Headteacher's Bulletin
22/09/2023 - Edition 2
Highlights of the Week
I’m delighted to report the purposeful hum of quality teaching and effective learning across the school as we sailed through this 3rd week of term. The rhythm of the new academic year is certainly settling in and it was lovely to hear the positive feedback from our new year 7 parents:
“My child says he is happy at school. He has enjoyed learning about atoms/electrons in Science, the Odyssey in English, and is excited about Drama, Art and Food Tech.”
“I was super worried and nervous about the process of starting secondary school but I needn't have been worried. [My child] has had a great week and likes all his teachers.”
“Quality of teaching & learning: content being delivered to Year 7 seems appropriate but also can see clear opportunities for pupils to be stretched in a number of subjects. Particularly English. Form tutor has been fantastic, my child enjoys form time and appreciates the effort the tutor has made to get to know them all. This has made the transition to secondary school much smoother. Information evening was a great opportunity to meet the form tutor, parents and have queries answered”. + many more
Our sporting fixtures got off to an amazing start as our Year 11 football team kicked off the sporting calendar with an inspiring win against stiff competition – what a fantastic start to the season. It was also great to see 40+ Year 7 students joining up for our Football training sessions after school and 85+ students from across the school attending Basketball, Netball, Football and Rugby on Tuesday extra-curircular last week.
A huge thanks to our Student Leadership Team who have, as always, been very industrious, taking on lunchtime duties and aiding younger students with kindness and empathy.
The fire drill conducted on Thursday went very smoothly, with a notably quick and orderly evacuation by all Year groups and staff. Kudos to our Year 7s, who had a pre-practice practice on Monday and did really well for their first time.....perfectly role-modelled, of course, by all the older students. It was extremely impressive. But – the stopwatch will be ticking again next time, when we will be aiming for an even quicker exit.
Notices
Open Evening
Tuesday 3 October: Early close at 13.15 for all students. The canteen will be open for students to purchase lunch before they make their way home.
Wednesday 4 October: Late start for all students at 09.30 to begin period 2 lessons as normal.
Arbor Student Portal
Thank you for your feedback regarding the Arbor Student Portal. We're aware that there are just a few students remaining who are facing login issues. Rest assured; we aim to resolve these by the end of next week. We appreciate your patience.
Communication Challenges
We apologise for recent difficulties in reaching the school office. A reduced admin team and high call volumes—sparked by local water supply concerns and some issues with the sQuid payment company—have led to some missed calls. We are actively recruiting additional staff and exploring more efficient communication methods for urgent announcements. Thank you for your understanding.
Mobile Phone Usage
In line with our home-school agreement, we kindly ask parents to manage their children's mobile phone usage outside of school to prevent social conflicts stemming from online activities.
Year 7 Drama Trip
The payment deadline for the Year 7 Cinderella trip has been extended to Friday 29th September. Please ensure that both the sQuid payment and consent form have been completed.
There is financial support available, please fill out the form in the emails you have received.
Extra–curricular clubs
Please encourage your child to attend at least one extra-curricular club each week. Please see the website for the extra-curricular timetable. No need to sign up prior to attendance, just turn up and the teacher will register you. (Thursday afterschool cooking club will have an international flavour for the next 2 weeks. For more info please contact info@twickenhamschool.org.uk FAO Ms Hales)
Information about Cucina Catering & Free School Meals (FSM)
To read more information about how the FSM allowance works please click here.
Open 2 Music
Students in Years 7 to 10 received assemblies this week from Open 2 Music, our new private musical tuition partners. They were able to see the possibilities of instrumental or vocal tuition first hand and be inspired by a professional live performance. If your child is interested in individual or group lessons in voice, guitar, drums or keyboard, free taster classes are available for all students.
