Thank you!

We would like to say a huge thank you to the new House Buddies who were brilliant in supporting the Year 6s as part of their transition to AHS.  They worked incredibly hard, planning and supporting activities, putting together and presenting an assembly, all the while ensuring all of the Year 6 students were included and having fun.  We are so proud of you all.

Mrs Catling, Miss Morrin and Mrs Westcott

Headmistress' Introduction

It has been a very busy week at AHS.  

On Tuesday and Wednesday, we held our Transition Days, our incoming Year 7 students getting to know their Form Tutors and Registration Groups and engaged in multiple activities across the site; some of their super art work below.  We look forward to them joining us in September, they are very welcome. 

On Wednesday, fifteen members of the Eco Committee from year groups 8, 9 and 10 visited the Greatmoor Energy waste facility near Waddesdon.  The students were taken on a tour and saw Aylesbury's non-recyclable rubbish go up in flames to generate electricity (again, pictured below).

Also on Wednesday, Year 13 held their long awaited prom following a busy summer of exams. It was a beautiful summer's evening in the fabulous setting of Stowe School (pictured below).  We wish them a very relaxing summer and every success for the future.  Thank you to all who helped to organise the event.  

On Thursday, we held Activity Day, more detail below and today, we welcomed our new Year 12 students both internal and from other schools.  They spent the day attending specialist subject sessions for their chosen A Levels and learning all about life in the Sixth Form at AHS, it was lovely to welcome them.   We also held our ID Fair and Pride Parade at lunchtime today and some of the events are pictured below.

This weekend, forty-one students will be on a D of E silver award practice expedition to the Cotswolds for two nights. We wish all those involved good luck and hope that the weather stays fine.  Thank you to Mrs Hamilton for her organisation and to all parents and carers for their support.

Finally, as we come to the end of our academic year, we are sad to say goodbye to some of our members of staff who will be leaving us at the end of term, moving to brilliant new opportunities.  

We want to acknowledge the lasting contribution that Mrs McDonald has made to the English department as we say our goodbyes. Her knowledge, dedication, and engaging approach have shaped both her students and colleagues in meaningful ways. Her classes will certainly miss her, as will her colleagues who have greatly valued her expertise, support and her stories - lunchtime chats will never be the same! She has influenced a significant number of students, many of whom will carry forward the lessons, encouragement, and inspiration she has shared with them. Mrs McDonald will be deeply missed but we've no doubt her impact will remain. We wish her the very best in her new role closer to home.

The Maths Department is incredibly sad to say goodbye to Mr Otoo at the end of term. Since joining AHS, his passion and enthusiasm have profoundly influenced the department, leaving a lasting impact. We'll fondly remember his contributions to Sports Day, his support on the Iceland and Aberdyfi trips, and especially his love for music and great sense of humour. He's had such a positive effect on everyone and will be dearly missed by staff and students alike. We wish him all the very best as he moves on to Berkhamsted School as Key Stage Coordinator!   

We would like to thank Mrs Jones for her contribution to the school and the Geography Department over the past 3 years. Her enthusiasm and dedication to Geography has been felt by all the students.  Mrs Jones has taught in lessons and at Geography Club and this will stay with them for a long time to come. She has been a valued member during our Geography field trips, but also on trips to Iceland and Sweden - experiences we will all remember fondly. Mrs Jones will be greatly missed by all; we wish her all the best with the future and safe travels as she embarks on an epic journey around South America - we look forward to seeing all the pictures! 

It is with sadness that we say goodbye to Miss Schembri who will be leaving at the end of this academic year to take up a role as Head of Dance. Miss Schembri has been an invaluable member of the Dance, Drama and PE departments over the past year and has devoted her spare time to running dance rehearsals, assisting with Legally Blonde, leading House Dance and The Great Big Dance Off, as well as accompanying students on the recent trip to Iceland. Her passion and advocacy for the performing arts has had a great impact on the students she has taught and I know that she will be incredibly missed not just by our students, but by all staff.  She is also a much loved tutor to 7M and has been a great support in helping them settle into a new school. 

Miss Barnard joined the Cover Team in September and immediately immersed herself in the ways of AHS. She quickly became a valued member of our community and had done a sterling job in covering staff absence, staffing the library and the various admin tasks that were asked of her. Special mention must be made of the staff karaoke at Christmas.  Miss Barnard made a memorable competitor as she sang "This is me" from The Greatest Showman. She has perhaps missed her calling all these years! We wish her all the very best and will be sad to see her go. 

Year 7 to 10 Activity Day

A vibrant and enriching day for all students at AHS, truly embodying our school values! The air buzzed with curious engagement and boundless aspiration as the entire school participated in a diverse range of activities.

Year 7 students embraced the sunshine with a lively carousel of PE and Dance. From exhilarating rounds of human hungry hippos and ultimate frisbee to tri-golf and lawn games, their day culminated in a wonderfully spirited game of rounders, showcasing fantastic teamwork.

Meanwhile, Year 8 experienced "Humanities in Action" at Waddesdon Manor. They delved into history through interactive activities, handled artifacts, and explored the estate, uncovering fascinating details and practising essential humanities skills.

Year 9 showcased their entrepreneurial spirit during their "Launch Pad" Enterprise Day with Young Enterprise. Working in teams, they brainstormed creative business ideas, developed brand identities, and presented impressive pitches, benefiting from the guidance of inspiring business volunteers.

Finally, Year 10 focused on their wellbeing, engaging in a variety of enriching activities. Yoga, self-defence, mindfulness, and insightful talks on health and relationships provided a valuable opportunity for personal growth and reflection. It was truly a day of active, fun, and engaging learning for everyone!

Mr Pitchers
Assistant Head - Personal Development

Art and Design with our incoming Year 7 Students

On Tuesday, we were delighted to teach some of our new Year 7s. Students worked in groups of 4 or 5 working collaboratively to create a colour wheel installation. They had great subject knowledge and worked so well in their groups. We are really looking forward to teaching them in September. 

Mrs Hartwell and Mrs Gayler

Vacancies

PE Technician - Closing date 10 July 

Science Technician (Biology) - Closing date 7 July

First Aid Administrator - Closing date 8 July

Caretaker - Closing date 21 July

Wishing all well for a very happy weekend.  As ever, thanks for your much appreciated support for our School.

Marieke Forster