Headteacher's Message
This final week of the half term has been a busy one. We kicked off on Monday with a trip to the Rose Theatre in Kingston for our Year 8’s who went to watch ‘The Boy at the Back of the Class’. This play, based on the bestselling novel by Onjali Q. Rauf is a thought provoking look at the refugee experience from the perspective of a young boy and his classmates.
This week Waldegrave held a Higher Education Evening for our Year 12 pupils, providing an overview of the university application process and giving advice on the next steps for students. and the Options Information Evening for our Year 9s making decisions about GCSE choices.
Last night the music department hosted the Leavers’ Live Lounge, a music event featuring an eclectic range of student performances. It was a fantastic event featuring some spectacular talent and was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended.
Today we have ended the week with Year 9 and 10 having a discussion with the Chair of the local humanist group about what they believe and think about ethical issues linked to the Religious Studies GCSE; such as marriage, gender discrimination, abortion and euthanasia. The students had a lot to talk about and it was a stimulating discussion.
Finally some very lucky Year 10 pupils have been working on a special project in school today with photography professionals from the National Portrait Gallery. These pupils have been taking portrait shots of staff from across the school throughout the day – read more about this project on our website.
While the mock exams start in earnest after the half-term break some of the language orals, PE moderation and music performances have already taken place. Well done to all those who have undertaken these exams in a sensible and calm manner. A lot of revision and preparation has already taken place which puts all those taking mocks after half-term in a great place to face these exams.
I wish everyone a restful break after a very busy start to 2026, for those revising please remember to balance this out with plenty of rest breaks too! We look forward to welcoming everyone back on Tuesday 24 February after the staff inset day on the Monday.
