Teddington School Newsletter
Friday 14 February 2025
Dear Families
As we wrap up this half term, we have plenty of positives and achievements to celebrate! Our students have had a fantastic start to the calendar year, taking part in theatre trips, celebration dinners, sports fixtures, and drama performances. They’ve also engaged in workshops, and been inspired by some incredible TEDdington Talks. Meanwhile, our Year 11s have been focused on their final mock exams in preparation for the summer. As you can probably tell, its been a busy few weeks!
A particular highlight for me this week was attending a Teddington Leadership Team committee meeting where I was put through my paces by our students. The TLT took great pleasure in making me their first 'Leader in the hot seat' where I was asked some really intelligent questions about leadership and how things are run at school. It was fantastic to see their enthusiasm for leadership and hear their innovative ideas on improving the retention of reusables in the canteen.
Huge congratulations to our Year 7 Basketball Team, who have been crowned Borough Champions; what an incredible achievement! Mr Salter informed me of the win yesterday, how well you all played, and how pleased he was. Keep up the fantastic work!
Also, a big well done to our Year 11s for a strong start to their mock exams. The first week has gone really well, and they have one more week to go after the break, alongside our Year 13s, who will be completing their assessment week. Keep up the great work.
Finally, a special mention to Robyn and our Sixth Form students for organising today’s cake sale in support of Project Trust Charity of which Robyn is supporting. It was wonderful to see the school community come together over some delicious treats for a great cause.
Wishing everyone a restful and enjoyable half term break. We look forward to welcoming students back on Monday 24 February, for an 08:30 start.
Kind regards
Mr P Grills
Headteacher
Year 10 had an amazing TEDdington Talk from Chris Marking, SVP of Global Partnerships at AEG Worldwide! 🎤✨
He shared his journey from a state school to working with global icons like Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, Coachella, and The O2. From lessons in teamwork during school sports 🏀 to building a career in entertainment, Chris inspired us all to dream big and work hard. 💼🌍
Last week, our Year 11 Drama class performed their component 3 scripted performance to family and friends. They did an excellent job as they have been working really hard attending a lot of extra rehearsals. They still have a few weeks before the actual exam so have time now to really develop their performances and achieve the grades they deserve. 🎭👏
Today, ten students per year group were chosen by their Head of Year from students that won 'Try January' tickets to receive a free breakfast! 🥐
Congratulations to them all! What a great way to round off a very successful half term!
World Book Day is Thursday 6 March 2025! ✨📚
As part of our celebrations at Teddington School, we are having a mystery book sale with proceeds to benefit a charity selected by the students. Students will be able to purchase wrapped books, making their choices based on the first sentence of the story. Last year the sale was a great success, and all available books sold out within minutes. To make this sale even better, we are seeking donations of gently used books.
Donations should be in generally good condition and appeal to students between the ages of 11 - 16. Books may be sent in with students or left at reception. Please message Mrs Ricker via rickers@teddingtonschool.org with any questions.
For those who are looking for romance, or a book about it, here are four titles for your Valentine reading:
- To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han: Lara Jean's love life is about to go from imaginary to out of control. Lara Jean Song keeps her love letters in a hatbox her mother gave her - one for every boy she's ever loved. She can say anything she wants, because the letters are for her eyes only. Until the day they're sent out.
- From Me to You: Love Poems by U.A, Fanthrope and R.V. Bailey: Quakers, rightly, maintain that Christmas Day is only one important day of all the 365 important days of the year. It's the same with love poems: they are appropriate at any time, and can be written, incidentally, to dogs, cats, etc., as well as humans.
- The Fault in Our Stars by John Green: Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel’s story is about to be completely rewritten.
- Two Boys Kissing by David Levithan: The two boys kissing are Craig and Harry. They're hoping to set the world record for the longest kiss. They're not a couple, but they used to be. Peter and Neil are a couple. Their kisses are different. Avery and Ryan have only just met and are trying to figure out what happens next. Cooper is alone. He's not sure how he feels. As the marathon progresses, these boys, their friends and families evaluate the changing nature of feelings, behaviour and this crazy thing called love.
My name is Robyn, and I am in my final year of A levels at Teddington.
I have been accepted for a volunteer teaching placement after I leave school with the charity Project Trust. Project Trust has over 50 years’ experience of providing international volunteering opportunities for young people, specifically for gap years. My placement will be in Malawi, Africa for at least eight months. I will be teaching in local schools and be involved in youth development work where I can help mentor young people who have had a difficult start in life. Placements are designed to meet community needs and never take work away from local people.
I know I have a lot to offer and would love the opportunity to positively impact the lives of others in such a special way, but to make this possible I need to raise the necessary funds.
I would therefore be extremely grateful if you could donate to my fund and help me achieve my goal. The money raised goes directly to Project Trust to pay for the essentials such as flights, insurance and accommodation. The link for my donation page is below.
I am also hosting a Fundraising School Bake sale on 14 February at break time. I would be extremely thankful if you could support me by encouraging your child to bring in cash for delicious homemade cakes.
