Dear Families

It has been another incredibly busy and exciting week at our school, with so much to celebrate and share with you.

A huge congratulations to our sports teams on their recent achievements. Our U12 rugby team has been crowned Rugby Middlesex Cup champions, while our U15 team has won the Rugby Middlesex Plate; both an outstanding achievement. Well done to all the students involved for their hard work and efforts.

Yesterday, some of our KS3 students had the fantastic opportunity to take part in a special filming session with Sky Sports and Brentford FC as part of Sustainability Week. They met Brentford First Team player Nathan Collins, engaged in discussions about sustainability in football, and even took part in a Brentford kit handover. See below for more information.

We are incredibly proud to share that we have been ranked by The Sunday Times as one of the top 50 happiest schools in the UK. This recognition reflects the positive, supportive, and thriving environment we work so hard to create and I am delighted that parents are happy with our offer for students in our community. Please take a look at this article from Teddington Nub News to learn more about this wonderful achievement.

A reminder to Year 9 students and parents that Pathways Forms must be submitted by Wednesday, 19 March. Please ensure these are completed on time to support the next stage of your academic journey.

Well done to all students who completed their GCSE Drama exams this week. The quality of performing arts in this school is fantastic and I am sure students will continue to be successful in their exams and various productions the team are working on.

This week, we have been celebrating British Science Week with a range of exciting activities. Highlights have included:

• A brilliant assembly from NPL, using liquid nitrogen to explore the kinetic energy of particles.
• Fantastic assemblies led by Mr. Landrum, focusing on the theme of Adaptations.
• Interactive science-based escape rooms and quizzes in lessons, engaging students in the wonders of science.

Finally, with just three weeks until the end of term, attendance remains crucial. Every lesson counts, so please ensure students are in school each day and on time to make the most of their learning opportunities.

Wishing you all a lovely and restful weekend ready for an 08:30 start on Monday.

Kind regards

Mr P Grills

Headteacher

On Thursday 13 March, a group of Teddington School students had the incredible opportunity to take part in a special filming session with Sky Sports and Brentford Football Club as part of Sustainability Week. This unique event not only highlighted the importance of sustainability in football but also gave students the chance to meet Brentford First Team player Nathan Collins.

Collins, an Irish international defender, is a key player for Brentford FC and has represented Ireland at senior level since 2021. Known for his commanding presence in defence and his impressive ability on the ball, Collins made history in 2022 by becoming the most expensive Irish footballer when he transferred to Wolverhampton Wanderers before later joining Brentford.

During the event, students took part in the filming of a Brentford kit handover, where they discussed the excitement of receiving football kit as young players and had the opportunity to ask questions about life as a Premier League footballer. They also heard from the Brentford Community Team about the club’s commitment to sustainability, particularly their decision to release a new kit every other season rather than annually, helping to reduce waste and promote responsible production.

The event was captured by Sky Sports, with students contributing to important discussions on the future of sustainable football. It was a fantastic opportunity to meet a professional footballer, learn about the environmental impact of the sport, and represent Teddington School on a national platform.

Sky Sports will broadcast this event one evening next week. Well done to all the students involved in this exciting initiative!

We are extremely proud to announce that we have been ranked by The Sunday Times as being in the top 50 happiest schools in the UK!

Please click on the image to be taken to the article written by local newspaper, Teddington Nub News.

This week students have been celebrating British Science Week with an array of different events throughout the week! On Monday, we enjoyed a brilliant show from NPL which used liquid nitrogen to explore the kinetic energy of particles. Students have also had fantastic assemblies from Mr Landrum throughout the week which centered on the theme of Adaptations. In lessons, students have explored science-based escape rooms and quizzes!

While social media has the potential to educate children and young people about their health and wellbeing, there is also content that can be incredibly harmful to them, both mentally and physically.

Previously, Ofcom warned social media platforms that they must comply with new online safety rules, stating that they are required to protect under 18s from being exposed to harmful content. This includes having stronger age-checking measures in place as well as preventing their algorithms from pushing upsetting videos or images towards young people.

A survey by Stem4 found that nearly all young people, aged 12-21, use social media and 62% of them worry that their mental health is being negatively affected by content that the algorithms are showing them. This report shows that young people feel more stressed, anxious and depressed after viewing these harmful materials.

Knowledge is power when approaching social media. The first step is knowing what to look-out for. We’ve created a list of some of the main things to consider that may affect the health and wellbeing of the children and young people in your care.

Please take a look at the link below to view more information on this important topic.

Volunteers wanted – We would like to strengthen our structure by adapting the committee officers to co-positions that will create capacity and instil smooth transition. If you would like to join the Chair, Secretary or Treasurer, please contact Verity Royle (verity.royle@gmail.com).

26 April: Plant sale

28 April at 19:00: PTA meeting

Our 'Neighbourhood News' bulletin is made up of local opportunities for students and families and is updated regularly.

20 Mar: Year 12 University Fair at the Emirates Stadium

20 Mar: House Drama prize to see The Lion King at The Lyceum Theatre

24 Mar - 4 Apr: Year 10 & 12 Mock Exams

28 Mar: Year 7 Workshop from the Royal Needlework Society

28 Mar: Year 9 Catch-Up DTP & MenACWY vaccinations

31 Mar: Year 7 Trip to The Old Operating Theatre

2 Apr: Year 11 Virtual Parents' Evening