Headteacher's Bulletin

Dear Parents and Carers,

What a fantastic way to end the first half term of 2024-25! This week, Year 7 students have impressed us all with their dioramas as part of their study of The Odyssey in Key Stage 3 English. Their creativity and insight have been remarkable, and the work is now on display in the English department. It’s been a real pleasure to hear their vivid presentations of this epic poem, demonstrating both hard work and progress.

Across all year groups, students have also enjoyed celebration assemblies, recognising their many achievements in academics, sports, attendance, and upholding our school values.

We've had two theatre trips, several sporting fixtures, and a hugely successful Duke of Edinburgh information evening—thank you to the parents who attended. Further sign-up details are available below.

Students have voted for our three new inspirational house namesakes, and these will be re-launched after the half-term holidays. See below for the results of the student council and school-wide vote!

A quick reminder: starting from 4th November, all Year 7-9 students will have their phones collected at morning registration and returned during the afternoon tutor period. This extension to our existing policy is designed to enhance students' well-being, ensure they stay focused on learning, and support our safeguarding efforts.

Year 11 will begin their mock exams after the holidays, and we wish them all the best with their revision. Please remember, there are revision sessions over the holiday—students should check Arbor or below in the newsletter to see their timetables.

Each Monday morning in tutor time, students and their form tutors review the weekly student bulletin. This is a round up of all the important information, notices and reminders that they need to know. the bulletin is also posted on the screens around school so they can refer back to it at any time.

A plea from the performing arts department! Over the October half term, if you're having a clear out, we're on the hunt for:

• any Halloween decorations/costumes
• Wigs
• White clothes of any kind
• Tutus
• Leather goods
• Old makeup
• Old sheets/towels

The Addams Family is really starting to take shape but we need your help!

Please bring any donations into school and drop them into reception. Thank you so much in advance.

Six inspirational figures were shortlisted by our head boy and head girl and our student council.

Students have been voting and we are excited to announce the new house names!

Red House ‘Mandela’ - Nelson Mandela: The former president of South Africa, Mandela spent 27 years in prison for opposing apartheid. He later became a global symbol of peace, reconciliation, and leadership. His life’s work in promoting equality and justice continues to inspire generations.

Yellow House ‘Curie’ - Marie Curie: A pioneer in the field of radioactivity, Curie was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and remains the only person to have won Nobel Prizes in two different scientific fields (Physics and Chemistry). Her groundbreaking research has had a lasting impact on both science and medicine.​

Green House ‘Farah’ - Mo Farah: A multiple Olympic gold medalist in long-distance running, Farah overcame incredible odds, having fled war-torn Somalia as a child. He has inspired countless young people with his commitment, work ethic, and success as a professional athlete in the UK. He was based for a number of years in Teddington – he trained at St Mary's University as a professional athlete.

This year sees the relaunch of the school magazine, previously know as Torch. This student-led project will work on developing a magazine that reflects both creative writing and artwork of our school community. The pupils have chosen to rebrand the magazine ‘The Swift’ in honour of the school logo. If any students are interested in submitting work for the magazine, they should hand this into their English or Art teacher.

Twickenham School is raising money for Children in Need. Students are invited to bring in some baked goods for our Bake Sale on Friday 15th November 2024.

Students will be competing in their new houses to see who can raise the most money for Children in Need and we will also be crowning our STAR HOUSE BAKERS!

Please donate any amount you are able to - every penny helps. Thank you for all your support.

We have an incredibly busy November ahead, with rugby parking scheduled for every weekend. It’s been years since we've had such an intense season, and I’m reaching out for your support!

I am in urgent need of volunteers to assist with parking for the following matches, and I simply cannot manage four consecutive weekends on my own. Your help, even for just one or two slots, would make a tremendous difference to the school and our fundraising efforts.

Each shift is only 1 hour and 20 minutes, and during that time, you’ll be guiding parking spaces, greeting our friendly customers, and helping to raise vital funds for the school. I will also provide tea, coffee, and snacks to keep you energized!

Match Dates:

• Saturday, 2nd Nov: England vs New Zealand, Kick-off at 15:10
• Saturday, 9th Nov: England vs Australia, Kick-off at 15:10
• Saturday, 17th Nov: England vs South Africa, Kick-off at 17:40
• Sunday, 24th Nov: England vs Japan, Kick-off at 16:10

Please consider signing up for one or more time slots using the links above. Your contribution, however small, will go a long way in supporting the school.

Thank you for your continued support.

Warm regards,
Miranda

During this half-term, Year 7 students took part in The Odyssey diorama competition in English, where they had the chance to creatively depict their favourite scenes. This project not only allowed them to express their artistic talents but also helped reinforce their understanding of the text in an engaging manner. They put in a tremendous effort, and the resulting dioramas were brilliant.

A Fantastic End to the Term for PE and Sports!

We've had an exciting and competitive term across various sports, with all students showing great engagement, particularly in our first House Games competition of the year—Benchball!

• Year 7 Boys Football: Congratulations to the Year 7 boys football team on their impressive 2-0 league victory!
• Year 11 Boys Football: A big well done to the Year 11 boys football team for their solid performance, netting two goals. Special mention to Ditmir and Aland for their efforts.
• Year 10 Boys Football: The Year 10 boys football team celebrated an outstanding 8-2 win, with Marwan earning the well-deserved title of Man of the Match.
• U15 Boys Basketball: On the basketball court, our U15 boys team delivered two strong performances at the Borough tournament, hosted by Christ School.
• Year 9 Netball and Table Tennis Teams: Both the Year 9 netball and table tennis teams had excellent showings at their respective Borough tournaments.

As we look ahead to next term, the basketball season is set to begin with exciting fixtures:

• U16 Girls Basketball: Traveling to St Richard Reynolds on Monday, 4th November.
• U13 Boys Basketball: Competing in their Borough tournament at Christ School on Wednesday, 6th November.
• U16 Boys Basketball: Kicking off their campaign against St Richard Reynolds on Thursday, 7th November.

Well done to all students who have represented the school this term. Your hard work and dedication have made us proud!

Team Sponsorship Opportunity
We are currently looking for sponsorship to purchase new sports kits for our netball, basketball, and football teams. If any parents or companies are interested in sponsoring a team kit, please contact Mr. Hayes at info@twickenhamschool.org.uk.

Due to the October half term being two weeks, families with students eligible for free school meals will receive two vouchers totalling £40 per child. One voucher will be sent directly from Achieving for Children and will be for the value of £20. The voucher for the extra week will be sent from school, via Wonde Evouchers, for the value of £20. We are unable to assist with any queries relating to the vouchers for Achieving for Children and they will need to be contacted directly Free school meals - London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. Please check your junk mail before requesting support for your vouchers.

Tuesday 22

• 10:00 – 12:00 Maths – 11y/Ma2 Ms McEvoy’s class
• 10:00 – 12:00 Music
• 10:00 – 12:00 Higher German

Wednesday 23

Thursday 24

Friday 25

Tuesday 29

Thursday 31

Friday 1

This vaccination is recommended to help protect your child against flu. Flu can be an unpleasant illness and sometimes causes serious complications. Vaccinating your child will also help protect more vulnerable family and friends by preventing the spread of flu.

Please complete one consent form for each child to ensure your child receives their vaccination.

The Nurse team will visit school on Tuesday 12 December. They will be offered the live nasal flu spray or the injectable porcine free flu vaccine. The nasal spray vaccination is a quick and simple spray up the nose. Even if your child had it last year, it is recommended to have the flu vaccine again this year due to changes in flu strains circulating each year.

Teddington School looks forward to welcoming families from the Teddington community and beyond to their Sixth Form Open Evening on Wednesday 13 November 2024.

Between 5.00 - 7.00pm the school will be open and provide opportunities for you to chat to members of staff, view curriculum departments, and have a tour of the sixth form with one of our student guides.

During the evening, there will be presentations at 5.30pm and 6.30pm from our Headteacher, Mr Grills and Head of Sixth Form, Ms Pleavin.

Families are also invited to come and visit our school at work. Tours are available at 9.00am and 10.00am on Thursday 14th and Friday 15th November; Mr Grills and Ms Pleavin will also be presenting to parents at these events.

To book tickets for this event, please visit their website.

Richmond Schools Police officers and the local Safer Neighbourhood teams will be running FREE youth sessions for school years from year 7 to year 11 during the October school Holidays.

The sessions will be in a local park and run from 10am-1pm. In the sessions they will playing, football, tennis, rugby and other various games. After each game we will give them some input on how to keep themselves safe from not being a victim or a suspect. The topics will be from Robberies, county lines, online safety/Malicious communications from social media, drugs, ASB, bullying and how play fighting can turn into a serious incidents. The Safer neighbourhood team will run their bike marking and provide necessary crime prevention.

If you are interested in your child joining these sessions, please do contact the officer below who can register your child on a session.

Monday 28th October 2024 –Broom Road Park, Teddington – Years 7-8

Tuesday 29th October 2024 - Broom Road Park, Teddington - Years 9-11

Wednesday 30th October 2024 – Kneller Gardens, Twickenham – Years 7-8

Contact- PC Amanda Stonehouse – Amanda.stonehouse@met.police.uk - 07823797010

Dates for the Diary

Monday 21 October to Friday 1 November - Half term break

Wednesday 6 November - Year 11 Mock Exams begin

Tuesday 19 November to Thursday 21 November - Book Fair

Wishing you a wonderful weekend.

Jonathon Lisseman

Headteacher

Twickenham School

Percy Road

Twickenham

TW2 6JW

0208 894 4503