This week

Year 11 have begun their mock exams/internal assessments. We have been really impressed by how they have conducted themselves going into the Hall and other exam venues. This is a difficult time for them and they have another week of assessments to come. We encourage them to continue preparing well for each one. Whatever the result, what we do know is that by preparing well through rigorous revision, thinking hard during an assessment, learning is enhanced and they are giving themselves the best chance of success later this year.

Assemblies this week built on our whole school focus of the environment and in particular how to be a better friend to planet earth individually. With small personal sacrifices and changes we can all play our part. Our Eco Club has had some brilliant ideas on how to reduce waste at school. Students attending the club have met with representatives of our caterers, Independent Catering and the Head Teacher and suggested that students could bring re-usable containers to be used at our serveries. This has been agreed and the decision shared with the whole school. See below for details.

We had an excellent turnout on the SchoolCloud system for Year 8 parents’ evening. Thank you to staff and parents alike. If you missed the evening or were unable to make an appointment but require feedback, please contact the Office and they will contact your child’s teachers.

Re-usable containers for lunchtimes

As mentioned above, from Monday, 29th November students are encouraged to bring to school a suitable container (e.g. sandwich box) in which the caterers will place food that would otherwise have been served on a single use plate/container. Ideally the container they bring should have a lid as they will need to take this home afterwards and wash it up. They have been told not to leave the washing up to their parents/carers! They should continue to use the cutlery provided at school and not bring their own. For hygiene reasons we would not advise the same container being used at break and lunchtime.

Malicious accounts/posts on TikTok and other social media

Your attention is drawn to the email sent earlier this week on behalf of the police about concerning reports of Tiktok accounts that contain malicious information about staff or the School. Please speak to your child about how they are using social media. Those caught setting up an account in the way described by the police or who are found to be commenting on such accounts will be dealt with through the School’s Behaviour Policy and an appropriate sanction applied up to and including permanent exclusion if appropriate. The police will also be informed. The same applies to malicious posts on other social media. If you become aware of such accounts or videos/posts/comments please screenshot and send them into the School for investigation.

Christmas Fun Runs

Years 7 and 8 will be taking part in a Christmas Fun Run during their last PE lesson of term. This event is to allow students the opportunity to raise money for a good cause and get into the Christmas spirt by wearing an item of Christmas clothing. More information and sponsorship forms will be distributed soon and we encourage all to take part in this enjoyable event.

Holiday Activities and Food Programme

The Local Authority has a range of exciting activities available through Bromley’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme this winter 2021, including nutritious meals, free to all children that are eligible for free school meals.

Please book your child’s space by visiting visit Bromley Council’s website at Bromley holiday activities and food programme and choose the activities your child would like to take part in. Please book as soon as possible in order to get a space with the preferred activity, provider and location.

Sixth Form applications

A reminder that the deadline for applications for Darrick Wood Sixth Form is Friday, 10^th December. All Darrick Wood students are encouraged to apply to transfer to the Sixth Form.

Charity Festive Bake

Latest subject matters blog

You are encouraged to read the latest Subject Matters Blog available here:

Subject Matters – The Monthly Molecule

PSFA

There are just 20 days until the first draw of the Big PTA Christmas Raffle 2021, you could be in with a chance of winning £5000 jackpot and raise much needed funds for our school!

the_big_pta_christmas_raffle-english – digital.pdf (bigptaraffle.co.uk)

Please don’t forget to purchase your Childs ticket for the Year 7 and Year 8 disco.  Please note that all tickets must be purchased in advance via our website and will not be available on the door.

Darrick Wood School PSFA Year 7 Disco Tickets

Darrick Wood School PSFA  Year 8 Disco Tickets

St. Giles Church Farnborough Junior Choir

Vacancies currently exist for young people to join the St. Giles choir. St Giles has a flourishing choir with over 20 members, 13 of which are Year 6 and upwards. Junior members of the Choir will be expected to attend weekly rehearsals on Friday nights, normally between 6.30pm and 7.30pm and a maximum of three church services per month, with more commitments on special occasions such as Christmas and Easter. Children will be taught to sing as part of four part harmony and taught music theory and learning how to read music. It is also be fun to be part of a group of singers as there are social events as well. Each Junior choir member receives £40 per quarter in recognition of their work. St Giles operates a full safeguarding practice for all children and young people. Children are welcome to attend for a trial period of one month. For more information and to arrange an audition parents can email Clive Brearley, Junior Choir Master at clive.brearley@gmail.com

Dates for the diary

29th November – Year 11 mocks continue all week

6th December – start of Year 13 mock examinations

10th December – deadline for applications to the Sixth Form

17th December – end of term

4th January – new term starts