Matthew Arnold Newsletter

Dear Parents and Carers,

As we reach the end of another busy and successful academic year, I would like to take a moment to reflect on the many achievements, experiences and opportunities that have enriched life at The Matthew Arnold School over the past few weeks.

From our Year 11 Leavers’ Assembly and Prom, where we celebrated the resilience and accomplishments of an outstanding cohort, to our students' impressive participation in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, educational visits, Green Week activities and charitable fundraising, this newsletter showcases the enthusiasm, kindness and determination that make our school community so special.

I am continually proud of the way our students embrace new challenges, support one another and represent the school with such maturity, and I would like to thank our staff, families and wider community for their ongoing support as we approach the final weeks of the term.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our students for the exceptional way they have responded to the recent spell of very hot weather.

It was lovely to have our Transition Day this week, getting to meet our new students, and equally it was a pleasure to meet the parents that attended the welcome evening.

Finally, thank you for your kind donations in supporting Holly’s Heroes. A worthy cause for the money that has been raised.

Ms Ruse

Monday 6 July until 10 July - Year 10 Work Experience week starts

Tuesday 7 July - Year 7 Chessington Trip

Wednesday 8 July - Year 9 Thorpe Park Trip

Thursday 9 July - Year 8 London Zoo Trip

Tuesday 14 July - Sports Day

Wednesday 8th July - Years 7 and 8 District Athletics

We began our trip by meeting at Matthew Arnold at 12:30am before boarding the coach and heading to Dover for an early ferry crossing. After arriving in Calais, we continued our journey to Brussels. Our first stop was Choco-Story, where we learnt about the history and production of chocolate, watched a praline-making demonstration, and sampled a variety of delicious chocolates.

Day two started with a waffle-making workshop. After watching a demonstration, we created our own waffles, topping them with favourites such as Biscoff, strawberries, bananas, and icing sugar. We also learnt about the cocoa production process and sampled chocolate at each stage of its journey from bean to bar.

In the afternoon, we returned to the city centre for some shopping before visiting the Frites Museum. We explored the interactive exhibits and finished our visit by enjoying traditionally prepared Belgian frites, accompanied by a range of sauces to try. To round off a packed day, we headed to the bowling alley, where there was plenty of fun, laughter, and some very creative bowling techniques on display.

The trip was a fantastic experience, providing plenty of opportunities to learn about Belgium’s famous food culture while creating lasting memories with friends. We are already looking forward to the next adventure.

Members of the Gardening Club were invited to attend a careers open day at RHS Wisley. Students had the opportunity to meet representatives from sixth form colleges, including Merrist Wood and Capel Manor, as well as employers within the horticultural sector, such as the National Trust and the Animal & Plant Health Agency.

They also enjoyed exploring the gardens and took part in a hands-on activity in the Growing Skills Garden, where they planted tomatoes and sunflowers.

From meeting our fluffy and feathered friends to walking tortoises, students showed respect for the animals in our care during BET Green Week 2026.

Our Canteen’s 'Tasting Zone' encouraged everyone to try something new, whilst in Art, creativity shone through as students gave plastic bottles and old jeans a brand-new purpose, keeping them out of landfills. Students also explored upcycling by making their own paper. By combining coloured papers and petals, blending them together and straining the pulp, they created colourful, textured pieces of paper ready to repurpose.

Students have enjoyed breakfast with Ms Ruse which was purchased with their ePraise points!

Led by the English Department, Year 8 had a wonderfully Gothic day at Strawberry Hill House, the birthplace of Gothic fiction.

During a tour of the historic house, students found secret doors, channelled Horace Walpole's spirit with readings of his approach to the ‘gloomth’ of the stairwells, and reenacted scenes from The Castle of Otranto. Students designed their own Gothic comics, dressing up to create stories of murder and mystery. In the Gothic Creations session, Dr. Who's Weeping Angels illustrated the elements of Gothic literature. Students really enjoyed the day and a huge thanks to the staff that accompanied them.

As another academic year came to a close, we gathered together to celebrate and say farewell to our Year 11 students at our annual Leavers' Assembly.

The assembly provided an opportunity to reflect on the many memories, achievements and experiences shared throughout their time at school. Students enjoyed looking back at photographs and highlights from previous years, sharing laughter and reminiscing about the friendships, challenges and successes that have shaped their journey.

Following the assembly, students had the chance to sign each other's shirts, creating lasting keepsakes and messages of friendship as they prepared for the next stage of their education. It was wonderful to see so many students celebrating together and marking this important milestone.

The event concluded with a BBQ, where students and staff enjoyed spending time together in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. It was a fitting way to recognise the hard work, resilience and contributions of our Year 11 cohort.

We are incredibly proud of everything our Year 11 students have achieved during their time with us and wish them every success and happiness in their future endeavours. They will always remain a valued part of our school community, and we look forward to hearing about their future achievements.

Good luck, Year 11 – you will be missed!

Year 11 finished off their time at Matthew Arnold in style, celebrating their Prom in beautiful dresses and suits. A memorable evening for all.

We are still collecting donations via ParentPay, so if anyone took part but has not yet contributed, we would encourage them to do so.

Thank you again for your support with this.

Our Year 10 students recently completed their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh expedition, enjoying a fantastic experience in near-perfect conditions.

The weather was kind throughout, allowing students to fully embrace the challenge of navigating their routes, carrying their kit, and working together as a team. They showed great resilience and determination, supporting each other every step of the way.

Staff were particularly impressed with the maturity, teamwork, and positive attitude shown by all participants. The expedition provided an excellent opportunity for students to develop independence, confidence, and valuable outdoor skills.

A huge congratulations to everyone who took part and thank you to the staff who gave their time to make the experience possible!

Students at The Matthew Arnold School are being formally recognised for their exceptional contribution to the local community through their participation in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. As part of their volunteering section, participants have engaged in a range of meaningful activities, including supporting the school farm and library, as well as assisting at local youth clubs.

Collectively, students have contributed an impressive 377 hours of voluntary service, reflecting a sustained commitment, responsibility, and community engagement. Their efforts have not only provided valuable support to local initiatives but have also exemplified the core values of the DofE programme.