Week 21
We have arrived at the end of a busy and successful half term – my first of many here at Watling Academy. I’d like to congratulate Year 11 on completing their mock exams – I hope that half term provides a welcome break to recharge the batteries so that next term is productive and our students are fully prepared for the real exams.
This week we have been raising money for one of our charities, Place2Be, who work with young people to support their mental health. We have raised over £440 – an amazing total! Thank you to those staff who have manned our stall every day but particular thanks to our students who have purchased items that will raise money for this important work. But that’s not all, you can read the range of highlights from this week below.
I hope you have a lovely half term and I look forward to seeing our students and staff on Monday 23rd February.
New Teaching Block and Timetables
We are very excited to announce that our new teaching block will be open from the start of next term, giving us 10 brand-new classrooms over two-storeys. As such, there will be some changes to timetables as classes move over to the new building. Students affected by form room moves have been notified today and all students will be issued with a printed copy of their timetable on Monday 23rd February, however please check ClassCharts ahead of this so students know what to expect upon their return to school.
National Apprenticeship Week
This week we have celebrated National Apprenticeship Week in school, giving students the opportunity to learn more about apprenticeships and the wide range of career pathways available to them.
During lessons and tutor time, students explored how apprenticeships link directly to their subjects and discussed the different roles, industries, and progression routes connected to what they are studying. This helped students understand how their learning in school can lead to real career opportunities in the future.
We encourage parents and carers to explore apprenticeships further with their child. The Amazing Apprenticeships website provides excellent, up to date information, including:
- What apprenticeships are
- Different apprenticeship levels
- Employer opportunities
- Application advice
Having these conversations at home plays an important role in helping young people make informed decisions about their next steps.
Y12 Volkswagen Group event trip
Our Year 12 students recently visited Volkswagen Group UK to Inspire students on The Road Ahead. For many of them, this was their first opportunity to step into a large corporate environment and ask honest questions about life after school. A real highlight of the day was meeting current apprentices and employees from across the business. Students spoke directly to people who had once been in their position, hearing first-hand about different routes into work, apprenticeships, and career progression. Those conversations were invaluable and made future pathways feel real and achievable.
Students also took part in interview workshops with personalised feedback, explored early careers and Apprenticeship opportunities for 2026, and gained insight into the wide range of roles within Volkswagen Group UK and the world of work more broadly. Experiences like this build confidence, raise aspirations, and help students make informed decisions about their next steps.
The Thornton Trail Girls Cross Country Event
Seven of our students from Year 7 and 8 ran in the the Thornton Trail Girls Cross Country event last week at Thornton College. Alongside students from 14 other schools, the girls ran a 3km course around the college’s beautiful grounds – the furthest some of them had ever run. The wet and muddy conditions posed a challenge but our teams faced it with amazing determination and resilience. Well done to Suzanna, Isabella, Maddie, Evie and Lexie who all placed within the top 30, plus a special shout out to Valeria and Sadie for achieving 5th and 6th place respectively. A fantastic effort, you should all be very proud.
Year 12 Visit to University College London
Two Year 12 Mandarin students attended the 8th Schools and Universities Day hosted by the UCL IOE Centre in London this Tuesday. The event provided an inspiring and informative opportunity for them to engage directly with representatives from universities across the UK and to explore the diverse pathways available for continuing Mandarin at degree level. Through conversations with academics and admissions staff, they gained valuable insight into course structures, entry requirements, and the wider benefits of learning Mandarin. The day was both motivating and enlightening, helping our students to envisage the next stage of their learning journey with greater confidence and ambition.
Celebrating Chinese New Year
To celebrate Chinese New Year, we were delighted to welcome specialists to deliver workshops for our Year 8, 9 and 10 Mandarin Excellence Programme (MEP) students. Through immersive sessions in Cloisonné and traditional Chinese embroidery, students not only learned the intricate techniques, but also explored the rich cultural contexts behind them. From carefully stitching zodiac-inspired designs onto embroidery hoops to applying vibrant colours in Cloisonné, students demonstrated impressive focus, creativity and craftsmanship. The finished pieces were both beautiful and meaningful, reflecting themes of luck and prosperity.
Reminders
Disabled Parking Bays
Please can I remind you to ensure that a blue badge is displayed at all times when parked in a disabled bay. There are many members of our school community who need access to these spaces. If you do not have a blue badge, please leave these spaces available for those who need them.
Sports Results
- Thursday 5th February –
- Year 7 Basketball v Oakgrove LOST 30-25
- Year 10 Basketball v Oakgrove LOST 32-29
- Tuesday 10th February –
- Year 9 Netball v Walton High – WON 10-1
- Wednesday 11th February-
- U16 Boys Badminton v MK Academy – TBA
- Year 7 Netball v Kents Hill Park – WON 10-6
- Year 8 Netball v Kents Hill Park – WON 11-1
- Year 7 Boys Football v Brooklands – LOST 5-0
What’s happening after half-term?
- Monday 23rd February – Week B
- Academy Re-opens
- Year 8K National Space Centre trip
- Tuesday 24th February –
- GCSE Drama Exam Rehearsal
- Wednesday 25th February –
- GCSE Drama Exam
- Friday 27th February –
- Y9 & Y10 Progress Review 2 sent home
Sports Fixtures
- Tuesday 24th February –
- Year 9 Netball Vs Walton High
- Year 8 Girls Football Vs Radcliffe AWAY
- Year 10 Girls Football Vs Radcliffe AWAY
- Year 11 Girls Football Vs Radcliffe AWAY
- Year 7 Basketball Vs Hazeley HOME
- Year 8 Basketball Vs Hazeley HOME
- Wednesday 25th February –
- Year 11 Girls Football Vs MK Academy AWAY
- Year 11 Netball Cup and Plate Tournaments HOME
- Year 7 Girls Football Vs MK Academy AWAY
- Thursday 26th February –
- Year 8 Basketball Vs Shenley Brook End AWAY
- Year 9 Basketball Vs Shenley Brook End AWAY
- Year 10 Basketball Vs Lord Grey HOME
- Year 8 Boys Football Vs Walton High HOME
