Week 19
As January draws to an end, my first month at Watling Academy has flown by. Key events this week include a moving talk from Paul Sved commemorating Holocaust Memorial Day, Year 9 Options Evening and training for our students completing their Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award. Thank you to all involved in supporting these events.
I am keen to build on our excellent reputation and to ensure our students have the best possible experience and opportunity while they are at Watling Academy. I am ambitious for them and for our academy. We have recently talked to students about how we can start to lift some of our standards and are focusing on being on time to the academy and to lessons. You can support us by ensuring your child is on time in the morning and encouraging the importance of punctuality. Many parents drop students off in the morning and this causes congestion in the carpark. Please consider dropping off along the roads leading up to the academy so that our site has less traffic and is therefore safer for our students as they arrive in the morning. Thank you for your consideration here.
Enjoy reading this week’s updates and note important dates – remember Year 11 mock exams start next week.
Holocaust Memorial Day
On Holocaust Memorial Day, we were honoured to welcome Paul Sved, who spent his childhood in Hungary during the 1940s and 1950s. Paul spoke to our Year 9 students about his experiences during the Nazi occupation, describing how he and his mother were first forced into a ghetto before obtaining false papers that allowed them to move into a Swiss safe house known as the Glass House. When it became clear that even this refuge would not remain safe, his mother secured shelter for them in the basement of a local family’s home.
Students listened intently, clearly moved by the chance to hear Paul’s testimony first-hand. Many asked insightful, perceptive questions that reflected their strong engagement both in lessons and throughout the talk. The entire year group should feel very proud of the way they embodied the RRK values during this important and memorable event.
Duke of Edinburgh’s Silver Award Training Days
On Thursday and Friday, a group of our Year 11 and 12 students took part in their Duke of Edinburgh training in preparation for their first expedition later this year. Throughout the sessions, they developed a wide range of essential skills, from first aid and safety to navigation, route planning, compass work, and understanding the Countryside Code. Students also enjoyed getting practical experience with their equipment, including learning how to pitch a tent confidently and efficiently. It was fantastic to see their enthusiasm and teamwork throughout the training. We’re excited to watch them put all of these new skills into action during their upcoming practice expedition.
Year 9 Options Evening
On Thursday, we hosted our Year 9 Options Evening, marking the official start of the GCSE options process. This stage is always an exciting milestone, giving students the chance to shape their learning journey and make choices that reflect their interests and aspirations for Year 10 and 11.
Mr Brown delivered a clear and informative presentation explaining how the options process works, while our Heads of Department were available throughout the evening to offer guidance and answer questions about their subjects.
It was wonderful to see such a strong turnout from our Year 9 students and their families, your engagement and support made the event a real success. A reminder that the application form is now live and should be completed by 27th March.
Sports Results
- Thursday 22nd January –
- Year 11 Girls Football Vs Oakgrove WON 3-1
- Tuesday 27th January –
- Year 7 Boys Football Vs Stantonbury WON 7-6
- Year 9 Boys Football Vs Kents Hill Park WON 7-0
- Year 7 Netball Vs Glebe Farm WON 11-1
- Wednesday 29th January –
- Year 8 Boys Football Vs Shenley Brook End – LOST 2-0
- Year 10 Boys Football Vs Radcliffe – DREW 2-2
Take care and have a good weekend.
Mrs Anderson
Headteacher
Reminders
Use of Sprays and Aerosols
We would like to remind you that aerosol sprays, scented body sprays, aftershaves, and perfumes are not permitted at Watling Academy due to the serious risk they pose to some of our staff and students with asthma. Deodorants must be in roll-on form only. To protect the wellbeing of our school community, any student who disregards these safety notices will face serious consequences in line with our behaviour policy. By working together, we can maintain a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. Thank you for your understanding and continued support with this important matter.
What’s happening next week?
- Monday 2nd February – Week B
- Year 11 Mock Exams all week
- Year 12 Folder Checks all week
- Year 8M National Space Centre trip
- Tuesday 3rd February –
- Year 11 Mock Exams all week
- Wednesday 4th February –
- Year 11 Mock Exams all week
- Thursday 5th February –
- Year 11 Mock Exams all week
- Friday 6th February –
- Year 12 Careers trip to VW Group Event
Sports Fixtures
- Monday 2nd February –
- Year 7 County Cup Football Vs Beaconsfield HOME
- Tuesday 3rd February –
- Year 7, U14 & U16 Girls Badminton Vs Radcliffe AWAY
- Wednesday 4th February –
- U13 Indoor Cricket at Radcliffe AWAY
- Cross-Country Competition at Stowe School
- GCSE Swimming at Leon
- Year 9 Girls Football Vs Brooklands HOME
- Thursday 5th February –
- Year 7 Basketball Vs Oakgrove AWAY
- Year 10 Basketball Vs Oakgrove AWAY
- Friday 6th February –
- Girls Cross-Country Thornton Trail AWAY
