Week 38
Welcome to this week’s bulletin. While we may only have one week of school left, there are no signs of us slowing down here at Watling. Our students have been busy making the most of every opportunity before the summer break, which you can read more about in the highlights shared below.
Given the weather forecast continues to be very hot next week, and in line with DfE guidance, we have decided to make some changes to Sports Day to avoid students being outside for large parts of the day and will instead run a Sports Week. As such, students should wear PE kit everyday next week as there will be activities going on each day with house points awarded and the winning house announced at the end of the week. Students will have more detail during form time on Monday.
As well as Sports Week, we will also be holding our Academic Mentoring Afternoon on Monday and our Celebration Evening on Thursday, a lovely way to recognise our students and thank them for their hard work.
Just a reminder that we finish at 12:35pm on Friday for the end of term. Have a lovely weekend.
Mrs Anderson
Headteacher
Sixth Form Induction Day
On Thursday we held our Sixth Form induction day with programme of activities designed to introduce students to the challenge, independence and ambition of Sixth Form study. Our Sixth Form building was packed with students, and it was wonderful to see them already beginning to build new friendships, get to know one another and develop a sense of belonging within our Sixth Form community. Mrs Harris, Deputy Headteacher – Post-16, was particularly impressed by the engagement and enthusiasm shown by students throughout the day.
Year 12 Graphics – New Designers Exhibition Visit
Last week, our Year 12 Graphics students visited the New Designers Exhibition at the Islington Design Centre. Throughout the day, students spoke with university graduates about their course outcomes and how studying Design at university differs from sixth form, and had the opportunity to meet lecturers from institutions across the country. Students took part in a range of activities, began building early university networks and represented Watling Academy exceptionally well.
All students returned feeling inspired and seeing the work produced by university graduates has strengthened their motivation and drive, giving them fresh energy to elevate their own coursework.
Year 9 Trip to Thorpe Park
Our Year 9 students enjoyed a brilliant day at Thorpe Park last week. With plenty of sunshine and excitement, they made the most of the rides and attractions, spending time together and having fun. Students’ behaviour throughout the trip was excellent, and it was wonderful way to celebrate their hard work this year.
Year 9 MEP Trip to China
Our Year 9 Mandarin Excellence Programme students are having a fantastic time on their trip to Beijing. They have been strengthening their Mandarin through daily lessons at the university and working alongside Chinese students, to mutually practise their language skills and learn about each other’s culture. Their programme has also included a range of cultural workshops, from making dumplings and taking part in traditional Chinese games to enjoying film nights and exploring local landmarks. These experiences have helped students learn more about China’s history, its modern-day society and its future development. We have been sharing daily updates and photos on our Facebook page, so please follow there to see more about the trip.
Watling Academy are ‘Officially Amazing’
We are delighted to announce that Watling Academy has been recognised as ‘Officially Amazing’ by Amazing Apprenticeships. This national recognition highlights our commitment to delivering high-quality careers education, promoting apprenticeships and empowering students to explore diverse career pathways. Read our case study and learn more about our campaign with Scania Group: Using Employer Partnerships and Student Feedback to Strengthen Careers Education – Watling Academy – Amazing Apprenticeships
A-Level Geography Human Fieldwork
A-Level Geography students spent two days with Mrs Griffiths conducting human fieldwork to investigate change in places, travelling to Birmingham for their distant place study and Bletchley for their local study. Students marvelled at evidence of hundreds of years of Birmingham history: from the oldest building (The Old Crown) to some of the newest, such as the beautiful Library of Birmingham. They enjoyed the street art of Digbeth, as well as the grand architecture of Chamberlain Square, while considering how Birmingham has changed… and grabbing some street food along the way.
Tuesday took them to Bletchley, a smaller place, but with a rich history stretching back to the Roman times. Students walked a transect of Bletchley, from Bletchley Park to the leisure centre, considering how the high street is changing through current regeneration.
MK Schools Athletics
Last week, we took a squad of 60 athletes to compete in the MK Schools Athletics competition. All students gave a fantastic effort in their events, and we are delighted to share that Watling finished 3rd out of 17 schools overall.
Congratulations to the students below who secured first place in their events:
- Year 7
- 200m – Yasmin M
- 800m – Jacob L
- Year 8
- 200m – Princella S-B
- Long jump – Shanae B
- 100m – Aubrey
- 200m – Aubrey
- 4x100m Relay – Jaiden, Aiden, Liam & Aubrey
- Year 9
- 100m – Janice O
- 800m – Nicole G
- High Jump – Janice O
- Javelin – Luke F
- Year 10
- 1500m – Evie
- Discus – Evie
A huge well done to all students who represented the school with such commitment and enthusiasm.
House Fete & Sports Day Merchandise
Today we held our annual House Fete for students consisting of various competitions and games, from shooting hoops on the basketball court, to guessing the number of sweets in a jar. Thank you to everyone who got involved and supported the event. A special thanks to MKM Building Supplies for generously sponsoring the event, and to Tesco Wolverton, Playful Pottery, Self Exposure Studio, Scribble Craft, and 1Iron Indoor Golf for their kind raffle prize donations. Their support has helped make our event a success!
In support of Sports Week, students will be able to purchase house merchandise during break and lunchtime on Monday and Tuesday next week. Bracelets will be sold for £1.00 and sunglasses for £2.50 (cash only please). All money raised from this and the fete will be split equally between our five House charities; Harry’s Rainbow, Willen Hospice, Mind BLMK, Unity MK and The Hygiene Bank. Thank you for your support!
Friends of Watling Academy Ice Pop Sale
Friends of Watling Academy will be selling ice pops on Wednesday 15th July, from 3:15pm. Students will be able to purchase Mr Freeze Mega Pops (90ml) for £1.50 each (cash only), available in tropical, lemonade, strawberry, cola and raspberry flavours. For a full list of ingredients and allergen information, please visit the Mr Freeze website. A great way for students to cool down whilst raising additional funds for the school!
Reminders
Early Finish – Monday 13th & Friday 17th July
Please be reminded that students will finish at 12:35pm on Monday 13th July for our Academic Mentoring Afternoon and on Friday 17th July for the end of term.
What’s happening next week?
- Monday 13th July – Week A
- Sports Week all week
- School closes to students at 12:35pm
- Academic Mentoring Afternoon
- Tuesday 14th July –
- Year 9 MEP trip to China returns
- Wednesday 15th July –
- FoWA Ice Pop sale afterschool
- Thursday 16th July –
- Celebration Awards Evening (for invited students)
- Friday 17th July–
- Last day of term – students finish at 12:35pm
