Headmistress' Introduction

Dear Parents, Carers, and Students

We have had a busy week this week including an exciting guest in our science department, who happens to be a previous student of AHS. Our sports teams have been busy with fantastic results and we are also incredibly proud that two of our amazing Year 7 students were shortlisted for an award, which you can read about below. A huge well done to all. 

As our Year 11 and Year 13 students prepare to go on study leave, Year 11 departing today and Year 13 next week, we want to wish them all the very best. We are incredibly proud of our uniquely talented students, who are independent, strong, and confident.

Please remember that the school stands beside you. If you need us, you need only reach out.

As you approach your upcoming public exams, please keep in mind that whilst they are important, they do not define who you are. These exams represent just a mere fraction of the lives of these amazing young people whom we have been so proud to support through their formative years.

Make sure to get outside, spend time with friends and family, and remember to keep everything in balance!

Sport

Tennis

Our Year 9 and 10 A team took on the B team in a home match this week, with the A team securing a 6-0 victory. Well done to both squads for a competitive and well-played match.  

Athletics

The Athletics League kicked off this week. We saw some fantastic individual performances from our Year 7 and 8 students. It was a great start to the season.

Handball 

Huge congratulations to our U13 Handball team for an incredible performance at the regional finals this past Wednesday. After winning their group and progressing through the semi-finals into the final, the team secured a hard-fought 2nd place finish.

Across the day, they scored an impressive 19 goals and have officially qualified for Nationals! We are incredibly proud of their determination, and sportsmanship. 

House Sports Part 1:

On Tuesday, House Sports began! This involved students competing in netball, badminton, and swimming, with their House teams. They had lots of fun and performed very well! This will be continuing until the 11th of May, to ensure all years 7-10 get the opportunity to participate! We look forward to watching them enjoy it, and finding out the final results!

Inspiring the Next Generation of Vets

We were thrilled to welcome back AHS Alumna Hannah Ekerold to speak to our #Attenborough100 Club last Friday. A newly qualified Veterinary Scientist and Conservationist, Hannah returned to her roots to share her incredible journey from AHS student to professional vet.

Hannah provided our aspiring veterinarians with a wealth of "insider" knowledge, offering bespoke advice on navigating this competitive and rewarding career path. Her session was packed with practical guidance, including:

• Top tips for work experience: how to find and make the most of placements.

• Navigating the essential qualifications for vet school.

• Honest insights to help students decide if a veterinary career is the right fit for them.

The students were captivated by Hannah’s diverse range of experiences. She shared memories of her early days volunteering at Tiggywinkles Wildlife Hospital and local surgeries, before taking us through her time at Nottingham University. Her stories ranged from the hands-on challenges of lambing on local farms to the breathtaking scale of conservation projects in South Africa.

Hannah’s journey shows our students exactly what is possible with dedication and a passion for animal welfare. It was wonderful to see our community so inspired by her success.

We would like to extend a huge thank you to Hannah for her generosity in sharing her expertise. Her visit has undoubtedly sparked a new wave of ambition among our future scientists and conservationists!

--

Ms Lucy Sowah 

Biology Subject Leader

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

Marieke Forster