Dear Parents and Carers,

It has been an absolute pleasure to see the students coming into school this week, looking incredibly smart and ready to go. I want to say a huge thank you to all of our families for helping your children get back into a routine after the long summer break. The fantastic punctuality and high standards of uniform we have seen have set the tone for a truly positive start to the term, and it makes all the difference.

We know that getting back into the rhythm of school life can be a challenge. The late nights and long lie-ins of the holidays are over, but your support at home is vital. We encourage you to continue this momentum by getting your children involved in preparing for school the night before, such as packing their bags and thinking about their lunches. This helps to give them a sense of responsibility and ownership over their school day while also making the mornings much smoother for everyone.

It is also a good time to revisit habits around screentime. While computer games and phones can be great fun, they can also interfere with sleep. We recommend ensuring all devices are off and away at least an hour before bedtime to help your child get the rest they need. A good night’s sleep is one of the most important things for a successful day of learning.

We are looking forward to a great year ahead, and we are so pleased to be back. Thank you for your continued partnership as we work together to help every student succeed.

Amanda Woodfin
Headteacher

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Upcoming Events

11-19th Sept – Year 11 Geography Field Trips
Tue 16th Sept – Year 9 Curriculum Evening in the Auditorium
Thu 18th Sept – Year 11 Curriculum Evening in the Auditorium
Mon 22nd Sept – Year 11 GCSE PE Moderation at Palmer Park
Thu 25th Sept – School closes at 12:20pm to prepare for Open Evening
Tue 30th Sept – Year 10 Curriculum Evening in the Auditorium
Thu 2nd Oct – Year 13 Curriculum Evening in the Auditorium

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PARKING ON SITE
We encourage all students to try to take public transport, walk or cycle to school. Our on site carpark is for staff only. We have no dedicated area near the school for dropping off or picking up students by car, as the area at the front of reception is reserved for buses and disabled visitors only.

If you have to drive your child to/from school, please arrange to meet them in a safe place off-site. Please be respectful of our neighbours and do not park on yellow lines or block driveways.

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Attendance Matters

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After School Clubs

We are still finalising our full timetable of after school activity clubs, and will announce these soon. However, our sports clubs will start from Monday 15th September.

Extra-curricular clubs really benefit students: from making new friends, to learning new skills. They are also a great addition to CVs and University Applications later on… as well as being a lot of fun! Our clubs rarely require students to sign up in advance – we want as many people to join in as possible – so if something takes your child’s fancy, or they want to try something new, they just turn up on the day!

Oasis Homework Club is up and running – Monday to Thursday, 3-4pm, if students need a quiet space or need some support to complete their homework, Oasis can help. The Library is also open after school for independent study, Monday through to Thursday, 3-4pm and Fridays until 3.30pm.

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Curriculum Themes and Sustainability

At Bulmershe, we aim to link our curriculum to the wider world through a series of whole-school themes. This helps students make connections across different subjects and think about the big ideas that are shaping our world, encouraging them to look beyond their immediate surroundings. This approach prepares them to contribute positively by encouraging mutual respect and challenging stereotypes.

This term, our theme is Sustainability. We will be exploring this topic through a wide range of activities, from video presentations and tutor time projects to cross-curricular lessons. Your child might be discussing global energy distribution in Science, the impact of deforestation on communities in Geography, or ethical considerations in their form time. This approach not only helps students understand their place in an interconnected world but also prepares them to be thoughtful and responsible citizens in the future. We look forward to seeing the ideas and passion this theme inspires.

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Library Assistants Wanted!

Miss Marr is looking for students to join our team of Library Assistants for this year! This is a fantastic opportunity for students who love books and would like to get more involved in the school community.

Library Assistants help out during break and lunchtimes and get to be a part of the daily running of the library. They learn how to use the computer system to check books in and out, help keep the shelves tidy and assist with making decisions about the library. They can also get creative by helping to make seasonal decorations!

Students who join the team will receive a special Library Assistant badge to wear and will earn achievement points for every shift they complete.

Interested students should pick up an application form from the library as soon as possible. Interviews will begin on Monday 22nd September.

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Lost Property

With 1,250 students all wearing the same Bulmershe Uniform across years 7 – 11, it is absolutely essential that all students’ property is labelled with their name!

Please can families take some time this weekend to put names on water bottles, uniform, bags and stationery with a sticky label or permanent marker so that we can return lost items when found. Thank you!

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Claiming Free School Meals

The rise in cost of living means more families may need support they are not used to claiming or getting, such as free school meals.

This would not only help you: it would help the school too. Schools are given additional funding by the Government for every child who gets free school meals.  If you think your family could qualify, please download the application form from our website or pick up a form from school.

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Year 13 Oxbridge Next Steps Workshop

For any families with a child in Year 13 who are considering applying to Oxford or Cambridge University, there is a helpful online workshop taking place on Tuesday 23 September from 4:30pm to 5:30pm.

The session will be led by a member of the Wellington Oxbridge Team and will cover key deadlines, how to write a standout personal statement and next steps in the application process. This is a great opportunity for students to get expert advice. Students must register to attend by 12 noon on Friday 19 September.

For more information and to register, students can use the following link: https://forms.office.com/e/X8ZpB6YE4r

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Year 10 – Year 13 Apprenticeship Opportunities with AWE

AWE, a leading employer in the area, is offering a wide range of apprenticeships for students in Years 10 to 13. These programmes provide a valuable opportunity for young people to earn a wage while they learn, gaining real-world experience and qualifications in fields such as Project Management, Engineering and Science.

To help families and students learn more, AWE is hosting a series of upcoming events:

• A webinar for parents and carers on Tuesday 23 September at 5:30pm.
• An in-person information evening on Tuesday 7 October at 5:30pm.

AWE also has a free careers and mentoring service available to students to help them with their applications. To view all events and to register, families should sign up to the AWE Connectr platform and look for Events.

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Spotlight on Languages

As we open our books and minds for another exciting academic year, the MFL department is thrilled to welcome both new and returning students. Whether your child is mastering their first words in French or Spanish, or diving deeper into the complexities of grammar and conversation, this year is full of possibilities.

Learning a foreign language isn’t just about vocabulary lists and verb tables. It’s about connecting with cultures, exploring new perspectives and gaining skills that open doors around the world. From travel and friendships to careers in business, diplomacy or education, languages give you a global edge.

Bon courage and ¡Buena suerte!

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Free STEM Mentoring

Students can get one to one support and career advice over a 10-week period from STEM professionals. They can also gain access to resources to help them make informed decisions about thier future and cover topics such as:

• Mental health and wellbeing
• Job hunting, applications and interviews
• Study skills
• Money, housing and independent living

Students can access the sign up form below. Deadline: 19th September.

Cucina Main Meals – w/c 15th September

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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

Mrs Cousins: A big well done to our Year 7 students who have made the exciting leap from primary to secondary school. You have settled in brilliantly, embracing new routines, making new friends and showing great enthusiasm for learning. We are so proud of the positive start you’ve made and we look forward to seeing this continue throughout the year.

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