Week 3
We are now fully back in the swing of school life here at Watling and have had a busy and exciting week. Students have settled into their new classes and lessons well, with a purposeful and focused approach. Please make sure students keep an eye on ClassCharts for homework activities set and encourage them to develop good routines at the start of this term. The ability to develop as an independent, self-motivated learner is incredibly important to the success of our young people, both whilst a student and into adulthood.
On Monday, our Year 11 students returned from their three day trip to Barcelona on Monday having had a fantastic time sightseeing, immersing themselves in Spanish culture and practising their language skills. For many students, the highlight of the trip was a visit to the breathtaking Sagrada Familia. Students were captivated by the building’s unique architecture and symbolism. Thank you to the staff who facilitated the trip and to students for their exemplary behaviour throughout, which praised by hotel staff and tour guides who noted their respectfulness, enthusiasm, and eagerness to speak Spanish. You represented our school with maturity and kindness, making us incredibly proud. Thanks also to Mr Parks for his wonderful account of the trip which you can read on our website and photos which we have shared on our Facebook page. We have many trips, visits and extra curricular activities planned throughout this academic year.
As part of our Year 12 enrichment programme, we have introduced weekly Careers sessions this term which aim to connect students directly with industries, giving them real-world insight and preparing them for the world of work. These started on Monday with a visit from Dentons Law, which gave Year 12 students the chance to take part in an open discussion exploring the requirements and pathways into a career in law. Hearing first-hand experiences from professionals at different stages of their journey was invaluable for our students. A huge thank you to the team from Dentons for visiting Watling Academy and inspiring the next generation of law students and to the staff involved in bringing these opportunities to students. We look forward to working with more exciting employers over the coming weeks to deliver these sessions. We also held our Year 12 Learning Pathways evening last night, welcoming Year 12 students and their families to guide them through the demands of Sixth Form study, as well as the exciting prospect of considering their next steps. Thank you to everyone who attended the evening.
On Tuesday, the photographers were in to take school photos for Years 7, 9, 11 and 12. Thank you for your support in ensuring students were well-presented in correct uniform for school photographs, and to students for their cooperation. We were very proud to hear our photographers compliment our students on how well they conducted themselves for the sessions. Students who had their photos taken will have received a QR code which can be used to view and order photos directly from the photographers, please allow 10 working days for the galleries to go live. For any students in those year groups who missed having their photo taken there will be a second session on Thursday 2nd October.
On Monday 22nd September at 6pm -7:30pm, the Friends of Watling Academy (FoWA), our Parent Teacher Association, will be holding their first meeting of the academic year. Becoming part of FoWA is a fantastic way to support the school, meet other parents, and to do good for our community. They welcome all parents/carers and would be delighted to hear from you, however big or small your contribution. To get in touch, please visit the FoWA page on our website here.
Maintaining high uniform standards is a basic expectation of students at Watling. False nails, including gel and acrylic nails, should not be worn by students as they are unsafe. Any students currently wearing these must remove them over the weekend. As you are aware, we regularly conduct uniform checks and any student found to be wearing false nails will be in breach of the behaviour policy. Jewellery should also not be worn, with the exception of one pair of small stud earrings. Students should not be bringing in any hair tools, such as corded or cordless hair straighteners, this is unsafe and these items will be confiscated.
Our Homework Clinic is an incredibly popular after school activity for our students and I have been pleased to see attendees working hard in the library after school. Homework club is an opportunity for students to complete their school work, giving them access to computers and library resources. Those who attend are expected to stay for the whole session time, until 4.15pm. Please note that from Monday 22nd September, there will be no additional Homework club provision. Students will only be permitted to stay afterschool if they are booked on to homework club, extracurricular clubs or twilight lessons. If you have booked a space which you no longer require, please do ensure that you cancel the booking on ParentMail or email admin@watling.academy so that other students may access this vital learning support service. For those still wanting to book sessions for the Homework Clinic this term, please keep checking ParentMail for any cancellations. The bookings for next term will be released shortly before the October half term.
Have a lovely weekend,
Mrs Fry
Headteacher
Sports Results
- Y11 Boys County Cup Football Vs The Grange WON 6-0
- Y10 Boys Football Vs St Paul’s LOST 4-2
- U14 Girls County Cup Football Vs Glebe Farm LOST 4-0
Reminders:
Year 11 Learning Pathways Evening
Year 11 parents and carers, please make sure you have registered for the Learning Pathways Evening on Thursday 25th September. You will find more information in the letter on ParentMail along with the booking form.
What’s happening next week?
- Monday 22nd September – Week B
- Year 11 Geography Fieldwork at Howe Park Wood
- Friends of Watling Academy (FoWA) meeting
- Tuesday 23rd September –
- Year 11 Geography Fieldwork at Howe Park Wood
- Wednesday 24th September –
- Year 11 Geography Fieldwork at Howe Park Wood
- Y10 Smart City Robotics & STEM Careers Experience
- Thursday 25th September –
- Year 10 Art trip to the Tate Modern
- Year 11 Learning Pathways
- Friday 26th September –
- Year 10 Art trip to the Tate Modern
Sports Fixtures
- Monday 22nd September –
- U16 Girls County Cup Football Vs Denbigh HOME
- Tuesday 23rd September -
- Y9 Boys County Cup Football Vs Sir Henry Floyd HOME
- Wednesday 24th September –
- Y7 Boys County Cup Football Vs Glebe Farm AWAY
- Y9 Girls Football Vs St Paul’s HOME
- Y10 Girls Football Vs St Paul’s HOME
- Y11 Girls Football Vs St Paul’s HOME
- Cross Country practice at Oakgrove
- Thursday 25th September –
- U14 Girls County Cup Football Vs Hazeley Academy HOME
- Y8 Boys County Cup Football Vs The Grange HOME
