Week 9
Welcome to this week’s bulletin. Thank you for your patience today as we were experiencing disruption to our systems and communications as part of the global Microsoft outage, we are pleased to confirm that everything is now back up and running.
We have had another busy week at school with careers guest speakers, trips, Remembrance day, the Year 7 House Day, plus some fantastic success for our debate team which you can read more about below.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend.
Mrs Anderson
Headteacher
Attendance Matters: Planning Ahead for Winter
As the weather becomes colder and less predictable, a little preparation can make a big difference to attendance and punctuality. Checking weather forecasts, allowing extra time for journeys, and ensuring students have the equipment they need can help reduce avoidable disruption to the school day.
We would also encourage students to wear a warm, waterproof coat when travelling to and from school. Being prepared for colder temperatures and wet weather can help students arrive comfortable, ready to learn, and less likely to face difficulties during their journey. Establishing these simple routines also helps young people take responsibility for their own readiness and attendance throughout the winter months.
Thank you for your support in helping students develop the habits and resilience needed to attend school consistently, even when conditions are less favourable.
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.
Watling Debate Team
Congratulations to the Watling Academy ESU Mace Debate Team, who competed in their first heat at Denbigh School yesterday and are through to the next round!
The team rose to the occasion and excelled under pressure, showcasing fantastic oracy, confidence and public speaking skills throughout their debates against Glebe Farm. Emerald, Jess and Jotham were outstanding ambassadors for both themselves and the Academy, representing us with professionalism and pride throughout.
A huge well done also goes to their brilliant support team, Maryam and David, whose encouragement and commitment were invaluable, as well as our former ESU Debate Team from last year, who continue to be an absolute credit to Watling Academy.
We are incredibly proud of everyone involved. A fantastic achievement and a brilliant example of our students finding their voices, developing their confidence and embracing the challenge of debating. Well done, team!
Author Visit Inspires Year 12 Students
This week, Year 12 students had the opportunity to meet author Lizzie Damilola Blackburn, who shared her journey to becoming a published writer. She spoke about her love of reading and writing, the challenges she faced along the way and the importance of perseverance. Students enjoyed an engaging Q&A session and left inspired by her message that success takes time, resilience and self-belief. A huge thank you to Lizzie for encouraging our aspiring young writers to follow their passions.
Year 10 Explore Careers in Banking with Santander
Last week, Year 10 students welcomed a guest speaker from Santander, who delivered an insightful careers session on degree apprenticeships and careers in banking. Students learned about the benefits of earning while learning and explored the wide range of opportunities available in areas such as Cyber Security, Data & AI, Marketing, Technology and Finance. The session encouraged students to keep an open mind about their future and highlighted the importance of exploring different career pathways. Thank you to Santander for helping our students broaden their horizons and consider new opportunities.
New Menu Launch and November Specials in our Canteen
Our new canteen menu has landed! From high-street-inspired dishes like the Sweet Chilli Chicken Kofta to familiar favourites, there’s plenty to look forward to. Hot meals, deli favourites and grab-and-go options, offer great choice and value with many items included within the Free School Meal allowance. Shaped by student feedback, our new menu continues our focus on more balanced choices, with more fibre and less fat, sugar and salt. Take a look at the new menu on our website: https://watlingacademy.net/about/catering/
Alongside our new menu, we’re turning up the heat with wraps, salads, pizza and wings, all given a sweet and spicy kick with our Hot Honey sauce. Look out for limited-time Hot Honey specials available throughout the month and try them before they’re gone. Got a favourite? Let your catering team know which dishes you’d love to see again.
Reminders
Flu Vaccinations – Tuesday 17th November
A reminder that will be holding an additional flu vaccination session on Tuesday 17th November for those students who have not yet been vaccinated.
FoWA Doughnut Sale Pre-Orders Open
Pre-orders are now open for the next Friends of Watling Academy Krispy Kreme doughnut sale due to be held on Tuesday 1st December. Please check the ParentMail message sent on 11th November for more information.
What’s happening next week?
- Monday 16th November – Week A
- Eco-Committee Tree Planting with The Parks Trust
- Tuesday 17th November–
- Flu Vaccinations
- Wednesday 18th November –
- MK Schools Cross Country
- Thursday 19th November –
- DofE Bronze Training Day
- Friday 20th November –
- DofE Bronze Training Day
Sports Fixtures
- Monday 16th November –
- Year 8 National Cup Football Vs Robert Bloomfield AWAY
- Tuesday 17th November –
- Year 7 & 9 Football Vs Lord Grey HOME
- Year 7 Boys Football Vs St Paul’s HOME
- Year 8 Football Vs St Paul’s AWAY
- Year 10 Girls 5 a side tournament AWAY
- Wednesday 18th November –
- U13 Girls Football Tournament at Woughton on the Green
- MK Schools Cross Country Champs at Campbell Park
- Thursday 19th November –
- Year 7 Girls Football Vs Denbigh AWAY
- Year 10 Boys Football Vs Hazeley HOME
- Year 10 Girls Football Vs Denbigh AWAY
We’d love to hear your thoughts on the bulletin. Have you enjoyed reading this? Is there anything else you’d like to see included in future? Should you have any questions, comments or feedback, please do not hesitate to email: communications@watling.academy
