Our sustainable shaded garden is now almost complete. Thanks to public donations of bricks, edging, some retro Bill and Ben statues plus a bath(!), we now have a cool and calming area that can be enjoyed by students in spring and summer under the natural canopy of the trees. Particular thanks go to the Year 9 Horticulture module students who designed the area and cleared the space (formerly overrun with very stubborn blackberry canes), and to the lower school students who helped out with construction during e-week. Mrs Hussain’s e week activity included painting pots for the area, while Mr Neville’s A’ level product design students created seating and planters from palettes.

The next stage will be to plant a variety of shade-friendly bulbs and plants which can be propagated over time to make this area completely self-sustaining. The bath has been filled using the ‘lasagna’ layering technique, which is cost effective way of maintaining soil quality. Further plans for this shaded space include constructing a hedgehog house, an insect hotel and a ‘little free library’.  Next summer, near the pond, we will be creating a ‘rubble rockery’ for alpine plants and succulents that thrive in full sun.

If you have anything to donate to the environmental area, particularly in terms of pre-loved hand tools or spare watering cans, please email me via admin@sandringham.aetrust.uk .

Mrs M Staples

On Wednesday, we welcomed 17 students and their teachers from Hangzhou No. 2 High School, Qianjiang, China. The students were buddied with our fantastic Yr 12 students who looked after their Chinese counterparts all day, giving tours of the school, taking them to lessons and having lunch together in Starbucks. 

After lunch, it was time for some fun and games; the students quizzed one another on UK and Chinese culture and we even had a game of Tug of War (where China beat the UK and where girls beat the boys!). It was fascinating to learn about the Chinese students’ school life, from being in school from 7am to being in classes of 48 and year groups of 700!  As ever, we are always keen to learn from our international link schools.

Thank you to our Year 12s for being such great ambassadors for the school: Anson, Marcus, Adittya, Sara, Daisy, Khadija, Farelle, Chiemena, Rory, Rayyan, Seth, Grace, Amelia, Freya, Darcy, Harriet, Ranya, Charlotte, Denise and Jaydene.  Thank you also to the teachers involved: Mrs Chan, Mrs Clark, Mr Miller, Ms Summers, Mrs Wills and Miss Germundsson.

Dr C Creaby

The Puzzle of the Week is a Mathematics challenge run weekly. This week's puzzle is shown above. For every entry you will receive 1 house point, if you answer correctly you will win 2 house points and if you are the fastest person to answer the puzzle correctly then you will win 5 house points!  To enter, simply scan the QR code and fill out the google form.  Good luck! Why not play at home and see who is the quickest to get the answer?

Mr J Richardson

Win Your School Uniform with Stevensons.

Stevensons is offering an exclusive in-store competition for families who book a uniform fitting appointment this summer.

When you attend your scheduled in-store fitting, you’ll be invited to take part in our Lucky Dip at the till. If you find the golden nugget, you’ll win back the cost of your uniform on the spot!

• Enjoy a dedicated one-on-one fitting with a uniform expert
• Beat the back-to-school rush
• Enter for your chance to win your uniform absolutely free

Appointments are limited and filling fast, so don’t miss out, book your uniform fitting today and be in with a chance to win.

Mrs T Dowling

We’re Hiring!

Come and be part of our fantastic team here at Sandringham. We’re currently looking for:

- Technical Theatre Manager

- Sixth Form Learning Mentor 

If you, or anyone you know would like to be part of our passionate and dedicated team, please visit here for more information and to apply.

Mrs T Dowling

Perseverance, resilience, and a positive attitude have earned Evan (8J) a fantastic achievement to round off the school year by completing his 100th Junior Park Run, all while setting a new personal best.

Despite admitting that running isn’t his favourite activity, Evan continues to challenge himself and push his limits. He’s explored a variety of courses beyond our local area, including runs in Harpenden, Blackpool, and Weymouth, proving his commitment to trying new things and always giving his best.

Well done Evan, a brilliant example of grit and determination in action.

Mrs T Dowling

Free Parenting Courses This Autumn from Supporting Links.

Are you a parent or carer living in Hertfordshire? Supporting Links is offering a range of FREE 6-week online courses this Autumn Term 2025, funded by Hertfordshire County Council’s Targeted Parenting Fund. These courses are designed to equip you with valuable strategies and insights to support your children through various stages and challenges.

Booking is essential. Further information and links can be found in the flyer. To check eligibility and book your place, please quote the Course ID and contact Supporting Links on 07512 709556 or bookings@supportinglinks.co.uk.

Talking Anger in Teens (Children aged 11-19)                  

Learn to understand anger in young people and yourself, develop strategies to handle it, recognise early signs, reduce conflict and encourage positive behaviour.

• Online Course ID 775: Tuesdays, 7:45 PM - 9:30 PM (4th November – 9th December)

Talking Anxiety in Teens (Children aged 11-19)

Gain understanding of why young people and adults experience anxiety. Develop strategies to manage anxiety within your family, recognise early signs, reduce stress and encourage resilient behaviour.

• Online Course ID 776: Tuesdays, 7:45 PM - 9:30 PM (16th September – 21st October)

Talking Teens (Children aged 12-19)

Explore the physical and emotional changes of the teen brain and how they affect behaviour. Learn to maintain relationships through good communication, understand risk-taking behaviour (drugs, alcohol, gang culture) and negotiate to reduce conflict.

• Online Course ID 778: Tuesdays, 7:45 PM - 9:15 PM (16th September  – 21st October)
• Online Course ID 777: Thursdays, 7:45 PM - 9:15 PM (6th November – 11th December)

Talking Additional Needs (Children aged 2-19, with any additional need - no diagnosis required)

Understand your child's behaviour, develop effective strategies, reduce conflict, improve emotional regulation, explore sensory needs, increase resilience and manage different family needs.

• Online Course ID 770: Wednesdays, 9:45 AM - 11:15 AM (17th September – 22nd October)
• Face to Face Course ID 771: Wednesdays, 7PM - 9PM (5th November – 10th December) Reddings Family Centre, Bushey, WD23 3PE

Talking Families (Children aged 0-12)

Receive tips on managing challenging behaviour with consistency, encouraging positive behaviour, building self-esteem, setting boundaries, responding to tantrums, and developing strong parent/child relationships.

• Online Course ID 774: Wednesdays, 8PM - 9:30PM (17th September – 22nd October)
• Online Course ID 772: Thursdays, 9:45AM - 11:15 AM (18th September – 23rd October(
• Online Course ID 773: Tuesdays, 8PM - 9:30PM (4th November – 9th December)

Talking Dads (Dads & Male Carers of Children aged 0-19)

Improve listening and communication skills, foster a healthy dad-child relationship, learn effective strategies for anger and conflict, enforce boundaries and be the dad you want to be.

• Online Course ID 779: Wednesdays, 7:45 PM - 9:15 PM (17th September – 22nd October)
• Online Course ID 780: Wednesdays, 7:45 PM - 9:15 PM (5th November – 10th December)

Ms M Morris

On Friday 11th July, a group of Yr 9 GCSE Media Studies students enjoyed an exciting and immersive experience at the Sky Up Academy, located at Sky Studios Elstree.

Throughout the day, they explored a wide range of careers in the film and television industry, from technical roles to creative positions, gaining valuable insight into the behind-the-scenes workings of media production. Students took on professional roles including director, producer, actor, camera operator, and film editor, as they developed and pitched their own film ideas on a real soundstage.

A big thank you to Mr O’Connor, Miss Whorrod, and Ms Petrus for accompanying and supporting the students, who represented the school with maturity, enthusiasm, and creativity.

Mr N Miller

Our Yr 12 students would like to extend a Huge Thank You to all the parents and carers who have given careers talk over the last two half terms.

The Careers Speakers Programme has run since Easter with a number of parents speaking to our Year 12s about their careers and journeys to their current roles. We have had over 210 career interactions with students learning more about a range of industries including: publishing, financial trading, surveying, NHS and the charity sector.

The insights that have been provided have been invaluable; each week, students have left the talks enthused about their possible next steps and the pathways ahead of them.

We want to continue running this programme again next year. If you would like to be involved, please complete this google form.

Ms R Potter

We are very proud of the many staff achievements at Sandringham but wanted to acknowledge one particularly special event from this term. Dr Creaby, Deputy Headteacher, was invited to attend Buckingham Palace on Wednesday 7th May 2025 and the first Royal Garden Party of the year hosted by both the King and Queen.

The invitation was linked to Dr Creaby’s work as a Member of the Chartered College of Teaching (MCCT) as well as her amazing work as a teacher and leader over the course of her ongoing career.

Congratulations Dr Creaby, a Royal way to end the school year for you.

Mr M Nicholls

Hertfordshire County Council’s Services for Young People is offering an exciting Holiday Activity Programme this summer and it’s free for young people aged 12 to 16.

Held at the Links Academy in St Albans, the programme offers a wide range of activities including:

• Fun physical activities like sports, dance, and team games
• Creative sessions such as music production, cooking, and arts & crafts
• Free healthy food provided every day
• Informal workshops on healthy lifestyles and wellbeing
• A chance to socialise and make new friends
• Access to advice and information about other local services

Check out the attached flyer for more information and details on how to sign up - spaces are limited, so don’t miss out.

Mrs T Dowling

Hertfordshire County Council’s Services for Young People is running the Positive Pathways Summer Project - a fantastic free opportunity for young people aged 13 to 17 to get involved in positive activities during the summer holidays.

The project focusses on helping young people to:

• Build confidence and social skills
• Make informed decisions and set personal goals
• Learn practical life skills
• Develop personalised action plans with support from Youth Workers
• Take part in a range of fun and engaging activities

Check out the attached flyer for more information and how to book your spot.

Mrs T Dowling

Looking for something exciting and inspiring to do this August? The University of Hertfordshire is offering a range of Creative Summer Camps perfect for young artists, designers, and media makers! Designed for two age groups — 8–12 and 13–17 year olds — these camps offer a fantastic opportunity to explore creative passions, learn new skills, and work with industry professionals.

Some of the exciting options include:

• Contemporary Art Summer Camp
• Creative Art, Design and Media Summer Camp
• Digital Comic Summer Camp
• Digital Media Summer Camp
• Music Video Summer Camp

Whether you're a budding filmmaker, digital artist, or simply love to create, there’s something for everyone.

See the attached poster for more details and how to book a place.

Ms C Eady

Supporting Mental Health – Hertfordshire Services

As always, we value the importance of supporting mental heath within our school and wider community, and we’d like to highlight the Hertfordshire Children and Young People's Mental Health Service Directory, a valuable resource for students, carers, families and professionals.

This directory brings together a wide range of services offering both early intervention and more specialist mental health support for children and young people. Whether you're looking for advice, counselling, or more targeted care, the directory is a great starting point.

Click Here to access the directory for more detailed information and contact links.

We encourage all parents and carers to explore this resource and keep it handy should your child or someone you know need support.

Ms E Coyne

Whether your results are what you hoped for or not quite what you expected, Services for Young People (SfYP) is here to offer friendly, expert and impartial support.

SfYP Advisers can help you explore your next steps, from college and apprenticeships to training or employment. You can speak to someone in school, visit a local 11–5 Hub, or arrange a phone/video call. Whatever your situation, you don’t have to face it alone.

Open for Exam Results Support:
14 August 2025 – 11am to 5pm
21 August 2025 – 12pm to 5pm

Use the QR code on the leaflet for more details, or contact the SfYP St Albans Team directly - support is just a click or conversation away.

Ms C Eady

A huge Thank You and well done to all our musicians for their hard work and commitment over the course of the year. We have had some amazing concerts and events this year, culminating in our Music Tour to Wallonia in July. A video showing the highlights of the trip can be viewed here

All our music clubs and instrumental and voice lessons will be back up and running in September.

Enjoy the summer break and we will see you in September.

Ms A Stothard

ParentPay Reminder: Check Your Account is Up-to-Date

A reminder for everyone - we kindly ask all parents to check their ParentPay accounts to ensure that payments are up-to-date before we break up for the Summer. Please also ensure that canteen accounts are cleared and topped up to avoid any issues. Keeping balances in check helps us continue to provide a smooth service for all students.

Parent Pay Instructions - End of academic year & Clearing Accounts Instructions:

1. Login to your account.
2. Navigate to the Dashboard.
3. Click Pay for Meals.
4. Enter the amount you want to pay.
5. Use One-Click Payment to complete the transaction instantly.
6. You can also set up Autopayment: When your balance falls below a threshold (£1.00 min to £50.00 max), your account will automatically top up by a selected amount (£2.50 to £100.00).
7. Store your bank card securely for easy One-Click Payments and Autopay setup.

Thank you for your support and have a great Summer!

Mrs T Dowling

Last Thursday, one of our students, Fred G, had the fantastic opportunity to spend the day working at Watford Fire Station, where his grandfather, Roger, an ex-fire officers runs the Fire Museum in Watford.

Throughout the day, Fred interviewed the fire crew and viewed all the firefighting equipment. He learnt how to check the equipment to ensure it can operate well when required. He was fascinated by the smoke training tower and the amount of firefighting equipment on the fire trucks.

A special highlight of the day was taking part in the drills. He was able to hold the fire-hose and the experience was unforgettable.

 Well done, Fred, for making the most of this experience and representing Sandringham so well.

Ms C Chan

We’ve reached the last day of term, and as is tradition at Sandringham, we’re celebrating in style with Culture Day, a colourful and delicious way to round off the year.

The school is alive with activity as students take part in a range of exciting cultural events and workshops. From interactive performances to traditional games, it's a day full of energy, pride, and community spirit.

Out on the school field, the smell of delicious food from around the world fills the air, giving everyone a chance to sample global flavours and enjoy some treats in the sunshine.

Just a quick snapshot of the day so far, but it’s safe to say, everyone is leaving the school with a smile today.

Enjoy the Summer!

Mrs T Dowling

SUPPORTING LINKS

Free Workshops for Parents & Carers of Children with ASD/ADHD

Are you a parent or carer in Hertfordshire with a child aged 2-25 who has suspected or diagnosed Autistic Spectrum Disorder and/or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder? Supporting Links is offering FREE online workshops this Autumn 2025, funded by Hertfordshire County Council’s Targeted Parenting Fund.

These workshops provide practical strategies and support for navigating common challenges.

Responding to Anger (Workshop SL781)

• When: Tuesday 23rd September, 9:30AM - 11:15AM
• What you'll learn: How to identify healthy and unhealthy anger, spot early signs, understand triggers and use techniques to de-escalate angry and aggressive behaviour. Learn how to respond to your child in meltdown while keeping everyone safe.
• Book via Eventbrite (see flyer for link and contact information)

The Teenage Years (Workshop SL782)

• When: Monday 13th October, 7:30PM - 9:15PM
• What you'll learn: The impact of teenage brain development on children with ASD/ADHD. Discover strategies for reducing conflict, agreeing on appropriate boundaries, teaching risk assessment and helping teens develop independence.
• Book via Eventbrite: (see flyer for link and contact information)

Tech Use (Workshop SL783)

• When: Monday 10th November, 7:30 PM - 9:15 PM
• What you'll learn: Practical advice on online safety, helping your child switch off devices, supporting behaviour difficulties during play and understanding the effects of using devices as rewards or consequences. Learn to help children regulate their own device use.
• Book via Eventbrite: (see flyer for link and contact information)

School Avoidance (Workshop SL784)

• When: Monday, November 24th, 7:30 PM - 9:15 PM
• What you'll learn: What Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) is and if your child is experiencing it. Explore common causes and triggers, how EBSA affects your family, practical steps to support your child and yourself, and how to work effectively with your school.
• Book via Eventbrite: School Avoidance Workshop

Don't miss out on these valuable opportunities to gain insights and support!

Follow Supporting Links on social media for updates or get in touch: info@supportinglinks.co.uk, https://www.supportinglinks.co.uk/

Ms M Morris

Another brilliant year for the Year 9 Dance Modules.

After a year of hard work and dedication, leading sessions to their peers, in fit for life week and to Wheatfields Yr 5 students, the Yr 9 Dance Leaders have successfully achieved their Level 1 Qualification in Dance Leadership. It has been an absolute pleasure to teach and support them in gaining this qualification and I can’t wait to see all of the skills they have gained continue to develop in their KS4 Dance journeys.

Ms F Willmott

Last week a group of Yr 12 students attended a Year 12 Problem Solving Conference for maths and maths related subjects held at the University of Herrtfordshire.

The conference was for A level maths students, particularly for those interested in studying maths or a related subject in the future. The day included problem solving skills, example lecture, and quiz style competition.

It was a fun-filled day which the students thoroughly enjoyed and gave them a chance to work collaboratively with students from other schools.

 

Mrs D Chopping & Mr K Mauldridge

A final reminder on the exclusive discount for Sandringham parents from Barracudas Holiday Clubs

Barracudas is offering £20 off a full week or £4 off per day - with over 80 exciting activities for children to enjoy.

It has flexible booking options, so it’s a convenient and fun solution for busy families.

Check out the flyer attached for the exclusive discount code.

Mrs Dowling

We have three book suggestions this week based on all things summery so you can enjoy your reading all over the holidays.

KS4: We Were Liars, by E. Lockhart

A beautiful and distinguished family. A private island. A brilliant, damaged girl; a passionate, political boy. A group of four friends-the Liars-whose friendship turns destructive. A revolution. An accident. A secret. Lies upon lies. True love. The truth. Read it. And if anyone asks you how it ends, just LIE

We often find that students enjoy watching a series and then reading the book. We Were Liars has been made into a TV series and is currently available via Amazon Prime. An easy to read thriller that students should engage with!

 

KS3: The Secret of Golden Island, By Natasha Farrant

Yakov's old friends were far away, blown across continents by war . . . When Skylar meets Yakov she is still reeling from the news of her grandfather's stroke. Yakov is just desperate to go home. They recognise something in each other: a need for friendship, but something else fizzy beneath the surface. A refusal to accept what life has dealt them; a reckless desire to change things up for the better. So when there's a competition to own nearby Golden Island, it's no surprise they want it. But how can two children possibly win an island? And what will they risk to call it their own?

 

KS5 / Staff: The Ministry of Time, by Kaliane Bradley

An exquisitely original and feverishly fun fusion of genres and ideas, The Ministry of Time asks: What does it mean to defy history, when history is living in your house? Kaliane Bradley’s answer is a blazing, unforgettable testament to what we owe each other in a changing world.

Enjoy everyone!

Ms S Thomas

French: le malaise

German: Das Unbehagen

Spanish: malestar

Thinking Question: This week the word of the week is a French word. How many other words in the English language have we borrowed from French? Can you think of any examples?

Ms F Baikie

M is for … malaise [noun]

Definition: A general feeling of discomfort, illness, or unease whose exact cause is difficult to identify.

Example: There was a general air of malaise after the meeting.

Synonyms: Unhappiness, Melancholy, Angst

Antonyms: Comfort, Peace, Pleasure

Etymology: Comes from French malaise, a blend of mal (“bad”) and aise (“ease”).

KS3 Golf Championship Results:

Year 9:
1st - A Kenward
2nd - A Whitehead & F Rowland
3rd - S Warren

Year 8:
1st - O Huntley
2nd - B Harvey
3rd - I Rajkumar & E Morrison

Year 7:
1st - S Hodgkinson
2nd - F McGregor, A Myers & R Newton
3rd - J Parsi

Congratulations to all those that took part. What a brilliant way to end the summer term.

Mr D Smith

English Schools Championships

What an incredible weekend for our three Hertfordshire athletes! Just qualifying for these prestigious championships is a major accomplishment but for all three to finish in the top five nationally is truly exceptional. Behind results like these lies an immense amount of hard work, commitment, and determination, much of which often goes unseen. The PE department couldn’t be prouder of your achievements. Well done and fully deserved!

B Silviera - 5th in Junior Girls Shot with a PB of 11.27
T Pritchard - 4th in Inter Boys 1500m s\c with a PB of 4.27.06
L Carlin - 3rd 🥉 in Inter Boys 400mH with a PB of 54.87

Mr D Keenleyside