Headteacher's Bulletin

It has been so lovely to see all the students and staff back together after our 2 week holiday and we have definitely hit the ground running.

This week has been particularly exhilarating for our Year 9 students who experienced an absolutely transformative day with Humanutopia. On Wednesday, students stepped away from their regular timetabled lessons to engage in a series of powerful workshops focused on personal growth and self-reflection. These sessions invited students to explore their past, evaluate their present, and envision their future, fostering a deeper sense of self-awareness and ambition. Humanutopia’s passionate facilitation encouraged our students to confront some really challenging subjects, helping them to articulate what they want from life and the steps necessary to achieve their goals. Each student recorded their hopes and dreams on cards, which will be returned to them in the future as a measure of their progress and development.

Today, our Duke of Edinburgh students embarked on an adventurous practice walk in Richmond Park. This excursion not only tested their orienteering skills but also offered invaluable life lessons in teamwork and resilience.

I was also blown away by our Year 10s Zofia Wiesek and Demmie Stow's two-person show, "Legoland," which they presented yesterday. It has given me much to reflect on, particularly due to its moving depth and complexity. Their preparation and performance were exemplary. Their stage production and learning all those lines so thoroughly not only demonstrated their skill, but also showcased a remarkable level of confidence and professionalism

As we move forward into the term, I am so excited for what lies ahead. Our school motto, Aspire, Achieve, Enjoy, continues to resonate through these enriching experiences, reinforcing our commitment to fostering an environment where our students can thrive as confident, successful lifelong learners.

Thank you for your continued support and cooperation.

We are extending the Ski Trip deadline to Tuesday 23rd April. To book your student's place, please pay the £150 deposit on sQuid.

Students will visit the Salzburger Sportwelt Region which offers wonderful winter sports terrain suitable for all levels. The resort has a wide range of pistes to suit skiers from beginners up to advanced. More information can be found here.

Our students had a brilliant time in February and here are some reflections on the trip:

My Experience on the Austria Ski Trip 2024

Going on the Ski Trip was a wonderful experience. It was the furthest I’ve travelled on a school trip and we drove through several different countries until we got to Austria. You get the opportunity to try skiing for the first time and you also make so many friends along the way. Throughout the trip, there was never a time where I thought about wanting to go back home because there are so many activities. We got to watch an ice hockey match, go bowling and have a pizza night and we even skied down the mountain to our hotel! Overall, it was really enjoyable.

Maddie, Year 9

My Ski Trip Experience

My experience was genuinely fun. I met so many people who I still talk to. The Ski Trip helped me face my fears and overcome them. I am not a sporty person but I had such a great time in the fresh, crisp air, up in the gorgeous mountains. Austria is a beautiful country and I feel so privileged to have been there. This is an amazing opportunity – you should take it!

Semona, Year 9

The latest edition of the safeguarding newsletter can be read here. This edition covers county lines, disordered eating and the app Kik.

Please click here to view the timetable for our Summer Term extra-curricular clubs. These clubs offer valuable opportunities to enhance your child's educational experience beyond the classroom. We strongly encourage our students to participate in at least one extra-curricular club per week to enrich their learning journey.

We are pleased to offer a variety of exciting summer sports for your child to explore this term, including tennis, cricket, rounders, athletics, softball, gymnastics, spikeball, and flag football. We strongly encourage all of our students to engage in at least one sport this term to support their ongoing physical development.

We would also like to hear about your child’s sporting achievements outside of school. Please contact Mr Hayes via info@twickenhamschool.org.uk to share these.

Auditions for the Twickenham School Talent Show will be held on Friday 26 April from 3:30 - 4:30pm. All students are invited to audition, any skill, any talent is welcome. Performances should be about 1-2 minutes long.

On the 30th April, Kingston University will be running a creative writing workshop for some of our master learners in Year 10 English. This will take place during school time and will allow them the opportunity to enter a competition and be recognised for their efforts.

It is Year 8 HPV Vaccinations on Tuesday 23 April. Please ensure that students wear short sleeve shirts on that day to allow the nurses to access their upper arm.

Richmond library service are holding a free teen author event on Thursday 2nd May at Richmond Library from 7 - 8pm.

Nathanael's book ‘Steady for This’ is available in the school library and Year 9 are studying it as part of the after school Carnegies Award Book Club. No booking necessary! More information here.

We are sending out a big Twickenham School welcome to our new Head of Music, Ms Aitken. She is super excited to bring new energy to our music department.

Open 2 Music' are also running free taster lessons for students who are interested. Sign up here.

Dates for the Diary

23 April - Y8 HPV Vaccinations

26 April - Talent Show Auditions 3:30 - 4:30pm

25 April - France trip Parents Info Evening 6:00 - 6:45pm

6 May - Bank Holiday

17 May - Talent Show 6:00 - 7:00pm

27-31 May - Half Term

Wishing you a wonderful week ahead.

Jonathon Lisseman

Headteacher

Twickenham School

Percy Road

Twickenham

TW2 6JW

0208 894 4503