Fawcett still lead the charge this week with a total of 11,292 house points. Newton and Shakespeare not far behind however, on 11,202 and 10,985 respectively. Special mentions this week go to Caleb M in 7S with 8 points and Shakespeare for winning this week's house points (356. points gained.) Well done to 12A/12AU who won Wednesday's house bench ball and 12E and 12F who came joint 1st in Thursday's house bench ball.

UPCOMING EVENTS 

• Girls house football – (Year 9 & 10) TBC
• House Maths – Wed 8th March
• KS3 STEM Quiz - TBC
• Staff badminton – Monday 20th March

SCHOOL SHOP: 9 x 7 Book Covers, A4 Book Covers, Pens, Pencils, Art pencils, Art sketch book, Rulers, Rubbers, Pencil Sharpeners, Compasses, Protractors, Glue sticks, Highlighters, Clear pencil cases, School Ties, Calculators are all available to buy from student services.

CHANGE OF DETAILS: Please advise us if you have changed any of your contact details by emailing data@sandringham.herts.sch.uk. It is very important we are able to contact you in the event of an emergency. 

UNIFORM SHOP: Student services has some used school uniform & PE kits for sale. 

LOST PROPERTY: Due to limited space we can only hold items for a maximum of 2 weeks. All named items will be returned as soon as Student Services receives them. Please do not bring in valuables, but if necessary, ensure they are safely locked in your locker.

The biannual Sixth Form Expedition saw 50 students and 6 staff following a packed itinerary exploring Vietnam and Cambodia over half term. The trip began as soon as we left the airport, into the 30 degree heat, with a tour of Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, and a visit to the Royal Palace before our first meal of rice and noodles.

Day 2 began with a very sombre morning visiting the Killing Fields and Teul Sleng, the genocide museum which explains the horrors of the Khmer Rouge under Pol Pot. A long coach journey to Siem Reap gave us all time to reflect, see more of the countryside and for the more adventurous, an opportunity to try fried spiders at a stop along the way. Our last day in Cambodia was an awe inspiring visit deep in the jungle to the vast temple complex built in the 12th century, Angkor Wat, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The students enjoyed climbing the steep steps gain to amazing view points across the temples and beyond to the surrounding jungle as well as the monkeys roaming the area.

Our arrival in Vietnam was no less hectic with a visit to the tunnels from the Vietnam war near Ho Chi Minh. Students crawled through tunnels, saw remnants of tanks and shells plus examples of the traps set by the Viet Cong in their bid for liberation. After a flight north to the busy city of Hanoi, we travelled to Ha Long bay, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, famed for its limestone pillars and islets. This was a great opportunity for some fun kayaking enjoying the boat journey around the bay. Another more sedate boat trip in Van Long broke up the journey to Cuc Phuong, a national park deep in the jungle where were to undertake our conservation work. 

The evening of our arrival, students chose a walk to visit some prehistoric caves or a more energetic hike further in to the jungle before arriving at our accommodation and the chance to try fresh coconut. We were all grateful for the mosquito nets, particularly as we discovered a leech had attached itself to 1 student and seeing the various large venomous centipedes, golden tortoise beetle and other bugs in and around the accommodation area. After a tai chi session and breakfast, the students began their first of their conservation work sessions. This included working with endangered primates, turtles, deer and pangolin with students renovating enclosures to move primates, preparing food and feeding turtles, deer, cleaning out pangolin enclosures. The students learned why many of the species at the centre are critically endangered; loss of habitat, trafficking for pets or killed for alleged medicinal properties.

Overall, the students were absolutely superb, fully immersing themselves into the culture and making the most of every opportunity and inspiring many of them to plan their future travels. They were a pleasure to take away and fantastic ambassadors for the school. Thank you to all of the staff who accompanied the trip and to staff at school covering lessons. The planning for the next expedition is beginning which will be open to the current Year 10 and 11 students.  

The whole school theme this week celebrates International Women’s Day. International Women's Day (March 8th) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality. IWD has occurred for well over a century, with the first IWD gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people. The students received an excellent assembly from Assistant Head teacher, Mrs Cavanagh, about this year’s theme ‘Embracing Equity’. We hope this demonstrates the importance of recognising the different challenges women face in order to better understand how we can break down these stereotypes and create greater equality in the future. Happy International Women’s Day!

Congratulations to Akey C in Year 7S who has been competing in the Swim England Hertfordshire County Champions 2023 over the last few weekends and gained the following amazing results:

Individual

• Gold Medal: Men 12 yrs 50m free, Men 12 yrs 50m breast, Men 12 yrs 100m fly
• Silver Medal: Men 12 yrs 50m Fly, Men 12 yrs 100m medley

Relay

• Silver: Mixed 13 yrs/ Under 200m freestyle relay
• Bronze: Mixed 13 yrs/ Under 200m medley, Men 13 yrs/Under 200m freestyle, Men 13 yrs/Under 200m medley

Well done Alex! If you would like to nominate someone for the Student Spotlight, please email melissa.holian@sandringham.herts.sch.uk with any details and/or photos.

We are delighted to say that The Sandpit Theatre has been nominated for a ‘Little Ankle Biters’ Award for Best Theatre. Voting closes at 23.59 on Friday 10th March 2023 so please click here and go to question 16 to vote if you would like to support our wonderful theatre. 

Write up for Alice T-P Year 12.

Over half term, 14 students from the Sixth Form travelled to The Gambia to visit Farafenni Senior Secondary School, our link school which we have worked with since 2008. The purpose of the trip was for students from both schools to learn about each other and their ways of life and to understand the similarities and differences between both schools. We also took some resources to the school which had been bought using fundraised money, including science equipment, textbooks, sports equipment and funds for new chairs for the school hall. While we were at the school, we spoke in assemblies, participated in lessons and got involved in a cultural show which the students performed in. Students from both schools became friends and discovered that despite cultural differences, they were in fact very similar and shared many interests. We also spent time in the capital, Banjul, where we experienced a busier Gambian life and immersed ourselves in the culture; we visited a crocodile pool, craft market and the High Commissioner to The Gambia. Some students also visited the Medical Research Centre, where vaccines are developed. Overall, the trip was an incredibly eye-opening and life changing experience, which allowed us to meet new people, experience a different culture and learn more about a different environment.

The process has begun for organising Year 10 Work Experience placements for 19-23 June.  This is a lengthy process, which is why our deadline for students to record private placements on Unifrog is 6th March.  Please assist them in doing this and thank you for every effort given to arranging private placements.

For those who do not have a placement, we will be launching our Link2 system in March as detailed in our Work Experience parent letter.

Due to industrial action planned on the 16th March, the Year 10 PTC has been rescheduled and will now take place on Wednesday 22nd March from 3.45-7.15pm as an in-person, in-school event. 

Members of our Future Tech Club meet every Tuesday to spend time coding and learning new programming languages. The group has grown in popularity and the students are enjoying using Scratch and Python. Some have even been trying C sharp, which is quite advanced for the KS3 students who attend.

A big thanks to Year 12 Computer Science students Katy S and Imogen R (pictured) who come every week to help lead the club. 

FO$S are excited to announce that the Quiz Night (taking place on Friday 17th March at 7.30pm) tickets are now available to purchase. Come and join us for a fun night as Nick Gribb returns with his music themed quiz. Cheese boards are available to preorder and there will be a fully stocked bar. Tickets available through the Sandpit here. We look forward to seeing you there!

Well done to Kuba G in 7N who gained an impressive three HTCs this week in German, Maths and PE. This is a fantastic haul and testament to all of your hard work. 

Our school is a member of the Hertfordshire Careers Hub and one of their key strategic objectives is to help promote Apprenticeships and Technical and Vocational routes. This is now the fifth year that this survey has been commissioned and we would be very grateful if you could complete this short digital survey to share your thoughts based on your eldest secondary school-aged child here.

By completing this survey, you are contributing towards the development of the Hertfordshire Apprenticeships Strategy, helping to secure funding to better support your child’s school and providing important insights to be used both at an individual school and county-wide level.  This survey is being conducted by Amazing Apprenticeships on behalf of Hertfordshire LEP and Hertfordshire Careers Hub. All responses will be kept confidential, and your details or individual responses will not be shared with any other parties.

Well done to everyone who entered previously and got the answer right! This week's puzzle is shown above. For every entry you will receive 1 house point, 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 house points!  To enter, simply scan the QR code and fill out the google form.  Good luck! Why not play at home and see who is the quickest to get the answer?

Ohne Moos nix los!

The MFL faculty is pleased to announce that we have been successful in our application for a bursary to support our international link with the Dietrich Bonhӧfer Gymnasium in Quickborn, Hamburg. We will use the funding of £1000 to support joint ventures between our exchange school and the Y12 A level German group when we go to Germany next week. The group will accompany 24 Y9 and Y10 students on their return visit as part of the school’s annual German exchange programme.  Many thanks to the UK-German Connection in supporting our project. Updates to follow when we return from Hamburg in a few weeks.

Oaklands College are running some fantastic taster sessions at their St Albans and Welwyn Campuses on Wednesday 1st March 4.30pm-6pm. These include: An Introduction to Studio Photography, Bricklaying, Business, Introduction to Motor Vehicle Engineering, Calculating risks of Crime, Fitness Testing, Animal Care, Carpentry, Catering, Plumbing, Applied Science, Hair & Beauty, Childcare, Computing & IT, Engineering, Construction, Forensic Science, Health and Social Care and more. These are a great idea to get more of what students can do for their next steps in further education so if you would like to book onto the evening you can do so here.

You are welcome to come and support our Year 11 and Year 13 dance students as they prepare for their practical exams this term. Year 11 GCSE and BTEC performance evening is Tuesday 28th February in The Sandpit at 5pm and the A level performance is Thursday 2nd March in the Dance studio at 5pm. Both events are free so please do come along to watch your fellow students.

As mentioned in the Headlines, on Tuesday this week, we heard our senior musicians perform at the Senior Recital Evening. We were treated to a broad range of music including classical music, film music, rock, jazz and musical theatre. The students had all worked extremely hard to prepare their performances, many of which will be used as part of their GCSE and A level exams later this year and we are incredibly proud of them. Well done to all involved!

Well done also to Jack P in Year 12 who passed grade 8 clarinet exam recently.

We are excited to show you the preview for our fantastic STEM week activities starting on Monday 13th March. There is a huge range on offer for all year groups including science events with Wheatfields, a talk from Chris Joly on Climate Change, a symposium on the applications of AI, forensics sessions, plastic melting and making, the KS3 House Quiz, a titration competition, build a Brooklands glider,  prizes for the winners of the week-long competitions (in Mathematics, Sustainability, Photography and Filming) and of course the highly anticipated annual Chemistry Show. Tickets for the show can be bought here and students can sign up for the other activities via Socs .A huge thank you to the Mr Tattersall and all of the staff involved for their ongoing work arranging what is set to be a fun and informative week.

We have several fantastic opportunities for teaching and support staff available here at Sandringham School. You can find out more details here. 

We have 2 places available on our Year 9 trip to PGL on June 21st-23rd June 2023. Should your child wish to attend please email trips@sandringham.herts.sch.uk

Report from Harry C, Year 12.

Over half term, 180 Sandringham students embarked on the 2023 Sandringham Ski Trip to Mont Sainte Anne, Canada. Nestled in the beautiful province of Quebec, Mont Sainte Anne is well known for the diverse ski terrain and breathtaking scenery. Mont Sainte Anne is located just 30 mins out of Quebec city centre and holds more than 60 ski trails varying in difficulty.

The days were filled with fun times on the slopes and during the evenings, students engaged in activities such as relaxing by the pool and watching Quebec Remparts face off against Drummondville Voltigeurs in a very entertaining game. These times together allowed for students to bond and create lasting memories with their teachers and fellow students.

The trip provided memories for a lifetime and we thank all the teachers for time time and effort put into providing such a brilliant trip.

The students at Morton Academy are high-achievers, selected based on academic excellence. So when a series of murders target the school's brightest and best, the pressure is on. Someone is determined to stop at nothing to clear their path to the top. But who is it? And can they be stopped? Elvie H 8S who has recently read the book says 'Twisty and twisted, I loved this book. I read it in just a few days!' 

FRENCH: Le mot de la semaine: Vif, Vive

GERMAN: Das Wort der Woche: Leuchtend

SPANISH: La palabra de la semana: Vistosa

Thinking Question

• What are the effects of globalisation on the languages spoken across the world?

Thursday 2nd March 2023 marks World Book Day. In previous years students were presented with a physical World Book Day token that they could exchange for a book in participating book shops. This year, students will be emailed a digital token, which can be exchanged for a free World Book Day book or used to get £1 off a book or audio book costing £2.99 or more.

Locally, the vouchers can be used in WH Smith, The Works, Books-on-the-Hill, Waterstones, Sainsburys and Tesco. For retailers further afield, please see here. Younger KS3 readers may enjoy the book titles in the pictures above, but older readers may wish to use their token to get money off a full price book. Students can also access free audiobooks for a limited time here.

The LRC stocks books by all the authors taking part in World Book Day this year. Adam Kay’s books are particularly suitable for those who love science and humour or enjoy short, snappy pieces of text. Kay’s Anatomy is a particular favourite with students here. AM Dassu is a powerful writer who tackles stereotypes through her work. Her book, Boy, Everywhere is a gritty, realistic tale about refugees and we thoroughly recommend it. The StrangeWorlds Travel Agency series by L.D. Lapinski may well appeal to those that just want to escape into a fantastical story at the end of a busy school day!   

L is for… lurid [adjective]

Definition: Unpleasantly bright in colour, especially so as to create a harsh or unnatural effect.

Example: The baker used lurid food colourings on the birthday cake.

Synonyms: exaggerated, revolting, sensational

Antonyms: delightful, pleasant, pleasing

Etymology: From the Latin ‘luridus’ and related to ‘luror’ meaning wan or yellow colour.

Well done to our Year 7 students who took part in an athletics tournament on Thursday at Hertfordshire University. There were a mixture of events including standing long jump, shotput and relays.Our girls finished 4th and the boys in 3rd meaning that Sandringham finished 4th overall. A great effort from our Year 7s in their first athletics event for the school and some promising performances heading into the summer.

Well done to the U13A Netball team who had a good win over Roundwood at the end of last half term. Great to see the squads progress from last year! OPM - Lexi K & CPM - Katie J

And the Year 7 Netball A team had a great game vs STAHS with some great interceptions throughout the court but a 15-4 loss in the district league. OP - Nell M, CP - Emma D

The U14 Performance Squad had a narrow loss of 27-21 on Tuesday vs STAGS, but some great play and practice for their upcoming SnS Quarter final! OP - Sophie B, CP - Lauren W 

A huge well done to a team with a fantastic attitude to sport; the Year 8b netball team, who have had two great wins vs RWP and SR this week OPM Ava and CPM Temi

Please see above for the list of upcoming fixtures. You can follow all of the results @SandringhamPE

A huge well done to Charles B who is now England's Number 1 for his age group. Last weekend, he went to compete in the England  National Youth Boxing tournament. It was a three day elimination process where the best boys of all of England's Boxing Clubs came together to compete. Charles competed on the first day in the quarter finals against Lewis Hepburn and won on a unanimous decision he proceeded to the semi finals to face Harrison Barker a two time national champion this year, both boys boxed beautifully but Charles won again and proceeded to the finals on Sunday morning where he boxed on Sunday against Callum Kilmorewalsh, who was Englands' number one for his age and weight. Charles was on fire and beat Callum unanimously making him now England's number 1 for his age and weight. Amazing work Charles. We are all really proud of you!

A huge well done to Lauren P in Year 11 who won an impressive SIXTEEN trophies at her swimming club awards recently. These included: fastest female swimmer in 100m,200m,400m and 800m free and 200m fly. She also won top female swimmer in her age category. Lauren is now looking forward to competing in the Ladies Nationals in Leeds this weekend for the London Ladies in Octopush, where she is the youngest player competing for them! What a fantastic achievement Lauren, and good luck this weekend.

Well done to the U12 Boys A team who beat Townsend 11-0 in the first round of the district cup.  A great display of football and some impressive goals from many of the boys. Well done lads!

The Year 10 boys teams also had a goal fest in the District Cup against Nicholas Breakspear beating them in the last minute 6-5. A much better second half performance from the boys in red but plenty to work on.

This extraordinary I Spy game is nothing like the one you might remember from long car drives with your dad though.  Instead, it's a magical adventure full of fun, giggles and all your favourite sing along song including Head, Shoulders Knees and Toes, Sing a Rainbow, The Ants Go Marching and BINGO.

I Spy with My Little Eye is based on the popular children's book by author Steven Lee and was created alongside education and child development experts to be great for kids’ minds. So, it's not just wonderful entertainment for your little ones but good for them too!

After sell-out shows from as far afield as Dubai, Dublin and Derby the cast of the wonderful People's Theatre Company are bringing I Spy with My Little Eye to The SandPit Theatre!