Dear Parents, Guardians and Friends,
As I am writing this blog, the sky is grey and the rain is pouring down. What a difference to the heatwave of a few days ago. Although I know we all made the most of it, particularly as it was half term. I am sure our students revising for KS3 assessments and GCSE and A Level examinations were able to enjoy some time in the sunshine (with sunscreen, of course), while also managing to find a cool spot for their revision, with a supply of cold drinks and ice cream!
We ended last half term with a non-uniform day for local grassroots clubs – these are local (often uniformed) organisations such as Guides, Scouts and Cadets, as well as youth clubs and community-based groups. The letter we sent to parents explained how research shows just how much these types of organisations benefit young people.
It made me think of my own experience. I joined the Girls’ Brigade as an Explorer when I was five and left as a Young Leader at 17. It helped me develop independence – GB was always my thing – separate from home, school and parents. I made great friends and got to know people of all different ages and backgrounds.
I learnt to be part of a team, to follow rules, to communicate and, as I grew up, to develop leadership skills by leading a small group and eventually running sessions and events for younger girls. I also got to do some great things – we went ‘camping’ in church halls along the South Coast every year (I dread to think of the risk assessment for that these days!), I performed at the Albert Hall twice, gained my Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (I didn’t quite make Silver), and even played the side drum (I keep very quiet about that now!). We paraded along the road every month before church. I have very fond memories of that time, apart from the uniform and having to polish badges and shoes! All these skills certainly helped me in my future career too.
In total, we raised £846.05. This will be shared between local youth organisations, and we have asked our students to let us know about any that they attend.
Also, in the last week of term, Mr Gray held a piano and strings masterclass. He said:
We were lucky to have the Head of Strings and the Head of Keyboard from King’s College School, Wimbledon, lead a piano and strings masterclass for our students. The pianists were coached on pieces they had been preparing, and the string players worked on ensemble pieces in preparation for a joint concert with King’s College School later in June.
We also took Years 9 and 10 to see Wicked on Wednesday, which they all enjoyed. ‘Defying Gravity’ is one of the set works at GCSE, so it was great to hear it performed live.
Our Design and Technology department are also celebrating a great achievement. Mr Turner said:
Over the past 3 months, Year 12 Product Design students completed a live design brief where they were tasked to design a bedroom for the new Taylor Wimpey housing development showroom, Arborfield Heights. We are pleased to announce that Andreea, in Year 12, won the competition. and will receive a £250 voucher. Her bedroom design will also be realised as part of the show home.
We look forward to seeing her design in the showroom very soon. Well done to all students who entered the competition.
PE once again have something to celebrate… Mrs Bolton said:
The Berkshire Combined Events competition took place on the Thursday before half term at Palmer Park. This gave our future Jessica-Ennis Hill’s the chance to shine in a number of events! Congratulations to Lola who was a silver medallist and has been selected to represent Berkshire at the South of England Regional round at the end of June and also to Maya who came third.
As we move into the summer months and the last seven weeks of term, the students have plenty to look forward to.
GCSE and A Level examinations will eventually come to an end, and our Year 11 students can don their amazing prom outfits on 25th June. Sixth Form leavers can dress up for their leavers’ party on 22nd June.
Year 10 have a busy time ahead as they continue with their GCSE studies. Art students are visiting Kew Gardens next week, and Geographers will be travelling to Hurst Castle Spit on 16th and 18th June. They will also have the opportunity to start thinking about their future. They will attend a ‘Meet the Subjects’ session later in the term to learn about A Level subjects and will take part in work experience during the final week of term.
Year 8 have French and Spanish Day, as well as a poetry recital. Year 9 have their Praise Song Competition, and Year 7 have a speech competition. Of course, we also have the ever-popular SportFest, Colour Run and Sports Personality event, all culminating in Activities Week – of which there will be more in future blogs, I am sure.
Finally, we also look ahead to the future with our Year 6 Transition Day in June and Open Evening for Year 5s on 2nd July.
Thank you to all the staff who give their time and energy to ensure that all of these great events run so successfully.
Yvonne Smith
Assistant Headteacher