Headteacher's Message

Welcome back to the Summer Term. This is always a tough one as while Spring has definitely sprung over the break and the weather is warming, with hopes of the long summer break ahead, the exams are looming ever nearer.

In fact, this week the exams have already begun for both our Year 11 Art students and our Year 13 Chemistry pupils who took part in the final organic practical of their A-level – the synthesis of aspirin! Well done to them all. There is both academic and pastoral support available for all pupils in the lead up to their exams, students are encouraged to speak to relevant subject teachers, form tutors or Head of Year with any worries they might be having.

The return to school is not all hard work and last night we saw the return of our Dance Show as managed by our Lead Dance teacher, Ms Salsbury. The event showcased the fantastic talents of our pupils from Year 7 all the way up to Year 11 with contemporary dance styles such a street and modern and as well as more classical ballet. Well done to all our performers who really gave us a fantastic start to the term.

We are really happy to have begun the rollout of the Blackout app this week with students in Year 8. Initial signs are that the app is working well, with many students reporting that they like the new app and that it is giving them peace of mind throughout the school day.

Next Friday we have some fun in store for you all with the Friends of Waldegrave Curry & Quiz Night, guaranteed to test those brain cells. Tickets are available on ParentPay – get yours now before they sell out!

Have a lovely week!

Ms E Tongue

Key School Dates

Tuesday 24 March Years 11 & 13 D&T Exhibition of work
Wednesday 25 March Year 12 English Literature University Lecturer Talk
Friday 27 March All Years 12:30 finish: END OF SPRING TERM

Year Group Messages

Year 12

It’s been lovely welcoming back our year 12 students. I hope they all had a lovely Easter break and were able to find time to rest as well as revise for their exams. We have been extremely impressed with the behaviour of our students during this first mock examination week.

This is a reminder that the morning examinations start at 9am and afternoon exams start at 1.15pm. Students are expected to be ready for their exams 15 minutes before and to have all the correct equipment with them. Students must also have their lanyards on for the exams. Exams will be continuing throughout next week.

On the 23rd April, all Year 12 students will be attending a UCAS discovery event in Farnborough. The aim of this event is to help students decide on their next steps. They will be able to chat to universities and colleges about their courses and University life, as well as speak to employers and apprenticeship providers about what an apprenticeship is like, the options available and listen to talks from experts in their fields.

Mr Bannister will be sending a link to download tickets and posting arrangements for the day on their google classrooms in due course.

Have a great weekend.

Ms R Pugh, Head of Year 12

Year 13

It was wonderful to see the Year 13 students back in school following the Easter break. I hope they all managed to strike the correct balance between resting and revising. They have all been working really hard in and out of lessons as part of their preparations for the public exams.

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Islay D for completing her Grade 8 Drums assessment recently for which she achieved a Merit. What a wonderful achievement!

The final A Level performance, for the Year 13 Music students, which counts as a third of their A level is due to take place next Thursday. We will also have an examiner on-site on the day too. A run through will also occur on Tuesday as a final attempt to support the students as much as possible and in order to offer them some final advice on their composition. I would really like to take this opportunity to wish to them all the best of luck!

Have a good weekend.

Mr C Stavrou, Head of Year 13

Health & Wellbeing

April is Stress Awareness Month and this year the theme is ‘Be the Change’, which encourages breaking the cycle of stress by setting boundaries, taking breaks, and building healthier habits. We all experience stress in different ways. For some, it might be linked to schoolwork or exams, while for others it can come from things outside the classroom. This month is about recognising those pressures and finding small, practical ways to look after ourselves. Stress Awareness Month is a reminder that wellbeing matters. By taking small, consistent steps, like those suggested in the Action for Happiness Active April calendar challenge, we can all build better habits and support each other along the way. This video includes some excellent advice for managing stress at important moments from Dr Sheila Redfern, of the Anna Freud Centre. The Children’s Society has also created this Young People’s Well-being Guide for Stressful Situations.

Achieving for Children are running a number of courses and one off workshops for parents during the summer term. These include ‘Digital parenting’, ‘Making sense of big feelings’, and ‘Parents in conflict’. The full list of courses and workshops, with sign up information, is linked here.

Ms S Moore, Director of Wellbeing

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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