Headteacher's Weekly Update
Dear Families,
We have had another busy and eventful week. I am pleased to share some highlights with you below.
Our Year 11 students took part in their Hospitality and Catering practical mock exam, and the standard of work was exceptional. From freshly crafted gourmet burgers to beautifully cooked salmon, and from delicate chocolate éclairs to creamy cheesecake, the dishes they produced were nothing short of outstanding. The creativity, skill, and pride they demonstrated made the whole department incredibly proud.
Year 10 also had a busy and impressive week. Our Geography students took part in a Thames Water environmental debate, where they presented thoughtful, well-researched arguments with confidence and maturity. Their level of engagement and the quality of their contributions reflected the hard work they have been putting into their studies.
On Wednesday, we found ourselves managing an urgent situation involving one of our students. We want to take a moment to acknowledge how exceptionally well all of our students responded to an unexpected change to the day. Their calm conduct, kindness, and adaptability made us incredibly proud. We also want to reassure you that the student involved is doing well and feels very supported by our school community.
Year 10 continued to shine throughout the week, offering fantastic support during our Year 5 masterclass event. Their leadership and enthusiasm helped create a wonderful experience for our visiting students. To round off the week, our Year 10 dancers recorded their performance on Friday—a piece that was nothing short of exceptional. Their dedication, creativity, and teamwork were evident throughout.
We have been made aware of increasingly unsafe parking around the school during drop off and pick up times. The safety of our children, families, staff, and neighbours remains our highest priority and we ask that you park legally, safely and considerately at all times. Thank you for helping us keep everyone safe and maintain a positive relationship with our community.
Thank you, as always, for your ongoing support. We look forward to another busy and successful week ahead.
Kind regards,
Kirsty Rogers
Headteacher
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| GLF Collaborates - Early finish for students (13:05) | 03/02/26 |
| Year 9 Progress Evening | 05/02/26 |
| FOA Quiz Night | 07/02/26 |
| 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 |
| Performing Arts Showcase | 13/03/26 |
| Year 10 Masterchef Competition | 17/03/26 |
| Year 10 Career Fest | 18/03/26 |
| Year 8 HPV Catch up vaccinations | 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 Personal Development Time Clubs
| Clubs | Year Groups | Teacher | Day and Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breakfast Club | All Years | Miss Ellaway - Canteen | Weekdays 08:00 |
| Morning Basketball | All Years | Mr Hayden - SH1 | Weekdays 08:00 |
| Basketball | All Years | Mr Hayden - SH1 | Monday after school |
| Football | Year 7 & 8 | Mr Hayden - SH1 | Tuesday after school |
| Netball | All Years | Mrs Adams - SH2 | Tuesday after school |
| Street Dance | All years | Ms King - DH | Tuesday after school |
| Keyboard Club | All Years | Mrs Burbage - SG04 | Tuesday after school |
| Magic: The Gathering | All Years | Mr Baker - E209 | Tuesday after school |
| Football | Year 9 & 10 | Mr Hayden - SH1 | Wednesday after school |
| Girls Football | All Years | Mr Hayden - SH1 | Wednesday after school |
| Science Club | All Years | Mrs Poulton - E204 | Wednesday after school |
| Mock Magistrates | All Years | Mrs Nicholls - S107 | Wednesday after school |
| KS4 Dance Rehearsals | Year 10 & 11 | Ms king - DH | Wednesday after school |
| Cornerstone Rehearsals | All Years | Ms King - DH | Thursday after school |
| Badminton | All Years | Mr Hayden - SH1 | Friday after school |
| Contemporary Dance | All Years | Ms King - DH | Monday 13:05 |
| Brass Group | Year 7 & 8 | Mrs Burbage - SG04 | Monday at 13:05 |
| DT | All Years | Mr Butler - NG04 | Monday and Tuesday at 13:05 |
| Eco School | All Years | Mr Rayner - S106 | Monday at 13:05 |
| Crochet Club | All Years | Miss Cockburn - Bridge Room | Monday at 13:05 |
| Orchestra | All Years | Mrs Burbage - SG04 | Tuesday at 13:05 |
| Craft Club | All Years | Mrs Cockburn - Bridge Room | Tuesday at 13:05 |
| Axiom Maths | Year 7 | Mr Gunputhram - N207 | Tuesday at 13:05 |
| Dance | Year 9 | Ms King - DH | Tuesday at 13:05 |
| Boys Dance | All Years | Miss King - DH | Wednesday at 13:05 |
| World Challenge | All Years | Mr Wilkinson - E207 | Wednesday at 13:05 |
| Sparx Homework | All Years | Mrs Kaur - N202 | Wednesday & Thursday at 13:05 |
| Axiom Maths | Year 8 | Mr Gunputhram - N207 | Thursday at 13:05 |
| Voices of Musical Theatre | All Years | Mrs Powell - SG04 | Thursday at 13:05 |
| Cornerstone Rehearsals | All Years | Ms King - DH | Thursday at 13:05 |
| Dance Club | Year 10 | Ms King - DH | Thursday 13:05 |
| Jazz Dance Club | All Years | Ms King - DH | Friday at 13:05 |
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 |
