Week 33
I hope you all had a restful half-term break and were able to enjoy the sunshine. It has been wonderful to welcome students back this week for the final half-term of the year. This is always a busy but rewarding period, as we take the opportunity to recognise and celebrate students’ achievements through assemblies, enrichment days, performances and our whole-school sports day. Alongside these, we continue with our usual programme of trips, sports fixtures and events, as well as GCSE exams and preparations for September transitions. I look forward to sharing weekly updates with you, beginning with the highlights from this week.
Mrs Anderson
Headteacher
Year 7 Go Wild at Whipsnade
Despite the very wet weather on Wednesday, our year 7 enrichment trip was a great success, as we took 347 students to Whipsnade Zoo. Spirits remained high throughout, and the brief appearance of afternoon sunshine was warmly welcomed. Students were particularly captivated by the large cats, giraffes and penguins, and many enjoyed taking refuge in the warm, dry butterfly house. Their excitement and curiosity were evident from start to finish. Students represented Watling Academy brilliantly, demonstrating resilience, positivity and a fantastic attitude that made the day memorable for all. Thank you to all staff involved in making the trip a success.
Biology Challenge Success
Thirteen students from Years 9 and 10 took part in the UKBC Biology Challenge last half term, joining more than 42,000 students nationwide. Through two 25 minute multiple choice papers, the competition tested not only their curriculum knowledge but also their wider interest in Biology through independent reading and curiosity about the natural world. A huge well done to all who took part and represented the school so brilliantly.
We are delighted to celebrate the achievements of several students who earned special recognition. Congratulations to Chloe (Y10), Maisam (Y9) and Sreelakshmi (Y10) for achieving the Highly Commended award. Further congratulations to Thaman (Y10) for securing a Bronze award, and to Aiden (Y9) and Arjun (Y10) who both scored over 85% to earn an impressive Silver award. Their hard work and passion for Biology truly shone.
Year 10 Level Up as Game Developers
As many Year 10 students headed out on work experience last week, we welcomed Oyindamola from eLearning provider Beccamola to deliver an inspiring three‑day programme for a group of our students. Stepping into the role of Junior Game Developers, they designed and built their own interactive survival games, each bringing unique ideas, creativity, and personality to the challenge.
Beyond technical skills, students grew in confidence, strengthened communication, learned to collaborate effectively, and developed resilience when tackling setbacks. They planned, tested, problem‑solved, shared constructive feedback, and refined their work through continuous improvement. The programme also offered valuable insight into careers in digital, technology, and gaming. For many, it opened their eyes to new possibilities and highlighted the wide range of skills needed across creative and technical industries.
FoWA Deliver Another Sell-Out Doughnut Sale
Thank you to the Friends of Watling Academy (FoWA) for hosting another sell-out doughnut sale at the end of last term, and to everyone who supported the event. Together we raised over £500 which will be used to support students in accessing opportunities to broaden their experiences. FoWA’s dedicated volunteers will also be supporting the school in providing refreshments at a number of events this term and attending events for new parents.
Hay Fever
Due to the current high pollen count, we are seeing an increase in hay fever symptoms among students. To help keep children comfortable and able to focus throughout the day, please ensure that your child receives any required hay fever medication before arriving at school each morning.
Unfortunately, we are unable to administer non-prescribed medication during the school day unless prior arrangements have been made in line with school policy. If you wish to bring medication in, please pop into the school office and complete an Administration of Medication Form. We appreciate your help in ensuring students remain comfortable and ready to learn.
Reminders
Year 10 Online Subject Consultation Evening
A gentle reminder that the Year 10 Online Subject Consultation Evening is taking place on Thursday 11th June. Appointment booking is available via SchoolCloud until 11:55pm on Wednesday 10th June.
What’s happening next week?
- Monday 8th June – Week A
- Student Voice – all week
- Year 11 GCSE Exams AM: Biology, Combined Science: Biology
- Year 11 GCSE Exams PM: Further Maths, French
- Tuesday 9th June –
- Y7 Big Bang Science Fair Trip
- Spanish Spelling Bee Regional Final
- Year 11 GCSE Exams AM: Spanish Listening
- Year 11 GCSE Exams PM: History
- Wednesday 10th June –
- Year 10 GCSE Geography Physical Fieldwork Trip
- Year 11 GCSE Exams AM: Maths
- Year 11 GCSE Exams PM: DT
- Thursday 11th June –
- Year 10 GCSE Geography Physical Fieldwork Trip
- Year 11 GCSE Exams AM: Arabic, Geography
- Year 11 GCSE Exams PM: Food & Nutrition
- No clubs (except paid) or twilight lessons
- Year 10 Online Subject Consultation Evening
- Friday 12th June –
- Year 8 HPV Vaccination Mop-Up
- Year 10 GCSE Geography Physical Fieldwork Trip
- Year 11 GCSE Exams AM: Chemistry, Combined Science: Chemistry
- Year 11 GCSE Exams PM: Community Languages (Polish, Persian)
Sports Fixtures
- Tuesday 9th June –
- Year 8 Rounders Tournament at Ousedale AWAY
- U13 Cricket Vs Walton High HOME
- Wednesday 10th June –
- Boys Fed Cup Relay Qualifiers at Stantonbury AWAY
- Thursday 11th June –
- Year 7 Cricket Vs Lord Grey HOME
- Saturday 13th June –
- County Champs Athletics
