Week 36
As we approach the final weeks of term, I continue to be impressed by the energy and enthusiasm shown by students and staff alike. From final assessments to end-of-year celebrations, there is much to reflect on and still to look forward to. This evening, we are excited to hold our first Year 11 prom – a fitting celebration of their hard work and achievements over the past five years.
We have had some lovely weather over the last two weeks, and it is set to continue. With high temperatures predicted again next week, students may continue to wear adapted uniform. Monday and Tuesday are set to be particularly hot, and students may come in their Watling PE kits if they wish. For the rest of the week, students will not need to wear their ties to school. Please remember that students are not required to wear or bring a blazer or jumper to school in the second half of the summer term. We would also encourage students to bring a water bottle which can be refilled at our water fountains.
Summer Arts Showcase
Last week we held our Summer Arts Showcase, with music and drama performances from students in Years 7, 8 and 9. The evening offered a thoughtful display of student talent across both Drama and Music reflecting the students’ hard work and commitment. With musical pieces from our orchestra, choir and student ensembles, and drama scenes from each year group, it was a well-received event that highlighted the creative efforts taking place within our school community. Well done to all the students and staff involved for making the evening a success and thank you to those who came to show their support.
Sixth Form Induction Day
Our Sixth Form Induction Day took place on Wednesday and provided students with a valuable preview of life in the Sixth Form. They took part in sessions across their chosen Post 16 subjects, explored study skills and sampled the café menu. We were thoroughly impressed with how smartly presented the students were and how actively they engaged with the day’s activities. It was an exciting glimpse into the journey ahead when the Sixth Form officially opens in September. We are incredibly excited to start delivering our Sixth Form curriculum and have a strong focus on preparing our students for their future and the world of work. The Sixth Form programme has been designed to incorporate elements of the modern world of work, such as online learning sessions and appraisals. We are confident the Watling Academy Sixth Formers will have a unique Post 16 experience, in excellent purpose built facilities.
Building project update
Our new buildings are progressing well, with all groundworks now complete on both the Sixth Form centre and our new teaching block. As a modular construction building, some of the bespoke construction takes place off site prior to installation. This means that construction on site can take place very quickly. Next week, we expect that the walls of the Sixth Form block will be installed and the building will take shape.
Young Sports Leaders
This week, more of our Year 9 and 10 sports leadership students have been lending a hand at the Whitehouse Primary sports days. We were thrilled to receive glowing feedback from their Head of PE, “A massive shoutout to the brilliant Watling Academy Young Sports Leaders, who helped run each activity with confidence and care. Your support helped make everything run smoothly. Thank you for being such great role models.” Well done to everyone involved and a thank you to our staff, as well as Whitehouse Primary and Two Mile Ash Primary, for making these opportunities possible.
University of Oxford Research
On Monday, Jo McLaughlin from the University of Oxford visited us to conduct research into students’ motivation for studying Mandarin at GCSE. Groups of Year 9 and 10 Mandarin students and their parents kindly agreed to participate in the survey and group interview. It was fascinating listening to the range of opinions and factors affecting their motivation. Ms McLaughlin commented ‘Thank you so much for the warm welcome I received at your school! I was really impressed by how many students agreed to help with my study, and I was able to learn a huge amount from talking to you all. I am looking forward to writing up my results, and I will share a report with the school as soon as I can.’ Thank you to all of the students and parents involved. We hope you found it interesting.
Academic Mentoring afternoon
Following the ParentMail communication sent yesterday, I would like to remind you that bookings are now open for the Academic Mentoring Afternoon on Thursday 10th July. Please note that school will close at 12:30pm on this day to accommodate the event.
These afternoons serve as a valuable opportunity to meet with your child’s form tutor in person to discuss their academic progress, engagement and wellbeing at school. We strongly encourage students to accompany their parents, as their presence is essential in fostering a sense of shared responsibility and accountability in their educational journey.
Next week
A group of our Year 9 students will embark on an exciting visit to China next week as part of the Mandarin Excellence Programme. We look forward to following their experiences and will be sharing updates on our Facebook page throughout the trip. Thank you to staff who are accompanying the students on this trip.
On Monday evening, we are holding our new parent information evening for parents with children starting in Year 7 in September. We look forward to welcoming our new Year 7 students for their transition days later in the week as they begin their journey with us at Watling Academy.
Reminders
Uniform Donations
We are still accepting donations of used uniform. Items of any style and size in good, re-useable condition will be gratefully accepted. Dependent on the number of donations received, we plan to hold a second-hand uniform sale on Saturday 12th July.
All in 1 travel cards
Please be advised that applications for the MK Move All in 1 smart cards for concessionary travel are no longer processed in school. Parents and carers can find out more and apply directly on the Council website: Milton Keynes – Smart Travel.
Clubs
This week was the final week of clubs for this academic year, as such there will be no after school clubs for the remainder of the term.
Thank you for your continued support. Enjoy your weekend,
Mrs Fry
Headteacher
What’s happening next week?
- Monday 30th June –
- Year 10K work experience (all week)
- Wednesday 2nd July –
- Year 9 London Transport Museum trip
- Year 9 MEP China trip departure
- Thursday 3rd July –
- Year 8 HPV Vaccination (day 2)
Sports Fixtures –
- Tuesday 1st July -
- Year 7 Rounders tournament
- Year 8 Cricket Vs Oakgrove HOME
- U14 Girls football
- Wednesday 2nd July -
- Federation Cup Athletics
- Thursday 3rd July –
- U15 Girls Cricket Vs Oakgrove HOME
- U15 Rounders Vs Denbigh AWAY
- Year 8 Rounders Vs Kents Hill Park HOME
- Year 7 & 8 Netball trials
