Headteacher's Weekly Update
Dear Families,
It has been another inspiring and uplifting week in our school community.
Our Year 10 dancers visited Harwell Primary School to lead a dance lesson for pupils in Years 5 and 6, and they were outstanding ambassadors throughout. Their leadership, patience, and ability to engage younger students shone through, and they truly demonstrated our core school values in action. We are incredibly proud of each of them.
On Thursday I was also privileged to watch the dance students rehearsing for their upcoming competition. Their piece looks fantastic creative, polished, and full of energy. I know they will do themselves, and our school, proud on the big stage, and I can’t wait to hear how they get on.
This week I have been working through our recent stakeholder voice feedback. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, and I want to extend my sincere thanks to all families, staff, and students who took the time to complete the survey. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us continue to improve and celebrate what we do well.
A huge thank you as well to all parents, carers, and extended family members who have contacted our Friends of Aureus offering support. The funds raised by FOA directly enhance your child’s education, so your involvement is greatly appreciated. Please also remember that our FOA is registered with easyfundraising, a simple way to help raise money at no extra cost. By signing up, every time you shop online FOA receives a small donation. Please spread the word among family and friends to help us make the most of this opportunity.
As you know, many schools are facing significant financial pressures. One way you can help us reduce costs—and reinvest more into enriching students’ experiences—is by downloading the MCAS app and enabling notifications. App notifications are completely free for the school, but if they are switched off we are charged for every email we send. A small change on your device makes a big difference to our budget.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support. It is very much appreciated.
Kind regards,
Kirsty Rogers
Headteacher
Key Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Year 11 Hospitality and Catering Practical | 27/01/26 |
| Year 10 Thames Water Debate | 28/01/2026 |
| GLF Collaborates - Early finish for students (13:05) | 03/02/26 |
| Year 9 Progress Evening | 05/02/26 |
| FOA Quiz Night | 07/02/26 |
| Trainee Teacher Recruitment Evening | 09/02/26 |
| Year 10 Progress Evening | 12/02/26 |
| End of Term 3 - students finish at normal time | 13/02/26 |
| Start of Term 4 - all students return | 23/02/26 |
| Iftar Dinner - all families welcome | 24/02/26 |
| Year 11 Mocks | 23/02/26 to 04/03/26 |
| Year 8 Human Library | 02/03/26 |
| Year 8 HPV Catch up vaccinations | 04/03/26 |
| Performing Arts Showcase | 13/03/26 |
| Year 10 Masterchef Competition | 17/03/26 |
| Year 10 Career Fest | 18/03/26 |
| Year 10 Vertex Trip | 19/03/26 |
| Move It Trip | 20/03/26 |
| Year 11 Progress Evening | 26/03/26 |
| End of Term 4 - early close 13:05 | 27/03/26 |
Term dates up to 2028 can be found on our school website.
Current House Competitions
In response to families asking to see things students can get involved in, please see below the current house competitions:
| Faculty | Competition | When |
|---|---|---|
| Performing Arts | Collect a monologue from Ms Powell, learn it and then perform it | 29/01/26 |
| Performing Arts | Singing competition. Register with Mrs Burbage | 11/02/26 |
| Languages | Design a valentine's card that says "I love you" in a foreign language | 13/02/26 |
| Art | Create a piece of art of tulips, bluebells and/or lavender to decorate 3 rooms at the JR neonatal unit. This is to support SSNAP charity who would like to make the rooms look more homely. | 13/02/26 |
