Letter from the Head Of School - June 2025
Dear parents/ carers,
Perins is renowned for the breadth of opportunities we offer our young learners both in and outside the classroom. With Perins Science Month underway, our team has conducted a series of topical assemblies for all year groups. In addition, our science team is offering a menu of science, technology, engineering and maths extension and enrichment activities in lessons and as part of Perins' extra-curricular programme.
The geography team has been working with Year 10 GCSE students on a series of field trips as part of their studies, and thus far, the weather has been kind to them.
Today our Year 8’s are travelling to Osmington Bay in Dorset on a residential trip, with the aim of further developing cohesion within the year group as well as providing the physical challenges which can enhance personal growth and maturity.
Our languages experts facilitate a group of students entering the national Spelling and Translation Bee events annually, and for the second year running we will have representation at the national finals to be held at Cambridge University. The MFL Team also arranged some salsa classes to immerse our learners in some Spanish culture.
The activities I have highlighted here are just a sample of those offered this term. Regular updates on the opportunities we provide are shared on the News page, on our website and across our social media platforms.
Over the past few years, several parents have passed-on books to me which they have read and found very informative in understanding young people. One of these books is “The Anxious Generation” by Jonathan Haidt. In nearly every forum I have attended this academic year this book has been mentioned in some way, as elements raised have begun to influence thinking in the education field. A novel given to me more recently was “Human Algorithm” by one of our parents, Godwin Ngonyamo. This provides a thought-provoking dive into the world of AI; something extremely topical, as it is an area with a substantial level of government investment to drive it’s use in education. This extremely readable book, suitable for secondary school age children, aims at getting the reader to think about the potential impact of AI on our future.
An increasing number of children are coming to first aid in the mornings school saying they have not eaten breakfast. This is having an impact on their well-being and ultimately, their learning. Perins cafeteria is open every morning should your child inadvertently miss their opportunity to fuel-up before leaving for school. If you require any support in providing a breakfast or encouraging your child to adopt a habit of eating before school, please contact our pastoral team so that they can proactively work with you in the best interests of your child. With the weather due to get warmer over the next week, a quick reminder for all students to carry a water bottle which can be refilled at break and lunch time. If involved in an outdoor activity, sunscreen would also be advisable.
Perins’ leadership team is always seeking to further raise standards in school. It has been decided that a requirement for school shoes to be worn rather than trainer style alternatives is something we will reintroduce in September and will phase this in through a rolling programme starting with the incoming Year 7 cohort.
Our Local Advisory Board (LAB) meets again on Monday evening (16th June). This forum provides Perins MAT trustees and leadership at the school with an insight into the topical issues that our school community would like addressed and promotes discussion around how best we can have a positive impact on the lives of our young people. If you have an interest in being part of this group in the future, there are currently vacancies. Please contact us through school@perins.hants.sch.uk
Your faithfully
Mark Nevola
Head of Perins School
