Week 11
Thank you to all Parents and Carers who came to our Academic Mentoring Afternoon yesterday. These events are held twice a year in school, providing an important opportunity for you to talk to your child’s Tutor face to face and is something that we value in the calendar at Watling.
Congratulations to our incredible Debate Team—Shreya, Zaina, Eniola, Yaseen, Jotham, and Mahmoud—for their fantastic achievement at the ESU MACE competition in Oxford! They delivered outstanding performances and secured a well-deserved victory, taking Watling through to the next round. Your hard work, teamwork, and dedication have made us all immensely proud, well done!
As part of National Career Development month, students across the school have been taking part in various workshops and activities, with the chance to hear first-hand from employers giving them valuable insight into the opportunities available across a range of industries.
Earlier this month, Year 7 welcomed visitors from Hays who introduced students to a wide range of career paths, from technology and engineering to social care, marketing, and finance, helping them see just how many possibilities the future holds. The interactive quiz and lively discussion got everyone thinking about their interests, skills, and aspirations.
Guest speaker, Andrew Kirby gave our Year 12 students an insight into the work of Destination Milton Keynes. He highlighted the scale of local visitors, the many industries supported by the city, and the collaborative efforts that have helped MK grow into a thriving destination with a wide range of career pathways. He also shared meaningful reflections with our young people about finding their own path, trusting their instincts, and understanding that growth does not always follow a straight line.
Our Sixth Formers also took part in an engaging and informative workshop with Dale Willis from My Great First Job, on building a professional LinkedIn profile, developing a personal brand, and connecting with employers to explore jobs and apprenticeships. Students came away feeling empowered to put their knowledge into practice with a better understanding of the power of networking and self-promotion in shaping their future careers.
We are incredibly grateful to our Careers team and guest speakers for giving students these valuable opportunities and experiences which will help to guide and prepare them for their next steps.
For any budding photographers, you have two weeks left to enter our seasonal photo competition. If you’d like to take part, take a black and white image that captures the essence of autumn and what it means to you (no selfies please). Email your photo to Miss Naylor, making sure to include your full name and form. The deadline for submissions is Friday 5th December. Entries will be printed and displayed around school with prizes will be awarded for the best submissions. Good luck!
Mrs Fry
Headteacher
Reminders –
Water Bottles
A reminder to please ensure your child comes to school with a named reusable water bottle every day. Students are able to refill their bottle at break and lunchtimes using the water fountains around the school.
GCSE Certificates
Year 12 students (and former Year 11 students) will be able to collect their GCSE certificates and art coursework from Reception from Monday 24th November. Certificates must be collected and signed for by students in-person, unless we have express written permission from the candidate.
Sports Results –
- Year 11 Boys County Cup Vs St Michael’s – WON 7-1
- Year 11 Basketball Vs Kents Hill Park – WON 30-17
- Year 7 Basketball Vs Kents Hill Park – LOST
- Year 9 Football Vs Stantonbury – DRAW 1-1
What’s happening next week?
- Monday 24th November – Week B
- GCSE Certificates available for collection
- Year 11 Food & Nutrition NEA 1 Practical
- Friends of Watling Academy (FoWA) Meeting
- Tuesday 25th November –
- Year 11 Food & Nutrition NEA 1 Practical
- Year 8 & 10 Royal Navy workshops
- Wednesday 26th November –
- Year 8 & 10 Royal Navy workshops
- Thursday 27th November –
- Year 8 & 10 Royal Navy workshops
- Friday 28th November –
- Mighty Mussel Friday
Sports Fixtures
- Tuesday 25th November –
- Year 7 Girls Football Vs Kents Hill Park
- Year 11 Netball Vs Shenley Brook End
- Wednesday 26th November –
- U14 Girls County Cup Football Vs Shenley Brook End
- Thursday 27th November –
- Year 8 Basketball Vs Denbigh AWAY
- Year 9 Basketball Vs Denbigh AWAY
- Year 11 National Cup Football Vs Campion School
