Charity Theatre Performance - 1984

Everyone is invited to a special charity performance of 1984 at the Abbey Theatre on Thursday 23rd April.

Presented by the Company of Ten, this powerful adaptation follows Winston Smith as he navigates life under Big Brother’s totalitarian rule - a world of constant surveillance, rewritten history and restricted freedom of thought.

All proceeds from the evening will go to support Youth Talk and Citizens Advice St Albans District, making this a fantastic opportunity to enjoy an engaging piece of theatre while supporting important local causes.

To find out more and to book tickets, click here.

A Level Drama Exam Success 

Big emotions in the Visual Arts faculty this week - we couldn't be prouder of this wonderful, talented bunch who have now officially completed their final practical exam for A Level Drama. It has been the biggest pleasure seeing you shine this week, WELL DONE!

Pupils Conference 2026 

15 of our students were able to attend the AET Pupil Conference at STAGs on Wednesday, and all who attended had a great day. It was lovely to see them working so well together with pupil representatives from the other 9 trust schools.

Perhaps the best part of the day was that it is all student led - we look forward to sharing more details from the young people involved in next week’s Sandprint.

Family Lives - Online Workshops

Family Lives are delivering the below online parenting workshops, funded by Herts County Council, in the Spring term for parents/carers who live in Hertfordshire.

All their programmes provide support, information and resources to parents/carers and adult family members so they can help their child reach their full potential as well as access to the wraparound support provided by our helpline, live chat and website.

Anxiety around ADHD - Online via MS Teams

This 2-hour workshop is for parents and carers who suspect or have received a recent diagnosis that their child has ADHD. The workshop helps parents/carers understand what ADHD is, why it makes sense for a child to be anxious if they have ADHD, strategies to help support you and your child, plus signposting to other support that is available.

Wednesday 18th March 7:00 - 9:00pm

Thursday 26th March 9.30 - 11.30am

Empowering parents - Online via MS Teams

A workshop to equip parents with practical tools, resources and strategies to enhance their parenting skills and navigate parenting challenges effectively.

Friday 20 March 9.30 - 11.30am

It’s a Dads Life - Online via MS Teams

A workshop for dads to help build strong attachment and relationships with their child.

Tuesday 24 March 7:00 - 9:00pm

To book a place please click here  Referral Form for Family Lives Herts Parenting Groups and Workshops for online referral form or scan the QR code on the attached flyer.

You can also email services@familylives.org.uk or call 0020 4522 8701 / 204 522 8700 for more information. 

Meningitis Update - Information for Parents and Carers

Following recent news of meningitis cases in Kent, we understand that some families may feel concerned. We would like to reassure you that there are currently no confirmed cases in Hertfordshire linked to this outbreak, and while meningitis is a serious illness, it remains uncommon.

Meningitis can be caused by viral or bacterial infections and is usually spread through close and prolonged contact. Symptoms can develop quickly and may include fever, headache, vomiting, a stiff neck, sensitivity to light, and drowsiness. A rash can sometimes appear, but not always.

Families are encouraged to remain aware of the symptoms and seek advice from NHS 111 if they have any concerns. If someone becomes seriously unwell, it is important to seek urgent medical help.

Vaccinations are available to protect against several types of meningitis, and families can check their child’s immunisations with their GP if needed.

Please see the attached letter for full information and guidance.

Mental Heath Services Directory 

It’s important for students, parents and carers to know that help and support are always available should you need it. Hertfordshire’s Children and Young People’s Mental Health Service Directory brings together a wide range of services that can provide help with emotional wellbeing, anxiety, stress, behaviour challenges and more. 

You can view and download the full directory here:Link

The directory lists a variety of services, including early-intervention and specialist support such as:

• School nurses and duty lines
• Counselling services
• Youth wellbeing support
• Mental Health Support Teams in schools
• Digital and online support tools
• Single Point Access for professional assessment and referrals
• and more to help when you need it. hwehealthiertogether.nhs.uk

There are also services you can contact directly without a professional referral, including free and confidential support for young people in Hertfordshire. So please don’t hesitate to reach out for support when you need it.

HOUSE POINTS

Shakespeare are still charging ahead as we head into the final week of the Spring Term.

1. Shakespeare 20, 297
2. Turing 18,175
3. Fawcett 17,269

Special mentions this week:  

• I Muriuki (7E) (17) – Most points this week
• T Tearle (7S) 266 - Highest scoring year 7
• M Altiganer (8F)- 232- Highest scoring Year 8
• T Somers (9S) - 232 - Highest scoring year 9
• G Birkin (10s) - 163- Highest scoring year 10
• L Jones (11H) - 54 - Highest scoring year 11
• B Stevenson (12S) 55 - Highest scoring sixth former
• 12S - Highest quiz score - 163/185
• E for most house points this week - 348

Potential Kids - Easter Activities

Potential Kids are running a range of sessions throughout the Easter holiday for neurodivergent children and young people, their siblings, and parents/carers.

These sessions provide a welcoming and supportive space for families to connect, have fun and access tailored activities.

To book a place, please visit their website here or for further information email: info@potentialkids.org

Please see the attached poster for full details of sessions, timings and venues.

Creative Writing Club 

Well done To Neve and Alice, Yr 7, who have finished writing their eleven chapter book, The Whispering Window. Neve and Alice have been working on their book since they joined Creative Writing club in September. We are very proud of all the work they’ve put into their heart-stopping thriller and that they’ve seen the project through to completion. After finishing their book, Neve and Alice submitted it to an independent publisher, Everything With Words. They received some very encouraging feedback and their first rejection letter, a rite of passage for all aspiring writers!

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).

Easter at Church Farm, Ardeley

Church Farm Ardeley is hosting a fantastic Easter Farm Day from 28th March - 12th April.

Your day pass includes a range of family-friendly activities such as an Easter-themed activity book, woodland play area, Easter Bunny riddle trail, farm bingo, and the chance to see lambs, chicks and other farm animals. Visitors can also enjoy walks around this real working farm.

There are also a number of additional activities available, including meeting the Easter Bunny, and an Easter egg hunt - a great day out for families to enjoy the outdoors and get into the Easter swing of things.

Check out the poster and website for more information, and how to book tickets 

Wishing Our Community a Happy Eid al-Fitr

We would like to wish all students, staff and families celebrating Eid al-Fitr a very happy and peaceful Eid.

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and is a special time for reflection, gratitude and coming together with family and friends.

We hope everyone has a special and memorable day.

Oaklands College Open Evenings

Oaklands College is hosting some upcoming Open Evenings for students and families interested in exploring post-16 options.

Welwyn Garden City Campus - Tuesday 28th April from 5:00 - 7:30pm
St Albans Campus - Thursday 30th April from 5:00 - 7:30pm

These are great for Yr 10/11 students who would like to find out more about the courses and opportunities available after GCSEs.

Pre-Loved Uniform Donations Needed

We are collecting donations of pre-loved school uniform and PE kit to support an upcoming uniform sale after the Easter holidays.

If you have any items in good condition that are no longer needed, please consider donating them to 19 Skyswood Road, 9NY - Please pop uniform in the black storage box out the front.

A pre-loved uniform sale will be taking place shortly after Easter (dates to be confirmed), helping to promote sustainability within our school community, and support families where possible.

Thank you in advance for your support.

Family Support Workers Service 

The Ambition Education Trust has a team of Family Support Workers who support children and families across schools within the trust.

The service offers short-term, non-judgemental support to families where a child may be experiencing challenges that are affecting their wellbeing or school life. Sessions can take place regularly and are usually held in the family home, helping to create a comfortable and supportive environment.

Support is entirely voluntary, and all information shared is treated respectfully and confidentially.

For more information, please see the poster attached.

Sporting Kids Easter Football Camp

Sporting Kids are running an Easter Football Camp for children aged 3 - 14, taking place at Pennine Way Stadium.

This is a great opportunity for young players to stay active, develop their skills and enjoy football in a fun, inclusive environment over the Easter holidays.

Sporting Kids also offer weekly sessions locally, including a Girls Football Club for ages 6 - 14, helping to encourage more girls to get involved in sport.

To book a place, please visit their website - see the attached poster for more detail.

French: xénophobie

German: Rassismus

Spanish: xenofobia

Thinking Question: Some languages have multiple words for the same or similar concepts, why might that be?

Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them: The Screenplay

When Magizoologist Newt Scamander arrives in New York, he intends his stay to be just a brief stopover.

However, when his magical case is misplaced and some of Newt's fantastic beasts escape, it spells trouble for everyone . . .

Stan H in Yr 7 has recently read the play and thought it was, “A brilliant read, awe-inspiring and captivating; I couldn't put it down.”

History Week

The History and Politics faculty have been supporting ‘Our Year of Reading’ this week by sharing a brilliant array of book recommendations with all their classes. 

Teacher recommendations have included ‘18 - A History of Britain in 18 Young Lives’ by Alice Loxton, ‘Politics on the ‘Edge’ by Rory Stewart and ‘The English Civil War: A people’s history’ by Dianne Purkissl.  These recommendations have given students the opportunity to discuss with their peers the books they like to read.  As ever, we hold a wide and varied stock of books in the LRC and would welcome all students to borrow books and request any that aren’t currently in our collection.

Thank you to Miss Edwards, Ms Davies, Miss Piper, Mr Foy, Miss Weston, Ms Durrant and Mr Leat for their support.

Thank you to Mrs Posner (with some help from Lydia S!) for creating our fantastic Women’s History Month display.

Our display features a number of inspirational women. These are woman who have made a contribution to literature, science, technology, the arts, sport or human rights. Some of the very successful, determined and resourceful women featured on our display include Jane Austen, Ada Lovelace, Florence Nightingale, Frida Kahlo, Katherine Johnson and Rosa Parks. We have many books written either about or by some of these incredible women.

Do pop up to the LRC and take a look!

X is for ... Xenophobia

Definition: Dislike of or prejudice against people from other countries.

Example: The rise of xenophobia has created divisions within the community.

Synonyms: Racism, prejudice, bigotry, intolerance.

Antonyms: Tolerance, acceptance, cosmopolitanism, inclusivity.

Etymology: From Greek 'xenos' (stranger/foreigner) + 'phobos' (fear).

Senior Boys: 5 times County Champions! 

Last night was one to remember as our Senior basketball team take their 5th title in a row to complete the sweep in a 86-64 win over St. Columba’s College.

The boys, after reaching the last 4 schools in the country and defeat in the National Semi-Final on Tuesday had to pick themselves up to go again in the Herts showpiece game. They were exceptional from the first whistle and every one of the team contributed last night to see us claim the honours.

It was a great display of sportsmanship from both teams and demonstrates the level of basketball that both ourselves and @stcolumbassport are at. It’s been an honour to have so many battles for our outgoing Yr 13s with our local rivals. We wish all those leaving us at the end of the year well, and hope their basketball experiences will be ones they can cherish as they move to the next steps in their lives.

Thanks to all who have contributed to this great team over the years, including parents who have supported at every step of their journey.

Congratulations boys - what a way to end it!

Yr 8 Boys: Our Yr 8 basketball played away to Roundwood Park School. We came away 35-69 winners in a positive performance. Well done to all involved and thank you to Roundwood for being fantastic hosts.

Yr 7 Boys: District and County Cup Finalists! Huge congratulations to the U12’s who booked their place in the District Final this week. A huge effort from all the boys to secure a 3-2 victory against a strong Verulam side, with goals from Joseph, Ethan and Calum. Huge congratulations lads 

Yr 10 Boys: A massive performance from the Sandringham team to beat the reigning champions and County cup finalists KWS this week. A huge defensive display and some quality set pieces led to a L. Silcox goal to ensure a 1-0 win and a place in Mondays District Cup Final.

Yr 7 Boys: Our boys did themselves proud against some of the best rugby schools in Hertfordshire as they competed at the Berkhamsted 10’s this week. A tough group as they lost narrowly to St George’s & Westbrook Hay. Their second group gave them more game time and allowed them to grow into the tournament beating Queens & Longdean. A great effort from all who played.

Yr 10 Girls: It ended as 2nd in the county for our U15s on Monday as they were defeated by a strong Beaumont side. Well done to this brilliant team for making it to the Final - it was great to see some excellent play throughout the game and we look forward with excitement to see how you progress going forward.

Yr 9 Boys: The Yr 9 boys are County Champions again after a win over Hitchin Boys in the County Final this week. A fairly tight game that we always controlled, saw us edge out our opponents in the last few minutes to retain our title. After disappointment on Friday that saw us bow out of the National Cup in the last 4 schools in the country, we finish the season with silverware.

Well played to every one of the 21 boys who have represented the school this year. 15 games and a record of 13-2 is impressive and makes all the 7ams worth it!

Yr 11 Boys: County Plate Finalists!

The Yr 11 boys are still on for the double as they beat Ridgeway 7-1 last weekend. An eventful first 20 minutes saw chances for both sides before Sandringham took the lead, and started to get a foothold in the game. A sending off for the opponents resulted in a converted penalty, and lots of possession for Sandringham. Anfield adds another hat-trick to his season tally whilst Young & Khan score their first of the season. Pentland & Daniel add the others.

Another football heavy weekend ahead, with a few more athletic meets creeping into next weeks schedule as we edge towards the end of term. Good luck everyone involved.

Yr 9 Girls: This week was the Yr 9A District Netball Tournament...we started the day with a loss in the group to STAHS, followed by a win against Loreto and a draw against SJL. Thankfully, we went through on goal difference. In the Semi-Final, we faced St George's, who we beat to go into the Final vs STAHS, and what a final it was - both teams battling hard with Sandringham being up by one goal at half time. Unfortunately STAHS turned over a few balls, just nicking the win by a single goal. The girls should be very proud of themselves - they fought to the end and are so supportive of one another - they really are a fantastic team.

Yr 7 Boys: A 2-2 draw against KWS last weekend for our Yr 7’s as K.Smith nets twice. A very even game that could have gone either way, with chances for both sides in the final few minutes. K. Norton Samuda takes MOM for a solid display. One more next weekend v SRA. 

Yr 10 Boys: A tough morning last Saturday for Sandringham against a strong KWS side, ending in a 7-1 loss. A much improved second half from all in red as they battled on, and got their rewards with a Hemming consultation goal. 

Best Theatre Arts

What happens when the lights go out? At a technology-free wilderness camp in the middle of nowhere, young people from three very different schools must learn how to live in a new, uncertain future. They’re disconnected, alone, and afraid. But don’t worry, it’s not the end of the world…

Created by playwright Megan Jenkins and composer Rob Castell, The Flare is an original, cutting-edge contemporary musical designed to inspire honest conversation between generations. Commissioned by Best Theatre Arts and Tip of the Iceberg Theatre Company, this groundbreaking, genre-defying project explores adulthood, nihilism, hope, and retribution, all guided and informed by the real experiences, fears, and opinions of today's young people as they navigate growing up in an ever-changing and sometimes terrifying world.

Running from 25th - 26th April 2026 - get your tickets here.

Making Theatre History...

Join Best School of Musical Theatre and Best Beginners St Albans as they time travel through 2,000 years of monumental British history in 2 acts. From standing stones to rampaging Romans, killer kings to blitz-time bombs, this gloriously entertaining and inventive production celebrates the colourful and eclectic past of our fair isle through drama, dance, and song.

Saturday 21 March: Best School of Musical Theatre 10am - 1pm Class

Sunday 22 March: Best School of Musical Theatre 1:30pm - 4:30pm Class and Best Beginners Classes

Don't miss out - sign up here!