Celebrate the spirit of autumn at Oaktober Fest with a family friendly day at Oaklands College on Saturday 4th October.

Enjoy a scenic orchard walk, pumpkin carving, face painting, and meeting some animals at their on site zoo and farm.

Browse artisan stalls, tuck into delicious street food, and soak up the seasonal atmosphere with activities for all ages.

Get down there for a fantastic day of autumnal fun - get your tickets here.

Mrs T Dowling

Staff Tug of War Champions – Turing!

Last Friday’s staff Tug of War was a fiercely contested battle, with plenty of determination on display. After a hard-fought competition, it was Turing who held strong and pulled their way to victory.

A huge congratulations to Turing, well deserved champions!

Mrs T Dowling

Every year we enter a number of students for a home language GCE/GCSE or A level exam.

For example, if you speak Polish at home, you might be interested in doing the GCSE.

If you would be interested in completing a GCE/GCSE in your home language, please email into reception for the attention of Ms Baikie and Ms Bowman (Exams).

Students are only able to do the GCSE exam in Yr 10 or Year 11, we do not enter younger students.

The deadline for expressing interest is Friday 24th October for entry in the summer 2026 exams.

No applications will be accepted after this.

Ms F Baikie

We’re pleased to share this great offer for our community - Barracudas are offering an exclusive discount for the upcoming October half term. With a wide range of fun, active, and engaging activities for children aged 4 to 14, Barracudas is a great option for holiday childcare.

Parents can enjoy a special £20 off per week, or £4 a day discount on bookings using our unique code.

To find out more and secure your place click here

Discount Code: HSCP25

Mrs T Dowling

Join us at Marshalswick Library on 22nd October for a special Slipper Swap event - free to attend.

At the event they will be giving away pairs of anti-slip slippers designed to help keep our older community members safe on their feet. Alongside this, there will be valuable discussions on fall prevention, staying independent, and avoiding unnecessary hospital stays.

This initiative is brought to you in partnership with Adult Care Services and a range of local experts, including an Occupational Therapist, Age UK, Carers in Hertfordshire, a fitness specialist, Fire Crews, and more. The event also highlights the importance of combating social isolation and introduces library services such as social groups, the Home Library Service, and the Carers Card.

No booking is required, and you don’t need to be a library member to attend. They warmly invite everyone to drop by, enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, grab a free pair of slippers, and pick up helpful advice.

22nd October from 10.00am  - 1.00pm.

Mrs T Dowling

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 follow the link on your House Google Classroom (it will be posted on Monday at 8.a.m.) to fill out the Google Form. 

Good luck! Why not play at home and see who is the quickest to get the answer (unfortunately we can only accept answers from students)?

Mr J Richardson

Clubs and Instrumental Lessons

It has been fantastic welcoming new members to our choirs and ensembles this year.

New members are still welcome in our ensembles and sign ups for instrumental lessons are also still open.

Please get in touch with the Music Department for more information.

Ms A Stothard

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

Sandringham’s Socials

If you're new to the school - Welcome!

To help you stay in the loop, we’ve popped all our social media tags above.

Follow us to catch all the latest, from school news and PE triumphs, to arts highlights, and snapshots from trips out and about.

We waved goodbye to X last year and are now all about Instagram as our platform of choice. So hit that follow button and stay connected with everything happening at Sandringham... there is a lot to keep up with.

Mrs T Dowling

RSPCA Week

Join us in celebrating RSPCA Week from Monday 29 September - Friday 3 October.

This is a fantastic opportunity for primary and secondary schools to get involved with the world’s oldest and largest animal welfare charity.

Sadly, the RSPCA is facing an unprecedented crisis with record numbers of abandoned pets needing homes. In July alone, the RSPCA cared for 1,646 dogs, which is more than double the number from 2020, alongside countless cats, rabbits, and other animals. With centres full, the charity is urgently appealing for fosterers and adopters to step forward.

Fostering is free and non-committal – a short term way to help an animal in need.
Adoption gives a pet a forever home and frees up vital space for rescues.

Every adoption or foster placement makes a huge difference.

How you can help:

• Consider fostering or adopting an animal.
• Share rehoming profiles to spread the word.
• Visit the RSPCA’s Find a Pet page to see animals in need of homes.

“Every adoption frees up vital space for us to rescue another animal in urgent need.” RSPCA

This RSPCA Week, let’s try to work together to give abandoned animals the happy futures they deserve.

Mrs T Dowling

A reminder - the whole school group photograph is now available to view and order through Tempest Photography.

To access the image and place your order, please visit the following link:

When ordering, please include your child’s full name to help with smooth distribution within school.

Order within two weeks to benefit from free delivery to the school - the last day will be Sunday 5th October.

Orders placed after this window may incur postage and packaging charges.

If you need assistance, please call Tempest Photography on 01736 752411 and choose:

• Option 3 – To place an order (P&P applies)
• Option 5 – For customer services

One for the memory books!

 

Mrs T Dowling

Year 7 Peak District Adventure 

This week our Yr 7s headed to the Peak District and what a fantastic time they had. From the moment they arrived, students threw themselves into the spirit of outdoor adventure, embracing every challenge and opportunity with real enthusiasm.

The glorious weather made the trip even more special, with stunning scenery providing the perfect backdrop for exploring, team-building, and creating lasting memories.

It was wonderful to see our Yr 7s supporting one another, trying new things, and making the most of their time away. A truly unforgettable trip.

Mrs T Dowling

The MFL department are celebrating the European Day of Languages today, Friday 26th September. 

We have created today’s House Quiz which references ALL languages, and here is a copy to test your knowledge. Answers next week, or perhaps your children can tell you if they can remember! 

In addition, tutor groups were asked to do a poll of the number of languages spoken within the form – languages learnt, languages spoken at home or with friends and family, languages use when travelling overseas, to see what talented linguists we have at Sandringham. To date, 12NE is the most multi-lingual form with a massive 19 languages, as follows:

• French
• Italian
• German
• Maltese
• Bulgarian
• Spanish
• Japanese
• English
• Hindu
• Farsi
• Tunisian
• Marathi
• Latin
• Afrikaans
• Turkish
• Arabic
• Scottish Gaelic
• Dutch
• Urdu

Ms L Hill

HOUSE POINTS

Shakespeare remain out in front, with a little swap between Turing and Elgar for second and third place.

1. Shakespeare 3,693
2. Turing 3,431
3. Elgar 3,369

Special mentions this week:  

• O Hunt (8T) - (14) – Most points this week
• S Smith (8S)- 53 - Highest scoring Year 8
• J Coyne (9S) - 47 - Highest scoring year 9
• I Muriki (7E) - 59 - Highest scoring year 7
• J Scott (10A) - 35 - Highest scoring year 10
• E West (11J) - 22 - Highest scoring year 11
• F Evans (12S) 15 - Highest scoring sixth former
• 11H, 12JO & 12S - Highest quiz score - 29/30
• Turing most house points this week - 784
• Turing for WINNING Staff tug of war

Mr D Keenleyside

We’re Hiring!

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

- Assistant Operations and Lettings Manager 

- Cleaner

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

We are pleased to let you know that the Early Bird tickets for the Wheatfields Fireworks Extravaganza are now on sale.

Your students/parents are welcome to the early bird offer until Sunday 28th September so please do share the poster attached and below.

General sale (at a higher price) starts on Monday 29 September so it's definitely worth getting your tickets now.

Mrs T Dowling

Co-parenting with care for parents with children with SEN

Family lives are delivering Co-parenting with care for parents with children with SEN programme during the Autumn term, funded by Herts County Council for parents/carers who live in Hertfordshire or who have a child attending a Hertfordshire school.  

This 6-week online programme offers a structured approach to help parents navigate their unique challenges, improve their relationship, and create a more supportive environment for their SEN child/ren . This group is aimed at parents who have a child with SEND and who are separated or divorced or going through the process of separation or divorce.

The programme covers themes including:

• Understanding SEN and its impact on children and family dynamics
• Effective Communication Skills
• Managing Emotions & Stress
• Collaborative Problem Solving
• Building a Supportive Network
• Creating a Unified Parenting Approach

Co-Parenting with care for parents of children with SEN

Wednesday 15, 22 October and 5, 12, 19 & 26 November

9.30am to 11.30am - Via MS Teams

Co-Parenting with care for parents of children with SEN

Thursday 16, 23 October and 6, 13, 20 & 27 November

7.00pm to 9.00pm - Via MS Teams

We accept referrals from professionals as well as self-referrals. Please click here Co-Parenting with Care for parents of children with SEN for our online referral form or scan the QR code on the attached flyer

You can also email services@familylives.org.uk or call us on 0204 522 8700 or 0204 522 8701 for more information. 

Ms M Morris

Sandringham Sports Awards 2025

Last week we hosted our annual Sports Awards, which was a fantastic evening to celebrate the standout achievements and unforgettable sporting moments of the 2024/25 academic year.

As a school, we’re so proud of everything our teams and individuals have accomplished. None of it would be possible without the incredible dedication of our students, and, of course the tireless support from coaches, staff, and families who cheer them on every step of the way.

A huge congratulations to all of this year’s award winners, your hard work and commitment truly shone through.

And now… bring on 2026!

Mrs T Dowling

French: respectueux

German: respektvoll

Spanish: deferente

Thinking Questions: Which language is the official language of the most European countries?

Ms F Baikie

The Island by C.L. Taylor

It was supposed to be the perfect holiday: a week-long trip for six teenage friends on a remote tropical island. But when their guide dies of a stroke leaving them stranded, the trip of a lifetime quickly turns into a nightmare. Because someone on the island knows each of the group’s worst fears. And one by one, they’re coming true. Seven days in paradise. A deadly secret.

Who will make it off the island alive?      

Elodie S has recently read the book and comments: “It is an amazing book. Full of suspense, mystery and full of plot twists every time you turn a page.”

Ms S Thomas

D is for… deferential [adjective]

Definition: Respectful.

Example: People were always deferential to him.

Synonyms: Courteous, Obedient, Reverential.

Antonyms: Impolite, Rude, Unrefined.

Etymology: From Latin deferre (‘to bring down’), from de- + ferre (‘to carry’).

SYSTEM

Cross Country 3: Some more impressive performances from our students as they complete the course at Nicholas Breakspear. Lots of top 10 finishes and debuts. Special mentions:

1st - D. Kennedy JB
4th - E. Owen IG
2nd - O. Blok SB

Mr D Keenleyside

Lots of activity happening tomorrow with all our Rugby teams, followed up with a very busy all of next week! As usual, good luck to all our teams, we hope you have a successful week.

Mrs T Dowling

ESSA: Some excellent performances from our boys last night at the Regional swimming finals. Well done to you all.

Junior Boys Medley team finished first and qualify for National finals in November. The second team to get there in 4 years.

H. Koyanagi
O. Chau
A. Saunders
C. Girotto

Mr D Keenleyside

The Y10 boys are Cricket Hertfordshire County Plate runners up after defeat to St Edmund’s. The boys set a target of 138 runs. This was eventually surpassed with 7 balls remaining. A fantastic match from all involved, congratulations boys. MoM: T. Russ with 73 runs and 2 wickets.

Mr D Keenleyside

A third place finish for our U14 performance squad at their most recent tournament. Some pleasing progress shown against some strong sides. Congratulations girls, onwards and upwards.

Ms K Wills

The U14 girls played in a very exciting badminton match against Queenswood. The scores were level 2-2 at the end of the singles matches but with two very competitive games and some excellent play from the doubles pairs, Sandringham managed to take a 4-2 win.
The girls go through to the next round of the National Cup.

Mr D Keenleyside

Yr 7: A wonderful morning of rugby against St Columbas College last weekend. 34 boys represented the school and showcased great potential.
A’s lost 5-2 with two tries for N. Foster.
B’s lost 8-4 with T. Phillips, J O’Sullivan & C Leith (2) scoring
An exciting season ahead for these boys!

Yr 9: A competitive game last weekend V's St Columbas as we lose out 21-10. Lots of positives to take into next weekend. Great to see some new faces represent the school. The squad is building nicely so looking forward to seeing what the season holds.

Yr 10: Defeat in the season opener against a very strong St Columbas team. Our only try was scored by Sam B.R. Well done to all involved.

Mr D Keenleyside

Yr 7: Congratulations to the U12’s who played their first game this week in Sandringham colours. A strong 3-0 win to keep us in the hat for the National cup. MOTM - Ted B-R

Yr 8: Our Yr 8 team began their county cup campaign this week with a very strong performance in Round 1 vs Goffs Churchgate. Goals from Adeyemo x2, Kennedy x2, Hodgkinson, Duncan & Okundonor

Yr 10: A comprehensive win in the first round of the County Cup vs DAO this week. Some lovely football played in a new formation for the team. Goals shared amongst the team but special mention to W Hunt who finished with 4. A clean sheet to top it off. Onto the next round

Senior 1st XI: The first of 5 in a 5-1 victory over The Hemel Hempstead School in the ESFA National Cup 1st round last weekend. Congratulations boys, great result.

Yr 9 Girls: A 6-1 loss in R1 of the National cup to a very strong Beaumont side. Great credit to all the Yr 8’s who played up. MOM - M Duncan. J Murphy the scorer

Mr D Keenleyside

Join us for KT's Academy's winter production of Dancing through the decades.  

Join us down memory lane, where the children will showcase their performance skills through the decades.

A variety of dance, singing and acting performances showcased by our students. 

Saturday 29th November

Get your tickets here.

The Sandpit Team

Sandringham School Drama Faculty presents the world-famous Willy Wonka, and he is opening the gates to his mysterious factory…but only to a lucky few. Young Charlie Bucket and four other golden ticket winners will embark on a life-changing journey through Wonka’s world of pure imagination including chocolate waterfalls, nutty squirrels and the great glass elevator, all to be revealed by Wonka's army of curious Oompa-Loompas.

The only tickets remaining are for Thursday 13th and Saturday 15th November 

Get your tickets here, this is not one to miss!

The Sandpit Team

Following on the success of the smash-hit ‘Bugsy Malone’, Limitless Productions, returns to The SandPit Theatre this Halloween, with a brand newfull-scale musical.

One of the darkest musicals ever written,Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street is the unsettling tale of a Victorian-era barber who returns home to London after fifteen years of exile to take revenge on the corrupt judge who ruined his life. When revenge eludes him, Sweeney swears vengeance on the entire human race. Perhaps composer/lyricist Stephen Sondheim’s most perfect score,Sweeney Todd is lush, operatic, and full of soaring beauty, pitch-black comedy and stunning terror.

Featuring a sizeable cast, full scale set and immersion throughout, this classic musical thriller is not to be missed.

Click here for ticket.

The Sandpit Team

Join the students from Cassana Performance Academy as they bring the story of Matilda to life in this much-loved musical.

Become captivated as Matilda finds strength in her unique powers and unites the children against Miss Trunchbull!

Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th October.

Get your tickets here.

The Sandpit Team

We are excited to announce our first Music Faculty event of the year and also our first ever, Sandringham Jazz Night on Tuesday 21st October @ 6:30pm

This new event, will feature many of our school ensembles, including the Jazz Band, Concert Band and Senior Choir and will take place in the main school hall.

Tickets are now available from the Sandpit Theatre Box Office here.

Ms A Stothard