Castle Hill Blog 18/07/2025

As the sun sets on another incredible year here at Castle Hill High School, I feel an enormous sense of pride for what our young people have achieved. They're truly inspirational. In my awards assembly this week, the important message that I wanted to get across was that we only really achieve anything in life with the help and support of our friends. I am so very lucky that I consider each and every one of you to be 'friends of Castle Hill' and as a consequence our school community thrives!

Mr Law ‘Respect and Achievement’ Award

This award goes to a pupil who consistently shows respect across school and shows resilience in every challenge.

Clayton Shingler

Mr Williams Creativity Award

This award goes to a pupil who shows a flair for the creative activities in school.

Kayleigh Leighton

 Mrs Bell Endeavour Award

This award goes to a pupil who is resilient, consistently tries hard and perseveres against all odds.

Grace Wilson

Although many of our pupils enjoy  receiving their 100% attendance certificates, you can see this pair were  particularly delighted! 

Super Story Opening

Look at the combined talent of these pupils from 9D in this spellbinding creation...Happy Reading!

Duke of Edinburgh

This year’s Duke of Edinburgh expeditions were another great success, with Year 11 students completing their Bronze Award, and Year 13 students achieving both Bronze and Silver levels.

As always, the weather was unpredictable, but the students handled the conditions admirably, demonstrating independence and effective teamwork throughout.

Groups were tasked with reading maps, setting up camp, and organising their own meals, all while fully immersing themselves in the outdoor experience. They learned to utilise each other’s strengths to reach their goals, building crucial skills in the process.

Students embraced the chance to explore the countryside and expressed enthusiasm about participating again in the future. The key skills we aim to develop through these expeditions—teamwork, self-management, self-belief, communication, independence, and resilience—were clearly evident as the trips progressed. It was a pleasure to watch the students rise to the challenge while thoroughly enjoying themselves.

Looking Ahead...Dates for the Diary:

And Finally...

In early spring, I decided to take up running again—and what better motivation than signing up to raise money for Cancer Research? Unfortunately, not long after committing to the challenge, disaster struck and I broke my foot.

Thanks to the incredible support and encouragement from friends and colleagues, I stayed focused throughout my recovery and was eventually able to complete the course. I want to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who sponsored me—your support truly kept me going.

Surprisingly, crossing the finish line wasn’t the highlight of the day-it was seeing Kirsty running towards the finish with a huge smile on her face, holding her friend’s hand. The sense of their achievement and pure joy in that moment was truly sensational.

Have a wonderful summer!