The Bulmershe Bulletin – Issue 46
17th October 2025
Dear Parents and Carers,
As we settle into the term, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the talent and commitment we have within our student body. This week, we saw a brilliant example of student leadership as part of our celebration of Black History Month.
Two of our Year 12 students, Tire and Euphemia, took on the considerable responsibility of delivering assemblies to their peers – a huge challenge when speaking to groups of 250 students at a time. They were engaging, exceptionally well-prepared and created visually stunning presentations that were delivered with confidence.
This is exactly the kind of opportunity we encourage at the school. By challenging themselves to research, create and deliver powerful content, Tire and Euphemia demonstrated responsibility and hopefully built on their resilience. Their willingness to step forward and lead this important conversation is a testament to our core values.
It is through events like Black History Month that we proudly recognise and celebrate the diversity that enriches our school community – you can read more about the actual presentation content below. For now, I offer my sincere thanks to Tire and Euphemia for their outstanding contribution this week.
Amanda Woodfin
Headteacher
Upcoming Events
Tue 14th Oct – Year 8 Curriculum Evening in the Auditorium
w/c 20th Oct – Year 11 Exam Week
w/c 27th Oct – Half Term Holidays
Mon 3rd Nov – Year 8 prestation on the dangers of vaping and smoking (in school)
Tue 4th Nov – Year 7 “meet the tutor” online meetings
Wed 5th Nov – Bulmershe Careers Fair
Thur 6th Nov – Bulmershe Sixth Form Open Evening
Sports Clubs Next Week
Please note after school PE/sports clubs will not be running on Monday 20th, Tuesday 21st or Wednesday 22nd October next week. This is because the PE Department will be running the KS3 interform football tournament.
Black History Month: Standing Firm in Power and Pride
As mentioned above, Bulmershe is celebrating Black History Month [BHM], recognising the contributions and often unheralded accomplishments of Black Britons throughout history. We believe BHM is a crucial learning opportunity for all students, encouraging diversity and respect across the school.
The official theme for this year is Standing Firm in Power and Pride – a powerful tribute to the resilience, strength and unwavering commitment to progress that defines the global Black community.
As part of this celebration, our Year 12 students, Tire and Euphemia, created and delivered an assembly highlighting this theme. Their presentation explored two core values: Power: representing the influence and capacity to effect positive change, often demonstrated by visionaries who have broken barriers in the arts, education and civil rights; and Pride: reflecting cultural identity, heritage, and the celebration of Black excellence.
The girls gave examples of powerful Black figures, including artists RAYE, Louis Mailou Jones and poet Maya Angelou, to illustrate how arts, dance and music are used to express both struggles and achievements. They also shared aspects of their own heritage, showcasing the Eungun Festival of Nigeria (Tire’s heritage) and the Kwasidae festival of Ghana (Euphemia’s heritage).
The presentation ended with an encouraging call to action for all students, quoting artist Faith Ringgold: “You cannot sit around and wait for somebody to say who you are. You need to write and paint it, and do it.”
Buddy’s taking a break
We wanted to let you know that Buddy, our much-loved school dog, will be taking a little break from school while his mum welcomes a new baby into the family. Buddy will be leaving us after the October half-term and will return to school after the February half-term.
In the meantime, he’ll be enjoying some well-deserved rest, extra cuddles and family time at home – though he may drop in for the occasional visit to say hello!
We know how much joy and calm Buddy brings to our students and staff, and we will all miss having him around school.
We are already looking forward to welcoming him back in the spring and will be sure to share updates on how he’s getting on.
Year 9 Science Spotlight
Our Year 9 biologists have been getting hands-on in the lab this week, taking part in a practical lesson: extracting DNA from strawberries.
This experiment is crucial because it allows students to visually see the genetic material they have been studying in theory. The curriculum requires pupils to understand the simple model of chromosomes, genes, and DNA in heredity – the process by which genetic information is passed down.
By using simple chemicals to break down the strawberry cells, Year 9 students were able to isolate the DNA, which appeared as a cloudy, white substance. This memorable practical reinforces the concept that all living organisms store their genetic code in DNA, helping to bring a complex biological concept to life.
Year 9 Big Sleep Out – Crisp Packet Collection
In Design & Technology lessons, year 9 pupils are currently learning about designing for a cause. We are working with Launchpad Reading to support those who are homeless in our community by hosting a Big Sleep Out on the 24th of October.
By sleeping out in school, selected year 9 pupils and volunteer staff will get an insight into some of the things people experience when they’re rough-sleeping night after night, as well as get involved in a number of challenges (i.e: building a cardboard city and making Trangia hot-chocolates).
Can you help? We are asking staff and students to donate empty crisp packets to the Design Department for students to use to make Crisp Packet Ground Sheets. Ideally, packets will still be intact (with just one opening) and washed. It takes 75 crisp packets to make one groundsheet, so please send in as many as you can before Friday 24th October.
Please can students bring any Crisp Packet donations to the Design Technology Department.
Canteen Daily Deals: Lunch for £2.90
To help families save money, we want to highlight the Daily Deals our canteen offers that allow students to purchase a complete and satisfying lunch for just £2.90 every day. Please talk to your children about looking out for these offers at lunchtime:
The Daily Lunch Deals
- Hot Meal Deal (£2.90): Students can pick from the daily hot mains – such as the Main of the Day, a jacket potato, or a pasta pot – and combine it with a dessert, a piece of fruit or a bottle of water.
- Chill Deal (£2.90): For a quick, cold lunch, students can grab any four items marked with a “Chill Deal” sticker. This includes filled rolls, various sweet or savoury snack pots and mini homemade bakes.
In addition to these daily savings, Cucina also offers the popular StreetVibes Deal every Tuesday and Thursday, where students can build their own street-food style dishes by choosing a base, protein (chicken, beef, or vegetarian), and various toppings.
Encouraging your children to choose one of these deals is a great way to ensure they get a full, nutritious lunch while managing their spending.
Quick Guide: How to Find Trips and Offers in ParentMail
We understand that parents have been contacting reception regarding where to find school trips and offers within the Iris ParentMail app. Here is a step-by-step guide to accessing the Payments and Shop section where they are posted:
- Open the Iris ParentMail app on your phone, or access it via the website: https://pmx.parentmail.co.uk/#core/login
- Click on the Payments menu item.
- Navigate to the Shop section to see a list of all items currently available for payment, including school trips and offers.
- Click on the item you wish to pay for.
- Click Add to Basket or Pay Now. If you have multiple items to purchase, add them all to your basket first.
- Click Checkout and follow the on-screen instructions to complete your purchase.
If you have any further difficulties after following these steps, please contact reception.
Can you participate in our Careers Fair?
We would like to invite you – and the organisations you work for – to take part as exhibitors. Your involvement is vital in helping students understand the required skills, qualifications and potential pathways within your sector.
Our Careers Fair will take place on Tuesday 5 November 2025 in the School Auditorium from 12:20 pm to 2:30 pm. Students from Year 9 through to Year 13 will attend in a carousel format, visiting your desk to speak with you and ask questions about your career.
If you or your organisation is interested in participating, please let us know by filling out this short form: Sign up form
Thank you for supporting our students as they explore their future pathways!
Inter-Form Football Tournament Next Week
Next week, we are kicking off our first inter-form competition of the year with a mixed 5-a-side Football Tournament for Years 7, 8 and 9. This event encourages teamwork and school spirit as form groups compete to become year-group champions!
The tournament will take place after school on the goals pitches (3:00pm–4:30pm) on the following days:
- Year 7: Monday 20 October
- Year 8: Tuesday 21 October
- Year 9: Wednesday 22 October
Students should change in the PE changing rooms at 3:00pm before walking over to the pitches. Please note that due to staffing and safeguarding reasons, no spectators, including parents and non-participating students will be allowed to attend. We look forward to a great week of friendly competition!
The Addams Family: Key Dates
To the parents of students involved in this year’s production of The Addams Family – thank you for supporting the intensive rehearsal schedule so far!
As we move toward the final performance dates, please note these crucial commitments:
- Sunday 9 November: Full Staging Rehearsal (All Cast) from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.
- Friday 28 November: Full Day Rehearsal (Cast & Tech Crew) from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm.
- Sunday 30 November: Tech Rehearsal (Cast & Tech Crew) from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.
- Monday 1 December: Dress Rehearsal (Cast & Tech Crew) from 5:30 pm – 10:00 pm.
- Tuesday 2 – Thursday 4 December: Performances (Show starts 7:00 pm) with the cast and crew required from 5:30 pm – 10:00 pm each night.
Actions Required:
- Costumes: Please ensure your child has their personal costume items ready to bring into school during the week commencing 10 November.
- Photography Consent: We kindly ask that you complete the necessary consent form immediately to allow us to use your child’s image for promotional materials: https://forms.gle/DNHhPwZo6Y4rURvL9
We appreciate your continued support in making this year’s show a huge success!
Celebrating Diverse Authors and Spooky Reads
Our school Library is committed to celebrating diversity and providing a wide range of voices for our students. As part of Black History Month, the library is currently running a special display that shines a spotlight on books by authors from underrepresented ethnic backgrounds. Students are encouraged to explore this dedicated shelf to discover new stories and perspectives.
Meanwhile, our students have been busy getting the library ready for the next event! During recent break and lunchtimes, they created fantastic decorations for Halloween. Next week, these creations will be put up alongside a special selection of spooky book recommendations for a fun, themed reading environment.
Whole-school Dyslexia screening
A gentle reminder to all parents that if you wish to opt out of the whole-school Dyslexia Screening taking place next term, please contact #TeamOASIS at Oasisoffice@bulmershe.wokingham.sch.uk before Thursday 24th October.
If we do not hear from you, we will assume that you are happy for your child to be included. Thank you for your continued support – #TeamOASIS
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 Banks: The Year 7 girls football team had their first tournament on Tuesday and did brilliantly. They played teams from the Holt, Emmbrook, Waingels and Bohunt and got a fair few wins under their belt! Player of the match went to Isobelle for making some glorious saves throughout!
Mrs Garrard: I would like to shout out to the following year 11 students, to congratulate them on all their hard work and contributions in lessons: Oscar E, Hrishika, Abuzar, Grace C, Kiana, Lana, Noah, Rory, William H, Saba, Natasha H, Pheobe J, Ella B, Miele and Roxanne A.
Staff Shout Outs
Mr Whearity would like to give a big shout out to our Safeguarding and Mental Health Team: Mrs Wright, Mrs Jones, Mrs Thompson and Miss Chapman, for the incredible work to support all of our students
Police Warning: Protect Your Family from Courier Fraud
Thames Valley Police and Crimestoppers are asking families to work together to combat Courier Fraud, a scam where criminals trick people into handing over money or valuables by pretending to be police officers or bank workers.
These fraudsters often call victims, claim there’s an issue with their bank account, ask for private details like a PIN, and instruct them to withdraw cash or buy expensive items. A “courier” or taxi is then sent to collect the goods.
While older people are often targeted, scammers are increasingly recruiting teenagers to act as unwitting couriers using social media, offering “quick cash” to deliver packages or use their bank accounts.
How You Can Help:
- Talk to your children and relatives (especially grandparents) about this scam.
- Stress that genuine police officers or bank staff will NEVER ask for a PIN, bank card, or money to be collected by a courier.
- Encourage young people to speak up and check with a trusted adult if they are approached online to help with money transfers or deliveries. If an offer feels wrong, it probably is.
If you know someone involved, you can report it 100% anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting the Crimestoppers Online Form. If you or someone you know has been affected, contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud at 0300 123 2040.
Cucina Main Meals – w/c 20th October
What’s On
Wokingham Borough: Supporting Distressed Behaviour Workshop
Wokingham Borough Council is offering a free online workshop titled “Supporting Distressed & Dysregulated Behaviour” for parents and carers. This session is primarily aimed at families who have a child or young person aged 3–18 with a disability, autism, or who are currently on the pathway for an autism assessment, living in the Wokingham Borough.
The two-hour workshop will explore different ways of thinking about behaviour, focusing on concepts like:
- Behaviour as communication
- Triggers and causes
- The behaviour wave
The session takes place on Thursday 23 October from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and will be delivered via Microsoft Teams. If capacity allows, parents whose children do not have additional needs may also attend.
To book a place or request more information, please contact the organisers at first@wokingham.gov.uk.
Twyford Scarecrow Trail
The Twyford Scarecrow Trail is back for Half Term, and the village will be transformed into a trail of creative scarecrows for everyone to enjoy from Monday 27 October to Saturday 1 November.
Scarecrows will be on display each day of the trail from 9am to 5pm. To take part in the trail all you need to do is purchase a trail map for £3. Maps will be available to collect from:
Grapevine Estate Agents – 18 London Rd, Twyford, Reading RG10 9ER (9am – 5pm Mon – Fri, 9am – 4pm Sat)
Ola Coffee Co – The Old Grain Store, Waltham Road, Twyford, RG10 9EE (8am – 3pm Mon – Fri, 8am – 2:30pm Sat & Sun)
Halloween in Reading
Spooky season is very much upon us, and there’s lots of devilishly-good events and activities throughout the month, from creepy cabarets to spooky stories, trails, crafts, movies, music… even a version of Shakespeare in the style of 80s horror!
Free October Half-Term Boxing Camp (Reading Residents)
Reading residents may be interested in a free Boxing Camp running this October half-term for young people aged 11–18, funded by Thames Valley Police. The program uses boxing to support both physical and mental wellbeing, helping students build confidence and develop positive decision-making skills.
Camp Details:
- Dates: 27, 29, and 31 October
- Location: STMA Academy, Scours Lane, Reading RG30 6AY
- Times: Years 7–9 (11:00 am – 1:00 pm); Years 10–13 (1:00 pm – 3:00 pm)
Girls are encouraged to attend the morning sessions, where a female coach will be present on selected days. For booking and referrals, please use the online form.
