Other highlights this week include a brilliant performance from our Cross Country teams and some impressive work from our talented artists. You can read more about these achievements below, along with our plans for Children’s Mental Health Week and some important reminders about bike safety on our school site. 

Take care and have a good weekend. 

Mrs Anderson
Headteacher

Buckinghamshire Schools Cross‑Country Championships 

Thirty students from across all year groups represented the school at the Buckinghamshire Schools Cross‑Country Championships at Stowe School. Every student gave an outstanding effort, showing real determination and pride throughout the event. We’re delighted to share that three students have qualified for the next round, a fantastic achievement and testament to their hard work. 

Children’s Mental Health Week & Fundraising for Place2Be next week 

Next week we will be taking part in Place2Be’s Children’s Mental Health Week. Place2Be is a UK charity supporting mental health in schools, helping students build resilience and feel supported. By fundraising, we’re helping them continue providing counselling, staff training, and family support. 

This year’s theme, “This Is My Place,” focuses on the importance of belonging for children and young people which plays a vital role in young people’s wellbeing. Throughout the week, students will take part in activities encouraging them to reflect on where they feel safe, valued and connected, and how they can help others feel the same. 

We will also be fundraising for Place2Be,  with small fun items ranging from £1-£3 (cash only) for sale during break and lunch from Monday-Thursday. Voluntary donations can also be made through our JustGiving page. Thank you in advance for your support. 

Bike Safety on the School Site 

Sustainability is important to us at Watling, so it is fantastic to see so many students arriving to school on foot and by bicycle. To help keep everyone safe when arriving at and leaving the Academy, we’d like to kindly remind all students of the following: 

• Bikes must NOT be ridden anywhere on school grounds. 
• This also includes the path leading down to the school building. 
• You should only start riding once you reach the main road by the traffic lights. 
• In the mornings, please hop off your bike at the traffic lights and walk it down the path to the bike racks. 
• When cycling on public paths and roads, take care to ride safely and be mindful of pedestrians and other road users. 

Thank you for helping us keep our school site safe for everyone. 

Student Artwork 

Students have been working incredibly hard in their art lessons this term, producing some truly impressive pieces. Mrs Monty has selected a handful of standout artworks to share, showcasing the talent and imagination across the group. Well done to all of you! 

Reminders 

Lost property
Lost property will be displayed in the canteen after school on Wednesday 11^th February for students to check through. Items that remain unclaimed after this date will be donated or disposed of as appropriate.  

Friends of Watling Academy Doughnut Sale – Friday 13th February
A gentle reminder that the Friends of Watling Academy (FOWA) are holding a doughnut sale on Friday 13th February to raise funds to support the school and students. Pre-orders will be available for students to collect at 3:15pm from the canteen area. Students will also be able to purchase single original glazed Krispy Kreme doughnuts for £1.50 cash on the day. 

Year 8 Online Subject Consultation Evening
Bookings for Year 8 Online Subject Consultation evening on Thursday 12^th February will close at midnight on Wednesday 11^th February. Please see the letter on ParentMail for details on how to book. These evenings are a key opportunity to discuss your child’s progress, performance and any areas for improvement, so teachers can work together with you to ensure your child achieves their full potential. 

Sports Results 

• Thursday 29^th Jan –
  • Year 10 Boys County Cup Semi-Final Vs Holmer Green LOST 3-0 
• Monday 2^nd Feb –
  • Year 7 Boys County Cup Semi-Final Vs Beaconsfield WON 4-3 and progress to the final! A fantastic result, well done team! 
• Tuesday 3^rd –
  • Girls Badminton Vs Radcliffe –
    • Year 7 girls – Lost
    • U14 – Won
    • U16 – Won

What’s happening next week? 

• Monday 9^th February – Week A 
  • Children’s Mental Health Week – Fundraising for Place2Be all week 
  • Year 11 Mock Exams all week 
• Tuesday 10^th February –  
  • Year 12 Mandarin visit to UCL 
• Wednesday 11^th February –  
  • Lost Property afterschool 
• Thursday 12^th February –  
  • Year 8 Subject Consultation Evening online 
• Friday 13^th February –  
  • Last day of term – finish at 3:15pm 
  • FOWA Doughnut Sale 
• Saturday 14^th – Sunday 15^th February –  
  • Year 11 & 12 DofE Silver Award Practice Expedition 

Sports Fixtures 

• Tuesday 10^th February –  
  • Year 9 Netball Vs Walton High 
• Wednesday 11^th February –  
  • U15 Indoor Cricket at Radcliffe AWAY 
  • U16 Boys Badminton Vs MK Academy AWAY 
  • Year 7 Netball Vs Kents Hill Park AWAY 
  • Year 8 Netball Vs Kents Hill Park AWAY 
  • Year 7 Boys Football Vs Brooklands HOME 

I am keen to build on our excellent reputation and to ensure our students have the best possible experience and opportunity while they are at Watling Academy.  I am ambitious for them and for our academy.  We have recently talked to students about how we can start to lift some of our standards and are focusing on being on time to the academy and to lessons.  You can support us by ensuring your child is on time in the morning and encouraging the importance of punctuality.  Many parents drop students off in the morning and this causes congestion in the carpark.  Please consider dropping off along the roads leading up to the academy so that our site has less traffic and is therefore safer for our students as they arrive in the morning.  Thank you for your consideration here. 

Enjoy reading this week’s updates and note important dates  – remember Year 11 mock exams start next week. 

Holocaust Memorial Day 

On Holocaust Memorial Day, we were honoured to welcome Paul Sved, who spent his childhood in Hungary during the 1940s and 1950s. Paul spoke to our Year 9 students about his experiences during the Nazi occupation, describing how he and his mother were first forced into a ghetto before obtaining false papers that allowed them to move into a Swiss safe house known as the Glass House. When it became clear that even this refuge would not remain safe, his mother secured shelter for them in the basement of a local family’s home. 

Students listened intently, clearly moved by the chance to hear Paul’s testimony first-hand. Many asked insightful, perceptive questions that reflected their strong engagement both in lessons and throughout the talk. The entire year group should feel very proud of the way they embodied the RRK values during this important and memorable event.

Duke of Edinburgh’s Silver Award Training Days 

On Thursday and Friday, a group of our Year 11 and 12 students took part in their Duke of Edinburgh training in preparation for their first expedition later this year. Throughout the sessions, they developed a wide range of essential skills, from first aid and safety to navigation, route planning, compass work, and understanding the Countryside Code. Students also enjoyed getting practical experience with their equipment, including learning how to pitch a tent confidently and efficiently. It was fantastic to see their enthusiasm and teamwork throughout the training. We’re excited to watch them put all of these new skills into action during their upcoming practice expedition. 

Year 9 Options Evening 

On Thursday, we hosted our Year 9 Options Evening, marking the official start of the GCSE options process. This stage is always an exciting milestone, giving students the chance to shape their learning journey and make choices that reflect their interests and aspirations for Year 10 and 11. 

Mr Brown delivered a clear and informative presentation explaining how the options process works, while our Heads of Department were available throughout the evening to offer guidance and answer questions about their subjects. 

It was wonderful to see such a strong turnout from our Year 9 students and their families, your engagement and support made the event a real success. A reminder that the application form is now live and should be completed by 27th March.

Sports Results 

• Thursday 22^nd January –  
  • Year 11 Girls Football Vs Oakgrove WON 3-1 
• Tuesday 27^th January –  
  • Year 7 Boys Football Vs Stantonbury WON 7-6 
  • Year 9 Boys Football Vs Kents Hill Park WON 7-0 
  • Year 7 Netball Vs Glebe Farm WON 11-1  
• Wednesday 29^th January –  
  • Year 8 Boys Football Vs Shenley Brook End – LOST 2-0 
  • Year 10 Boys Football Vs Radcliffe – DREW 2-2 

Take care and have a good weekend. 

Mrs Anderson
Headteacher

Reminders

Use of Sprays and Aerosols
We would like to remind you that aerosol sprays, scented body sprays, aftershaves, and perfumes are not permitted at Watling Academy due to the serious risk they pose to some of our staff and students with asthma. Deodorants must be in roll-on form only. To protect the wellbeing of our school community, any student who disregards these safety notices will face serious consequences in line with our behaviour policy. By working together, we can maintain a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. Thank you for your understanding and continued support with this important matter. 

What’s happening next week?

• Monday 2^nd February – Week B 
  • Year 11 Mock Exams all week 
  • Year 12 Folder Checks all week 
  • Year 8M National Space Centre trip 
• Tuesday 3^rd February –  
  • Year 11 Mock Exams all week 
• Wednesday 4^th February –  
  • Year 11 Mock Exams all week 
• Thursday 5^th February –  
  • Year 11 Mock Exams all week 
• Friday 6^th February –  
  • Year 12 Careers trip to VW Group Event

Sports Fixtures

• Monday 2^nd February –  
  • Year 7 County Cup Football Vs Beaconsfield HOME 
• Tuesday 3^rd February –  
  • Year 7, U14 & U16 Girls Badminton Vs Radcliffe AWAY 
• Wednesday 4^th February –  
  • U13 Indoor Cricket at Radcliffe AWAY 
  • Cross-Country Competition at Stowe School 
  • GCSE Swimming at Leon 
  • Year 9 Girls Football Vs Brooklands HOME 
• Thursday 5^th February –  
  • Year 7 Basketball Vs Oakgrove AWAY 
  • Year 10 Basketball Vs Oakgrove AWAY 
• Friday 6^th February –  
  • Girls Cross-Country Thornton Trail AWAY 

It was also lovely to meet parents at this week’s Friends of Watling Academy meeting.  A huge thank you to them for the time they give for the benefit of our academy. Look out for some fun fundraising events happening very soon (further details below). 

ESU MACE Debate Competition Success 

We’re proud to share that our debaters are now Regional Finalists in the English-Speaking Union Mace, one of the most prestigious school debating competitions in the country. They faced tough competition from schools across the region and showed outstanding confidence, clear thinking, and excellent teamwork. 

Shreya, Eniola and Janelle’s performance has gone above and beyond expectations, reflecting their hard work, resilience, and commitment to this competition.

A huge well done to the whole team, especially those working behind the scenes, Yaseen, Jotham, Mahmoud, Zaina, Delishaa and David, you’ve made Watling Academy incredibly proud. Bring on the Regional Final! 

Year 11 Careers Fair 

It was a pleasure to welcome the Milton Keynes College Group to Watling Academy this week for an engaging and informative careers fair. Students had the chance to explore a wide range of post‑16 pathways, ask thoughtful questions, and gain clear guidance to help shape their next steps. 

The Yellow Bus proved especially popular, providing hands‑on support with applications as well as valuable advice on personal development and future planning. This guidance helped students deepen their understanding of their options and feel more confident about the choices ahead. 

A heartfelt thank you to all staff involved for their enthusiasm, expertise, and dedication to supporting our students’ aspirations. 

Year 9 options 

Our Year 9 students received their options booklets this morning which contain key information about the process of choosing their courses for Key Stage 4 as well as descriptions of all courses available. This is a really exciting time for students and the first step in the next stage of their education. Please support your child in this process by making sure they have read the booklet ahead of the Year 9 Options Evening next week and prepare any questions they would like to ask on the evening to help them make their decision. 

FOWA Doughnut Sale 

As you will be aware, Friends of Watling Academy (FOWA) are holding a doughnut sale on Friday 13th February to raise funds to support the school and students. Pre-orders are now live on ParentMail for boxes of 12 original glazed doughnuts, until 12pm on Wednesday 4th February. Students will also be able to purchase single original glazed Krispy Kreme doughnuts for £1.50 cash on the day. Plus, as an extra Valentine’s treat, find a heart in your doughnut box or bag to win a small prize! Thank you in advance for your support. 

Sports Results 

Well done to our Year 7 Girls Basketball team (pictured below), who played brilliantly in their tournament this week! Although they didn’t come away with a win, they demonstrated fantastic teamwork, resilience, and determination throughout. A great effort from everyone involved. 

A big shout‑out to our U16 Girls Football team, who faced Royal Latin in the County Cup quarter-finals this week and earned a well‑deserved place in the semi-final with an impressive 4–2 win. Congratulations to the whole squad on a fantastic performance! 

• Year 7/8 MK School Basketball tournament – 6^th place 
• Year 9 Netball v Oakgrove – WON 12-2 
• Year 8 Netball v Oakgrove – LOST 10-9 
• Year 11 Basketball v St Paul’s – WON 26-25 
• Year 9 Basketball v St Paul’s – WON 30-28 
• Year 11 Boys Football v Radcliffe – LOST 2-1 
• Year 10 Basketball v Walton High – Postponed by WH 
• U16 Girls County Cup v Royal Latin – WON 4-2  
• Year 9 Boys Football v Glebe – WON 10 – 0 

Take care and have a lovely weekend. 

Mrs Anderson
Headteacher

Reminders
Sixth Form Applications 

There is one week left to apply for Sixth Form entry in September 2026 – don’t miss out! Students have all received a unique application link via email, please use this to complete your application by midnight on 31^st January. 

What’s happening next week?

• Monday 26^th January – Week A
  • Year 12 Progress Week all week 
• Tuesday 27^th January –
  • Year 9 Holocaust Survivor talk 
• Wednesday 28^th January –
  • Year 11 Food & Nutrition Practical Mocks 
• Thursday 29^th January –
  • Year 11 & 12 DofE Silver Award Classroom Training 
  • Year 9 Options Evening 
• Friday 30^th January –
  • Year 11 Food & Nutrition Practical Mocks 
  • Year 11 & 12 DofE Silver Award Classroom Training 

Sports Fixtures

• Tuesday 27^th January –  
  • Year 7 Boys Football Vs Stantonbury AWAY 
  • Year 9 Boys Football Vs Kents Hill Park HOME 
  • Year 7 Netball Vs Glebe Farm HOME 
• Wednesday 28^th January –  
  • Year 8 Boys Football Vs Shenley Brook End AWAY 
  • Year 10 Boys Football Vs Radcliffe HOME 
• Thursday 28^th January –  
  • Year 10 County Cup Football Vs Holmer Green AWAY 

Year 11 students recently travelled to the Phoenix Theatre in London to watch the acclaimed stage production of Stranger Things: The First Shadow as part of their GCSE Drama course. Not only was it an exciting and immersive performance, but it also formed a key part of their preparation for the live theatre review element of their written exam in May. It was fantastic to see students so engaged, inspired, and enthusiastic. We can’t wait to see how this experience shapes their creative and academic progress. 

Last term, the art department hosted a seasonal photography competition, inviting students to submit black‑and‑white images that captured the spirit of autumn and their personal interpretation of it. The entries were wonderfully imaginative, and all of them are now proudly displayed in the art corridor. A big well done to everyone who took part. Special congratulations go to Angiras in Year 7 for winning first prize, and to runners‑up Carine (Year 7) and Ishaan (Year 9).

Following their well-deserved victory in the first round of the prestigious ESU MACE Debate competition in Oxford last term, our brilliant Debate team will be competing in the second round heats of the competition next week at Redbourne Upper School, Ampthill. Wishing the best of luck to Year 12 students Shreya, Eniola and Janelle!

The Friends of Watling Academy (FoWA), our Parent Teacher Association, will be meeting on Monday 19^th January at 6pm. They welcome all parents/carers and would be delighted to hear from you, however big or small your contribution. Becoming part of FoWA is a fantastic way to support the school, meet other parents, and to do good for our community. To get in touch, please visit the FoWA page on our website here. 

As a school, we are committed to making a positive difference in our local community, reflecting our core values of respect, responsibility and kindness. One of the key ways we do this is through our House fundraising initiatives. 

Marshall House is delighted to be supporting Harry’s Rainbow, a wonderful local charity that helps children coping with the loss of a parent or sibling. Our rainbow lolly sale in aid of the charity has already received a fantastic response, thank you to everyone who has contributed so far. There is still plenty of time to get involved. If you would like to purchase a lolly and support this meaningful cause, please visit ParentMail (Payments > Shop) by Thursday 22^nd January. Lollies will be delivered directly to students on Friday 23^rd January. For further details, including ingredients, please refer to the letter on ParentMail dated 11th January. Thank you in advance for your continued support. 

Finally, we were excited to announce the casting for this year’s school production of High School Musical today. Congratulations to all the students who auditioned and to those who have been awarded roles. Rehearsals will begin next week. If your child has been selected, please make sure you have given consent for them to attend rehearsals via ParentMail by 3pm on Monday 19th January. It’s always exciting to watch a production take shape, and I’m looking forward to seeing the cast’s progress throughout the term and to the performances in June.

Mrs Anderson
Headteacher

Sports Results –
We’ve had a fantastic week for competitive sports, as all our teams won their fixtures and with some impressive scores, well done to all of you! A special shout‑out to our Year 7 Netball team (pictured) who stormed to a 14–0 victory over Stantonbury – an incredible performance.

• Year 11 Netball – cancelled by Leon, Watling given the win 
• Year 11 Basketball v Shenley Brook End – WON 29-18 
• Year 9 Netball v Kents Hill Park – WON 18-2 
• Year 10 Netball v Kents Hill Park – WON 15-1 
• Year 7 Netball v Stantonbury – WON 14-0 
• Year 7 Girls Football v Glebe Farm – WON 9-0 
• Year 11 Boys v Shenley Brook End – WON 2-0 

Reminders
How To Report Absence Years 7-11 and Sixth Form.
If you know your child is going to be absent, please use one of the following methods to inform us:

• Option 1 – Report absence via ParentMail app. (Our preferred method of reporting) 
• Option 2 – Email the Attendance Team at attendance@watlingacademy.uk 
• Option 3 – Call the Attendance Line by 8:30am each morning of your child’s absence. 01908 794094 option 1. 

Daily Absence Reminder – Notification is required for each day your child is absent. Your continued support helps us maintain accurate attendance records.
If your child is absent and we haven’t received any communication from you, we will do our best to make contact. In cases where we’re unable to reach you for three consecutive days, the school may take further steps to ensure your child’s wellbeing. This could include a home visit or involving external agencies such as Social Services or the Police. Maintaining open communication with us about absences is vital for safeguarding and supporting our students—thank you for your cooperation. 

Please note that the school gates open at 8:00am, students are expected to be in the building for 8:35am ready to arrive to registration at 8:40am. Any student arriving after that time will be recorded as being late for school and must sign in at reception before going to class. 

What’s happening next week? 

• Monday 19^th January – Week B
  • Spring term afterschool clubs begin
  • Friends of Watling Academy meeting
• Tuesday 20^th January 
  • Year 11/12 ESU MACE Debate Competition trip 
• Thursday 22^nd January 
  • Year 11 Visit from MK College 
• Friday 23^rd January 
  • Year 12 Progress Report 2 sent home 

Sports Fixtures

• Monday 19^th January 
  • KS3 Girls Basketball Tournament AWAY 
• Tuesday 20^th January 
  • Year 11 Boys Football Vs Radcliffe AWAY 
  • Year 9 Basketball Vs St Pauls HOME 
  • Year 11 Basketball Vs St Pauls HOME 
  • Year 8 Netball Vs Oakgrove HOME 
  • Year 9 Netball Vs Oakgrove HOME 
• Wednesday 21^st January 
  • U16 Girls County Cup Football Quarter Final Vs Royal Latin School 
  • Year 9 Boys Football Vs Glebe Farm HOME 
  • Year 10 Boys Basketball Vs Walton High AWAY 
• Thursday 22^nd January 
  • Year 7, U14 & U16 Girls Badminton Vs The Webber Independent School AWAY
  • Year 11 Girls Football Vs Oakgrove HOME 

As part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability, members of our Eco-Committee recently planted eight new tree saplings around the school grounds. A huge thank you to Erin M, Lucy D and Finley O in Year 8; Vincent E, Amelia W and Thomas S in Year 9; and Lydia W in Year 11 for your hard work in helping to make our school greener. We are also grateful to our Site Team for their support and for providing the necessary equipment. 

Congratulations to Year 8 students Akshara, Amsha and Izzy for their fantastic participation in last term’s CyberFirst Girls Competition. Hosted by the National Cyber Security Centre, this team-based event aims to inspire girls with an interest in technology to explore careers in cyber security. Teams take on challenges ranging from cryptography and logic to artificial intelligence and networking, all for the chance to be crowned cyber security champions. Although we did not take home the trophy this year, Akshara, Amsha and Izzy approached every challenge with enthusiasm and delivered a truly commendable performance – well done!

We enjoyed a range of fun and creative House competitions at the end of last term, including baking, poster design and Christmas door decoration. Students were also invited to design a handmade Christmas card in Spanish. After an impressive number of entries and some very close judging, we are delighted to announce the winners. 9MSNR secured first place in the Form Group competition, with 10KSPD, 10KLAO and 7RST as runners-up. In the individual competition, Angiras P (Y7) took first place, with Kaila H (Y10) awarded second. Well done to everyone who took part, and congratulations to all our winners.

This term, our Library has launched a new Reading Reward Card, giving students the opportunity to set personal reading goals and collect stamps for each book they complete. Every stamp earns House Points and entry into a termly raffle, with prizes ranging from sweets and stationery to Amazon vouchers. Students who complete their entire reward card will also be able to choose a prize from the Library prize box. Happy reading!

Mrs Anderson
Headteacher

Sports Results –

• Year 10 County Cup Boys Football Vs Chesham Grammar WON 2-1 to advance to the semi-finals of the competition – well done team!

What’s happening next week? 

• Monday 12th January – Week A
  • Year 11 MFL Speaking Mock Exams (all week) 
• Tuesday 13^th January
  • Year 9 & 10 DTP Vaccination mop-up session 

Sports Fixtures

• Monday 12th January
  • Year 11 Netball Vs Sir Herbert Leon HOME
• Tuesday 13^th January 
  • Year 9 Netball Vs Kents Hill Park HOME 
  • Year 10 Netball Vs Kents Hill Park HOME 
  • Year 11 Basketball Vs Shenley Brook End AWAY 
• Wednesday 14^th January 
  • Year 7 Netball Vs Stantonbury AWAY 
  • Year 11 Boys Football Vs Shenley Brook End HOME 
  • Year 7 Girls Football Vs Glebe Farm AWAY 
  • Year 8 Girls Football Vs Glebe Farm AWAY 

One of my favourite parts of being Headteacher has been spending time with our students; their energy, curiosity, and sense of humour is infectious. They remind us why we do what we do, and it has been inspiring to watch them grow alongside the school, learn, and achieve. I would also like to pay special tribute to our exceptional staff team, and particularly our Senior Leadership Team. Every day, they give their very best for the students, going above and beyond to ensure that every child feels supported and challenged. Their dedication and professionalism have been the heartbeat of this school. 

Looking back, there have been so many memorable moments: Welcoming hundreds of new members of staff and students as we grow, the excitement of opening new facilities, the pride of seeing students perform on stage and excel in sports, and the shared celebrations of academic success. Most importantly, these milestones reflect the daily commitment of our students, staff and parents; working together every day to be just a little better than the day before. 

Even as we finish this term, we have had a busy time at Watling. Last week, we held our Winter Performing Arts Showcase, bringing together music, drama, dance and visual art in a packed and vibrant evening. Families were welcomed by a curated gallery of student artwork, displaying pieces from across all year groups. 

The performance programme featured a wide range of ensembles and disciplines, including the orchestra, string group, choir, Dance Experience, student band, individual solo performances and multiple drama groups. Across the evening, audiences enjoyed everything from classical arrangements to contemporary songs, original drama scenes and choreographed pieces, all demonstrating the creativity and hard work students have shown throughout the term. 

The event concluded with a whole-hall festive singalong, marking a warm and celebratory end to the showcase. A huge well done to everyone involved, on stage, backstage and in the art studios, for contributing to a successful and uplifting evening. 

On Wednesday, our Year 7 Mandarin Excellence Programme students took part in a successful Launch Day designed to build enthusiasm and understanding of the programme. Activities included a lively Kahoot quiz to consolidate prior Mandarin learning, a focused lesson on talking about pets, and an introduction to the aims and expectations of the MEP, supported by examples of high-quality student work and video clips from previous China trips. The day concluded with a practical cultural activity in the main hall, where students particularly enjoyed learning and practising traditional Chinese shuttlecock kicking, developing teamwork, coordination, and cultural awareness in a fun and engaging way. 

Our Year 7s have been stepping into the shoes of fictional Victorian detective Enola Holmes in their library lessons this term. Linking to the text they’re studying in English lessons, Ruby in the Smoke, students have sharpened their research skills by uncovering stories of real-life female detectives from the era, and ended the term by solving a locked-room mystery where they raced to solve the disappearance of Viscount Tewkesbury by cracking ciphers and piecing together documents hidden around the Library. A true test of teamwork and detective flair!

This year, Year 11 student Emran A took part in the prestigious UKMT Golden Kangaroo Competition, joining two Year 12 participants, Qasim M and Naseem A, in representing the school at this advanced level of mathematical problem-solving. Emran delivered an exceptional performance, achieving a Golden Kangaroo Award, a distinction reserved for the highest-scoring students nationally. His outstanding result not only reflects his remarkable talent and dedication, but also earned him the title of Best in School, surpassing even older students in this challenging competition. We congratulate Emran on this impressive accomplishment and celebrate the hard work of all three students who took part. Their achievements continue to raise the profile of mathematics within the school and serve as an inspiration to others. 

During this term, students in Years 7, 8 and 9 have been busy preparing for the Foreign Language Translation Spelling Bee House Competition which has taken place in MFL lessons over the last few weeks. Students practised translating and spelling new words (Year 7) and sentences (Years 8 and 9) into Spanish and Mandarin. During the competition, students were given one minute to translate and spell as many words or sentences as they could into Spanish or Mandarin. Well done to everyone who took part and congratulations to our winners who will go on to compete in Stage 2, a school competition, taking place next term. For details of the competition and all our Stage 1 winners, please read the full story here. 

A huge thank you to the Friends of Watling Academy for another sell-out doughnut sale and to all those who supported the event. Together we raised over £600 which will be invested back into the school to benefit our students and school community. Thanks again for your support, and keep an eye out for the next delicious event coming soon! 

As I step away at the end of this term, please know that I will always carry fond memories of this school and its people. I leave confident that the future is bright, and that your children will continue to thrive under the guidance of such a dedicated team.  

Thank you for allowing me to be part of your children’s journey. Wishing you all a joyful festive season and every success in the years ahead. 

Mrs Fry
Headteacher

Reminders –
Back to School – Tuesday 6^th January
A quick reminder that school will be closed on Monday 5^th January for an INSET day. We look forward to welcoming students back to school on Tuesday 6^th January.

Sports Results –

• U16 Girls County Cup Football – Postponed by Cottlesloe 
• Year 7 boys football Vs Ousedale WON 10-1 
• Year 9 boys football Vs Walton High WON 4-3

What’s happening next term? 

• Monday 5th  – January
  • INSET Day – School Closed 
• Tuesday 6^th January Week B 
  • Progress Week Year 11 
• Wednesday 7^th January 
  • Booking for Year 11 Subject Consultations closes at 11:55pm 
• Thursday 8^th January 
  • Year 11 Subject Consultation Evening (online) 
• Friday 9^th January 
  • Year 11 Stranger Things drama trip 

Sports Fixtures

• Wednesday 7^th January 
  • Year 10 County Cup Boys Football Vs Chesham 

Students in Year 7 practised translating and spelling in Spanish up to 50 new words for the competition which has taken place in their lessons over the last few weeks. Students had one minute to correctly translate into Spanish and spell as many of the 50 words as possible. 

The students with the highest scores have been selected to take part in the next stage; a school competition which will take place during the final week of January. Winners of the school competition could then go on to compete in a regional or national competition. 

The Year 7 Stage 1 winners are as follows: 

• Adrian A-A (13) – Laine 
• Galina B (13) – Laine 
• Eve S (16) – Leyh 
• Flynn H (14) – Leyh 
• Susanna W (14) – Marshall 
• Aaban W (12) – Marshall 
• Alicia K (12) – Rutherford 
• Joy Joy T (10) – Rutherford 
• Pranaya P (17) – Turing 
• Aditi P (15) – Turing

Years 8 and 9 MFL Translation Bee competition

All Year 8 Spanish students and Year 8 Mandarin Excellence Programme Students have also taken part in the Foreign Language Translation Bee Competitions, while Year 9 have been practising translating a series of key present tense sentences into Spanish or Mandarin. Students had to correctly translate as many of the present tense sentences as possible in a minute. Two winners from each House in each year group (M and K) will now take part in the next stage, which will take place next term. Congratulations to all students who have taken part.

Spanish:
The winners of the House Competition in Year 8M are as follows:

• Laine -Aleena B/Prashawya R (4.5)
• Leyh – Tanya A (6.5)
• Marshall – Joshua H/Harold O (8.5)
• Rutherford – Beatriz MS (10.5)
• Turing – Akhil VS (8)

The winners of the House Competition in Year 8K are as follows:

• Laine – Alina S/Rafael V (10)
• Leyh – Yasmin M (9)
• Marshall – Isla P (9)
• Rutherford – Akshara K (9)
• Turing – Darsika R (12)

The winners of the House Competition in Year 9M are as follows:

• Laine – Felipe P (13)
• Leyh – Pak Mong C/ Sani G (12)
• Marshall – Esther O (13)
• Rutherford – Kirstiella A/Sai Konreddy (12)
• Turing – Josh Clements (12)

The winners of the House Competition in Year 9K are as follows:

• Laine – Florence M (9.5)
• Leyh – Tilly T (6)
• Marshall – Bella G (16)
• Rutherford – Eliza G (17.5)
• Turing – Venisha C (22)

Mandarin:

Year 8

• Laine – Dhruv S (8.5 sentences translated into Mandarin in a minute)
• Leyh – Shakthi R S (10)
• Marshall – Leena A (13)
• Rutherford – Shakthi V S (10)
• Turing – Harshith A (10.5)

Year 9M

• Laine – Ekaaksh B (5.5 sentences translated into Mandarin in a minute)
• Leyh – Sunaina S (6)
• Marshall – Masha M (13)
• Rutherford – Athina K (3.5)
• Turing – Ageesan M (7.5)

Year 9K

• Laine – Sarayu A (6 sentences translated into Mandarin in a minute)
• Leyh –Sarani C (5)
• Marshall – Cora M (11)
• Rutherford – Karina K (8)
• Turing – Saif A (5)

Well done to everyone who took part – it was a competition that practises a variety of skills, which will stand you in good stead for your future, not only in Spanish and Mandarin, but also more widely.

Mr Scott (Head of MFL)
Mr Williams (Head of Spanish)
Ms Zhao (Head of Mandarin)

To mark Human Rights Day on 10th December, our Human Rights Committee hosted an exciting scavenger hunt across the school. Students searched for the 10 Human Rights hidden in various locations, noted their meanings, and provided real-life examples of how these rights apply. In addition, tutorial sessions this week focused on deepening students’ understanding of these fundamental rights. The activities were a great success; students were highly engaged, enjoying the challenge while gaining valuable insight into this important topic. 

Yesterday, our Year 11 History students set off bright and early for their Berlin adventure! A huge thank you to families for ensuring everyone made it to the coach at such an early hour. The trip began on a high note, with British Airways surprising Noah for his 16th birthday, complete with a signed card from the crew and an exclusive visit to the cockpit. The group wasted no time diving into Berlin’s rich history, spending their first day exploring the Berlin Wall Memorial, Checkpoint Charlie, the infamous death strip, and the immersive Asisi 360 Panorama, which offered a powerful glimpse into life in a divided city. We can’t wait to share more updates as the trip unfolds. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for highlights throughout the weekend.  

This week, A1 Multisport joined our PE lessons to introduce students to the exciting world of Wheelchair Basketball. Over 600 students had the chance to learn the rules, develop new skills, and experience a Paralympic sport firsthand. Watling students were outstanding throughout, and Coach Kane praised their politeness and open-minded approach. We’re thrilled with the success of this initiative and look forward to offering even more students this fantastic opportunity next year. 

Last Friday, our Food & Nutrition students had an incredible hands-on experience preparing, cooking, and tasting freshly farmed mussels for lunch. This exciting opportunity was made possible through the Fish in Schools Hero programme, led by the Food Teachers Centre, which ensures every child has the chance to prepare, cook, and eat fish before leaving school. We were thrilled to be accepted into the programme and received 10kg of freshly harvested mussels, delivered straight from the sea by Offshore Shellfish, completely free of charge. This experience not only taught students valuable culinary skills but also highlighted the importance of sustainable seafood and healthy eating. A big thank you to Offshore Shellfish and the Food Teachers Centre for making this possible. 

We ended the week with an exciting announcement: the next Watling Academy musical. In June, we’ll be bringing High School Musical to the stage. Auditions will take place next Tuesday and Wednesday, and we can’t wait to see the incredible talent and enthusiasm our students will bring to this production. Get ready to “get your head in the game”, it’s going to be a show to remember!

That’s all for this week. Wishing you a restful weekend. 

Mrs Fry

Headteacher

Reminders –
Early Finish  – Friday 19^th December 

Next Friday is the last day of term and students will be finishing school at 12:35pm. Please remind any students eligible for Free School Meals who have ordered a packed lunch, that they may collect this from the canteen either at breaktime or as leave they school at lunchtime.  

Lost property 

Lost property will be displayed in the canteen after school on Wednesday 17^th December for students to check through. Items that remain unclaimed after this date will be donated or disposed of as appropriate.  

Sixth Form applications  

A reminder to Year 11 students that applications for our Sixth Form are now open. Please visit our website to submit your application by midnight on Friday 16^th January. 

GCSE Certificates 

We have a large number of GCSE certificates which have not yet been collected. If you are in contact with any former Year 11 students, please remind them to collect these as soon as possible. Please note, our Reception opening hours are 7:30am-5pm Monday – Friday. Certificates must be collected and signed-for by students in-person unless we have written permission for them to be collected by a named individual. Please email requests to admin@watlingacademy.uk.  Anyone nominated to collect certificates on behalf of a student will need to bring photo ID. 

Sports Results –

• Year 11 County Cup Boys Football 3-3 (Watling lost 4-3 on penalties) 
• Year 7 County Cup Boys Football Vs Kingsbrook WON 8-1 
• Year 11 Boys Basketball Vs Denbigh WON 31-26 
• Year 10 boys Basketball Vs Denbigh LOST 33-18 
• Year 8 Girls Football Vs Lord Grey WON 5-0 
• Year 7 Girls Netball Vs Ousedale WON 11-1

What’s happening next week? 

• Monday 15^th December – Week A 
• Tuesday 16^th December 
  • School musical auditions (afterschool) 
• Wednesday 17^th December 
  • Year 7 MEP Launch Day 
  • Lost property collection in Canteen (afterschool) 
  • School musical auditions (afterschool) 
• Thursday 18^th December 
  • FOWA Doughnut sale in Canteen (afterschool) 
• Friday 19^th December 
  • Last day of term 
  • School closes at 12:35pm 

Sports Fixtures 

• Monday 15^th December –  
  • U16 Girls County Cup Football Vs Cottesloe HOME
• Tuesday 16^th December – 
  • Year 7 Boys Football Vs Ousedale AWAY 
• Wednesday 17^th December – 
  • Year 9 Boys Football Vs Walton High HOME 

On Thursday, our Year 11 students took part in Futures Day, a dedicated programme designed to inspire, inform, and empower them as they prepare for important decisions about their post-16 pathways. The day gave students a broad and practical understanding of the options available after Year 11, with representatives from over 25 employers. Through interactive sessions, students experienced A Level and vocational taster lessons, explored apprenticeships and employment pathways, took part in speed networking with professionals, gained practical skills through CV workshops and finance sessions, and learned about workplace expectations, mental health, and resilience. Students ended the day feeling more confident, informed, and equipped to take their next steps. We are incredibly proud of how they engaged, and every visitor spoke positively about their interactions with our students.

Following Futures Day, we were proud to host our Sixth Form Open Evening. Students and families explored the courses, facilities, and opportunities available in our Sixth Form. A highlight was the careers fair in the canteen, where the robots proved particularly popular with parents and students! It was wonderful to welcome so many families and hear about their future ambitions. Thank you to everyone who made the evening a success, especially our staff and current Year 12 students who represented Watling Sixth Form with warmth and professionalism. 

A gentle reminder: applications for the Sixth Form must be submitted by Friday 16th January. You can access the form here or by scanning the QR code.

We are looking for enthusiastic Student Reading Advocates to support our school library during break and lunchtimes. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a difference, encourage a love of reading, and play an important role in our library community. If you have a passion for reading, friendly, reliable and approachable attitude and willingness to help others, we’d love to hear from you. No experience is needed as full training will be provided. Please visit the library for more details and submit your application by Tuesday 9^th December. 

That’s all for this week. Wishing you a restful weekend. 

Mrs Fry

Headteacher

Reminders –

Doughnut Sale Pre-Orders
A gentle reminder that pre-orders for the Friends of Watling Academy (FoWA) doughnut sale on Thursday 18th December, should be placed via ParentMail (Payments > Shop) by 12pm on Wednesday 10th December.

Sports Results –

• Year 11 Boys Football Vs Walton High 1-1 DRAW
• U14 Girls County Cup – LOST
• Year 8 Netball Vs Webber WON 6-0
• Year 9 Netball Vs St Paul’s – WON 14-2
• Year 11 Netball Vs St Paul’s – WON 17-10

What’s happening next week? 

• Monday 8^th December – Week B
  • Year 12 Proof of Progress Checks – all week during lesson time 
• Wednesday 10^th December 
  • Human Rights Day 
• Thursday 11^th December 
  • Year 11 Berlin trip (11^th-13^th ) 
  • Winter Arts Showcase 
• Friday 12^th December 
  • Christmas Jumper Day 

Sports Fixtures 

• Monday 8^th December –  
  • Year 7 Boys County Cup Football Vs Kingsbrook Secondary School AWAY 
  • Year 11 Boys County Cup Football Vs Amersham HOME 
• Wednesday 10^th December –  
  • Year 10 Basketball Vs Denbigh AWAY 
  • Year 11 Basketball Vs Denbigh AWAY 
  • Year 7 Netball Vs Ousedale HOME 
  • Year 8 Girls Football Vs Lord Grey HOME  

I wanted to take a moment this week to thank our Watling families for their ongoing support, be it through completing our recent parent survey or continuing to encourage our students to attend and be on time to school. Students are working hard to collectively ensure our school attendance continues to rise, and we are seeing some positive impacts of our in school competition. As it gets colder and darker, we know that it can feel harder to come into school on some days, we would ask that students continue to demonstrate resilience and come to school whenever they can.

Our recent parent survey was incredibly positive, and I am grateful for the support and recognition of the role that Watling plays in supporting the wellbeing and development of our students. We have identified areas we can continue to improve our service and provision for our students and will share some plans in the new year about next steps.  

At Watling, we take the mental health and wellbeing of our students extremely seriously. We know how important it is for young people to feel supported, and we want to reassure you that we have dedicated teams in school to help during the day. We were saddened to learn that the Young Persons Sanctuary (YPS) will close permanently on 31^st November. This service has provided vital out-of-hours support for young people in crisis since January 2024, and unfortunately, there is currently no replacement planned. We wanted to share information with you so that, if you ever feel you need it, you know where to turn for help outside school hours. Here are some trusted resources: 

• MK SEND Local Offer – Mental Health and Wellbeing Hub – Mental Health and Wellbeing Hub | Milton Keynes City Council 
  A comprehensive hub for mental health and wellbeing services in Milton Keynes, including local organisations and support options. 
• Anna Freud – Advice for Parents and Carers – Advice for parents and carers: talking mental health with young people at secondary school | Anna Freud 
  Guidance for parents and carers on how to talk about mental health with young people, including practical tips and conversation starters. 
• The Mix – The Mix 
  A support service for under-25s offering advice on mental health, relationships, and life challenges via articles, forums, and a helpline. 
• Childline – Get Support | Childline 
  A confidential service for children and young people to talk about anything worrying them, available via phone, chat, or email. 
• Samaritans – Contact Us | Samaritans 
  A 24/7 listening service for anyone in distress or crisis, offering emotional support via phone, email, or online chat. 
• CHUMS – MK Wellbeing Service – MK Wellbeing Service Live | CHUMS 
  Provides emotional wellbeing and mental health support for children and young people in Milton Keynes. 

If a young person is in crisis take them to A&E for immediate specialist help, or call 999 for urgent assistance. 

Please remember, we are here to support your child and family. If you have any concerns, do not hesitate to contact us. 

This week, our Year 10 students took part in an exciting workshop delivered by the Royal Navy. They had the opportunity to meet a range of professionals and learn about different roles within the Navy, including logistics, engineering, catering and more. Students took part in hands on activities and team-based challenges, with each task designed to build teamwork, leadership, and communication skills. 

Our Year 8 students also enjoyed a special assembly where the Royal Navy introduced the many career pathways available, the variety of roles they offer, and what life in the Navy is really like. It was an inspiring week for our young people, and we are grateful to the Royal Navy for providing such an engaging and meaningful experience for our students.

Our Year 10 and 11 Engineering students recently took part in an inspiring workshop led by industry professionals, Ian Boreham from Bureau Veritas and Mark Bonnar, a Senior Design Engineer at Airbus Defence and Space. Students heard real career journeys from both speakers, including Ian’s transition from the Royal Air Force to becoming a Mechanical Engineer Surveyor, and Mark’s pathway from a Youth Training Scheme in technical drawing to designing spacecraft and rover components for major European space missions. The session gave students a clear insight into the wide range of careers available in engineering, from safety inspection and design to aerospace and satellite development. 

Our students then worked in teams on a hands-on engineering challenge: designing and building a paper bridge that could span a set distance and hold a given weight, all while managing a limited budget of materials. This allowed them to apply problem solving, creativity, teamwork and engineering thinking in a fun and competitive environment. 

The day gave our students a valuable opportunity to learn from real engineers, explore different pathways, and gain a deeper understanding of how engineering impacts the world around us. 

As a member of The Alliance Schools Trust, Watling students have the opportunity to work with the Denbigh Army Cadets Unit. Cadets get involved in activities such as navigation skills, weapon handling and also take part in numerous overnight field days each year. It is an excellent opportunity for any young person, and often works well alongside activities such as Duke Of Edinburgh. Joining the cadets has many benefits, including; 

• Learning new skills and abilities 
• Developing leadership and teamwork skills 
• Inspiring an enjoyment for adventure, exploration and the outdoors 
• Engaging in community and citizenship activities 

Sessions are held at Denbigh School on a Tuesday evening between 7-9:30pm. To find out more, please speak to Mr Green or Miss Shah, or visit the website here. 

As part of our Black History Month celebrations in October, students were invited to design a special Black History Month version of the Watling School logo. There were some fantastic entries and we are delighted to announce that Catherine B and Delia M (Year 10) created the winning design! Their logo will be proudly used in future Black History Month events at Watling. Congratulations also go to Desire C (Year 7) Ronin M (Year 8) who were awarded second and third place respectively. A huge well done to all our talented students who took part. 

At the end of term, The Friends of Watling Academy (FOWA) are holding their next Krispy Kreme doughnut sale after school on Thursday 18^th December to raise funds to support the school and students. Boxes of 12 original glazed doughnuts can be pre-ordered via ParentMail until 12pm on Wednesday 10^th December. Pre-orders will be available for students to collect at 3:15pm on 18^th December from the canteen area. Alternatively, students will be able to purchase single original glazed Krispy Kreme doughnuts for £1.50 cash on the day. Plus, there will be an extra Christmas treat for anyone finding a Christmas tree in their single doughnut bag. Thank you in advance for your support.

Wishing you an enjoyable weekend.

Mrs Fry

Headteacher

Reminders – 

Vomiting and Diarrhoea 

Please be reminded of our policy regarding students who have been ill with vomiting and/or diarrhoea. 

• Duration: Children should not return to school until they have been symptom-free for a full 48 hours after their last episode of vomiting or diarrhoea. 
• Purpose: The rule is in place to stop the spread of infections, as viruses and bacteria that cause diarrhoea and vomiting can spread easily in close settings like schools. 
• Example: If a child is sick at lunchtime on a Tuesday, they should not return to school until after lunch on Thursday, assuming no further symptoms have occurred. 
• When to seek medical advice: While most cases resolve on their own, you should consult a doctor if you are concerned, especially if vomiting lasts more than 12 hours.

Sports Results –

• Year 8 Basketball Vs Denbigh – WON 42-30
• Year 9 Basketball Vs Denbigh – LOST
• Year 7 Girls Football Vs Kents Hill Park – WON 6-0
• Year 11 Netball Vs Shenley Brook End – WON 19-8
• Year 11 Boys National Cup Football Vs Campion School – LOST

What’s happening next week? 

• Monday 1^st December – Week A 
  • Year 11 Berlin Trip Parent Information Evening
• Tuesday 2nd December –
  • Flu vaccination mop-up session
• Thursday 4^th December –  
  • Year 11 Futures Day 
  • Sixth Form Open Evening 

Sports Fixtures 

• Tuesday 2^nd December –  
  • Year 7 Boys Football Vs Ousedale HOME 
  • Year 11 Boys Football Vs Walton High HOME 
  • Year 8 Netball Vs The Webber Independent School HOME 
• Wednesday 3^rd December –  
  • U14 Girls County Cup Football Vs Ousedale HOME 
  • Year 9 Netball Vs St Paul’s HOME 
  • Year 11 Netball Vs St Paul’s HOME 
• Thursday 4^th December –  
  • Year 10 Netball Vs Radcliffe AWAY