The Bulmershe Bulletin – Issue 55
16th January 2026
Dear Parents and Carers,
As we settle into the new term, I wanted to share some reflections on a topic that feels increasingly relevant in our modern school life: digital respect.
While the internet is a wonderful tool for learning and staying connected, it also presents our young people with some tricky social hurdles. This week, we have been spending time in our assemblies talking about how to be the “best version of yourself” online and reminding students that having a screen in front of your face isn’t a suit of armour or a cloak of invisibility; the person on the other side of that message still has feelings, just like they do.
We’ve had some honest conversations about how easy it is for a small comment in a group chat to snowball into something much bigger. Our aim is not to be the “internet police” – but rather to help our students find their voice and learn to use it kindly.
I am always impressed by how our students handle big responsibilities. Managing a digital life is a skill, just like learning to drive or mastering a musical instrument. It takes practice, a few mistakes and a bit of guidance from the adults around them. Thank you for your continued support in helping us model these values at home. I hope you find the tips in this issue useful.
Amanda Woodfin
Headteacher
Upcoming Events
Fri 23/1 – Holocaust Remembrance Day
Mon 26/1 – INSET Day – School Closed
28-30/1 – Year 10 Work Experience
Fri 30/1 – Year 11 Science Live Trip to Oxford
Mon 2/2 – Year 10 mock Interviews
Thu 5/2 – Year 9 Vaccinations – CONSENT HERE using code BK110062
Tue 10/2 – AWE apprenticeship pathways – online webinar (Register here)
Thu 12/2 – Rags2Riches clothing donation drop off deadline
Assembly Spotlight: Digital Respect
This week, our whole-school assemblies focused on the theme of “Digital Respect and Responsible Choices.” As part of our Personal Development curriculum, we have been talking to students about how their online behaviour reflects their character.
We discussed the “Online Conflict” theme, exploring how easy it is for a misunderstanding in a group chat to escalate. We shared a sobering example of how a single unkind message can lead to serious consequences, including police involvement and school sanctions. Our message to students was simple: “Pause, Think, Post.” We want them to consider whether they would be happy for their parents to see their comments, or if they would feel comfortable saying those words face-to-face.
Take-away actions for home:
- Check in: Ask your child which group chats they are currently in.
- Remind them of age limits: Most social media apps require users to be at least 13 years old.
- Be a role model: Talk about your own digital habits and how you stay respectful online.
For more detailed tips and conversation starters, including a guide on how to talk to your child about difficult online topics without them feeling intimidated, please visit our website.
Building Resilience: Navigating conflict
Following on from Mrs Woodfin’s assemblies last week, we are continuing to embed our curriculum theme for this term: Conflict. While the word often brings to mind arguments, we are teaching students that conflict is an inevitable part of life and an opportunity for personal growth.
Mrs Woodfin shared a powerful perspective with the students: life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react. Whether it is a disagreement in the classroom, a challenge during a sports fixture or a misunderstanding in a group chat, our goal is to move students toward “healthy” responses. This includes active listening, finding common ground and using the “pause” before reacting.
This week, we are specifically focusing on how these skills apply outside the classroom. In our extracurricular clubs and teams, conflict often arises through competition or leadership challenges. By practicing communication and compromise in these real-life situations, students build the interpersonal skills they need for a successful future. We encourage you to talk to your child about the “Strength in Calm” and how choosing not to escalate a conflict is a sign of true maturity.
Spring Term Club Timetable
Research consistently shows that participation in extra-curricular activities significantly increases student confidence, supports positive social interaction and raises aspirations for further education. Furthermore, clubs are vital for developing “soft skills” and fostering a genuine sense of wellbeing and belonging within our school community.
It is our goal that every student attends at least one club every term to benefit from these opportunities. That’s why all our clubs are FREE to join and, for the majority of our activities, there is no formal sign-up process, students can simply turn up on the day and join in.
From competitive sports and creative arts to special interest groups, our Spring timetable offers something for everyone. Please encourage your child to browse the current offers on our website and find a new passion this term.
Note: we completely agree with parent feedback that a later Lower Earley bus service would help more students attend clubs. We have previously requested an additional after-school service from Wokingham Borough Council (who manage the Horseman coaches), but unfortunately, this was not approved. It would be very helpful if parents could also share their feedback with them – you can contact them at schooltransport@wokingham.gov.uk to let them know there is a demand for this.
Building Resilience: First aid and medical support
As part of our ongoing focus on Resilience, we have been speaking to students this week about the importance of using our school medical and first aid resources responsibly.
Our primary goal is to ensure that our trained first aid staff are available to provide immediate, essential care for genuine emergencies, such as serious injuries or head bumps that occur during the school day. To help us maintain this level of support, we are encouraging students to build their own resilience by managing minor “aches and pains” independently where appropriate.
We would value your support at home in reminding students that our first aid provision is for immediate medical needs. By encouraging this independent approach, we ensure that students remain in their lessons, maximising their learning time and helping them reach their full potential.
New: First Aid Club
For those students who are interested in learning how to help others and gaining practical medical skills, we are delighted to announce that Miss Pooler is starting a new First Aid Club.
The club is open to all year groups and is a fantastic way for students to build confidence and take on extra responsibility within our school community.
- When: Mondays after school (starting from Monday 2nd February)
- Where: Room S3
- How to join: Head to S3s on Mondays! No need to sign up in advance.
Interested students should sign up via Google Classroom using the code afe36dym or speak to Miss Pooler directly for further information.
Community plea – responsible parking
We are proud of the strong relationship we have with our community and our neighbouring school, Addington. Many of the students at Addington have complex needs, and for some, navigating the world outside can be especially challenging. Recently, families from Addington have reached out to us with concerns regarding the safety of their children, specifically those with visual impairments or mobility challenges, due to traffic congestion at the start and end of the school day.
We are asking all our families to use their conscience and judgement when picking up or dropping off students. The road leading to the school and the bus park frequently becomes gridlocked, which creates a significant safety risk for all young people in the area.
Please remember:
- Avoid the school entrance: The area at the front of reception is reserved for buses and disabled visitors only.
- Respect the road markings: Parking on double yellow lines or across the zebra crossing prevents vulnerable students from crossing safely.
- Pick up off-site: If you must drive, please arrange a meeting point a short walk away from the school.
By choosing to park a little further away, you are directly helping to keep the most vulnerable members of our community safe. We thank you for your cooperation and for showing the respect that defines our school values.
The Bulmershe Voice
We are pleased to announce the launch of The Bulmershe Voice, our new student-run newsletter! Established by an enthusiastic group of Sixth Formers through a new Journalism Club, this initiative is designed to encourage creative writing, reporting and critical thinking across all year groups. The Bulmershe Voice is written entirely by students for students, offering a platform for sharing news, celebrating achievements and discussing topics relevant to school life. Unlike our existing parent-focused communications, this newsletter provides a unique student perspective, fostering collaboration and communication throughout the school community. We invite you to read the first edition, which is now available!
Memories from Lille
Before the end of term, students from Years 10, 11 and 13 embarked on a cross-curricular trip to Northern France. The group, made up of GCSE Linguists and Travel and Tourism students from both GCSE and Sixth Form.
The journey took us to the heart of the famous Lille Christmas Market. Surrounded by festive lights and wooden chalets, students had the chance to practice their French in a real-world setting while exploring the stalls.
The trip was also a time for culinary bravery! After a traditional meal of fish and chips at our accommodation, several students (and staff!) were adventurous enough to try snails for the first time – a rite of passage for any visitor to France!
The following day was spent at Nausicaá, the largest aquarium in Europe. This was a particular highlight for our Travel and Tourism students, who were able to observe how a world-class visitor attraction operates on such a grand scale. From the breathtaking shark tank to the interactive exhibits, it was a memorable conclusion to a fantastic trip.
Volunteers needed for Year 10 Mock Interviews
Bulmershe will be hosting a ‘Mock Interview’ day for Year 10 students on Monday 2nd February 2026. We are looking for volunteers from our parent community and local businesses to facilitate these practice sessions. Mock interviews are a vital part of the curriculum, giving students the chance to gain confidence and put their communication skills into practice within a supportive and familiar environment.
Volunteers will be asked to share their professional expertise, conducting short interviews of approximately 15 minutes, followed by 5 minutes of constructive feedback for each student. Previous volunteers have described the day as a joy, noting how rewarding it is to see students recognise how much they have to offer the world of work.
Event Details:
- Date: Monday 2nd February 2026
- Time: 08:30 – 15:00
- How to Register: If you, or someone you know can help, please contact the Education Business Partnership, who are co-ordinating the day on our behalf: events@ebp.org.uk
Your support in helping our students prepare for their next steps is greatly appreciated.
Wokingham SEND Survey for Ofsted
Ofsted will be visiting Wokingham Borough Council to inspect their special educational needs and/or disabilities [SEND] provision. They would like to hear your views about the support your child receives.
You can provide your views by completing an online survey at the following link: SEND Survey for Ofsted
This survey is for parents and carers of children and young people with SEND aged 0 to 25. Your views will help inspectors understand your child’s experience of the SEND arrangements within Wokingham. The survey will close at 9am on 20 January 2026.
STEM Challenge: Step into the NHS
The new “Step into the NHS” competition invites students to create an job advertisement for an NHS role of their choice. While many of us think of doctors and nurses first, there are hundreds of different roles within the NHS that keep the service running. We are encouraging students to explore the Step into the NHS careers website to discover a role they might not have heard of before.
The Challenge
Students can enter individually or in teams of up to four. Their job advert needs to showcase:
- What their chosen job role involves (duties and tasks).
- The key qualities, skills and qualifications needed for the role.
- The different entry routes into that career.
The NHS judges will be looking for entries that are fun, lively and innovative. Whether it’s a digital presentation, a poster or a creative video, we want to see our students’ unique ideas on display.
Prizes and Deadlines
There are some fantastic prizes up for grabs, including Amazon vouchers worth up to £50, a goody bag and the chance to see the winning entry displayed in the local community!
- Deadline: Entries must be submitted by Thursday 30 April 2026.
- How to Enter: Students should submit their entries to the school’s dedicated submission folder (Mrs Sahin can provide the link).
- Naming Files: Please ensure files are named with the student’s name and year group.
This is a wonderful opportunity for students to practice their research and creative skills while learning about the vast array of career paths available to them in the future.
National Apprenticeship Week: Spotlight on AWE
As part of National Apprenticeship Week 2026, we are pleased to invite students and their families to an evening webinar hosted by AWE Nuclear Security Technologies.
This session is an opportunity for families to explore the diverse apprenticeship pathways available at AWE, a major local employer. Whether your child is starting to think about their future career or is actively looking at post-16 or post-18 options, this webinar will provide valuable insights.
Event Details:
- Date: Tuesday 10 February 2026
- Time: 17:30 – 18:30
- Format: Online Webinar
What to expect:
- An introduction to AWE and their work.
- A guide to current apprenticeship opportunities.
- First-hand stories from current apprentices about their experiences.
- A live Q&A session to answer your specific questions.
To find out more and to register your place for the evening, please visit the registration page below
[Reminder] Year 9 Vaccinations – Consent needed
The Berkshire Immunisation Team will be visiting The Bulmershe School on Thursday 5th February 2026 to administer two important vaccinations to our Year 9 students.
What are the vaccinations for?
These vaccinations are part of the national immunisation programme and protect your child against serious illnesses:
- Meningococcal ACWY: Protects against four types of bacteria that can cause meningitis and septicaemia.
- 3-in-1 Teenage Booster: This is the fifth and final dose to provide long-term protection against Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Polio, all of which can cause significant illness.
Please follow the link below and use our school’s unique code to register your decision before 9am on 4th February 2026:
- Consent Link: https://www.berkshireimmunisations.co.uk/Forms/DTP
- School Code: BK110062
It is important that a form is completed for every Year 9 student, even if you are declining the vaccination, to ensure the nursing team has an accurate record for the session.
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 Manveer G, Rebecca T, Zaynah A and Rey J, all in year 10 to join me for a celebratory cup of hot chocolate on Friday 23rd January 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
Miss Hudson would like to say a huge congratulations to the Year 13 Spanish students for completing their A Level Spanish mock speaking exams this week. A special mention to Zoe L (year 13) – congratulations on your fantastic news this week. I am so pleased for you, and so proud of you! ¡Enhorabuena!
Mrs Banks: Just a quick shout out to Belinda, Mae, Elise, Piper, Brooke, Maddie and Clara – they worked tirelessly in freezing cold conditions on Wednesday night against some very tough oppositions! Brooke made some epic saves as our stand in goalie, and was my well deserved player of the tournament. Well done all, and thank you!
Mr Crane would like to give a shout out to his tutor group – 10YE – they have returned from Christmas and made a really strong start to the new calendar year. Lots of praise from their teachers, no behaviour points for any tutees and all have arrived with the correct attitude for learning. Well done guys, keep it up! He would also like to give a shout out to Jimmy TB in Year 9 – Jimmy is consistently presenting a positive attitude to learning in Art. Always listening, engaged in discussion and asking pertinent questions that enrich the class’ learning. Thank you Jimmy, and keep it up!
Staff Shout Outs
Mr Whearity would like to give a shout out to Mrs Wright, for many reasons but particularly for the way she is able to adapt so quickly and calmly. She is extremely supportive to staff and students.
Cucina Main Meals – w/c 19th January
What’s On
Royal Berkshire Fire Authority Consultation
Royal Berkshire Fire Authority (RBFA) is consulting Royal Berkshire residents and staff on Council Tax funding for the next financial year until 9am on Monday, 2 February.
RBFA is committed to delivering value for money across the services provided to local residents. However, due to significant budgetary pressure as outlined in this letter, to maintain the current level of service RBFA is proposing a £5 increase for 2026/27, based on a Band D precept, to £91.31.
Take part in the consultation by completing this online survey.
Just the Tonic Comedy Club
Reading’s weekly comedy club serves up another fresh line-up of top comics, including “the funniest thing to come out of Eastern Europe” Vlad Ilich and Abi Carter-Simpson, as seen on Britain’s Got Talent.
Popworld on Saturday 17th January at 19:30
Click here for more information
New Year, New Hobbies
January is the perfect time to jump into new classes, workshops and activities as they start up again for a new term. From dancing and singing to acting and comedy, from arts and crafts to musical instruments and even learning more about wine, the Reading area has got plenty to choose from – for adults and kids alike!
