Newsletter 14.05.2026
Key Dates
Tuesday 19th May – Year 12 visit to Wiggin LLP
Thursday 21st May – Year 9 DTP/MenACWY Vaccine, Attendance Award Streak, Parent Prayer Gathering
Friday 22nd May – INSET DAY (closed for students except Year 11 and Year 13 exam students)
Monday 25th May – Friday 29th May – HALF TERM
Tuesday 2nd June – Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Expedition
Wednesday 3rd June – Duke of Edinburgh Silver Expedition
Thursday 4th June – Parent Prayer Gathering
Careers
On Thursday 7th May, Year 8 participated in their careers drop-down morning. It was themed around building an understanding of themselves and using this to start thinking about the careers and next steps that will be well-suited to them. Students heard from speakers about how self- knowledge has shaped their own unique career journeys, took part in a ‘career ideas’ workshop and finally had a talk from Network Rail about the huge range of careers and apprenticeships they offer. This was followed up in classrooms with a ‘my skills, my life’ workshop, where pupils filled in questionnaires to learn more about their personalities and preferences and to consider jobs that matched their profiles.
Looking ahead, in June and July, a group of students in Year 9 and then a group of students in Year 10 will begin to learn more about university as a future option by visiting the University of Gloucestershire through our partnership with GROWS, who deliver events to help young people make informed decisions about their future. This work continues into Year 11 and 12 – our Year 12 students have recently been on visits to the University of Bath and Cardiff University, where they had campus tours, learnt more about making high-quality applications and about student finance. We are immensely proud that many of our current Year 13 students hold offers from a range of top universities this year.
Chaplaincy
Over the last few weeks, we have started a Student Worship Team that will create opportunities for students to lead and serve within the school community.We are currently planning the launch of Chaplains’ Check-Ins, a 15-minute conversation with the chaplain, open to all students, staff and parents. The Check-Ins will be a chance to offer support, encouragement, and a listening ear to those who need it throughout the week.
KS3 Bible Study, this term we have been exploring the book of Psalms, helping us better understand who God is and how the Psalms still speak into our lives today. It has been such a joy to open up the bible together. If your child is in KS3 and would like to explore the Christian faith alongside others, they would be welcome to join us on Mondays 08:30am in the Chapel.
We are approaching the day of Pentecost, and we are reminded of the gift that is the Holy Spirit and that the Gospel message of hope and love is for everyone.
Finally, we are especially praying for all our Year 11 and Year 13 students who are taking exams at this time. If you would like to join us in praying for our students, please contact the Chaplains.
We wish all students, staff, and families a restful and enjoyable half-term break!
