The Bulmershe Bulletin – Issue 53
12th December 2025
Dear Parents and Carers,
As the school year draws to a close, we have so much to celebrate as we wrap up a very busy but successful term. I am incredibly proud of the resilience and commitment shown by our entire school community.
We have seen outstanding achievements this year, including our students securing GCSE and A-Level results that significantly surpassed the national average. We also received national recognition from FFT for our excellent attendance figures, which is a fantastic testimony to our hard-working Attendance Team.
Our whole school production of The Addams Family was magnificent, showcasing the talent and hard work of our Performing Arts and Tech Club students, as well as being a perfect festive treat.
As I shared in my letter with you all yesterday, the recent big news was our inclusion in The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide for the very first time! This was truly the cherry on the cake of a successful year, confirming our academic strength both regionally and nationally. We were even featured in an article celebrating our wellbeing initiatives, including our wonderful school therapy dog, Buddy!
I truly believe all this success is down to the strong partnership between students, staff and families.
While many of us look forward to a relaxing break, I want to send a special message of good luck to our Years 11 and 13 students as they prepare for their mock exams starting in January. A little revision over the holidays will certainly make life easier!
A final reminder that school closes on Thursday 18th December at 12:20 pm and reopens on Tuesday 6th January.
I wish you all a peaceful and well-deserved break.
Amanda Woodfin
Headteacher
Upcoming Events
15th Dec – Library Story Telling, 3-4pm
16th Dec – Whole School Flu Vaccinations – CONSENT HERE (code BK110062)
18th Dec – Christmas Jumper Day (if students wish)
18th Dec – Last day of term! School closes at 12:20pm
19th Dec – 6th Jan – Christmas Holidays
Notices:
Lockdown Drill: We would like to remind parents that the school will be conducting a planned Lockdown practice drill on Monday 15 December at 2:30 pm. This is a routine safety procedure, and we encourage parents to speak to their child beforehand if they anticipate any anxiety.
Child feeling unwell in school? We have seen an increase in students calling home directly when feeling unwell. Please remind your child that if they feel ill during the school day, they must report to First Aid. Our First Aid Lead will assess the situation and contact parents directly if the student needs to be collected. Thank you for helping us maintain the correct procedure.
No PE Clubs next week: The PE department would like to thank all the pupils who have attended the sports club this term. After School Sports clubs have now finished for the term and will restart in the new year
Vacancy
If you, or anyone you know, would be interested in part time work, Bulmershe are looking to add a few more Exam Invigilators on to our books to help oversee our GCSE and A-Level mock exams. Please take a look at the full advert on our website.
Festive Fun Run – Session Times
A reminder that the Festive Fun Run for Years 7, 8, and 9 is taking place next week during scheduled PE lessons.
All pupils are expected to participate in the cross country run itself, wearing their full PE kit. They are also encouraged to wear festive attire and bring a small food donation for the Woodley Food Bank if they wish!
These are the days students will be running:
| Day | Year & Band | Time |
| Tuesday 16 December | Year 9 Y Band | Period 2 |
| Year 8 Y Band | Period 4 | |
| Year 9 X Band | Period 5 | |
| Wednesday 17 December | Year 7 Y Band | Period 1 |
| Year 7 X Band | Period 2 | |
| Year 8 X Band | Period 5 |
Year 8 Explore NHS Careers
Our Year 8 students took part in a workshop this week, delivered by the University of Reading as part of their HealthReach project. The session, titled “It’s Not Just Drs and Nurses,” opened students’ eyes to the wide variety of careers available within the NHS.
Far beyond the roles most people first think of, students learned about the hundreds of different jobs that keep the NHS running, from paramedic science and radiography to IT, engineering, pathology, mental health support, administration and more. The workshop highlighted just how diverse the NHS workforce is, and that it is one of the biggest employers in the world, offering opportunities for every interest and skill set.
Year 8 engaged brilliantly, asked thoughtful questions and left with a deeper understanding of future pathways they may not have considered before.
A huge thank you to the University of Reading for delivering such an informative and motivating session!
Exploring Post-16 Options with Activate Learning
Year 11 students had an important assembly this morning delivered by representatives from Activate Learning.
The session was designed to share a range of Post-16 options available at Reading College and other colleges under the Activate umbrella. Students were encouraged to look ahead and consider the different pathways open to them after completing their GCSEs. Mrs Edwards noted that the students engaged really well with the presentation. The assembly provided valuable information which allowed them to consider a variety of post-16 routes as they plan for their future.
Year 12 Computer Science Success in UK Bebras Challenge
We are delighted to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our Year 12 Computer Science students who participated in the UK Bebras Challenge this year. This international competition introduces students to problem-solving and logical reasoning skills essential for Computer Science.
The performance of our 16 participants was exceptional:
- One student achieved Best in School and received a Gold Certificate for Distinction.
- Three students achieved a Distinction certificate.
- Four students achieved a Merit certificate.
The UK Bebras Challenge promotes computational thinking in a fun and engaging way and all students who participated demonstrated strong analytical abilities. Congratulations to all our Year 12 Computer Scientists.
Mental Health Support Over the Festive Season
Christmas is often seen as a time of joy, but for many the festive season can bring increased stress and difficulty. We want to reassure parents that if you or your child are struggling, you are not alone. Survey data shows that a quarter of people report that Christmas makes their mental health worse.
The pressures are often triggered by financial strain from gift buying, the practical issues of managing complex routines and travel or dealing with difficult relationships and loneliness. The expectation to enjoy yourself can often make things harder.
We have compiled a guide to help manage mental health during this time, focusing on practical tips such as:
- Setting Realistic Expectations: Be realistic about family gatherings and avoid unhelpful social comparisons from media.
- Prioritising Self-Care: Ensure you allow yourself breaks and maintain exercise good diet and sleep. It is important to get outside at least once a day.
- Seeking Support: Do not look back negatively on the past year. Focus on the positives and know where to get help if needed.
For the full list of advice and contact details for support services like Samaritans and Shout, please visit the dedicated article on our school website.
Sports Update
Indoor athletics competition
The Bulmershe boys and girls each took part in a 500m row race for time. Wian got the fastest time for Bulmershe with an awesome 1.48, and Tegan got the fastest time for the girls with 2.18 (we think!)
Then, both the boys and girls took part in a relay race against the other schools, with the boys team finishing in bronze medal position.
GB rower Archie Drummond was there providing encouragement and inspiration, and Alfie from the Leander club was our personal coach for the session. Much fun was had by all!
Inter-form Competition: Badminton and Table Tennis Results
This week in PE marked the second of our inter-form competitions, featuring badminton and table tennis across Years 7, 8 and 9. Each form selected two girls and two boys to represent them on court.
We were pleased with the good turnout as pupils across all year groups participated. While teams competed hard, the Bulmershe values were evident throughout. Pupils demonstrated strong teamwork supported one another and showed excellent sportsmanship from the first serve to the final point.
Here are the results:
- Year 7: 7XU finished as the Year 7 badminton champions, and 7YL secured the top spot in table tennis.
- Year 8: This competition used separate boys’ and girls’ tournaments. 8YM won the boys’ badminton draw, while 8YU claimed the girls’ event. 8XL took the top spot in table tennis.
- Year 9: 9XL won the badminton competition and 9XB finished first in table tennis.
The PE Department thanks all pupils who took part. Your enthusiasm effort and positive attitude made the event a success. Well done to all the teams.
Library Update
This week, students enjoyed sharing festive cheer using our community Christmas Postbox. Pupils posted a wonderful array of cards for their friends and teachers. Miss Marr produced a special Bulmershe Christmas Postcard for students to decorate with their own designs and messages.
On Friday morning, the library was transformed into a sorting office. Our student librarians, acting as the delivery elves, ensured all the messages were sorted and sent out to the correct tutor groups. This initiative created a lovely atmosphere in the school and we thank everyone for getting involved and helping spread some Bulmershe goodwill.
Year 13s – Apprentice Ecologist Opportunity with Jacobs
An exciting apprenticeship opportunity has been shared with our Sixth Form students: the Apprentice Ecologist (Level 6) position with Jacobs, based in Reading.
Jacobs is a leading global professional services firm. This Level 6 apprenticeship provides a valuable pathway for students interested in environmental careers, combining on-the-job training with formal study. Students who are considering a future in ecology or environmental consulting are strongly encouraged to explore this opening.
For full details on the role, requirements and application process, please visit the Jacobs careers website.
[Reminder] ‘I Voted’ Sticker Design Contest
Wokingham Borough Council’s Electoral Services team has launched an ‘I Voted’ sticker design contest and is inviting students aged 18 and under to participate.
The aim of this project is to promote civic engagement among young people. This is especially relevant now that the voting age has been lowered to 16 in the UK. The winning designs will be printed and given out to voters at polling stations during the next local elections on Thursday 7 May 2026.
Key Information:
- Who can enter: Anyone aged 18 or under who lives in or attends school in Wokingham Borough.
- Design Rules: Designs must include the words “I Voted!” and must be non-political. They should be inspired by themes such as Voting, Elections, Democracy or Community.
- Deadline: Monday 9 February 2026.
- Prizes: Four winning designs will be selected for printing. Winners will receive a book token and an invitation to a ceremony in the Council Chambers.
Full details including the design template and submission methods can be found on the Wokingham Council website
[Reminder] New Clubs Trial
Our Head Students launched Bulmershe Societies Week to students and have organised and planned to lead students in various subject sessions after school. We are very grateful for all their hard work putting this together and encourage families to talk to their children about which societies to try.
[Reminder] Support Y7 STEM Club’s 3D printer fundraiser
Our Year 7 STEM Club has been hard at work creating an amazing collection of Addams Family themed 3D keyrings using Tinker cad. These unique designs are now available to order as part of our fundraising efforts to purchase a dedicated 3D printer for the club.
A school-based 3D printer will allow students to continue developing their creativity, design skills, and engineering knowledge through hands-on STEM projects.
How to Order
Over the next week, Year 7 students will be visiting tutor groups to collect orders. You can also place your order directly here: https://forms.gle/R7NA9ut68f1EYPJ69
Cost & Payment
- £3.50 per keyring
- Payments will be made through ParentPay once the order list is complete. More details will follow once payments open.
Why Your Support Matters
Every order helps bring the club closer to purchasing its own 3D printer, giving students more opportunities to explore real design and engineering tools. The Year 7 students are incredibly proud of their creations and are excited to share them with our school community.
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 Sahin would like to thank the Year 7 STEM Club students for their enthusiasm and hard work creating an amazing collection of 3D keyrings and fundraising efforts to purchase 3D printer for the club.
Staff Shout Outs
Miss Harris would like to say a massive thank you to Mr Sprague and Mrs Brown for organising, running and delivering 6 weeks of Year 5 Science Club, where local primary school children got to use our labs to try out hands-on experiments.
Parent Shout Outs
Please could I nominate Kacie and Logan F for a shout out. I am so proud of the way they have stepped up with helping me at home, helping me around the house along side of doing their homework and revising for GCSEs. I would also like to nominate Mrs Goddard – She has been so helpful with Kacie and Logan and she has also put my mind at rest and filled me with confidence.
Cucina Main Meals – w/c 15th December
What’s On – Christmas Special
Explore the festive trail at Dinton Pastures
Collect your trail map from Dinton Activity Centre and book online ahead of your visit. It costs £2.50 per map and the trail runs at the weekend until Sunday 21 December
Charity Christmas Light Display
A Christmas lights trail around Spencers Wood, Three Mile Cross and Shinfield is helping to raise money for a good cause.
Running from 12th to 30th December, you can visit the locations on the trail from 5pm to 9pm each evening.
Maps are available from One Stop in Spencers Wood, Budgens in Three Mile Cross and The Tin Roof Café in Shinfield.
Christmas fun day at Lower Earley Library
There will be lots to do at the festive fun day at Lower Earley Library on Saturday 13 December.
Make your own cardboard gingerbread house from 10am to 11am and enjoy a pantomime performance from Shinfield Players from 11.30am to 12noon.
Christmas Film Showings at reduced prices
Low cost Christmas films are being shown at Shinfield Cinema.
Follow the journey of Buddy with a screening of Elf at 2pm on Sunday 14 December and The Snowman and The Snow Dog will be shown on Friday 19 December at 6pm, with tickets priced at £2.
Festive tunes played live on Dinton’s deck
Dinton Activity Centre will host a Christmas on the Deck event with Wokingham wind band, Second Wind as they play some favourite, festive tunes.
The event takes place at The Coffee Deck at Dinton Activity Centre on Friday 19 December from 6pm to 9pm and is free to attend. Also available on the night: The Coffee Deck serving up warm, winter treats and roast marshmallows on the firepit
