Teddington School Newsletter
Friday 17 January 2025
Dear Families
We’ve had a fantastic start to the term, and I’m delighted to see such a positive attitude across the school. Students have been earning an impressive number of positive points in lessons, reflecting their hard work and commitment. Let’s keep this momentum going as we continue through the term – well done to everyone!
A quick reminder about attendance: it’s crucial for maintaining progress and learning. We’ve recently updated our absence reporting process. If your child is unable to attend school, please ensure you complete this Reporting Student Absence form by 08:30 on each day of absence. The form can also be found on our website. This helps us to support your child effectively.
Today’s second-hand uniform sale has been a great success – thank you to our wonderful PTA and everyone who attended! Looking ahead, the next uniform sale will be held on 6 March, and the PTA will also host a Plant Sale on 26 April. At the uniform sale, you’ll find not just a wide range of second-hand uniform and PE kit but also study aids to help students through the examination years.
On another note, we’re pleased to announce that from next Friday, the 681 school bus will leave at 15:05 from Broom Road, bringing the Friday service in line with the Monday to Thursday schedule.
Finally, it’s been wonderful to see such strong engagement with clubs and extracurricular activities during this week’s ‘launch week.’ These opportunities are a valuable part of school life, and it’s fantastic to see so many students taking advantage of them.
Thank you as always for your support, and I hope you have a lovely weekend!
Kind regards
Mr P Grills
Headteacher
All Sixth Form students have been given a copy of the novel Prophet Song by Paul Lynch. Over the next few weeks, we will all be reading the novel together and discussing the big themes every Thursday morning. Here are 6GK getting stuck into Chapter One... 👏📚
Eleven Year 11 girls went to The Mathematical Institute at Oxford University on Tuesday to learn more about Mathematics and where it can take you. They explored Maths problems, learnt about Maths in various careers and learnt about interesting areas of Maths research, including knots and infinity. The students also had the opportunity to ask current Oxford University students for their advice and experiences of university to date. 📏📐
To streamline our processes and ensure accurate attendance records, all absences must now be reported using our designated student absence form. Families need to report absence by 08:30 on each day of absence.
The form will go live on the school website from Monday 13 January and can be accessed via this link. The form can be found on our website in two places:
- ‘Parent Links’ on the top left corner
- On the ‘Parents’ section and under the subheading of ‘Attendance & Absence’
If you have any queries about our attendance procedures, please refer to our Attendance Policy.
Biographies can be a great read—entertaining and educational. Here are a few in the collection:
- Boy: Tales of Childhood by Roald Dahl: In Boy, Roald Dahl recounts his days as a child growing up in England. From his years as a prankster at boarding school to his envious position as a chocolate tester for Cadbury's, Roald Dahl's boyhood was as full of excitement and the unexpected as are his world-famous, best-selling books. Packed with anecdotes—some funny, some painful, all interesting—this is a book that's sure to please.
- You Are a Champion: How to Be the Best You Can Be by Marcus Rashford: Tear up the rule book. Find your own lane. You are only in competition with yourself. Marcus Rashford MBE is recognised worldwide for his journey both on-and-off the pitch - but how did a boy from the South of Manchester become not only an International footballer but also one of the leading activist voices in the UK? In this inspiring, positive, and practical guide, Marcus gives you the tools you need to reach your full potential and will show you that your possibilities really can be endless.
- Katherine Johnson by Leila Rasheed: From award-winning children's author, Leila Rasheed, Katherine Johnson, A Life Story is the perfect way for readers to discover the fascinating facts and inspirational moments from the life of the extraordinary NASA mathematician, Katherine Johnson.
- Jacky Daydream by Jacqueline Wilson: Jacqueline Wilson, Britain’s Children’s Laureate, takes a look back at her own childhood in this captivating story of friendships, loneliness, books, toys, parents and much more. With photographs and new illustrations by Nick Sharratt, this book will delight all of Jacky’s fans — and be a treat for new readers too.