This week

As we enter December and start to look forward to Christmas, as if on cue, the weather turned frosty this week and the site team were busy with the salt spreader around the grounds. Inside, we were grateful our heating system is working well (most of the time!) and were uplifted in assemblies by some brilliant playing by Guillermo playing a guitar solo piece. Following his performance we were encouraged to think about light, how it can also lift our spirits at this time of year, whether that is through watching a sunrise/sunset, watching a fireworks display or putting up lights for Christmas. We also thought about how light features highly in many world religions including Hinduism and Christianity.

Year 11 have experienced their second week of mock examinations and whilst some practical exams continue next week, for most this intense period of assessment is now over. As previously mentioned, we have been very pleased with their conduct overall. They will not get their results until Thursday, 14th December, but in the meantime they need to use these last two weeks to focus on what they think went well and what will require more work ahead of the summer. Some of the School’s Senior Leaders will be coming  into their lessons to see how they are getting on.

Year 13 will have mock examinations for the next two weeks. We wish them well. Whilst most have study leave, those following vocational qualifications may be required to attend during this time.

End of term arrangements

The last day of term, Friday, 15th December, will be a shorter day for students. They will attend lessons 1, 2 and 3 as usual. Students in the Sixth Form will finish at 12.20pm. Those in Years 7-11 will have registration and then be dismissed from form rooms by pastoral staff from 12.30pm.

January catering change

As mentioned in last week’s bulletin and associated email, we have planned some big changes in our Dining Halls for January 2024. Students have also been informed so, by now, we would hope that everyone is aware.

ParentPay – Parents will not be able to put any money into their child’s ParentPay account from the end of school on Thursday, 14th December. This means that if you wish your child to be able to use their account in school on the last day of term, you will need to ensure there are sufficient funds in their account before Thursday, 14th December. This will enable us to transfer all balances to the new caterer at the end of term. From 18th December you will then be able to top-up your ParentPay account again in time for the new term.

Christmas Jumper Day

Please see information below about next Friday’s Christmas Jumper Day. We do not expect children to have to buy a special Christmas jumper for this. The jumper just needs to be something in a Christmas colour or with a bit of sparkle. The most important thing is to donate to Save the Children using the facility on ParentPay.

Year 13 Pinewood Studios visit

On Friday the Year 13 Film Studies class were lucky enough to go to Pinewood Studios for the day. Whilst there they were able to look at future careers and opportunities, try some of the high-tech filming equipment, work on green screens and meet characters from Pinewood’s notorious films. They finished the day with a seminar from Brian Muir, a prop and set sculpture creator, that has worked in the industry for 45 years. The day was enjoyed by all and was an amazing opportunity for everyone.

Year 12 and 13 Travel and Tourism Trip to Greenwich National Maritime Museum

On Friday, Year 12 and 13 Travel and Tourism students paid a visit to the National Maritime Museum today, to assess its effectiveness as a visitor destination, explore its marketing strategy and further understand the rich tapestry of travel destinations within easy reach of Lovibonds Avenue. Experiencing destinations like this allows students to produce detailed coursework showing a genuine understanding of the industry, along with offering an example to use in their examinations. The experience was topped off by a session on the Queen’s House ice rink, where hardly anybody fell over.

Is your child equipped for learning?

Question: Is it ever ok for a Darrick Wood student not bring a full set of equipment to school?

Answer:  No. This should only happen in exceptional circumstances. Whilst our teachers do not want to prevent learning happening and so will usually lend a pen/pencil if possible when these are needed, this disrupts the smooth running of lessons and is not something they are obliged to do. One of our core values is Responsibility. It is therefore expected that children of secondary school age are capable of bringing a pencil case and equipment to school. We are aware that some of our students have SEN which affects their organisation and so they will need our support with these things in school. However, the Home School Partnership Agreement signed by pupils, parents/carers and the School states:

As a parent/carer I will send my child to school in full uniform at all times and make sure my child has the right equipment for lessons

As a pupil I will always wear full school uniform and bring the right equipment to school

As a school we will insist that School uniform is worn at all times and tell your child what they need for lessons

It is important to arrive at School ready to learn and this entails ensuring that pupils have the relevant equipment to hand. Pupils will need a large plain dark school bag which can hold two A4 folders.  It must be able to close e.g. with a zip.  Handbags or sports bags are not suitable. PE Kit should be carried in a separate bag.

Each day pupils should bring with them the following items:

• A pencil case containing:

• Pens and pencils.  Pupils need blue, black, red and purple pens.

Red pens are used for response to feedback and purple pens are used for peer feedback

• Sharpener, rubber, ruler
• Coloured pencils, glue stick, scissors (optional but useful).

Also required are:

• A reading book
• A re-usable water bottle which they can re-fill from our dispensers
• Pupil planner
• A scientific calculator
• Lab coat / PE Kit (as appropriate for the timetable)
• Locker key
• ID badge on school provided lanyard (worn at all times around the School).
• Exercise books and text books as provided for the day’s lessons according to the timetable

Please note – correction fluid (e.g. TipEx) is not permitted in school.

Some subjects may also ask for other specialist equipment and students will be informed of this by their teacher.

Perhaps some wonderful gift ideas for Christmas!

Another reminder about parking

Parents who are collecting children from after school clubs are reminded to park safely if they come on site. Please do not park at the reception bay, across zebra crossings, or along the Darrick Wood Way. Once the School day is over, there are ample parking places on the street outside and on the School site. This measure helps keep all our students and staff safe, especially as the evening darkens earlier, so everyone can safely cross the drive and nearby streets. As always please park responsibly with due consideration for our neighbours.

We continue to have to remind parents not to park and block the road at the beginning and end of school. Most are happy to move on when requested, but we would prefer not to have to remind parents that the road has restrictions and no cars should be parked on the yellow lines and none should stop at all on the zigzag area. This is all in the interest of keeping our children safe.

PSFA Christmas Trees

Thank you to everyone who has supported us by ordering a Christmas tree through the PSFA. We hope that you will be very pleased with your purchase. Just a gentle reminder that the trees will be available for collection from the School  between 2.00pm and 3.30pm this Sunday. Please bring your order details with you.

Once again, many thanks for your support and we will look forward to seeing you then.

PSFA The Bed Post

The Bed Post is kindly offering a 10% customer discount at their stores for all parents, staff, friends and neighbours of Darrick Wood School. You just need to quote the name of our school when ordering. They will then generously match the discount and give it to the PSFA as a donation. 

This is an easy way to raise extra funds for the PSFA and save yourself some money as well. So please do spread the word  to anyone who might be considering a new bed, bedroom furniture or even just a new pillow over the coming months.

Please browse their website here:  The Bed Post (the-bedpost.co.uk) 

Dates for the diary 

Date	Event	Notes
Week beginning Monday, 4th December	Year 13 mock examinations.	For two weeks
Wednesday, 6th December	Year 12 Parents’ Evening, 4-7pm	On School Cloud system.
Thursday, 14th December	Christmas Concert	Main Hall
Friday, 15th December	End of term	Early finish for students. Sixth Form finish at 12.20pm, other year groups from 12.30pm
Tuesday, 2nd January	Start of spring term	School starts at 8.35am as usual. New catering arrangements start.