Headteacher's Bulletin
16/07/24 - Edition 34
Highlights of the year
As we bring to a close this academic year, I would like to take a moment to reflect on the remarkable events and achievements of the past week and a half, as well as the entire year.
Highlights from Last Week:
Year 10 Drop-Down Day
On Friday, 5th July, all Year 10 students participated in a drop-down day to kickstart their career choices. They rotated through workshops focusing on post-16 college applications, CV writing, apprenticeships, and life skills. Additionally, they had the invaluable opportunity to meet with local employers and colleges, providing them with real-world insights and inspiration for their future paths.
Year 10 Visit to Teddington School Sixth Form
Fifty Year 10 students visited Teddington School to attend A-level lessons. They chose from mini-lessons in subjects like Politics and Psychology, not typically studied at GCSE, as well as some BTECs. The students also experienced a taste of sixth form life. Thanks to Ms Martin for organising this enriching experience.
Year 9 Young Enterprise Day
The Year 9 Young Enterprise Day was a fantastic success. Students participated in hands-on activities exploring career options, financial planning, and personal skills. They learned about job interviews, salaries, and budgeting, gaining confidence in planning for their future. Kudos to Ms Riordan for her leadership in this initiative.
Cultural Awareness Day
Our school burst into colour during Cultural Awareness Day, celebrating the diverse cultures within our community. With a theme showcasing the United Nations, the day promoted peace, tolerance, and respect. Students proudly showcased their cultural outfits, engaged in various workshops, and enjoyed tasting snacks from a wide range of cuisines. This event was a vibrant and significant reminder of the importance of cultural appreciation and unity within our school.
Sports Day
Sports Day was a tremendous success, with excellent participation and new records set. The weather held off, allowing for a day filled with teamwork, competition, and fun. It was wonderful to see everyone enjoying themselves and striving for excellence in support of their houses.
End-of-Year Wrap-Up
Yesterday, on the 16th July, we celebrated at our end-of-year awards ceremony, marking an incredible year filled with amazing achievements and tremendous growth. While we honoured the many well-deserving prize winners, every single student was asked to reflect on their own unique journey, discovering new knowledge and skills, and finding passions in various subjects.
This year has been packed with exciting extra-curricular opportunities, from thrilling ski trips and trips to France, Duke of Edinburgh expeditions, and numerous theatre visits, to university and sixth form college tours, career fairs, and inspiring sessions with visiting authors and speakers. We have performed in our school production of Annie and showcased our talents at Twickenham's got Talent. Our students have broadened their horizons and enriched their experiences. They have shone in sporting events, cooking competitions, UK Maths and Astrophysics challenges, Jack Petchey awards, examination practice, mock interviews, Young Enterprise success, and much more.
We enjoyed incredible activities such as working with Humanutopia, celebrating Cultural Awareness Day, and marking events like Pride, Black History Month, Eid, Disability awareness weeks, and Green sustainability weeks and many more.... These events have enriched our school culture and helped us develop our spirit of inclusivity, understanding, and belonging.
Our reach into the local community has been fantastic. Students have participated in reading ambassador schemes, choir performances, and supported primary schools during their harvest festivals and school performances. We have welcomed primary school students from Chatsworth House, Heathfield, Nelson and Twickenham Park Academy. The school's role in the community has never been more vital, and as we grow, our positive impact grows with us.
This year, we welcomed an amazing new librarian, Ms Wilson, more teaching assistants than ever before, and expanded our inclusion team from two to six members. All to further support our students and their families. Next year, we will continue to grow our teaching staff by another 18 to ensure our students have the highest quality staff working in enviable conditions.
We also say goodbye to some valued staff members: Ms Lajolo, Ms Singh, Ms Lewis, Mr Stockwell, Mr Fennel, Mr Partridge, Mr Inesta, Ms Warboys, Ms Clapham, Mr Hughes, and Ms Lillie. Whether they are being promoted, pursuing further studies, returning to their home countries, or moving to other schools, we are immensely grateful for their contributions and wish them all the best.
None of the amazing work we do would be possible without the dedication of every single member of staff. From heads of years, premises staff, and support staff, to our inclusion officers, kitchen staff, cleaners, exams officers, admin team, counsellors, senior leadership team, the finance team to IT —every one of the 90+ staff members at Twickenham School is committed to enhancing the lives and experiences of all our students.
Thank you, everyone!
We wish you all a wonderful, relaxing and safe summer & look forward to another year of success and growth in 2024-25.
Car park barrier
Starting in September, the staff car park will have a barrier to restrict access. Please can parents who drop their students off at school by car make arrangements to drop off in a different location. If you would like more details, please click here.
