Dear parents and carers

It’s been a wonderful return to school this week which peaked with our Sixth Form Open evening – and once again it was a very proud occasion as the sixth form students and staff made a for a great open evening for our Year 11s and external students. The messages around progression have been reinforced in assembly this morning by Mr Matthews and Mr Stevenson as Year 11 turn their attention towards the mock exams. I have also mailed home a letter today regarding our lockdown practice that we will do on Monday – please do read this letter if you have yet to do so. We have briefed students this morning and will have a walk through of the drill during Monday registration so that all students and staff are familiar with actions they would need to take in the event of a lockdown in school.

Remembrance Service – Tuesday 11 November 

On Tuesday 11 November, our students will take part in a Remembrance Service during the school day. Please note the following:

• Outdoor Event: The service will take place outside, even if it rains. Please ensure your child brings a coat, and they are welcome to bring an umbrella if they wish.
• Cadets: Students who are cadets are welcome to wear their cadet uniform for the service. However, they must arrive at school in full school uniform and change into their cadet attire later in the morning.

Thank you for your support in helping us mark this important occasion respectfully.

Safeguarding Message: Road Safety

DSL and Assistant Headteacher, Mr Mills writes: ‘As the nights draw in can we please just ask you to remind the young people in your family how important it is to stay safe on the roads.  We have done assemblies to students this week as we know that sometimes they can forget how difficult it might be for road user to see them if they are walking along in dark clothes with no lights.  We know that there will be times where they are walking, but we have reminded them how important it is to use the pavements whenever possible and to always be bright and be seen, whether this is through clothing or even just the light of their phone torch, or similar, shining at the ground.    Thank you for your support with this.’

Careers News

Head of Careers, Mr Myers writes: ‘It was a pleasure to accompany a group of 6^th form students to Wellingborough School this week to attend an international universities roadshow event. The students were able to explore study options in various European countries and the USA. Comments from the students are below :

Rebeka Maxwell , ‘The event gave me much information about various future study options ‘

Judyta Skrodzka ,’ The event was useful in terms of information about the cost of studying overseas and was helpful to me about future decisions .’

Lena Bednarska , ‘It was a well organised event and insightful’

Charlotte Medhurst , ‘ the event was useful in helping me to explore my future ‘

Performing Arts Update

Head of Drama, Mrs Paltridge writes: ‘We have some exciting projects coming up in Performing Arts start off on the 19^th and 20th of November when all of Year 7 will be participating in the first annual ‘Production in a Day!’.  On each day, half of the year group will work in either Drama, Dance or Music to create, rehearse and prepare for a live performance in the Main Hall which will be watched by the other half of the year group and some specially invited guests!

Then, on Wednesday 10^th December, we will be showcasing a KS3 Dance and Drama performance in our Peacock Studio where our Key Stage 3 clubs will be showcasing some of their exciting work.  Tickets for this will be available on ParenPay soon.’

Warhammer Club

Head of Science, Mr Pugh writes: ‘Warhammer Club runs every Tuesday after school in SC4 from 3:15-4:15pm. The club started with a small group of students who were already collectors. I am delighted to say that over the course of the first term our numbers have increased with many new students joining the club and getting involved in the Warhammer community. We are fortunate to be supported by the Warhammer Alliance who have provided models and paints which has allowed new hobbyists to get involved without any personal investment.

We are a welcoming and open group who aim to provide a safe space for people to either continue their passion in gaming or giving new students a place to learn about the hobby. On a Tuesday have two different activities running and we are ably supported by some very knowledgeable sixth form students who support younger students with many areas of the hobby.

Students who attend the club have the option to learn how to paint the models, with support and guidance, or learn the rules of the gameplay and have battles on the gaming tables in the classroom. We discuss strategy, army building and scenery design. Our ambition as a club is to  attend a national school competition in Nottingham next year.’

England Box Lacrosse

Head of Science, Mr Pugh writes: ‘On Sunday 2^nd November the school was the host venue for the latest open training session for the England Women’s Box Lacrosse team. 

The England Women’s team have run four open sessions in different areas of the country ahead of the trials at the end of November for the European Championship squad selection. 

The session was the best attended of all four open sessions with over 40 women attending the session. One of our own sixth form students (Lily Goodrick) attended the session and has already signed up for the trials in November – Good Luck Lily  

The school provided an excellent space for the team to train and we are aiming to run several more training sessions for the team in the new year. 

If any students are interested in getting involved in the sport please speak to Mr Pugh (Head of Science)’

Tapestry: a new inclusive space for the community

Mr Wight and Miss Taylor writes: We are pleased to introduce Tapestry, a new social space in the School Library every Tuesday lunchtime, designed to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for students who identify as LGBT+, are questioning, or are allies. The name reflects the rich diversity of our student body and the strength that comes from weaving together different identities, experiences, and perspectives.

Purpose of the Space

Tapestry is a social and supportive space where students can:

• Helps to build a welcoming school culture by allowing students to connect with others who share similar values of openness and acceptance.
• Champion respect by building positive relationships in a safe, respectful environment.
• Explore identity and community through conversation, creativity, and shared interests.

Importantly, Tapestry is not an instructional or educational space. There is no formal teaching or curriculum but rather a focus on inclusion and student well-being. Students may choose to engage in planning positive whole school activities to raise awareness if they feel passionate about doing so, but this is entirely voluntary and student-led.

Our Approach

We understand that families may have questions or concerns, and we want to reassure you of the following:

• Participation is optional and students are free to attend or not attend as they wish.
• The club is supervised by staff who are committed to safeguarding and promoting respectful dialogue.
• The environment is designed to be non-political and non-ideological—our focus is on kindness, connection, and community.
• We welcome all students, regardless of identity, and encourage respectful curiosity and support among peers.

Addressing Concerns

We appreciate that conversations around identity can be sensitive. Our goal is not to influence or instruct, but to support students in feeling seen, heard, and valued. We believe that fostering empathy and understanding among young people contributes to a healthier, more respectful school culture.

If you have any questions or would like to speak with a staff member about Tapestry, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are happy to discuss the club’s aims and answer any queries you may have.

Thank you for your continued support in helping us create a school environment where every student feels safe and celebrated.

Best wishes for the week ahead.

Simon Anderson