During Head of Year assemblies this week, pupils took time to remember VE Day and to reflect on the immense commitment and sacrifice made during the Second World War. These moments of reflection reminded our young people of the freedoms we enjoy today and the responsibility we have to honour those who served and gave so much for the world in which we live.
We were also pleased to welcome our Governors into school this week, who focused on our provision for Gifted and Talented pupils. As a Catholic school, we firmly believe that every child is gifted, created uniquely by God and endowed with individual strengths. At the same time, we recognise that in certain subjects a pupil’s particular gifts may be more evident and require additional challenge. As St Paul reminds us:
“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them.” – 1 Corinthians 12:4
It was wonderful for governors to witness pupils being stretched and challenged in the classroom, while also being carefully supported and nurtured to fulfil their potential.
This week also saw pupils enjoy the Matilda theatre trip, an experience which plays an essential role in developing literature appreciation, cultural capital, and subject awareness. Opportunities such as this help to broaden horizons and bring learning vividly to life beyond the classroom.
At the time of writing, Year 10 pupils have returned from a successful trip to Southampton, which focused on team-building and personal development as they prepare for their final year of study before GCSE examinations. The experience has been invaluable in strengthening relationships, resilience, and confidence.
Finally, Year 11 have now commenced their GCSE examinations, beginning with Sociology and Drama. We wish them every success at this important time. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Mr Rooney, Mr Ford, Mrs Oakley, and the entire examinations team, who have worked tirelessly to ensure pupils are fully prepared, supported, and cared for throughout the examination period.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support of our school community.
Summer Term
MAY
- Monday 11 May – Chaplaincy Assembly / Liturgy – Ascension & Pentecost
- Wednesday 13 May – Pupil Parliament Meeting
- Thursday 14 May – Mass – Ascension of the Lord (9.30 am – all welcome)
- Saturday 16 May – Mini-Marathon for local primary schools
- Monday 18 May – Maths & Physics Week begins
- Thursday 21 May – Paris Trip (returns on 23 May)
- Friday 22nd May –
- Half-Term begins at 3.30 pm
- Year 11 Flexi-Leave begins
In School Next Week
MONDAY 11 MAY
- Lunch time: Yr10 Duke of Edinburgh Training Sessions, PE WIN Session
- Brilliant Club continues with 7 G+T pupils from Yr10
- Sociology WIN
- GCSEs:
- AM: English Lit Paper 1
- PM: No Exam
TUESDAY 12 MAY
- Reading Intervention – Yr7
- Assembly – HOH Virtual Assembly – Mental Health Awareness Week
- Lunch: Athletics (field), SolidWorks Club Rm30, History Club, KS3 Games (Maths Club) Room 14
- School nurse drop-ins
- After School: Tennis (courts), HW Club (Rm28)
- GCSEs:
WEDNESDAY 13 MAY
- Assembly – HOH Virtual Assembly – Mental Health Awareness Week
- Reading Intervention – Yr9
- History Revision – Weds Lunchtime
- Lunch: Chaplaincy Team Rm25, Raquet Sports (Hall), Environmental and Gardening Club, Lunch- Room 8. All years welcome!
- After School – Rounders club
- GCSEs:
THURSDAY 14 MAY
- Assembly – HOH Virtual Assembly – Mental Health Awareness Week
- Voluntary Mass – Ascension of the Lord
- Reading Intervention – Yr10
- Lunch: Vocal Ensemble (Choir) Rm27, Inclusivity Alliance Rm23
- After School: Technicians Club. More information has gone to tutors. Sign up is on Thursday lunchtime in Room 21. Cricket Club (Hall), Warhammer/Painting/Modelling club
- Lunch: Room 21 will be open if any students have their own embroidery/cross stitch/crochet/knitting project that they want to bring along
- History WIN
- GCSEs:
FRIDAY 15 MAY
- Assembly – HOH Virtual Assembly – Mental Health Awareness Week
- KS4 debate club
- Chaplaincy Team to Exeter House
- GCSEs:
For our current programme of weekly co-curricular clubs, click the button below to go to our Co-curricular page.
Dear Parents and Carers,
This week, I had the pleasure of catching up with several of our chaplains on Tuesday afternoon, where we also warmly welcomed Father Anthony as he joined us. During our meeting, we divided the roles and readings and wrote our own bidding prayers for the forthcoming Ascension voluntary Mass, which will take place in the school Chapel at 9:30am. I would once again like to encourage both staff and pupils to join us for this special celebration as we mark this Holy Day of Obligation together and begin preparing spiritually for the Feast of Pentecost.
Preparations for Pentecost are also now well underway, and I will be sharing further details over the coming days. At present, we are aiming to mark this special day for Thursday 21st May during Period 5, when we hope to gather together as a whole school community on the school field, as we traditionally do each year. We will shortly begin collecting Messages of Hope from pupils and staff, while St. Osmund’s have also begun preparing their own messages with their chaplaincy team ahead of our joint Pentecost celebration.
I also had the opportunity to catch up with Mrs. O’Grady and Loudato Si Eco Group and was delighted to see the joy and enthusiasm shown during their Eco Club activities. It was truly lovely to witness how hard the pupils are working. I know Mrs. O’Grady will share more about the exciting work and plans taking place within the group.
From my side, that is all for this week’s update. Thank you, as always, for your continued support and prayers.
Thank you once again for your ongoing support of our chaplaincy community.
With every blessing,
School Chaplain
Year 11 – GCSE Exams Begin
The GCSE examination season began today for our Year 11 pupils. We would like to wish every pupil the very best of luck as they embark on this important period. They have worked incredibly hard, and we are confident they will approach their exams with focus, resilience and determination.
To support pupils during the exam period, please note the following key arrangements:
- Morning exams (AM) begin at 9:00am
- The canteen will be open from 8:00am
- Teachers will be present in the canteen to support pupils and answer any lastminute questions
- Afternoon exams (PM) begin at 1:00pm
- For every exam, pupils will receive an “11th hour” revision session with subject specialists:
- For AM exams: this will take place in Period 5 on the day before the exam
- For PM exams: this will take place during Period 3 on the day of the exam
- Lunch will always take place during Period 4 for Year 11 to ensure consistency and routine
We are proud of the calm, focused and positive approach shown by the year group and will continue to support them every step of the way.
Year 10 – Mock Examinations
A reminder that Year 10 mock exams will take place from: Tuesday 16th June – Friday 26th June
All exams will be held in the school hall, providing pupils with a valuable opportunity to experience formal exam conditions ahead of Year 11.
To support revision:
- Pupils can access the KS4 Revision Page in the Resources section of the school website
- This includes:
- Revision booklets
- Blank revision timetables
- Support videos for parents, offering guidance on how best to support revision at home
We encourage all pupils to begin their preparation early and to make full use of the resources available.
Key Stage 3 End of Year Assessments (Years 7–9)
Following the May half term, arrangements for KS3 assessments will be as follows:
- First week back: Pupils will follow their normal timetable, with dedicated revision lessons in each subject
- Second week back: The timetable will be collapsed to allow for formal End of Year Assessments
Assessment timetables will be shared with parents shortly and will also be available via:
- The school website (KS3 Revision pages in the Resources section)
- ClassCharts
To further support preparation, pupils have been provided with:
- Revision booklets outlining what to revise in each subject
- Blank revision timetables to help organise their time effectively
These resources are also available on ClassCharts to ensure pupils can access them easily at home.
Final Message
With assessments and examinations across all year groups, this is a significant and focused time in the academic calendar. We are incredibly proud of the effort and commitment shown by our pupils.
Good luck to all pupils as they prepare for and complete their assessments—we are confident they will do themselves proud.
Y10 English Language GSCE Spoken Language NEA
As part of their English Language GCSE, students are required to complete a compulsory Spoken Language Exam which is marked by the centre, video recorded and submitted to the exam board for moderation.
This is a well-received assessment that students typically engage with and enjoy, as it allows them to deliver a 2–3 minute presentation on a topic of their choosing and respond to questions afterwards. As part of their preparation for this assessment, students have studied a range of historical rhetoric in lessons, watched exemplar assessments and received lesson time as preparation. They also have a homework task on Class Charts to finish their preparation and be ready for the assessment.
The English Department will be assessing students in the week commencing Monday 11th May. Each class will be assessed by their class teacher on a different day that week. Students will be aware of their day and timeslot ahead of time.
Students should ensure they have
- Prepared a speech of 2-3 minutes of an appropriate topic of their choice
- Prepared, if they wish, a note card with 10-15 bullet points
- Considered the structure, aim, vocabulary, technique use and effectiveness of their presentation
- Considered the questions they are likely to be asked following their presentation
Students will be assessed at the discretion of their teacher, in small groups or one-to-one.
Students can achieve a
- Pass
- Merit
- Distinction
The grade achieved does not affect their overall numerical grade for the English Language GCSE.
The English Department very much look forward to assessing students and hearing their varied and interesting presentations.
In this week’s Careers Newsletter…
This week’s careers newsletter has a strong focus on space, STEM, and technology careers, with exciting opportunities including Space Day 2026, Moon Camp, and the CanSat competition, where students can design space habitats and miniature satellites.
The featured “Job of the Week” is Astrobiologist, a fascinating career that combines biology, astronomy, and geology to explore whether life could exist elsewhere in the universe.
There’s also a spotlight on the growing space industry, showing how careers in this sector now stretch far beyond astronauts and include engineering, robotics, science, business, and law.
Students can also explore practical career support through CV workshops, computer science sessions, creative industry resources, and insight events with companies including Airbus, Lloyds Banking Group, and the Civil Aviation Authority.
The newsletter finishes by encouraging young people to share their views through the Youth Voice Census and highlights how important teachers continue to be in helping students with careers and future pathways.
Supporting Children’s Mental Health and Wellbeing
As part of our ongoing commitment to safeguarding and to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of all our students, we would like to share some information as next week is National Mental Health Awareness Week.
At our school, we recognise that good mental health is just as important as physical health. We aim to create a safe, supportive and inclusive environment where every child feels listened to, valued and able to thrive. Our pastoral team works closely with staff, students and families to identify concerns early and to provide appropriate support where needed.
Supporting Mental Health at Home
Parents and carers play a vital role in supporting children’s emotional wellbeing. Small, everyday actions can make a big difference. You may find the following helpful:
- Healthy sleep routines – encourage a regular bedtime and good sleep habits.
- Physical activity – regular exercise and time outdoors can reduce stress and boost mood.
- Balanced diet – nutritious meals and regular hydration support both physical and mental health.
- Limited screen time – particularly before bedtime, to support sleep and reduce anxiety.
- Open conversations – create opportunities to talk and listen without judgement.
- Positive routines – predictability and structure can help children feel safe and secure.
When Additional Support Is Needed
It is normal for children and young people to experience ups and downs, but if you are concerned about your child’s mental health or emotional wellbeing, please do not hesitate to contact the school. We are here to help and can work together to put appropriate support in place.
You may also find the following organisations helpful:
- YoungMinds – support for children, young people and parents
www.youngminds.org.uk - Mind – advice and information on mental health
www.mind.org.uk - NSPCC – support and guidance for safeguarding and child wellbeing
www.nspcc.org.uk
If your child or someone in your family is in immediate danger or crisis, please call 999 straight away.
Our Commitment
Safeguarding the wellbeing of our students is at the heart of everything we do. By working together as a school community, we can help ensure every child feels supported, safe and able to flourish.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
