Dear Parents and Carers,

The term is passing in its usual fast-paced blur, but there is always time to stop, reflect and celebrate what makes our community special.

This week, Miss McNamara has been running assemblies focused on Pride. As an inclusive school, it is important to me that we provide a safe space for everyone, and these sessions have been a great opportunity to focus on what it means to be an ally. We want our students to understand the importance of standing up for others, calling out bullying and ensuring that no one is a bystander. Welcoming everyone is not just the right thing to do, it also helps our young people develop essential life skills like understanding, self-reflection and empathy.

I am incredibly pleased to have Miss McNamara heading up our LGBTQ+ team, who meet every Tuesday after school to plan and support positive change. I am immensely proud that we have Pride here at Bulmershe, and that our young people are leading the way in building an environment where everyone can feel safe, valued and accepted.

Have a lovely weekend.

Amanda Woodfin
Headteacher

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Upcoming Events

22/6 – Year 10 PE GCSE moderation at Palmer Park
23/6 – 26/6 – Year 8 Land and Wave Residential Trip
23/6 – 24/6 – Year 6 Transition Days
25/6 – Year 11 Bulmershe Sixth Form Taster Day
30/6 – Y7 Tellmi Workshops (in school)
30/6 – Pride Party, after school in the Library
2/7 – Y12 Geography Field Trip
3/7 – Y11 Leavers Assembly 8:30am
3/7 – Y11 Prom – Sindlesham Court

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Breakfast with the Head

Our Class Charts reward points are a fantastic way for students to recognise their own hard work, and today saw a new incentive collected for the very first time. Recognising that celebratory cake can be a bit heavy at 8:30am, Mrs Woodfin has launched “Breakfast with the Head” as a brand new reward option.

Oakley L in Year 8 was the first to cash in his well-earned points, treating himself and his friends Ian, Tom and Antonino to a morning feast. The boys met Mrs Woodfin in the canteen to help themselves to the Friday breakfast buffet. (Our centeen serves up a popular full English every week between 8:00am and 8:30am – this is a notorious favourite time of the week for many of our staff members too!)

The group then moved to the Sixth Form Cafe, where Mr Scott had reserved a special window table for them. Over breakfast, the boys and Mrs Woodfin chatted about everything from politics and holidays to the proposed social media ban. Mrs Woodfin was incredibly impressed by Oakley’s forward planning, as he even brought along his own bottle of ketchup to share. It was a wonderful, calorie-fuelled start to the morning, and Mrs Woodfin is already looking forward to the next one.

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Shaping Pine in 3D Design

Our Year 10 3D Design students have been busy in our workshops, turning raw materials into fantastic pine lamp bases. It is fun to watch their ideas take shape as they master new practical techniques.

Before starting on the final wood production, the group completed a precise polystyrene cutting exercise. This allowed them to develop their measuring, marking out and cutting skills without the worry of spoiling their final timber pieces. They also spent time testing various wood stains and dyes on MDF, plywood and pine. This hands-on investigation helped them make informed decisions about the best materials and finishes for their individual designs.

The focus in the room has been brilliant, and the students are showing a real eye for detail. We are looking forward to seeing the finished lamps lighting up the department soon.

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Preparing for French and Spanish Mock Exams

With the Year 10 French and Spanish mock exams approaching, now is the perfect time for our modern foreign languages students to build effective revision habits.

Our languages team recommend a “little and often” approach, as short 15-minute daily sessions are much more effective than cramming. Students should focus on building vocabulary, learning key exam phrases and actively practicing all four skills (listening, reading, writing and speaking). Using past exam papers is also an excellent way to get used to the timing and layout.

There are some brilliant online tools available to help, including Quizlet, Duolingo and Memrise for vocabulary practice. For GCSE-specific revision and listening practice, students can use BBC Bitesize, Seneca Learning or Lyrics Training. Pearson Edexcel past papers can also be accessed online, as well as hearing the news in slow french and slow spanish.

Bonne chance and ¡Buena suerte! to all year 10s involved.

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Making Every Minute Count

We always speak to our students about the importance of punctuality as a lifelong habit. Being on time is a key part of self-discipline, and it ensures that our young people arrive at their lessons calm, collected and ready to learn.

To keep things running smoothly, students must arrive at school by 8:25am so they are ready in tutor time for 8:30am. Anyone arriving after this time will be marked as late and must enter via the main reception, as the school gates will be locked. It might not seem like much, but being just 10 minutes late every day adds up to losing 6.5 school days of learning over a single academic year.

You can support at home by encouraging your child to pack their bag the night before and checking Class Charts to monitor their morning attendance patterns. If you ever have concerns or need support, please contact your child’s Head of Year.

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Guidance on Digital Mental Health Support

We understand that parents and guardians often have questions about digital mental health support. Naturally, you want to be completely sure that your children are safe when accessing online resources.

To help address common concerns and provide clarity on how the Tellmi app works, a new digital booklet has been created, titled “What is Tellmi? Information for Parents/Guardians“. Tellmi is a free, safe and anonymous mental health support service available to your child through NHS and local authority funding. It provides a safely moderated space for young people to talk about their feelings and connect with peers who understand their experiences.

The new information booklet explores the strict safety measures, moderation processes and benefits of the service.

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Summer Creative Writing Workshops

If you have an aspiring young author at home, Alex Baker is running some fantastic Igniting Writing workshops during the summer holidays. These volunteer-led sessions are a brilliant opportunity for 11–18 year olds to develop their creative writing, share ideas and make new friends.

There are four themed holiday sessions available:

• Nature and the City (Friday 24th July at the Rising Sun Arts Centre): Exploring urban nature descriptions. Click here to book
• Select Your Character (Saturday 25th July at Wokingham Library): Crafting unique protagonists. Click here to book
• Once Upon a Fairy Tale (Wednesday 29th July at Jelly): Reimagining fictional folktales. Click here to book
• Chilling with the Villains (Saturday 1st August at Wokingham Library): Creating memorable antagonists. Click here to book

Regular free Saturday sessions also run at Wokingham Library during term time. Click here to find out more by searching for “Igniting Writing”.

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STEM Careers Series

Our STEM team have been busy collating a series of STEM Careers which will be shared with students via Google Classroom to introduce them to a vast range of opportunities and industries that they may have never heard of before! The series is kicking off with a spotlight on Food Waste Reduction Specialists – who work with schools, supermarkets, restaurants and businesses to reduce food waste and create more sustainable communities. Bulmershe’s Y9 Geography lessons on food systems and sustainability help students understand the real-world importance of careers like this

Please encourage your child to keep an eye out for the regular updates, which will include audio recordings by our STEM Ambassadors talking about the STEM skills needed for each career.

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Manga Magic in the Library

Our school library was full of creativity yesterday as we hosted two comic illustration workshops. Both sessions were full with students from across different year groups eager to develop their artistic skills.

The workshops were delivered live over Zoom by an illustrator named James, who guided our students through the intricate techniques of drawing manga characters. Following along with step-by-step tutorials, the group practiced specialised shading, line work and character framing. Students were also able to request their favourite characters to draw.

Beyond the drawing itself, the room was filled with lively discussions as students chatted with James about various manga shows and storylines. It was wonderful to see students connecting over a shared passion, supporting one another’s sketches and sharing ideas so enthusiastically – many left the library with some brilliant completed artwork to be proud of.

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Sports News

U14s Battle in Track & Field

This week marked the launch of our Under-14 athletics fixtures, kicking off a three-week campaign. Our students are currently battling it out on the track and in the field against rival schools, with all eyes fixed on securing a spot in the upcoming finals. Next week, the team faces a brand-new selection of schools – our athletes will be looking to build on this week’s strong foundations, aiming to collect even more points to add to our overall tally.

U14 Girls Football

On Tuesday, our U14 girls’ team showed incredible teamwork, determination and raw athletic ability. Competing in a highly contested football match, their collective effort earned the school a fantastic fourth-place finish.

U14s Boys Football

The momentum continued into Thursday as the U14 boys stepped up to represent the school. Facing an exceptionally tough field of competitors, the boys showed immense grit and athletic spirit, fighting hard to secure a commendable fifth-place finish.

The PE Department would like to extend a massive thank you to every single student who attended trials and tried out for these events. Your dedication makes these fixtures possible.

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Reminder – The Big Future Survey

The Children’s Commissioner, Dame Rachel de Souza, has launched “The Big Future” survey to understand the hopes and concerns of young people across England. With the upcoming changes to voting eligibility, it is more important than ever that our students’ views are heard by those in power. Currently, only one in five children believe that politicians actually listen to them: a statistic the Commissioner is determined to change.

We would love for as many Bulmershe students as possible to complete the survey at home or via the link in their Google Classrooms. The survey is open to anyone aged 0-18, so please do encourage siblings and other children in your family to take part too. You can find the survey here:

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Rags2Riches Clothing Donations

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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 Eloise D, Martha DC, Becca P and Lily May F, all in year 10, to join me for a celebratory cup of hot chocolate on Friday 19th June at 8:35am.

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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

Big shout out to Oliver M (Y8) and Varshitha P (Y8) for their completion of the UKMT Maths Challenge Junior Kangaroo which is a follow-on round from Junior Maths challenge! Well done for qualifying for this event!

A massive shout out to Taimoor S (Y8) who qualified for UKMT Junior British Olympiad which is a follow-on round from Junior Maths Challenge! Only 1,200 students across the country qualify for this competition! An incredible achievement, well done!

Mr Williams would like to congratulation Joel P and his Bracknell Town Blues under 14 team for becoming national champions and the Junior Premier League National Finals in Warwick last weekend.

Staff Shout Outs

Mr Chandler would like to thank Mrs Parkes for so seamlessly taking on the role of form tutor for 8XU – she’s been fantastic!

Parent Shout Out

I wanted to say a huge thank you to the year 11 team- not just our wonderful Head of Year Mrs Edwards, but also Miss Kola and Miss Hook, the lovely senior leaders and tutors. The last five years of your dedicated support, enthusiasm and encouragement is now reaching the end with the GCSEs finishing next week.  

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Cucina Main Meals – w/c 15th June

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What’s On

Woodley Carnival

The annual Woodley Carnival takes place on Saturday 13th June at Woodford Park. The afternoon event runs from 12pm to 5pm, featuring a dog show, classic cars, charity stalls and exhibitions. An evening family concert begins at 6pm, concluding with a fireworks display.

A new play about the Oxford Road

The play “Oxford Road” will run for three nights from Tuesday 23rd June to Thursday 25th June. Held at the Bulmershe Theatre, in the Minghella Studios at the University of Reading, this dark comedy is based on a novel by local author Derek Walsh. The production explores hard-hitting themes but is a testament to the human spirit. “Whether you’re stumbling into Turtle, wandering into The Wishing Well or calling in sick with a flask of coffee by Caversham riverside…Dave’s always got your back.”
Tickets cost £17.50. Click here to book

Whiteknights Studio Trail

The 26th annual Whiteknights Studio Trail takes place on Saturday 13th June and Sunday 14th June in the University of Reading area. This walking tour features 33 local artists across 23 venues, allowing visitors to view, discuss and purchase various art and craft pieces.

Citizens Advice Drop-In Sessions

Citizens Advice is running mobile advice and support sessions at various local libraries. Monthly slots include Lower Earley Library (first Monday, 10:00–16:30), Twyford Library (second Tuesday, 10:00–13:00), Spencers Wood Library (third Thursday, 14:30–17:00) and Finchampstead Library (fourth Friday, 10:00–13:00 and 14:00–16:00). Click here to find out more

Reading Comic Con

Reading Comic Con will be held at Loddon Valley Leisure Centre on Sunday 14th June, opening at 10:00am. The event features media stalls, photo opportunities, and guest appearances from actors associated with franchises such as Star Wars and Doctor Who.

Kellogg’s Football Camps

Free places at supervised summer football camps are available for children through a partnership between Kellogg’s, the EFL and selected football clubs. The sessions are led by FA-qualified coaches. Families can claim a free day of coaching by purchasing a promotional pack of Kellogg’s cereal and using the code online. Click here to find out more

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