The Bulmershe Bulletin – Issue 17

17th January 2025

Dear Parents and Carers,

This week, we had the pleasure of welcoming Stuart Matthews, the new CEO of the Corvus Learning Trust, to The Bulmershe School for two days. His visit was about getting to know our school, our staff and our students. Mr Matthews wanted to understand what makes Bulmershe unique, hear about our successes, and find out how the Trust can best support us.

During his time here, Mr Matthews had a packed itinerary. He joined the School Council, listening to students’ views on how we can keep improving. His learning walk around the school included classroom visits where he observed lessons in action and also a reading comprehension intervention session, where some Year 8s were being supported by one of our fantastic Learning Support Assistants to catch up with key skills. Mr Matthews took the opportunity to meet with Year 7 students to hear about their transition to secondary school and spoke with year 12 and 13s about their experiences in the Bulmershe Sixth Form, including touring their new social space and café.

Lunchtime was spent chatting informally with staff in the canteen, getting to know more about life in our school and hearing from different departments and about their developmental work. A huge thank you to all the students and staff who met with Mr Matthews for their enthusiasm, honesty and energy. We are proud to be part of the Corvus family and are delighted that he had the chance to see what makes Bulmershe so special. He was highly impressed with the students, praising their very smart appearance, polite and courteous manners, and the dedication they have shown towards their studies. His visit was a fantastic reminder of the hard work and excellence that defines our school community.

Amanda Woodfin
Headteacher

Upcoming Events

Mon 13th Jan – Year 11 GCSE Mock exams start
Mon 27th Jan – INSET DAY – School is closed
Tue 28th – Mon 3rd Feb – Year 10 Work Experience
Wed 29th Jan – SEND Drop in from 3:15 – 4:00
Thu 6th Feb – Wellbeing Day

Click to see the full Bulmershe School Calendar

Spring Term Club Timetable

As mentioned last week, the new Spring Term Club timetable is available online, with a number of new activities to try. Mr Thompson spotted that his Athletics Club was missing from the list, so wanted to share the details in today’s newsletter:

Athletics Club
When: Every Monday
Where: Meet Mr Thompson at the PE changing rooms straight after school
What: Come along if you’d like to improve your running technique, or work on your speed for any other sports you play. Each week the club will focus on running, jumping and throwing events.

Mr Thompson looks forward to seeing you there.

Full Club Timetable – Spring Term 2025

Mock Parliamentary Debate

Get ready to engage in lively and thought-provoking discussions at the 5th Mock Parliamentary Debate! Taking place on Wednesday, 22nd January 2025, in H11 from 3:15 to 4:30 PM, this event is open to all students, but is especially ideal for those of all ages who study Geography, History, or Economics.

This debate offers a unique opportunity to explore some of the most pressing issues shaping the UK’s political, economic, and environmental landscape. The agenda includes:
1️⃣ Are UK taxes too high? – A topic that impacts everyone, from public services to personal income.
2️⃣ Are wind turbines the solution to our energy security? – A critical question as the UK balances renewable energy goals and energy independence.
3️⃣ Does climate change make the world more dangerous? – A timely debate in light of increasing natural disasters and global instability.
Come along to enhance your public speaking skills, deepen your understanding of these crucial issues, and join the debate on topics that influence the world around us. Don’t miss out – we’ll see you there!

Year 11 Mock Exams

Mock Exams Update: A Few Important Reminders

Our Year 11 students are in the middle of their mock GCSE exams, and to help everything run smoothly, here are a few key reminders:

Be on Time
  • Morning exams: Students should be lined up and ready by 8:45 AM for a 9:00 AM start.
  • Afternoon exams: Students should be lined up by 12:45 PM, ready for a 1:00 PM start.

Punctuality is really important as invigilators need to follow specific procedures before exams can begin. Arriving late can cause delays and disrupt those who are already hard at work.

Mobile Phones and Other Items
  • Mobile phones must be switched off (not just on silent) and left in bags during exams. If a phone makes a noise, we have to report it to the exam board, which could result in the student losing marks—or even being disqualified.
  • Other prohibited items include watches, earbuds, and smart glasses. These must also be kept in students’ bags.

We really appreciate your support in reinforcing these procedures at home. Together, we can ensure exams are fair and stress-free, giving all our students the best chance to shine!

SEND Assessments

External SEND reports

If you have received a professional’s report regarding a child’s assessment for Autism, or ADHD, or Dyslexia for example, please send them directly to OASIS so that we can process them accordingly.

Please send all reports to oasisoffice@bulmershe.wokingham.sch.uk

Important Information About Private Assessments

If you are considering a private assessment for Autism, ADHD, or Dyslexia for your child, please note the following:

  • We cannot accept privately commissioned assessments unless you have spoken with the school’s SENDCo beforehand.
  • This policy aligns with JCQ regulations. Without prior notification and discussion, any privately commissioned report will be deemed invalid and cannot be used to support applications for Exam Access Arrangements.

If you are thinking about seeking an external assessment, we kindly ask that you:

  1. Book a meeting with either Mrs Toms or Miss Potter to discuss your child’s needs and the process in advance.
  2. Be aware that Bulmershe must have an established working relationship with the clinic conducting the assessment. This means it is not possible to select a clinic at random. We need to carry out checks to ensure the clinic meets the required standards and regulations.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in following these guidelines. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Year 8 Trip to Harry Potter Studios

This week, Year 8 Design Technology students had the opportunity to visit the Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studios in London for a trip packed with creativity and magic!

As part of the visit, students attended a ‘Character Customisation’ workshop. They explored how costumes in the films represent character traits, stereotypes and even actors’ heritage. Handling real fabrics used in the movies and examining original mood boards and costume designs gave them a hands-on insight into the design process. Students also got to select fabrics for their own superhero characters, a project they’ve been working on in class this year.

After the workshop, they toured the studios, discovering iconic sets, props and costumes. They even came face to face with the 8-legged friend Aragog. You can imagine the screams!

As you can imagine, everyone loved the trip with a student sending a message to Mrs Trenwith: “I just wanted to say thank you for organising the whole trip and making sure that we all had fun and were safe! It was truly the most magical and impressive places I’ve been to in my whole life! Thank you for giving us the opportunity to visit the Harry Potter Studios.”

Conflict Curriculum Theme in History

The global Holocaust Memorial Day is on 27th January, a time to remember the six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust, alongside victims of other genocides. This year also marks 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau and 30 years since the genocide in Bosnia.

The theme for 2025, chosen by the Holocaust Memorial Trust, is For a Better Future. It reminds us all to speak out against Holocaust denial, challenge prejudice and encourage learning about these tragic events to help prevent future atrocities.

Conflict can be tricky to learn about. Our History Department feels it is important to remember the past and to also ensure that information we and others use is accurate. It is important to get information from multiple sources, consider where these sources come from and how much we can trust them. We teach this in our lessons and encourage our students to investigate critically.

There are many things we can all do to create a better future. For practical ways to take action this Holocaust Memorial Day, visit Take Action for a Better Future.

Calling Year 9 and 10 Girls

The University of Reading is inviting girls in Year 9 or 10 to take part in The INDIE Study—an exciting research project exploring how brain and body changes during adolescence impact cognitive and emotional development.

Why Participate?

  • Experience cutting-edge psychology and neuroscience research first-hand.
  • Engage with scientists and see advanced neuroimaging technology up close.
  • Receive an image of your brain and compensation for your time!

What’s Involved?

  • Five after-school visits to the University of Reading (the first and last with a parent/guardian).
  • Completing psychological tasks, questionnaires and a brain scan in our MRI scanner.
  • Wearing a wrist device for four weeks to track sleep, activity, and mood.

Interested?

To learn more or sign up, visit their webpage: INDIE Study Website, or contact them at: indie.study@reading.ac.uk

Old Board Games

Can You Help Us with Old Board Games for the Sixth Form?

We’re looking to introduce some traditional board games in the Sixth Form common room to encourage students to spend less time on their phones and more time connecting face-to-face. While phone use is allowed in Sixth Form, we know that excessive screen time can sometimes lead to reduced social interaction and may contribute to higher levels of anxiety and stress.

Board games offer a fun, low-pressure way for students to engage with each other, spark conversations and take a break from their screens.

If you have any old board games at home that you no longer use, we’d be very grateful if you could donate them to the school. Please drop off any contributions at Reception. Thank you!

British Cycling Talent Programme

An exciting opportunity for keen cyclists!

British Cycling is running a Track Cycling Talent Identification Programme this year, searching for talented young riders across England. Those selected will have the chance to join British Cycling’s Talent Development and Performance Pathway, which could lead to an incredible journey—perhaps even to the Olympic Games!

The programme has helped produce cycling stars like Dame Laura Kenny, Emma Finucane, Katie Archibald, and Jack Carlin, and your child could be next.

Who Can Apply?

  • Open to children born in 2010, 2011, or 2012.
  • Applicants must hold or be eligible for a British passport.
  • No prior racing experience is needed—just the ability to ride a bike!

How Does It Work?

After applying, some young cyclists will be invited to attend one of three testing days:

  • Thursday 17th April 2025 – Manchester
  • Saturday 19th April 2025 – London
  • Monday 21st April 2025 – Derby

Testing days will include:

  • A workshop with coaches from the Great Britain Cycling Team explaining the pathway and opportunities in cycling.
  • Physical tests using Wattbikes and off-bike assessments.

How to Apply

Use this link to submit your application: Apply here.
Applications close on Sunday 30th March 2025.

For more information, you can follow @British_Cycling_Talent_Dev on Instagram or contact:

This is an incredible opportunity to take the first step towards cycling success! 🚴‍♂️

Mental Health Matters

There is a proven link between physical health and exercise and positive mental health. Our friends at Sport in Mind are offering free yoga and dance sessions for 12-16 year olds at Loddon Valley Leisure Centre on Thursdays from next month.
Sign up using this link

Year 13 Careers

TUI Airline Cadet Programme

TUI Airline’s Multi-Crew Pilot Licence (MPL) Cadet UK Programme is now open for applications. This 19-month training programme is a fantastic opportunity for students with little or no flying experience to start a career in aviation.

By the end of the course, participants will be ready to join TUI as a Cadet Pilot, flying the Boeing 737. If your child is interested in a future among the clouds, this could be the perfect first step towards their dream job.

  • Application deadline: 31st January 2025
  • Training duration: 19 months
  • Eligibility: No prior flying experience needed

To learn more or apply, visit: TUI Cadet Pilot Programme.

Live Q&A:
TUI is hosting a live chat on 20th January to answer any questions about the MPL Programme and other pilot opportunities. Sign up here: TUI Live Chat.

This is a brilliant opportunity for aspiring pilots.

EDF Apprenticeships

EDF is now accepting applications for its 2025 apprenticeships with a deadline of 31st January. This is an incredible opportunity to gain hands-on experience, receive world-class training and build a career in the energy sector. Whether you are passionate about engineering, IT or business, there’s an apprenticeship program tailored to your interest and goals.

Why choose an EDF apprenticeship?

– Real-world practical experience
– Gain qualifications while earning a competitive salary
– Work on projects that have a positive impact on the future of energy
– Access to ongoing career development and growth opportunities

Apply via the following link: https://www.edfenergy.com/careers/apprenticeships#schemes

Cucina Main Meals – w/c 20th January

SEND Enquiry

The government is committed to improving experiences and outcomes for children and young people with SEND and have launched a ‘Call for Evidence’ so that they can hear from a wide range of parents and carers who have experience and knowledge of supporting children and young people.

If you have not done so already, please do respond to the call for information and ensure your views and voice are heard.  The link can be found here:  Call for Evidence – Committees – UK Parliament  Please respond before the end of January.

Shout Outs

On a Friday we like to shine a spotlight on those who deserve a thank you or have done well over the past week. If you would like to nominate your child, or a member of staff, please use our nomination email address: HeadsPA@bulmershe.wokingham.sch.uk.

Student Shout Outs

Mrs Cousins wants to say a huge well done to Year 11 who are working incredibly hard for their Mock Exams and giving them their best effort!

Staff Shout Outs

Mrs Trenwith would like to say a huge thank you to Mrs Skelton, Miss Gardiner and the school admin team for help in setting up the year 8 Harry Potter trip! There’s a lot of details to work out before the day happens and everyone was so helpful to make this happen. Thank you also to those on the day that accompanied the students visiting the Studios, keeping an eye on them and helping round them all up! You were absolute stars!

Parent Shout Outs

A shout out for Buddy – Thanks for being the best ever sensory dog ever for giving comfort and snuggles, also to Mrs Raoult and Mrs Paternoster in Oasis for being hugely supportive. You are all amazing 🤩 

What’s On

Free autism and ADHD advice workshops

Berkshire West Autism & ADHD Support Service is offering free autism workshops, across the spring term. All of the workshops take place online between 10-11.30am, with full details available on the Autism Berkshire website.

Some upcoming general advice workshops:

The following workshops are available for parents of autistic young people aged 11 to 18:

 Those who are interested please complete the registration form: Autism Berkshire-self referral and add a note to say they are interested in the workshops.

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