A huge congratulations to Year 12 students, Nabrissa B and Justus B, who have secured a place in the tenth cohort of the Sutton Trust US Programme, run in partnership between the Sutton Trust and the US-UK Fulbright Commission. The Programme allows high-attaining low and middle income UK students to explore US higher education and apply for admission to top US universities.

Entry to the programme is highly competitive and Nabrissa and Justus were chosen from more than 1000 of the UK’s brightest students to be one of the 150 scholars and are our first students to have secured a place on the programme.  We are extremely proud of their hard work and achievement.

Speaking of their achievements, Justus said, “This is an incredible opportunity to explore studying in America, and who knows what the future of my Sutton Trust journey could bring” and Nabrissa commented, “I am honoured to be a part of the programme and I am really excited to see how far I can progress in the admissions process”.

The students receive guidance and advice from the UK-based team, enabling them to explore US higher education and learn more about the application process. All students will take an American university admissions exam, the ACT, preparation for which is included as part of the programme’s support.

Later this year, Nabrissa and Justus will choose if they would like to continue to make applications to US universities alongside their UK applications. This second part of the programme includes admissions guidance from the Fulbright team, including university choices and support with applications and financial aid processes. This is a lot of additional work on top of A-level studies and we wish them both lots of luck and look forward to following their progress!

Congratulations to Black Belt partners Thibaut W 7S and Olivia H 9N who passed their Black Belt Gradings last week and are now First Dan’s in Karate. Thibaut and Olivia have both been training at Lea Valley Karate Academy for nearly 9 years, starting their training at the ages of 4 & 5 years old. They also both compete nationally in Kumite (fighting) for the Khalsa Competition Squad and between them have won many medals including national titles. Congratulations to them both on this outstanding achievement! 

If you would like your son/daughter to feature in the Sandprint, please email Melissa.holian@sandringham.herts.sch.uk  with any details and/or photos.

We have a vacancy for a Counsellor at Sandringham School. For more details please visit our website

Sandringham School was delighted to support the FSCI Christmas Box Appeal last year. Thank you to all those families who made the commitment of time and money in such challenging circumstances, to contribute a box. Thousands of children and families in institutions, kindergartens and schools in poor rural and urban areas, senior citizens homes, Roma communities, protected homes and refugee centres throughout Bulgaria received Christmas presents as a result of the generosity of those taking part in the appeal, with a total 6,492 boxes distributed.

Teodora Koleva, Director of FSCI Bulgaria, is in no doubt about the importance of the project. He recently contacted us to say- “With these presents, we show the most vulnerable children and families that we think of them and believe in them, even more so in these challenging times. Thank you to everybody who contributed to the appeal once again!”

COVID made for a very different feel to this year’s campaign. Rich Parsons, the project leader also wrote to tell us, “It was a real relief to see all your Christmas boxes arrive in Bulgaria after being delayed because of COVID and other things beyond our control. Despite all the difficulties, we were encouraged by our wonderful volunteers who helped to check and pack all the boxes, and of course by the number of presents we received from our amazing supporters, many of whom were only too pleased to be doing something to help others during this difficult period”.

Thank you again for helping (our school) to be part of this!

This week for our whole school theme we recognised World Environment Day which is held on June 5th every year to raise awareness of specific environmental issues. 143 countries take part in World Environment Day, focusing on environmental concerns ranging from pollution, to global warming and sustainable food production, to protection of wildlife. This year’s theme is Ecosystem restoration. The students received an excellent assembly from Assistant Headteacher, Mrs Mouncey, educating them about the importance of halting and reversing the impact of humanity on ecosystems. Sandringham has set itself a sustainability goal to achieve net carbon zero by 2030 and increase biodiversity at Sandringham to help address the global challenges of climate change and empower young people to affect change in the future. We encourage you all to become part of #generationrestoration and do your bit to support World Environment Day!

During Mental Health Awareness Week, students in Years 7-12 were encouraged to write positive messages to comfort and inspire others. These were written on green ribbons to form leaves of a 'Positivitree' which is now situated in the Main Lunch Hall. A huge thank you to Mr Kemp for running the initiative and Mrs Warris for creating the beautiful display. We hope that the messages provide encouragement and comfort to students when they need it.   

A new half-term means new Drama projects, and we are excited to see students being creative and using our beautiful Sandpit Theatre again. Year 8 will be spending lots of time doing role play for 'The Holiday', and as such if you have any old suitcases or hand luggage that you no longer need, please could you consider donating them to the school to be used as props. Thank you! 

With the warmer weather now in full swing, we would like to remind students to please come to school with a water bottle every day. We have had several students falling unwell this week due to the heat/dehydration so please make sure you have a bottle with you daily. Thank you. 

Every week the Mathematics Faculty publish a puzzle for you to try.  For every entry you will receive 1 housepoint, if you answer correctly you will win 2 housepoints and if you are the fastest person to answer the puzzle correctly then you will win 5 housepoints!  To enter, simply scan the QR code and fill out the google form.  Good luck!

In April, over 120 students in Years 7 and 8 took part in the Junior Mathematical Challenge run by the UK Mathematics Trust.  The aim of the UK Mathematics Trust is to advance the education of young people in mathematics. The Junior Mathematical Challenge is a 60-minute, multiple-choice competition aimed at students across the UK. It is open to all students in years 8 and below.  This was a fantastic opportunity which offers students the chance to develop their mathematical problem-solving skills. It encourages mathematical reasoning, precision of thought, and fluency in using basic mathematical techniques to solve interesting problems.  The problems on the Junior Challenge are designed to make students think. Most are accessible, yet still challenge those with more experience. 

Students that perform well are awarded Gold, Silver or Bronze certificates, with the best performing students being invited to take an additional challenge. 

Overall the school was awarded 6 Gold, 26 Silver and 44 Bronze winners.  Special mention goes to Henry T (7E) and Tevaan H (7T) (joint best in school), and Adam K (8T) (best in Year 8). Congratulations to all those that took part. 

Registration is now open for new students wishing to take up instrumental or vocal lessons at school with one of our Herts Music Service teachers. You can apply directly using the links on the flyer. HMS have a generous financial support programme for instrumental/vocal music lessons. Support is for music tuition with HMS teachers during the 2021-22 academic year.  Parents/carers can initially apply directly to HMS from Wednesday 9th June to Wednesday 30th June 2021. Applications will be open all year, however this initial window will enable HMS to consider applications and confirm financial support to pupils and schools before the end of the summer term. For further information on the financial support and application process, please click here.

We have received another delivery of Lateral Flow Test kits and these will be distributed to all students at the end of next week.  We would like to remind everyone about the importance of regularly testing for COVID using the Lateral Flow tests provided to all students, testing should ideally be done every Sunday and Wednesday.  It is important to highlight these tests are for people with NO symptoms, and cannot replace a PCR test.  If a student has a positive result from a lateral flow test you should inform the school via the absence@sandringham.herts.sch.uk email address and take the child for a PCR test as soon as possible. 

When to Book a PCR Test

If a student is showing symptoms such as:

• a high temperature, a new, continuous cough,or a loss or change to their sense of smell or taste

They must get a PCR test as soon as possible, you can book here . Please do not use a Lateral Flow Test as a replacement for a PCR test if someone is displaying any COVID symptoms.  

Please let the school know when the result of this test is received by using the email address above, title your email COVID Notification. When emailing us to report a PCR positive test result, please include the following information in your email as this will help us expedite the track and trace process. 

1: Name of student and tutor group 2. Date of onset of symptoms (and type of symptoms) 3. Date of positive test & isolation dates 4. When the student was last in school 5. Mode of transport when last in school 6. Any specific issues or concerns. Full guidance can be found here:

Congratulations to the following who have been appointed as House Captains this week! These are prestigious positions within the school and we look forward these students helping our Heads of Houses for events during the next year. 

Austen: Jessie Butler, Izzy DuPreez, Naomi Gheriani, Will Hughes

Elgar: Francesca Hayes, Glyn Huckerby, Martina Mizra

Fawcett: Jodie Chambers, Logan Hewitt, Ellie Richardson, Tilly Risby,  Aisha Sajjad

Hepworth: Yukta Chegu, Mia Clark, Astrid Koppe, Cleo Spittall, Will Walker, Kallum Chohan, George Sharpe

Johnson: Alissa Mason, Juliette McGrath, Harry Nsubuga, Ella Paul

Newton: Sylvie Foster, Scarlett Lees, Alex Samsami, Sophie Timbs, Louis Vaile

Shakespeare: Yaman Alhrabi, Max Hawkins, Scarlett Holder, Hope Lennard, Summer North

Turing: Hana Booth, Freya Pinder, James Small, Adam Smith

Here at Sandringham, we are commited to raising awareness about environmental issues and as such, would like to highlight a new book about the climate crisis and hidden voices. Zaynab is from Somaliland, a country that doesn’t exist because of politics and may soon be no more than a desert. Lucas is from rural Devon, which might as well be a world away. When they meet, they discover a common cause: the climate crisis.
Together they overcome their differences to build a Fridays For Future group at their school and fight for their right to protest and make a real impact on the local community. But when Zaynab uncovers a plot which could destroy the environment and people's lives back home in Somaliland, she will stop at nothing to expose it. Lucas must decide if he is with her or against her – even if Zaynab's actions may prove dangerous. Students can borrow this book from the library now. 

E2 in the Science Block is named after Rachel Carson, one of the most important conservationists in history. Her research helped nationwide ban on dangerous pesticides and her other books also helped inspire the creation of the US Environmental Protection Agency.

Born on a large farm in Pennsylvania on 27th May 1907, Carson took an early interest in nature, animals and the ocean. She majored in Biology at the Pennsylvania College for Women and later got a Masters degree in Zoology.

Carson was passionate about conservation and spent time teaching, doing weekly radio shows and writing on the subject. She became concerned about the effects that large scale spraying of DDT pesticide had on the health of people as well as the environment and published her findings in the book Silent Spring. Although she sadly passed away in 1964, her work led to the banning of DDT in 1973 and her concern over regulating pesticides was influential in the creation of the  Environmental Protection Agency. She was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1980 and is now widely recognised as the mother of modern environmentalism, initiating a crucial wake-up call for the environmental movement.

Year 9 Bronze DofE enrolment is now closed. If you have paid the enrolment fee, your child will have received an email to their MySandstorm address asking them to complete an online enrolment form. Once this is done they will be enrolled on to the DofE database and will receive a further email asking them to log in and complete the process. Their Bronze pack will then be posted by DofE to their home address.

A polite reminder that female students should wear white ankle socks- not trainers socks- during the summer term. Please could you ensure that your child is wearing the correct uniform when they come to school. Thank you.

FRENCH: Le mot de la semaine : le nadir

GERMAN: Die Wort der Woche : der Nadir

SPANISH: La palabra de la semana :  el nadir

Thinking questions :

• All three translations this week are masculine nouns. Why might this be? Why do some languages have gendered nouns?
• All translations of the word of the week are the same – do you know the origin of the word of the week, why do all these languages use the same word?

‘Refugee Boy’ is a story told through the eyes of 14 year old Alem. Alem's father is Ethiopian and his mother is Eritrean, and there is a dangerous conflict raging between the two countries. For his own safety, Alem's father brings him to England to escape the dangers at home. At first, Alem is delighted to be having a holiday with his dad, until he wakes up one morning to find his father has left him in England alone. Benjamin Zephaniah has created a character in Alem, who despite all that happens to him, maintains a shining spirit of courage throughout. This is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that demands to be read by all students. Read more about the author, Benjamin Zephaniah, here: https://benjaminzephaniah.com/

N is for … nadir [noun]

Definition: The lowest or most unsuccessful point in a situation.

Example: Asking that question was the nadir of my career.

Synonyms: Rock bottom, Base, Floor

Antonyms: Top, Peak

Etymology: From the Arabic word ‘naẓīr’ meaning opposite.

Next week there are two fantastic sessions to support students in Years 11-13 in building a successful online profile that would help make them more employable. WCSQM have partnered with LinkedIn and some of the largest companies who recruit new employees through this online platform. The link to all information, including registration etc is here and the sessions are:

Year 11 – 16th June 4pm-5pm,

Years 12 and 13 – 17th June 4pm – 5pm

You can still enter the two WCSQM competitions:

"Better Yourself By...."  (write and record a short speech about a subject of your choice. Some of the suggested topics are self improvement, greater pride, celebrating others, being more community focused, or coming out of your comfort zone.) Closes Friday 18th June at 4pm. 

Essay Competition for Year 9 students (write a short essay expressing how you are a World Class person,  how you would make Sandringham more 'World Class' and how you feel the wider community could change to have a 'World Class impact'.) Closes Monday 28th June at 3pm

Entires can be sent to worldclass@mysandstorm.org or to Mrs Finlay/ Ms Baikie. 

This week, Year 12 students have been busy filming introductions for the informative sessions at the World Class Schools Symposium on the 1st July. As previously mentioned, the event will be an exciting mixture of careers advisory networks, talks from top international employers and colleges, and the results of the competitions that have been running this term will be announced. There will be an opportunity to learn how to become a WCSQM ambassador and information and guidance suitable for Year 11-13 students and staff. A big thank you to Ms Finlay for all of her efforts in helping to co-ordinate the event and to our willing screen stars who took time out their busy exam schedule to be filmed on Thursday.

On Tuesday, the U14 Cricket team went to Parmiters for their Plate competition fixture. After losing the toss the boys were put into bat first. Some strong batting and good running saw us post 125 for 4 wickets. Henry P-B top scored with 40 runs. Opening the batting and staying in for the whole innings was a testament to how sensibly he batted. A superb innings. Our bowling innings started well, reducing the opposition to 16 for 2 after 3 overs and managing to bowl out the opposition. It was pleasing to see such a variety of dismissals – Bowled, Stumped, Caught and Run out. The highlight of our bowling innings was Everitt’s bowling, taking 4 wickets. A remarkable display of leg spin bowling. Well done to all involved.

Wednesday saw our Year 7’s go over to Beaumont for their second game of the season. We started superbly, with some excellent bowling, taking early wickets. However Beaumont had a solid partnership that we couldn’t break. A total of 132 was posted that we had to chase down. Similar to our bowling innings our batting innings started well, scoring well and playing good cricket. As we began to lose wickets and the run rate creeping up ultimately it was too much to ask. A promising display from the U12’s. I am excited about how far this year group can go should they continue to commit to School Cricket.

Congratulations to Marelie R in Year 9 who had a fantastic half-term competing in various events. She won the Ladies regional Grade 3 event in Weald, 18U Girls regional Grade 3 event in Huntingdon, and won an 18U regional Gr 3 Doubles event as well as being a semi-finalist in the Women's Regional Gr 3 Doubles events in Woking. Playing on a mixture of astro, hard acrylic, clay and even some grass courts was certainly a challenge and her achievements were topped off with a call up to the Gr 1 Junior Nationals Qualifying event being played in Surbiton.  Well done to Marelie for these fantastic achievements.

There has been more sport this week as restrictions continue to lift. It has been great to see so many students returning to competitive action, whilst also retaining so many students at extra curricular clubs.

On Thursday we had our 3rd County league Athletics match at Westminster Lodge. It was another excellent afternoon of athletics with all 4 teams competing very well against some strong opposition. Again Jasmine R ran exceptionally well in the 100m to break the school record. The boys relay teams remain unbeaten as they took another two victories. It has been fantastic to see the teams be so successful after having such an extended period of time away from the sport.

The girls tennis teams have been in action again this week with the Year 10 team beating Haileybury quite comfortably on Tuesday, before losing to Queenswood along with the Year 8 team on Wednesday. Well done on such a good performance on Tuesday. Marelie R led the team and played very well in both singles and doubles.

Monday 14th June: 

Y7 Rounders V Townsend (A)

Y10B Boys Tennis V Beaumont (H)

Y8 Girls Tennis V Beaumont (H)

Tuesday 15th June

Y9 Cricket V Roundwood Park (A)

Y8 Boys Tennis V Sir John Lawes (H)

Wednesday 16th June

Y9 Rounders V Townsend (A)

Y8 Rounders V Townsend (A)

Thursday 17th June

U18B Boys Tennis V Coopers (Regional Final) (A)

Matthew Bourne’s Romeo and Juliet is a passionate and contemporary re-imagining of Shakespeare’s classic story of love and conflict is set in the not-too-distant future in the ‘Verona Institute’. Here ‘difficult’ young people are mysteriously confined by a society that seeks to divide and crush their youthful spirit. Our two young lovers must follow their hearts as they risk everything to be together.

Tickets £13.50/£10

Hailed as a masterpiece of 21st century dance, Akram Khan’s Giselle comes to cinemas for the first time, giving ballet fans the opportunity to see this award-winning production on the big screen.  One of the greatest romantic ballets, Giselle has been re-imagined by celebrated choreographer Akram Khan and English National Ballet. Tickets £13.50/£10

Following its record-breaking, sell-out run in London’s West End and national tour, the critically acclaimed musical Funny Girl comes to a cinema near you, featuring Sheridan Smith in “an unforgettable star turn” (The Times). Funny Girl is semi-biographical, based on the life and career of Broadway star, film actress and comedienne Fanny Brice (a role made famous by Barbara Streisand on Broadway and in the 1968 film adaptation), and her stormy relationship with entrepreneur and gambler Nick Arnstein.

Tickets £13.50/£10

We are open! We look forward to welcoming you back through our doors and remember we are a socially distant venue so seats will disappear very quickly so do not miss out and get your tickets now!

Following Government guidelines, you must wear a face covering while attending The SandPit Theatre unless you are exempt as stated in these guidelines. If you do not wear a mask you will be refused entry and your ticket will be forfeited. Our café will be open during these screenings for drinks and snacks but please note we will only be accepting card payments. Alcohol is available for sale 30 minutes before the shows begin.  The box office is open from 11.30am – 3.30pm Monday to Friday. Alternatively, you can call us on 01727 799565 or visit www.sandpittheatre.co.uk

We now sell and accept Theatre Tokens!  You can use these tokens to purchase tickets for any of our shows or buy them as gifts to be used at over 260 venues nationwide and in the West End all while supporting theatres including us!

The new 25th Anniversary show catapults Riverdance into the 21st century and will completely immerse you in the extraordinary and elemental power of its music and dance. 25 years ago, 7 minutes changed the face of Irish dancing forever. The Eurovision interval act performance gave millions of people a new and exciting glimpse of the future of Irish dance. Now 25 years later, composer Bill Whelan has re-recorded his mesmerising soundtrack while producer Moya Doherty and director John McColgan have completely reimagined the ground-breaking show with innovative and spectacular lighting, projection, stage, and costume designs.

Tickets £13.50/£10

Sandringham Music Faculty presents: Summer Soiree! This is an outdoor concert below the new Sixth Form Canopy, behind The SandPit Theatre, featuring live performances from soloists, choirs, and orchestras in the summer air!

Tickets £5/£3

Vincent van Gogh’s Sunflowers are among his most famous works and are some of the most iconic paintings in the world. In an extraordinary exhibition, the Van Gogh Museum took a new revealing look at the five publicly owned versions of sunflowers in a vase. And once again, the Van Gogh Museum opened its doors exclusively to Exhibition on Screen. Tickets £7/£5