As we prepare to close for the summer holiday I would like to express my thanks to our pupils and staff who have been tremendous this year. We have all had to learn to live with uncertainty and everyone has done their very best to keep going. Colleagues have demonstrated their tenacity, shown resilience and been incredibly creative and our pupils have responded positively and maintained their curiosity and shown commitment to learning.

This week we were very pleased to be able to reward many of our pupils for their endeavours. We recognise some pupils missed out as a result of being asked to self-isolate and we appreciate the decisions some parents made in withdrawing their children from these trips because of the proximity to family holidays. We are all looking forward to being able to do even more for our pupils next year.

On Monday 19 and Tuesday 20 July 2021, pupils in our (new) Year 10 and Year 11 delighted in the thrills at Thorpe Park. Commendably, many pupils were able to squeeze in over 6 different rides, but accompanying staff reported ‘Tidal Wave’ was one of the most popular because of the refreshing big splash!  

'I would like to extend my thanks to all staff who took the Year 11s to Thorpe Park. My son, had the most wonderful time and has been full of stories since he got back. It was lovely for them to spend time with friends, just having fun together. I would also like to thank the school for continuing with the trip, despite the difficulties faced in school currently. It has certainly been a huge year for all teachers to face and thank you to you and all your staff in school for getting through this most challenging of years, yet still continuing to deliver first class lessons to pupils. It has been most appreciated.' Parent, (new) Year 11

Those in our (new) Year 8 and 9 enjoyed their excursions to West Midland Safari Park. Year 8s did the safari first before entering the park, while Year 9s did the park first and then the safari. The baby rhinos were much adored, the big cats slumbered in the sweltering sun and the giraffes cheekily entertained! Pupils, in both year groups on their first enrichment trips at Deer Park, enjoyed the independence they were given inside the park and most headed directly for the rides. Staff maintained an active presence and took part in the fun too.

‘It was a sheer delight to join many of our new Year 9 pupils on their reward trip to West Midland Safari Park and share in their joy. Their enthusiasm was infectious and, in the hot weather, who could resist the cooling dousing provided by the log flume!’ Chiquita Henson, Head.

'After an extraordinarily challenging 16 months, it was fantastic to see the pupils truly able to enjoy themselves as children once more!' Mr Reed, Assistant Pastoral Team Leader

'It was lovely to see our Year 9 pupils enjoying their first enrichment trip with us since joining Deer Park. The rides at West Midland Safari Park were very popular with the log flume being a firm favourite for both pupils and staff in the heat. On the drive through safari everyone thought the rhino bathing in a muddy pool had the right idea about how to stay cool! The pupils were polite and prompt for meeting times and did themselves and us very proud.'  Miss Bluett, Geography Teacher

Not to be out done, pupils remaining in Cirencester also had the opportunity to do something different. Those pupils in Years 8 and 9 participated in Woodland crafts. They learnt how to build dens, make camp fires and cook sausages. The shade was greatly appreciated!

'Building fires, whittling sticks, cooking sausages on a woodland fire... what could be better? Once again we were able to take a small group of pupils to enjoy woodland crafts and cooking in the beautiful woods that surround the school.'  Mrs Hannis, Senior Year Leader

Pupils in Years 10 and 11 rose to the physical challenges presented to them. These included ‘Capture the Flag’ and giant inflatable table football, as well as a BBQ before going to the outdoor pool – welcome respite from the intense heat!  

On the afternoon of Wednesday 21 July, Deer Park rocked to the music of the staff band who opened and closed our Party in the Park which was live streamed to all tutor rooms and to those at home self-isolating! Who would have thought at the beginning of the month with so much rain that we would have to activate our contingency for a different kind of extreme weather. Sandwiched between our staff band were pupils’ performances from our recent Young Singer and Picnic in the Park events. Everyone coped well with the change in venue and our young voices could be heard reverberating around the school!

One of our parents commented during the last week of term: 'Please pass on our gratitude and best wishes to all of the teaching staff, support staff, cleaning staff and school leaders who have worked so hard to provide a safe and inspirational learning environment for our young people.  We really appreciate your hard work and dedication. Thank you!'

I hope that you will all be able to enjoy whatever you have been able to plan this summer.

The school term is scheduled to begin on Monday 6 September 2021, following two in-service training days for staff on Thursday 2 and Friday 3 September. As in March after the period of lockdown, schools are being asked to offer all secondary school pupils two lateral flow tests on their return to school in September. We will confirm the arrangements for these.

Please continue to check our website for news over the summer.

For September we plan to continue to encourage good hand hygiene and maintain our one way systems and staggered breaks and lunch times.