As Week 16 comes to a close, the school has once again been shaped by care, reflection and a strong sense of shared purpose. Even on a wet and wintry day, it has been reassuring to see pupils supported so attentively as they move around the school. Their safety, wellbeing and confidence remain central to everything we do.
Learning to Care for the World Around Us
We began the week with a thoughtful assembly on Caring for Creation and environmental awareness, encouraging pupils to reflect on their responsibilities to the world around them. In strong schools, learning extends beyond academic outcomes. It is about shaping character, values and responsibility. As one educational thinker observed, education succeeds when it helps young people understand not only what they know but who they are becoming. These lessons stay with pupils long after they leave the classroom.
Science Winter Projects
Our Year 7 and 8 scientists presented their Winter Projects to our Year 3 to Year 5 pupils, who were captivated by the creative experiments, models and explanations. It was wonderful to see curiosity spread from one year group to another. Well done to all the pupils for their enthusiasm, teamwork, and hard work!
Working in Partnership with Parents
Earlier this week, parents joined us for the English in KS3 and Beyond workshop, which explored how reading, writing and critical thinking develop as pupils progress through Key Stage 3 and beyond. Sessions like this reflect our belief that the most effective education happens when school and home work together with shared understanding and trust. Our next Parent Workshop will take place on Tuesday 20ᵗʰ January and will focus on Mathematics. The session will explore how mathematical understanding develops across year groups, the approaches used in school and practical ways parents can support learning at home. We warmly encourage parents to attend.
Celebrating Leadership, Joy and Belonging
There is a great deal of excitement building for Sunday’s Great Aldenham Bake Off, an event that has become a joyful feature of school life. Activities such as this promote creativity, confidence and leadership. In thriving school communities, these shared experiences matter. As educational research often reminds us, pupils learn best when they feel they belong and when their contributions are valued.
Safety, Safeguarding and High Expectations
We are grateful to staff for their calm and flexible response earlier this week when air quality in Riyadh was poor, ensuring that pupils remained safe and settled indoors. Safeguarding and wellbeing underpin everything we do.We would also like to remind all parents and guardians that yellow 'parent' lanyards must be worn at all times when on site. This allows staff to quickly identify authorised adults and is a key part of our safeguarding procedures. We have noticed a small number of parents not wearing lanyards this week and staff may need to speak with individuals to reinforce this expectation. Thank you for your cooperation in helping us keep all children safe.Alongside care, we continue to uphold clear expectations for behaviour and courtesy, supported by our Behaviour Policy. Great schools are built on consistency, respect and shared responsibility. As is often said in education, high standards are a form of care. They help children understand right from wrong and grow into thoughtful, respectful individuals.
Open Day 2026
Open Day on Saturday 7ᵗʰ February from 10.30am, with a further Open Day planned for Term 3. These events allow us to share the life, values and learning that define Aldenham. Thank you, as always, for your trust and partnership. Together, we continue to build a school where children feel safe, inspired and supported to grow academically, socially and personally.
