CEO Blog

• Batley's Big Iftar

  Mon 25 Apr 2022

  Welcome back to the start of the summer term. Over the Easter break one of our schools was delighted to host the 2022 Big Iftar event.

   

  On Saturday 9th April the Big Iftar was held at Upper Batley High School and was a wonderful evening. The purpose of the event was to share stories about the incredible people who live and work in our great town, to meet new people and hear inspirational speakers, to learn about Ramadan and then all share a meal together.

   

  We were delighted that Qari Asim MBE could join us, as well as Kim Leadbeater MBE and her parents Jean and Gordon Leadbeater. The first ever Batley Iftar was held in Jo Cox's memory and these events are now held annually to bring our community together. It was fantastic that this year the event could be held in person again, after being online throughout the pandemic.

   

  The Batley Buzz was evident throughout the evening with poetry and speeches delivered by students from Batley Girls’ High School, readings from Upper Batley High School students and songs from St Peter's Primary School children. We are immensely proud of our rich and diverse community heritage and the fantastic people who live and work here. Community Makes Us.

  

• Yorkshire Champions

  Mon 04 Apr 2022

  Reading is such an important key life skill. Across our family of schools we promote the value and importance of reading whenever we possibly can. Reading helps to improve our vocabulary, teaches us about people, places and the whole world around us. Reading is also a great way to relax and unwind; after all you are never alone when you have a good book.

   

  Whilst we have been unable to travel during the pandemic, reading has been a great way to discover other countries and cultures. We have a community library on the Upper Batley High School site where everyone is welcome to pop in and choose a book - there really is something for everyone.

   

  We are also very proud of our Upper Batley High School learners who won the Yorkshire competition for the National Reading Champions Quiz. The regional heat of this national competition involved eight rounds, all with varied and challenging themes. These brilliant Year 8 and 9 learners will now take part in the final in London, in May. Well done team UBHS and good luck for the final!