This week received a certificate recognising our efforts for the Christmas Box Appeal 2021. As you may remember, Miss Fox organised a collection of the gift boxes linked to Year 7’s study of kindness in ‘A Christmas Carol’ and in total, the year group donated 67 shoe boxes worth of gifts and essentials- an amazing amount. It was also lovely to receive a link to this video, which shows the presents being delivered in Bulgaria! It’s very moving and really highlights the importance of organising such collections so we hope that you enjoy watching it and that it inspires you to continue supporting this worthy cause and others like it.

We are very lucky to have Dr Phil Porter from the University of Hertfordshire coming in to deliver a talk about climate change next Monday. All parents and members of the community are invited to attend in addition to students in Years 9 - 13. There is no need to sign up.

Dr Porter is a glacier scientist and for almost thirty years, he has led and participated in numerous scientific expeditions to some of the last true wilderness areas on our planet, locations raging from the frozen wastes of the High-Arctic to the high peaks of the Himalaya. Phil‘s scientific work focuses on the response of glaciers to a warming world and, in particular, the impacts of warming on meltwater production and delivery. With a significant proportion of the world’s population directly or indirectly dependent on snow and ice melt for their water resource, never has this subject been of greater significance. Below is a brief summary from Dr Porter about what the talk will cover:

T-shirts on for an Arctic Heatwave: messages to all from a warming High Arctic.

In this presentation I will detail some of the research I have undertaken in the frozen parts of our planet and discuss some of the common myths and misconceptions surrounding climate change. Although my research provides a clear and worrying message of accelerating environmental change in remote parts of the world, the real challenges and the actions needed to respond to environmental issues lie very much closer to home; decisions made now at local and regional level by individuals and policy makers will have much wider impacts for many decades to come. We have the ability, and indeed the responsibility, to ensure that those impacts are positive.

The Year 12 German students have been having a great time in Hamburg! They are enjoying the sights, improving their language skills, teaching Year 6 students English and even finding time to complete an Escape Room. More on this next week but a huge thank you to Mrs Kincaid and all the other staff involved in making this happen after a few years of not being able to travel due to Covid.

Year 13 Psychology students attended an excellent practical session with Dr Guy Sutton, Honorary (Consultant) Assistant Professor, University of Nottingham School of Medicine. Students took part in a programme of lectures based on basic brain anatomy and advances in structural and functional neuroimaging.  This included medical advances in growing organoids, the ethics of growing ‘consciousness’ and the implications of cognitive neuroscience for the future.  Students then took on a practical role in dissecting a sheep’s brain and comparing simple neural structures and processes that they could see to human brain anatomy. 

Finally, students examined the complex interplay of genes, neurochemistry, neuropathology and environment in mental illness and the impact of recreational drugs on vulnerable brains. We are sure that they all found the experience very valuable

The Head Students at Sandringham School are running the period poverty campaign again this year, making sure that sanitary products get to those desperately in need. Last year, the campaign was a huge success with students and parents being very generous in their donations. This year, the collection will take place between 14th and 25th March outside C block under the canopy and in the Sixth Form area. If students and parents wish to, they can also bring in to Main Reception. Thanks in advance for supporting this campaign. 

STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics - is celebrated, encouraged and explored at Sandringham with a range of opportunities.

Next week we celebrate British Science Week and our theme is Going Low Carbon. Here are a few reminders:

• Wednesday 16th is a non-uniform day and students are encouraged to wear a pre-loved item of clothing. If this isn’t possible, an alternative is to wear something with red in it to show support for the Red Nose Day appeal. The donation is £1 through ParentPay. Proceeds will be split between WWF and Red Nose Day

• Also on Wednesday 16th we are encouraging students and staff to see if it is possible to reduce the use of cars on that day. If your child can walk, cycle, car-share or use public transport to get to school they will be able to add it to their tally of carbon savings for the house competition!

Families can support BSW and help reduce atmospheric CO2 by planting a tree. We are suggesting the Woodland Trust shop as a good place to get a quality tree, which could be planted in the garden! Students can also add this to their carbon savings next week.

In Year 9 Geography, students have been learning about Global Conflicts. One of the lessons they focused on was investigating the pros and cons of Heathrow Expansion. The students had to compile a letter to the Prime Minister or MP to share their informed thoughts of the Heathrow Expansion. Nathan P had written to Daisy Cooper and has received a response. Amazing work Nathan. 

One of the many activities running next week for British Science Week is a Mock Climate Change Summit, where students will participate in a simulation of the COP26 summit which took place last October. It is running 2.00 - 4.00pm, so students will need to stay on for one hour after school. We have already got students signed up but there is room for more and we would love Years 7-10 to take up this opportunity!

Students can sign up via SOCs, or if they struggle with this, they can contact Mrs Mouncey directly.

Seeing coverage of upsetting world events in the news, online or on social media can be distressing for children, especially in today’s 24-hour news cycle. But there are things parents can do to help children make sense of them. 

ParentZone have put together a useful guide which contains five tips on how to help children cope with upsetting news, as well as further resources for additional support 

Year 12 continue their focus on careers and futures and they took part in a range of sessions and talks last week on the Extended Learning Day. We welcomed a number of outside speakers in, including Michael McMahon (University of Oxford), current Oxbridge students Sophie and Bartol and ex-student Joseph who is in his first year as an apprentice with Google. We were also pleased to run a selection of careers talks; students opted to hear from a range of individuals from different sectors including: accounting and finance, media, medicine, film and design, data science, journalism and history/ politics. We were delighted to see the students so engaged and curious about some of the many pathways that they could follow. This event was a brilliant opportunity to continue exploring careers following work experience before half term. And, it’s looking like a number of students might have secured future placements with the guest speakers from the day, too!

We have a variety of vacancies this week including those listed below if you would like to apply to work in our wonderful, growing school.

Support Staff: Learning Supervisor,  Cleaner, Casual Theatre Technicians,  Theatre Technician, Exam Invigilators, Receptionist and Administrative Assistant,

Teaching Staff: Teacher of Mathematics with Responsibility, Teacher of Mathematics, Assistant Headteacher,, Head of French,  Director of Learning: Sport and Co-curricular Activities, Head of Year (Performance Director), Head of Chemistry

As part of Science Week, we have a non uniform day on Wednesday 16th March, encouraging students to wear pre-owned clothes or something green (as half the proceeds go to WWF) or something red (as the other half go to Comic Relief). You can make your donations as usual via ParentPay

Are you a fan of the daily Wordle? Did you know that there is a French, German and Spanish Wordle every day too? Have a go and let your teacher know how you get on!

French – https://wordle.louan.me/

German – https://wordle.at/

Spanish – https://wordle.danielfrg.com/

Is there a Wordle for another language you speak at home? Have a look and let us know!

Fo$s are delighted to announce that their Quiz Night on Friday March 18th is now sold out. Thank you to everyone who has bought tickets and we look forward to updating you with news of the night and the total raised which will go towards buying new equipment for our students. 

Mrs Beaton is also really looking forward to taking the Sandringham Jazz Band to perform at Swing St Albans at Townsend School on Tuesday 15th March 7.30pm. You can buy tickets using the details above. Look out for more details on this in next week's Sandprint.

Our fabulous Spring Concert is also taking place on Wednesday 30th March. You can buy tickets for this unmissable event here

It was lovely to see some of our Year 10 students enjoying books in our LRC after one of the their exams this week. Reading is fantastic for improving your vocabulary, increasing empathy for situations different to your own and also a great way to relax and unwind after a busy day. Do pop along and chat to our friendly librarians about what books they have which may be of interest to you. 

This week’s whole school theme is British Science Week. British Science Week is a ten-day celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths - featuring entertaining and engaging events and activities across the UK for people of all ages. British Science Week provides a platform to stimulate and support teachers, STEM professionals, science communicators and the general public to produce and participate in STEM events and activities. British Science Week 2022 will take place 11 - 20 March 2022. Mr Tattersall gave an excellent assembly to students that advertised the different activities that will be running throughout the next two weeks to celebrate science. The theme for Sandringham is carbon neutral and culminates in a carbon neutral day on Wednesday 16th March where students and staff will be doing all they can to reduce their carbon footprint and participate in carbon offsetting activities. We encourage you to wear reclaimed clothes, walk to work and go meat free to contribute to the effort. 

The St Albans Youth Council are planning a fundraiser for Herts Young Homeless and are looking for more members (aged 11-17) to help with ideas and the event itself. They are also looking to host debates within the Youth Council sd if you are interested in debating, this is a great opportunity to help in the local community and also practise your skills in another environment. The sessions are face to face and online so you can join anyway that’s comfortable for you and more details are on the flyer attached. Please call 01442 454060 or email sfyp.stalbans@hertfordshire.gov.uk for more details. 

Each year at Sandringham, we offer our Year 12 students the opportunity to take paid roles at School, with a number of these starting in the Summer Term 2022 and allowing a handover with our outgoing Year 13 students who will be going on study leave.  This year we have more roles than ever and very much look forward to your applications for:

After School Receptionists, Lettings Assistants, Till Duties, SandPit Theatre Assistant, Alban TSH Events and Hospitality Assistants, LRC Assistant.

Current Year 12 students are invited to submit a one-sided letter of application to Mr Gray explaining why you would like to be considered for any of these posts. Closing date Friday, is Friday 18th March 2022

These positions will provide good work experience and will be a valuable addition to a C.V.

FRENCH: Le mot de la semaine- puissant

GERMAN: Das Wort der Woche- stark

SPANISH- La palabra de la semana- potente

Thinking Questions

• For the translations this week there were lots of options of adjectives all meaning potent or strong. How do we know which one to use in different contexts? 

• Will robots ever be able to translate like a human being? Why? Why not? 

Last week, our Whole School Read was launched on World Book Day. This year’s chosen text is ‘I am Malala’ by Malala Yousafzai. All students (and their families!) are encouraged to read the text and to join the conversation about the text, either with their peers, their teachers, their families or on Twitter @SandringhamRead. 

We celebrated World Book Day by beginning all lessons with a reading of a short extract from ‘I am Malala’ and a discussion of the text. Hopefully, all students are now inspired to read the whole text! There are still a few copies available in the LRC, including a ‘short read’ edition and a ‘teen’ edition of the text. PDFcopies are also available on the Sandringham Reads Google Classroom (Class code: 5ukzdug), where students can also submit a short review of the book.

Congratulations to Zainab (Yr 7), Laura, Franky and Becca (Yr 8), Poppy R (Yr 9), Lauren D and Lauren P (Yr 10) and Ellen (Yr 12) who have already read ‘I am Malala’ and submitted their review.  All students who read ‘I am Malala’ and submit a review will be awarded the Whole School Read Achievement Award on ePraise, so please encourage your child to participate. 

The 2022 Blue Peter Book Awards Winner, "The Last Bear," is now available at the LRC. A moving tale that mixes the adventure of life in the Arctic Circle with danger, excitement, a touching exploration of April's relationship with her father, and a thought-provoking exploration of the climate emergency, this book is a fantastic read. Pop along to the LRC for this, and many other books on world issues. 

P is for potent [adjective]

Definition: Powerful; persuasive.

Example: It was a potent reminder of other images of individual courage in the face of overwhelming odds.

Synonyms: Compelling, Influential, Persuasive

Antonyms: Ineffective, Insignificant, Unimportant

Etymology: From Latin ‘potentem’ meaning powerful.

Last Saturday saw our Y9, 10 and 11 students hosted by St.Albans School in our annual block football fixture. The morning was well attended by our supporting parents and was an excellent morning of football. The Y9 team played well to take the win 5-3, the Y10s ran out 8-0 winners in a comfortable performance and the Y11s after leading 2-0 lost 7-2 in an almighty turn of events. Well done to those who played.

Wednesday also saw our 1st XI in action at home against Beaumont in the District Cup Quarter Final. It was a tense affair with a high standard of Senior Football. At the end of 90minutes the score was goalless and it went to extra time. After Beaumont had a disallowed goal for a foul inside the box we were able to capitalise at the other end and grab a goal on the counter attack. Following this we scored a second through Wesley M to seal victory and out place in the semi final.

Our U13 football team also had a great 3-1 against Marlborough in the second round of the district cup OP - Abi K, PP - Roisin C and CP - Jasmine S

Our U13’s basketball team were back in action this week at Home vs Roundwood in the district league. A strong team performance all round saw the boys run out 49-24 winners. Onto the http://Jr.NBA Friday

Our Y10 basketball team also played Beaumont on Wednesday in the County Cup semi-final. The team lost the game by 13 points in what was an underwhelming performance. It was great to reach this stage and the team have played some good basketball, but sad to see them fall short at this stage.

The Year 9 hockey team played a friendly and league match against Beaumont and Queenswood respectively last week. The students played well in both matches, with the warm up against Beaumont having a positive impact on their positioning, attack and defence in the match against Queenswood the following day. The team have continued to develop into an excellent team who show real teamwork, skill and resilience.

The Year 7 hockey team also showed real determination and displayed excellent defence against a Year 7/8 team from Samuel Ryder with several local club players. Georgia scored an excellent goal, as the team finally managed to beat the St Albans goalkeeper while the defence worked to mark players.

And finally, the Year 8’s were 3rd in the County Tournament with impressive teamwork and play from the whole squad. Ezster made her debut in goal in the absence of our regular goalkeeper and made some excellent saves against Queenswood, the eventual county champions, and RMS, 2nd in the tournament.

A busy week for Netball! Last Friday, the U14 Netball Performance squad had their semi-final in the Sister and Sport National Plate. The squad have worked tirelessly throughout the season to make it through to the final and nerves were high before the game. They faced a strong, and very tall, squad from East London based Walthamstow Hall. The first half saw both teams exchange blows and despite excellent defence from Emily W and Sophia P, we were unable to pull away and it was a draw at half time. The second half saw our superior fitness start to have an impact and good shooting from Chloe G and Maddy W meant that we were able to open up a five goal lead. The final quarter saw our defensive unit of Mia O’H, Charlotte H and Niamh F make numerous interceptions that were smoothly transitioned to goal and therefore we extended our lead – final score 39-24 to Sandringham. The opposition awarded player of the match to Lizzie S and coach’s player went to Emily W. Congratulations to the whole squad for making it through to the national final that will be played at the neutral venue of Bromsgrove School on Wednesday 23rd March – one win to go!

The Year 8B team also put in a great performance in the District Tournament this week. Great to see so many students enjoying netball. PP: Emily N and CP: Becca B-S.

The Year 10B netball team played a close game against STAGS, just losing out 16-13. OPM: Charlotte H, PP: Eva J CPM: Lilah F

The U12A and B netball teams played STAHS this week with the A's losing 23-5 and the B's drawing 9-9 but the PE Faculty are proud of how both teams performed against tough opposition. OPM - Lauren W & Georgia T. CPM - Ella C-L & Kaitlyn W 

The U12A Netball team also came 2nd in a District Tournament! PP - Ella & CP - Bea

And finally, the U16 Netball Performance Squad played their National Plate Semi-final this Tuesday against Talbot Heath. It was an extremely close contest that saw us narrowly lose 33-35. Very proud of the determination & humility shown by the squad. OPM - Sib M & CPM - Marelie R

Chuckle. In association with The Sandpit Theatre bring you the very best in live standup comedy.

Enjoy some of the biggest names in comedy along with our favourite handpicked artists.

Tonight’s lineup includes Sandringham School alumni Nick Helm (Live at the Apollo, 8 Out of 10 Cats) / Esther Manito (Live at the Apollo) / Ben Norris (Mock the Week, “. unbelievably brilliant” - Jason Manford) / Mark Row (A1: The Long Road to Edinburgh on Amazon Prime)

Please note the lineup maybe subject to change.

Tickets are on sale now for just £16.50 each

IT’S TERRY!

“…Unstable and deliciously unexpected” The Guardian

It’s Terry is a brand new knock about show Introduced by the world famous character performer ‘Richie Raganoo’ - who by his own omission, says Terry Alderton is the “weakest character he does. But his most successful!”

It’s Terry has narrative, it’s a throw it up and see where it lands kind of show. So those that Know, Know, and those who don’t…will!

Tickets - £17

We can’t wait to see you back through our doors and we have some exciting shows and films coming up for you this season!

All the latest performances are on our website, www.sandpittheatre.co.uk, and you can keep up to date with what’s going on by giving us a follow either on Instagram & Twitter or give us a like on Facebook, just search for The SandPit Theatre!

***

The box office is open from 11.30am – 3.30pm Monday, Wednesday & Friday. Alternatively, you can call us on 01727 799565 or visit www.sandpittheatre.co.uk

An evening filled with loud noises, flashing lights and lots of mess!  Hold onto your hats and come and enjoy this explosive showcase of science.

Sandringham School presents their annual concert. This features all their choirs and instrumental clubs, including the ever-growing show choir, the famous jazz band and sinfonia orchestra.

Tickets £5/£4