Week 23
Another busy week here at Watling Academy with lots going on. I spent some time this week in lessons looking at the typical experience for our students. I saw some fantastic practice and lots of engaged students working very hard. Our base supporting students with SEND that has recently moved to the new teaching block, is also very impressive and our young people are thriving there with the support of our staff and the routines and focus in place. Well done to Mrs Bennett and the SEND team for all their hard work.
Here’s some of this week’s highlights:
Watling Book Week & World Book Day
In recognition of World Book Day on Thursday and the National Year of Reading, we’ve been celebrating all week, kicking off with the launch of a brand new reading incentive, Six for 2026! Students are challenged to read six books in 2026 and post a short review for each one. Whether you enjoy fiction, non‑fiction, graphic novels or even audiobooks – every book counts. Even better, everyone who completes the challenge will be entered for a chance to win some fantastic prizes. Share your reviews and get inspiration for your next read on our Watling Review Page. Throughout the week students have also taken part in a range of activities in the library including fun quizzes, competitions and special lessons for Year 7 and 8 around the Spark! Book Awards shortlisted titles.
National Careers Week
This week was also National Careers Week which launched with energy and inspiration as Year 8 students took part in a fantastic ‘Virtual Career Workout’ delivered by Worktree. The engaging and interactive session focused on key employability skills whilst also giving students a valuable opportunity to connect directly with professionals from a wide range of industries, asking thoughtful and meaningful questions about what businesses do, how different sectors operate, and how artificial intelligence is shaping the future of work.
Meanwhile, our Year 12 students were delighted to welcome a speaker from British Gas who delivered an insightful session, sharing his own career journey. The session was informative and interactive, giving students a clear overview of the wide range of opportunities available within British Gas. From apprenticeships and technical roles to corporate pathways, students gained valuable insight into different routes, progression options, and the benefits of working within a large organisation. Most importantly, students were able to ask questions directly and explore what these pathways could look like for them.
Hearing real experiences from industry professionals helps students understand that career progression takes resilience, adaptability and ambition, ensuring they leave school better prepared and confident about their next steps. A huge thank you to all our guest speakers for investing time in our young people and helping them see what is possible. Please see the Parent Guide below for information on how to support your child with their next steps.
Year 11 Shared Learning Evening
On Thursday evening we held our Year 11 Shared Learning Evening. Mr Brown opened the evening talking to students and their families about the ‘final push’ towards the GCSE exams and Mrs Taylor (Head of English), Mrs Wall (Head of Maths) and Mrs Gallagher (Head of Science) then shared information about preparing for exams in English, Maths and Science. Teachers from all GCSE subjects were on hand to share information with students about how best to prepare and revise for their Mock exams in a few weeks. We know how important it is to ensure that both students and their families have the right information to maximise the time between now and exams, as sitting GCSEs and A Levels requires support from the whole household. Thank you to everyone who attended this important event and the dedication that our families show in supporting our students to do their very best.
FOWA Quiz & Pizza Night
Tickets are now on sale for the Friends of Watling Academy (FoWA) Quiz & Pizza Night on Wednesday 24th March, 6:00–8:45pm. Join us for great prizes, plenty of fun, and a fantastic evening for the whole school community. Don’t miss out, order your tickets via ParentMail Shop by 6pm on 17th March. We hope to see you there!
Positive Postcard Design Competition
Coming next week
Looking forward to next week, there will be lots of exciting activities going on during science lessons for British Science Week, plus form activities, competitions and a scavenger hunt. Plus, on Thursday we are proud to be hosting the Regional Finals of the ESU MACE Debate competition. Wishing the best of luck to our brilliant debate team; Eniola, Shreya and Janelle, who will be representing Watling Academy!
Mrs Anderson
Headteacher
Reminders
Year 11 Leavers Hoodies
Please note the final deadline for ordering leavers hoodies is Tuesday 10th March. Please see the letter in ParentMail for more details and link to order.
Year 12 Subject Consultation Evening
A gentle reminder that bookings for the Year 12 Subject Consultation Evening on Thursday 12th March will close at 11:55pm on Wednesday 11th March.
Sports Results
- Tuesday 3rd March –
- Year 9 Boys Football v Lord Grey – WON 2-0
- Wednesday 4th March –
- Year 10 Basketball v Hazeley – WON
- U14 Boys Badminton v Radcliffe – WON 7-0
- U16 – Boys Badminton v Radcliffe – LOST 5-2
- Year 10 MK School Netball tournament – WON 2nd Place!
- Thursday 5th March –
- Year 7 Girls Badminton v Webber – WON 6-1
- U14 Girls Badminton v Webber – WON 7-0
- U16 Girls Badminton v Webber – LOST 5-2
- Year 8 Boys Football v Glebe Farm – LOST 10-1
- Year 7 Boys Football v Glebe Farm – WON 7-1
- Friday 6th March –
- U16 Girls County Cup Semi-Final Vs Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School – LOST 6-2
What’s happening next week?
- Monday 9th March – Week B
- British Science Week – activities all week
- Year 10 Drama practical assessment
- Tuesday 10th March
- GCSE Music trip to The Stables
- Thursday 12th March –
- Year 12 Subject Consultation Evening
- ESU MACE Debate Competition Regional Final
Sports Fixtures
- Monday 9th March –
- Year 7 Boys Football Vs Kents Hill Park AWAY
- Tuesday 10th March –
- Year 8 Basketball Vs Oakgrove HOME
- Year 10 Boys Football Vs Lord Grey HOME
- Wednesday 11th March –
- Year 9 Basketball Vs Brooklands AWAY
- Year 9 Netball tournaments HOME
- Thursday 12th March –
- Year 9 Girls Football Vs Denbigh HOME
- Year 11 Girls Football Vs Denbigh HOME
- Year 10 Netball Vs Radcliffe AWAY
