As the second week of a national lockdown and school closure draws to a close, we are proud to report that our students and staff have risen to the challenge. The vast majority of students have been accessing learning resources and work that staff have been posting online. The hard work and patience of our staff, students and their parents and carers has been very much appreciated as we all come to terms with this unusual set of circumstances. The very small number of staff who have been present at school have kept the essential systems running. They have also found time to gather together our existing stocks of more than 4,000 disposable gloves and 2,000 wipes, which are now winging their way to the Whitworth Hospital in Darley Dale for use by NHS staff.

On the last day of school for a while, our students took the opportunity to invest in the future. Led by the school's Environmental Council, dozens of students joined in with a mass tree planting exercise on the school grounds. More than 400 native saplings were planted on an area of ground on the edge of the school site. The Environmental Council's plan is that – eventually – a small wooded area with a series of paths through it will become a habitat for wildlife and a nature trail for future students at the school. The trees were provided free of charge by the Woodland Trust as part of its 'free trees for schools and communities' scheme. We hope that, when grown, they will enhance the environment for our students, staff and wildlife. What a fitting way to spend the last day at school during what is an unprecedented period of change. Thank you to everyone who helped to plant our wood.

Sixth Form students are organising a collection of food within school to help local food banks. The students are making these arrangements in light of shortages at food banks that are particularly apparent in the current circumstances. Any donations brought in by students in school will be gratefully received. It's fantastic to see such community spirit in action.

Last weekend our Equestrian Team travelled to Epworth, near Doncaster to try to qualify for the National Schools Equestrian Association's Eventer's Challenge final. There was good news for Lauren Maycock who competed in the 80cm class, achieving an excellent third place. Our 90cm team (Lauren Maycock, Amelia Maycock, Cally Needham and Alma Hewins) rode strongly to win their class, claiming our second team qualification at this height. Lauren won the class outright to win an individual qualification too. In the 1m class our team (Amelia, Cally & Alma) also took top spot and another qualification (our second one at this height too). Alma won the class outright for a further individual qualification and Amelia came third. Well done to all!

Spring must be almost upon us, as the flowers around the grounds are beginning to add some colour to the school. These displays are currently being enjoyed by students and staff during break times.

The second half of Year 7 start their Textiles course this term. We can't wait to see their monster door stop creations. Will they live up to the first half of the year's marvellous monsters?