Headteachers Letter – 21st October 2022

Dear parents and carers

We have had a great end to the half term this week personal development day on Tuesday, the Brilliant Club visiting Oxford on Wednesday and Year 11 Parents’ Evening on Thursday. All this with the added drama of some flooding to a few pockets of the school yesterday morning- for which we must thank our excellent site team and cleaners for ensuring that we were ‘dry’ to meet the students at 0830!

 

The Brilliant Club Visit to Oxford

On Wednesday Mr Mills and Mrs Sharkey along with 14 students from Years 9 and 10 had an excellent visit to Oxford University.  Mr Mills writes…The students have all been selected to be part of the Scholars Programme, which helps students achieve their full academic potential, whilst also inspiring them to work towards attending some of the top universities in the country.  They were hosted by Jesus College and took part in various activities, ranging from understanding how university works to developing their thinking skills and taking part in discussions.  The students conducted themselves superbly, asking thoughtful and inquisitive questions and making some excellent contributions.  The day also included a tour of the campus where they were able to see the Bodleian Library with it’s 13 million books, as well as some of the other famous colleges such as Trinity and Christchurch.  The students thoroughly enjoyed their day and are now looking forward to working with their Post-Graduate tutor to produce individual projects over the coming weeks.  We were very proud of the way in which they conducted themselves and represented the school, really showing their value and highlighting both their maturity and academic abilities.

 

German Exchange – Projekt Planck

Mr Rockingham writes… Our German Exchange – Projekt Planck – is now in its 10th year, and last week we were visited by 20 students from the Max-Planck-Gymnasium, Delmenhorst, Bremen. They had day trips to Northampton and Oxford with their partners from Years 9,10 and 11 and took part in a mock court case in Sessions House, and a tour around Hertford College. On Wednesday our guests spent a day in school and enjoyed taking part in lessons with their partners. They also very much enjoyed the food in the canteen and the opportunity to wear a school uniform! We were delighted to see how well the English and German students got on with one another and look forward to our return visit to Bremen in February.

 

Netball Tournament Success

Mrs Elmes writes… The Year 9 netball team represented Wollaston at the county tournament this week. Throughout the day the girls showed resilience, determination and a very high skill level. The day was not easy as we were placed in a difficult qualification group. However, the girls managed to achieve the following results:

Northampton International Academy- win 6-2

Sir Christopher Hatton- win 10-3

Quinton House- win 6-3

Northampton school for girls – loss 12-2

Prince William – loss 3-0

The results meant we were placed 5th at overall which is a fantastic result. Well done to the following girls from Year 9: Imogen, Reagon, Evie, Ellie, Faye, Evie, Nimat, Ruby, Angel, Karelina and Lexi.

 

Recognition at Wollaston School

This week we have also celebrated success in assemblies where the heads of year and Miss Ayres recognised what a brilliant term it has been. There has been much to celebrate and there were plenty of smiling faces leaving the hall each morning!

Miss Ayres has also launched the Wollaston School Pledges with Key Stage 3 students this week and information about this and the recognition week is in the attached letter. Please do read this and find out how we are recognising students doing well but also how we are encouraging students to demonstrate our values of kindness, community and ambition.

We will also be launching our new Student leadership Programme in assemblies during the first week back which will give students the opportunity to apply to be part of our new leadership group and work towards develop different aspects of Wollaston. We intend to have 8 subcommittee groups – Student Council (which has already been established through the democratic vote in September!), Diversity Ambassadors, Learning Ambassadors, Eco Ambassadors, Community Ambassadors (to include representation from Sports Leaders and Language Leaders), Kindness and Wellbeing Ambassadors and STEAM Ambassadors. All these groups will take part in an exciting Leadership Conference each term and have the proper VIP delegate treatment! The conferences are designed to develop their leadership knowledge and skills and allow them to work on a project for school improvement. They will also have opportunities to work in their committees throughout the course of the year towards completing their projects. I am extremely excited about this part of our development at Wollaston and we will update you with more information nearer the time.

 

Notices

Admissions to Year 7 in September 2023

A final reminder that the deadline to apply for a school place is 5pm on the 31st October 2022. Parents of current Year 6 children can apply HERE

 

Important Dates for this Calendar Year

Friday 21st October – School closes for October half term

Monday 31st October – School reopens

Thursday 3rd November – 6th Form Open Evening

Thursday 10th November – Year 10 Parents’ Evening

Friday 18th November School closed to students – Staff Professional Development day

Monday 21st November – School closed to students – Staff Professional Development day

Thursday 8th December – Year 7 Parents’ Evening

Friday 16th December – School closes for Christmas break

Tuesday 3rd January School closed to students – Staff Professional Development day

Wednesday 4th January – School reopens to students

 

Exam Invigilators Needed

As we approach the mock examinations season, we are looking for new recruits to join our excellent invigilation team.  No experience is needed, this is a paid role and full training is provided.  If you would be interested in finding out more, please contact our Exams and Data Officer Suzanne Phipps PhippsS@wollaston-school.net and we can provide full details and information. We look forward to hearing from you!

 

Free School Meal Vouchers

North Northamptonshire Council (NNC) have agreed to fund School Holiday Food vouchers over the October break for all children and young people eligible for benefits related Free School Meals at Wollaston School. The vouchers were distributed by Wollaston School admin yesterday morning.  All vouchers must be redeemed on or before their expiry date of 7th November 2022. If you have any queries, please contact freeschoolmeals.ncc@northnorthants.gov.uk

Have a great half-term.

Best wishes

Simon Anderson