Week 25
Welcome to this week’s Headteacher Bulletin. I hope this finds you well.
Many of our families and staff are celebrating Eid this week. Eid Mubarak to all in our community who are celebrating this week. I wish you peace and happiness.
Our Year 11 students have received their mock exam results and so we are now on that final push before the GCSE written exams start. We will share an updated Intervention Programme and I strongly advise that any opportunity for support and revision is taken up by our Year 11 students.
In light of recent news coverage regarding a Meningitis B outbreak, we understand many of you may be concerned about your child’s health and have enquired about school-based vaccinations. Please be assured that the risk of a wider outbreak is low. There is further information about this below.
Finally a huge congratulations to our Year 7 football team for their amazing win and bringing home the County Cup Shield. It will take pride of place in our trophy cabinet in school.
Here’s what else is happening in our school.
Meningitis B
At this time, the school will not be running a vaccination session for Meningitis B unless specifically requested/instructed to do so by the NHS.
To help distinguish between the different strains of the disease:
- Year 9 Students: All students in Year 9 are offered the Meningitis ACWY vaccine as part of the routine UK school immunisation schedule. Please note that this vaccine does not protect against the current outbreak strain (Meningitis B).
- Meningitis B vaccination History: The Meningitis B vaccine was introduced to the NHS routine schedule in September 2015. However, it was only given to children born on or after 1st July 2015. Most of our current students (aged 11–17) fall outside of this age bracket and likely did not receive this vaccine as infants.
As parents/carers of Year 9 students are aware, we have our Year 9 DTP/Men ACWY vaccine catch up session after the Easter Holidays on Friday 17th April. If you have a child in Year 9 for whom you have not consented and wish to do so, please call the vaccination team on 0300 555 5055 (option 5) before the date above.
We ask that you remain vigilant and monitor your child for any symptoms of meningitis. You can find a full list of signs to look out for on the NHS website. If you suspect your child is showing symptoms, please seek medical attention and inform the school as soon as possible.
Year 7 County Cup Final
On Tuesday, our Year 7 boys football team travelled to Arbour Park Stadium in Slough to compete at the U12s Bucks Schools County Cup final, having played six matches to secure their place in the final against John Hampden Grammar School.
The boys started strong with a 2-0 lead thanks to goals from Hamid and Jacob. John Hampden quickly got back in the game and made it level before half time. During the second half, Jacob scored an amazing goal leading us to 3-2. In the last minute of the game, we conceded a penalty taking the game to nail-biting penalties. Our Watling boys showed great confidence and resilience and then won 4-2 on penalties. This is a fantastic achievement and we are so proud of the Year 7s for bringing the first County Cup win back to Watling!
British Science Week
During British Science Week, students across the school enjoyed getting involved in a range of activities, including a lively scavenger hunt, a creative poster competition, and an engaging ‘under the microscope’ guessing game. Throughout the week, they were inspired by science beyond the usual curriculum and particularly loved the alternative curiosity activities, which gave them the chance to explore scientific ideas in a fresh, exciting way.
Children’s University
Following the success of last year’s programme, we have been delighted to again welcome Year 5 students from Watling, Whitehouse and Fairfields primary schools each Wednesday for our Children’s University Programme. Designed to enrich the KS2 curriculum, the programme offers engaging sessions in Art, Computing, Science, Spanish, and STEM, helping students deepen their learning and build confidence ahead of Key Stage 3. Thank you to all staff involved in delivering this exciting opportunity for our young learners.
Duke of Edinburgh’s Bronze Award Training
On Wednesday and Thursday, a group of our Year 10 students took part in their Duke of Edinburgh training in preparation for their expedition next term. Throughout the sessions, they developed a wide range of essential skills, from first aid, safety and kit to navigation, route planning, compass work, and understanding the Countryside Code. The group put their new skills into practice during a six-mile walk around the local area in the spring sunshine. 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 expedition.
Reminders
Year 11 Form and Tutor Group Photos
A reminder that the last date for ordering Year 11 group photos is Sunday 22nd March for free delivery to the school.
Lost Property
Lost property will be available in the canteen afterschool on Friday 27th March for students to look through and claim. Any items left after this date will be donated or disposed of as appropriate.
Year 9 Options Deadline
A reminder for Year 9 students that the deadline for submitting their Options preference form is 5pm on Friday 27th March.
Year 9 Subject Consultation Evening
Booking for the Year 9 Online Subject Consultation Evening will close at 11:55pm on Wednesday 25th March. With some teachers already fully booked, we recommend booking as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Mrs Anderson
Headteacher
Sports Results
- Tuesday 17th March –
- Year 10 Football v Hazeley – Postponed
- Year 7 and U14 Boys Badminton v Ousedale – U14 boys WON Year 7 WON
- Wednesday 18th March –
- Year 8 Girls MK schools Netball tournament – Plate – 1st place / Cup 3rd place
- Yr7, U14 and Badminton v Oakgrove – All LOST
What’s happening next week?
- Monday 23rd March – Week B
- Year 11 Progress week – all week
- Head of Year Celebration Assemblies – all week
- Tuesday 24th March –
- Year 11 GCSE PE Moderation
- Year 11 GCSE Art Exam
- Year 11 Vs Year 12 Charity Basketball Fixture
- FOWA Quiz & Pizza Night
- Wednesday 25th March –
- Year 10 SSG Careers Visit to Woburn Safari Park
- Year 11 GCSE Art Exam
- Thursday 26th March –
- Year 9 Online Subject Consultation Evening
- Year 11 GCSE Art Exam
- Friday 27th March –
- Last day of term – finish at 3:15pm
- Year 11 GCSE Art Exam
- Lost property collection afterschool
- Year 9 Options deadline
Sports Fixtures
- Monday 23rd March –
- Year 12 Football Vs Lord Grey AWAY
- Wednesday 25th March –
- Year 7 Netball Tournament HOME
