Week 17
What another great week at Watling Academy. Please do read all the great news about the events our students have been involved in. If you would like to support the academy, there’s some information below about how to be part of our Friends at Watling Academy parent group. If you have some time, please do come along and join us on 19th January.
Year 11 students recently travelled to the Phoenix Theatre in London to watch the acclaimed stage production of Stranger Things: The First Shadow as part of their GCSE Drama course. Not only was it an exciting and immersive performance, but it also formed a key part of their preparation for the live theatre review element of their written exam in May. It was fantastic to see students so engaged, inspired, and enthusiastic. We can’t wait to see how this experience shapes their creative and academic progress.
Last term, the art department hosted a seasonal photography competition, inviting students to submit black‑and‑white images that captured the spirit of autumn and their personal interpretation of it. The entries were wonderfully imaginative, and all of them are now proudly displayed in the art corridor. A big well done to everyone who took part. Special congratulations go to Angiras in Year 7 for winning first prize, and to runners‑up Carine (Year 7) and Ishaan (Year 9).
Following their well-deserved victory in the first round of the prestigious ESU MACE Debate competition in Oxford last term, our brilliant Debate team will be competing in the second round heats of the competition next week at Redbourne Upper School, Ampthill. Wishing the best of luck to Year 12 students Shreya, Eniola and Janelle!
The Friends of Watling Academy (FoWA), our Parent Teacher Association, will be meeting on Monday 19th January at 6pm. They welcome all parents/carers and would be delighted to hear from you, however big or small your contribution. Becoming part of FoWA is a fantastic way to support the school, meet other parents, and to do good for our community. To get in touch, please visit the FoWA page on our website here.
As a school, we are committed to making a positive difference in our local community, reflecting our core values of respect, responsibility and kindness. One of the key ways we do this is through our House fundraising initiatives.
Marshall House is delighted to be supporting Harry’s Rainbow, a wonderful local charity that helps children coping with the loss of a parent or sibling. Our rainbow lolly sale in aid of the charity has already received a fantastic response, thank you to everyone who has contributed so far. There is still plenty of time to get involved. If you would like to purchase a lolly and support this meaningful cause, please visit ParentMail (Payments > Shop) by Thursday 22nd January. Lollies will be delivered directly to students on Friday 23rd January. For further details, including ingredients, please refer to the letter on ParentMail dated 11th January. Thank you in advance for your continued support.
Finally, we were excited to announce the casting for this year’s school production of High School Musical today. Congratulations to all the students who auditioned and to those who have been awarded roles. Rehearsals will begin next week. If your child has been selected, please make sure you have given consent for them to attend rehearsals via ParentMail by 3pm on Monday 19th January. It’s always exciting to watch a production take shape, and I’m looking forward to seeing the cast’s progress throughout the term and to the performances in June.
Mrs Anderson
Headteacher
Sports Results –
We’ve had a fantastic week for competitive sports, as all our teams won their fixtures and with some impressive scores, well done to all of you! A special shout‑out to our Year 7 Netball team (pictured) who stormed to a 14–0 victory over Stantonbury – an incredible performance.
- Year 11 Netball – cancelled by Leon, Watling given the win
- Year 11 Basketball v Shenley Brook End – WON 29-18
- Year 9 Netball v Kents Hill Park – WON 18-2
- Year 10 Netball v Kents Hill Park – WON 15-1
- Year 7 Netball v Stantonbury – WON 14-0
- Year 7 Girls Football v Glebe Farm – WON 9-0
- Year 11 Boys v Shenley Brook End – WON 2-0
Reminders
How To Report Absence Years 7-11 and Sixth Form.
If you know your child is going to be absent, please use one of the following methods to inform us:
- Option 1 – Report absence via ParentMail app. (Our preferred method of reporting)
- Option 2 – Email the Attendance Team at attendance@watling.academy
- Option 3 – Call the Attendance Line by 8:30am each morning of your child’s absence. 01908 794094 option 1.
Daily Absence Reminder – Notification is required for each day your child is absent. Your continued support helps us maintain accurate attendance records.
If your child is absent and we haven’t received any communication from you, we will do our best to make contact. In cases where we’re unable to reach you for three consecutive days, the school may take further steps to ensure your child’s wellbeing. This could include a home visit or involving external agencies such as Social Services or the Police. Maintaining open communication with us about absences is vital for safeguarding and supporting our students—thank you for your cooperation.
Please note that the school gates open at 8:00am, students are expected to be in the building for 8:35am ready to arrive to registration at 8:40am. Any student arriving after that time will be recorded as being late for school and must sign in at reception before going to class.
What’s happening next week?
- Monday 19th January – Week B
- Spring term afterschool clubs begin
- Friends of Watling Academy meeting
- Tuesday 20th January
- Year 11/12 ESU MACE Debate Competition trip
- Thursday 22nd January
- Year 11 Visit from MK College
- Friday 23rd January
- Year 12 Progress Report 2 sent home
Sports Fixtures
- Monday 19th January
- KS3 Girls Basketball Tournament AWAY
- Tuesday 20th January
- Year 11 Boys Football Vs Radcliffe AWAY
- Year 9 Basketball Vs St Pauls HOME
- Year 11 Basketball Vs St Pauls HOME
- Year 8 Netball Vs Oakgrove HOME
- Year 9 Netball Vs Oakgrove HOME
- Wednesday 21st January
- U16 Girls County Cup Football Quarter Final Vs Royal Latin School
- Year 9 Boys Football Vs Glebe Farm HOME
- Year 10 Boys Basketball Vs Walton High AWAY
- Thursday 22nd January
- Year 7, U14 & U16 Girls Badminton Vs The Webber Independent School AWAY
- Year 11 Girls Football Vs Oakgrove HOME
