Principal’s Update

Welcome

We are now in the penultimate week of this academic term.

It was a pleasure to see the wide-ranging presentations by our Sixth Form students as part of their Future Skills tutorial studies. The main focus was on physical and mental well-being, showcased through videos, posters, and handbooks. Students also provided guidance for their peers on coping with challenges such as social media.

The tutorial groups were competing for a prize sponsored by the Jersey Development Company, and we were delighted to welcome their CEO, Lee Henry, who judged the entries alongside Jessica Tidswell, our Head of Marketing and Communications, Paul Bisson, our Future Skills Co-ordinator, Mike Watkins, our Mental Health & Wellbeing Coordinator, and Kelly Freitas, our Student Voice and Enrichment Co-ordinator. 

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Governance

• The Governing Body has completed the draft version of the Annual Report for 2025, which is now with Vanessa in Marketing for final design.
• This week, we will hold our final full Governing Body meeting of 2025, followed by the Annual Dinner at the Academy Restaurant to thank our governors for their voluntary contributions.
• There will be a campus tour for new governors on Thursday, 11 December, from 3:00–4:00 pm.
  

Challenges with the Estate

Last week, we were without hot water for 3–4 days due to new boiler systems being installed by Jersey Property Holdings. Without hot water in Camden—where we operate a restaurant and hair salon—we could not have opened to customers.

Although contractors worked late to restore service last Thursday, the hot water failed again this week. This highlights the ongoing challenges of maintaining operations on an aging site that requires constant repair.

Staff Updates

• This week, we welcome Gabe Manthorpe, the new Head of University College Jersey.
• Next week, at our end-of-term celebration, we will say goodbye to colleagues

Projects & Partnerships

I met with Dr Christopher Pinch from Nottingham University, with Eileen Buicke-Kelly and Paul Bisson, to follow up on the externally funded Democratic Engagement Project.

Dr Pinch will observe a Future Skills class focusing on the local political system and will lead a focus group to develop teaching materials that enhance understanding of Jersey’s political system. If you are interested in joining this group, please contact Paul Bisson. 

Operational Challenges & Illness

We continue to experience high rates of illness, including flu and long-term sickness.

• Tony Tyrer is supporting Construction & Engineering as well as Hair & Beauty—thank you to these teams for stepping up.
• Heather Audoire is supporting Sports, with Andrew Dewhurst covering operational arrangements as Deputy Head—thank you to Andrew and the Sports tutors.
• Mathematics – special leave has created a teaching gap – all pulled together to close this, led by Alison.

Business Support

Rob Moy will be on annual leave from Friday until Monday, 22 December. During his absence, Sharon Ward, Paul Antonio, and Antonio Figueira will cover Business Support.

Student Progress

Thank you to all those who contributed to Progression Boards last week – we have a very clear view of students at risks of not achieving and will target resources accordingly.