The Bulmershe Bulletin – Issue 24
14th March 2025
Dear Parents and Carers,
At Bulmershe, we’re all about supporting our students at every step – whether they’re just starting to think about GCSEs or preparing to sit their final exams.
Our Year 11s are pushing towards the summit of their GCSEs, and our Bulmershe Ascent programme is here to keep them motivated. It’s all about recognising their hard work, encouraging revision, and keeping spirits high in the final stretch. This week, I had the pleasure of welcoming our first five mountain conquerors – Cheilla, Sophie, Qurratulain, Tire and Ruby – into my office to celebrate their achievement. A huge well done to them – and in particular to Cheilla who reached the top first.
Of course, we know that exams can be a stressful time for students (and their families!). That’s why we’re hosting a “Managing Exam Stress” evening, where our Academic Support Team will share practical strategies to help students stay calm, focused and motivated. We’d love to see as many families there as possible. The presentation takes place on Weds 26th March from 6pm in the auditorium. Please can you let us know you’re coming?
Meanwhile, Year 9s are about to take their first big step towards GCSEs, choosing their subjects for next year. Our Options Evening on Thursday 20th March is an essential event for Year 9 families. There will be subject stalls and a presentation about Option blocks. Current GCSE students will also be there to talk to about their experiences. Please do come along, ask questions and get all the guidance you need.
From first steps to final stretches, we’re here to support our students all the way!
Amanda Woodfin
Headteacher
Upcoming Events
18th Mar – Ski Trip 2026 Parent Information Presentation 6pm, Auditorium
19th Mar – Pastoral Coffee Morning for families 8:30am – 9:30am in the Library – Book here
20th Mar – Year 9 Options Evening from 6pm in school
26th Mar – SEND Drop in 3:15pm
26th Mar – Y11 families – Managing Exam Stress Workshop, 6pm, Auditorium – Book here
3rd April – Year 8 Parents’ Evening (online)
4th April – Term ends at 12:20pm
5th – 21st April – Easter Holidays
22nd April – Start of the summer term
STEM Careers Fair
This week, we were delighted to host our STEM Careers Fair, giving students in Years 9–13 the chance to explore exciting career opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths.
The event welcomed top employers, including the NHS, AWE, Amazon, Johnson Matthey, Invesco, CGI, BCS, Nervecentre, and many more. Students had the opportunity to speak directly with industry professionals, discover different career paths, and learn about apprenticeships and routes into employment.
The feedback from employers was overwhelmingly positive, with many commenting on our students’ engaging questions, enthusiasm and fantastic behaviour. We are especially proud to share that Year 13 student Abdullah and four of our Year 12 students have already been offered jobs with Invesco and AWE following the event!
We hope to make next year’s fair even bigger and better, expanding beyond STEM to include a wider range of careers. Thank you to all the organisations who took part—we look forward to welcoming even more employers in the future!
Bulmershe shine at PGL Netball Tournament
Our Year 10 and Year 11 netball teams had a fantastic weekend at the PGL Liddington tournament, competing against strong opposition and taking on some exciting outdoor activities along the way.
With the sun shining, the girls tackled zip wires, giant swings, and even axe throwing—where Miss James proved to be a natural, while Miss Cronin eventually got the hang of it!
Both teams put in a brilliant effort on the court:
Year 11 made it all the way to the semi-finals, holding their own against club and county-level players. They also won the Umpires’ Award for their outstanding sportsmanship and respect—a fantastic achievement.
Year 10 faced some tough games but showed great resilience, working hard and never giving up against experienced opposition.
After a full day of competition, there was still time for a silent disco and a game show night, which provided plenty of laughs and a chance to unwind.
The girls were a credit to the school, receiving praise from PGL staff and umpires for their excellent behaviour and politeness. Well done to everyone involved—it was a brilliant weekend of sport, teamwork and fun!
Open Mic Night – Calling All Musicians!
We’re inviting students from all year groups to take the stage—whether you’re a soloist, part of a band, a singer, or an instrumentalist. It’s a great chance to perform in front of friends and family in a fun and supportive environment.
Auditions: Wednesday 26th March at 3pm in MU2 – bring the song you want to perform!
Need to practise? Join our band workshops on Wednesdays from 3pm–4pm in the Music department.
Tickets to watch the show go live on IRIS on Monday!
Encourage your child to get involved! And save the date to join us to watch all our talented performers.
How to review canteen transactions in IRIS ParentMail
Thank you for your patience during our transition from sQuid to IRIS ParentMail for cashless payments. We’re pleased to confirm that the transfer is now complete. If you’ve set up your ParentMail account, your sQuid balance should now be visible in the app.
If you previously used sQuid to view your child’s meal purchases, you can still do this in IRIS ParentMail—though the option is a little harder to find. Follow these steps to see what your child has bought from the canteen:
- Open IRIS ParentMail – on the app or in a browser
- Choose “Accounts”
- Select your child’s name
- Look for the “Statements” icon and select it
- Choose a date
- Tap/click the items purchased to see full details
Please note: You will only be able to access this feature after making your first top-up on your child’s account.
As always, if you have any questions, please email reception@bulmershe.wokingham.sch.uk
Tell us Something
At The Bulmershe School, student wellbeing is our top priority. We want every child to feel safe, supported and confident in speaking up if they have any worries or concerns – whether about themselves or a friend. To make it as easy as possible, we have a “Tell Us Something” form, which allows students to alert our safeguarding team to any issues.
How it works:
Students can use the form to report concerns, big or small, about their safety or wellbeing. They can do this face-to-face with a staff member or online through the form. Our trained safeguarding team takes every report seriously and ensures that students receive the help and support they need.
Where to find the form
On all school computers – A direct link is available on the desktop.
On the school website – Hover over “Students” in the top menu and select “Tell Us Something.”
We encourage all parents to remind their children that they are never alone—help is always available at school. If your child ever feels unsure about something, this is a safe and simple way to reach out for support.
If you have any concerns or would like more information, please contact the school’s safeguarding team.
Tickets for Mean Girls the Musical
Last Chance to Book – Mean Girls the Musical Trip!
We still have tickets available for our Performing Arts trip to see Mean Girls the Musical at The Savoy Theatre in London on Tuesday, 23rd April 2025! This award-winning show, based on the popular film, promises to be an unforgettable experience – and we’ve secured excellent west-end seats at a great price.
Trip Details:
Depart: 16:30 from The Bulmershe School
Showtime: 19:00
Return: Approx. 23:30 (traffic dependent)
Cost: £40 (includes ticket + transport)
Deadline: 31st March 2025
To book tickets – please check IRIS ParentMail on Monday 17th, when trips and offers will be available.
Piano Taster Lessons
Chris Sansum from Berkshire Music Trust has availability for new piano students at The Bulmershe School on Thursdays. To encourage young musicians, he is offering free taster lessons for any student interested in trying piano before committing.
For more details, contact Chris at chrissansum@berksmusictrust.org.uk or visit www.berksmusictrust.org.uk to register.
In general, learning an instrument supports creativity, motor skills and listening skills, benefiting learning across many subjects. Lessons with Berkshire Music Trust start from £10 per session in small groups, with individual lessons also available.
[Reminder] 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 17th March
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
Miss Marr would like to shout out to Claudia VTJ and Anastasia M for managing to retrieve 15 overdue library books during their tutor time book collection duty.
Miss Bishop would like to recognise the excellent effort from 7xSc1 students Nicol, Evie, Reece, Yashvir, Mason, Maybel, Odara, Syed, Awais and Asher on their assessed homework: “Race to make a baby”. You have clearly put a lot of effort into your homework and classwork time on this task. You have used key words correctly and explained all the stages. Well done!
Staff Shout Outs
Mr Hird would like to thank Miss Cronin and Miss James for organising and leading the PGL netball trip. Both staff and pupils were amazing.
What’s On
Support U Workshop
How to Support Your Queer and Trans Child, hosted by Support U in collaboration with award-winning sex and health educator Dee Whitnell (they/them). This session will provide practical tools, insights, and strategies to help parents, carers, and allies create a safe, affirming environment for queer and trans youth. It’s an invaluable opportunity for those supporting LGBTQ+ young people to gain confidence and understanding in their role.
Location: Reading Biscuit Factory
Date: Saturday, 23rd March
Time: 13:00–14:30
Open to all ages
To register for the workshop, follow this link
Wicked Drama Workshops over Easter
Let your child’s talents soar at the Defying Gravity Easter School! Inspired by the recent film release this is an opportunity for your child to dive into theatre and unleash their creativity.
Dates and Details:
- Seniors (ages 12+): Monday 7th April to Friday 11th April 2025
- Juniors (ages 7-11): Monday 14th April to Thursday 17th April 2025
- Address: Oakwood Centre, Headley Rd, Woodley, RG5 4JZ
During the week, participants will:
- Explore singing, acting, and dancing inspired by the musical Wicked.
- Collaborate to create a showcase filled with magic, excitement and unforgettable moments.
- Build confidence, forge friendships, and take their creativity to new heights.
How to Book:
Seniors: www.berzerkproductions.com/box-office-and-events/senior-easter-school-2025
Juniors: www.berzerkproductions.com/box-office-and-events/junior-easter-school-2025
Yoga and dance to improve mental wellbeing
Mental health charity Sport in Mind runs yoga, dance and movement sessions to help young people improve their mental wellbeing.
These are held at Loddon Valley Leisure Centre in Lower Earley every Thursday during term time from 4pm to 5pm.
Sessions are fun, free and interactive and suitable for children aged 12 to 16. This is a great way to build confidence and self-esteem and make new friends. You will learn the basics of yoga and stretching, while there will also be a focus on breathwork to help regulate emotions. You can sign up online
World Autism Day
Everyone is invited to the Wokingham World Autism Awareness Day on Wednesday 2 April, from 2pm to 7pm, at the Oakwood Centre in Woodley. Book your free ticket online and drop in at any time that suits you.
On the day, you’ll have the opportunity to:
- Learn more about the All-age Autism Strategy and take part in action planning
- Find out about local support, services and activities for neurodivergent people and their families, directly from local charities and community and statutory organisations
- Participate in workshops to learn more about autism, including communication and sensory differences
- Join activities, including Brickies lego – fun for all ages!
The event is hosted by The Autism Partnership made up of organisations, groups and individuals in Wokingham Borough. Together we develop plans and drive progress, led by the local autistic community and their families.
We’re running a competition to design a logo for the Autism Partnership. It’s open to all who live, go to school or work in the borough. Visit our website to find out more and take part.
