Teddington School Newsletter

Dear Families

This week, I would like to remind all members of our school community about the importance of conduct beyond the school gates. We have received reports via social media regarding a small minority of students causing issues at the local Co-op. We are aware of those involved and are working closely with the police to address this.

We have also had complaints from local residents who use the river paths. Students are reminded not to ride bikes in large groups along these routes. In addition, there have been reports of a small number of lower school students behaving antisocially in Langdon Park, including incidents of vandalism. We are working with residents to identify those involved and ask that families speak with their children about appropriate behaviour in the local community, particularly if this is part of their daily route.

We are also aware of concerns involving a small group of Year 10 boys who regularly travel on the last 681 school bus. Transport for London and the British Transport Police are supporting us with this matter.

It is important to emphasise that these incidents involve only a very small number of students. The vast majority of well over 1,400 students attend school each day and make a positive contribution to both our school and the wider community. Thank you to all of you who consistently demonstrate our values.

On a more positive note, Mr Foster and the Year 8 rugby team travelled to Manchester yesterday to compete in the last 16 of the Schools’ Championship Cup. They played away against Bedford High School in Leigh in what was a fantastic example of schoolboy rugby. The score at half-time was 6–4 to Bedford, and although the final score was 16–8, the effort and commitment shown by our students was exceptional. We are very proud of you all.

Well done also to our Year 10 and Year 12 students who began their mock examinations this week. Your focus and preparation have been evident.

Looking ahead, mock examinations will continue next week, which is also the final week before half term. Attendance during this time is vital, please ensure students attend every day and arrive ready to learn.

Thank you for your continued support.

Kind regards

Mr P Grills

Headteacher

A huge well done to our incredible student leaders for a fantastic Leadership Lesson this week. The energy, maturity and creativity you brought to the session were outstanding. The TLT generated a wealth of exciting ideas that will help shape the future of our school.

This half term’s session, led by Ms Jarman, focused on Leadership in Sustainability.

Together they explored:

• What sustainability looks like in practice
• How we can strengthen eco‑awareness across Teddington School
• The practical actions our leadership team can take to reduce our environmental impact

Their thoughtful contributions and willingness to think big show just how committed they are to making a meaningful difference. The passion in the room was clear and we can already see the foundations of some brilliant projects beginning to take shape.

Watch this space - exciting developments are on the way!

On Monday, we were delighted to welcome Malcolm Mistry to speak to our students as part of our TEDdington Talks series.

Malcolm shared his inspiring and unconventional career journey — from initially aspiring to become a doctor, to travelling the world as a Navigating Officer at sea and now working as a Planetary Health Doctor and Climate Scientist.

🌍 Students were captivated by his stories of life at sea, including navigating extreme conditions, and how these experiences shaped his future path.

💡 His message was clear: your career path doesn’t have to be linear — curiosity, resilience, and seizing opportunities can take you in unexpected and exciting directions.

A huge thank you to Malcolm for giving up his time and inspiring the next generation!

We were delighted to welcome Eleanor Barras, a pilot for British Airways, to Teddington School for an inspiring TEDdington Talk this week.

Eleanor shared her journey into aviation, giving students a real insight into what it takes to become a pilot. From training and qualifications to the realities of life in the cockpit, she spoke honestly about the challenges, responsibilities, and incredible opportunities that come with a career in the skies.

Students were particularly inspired by her advice on resilience, determination, and keeping an open mind when exploring future careers—especially within STEM and aviation.

A huge thank you to Eleanor for taking the time to speak with our students and for inspiring the next generation to aim high ✨

On Wednesday, a group of our Year 9 students took part in the Testimony 360 programme, delivered by the Holocaust Educational Trust. This innovative digital experience combines virtual reality with interactive survivor testimony, allowing students to engage with Holocaust history in a deeply immersive and meaningful way.

During the session, students explored real locations connected to the Holocaust and had the unique opportunity to interact with pre-recorded survivor testimonies, asking questions and hearing responses that brought history vividly to life.

A particularly impactful part of the experience was learning from two survivors. Students heard the story of Susan, who was imprisoned at Auschwitz, and Manfred, who was deported to the Struthof labour camp. Their testimonies provided powerful, first-hand insight into the realities of the Holocaust and left a lasting impression on all those involved.

The session encouraged students not only to develop their historical understanding, but also to reflect on the importance of empathy, tolerance, and challenging discrimination in today’s society. Many students spoke about how moving and thought-provoking they found the experience, highlighting how it helped them to better understand the human impact behind historical events.

This was a truly valuable opportunity for our students, and one that will stay with them as they continue their learning both in and beyond the classroom.

1. Reminder to parents of Year 9 and Year 10 "High Flyers" who are on the forthcoming trip to Vienna that there is an information evening for parents from 17:30 to 18:30 in the school theatre next Tuesday 24 March.

1. On Monday 23 March, some Year 13 students will be presenting to Year 11 "High Flyers" in Lab 4 from 08:20 to 09:00 giving their advice on working through GCSEs, transition to A levels, study strategies post-16 and engaging in super-curricular enrichment in preparation for applying to university.

Please take a moment to complete Cucina's feedback survey on the food offering at break and lunchtimes. The survey closes on 30th March.

Welcome to this week’s digital parenting update, part of our series designed to help you support your child’s online world. Each week, we share advice from Internet Matters with practical tips and resources. This week’s resource is titled 'Social Media Safety'. You can see a snippet of the resource pictured, please click on the image to view the whole document.

As your child develops digital independence, smartphones and social media can support connection but also bring risks to wellbeing, sleep, and self-esteem. Open conversations, clear expectations, and family agreements are powerful tools to create balance. Download templates here.

Key points for parents/carers:

• Mobile phones are banned at Teddington School.
• Smartphones can affect sleep, wellbeing, and expose children to bullying, harmful content, and peer pressure.
• Most social media platforms are not age-appropriate: WhatsApp, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok (all 13+). These limits help protect against unsuitable content and privacy risks.

At Teddington School, Year 7 and 12 students receive school-managed iPads to support learning. Devices include safety settings and educational apps, with clear guidance for use. Please see our iPad Parent Guide for more information.

We have also produced a Parent EdTech Guide, which provides a simple overview of the online platforms we use, with links and login support.

Thank you for your continued partnership in promoting safe and healthy digital habits.

• The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon: Christopher, fifteen years old, stands beside Mrs Shears's dead dog. It has been speared with a garden fork, it is seven minutes after midnight, and Christopher is under suspicion. He records each fact in the book he is writing to solve the mystery of who murdered Wellington. He has an extraordinary brain and is exceptional at maths, but he is ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. He has never ventured alone beyond the end of his road, he detests being touched and he distrusts strangers. But Christopher's detective work, forbidden by his father, takes him on a frightening journey that turns his world upside-down.

• A Kind of Spark by Ellie McNicoll: Ever since Ms. Murphy told us about the witch trials that happened centuries ago right here in Juniper, I can't stop thinking about them. Those people weren't magic. They were like me. Different like me. I'm autistic. I see things that others do not. I hear sounds that they can ignore. And sometimes I feel things all at once. I think about the witches, with no one to speak for them. Not everyone in our small town understands. But if I keep trying, maybe someone will. I won't let the witches be forgotten. Because there is more to their story. Just like there is more to mine.

• The London Eye Mystery, by Siobhan Dowd: Monday, 24 May, 11.32 a.m. Ted and Kat watch their cousin Salim get on board the London Eye. He turns and waves and the pod rises from the ground. Monday, 24 May, 12.02 p.m. The pod lands and the doors open. People exit in all shapes and sizes but where is Salim? Ted and his older sister Kat become sleuthing partners since the police are having no luck. Despite their prickly relationship, they overcome their differences to follow a trail of clues across London in a desperate bid to find their cousin. And ultimately it comes down to Ted, whose brain runs on its own unique operating system, to find the key to the mystery.

• Check Mates by Stewart Foster: Some people think that I'm a problem child, that I'm lazy and never pay attention in lessons. But the thing is, I'm not a problem child at all. I'm just a child with a problem. Felix is struggling at school. His ADHD makes it hard for him to concentrate and his grades are slipping. Everyone keeps telling him to try harder, but no one seems to understand just how hard he finds it. When Mum suggests Felix spends time with his grandfather, Felix can't think of anything worse. Granddad hasn't been the same since Grandma died. Plus, he's always trying to teach Felix boring chess. But sometimes the best lessons come in the most unexpected of places, and Granddad soon shows Felix that there's everything to play for.

Teddington PTA are delighted to announce our upcoming Plant Sale and Market Place at Teddington School, taking place on Saturday 25th April from 10am - 12pm! These events are always vibrant and well-attended, offering a fantastic opportunity for community members to come together, support the school, and enjoy a lively morning.

If you’re interested in having a stall, please do get in touch via email pta@teddingtonschool.org and the PTA will be happy to share further details about the event. We welcome a variety of stallholders, from local businesses and craftspeople. It’s a wonderful chance to showcase your products and connect with the local community.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

24 Mar: High Flyers briefing for Vienna trip

25 Mar: Year 11 Virtual Parents' Evening

27 Mar: RS GCSE Richmond Synagogue trip

27 Mar: Last day of term

30 Mar - 10 Apr: School holidays

13 Apr: Students return to school for an 08:30 start