The Bulmershe Bulletin – Issue 12
29th November 2024
Dear Parents and Carers,
Last week, I had the pleasure of attending the Geoleaders’ debate, a fantastic event that highlighted our students’ ability to think critically, present ideas confidently and challenge viewpoints with respect and evidence. Organised and facilitated by students William H and Sam W, this debate focused on climate change and the recent government budget.
One memorable moment was when Mr Tomala, playing devil’s advocate, posed the argument that England, responsible for only 1% of global emissions, has no obligation to concern itself with other countries’ environmental practices. Our students responded with well-reasoned counterarguments, drawing on evidence to emphasise the importance of global cooperation in addressing climate challenges. It was great to see young students feel confident to challenge adults with well focused opinion.
Debating teaches the value of engaging with different perspectives. Learning to disagree without being disagreeable is a skill that benefits young people in their future workplaces, communities and relationships.
At Bulmershe, we prioritise creating opportunities for students to practise these vital communication skills. Events like the Geoleaders’ debates, student leadership roles and classroom discussion, ensure that every student has the chance to express their ideas and connect their learning to real-world issues.
Thank you to all the students and staff who made this debate such a success. It’s inspiring to see our students embrace debate and develop skills that will serve them well in the future.
Amanda Woodfin
Headteacher
Upcoming Events
Tues 3rd – Thur 5th Dec – Kinky Boots Performances
Weds 4th – Thur 5th Dec – Year 8 Careers Workshops with the NHS
Tues 10th Dec – Year 7 and 8 Christmas Film Night, 3:30-5:30pm in the Auditorium
Weds 11th Dec – Whole School Christmas Lunch
Weds 18th Dec – Year 11 “How to Revise” presentation, 5pm, Auditorium
Fri 20th Dec – Term breaks for the Christmas holidays at 12:20pm
Right to Choose – Autism & ADHD Assessments
Please note that the SEND team have had several requests for further information regarding referrals for an Autism and/or ADHD assessment under the NHS Right to Choose scheme. Please see below for further information from the NHS website:
https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/about-the-nhs/your-choices-in-the-nhs
Please do not hesitate to contact Mrs Toms should you have any questions or queries.
Access Arrangements
A gentle reminder – the last date for issuing any exam access arrangements to Years 11 and 13 will be Friday 20th December. This enables us to get all of our paperwork ready for the mock exams and then for formal application to JCQ. Mrs Toms will not accept any reports or assessment requests after this date nor amendments to current arrangements. Thank you for your continued support.
Punctuality in school
Punctuality is a very important part of self-discipline and is essential to good time management. Students must always make sure they are at the appropriate lesson at the appropriate time. Students should arrive at 8.25am to be in tutor time by 8.30am. Students that arrive after 8.30am will be marked as late. Late entry is via the main reception as the main gate will be locked.
DID YOU KNOW?
10 minutes late to school every day adds up… It is the same as loosing 6.5 school days a year
How to Support Punctuality at Home
• Encourage you child to wake up with time to get ready
• Encourage your child to organise their bag and equipment the night before so that this does not delay departure in the morning.
• Discussing any issues of lateness to ensure this does not become a habit
• Monitoring your child’s attendance on ClassCharts looking for patterns of lateness
• Take a proactive approach and communicating with the school if you have any concerns regarding your child’s punctuality
Contact your Head of Year or attendance team if you require further support
Year 11 Prom Tickets – now on sale!
In response to year 11 student voice, we are excited to announce that tickets for the highly anticipated Year 11 Prom are now officially on sale! This year, for the first time, we will be holding the event off-site at Sindlesham Court on 4th July.
This promises to be a memorable evening, filled with fun, celebration and memories as we bid farewell to our Year 11 students.
Full details about the event, including how to purchase tickets, dress code information, and other important instructions have been emailed to families and also posted on the SIMS app. To ensure everyone has all the information they need, Mrs. Cousins will also be posting the details on the year 11 Google Classroom.
We encourage all students to get their tickets early to avoid disappointment and look forward to seeing you there to celebrate this special occasion!
Climate Change Awareness Event
Recently, The Bulmershe School joined Year 3 students from Woodley C of E, Highwood, and Rivermead for a hands-on event focused on climate change. Organised by our Geography department, the event introduced young learners to the effects of climate change on the environment through interactive activities, such as exploring rising temperatures, habitat disruptions and the impact on coral reefs.
Year 10 students Ruby L and Ava M supported the event, helping younger participants understand these critical issues. The day ended with a celebration of student-created artwork on coral reefs, judged by Deputy Mayor Councillor, David Bragg. Parents joined the prize-giving ceremony, where reusable water bottles and pencils made from recycled materials were distributed, courtesy of Woodley Town Council.
This event reflects our strong ties to the community and commitment to shaping environmentally conscious young minds. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this fantastic day!
Year 12 Self Portraits
Students have been working on their observational drawings skills using a variety of media. The images below are some of our students’ self portraits, created in tonal pencil, drawn from observation via a mirror and reference photographs. We are very proud of the high quality achieved by the year 12 artists and would like to take this opportunity to congratulate them on their hard work.
Bushcraft Adventure with Highwood Primary
On Thursday, we welcomed 60 Year 3 pupils from Highwood Primary School for a Bushcraft-related Transition Session, supported by our Year 9 students. The activity introduced the younger pupils to the art of fire-making with Dr Harris. The children listened as he explained the essential elements of creating a fire and then set off on a mission to collect wood for fuel. The Year 9s took on leadership roles, showing patience and kindness as they helped the younger children toast marshmallow. The visit not only gave Highwood pupils a memorable experience but also showcased the opportunities Bulmershe provides for its students to develop leadership skills.
Events like this reflect our commitment to providing leadership opportunities and fostering strong community ties with local schools. A great effort by everyone involved, with special thanks to James C, Eddie D, Jinisha N and Mia F-D, and of course, Dr Harris.
Be Scooter Smart
Wokingham Council are raising the awareness of being safe when riding e-scooters and helping parents be informed before deciding to buy one for Christmas. This 10 minute video explains that it is illegal to ride scooters on public roads and pavements, and how they can only be legally ridden on private land or as part of an organised trial.
[Reminder] Kinky Boots Tickets now on sale!
Kinky Boots tickets are still available! Performances will be in the School Auditorium on Tuesday 3rd, Wednesday 4th and Thursday 5th December. Doors will open at 6pm, with performance beginning promptly at 7pm.
Tickets are available for the incredible price of £6 (Students & Seniors) and £9 (Adults). If you would like to purchase tickets, please follow the links below:
Buying tickets is a simple process: navigate through the Eventbrite platform and pay for your tickets online.
Please come along and help us make Kinky Boots! our best production yet.
[Reminder] Canteen Meal Deals
Did you know that Cucina offer meal deals each week to help students keep the cost of their lunches as low as possible?
Cucina Main Meals – w/c 2nd December
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
Ms Warner would like to give a shout out to Abdullah K in y13 for his contribution to the recent Geoleaders’ Debate and for being the school’s student Sustainability lead.
Miss Harris would like to say a huge thank you to James C, Eddie E, Mia F-D and Jinisha N who were exceptional while supporting Dr Harris and the Year 3 pupils collect fire wood, answer their worksheets and roast their marshmallows. THANK YOU as you have been FABULOUS and we are truly grateful for your support! She would also like to say a huge thank you to our wonderful transition leaders Ava M and Ruby L from Year 10 who represented the school brilliantly – they were so wonderful that the primary school teachers commented on how impressed they were with our Bulmershe students.
Staff Shout Outs
Miss Harris would like to say Thank you to Mr Tomala for delivering an excellent Primary school event all about Climate Change and the impact of it on our environment. Thank you to Mrs Garrard for planning the activities for the day. Thank you also to Miss James for all of her organisation, liaising and support in making this new Yr 3 Woodley Cluster Primary School event happen.
What’s On
Watch Reading FC v Blackpool
Reading FC are thrilled to welcome local schools and grassroots clubs to watch Reading V Blackpool! Your support truly enhances the atmosphere, and the players genuinely appreciate it.
When?
Reading vs Blackpool
Saturday 14th December, 3pm kick off
Where?
Select Car Leasing Stadium
How to qualify for the discount and confirm your attendance?
To redeem, please visit https://ticketing.readingfc.co.uk and enter the following unique coupon code: #Bulmershe in the basket once you have logged in and selected your tickets which will be discounted to the below prices:
13 and Under: £1
17 and Under: £4
18 to 24: £7
65 and over: £7
Adult: £10
How many tickets can we purchase? There is no limit on the number of tickets you can buy using your unique code.
Important! This offer applies to tickets in the Eamonn Dolan Stand blocks and Y19/Y20 of the Sir John Madejski Stand. Coupon codes are valid up until 4 hours before kick-off.
6 prizes to be won for School! Select Bulmershe here to cast your vote and be in with a chance to win one of 6 great prizes!
