Headteacher's Bulletin

Week 6

16 October 202616 October 2026

Welcome to this week’s bulletin.  I hope this finds you well and that you have had a good week.  It was a real pleasure to welcome so many prospective families to our Open Evening last week.  Our students and staff did a wonderful job of showcasing Watling – well done to everyone involved, especially our students who were fantastic ambassadors for our school and their families. 

Earlier this week we sent out the first of our Character Conundrums, a new fortnightly feature to support students in developing character, values and positive decision-making. We hope these conversations will provide valuable opportunities for families to discuss important issues together and appreciate your support in reinforcing these messages at home.  

A focus of this term has been ensuring all students attend school in the correct uniform. I am pleased to see that there has been a noticeable improvement in uniform standards and would like to thank parents and carers for their support in helping us achieve this. We kindly ask that you take time over the half-term break to check your child’s uniform and address any issues in readiness for the start of the new half-term.

Mrs Anderson
Headteacher 

Attendance Matters: We Are Here to Help 

We understand that attendance can sometimes be affected by health concerns, anxiety, friendship issues, family circumstances, or other challenges. Our first priority is always to understand what may be making attendance difficult and to work with families to provide appropriate support. 

If your child is experiencing difficulties attending school, please get in touch. Together, we can explore solutions that help your child feel safe, supported, and confident in attending school regularly. 

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. 

Mental Health Matters – Building Confidence, Resilience & Mental Wellbeing 

This week’s Year 12 enrichment session focussed on mental health as students took part in an interactive workshop delivered by Jon Manning, Founder of The Arthur Ellis Mental Health Foundation. Jon introduced himself and the charity, whose aim is to provide accessible, inclusive and reliable emotional support to anyone who needs it. The session explored important topics including self-awareness, emotional regulation, motivation, managing challenging situations and knowing when to seek support with students encouraged students to ask questions and take part in meaningful discussions. We are grateful to Worktree for making this opportunity possible, and to Jon for generously giving his time and expertise. 

Girls in Science Conference at MK Gallery 

A group of Year 12 students attended the Girls in Science conference at Milton Keynes Gallery on Wednesday. Taking place as part of Milton Keynes Tech Week, this exciting careers event was designed to inspire students and broaden their understanding of the opportunities available within Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM). Students enjoyed inspirational talks and panel discussions presented by women working within STEM roles, bringing to life the opportunities and possible pathways available, while conversations with HMGCC apprentices gave students a deeper understanding of apprenticeship pathways and the opportunities available. For some, it opened their eyes to career possibilities they now want to explore.  

Students came away from the event feeling inspired and a highlight of the event for many was a hearing from Emily Darlington, MP. Year 12 student Shalom O said “The event was both greatly inspiring and informative. Now I can say I have a deeper understanding of apprenticeships due to the interactive panel involving apprentices from HMGCC, careers in STEM as a whole and how I can take action into finding solutions for the problems women of today constantly face, thanks to Emily Darlington’s briefing.” 

Blessing D (Year 12) said “Seeing our MP, Emily Darlington, was so impactful. She truly has a way with words! Then hearing from Radhika Srinivasan and learning about all the amazing things she has accomplished in her life made today truly one for the books!”  

“Hearing our MP Emily Darlington’s speech today was so inspiring for me. Her talk around women and our future was so insightful, really made an impact on me.” – Sienna F, Year 12

Black History Month 

In celebration of Black History Month, each day students have been hearing about influential Black people from throughout history, celebrating their achievements and impact on the world. Students have also been on a scavenger hunt around the school to find out more about these people and their stories. 

Reading Advocates Host BookChat 

Our Library team would like to give the following Reading Advocates a well-deserved shout out and thank you for planning and delivering a superb BookChat on the series Percy Jackson and the Olympians last week. Next week, students are invited to join a magical BookChat for fans of the Harry Potter series in the Library at lunchtime on Thursday. 

• Daksh S (Y9) 
• Dhruv S (Y9) 
• Harshith A (Y9) 
• Emma P (Y11) 
• Elyse A (Y11) 

Flu Vaccinations – Thursday 15^th November 

For those students who did not receive their flu vaccination this week, we will be holding an additional vaccination session on Thursday 15^th November.  

Lost Property Collection – Wednesday 21^st October 

Lost property will be available in the canteen afterschool on Wednesday 21^st October for students to look through and claim. Any items left after this date will be donated or disposed of as appropriate.

Reminders 

Friends of Watling Academy (FoWA) Doughnut Sale

The Friends of Watling Academy will be holding their next doughnut sale on Thursday 22^nd October to raise funds for the school and students. Students will be able to collect pre-orders and purchase individual doughnuts on the day for £1.50 (cash) from the canteen afterschool.

Sports Results 

• Year 8 County Cup Football Vs Holmer Green – WON 4-0 
• Year 9 Netball Vs St Paul’s – WON 12-2 
• U14 Basketball Vs Oakgrove – LOST 
• Year 10 Netball Vs St Paul’s – WON 12-3 
• Year 11 Football Vs Denbigh – WON 4-0 

What’s happening next week? 

• Monday 19^th October – Week B 
• Tuesday 20^th October –  
  • Year 11 Berlin Trip Information Meeting 
• Wednesday 21^st October –  
  • Year 13 Trip to Auschwitz 
  • Lost property in the canteen afterschool 
• Thursday 22^nd October –  
  • Harry Potter Day – Activities for all students in the Library at break and lunch 
  • FOWA Doughnut Sale 
  • Year 7 Harry Potter Event 
• Friday 23^rd October –  
  • Spooky Stories Activities for all students in the Library at break and lunch 
  • Last Day of term – students finish at 3:15pm 

Sports Fixtures

• Tuesday 20^thOctober –  
  • Year 10 Girls Football Vs Milton Keynes Academy AWAY 
  • All Girls Badminton Vs Hazeley HOME 
  • All Girls Badminton Vs Lord Grey HOME 
• Wednesday 21^stOctober –  
  • All Boys Badminton Vs Hazeley HOME 
  • All Boys Badminton Vs Lord Grey HOME 
  • Year 7 Girls Football Vs Radcliffe HOME 
  • Year 9 Girls Football Vs Radcliffe HOME 
• Thursday 22^ndOctober –  
  • Year 7 Boys Football Vs Hazeley HOME 
  • Year 8 Girls Football Vs Stantonbury AWAY 
  • Year 10 Girls Football Vs Stantonbury AWAY 
  • Year 10 Football Vs Denbigh HOME