HOUSE POINTS

Turing have managed to sneak into the top 3 this week, knocking Fawcett out of third position, with Elgar still edging ahead.

1. Elgar 2,295
2. Newton 2,041
3. Turing 1,924

Special mentions this week:  

• I Eliasu (8H) - (12) – Most points this week
• A Robertson (7E) - 42 Highest scoring Year 7
• I Eliasu (8H)- 48 - Highest scoring Year 8
• N Scales (9F) - 37 - Highest scoring year 9
• J White (10N) - 34- Highest scoring year 10
• S Elvers (11A) 20 - Highest scoring Year 11
• J Daly (12N)- 13 - Highest scoring Sixth Former
• Fawcett for winning Girls house swimming

Our First Yr 7 Headteacher Commendation

A huge congratulations to Vaani G, who has become the very first student in Yr 7 to receive a Headteacher Commendation (HTC) this academic year.

Mr Nicholls was extremely proud to present Vaani with her award in person this week to celebrate her fantastic achievement.

Well done, Vaani - what a brilliant start to your time at the school, keep up the incredible work.

Hertfordshire NHS School Nursing Update

The latest Secondary School Nursing Newsletter from Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust is now liveand ready for you to read when you get a spare moment.

It features practical health and wellbeing guidance, local support services, and trusted advice for children, young people, and families.

You can read the full newsletter here: HCT Secondary School Nursing Newsletter

Join the Kitchen Team at Sandringham

Our catering partners, Culinera, are looking for a friendly and reliable General Assistant to join the school kitchen team here at Sandringham.

This is a fantastic opportunity if you are looking for local, school-friendly working hours that fit perfectly around family commitments.

• General Assistant (Kitchen Team)
• Monday to Friday, 9.30am - 2.30pm
• £12.71 per hour
• Term time only
• Full uniform and comprehensive training provided

If you or someone you know might be interested in joining the team, please contact reception on admin@sandringham.aetrust.uk or contact Culinera directly to apply.

Year 7 Peak District Adventure

This week, Year 7 (A Half and B Half) set off on their very first trip as Sandringham students - and what a fantastic week it was in the Peak District.

The trip kicked off with a brilliant, scenic hike across the countryside under glorious sunny skies, which was naturally rounded off with well-deserved ice creams for everyone. Throughout the week, students took part in various team-building activities, challenge themselves, and building new friendships.

Evening entertainment featured the traditional Year 7 Disco, complete with a very distinct theme - have a look at the photos to see if you can guess what it was. It was great to see students and staff alike fully embracing the fancy dress.

Of course, no Peak District trip would be complete without a visit to Alton Towers, where students enjoyed an action-packed day on the rides to top off an unforgettable few days.

It was a brilliant trip from start to finish, and a huge thank you goes to all the staff involved for making it such a memorable milestone for our new Year 7s.

Earlybird Fireworks Tickets on Sale Now

Early Bird tickets are now live for the Wheatfields Fireworks Extravaganza on Sunday 8th November.

Discounted tickets are available for ONE WEEK ONLY to Infants, Juniors, Sandringham families, and our Gold Sponsor before going on general sale on Monday 28 September.

Get your tickets today - Buy via Classlist or scan the QR code on school posters.

Volunteers needed - we will need help to run the event safely. If you can spare an hour, please email Kelly (kellyrothwell@outlook.com) ASAP.

• Set up: 2.40pm - 3.40pm
• Event Vol: 3.30pm - 5.40pm
• Clean up: 5.40pm - 6.40pm
• Mon Litter Pick: 7.00am - 8.00am

A big thank you in advance for all your support.

Free Online Workshops - Supporting Children’s Wellbeing 

Hertfordshire’s Children’s Wellbeing team is offering free online workshops for parents, carers, and young people. These live, interactive sessions run via Microsoft Teams (no referral needed).

Upcoming Sessions:

Managing Adolescent Emotional Wellbeing (Ages 11–16) - Tue 3rd Nov (6.00 - 8.00pm)

Supporting Adolescent Self-Esteem - Mon 23rd Nov (6.00 - 8.00pm)

Self-Esteem & Resilience - Wed 14th Oct (6.00 - 8.00pm) Tue 8th Dec (10.00am - 12.00pm)

Sleep Difficulties - Tue 29th Oct (6.00 - 8.00pm)  Mon 14th Dec (6.00 - 8.00pm)

Developing Emotional Literacy - Wed 21st Oct (10.00am - 12.00pm)  Tue 10th Nov (6.00 - 8.00pm) Wed 16th Dec (10.00am - 12.00pm)

General Regulation & Wellbeing - Tue 6th Oct (6.00 - 8.00pm) Wed 18th Nov (10.00am - 12.00pm)  Tue 1st Dec (6.00 - 8.00pm)

Reserve a free place on the HCT Eventbrite Page.

Year 11 Test The Waters at Fairlands Valley Lakes

For their ELD on Wednesday this week, Year 11 spent a fantastic day out at Fairlands Valley Lakes taking part in a series of outdoor team-building activities.

It was a brilliant day to be out on the water, and our students certainly didn't hold back. While some threw themselves into the high-energy water sports - with plenty of brave individuals taking an unexpected dip into the lake - others took a slightly more relaxed approach, enjoying a leisurely pedalo ride to while away the hours under the sun.

Beyond the fun and splashes, the day provided a great opportunity for the year group to work collaboratively, and strengthen team dynamics.

Well done to Year 11 for their teamwork and general can-do attitude throughout the day.

Support for Families - Workshop on Self-Harm & Recovery

We understand that supporting a child or young person through difficult times can feel overwhelming - Carers in Hertfordshire, supported by Herts Mind Network, are hosting a dedicated online evening session for parents and carers of young people who have experienced self-harm.

Date & Time - Tues 6th October - 7.00pm - 9.00pm

Online via Zoom

Session Details - The session aims to provide a clearer understanding of self-harm, share practical strategies to support young people on their path to recovery, and give families a safe space to ask questions.

To reserve your place, please visit the Carers in Herts Self-Harm Support Booking Page.

Spaces are limited to 30 participants to allow for meaningful discussion, with additional requests added to a waiting list.

Free Hertfordshire Support Group - Parenting When Separated (SEND Focus)

Coram Family Lives is offering funded six-session online groups this Autumn for Hertfordshire parents navigating co-parenting and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

Sessions cover practical strategies, co-parenting skills, and child development support, with access to Coram’s helpline and online resources.

Course Dates (MS Teams):

Morning Cohort: Tuesdays  Oct 13, 20 & Nov 3, 10, 17, 24  9.30am - 11.30am

Evening Cohort: Wednesdays  Oct 14, 21 & Nov 4, 11, 18, 25 7.00pm - 9.00pm

To book please register via the Coram Online Referral Form or email louise.voyce@coramfamilylives.org.uk.

Beezee Youth Programme 

Starting Wednesday 30th September, the Beezee Youth 8-week programme will be running for young people aged 13–17.

This initiative focusses on developing healthy daily habits that improve physical health alongside emotional, social, and mental wellbeing.

Sign up here to start your 8-week journey to better health.

Initial Teacher Training

Recruitment for the September 2027 Teaching Programme starts in the next few weeks, with applications opening on the 6th October.

If you are interested and would like to know more about being a trainee teacher, specifically at Sandringham, drop Admin an email FAO Miss Pitsillis: admin@sandringham.aetrust.uk

Getting to Know You: Welcome Miss Pearson 

Name & Role/subject:  Miss Pearson, Teacher of MFL and Economics/Politics

Background/previous school: Prior to teaching, I worked in Finance as a broker for 8 years. I then started at Sandringham as a Teaching Assistant and also trained to teach at Sandringham before now returning.

What you’re most looking forward to at Sandringham: I loved my time at Sandringham before and am really looking forward to being back and getting to know my classes as well as helping them learn some exciting new things!

Likes/favourite things outside of school: I have a couple of fun hobbies - at the weekend, I go open water swimming with my sister (in a safe environment with lifeguards!) and I also perform in local amateur musical theatre shows. I have performed in local productions of Evita, Jesus Christ Superstar, We Will Rock You and played a lead in '9to5: the Musical' as well as doing variety shows where I got to sing solos like Miss Honey's song, 'My House' from Matilda the Musical.

One pet peeve or minor dislike: Marmite!

Fun/surprising fact about yourself: I have performed at Disneyland Paris and I have sung with Rod Stewart on the BBC One Show!

If you see Miss Pearson around school, make sure you say (or sing!) hello - It's great to have you back at Sandringham.

Free 'Dads Together' Online Course for Hertfordshire Dads

Places are still open for the free Dads Together 6-week online parenting course, funded by Hertfordshire County Council and run by Coram Family Lives.

If you're a dad feeling like you're constantly nagging, this course offers practical tools to help you set effective boundaries, handle behavioural triggers, and gain co-operation.

Open to all dads living in Hertfordshire or with children at a Herts school.

If you would like to book a spot, call Lesley on 0204 522 8701, email services@coramfamilylives.org.uk, or scan the QR code to access the online referral form.

Whole School Show Announcement

We are thrilled to announce this year’s Whole School Show - Alice in Wonderland

We can't wait to see what curious encounters unfold as Alice embarks on her extraordinary journey. Join her on her quest to meet a frantic White Rabbit, a mysterious Caterpillar, the Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter, a tyrannical Queen, and countless other peculiar characters along the way.

Tickets are available now via The Sandpit Theatre - don't miss out on what promises to be a magical performance.

Supporting Children with a Limited Diet

Join a free online masterclass on Monday 28th September 5.30pm - 6.30pm designed to support parents and carers across Hertfordshire with fussy or picky eating.

What the session covers:

• Exploring Fussy Eating: Understanding different types and underlying causes of picky eating.
• Stress-Free Mealtimes: Calm, practical strategies to reduce mealtime friction.
• Encouraging Variety: Proven techniques to encourage acceptance of new foods.
• Positive Environments: Tips to build a pressure-free food environment at home.

This session is completely free for parents and carers of children of any age living in Hertfordshire.

Sign up here to make sure your spot is saved.

Home Language Exams 2027

A reminder that every year we enter a number of students for a home language 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 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 Year 10 or Year 11, we do not enter younger students.

The deadline for expressing interest is Friday 9th October for entry in the Summer 2027 exams. No applications will be accepted after this.

Scam Awareness Event - Marshalswick Library

There is a Scam Awareness Event for the over 60’s at Marshalswick library on 21st October, from 10.00am to 12.00pm 

The event will feature talks by Trading Standards, Herts Constabulary and Beacon (Victim Care), focusing on the latest scams, the tricks that scammers use, how to avoid them and what support is available should someone fall victim to a scam (or other crime).

Please come and join this informative event for this FREE, and afterwards talk to our speakers over tea and cake.

The Puzzle of the Month is a Mathematics challenge run monthly now. This months 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).

We’re Hiring!

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

- Cleaner 
- Exam Invigilator 

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.

Academic Excellence in Latin

Congratulations to Thomas D in Yr 13 on receiving a certificate from Mr Nicholls this week for his brilliant work in Latin.

Mr McNally praised Thomas’ great effort and enthusiasm in tackling such a challenging and impressive language.

Fantastic job Thomas - keep up the brilliant work.

Congratulations to last years cohort of Dance Leaders have received their certification in Level 1 Dance Leadership.

Well done for all your hard work as both dancers and teachers.

Geography Field Trip 

Our Yr 11 Geographers have had a brilliant couple of days this week, exploring and conducting fieldwork in Shrewsbury.

As you can see, the sun has been shining down, making for ideal conditions as students put their data collection and investigation methods into practice. Developing these hands-on fieldwork skills will be invaluable as they prepare for their GCSE exams this coming summer.

A huge well done to all the students for their hard work, enthusiastic attitude, and great teamwork throughout the trip. Also a huge thank you to the staff who have organised and led the trip so seamlessly.

Services for Young People - Support, Activities, and Careers in St Albans

Hertfordshire’s Services for Young People (SfYP) offers free support, youth projects, and career guidance for young people across St Albans and Harpenden.

• Saturday Youth Project: Music, sports, dance, and creative arts every Saturday, 1.00pm - 4.00pm at St Albans Young People’s Centre (AL3 5JB).
• Drop In Hubs: Get free, confidential advice on mental health, relationships, sexual health (including free condoms & testing), and housing at the St Albans Centre (Tuesday - Thursday 11.00am - 5.00pm) or Harpenden Centre (every other Friday 11.00am - 5.00pm).
• Careers Support (Ages 16 - 18): Get tailored help finding jobs, apprenticeships, or college courses.

Text SfYP on 07507 240475, visit the website here, or follow @HCCSfYP on social media.

The Final Year by Matt Goodfellow.

Several of our new year seven students have enjoyed this and have also read the sequel entitled ‘The First Year’.  Both books use verse to tell the story. Verse novels are often overlooked here in the LRC but they are a great way to engage reluctant readers as they contain fewer words per page and make students feel less overwhelmed. Some of our favourites include Sarah Crossan’s ‘One’, Kwame Alexander’s ‘The Crossover’ and Ashley Hickson-Lovence’s ‘Wild East’. ‘Pearl Beach’ by Beth Steiner is new to the LRC this week and is a coming of age story that is well worth a read.

Inara D in Yr 7 has recently read the Final Year and states, “It was amazing as I read it towards the end  of Yr 6. It was a really nice way to end Yr 6 because it talked about the transition to Yr 7. I recommend this book to anyone who is feeling a bit unsure about Yr 7”.

French: pragmatique

German: praktisch veranlagt

Spanish: pragmático/a

Thinking Question: How do you think an ancient concept traveled across centuries to mean what it does today?

P is for Pragmatic (adjective)

Definition: Dealing with things sensibly and realistically in a way that is based on practical rather than theoretical considerations

Example: She took a pragmatic approach to solving the problem.

Synonyms: Practical, realistic, sensible, down-to-earth

Antonyms: Impractical, idealistic, unrealistic

Etymology: From Latin 'pragmaticus' (skilled in business), from Greek 'pragmatikos' (active), from 'pragma' (deed)

Senior Girls: ESFA ROUND 1
Super proud of the performance of our senior girls today against a strong Beaumont side in the first round of the national cup and first proper game of the season.
All players stepped up to contribute towards the win but player of the match goes to Emma and Rachel. A special shout out to goalkeeper Erin for some excellent saves
Onto the next...

Year 9 Girls: A fantastic performance from our U14 Girls last Friday, securing a 7–1 victory against Monks Walk. A strong team performance from start to finish. Well done, girls!

Year 9 Girls: FULL TIME: 8 - 0. A dominant performance again from our U14 girls against Marlborough Science Academy this week. Excellent teamwork and quality from start to finish.

Year 10 Girls: Solid first win for our u15 girls in the first round of the county cup. POM goes to I. Kelly for her composure infront of goal

Cross country No.2

Our students took part in their second meet of the year at Nicholas Breakspear this afternoon. Good numbers again with lots of impressive performances. A long course today proved tough but our students stood up to the challenge and were all competitive.

Junior Girls - Dow, Hannagan & Boyle finish 9,10,11

Junior Boys - All four finish in the top 15 with Smith (2nd) and Bullivant (6th) the standout runs

Inter girls - Lots of runners from Sandringham in this which resulted in Dibbs (8), Power (9) & White (10) N Owen & E Hannagan finish well in a tough field.

Senior Girls - L Kennedy wins senior girls race whilst L Warwick coming 3rd in her first race for the school.

Senior Boys - O Blok finishes 3rd in the last race of the afternoon. 🏃‍♀️

Well done to all involved. Next week is at Verulam.

Yr 8 Boys: Our boys got off to a flying start with a win this afternoon in Round 1 of the county cup vs Birchwood. A very solid first outing of the season. Plenty of names on the scoresheet and MoM Joshua. 

Yr 11 Boys: A disappointing performance against a good Beaumont this week side means we exit the County Cup at the first stage. An even game for 45 minutes as both teams created chances and looked dangerous going forward. However, the home side pulled away in the second half and deserved their 5-1 win. Gallen with Sandringhams goal and Roe with a penalty save were the highlights in a below par performance. 

Senior Boys: 1st XI: Goals from M Moore (J Dracos assist) and W Anfield (O Ajaegbu assist) see us through to the next round of the U18 @hertfordshireschoolsfa County Cup with a 2-0 win over Rickmansworth. 3 games, 3 wins and 3 clean sheets for the team so far.

Year 9 Girls: A loss for the U14 Netball Performance Squad in the first round of the SNS against a very strong STAHS. Hoping for a good run in the plate. POM - Clasrissa O

Year 11 Girls: A brilliant effort from our Year 11 netball team who were the winners of the district tournament - congratulations girls!

Senior Girls: Congratulations to the U19 Netball Performance Squad who were crowned District Champions at the District tournament! Players of the tournament: Lilia P & Emily S.

Yr 7 Boys: A brilliant first morning of rugby last Saturday as 31 students represent the school for the first time. Thank you to St Columbas for hosting and for supplying two competitive games. Both mixed teams played eachother and Sandringham came out on top in both. Tries spread among the boys with standout performances from Paton, JJ, Fisher & Wright.

Year 8 Boys: Saturday morning was the first test of the year for the U13 boys. We had 2 teams out with 26 boys representing the year group. Both tough games, including a 20 try thriller, in which L Gordon scored 5. Unfortunately two losses to start the season. Well done lads.

Yr 9 Boys: A very good game of rugby played in the right spirit last saturday morning as Sandringham come away with a 20-10 win. Great numbers keen to represent the school with lots of potential too. Lee-Owen, Holian & Howitt (2) go over to secure their first win of the season.

An incredible second day at the @englishschoolsaa this week for the Senior Boys Decathlon as Luke C climbs up two places and secures bronze. Congratulation Luke - fantastic effort, and rightly rewarded. 

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