Matthew Arnold Newsletter

As we reach the end of this half term, I want to take a moment to celebrate the energy, kindness, and commitment that have filled our school over the past few weeks. It’s been a joy to see our students engaging so positively with their learning, supporting one another, and embracing the many opportunities that have come their way.

I am incredibly proud of the way our staff and students work together to make The Matthew Arnold School such a special place.

I hope everyone enjoys a lovely, restful half term break.

Assal Ruse

• Monday 3 November - Year 11 Mock Exams start

• Thursday 6 November - "Just for One Day" - Shaftesbury theatre trip

• Thursday 13 November - Years 7 to 10 - Reports sent home via Arbor

• Tuesday 25 November - Whole School Flu Vaccinations

• Wednesday 26 November - Whole School Flu Vaccinations

• Thursday 4 December - Year 11 Parents' Evening & Year 11 - Reports sent home via Arbor

• Tuesday 4 November: U14 Girls Football at Bishop Wand

• Wednesday 5 November - Year 10 Girls Football vs Thamesmead

• Thursday 6 November - U16 Girls Football at Bishop Wand
• Thursday 6 November - Year 7 Boys Rugby vs Bishop Wand

• Monday 10 November - Year 7 Girls Football at Bishop Wand

• Monday 10 November - Year 10 Boys B Football vs Parmiters

• Tuesday 11 November - Year 7 Boys 7-a-side Football Tournament
• Tuesday 11 November - Year 8 Girls Football at Thamesmead

• Wednesday 12 November - Year 11 Boys Football at Bishop Wand

• Wednesday 12 November - Year 7 Girls Football vs Magna Carta

• Thursday 13 November - Year 9 Girls 7-a-side Football Tournament
• Thursday 13 November - Year 8 Boys Rugby Tournament at Bishop Wand

Would you like to be part of a friendly group of parents and carers helping to organise events throughout the school year?

We are launching the Friends of Matthew Arnold School, a new group that will meet once a term. It’s a great way to:

• Meet other parents and carers
• Support the school community
• Help plan and run events (as much or as little as you would like!)

Whether you are a seasoned event organiser or just want to lend a hand occasionally, we would love to hear from you. Please contact stergiopouloss@matthew-arnold.surrey.sch.uk if you would like further information.

We look forward to seeing all Year 11 students for extra revision sessions during half term.

They do not need to wear school uniform on the days.

A huge thank you to everyone who attended our Open Evening at The Matthew Arnold School. It was wonderful to welcome so many families, students, former students and community members through our doors.

Thank you for all the positive feedback we have received, especially about our fantastic student tour guides.

Just to remind parents/carers that if they take their children out of school without authorisation for 5 or more days (which do not have to be consecutive), then the following will apply:

1. If you have not incurred a penalty notice relating to this child/children in a rolling 3 year period since 19 August 2024, then the penalty notice will be charged at the rate of £160.00, per parent/carer per child, if paid within 28 days. This will be reduced to £80.00 if paid within 21 days of receipt of the notice. Failure to pay the Penalty Notice will result in Surrey County Council considering legal proceedings against you in the Magistrates Court.

2. If you have incurred a penalty notice relating to this child/children since 19 August 2024, the rolling 3 year period will be activated from the date of the first penalty notice and the second penalty notice will be charged at the flat rate of £160.00, per parent/carer per child, if paid within 28 days. There will be no reduction for payment within 21 days. Failure to pay the Penalty Notice will result in Surrey County Council considering legal proceedings against you in the Magistrates Court.

3. If you have incurred 2 penalty notices relating to this child/children in the rolling 3 year period since the first penalty notice was issued, then you will NOT receive a third penalty notice – Surrey County Council will have no option but to consider a prosecution, per parent/carer per child, in the Magistrates Court under s 444 Education Act 1996.

Surrey County Council is not responsible for authorising pupil absence and therefore cannot withdraw any Penalty Notice requests without the written permission of the Headteacher.

As part of their GCSE Paper 3 fieldwork, our Year 11 students recently visited Brighton for a hands-on day of geographical investigation. Equipped with questionnaires, field sketches, bi-polar surveys, and tally charts, they explored the city’s coastal and urban environments with enthusiasm and focus.

Throughout the day, students demonstrated maturity and confidence, engaging with members of the public and applying their classroom knowledge in a real-world setting. Their ability to communicate clearly and work collaboratively was a highlight, and the trip proved to be a valuable opportunity for both academic growth and personal development.

On Friday 3rd October, our GCSE Art and Textiles classes spent the day in London at the Victoria & Albert Museum. They looked for inspiration around the hundreds of exhibits and completed some sketches and took photos for their sketchbooks. Some hunted down Harry Style’s cardigan and others found elusive ornamental shells and clay elephants. We then enjoyed a stroll along the river looking outdoors for further inspiration. It was an inspiring day out and fun was had by all!

Thank you to the staff that attended and Mrs Scott for organising the trip.

Twelve enthusiastic Year 8 students went to Brooklands Museum for an exciting STEM Day. They were fantastic and threw themselves into every activity with energy and curiosity. Throughout the day, they took part in a variety of hands-on challenges, including rocket building, racing car design, and even cracking the Enigma code!

The event also featured several fascinating talks from leading figures in the world of science and engineering. A real highlight of the day was a talk by none other than Professor Brian Cox. To the students’ delight, they had the incredible opportunity to meet him afterwards and ask all their space-related questions. Professor Cox was very impressed, commenting that their questions were “great” - a proud moment for us all!

Students in Years 9-11 have been practising their notation and developing their key signature knowledge in Music Theory Club. The club is held every Thursday morning at 8am, and anyone who is interested in developing their music theory is welcome to join.

Year 9 students have been delving into the world of Sherlock Holmes and reading The Sign of Four. It is a novella full of mystery and suspense, and students have thoroughly enjoyed playing detective to work out 'Who dunnit'!

Year 8 students have been busy learning time phrases and places to visit - perfect in time for half term!

A technical drawing by a Year 9 student, demonstrating one-point perspective. This activity supports spatial awareness and the foundations of architectural drawing.

Inspired by the iconic work of Japanese artist, Yayoi Kusama, Year 7 students created vibrant pumpkin artworks using coloured paper and marker pens. The project focused on repetition, pattern and form.

The Matthew Arnold School have enjoyed a successful term in sport, with 16 out of 22 matches won in the last few weeks. We are immensely proud of everyone who participates as they always give maximum effort. They are a credit to our school!

Congratulations go to Alex J, Year 9, who has received an invitation from England Ice Hockey for selection into the England National Team Development Programme.

Best of luck for rest of the programme, Alex!

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Parent Governor Election. As you will have seen we had a fantastic four applications and have now completed a ballot for the election. We are notifying participants, and the results will be announced soon.

Your support and involvement in the school community are greatly appreciated. A big thank you to everyone who applied and voted – your contributions are key to the future of our school!