Headteacher's Bulletin
05/01/24 - Edition 13
Introduction
A very happy New Year to you all. I hope you had a wonderful holiday and took time to relax with family and friends. I admit, our early return to school on 2nd January was a shock to the system for everyone – but we have certainly warmed up now and are proceeding at full steam ahead!
Highlights of the Week
Onwards and Upwards: It is fantastic to see so many PE groups utilising the climbing wall again. This facility had been out of action for some time, but last term, we trained five members of staff to become certified, enabling us to fully benefit from this unique opportunity.
We are expanding our inclusion team and are delighted to welcome Mr. Simon Wills and Ms. Melanie Dale, who will join us next week. Their additional experience and support will be excellent for all students and their families.
Many thanks to the staff and students who attended the Christmas revision sessions during the first week of the half-term. There were at least 20 students in each session, making the most of the additional time and support their teachers provided in preparation for the Year 11 mock exams, which start next week.
Huge congratulations to the PTA for winning £1500 from Tesco to support our whole school sustainability and outdoor learning initiatives. This is a brilliant achievement and will significantly benefit the students.
Notices
Positive Noticing Week: Next week, all staff and students will participate in Positive Noticing Week:
Positive Noticing is a simple, practical, and highly effective. The impact is both immediate and long-lasting. Catching students doing the right thing and marking it with positive acknowledgement not only is an act of kindness but also teaches behaviour. You get more of the behaviour that you notice most. Please participate at home. Please see Ms. Bromley’s letter home here.
Year 11 Mock Exams
The Year 11 Mock Exams are scheduled from 8th to 19th January. Students have received individual timetables and revision books. We encourage them to prepare diligently, embodying our school values in their efforts. Please see the timetable here.
Five Key Revision Tips - Here are five key revision tips:
1. It's never too late to start!
2. Create a revision timetable.
3. Engage in active learning.
4. Maintain a balanced routine, practice with past papers.
5. Seek support when needed.
These strategies are crucial for effective preparation.
Uniform Standards – Please support the school in maintaining the highest professional standards of dress and presentation. This was excellent before half term. However, following the New Year, we have noticed several students breaching the uniform standard. Students will be sent home or isolated if they are not in the correct uniform from Monday. This includes:
Hair (must be natural hair colour),
Nails (no fake or painted nails),
Jewellery (1 pair of studs, no rings or bracelets, essential religious jewellery may be worn),
Skirts (at an appropriate professional length)
Blazers
Appropriate school shoes
Thank you to most students who are always picture-perfect.
Please see the uniform policy: Uniform - Twickenham School.
Also, a reminder: Chewing gum is not allowed in the school
Parking plea: When parking on Ross Road, please be respectful of the local residents and their access needs. Where possible, students should make their own way to school to reduce congestion.
Dates for the Diary
1st February 2024, 18:00 - 19:00: Year 9 Options Evening
An informative evening for Year 9 students and parents to learn about GCSE subject choices and engage with teachers.
8th February 2024, 16:00 - 19:00: Year 11 Parents' Evening
A final opportunity for Year 11 parents to discuss their child's progress following the mock exams and strategies for success in their final GCSE year.
Have a wonderful weekend everyone – thank you all for your continued support and I look forward to a very successful 2024.
