The Bulmershe Bulletin – Issue 26
28th March 2025
Dear Parents and Carers,
At Bulmershe, we are incredibly proud of our thriving Performing and Creative Arts departments, which include Drama, Dance, Music, Art, Photography and Design Technology. Our students achieve results in the top 25% nationally, and this success is reflected in our incredible whole-school musicals and summer showcase.
The value of the arts in education cannot be overstated. Performing builds confidence, creativity and communication skills – qualities that benefit students in every area of life. While the government is now recognising the importance of a broad, balanced curriculum, we’ve been ahead of the curve for years! We strongly believe that every student should have the opportunity to develop their creative talents, which is why we proudly offer the arts as a key part of our curriculum.
Next week, we are excited to host an Open Mic Night – a chance for our talented students to step into the spotlight and showcase their musical skills. Our brave performers – singers, musicians, and bands from all year groups – are giving their all in rehearsals. Now, they need an enthusiastic and supportive audience to cheer them on! Please join us at Open Mic night on Weds 2nd April at 5pm and support our young performers – tickets are available through IRIS ParentMail with a suggested donation of £3. Bring the whole family, enjoy some refreshments, and help us raise money for new music equipment and instruments for students to use in lessons and after-school clubs. I’d love to see as many families as possible there to support our performers, this will be a wonderful evening of live music and community spirit – please come along and show your support!
Amanda Woodfin
Headteacher
Upcoming Events
2nd April – Open Mic Night – 5pm – Auditorium. Tickets available on IRIS ParentMail.
3rd April – Year 8 Parents’ Evening (online)
4th April – Term ends at 12:20pm
5th – 21st April – Easter Holidays
22nd April – Start of the summer term
23rd and 24th April – Year 8 and 9 – Digdata careers workshops (in school)
24th April – Year 7 Parents Evening (online) – 4pm – 7pm
25th – 27th April – Silver DofE Practice expedition
Reminder for Parents: Notify Attendance for Appointments.
If your child has a medical or other appointment during the school day, please email our Attendance Team in advance at attendance@bulmershe.wokingham.sch.uk
Only the Attendance Team can update SIMS to ensure your child can be released. Telling them, rather than just your child’s tutor, helps us avoid delays and unnecessary phone calls on the day. Thank you for your support! Remember – tell Attendance!
Geoleaders Debate
This week, our Geo-Leaders Debating Society tackled some thought-provoking issues of the day, including AI in education, the defence budget and top CEO salaries in state-funded organisations. With passionate arguments and impressive research, our students once again demonstrated their outstanding debating skills.
A huge thank you to Mr Alger and Mr Tomala for their invaluable contributions. Mr Alger, acting as Mr Speaker, kept order with expert time management and topic organisation, while Mr Tomala ensured all voices were heard, maintaining the accuracy and inclusivity of the discussions.
We were also delighted to welcome back Bulmershe alumni from Oxford and Cambridge Universities, Oliver and Mikka, who brought fantastic insight to the debates.
Special recognition goes to William H (Year 10) and Sam W (Year 11) for their excellent event organisation, and to Alex H, our club videographer, for capturing the session so professionally.
The continued success of our Geo-Leaders Debating Society is a testament to the dedication, hard work and enthusiasm of our students. Well done to all involved!
Free places for Berzerk’s ‘Wicked’ Easter Theatre School!
We are delighted to share a fantastic opportunity for two of our students to attend the Defying Gravity Easter School for free! Berzerk Productions have kindly offered two bursary places for their theatre workshop, running from April 7th to 11th at The Oakwood Centre in Woodley.
This is a brilliant chance for students who love musical theatre, acting and performance to develop their skills with professional coaches. (Please note – The bursary is only available for students who are not already part of Berzerk Productions.)
How to apply:
If your child is interested, please contact Mrs Whitmarsh or Mr Hood (in person or via email) by Wednesday 2nd April. The two selected students will be confirmed on Thursday 3rd April.
Winners will need to complete a short registration form, which will be shared once places are confirmed.
Preparing for the future: Sixth Form Personal Development
As our Year 13 students approach the final stretch of their time at Bulmershe, we are doing everything we can to equip them with the skills and knowledge they’ll need beyond the classroom. This week, the Sixth Form team delivered their final Personal Development session of the year, covering an essential topic – how to be financially sensible at university and in the workplace.
Mr Lord and Mr Scott led the session on managing money, helping students understand mortgages, credit cards, interest rates, deductions on payslips and essential financial tips for university life. With so many big life changes ahead, we hope these conversations will help our students feel more prepared and confident in managing their finances responsibly, avoiding common pitfalls, and making smart financial choices.
We are incredibly proud of our Year 13s and all they have achieved. As they step into the big wide world, we wish them luck, success and financial savvy!
WEX opportunity at Addington School for Year 12s
Addington School is offering work experience placements at their Wednesday evening Youth Club, supporting young people in Years 9 to 13 with learning disabilities. This is a fantastic chance for Year 12 students to gain hands-on experience, develop key skills, and make a real difference in the lives of others.
What’s Involved?
Location: Addington School, Woodley
When: Wednesday evenings (term time) – approx. 2 hours per week
Role: Assisting with activities, helping to set up and tidy away, supporting young people and working with staff to create a fun and inclusive environment.
This opportunity is perfect for students considering careers in education, healthcare, social work or community roles – but also for anyone keen to gain experience, build confidence and develop communication skills. Training is provided, including the chance to learn Makaton (a language programme that supports speech and communication).
To apply, students can find the application form on their Year 12 Google Classroom.
Year 8 explore life’s Big Questions with REInspired
Over the last two weeks our Year 8 students have taken part in thought-provoking workshops led by REInspired, an external charity that supports our Religious Studies curriculum.
In these sessions, students explored the big question of Life After Death, learning about Christian perspectives before comparing them with other religious and non-religious beliefs. This was an opportunity for students to collaborate, reflect on their own views and learn from others in a respectful and open-minded environment.
Communication in Art
This term’s curriculum theme is communication, and at Bulmershe, we believe that good communication is key to understanding, preventing and resolving conflict. Across different subjects, we are exploring ways to strengthen communication skills – and in Art, this means using creativity to express thoughts, emotions and opinions in ways that words sometimes cannot.
This term, Year 9 students have been using art as a tool for communication, creating powerful socio-political artwork that reflects their thoughts on the growing power of AI and its impact on the world. Inspired by the DADA movement and collage techniques, their work challenges perspectives and encourages discussion – showing just how art can give a voice to complex issues.
We are incredibly proud of the thought-provoking pieces our students have produced.
Year 7 cooking up skills for life in Food Technology!
Our Year 7 students have been getting hands-on in Food Technology, building essential cooking and nutrition skills that will benefit them for life.
Over the last two weeks, they’ve been making a delicious chickpea curry, putting their bridge and claw cutting methods to the test as they slice and dice onions and potatoes. This lesson follows on from their recent chopping skills session, helping them grow in confidence when preparing ingredients safely and efficiently.
Learning to cook from scratch is about more than just following a recipe—it helps students understand nutrition, meal planning and the importance of a balanced diet. These practical lessons encourage independence and healthy eating habits, setting them up with valuable skills they can use at home and in the future.
STEM Careers Project – Can you help?
Our Year 10 students have been working hard on a STEM Careers Book Project, creating 52 pages, each focused on a different career in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. Through their research and writing, many students have gained a clearer idea of their future ambitions. For example, Shaluk in Year 10 was so inspired by her work on the Marine Biologist section that she’s now set on pursuing this career!
As we move into the next phase of the project, we’d love to invite parents and carers to get involved in two key areas:
- Editorial Support – We need people to help review and refine the layout and formatting of the book. If you have a background in English, Media, Design or Publishing, or simply an eye for detail, we’d love your input.
- Cover Design – A competition will be running in school to design the book’s front and back covers, but we’d also welcome advice or expertise from parents/carers with graphic design experience.
If you can help or know someone who might be able to, please get in touch – your support would be hugely appreciated!
Exploring Forensic Science in KS3 Science Club!
Our KS3 Science Club has been diving into the fascinating world of forensics this term! Students explored how microscopes can be used to analyse different fibres and materials – a key technique in forensic investigations.
Using high-powered magnification, they examined string, cotton and rubber bands, gaining a close-up look at the tiny details that help forensic scientists match fibres to crime scenes. It was a hands-on session, sparking curiosity and scientific thinking!
Science Club runs every Tuesday after school in S6 – all KS3 students are welcome to join.
Easter Book Hunt
Our school library is running an Easter Book Hunt this week, and we’d love for all students to take part!
How does it work?
– Clues and questions have been posted in Google Classroom (Registration class).
– Some answers students may already know, but others will require a trip to the library to uncover the clues!
Winners will receive achievement points and an Easter Egg !
Encourage your child to get book hunting – it’s a fun way to explore the library and maybe even discover their next great read!
Update – Roadworks near Bulmershe
We’ve received an update about the gas pipe replacement works near our school, which may affect journeys over the Easter holidays.
The next phase of work will begin on 7th April and is expected to last for two weeks. During this time:
- Culver Road will be closed at the junction with Eastcourt Road for one week
- The junction of Anderson Road and Culver Road will be closed for one week
Signed diversions will be in place, and access will be maintained for residents and businesses. To help minimise disruption, these works have been scheduled during the Easter break. However, families should still be aware of the following:
- Check bus times with your provider, as routes may be affected
- Allow extra time for your journey when travelling in the area
[Reminder] Have Your Say!
We are always looking for ways to improve and grow – and your feedback plays a vital role in that process. Our Spring Pulse Survey is now open, giving you the opportunity to share your thoughts and experiences about school life.
Whether it’s what we’re doing well or areas where we can improve, your voice matters. This is your chance to help shape our school and ensure we continue to provide the best possible support for our students.
Please take a few moments to complete the survey here:
If you have any pressing concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s Head of Year directly.
xx
Cucina Main Meals – w/c 31st March
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 Senthilkumar would like to give a shout out to Ellis D in year 7 for his achievement in computing. He used Python Turtle to draw different shapes.
Mrs Noye and Miss Williams would like to give a shout out to all the Year 9 Students who had their HPV vaccinations today. You were all very calm, and so supportive of nervous friends. A special well done to our anxious students who overcame their fears and agreed to have the injections, you made us all really proud.
Mrs Woodfin would also like to give a shout out to the Year 9 Students who have met with her for their Options Interviews this week. They have all been so mature, giving very well considered responses and it’s been her pleasure to meet with you.
Staff Shout Outs
Mrs Trenwith would like to give a shout out to Mrs Samuel for her support during Year 11 exam intervention, guiding students towards their goals, and being a true team player within the department and also to Miss Gardiner for her dedication in technician-ing Year 11 intervention sessions, assisting students with exam preparation, and supporting other technicians with their learning and facilitating delivery audits.
Year 7 students would like to give a shout out to Miss Mac for her special Drama session on Friendships. They wanted to let you know they loved it, and that it was very helpful.
What’s On
SEND – CAN Network
The CAN Information Network is part of Wokingham Borough Council and is an information and support service for children, young people and young adults (up to age 25), and their families who live in the Wokingham Borough. Here are some of the activities happening in the area for children with SEND:
Clip n Climb SEN sessions for CAN Card holders – These calmer, quieter sessions are held term-time on a Tuesday:
2-3.30pm – Home Education SEND and 5-6.30pm – SEND Session. Booking online at https://reading.clipnclimb.co.uk/
Coral Reef are continuing to run their SEN Sessions throughout the Easter Holidays
Wednesday 9th and 16th April 8am – 9.30am, 8.00am – 9.00 am – Use of the Leisure Pool, features and all 5 Waterslides, 9.00am-9.30am – as part of the Family swimming with Waterslide session
Online booking only
Easter Egg Hunts
Dinton Activity Centre’s annual Easter Egg Hunt is on from the 29th March until the 14th April! To participate first purchase one ticket per child here, then simply visit the Dinton Activity Centre Reception, anytime between the 29th March and the 14th April, during our opening hours (09:00 to 5:00pm, last admission 4.00pm) to collect your map.
Binfield Easter Egg Hunt returns for the 9th year from Mon 14th to Sun 20th April 2025, raising funds for Binfield Primary School. Simply buy a map for £3 from either Binfield Village Stores or Foxes Den Café during the week and enjoy a fun walk around the village, which has coffee shops, playgrounds and a pub on the route.