Matthew Arnold Newsletter

• Monday 16 March - Year 11 Food Technology Practical Exams start

• Friday 20 March - Friends of MA Quiz Night

• Tuesday 24 March - Year 11 PE Moderation

• Thursday 26 March - Year 11 Parents Evening

• Friday 27 March - End of Term

Tuesday 17 March:

• Y8 Netball Tournamanet
• Y8 Boys Football vs SM
• Y10 Boys Football vs BW

Wednesday 18 March:

• Y8 Boys Football vs Thamesmead

Thursday 19 March:

• Y9 Boys Football Vs Thamesmead
• Y8 Boys Football Vs Whitgift (Surrey Cup ¼ Finals)

Tuesday 24 March:

• Y7 Netball Tournament
• Y7 Boys Football Vs MC
• Y8 Boys Football Vs MC

Wednesday 25 March:

• Y9 Boys Football Vs MC
• Y10 Boys Football Vs MC

Thursday 26 March:

• Y7 Girls Football Vs StP
• Y7 Boys Football Vs TM

Year 11 have had a productive and demanding half term as they prepared for their latest round of mock examinations. Throughout this period, they have shown impressive focus, maturity and determination in striving towards their target grades.

We are now entering a pivotal stage in their journey as the exams draw closer. This is a crucial time for consolidating knowledge, refining exam technique and building confidence. Your continued support at home makes a significant difference, and we kindly ask that you ensure your child comes to school fully equipped each day and ready to learn.

Intervention sessions will take place over Easter, and we strongly encourage all Year 11 students to take full advantage of the additional support available. We look forward to seeing them continue to rise to the challenge and give their very best as they work towards success in their GCSE exams.

Please do join us for our very first FOMA Quiz Night on Friday 20 March, from 7.00pm to 9.00pm (doors open at 6.30pm).

Tickets are £10.00 per person, which includes entry and two slices of pizza and are available to purchase via ParentPay.

There will be a selection of alcoholic and non‑alcoholic drinks available to purchase on the night, cash and card.

Please note that spaces are limited due to capacity, so we encourage you to book early.

This event is for parents only but we do hope to have a family event soon!

We look forward to seeing you there, your support would be greatly appreciated. All profits go directly to the school.

40 students in the care of Mr Scott, Miss Shaw, Mr Mallon and Miss Willoughby travelled to Iceland over the February half term break. We were very fortunate to experience fantastic weather, knee deep snow, clear blue skies and the Northern lights. Students took in the sights on the 'Golden Tour', looking at waterfalls and geysers, whilst also taking a dip in the magma-heated lagoons. Very much looking forward to next years' trip!

Year 9 students visited the ExCeL London to take part in an incredible immersive experience exploring the ancient city of Pompeii. The trip brought history to life, giving students the opportunity to step back in time and discover what life was like before the devastating eruption of Mount Vesuvius.

Using virtual reality headsets, students were able to walk through Pompeii’s streets, enter Roman homes, and experience the city as it once stood. Immersive rooms allowed them to witness the dramatic changes caused by the eruption, while detailed models helped them understand daily life both before and after the disaster.

Year 8 students had the opportunity to take part in a zero emissions workshop at Brooklands Museum. They attended a range of sessions, including a tour of the museum and a presentation by Zero Petroleum. They took part in a mini challenge, where they were tasked with designing a system to move a tin from one end of a table to another.

Our girls team won the challenge with their zip-line method, making them the winners of the day. Overall, the students had a fantastic time and are looking forward to their next challenge in Oxford.

Careers Week offered students at The Matthew Arnold School a valuable opportunity to explore a wide range of future pathways. Throughout the week, we were fortunate to welcome professionals from several industries who delivered engaging and informative assemblies.

• Chef and Hospitality
• Brooklands- Ark, Media and Design
• Mortgage Advisor and Banking
• Personal Training
• NPL- Science and Engineering

Our students demonstrated excellent conduct, showing respect, curiosity, and enthusiasm during each session. They asked thoughtful questions and engaged meaningfully with every speaker, making the week a truly enriching experience for all involved.

Students have enjoyed a week-long celebration of World Book Day across the school. We have decorated the Reading Tree in the library with book recommendations, designed book covers, dived into etymology and created bookmarks. Both students and staff celebrated by showing off their character costumes! Thank you to everyone who participated.

Our Year 7 Drama students have made a fantastic start to their exploration of Wayang Kulit, traditional shadow puppet theatre from Java. Students have been experimenting with light sources to see how shadows can be manipulated, discovering how changes in distance, angle, and brightness can affect the clarity of the silhouettes.

Using their hands and bodies, pupils have begun forming simple characters and bringing them to life by adding expressive movement and imaginative vocal choices. They have started this work with such enthusiasm and we cannot wait to see the art they create as we move into puppet construction and performance.

Year 10 Science students confidently carried out the classic hydrogen “squeaky pop” test during their gas‑testing practical. After producing hydrogen through the reaction of magnesium and acid, they used a lit splint at the mouth of the test tube to identify the gas. The clear squeaky pop confirmed hydrogen was present.

Students in the D&D Club are mastering the art of imagination through epic adventures and collaborative storytelling. Using the new Daggerheart rule set, they roll two d12s to determine the twists of fate that shape their journey.

They have battled across treacherous terrain, uncovered ancient mysteries, and even been contacted by gods they were once told did not exist. Each week brings a new challenge in a realm of fantasy and endless possibility — all decided by the roll of the dice.

We would like to say a massive thank you to 'Walk on the Wild Side' pet shop in Ashford, for kindly donating a lovely bearded dragon, complete with her vivarium and live food. This is a fantastic opportunity for our students to experience and handle a more exotic animal.

Thank you for taking a moment to tell us what you think of your child's school food! Please answer the questions honestly so we can use your input to improve our services.

As a thank you for taking part, all survey participants will be entered into a prize draw to win a £100 Amazon voucher. If selected, your child’s school will also receive a £100 voucher.

The survey will close on 30th March 2026.