Parent Bulletin 13th June

Thank you for all the support that you have provided to your children in the run up to exams.  We know that children can become anxious and the constant reassurance from home and school that some anxiety is a normal and productive part of life has set the children up well for these exams and for future success.

We hosted a visit on Friday from a former headteacher who commented: The students were a delight to talk to and unanimously spoke positively about the school. I was impressed that they were able to articulate the “why” for so many of the routines and expectations of the school in a really genuine way, recognising what the school had taught them. Without prompting from me, they said that they were working hard for their exams because they wanted to do well, rather than it being pressure from the school.” 

Punctuality and attendance during exams:  Please ensure that children are punctual to school every day - and especially during exams.  Pupils who arrive late will not be given additional time.  Please make every effort to ensure your child's attendance is perfect - especially during exam season - as missed exams will significantly impact on our ability to support your child to progress.

Please see the exam timetable below:

Attendance to end of term:  While we sympathise that the cost of travel during school holidays is often higher please remember that it is parents' legal obligation to ensure their children attend school on every school day including at the end of term.  Please do not book any travel before 24th July and please ensure that pupils are back in the UK ready to start on:

• 4th September (Y7)
• 8th September (Y11)
• 9th September (Y8-10)

Unauthorised absence may result in enforcement action including, but not limited to, fines being imposed by your Local Authority.

I wish you an enjoyable remainder of the weekend.

Kind regards,

Mr Neuberger

It was a huge week for the school as the PE department took home its first silverware this weekend at the QPR schools league final. The year 8 boys had a landslide win with a 7-1 victory over West London Free School, taking the lead through Aiman in the 1st minute. Further goals followed from Adam T, Platon, Alex, and Mohamed to crown a famous victory for the school, and the boys enjoyed the trophy celebrations afterwards! 

It was also an important week for the school academically as all four years geared up for the start of exams. The students are all working hard producing high quality revision, and there were some fantastic lessons taking place. Mr Hanna had a standout practical on titrations with the Year 10 triple scientists, and Ms Taylor was so impressed with the of focus and professionalism throughout. 

At the end of the academic year, all Soane students go on two trips to celebrate the successes of the year, provide opportunities to build culture, and develop teamwork and perseverance. This is an important time of the year for our school community – your child must be in attendance on these days.

A reminder of the trips for each year group is below:

• Year 7 – Go Ape Battersea and London City tour
• Year 8 – West Wittering Beach and Chiswick House & Dukes Meadow walk
• Year 9 – Thorpe Lakes Watersports and King’s College London
• Year 10 – Whitstable (students studying Geography)/Liberal Jewish Synagogue & Regent’s Park (students not studying Geography) and Gripped Hounslow 

A letter was emailed with further information for these trips, including costs. Go Ape, Thorpe Lakes, and Gripped require additional consent – please complete the Microsoft Form linked in these letters. Please ensure payment is made promptly if yet to do so. Further details about timings for the school day for these trips will be shared in the parent bulletin closer to the time. 

The following clubs will be cancelled for the next 2 weeks as the sports hall is out of action: 

Mon – Y7/8 Cricket
Weds – Y9/10 Cricket
Thur – Y7/8 Rounders

All other clubs will run as normal – many clubs are working towards big end of year events and students are expected to attend.

A reminder that students must wear their full school uniform when travelling to and from school to maintain a smart, professional appearance. As the warmer weather approaches, your child may wish to stay out after school. Please remind them they must come straight home and change out of their uniform if they are doing so. This is to keep them safe, avoid them getting into trouble in the local community, and to maintain the positive reputation of the school. We count on your support with this. Staff from the school will also continue to patrol the local area.

Our first Summer Concert will be on Thur 10th Jul, 5PM-6:30PM. Musicians have been working hard perfecting their pieces in anticipation for the event. We would love to welcome you there – please book a free ticket here: https://forms.office.com/e/xiHH6yAvpp.

Students may attend if in full uniform, with a ticket, and accompanied by a parent. Phones will be confiscated if seen on the night.

Performances will start promptly at 5:15PM; due to how the night is staged we are unable to admit latecomers, so please arrive at 5PM to avoid disappointment.

If you need face-to-face assistance then the school office is open during term-time from 8am-4pm. So that we can deal with email enquiries promptly please see the school email addresses below:

• General Enquiries – info@arksoane.org
• Attendance - absence@arksoane.org
• Free School Meals - fsm@arksoane.org