Matthew Arnold Newsletter

Monday 13 April - Summer Term starts

Monday 13 April - Year 11 Macbeth Trip

Thursday 16 April - Year 11 GCSE Spanish speaking exams start

Friday 17 April - Year 11 GCSE PE Moderation day

Monday 20 April - Year 11 Art GCSE exam starts

Thursday 23 April - Year 11 3D Design GCSE exam starts

Tuesday 28 April - Year 9 SATs start

Tuesday 14 April - Year 7 Girls Football vs Thamesmead

Tuesday 21 April - Year 8 & Year 9 Girls Football Final @ Ashford Town

Assemblies in the final week of term have been about how to stay safe over the Easter break. Sessions have focused on key areas including online safety, bike and road safety, and water safety, helping students think carefully about the choices they make when out and about or using digital platforms.

We also reminded students that support is always available if they need someone to talk to. Useful helplines include:

• Childline: 0800 1111
• Papyrus (HOPELINE247): 0800 068 4141
• Samaritans: 116 123

Year 11 students Isla P & Muskan P took part in a round-table discussion at Shepperton Studios, hosted by local MP Lincoln Jopp.

They joined students from other local schools to share their views on education, future careers, and opportunities for young adults in Spelthorne.

Both students contributed confidently and were a credit to the school, discussing topics such as the use of mobile phones in education, wellbeing and mental health and comparing the cost of university with doing apprenticeships or going straight into the workplace.

The event also provided a valuable opportunity for students to hear Lincoln’s reflections on a range of current affairs and global developments, while giving them the chance to ask questions and seek clarity on the issues that are important to them.

A great evening was had by parents and staff at our first Friends of Matthew Arnold (FOMA) Quiz Night! Our next event will be for families so please do look out for details soon. We are looking for more parents to help plan and run events, so if you would like to get involved, we would love to hear from you. You do not need experience just a commitment to meet each half term.

Please contact stergiopouloss@matthew-arnold.surrey.sch.uk if you would like further information.

A wonderful evening was had at the Spelthorne Youth Awards 2026 celebrating local achievements, resilience and bravery alongside other schools and community projects. Seven of our wonderful students were nominated for awards for various work and achievements both in the community and in school. A particular mention goes to Dylan C, for winning the Spelthorne Arts Achievement award, for which he was nominated. It was lovely to see our former student, Sophie G winning an award too!

The Student Council met with the Cucina catering team to share student perspectives on all things food related. To make the discussion even more enjoyable, Cucina kindly brought along a selection of pastries for the students to sample.

Our Student Council asked a range of thoughtful and insightful questions, covering topics such as canteen pricing and the variety of food options available. Their contributions were mature, constructive, and reflective of the wider student voice.

In Key Stage 3, students have been focusing on developing their hand‑stitching techniques. Year 7 created pencil cases inspired by Pop Art. Pop Art emerged in the 1950s and celebrated everyday objects, bold colours, and imagery from popular culture. Its playful, graphic style makes it especially engaging for younger students.

Year 8 researched Bisa Butler, an African American fibre artist known for pioneering a new style of quilting. She uses photographs, sketches, and vibrant traditional textiles to create life‑size fabric portraits that celebrate Black life and identity. Students produced their own responses using textile scraps and felt to create personalised portraits and facial features.

Our Year 10 group is currently finishing their first project on identity.

Gardening club worked hard over the winter to make sure we had a colourful spring! We are pleased to see lots of beautiful flowers blooming in our school garden.