Week 13
Click here to jump down to our key dates
This week we have experienced another major first for Watling Academy as we held our first Sixth Form Open Evening. We were delighted to welcome so many of our current Year 11 students and their families on the evening. The presentations, subject rooms and enrichment stalls were busy throughout the night and it was brilliant to see our students actively exploring their next steps. We are hugely excited to welcome our first cohort of students in September 2025 and our application form is now open and all Year 11 families will have now received this information.
Our Sixth Form has been designed to reflect the modern workplace and study at Higher Education and we have considered the skills and qualities that young people need today to be successful in to adulthood. Over the coming years, we hope to welcome all Watling students in to our Sixth Form, to continue their educational journey with us. Please click the link below to watch our promotional video for our Sixth Form for September 2025:
Watling Academy Sixth Form – Milton Keynes
Our Year 11 students experienced mock interviews in workshops with local businesses, Xero and Worktree, this week. This learning will be invaluable for them as they take their next steps. Interview skills are essential for all and we are proud at how they engaged with the day. Our Year 10 students also have the careers buzz at the moment, with many students discussing their upcoming Work Experience with staff, eager to begin arranging their placements. Careers education is an important part of our curriculum, and it is encouraging to see so many of our students thinking carefully about their futures.
Years 7 & 8 were fortunate to be visited by MK Breakers Basketball coaches. MK Breakers are Milton Keynes’ community basketball club who offer sessions for boys and girls aged 4-19 across the city and have a developing Men’s team competing across the country. The coaches ran Junior NBA sessions, testing students’ basketball skills and developing their confidence in the sport.
The results from our recent Cross Country event are now available – Watling Academy proudly took 48 runners to the MK Schools Cross Country Championships. Students rose to the challenge of Campbell Park Hills, tackling the demanding course with determination.
- Year 7s: Competed in a 1.5km race, with Yvie triumphantly winning the Minor Girls Race, while Aubrey secured an impressive 2nd place in the Minor Boys Race.
- Years 8 & 9: Ran a 3km course, where Skye claimed victory in the Junior Girls Race.
- Years 10 & 11: Faced the rigorous 4.5km course, showcasing exceptional effort and teamwork.
In the overall standings, Watling Academy achieved an outstanding 2nd place among all secondary schools in Milton Keynes, thanks to our remarkable times and placements. Well done, Watling!
Our Year 7 Dodgeball team had the exciting opportunity to travel to Glebe Farm to take part in a highly anticipated tournament. Throughout the event, the team demonstrated remarkable determination, putting in their best efforts in every game. Their hard work and perseverance were evident as they faced tough competition. Additionally, their excellent teamwork shone through as they collaborated effectively, supporting one another both on and off the court.
A reminder to all that we will hold our Academic Mentoring Afternoon on Thursday 12th December. As you are aware, the role of the Tutor is very important to us at Watling, and we believe that providing parents with a chance to discuss their child’s progress and wellbeing is valuable. In order to make these conversations meaningful, we have dedicated the whole afternoon to this, which means form tutors can be available for a longer period of time. This is in line with other schools in the Denbigh Alliance Trust, and across Milton Keynes. Please note that the school day will end at 12:30 PM on Thursday, 12th December to accommodate the event. Students will receive English and Maths work via ClassCharts to complete in the afternoon.
Wishing you all a restful weekend.
Mrs H Fry
What’s happening next week?
Key events upcoming:
- Thursday 12th December – Academic Mentoring Afternoon
- Friday 13th December – Festive Jumper Day
- Sports Fixtures:
- Monday 9th December – Year 9 Dodgeball Tournament
- Monday 9th to Wednesday 11th December – Wheelchair Basketball
- Wednesday 11th December – Year 9 Boys Football vs Hazeley
- Wednesday 11th December – Year 7 & U14s Girls and Boys Badminton vs Glebe Farm
- Wednesday 11th December – Years 7 & 8 Basketball vs Walton High
Updated dates for the diary…
Events in our Community
Digital Dilemma: Keeping Your Kids Safe Online
Thames Valley Police Cyber Protect are running a free webinar to help parents and carers understand some of the risks young people face online, and how they can best protect themselves and their family from falling victim to cyber criminal behaviours!
Covering social media, gaming and emails, this webinar will give you tips and tricks to help you protect them in today’s online world.
The webinar is running three times over the next few weeks, and tickets are available here:
Reserve your space today!
We’d love to hear your thoughts on the bulletin. Have you enjoyed reading this? Is there anything else you’d like to see included in future? Should you have any questions, comments or feedback, please do not hesitate to email: media@watling.academy
