Dear Parents and Guardians
Since the last blog some of our students have been on a residential, Year 11 and 13 are sitting PPEs (aka mock exams), Year 12 Philosophy students debated about who was responsible for Evil, the Made in Dagenham cast are refining their performances with just two weeks to go, design and technology students are finishing off their final pieces for the exhibition next week and parents are doing their bit to reach the ‘Wishlist’ target – all in a week.
22 Year8 and 9 students left The Holt for the Gordon Brown Centre residential centre near Hook for three days of activities and two nights of ultimate sleepovers. https://thegordonbrowncentre.org.uk/
Students hung out in the pens with the goats, rabbits and chickens but needed to keep a bit of a distance from the donkey’s and Blueberry Pie – the very old pig. They showed their competitive spirit in laser tag – I could see a few maybe wanting to join the army and their grit and concentration climbing the high walls and dropping down from the ‘death drop’. The archery activity sorted out the girls with a precise shot to the ones who prefer to point and hope for the best! In between archery turns the girls made lovely bracelets from seven strands of wool….mmmmm…I have spotted a few this week hidden under blazers and jumper sleeves! Students learnt how to make a campfire…and homemade firelights (cotton wool and petroleum jelly) … the popcorn they cooked tasted so good. The high ropes, trim trial and low ropes were all good activities to do before dinner to build up an appetite. The food was classic teenager food – fishfingers, chips, macaroni cheese, katsu curry, sausages and baguettes with various fillings. The homemade puddings were delicious. School staff sorted out breakfast – toast, cereal and croissants.
After dinner, students chilled in their dorms – they loved hanging out and bonding with their peers – it really was the ultimate sleepover! The night hike was exciting and a first for everyone was going down into a WWII air raid shelter as well as hearing the local tale about Mavis, a psychiatric patient from the WW2 hospital that is now Tylney Hall Hotel. The girls also enjoyed a campfire and making ‘smores’…. hot marshmallows sandwiched between chocolate digestive biscuits.
A huge thank you to Brian Matthews, a parent but also Head of Centre as it was Brian who got in touch last term to let us know about the funding they received from UK Youth ‘Adventures Away from Home’ programme so we could take our students for free! They just had to pay for the coach. Thanks also to Isobel and Cameron who led all the activities, they set the pace perfectly, were welcoming and encouraging and our students engaged very well with them. Mrs Griffiths, our SENCO organised the trip and was up at 6am every morning and in bed at midnight as she made sure students were welcomed in the morning and settled at night. Mrs Baker, Miss Tomsett and Mrs Maynard all accompanied Mrs Griffiths and the girls on the trip. A massive shout out to them all for their enthusiasm and for giving up their time.
Mrs Griffiths reflected on the trip
As SENCo, I was incredibly impressed with the high level of participation and enthusiasm shown by all of our pupils throughout the three-day residential. Every student was encouraged to step outside their comfort zone, and it was wonderful to see them engaging so positively in each activity. The instructors demonstrated exceptional care, patience and understanding, ensuring that all learners, regardless of need felt supported, included and valued at every stage. Their ability to adapt activities and provide reassurance when needed made a significant difference to our pupils’ confidence and enjoyment. The centre itself was extremely well organised, with facilities that were thoughtfully set out, safe and fully accessible, allowing our students to thrive in a secure and welcoming environment. Overall, it was a truly enriching experience that supported both personal development and inclusion.
When I dropped by the learning link at lunchtime earlier this week, I asked the girls about their highlights….it was overwhelmingly the rabbits and goats, the climbing, the laser tag and hanging out with their classmates in the dorms! They said they enjoyed being outside and felt more confident in taking part in activities. They all did great!
Meanwhile back in school, Mrs Gibbons’ Year 12 Philosophy class did a court case lesson about whether God is responsible for evil in the world. Students played prosecution & defence lawyers, witnesses and the jury….the verdict….the jury deliberated for a long time and concluded that, ultimately, God was guilty of allowing evil and suffering in the world (too much natural evil). Thanks to Miss Gibbons for setting up this challenging lesson.
The Friends of The Holt have just launched an exciting “just giving “ page with the aim of raising £5000 towards the cost of some items that our departments have identified as wonderful extras to have to enhance the teaching and learning and experience of all our students.
If you are able to make a small donation towards the cost of these, we would be most grateful.
justgiving.com/campaign/friends-wishlist-2026. Also detailed in the letter, are two other ways in which you and your company could help us to raise much needed funds, we hope you can help.
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on?q=The+holt+school
The Design and technology exhibition is open next week. Mr Turner, Head of Design and Technology, wrote
On Thursday 12th March 2026, our GCSE and A Level Product Design, Graphics and Textiles students will be exhibiting their final products at our 8th annual design exhibition. On show are a wide range of products from children’s toys to winter wear. During the evening visitors will be asked to complete questionnaires to help our students evaluate their products.
Parents and guardians of our Y11 and Y13 Design and Technology students are welcome to attend between 6:00pm and 7:30pm in the Technology building. Canapés will be served from 6pm. We look forward to welcoming you.
A big shout-out to Year 11 and Year 13, who are deep into their PPEs right now. It’s full speed ahead to the public exams, it feels like a treadmill at times, but we hope they set aside out some well-earned downtime this weekend. After the effort they’ve put in this week, they’ve more than earned a breather. Their endurance is seriously impressive!
Anne Kennedy
Co-Headteacher