubs run until 4pm and can be booked via Arbor.  

The full schedule is available on our website (www.meacentral.org.uk/beyond-the-classroom/extra-curricular).   

 

Project Central and Academic Reading 

We are looking forward to seeing the wonderful work that students in Year 7, 8, 9 and 10 complete for their Project Central or Academic Reading. This compulsory piece of homework is due to be handed in to form tutors on Tuesday 3rd June.  

 

Year 7: To write a poem about a summer day using literary devices 

Year 8: To design and create a page for a cookbook 

Year 9: Read and answer questions about newspaper article. ‘It’s a very proud moment’: British Muslim women cheer hijab at World Cup. 

Year 10: Read and answer questions about the newspaper article. ‘People become less frightened of contemporary art’: Tate Modern at 25.  

 

All students that submit their Project Central or Academic Reading will receive a Take Part CAP. There will be prizes for the best submissions.  

Students have been given paper copies; however, the electronic versions are saved here: Summer 

 

Summer 1 Learning Update and looking ahead to Summer 2 

Summer 1 has been short in terms of time, however, our MEA Central scholars have packed a lot of learning in. We are looking forward to the final half-term of the academic year when much of our students’ knowledge is extended and consolidated.  

 

Year 7 have been examining the difference between literal and metaphorical language in English and applying this knowledge to analyse a range of poems such as ‘Fog’ and ‘The Tyger’. In the Summer 2 term they will be exploring Ancient Tales shared by generations across the world such as The Cheetah’s Whisker from Ethiopia and Eritrea and The Giant’s Causeway from Ireland. In Art Year 7 have been learning about how architecture is influenced by historical and contemporary art movements through the work of Gaudi. In the Summer 2 term they will expand their knowledge of architects through the study of Manchester landmarks such as the Imperial War Museum North designed by Daniel Liebeskind.  

 

It was an important half-term for Year 8 as they completed their second set of Big Tests. We have been impressed by the detailed knowledge they have been able to demonstrate and their engagement in the review and reflect sessions which have followed. In science lessons students have been learning about how electricity transfers energy including studying Ohm’s Law and utilising their mathematical skills of rounding to significant figures. In History Year 8 have developed their writing by using the WEEL structure to learn about the creation of Cromwell’s Commonwealth and the Restoration. In Summer 2 they will study Georgian Britain exploring the creation of Great Britain and parliamentary government.   

 

In maths Year 9 have been learning about a range of different types of graphs including being able to find the gradient of straight-line graphs and applying this knowledge to real-life graphs such as distance-time graphs. In Summer 2 they will be completing two key units of work developing the concept of 2D and 3D shapes. By the end of the academic year they will be able to calculate the area, perimeter and volume of various shapes and also transform shapes across the coordinate grid. In their Geography lessons Year 9 have been studying glacial landscapes including the causes of ice ages, glacial erosion and the importance of glaciers.   

Year 10 have continued to study Macbeth in their English lessons continuing to read the whole play whilst examining key themes and the relationships between different characters including Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, Malcolm and Macduff and Banquo and Macbeth. Textiles students have been exploring different types of print including block printing, reduction printing and sublimination printing as well as creating their personal response to their coursework element. In the Summer 2 term Year 10 will sit their second set of Progress Exams (starting on 16th June) and Revision Month has launched to support them with this. Parents can access the revision materials provided here: Year 10 Summer.   

 

Year 11 have completed the final units of work for their GCSE courses and teachers are continuing to provide tailored, bespoke high-impact lessons which will secure excellent attainment in the final papers for each subject. Student attendance is crucial in these final lessons to ensure that they take full advantage of the opportunity being offered. To support Year 11 with revision for their final GCSE examinations to ensure they can exceed expectations and accomplish great things we are running some tailored study sessions during the May half-term holidays. There will also be an independent study room where students will have access to a silent workspace and computer.  

 

Key information 

  • Students can only arrive and leave during the times marked in grey through the main reception.   

  • Lunch will be provided.  

  • Students can wear their own clothes.  

 

More information about our curriculum can be found here: https://www.meacentral.org.uk/curriculum/curriculum-purpose 

 

Parent Coffee Mornings 

 

Parent Coffee Mornings 

 

We are delighted to announce a schedule of Parent Coffee Mornings which will take place during the summer term. There will be a theme for each coffee morning and space at either side to catch up with and chat to our school leaders!  

They start at 9.30am and conclude by 10.30am. 

 

  • Thursday 5th June 2025  

Attendance, Wellbeing and SEND 

  • Thursday 12th June 2025  

Community of Belonging: MEA Central is for everyone 

  • Thursday 19th June 2025  

Reading and English as an additional language 

  • Thursday 26th June 2025   

Meet the senior team – drop in - the year ahead 

  • Thursday 3rd July 2025   

Y6 Transition Coffee Morning 

 

 

 

 

 

Safeguarding 

Support for young people and parents 

Please find some supportive links available for families during the half term. Activities include free swimming and half term camps. There is also a lot of free days out for families to access. 

 

 
 

 

 

Head of Year Messages  

Year 7 – Ms. C Gates 

 

Year 7 have finished the half term strong, showing great focus and commitment right through to the end. We started the week with our Celebration Assembly to recognise the value of achievement. It was wonderful to see so many scholars receive a certificate for their hard work and dedication across subjects. Next half term, we’ll be speaking to Year 7 about how to step up and take on the increased responsibility that comes with moving into Year 8.  

 

The next round of Big Tests is fast approaching and will begin the week commencing 9th June. Over the break, we encourage all students to use some time to revise using their knowledge organisers, red books, SPARX Maths, and any materials provided by teachers. A little bit of preparation now will go a long way in helping students feel confident and ready to show everything they’ve learned.  

 

Ms Gates 

 

Year 8 – Ms. S Bryan 

 

 

As we reach the end of the Summer 1 term, I want to take a moment to reflect on the progress our Year 8 students have made and look ahead to the exciting chapter that awaits them. 

 

This half term has been a crucial period in their journey, not only academically but in their development as young people. As they begin to transition into Year 9, we are encouraging all students to embrace the increased expectations that come with growing maturity. Now more than ever, scholarly behaviour, personal responsibility flourishing in each individual. 

 

We ended the week on a high with a wonderful celebration assembly, where we recognised students’ achievements across all subject areas. It was a pleasure to congratulate so many students for their effort, progress, and positive attitude. In addition to academic awards, we also took the opportunity to celebrate those who have made outstanding contributions to our school community through individual pastoral awards. 

 

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all parents and carers for your continued support. Your encouragement and involvement play a vital role in helping our students succeed both inside and outside the classroom. 

Looking ahead, there are still plenty of opportunities for our Year 8s to demonstrate our core value of citizenship. We are excited about the upcoming Sports Day, our much-anticipated theme park trip, and the final House competitions of the year—all of which promise to be memorable experiences that bring our community together. 

 

I wish all families a safe, relaxing, and well-deserved half term break. We look forward to returning refreshed and ready to finish the year on a high. 

 

 

 

Year 9 – Mr C Blackburn  

It has been a hugely successful half term for Year 9, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your ongoing support. 

Attendance and punctuality have shown a significant improvement, and this reflects the growing maturity and commitment of Year 9 as they prepare to transition into Key Stage 4. I’m confident that, with continued focus and determination, we can do even better next half term. 

 

This has been a period of reflection, an important moment for students to consider their journey through Key Stage 3 and begin taking the necessary steps to secure the best possible future. A special congratulations goes to all those who received awards in our rewards assembly; you should be exceptionally proud of your achievements. 

 

Looking ahead, next half term brings exciting opportunities and important milestones. Students will take part in work experience assemblies, begin the prefect application process, and enjoy several trips and events designed to broaden their experiences and develop leadership and life skills. 

Wishing all our students and families a restful, enjoyable half term break. Take this time to refresh, recover, and return ready for a positive and purposeful end to the academic year. 

 

Congratulations to 9Eliot for winning a free lunch for displaying fantastic classroom behaviour. Also, a huge congratulations to our 'Scholars of The Week'. 

 

Warm regards, 
Mr Blackburn and Miss Naz 

 

 

 

Year 10 – Mr J Roper 

I wanted to take this opportunity to celebrate the end of a fantastic term for the year group and look forward to next term. Year 10 have had a busy term with lots of activities happening both inside and outside of school. My personal highlight of this term has been taking the Y10 Cricket team for their fixture recently in the Lancashire Cup - which although we lost it was so great to see the pupils enjoying themselves and representing school so well. 

  

We finished this term by celebrating all the hard work and successes of the year group in the Celebration Assembly, which again is a proud moment as a Head of Year when you listen to the Form Tutors and staff giving their individual reasons for their pupil nominations. It was great to see so many different winners this time and celebrate with the pupils.  

  

After the holidays the year group will have 35 school days left of Year 10. During this period, we will have Progress Exams, College Taster Day trips, DofE expedition and the end of year trip day. Can I thank all parents/guardians for their ongoing support and please look out for the forthcoming information next term regarding these events. 

  

Enjoy the half term holidays. Mr Roper & Ms Renshaw 

 

 

Year 11 – Mr J Rooza  

 

We are so proud of our Year 11 students for how well they’ve been handling their exams so far. Overall, they have shown maturity, focus and effort they have shown have been brilliant to see. They now have a 9-day break to really get stuck into their revision ahead of the final three weeks of exams. This is the final push – don’t take your foot off the gas now! Every hour of preparation makes a difference, and there’s still time to make real progress. 

 

Prom Update – Tuesday 1st July 

Students have received some information recently about the leaver's assembly and Prom, which will take place on Tuesday 1st July. We’re excited to celebrate with the students and want to make sure this is a night to remember. We’re asking all students to complete a short Office Form to share ideas and preferences. We want your voice to help shape the evening. 

 

This year, the venue is a little further afield, so we will be arranging a free coach to take students to and from the Prom, chaperoned by school staff. If you’d prefer to make your own way there, that’s completely fine too. There will also be a female-only dance area, for any girls that want to dance on their own, as well as a shared one. The year 11 team and many staff from across the school will be attending to join in the celebration. 

 

Let’s keep the momentum going in these final few weeks and look forward to a fantastic evening together to mark the end of an incredible journey.