Week 20
As we come to the end of another busy week at Watling, I continue to be impressed by the efforts and achievements of our students. Our Year 11s began their second round of mock exams this week and have shown an outstanding attitude throughout. With a further week of mocks ahead, these experiences will help students feel more confident and prepared for their final GCSEs in May. Thank you to our families for your continued support, and to our wider school community for being mindful of the exams taking place around the school.
Other highlights this week include a brilliant performance from our Cross Country teams and some impressive work from our talented artists. You can read more about these achievements below, along with our plans for Children’s Mental Health Week and some important reminders about bike safety on our school site.
Take care and have a good weekend.
Mrs Anderson
Headteacher
Buckinghamshire Schools Cross‑Country Championships
Thirty students from across all year groups represented the school at the Buckinghamshire Schools Cross‑Country Championships at Stowe School. Every student gave an outstanding effort, showing real determination and pride throughout the event. We’re delighted to share that three students have qualified for the next round, a fantastic achievement and testament to their hard work.
Children’s Mental Health Week & Fundraising for Place2Be next week
Next week we will be taking part in Place2Be’s Children’s Mental Health Week. Place2Be is a UK charity supporting mental health in schools, helping students build resilience and feel supported. By fundraising, we’re helping them continue providing counselling, staff training, and family support.
This year’s theme, “This Is My Place,” focuses on the importance of belonging for children and young people which plays a vital role in young people’s wellbeing. Throughout the week, students will take part in activities encouraging them to reflect on where they feel safe, valued and connected, and how they can help others feel the same.
We will also be fundraising for Place2Be, with small fun items ranging from £1-£3 (cash only) for sale during break and lunch from Monday-Thursday. Voluntary donations can also be made through our JustGiving page. Thank you in advance for your support.
Bike Safety on the School Site
Sustainability is important to us at Watling, so it is fantastic to see so many students arriving to school on foot and by bicycle. To help keep everyone safe when arriving at and leaving the Academy, we’d like to kindly remind all students of the following:
- Bikes must NOT be ridden anywhere on school grounds.
- This also includes the path leading down to the school building.
- You should only start riding once you reach the main road by the traffic lights.
- In the mornings, please hop off your bike at the traffic lights and walk it down the path to the bike racks.
- When cycling on public paths and roads, take care to ride safely and be mindful of pedestrians and other road users.
Thank you for helping us keep our school site safe for everyone.
Student Artwork
Students have been working incredibly hard in their art lessons this term, producing some truly impressive pieces. Mrs Monty has selected a handful of standout artworks to share, showcasing the talent and imagination across the group. Well done to all of you!
Reminders
Lost property
Lost property will be displayed in the canteen after school on Wednesday 11th February for students to check through. Items that remain unclaimed after this date will be donated or disposed of as appropriate.
Friends of Watling Academy Doughnut Sale – Friday 13th February
A gentle reminder that the Friends of Watling Academy (FOWA) are holding a doughnut sale on Friday 13th February to raise funds to support the school and students. Pre-orders will be available for students to collect at 3:15pm from the canteen area. Students will also be able to purchase single original glazed Krispy Kreme doughnuts for £1.50 cash on the day.
Year 8 Online Subject Consultation Evening
Bookings for Year 8 Online Subject Consultation evening on Thursday 12th February will close at midnight on Wednesday 11th February. Please see the letter on ParentMail for details on how to book. These evenings are a key opportunity to discuss your child’s progress, performance and any areas for improvement, so teachers can work together with you to ensure your child achieves their full potential.
Sports Results
- Thursday 29th Jan –
- Year 10 Boys County Cup Semi-Final Vs Holmer Green LOST 3-0
- Monday 2nd Feb –
- Year 7 Boys County Cup Semi-Final Vs Beaconsfield WON 4-3 and progress to the final! A fantastic result, well done team!
- Tuesday 3rd –
- Girls Badminton Vs Radcliffe –
- Year 7 girls – Lost
- U14 – Won
- U16 – Won
- Girls Badminton Vs Radcliffe –
What’s happening next week?
- Monday 9th February – Week A
- Children’s Mental Health Week – Fundraising for Place2Be all week
- Year 11 Mock Exams all week
- Tuesday 10th February –
- Year 12 Mandarin visit to UCL
- Wednesday 11th February –
- Lost Property afterschool
- Thursday 12th February –
- Year 8 Subject Consultation Evening online
- Friday 13th February –
- Last day of term – finish at 3:15pm
- FOWA Doughnut Sale
- Saturday 14th – Sunday 15th February –
- Year 11 & 12 DofE Silver Award Practice Expedition
Sports Fixtures
- Tuesday 10th February –
- Year 9 Netball Vs Walton High
- Wednesday 11th February –
- U15 Indoor Cricket at Radcliffe AWAY
- U16 Boys Badminton Vs MK Academy AWAY
- Year 7 Netball Vs Kents Hill Park AWAY
- Year 8 Netball Vs Kents Hill Park AWAY
- Year 7 Boys Football Vs Brooklands HOME
