Matthew Arnold Newsletter

As we come to the end of another busy term, I am struck by just how much has been accomplished across our school community. It has been a vibrant and productive period, filled with achievements, opportunities, hard work and fun for both students and staff.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all staff for all they tirelessly do. Their dedication, commitment and care underpin everything we achieve as a school, and I am incredibly grateful for the difference they make each and every day.

Our Year 11 GCSE exams have gone well so far, and we are very proud of the calm, focused and mature way our students have approached this important time. We wish Year 11 the very best of luck in their remaining exams and know they will continue to give their very best.

This week, we also held safeguarding assemblies to support students as we approach the half-term break. These assemblies focused on practical advice to help students stay safe, including a clear reminder about the dangers of swimming in rivers and other open water. We encourage all students to make safe choices and look after one another over the break.

In addition, a group of students and staff departed at 12:30am for their trip to Belgium—an early start, but an exciting one! We hope they have a wonderful time, creating lasting memories and gaining valuable experiences beyond the classroom.

I would also like to thank our families for their continued support, and our students for their enthusiasm and resilience throughout the term.

I hope everyone enjoys a well-deserved break and returns refreshed for the term ahead.

Ms Ruse

Monday 1st June - Term begins

Monday 15th June - Year 8 English Trip

Tuesday 16th June - Year 10 Mocks

On 29 April, students from Years 7 and 8 at Matthew Arnold School took part in the UKMT Junior Mathematics Challenge, a nationally recognised competition.

The Challenge is designed to stretch and inspire young mathematicians through a series of demanding problem-solving questions that reward logical thinking, creativity, and perseverance.

We are extremely proud of all students who rose to the challenge and represented the school so impressively in this hour-long national competition. Their results reflect both their commitment and the high standard of mathematical thinking across the school.

Award outcomes:

• 4 students achieved a Gold Award
• 11 students achieved a Silver Award
• 24 students achieved a Bronze Award
• 45 students received a Certificate of Participation

Gold Awards:

Arthur S (Year 7)

Georgia-Hope N (Year 8)

Zachary F (Year 8)

A special congratulations goes to our top-performing Mathlete, who achieved the “Best In School” result.

Jamie V (Year 8)

As a result of this outstanding score, Jamie has qualified for the next round of the competition, the Junior Kangaroo Challenge, which will take place on 9th June 2026.

Well done to all the students involved for their hard work, ambition, and enthusiasm for mathematics — a fantastic achievement.

We are incredibly proud of our Year 9 students who have recently completed the Brilliant Club Scholars Programme.

The Brilliant Club is a national programme that works with universities to give students the opportunity to experience university-style learning. Students take part in a series of tutorials led by a PhD tutor, developing the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in higher education.

As part of the programme, our students explored a challenging project entitled “How Can Chemists Save the World?” Throughout this course, they developed a range of valuable academic skills, including critical thinking, independent research, problem-solving, analytical reading, and forming evidence-based arguments. They also strengthened their confidence in discussion and academic debate.

To complete the programme, students produced an impressive 1,500-word dissertation, demonstrating their understanding and ability to write at a higher academic level.

A highlight of the experience was their visit to Southampton University on Tuesday 12 May, where they had the opportunity to speak about their experiences and celebrate their achievements in a university setting.

We are extremely proud of their commitment, hard work, and the maturity they have shown throughout the programme.

The student council team continue to meet half termly to discuss all things positive and areas for development within The Matthew Arnold School.

Please see some of the changes they have brought about:

Year 10 Textiles students are finishing their final pieces this week for their first GCSE coursework portfolio 'Enchanted Forest'. Pattern cutting, machine stitching, beading, embroidery, dyeing and felting are just some of the skills they have learnt to create their sculptures. They have brought alive enchanted creatures, insects and scenery in such beautiful, imaginative and skilled work. What a great start to GCSE textiles. Next up, costume design!

On Thursday, I was fortunate enough to attend a flying experience at MOD Boscombe Down with cadets from my unit, including Leah B.

Flying was an incredible experience, especially when I had the opportunity to take control of the aircraft — a Grob Tutor training plane. During the flight, I saw some amazing views, including the famous Stonehenge. My friends and I thoroughly enjoyed the day, and it was an experience I will never forget.

In addition to powered flying, I have also been gliding with the cadets, which has been equally exciting and enjoyable.

To support the safeguarding and well-being of our students at the start and end of the school day, we will be introducing changes to our car park access routines from 1 June 2026.

During the following times, the school car park will be closed to vehicles:

• 8:00am – 8:30am
• 3:00pm – 3:30pm

Access to the car park during these periods will only be permitted in exceptional circumstances:

• Parents/carers with a pre-booked appointment with a member of staff
• Students with a specific medical need, where prior arrangements have been agreed with the school (please contact your child’s Head of Year)

We kindly ask all parents and carers to use surrounding roads safely and considerately when dropping off or collecting students, and to remain mindful of our local community.

These changes are being made to help ensure a safer environment for all students as they arrive and leave the site each day.

Thank you for your continued support.

We’re delighted to launch a fantastic new initiative to support the health and wellbeing of our students. In partnership with our onsite sports centre, Lifestyle Fitness, we are offering free gym membership to students eligible for Free School Meals — at no cost to families.

This membership includes:

• Supervised gym sessions after school (Monday to Friday)
• Accompanied evening access until 8:00pm
• Full weekend access

This is a great opportunity for students to build confidence, improve fitness and develop positive habits in a safe, supportive environment.

If you would like your child to take part, please contact us at info@matthew-arnold.surrey.sch.uk (for the attention of Mr Dixon), and we will guide you through the simple sign-up process.

Capital Tuition are also offering revision sessions over May Half Term. Please see below for details.