The Bulmershe Bulletin – Issue 44
3rd October 2025
Dear Parents and Carers,
It is hard to believe that our first month of the new academic year has already flown by! I am pleased to say it has been a strong and focused start across the school. Our students look fantastic with very high uniform standards and are clearly engaged and ready to learn, which creates such a positive atmosphere every day.
I must also extend a sincere thank you for families’ commitment to attendance. Our whole school attendance is currently above the national average, and this success is entirely due to your dedication in helping to get your children to school on time and ready to go. That level of support makes a huge difference.
We have also seen excellent attendance at our recent Curriculum Evenings. These events are a vital part of helping you stay informed and engaged with your child’s learning journey, so seeing so many families attending is highly encouraging. If you weren’t able to attend, the presentations from the evening are saved on your child’s Year Group page.
To our new Year 7 families: We know you have had a lot to learn in a short space of time, getting to grips with all the different apps, managing homework and navigating new school routines. Thank you for handling this learning curve so efficiently. Please remember if you have any questions at all about the school systems or processes, do not hesitate to contact Reception for assistance.
Thank you once again for the outstanding support you give both your children and the school. It is through this strong partnership that we can help every student achieve their full potential.
Amanda Woodfin
Headteacher
Upcoming Events
Tue 7th Oct – Year 7 STEM Trip to Thorpe Park
Tue 7th Oct – Year 12 Curriculum Evening in the Auditorium
Tue 14th Oct – Year 8 Curriculum Evening in the Auditorium
w/c 20th Oct – Year 11 Exam Week
w/c 27th Oct – Half Term Holidays
New PE Timetables: Know When to Bring the Swim Kit!
The PE Rotation Timetables for this year are now available on our school website.
This information is particularly useful for families as it clearly outlines which sport your child will be learning each week, helping you know exactly when they need different kit. This is especially important for swimming, as it confirms the weeks they need to bring their swim kit instead of their usual PE uniform.
To check which specific class your child is in for PE, please refer to the class codes listed for them in ClassCharts or in their subject classrooms on Google Classroom. Please take a moment to look at the new rotation timetable on our website to ensure your child is prepared for their lessons.
Science Department: Sparx Homework Support
Our Science Department is pleased to announce new Sparx Science Homework Support Sessions to help students with their weekly assignments.
These sessions are being offered for students who would like extra support answering their Sparx Science questions.
The support sessions will run every Monday during lunchtime and are open to all year groups. Please note the location is dependent on the weekly rotation:
- S6 – Monday Lunch time Week A
- S7 – Monday Lunch time Week B
Please encourage your child to attend if they need a space to complete their homework or require assistance from a teacher.
This term’s Parent Survey
Our termly Parent Survey is closing soon! We are always looking for ways to improve and grow as a school, and your honest feedback plays a vital role in that process.
This survey is your opportunity to share your thoughts and experiences about school life, whether it’s what we are doing well or specific areas where you feel we could improve. Your voice matters and helps us ensure we continue to provide the best possible support for our students.
Please take a few moments to complete the survey here: Autumn Term Parent Survey. If you have any pressing concerns that require immediate attention, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s Head of Year directly.
Art & Design: Year 10 Finds Inspiration at Kew Gardens
This week, our Year 10 Art and 3D Design students enjoyed an enriching day trip to the spectacular Kew Gardens . This fieldwork is a vital part of their GCSE coursework, allowing them to gather essential primary observational evidence for their projects.
The students were exposed to an incredible variety of flora from across the world, which will provide sources of inspiration for their creative work. The trip offered a hands-on experience and ensures our students begin their coursework with original, high-quality material, setting a strong foundation for their success.
Production Appeal: The Addams Family Costumes & Props
Our Drama department is starting preparations for our upcoming production of The Addams Family! Over the next few weeks, we will be appealing to families for donations of specific costumes and props to help bring this spooky show to life.
Your generous support in lending or donating items makes a huge difference to the quality of our production, and we are incredibly grateful for your help.
This week’s call is for Candlesticks and Candelabras: of any shape, size or colour.
If you have any of these items you can spare, please drop them off at Reception when you can over the next week or so. Thank you in advance for helping the school!
Could your career inspire our students?
We are currently reaching out to local businesses and want to extend the invitation to our parent community to get involved in this year’s Annual Careers Fair on Wednesday 5 November 2025.
The fair is designed to inspire our Year 9 to Year 13 students and showcase the vast range of job sectors that drive our economy and society. We are looking for representatives from all areas, including healthcare education finance IT and construction.
You would be allocated a desk to set up promotional materials and chat directly with students about your career pathway. Students will attend the fair with a question sheet to encourage active engagement and help them understand the skills and qualifications needed in your sector.
This is a fantastic opportunity to share your expertise and inspire the next generation. The fair runs from 12:20pm to 2:30pm in the school Auditorium.
If you are interested in talking to our students about your career or would like more information, please contact Mrs Sahin at csahin@bulmershe.wokingham.sch.uk.
SIGNAL Lunch Club
SIGNAL’s lunchtime club, designed to provide a calmer and supportive environment for students, is back. The club is open to students who may struggle with friendships or simply benefit from a more structured and peaceful space during the break.
The main aim of SIGNAL is to help students build stronger relationships with their peers. By providing a suitable setting, staff can help students learn how to initiate and develop relationships using positive communication styles.
The club runs every Thursday in the Food Tech Block, with a staggered schedule to keep the groups small:
- Week A (Lunch A, 12:20–1:00pm): Years 7-8
- Week B (Lunch B, 1:20–2:00pm): Years 9-11
Please encourage your child to attend if they feel this supportive club would benefit them.
New Sports Strip!
We are pleased to share that the PE Department has won a brand-new sports strip, thanks to the quick thinking of a member of our staff. Mrs Moon took first place in a competition run by Interski, the company we partner with for our school ski trip.
This achievement has directly benefited our students as the prize was a full sports kit for the department. The Year 10 girls’ football team were the first to wear the new strip at their recent tournament, representing the school brilliantly.
We offer congratulations to Mrs Moon for her fantastic effort. This win is a great result that directly enhances the resources available for our sports students.
Reading College Open Events for Year 11
Reading College is offering two valuable, free parent webinars to help families navigate the post-16 education landscape. These sessions are designed to explain the different types of qualifications available after Year 11 and offer parents the chance to ask questions directly.
The webinars are scheduled for:
Monday 13 October, 6:00–6:45 pm – Click here to book
Wednesday 8 October, 6:00–6:45 pm – Click here to book
In addition the college is holding the following Open Events for Year 11s to attend to see what they have to offer:
Club Launch: The Pride Network
We are pleased to introduce the new Bulmershe Pride Network. This club aims to create a welcoming and supportive space for students and staff within our school community.
The network welcomes everyone: whether you are part of the LGBTQ+ community or simply want to be an ally. It is a safe space for friendship support and fun.
The group meets every week on Tuesdays from 3pm to 4pm in the Sixth Form Cafe. This week the group enjoyed getting to know each other through some fun Taskmaster-style challenges.
As October has begun, this coming week’s meeting on Tuesday 7 October at 3pm will focus on autumnal crafts. All students and staff are welcome to attend and feel free to bring a friend along too. We are delighted to see this new network grow within the school.
Action Required – Flu Vaccine Consent
All families should have receive the NHS letter confirming that children from Year 7 to Year 11 are eligible for the annual Flu Vaccine this autumn. This simple vaccine helps keep students safe and healthy, as flu can make children very poorly.
The Berkshire Immunisation Team will visit The Bulmershe School on Tuesday 16 December 2025.
We urge all parents to complete the online YES or NO consent form using one of the links below (depending if your child can have porcine gelatine). Please ensure you include the school’s unique code: BK110062. Forms must be submitted by 9am one full school day before the session.
- Nasal flu vaccine consent
- Injectable flu vaccine consent (does not contain porcine gelatine)
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 Crane: Well done Jess C, Nistha D, Diya N, Ella P, Sophia SD and Kayla T who have absolutely smashed it out the park this week in Art. Students were working on their pencil control and practising a variety of mark making techniques in order to show two key formal elements: tone and texture. The students listed were attentive, focused and completely engrossed in their work throughout the lesson. As the evidence displays, their work is consistent and of a very high quality. I was incredibly impressed and I’m excited to see what they produce throughout this year.
Staff Shout Outs
Mrs Goddard would like to shout out Mrs Toms for being so supportive in a recent meeting and always supporting our students’ needs, and Mrs Long for always taking the time to listen, being calm and supportive with our students who find school difficult.
Cucina Main Meals – w/c 6th October
What’s On
Paulos Circus at Dinton Pastures
For a fantastic family outing, Paulos Circus is currently at Dinton Pastures Country Park until Sunday 12 October. This family-run business offers a brilliant show that has been highly recommended.
The performance showcases amazing skills and talent, complete with strong choreography and excellent sound and lighting. This is a great chance to see professional performance skills up close.
We are pleased to share a special discount to make this experience even more affordable. You can save 45% off tickets using the code YOUAREAMAZING when booking online at www.paulos.co.uk. Please note that this discount code expires at 10am on Friday 10 October.
Conservation Volunteering at South Lake
Local residents who enjoy visiting South Lake or Highwood Nature Reserve are invited to take part in a community conservation event this weekend.
The Countryside Services team from Wokingham Borough Council is hosting a morning of volunteering to help improve and enhance the South Lake Ornamental Pond. This is a great chance to meet and work alongside other local residents in a relaxed, Ranger-led outdoor activity.
The event takes place this Saturday 4 October from 10am to 1pm at Kingfisher Drive, Woodley (RG5 3LH), opposite the children’s play area at South Lake. The Rangers will supply all tools and support. Simply bring your enthusiasm and community spirit! Children under 18 are welcome but must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Join the Eco Open Afternoon in Woodley
You are invited to the Eco Open Afternoon at St James Church in Woodley, on Saturday 18 October, from 2pm to 4.30pm. There will be cakes and refreshments, eco stalls, family activities, recycling corner, workshops and more.
The Climate Emergency and My Journey Wokingham teams will also be there with a market stall. Visit us to find out about:
- tips to reduce your carbon footprint
- ways to lower energy bills at home
- thermal imaging camera demonstrations
- the Big Community Switch
- sustainable and active travel options
It’s free to attend and everyone is welcome at the church in Kingfisher Drive (RG5 3LH). Come along to learn, take part, and enjoy an afternoon focused on practical ways to live more sustainably.
Pumpkin Fair returns for second year
The Pumpkin Fair is back for its second year at Dinton Pastures Country Park. The event features a children’s costume parade with prizes from Jack Pumpkin, alongside seasonal food and drink, craft stalls, rides, bungee trampolines, soft play and more.
Visitors can also meet the Pumpkin Witch Stilt Walker and enjoy a variety of games and activities. It’s taking place on Saturday 26 October, from 10.30am to 3.30pm. Entry is £1 per adult, with no booking required. Dogs are welcome, but must be kept on leads in the event area.
