Week 5
Welcome to this week’s bulletin, and although it has been a shorter week due our INSET day tomorrow, we have still managed to fit a lot in! In recognition of World Mental Health day on 10th October we have been raising awareness and funds this week for children’s mental health charity YoungMinds – thank you to everyone who has donated or supported. This evening I am looking forward to welcoming prospective parents, carers and students who will be starting secondary school in September 2027 and showcasing all we have to offer at Watling Academy.
Mrs Anderson
Headteacher
Attendance Matters: Attendance and Achievement
Regular attendance gives students the best opportunity to achieve their academic potential. Every lesson contributes to learning, understanding, confidence, and future success.
While occasional absences are unavoidable, attending school consistently helps students benefit from high-quality teaching, collaborative learning, enrichment opportunities, and support from staff. Thank you for helping us ensure that every student has the greatest opportunity to thrive and succeed.
We’re here to help. If there is anything affecting your child’s attendance, please contact your child’s Tutor, Head of Year, or our Attendance Team. At Watling Academy, we are here to work with you and provide support wherever possible.
Sports Leadership Event at Watling Primary School
The Year 10 and Year 12 Sports Leaders did a fantastic job helping to run the Sports Day at Watling Primary School. They were enthusiastic, responsible and supportive throughout the afternoon, helping to organise activities, encourage the younger pupils and ensure everyone had a positive experience. All of the Sports Leaders represented the school brilliantly and should be proud of their efforts – well done!
Year 11 GCSE Drama Trip
On Wednesday, our Year 11 Drama students went to see The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time at Milton Keynes Theatre starring Joe McFadden and Charlie Brooks. The production captivated and inspired students, offering a powerful example of live performance at its best.
As well as providing an enjoyable afternoon, the visit forms an important part of their GCSE course. Students are required to attend and evaluate a live theatre performance as part of their written examination, and this experience will support them in developing a deeper understanding of staging, characterisation and theatrical techniques.
Year 12 Enrichment: Medical & Healthcare Careers Insight
This week’s enrichment session focused on careers in Medical and Healthcare, with students hearing from two inspiring guest speakers: Shannan Clayton, Director and Osteopath at The Back and Body Clinic, and Sue Fitzgerald, retired Gynaecology Oncology Advanced Nurse Practitioner (NHS).
Shannan and Sue spoke about their very different career journeys, giving students insight into working in both the NHS and private sector. They explored university pathways, starting salaries, transferable skills, networking, and, most importantly, finding a career with purpose. What made the session stand out was the level of engagement from our students who asked thoughtful, well‑considered questions, took part in open and honest discussion, and shared positive feedback afterwards.
We are grateful to Shannan and Sue for giving their time and sharing their experiences so openly and to Worktree for continuing to connect our students with such valuable career insight.
Friends of Watling Academy (FoWA)
The Friends of Watling Academy will be holding their next doughnut sale on Thursday 22nd October to raise funds for the school and students, for more details and pre-orders please check ParentMail. They will also be holding their AGM on Monday 19th October in the school library from 6-7pm. Please visit their page on our website to find out more and get in touch.
Reminders
Flu Vaccination Consent
A reminder that students in Years 7-11 will be receiving their flu vaccinations on Tuesday 13th October. You will have received a consent form by email from the NHS School Immunisations Service, please ensure you have completed this by Tuesday if you would like your child to be included.
Sports Results
Year 7 National Cup Football Vs Northampton Academy – 5-2 Win
Year 8 National Cup Football Vs Campion – 2-0 Win
What’s happening next week?
- Monday 12th October – Week A
- Tuesday 13th October –
- Year 7-11 Flu vaccinations
- ESU Debate workshop
- Wednesday 14th October –
- Year 12 Girls in Science trip
- Year 13 Photos and School Photo catch-up
- Thursday 15th October –
- No Afterschool Clubs (except paid) or Maths twilight lessons due to staff training
Sports Fixtures
- Tuesday 13th October –
- Year 11 Football Vs Denbigh AWAY
- Wednesday 14th October –
- U14 Basketball Vs Oakgrove AWAY
- Year 9 Netball Vs St Paul’s AWAY
- Year 10 Netball Vs St Paul’s AWAY
