It has been a brilliant start to the academic year at The Garibaldi School and I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the students, staff and the community here. At The Garibaldi School we want every young person to feel pride in their school and you will see lots of examples of work being done that students should be very proud of.
Each and every day students and staff work incredibly hard to help ensure that every young person leaves The Garibaldi School with brilliant results and having worked to develop their character. You will see below examples of students from last academic year who achieved highly across all of their subjects and have gone on to outstanding destinations.
This newsletter gives you a good sense of the range of activities that young people get involved in at school and the contributions that they make to our community. It is very pleasing to see so many of them taking advantage of these opportunities.
It has also been a pleasure to meet a number of parents, carers and members of the wider community over the course of the half-term. Our parental engagement events have been well attended and it's been great to see so many parents wanting to support their children to thrive at school. Thank you to all of our parents and carers for the way you collaborate with us.
I hope that the half-term break is a good one and we are all looking forward to welcoming students back to school on 4th November.
Mr P Cassidy
Head Teacher
Students at The Garibaldi School, part of Nova Education trust have achieved well again this year in their Level 3 qualifications. There is much written about adversities faced by this cohort of student but they have proven that hard work, effort and determination and demonstrating those amazing attitudes to learning and character virtues have enable them to succeed.
James Aldred, Head Teacher says “ Our students should be really pleased with their achievements again this year. There are some amazing results with a record number of A*’s in the mix too. These amazing results will enable them to continue their studies at University or move onto the higher level apprenticeships or employment. I wish them all the best for the future.
Martin Dawson, Deputy Head Teacher says “ Students have been incredibly focused and diligent this year and have been aspirational in their next step choices for university and apprenticeships for example. We’re incredibly proud of everyone’s achievements but a particular mention for Oskar Nowak who secured three A*s and an A and is going on to study Physics at Jesus College Oxford, and Hannah Smith who secured two A*s and an A and is going on to study Geography at Keble College, Oxford.”
Oskar says “I am elated by my results and excited about going to Oxford, I can’t wait to further my interests and meet new people. But this would never have been possible without the help of my teachers and Miss Hadley”
Hannah says “I am absolutely delighted with my results and really excited about the future”
From all at Garibaldi, we want to reiterate our congratulations to our sixth formers and good luck on the next part of their journey.
Students at The Garibaldi School, part of Nova Education Trust have achieved well again this year in their GCSE and Level 2 qualifications. This cohort nationally have had a tumultuous and challenging secondary school experience and it’s testament to their hard work, dedication and amazing character that has allowed them to succeed.
Martin Dawson, Deputy Head Teacher says “There was a real mood of celebration in the hall as students found out that they’d secured the grades needed to move on to a range of next steps including staying on at Garibaldi Sixth Form for A Levels, moving on to other college’s for vocational courses at Level 3 or starting level 2 and 3 apprenticeships.”
“As always on results days there were students celebrating grade 9’s and Distinction*’s but also those students celebrating securing that Grade 4 or Grade 5 that had been hard won. We’re incredibly proud of everyone’s achievements but a particular mention for Isabel Tyler, Cory Vincent, Tristan Yeung and Cameron Jackson who all secured an average grade above an 8 and between them secured 25 Grade 8’s and 9’s.”
Cameron, Isabel, Cory and Tristan gave some advice to this year’s Year 11’s. Cameron said “enjoy the year but prepare early so it becomes easier in the long term”, Isabel said “think through stressful situations and stay calm; you can overcome them”, Cory said “revision might not be the funnest thing, but it is worth it in the end!”, Tristan said “study hard to have no regrets and then embrace your results”. Mia Rathbone who is moving on to dramatic arts pathway after Garibaldi said “to be successful it’s important to have a good balance, this helped me to be successful”.
From all at Garibaldi, we want to reiterate our congratulations to our Year 11 students and wish them good luck on the next part of their journey.
When the students returned to school on Tuesday 3rd September they all engaged in the schools Culture Day. This is the second year in a row in which we have dedicated a full day of learning to supporting all students to engage fully with the Garibaldi School culture, standards and expectations.
The whole day was dedicated to providing greater clarity to all students about how we do things at The Garibaldi School. Students started the day with a whole school culture assembly delivered by Mrs Moors, welcoming them back to school after what we hope has been a fantastic summer break. Students then spent the day in mentor groups focusing on sessions around the importance of their conduct in lessons and around the school site. In addition, students had the opportunity to have a walking tour of the school, discussed the importance of the one way systems and reminded about appropriate behaviour when moving to different lessons.
In addition, students have the opportunity to meet Mr Cassidy in whole year group assemblies. The conduct of our students during this day was exemplary and we were extremely proud with how everyone engaged with the sessions that were offered.
The culture work goes hand in hand with the school’s character curriculum in which students have the opportunity to reflect and practice their virtue behaviour. Culture will continue to be revisited throughout the school year in order to support our students to engage fully in the culture at Garibaldi School.
The Garibaldi School acknowledges that in order for children and young people to embrace the challenges of creating a happy and successful adult life, pupils need knowledge that will enable them to make informed decisions about their wellbeing, health and relationships and to build their self-efficacy. We understand that high quality, evidence-based and age-appropriate teaching of these subjects can help prepare pupils to develop resilience, to know how and when to ask for help. in order for children and young people to embrace the challenges of creating a happy and successful adult life, pupils need knowledge that will enable them to make informed decisions about their wellbeing, health and relationships and to build their self-efficacy.
The aims of relationships and sex education (RSE) at our school are to:
· Provide a framework in which sensitive discussions can take place
· Prepare pupils for puberty, and give them an understanding of sexual development and the importance of health and hygiene
· Help pupils develop feelings of self-respect, confidence and empathy
· Create a positive culture around issues of sexuality and relationships
· Teach pupils the correct vocabulary to describe themselves and their bodies
Our RSE policy outlines how we teach RSE at The Garibaldi School and is reviewed and updated annually. Parents and carers have the right to request to withdraw their child from the sex education part of the Sex and Relationships Education up to three terms before their child turns 16. If you wish to do this, we must start a consultation process which involves a face-to-face meeting with Miss Griffin (Head of Personal Development) and Mr Cassidy (Head Teacher). Please email Miss Griffin at mgriffin@garibaldischool.co.uk to arrange or discuss this further.
At The Garibaldi School, we have been on a rapid and transformational Character Education journey over the past year, accumulating in the very proud moment of being awarded the ACE Kitemark in July 2024.
The success of our journey so far has been the comprehensively and strategically planned approach to implementation. Absolutely every decision made has character in mind. For example, our new Virtue Points rewards approach celebrates virtue based behaviours. Rewards are focussed on intrinsic motivators alongside more substantial rewards linked specifically to the character traits that have been demonstrated so well. For example, those showing outstanding civic virtues will have the opportunity to visit local charities or the Houses of Parliament. Even the rewards students can earn from the school vending machine have been designed to promote characterful behaviours, such as creativity, reflection, communication to name a few.
At Garibaldi, we recognise the importance of ensuring students have access to a wide ‘sought’ offer, with 100% of all students in KS3 engaging in enrichment, and every student completing the Garibaldi School ‘Leadership Academy’ in which students are explicitly taught about how to be a leader, providing them all with the toolkit to lead their own agendas and drive change. This has empowered our students to lead their own charity events and represent our school in the community. We are particularly proud of our parental engagement approach, in which we have seen a significant increase in parents coming to school to engage in our workshops around supporting their children in their education and character journey.
Character education and virtue based learning is prevalent across the full curriculum, delivered in bespoke Character drop down sessions, Personal Development lessons, through the mentor and assembly offer and across all curriculum areas. Our teachers have been described as ‘practitioners of Character and not just teachers of their subject’
Our next steps are around embedding this work, we are particularly focussing on supporting our students with their own character reflections, encouraging all students to ‘practice’ their virtuous behaviours. We are excited to see what the next year of our journey will bring.
Garibaldi School are now a Mental Health Support Team School (MHST) which means that we are able to access additional layers of support through external agencies for some of our students.
As part of this package of support, MHST are offering the following parenting workshops online:-
Understanding Your Teen
15th October 6-7.30pm
19th March -6-7.30pm
3rd June- 5.30-7.00pm
Self Harm
19th November 6-7.30pm
25th February 6-7.30pm
11th June 6-7.30pm
If you would like to take part on these workshops, please contact Ellie Jewsbury ejewsbury@garibaldischool.co.uk who will be able to share your details with MHST.
Our Sixth Form Open Evening also took place this month on Thursday 17th October 2024. Over 150 people attended the event, including over 50 students and their families. The evening started with a presentation from our Head of Key Stage 5, Miss Bleasdale, to discuss the achievements from August 2024 and our brand new sixth form area. Students were then invited to browse the subject stalls and speak to staff for all subjects we have on offer in our Sixth Form, including the additional courses on offer at Meden School for Garibaldi students. We also had Bishops Grossseteste University and Boots and in attendance to speak to students about their future steps.
Parental Engagement Events for 2024/25
Meet the Head Teacher - Mr Cassidy - 17th September 2024
Attendance - 26th November 2024
Online Safety - 28th January 2025
SEND - 13th May 2025
Your views matter to us!
We have been delighted with how many parents engaged in our workshop sessions throughout the last academic year and we are excited to see this evolve this academic year.
The Senior Leadership Team really value the views and feedback from parents. Every year, parents are invited to complete the Edurio survey. This information we gain from these surveys help the leadership team to make strategic decisions around the education of your children, so thank you to those of you who spend time completing them for us.
The survey results informs us that parents really value the education that their children receive at The Garibaldi School. We are extremely proud of this, that said, there is always room for improvement.
Our priority this academic year is to continue to encourage more parents to attend school for different events. This year, in addition to the workshops on offer around SEN, supporting attendance and online safety, there will be a whole host of other workshops that parents can sign up to that will be delivered by our subject teachers. Some of these will directly link to the curriculum, others will offer advice and support for you on how to best help your child to succeed. Some sessions will be social events around skills or opportunities. We welcome your engagement in these are we are excited to see lots of you enjoying this offer.
Our first event was held on 17th September where lots of parents and guardians had the opportunity to meet with Mr Cassidy our new Head Teacher and members of the senior leadership team.
In July, our Year 12 Biologists embarked on an adventure to explore Betwys-Y-Coed, near Snowden, in Wales, to undertake some water sampling as part of their A-Level practical.
Harry King, now in Year 13, said: “It was a very interesting experience that was important for our course. I enjoyed the extra freedom to explore the Welsh waters with my Sixth Form group”.
Francesca Caulton, also now in Year 13, commented: “We spent a lot of time measuring sand dunes of the Welsh beaches. I did not know there were so many different types of grass, even on the beaches!”.
On Tuesday 8th October our Year 9 and 10 girls football team played Joseph Whittaker School in the first round of the Mansfield Schools Cup and won by an amazing 5-0 victory.
Well done girls!
We were very excited to continue our Duke of Edinburgh Award in to year 2 to a group of over 30 Year 10 students in September this year. Students carried out their own voluntary, physical and skills-based activities throughout the year and the scheme culminated in July with two overnight camping expeditions, set a week apart, in the local countryside. Ms Gibbs, Ms Pilmore, Mr Levitt, Ms Griffin, Mr Fayers, Ms Humphries, Mr Hall, Ms Hill, Ms Hawley Ms Walker, Dr Inglis and Ms Pickering accompanied the four trips; the first being a practice expedition where students honed their map-reading, tent-pitching and pasta-cooking skills. The 2nd expedition was the ‘qualifying’ expedition where students were assessed on their ability to plan a suitable walking route, carry their tents and all the associated camping gear and walk unsupervised in the beautiful area close around Thoresby and Edwinstowe.
Over the 4 days, we were subjected to the whole range of British weather from blazing sunshine to heavy rain with all students demonstrating their positive characters by keeping calm and carrying on.
All the students were fantastic and I know from all the staff they were incredible proud of what they achieved throughout their expeditions.
Changes to Penalty Notice Fines for school attendance came into effect on 19th August 2024. Please read the information above which breaks down each stage of the process should you take your child out of school during term time or they have low attendance.
Remember every day really does count, particularly for secondary school age children. Regular attendance enforces good routines, students will find learning more satisfying and be more successful in higher education and employment.
Attendance Challenge
In our recent attendance challenge 622 students achieved success in maintaining 100% attendance for period. This is a positive result and we are happy to see so many students in school 100% of the time!
The successful students were invited to enjoy some board games this week –
Year 8 – Monday
Year 7 – Tuesday
Year 9 – Wednesday
Year 10 and 11 were entered into a draw for a £10 Amazon voucher.
All students also received a free cookie on Thursday at lunchtime.
On 2nd April 2025 our Year 7 students will embark on a 3 day camp trip at PGL Caythorpe Court in Lincolnshire. The trip will focus on character and personal development which supplements the curriculum. It also provides an amazing opportunity for students to continue to forge links with their peers, create bonds with other members of the year group and embed lasting memories.
At The Garibaldi School we value our outdoor education program. As members of The Garibaldi School community, this is a fantastic opportunity for our Year 7 students to experience learning outside the classroom and develop positive relationships with their peers.
The camp will consist of lots exciting team building exercises such as: abseiling, high rope courses, giant swings, code breakers, Jacob’s ladder and much more.
Our Year 7 and 8 students are invited to take part in our annual Christmas Card Competition which they have been informed about in school. This is to design this year's school Christmas card. This is a chance to represent the school and create a piece of artwork to show off artistic skills and to be proud of.
Students in those year groups who wish to take part are welcome to design and create a piece of artwork to be printed on this year's Garibaldi School Christmas card which will be sent out. The deadline for all entries are to be submitted to Miss Mitchell or mentors on the first day back after half term - Monday 4th November 2024 to give students time to work on their designs. The final shortlist of entries handpicked by Mr Cassidy will then be part of an online poll where parents and students across the school can view each finalist and vote for the winning design to be sent to print!
Good luck to all students taking part. We cannot wait to see all the magnificent Christmas creations.
Watch this space for a link to vote for your favourite masterpiece!
Clipstone FC are on the lookout for Year 7/8 girls for a new local football team!
Clipstone FC Under 13 girls have recently set up a new all girls football team looking to provide a fun and safe environment girls to come play in a competitive league and improve their game being developed by fully qualified and DBS checked coaches.
They are looking for new players of all abilities and playing positions, they train on Friday nights at Clipstone Lido Football Ground at 5:30pm - 6:45pm and play games on Sundays at 12:30pm at Manor Complex, Mansfield Woodhouse.
For more details please contact Scott Simpson at Scott.simpson1985@gmail.com
Follow our school on Twitter (X) for regular updates, events and school news!
The Garibaldi School
@garibaldischool
If you have a concern about the safety or welfare of a student, please do make contact with the school.
You will be able to speak with any member of staff in school, your concerns may be referred onto the Designated Safeguarding Leads in school. Details of our Designated Safeguarding Leads are on the above poster which is available to students all over school.
Students can speak with any member of staff in school, including (but not limited to) their mentor, pastoral manager or teachers
For further information on support that is available both in and out of school, please refer to
Parental Engagement Event - Meet the Head Teacher
On 17th September we invited parents and carers to attend a parental engagement evening with our new Head Teacher, Mr Cassidy and the members of our senior leadership team. We were pleased to see so many attend this event and fully engage with staff, asking questions and getting advice and support.
Whole School Photographs
On 19th September our whole school photographs took place for every year group. Hopefully you have received lots of smiling, happy and smart student photographs to proudly display!
Year 5/6 Open Evening
Our Year 5/6 Open Evening took place on Wednesday 25th September 2024. It was our most well attended open evening to date, with over 600 visitors from local primary schools. Prospective parents and students were treated to a snap shot of what life is like at Garibaldi with activities to explore in all subject areas. A range of sports were showcased in PE, a host of practical work was demonstrated in Science, the English department was transformed into a crime scene and the Business department made and personalised some branded keyrings.
Thank you to everyone who attended; it was nice to see so many people enjoying the event and meeting our staff. Also, a huge thank you to our student volunteers who made us very proud during the event. It was so nice to see such a mature and enthusiastic group of students interacting with our potential students and their parents.
Year 11 Parent Information Evening
On Thursday 3rd October 2024 our Year 11 Parent Information evening took place in school. This was an opportunity for year 11 students and their parents/carers to hear from Mr Cassidy (Head Teacher), Mr Hales (Head of Year 11) and Mr Dawson (Deputy Head Teacher) about the journey ahead for those students this year and support being put in place to ensure they are as successful as possible . This included revision advice and guidance, support for independent learning, next steps and positive mental health and wellbeing advice. We also ran three subject specific workshops for English, Maths and Science. It was great to see so many of our year 11 students and their families attend this event during what can be a challenging and anxious time for some students so they can be supported both in school and at home.
Year 13 Parent Information Evening
On Thursday 3rd October 2023 we also ran our Year 13 Parent Information evening. This was a chance to hear from Miss Bleasdale, Head of Key Stage 5 about the journey ahead for our year 13 students this year. There was also an opportunity on arrival to have a walk around our new sixth form block and speak to staff and ask any questions. Miss Bleasdale then went through with both students and parents/carers the support we can provide in school to ensure every student can reach their full potential and be as successful as possible including revision advice and guidance, support for independent learning as well as next steps and positive mental health and wellbeing advice.
Sixth Form Open Evening
Our Sixth Form Open Evening also took place this month on Thursday 17th October 2024. Over 150 people attended the event, including over 50 students and their families.
Year 7 Meet the Mentor Evening
It was fantastic to see so many parents and carers at the Year 7 Meet the Mentor evening on Thursday 24th October 2024. Year 7 have had a great start to the new academic year and are now settling well into their studies at secondary school. Evenings like this are a great opportunity for mentors and parents and carers to discuss the wellbeing and progress of the year group and take part in a Q&A of their studies and conduct around the site. We are very grateful for the support and engagement of all of those who attended and happy to feedback to those who were unable to attend.
Year 11 Parents Evening - 21st November 2024
Parental Engagement Evening for Attendance - 26th November 2024
Year 11 & 13 Awards Evening (2023/24 students) - 12th December 2024
The Garibaldi School
Train to teach with the Nottinghamshire Torch SCITT