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).

Rhineland Trip Success 

After a brilliant Rhineland trip last week, one of the students attending has written up a brilliant report of the weeks events for you all to enjoy:

Honestly, the trip to Germany was so incredible. Standing in Cologne and looking up at the Cathedral was insane - the architecture is honestly breathtaking in real life, and the whole scale of it just hits you as soon as you see it. The houses on the mountains were a sight to see and the people were incredible. The Chocolate Museum and Phantasia land was easily one of the best parts, obviously, because who doesn't love a massive chocolate fountain and roller-coasters? But Boppard was just so beautiful and peaceful, looking out at the river and the hills. It felt like walking through a literal postcard. Even with all the long hours on the coach, getting to actually explore the streets, take everything in, and experience a whole different country was just amazing. I’m so glad I got to go and see it all, and I am very grateful to the staff that organised the trip, thank you all so much.

D. Allen 

Year 10 Work Experience - Road to Success 

We have been amazed by the responses to Yr 10 Work Experience Week. Employers have been in touch to say how well Sandringham students represented our school and we have also received fantastic feedback from the students themselves.  Here are just a few of the many glowing reports:

Organisations:

“It was a pleasure to host Alfie W and Talia J and lovely to see them grow in confidence as the week progressed.” Julie Harris, Premier Foods

“Just wanted to send a quick note to say what great students we had on placement this week. They were a great help and the children loved them. They are all welcome back anytime!”  Claire Cockburn, Wheatfields Infants

“Just by way of update on Lorcan S. He produced a very good piece of work for us during the week which started to explore us investing £10m into a venture and SME incubator in London. His business teacher should be very proud!” Stuart Rimmer, Thames Freeport Ltd

Students:

“I went to the International Dance Shoes company in Milton Keynes that sells unique, hand-made shoes.  I learnt many things, including how foreign payment is made and I learnt about the full process of designing, making and selling a shoe.” Ben O, International Dance Shoes Ltd

“I’ve had a great time during my week at Garden Fields Primary school. I got to experience what it feels like to be a teaching assistant whilst being able to play around with year 6s. My favourite part was the year 6s teaching me to play a game called 4 Square. They are surprisingly competitive! I really enjoyed it overall!” Summer T, Garden Fields Primary School

Picture sent over by Albie Whitehead from his fantastic placement at the De Havilland Museum

Well done year 10, we are very proud of you all!

Supporting Young People’s Mental Health: Free Online Workshop

We know that many families are seeking guidance on how to navigate young people's mental health and suicide awareness. With these vital topics becoming a bigger part of the conversation from September, many parents are looking for ways to have confident, safe conversations at home.

To support our community, The OLLIE Foundation is hosting a free online workshop specifically for parents and carers.

• Wednesday 15 July 2026  7.30 pm – 8.30 pm
• Online (Free via Zoom)

This supportive, interactive, and non-judgmental session will help you:

• Feel more confident talking to young people about mental health.
• Recognise signs that a young person may be struggling.
• Respond safely and compassionately.
• Learn simple, evidence-based approaches to suicide prevention.

There will also be a safe space to ask the OLLIE team any questions you may have. It's really important that we can equip ourselves with the tools to support our young people when they need it most.

Arts Week 2026

We've loved all of our dance workshops this week bringing creativity, a variety of dance styles, external companies and dance alumni back into the studio.

It's an incredible week for students to develop their passion for the Arts and we've loved seeing all the smiles in the studio!

National Schools Theatre Winner

For the third year in a row, Sandringham school has won a National School Theatre Award and this year it's Gabby R for Best Choreography!

Gabby leads 6th position Ballet club and it was her choreography in Velocity 2026 that was nominated and won this year. A fantastic achievement at such a prestigious event with many nominees.

Huge Congratulations Gabby! 

Summer Concert In Full Swing 

A huge well done to all our musicians who took part in the Summer Concert.

The evening saw all our instrumental groups and choirs perform in musical styles spanning from folk, rock, pop, big band and classical music.

It also saw the premiere of the original compositions of two of our GCSE students.

The finale saw all 180 students joining forces for an energetic performance of 'Blame it on the boogie' as you see in the video - and i'm sure you'll agree on how brilliant everyone is performing!

Well done everyone.

Hertfordshires Rainbow Run 2026

This Sunday, the community is coming together for the Rainbow Run 2026, Hertfordshire’s most colourful fun run.

Whether you want to walk, jog, or sprint, you can choose between a 2.5k or 5k route. It’s all out of good fun and for an amazing cause.

• Sunday 28 June 2026
• Letchworth Rugby Club, Letchworth, SG6 2EN
• Supporting the Children’s Big Build appeal 

Don't worry if you haven't bought tickets yet, you can turn up and sign up right on the day, or you can book your spot online right now to get ready for a fun-filled, colour-splattered weekend.

Sign Up Online here. Get colourful for a great cause! 

Innovation and Enterprise During E Week

Last Monday, our Yr 7 students took part in an exciting Rebrand Day, where they had the fantastic opportunity to step into the business world and create their very own companies from scratch. Students designed unique businesses and supermarkets, combining brilliant innovation, endless creativity, and professional skills to bring their ideas to life. We were so impressed by the unique features and pitches they came up with.

A massive well done to all of our future CEOs and innovators for a brilliant E Week challenge

Paradox Museum Trip 

Last Tuesday, students from our school visited the Paradox Museum in London, and it was one of the most interesting school trips I've been on. The museum was full of optical illusions and exhibits that challenged the way we think and perceive the world.

The museum was very interactive, which meant everyone could take part rather than just look at displays. It was also a great opportunity to spend time with friends while learning something new outside of the classroom.

Overall, the trip to the Paradox museum was exciting, educational and unique. I would definitely recommend it to other students and hope our school organises more trips like this in the future.

Fanya Yr 9

We’re Hiring

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

- Sixth Form Learning Mentor

- Teaching Assistant

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

A Podium Place At The County Tournament

On Sunday, two of our talented students, Jake and Krzysztof, represented the region at the highly competitive East of England Basketball County Tournament. Facing off against some of the toughest teams in the area, the boys put on an masterclass in teamwork, skill, and determination.

Out of their four intense games, Jake and Krzysztof helped secure an incredible 3 wins, and thanks to their hard work and stellar performances, their team placed second overall in the entire tournament.

We are incredibly proud of both of them for their dedication to their sport and for representing our community so brilliantly.

Congratulations boys.

Reflect Dance Show

Even in a heatwave, our dance family brought the energy, passion, and fun to The Sandpit theatre stage. Thank you to everyone involved, and a special shout out to Max and Aaron who worked tirelessly all day and evening - we can't believe it's your last show with us! You will be missed!

DofE Success 

We are thrilled to share some fantastic news from our PE staff this week. A massive congratulations goes to Mr Hartnell, who officially received his Duke of Edinburgh certificate this week.

Completing a DofE award takes an immense amount of dedication, resilience, and hard work - this is a brilliant achievement, and the school community is incredibly proud of you.

HOUSE POINTS

Shakespeare remain firmly out in front, and at this stage, I'm not sure what Turing and Fawcett can do to make a play for the top spot...

1. Shakespeare 24, 864
2. Turing 23, 323
3. Fawcett 21, 431

Special mentions this week:  

• K M-Clouet (7J) - (16) – Most points this week
• T Tearle (7S) 371 - Highest scoring year 7
• M Altiganer (8F)- 265 - Highest scoring Year 8
• T Somers (9S) - 291 - Highest scoring year 9
• G Birkin (10s) - 206- Highest scoring year 10
• W Magson (12F) 56 - Highest scoring sixth former
• 12S - Highest quiz score - 208/245
• E for most house points this week - 329

Sandridge Community Pantry 

The St Albans Community Pantry does incredible work rescuing surplus food from supermarkets and making it available to everyone in the local area.

Based at Spencer Hall in Sandridge, the pantry operates a Community Fridge and Bread Pantry. It is open to ALL, with no vouchers or referrals required. Whether you’re looking to save perfectly good food from heading to a landfill, or could use a bit of extra help stretching the weekly food shop, their doors are open.

Opening Times (Spencer Hall, Sandridge, AL4 9DD)

• Mornings: Monday to Thursday 9.00 am – 11.00 am
• Evenings: Sunday to Wednesday 9.30 pm – 10.30 pm

The pantry is entirely run by a wonderful team of unpaid volunteers and is always looking for community support:

• Pop in: Visit during their opening hours to see what food is available and help reduce waste.
• Volunteer: They are always looking for "Packing Pals" to box fresh produce, delivery drivers, and "Rescue Rangers" to collect surplus food from suppliers. Even a few hours every now and then makes a massive difference.
• Donate: Unopened food and toiletries can be dropped off during their open sessions, or you can support them online.

To find out more about what they do, look up their opening hours, or apply to volunteer, visit their website here or email them at stalbanscommunitypantry@gmail.com.

Pre-Loved Uniform Sale

Our PTA will be hosting a pre-loved uniform sale on Saturday 4th July, 10.00am - 12.00pm, held under the canopy near Main Reception. This is a great opportunity to pick up quality uniform items at reduced prices.

Donations can be dropped off at the box outside 19 Skyswood Road, AL4 9NY.

Thank you for your support.

Staying Safe Online

Protecting children and mitigating risk at home doesn't just mean applying a filter and changing a few app settings, it needs a layered approach, and this is where the Internet Matters 'Layering Up for Online Safety' comes in.

This helps and guides you to set up devices safely across networks, the devices themselves and the apps alongside regular conversations. There is a downloadable guide which will show you how to layer up in a simple, manageable way.

Internet Matters - Layering Up for Online Safety.

French: lucide

German: deutlich

Spanish: lúcido/a

Thinking Question: Is language learning an essential tool to breaking stereotypes and fighting racism?

Resist by Tom Palmer

Based on the life of Audrey Hepburn as a child during the Second World War in the Netherlands. As the brutal Second World War stretches on with no end in sight, life for ordinary Dutch people in the Nazi-occupied Netherlands is fraught with peril and hardship. There is very little to eat and the population lives under the constant threat of arrest and enslavement. After the murder of her beloved uncle and the capture of her brother by the Germans, Edda is determined to do anything she can to help the resistance fight back against their oppressors. But what can a teenage girl do and how much risk is she willing to take?

Review by Selena, yr 7

During the book, the main character has to flee the UK and go to the Netherlands - and change her name to Edda - and works in the resistance.  The whole town of Felp came together to rebel against the nazis, however there were some who supported them.  Her father went to fight in the war and one of her brothers got taken hostage by the Nazis so he could not fight in the war, the other got forced into hiding because he did not want to be captured.  In the end, the war ends and she returns to the UK.

I found it very sad that people had to live in times like these and it made me appreciated what I have access to that others may not.

L is for… lucid [adjective]

Definition: Expressed clearly; easy to understand; also: mentally sound or sane.

Example: Her explanation was brief but lucid.

Synonyms: Clear, Coherent, Intelligible

Antonyms: Confused, Muddled,  Unclear

Etymology: From Latin lucidus, from lux, meaning “light”.

U15 Girls Cricket

Our run in the Knights-Stokes National Competition came to an end as we lost to both St George’s and Ashlyns this week.

Game 1 - A solid batting display against St George's was led by Hodgkinson 34 as Sandringham finished on 98 for 7 off the shortened overs (16). A combination of some great batting by the opponents and some poor fielding meant a loss by 5 wickets in our first game.

Game 2 - A much more even game which could have gone either way as Hodgkinson and Luthra scored double figures to take the team total to 86 off 16 overs. We had our opponents 20 for 5 with the game in our hands but a great partnership from Ashlyns led them to victory with a couple of overs to spare and only 5 wickets down.

A great season for these girls who managed to get to the Regional Indoor Finals and a few rounds in both National Cups. 

An Athletic Triumph 

What a year it's been for Sandringham athletics, and it's not over yet!

With a County and National Final still to come in the next couple of weeks, our team captains were reminiscing on the year so far. An incredible haul of trophies, winning 11 out of a possible 14 in the district shows how athletics at Sandringham continues to grow. The commitment, enthusiasm and passion that each squad member shows to training and competing is admirable, developing a PB culture.

The PE department are extremely proud of our teams and we look forward to seeing them compete in the near future.

The County Final is on Tuesday 30th June whilst the National Final is being held at Chelmsford athletics track on Saturday 4th July. 

English Schools Athletics Association selection

We are extremely proud that T Pritchard, H Posner & L Carlin have been selected to represent Hertfordshire Schools Athletics Association at the English Schools Athletics Association Track and Field Championships in July.

An incredible achievement to be selected and we look forward to watching them compete on the biggest stage of schools athletics.

Futsal Champions 

A massive congratulations goes to Megan, Isla, and Anna, who recently travelled to Spain to compete in an international futsal tournament. 

Thanks to their hard work and brilliant performances, their team went all the way and won the entire tournament.

Bringing home a trophy from an international tournament is a phenomenal achievement, and we are incredibly proud of Megan, Isla, and Anna for representing our school community so brilliantly on the world stage.

A quieter week ahead with some cricket and Cup Final athletics taking us through to July.

AG Dance presents The World Tour.

Join us for an exciting journey around the globe featuring performances in street dance, ballet, jazz, and musical theatre. The show brings together students aged 4–17, showcasing their hard work, progress, and enjoyment of dance across a range of styles.

Sunday 5th July 

We’re pleased to be returning to the Sandpit Theatre and look forward to sharing this year’s performance with you.

AG Dance runs weekly classes in St Albans, offering a supportive environment for young dancers to develop their skills and confidence.

To book your tickets visit the Sandpit website.

Limitless Academy of Performing Arts

After 2025's smash-hit, Sweeney Todd, Limitless Productions returns to St Albans with something a little more sweet!

Step into a world of pure imagination with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: The Musical - a dazzling stage adaptation of Roald Dahl’s beloved classic.

When young Charlie Bucket wins a golden ticket to the mysterious Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory, he embarks on a fantastical journey filled with astonishing inventions, mischievous competitors, and life-changing lessons. Bursting with catchy songs, colourful characters, and magical surprises, this heartwarming musical celebrates imagination, kindness, and the joy of dreaming big—perfect fun for audiences of all ages. 

This amateur production is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International. All authorised performance materials are also supplied by MTI: www.mtishows.com.

Tickets are available on the Sandpit Theatre website

Summer School Production of Alice in Wonderland

Cassana Performance Academy present this classic story on Sunday 2nd August.

Tickets are available on the Sandpit Theatre website

A Journey At The Theatre

Join Theatretrain as we take a trip around the world in 60 minutes on Sunday 12th July.

To book your tickets visit the Sandpit website.

A True Classic Feel-Good Show

This weekend - Spotlight Dance and Theatre School presents Footloose!

To the rockin’ rhythm of its Oscar and Tony-nominated Top 40 score, augmented with dynamic new songs, Footloose celebrates the wisdom of listening to young people while guiding them with a warm heart and open mind.

To book your tickets visit the Sandpit website.