This week’s whole school theme was on our House System. We have held the first House Assemblies of the year which were delivered by Heads of Houses, the House Captains and House Leaders. They have introduced everyone to the House Cup again, and built momentum for the year ahead in what we hope will be an amazing year raising even more money for our chosen charities. Last week, the first two houses, Austin and Elgar, carried out their fund raising with the schools first ever ‘Charity week’ which involved cake sales, movie nights and a chance for students in each house across the years a chance to raise awareness and money for our three school charities and get to know each other better (and join in the competitive spirit!) They raised around £2,000 in the process. Well done to everyone involved and thank you to Mr Keenleyside who runs the House system. Next up are Fawcett & Hepworth on the week commencing 27th November and after that we have Johnson & Newton w/c 5th February and Shakespeare & Turing w/c 18th March. 

As we go in to the half-term could we please ask you all to check Parentpay and ensure that your Parentpay balances are cleared and that catering balances are topped up in preparation for next term.

TOP TIP - Parentpay has a very handy alert feature that can be set up, where you can select notifications on the balance and set your own balance levels that you would like to receive the alerts on.

The design thinking method is important in STEM training as it encourages students to address challenges with empathy, team work, and interdisciplinary problem solving. We provide this training to all students in our school from KS3 to KS4 and also offer Product Design at A level. The photo shows members are planning for their new project this year in one of their regular meetings of student-led Sixth Form Design and Technology Product design society on every Thursday lunch time at B4. 

As we finish what has been a very busy half term, we are pleased to feature not one, but FOUR Student Spotlights!

It was an exciting weekend for Calum W, Thomas C, Jamie B, Isaac N , Joe H all Year 10 Sandringham and their friend Finley L from Verulam as the boys took part as two Explorers teams for this year’s Peak Assault 2023 challenge recently..

This is an annual navigation competition and was held this year in the Brecon Beacons. Over two days they navigated the course, whilst carrying their equipment, water and food. Camping overnight was a challenge in itself when temperatures fell to 5 degrees! 

Over 53,000 steps were recorded over the two days and their teams finished 6th and 8th out of 27 training teams.  A fantastic result and great preparation for Duke of Edinburgh later in the year. Well done to all for demonstrating amazing team spirit through an enjoyable, but tough challenge. 

This month, 40 students from Years 12 and 13 sat the Senior Mathematical Challenge run by the UK Mathematics Trust.  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. 

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

Overall, the school achieved 7 golds, 20 silver and 10 bronze awards.  Congratulations to Chace C, Nico C, Gabriel D, Maxim R, Christy W and Hayden W for achieving gold and qualifying for the Kangaroo follow on round.  Special mention goes to Hayden W for achieving best in Year 13. 

Special congratulations to Will M as well in Year 12 who scored full marks in the challenge and achieved best in school.  Will qualifies for the First Round of the British Mathematical Olympiad. Congratulations to all students who took part

Fin S (Year 13) demonstrated his Product Design and Science capabilities this month by designing a new ‘physics trolley’ for acceleration experiments.  Fin used CAD to design a new updated version of the trolley, in collaboration with of our lead physics technician Ms Barker, for use in physics acceleration practical’s for both GCSE and A-level.  This is an invaluable piece of practical equipment and we are delighted with our new and improved version, thanks to their hard work.

Over the half term holidays we are asking students to have a look under beds, behind book cases and anywhere else that they may have left a school library book. We currently have many overdue books out on loan and there are students waiting to read them!

Please can we ask that any overdue library books are returned to the LRC after the holidays. Books can be returned directly to a member of LRC staff or placed in the returns box in the library.

As mentioned in the Newsletter last week, after half term, we have our first music concert of the year. On Wednesday 1st November, we will hold a night of fantastic live music introducing some of our newer musicians and groups, and a number of our ensembles, vocal groups and classes. Students selected to perform will have now received a letter with more information and tickets are now available to buy from the Sandpit Theatre Box Office here. We hope to see you there for what is set to be a fabulous night of live music.

A huge congratulations as well to Kelsi W in Year 10 who has completed 3 rounds of difficult trials to be selected as a fully established police cadet. This is a huge step towards the career path that Kelsi would like and it takes immense dedication and hard work so we are incredibly proud of her. Responsibilities will now include parades, among other things, and we are very much looking forward to Kelsi sharing her experience with younger students in school to help inspire the next generation of cadets. Well done Cadet VPC Kelsi!

Well done to Dave T, Thanisk K, Eliza P, Chelsea L and Arthur C who have all submitted entries to the Young Walter Scott Prize. The brief was to write a historical fiction piece, 800-2000 words, inspired by any aspect of the past. Our entries this year have included WW2 adventures, historical murders, and re-tellings of William Shakespeare. I have been very impressed with the commitment and dedication students have demonstrated this term whilst writing and re-drafting their historical fiction pieces. Good luck all! 

We had a lovely evening in Covent Garden seeing Matilda The Musical with our BTEC Dance students who saw professional repertoire they are studying for their dance exam. Bring on Component 2 performance exam after half term! Have a relaxing half term all. 

Fo$S are delighted to let you know that last week's uniform sale raised £1,100 for the school. Thank you to the team of volunteers who run these sales, to everyone who donated items of uniform and to the families who came along to buy. We are very grateful. Next sale is at the Christmas Fair on 2nd December. 

As per our parentmail earlier in the week, we are delighted to say that our biennial Whole School Photograph and Sixth Form Photograph by Tempest Photography are now available to view and order here. https://htmp.st/261351-32WSGand6THFORM

The closing date for free delivery back to school is Tuesday 31st October and you can order through the Tempest website using your unique link or visit www.tempest-orders.co.uk . There is also the option to have home delivery, or order after this date for home delivery, which will incur P&P costs.

If you need any assistance in ordering your photos, feel free to contact Tempest on 01736 751555 (option 3).

Message from Kathryn Caswell.

Friends of Sandringham School held their AGM last Tuesday. We reviewed last year's activities and looked forward to planning new events for this year. Thank you to everyone who has been involved from those who have volunteered, families who have come along to our events and those who have donated uniform or books. 

A grand total of £13,860 was raised over the year and £9,544 was donated to fund various items, including £5,000 to fund the AV system in the main hall, £2,409 to enhance student experience across the Science faculty, £826 to fund a selection of non-fiction books in the Learning Resource Centre, £689 for PE to purchase some hurdles and £138 to Visual Arts to purchase a heat press. We also pledged an additional £6,000, including £2,000 to English for an annual digital theatre subscription, gazebos for PE, 3D printers for D&T and items for the sustainable wildlife garden. This year we are hoping to fund the replacement of the benches around the school.

Nick Fingland and Tara Macdonald will continue as Co-Chairs, Kathryn Caswell will continue as Treasurer and Tracey But will take on the role as Secretary.  Mr Gray says "I would like to formally thank the committee and all helpers for their work last year in continuing the tradition of Fo$S as a group providing an essential community service, as well as a fundraising charity that makes a significant difference to provision for children attending the school. I am really proud that we have Fo$S and hope that it can continue with its work moving forward"

If anyone is interested in getting involved, please email friendsofsandringhamschool@gmail.com. 

At Sandringham, we aim to offer a rich, inspiring and broad curriculum. Our Year 9 modular curriculum offers preparation for GCSE, the opportunity to study a subject you enjoy with more breadth and depth, an early taster of GCSE and A-level courses not offered at KS3 or a chance to learn a new subject of skill.

One of our Year 9 modules is Horticulture, a nine week course. The class has been busy this week planting daffodil bulbs around Sandringham School. A big thank you for all their efforts and we look forward to seeing the flowers bloom in the Spring.

If you have any spare bulbs at home that you would like to donate to Sandringham School, students can bring them to Ms Griffiths Plunkett based in the Sixth Form.

The article below is from ex Sandringham students Harry S & Amalie N-B, who both continue to support a student in linked to the Farafenni School in the Gambia.

We met Abdoulie in 2018, in The Gambia, Africa on a Sandringham school visit to his school. He was Head Boy with unmatched intelligence, endless potential and a passion for economics and football. We fundraised for him to come to visit our Sandringham school to broaden his knowledge, acknowledge his potential and inspire his future.

We’ve continued to be able to support him to go through University in The Gambia, where he’s studying Economics. Abdoulie is now in his 4th and final year and can only complete his degree with support. Every penny goes a long way, be a part of giving someone the opportunity to chase their dreams by donating via the Just Giving link.

If you feel able, you could help to change a life like Abdoulie's by donating using the link here. Thank you for your support.

We are currently looking for a SEND Administrator and Learning Supervisor to work at our fantastic school.

Please share with friends who may be interested. More information is available on our website https://sandringham.herts.sch.uk/vacancies/

On Thursday, all Year 11 Drama students took part in a fantastic workshop based on their set text, Blood Brothers. Students were tasked with staging three key moments from the play and worked incredibly well as an ensemble group to bring the text to life. They also had the opportunity to watch Stephen Palfreman (Mickey) and Michael Southern (Sammy) bring their west-end roles to life. Both actors were in the original cast of Blood Brothers, so it was a unique experience to see them perform live on our very own SandPit stage. 

Also in our Student Spotlight this week, we feature another student who continues to impress us with her vast array of talents. Lauren P in Year12 competed in the national adult underwater hockey competition in Sheffield at the weekend. She was the only female and the youngest player in her team, yet still managed to be their top goal scorer! Playing against lots of teams from all over the United Kingdom they managed to be placed 6th and Lauren was also voted most valuable team member by the rest of her squad. What a fantastic achievement Lauren. We are super proud of you.

If you would like to nominate a student for the spotlight after half term, please contact holianm@sandringham.aat.school with a few brief details and/or photographs. We look forward to hearing from you.

Oaklands College are holding their open days on Saturday 4th and Saturday 11th November. Do pop along if you are interested in looking around the campuses and finding out more about what courses they have on offer there for post 16 education. 

Well done to Fawcett who top the leader board going in to half term with 4,623 house points. Shakespeare, Newton take the other top three spots. Well done to Turing for gaining the most points overall this week with 752 points . And special mention goes to the following students all with 17 house points or more. 

• Hannah N (8T)
• Varvara N (8E)
• Leo McG (8E)
• Kay W (7A)
• Eleanor H (7E)

Rate My Apprentice runs a parent hub, which you can sign into here, to receive newsletters about apprenticeship opportunities for students.  This is particularly aimed at parents of students aged 14+

For students interested in finding out about career options over half term, the Hertfordshire Opportunities Portal runs webinars on a variety of career choices.  Find out more here. 

And last but by no means least, congratulations to Jasmine S in Year 8 for a fantastic swimming achievement of coming 5th place in England for 50m butterfly. Jasmine has written about this momentous occasion:

Last Saturday and Sunday, I competed in a swimming competition. I had a great time competing and got a Gold Medal for 400m, 50m butterfly, 50m freestyle and 200m butterfly races. Due to my time in 50m butterfly I am now 5th in England with a time of 31.22 seconds. I am also now qualified to take part in the Winter Regional Open Meet in November. I am very happy with this achievement and am looking forward to hopefully more success at future competitions! 

Amazing work Jasmine- we are all super proud of you!

FRENCH: Le mot de la semaine: La gloutonnerie

GERMAN: Das Wort der Woche: Die Gefräßigkeit

SPANISH: La palabra de la semana: La glotonería

Thinking Question:

• How does a language reflect a culture?

“Who is the mysterious bloodstained man who stops their coach?

Why is no one around when Lance and the rest of Year Six arrive at the brand new Crater Lake activity centre?

But this is just the beginning of the school trip from hell; a fight for survival that sees five pupils band together to save their classmates from an alien fate far worse than death.

But whatever happens, they must Never. Ever. Fall asleep!”

Something spine tingling for half term this week. Henrik H in year 7 has recently read Crater Lake and comments that it is,  ‘intriguing, gripping and also funny. It has many dark twists and turns so it is very unpredictable in terms of what happens. It  can make you laugh and also make you shiver. A fantastic book.’

G is for… gluttony [noun]

Definition: Overindulgence in food or drink.

Example: They treat holidays as an excuse for gluttony.

Synonyms: Greedy, Overindulgence

Antonyms: Moderation, Abstinence

Etymology: Derived from the Latin ‘gluttire’ meaning to swallow.

Another busy week of netball with wins across the board!

Our U14 squad put in a solid performance to win against SJL to win. Pom: Katie J

There was another win for the U16 Netball team against STAGS in the first round of the district cup! OPM - Bea B & CPM - Hannah. And our U16 team also beat SJL in the District league! OPM - Niamh F & CPM - Sophia P

Well done to the U15 Netball team as well who had a great game and a win against SJL OP - Pearl M, PP/CP - Holly W

And last but not least, our fantastic Year 7s put in some great performances! A win for the A team and a loss by 1 goal for the B team. So much potential across this year group, well done all!!

It has also been lovely to see our wonderful year 9 sports leaders take our Year 7 netball lesson this morning

A mixed bag for our rugby teams against KWS last Saturday. Our Y9 boys picked up their first win of the season in what was a very competitive game with some excellent rugby on show from both sides. Our Year 8s put up a good battle but the match ended in a 7-3 defeat. And our Year 7 teams both fell to defeat with ‘A’ game finishing 5-3. Henry Y & Ben H (2) with the tries.

Our 1st X1 also put in a gutsy and determined performance this week but they were beaten by a very strong Bedford Modern side.

A wet afternoon V Aylesbury Grammar sees our junior boys tennis team qualify for the Regional finals in November. Well done!

We hope that all of our students have a restful half term and we look forward to more exciting fixtures next half term. Those for the w/c 30th October are shown above. 

Congratulations to Erin Cavanagh on her selection to the U15 @SchoolsFootball England Schoolgirls side. To achieve this is impressive, to do this so young is outstanding! Well deserved Erin. We are SO proud of you.

The U16 Girls squad also had a fantastic win on Saturday as they beat Parmiters 6-1. Freya W (2), Kincaid, Mimi G, Maddie McC and Hannah G.

And our u13 girls had a great win against St Edmunds college fin the 3rd round of the county cup. 5 different goal scorers! Well done team.

Our U15 girls didn't far quite as well however, this week against a strong Samuel Whitbread side. There were goals from Lola S & Rachel K and Rosie A was voted Player of the Match for some excellent saves & Abi for a solid performance in the middle but it wasn't enough to secure a win. 

The critically acclaimed creative team that brought you ‘Hansel & Gretel’ are back with more fun-fuelled pantomime madness; a joyful new twist on another old story, it’s not to be missed. Rapunzel saves the day (and herself!) in this action packed, magical musical pantomime adventure. Let down your hair with a cast of kooky characters as they dance and sing through this unusual, tangled tale; where people live in giant old boots and tall towers, where frog boys rap about enchanted ponds and girls with long hair battle more than split ends! Tickets cost £10-£17.50 and you can buy them here.

Sandringham School's Drama Faculty present their take on the deviously delicious Broadway and Hollywood sci-fi smash musical, Little Shop Of Horrors.

The meek floral assistant Seymour Krelborn stumbles across a new breed of plant he names "Audrey II" - after his coworker crush. This foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore promises unending fame and fortune to the down and out Krelborn as long as he keeps feeding it BLOOD. Over time though Seymour discovers Audrey II's out of this world origins and intent towards global domination!

Tickets are on sale here and cost £10-£12.50