The Bulmershe Bulletin – Issue 29
2nd May 2025
Dear Parents and Carers,
I hope you’ve been able to enjoy the sun? It certainly shined on our Year 10s last weekend, who were away on their Silver Duke of Edinburgh Practice expedition – I’ve spotted a few sunburnt faces around school this week!
I am so proud that The Bulmershe School offers the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award to our students, from Bronze through to Gold. It is one of the most valuable and enriching experiences we can give our young people, helping them build skills for life, develop confidence and push themselves beyond their comfort zones.
At Bulmershe, our DofE programme starts in Year 9 as part of our Leadership and Challenge curriculum – a weekly lesson designed to develop independence, resilience and personal growth. Students are asked to offer their services as a volunteer for 3 months, learn and practice a new skill for 3 months, complete physical challenges and go on a weekend expedition.
As students move into Years 10 and above, they can progress to Silver and Gold Awards through our after-school DofE club, which is run by a dedicated team of staff who volunteer their time to make these experiences possible.
DofE helps students build leadership, problem-solving and teamwork – qualities that last a lifetime. It’s no surprise that DofE is recognised by colleges, universities and employers alike for the determination, commitment and integrity it demonstrates.
If your child is currently in Year 8, please do encourage them to consider DofE as part of their Leadership and Challenge option for next year. Mr Grewal will be introducing this programme in upcoming assemblies, and it’s a fantastic opportunity for students to begin their DofE journey with us.
To find out more about how the DofE Award works at Bulmershe, visit our Duke of Edinburgh page or explore our unique Leadership and Challenge curriculum. You can also read about the wider benefits of the award at dofe.org/do/benefits.
Amanda Woodfin
Headteacher
Here are some photos from the Silver Expedition last weekend.
Upcoming Events
5th May – Bank Holiday – School is closed
8th & 9th May – Year 9 Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Practice Expedition
14th May – Pastoral Coffee Morning for Parents and Carers
22nd & 23rd May – Year 9 Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Qualifying Expedition
23rd May – Year 13 Leavers BBQ from 3pm on the school field
24th May – 1st June – Half Term Holiday
Setting structured routines at home
With exams on the horizon, you may be looking for effective ways to support your children with revision – especially if motivation seems low. Educational psychologists say it’s normal for teens to struggle with time management, planning and focus, but there are practical things you can do at home to help.
Here are some strategies you can try:
Set a regular study routine from Year 7
Encourage 15–30 minutes of focused study at the same time each day. Even if there’s no set homework, use this time for reading or research. The aim to make homework a positive routine.
Use open-ended questions
Ask questions like “What’s your plan for homework today?” or “How can I support you?” to encourage independence without pressure.
Encourage small goals
Help them break tasks into manageable chunks and set short-term goals. This can reduce overwhelm and boost motivation.
Praise effort, not just results
Recognise the steps they’re taking – whether it’s sitting down to revise, organising materials or trying a new method.
Get them talking about their learning
Ask them to explain a topic or summarise a book to you. Teaching others is a powerful revision tool.
Accept their style
Some teens revise in short bursts, use music, or prefer visuals. Help them find what works for them rather than sticking to one approach.
Avoid nagging
Instead of constant reminders, try “What’s your plan for managing your schoolwork today?” to keep the focus on their responsibility.
Start small, stay consistent
It’s not about overhauling everything overnight – building positive study habits gradually is often more effective.
Behind the Scenes at this week’s School photoshoot
This week we welcomed a professional photographer into school to help us refresh our website, prospectus and other materials with new photos that reflect the warmth, care and energy of our school community.
We’re so thankful to the students and staff who took part. Our fabulous models brought their best smiles to the shoot – some even turned photographer’s assistant, holding reflectors and helping create the perfect shot.
We focused on capturing the welcoming, inclusive atmosphere we’re so proud of at Bulmershe, including our excellent pastoral care and new spaces like the new library and Sixth Form café. A huge thank you to the teachers who allowed us to drop in and disrupt their lessons – they carried on brilliantly, even with a camera in their face!
Special thanks go to all the students who arrived at the right time, in immaculate uniform, and smiled their socks off. It was a long day, but everyone kept smiling right to the end. While we wait for the final photos, here are a few sneaky behind-the-scenes snaps.
We’re Hiring!
If you’ve ever thought about working in a school, we currently recruiting for a Lead Mentor to join our wonderful Inclusion Team. This is a term-time only role, working closely with students who need extra support with their social, emotional and behavioural needs.
Based in our dedicated SIGNAL Centre, the Lead Mentor helps students through 1:1 sessions, small group work and structured workshops. The role is varied and rewarding, ideal for someone with mentoring, pastoral or youth work experience – or anyone with the patience, positivity and calm approach needed to support young people.
Training is provided and the role offers a great opportunity to make a difference within our school community.
Please do share with friends, family or anyone you think might be interested.
Year 7 Bushcraft
The countdown to Bushcraft is on – and hopefully those Year 7 students going are getting excited!
We want to make sure you’re all set for the adventure, so please check your inbox for an email from Evolve. It includes everything you need:
✔️ A recording of the recent parent briefing
✔️ A link to the tent group selection form (make sure your child has their say!)
✔️ A helpful FAQ document to guide you through the essentials
Bushcraft is a brilliant opportunity for our students to build independence, teamwork and resilience – and we want every child to feel ready and supported.
You can read more about the Bushcraft trip on our website.
If you have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to contact Miss Bishop at jbishop@bulmershe.wokingham.sch.uk.
Work Experience for Sixth Form
We’re pleased to share an opportunity from Grant Thornton for Sixth Form students interested in finance, accountancy or business. Applications are now open for their Ignite Work Experience Programme, taking place in August 2025.
This free programme is open to Year 12 and Year 13 students and offers an exciting chance to explore what a career in accountancy could look like. Over the course of a week, students will gain real insight into life at a professional services firm – developing key employability skills, working on hands-on projects, and meeting current apprentices and professionals.
Best of all, completing the Ignite programme can lead to a fast-track route onto Grant Thornton’s full-time apprenticeship schemes once you finish school – an incredible way to kick-start a career straight out of Sixth Form.
You can find out more and apply now via the official website:
👉 Apply for Ignite Work Experience – August 2025
Spaces are limited and highly competitive, so we encourage interested students to apply as soon as possible.
New Poetry Club
At Poetry Club on Wednesday next week we are very excited to have a local poet, Robin Thomas, join us to run a session on poetry! We’ll be exploring what poetry is and how we define poetry.
https://robinthomaspoetry.com/
Poetry Circle is a lovely, relaxed group who likes having big discussions about poetry together. Whether you know loads about poetry or are new to it and interested to explore more, you’re very welcome! It takes place every Wednesday on Week B, from 3pm – 4pm in the new Sixth Form Cafe.
And if poetry is your thing… the Library team have launched a poetry competition for students. Details below!
Athletics Season now open!
This week marked the official start of the athletics season, with Bulmershe’s Year 10 and Year 8 teams kicking off the action at Bracknell Leisure Centre on Monday and Wednesday evenings. Competing against 12 schools from across the Wokingham Borough, Bulmershe pupils displayed incredible resilience and determination.
Despite the hot weather, students put forth 100% effort in every event. Their sportsmanship shone through as they not only excelled in their performances but also supported their teammates and showed respect to competing schools.
Looking ahead, the next major event is the district competition, which will take place on Thursday, 22nd May at Bracknell Leisure Centre. The PE department will be fielding teams from Years 7, 8, 9 and 10. Pupils interested in taking part should sign up at the PE office.
[Reminder] Parent Pastoral Coffee Morning
Following the positive feedback from families who attended our March event, we’re pleased to invite you to our next Pastoral Coffee Morning on Wednesday 14th May, from 8:30 – 9:30 am in the school library.
At The Bulmershe School, we understand that every child’s journey is different. These informal coffee mornings are a chance for families to chat to key members of our pastoral team – without needing an appointment. Staff from Oasis, SIGNAL, Attendance, Year Teams and Leadership will all be on hand to listen, offer advice, and point you towards the right support.
If your child is struggling with attendance, anxiety, or any barrier to learning, please don’t hesitate to come along. You’re welcome to drop in at any point during the hour, and younger siblings are very welcome too.
To help us prepare (and make sure there’s enough tea and coffee!), please sign up below:
If you have any questions, feel free to email us at: attendance@bulmershe.wokingham.sch.uk
Cucina Main Meals – w/c 10th 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
Students in maths classes: 7xTTs, 7×1, 7yTTS, 7y1, 8xTTS, 8×1, 8yTTS and 8y1 completed the UKMT Junior maths challenge this week! Mr Allen would like to say a big well done to all who participated.
Miss Howe would like to give a shout out to her year 11 GCSE photography students who sat for their exam across two days this week in the hot weather. Well done to: Ibrahim A, Tilly B, Arthur B, Penny H, Emily K, Sanjana K, Hiba N, Sakshi M, Xristophe R, Holly S, Sofia T. They all worked so hard and have made work to be proud of. She would also like to give a shout out to Rosie S in year 12 who bravely presented her Media pitch to the whole class.
Congratulations to Year 7 Olivia W for her outstanding performance in the Southern Region Gymnastics last weekend. She gained gold in the closed category and silver in the open category. Well done!
Miss Cherrington would like to give a shout out to year 10s Mia K and Charlotte D for looking out for their friend. They are to be applauded on their compassion and common sense.
Staff Shout Outs
Mr Hussain would like to thank Mrs Newport for all her support in the Maths department. She has been invaluable for years!
What’s On
Half Term Activities at Dinton Pastures
Now the Easter holidays are finished, you might want to get planning for May half-term or the school summer holidays. Dinton Activity Centre is ready to take bookings for May half-term (27 to 30 May) and Summer school holidays (28 July to 29 August)
A half-day session is £34, suitable for children aged eight to 13. Morning sessions run 9.30am to 12.30pm, afternoon session run 1.30pm to 4.30pm.
Each activity is thoughtfully crafted to ensure safety, excitement and skill-building, making it the perfect place for kids to learn, grow and make lasting memories. The activities include:
- Friday, 1.30pm to 4.30pm – Fire lighting and Jacob’s ladder
- Tuesday, 9.30am to 12.30pm – Archery and team challenges
- Tuesday, 1.30pm to 4.30pm – Kayaking and leap of faith
- Wednesday, 9.30am to 12.30pm – Shelter building and outdoor climbing
- Wednesday, 1.30pm to 4.30pm – Fencing and rafted canoes
- Thursday, 9.30am to 12.30pm – Crate stack and orienteering
- Thursday, 1.30pm to 4.30pm – Archery and SUP
- Friday, 9.30am to 12.30pm – Kayaking and indoor climbing
VE event in Woodley
2025 marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day, a celebration of 80 years of peace since the end of Word War Two in Europe. on Thursday 8th May, the Woodley community are invited to gather at the war memorial in Woodford Park for 9pm and the Town Mayor will lay a wreath, followed by the lighting of the beacon at 9.30pm.
