The Bulmershe Bulletin – Issue 49
14th November 2025
Dear Parents and Carers,
I am writing this week filled with an immense sense of pride following our whole school Remembrance service.
On Tuesday we gathered students and staff together on the school tennis courts. Despite the wind and rain, what followed was a moment of absolute stillness. I used the service to talk about the relevance of remembrance for young people, focusing on shared humanity. The lessons of the past are tragically still vital today, as conflict is an every day feature of our world. Remembering helps us to understand the consequences of hatred and division, and hopefully inspires us all to choose respect, compassion and peace in our daily lives.
In our multicultural school, the service is not about glorifying war or focusing on one nation’s story. It is about recognising a shared humanity where people from every background, every faith and every corner of the world have suffered and sacrificed.
My sincere thanks go to Tristram for playing The Last Post so beautifully. I was truly moved that our large community of over 1,500 were able to stand in total silence during his playing and for the minute of reflection afterwards. The respectful way every student conducted themselves made me incredibly proud of our community spirit.
Amanda Woodfin
Headteacher
Upcoming Events
Tue 18th Nov – Year 7 Interform Football Tournament (after school)
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
Wed 26th Nov – Lille Christmas Market trip – Parent meeting – 5pm (Library)
Thu 27th Nov – Year 11 Parents’ Evening (online)
Fri 28th Nov – Addams Family rehearsal day
2nd – 4th Dec – Addams Family production
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!
Remembrance
In the run-up to our Remembrance service, students have been creating a beautiful and thoughtful display within the library. During lunchtimes and breaktimes, students used various craft materials to make individual poppies.
These handmade poppies are now displayed alongside a selection of recommended reading books focusing on the World Wars.
The display includes a mixture of both compelling fictional stories and informative non-fiction books, encouraging students to explore the history further.
The Bulmershe School was also honoured to attend the annual Remembrance Service in Woodley on 11 November, joining the local community to pay tribute to those who died in conflict from World War I to the present day.
We were represented by two Year 10 students, Lily P and Charlotte C, who laid a wreath at the war memorial during the service. Both girls were perfect ambassadors for the school, showing great respect and maturity during this important community event.
Tickets Now on Sale: The Addams Family Musical!
We are pleased to announce that tickets for our whole-school production, the musical comedy ‘The Addams Family,’ are now available!
Join us for a hilarious and fateful dinner as Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, introduces her new, surprisingly respectable boyfriend to her family…
How to Secure Your Tickets (£9 for adults, £6 for students and seniors):
- Order Online: Complete the order form for your chosen date:
- Tuesday 2nd Dec: https://forms.gle/jgrQ8JuYj82vJxgx5
- Wednesday 3rd Dec: https://forms.gle/Lp9dtL8NuncRG2CJ6
- Thursday 4th Dec: https://forms.gle/uzEKSiUS7ko7MssS8
- Pay via ParentMail: Log in to IRIS ParentMail and pay the exact amount to match your order.
- Collect Tickets: Ask your child to collect the paid-for tickets from the school shop. Your seat numbers are printed on the tickets, which you must bring on the night.
Please come along and support our incredibly talented students! Doors will open at 6:30pm each night, with the show starting at 7pm.
Last minute places – Ski Trip to Italy (Feb 2026)
We are pleased to announce that there are four extra spaces available for our exciting Ski Trip to Italy during the February Half Term in 2026! This opportunity is open to all year groups.
For a price of £1,589 (to be paid by 30 November), the trip is fully inclusive of:
- Accommodation and food
- Ski and helmet hire
- Professional ski lessons
- All travel costs
This is a fantastic chance for students to hit the slopes, learn a new skill, and make unforgettable memories. Please note that the price does not include rental wear (e.g., ski jackets and trousers).
To get more information or to secure one of the final four spots, please contact Mrs Moon or email the Reception team as soon as possible.
Buddy Update
As you can see, Buddy has had a groom and is looking completely refreshed!
He is taking full advantage of his break, enjoying lots of long walks across fields and through the woods.
We miss him terribly, and look forward to his return next year.
Spotlight on Languages
Our Year 7 French students have been focused on manipulating texts to build their language skills.
They started by studying the French poem ‘Sept Couleurs Magiques’ (Seven Magic Colours), which helped them absorb new vocabulary and sentence structures. They then put this knowledge into practice by creating their own original poems based on the colours of the rainbow.
The students showed great imagination in their final pieces, using French to describe everything from the rouge of their favourite food to the vert of nature. You can see three examples of their creative work pictured here.
This task gives students the confidence to be expressive in French, going beyond simple memorisation. Well done to all involved!
Year 11 Photo – Mission Accomplished!
We must give a huge round of applause to Year 11 for their fantastic cooperation during their official year group photo on Thursday.
If you’ve ever imagined the logistics behind corralling 250 teenagers into one spot before 8:30am, the reality was surprisingly smooth! We owe a massive thank you to Class Pictures, the photography company, for swiftly organising everyone into place.
The process involved arranging students by height before guiding them onto the specially erected scaffold in the auditorium. It was eight massive rows, with the tallest boys at a dizzying height! Everyone followed instructions perfectly and looked really smart. (Frankly, we were so impressed that we might consider holding a whole-school photo every week, just to ensure every teenager is up, presentable and in on time for 8:30…)
Finally, huge thanks to our Site and Admin teams. Preparing the auditorium and coordinating this massive undertaking is no small task, and it simply couldn’t happen without their hard work.
Christmas Jumper Day on the Last Day of Term
This is advance information that our annual Christmas Jumper Day will be held on the last day of term, Thursday 18th December 2025.
This is a voluntary activity for any student who would like to swap their school jumper and blazer for a festive Christmas jumper. Please note that the jumper must be worn over your child’s normal school uniform (it only replaces the school jumper and blazer). There is absolutely no pressure to participate if your child prefers not to.
The aim of the day is to raise money for the Maidenhead Magic Wheelchair Basketball Club. Wheelchair basketball is a fun and inclusive Paralympic sport that uses the same court and basket height as running basketball. Maidenhead Magic has members of all ages – from 19 to over 60, including former Bulmershe student Jamie B. Your donation will help the club cover essential costs like hall hire, chair maintenance and entry fees for their league tournaments, ensuring this fantastic community and its members can keep playing.
You can help us support the team by making a donation via IRIS Parentmail, or students can drop cash into Mr Coniam’s bucket at the gate as they arrive at school on the morning of the 18th December. Thank you.
Bletchley Park Computing Trip
Yesterday, our Year 10 GCSE Computing and BTEC IT students took part in an educational visit to Bletchley Park to explore the evolution of Computing – from the work of the first human computers to the digital systems of today. Throughout the day, students learnt about the impact Computing has had across a wide range of historical and global events, including the Moon landings, World War II and the Afghanistan conflict.
As expected, our students represented the school exceptionally well, demonstrating all of our core values through their engagement, curiosity and conduct. The visit concluded with a one-hour session on Data Protection and GDPR, during which students explored how modern data laws influence organisations, individuals and society as a whole. We hope all those who went found the day interesting and enjoyable.
Year 9 Tackles Life’s Big Questions
This week, our Year 9 students were visited by the team from REInspired to explore some of life’s Big Questions.
The students didn’t hold back, challenging the visitors with deep and complex questions like: “Is it okay to lie?”, “Where does morality come from?”, “Who made God?” and “How can we forgive?”.
To keep the energy high and the conversations flowing, the sessions included interactive games. Students played Jenga to determine who got to ask a question and Pass The Bomb for quick-fire challenges. As always, the students loved the interactive sessions and demonstrated excellent engagement with the topic.
REInspired will be returning next week to run the same session with the rest of the Year 9 classes.
Your Feedback Matters: Year 7 Transition Survey
Year 7 Families: We’d love to hear your thoughts on how your child has settled into life at Bulmershe. Our Transition Team is always looking for ways to improve the Year 6 to 7 programme, and your feedback is incredibly valuable.
Please help us by completing a short form about the recent Year 7 ‘Meet the Tutor’ call and sharing any general thoughts.
Click here to complete the survey: https://forms.gle/U5fQagNHuNDMXk7q9
Please submit your response by Wednesday, 19th November. Thank you!
Production appeal: The Addams Family costumes & props
This week’s call is if anyone can help us collect some plastic or metal chalice or goblets for our Addams Family show? We need 1 large goblet and 10 normal sized ones – the kind you’d imagine at a medieval banquet.
As always, if this is something you’re happy to lend or donate, please can they be dropped off in Reception? Thank you.
Football Fun: Focusing on Fair Play and Teamwork
This week, we hosted a successful 5-a-side football event for our Year 7 and Year 8 pupils against LVS School from Ascot. The focus of the event was purely on fun and sportsmanship – we kept no scores!
Over 50 pupils from each year group participated. They were encouraged to form their own teams and played fast-paced, five-minute games before rotating opponents. This inclusive structure kept the action moving until our visitors headed home.
The event demonstrated that sport is about more than competition; it’s about playing with friends and showing respect. A big thank you goes to our dedicated Year 9 Sports Leaders, who managed the pitches, ensured fair play and helped everything run smoothly. Thanks also to the staff for organising and supporting the event.
Flu Vaccine Consent
Y7 – 11 students are all eligible to receive a flu vaccine via a quick nasal spray in school on Tuesday 16th December. To ensure your child is included, families must complete a consent form.
Step 1: Click on this CONSENT FORM for the Nasal vaccination.
Step 2: enter school code BK110062
Families who wish to have the porcine free vaccine, which is administered by injection rather than a nasal spray, please use the Porcine-free Consent Form instead.
Year 11 Revision Sessions Now Underway
A quick reminder to Year 11 parents and carers that our after-school revision sessions are now running from 3:00pm to 4:00pm on various days.
These sessions are an important resource as students prepare for their GCSEs and BTEC qualifications. Please encourage your child to attend the sessions for their chosen subjects.
- Mondays: Biology and 3D Design
- Tuesdays: English, Travel & Tourism, Drama Coursework, Art, 3D Design
- Wednesdays: Maths, French (invite only), History, 3D Design, Chemistry (invite only), Photography
- Thursdays: Business, Economics, Chemistry
Students have been provided with a poster detailing the specific room numbers for each subject.
[Reminder] 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!
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 Morden: To all of the Year 10 GCSE and BTEC Computing students for representing the school so well yesterday. They behaved exceptionally and asked brilliant questions to the staff around Bletchley Park.
Staff Shout Outs
Mr Tomala would like to thank Mr Allger for his moving assembly this week, and for all the work he has done for our Remembrance week.
Cucina Main Meals – w/c 17th November
What’s On
New Musical Theatre Choir to Launch in Woodley
A new community musical theatre choir is launching in Woodley, specifically designed for young people aged 7 to 17.
The aim of the new choir is to make musical theatre accessible to children who might otherwise miss out due to the high costs often associated with such clubs. To achieve this, the choir will operate on a donation-only basis. Families are encouraged to contribute when and if they are able, but there will never be any expectation or obligation to pay.
The founders hope the choir will quickly become a safe, fun community space where young people can explore their passion for musical theatre in the heart of Woodley.
Post-16 education guide for young people with additional needs
The SEND Service at Wokingham Borough Council have published a new guide on the SEND Local Offer to help young people explore post-16 education options.
It covers choices such as sixth form, college, apprenticeships and supported internships, and the support available for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
This update is part of ongoing work to improve the Preparing for adulthood section of the SEND Local Offer, based on feedback from young people and families.
Henley College Events for Year 11 Families
Henley College has announced two key open events in November for students and parents exploring Post-16 options.
Open Morning: Saturday 15 November 2025
This open morning provides a great opportunity to explore the college campus during the day. Families can meet staff and see first-hand what makes the college unique. Tickets must be secured in advance.
Information Evening: Thursday 27 November 2025 (5:30 pm – 8:00 pm)
Following their last event, the college is hosting a second information evening. This is a chance for parents and students to meet the Senior Leadership Team and connect with teaching staff to learn more about the college. As spaces are limited, families are advised to secure tickets via the college’s website.
Marking Climate Action Week with free events
Learn more about sustainability and how you can help make a difference with Woodley Town Council’s second annual Climate Action Week.
Free events will be taking place from Saturday 15 to Sunday 23 November under the theme of ‘Together for Tomorrow – Local Action, Global Impact’.
The launch day will feature three activities:
- Community litter pick, 10am to 12noon at the Oakwood Centre, with Woodley Adopt a Street for a town-wide litter pick
- Charity fashion show, 1pm to 2pm, on the centre stage in Woodley Town Centre, a celebration of sustainable style with Thames Hospice and Waingels College
- Voice the Change, 3pm to 5pm, at the Oakwood Centre, a community discussion featuring Citizens Advice Wokingham and Professor Chris Merchant from the University of Reading explaining the science behind climate change
Other events running during Climate Action Week include a guided walk around Woodley, a session on energy advice for your home and a recycled art workshop.
Many of the events require booking and all the information about the events can be found on the town council website.
