In this newsletter:
- Message from our Principal
- Water safety over half term
- Year 7, 8 and 9 assessments
- New student food rooms refurbishment
- Additional Support for families
- Free sailing taster sessions
Returning to school: Monday 1st June 2026 – Week A
Message from our Principal
I was lucky enough to be invited to attend the ‘Mayor Making’ ceremony in St Ives last week, as part of the group of St Ives Headteachers who received the money that Julie Kerr raised during her time as Mayor of St Ives. She raised the money in so many amazing ways, including jumping out of a plane, and I was really proud to be among the group of schools receiving an amazing donation towards young people’s wellbeing in our schools. During the event, there were lots of stories and awards given to those who volunteer in so many different ways to support the local community, and it was inspiring to hear Julie identify those people who often work quietly behind the scenes, but make such a huge difference to the local community.
On the topic of working hard, Year 11 and 13 exams have continued; and students remain brilliantly focused and have continued to revise hard during this period. During P5 today Mrs Nisbet, Mrs Barnes and I delivered ice pops to all Year 11 classes and in the sixth form to say well done. As we move into the last portion of the summer term, please be reassured that we will confirm with students at line up each morning when they don’t need to wear their blazers – as we did this morning – when the weather is warm. Linked to the warm weather, we also know that students may consider playing in the river, so I also ask for your support in echoing our message from assemblies this week that students stay out of the river in order to stay safe.
I’d like to wish everyone a lovely half term break, and we will see students back on Monday 1st June.
Water Safety over half term
It is going to be hot over half term and although we are very excited for finally some good weather but please be aware of water safety during this time.
St Ives has beautiful scenery but also a river which brings increased dangers that we need to be aware of.
The core messages are:
- Stop and think – spot the dangers or know the dangers.
- Stay together with a friend or family member.
- Float – if you are in trouble in the water, float until you feel calm and then think what to do next.
- Call 999/112 – if you see someone else in trouble in the water call 999/112 immediately.
You can find alternative resources for more information here:
Year 7, 8 and 9 assessments
End of year assessments in English, maths, science, French, geography, history, PD and RE will take place as per the schedule below. These will take place in normal lessons, but regardless of the timetabled subject – so for example all year 7s will sit their English assessment period 1 on Monday 8 June. Extra time will be given for those students eligible for this, but if your child is entitled to use a computer please ensure they have their laptop with them.
A full revision guide for these subjects in now available:
Year 7, 8 and 9 students will also sit the following online assessments: Progress in English, Progress in Maths and New Group Reading Tests. These will take place from Monday 22 June to Friday 10 July. Students do not need to revise for these online assessments.
Students will also receive an end of year assessment grade for other subjects including music, drama, dance, art, D&T and PE. If students need to revise for an assessment in these subjects then guidance will be placed on Bromcom as a homework.
New student food rooms refurbishment
We are delighted to have shared with you this week that we have secured almost all the funding needed to refurbish our student food rooms. Our current kitchens have certainly served us well over the years, with many parents who once studied here remembering using them themselves.
These are some initial proposed designs for our new kitchens and we are excited to announce these will be ready for September 2026.
We are running house events over a five week period. You can purchase an activity card for £2.50 on MCAS, which can be stamped up to five times.
You may purchase more than one card per student, and each activity will cost one stamp to participate. All proceeds will go directly towards the refurbishment of our new student food rooms.
First event 5th June.
We are also currently putting together an Amazon wish list, where you will be able to purchase and donate specific items needed for the kitchens. If you would like to make a direct donation towards the food rooms, please email: anthony.ward@astreastivo.org
Additional Support
Free sailing taster sessions – Hunts Sailing Club – St Ives
