Week 7
As we approach the end of this half-term, it’s encouraging to see how settled the school feels. Routines are well embedded, and students are clear on our high expectations; both in terms of behaviour and learning. This consistency is creating a calm, purposeful environment across the site. I am incredibly pleased with the positive start that has been made this academic year, well done to everyone.
One area we’re continuing to prioritise is reading—both in school and at home. Regular reading helps students build fluency, vocabulary, and confidence across all subjects.
Families often ask how they can support reading at home. Here are a few practical suggestions:
- Establish a regular reading routine, even if it’s just 15 minutes a few times a week.
- Talk about what your child is reading—ask questions, share thoughts, and encourage discussion.
- Let them choose—books, magazines, graphic novels, and non-fiction all count.
- Use local libraries—Milton Keynes libraries offer free access to books, eBooks, and audiobooks.
- Model reading—children are more likely to read if they see adults doing the same.
These small steps can make a big difference in building a strong reading culture beyond the classroom.
This week, our Year 11 Geography students took part in a fantastic fieldwork experience at Unity Place, investigating the success of its regeneration in preparation for their GCSE exam. Their enquiry focused on key themes such as connectivity, environmental sensitivity, and urban design. Students also compared Unity Place with the redevelopment of the Old Bus Station, deepening their understanding of how sustainability shapes urban change in a dynamic city.
During their visit, students attended talks highlighting the sustainable features of Unity Place. We were incredibly proud to hear that members of the public and staff at Unity Place praised our students for their kindness, politeness, and exemplary behaviour.
This was a brilliant opportunity for our students to apply their classroom learning in a real-world context and they did so with maturity and enthusiasm. Well done, Year 11!
A group of twenty students visited the Alstom train depot in Wembley on Tuesday as part of Avanti’s Feel Good Future programme. Organised to coincide with Black History Month, the students travelled into London on an Avanti train bearing the nameplate of Asquith Xavier—the UK’s first Black train guard, appointed in the 1960s.
On arrival at Euston, the students were joined by Maria and Sheena Xavier, daughters of Asquith Xavier, who spoke passionately about their father’s courageous stand in 1966 to overturn the “whites only” employment policy at Euston Station. Their powerful and inspiring stories prompted thoughtful questions from the students.
The group then travelled by underground to the Alstom depot in Wembley where they learned about Alstom’s operations and the wide range of career opportunities available in the rail industry. Two 17-year-old apprentices shared their personal journeys into Alstom, bringing the possibilities to life in a relatable and engaging way. The visit concluded with a tour of the depot, including a chance to board the Caledonian Sleeper and see first hand how the team prepares it for service each evening. Thank you to the staff involved in coordinating these opportunities for students.
That’s all for this week, wishing you a restful weekend.
Mrs Fry
Headteacher
Sports Results
- Year 8 County Cup Football Vs Dr Challoner’s- Loss
- Year 8 Boys Football Vs Lord Grey – Loss
- Year 11 Boys Football Vs St Paul’s 3-3 Draw
- Year 11 Netball Vs Lord Grey – 20-7 Win
- Year 8 Netball Vs Lord Grey 11-1 Win
- Year 8 Basketball Vs Lord Grey – 35-28 Win
- Year 9 Girls Football Vs Stantonbury – 8-1 Win
- Year 7 Girls Football Vs Stantonbury – 8-0 Win
- Year 11 Girls Football Vs Stantonbury – 11-1 Win
- Year 8 Netball Vs Ousedale – Loss
- Year 9 Netball Vs Ousedale – 20-5 Win
Reminders
Friends of Watling Academy Doughnut Sale – Wednesday 22nd October
A gentle reminder that the Friends of Watling Academy (FOWA) are holding a doughnut sale on Wednesday 22nd October to raise funds to support the school and students. Pre-orders will be available for students to collect at 3:15pm from the canteen area. Students will also be able to purchase single original glazed Krispy Kreme doughnuts for £1.50 cash on the day.
School Photo Orders
A reminder that the deadline for photo orders to be delivered to the school free of charge is Sunday 19th October. Any photos ordered after this date will be delivered to home address and will incur a postage charge. Photographs taken at the mop-up session on 2nd October are now available to view and order online.
What’s happening next week?
- Monday 20th October – Week B
- Year 11 Mock Art Exams all week
- Newcastle University Careers Session
- Wednesday 22nd October –
- Year 10 Visit to MK Innovates STEM Festival
- Friends of Watling Academy Doughnut Sale
- Thursday 23rd October –
- Last day of term
- Year 11 Progress Review sent home
- Year 6 Open Evening for Prospective Parents
- Friday 24th October –
- INSET Day – Academy closed to students
Sports Fixtures
- Monday 20th October –
- Year 9 County Cup Football Vs Oakgrove HOME
- Tuesday 21st October –
- Year 7, U14 & U16 Girls Badminton Vs Hazeley AWAY
- Year 10 Netball Vs Brooklands AWAY
- Year 7 Netball Vs Brooklands AWAY
- Year 7 U14 & U16 Boys Badminton Vs Lord Grey HOME
- Year 8 Girls Football Vs Hazeley HOME
- Wednesday 22nd October –
- Year 11 Basketball Vs MK Academy AWAY
- Year 7 Basketball Vs MK Academy AWAY
