Celebrate the spirit of autumn at Oaktober Fest with a family friendly day at Oaklands College TOMORROW, 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.

A reminder for those interested - 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.

On Tuesday this week Alan Castle from the Bank of England delivered an “Economics in Practice” talk to Yr 13 students. The talk covered the role of the Bank of England, particularly with regards to monetary stability, as well as careers at the bank and its graduate entry and apprenticeship programmes.  The talk was well attended, especially by A-Level Economics students.  It tied in well with the Economics course, highlighting the factors that the Bank of England looks at when setting monetary policy and also underlining the importance of controlling not just inflation, but also inflation expectations.

Elgar and Austin Launch Charity Week with a Cake Sale!

The first House Charity Week of the Autumn term is almost here, and Elgar and Austin are kicking things off with something delicious.

From Mon 6th - Fri 10th Oct, there will be a cake sale every lunchtime.

Make sure you pop by, pick up a treat, and help raise money for some fantastic causes.

Every slice counts!

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)?

Sandringham Students Shine on Screen in The Hack

We are excited to share that several Sandringham students recently appeared as extras in ITV’s new drama The Hack, which is currently airing on television. The series, starring David Tennant, tells the story of the phone-hacking scandal at the News of the World newspaper and was filmed at locations across Hertfordshire, including Berkhamsted, Hatfield, Hemel Hempstead, Rickmansworth and St Albans.

Filming took place last spring, but our students had to keep it a secret until the programme’s release. Working alongside professional actors and production teams gave them an invaluable insight into the world of television.

Charlie B said: "It was a really fun experience that a bunch of us got to be involved in. We were extra's that had to walk in and out of the school, so it was  nice that we could do it in a group. David said "hi" to us throughout the day and also said how professional we all were. It was a really fun experience which i was able to do through my theatre school, a would definitely do it again. I think the best part about it was probably meeting David Tennant.'

This was a fantastic opportunity made possible through Best Theatre Arts, who arranged for over 50 of their students to take part in the production. Many described the day as “one of the best ever,” especially when they realised they would be sharing the set with David Tennant himself!

What an incredible opportunity this has been for those involved and we are looking forward to seeing what exciting projects they will take on next.

Last Wednesday 24th September all but the Geographers from Yr 11 headed off to Fairlands Valley in Stevenage for a day of fun and a slight break from what is to be a very hard working year for them. The ELD is always put on to bring the year group a little closer together, build relationships and get them working in teams.

On arrival a slight shower gave us a little concern for the day’s weather, however the cloud cleared and it was a beautiful day down by the lake. The group was split into 3 and students had an opportunity participate in a number of fun games on the lakeside and enjoy time with the friends and staff. On the water they got to enjoy the inflatable aqua park. Students were exceptional all day and this activity really brought both the smiles and quite a competitive nature in some as students jumped, bounced and slid their way around the course with a few of them spending longer than they’d originally planned in the lake.

Hopefully they made some great memories and had a fun day out. This year will give them some hard working months ahead and we hope they can go into it knowing they must take some time for themselves beyond their studies. A huge thanks to the students for their attitude and impeccable behaviour throughout, the staff for making it possible and Miss Chapman for organising such a great day.

A Masterclass with Nick O’Brien

This week our Yr 10 and Yr 13 Drama students had the fantastic opportunity to work with Nick O’Brien from The Stanislavski Experience as part of their preparation for upcoming practical exams.

Nick, who specialises in bringing the renowned Stanislavski acting techniques to life for young performers, led inspiring workshops designed to deepen students’ understanding of characterisation and performance. His expertise and passion for theatre gave students valuable insights and practical tools to refine their exam pieces.

The students rose brilliantly to the challenge, showing great commitment and creativity throughout the sessions. We are incredibly proud of the energy and enthusiasm they brought to the workshops, and grateful to Nick for his time and generosity - a truly memorable learning experience that will no doubt enrich their performances and confidence on stage.

We’re Hiring!

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

- Assistant Operations and Lettings Manager 

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.

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. 

Movie Night For Everyone!

As part of House Charity Week, Elgar and Austin are hosting a Movie Night in the Sandpit Theatre on Friday 10th Oct from 6 - 8pm.

Tickets are just £7, which includes sweets and a drink.

It's going to be a fun evening for everyong, while also raising money for our wonderful charities.

Don’t miss out, do your bit, and grab your ticket now.

Navigating Social Media 

The Centre for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) have provided a brilliant guide around navigating social media with your children. It goes into lots of detail in understanding and supporting conversations about safe use of social media which i'm sure parents will find it interesting and useful. The guide goes into areas such as: 

• How social media platforms and algorithms operate.
• The various types of harms that children may experience.
• Practical advice and guidance.
• Supporting resources.

Please click on the following link to read the whole guide.

HOUSE POINTS

No change in the top 3 this week, just a good steady climb on points for all.

1. Shakespeare 4,573
2. Turing 4,211
3. Elgar 4,081

Special mentions this week:  

• I Muriuki (7E) & V Ganyai (7E) - (15) – Most points this week
• S Smith (8S)- 67 - Highest scoring Year 8
• J Coyne (9S) - 62 - Highest scoring year 9
• I Muriki (7E) - 59 - Highest scoring year 7
• J Scott (10A) - 42 - Highest scoring year 10
• A Shaikh (11J) - 27 - Highest scoring year 11
• F Evans (12S) 17 - Highest scoring sixth former
• 12S - Highest quiz score - 42/45
• Elgar most house points this week - 619

Last Monday we were delighted to welcome 20 students and two teachers from the Dietrich Bonhoeffer Gymnasium in Quickborn, just outside Hamburg, to Sandringham. The students and teachers stayed with local families. Feedback from the group was overwhelmingly positive. The exchange offered a truly unique and enriching experience for everyone involved. During their stay, the German students went to lessons, enjoyed a day trip to Oxford with their partners and visited both the Shuttleworth Museum and the Warner Bros. Studio near Watford. They also had a cooking lesson with Mrs Flahive and a creative arts session with Mrs Kelly. Our host families were, as always, outstanding in their generosity and hospitality - creating unforgettable memories for our visitors.

A huge thank you goes to everyone who supported this first leg of the German Exchange. Despite the increasing challenges of organising such trips, this long-standing partnership of almost 20 years continues to thrive, and we are already looking forward to our return visit to Germany in March. If you would like to take part in the German Exchange for our next academic year, please come and speak to us in the MFL Faculty.

For more updates on our language trips and adventures abroad, follow us on Instagram @Sand.trips

Armistice Runner, by Tom Palmer (dyslexia friendly)

This week’s Book of the Week is one of our former Whole School Reads and is currently very popular here in the LRC. Megan S in Yr 7 has written us a fantastic review:

“I loved this book! It's a perfect short read and when you finish it you just want to find out more. It connects the two stories so well, and just like Lily is, you're hooked into reading more of Ernest's diary. It shows how modern life and life in war are so different, rather than worrying about school and which race you're in, you're constantly fearing for your life, family and friends. Would recommend”

Lily has lots of worries. She’s struggling to compete in her junior fell-running races and, worse, she’s losing her gran to Alzheimer’s. But then she discovers her great-great-grandfather’s diaries from the First World War. Could his incredible story of bravery help her reconnect with her gran and even give her the inspiration she needs to push through and win?

French: détourner

German: unterschlagen

Spanish: malversar

Thinking Question: How do languages change over time?

E is for… embezzle [verb]

Definition: Steal or misappropriate (money placed in one's trust or belonging to the organisation for which one works).

Example: She had embezzled thousands in company funds.

Synonyms: Misappropriate, Purloin, Misuse.

Antonyms: Give, Receive.

Etymology: From Old French embesillier (‘to steal or misappropriate’), from besillier (a derivative of besill — to destroy or ruin).

1st XV: A narrow defeat to Roundwood Park yesterday afternoon with a 30-19 finishing score. After leading at the break and looking good value for the score line, our opponents fought back and crept in front. Tries from Farrugia, El Jumaily & Balogun.

Yr 9: The Y9 team got their new basketball campaign off to a winning start with a victory over Roundwood Park. The team had a few missing this evening which handed some debuts out to new players who did a great job. Congratulations boys. 

A completely packed week with no respite! Starting with a Saturday packed full of rugby, and ending with a touch of football. Good luck to all teams and individuals, looking forward to seeing all those results.

Well done to these four Yr 11’s for their 3rd place at the District Championships. Each played well in their respective matches, eventually beating RWP by 3 points in the 3rd/4th play off. Congratulations boys, well deserved!

Yr 7: A huge congratulations to the U12 ‘B’ team for their 6-3 win over Aldenham in the National Cup. 2 goals from Ross B and 4 from Andre K (including 2 half way line free kicks) MOM Andre K. Well done boys!

Yr 8: Our Yr 8 team have been knocked out of the ESFA this week after a 3-2 defeat away Vs Queens School. A very good performance from the team and the result could have gone either way in a very tightly contested match.

Yr 9: A narrow 2-1 loss to Latymer School in the National Cup B competition. GS - J Begum, MOM - J Griffiths 

Yr 10: In a very even game Vs Parmiters this week, our boys defended well and created a handful of good chances. We took the lead through W. Hunt before Parmiters equalised with a few minutes to go. Straight to penalties in which we unfortunately lost 3-2. We exit the National cup but look forward to County and District Cup.

Senior 2nd: The senior boys 'B' team are through to Round 3 of the ESFA after beating Beaumont School this afternoon. Goals from Rainey X2, Onwuemena X2, Hazlehurst and Hayden. We will have to wait until mid November to find out who we play in the next round. Well done team.

Yr 7: A good game of rugby last weekend Vs SRA. Sandringham took an early lead before the opponents pulled it back to 4-4. J O’Sullivan went over in the corner to win the game 5-4 for the boys in red. Foster (2), Turkovic & Parker with the other tries. MOM Parker.

Yr 8: Another good weekend of rugby for the U13 boys with a fixture Vs SRA. Tries from Marwaan x2 and John were enough to secure a 15-15 draw. MOTM’s - Hugo and Toby W-S for their outstanding efforts.

Yr 9: A strong performance from all 23 squad members last weekend against a resilient SRA. Improvements being made each week as the boys get their first win of the season. A 48-21 win as Yang, Cofone, Newman, Harvey, Harris (3) & Moyo score. Hall with 4 conversions.

1st XV: Our senior boys exit the National Vase after a defeat to a very strong Dr. Challoners school. A 24-5 loss in a shortened game (due to injury) with O Shadbolt going over. 

U12 Girls: A 3-2 loss for the U12 team in the 1st round National Cup Vs Edwinstree Middle School. It was a very close game and the girls all played very well creating some good chances. Goals scored by I Ticehurst & A Rogers POM: A Rogers PP: S Joshi

U13 Girls: Our U13 team start their National cup campaign with a win away to Brooklands Middle School. Congratulations to Anna for receiving player of the match 

U15 Girls: Our U15 team progress to the third round of the ESFA after a 4-0 win against Beaumont this afternoon. Player of the match goes to M. McKinstry for her dominant midfield performance

U16 Girls: Congratulations to the U16 team on their win in the second round of the National Cup! Excellent play displayed by all, and goals shared amongst the team. POM E. Duncan 

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!

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.

Last chance to get tickets  

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!

This weekend! Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th October.

Get your tickets here.

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.

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.