Headteacher's Message

Welcome back to the second half of the Autumn Term. It might seem far away with six weeks to go until the start of the winter break but it is now less than 50 days until Christmas Day!

This half-term has begun with mock exams for both Year 11 and next week Year 13 will join them, however there is plenty of fun to look forward to. Rehearsals are well underway for the school production, Wellington 24, an upbeat and empowering wartime tale about the female workforce as one factory pulls together to try to build a Wellington bomber in record-breaking time: under twenty-four hours. As temperatures rise and prejudices bubble up, will they be able to pull together in time? You will have to come to the show to find out, save the date as performances take place in the Studio Theatre Tuesday 24 – Thursday 26 November at 7pm. Tickets on sale next week.

This week we have sent home a letter regarding updating consents via our Parent Portal, Arbor. Please can I ask you to read this letter for full details on how to do this, it will only take a few minutes and will enable us to support your child during this school year.

I also want to share that we are currently recruiting both for a Parent member to join our Board of Governors. As the parent or carer of a student currently on roll you have a right to nominate yourself for the Parent Governor role. We would like to invite applications from any parents with a genuine interest in education and who want to work at a strategic level to develop the school. Please see full details of the Parent Governor role in the letter sent home today.

We are also looking to expand our pool of Invigilators for this summer exam season. No experience is necessary as full training will be given. These are casual roles paid at an hourly rate of £14.49 p/hr. If you are interested or would like any further information, please email Gill Gildersleve, Head of HR, at jobs@waldegravesch.org

Please note we have updated the Home Learning Policy, Behaviour and Rewards for Learning Policy, as well as the Suspension and Permanent Exclusion Policy. You can read these on our website here.

Finally, our Christmas Tree and Previously Loved Uniform Sale will be taking place on Saturday 5 December. We will be running a second-hand uniform sale at the same time so it is the perfect ‘one stop shop’ to get your tree and stock up on some spare uniform whilst contributing funds to the school in the process. Both sales will run from 9.30am to 11.30am (while stocks last). There are a range of Christmas tree sizes available, please visit ParentPay to see sizes, prices and to place your order.

Have a lovely weekend,

Ms E Tongue

Monday 9 November – Friday 13 November Year 13 Mock Exams
Tuesday 10 November Year 12 eMagazine Literature Conference
Wednesday 18 November All INSET DAY – School closed to students

Year Group Messages

Year 12

It was wonderful to see the Year 12 students back in school on Wednesday. They all looked rested and re-energised for yet another busy half-term. Hopefully, they all managed to get some rest and the opportunity to catch up with their friends and families during the break.

All Year 12 A Level students will attend the Gabrieli Roar’ Mr Handel’s Christmas Story Performance and Workshop Workshop on Monday at Sinfonia Smith Square, London. On Tuesday, the vast majority of the A Level English Literature students will attend the eMagazine A Level English Literature Student Conference. This event will take place in Central London. All relevant details for these events have already been shared with participating students, as well as their parents and carers.

Have a good weekend!

Mr C Stavrou, Head of Year 12

Year 13

Welcome back to our year 13 students, we hope they all had a lovely half term. All our year 13 students have settled back into lessons well and have been preparing for their upcoming mock exams.

Mock examinations begin next week. Please can students ensure they are on time for their exams and have checked if their exams are in the morning or the afternoon. Students are expected to be at school 15 minutes before the exam starts. Seating plans will be displayed next to sixth form reception, so please can students check where they are sat before lining up for their exams. A reminder that there will be no tutor time next week for year 13 and students are not expected to be in lessons.

Have a great weekend!

Ms R Pugh, Head of Year 13

Health & Wellbeing

This Sunday is Diwali, one of the major festivals in the Hindu calendar that is celebrated in many parts of the United Kingdom. Diwali is called the Festival of Lights and it is believed that on this day Rama returned to his people after 14 years of exile during which he fought and won a battle against the demons and the demon king, Ravana. People lit their houses to celebrate his victory over evil, symbolising the triumph of light over darkness.

Diwali celebrations may vary in different communities but its significance and spiritual meaning is generally “the awareness of the inner light”. As we move from Autumn into Winter and the days become darker, it is this inner light that sustains us and so I want to share with you some tips on maintaining your inner light throughout the Winter months.

  • Get outdoors: On the practical side natural daylight helps to anchor the circadian rhythm and boost your mood so you should aim to get outside for a walk to soak up some sunshine (even on overcast days).
  • Let the light in: You can also brighten up indoor spaces by opening curtains and blinds first thing in the morning, keep windows clean and window sills clutter free to let in maximum light, and add mirrors to bounce light deeper into your rooms.
  • Keep moving: Physical activity—whether it is a brisk outdoor walk, indoor swimming, or yoga—releases endorphins and fights winter lethargy.
  • Nourish your body: It can be tempting to over eat stodgy, heavy meals during the winter but it is important for your health and energy levels to eat balanced, seasonal produce, stay hydrated, and consider a vitamin D supplementation if recommended by your GP or health provider.
  • Embrace the season: Acknowledge that winter is naturally a slower season for rest and introspection. Pair the quiet darkness with grounding practices like journaling, gratitude lists, or meditation as daily mindfulness techniques.

You can read more about mindfulness techniques for Winter on mindful.org.

Ms S Moore, Director of Wellbeing

Sports Fixtures

The Sixth Form Basketball team played on the final Friday before half-term against Turing House. The team lost 48-32, despite a strong team performance the home team played better this time. Joseph S showed great captaincy and the Player of the Match was Jake Q.

Unfortunately our Sixth Form Basketball and School Football matches have been cancelled this week but we have more netball, rugby and football matches next week.

Well done to everyone who took part in a sports match or training over the half-term break and good luck for the rest of term.

Careers

Welcome to our newest section in the School Newsletter.

We know that making decisions about the future can feel exciting, but also a little overwhelming for both students and their parents. Whether you’re choosing GCSE subjects, exploring your next steps at 16 or planning for life after 18, understanding your options
can help you move forward with confidence.

You don’t need to have your whole career mapped out, start with your interests, ask questions and stay open to different possibilities.

This section will shine a light on job opportunities and careers fairs, share information about apprenticeships and alternative routes post 18 as well as look at financial support for studying and training from Year 12 onwards. Information included will be shared from Innervate Careers Service who we work with to provide careers guidance. You can see their full newsletter here.

 

Careers Contact Details

If you require any further information on careers please contact Jack Bannister by email below.
careers@waldegravesch.org

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