It was Key Stage 4 Options Evening on Wednesday and as always it was an evening about reflection, aspiration and potential. Although not a “celebration” it is an event which I always enjoy as our students consider their future pathways with an emphasis from everyone on keeping options open. It is something of a staging post two and a half years into their Wallingford School lives as they look forward to getting “under the skin” of subjects they are passionate about at Key Stage 4 and feels like an important moment. It was great to see pretty much all of our families present on the evening and as was emphasised on Wednesday the options process now rolls on with interviews in the weeks to come and communication between school and home remains key.

School is about keeping busy and our Year 9 cohort are in the midst of a busy year. A great many of them are taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme and it was a pleasure to see them training and preparing for their expeditions a couple of weeks ago; equally, in terms of the great outdoors we have the Year 9 residential visit in the first week of July which is going to be a great experience for them all. As the evenings are getting lighter even more sports fixtures are taking place. The Year 9 netball team arrived at Options Evening fresh from two victories against local schools and the Year 9 boys’ football team had an impressive win in the County Cup last week. There are great photos of the teams – and a whole lot more - on our social media pages and I would encourage parents and carers to follow them as they are excellent depictions and celebrations of the life of our busy school.

Twitter: http://twitter.com/wallingford4140/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wallingford4140/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/wallingford4140

PE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/walli.pe/

Following this week’s House assemblies, activities roll on today with the House Paper Aeroplane Competition (oh, yes) – it’s a new one and we shall see what it brings but importantly it illustrates that there is a House competition for everyone whatever your aptitudes or interests.

Finally, this weekend we have a hardy group of local volunteers involved in tree planting in our Biodiversity Area in St George’s Road. Thankyou in advance to all of those who will be involved and also to the Walter Bigg Foundation for their ongoing support for this project. As Spring kicks in we will be starting to have groups of students visiting the area which is very exciting.

Wishing everyone a good break next week.