The Bulmershe Bulletin – Issue 15
20th December 2024
Dear Parents and Carers,
End of Term Round-Up
As we wrap up the term, I’m sure I’m not the only one wondering how we managed to pack so much into just a few months. It’s been a whirlwind of activity, achievement and community spirit—no wonder we’re all ready for a rest!
Let’s start with the show-stopper of the term: Kinky Boots. Our students shone on stage, wowing audiences every night with their incredible talent and dedication. A huge thank you to everyone who made it such a success.
This term has been full of opportunities for students to learn, grow and get involved. We’ve had Student Leader assemblies, Careers workshops, Green Careers Week and a moving whole-school remembrance ceremony. Halloween and Christmas film nights brought fun and laughter, while The Big Sleep Out helped our students reflect on important social issues.
We’ve opened our doors to the wider community too, with events like the Sixth Form Open Evening and the Bulmershe Open events showcasing everything our school has to offer. The new Sixth Form Café also made its debut—already proving to be a hit with students and staff.
There have been trips to the theatre, universities and Kew Gardens, debates on climate change, and thought-provoking discussions during subject reviews. And let’s not forget the countless after-school clubs, sports fixtures and guest speakers that have enriched our students’ experiences.
Looking ahead, we’re kicking off January with Year 11 and Year 13 mock exams—an important milestone for our older students as they prepare for their futures.
To our staff, students and families: thank you for everything you’ve contributed this term. Have a restful break, recharge those batteries, and we’ll see you in 2025!
Amanda Woodfin
Headteacher
The term in numbers:
451,318 – the total number of achievement points awarded this term
959 – the highest number of achievement points gained by a single student so far
2,659 – the number of books borrowed from our library since September
1,974 – the number of club registrations recorded this term
29 – the number of trips organised by the school this term
Buddy and all at the school, wish everyone in our Bulmershe Community a happy and restful two week break.
Upcoming Events
Fri 20th Dec – Term breaks for the Christmas holidays at 12:20pm
Mon 6th Jan – Term starts for all students
Mon 6th Jan – Year 13 Mock Exams start
Mon 13th Jan – Year 11 GCSE Mock exams start
Mental Health Matters
For some adults and young people, Christmas is far from a season of goodwill filled with fun and laughter. Many factors including a lack of routine and the pressure to spend money can mean Christmas can be a really difficult time. There is support available for those who may need it, so please do take a look at the attached which has some useful help and advice, along with details of organisations available over the holidays.
The “Tellmi” service is also there to help. Whether you’re feeling bored, lonely or just need a safe space to talk, the app is open – even on Christmas day.
Tellmi is here for you, 365 days a year.
Connect with others, share your thoughts and feel better, whatever the season.
Click here to access Tellmi
Update from Mr Whearity
10 weeks have passed since the accident and rehab continues.
Running is not possible, so am doing my physio exercises every other day and low resistance work on desk cycle (see picture) to increase mobility in the hip.
Hopefully, I will be off crutches by Christmas, and able to move around freely.
Thank you for all your messages and wishes – Have a great Christmas everyone
Festive Fun Runs
The Festive Fun Run came to Bulmershe once again! Pupils turned out in style—donning Santa hats, reindeer antlers and Christmas jumpers—as they raced through the cold with determination (and plenty of laughter). This annual event is about more than just running; it’s a chance to celebrate resilience, set personal challenges and spread some holiday fun. The PE department encouraged everyone to give it their all, whether competing for top prizes or simply soaking in the festive spirit.
The finish line was a flurry of excitement as students crossed, cheered on by their peers and teachers. Special awards were given for standout outfits, alongside trophies for the top finishers in each year group. Huge congratulations to all the winners and a massive well done to everyone who took part—your energy and enthusiasm made this year’s Fun Run unforgettable. See you next year for more festive fitness! 🎄🎅
Below are just a few photos from the week, you can see more on our website.
PE Enrichment
Over the past two weeks, the PE department has also brought festive cheer to PE lessons with a special enrichment curriculum. Pupils enjoyed indoor athletics and games designed to foster friendly competition, teamwork and personal growth. These activities helped students build valuable skills like leadership, perseverance and sportsmanship, which were also key to their assessments.
The students embraced the festive fun with enthusiasm, showing impressive teamwork and inclusivity. Many took on leadership roles, supporting their peers and demonstrating independence. The PE team is proud of their efforts and the positive atmosphere created throughout the events.
Christmas Jumper Day
Thank you to everyone who dressed up and contributed to our Christmas Jumper fundraiser for Daisy’s Dream today. It was a lovely way to close the term, with a vast array of jumpers on display, from the traditional to the just plain silly. It was good to see the staff get involved too!
New Club for January
Miss McNamara and Miss Mac would like to introduce you to the new set up of a No Labels group at our school for a January start. The club will be held in the sixth form café on Tuesdays afterschool for half an hour. The club is for the LGBTQ+ community and allies to meet in a safe space to chat, support one another and get advice from the No Labels staff. If interested, please see when the group is available to your year group and come along.
Mrs Parkes Sparx
The results are in for Mrs Parkes Sparx competition and everyone in the top 10 deserves a mention! Achievement points all round with Aishwarya getting the largest bar of Dairymilk ever seen, Vishav and Mason also get chocolate!
| Aishwarya G | Year 9 | 7765 |
| Vishav D | Year 7 | 6099 |
| Mason B | Year 8 | 4230 |
| Shamza A | Year 8 | 3379 |
| Benedict A | Year 7 | 3350 |
| Joel R | Year 8 | 2830 |
| Olivia N | Year 7 | 2460 |
| Tayler G | Year 9 | 2356 |
| Mansour S | Year 9 | 2355 |
| Abbie S | Year 8 | 2279 |
Admissions Consultation
The Bulmershe School is consulting on proposed changes to the Admission Arrangements for 2026-27, and in-year admissions for other year groups during that year.
Please visit our website to view the consultation documents, which set out the proposed changes, admissions arrangements and how to respond.
Cucina Main Meals – w/c 6th January
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
Reception/Student Reception would like to thank all the Year 8 students who have been student helpers this half term. They have been responsible, polite and extremely helpful. We couldn’t have done our job without them.
Mr Hird would like to thank all those pupils who showed their festive spirit and dressed for the annual fun run and thank you to all those pupils who donated food to the Woodley Food Bank.
Well done to Year 10 3D Design students, you are working hard developing your primary observational skills, completing homework tasks and have great focus, resilience and determination. Keep it up! – Mrs Trenwith
Mr Chandler would like to give a shout out to the following Year 7s for their outstanding attitude to learning in this, their first term: Lexi C, Aayda D, Naima G, Sam P, Advika P, Kamalnoor S, Claudia VTJ, Harry D, Sophie E, Piper L, Oliver M, James N, Nyah S, Amelia S and Lucy T.
Mrs Warner would like to give a shout out to all those students who entered the Geo-Leaders Poster competition: Nikhil K, Kaeden SP, Joshua E, Asher T, Suhaan N, Seren B, Marcus L, Varnit S, Ella B, Lance M, James N, Rahil G, Claudia VTJ and Tristen M
Staff Shout Outs
Mr Hird would like to thank Mr Grinch Thompson for getting into the Christmas Spirit and motivating the pupils to run around the course.
What’s On
Experience the Nativity
An event for the people of Reading to come and explore the Nativity story. Stations of the Nativity will guide you through the miraculous story of the first Christmas. There will be free hot mulled punch, hot chocolate, minced pies, crafts and much more!
Where: St Laurence Church, Friar Street, Reading
When: Sunday 22nd December, 2pm – 3:30pm
Christmas Quiz
Reading Biscuit Factory are hosting 5 rounds of head-scratching, brain-busting questions, with obligatory drinks breaks of course. Get the gang together for the quiz night of all quiz nights, and win some great prizes (including free tickets and drinks!). Maximum team size is 6 people.
Where: Reading Biscuit Factory, 1 Queens Walk (On the corner of Oxford Road)
When: Monday 23rd December, 7pm – 10pm
£3.50 per head. Buy Tickets here
Carols by Candlelight
Reading Male Voice Choir and Occasions Singers combine to provide a concert of joy and hope for Christmas. This family-friendly concert is packed full of festive melodies and sing-along carols.
Raising money for Reading Minster’s Music Outreach Project, tickets are £7.50 (Under 16s are free). Buy tickets here
