For the last few weeks the Languages Department has been lucky enough to have two Sixth Formers from Colegio Kopernikus in the south of Chile, Amelia and Juanita, as Foreign Language Assistants in the Spanish Department. They have been instrumental in helping students improve their language skills, especially in listening and speaking.

Amelia and Juanita worked with students one-to-one, lead parts of lessons and helped create resources to further students’ knowledge. They have also expanded our students’ cultural understanding of the Spanish-speaking world and the linguistic differences that exist. Students have greatly benefited from their expertise and gained confidence in their ability to communicate in Spanish. Amelia and Juanita have no doubt been an asset to the school, and students and staff alike gained from their stay.

We would like to thank Amelia and Juanita for their hard work and enthusiasm and we wish them all the best in their future studies. We would also like to thank our Head Students, Chloe and Eliana, who shared their experience of being a Sixth Form student here at Sandringham with them. We hope that this will be the first step in setting up a link between our schools for future valuable collaborations. 

A few words from students below:         

“For the past few weeks we have been in the Spanish Department helping out in lessons. It has been very interesting to see how the children learn Spanish and we learnt a lot too. For example, the incredible method with which they learn the language. I would like to apply it in my school because the love for Spanish they have is incredible. In addition, we were very impressed by all the activities that we did because in them you could practise all areas you have to learn in a language. Another highlight of our stay was the opportunity to be in the Sixth Form accompanied by our incredible buddies, Chloe and Eliana, who showed us what life as a Sixth Form student is like in the UK. We are very grateful for this opportunity, it has been amazing and we have learnt many new skills. Our English has improved too! We would like to thank you all on behalf of our school in Chile for this incredible opportunity. We hope that this connection between our schools can blossom.”  Amelia and Juanita.

2025 Christmas Cracker in St Albans - This Weekend!

We’re excited to share news about the 2025 Christmas Cracker street festival in St Albans on Sunday 16th November, 12 - 6pm.

What a perfect way to kick off the festive season, and there’s something for everyone, including:

• Music, entertainment, and school choirs
• Games, arts & crafts, and create & play zones
• A free Santa’s Grotto
• Over 100 food, drink, and gift stalls 

Bring your friends and family along for a fun day out to launch the Christmas season in style.

On Tuesday this week, the School came together to honour those who gave their lives in service to our country.

Our Remembrance Day service was a poignant moment of reflection, with students showing great respect and composure throughout.

A special mention goes to our talented students who created the beautiful display of poppies at the front of the school, a touching tribute to those we remember today and always.

A huge congratulations to Clariden L, who has recently achieved his Grade 4 Piano! This is a fantastic milestone and reflects all the hard work, practice, and dedication he has put into developing his musical skills.

Well done Clariden, what a brilliant achievement and we're looking forward to seeing where your musical journey takes you next.

Drawing week 2025

The Big Draw is a UK-based visual-literacy charity, founded in 2000. It promotes drawing as a universal language.

At Sandringham we celebrate drawing week annually through activities in lessons and also by offering a fun filled week of extra activities for students to take part in. The highlight of the week was when local artist and graphic designer, Gary Cham came into run a caricature workshop. He showed the class his amazing work and then drew live caricatures of students on his ipad. The classroom was packed full of excited students.

Thank you Gary for a brilliant lesson.

Opening Night Success for the Whole School Show

Last night saw the opening night of our whole school show in the Sandpit, and it’s already receiving rave reviews!

The show looks incredible - a huge congratulations to the all the Arts teams involved for creating such a spectacular experience.

Yr 7 students were full of praise for the performance:

“I loved the way it was arranged, the acting was spectacular, and my favourite bit was Willy Wonka’s voice acting — his accent was just on point!”

“The chocolate news and Charlie in the factory were amazing.”

“The oompa-loompas were incredibly well put together, and the songs were impeccably performed.”

“Everything from lighting to costumes to acting was West End quality.”

“I really felt the sadness of Charlie and the bubbly personality of Violet -  the show was amazing!”

It’s clear that the show has captured everyone’s hearts. Good luck to all performers for tonight and this weekend’s performances - we can’t wait to see the magic continue on stage.

Farewell to Jane Taylor

This week we have said a fond farewell and very big thank you to Mrs Taylor who has been at Sandringham working as a Teaching Assistant for almost 25 years!

She has supported many of our students through her time here and has had impact on many lives, working to help them through their qualifications and on many life skills along the way.

She has always been a real favourite of our students, as well as staff!

We wish Mrs Taylor a very happy retirement - it is certainly well deserved.

On Tuesday afternoon, 35 sixth form students travelled to Imperial College London to attend a series of presentations from 2nd year Mechanical Engineering students.

There was a wide range of topics, from ‘can AI data centres be put into orbit?’, to ‘how does a rocket engine work?’  and ‘how can a space probe battery be made to last 50 years?’.

The students had to opportunity to ask questions following the presentations, and really showcased their passion for Engineering and Physics! It was fantastic experience for the students to gain an insight into a university course, alongside making connections with current Imperial students.

Marshalswick Christmas Fair - This Saturday!

Get into the festive spirit at the St Mary’s Church Marshalswick Christmas Fair, taking place tomorrow, Saturday 15th November, from 10.30am to 1.30pm.

With stalls, seasonal treats, gifts, and plenty of community cheer, it’s a lovely way to kick off the countdown to Christmas.

Entry is just £1 on the door, and children go free when accompanied by an adult.

St Mary’s Church
1 Sherwood Avenue, St Albans
AL4 9QJ

Come along, support the community, and enjoy a few festive hours to kick off the weekend.

Help Us Give the Christmas Fair a Festive Glow Up

The Christmas Fair is just around the corner, and we want to make the school look fabulously festive this year, but we need some extra elflike help.

If you have any old or unwanted Christmas decorations, please consider donating them to us. Your contributions will help transform the school into a magical festive space for everyone to enjoy.

Drop off your decorations at Reception and help get Sandringham Christmas ready.

Interhouse Swimming Competition Makes a Splash

This week, the annual Interhouse Swimming Competition brought excitement, energy, and some truly impressive performances to the pool. Students from different year groups demonstrated outstanding talent, determination, and house pride as they competed for those all important points.

The final results are as follows:

Boys
1st – Hepworth
2nd – Johnson
3rd – Shakespeare

Girls
1st – Fawcett
2nd – Hepworth
3rd – Austen

A huge congratulations to all swimmers for their fantastic efforts and sportsmanship throughout the event. And a special well done to Hepworth and Fawcett for topping the leader board in their respective categories. Well done everyone!

Sandringham Christmas Fair – Saturday 6th December

Get ready to step into the festive season - our Christmas Fair will take place on Saturday 6th December between 11am -  3pm in the Main Hall.

There will be lots of festive treats, fun stalls, and activities for the whole family to enjoy.

As always, we need your help to make the day a success:

• Parents and Staff Volunteers: Please sign up here to lend a hand where you can throughout the day.

• Tombola Donations: You can contribute via ParentPay which is already set up on the system, or you're very welcome to bring chocolates, sweets, or bottles to Reception.

Come along, enjoy the festive atmosphere, and help us make this year’s Christmas Fair a wonderful celebration for the whole Sandringham community.

Last Call for Anglesey 2026: An Unforgettable E-Week Adventure.

The deposit deadline is TOMORROW 15th November.

Students still have a final chance to secure a place on the Anglesey 2026 E-Week residential, running from Wednesday 17th to Saturday 20th June 2026. if you’re looking for a high-adventure experience next summer, this is the perfect opportunity.

The group will be staying at the Conway Centres in Anglesey, an incredible 169-acre National Trust site set beside the beautiful Menai Strait. This action-packed trip offers a thrill-seeker’s dream schedule, with activities ranging from sailing to abseiling, and a wide variety of outdoor challenges designed to build confidence, teamwork, and resilience. Whether students are drawn to mountain adventures, water sports, or simply want an inspiring change of scenery, Anglesey delivers an unforgettable experience.

The anticipated cost of the trip is £530–£550, depending on final student numbers.

A £150 non-refundable deposit is required, with second payment due by 15th January and the final balance due by 15th March.

Don’t miss your chance to grab one of the last remaining spots - SIGN UP TODAY!

Discover Green Careers 

Interested in trees, nature, or the environment? Join this online event for an inspiring evening with young professionals shaping the future of the tree and environmental sector.

• Monday 24th November 
• 6:00 - 7:00pm

Our panellists will share their career journeys, tips, and lessons they've learned, plus there will be a live Q&A where you can ask your own questions.

Hosted by Charlie Knowles (Tree Warden Scheme) and featuring:

• Katie Jones – The Tree Council
• Lucy Grabe-Watson – Ancient Woodlands UK
• Harry Munt – Young Tree Champions
• India Blake – Forestry Commission & Logging Off Club

This is a fantastic opportunity to gain insights and advice if you’re thinking about a green career.

Order Your Christmas Tree & Support The School.

Remember to order a beautiful quality Nordmann Fir tree delivered straight to your home with Christmas Treeasy and help raise £3.50–£6.50 for our school/PTA per tree.

Free delivery, optional recycling, stands, and logs available. Pre-order 9ft & 10ft trees by 20th November (that's next Thursday) - weekend slots go fast so be sure to get in there early.

Order online here or scan the QR code attached, and don’t forget to select our school to ensure your donation 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).

Need Someone to Talk To? Just Shout 85258

We’ve recently come across a really great organisation called Shout, which offers free and confidential support for anyone who might be going through a tough time.

If you ever feel stressed, anxious, low, or just need someone to talk to, you can text SHOUT to 85258 any time, day or night, and a trained volunteer will listen and help you find a way forward.

It’s completely free, available 24/7, and totally confidential.

You can find out more by visiting their website here.

Stay Safe on the Journey Home

As the evenings get darker, it’s more important than ever for students to stay visible on their walk home. Our neighbours at Howdens in Brick Knoll Park are supporting the community by offering free reflector stickers to help students stand out in low-light conditions.

With winter bringing an increase in road-safety incidents, this is a simple but effective way to stay safe. Families are welcome to pop into the store and collect stickers at any time.

Let’s all help keep our journeys brighter and safer this winter.

Darren & Trish Tofte Celebrate 25 Years with Sandringham

A huge congratulations to Darren and Trish Tofte, who are celebrating 25 years of dedicated service.

Together, this husband-and-wife team has been a cornerstone of our school, keeping the site running smoothly and ensuring our high standards are always maintained.

Thank you both for your incredible commitment, we’re lucky to have you as part of the Sandringham family.

Christmas Fair Raffle Tickets Are Now On Sale

Exciting news - Raffle tickets for our Sandringham Christmas Fair are now available and can be purchased via ParentPay.

We want to extend a huge thank you to all the wonderful contributors who have been incredibly generous with their donations. As you can see, there is a fantastic variety of prizes to be won, so make sure you get your tickets for a chance to be part of the draw.

Don’t miss out, so grab your tickets and keep those fingers crossed they call your number!

New Jazz Workshop in St Albans

Exciting news for local musicians: Reuben Fowler, award-winning jazz trumpet player and composer, is launching the Hertfordshire Jazz Workshop at Loreto College from January 2026.

Open to musicians of all ages and abilities, the workshop offers a friendly space to explore improvisation, ensemble playing, and jazz music.

For more info or to get involved, email hertsjazzworkshop@gmail.com.

Don’t miss this chance to play and learn jazz in a supportive, creative environment.

A big shout-out to Isobel R in Yr 11 for her budding photography skills!

Over the past half term, Isobel has been capturing some of our boys’ and girls’ sports fixtures, and the action shots she’s taken have been absolutely brilliant.

Thank you for taking the time out to do this Isobel, we can’t wait to see all the amazing images you capture in the future.

The Snow Angel by  Lauren St John.

Growing up in vibrant, crowded Nairobi, Makena has only one dream: to climb Mount Kenya like her hero, her mountain guide father. But when her beautiful world is shattered, she finds that in the city’s dark places there are a thousand ways to fall, each more deadly than any crevasse. In a world of strangers, does she dare trust Snow, whose ballet dreams are haunted by a past she’s still running from? And is the sparkling fox friend or foe?

After a fresh start in the Scottish Highlands turns bad, Makena flees to the mountains. But will they betray her or be the making of her?

Katarina H in Yr 7 has recently read the book and comments: “I really enjoyed this book as it is full of emotion. I really enjoyed it and hope others will too as it is very touching. The book is about loss, love, family and lots lots more.”

French: jeune

German: jugendlich

Spanish: juvenil

Thinking Question: Which two European languages are most closely related to English?

J is for… juvenile [adjective]

Definition: Childish; immature.

Example: She's bored with my juvenile conversation. 

Synonyms: Childish, Immature, Youthful

Antonyms: Mature, Experienced

Etymology: From Latin juvenilis (‘youthful’), from juvenis (‘young person’).

The first win for our Yr 7A Netballers, who had an absolutely fantastic game vs SJL; it all seemed to click and fall into place today.

Very proud of you all! OPM Eva and CPM Iris I, but everyone was fantastic!

This upcoming week is packed with plenty of fixtures, with the addition of swimming which is exciting to see after the brilliant inter-house competition.Good luck to everyone competing.

Senior Boys: Another fantastic week for the Senior Boys team, who recorded two impressive wins in the Schools U19 National group stage.

First, they secured a 79-62 victory over Oaklands in their penultimate game, thanks to a superb defensive display and excellent team effort. They followed this up with another strong performance, beating St. Columba’s College in a tightly contested match, once again showcasing their defensive strength and teamwork.These wins keep the team unbeaten heading into their final group stage game, a real testament to their skill, determination, and team spirit!

Well done to the U14 and U16 badminton squads for their efforts in the District tournament. Both teams finished in a very respectable 2nd place.

Yr 7: A big squad took to the field last weekend to take on Verulam. We moved the ball well and defended superbly to secure a 4-2 win. Some debuts and more minutes for lots of players. Van Leempoel, Quinn, Snook & Turkovic score. A big thank you to the year 11’s for their continued help with our yr 7 team. 

Yr 8: Well done to the U13’s  for their 6-4 win vs Verulam. After a number of frustrating draws and narrow games, the boys showed discipline to put on a good performance this morning. Everyone could have had a mention, but mentions to Sam C, Sam H, and Josh C, and MOM goes to John M. Well done lads.

Yr 10: A valiant effort from our year 10’s who played till the very end against a strong Verulam side. A 45-17 loss. A special mention to the year 9’s that stepped up and played this morning. A good experience for you. 

ESAA: Regional Cross Country finals held at Dulwich College took place on Monday with an incredible 5 out of 6 teams qualifying for this stage. Despite the awful conditions, our students did themselves proud and ran brilliantly.

Junior Girls - 6th
Junior Boys - 5th
Inter Girls - 13th
Senior Girls - 4th
Senior Boys - 11th

Our SG just miss out on a national final having placed one position outside the qualifiers.

A special mention to Toby Pritchard who came 1st in the SB category as a year 11. 

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.

Save the date!

5th - 7th February 2026.

More information coming soon.

We can't wait!

Tonight and Tomorrow...

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.

Good Luck to everyone performing over the weekend.