Dear Parents/Carers,

In these challenging times, when schools across the country face deficits, cuts to curriculum offerings, and reductions in classroom resources, we must take proactive steps to safeguard what makes Anglo European so special. The October budget was bleak, and with further cuts to our income and provisions anticipated in April, we’ve been warned that some of our current funding may not be protected and could significantly decrease. Additionally, our budget may face further reductions as Essex LA tackles increasing High Needs SEND demands and their own financial difficulties. In addition, we have been told that our DFE funding as a Languages Hub Lead School is being significantly reduced from April. Governors and Senior Leadership are working hard to mitigate these threats and protect what is important to us as a school.

Each year, we ask for a parental donation to help sustain the extraordinary extracurricular opportunities that set our school apart. These experiences often create lifelong memories, pivotal learning moments, and "sticky" education—the kind of learning that stays with students and proves invaluable during exams. Many students benefit from provision such as:-

• Theatre productions hosted in school.

• Events like "Prison Me No Way"

• Day visits to exhibitions and places of academic interest

• Transport costs for sports fixtures and visits

• Guest speakers, work-related learning, and careers education.

• Health, pastoral and counselling services

• Supervised study clubs before and after school

These enriching experiences come with additional costs beyond our standard funding. To maintain this distinctive offer, we suggest a parental contribution of £60 per annum (or £20 per term). If every family contributes, we can continue to provide these vital extras that make our school unique. If you haven’t made a gift aid contribution this year, please click the following link. Please note that if you agree to Gift Aid your donation, these are especially impactful, as they allow us to claim an additional 25p for every £1 donated. Please note that in agreeing to gift aid, you are confirming the following statement.

"I am a UK taxpayer and understand that, if I pay less Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax in the current year than the amount of Gift Aid claimed on all my donations, it is my responsibility to pay any difference. Please treat as gift aid donation, all qualifying gifts of money made from the date of this declaration."

Https://i.paydit.to/anglo-european-school-aesgiftaid

If you are not a UK taxpayer and wish to make a donation, please you the following link

Https://i.paydit.to/anglo-european-school-5005sch

Of course, you are welcome to donate as much as you can afford. Donations can be made as one-off contributions or regular standing orders via your bank. Regular donations through Gift Aid really make a difference!

Other Ways to Support AES students:

• Student Welfare Fund: This fund helps disadvantaged students access international visits, enrichment activities, books, laptops, revision materials, sports kits, and more. Your contribution could make a world of difference. To donate please use the following link https://i.paydit.to/anglo-european-school-hardshipfund

• Employer Donations: If your employer offers charitable donations, consider directing these funds to our school.

• Join AESA: Giving isn’t just about money. You can donate your time, skills, and support by joining the Anglo European School Association (AESA). AESA plays a crucial role in maintaining our school’s special ethos and distinctive curriculum.

This year’s budget forecast shows a predicted shortfall, with rising costs for resources and energy. Without additional income, we’ll struggle to sustain the unique opportunities we offer. Please help if you can. Together, we can ensure that Anglo remains a place where every student thrives.

Thank you for your continued support.

As we welcome the Year of the Snake, let's celebrate the wisdom, intuition, and intelligence that this zodiac animal represents. If you were born in 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, or 2025—this is your year to shine!

Year 7 students participated in a series of engaging and creative activities to celebrate Chinese New Year, immersing themselves in Chinese culture through dance, art, and tradition. Students first enjoyed a lively Chinese dance workshop, where they learned traditional movements using fans and parasols guided by expert instructors. This was followed by the famous Lion and Dragon dance, which is believed to bring good fortune and drive away evil spirits. The workshop concluded with a creative activity where students painted their own plates, drawing inspiration from Chinese art and symbolism.

The Catering Department also embraced the spirit of Chinese New Year which allowed students to explore and enjoy some of the most famous dishes from Chinese cuisine.

Year 11 students took part in our annual World of Work day. Students were encouraged to think and talk about their options after GCSEs and their future career pathway. The students participated in a range of seminars with entrepreneurs and then sat mock interviews with real employers. The day ended with an assembly where the students were captivated by presentations from three inspiring Anglo Alumni - a Senior Crown Prosecutor, Head of Creative Engagement at a theatre and a Director at the London Stock Exchange - who spoke about how they took advantage of the opportunities whilst at AES to accelerate their careers goals. The students thoroughly enjoyed the invaluable experiences from WOW Day, that will help prepare them for the year ahead.

One student commented: "The interviews were really useful as I have never had that experience before." Another said "Having multiple interviews with real employers has given me confidence. The first interview I had I was really nervous, but I was much more confident for the second one."

One professional said: "I have done some mock interviews at other schools too and wanted to say how well prepared the young people at Anglo were with their answers, and how further ahead they are with their thinking for the future than I have experienced with other Year 11’s - well done!" Another professional commented, "The calibre of the students was extremely high. They were polite, and very switched on, a real credit to the school."

The cast for our school production "School of Rock" has been shared today. Congratulations to all those who have made the cut. All the script and the songs have been shared on Showbie along with details of rehearsals. Well done to everyone who auditioned, you were all amazing which made these decisions very difficult! We look forward to beginning rehearsals with you all.

The Head Student election process has been launched and we are now receiving lots of applications for our new Head Student Team 2025/26. The shortlisted applicants will soon meet with the Headteacher to talk through their manifestos and are then asked to create a video that can be shared with all students and staff, before hustings take place. Voting will take place on Monday 3rd March. “We are looking forward to an exciting election period and to seeing the creativity and leadership skills that our students will bring forward,” said Mr Knights, Director of Sixth Form, “The Head Student Team plays a vital role in our school community, and we are eager to see who will step up to lead and inspire their peers.”

Students are continuing to receive offers from universities that they have applied for and we would like to share some of the amazing opportunities that they are being given:

• Cambridge College acceptance for four students wishing to study Modern and Medieval Languages, English, Music and Asian and Middle Eastern Studies
• Biological Sciences at Imperial College London
• Law at University of Exeter and York
• Economics at the University of Birmingham

A reminder that students must bring their lanyards to school every day and wear them at all times whilst on the school site. We have seen an increase in the number of detentions being set for students not wearing their lanyard. Please can parents check that their child has their lanyard packed before they leave the house.

Alison Urban from Schools Partnerships EMEA discussed "careers of the future" with Sixth Form students this week, informing them of the skill-based approach employers take to hiring school leavers. Alison discussed a range of new jobs to the market, such as AI auditors and wind energy engineers, challenging students to consider how their current studies may benefit these growing industries, in addition to industries yet to be created!

Year 11 Drama students had a fantastic visit to the theatre this week to watch "The Play That Goes Wrong" in the West End. It was a fun packed energetic show with lots of laughter! The students represented the school brilliantly and were immaculately behaved throughout. Thank you ,Year 11, for a wonderful experience. The Drama Team!

Our Year 7s are currently learning how to talk about extra-curricular activities and were asked to learn the verb faire by heart! They did a fantastic job, and Mr Muthular said "I couldn't be prouder!"

Following the hot weather experienced over the last couple of summers, we have decided to once again include the option of an Anglo navy blue summer polo shirt. This will be for the summer term only which this year will be from Tuesday 22nd April to Friday 18th July 2025. Polo shirts must be worn with the blazer and tucked into trousers or skirt. Price and Buckland will be the supplier for the polo shirts - please see their website: https://price-buckland.co.uk/

We are excited to announce that our new website will be launching on 11th February. Parents who have ordered from us previously will need to re-set their password and they can use the same password as before. Parents, who are new to Price & Buckland, will need to register as usual.

The new website will give parents the following benefits:

- Parents with children at different schools will be able to order from multiple schools with ease.

- Parents will be able to spread payment across 3 months through Klarna.

- Parents will be prompted how close they are to the free delivery threshold.

- Parents will have more payment options with the introduction of Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Be courageous and open-minded, join one of our extra-curricular clubs to meet new people, develop new skills, and broaden your interests. Think about what hobbies or passions you'd like to explore further. Are you interested in sports, music, arts, volunteering, or perhaps a cultural club? Don't let opportunities pass you by - be courageous ...

Friday 28th February 2025: 7.00pm - 10.00pm

This event is for adults and children who are 16 years and above and will take place at Anglo European School in the main hall. You can bring your own drinks and snacks, if you wish, and bring some change for the Raffle and games.

Your ticket can include a freshly prepared Indian Buffet provided by SATT Caterers (£18 with food or £12 without). Book your place below and please share the QR code with your friends.

Are you ready to take your game to the next level this Easter?

Join the Paris Saint-Germain Academy Camps at Anglo European School

• Date: Monday 7th April – Friday 11th April - 9.30am-3.30pm every day
• £185 for the whole week (inclusive of VAT)
• PSG Academy England kit included

Here’s what’s included:

• PSG training sessions, methods, and ideology
• Testing and individual guidance
• Nutrition & Wellbeing Guidance
• Report Card & Certificate
• And LOTS of FUN!

Open to boys and girls aged 8-16, all abilities welcome!

Preparations for Proms will be the discussion over the next few months. Please see the flyer below to support students during the Prom season. They are also asking for donations of any pre-loved prom dresses that they can add to their collection to support more students this season.

19th January to 1st February - Lower Sixth work experience students at AES from Frankfurt

19th January to 15th March - Year 10 long term exchange students visit Frankfurt

27th January to 7th February: Year 11 Course Counselling

Monday 3rd February: Chinese Band "Transition" visit including workshops for Year 10 and Year 7 performance

Tuesday 4th February: 8C Cultural Workshop

Thursday 6th February: Year 9y Parents' Evening (virtual)

10th to 28th February: Year 9 Course Counselling

Tuesday 11th February: Lower Sixth Cambridge University Visit

17th to 21st February: HALF TERM

Wednesday 26th February: Year 9 Brilliant Club Graduation @University of Cambridge

Thursday 27th February: Year 10 Parents' Evening (virtual)

Friday 28th February: AESA Quiz Evening

Key Dates for each Year Group can be found https://www.aesessex.co.uk/home/parents/key-dates-and-term-dates/ and here for Sixth Form https://www.aesessex.co.uk/sixth-form/student-and-parents-information/key-dates-and-term-dates/

Monday 3rd February: Year 11 Boys' Basketball @Beaulieu / Year 7 and 8 Netball @ Beaulieu / L6 Football @Boswells

Wednesday 5th February: Year 7 Boys' Basketball @Great Baddow / Year 9 Girls' Football @Plume

Monday 10th February: Year 11 GIrls' Football @Great Baddow / Year 11 Boys' Football @Shenfield

Wednesday 12th February: Year 7 Boys' Football v CVHS @AES / Year 11 Netball @SJP / Years 7-11 Kurling @Basildon Sporting Village / Years 7/8 Netball @SJP

Monday 24th February: Year 8 Basketball @Shenfield

Wednesday 26th February: Year 8 Netball @Shenfield / Year 9 Boys Football @GBHS

Please note fixtures are organised by all schools so can be subject to change and last minute cancellations - the PE staff will keep those involved in fixtures up to date with information.

Term Dates 2024-2026 - https://www.aesessex.co.uk/assets/Documents/Attachments/Term-dates-2024-2026-1.pdf

Finance - finance@aesessex.co.uk

Admissions - admissions@aesessex.co.uk

Visits - visits@aesessex.co.uk

Attendance - use Edulink

Email: enquiries@aesessex.co.uk
Website: aesessex.co.uk
Location: Anglo European School, CM4 0DJ, Willow Green, Ingatestone, UK
Phone: 01277 354018