18 July 2025

Dear Parents, Carers and Students

What a whirlwind the last few weeks have been!   Those of you who attended our end of term concert were treated to a range of musical delights, including solo performances, choir, orchestra, Glee Club and, of course, our steel pans. The following week, we held our Art, Textiles and DT exhibition which showed how talented and creative our students are.  There were exhibits from every single student who took those courses at GCSE, with a range of work from ceramics to portraiture, textile art to installations, along with students’ sketch books, illustrating the creative process.  Students drew on themes from their own cultural heritage, as well as adhering to the themes from the examination board.  This is always a wonderful evening, complemented by musical performances.  Thank you to all parents who attended both events. 

We were also delighted to welcome new parents, carers and students to the school on Year 6 Transition Day and on Year 6 Parent/Carer evening.  If you are a new parent/carer reading this, welcome!  Please read on as there is some important information about the new term. 

As well as our usual Interform sports competition, enjoyed by students in years 7-10, we held Sports Day at the track behind the Feelgood Centre.  Students showed their support for their teams, competing fiercely but also encouraging one another.  It was a fantastic afternoon, neither too hot or cold and the rain held off... 

Students have taken part in a range of visits over the past few weeks.  Year 10 have been out for a full week on Work Experience which is such a valuable opportunity as they consider their next steps after they leave us.   We had our Poetry by Heart competition visit at the Globe Theatre, the Year 9 Latin trip to Verulamium and our Year 8 students went to St Mary’s Primary School to teach French!   

During Activities Week, we have visited the Lea Valley Ice Rink, Laser Quest, the cinema and the Feelgood Centre.  Meanwhile, back in school, students were treated to a science murder mystery (who killed the Headteacher?), a maths escape room, languages carousel, orienteering challenge and wrote a Play in a Day. 

I want to thank all of the staff for their hard work in organising the events, including our amazing admin team, and for making sure students had an enjoyable and stimulating experience.  As you would expect, our students’ behaviour was exemplary.  I was so proud of the way they represented the school, as well as their willingness to learn and to try new things.     

Farewell and Welcome 

We say a fond farewell to the following staff: 

• Ms Bradshaw – Performing Arts 
• Mr Hitchman – Performing Arts 
• Ms Hafiz – maths (sabbatical) 
• Ms Hinz - science 

And a warm welcome to the following staff who will be joining us in September: 

• Mr Hoyle – Head of Performing Arts 
• Ms Barnes – Performing Arts 
• Mr Samadi – maths 
• Ms Cambridge – science 
• Mr Costello – science 

Start of Term and New School Day: 

I wanted to remind you about the arrangements for the start of term and the timings for our new school day. 

• Start of term: INSET day on 1st September 
• 2nd September:  Year 7s: 10.30 - 3.30  - Years 8-11: 11.10 - 12.30: Students collect timetables and have a welcome assembly 
• 3rd September onwards: Students arrive between 8.15 and 8.40, going straight to period 1 at 8.45. 

New School Day timings: 

Student arrival: 8.40 for 8.45  

Lesson 1: 8.45 - 9.45  

Lesson 2: 9.45 - 10.45  

Break: 10.45 - 11.05  

Lesson 3: 11.05 – 12.05  

Form period: 12.05 – 12.25  

Lunch: 12.25 - 1.15  

Lesson 4: 1.15 - 2.15  

Lesson 5: 2.15 - 3.15 

Student Equipment for the new school year 

It is important that all students are fully equipped for the new school year.  Please ensure that your child returns with all the following items as these may not be provided by teachers.   

• Fully equipped pencil case, including black or blue pens; HB pencil; ruler, rubber, pencil sharpener 
• Calculator - Casio FX-83GTX 
• Glue stick 
• Purple pen 
• Tissues 
• Sanitary products when required 
• Mathematical instruments set; protractor, compass 
• Small set of coloured pencils 
• Reading book 
• Water bottle

Any parents who think they will not be able to provide the following equipment, please contact us via info@wsfg.waltham.sch.uk and we will be able to support you with this. 

Dates for your diary: 

• Monday 1st September – INSET Day 
• Monday 2nd September: students return to school.   Year 7: 10.30 - 3.30; Years 8 to 11: 11.10 - 12.30 for timetable collection and welcome assemblies. 
• Monday 8th September – Year 7 & 10 School Photos 
• Thursday 25th September – Open Evening for Year 6s - school to close early  
• Thursday 25th September - European Day of Languages Bake Off  
• Friday 26th September – Late start due to Open Evening 
• Wednesday 8th October – INSET Day 
• Tuesday 14th October – College Roadshow for Year 11 students  
• Monday 27th October – Friday 31st October – Half term 

PTA: 

Finally, our PTA has started with a bang!  Thank you to all those who supported our sales of Lollies on the Lawn.  Please see the article below if you are interested in getting involved. 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your support and kindness throughout the year and for sending your wonderful daughters to the school.   We have had a really good year with so many fantastic events and an Ofsted inspection which told us that students receive an ‘exemplary’ education with us.  However, we are not satisfied with this, and we continue to strive to provide the very best education possible for your children.  We don’t run our school for Ofsted but for your daughters: the smiles on their faces, their passion for learning, their care for one another and their sense of achievement and pride.  Thank you for working with us throughout the year to make that happen. 

Wishing you all a relaxing holiday. 

With all good wishes

Ms Marriott