Head Teacher’s Message

What a way to finish this half term with a fantastic production of Bugsy Malone.  I would like to congratulate everyone from the set design, lighting, sound, costumes to the performers and staff who all made it happen. Pictures of the production can be seen on our Image Gallery of the website at Bugsy Theatre Production. We will add to these over time. 

I would like to thank you for your nominations for the two parent Governor vacancies.  Four candidates were short-listed for interview from a very strong field of applications, based on the skills the Governing Body were seeking and Mark Vickery and Victoria Walsh were successfully appointed.   Parent governors play a vital role in setting the future direction of the school and we are delighted to have them on the governing body.   I’m sure that you will join me in congratulating Mark and Victoria and in wishing them every success in their new roles.

It has been a busy half-term for the Computing Department with students involved in numerous competitions.  Catherine in Y10 and Clemence in Y8 took part in the British Informatics Olympiad, a three hour coding competition.  We also had five teams take part in the Perse Coding Challenge and then we finished the half term with 73 pupils being invited to take part in the Oxford University Computing Challenge.  This competition is open to pupils who achieved a top 10% score in the Bebras Challenge that all KS3 pupils take in the Autumn term.  Congratulations to all pupils who have taken part in all of the competitions.  

PTA News

Thanks to those who came along to the Bugsy Malone performances this week. The PTA supported the Drama and Music Depts by providing refreshments at the intermissions.

February’s Waldegrave Winners are 1st Sarah Proctor-Lane, 2nd Maria Randell, 3rd Richard Young.The next PTA meeting will be the AGM and will be held on Wednesday 2 March at 7:30pm, ALL welcome.

Key Stage 3 News

Well done to all Key Stage 3 students for an excellent first half term of 2022. This has been epitomised by the excellent performances in Bugsy and I know the students involved have loved being part of the production.

Year 7 Mindfulness / Relaxation Group

The Y7 Mindfulness/ Relaxation group meets after school at 2.30-3.30pm each Wednesday.  The aim of the group is to equip students with skills and strategies to cope with anxiety.  If you feel your child would benefit from attending the Mindfulness group, please contact Mr Greaves by emailing ks3@waldegravesch.org

Congratulations to Scarlett M (8EAH) who has been cast as Ruby Gillis in the London Children’s Ballet 2022 production ‘Anne of Green Gables’ from 26-29 May at London’s Peacock Theatre (Sadlers Wells).  For information about the London Children’s Ballet and how to book tickets please see the Local News Section below.

I hope you have a nice, productive and restful half term break and we look forward to seeing you on Tuesday 22 February.

Mr Goulbourne, Head of KS4

Key Stage 4 News

We wish all of the students in Year 10 and 11 a great half-term break. It is important that the students make the most of the holiday and take time out from their studies to do things they enjoy. They need to rest and relax after what has been a busy time so that they are prepared for the next half-term. We would encourage students to continue to engage in some study, but to get the balance right. 

The next few months will be busy for the students, with Year 10 participating in work experience and further mock examinations for Year 11. Year 11 students should aim to do some purposeful revision activities, but be realistic with the time set aside for this. For both students in Year 10 and 11, the break gives a good opportunity to get organised, restocking on essential equipment for school and for home study. 

In the next half-term we will be setting the bar high with regard to standards of uniform, punctuality to school and completion of homework. We hope you find some time to discuss goal-setting with your child about how to make the best of the next half-term, engaging fully in lessons, and making the most of opportunities for extra-curricular involvement.

Mr Sharp, Head of KS4

Key Stage 5 News

We had a good turn out for our Oxbridge Information Evening on Monday, thank you to everyone who attended. The slides are now available on our website at Post-18 Options

Thank you to Ms Sillwood for organising the Social Science Virtual Criminology Conference.  Year 12 sociology and psychology students heard talks from leading criminologists including Professor David Wilson on ‘The Mind of a Serial Killer’, Professor Simon Winlow on ‘Gender and Violence’ and Dr Emma Winlow on policing as a career. Criminology and forensic psychology are increasingly popular degree choices and career options and these students were able to gain some valuable knowledge and experience to add to their personal statements. 

Despite this being a short term it has been very intense with several events, mocks exams, UCAS applications and interviews. I know we are all looking forward to half term next week and I would encourage all students to take some time out to relax and do something non-academic. We look forward to seeing you back at school on Tuesday 22 February.

Mr Bannister, Head of Sixth Form

Sports News

Middlesex Cross Country Championships

Congratulations to the students who represented Richmond at the Middlesex Cross Country Championships on Thursday 27 January.  The team had to run across a very taxing Harrow School course.   Alex A 7SFA finished 2nd in the Year 7 race, followed closely by Mabel M 7SFA who finished 6th.  Molly A 9PGC finished 9th in the Y8/9 race, securing a reserve spot for the English Schools.  In the Y10/11 race Lilly O 11FRU finished in 5th place, closely followed by Holly W-L 11EGR in 9th place.  Both students have been invited to run for Middlesex at the English Schools Cross Country Championships

Performing Arts News

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General News

English lessons for parents of Waldegrave students who have English as an Additional Language (EAL) are restarting after half term. The first lesson will be on Wednesday, 23rd April 1-2.30pm. The lessons will focus on speaking and listening, reading and writing. Please come along, everyone is welcome. You do not need to register, just wait in Reception at 1pm on Wednesday, 23rd April. The English lessons will be held every Wednesday 1-2.30pm We look forward to seeing you! Mrs Katesmark.

Support Services

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Local News

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