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Weekly Newsletter

June 6, 2025

Headmaster’s Welcome


Dear Parents and Guardians,

 

I hope you all had a most enjoyable half term with your families. Bethany has settled into its normal School routines seamlessly this week.

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The swimming trip to Greece during half term was a great success, with the staff and children returning exhausted. Staff informed me that the pupils were bright eyed and bushytailed every morning – I am not sure I would have been!

 

The GCSE and A Level exams seem to be continuing to go very well for our pupils.

 

I hope Year 9 gained a lot from their Learn to Earn day on Monday. They also have their internal examinations next week, and hopefully they will go well for them.

 

Unfortunately, the inclement weather interrupted a lot of our scheduled sports fixtures this week. But let’s hope the weather next week is more conducive to cricket.

 

I would like to draw your attention to Speech Day, which is on Saturday 21st June. It is a compulsory day at School. Parents and pupils in Years 7-12 are welcome to arrive from 10.00am. There will be some subject displays and refreshments, as well as music and drama in central campus. The Prizegiving Ceremony itself will start promptly at 11.30am in the Sports Hall.

 

Tomorrow morning is a very busy morning as we have the parents and pupils of those starting in Year 7-9 in September. They are visiting us so that we can inform the parents about how we operate as a School, and we have arranged activities for the pupils to get to know each other a little better.

 

I read this comment allegedly made by the American comedian Jerry Seinfeld. “I saw a study that said speaking in front of a crowd is considered the number one fear for the average person. Number two was death. This means that for the average person, if you have to be at a funeral, you would rather be in the casket than doing the eulogy”. That’s one way of looking at it I suppose!

 

I wish you all an enjoyable weekend.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

Francie Healy

Headmaster

Latest Bethany Blog


This week’s blog comes from Mr Norman, Head of Design and Technology at Bethany School. He writes about how restructuring the start of the GCSE course to focus on practical learning, creativity and problem-solving has been a huge success.

Empowering Practical Learning
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I hear all the time that not enough is being done to teach pupils practical and useful skills. My focus for the Year 10 start of their two year GCSE course, this time round, was all about practical work and the taking on of new skills which will help with prototype manufacture for the rest of the Design and Technology course.

 

I had to carefully think through the projects I would set which would enable the mixed ability group to succeed and also to push themselves. I choose a variety of projects with one also in reserve in case any pupil finished everything.

 

The Projects:

 

To produce a House Hold Fuse Tester

This involved the use of woods and plastics as well as the production of electronic circuitry.

 

The production of an old traditional hand toy called Jacko The Clown

This involved being about to convert imperial measurements to metric, precision marking out, cutting and the following of set plans and working drawings.

 

The production of a Christmas decoration

This involved using a chosen template, the delicate and precise ability to drill, saw, file and sand as well as the mixing, pouring and using of coloured epoxy resins.

 

The reserve project was the use of pyrography (the burning of wood) combined with a clock mechanism to produce an interesting clock background to be hung on a wall.

 

Whenever I change a project (or set of projects), I have no idea on the type of outcomes pupils will produce and on a number of occasions I did wonder if I had challenged the pupils a little too much as the accuracy needed for many aspects was so hard. I am glad we persisted as most rose to the challenge and pushed themselves further than I expected.

 

This was the first time epoxy resin had been used within a class project and I was a little worried about the mess that might be made when mixing in pigments. I was proved right – there was a great deal of mess. Adapting my method of teaching, for this element, will be needed next time round.

 

Pupils were introduced to all available projects at the beginning of the term. They could then decide which one to start on and which order to complete them in. The pupils seemed to love this as they could pick and choose whether they started one project and competed it or started others as well and moved between the given challenges and projects. It also meant that there was always something to be getting on with.

 

As a teacher it was inspirational to me to see all pupils engaged and working under their own steam, each pupil problem solving their way forward with the project selected.

 

Engagement is key to success and these mini production projects were great to watch take shape and some of the results can been seen in the gallery below.

 

I will be doing this again!

 

Mr Norman

Head of Design and Technology

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Latest Sports News


The latest Bethany sports news. Just two fixtures survived the weather this week as the U13A and B cricket teams took on Radnor House.

Cricket | Bethany U13A v Radnor House
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On a warm afternoon, the Bethany U13A cricket team faced Radnor House in what turned out to be a thrilling and hard-fought contest between two evenly matched sides.

 

Bethany won the toss and opted to bowl first, a decision that paid immediate dividends. Opening bowler Andrew Stubblefield got the team off to a dream start, clean bowling the Radnor opener with the very first ball of the match, a perfect delivery that set the tone for an energetic and determined fielding effort. The early breakthrough gave Bethany confidence, but Radnor House responded well and built a strong partnership thereafter.

 

Despite tight early bowling, Radnor’s batters soon found their rhythm, building a solid partnership that gradually took control of the innings. Bethany’s bowlers kept working hard, but Radnor’s momentum proved difficult to break. A flurry of boundaries in the final overs lifted Radnor to an imposing total of 185 for 4 at the end of their allotted 20 overs, a target that would require a special batting performance to chase down.

 

Bethany’s innings began with early setbacks, as a few quick wickets fell to Radnor’s accurate and disciplined bowling attack. With the pressure mounting, the team needed a steadying presence at the crease, and they found it in Oliver Scott and Nico de Widt, who together produced a remarkable partnership that reignited Bethany’s hopes.

 

Their 150-run stand was the highlight of the match. Both players demonstrated superb technique and shot selection, mixing aggressive hitting with clever running between the wickets. Oliver Scott played with elegance and power, striking several towering sixes. Nico de Widt was equally impressive, anchoring the innings with maturity beyond his years and counter-attacking when needed.

 

As the target drew nearer, Bethany needed a big final push, but with the required rate climbing, the chase just slipped out of reach. Despite their heroic efforts, the team finished 15 runs short, ending on a commendable total after a truly spirited performance.

 

Final score: Radnor House beat Bethany by 15 runs

Player of the Match: Oliver Scott

Coaches Player of the Match: Nico de Widt

Cricket | Bethany U13B v Radnor House
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The U13B cricket team made the journey to Radnor House on Wednesday for what proved to be a lively and spirited fixture played in excellent conditions. The match followed a timed innings format, adding an extra layer of tactical thinking for both sides.

 

Bethany were put into bat first and approached the innings with a positive intent. Opening the batting, Daniel Stroude led the way with a composed and confident performance. Displaying a wide range of strokes, he quickly reached 20 runs and retired unbeaten, a crucial anchor for the team’s innings. Despite Radnor House applying pressure with some tight bowling, Bethany managed to post a total of 48 runs from their 10 overs.

 

Radnor House then began their chase and faced early trouble as Thomas Rough produced a brilliant spell of bowling, taking two wickets in two balls to put the hosts on the back foot. The Bethany bowlers kept the pressure on, with Jake Krovina, Leo Rousham and Alex Fair all claiming a wicket apiece.

 

In the field, Bethany showed great energy and commitment. A standout performance came from Jake Krovina, whose quick reactions and sharp fielding helped restrict scoring opportunities and maintain pressure on Radnor’s batters.

 

However, Radnor’s middle order proved resilient. With some powerful stroke play and several well-timed boundaries, they accelerated the run rate and built a strong counterattack. Despite Bethany’s early breakthroughs and spirited defence, Radnor successfully chased down the target, finishing on 66 runs within their 10 overs.

 

It was a well-contested match, played with enthusiasm and good sportsmanship by both teams. While the result went in Radnor’s favour, there were many positives to take away for Bethany, especially in terms of individual performances and team effort.

 

Final score: Radnor House beat Bethany

Player of the Match: Daniel Stroude

Coaches Player of the Match: Jake Krovina

Cricket | U13 Interhouse Tournament
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The U13 Interhouse Cricket Tournament was a fantastic afternoon of competitive spirit and thrilling cricket. All three houses – Speakers, Roberts and Kiplings – played with energy and determination, making for an exciting and closely contested event.

 

Match Results

 

Speakers beat Kiplings by 7 runs

Roberts beat Kiplings by 10 runs

Speakers beat Roberts by just 1 run – a winner-takes-all match that delivered a nail-biting finish, going right down to the very last ball!

 

Final Standings

 

1st Speakers

2nd Roberts

3rd Kiplings

 

All teams should be proud of their efforts and the quality of cricket on display. There was excellent batting, tight bowling and committed fielding throughout the tournament.

 

Special Mentions

 

Geniveve Wise and Grace Hetherington for their effective and accurate bowling. Darcey Stone and Darcie Vidler for outstanding all-round performances with both bat and ball. Immy Morgan for excellent work in the field, showing great awareness and athleticism.

 

Congratulations to Speakers House for taking the overall win, and well done to all players for contributing to a fun and memorable tournament!

Year 7 Build Confidence Through Public Speaking


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On Friday morning at 8.30am each week, Year 7 pupils have their year group assembly. Often these assemblies lay the foundations for or build upon topics covered during tutor times. Alongside of these, eight sessions over the course of the year were put aside for tutor group assemblies. These provide each Year 7 tutor group the opportunity to deliver two assemblies, and thus an opportunity for each pupil in Year 7 to increase their confidence when it comes to speaking in front of a large group of people.

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The assemblies have been spread over the course of the past academic year, with the first delivered way back on 22nd November by Mr Reillys group. His tutor group focused kindness and community. Up next was Miss Fuller’s tutor group on the 6th December with a focus on how Christmas is celebrated around the world. Mr Payne’s tutor group looked at climate change and Mrs Duncan’s tutor group covered the build up to Chinese New Year towards the end of January.

 

The second round of tutor group assemblies began on 9th May with Miss Fuller’s tutor group speaking to the year group about the importance of persistence – one of the Bethany learning habits. On 23rd May, Mr Reillys tutor group presented a series of short stories covering the importance of storytelling and fiction in relation to positive mental health. Mr Payne and Mrs Duncan’s tutor group have their assemblies to come in the next few weeks, and as a year group we look forward to hearing what they have chosen to focus on. It is a pleasure to see how well the pupils speak, and how supportive they are of each other.

 

These tutor groups assemblies not only provide an interesting take on some important and fascinating topics, but they also further enhance some of the skills our pupils develop over the course of Year 7.

 

Mr Clough

Head of Year 7

Year 7 Observational Drawing Skills


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Year 7 pupils have been working on their observational drawing skills in art, focusing on the inspiration from insects. They have really controlled the media of pencil and coloured pencil looking at blending colours and using the contours of the insect to create the effect of form.

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Their final outcomes have been really successful and they should all be proud of their achievements so far.

 

Observational drawing is one of the most important and valuable skills we can teach Year 7 pupils in art lessons. It’s not just about drawing what you see, it’s about slowing down, really looking, and noticing the tiny details you might normally overlook. At this early stage in their art education, observational drawing encourages students to connect with the world around them in a thoughtful, creative and mindful way.

 

For many Year 7 pupils, this is one of the first opportunities they’ll have to build confidence in their drawing skills. By focusing on everyday objects, natural forms, or even portraits of their classmates, pupils begin to see that art isn’t about perfection, it’s about personal interpretation and developing an eye for detail. Observational drawing helps them build their hand-eye coordination, improve their focus, and develop patience, all while enjoying the creative process.

 

These exercises also nurture creativity. While pupils start by observing reality, they often go on to add their own twists or experiment with different materials and techniques. This helps them realise that observation is a starting point for imaginative and expressive work. It’s a brilliant way to make students feel proud of what they can achieve with just a pencil and some paper.

 

Importantly, observational drawing teaches young people to appreciate the beauty in the ordinary. It’s amazing to watch pupils become fascinated by the curve of a shell, the pattern on a leaf, or the reflections in a glass bottle. These moments of discovery can spark inspiration for future projects and build a positive relationship with art.

 

Overall, observational drawing lays the foundation for essential artistic skills while offering a relaxing, enjoyable and rewarding experience for pupils, setting them up for success in their creative journeys ahead.

 

 

 

 

 

Swimming Squad Make Waves in Greece


Bethany School’s Swimming Squad recently returned from an unforgettable overseas swimming trip to Greece – a week filled with early morning swim sessions, cultural discovery and team-building activities that will live long in the memories of both pupils and staff alike.

 

Bethany Scientists Blaze a Trail in National Challenges


This term, pupils across Years 7, 8 and 10 have proven that science is well and truly alive in our classrooms. With brains buzzing and curiosity in full force, pupils took part in two prestigious national competitions: the Year 7 & 8 Science Challenge and the Year 10 Physics Challenge. The results? Absolutely electrifying.

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Years 7 & 8: Bursting with Bright Ideas

 

Our budding young scientists in Years 7 and 8 embraced the Science Challenge with enthusiasm and flair. Tasked with applying logic, creativity and teamwork to solve complex science-based problems, they rose to the occasion brilliantly. Their achievements speak for themselves:

 

7 Gold Awards

53 Silver Awards

11 Bronze Awards

8 Commendations

 

The dominance of Silver Awards reflects the strength of this year group, while the Gold recipients represent the very best of our future STEM stars. The sheer number of awards (a staggering 79 in total) is a testament to the hard work and scientific spark of our younger pupils.

 


 

Year 10: Physics with Precision

 

Meanwhile, our Year 10 pupils took on the formidable British Physics Olympiad’s Year 10 Challenge. This nationally recognised competition is designed to stretch the brightest minds in physics — and stretch them it did! Across two tough online sections, pupils grappled with challenging concepts and applied their knowledge to unfamiliar problems.

 

3 Gold Awards

8 Silver Awards

20 Bronze Awards

 

Special congratulations go to Charlie Matthews, Jonathan Child and Thomas Eyre, who secured Gold for their remarkable scores — proof that they’re well on their way to becoming tomorrow’s physicists and engineers.

 

From experimental enthusiasm in Key Stage 3 to sophisticated problem-solving in Key Stage 4, these challenges revealed just how passionate and capable our pupils are when it comes to science. They’ve demonstrated not only academic strength but also resilience, curiosity and a love of learning that will serve them far beyond the classroom.

 

A massive well done to everyone who took part — we can’t wait to see what you’ll achieve next!

 

Mr Thomas

Head of Science

 

Year 12 UCAS Exhibition


On Tuesday 3rd June, all of Year 12 joined Mr Duff, Mr Bell and Mrs Rowell at the UCAS Exhibition Maidstone. There were over 115 vendors representing universities, apprenticeships, gap years and employment.

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The event was not just about collecting free pens and tote bags, but about interacting with student admissions teams and gaining guidance on their ‘post-Bethany’ options.

 

The Year 12 pupils conducted themselves excellently and represented both themselves and the school well.  It was a valuable trip and one we will be making an annual event as it helps galvanise momentum towards their next steps in a world of so many options and choices.

 

Mr Duff

Head of Sixth Form

 

Pupils of the Week


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Each week in Assembly, ‘Pupil of the Week’ awards are given to pupils across the various year groups who have been nominated by their tutor.

 

This could go to an individual who has perhaps shone that week academically; demonstrated the values of kindness, tolerance, and respect particularly well; or represented the school or county in a positive way.

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Year 7 Pupil of the Week is Darcey

 

This week’s Pupil of the Week in Year 7 goes to somebody who really shone on the recent swimming trip. Not only did they swim excellently but she was a fantastic representative of Bethany, throwing herself into everything on offer during the trip. Well done to Darcey.

 


 

Year 8 Pupil of the Week 8 is Ollie

 

Ollie has thrown himself into all aspects of school life. Including cricket with a fabulous batting performance. Well done, Ollie!

 


 

Year 9 Pupil of the Week is Stanley

 

Stanley is an exceptional pupil. He is an excellent role model and ambassador for the school. Always in the right place and the right time giving 100% effort. A worthy recipient of Pupil of the Week!

 


 

KS4 Pupil of the Week is Honor

 

Honor went out of her way to show kindness towards a younger pupil on the swimming trip ensuring they were happy and got the most out of their time away. She showed real empathy for a younger pupil and clearly is a role model for others with her ability to be so compassionate. Well done, Honor!

 


 

Orchard Boarder of the Week is Ten

 

Boarder of the Week for The Orchard is the wonderful Ten. She is always a source of fun and enthusiasm and gets involved in everything the House does. She is a great support to her friends and, to cap it all off, has just been promoted to the top set in Year 8.

 

James Turns Up the Heat in Seville!


We are thrilled to celebrate the achievements of James, a Year 8 pupil at Bethany, who represented EMC Academy as goalkeeper at the Sevilla 2025 Junior European Cup during the recent half term break.

 

This two-day international tournament, held under the scorching Spanish sun with temperatures soaring to 40°C, tested not only the players’ skills but also their stamina, determination and resilience.

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James rose to the challenge, playing a vital role for the U13 squad as they battled it out against teams from across the globe.

 

One of the highlights for James was stepping onto the same pitch graced by footballing legends such as Maradona, Ronaldo and Messi. “It was amazing and overwhelming to have played in the same stadium as them,” said James.

 

 

The tournament proved to be an inspiring and competitive event. James’s team made it all the way to the final and proudly finishing as worthy runners-up.

 

We are proud of James for his outstanding performances and the way he represented Bethany School on an international stage. A huge well done, an excellent achievement!

 

Technical Theatre Team Visit ABTT


On Thursday 5th June our Technical Theatre Team headed to Alexandra Palace in London for the ABTT Theatre Show.

 

The ABTT (Association of British Theatre Technicians) Theatre Show is a major industry event that brings together theatre professionals, suppliers and educators from across the UK.

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From the moment we arrived, pupils were immersed in a world of lighting rigs, sound systems, stage automation and cutting-edge theatre technology.

 

One of the standout moments was seeing the flamethrower used in the West End production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. It was on full display as part of a demonstration on stage effects and safety in pyrotechnics. Seeing the device up close, and learning how it’s safely operated during live performances, was both thrilling and eye-opening. For many, it was a reminder of how much work and innovation goes into creating stage magic.

 

 

Throughout the day, pupils had the chance to speak with industry professionals and exhibitors, gaining valuable insight into potential career paths and the practical applications of skills learned in the classroom. Many were particularly fascinated by the behind-the-scenes technologies on display, from advanced lighting consoles to cutting-edge stage automation systems.

 

The trip was both educational and inspiring. It sparked new interests, encouraged questions and opened eyes to the vast possibilities within the theatre industry. And a freebie never goes a miss!

 

Overall, the day was a huge success and a memorable experience for all involved. We look forward to returning next year!

 

Mr Ramsden

Technical Performing Arts Manager

Year 9 ‘Learn to Earn’ Workshop


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On Monday 2nd June, all Year 9 pupils participated in the Learn to Earn workshops – a practical and thought-provoking day designed to support them in developing a clearer understanding of their future pathways.

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The sessions focused on the realities of the labour market, the structure of a payslip and how to calculate deductions and balance a realistic cost-of-living budget.

 

Pupils engaged in an interactive card game that encouraged them to consider lifestyle choices and career decisions in a dynamic and memorable way. Each pupil took away a personalised portfolio of resources to help inform their future decisions regarding GCSEs, A Levels, apprenticeships and beyond.

 

 

The day also provided students with the opportunity to reflect on their personal hopes, strengths and definitions of success, while exploring a wide range of ambitious career options. They gained insight into employer expectations, the value of transferable skills and the importance of setting SMART goals for their next steps.

 

 

All participants were awarded a certificate at the end of the session – a fitting recognition of their engagement and the valuable learning they undertook throughout the day.

 

Mr Bell

Head of Next Steps

Junior Production Tickets Now Available!


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Bethany School presents ’13Jr’ for Junior Production 2025.

 

With a catchy rock score from Tony Award-winning composer, Jason Robert Brown, (Parade, The Last Five Years, The Bridges of Madison County) and a hilarious book by Tony winner Robert Horn (Tootsie, Shucked) and Dan Elish (13), 13 JR. tells a timeless story about fitting in – and standing out!

 

Evan Goldman is plucked from his fast-paced, preteen New York City life and plopped into a sleepy Indiana town following his parents’ divorce. Now the new kid at school, he needs to establish his place in the popularity pecking order. Can he situate himself on a comfortable link of the food chain… or will he dangle at the end with the outcasts?!?

 

A true coming-of-age musical with a universal message about friendship and being true to yourself.

 

Performances will be on the following dates and you can book tickets using the link below:

 

Thursday 26 June 2025 – Friday 27 June 2025

Diversity Week 2025


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In the week beginning the 23rd June 2025, we will be celebrating our annual Bethany Diversity Week. This has been well received in previous years and it is a time in which we are able to recognise the commitment we have to promoting and supporting a tolerant society.

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During the Friday enrichment time, we will be holding a sponsored run to raise money for Porchlight. The activity will be organised so that pupils from Years 7 to 10 work in their enrichment group running as a team with one aim: to keep their team baton moving for the whole time.

 

As a sponsored event, we will ask every participant to donate a minimum of £2 but they can raise as much money as they wish above the minimum.

 

All money raised will be donated directly to Porchlight.

Fun And Games In DLS


A huge well done to our DLS pupils for their amazing creativity and dedication in designing revision games to support their assessment preparation earlier this term. Fantastic effort all around!

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Year 7 Competition Winners

 

Daisy Y and Isla O for their 5 Second Rule History Edition game. They compiled an excellent set of questions and presented the game beautifully.

 

 

Runners Up

 

Darcey B and Thomas R for their game design and the quantity of the questions they had produced together.

 

 

Highly commended went to Alistair G and Michael W for their Top Trumps style game and Kasper C and Ben R for their easy to play Geography version of the game Dobble.

 


 

Year 8 Competition Winner

 

Holly E for her multi-sensory, well researched and beautifully presented Travel the World game.

 

 

Runners Up

 

Sam B and Callum R for their highly imaginative Geog-a-tree Game.

 

 

Highly commended went to Greg E and Stephen K for successful collaborative working, Isabella G and Axelle D for their beautiful presentation and  Millie F and Nico D W for their well targeted questions.

Celebrating the Impact of Bethany DofE Volunteers


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As part of Volunteers’ Week, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award team are thrilled to celebrate Bethany School’s incredible contribution to our community through volunteering. This week, the school received a Social Value Certificate in recognition of pupils’ impressive efforts as part of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) programme for 2024/25.

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Social Value Certificates highlight the remarkable impact of DofE participants by assigning a monetary value to their volunteering hours. These contributions go far beyond just time spent—they represent personal growth, skill development and a deepened sense of purpose. For many young people, volunteering through DofE is a transformative experience that builds confidence and lifelong skills.

 

Bethany School pupils have dedicated an outstanding 1,378 hours to volunteering over the past year.

 

The social value of pupils’ contribution is estimated at an impressive £8,818.

 

This achievement not only reflects their commitment and hard work but also the positive difference they are making in our community.

 

We are immensely proud of every pupil involved. Their dedication and passion exemplify the core values of the DofE programme and show how volunteering continues to change lives.

 

Congratulations to all the pupils for this well-deserved recognition!

 

Mr Cooper

Director of Extra Curricular Activities

Lost Property Made Easy


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We have added a new Lost Items application, available via the button below or on MySchoolPortal. This new application allows parents, and pupils, to check if we have found your lost item(s)rnrnu0026nbsp;rnrnIf you spot something that is yours, please send your child to the Lost Property Office (top of the Food Tech/Textiles building) between 1.30pm and 2pm.

 

Access the items list by either logging into the parent portal and then heading to School Information where the list can be accessed or by clicking the button below.

Prayer Requests


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In addition to the prayer group which meets as per the message below – If you would like the chaplain to pray for you or for someone you know, you can send your prayer requests to him using the link below and he will include them in his prayers for the school. All submissions are anonymous and won’t be seen by anyone other than the chaplain.

Prayer Group


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Upcoming Events


Click here for Bethany calendar