Headmistress' Introduction

Dear Parents and Carers

This week, on Monday, our Year13 Politics students went to a US Politics Conference at the British Library.

On Tuesday, we held our Year 8 Aberdyfi Evening, advising and preparing our students and their parents for their outward bound adventures in January.

Today, our Year 11 students are visiting the Imperial War Museum in London, shown above.

Tomorrow, our Year 13 Spanish and Art students depart for Madrid and we wish them a successful trip

Year 11 trip to the Imperial War Museum - shown above

We have brought our year 11 historians on an enrichment trip as part of their GCSE, pictured above. We have recently started our living under Nazi rule unit and this trip will consolidate classroom learning about Germany in war time and our migration to Britain unit. As we draw closer to Armistice Day, this trip is as equally pertinent to understand Britain's role in World Wars One and Two.  

Update on English and Drama Block Heating

We wish to provide an important update regarding the heating in the English and Drama Block. As you may recall, the block's main boilers were condemned last year and we swiftly installed a temporary boiler to ensure minimal disruption to teaching for students. This temporary unit was intended to bridge the gap while we applied to the Department for Education’s Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) for a full, permanent replacement. 

Unfortunately, our initial CIF bid was not successful, and we are currently preparing a comprehensive re-application for the next funding round. Given that the temporary boiler is now entering its second year of service (beyond its recommended lifespan), it is proving to be somewhat temperamental, especially as the weather cools. While we are managing the issue daily, we kindly ask for your support by ensuring your daughter dresses warmly on days they have lessons scheduled in the English and Drama block. Layers, warm jumpers, and thermals would be highly advisable to ensure they remain comfortable and focused on their learning. 

Thank you for your understanding as we work diligently to secure this essential permanent upgrade.

Unifrog webinar for parents/carers on supporting students during apprenticeship applications

On Tuesday 11 November at 17:30 Unifrog are offering a dedicated online session for parents and carers on how to best support your child through the apprenticeship application process. Find out what’s involved in written applications, assessment centres, and interviews from the professionals at EY, British Airways and the RAF. Gain tips to guide and encourage your child every step of the way. This will be particularly valuable for parents/carers of current Year 13 students who are making apprenticeship applications.

Sign up to attend by completing this form.

AHSA – Aylesbury High School PTA Raffle donation plea!

We are grateful to all the parents who have supported us throughout the years. Thank you for participating in our summer raffle and help us raise £514 for the AHSA.

We would like to run a seasonal raffle competition in December. Can you please help us with the raffle prices?

Do you have a business or work for a company that might like to make a donation of an experience, a gift or shopping voucher, tickets or an item?  Raffle prizes are often hampers so any item you feel might be part of a hamper would be a great help. Donations in previous years have also included beauty products, wine & chocolate.

In return, the support of your company will be acknowledged through our marketing activity such as parent communications, posters and our social media pages seen by all parents and families.

As you will be aware, all the money raised goes to fund the purchase of specialist equipment that helps enrich and enhance the students’ educational experiences. Over the years, AHSA has donated iPads, Carnegie prize winning novels for literacy, 3D printers, a thermal imaging camera, water fountains around school, chairs for the Sixth Form Study Centre, cameras for photography, lightboxes for art, MFL subscriptions, pianos, picnic tables for outdoor seating- Just to name a few!

All the proceedings from 2024/25 will be used to get new lighting to the Main Hall, microscopes to Biology Department and an outdoor table tennis.

If you are able to support us, please could you send your donation directly to us at the Aylesbury High School Association, Walton Road, Aylesbury HP21 7SX, via the school office or email us to arrange collection. Email us at ahsachair@ahs.bucks.sch.uk

We are running a licensed bar next week during the House Dance events. Enjoy a refreshing glass of your favourite drink, while watch our talented girls perform. 

House Noticeboard Competition

During September, we launched a House Noticeboard competition.  Students were invited to decorate their form noticeboards and WOW did we have some impressive boards!  This week Head Girls, Molly and Elodie, judged the boards and decided the overall winners for this years House Noticeboard competition are:

1st place 10H

2nd Place 9M

3rd Place 9C

A huge well done to all students. House points have been awarded!

Mrs White

Congratulations Poppy

We are proud and delighted to share news that on 30 October, Poppy received a British Citizen Youth Award at the Palace of Westminster.  Poppy, who is in the  Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Army Cadet Force, is one of the 22 BCyA Roll of Honour Recipients in 2025.  Her commandant nominated her for the award in recognition of her outstanding contribution to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of serving and retired police staff through her involvement with the wellbeing-focused Curtis Palmer Program.  Congratulations Poppy, what a remarkable achievement.

Free Online Workshops

Bucks Family Learning at Buckinghamshire Council will be running free evening online workshops for parents/carers with children in Y7 – Y11 around gaining confidence, self-esteem, friendships and managing stress.  Please see the following links:

Confidence, Friendships and Managing Stress

Help your Child to Think Critically to Gain Confidence and Self-Esteem

Vacancies

Cleaning Supervisor - Closing date 24 November @ 9.00 am

With thanks, as ever, for your support, and wishing all a lovely weekend,

Marieke Forster