The Bulmershe Bulletin – Issue 22
28th February 2025
Dear Parents and Carers,
This week, our assemblies have been all about kindness – what it means, why it matters, and how we can all show more of it in our daily lives. Mr McAlaney spoke to students about how kindness isn’t just about being nice; it’s a strength that has shaped history. He shared inspiring stories of Gandhi, Miep Gies and Harriet Tubman—people whose small but powerful acts of kindness changed the world. He also highlighted the Pride of Reading Awards which celebrates young people in our community who have gone above and beyond to help others.
At Bulmershe, kindness is at the heart of everything we do. It embodies our core values of Respect, Responsibility, Resilience and Safety, and helps create a welcoming environment where everyone feels safe and supported. Mr McAlaney has set students a challenge: to carry out Random Acts of Kindness throughout the day. Whether that’s holding the door for someone, giving a thoughtful compliment, picking up litter, or simply checking in on a friend, small gestures can have a big impact.
This message also links to our new Curriculum Theme: Communication. Last term, we focused on conflict, but this term, we are looking at how we can use kind and respectful communication to build positive relationships and prevent misunderstandings.
A little kindness goes a long way, and together, we can create a school community where everyone feels valued and supported. Let’s take up the challenge and make kindness part of our daily routine!
Have a nice weekend,
Amanda Woodfin
Headteacher
Upcoming Events
4-6th Mar – GCSE Drama Exams
5th Mar – Sonia Leong – Manga author visit
6th Mar – World Book Day
7-14th Mar – British Science Week
11th Mar -STEM Careers Fair – in school
19th Mar – Pastoral Coffee Morning for families 8:30am – 9:30am in the Library
20th Mar – Year 9 Options Evening from 6pm in school
New Curriculum Theme: Communication
Last term, we encouraged students to reflect on conflict – how it arises and how it can be resolved, from everyday disagreements to global issues. With the ongoing situation in Ukraine remaining in the news, we explored how effective communication plays a vital role in preventing and resolving conflicts by setting expectations, identifying potential issues early and understanding different perspectives.
To prevent and resolve conflict we need good communication! We communicate constantly—through speech, writing, body language, emails, social media, advertising and more. But how do we ensure our communication is clear, effective, and positive? Throughout the term, students will explore different forms of communication, the impact it has on us, and how they can develop strong communication skills for the future.
Bringing learning to life in Geography and History!
Our Year 7 students have been fully engaged in their lessons this week, using interactive games to explore key topics in Geography and History. In History, they stepped back in time to Medieval England, deepening their understanding of life in the past through hands-on activities. Meanwhile, in Geography, they tackled Extreme Environments, using Summit Challenges to learn about some of the world’s hostile landscapes. These interactive lessons make learning fun and memorable, helping students to develop key skills while bringing their subjects to life!
STEM Careers Fair
As part of National Careers Week, we are excited to host our annual STEM Careers Fair on Tuesday 11th March, giving students the chance to meet real industry experts and explore exciting career options.
Taking place in the auditorium from 12:20pm to 2:30pm, the fair will feature 12 different companies, offering insights into careers in science, technology, engineering and maths. Companies attending include the NHS, AWE, Invesco, Virgin Media and CGI.
This year’s theme, ‘YOU CAN!’, focuses on empowering young people to believe in themselves and their futures. Encourage your child to drop by, ask questions, and get inspired!
Free Online Parent Workshop
Understanding the Teenage Brain
Adolescence is a time of rapid brain development, shaping how teenagers think, feel and behave. Join the Wokingham Mental Health Support Team on Tuesday 25th March at 6pm for a free online workshop to explore how the teenage brain evolves, why emotional highs and lows are common and how stress impacts mental health.
The Workshop will cover sleep struggles, emotional regulation and practical strategies to support your teen. By understanding the science behind teenage behaviour, parents can feel more confident guiding their child through this important stage of growth.
Spaces for this event are limited and anyone who would like to attend must book a place on Eventbrite:
Year 5 Bake Off
Recently, The Bulmershe School hosted the Woodley Cluster Year 5 Bake Off, bringing together students from Highwood, Beechwood, St Dominic Savio and Willowbank Primary Schools. This event is part of our commitment to supporting the local community and helping young students feel confident about their future transition to secondary school.
A special mention goes to our Year 9 Transition Leaders—Bernice, Aaira, Grace, Solomon, Victoria, Ayomide, and Michelle – who played a key role in the day’s success. They guided and encouraged the Year 5 students, demonstrating leadership, teamwork and excellent mentoring skills. Their efforts were highly praised by staff, parents and the judging panel, which included local councillors. Well done to all involved!
Congratulations go to to Amelie and Robyn from Willowbank Primary School, whose ‘On the Beach’ cake stole the show!
Rags2Riches Clothing Donations
Having a clear out? We have signed up to the Rags2Riches recycling scheme to raise money for our school and help those in need benefit from our good quality unwanted clothes and shoes. The school receives 40p for every kilo we collect of reusable items, which will go towards improving the school learning environment. Please tell family and friends that anyone can bring donations (in a black bin bag or shopping bag) to the school reception. You can drop donations off anytime before Monday 19th May!
Cucina Main Meals – w/c 3rd March
HOT CHOCOLATE INVITATIONS
I like to welcome deserving students to my office to share a cup of hot chocolate with me on a Friday during registration. These students are nominated by staff who have been impressed by progress, achievement or attitude.
This week, I would like to invite Amelia S, Eliana G, Claudia VT-J and Piper L all in year 7, to join me for a celebratory cup of hot chocolate on Friday 7th March at 8:35am.
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
Mr Tomala would like to give a shout out to Sam W in Year 11 for lending his IT skills to help with some Web Development – the Travel & Tourism department are so grateful to him.
Mr Scott would like to give a shout out to William H in year 10 for constantly showing his passion for furthering his experience of super curricular content. He shows a constant want to further his real-world knowledge related to Economics and it is great to see a student take an interest in such intellectual disciplines.
Miss McNamara would like to shout out Hannah T-C and Peter M for outstanding pieces of creative writing in their English Language mock exams. We have been continuing to complete reflection activities this week, and they have looked back on stunning pieces of highly creative, well-structured work that reflected their consistent efforts.
Mr McAlaney would like to offer Alex K is Y11 massive praise for an outstanding performance in his GCSE Computer Science class test. He achieved 100% on the past paper questions test with a flawless set of answers – almost unheard of.
Fantastic Work Alex.
Mrs Ambrose would like to recognise Olivia N, Aleena Y, Odara WG and Raja HK. They have been EXCELLENT this term in swimming. All of them can now confidently put their faces on the water and swim a width. A pretty impressive achievement in such a short space of time.
Miss James would like to give shout outs to Amara and Mya in Year 11 who have been working really hard in and outside of lessons for their History GCSE.
Staff Shout Outs
Miss Harris would like to give a shout out to Miss Bishop for using her creative skills to put together this year’s transition videos ahead of the Year 6 National Offer Day on Monday.
What’s On
Reading FC Grassroots Fixture
When?
Reading vs Stevenage
Saturday 15th March, 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 great prizes to be won for your School! Select your School here to cast your vote and be in with a chance to win one of 6 great prizes!
If you have any questions about this offer, please email sales@readingfc.co.uk or call 0118 968 1313.
Tabletop Takeover
If you love board games, then you will love the return of the Tabletop Takeover, being held at Wokingham Town Hall on Saturday 1 March, with a range of games to suit all ages.
Sessions are running in the morning (9.30am to 12.30pm) and the afternoon (2pm to 5pm), with tickets priced at £4 per person and £12 for a group of four people. There will be demonstrations and taster sessions for Dungeons & Dragons. For more information about the range of games available, visit the event booking page.
