The Derby Round-Up

23rd February – 6th March 2026

Message from the Headteacher

Dear Parents & Carers,

Our Friday Round Up will be sent out on a Friday Week B via our Bromcom MCAS app. I want to use my message to provide information around our motto, ‘Inspired to Make a Difference’. I will cover events that are happening, opportunities to look out for and information that I feel you need to know. I promise you I will be brief!

In school we are currently participating in ‘National Science’ Week – this is celebrated each March and aims to make science accessible and relevant to everyone. Here at The Derby, we all know the huge advantages of studying Science in school – it not only helps us to understand the world around us – it builds essential skills and prepares students for many careers. This year the theme of National Science Week is “Curiosity: what’s your question?” and I would encourage you to ask your child about what they have been getting up to in science during the week.

On March 26th we are embracing another event - ‘Employer Appreciation Day’. I have worked in a number of schools across Greater Manchester, and I have never seen the commitment I see day-in-day-out from our staff at The Derby – they really do care and go above and beyond to ensure we do our very best for your children. I would really like our staff to know they are valued and recognised for all they do and would be hugely grateful if you could email any positive comments about our team or individual colleagues to info@thederbyhighschool.co.uk

Ms C H Hubert, Headteacher

What’s Been Happening

Business Students Inspired by Enterprise Experience

Students studying Business at the school recently took part in an exciting enterprise workshop delivered by the team from The King's Trust.

The session gave students a hands-on opportunity to develop their entrepreneurial thinking, working together to explore ideas, solve problems and present creative business solutions. The energy, creativity and teamwork on display throughout the day were fantastic to see, with students fully embracing the challenge.

Experiences like this help bring business learning to life, allowing students to build confidence, communication skills and an understanding of real-world enterprise.

Following such a successful session, the school is hopeful of once again retaining its title as King’s Trust Champions, recognising the strong engagement and enthusiasm shown by students.

STEM Racing Success on Debut!

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We are incredibly proud of our STEM Racing team, an inspirational group of Year 10 students who are already making their dreams a reality.

Mandy, Emaan, Alina, Millie, Laraib and Ahmad recently competed in the Greater Manchester STEM Racing Regional Finals at the University of Greater Manchester. Despite only being able to put the wheels on their car on the morning of the race due to 3D printer issues, the team performed brilliantly.

The challenge involved much more than racing. The team presented their research, delivered a verbal presentation, answered questions from scrutineers and showcased their work to visitors.

On the track their car completed the drag race in 1.5 seconds, while Emaan also won the team’s first trophy for Lightning Reaction Time (0.138s), an incredible achievement!

A fantastic example of determination, teamwork and innovation from a completely student-driven project.

Please join us in congratulating them on their success and ask them about their STEM Racing journey!

Science Leaders Inspired at Teacher Training Event

Science leaders from the school recently took part in an inspiring teacher training event delivered by SEERIH, with thanks to course leader Nicola Dore for leading such an engaging and insightful session.

The training provided valuable opportunities to share ideas, explore effective approaches to science leadership, and reflect on how best to support high-quality science education in schools.

After 11 years of supporting Great Science Share for Schools, the school is excited to be hosting the inaugural GSSfS Derby Satellite event later this year, helping to bring together schools and celebrate curiosity, collaboration and a love of science.

World Book Day at The Derby High School

Today our staff truly went all in to celebrate World Book Day, dressing up as some of their favourite book characters!

This year’s theme “Go All In” encourages everyone to connect reading with the things they already love, whether that’s gaming, sport, music, food or adventure. The aim is simple: to make reading a fun, social part of everyday life.

It was fantastic to see so many creative costumes around school today, bringing stories and characters to life for our students.

Take a look through the photos and see if you can recognise the characters!

Student Wellbeing Initiatives

We are incredibly impressed with our Wellbeing Ambassadors who are volunteering during their lunch breaks to work with Year 7 students, develop our recycling initiatives or grow produce for the community in our garden.

Young Green Briton Challenge

Our Young Green Briton Challenge Club continues in B9 on Wednesdays from 3.05pm-4pm. This EXCITING competition is open to ALL Year 8 students.

Students attending this club will be able to receive support with all aspects of their project, including resources, presentations, industry links and advice. We know that we have what it takes to make it through to the regional and hopefully national finals.

Mr Kerr has inspired students with his assemblies celebrating National Careers Week.

It is vital that we take every opportunity to talk about career aspirations. Students need to make sure that they embrace every opportunity to enhance what they have to offer. We have enrichment activities running before school at lunch and after school. Attending enrichment will enhance students transferable skills.

All students in Year 10 should have found a work experience placement which compliments their aspiration. Work Experiemce Tuesday30th of June to Friday 3^rd June. finding this placement must be a priority.

Sports News

Miss Leng was proud to support our Year 9 girls at this weeks rugby festival at Preston Grasshoppers.

Alumni Highlights

Congratulations to alumna Alina

Alina, currently studies A Levels in Business, Computer Science and Mathematics at @Xaverian College. She has secured an offer to study a Degree in Computer Science and Philosophy at the University of Oxford this September.

Coming Soon

We have a Quiz/Bingo/Karaoke night booked at Campito for 27th March. Tickets are £10 (only 40 available)

Get your tickets here

The Geography team are organising a visit to the Ingleton Waterfall Trail on Wednesday 1^st of April.

General Reminder

Can we please ask for your support in ensuring that your child brings their Yondr pouch daily as part of their essential equipment. Pouches should remain closed to protect the locking mechanism.

Year 9 students should be talking to parents about their Duke of Edinburgh Award. Students must bring their logbooks every Monday to complete a form tutor check as part of the data morning.

Information for parents of SEND students

Changes in How Children and Young People are Reviewed and Assessed for Autism and ADHD in Greater Manchester

The attached information is from NHS Greater Manchester, and it outlines the upcoming changes to the way Autism and ADHD assessments for children and young people are reviewed across the region.

ADHD and Autism Assessments for children and young people | Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership

Homework and Independent Learning

Helping your child to understand how we learn:

Retrieval practice is the strategy of recalling facts, concepts, or events from memory in order to enhance learning. The act of retrieving something from your memory actually strengthens the connections holding it there, making it more likely that you’ll be able to recall it in the future. Below are some of the strategies that we have spoken to your children about:

Homework Club

Please remind your child that homework club is available to all students Monday to Friday where they can complete work in a quiet environment with staff on hand to support them, and computers for online quizzes and research.

The Derby Diploma

Challenge Half Term

Attendance Matters

The Derby High School - Attendance & Punctuality