Monday 10 November
English Department – Year 11 English Speaking Exams

Tuesday 11 November
Remembrance Day

English Department – Year 11 English Speaking Exams

Wednesday 12 November
English Department – Year 11 English Speaking Exams

Thursday 13 November
English Department – Year 11 English Speaking Exams

Friday 14 November
English Department – Year 11 English Speaking Exams

INSET Days for 2025/26
Monday 23 February 2026
Thursday 2 July 2026

Every effort is made to ensure these dates are accurate. There are occasions when circumstances beyond our control may result in changes.

59 Year 11 students participated in the Senior Maths Challenge run by the UK Maths Trust in October.

The Senior Maths Challenge is a 90 minute, multiple choice question challenge. It encourages mathematical reasoning, precision of thought and fluency to make students think.

We are very proud to announce that 13 students received a bronze award, 7 silver awards, and James C 11JGO/EPK achieved a gold award along with an invitation to the follow-on round of the competition. Well done to all who participated!​​

Ameerah E 8HGR

Anna G 8HGR

Emily B 8VTE

Emmie R 8TDN

Liah E-C 9ERL

Jacob U 9JWS

Hollie A 10BCY

Joey M 10SDN/MRT

Arabella D 11RLE

Jake K 11IHS

Scarlett C 7DMS

Bonnie D 7DMS

Laini R 8BPY

Stanely W 8VTE

Melissa G 9LHG

Taran V 9MAZ

Isabelle W 9LHG

Eddie G 10SDN/MRT

Lily-May O 11JFR

Matt S 11JFR

Corban W 7AOR

Tamara K 9LHG

Hallie B 9DCR/JLE

Megan S 10LHK/EBT

Ellie M 7ESY/AWY

Barnaby R 7ESY/AWY

Holly Y 7KMN/KRL

Leo T 7LPO

DJ N 7ONL

Mia T 7ONL

Beatrice G 7PLM/CPE

Alfie Z 8LAD/DDN

Bobby R 8TN

Gabe V 8SGY

Laurence C 7DMS

Clark H 7DVA

Adam S 8OWS

Emma L 8KKY

Luna M 8SGY

Emma C 9MAZ

Edward F 9ERL

Mollie H 9ERL

Annabel R 10LHK/EBT

Maria D C 11SBS/EGE

Finley G 8HGR has achieved Piano Beginner Stage 1 with Merit

Arianna L 8KKY has achieved Piano Beginner Stage 1 with Distinction

Dylan E 8BPY has achieved Debut Grade with Distinction

Luke E 8HSN has achieved Grade 1 with Distinction

Samuel J 9JAD has achieved Grade 1 with Distinction

Oliver D 9JWS has achieved Grade 6 with Merit

This week, students explored the exciting opportunities that come with the T-Level qualification in their careers education lesson. T-Levels are dynamic technical qualifications designed to provide students with hands-on industry experience. These qualifications combine 80% classroom learning with 20% valuable work placement time, giving students the chance to gain real-world skills. They are equivalent to three A-Levels, offering a robust pathway to both further education and employment.

If your child is considering applying for a T-Level, we encourage you to reach out to the college for more details about how they support students in securing industry placements. While colleges are committed to helping find placements, it's important to note that securing an employer can sometimes be challenging. In these cases, the college will work with your child to explore alternative solutions to ensure they can still complete the qualification successfully.

Additionally, many universities do accept T-Levels as part of their entry requirements for further study, although it's always a good idea for students to check with the specific university and course they're interested in, as entry requirements can vary. For example, some universities, like Oxford, may have different criteria. We recommend students research their preferred university courses to make sure T-Levels meet their entry requirements.

Overall, the T-Level qualification offers a great balance of academic and practical learning, setting students up for success in both their studies and future careers. Further information on T-Levels can be found here: https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/students/about

Interested in apprenticeships in security and defence? Join BAE Systems Maritime and Land Defence Solutions for a live online event exploring a wide range of apprenticeship opportunities for September 2026.

We’ll tell you all about our company and our apprenticeships in engineering or business services at Portsmouth (Hampshire), Cowes (Isle of Wight), Glascoed (Monmouthshire), Radway Green (Cheshire) and Washington (Tyne and Wear).

After the presentation, our panel will answer your questions about careers at BAE Systems and our apprenticeship roles.

 The event is recommended for students, parents/guardians or careers professionals interested in Level 3 – Level 6 apprenticeships.

The online event will take place on Tuesday 25 November, 5.30pm – 6.45pm. Click here to register.

This term in RSHE, Year 7 students are focusing on developing the skills and understanding they need to make a positive start to secondary school life. The curriculum begins with work on starting secondary school and dealing with change, helping students explore strategies for managing transition, building resilience, and adapting to new routines and expectations. Lessons then move on to growing confidence and friendship, encouraging self-belief, developing supportive relationships, and recognising the importance of respect and kindness.

Students also spend time developing empathy, compassion and communication, learning how to listen effectively, understand others’ feelings, and communicate in positive and constructive ways. Alongside this, they explore the importance of healthy living, looking at balance in diet, exercise, rest and routines to maintain physical and mental wellbeing.

Later in the term, they consider external influences such as the risks associated with energy drinks, and they take part in the Beewell mental health surveys, which give young people a voice in shaping support for their wellbeing. The curriculum also addresses the growing concern around vaping, helping students understand the health risks, myths and social pressures so that they can make informed choices.

Through these lessons, students are encouraged to reflect, share their views, and develop the confidence to make safe, healthy and respectful decisions both in and out of school.

This term in RSHE, Year 8 students are developing their understanding of how personal choices, social influences and wider cultural issues shape their wellbeing and relationships. They begin by focusing on building standards and healthier lifestyles, looking at how personal routines and decision-making can help to maintain good physical health and balance in daily life.

Students then explore themes of discrimination and prejudice, including lessons linked to Black History Month, to help them recognise inequality, challenge stereotypes, and value diversity. They also spend time considering gender identity, with an emphasis on respect, inclusion and understanding different perspectives.

As part of their mental health education, students discuss attitudes to mental health and the importance of reducing stigma, alongside practical ways to care for their own wellbeing. This links closely with their learning about the influence of social media, the impact of online stress, and the importance of developing healthy digital habits.

Finally, the curriculum introduces critical thinking around bias and media sources, encouraging students to question information, understand how bias operates, and make informed decisions about what they read and share.

Throughout the term, lessons are designed to help Year 8 students build resilience, empathy and responsibility, while equipping them with the skills to make positive, healthy and respectful choices both online and offline.

This term in RSHE, Year 9 students are focusing on relationships, consent and digital safety, helping them to develop the knowledge and confidence to make respectful and informed choices. Lessons begin with positive relationships, where students explore the qualities that build trust, respect and equality between people. They are introduced to the concept of consent and then build on this by looking at the importance of avoiding assumptions, as well as understanding the principles of freedom and capacity in giving or receiving consent.

Alongside this, students consider the role of families, including marriage, and how family life may change over time. They also learn about the emotional impact of relationship changes, loss and change, and how to seek support when facing difficult circumstances.

The curriculum places a strong emphasis on online safety. Students revisit key principles of internet and digital safety, focusing on the challenges and risks they may encounter online. They also learn about safer internet use, including strategies to protect themselves and others, manage their digital footprint and make responsible choices in the online world.

Together, these lessons are designed to give Year 9 students the skills to build healthy, respectful relationships, recognise their rights and responsibilities, and stay safe both in their personal lives and online.

This term in RSHE, Year 10 students are exploring deeper aspects of relationships, mental health and wellbeing, building on their previous knowledge to develop greater emotional resilience and self-awareness. The curriculum is designed to support students as they navigate increasingly complex personal and social situations.

Students begin by examining relationship values, exploring what they personally value in relationships and how these values guide their choices and interactions with others. This foundation leads into learning about asexuality, abstinence and celibacy, helping students understand the full spectrum of relationship choices and that all approaches to intimacy and relationships are valid and worthy of respect.

The programme addresses the evolving nature of modern relationships through lessons on online relationships, where students learn to navigate digital connections safely and meaningfully. They explore how to build genuine connections online while recognising the unique challenges and limitations of digital communication.

A significant focus is placed on recognising and responding to pressure and coercion in all forms of relationships. Students develop skills to identify manipulative behaviour, understand their right to say no, and learn strategies for maintaining their boundaries in challenging situations.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing form a core component of the curriculum. Students learn to reframe negative thinking patterns, developing cognitive strategies to support their mental health. They explore the importance of emotional wellbeing and learn practical techniques for maintaining good mental health, including mindfulness practices that help them manage stress and develop greater self-awareness.

The term also includes participation in Beewell surveys, which provide valuable data to support student wellbeing across the school community while giving students insight into wider patterns of young people's mental health and wellbeing.

These lessons work together to equip Year 10 students with the emotional intelligence, self-advocacy skills and mental health strategies they need to thrive in their relationships and personal development, while fostering a deeper understanding of themselves and others.

This term in RSHE, Year 11 students are engaging with crucial topics around identity, personal development and risk management as they prepare for the next stage of their lives. The curriculum focuses on building self-awareness, resilience and practical life skills that will support them through their transition to adulthood.

Students explore gender identity and stereotypes, developing a deeper understanding of how gender expectations can impact personal choices and opportunities. They examine how stereotypes can limit potential and learn to challenge assumptions, fostering respect for diverse identities and expressions while reflecting on their own sense of self.

The programme emphasises personal growth through lessons on ambition and core values. Students are encouraged to identify their own aspirations and the values that will guide their decision-making. They explore how to set meaningful goals and develop the determination and strategies needed to achieve them, preparing them for post-16 education, training and career pathways.

Recognising the pressures facing Year 11 students, the curriculum addresses practical wellbeing strategies including sleep hygiene and dealing with emotions effectively. Students learn about the vital role sleep plays in mental and physical health, alongside developing healthy coping mechanisms for managing stress and emotional challenges during this demanding period.

A significant focus is placed on understanding pressure and making informed choices about risky behaviour. Students examine the factors that influence decision-making and learn to recognise when they might be under pressure to engage in activities that could harm their wellbeing or future prospects.

The curriculum includes comprehensive education about substance abuse, covering the physical, mental and social consequences of drug and alcohol misuse. Students develop skills to resist peer pressure, understand the legal implications of substance use, and learn how to seek help if they or others are struggling with these issues.

Additionally, students receive training in emergency aid, equipping them with potentially life-saving first aid skills and the confidence to respond appropriately in emergency situations.

These lessons are designed to prepare Year 11 students for greater independence, helping them develop the self-knowledge, resilience and practical skills necessary to make positive choices as they move towards adulthood while maintaining their safety and wellbeing.