An example of the latter is the Dance Studio. The studio was completed earlier this year in response to the increasing time given to dance in our curriculum at all levels. In September, our first examination dance group will begin their GCSE course. Theale Green has been a Specialist Arts College for five years now and, in that time, we have seen the contribution of the arts departments to the life of the school grow enormously. This year, the Music Department has taken part in local and national events, including the Queen's Jubilee visit to Berkshire. The Drama Department has been working with students in local primary schools, as well as putting on high quality productions in school and welcoming visiting drama groups. They are running another Performing Arts Summer School during the holiday. The Art Department and its artist in residence continue to enable students to produce staggeringly good art work, much of which decorates the school and impresses visitors and residents alike. This year, AS level Photography has been offered for the first time. All this work reached its annual climax with Arts Week, in the first week of July. Students in Years 7 to 9 were off timetable for the week and worked with visiting artists and members of the arts departments to explore their own creative instincts and enjoy a variety of activities, culminating in performances and presentations on the final day. The theme this year was 'Discovery'. We are all looking forward to seeing exhibitions around the school to add to those which are legacies of earlier arts weeks. We shall shortly be applying to the DFES for a further extension of our status as an Arts College and are looking forward to an opportunity to continue this valuable work, which has had such an important impact on the success of the school. While on the subject of success, I must not forget to applaud all those members of Years 11, 12 and 13 who have so recently finished their public examinations. It has been a tough time and these students deserve our congratulations for working so hard. Academic tutoring will be an increasing help to students as they set themselves targets and prepare for their exams. We send our very best wishes to all those who took exams this summer and hope they will be delighted and relieved by what they find in that all important envelope in August. Very best wishes to all of you for a splendid summer holiday.
END OF TERM ARRANGEMENTS
A reminder to parents about the end of term arrangements, which are: school finishes on Tuesday 23rd July at 12.50 pm.
In September
The Autumn term will have a staggered start to the term. Wednesday 4th and Thursday 5th September will be staff training days. Years 7, 12 and 13 only will come in on Friday 6th September at 8.30 am. All other years will return to school on Monday 9th September at the usual time of 8.30 am.