Dear Parents and Carers,

What an incredible week it has been with the performances of our whole school production, The Addams Family. I am still buzzing from the energy and talent displayed on our stage last night.

I must use this newsletter introduction to express my sincere gratitude to our utterly dedicated team of staff. Putting on a production of this size is a monumental task and I am very thankful for the way so many staff give up their time, year after year, to make these opportunities happen for our students.

Each year, Mrs Whitmarsh and the production team manage to take a vision and realise it in just three short months of rehearsals and set building. Their commitment to the students is absolute, and they find ingenious ways to include as many pupils as possible, from the principal roles to the huge ensemble. I must say, the way they managed to fit all of the zombie ancestors onto that one stage was a feat of engineering in itself!

We believe that providing extra-curricular experiences such as this is key to helping form well-rounded young people. The skills gained; the confidence, teamwork, time management and creative expression, are invaluable life lessons. I look forward to continuing to offer these kinds of memorable opportunities in the years to come.

Amanda Woodfin
Headteacher

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Upcoming Events

8th & 9th Dec – Y9 and Y10 Big Sister Project (in School)
10th & 11th Dec – Y8 Health Reach Careers Workshop (in School)
10th Dec – Whole School Christmas Lunch
10th Dec – Year 11 family – Mock Exams preparation workshop – 6pm, School Auditorium
12th & 13th Dec – Lille Christmas Market Trip
16th Dec – Whole School Flu Vaccinations – CONSENT HERE (code BK110062)
18th Dec – Christmas Jumper Day (if students wish)
18th Dec – Last day of term! School closes at 12:20pm
19th Dec – 6th Jan – Christmas Holidays

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Notices:

Bulmershe Mock Parliamentary Debate – to be held in H11 on Wednesday 10^th December. Chaired by Mr Allger and Year 11 Student William. All students are welcome.

First Language / Community Language – Parent Action needed! – If your child intends to take a GCSE or A-level in their first language in May /June 2026, please email Mrs Khanna via skhanna@bulmershe.wokingham.sch.uk before Friday 9th January. Please inform her of your child’s name, their year group, the language exam they want to take and what qualification level (GCSE or A-Level).

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A Spooky and Spectacular Success!

A huge congratulations to the talented students who sang and danced their hearts out this week to bring the Bulmershe production of The Addams Family to life.

The students have worked tirelessly since September to learn their lines and choreographed steps in such a short time. The commitment of the cast was clear and audiences left both entertained and impressed each evening.

The comic timing from the core family members was superb and the story of Uncle Fester being in love with the moon was heart-warming despite being quite bizarre! The huge ensemble of zombie ancestors brought life (or should that be death?!) to the stage, and it was great to see how they transformed themselves in to the set at times. The orchestra were note perfect as always and the students’ voices both powerful and sweet. It was a top rate performance, despite the enormous cast and the young ages of the performers.

As always, you left us wanting more, and can’t wait to hear what the Production Team have in store for us next year (after they have picked themselves off the floor).

Enjoy the weekend’s rest, knowing you did the Bulmershe School proud once again.

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Anti-Bullying Week 2025 – Power for Good

Last week, pupils took part in Anti-Bullying Week with the theme “Power for Good.” The week encouraged students to recognise their influence and the positive difference they can make through their words, actions and online behaviour.

Activities and discussions highlighted the importance of being an active bystander and showed how small actions can help create a safe, respectful school community. Pupils were also reminded of the reporting options available, including speaking to a trusted member of staff or using Tell Us Something to share concerns confidentially.

By choosing kindness and speaking up, we can all use our power for good.

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Mock Exams and Revision Support

The mock exam timetables for GCSE, A-Level and L3 qualifications are now available on the school website. If your child is entered for exams scheduled at the same time, we will adjust the session to resolve the clash. Every student will receive a personalised exam timetable showing any confirmed changes.

Year 11 Raising Standards Evening:

A specific reminder for Year 11 families that the “How to Prepare for Mocks” evening is next week on Wednesday 10 December at 6:00pm. The session will cover crucial revision techniques and tips for starting revision. Please register your attendance using the Google Form if you plan to attend.

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Dyslexia Screening Update

We are delighted to share that all Year 7 students have now completed their Dyslexia screeners this week – a big achievement for everyone involved!

The screening helps us identify students who may benefit from additional support with reading, spelling and processing skills. This information is invaluable in ensuring that we can provide targeted support to help each child thrive in their learning.

Next week, we will begin screening Year 8 students. We appreciate your continued support in encouraging your child to take part and approach the screening with focus and effort.

Thank you for helping us make sure every student has the right tools and support to succeed. #TeamOASIS

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International Volunteering Day

Friday 5^th December is International Volunteering Day which is a global observance celebrating and recognising the contributions of volunteers worldwide. 

It serves as an opportunity to applaud the selfless efforts of individuals who dedicate their time and skills to make positive changes in their communities and beyond.

It aims to inspire more people to engage in volunteer activities and promote the idea that volunteering contributes to building a better and more inclusive world.

Giving your time is one of the NHS’ 5 Ways to Wellbeing, with numerous benefits including;

• Improved physical and mental health
• Enhanced social connections
• Gives a sense of purpose
• Increases confidence and self esteem
• Develop new skills and gain real world experience
• Explore career paths

Why not find a cause you are passionate about and consider giving your time or encourage your young person to get involved, or maybe even consider volunteering together to strengthen bonds.

Some good places to find volunteering opportunities are below:

Reading Voluntary Action https://rva.org.uk/volunteering-3/
What’s on Reading – https://whatsonreading.com/volunteering
Reach Volunteering – https://reachvolunteering.org.uk/
GoVo – https://govo.org/

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Year 12 Spanish Students Explore Argentine Tango

This term, our Year 12 Spanish students have been exploring the Argentine Tango as part of their music unit of study. This project allows students to develop their language skills and delve into the origins of tango in the barrios of Buenos Aires.

Students are discovering how this iconic dance reflects Argentina’s history identity and artistic expression. Through listening activities research tasks and creative projects students have examined the music instruments and storytelling qualities that make the tango so distinctive. They have also been analysing lyrics and cultural themes which helps them deepen both their understanding of Spanish and their appreciation of Hispanic culture.

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Library Update

Library Writing Competition Winners

The Library recently held a writing competition where students were tasked with writing a short story of no more than 500 words on the theme of autumn. The Library received over 60 entries and Miss Marr and Mrs Woodfin greatly enjoyed reading through all the fantastic work.

The winners, who each receive a £10 Amazon voucher, are:

• Years 7 and 8 Winner: Rephael, who wrote a story that offered a different perspective on a school bully.
• Years 9–11 Winner: Rebecca, whose story was a subtle love story between two friends set in a beautiful autumn landscape.

Several runners-up also wrote amazing stories and will each receive 20 achievement points. All other students who entered are being awarded 10 achievement points for their hard work and effort. It was a very tough decision due to the high quality of the entries.

The Library Gets Festive

The Library has been transformed this week thanks to the creative efforts of our student librarians and pupils. On Monday after school, student librarians painted their own baubles and made Christmas decorations which are now displayed on the library tree.

Throughout the week, students have been making Christmas-themed crafts and colouring during breaktimes and lunchtimes. The team has created a cosy Christmas seating area complete with a fireplace, stockings, tree and presents. The display shelf has also been filled with a selection of Christmas and winter-themed books for students to enjoy.

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New Clubs Trial

Our amazing team of Head Students will be launching Bulmershe Societies Week to students and have organised and planned to lead students in various subject sessions after school. We are very grateful for all their hard work putting this together and encourage families to talk to their children about which societies to try.

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Year 8 Pilot Interform Swimming Competition

The PE Department recently piloted an interform swimming competition for Year 8 pupils. We are fortunate to have access to our own swimming pool and see many pupils attend the after-school swimming club.

Each form selected two boys and two girls to represent their group in a series of events, including the 25m Freestyle, 50m Backstroke and 25m Breaststroke. The pupils showed great effort and technique in the races with the aim of these events to promote teamwork and enjoyment – though the competitive spirit was certainly making a splash too!

Results:

• Boys’ Races: 8XM and 8YU tied for first place, with 8XE taking second and 8XU securing third.
• Girls’ Races: 8XM finished in first place, followed by 8YU in second and 8XE in third.

This meant that overall, Miss Samuel’s 8XM emerged as the Year 8 interform swimming champions!

The PE Department thanks all participants for their enthusiasm and effort. Following the success of this pilot, interform swimming competitions will be rolled out to Years 7 and 9. The school is also exploring opportunities for future swimming meets with other local schools.

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‘I Voted’ Sticker Design Contest

Wokingham Borough Council’s Electoral Services team has launched an ‘I Voted’ sticker design contest and is inviting students aged 18 and under to participate.

The aim of this project is to promote civic engagement among young people. This is especially relevant now that the voting age has been lowered to 16 in the UK. The winning designs will be printed and given out to voters at polling stations during the next local elections on Thursday 7 May 2026.

Key Information:

• Who can enter: Anyone aged 18 or under who lives in or attends school in Wokingham Borough.
• Design Rules: Designs must include the words “I Voted!” and must be non-political. They should be inspired by themes such as Voting, Elections, Democracy or Community.
• Deadline: Monday 9 February 2026.
• Prizes: Four winning designs will be selected for printing. Winners will receive a book token and an invitation to a ceremony in the Council Chambers.

Full details including the design template and submission methods can be found on the Wokingham Council website

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Continuing Steel Pan Music: RASPO Workshops

Following the success of the recent CultureMix Arts steel band music workshops, we are sharing an opportunity for students interested in continuing to learn to play the steel pan.

Children can join beginner workshops run by the Reading All Steel Percussion Orchestra (RASPO). These sessions take place on Tuesdays from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm at the CultureMix Arts & Music Centre in Queens Walk, Reading.

Key Details:

• Cost: All lessons are currently free for children under 16. Adults pay £10 per session.
• Next Course: The next course is scheduled to start in mid-January 2026.
• Booking: Tickets will be available in early January via Eventbrite. You check the CultureMix Arts website for regular updates.

Additionally, RASPO will be holding a Calypso & Carols Fundraising Concert on Saturday 20 December from 12:00pm to 4:00pm in Broad Street outside M&S. Families are invited to attend and enjoy the festive music.

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Virtual Work Experience for Feb Half Term

Futures for All is looking ahead and offering several remote work experience placements for the upcoming February half term. These placements are a valuable opportunity for students to gain professional insight and demonstrate initiative to future colleges, universities and employers.

There are currently six placements available, delivered remotely, covering a diverse range of high-demand sectors. Below are the details and application links for each:

Placement Summary	Dates & Time	Ages	Application Link & Deadline
Automotive & Digital Solutions: Learn how Jaguar Land Rover combines digital solutions with manufacturing to shape the future of automotive.	16–18 February, 10:00 am–3:00 pm	14–19	Apply Here by 30 January
Defence & Technology: A behind-the-scenes look at careers in STEM, tech, science and engineering in defence and aerospace technology (QinetiQ).	16–18 February, 10:00 am–3:00 pm	14–19	Apply Here by 19 January
Women in Tech: An insightful workshop for female students (Ages 16-19) exploring career options within a Global Tech Corporation (Oracle).	16–18 February, 10:00 am–3:00 pm	16–19	Apply Here by 19 January
Animal Welfare & Advocacy: Explore how science, ethics, and advocacy influence public policy and protect marine animal welfare.	17–18 February, 10:00 am–2:30 pm	14–19	Apply Here by 27 January
Sports Management Careers: Discover careers in the leisure and sports venue industry, including greenkeeping, marketing, and sustainability.	18–19 February, 9:30 am–3:00 pm	16–19	Apply Here by 21 January
Technology in Retail: An insight day into how technology (TCS) is used to solve real-world challenges for major UK grocery retailers.	19 February, 10:00 am–12:30 pm	14–19	Apply Here by 21 January

We encourage students to view the full details and apply directly through the links provided by the respective deadlines to secure their place.

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[Reminder] Can you help support Woodley Food Bank

Our student-led environment and sustainability club, Geo-Leaders (who meet every Wednesday), are organising a community collection drive to support the Woodley Food Bank. They are collecting tinned and dried goods to deliver to the food bank at South Lake Crescent before we break up for the Christmas holidays.

We are asking families, if you are able, to donate items to help local families in need this festive season. Your child can bring donated items into school next week and add them to one of the various collection boxes.

Collection boxes will be placed in the Library, Geography and Student Reception starting Tuesday. The final day for donating food is Friday 12th December.

The Geo-Leaders are specifically requesting the following items:

Thank you in advance for your generosity and for supporting the Geo-Leaders in this important community effort!

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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

Dr Uwadiae: Shout out to Shayaan R of 13U for being the most improved year 13 Computer Science Student in Autumn Term of 2025/26. What you achieved in the past 3 months is evidence that hard work leads to success.

Mr Hird: The PE department would like to say: Thank all the year 8 pupils who attended the interform swimming on Monday. Thank all the year 11 and 6th form students who represented the school in basketball on Wednesday. All the year 10 girls who represented the school in football on Wednesday. Thank all the year 9 and 10 pupils who attended the indoor rowing competition at Forest

Staff Shout Outs

Mrs Cousins: Year 7 Attendance is the top of the School! Thank you Year 7 parents and carers for continuing to get your children into school each day. The year group currently has the highest attendance in the whole school, and that’s down to your continued support. As we move closer to Christmas, we know the children can start to feel tired, but please do keep encouraging the amazing resilience we’ve seen so far. It truly makes a difference and we’re incredibly proud of them.

We need to give a shout out this week to all the Addams Family families who have supported their children through this year’s show – for the endless drop offs, pick ups, pleas for costumes and helping them through their tiredness. We couldn’t have done it without you!

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Cucina Main Meals – w/c 8th December

It’ll be the school’s Christmas lunch on Wednesday 10th December, with no other food on offer that lunchtime (normal service at breaktime). Here’s the menu:

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Tips for reducing festive stress

Broken routine, over stimulation, social events, pressure to meet expectations of others, or perhaps our own image of what the holidays ‘should’ look like, the Christmas holidays can be a difficult time.

The following may be useful not only at home, but to share if you are planning on visiting family or friends who would welcome some guidance on how to best support your visit:

Christmas routine tips for children with SEND
Christmas anxiety help for young people

And for carers who may need some additional support during the festive period:

Festive Wellbeing Kit – Open Mental Health
Christmas and mental health (Mind)
Wokingham Carers Partnership support carers in the borough all year round. 

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What’s On

Woodley Concert Band Christmas Concerts

The Harriet Walter Theatre, Reddam House School | 7 Dec

With a shorter children’s concert in the afternoon and a full concert in the evening, Woodley Concert Band serve up their annual doses of Christmas cheer!
Book Christmas Concerts

PACT Christmas Carols at Reading Minster

Families are invited to celebrate the festive season at Reading Minster with a special Christmas event on Saturday 6 December 2025.

The event is a family-friendly afternoon of music and performances. It aims to raise money for PACT’s life-changing work supporting women, children, families and the local community. Refreshments will be available from 3:00 pm, with the main event taking place from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm. Children and adults are welcome to dress up as elves!

Ticket bookings close at midnight on Friday 5 December, but tickets will be available to purchase on the door after this time. £3 for children and £12 for adults, with various family options available.

Christmas Carol at Reading Rep

Step into Victorian Reading for a heart-warming journey of redemption, wonder and joy! From 28 November to 3 January and suitable for age 6 and over. Some scenes may be unsettling for very young children.

• Relaxed performance on 6 December at 3pm
• Signed and captioned performance on 11 December at 7.30pm
• Audio described performance and touch tour on 16 December at 7.30pm

Visit their access page for info and video tour of the space. There is one seating row with step free access and two wheelchair spaces in the front row of the theatre. These seats are bookable by emailing or calling the box office on 0118 370 2620

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