Welcome to The Bartholomew Bulletin, a termly round up of news and highlights for the school community.

We hope you enjoy reading about some of the many trips, events and activities that have taken place within the school community over the past few weeks and this gives a flavour of life at Bartholomew.

Previous issues may be accessed via the link at the top right of this page, or via the Newsletters page of our school website: Newsletters - Bartholomew School

Contents

Foreword from the Head of School

Governing Body Update

Friends of Bartholomew School (FOBS)

Alumni News

Term Dates 2025-26

Foreword from the Head of School

From Mr Adam Wood, Head of School

As we reach the end of another busy term, it is a pleasure to reflect on the many achievements and experiences that have taken place across the school. Despite one of the wettest starts to the year in recent memory, our students have continued to show real enthusiasm, commitment and pride, whether in the classroom, on trips, in competitions or through the wide range of enrichment opportunities on offer.

Events such as Bartholomew’s Got Talent have brought our community together, celebrating the courage, creativity and spirit of our students. It has also been wonderful to welcome former students back into school to share their experiences with the Sixth Form, reminding us of the strong and supportive community that extends well beyond their time here.

As the days begin to grow longer and we look ahead to the brighter weather of spring, we remain immensely proud of our students and all they continue to achieve.

Governing Body Update

From Dr Lucy Dickinson, Chair of Governors

Although this has been a short term, the school has continued to pack in activities and planning, with many current Year 11 students and external applicants attending the Next Steps or Sixth Form Taster Day. Year 9s have started on the process of choosing their GCSE or BTEC subjects, an important step in thinking about their future pathways. Current Year 13 students have taken their mock A level examinations, and the feedback from these and the Year 11 mock GCSEs will now be used to offer students the opportunity to gain extra support and achieve as highly as possible in the summer.

Some courageous and talented students challenged themselves in a different way by participating in the Bartholomew’s Got Talent event at the end of January – governors in attendance (including one on the judging panel) were impressed with the enthusiasm and talent of our young people in taking to the stage, as well as the support and encouragement offered by their classmates. Well done to the winners and to all those who took part, as well as the support crew and school staff who made this event possible.

Governors met in January to monitor and review attendance figures, behaviour reporting and support for disadvantaged students and those with additional needs. We also looked at the most recent information on the financial position of the school and the potential for any investments into the school site.

We have also supported the first stages of work on the next three-year School Improvement Plan. These discussions are always valuable, and governors have welcomed the opportunity to contribute as the school begins to shape its priorities for the future.

Subject News

Film Studies News

Film Student Highly Commended at Moving Image Awards

From Mrs Broughton, Head of Film Studies

We are delighted that one of our Year 12 Film students, Willow, has been highly commended at the Eduqas Moving Image Awards for her short film Scuffed, which she created as part of her GCSE coursework last year.

The Moving Image Awards celebrate outstanding work by Film and Media students across the country, recognising creativity, technical skill and originality. Being highly commended reflects the excellent standard of Willow’s work and the effort she put into her submission.

Congratulations to Willow on this fantastic achievement. We are also proud that Bartholomew School was recognised as a Commended Centre, highlighting the strength of film-making across the department.

Maths News

Intermediate Maths Challenge

From Ms Shao, Maths Department

On Wednesday 28th January, over 100 students from Years 9, 10 and 11 took part in the Intermediate Maths Challenge.

The Intermediate Maths Challenge is a national competition organised by the United Kingdom Mathematics Trust (UKMT). It is a 60-minute, 25-question multiple-choice paper designed to encourage mathematical reasoning, precision of thought and problem-solving skills.

Aimed primarily at students in Years 9 to 11, the challenge is intended to stretch and inspire enthusiastic mathematicians, with questions that are accessible to many students while still providing a significant challenge for the most able.

We congratulate all students who took part, and especially to Year 9 students, Noah and Erin, Year 10 students, Clement and Alex, and Year 11 students, JP, Will, Imogen, Edwin and Theo, who have all qualified for the next stage of the competition. We wish them the very best of luck!

Modern Foreign Languages News

Interested in Learning Latin?

From Mr Scott, MFL Department

The OxLAT Scheme is open to enthusiastic and focused students currently in Years 8 and 9 who are interested in studying GCSE Latin, but attend state schools where Latin is not offered. The scheme provides free tuition in Latin language and literature from beginner level through to GCSE.

Weekly two-hour lessons take place on Saturday mornings during term time at the Faculty of Classics, Oxford. The course will begin in June 2026 and continue for two years, with students sitting their Latin GCSE in May 2028. Teaching is delivered by professional Latin instructors in small groups, following a rigorous academic programme similar to a GCSE course in school. Students will be expected to complete regular independent study and homework each week.

When: June 2026 – May 2028, Saturdays during term time (10.30am–1.00pm)
Where: Faculty of Classics, 66 St Giles, Oxford
Cost: Free, as part of the Faculty of Classics Outreach Programme
Eligibility: Current Year 8 and Year 9 students at state schools without Latin provision

Students who are interested or would like to find out more should speak to Mr Scott or contact him via the school office.

Music News

A Wonderful Evening of Student Music

From Mrs Almgill, Head of Music

Our recent Music Recital was a wonderful celebration of the talent, commitment and confidence of our student performers. The evening featured an impressive and varied programme from a range of students from Year 7 to Sixth Form, including classical favourites by Fauré, Vivaldi, Schubert and Puccini, to musical theatre, jazz, contemporary piano works and popular songs by ABBA and Paloma Faith.

Students from across the year groups performed both solo and ensemble pieces, demonstrating not only their musical ability but also great poise and maturity on stage. Highlights included the String Group’s performance of Fauré’s Berceuse, a range of expressive piano solos, vocal performances from musical theatre and opera, and a lively mix of folk, jazz and modern repertoire.

We are incredibly proud of all the students who took part and the hard work they put into preparing for the recital.

Witney Music Society Concert series

From Mrs Almgill, Head of Music

A select group of students enjoyed a wonderful concert of Beethoven piano music at the previous concert in January. The pianist took us on a journey starting with an early sonata, moving through Beethoven’s middle years and then on to more emotional complexity in piano pieces from the latter part of his life. The performer was wearing a sparkly dress and the music shimmered, as she did! We all particularly enjoyed hearing her performance of Beethoven’s moonlight sonata on the Broadwood grand piano at the Witney Methodist church. John Broadwood sent Beethoven a six-octave piano and it’s likely that Beethoven (who sent a warm letter of thanks) composed his three last sonatas at that piano.

Students are looking forward to the wind quintet concert tonight and will be invited to the string quartet concert on March 13th after half term.

Coming up in Term 4...

PE News

Year 9 & 10 Girls Reach County Round in Indoor Cricket

From Miss Flory, PE Department

On Tuesday 27th January, Bartholomew School competed in a closely contested indoor cricket tournament against St Helen and St Katharine A, St Edward’s, Oxford High School, and Cranford House. It was an impressive day for the squad, who secured two wins from four matches, finishing third overall and earning a well-deserved place in the County Round.

Every player made a meaningful contribution throughout the tournament. Gabby was outstanding with the bat, top scoring across the day with over 70 runs. Abi and Aurora showed superb consistency, retiring in almost every match and sending boundaries to all parts of the hall. Behind the stumps, Amelia was exceptional, saving countless runs and adding a sharp run-out to her performance.

With the ball, Manon led the attack brilliantly, taking four wickets across the competition. In the field, Katia and Bethan demonstrated safe hands and great awareness, taking important catches. Meanwhile, Freya’s leadership as captain shone through, showcasing her all-round ability and strong understanding of the game.

The team now look ahead to the County Round on Thursday 5th March, where they will hope to build on their success and continue their strong run of form.

Year 9 Sports Leaders Support County Cross Country Championships

From Mrs Clements-Foster, Head of PE

On Tuesday 20th January, 50 Year 9 Sports Leaders travelled to Cokethorpe School to support the Oxfordshire Schools County Cross Country Championships. The students played an important role in ensuring the smooth running of the event, helping with marshalling, recording finishing positions, and administering the large number of runners taking part.

This was a fantastic opportunity for our Sports Leaders to put their skills into practice at a major county event. They demonstrated excellent organisation, responsibility and teamwork throughout the afternoon, building on the great work they had already shown at recent EPA events.

Their support was greatly appreciated by the event organisers, and they represented the school superbly while contributing to the success of a significant county sporting fixture.

Thank you message to the Year 9 Sports Leaders from Miss Walton, PE Department:

Thank you to all the Year 9 Sports Leaders who have been involved in events this term: County Champs Cross Country at Cokethorpe, 'Go Referee' football course at Carterton, U11 Tag Rugby (where we all got very soggy!), Girls Coach Academy...and all the other activities that you have helped support.

We have been really impressed with your efforts and enthusiasm throughout the term. In lessons we are starting to plan and practice for the Year 6 transition day that will take place in April. Other events coming up are netball, dance and a rugby festival, so there are plenty of opportunities to get involved.

Thank you and keep up the good work!

Term 3 Sports Fixtures

A range of fixtures have taken place in all weathers and below is a selection of some of photos. The PE Department would like to thank all of our team players for their contribution and commitment, for being excellent ambassadors to the School, and we hope you enjoy the next round of fixtures in Term 4!

Personal Development News

A Look Ahead to Personal Development Lessons in Term 4

In Personal Development lessons, students study a range of topics that support their wellbeing, relationships and personal growth. Our spiral curriculum revisits key themes in an age-appropriate way, and is carefully planned in line with DfE guidance and PSHE Association resources.

From Mrs Humm, Head of Personal Development & Citizenship

Explore our Personal Development curriculum

Year 7

Year 7 students will remain with their tutors for most of Term 4, covering effective ways of managing conflict and the importance of sleep. They will then begin a rotation of lessons with the Year 7 tutor team covering the following topics: alcohol, tobacco and nicotine, bereavement, body image and self-expression, consent, dental health, and female genital mutilation (lessons are designed using the PSHE Association resources and in collaboration with the School Health Nurse team).

Year 8

Year 8 students will continue their lessons with the Year 8 tutors on a carousel basis. The topics, which are covered on this rotation of lessons, are: relationship values, consent and contraception, staying safe (including domestic abuse and avoiding sharing images online), family life, online safety, belonging and community, and emotional health. For an overview of when each topic is

Please follow this link to our Year 8 Personal Development carousel showing when each topic is taught.

Year 9

Year 9 students will continue their lessons with the Year 9 tutors on a carousel basis. The topics which are covered on this rotation of lessons are: drugs, emotional health (including eating disorderly, strategies to maintain positive emotional wellbeing, and managing difficult times), first aid, and relationships (including respectful relationships, consent, contraception and sexual health).

Please follow this link to our Year 9 Personal Development carousel showing when each topic is taught.

Year 10

Year 10 students will continue their lessons with the Year 10 tutors on a carousel basis. The topics which are covered on this rotation of lessons are: promoting a resilience to gambling, drugs and alcohol, emotional health, why may some young people become drawn into gangs, and sex and relationships (including respect, the impact of pornography, consent, and managing conflict and relationship breakdown).

Please follow this link to our Year 10 Personal Development carousel showing when each topic is taught.

Year 11

Year 11 students will be looking at why some people may choose to make body modifications and, if they choose to, how this can be done in a safe manner. Students will also have a lesson about who to give emergency first aid and manage a situation where a young person has drunk alot of alcohol. This is a hard-hitting but important lesson called 'Story of a Night Out' and is created by the British Red Cross.

Science News

Future Chemists Competition

From Mrs Malik, Head of Science

In January, two teams of Year 8 and Year 9 students took part in the Future Chemists competition at the Chemistry Teaching Laboratory at the University of Oxford. This exciting event gave students the opportunity to experience university-level practical chemistry and work together in a real laboratory environment.

During the day, students completed a series of practical challenges, attended a short talk, and worked collaboratively to apply their scientific knowledge and skills. It was a fantastic enrichment opportunity, allowing students to experience life in a university laboratory and to see where their interest in science could take them in the future.

Congratulations to our students, who were placed second in the county. Events like this, previously known as 'Top of the Bench', have a strong track record of helping students build confidence and go on to achieve excellent results in their science exams. Well done to all the students who took part and represented the school so positively.

Year Group News

Year 9 Options

From Mr Baker, Head of Year 9

Year 9 students have begun the process of considering which subjects they may wish to study at GCSE or BTEC in Years 10 and 11. Stage One of the options process went live this term, following which the final options grid will be drawn up. The second stage takes place next term, during which students and their parents/carers attend the Year 9 Options Evening in school on Wednesday 4th March, offering a further opportunity to speak with subject specialists, further to the Year 9 Parent Consultation Evening that took place in January. Once the second stage goes live in March, students will have until Monday 9th March to submit their final options choices, which we will remind everyone about.

Our website offers a useful resource for all the information you need to progress through the options process. Follow this link to our Year 9 Options page.

House News

House Points Update for the end of Term 3

There are lots of ways for students to contribute to their house, and this term we offered new opportunities, such as through the MFL Duolingo challenge and our inaugural 'Bartholomew's Got Talent' contest. Well done to all students who have earned house points and keep up the good work!

Scroll through the slides below to see find out which house currently leads the way with an impressive 17,552 house points!

Bartholomew's Got Talent

From Mrs Williams, Lead House Coordinator

At the end of January, students took to the stage for our first evening 'Bartholomew’s Got Talent' House Competition, delivering an evening full of energy, creativity and courage. The audience was treated to a wonderful variety of performances, showcasing the breadth of talent across the school.

From singing and instrumental music to dance and other creative acts, students performed with confidence and enthusiasm, creating a lively and supportive atmosphere throughout the evening. It was particularly heartening to see so many students step outside their comfort zones and take to the stage, encouraged by their friends and classmates. Thank you to everyone who took part - we really enjoyed all of your performances!

Huge thanks go to our wonderful judges, Mrs Back, Mr Thompson and Mr Lloyd, and our amazing chefs and catering team - it was lovely to invite the community to experience this as we do every day and your loaded chilli beef nachos, Katsu chicken curry with rice, and dahl went down extremely well (one person commenting, "This dahl is stunning - the best I had ever tasted! Please could I have the recipe?". Thank you also to the superb FOBS who have been so supportive of our events, arriving early to help set up, selling drinks and always with such friendly smiles. The success of our events really does rely on a whole team effort and we are hugely grateful!

We hope you agree that the event was a great success, and welcome your feedback. It has been a joy to celebrate of the creativity and spirit of our school community. Well done to all the performers, the winners, and the many students and staff who worked behind the scenes to make the evening such an enjoyable occasion.

Library News

Valentines - Fall in Love with a Book

From Mrs Smith

Our Library Ambassadors recently organised a special book delivery for tutor groups, sharing the joy of reading across the school. Over 50 books were delivered to forms, each carefully selected for individual students.

Students were invited to request a particular genre, and the Library Ambassadors then hand-picked a suitable title for them. Each book was thoughtfully wrapped and delivered with a bookmark and a small edible treat, adding an extra element of surprise.

The initiative was a lovely way to promote reading for pleasure and to showcase the enthusiasm and care of our Library Ambassadors, who put real thought into matching each student with a book they would enjoy.

Student Authors

From Mrs Smith

Four students have submitted books they have written and these are now printed and available to borrow in the library!

These include a short story by Seri in Year 7 (see cover below), along with a series of six graphic novels by "No one in Particular"...

Careers News

National Apprenticeship Week

We advertised a large number of events happening in and around Oxfordshire during National Apprenticeship Week.

We also shared a range of resources and information with students throughout the week, particularly during registration periods. This included this explanatory video: https://www.amazingapprenticeships.com/resources/the-apprenticeship-assembly-film/

Find out more about apprenticeship opportunities

To coincide with NAW, and with thanks to our Careers Adviser Maggie Nason, we have put together some useful information for those considering this option:

WOCP Apprenticeship Event - save the date!

As part of the West Oxfordshire Schools Careers Partnership, we are pleased to be organising our next joint careers event: an Apprenticeship Fair on Thursday 12th March 2026, from 6.00pm, hosted at The Marlborough School, Woodstock.

The event is open to students in Years 10 and 11, as well as the Sixth Form, and will provide an excellent opportunity to explore the apprenticeship pathway. Students and families will be able to speak directly with a range of employers and training providers, many of whom will be recruiting apprentices for 2026 entry.

Please save the date, with further details to follow shortly.

CEIAG Website

The Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance section of the school website has information on Post-16 and Post-18 options, including applying to colleges of further education, employment and training opportunities, and local labour market information. The site also includes links to the Oxfordshire and National Apprenticeship Websites: https://www.bartholomew.oxon.sch.uk/347/careers-education-information-advice-and-guidance-ceiag

Year 10 Work Experience

Those students who wanted school to organise a work experience placement for them, handed in their forms last term.

School has already approached a number of companies to request places in 2026 and we will endeavour to match these students to placements that meet their preferences. Students arranging their own placement should have returned their blue application form by Friday 6th February 2026, to allow time for the necessary insurance and health and safety checks.

All placements must be registered with school and checked before students can go out on work experience

Careers Guidance in School

Our Careers Advisor Maggie Nason is in school once a week to deliver Careers Guidance to students, particularly those in Year 11 and the Sixth Form.

Maggie offers impartial information, advice and guidance, and can help with applying for jobs, apprenticeships, college courses, training or university. She is currently meeting with Year 11 students, therefore anyone who is unsure of their plans for next year, and would benefit from a meeting with her, should see Mrs Williams in the Careers Office, or email: careers@bartholomew.epatrust.org for an appointment.

Next Steps Day

As well as the Sixth Form Taster Day on Friday 16th January 2026, we offered an alternative Next Steps programme for those students who are not planning to take the Sixth Form route.

This offered the opportunity to hear presentations and take part in discussions with staff from City of Oxford College and Intake Talent (Apprenticeships). There was also a session on CV writing and time to research Post-16 options and reflect on the day. Maggie Nason, our Careers Advisor, was available for students to discuss their plans and ideas, and we welcomed Kevin Bates from the Oxford Energy Academies, who spent time talking to the students in the afternoon.

Feedback from those who attended was positive, with many finding the sessions useful and informative.

Employer Engagement

Careers Available in the Automotive and Construction Industries

During Year 8 & 9 and Year 10 &11 assemblies we welcomed Danni McCarthy from The Hill Group and Alex Morgan from BMET/BMW respectively, to talk about the varied careers available in their industries, including apprenticeships.

We were grateful to Danni and Alex for taking the time to visit us in school and talk to our students about the wide range of opportunities.

National Highways Apprenticeships

Just ahead of National Apprenticeship week, we welcomed Daniel Santos, an ex-student who left Bartholomew in July 2025. Daniel gave an interesting talk to our Sixth Form students on his Apprenticeship with National Highways, as well as advice on why to choose the apprenticeship route, how to choose a suitable programme, and how to make a successful application.

It was great to see a recent alumnus back in school and talking to our students about his career pathway. Read more in our Alumni section below.

Year 12 Mock Interviews with Siemens Healthineers

We were fortunate this term to have 11 members of staff from Siemens Healthineers in school to talk to Year 12 about interview skills.

As well as giving a presentation to each Tutor Group, they also met individually with 77 Year 12 students who had applied to be interviewed by submitting a CV. The students were given valuable feedback on their individual interview techniques and useful advice on improvements that could be made to their CVs.

We would like to thank the members of Siemens Healthineers staff who took part on the day and gave up their time to support our students.

Year 12 Work Experience

Students have been encouraged to research and apply for places for their work experience week in July and will be expected to arrange their own placements.

Both universities and employers value the skills and insight developed during a recent period of work experience and several HE courses require that students have some experience of the type of work involved.

All placements have to be registered and checked by school and an Information Sheet and the Application form have been added to Google Classrooms.

For information and advice on careers or work experience please contact Mrs Linda Williams on 01865 733334 (direct line) or email careers@bartholomew.epatrust.org

Friends of Bartholomew School (FOBS)

Hello everyone!

We’re the Friends of Bartholomew School (FOBS), a volunteer group made up of parents, carers, staff and friends of the school who work together to raise funds and support projects that enhance the experience of all our students. We’re always looking for new members and volunteers to join us. Whether you’d like to be more involved, help out occasionally, or simply share a fundraising idea, we’d love to hear from you!

This term we have been meeting some new members who have joined, which has been fantastic. We also had the pleasure of supporting 'Bartholomew's Got Talent' and enjoyed serving drinks whilst being treated to performances by a very talented group of students.

We have also had the pleasure of contacting winners of our 300 club draw. This is a great and easy way to support FOBs.

There are lots of ways to get involved and support the School. We always welcome new ideas and need volunteers to support our fundraising initiatives.

How to get in touch

Email us at: friendsofbartholomewschool.com
Join our Facebook page: Friends of Bartholomew School (Eynsham) for news, updates and the 300 Club draw, which takes place monthly.

Support FOBS through Easy Fundraising

Did you know you can raise money for the school just by shopping online?
By signing up to Easy Fundraising and selecting Bartholomew School, Eynsham as your chosen cause, every time you shop with participating retailers, a small donation will be made to FOBS – at no extra cost to you!

It only takes a few minutes to set up, and every little bit really does make a big difference.

Our Current Project: The Great Outdoors Initiative

FOBS are excited to be fundraising for our new Great Outdoors Initiative. Our goal is to help students enjoy more time outside, learning, relaxing, and socialising, in comfort and in all weathers. We are working with school and students to make sure their ideas help shape the project, creating outdoor areas they’ll genuinely love and use, such as an outdoor gym and fitness equipment, benches and seating for social spaces, and a canopy to provide shelter and shade.

We look forward to sharing further updates with you and thank you for your continued support,
The Friends of Bartholomew School

New members and ideas are always welcome, so if you’d like to get involved or just find out more, please get in touch. Our meeting dates are publicised via the weekly newsletter, on the FOBS page of the school website, and on our Facebook page. We look forward to welcoming you!

Alumni News

Former Student Shares Apprenticeship Success

As part of National Apprenticeship Week, we were delighted to welcome back former student Daniel Santos, who left Bartholomew in July 2025 and has since begun an apprenticeship with National Highways.

Daniel spoke to our Sixth Form students about his experience of the apprenticeship route, offering practical advice on choosing the right programme, preparing strong applications and standing out in a competitive selection process. His talk helped to demystify apprenticeships and gave students a valuable first-hand insight into an increasingly popular and successful pathway after Sixth Form.

It was fantastic to see such a recent alumnus return to school and speak so confidently about his achievements. Deputy Headteacher and Director of Sixth Form, Mrs von der Osten, congratulated Daniel on this excellent start to his career and thanked him for sharing his experiences with our students, many of whom are considering the apprenticeship route and found the session extremely useful.

We are always proud to welcome former students back to Bartholomew and look forward to hearing more about their successes in the future. If you are a former student and would be willing to share your experiences with current students, we would love to hear from you. Please get in touch via the school or our alumni platform

Calling all former students!

If you’re a former student of Bartholomew School, we'd love to hear from you!

Your experiences since leaving could help to motivate and inspire our current students, giving them greater confidence as they make decisions about their future. We invite you to join our alumni network and stay connected with the school.

We have partnered with the national education charity Future First, which specialises in helping schools like ours keep in touch with former students.

You can choose how and when you get involved. You might act as a career or education role model, offer work experience, become a mentor in person or online, support fundraising, or even consider becoming a governor.

It doesn’t matter when you left, whether you are in further education or employment, or whether you still live locally or further afield — there are many ways you can help. Get in touch via the platform to let us know if you'd be interested, or share news of your career journey to help inspire and support others - it really does make an impact.

We are also keen to hear from alumni who want to play a part in helping run the Future First platform, for example through event planning, fundraising or volunteer platform. If you have any ideas or think you may be able to help, get in touch and make the platform work for you as alumni.

To sign up, simply follow this link and complete the short online form, which only takes a couple of minutes:

https://www.futurefirsthub.org.uk/

Exam Certificate Collection - Class of 2025

Former students who took examinations in the summer of 2025 may collect their GCSE, A Level and BTEC certificates, which are available for collection now via reception. If you want someone else to collect your certificates on your behalf you'll need to give permission; visit our Exams page on the school website to find out more:

www.bartholomew.oxon.sch.uk/244/exams

Please share this information widely with others who have left the School recently, thank you.

Term Dates 2025-26

Term Dates 2026-27

Term Dates 2027-28

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