The Bulmershe Bulletin – Issue 48
7th November 2025
Dear Parents and Carers,
We were thrilled by the amazing turnout for our Sixth Form Open Evening yesterday. It was good to be able to share the opportunities available for Post-16 students at Bulmershe. I was also grateful and impressed by the contributions from our current Sixth Form students, who supported the evening by taking families on tours to showcase the school.
We had our biggest turnout ever, having to put on two presentations and running out of prospectuses! This overwhelming response is a testament to the fact that outstanding pastoral care and high academic achievement are not mutually exclusive – we pride ourselves on delivering both. Our exceptional results, coupled with a supportive and ambitious community, create the perfect foundation for students’ next steps.
As a reminder, On Tuesday 11th November, the Whole School will gather together for our annual Remembrance Service. We come together to show gratitude for the bravery of all those involved and impacted by the World Wars and other conflicts around the World. This will happen at 2:45pm on the Tennis Courts (providing the weather holds). Students will be dismissed to go home straight after the service.
Amanda Woodfin
Headteacher
Upcoming Events
Mon 10th Nov – No Swimming Club after school
Tue 11th Nov – Whole School Remembrance (in school)
Wed 12th Nov – Sixth Form Bake Sale – bring cash for cakes!
Thu 13th Nov – Year 7 and Year 11 School Photos
Thu 13th Nov – Year 10 Computer Science Trip to Bletchly Park
Thu 20th Nov – Year 13 Parents’ Evening (online)
Fri 21st Nov – INSET DAY – School will be closed
Mon 24th Nov – INSET DAY – School will be closed
Don’t forget – School will be closed on Friday 21st and Monday 24th November, giving students a well-deserved break. We hope everyone takes this opportunity to rest, recharge and enjoy some downtime. We look forward to welcoming students back after the long weekend, refreshed and ready to tackle the rest of the term with energy and focus!
Year 11 Families – Next Steps for Sixth Form
Thank you to all Year 11 families who attended our Sixth Form Open Evening last night. For those who were unable to make it, you can find the presentation and prospectus on our school website.
The Bulmershe Sixth Form offers a unique package: high-quality academic teaching alongside proven pastoral support. We slowly introduce Year 12 students to more freedoms and independent study, guiding them through the process alongside personalised next destination planning.
What is unique is the course flexibility we offer: students can choose to mix A-level and Vocational Level 3 courses, which is not an option available at most colleges and other Sixth Forms.
The application form is now open. Bulmershe Year 11 students need to check their school email account to find an email from Mr Scott. This will have the unique login details they must use to access the online application system.
Please apply before the deadline of 18th December to secure your place.
Reminder for Year 7 and Year 11 families:
Thursday 13th November is school photo day!
Year 7s will have individual portraits taken, while Year 11 will have their Year Group photo taken.
Details on how to purchase these photos will be sent later.
Spotlight on Languages
In Spanish lessons this term, students have been learning about El Día de los Muertos (The Day of the Dead), one of the most colourful and meaningful celebrations in many Spanish-speaking countries.
We include this topic not just for cultural awareness but because it helps students to fully understand the context of the language they are learning. Exploring traditions like the creation of ofrendas (altars) and the use of the marigold flower (cempasúchil) brings Spanish vocabulary and cultural concepts to life.
This festival, celebrated in November, is a tribute to loved ones who have passed away, blending ancient indigenous traditions with Catholic beliefs. It reminds families that death is a continuation of life in memory and spirit. By studying these customs, students gain a deeper connection to the Hispanic world and improve their comprehension skills, reinforcing that language is about culture as much as grammar.
Sixth Form Bake Sale
To raise money for their Year 13 Prom, our Sixth Formers will be selling cakes and sweet treats next Wednesday. If you’re happy to support, please send students in with a little cash as this will help speed up the queue!
Attendance is moving to ClassCharts
We are currently migrating our student attendance system from SIMS to ClassCharts. This change starts the week commencing Monday 10 November and is being implemented based on parent feedback requesting a reduction in the number of school apps you need to use. Our goal is to consolidate key information in one place to make access easier.
During this transition, you may notice that attendance information appears inaccurate on both the SIMS and ClassCharts apps temporarily. Please be assured that the school is maintaining a completely accurate internal record of all attendance throughout this process.
While staff will begin recording attendance on ClassCharts next week, the attendance data will not be immediately visible to parents on the ClassCharts app. We will update you as soon as this feature goes live. Thank you for your understanding as we work to improve our systems.
Reminder on how to log on to ClassCharts:
ClassCharts is where you can view your child’s achievement and behaviour points, homework, and other important information.
- Visit www.classcharts.com or download the ClassCharts app from your device’s app store.
- Select Parent Login.
- Enter your email address and password to sign in.
If you have not received your parent access code, or if you have forgotten your code, please contact Reception by email at reception@bulmershe.wokingham.sch.uk and we will be happy to resend it.
Year 3 Bushcraft Taster
We were pleased to host Year 3 students from Highwood Primary School yesterday, for our annual Bushcraft Taster Day. The visitors took part in a lesson on the school field about campfires and enjoyed toasting marshmallows. This event is a great way to build confidence and prepare primary pupils for secondary school transition.
A huge thank you to our exceptional Year 9 Transition Leaders who ran the event: Joe, Sylvia, Nathan, Caitlin, Lexi and Ross. Their teamwork and mentoring skills ensured the Year 3 students felt completely welcome and safe throughout the afternoon.
Boot Donations
Due to the nature of PE lessons and the current weather conditions, many PE sessions will be taking place on the school field. Please make sure your child comes to school prepared for their PE lessons with appropriate footwear (football or astro-turf boots) and a change of socks. This is essential for safety and comfort when using the pitches in colder, wetter conditions.
To support our school community, we are also running a donation drive! If your family has any outgrown boots that are still in good condition, we would be incredibly grateful if you could donate them to the PE department. Your contributions will help ensure every pupil has the chance to fully participate in their lessons. Thank you for your support!
National Stress Awareness Week
Understanding what causes us stress and taking action to manage our stress levels is a key part of looking after our wellbeing. The Children’s Society have put together this helpful document to help young people navigate stressful situations.
Careers Fair – Connecting Students with Industry
This week’s Careers Fair was an important part of our commitment to providing valuable careers education for our students. The event offered our pupils an excellent opportunity to meet industry experts and gain insight into the world of work.
We extend a big thank you to all the companies who supported the day:
- HADO London brought an augmented reality dodgeball game, showing how innovative technology is used in business and teamwork.
- Johnson Matthey discussed career opportunities in the STEM industry, helping students connect their science interests to future roles.
- Activate Learning provided information on vocational courses available at Bracknell and Reading College, with many students showing interest in practical pathways.
- Syngenta offered insight into ‘green careers’ in Environmental Science and sustainability.
- Invesco professionals discussed careers within wealth management and the finance sector.
The students demonstrated great enthusiasm and curiosity throughout the event, making it a valuable experience for everyone involved.
Environmental Science Trip to Reading University
This week twelve of our Year 11 and 12 students benefited from a two-day trip to the University of Reading’s Environmental Science Department. The visit was designed to give students practical insight into a world-class department and encourage them to explore careers in environmental science.
The trip introduced students to the scientific study of major issues such as pollution and flooding. On the first day, students engaged with university ambassadors and began by exploring weather forecasting, looking at wind patterns and different types of clouds.
The second day involved highly practical, hands-on work. Students split into smaller groups and went to the university woodlands to collect river water samples, which they then tested for pollution levels using specialised equipment. They also toured the campus to learn about hydrology and the different flood defences used in the local area.
The event rounded off with professors sharing their personal career journeys and advising the students on the subjects and courses they could pursue in university. All the students who attended were praised for their active participation and were a real credit to The Bulmershe School.
The Bulmershe Pride Network: Autumn Term Activities
We want to share information about the Bulmershe Pride Network, which continues to offer a valuable and inclusive space for our students. The network is open to all members of the LGBTQ+ community and any students who wish to be active allies. It provides an opportunity for pupils and staff to meet, chat and build community while having a voice about life at the school.
The network meets every Tuesday after school from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm, usually in the Sixth Form Café. We encourage you to share these dates and activities with your child if you feel they would be interested in joining this supportive group.
Upcoming sessions include:
- 11 November: Painting a Future – collage art and discussion.
- 18 November: Transgender Awareness Week – a session focused on learning and celebrating together.
- 25 November: Student and staff voice about LGBTQ+ experiences.
- 2 December: Festive decoration creation.
- 9 December: Winter Warmer – hot chocolate and board games.
The network provides a great way for students to build friendships and proactively show support for their peers.
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 Muhammad S N, Mehr-un-Nisa, Flora and Eloise S in year 9 to join me for a celebratory cup of hot chocolate on Friday 14th November 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
Reception/Student Reception would like to give a shout out to Daniel C in Year 9 for being so kind and helping out an injured student over the last few weeks with his bag. You’ve been great!
Mrs Senthilkumar would like to congratulation James H (Y7) and Ben C (Y7) for their excellent Python Programming.
Staff Shout Outs
Mrs Sharp would like to thank Mr Whearity for an inspiring assembly for year 11 today, which the students really benefited from. Thank you for sharing your story.
Parent Shout Out
I am incredibly proud of Mikey (Y10), who represented Team England at the WKU World Championships in Trier, Germany last week, where over 2,500 athletes from around the world competed! Mikey took part in four categories – earning two Silver Medals in Points Fighting and Light Contact, and three Bronze Medals in Kick Light, Kumite, and Team Points Fighting.
A huge thank you to all of Mikey’s coaches at Nemesis Martial Arts and Fitness for their guidance and support.
I am so proud of Mikey’s incredible achievement and would also like to thank Mr Whearity and to Mrs. Woodfin for their continuous support of dedicated young athletes like Mikey.
Cucina Main Meals – w/c 10th November
What’s On
Wokingham School Admissions Consultation
Wokingham Borough Council has launched a consultation regarding its proposed school admission arrangements for the 2027/2028 academic year. The Council is seeking views from all relevant stakeholders, including parents and carers, to help shape fair and effective admission policies across the borough.
Families who wish to review the proposed arrangements and provide feedback are encouraged to visit the Council’s website. The consultation documents and details on how to respond can be found here:
The consultation will remain open until 15 December 2025. All responses are welcomed as they help the Council finalise its admissions process.
Paddle and glow on Black Swan Lake
Glow Paddle at Dinton Pastures on Saturday 8 November, 5.30pm to 7.30pm.
Join the team at Dinton’s Black Swan Lake for a magical evening paddle like no other. Whether you’re gliding on a stand up paddle board, kayak, canoe or pedalo, your ticket includes access to these fantastic watercraft. Tickets cost: Adult – £30, Child (age 8 and above) – £20. Tickets include a buoyancy aid, glow sticks and craft.
Bring your glow sticks, torches and fairy lights to light up the night as you explore the lake in a whole new way. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the peaceful beauty of the water while adding a touch of sparkle to your evening. Book your spot for a glowing night on the lake today.
Glow Walk
Come and experience the magic at Dinton Pastures and watch it light up as the Glow Walk returns on Saturday 22 November, 5pm to 9pm.
Hosted by First Days, a local children’s charity, which empowers and encourages parents who are struggling financially by offering emotional and peer support, helping them to access other services, life changing coaching and access to essential items.
First Days have reimagined the event to bring the atmosphere closer, making every step sparkle and glow. Here’s what you can expect:
- A brand new woodland shelter with live music
- A magical, festive island
- A woodland wonderland where you can meet singing, real-life fairies
- A unicorn
- Watch glowing paddle boarders drift by under the stars
- A barbecue and bar
- Toast marshmallows and sip hot chocolate by the lake
- Glowing and sparkling merchandise to purchase
There’s 10 per cent off the next 500 tickets sold. Ticket prices are:
- Child – £13.50 (originally £15)
- Adult – £18 (originally £20)
- A family of two adults and two children – £56.70 (originally £63)
You can buy tickets by visiting the First Days website.
Alexander Devine Santa Dash – 30th November 2025
Kickstart the festive season by joining the Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service Santa Dash on Sunday 30 November 2025 in Windsor.
This fun 5km event encourages families to run, walk, jog or dance the route to raise vital funds for the local children’s hospice. The entry fee includes a Santa suit or reindeer antlers and a medal for all participants. By raising just a suggested sponsorship of £85, you could fund a session of specialist care for a child with complex healthcare needs this Christmas. It is a fantastic way to support local families while enjoying a festive, active morning out. Book your tickets today on the Alexander Devine website!
