Headteacher's Bulletin

08/03/24 - Edition 20

Highlights of the week

What a whirlwind of positive energy we've experienced at Twickenham School lately! First, World Book Day brought a vibrant celebration of literature to our corridors. Students and staff alike donned creative costumes, channeling iconic characters from timeless classics like The Cat in the Hat to the magical world of Harry Potter. This exuberant display was the culmination of our series of engaging author visits, including a captivating session from our very own author in residence Mr. Ryan. The dedication to fostering a lifelong love of reading in our students is truly inspiring!

On a separate note, we have fantastic news to share regarding school attendance. Twickenham School's commitment to education has been recognised with a prestigious National School Attendance Award, placing us within the top 25% of schools nationwide! This achievement highlights the importance of regular attendance. By being present, our students can fully benefit from the exceptional academic opportunies, enriching extracurricular activities, and the supportive environment that Twickenham School provides. All our students can truly thrive in all aspects – intellectual, social, and emotional – building the confidence they will need to succeed.

This positive momentum continued as we welcomed potential future students who are currently on our Year 7 waiting list and their families for school tours. They were able to witness firsthand the vibrant and supportive community that awaits them here at Twickenham.

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Safeguarding Newsletter

The newest edition of the safeguarding newsletter can be read by clicking here. This edition covers child-on-child abuse, knife crime, and WhatsApp's risks and safety features.

SAFE Day 4 March

SAFE Day is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at safeguarding all students in Richmond and Hounslow from Years 7-13. The project's aim is to provide substance awareness education.

On Monday all students engaged with a 20-minute lesson during tutor time. This project, funded by public health, is in response to the tragic losses of young people in Richmond and Hounslow. To ensure the message extends beyond our classrooms, please watch this video and have a discussion with your child about it. We would appreciate if you could also fill out this quick survey, which should take no longer than 3 minutes to complete.

This approach is designed to foster meaningful conversations at home about the day's learnings and the critical topic of substance misuse. The importance of these discussions cannot be overstated, as open dialogue between children and their parents/carers is a powerful preventive tool. Your cooperation is invaluable as we work together to protect and educate our children on this vital issue.

Lost and found

Items that the school has had stored in lost and found since before the spring mid-term break will be disposed of over the Easter break. If your child has lost anything, please get them to check with Student Services before school, break or lunch times. We'd love to reunite some property with their rightful owners.

Year 10 Parents Evening

We would like to take this opportunity to invite you to our upcoming Year 10 Parents’ Evening, held on Thursday 14 March. We ask that parents visit in one of two time periods, either 4:00 - 5:30 pm or 5:30 - 7:00 pm. Please confirm your attendance by clicking here. You do not need to make appointments with each of your child’s tutors, simply visit them when they are available.

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International Women's day

Year 9 studied the campaigns for the female vote, looking at the work and tactics of the Suffragists and Suffragettes, the Epsom Derby and the roll of women in WW1. They saw the right to vote was hard fought for and well earned! As part of that students designed Suffragette propaganda and merchandise. An insightful and creative piece of homework. Ms Martin has also been seen wandering the corridors in her fabulous Suffragette inspired outfit.

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Year 9 Boys Football

Well done to the Year 9 boys on their win on Thursday. Josh S scored the winning goal. We're so proud of our football team.

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IGNITE Dance Showcase

Twickenham School Dance Team completed their debut external performance this week as a new team of 14 dancers. At Richmond Upon Thames College, the students dedicated their time to a technical rehearsal and public performance to a packed auditorium. We've loved doing this event for many years now and it was so exciting to bring our new dancers to the stage. We are so proud of all of TSDT and their wonderful performance 'Fight or Flight'.