“Every Student Thriving”
Embedded Files
Headteacher's Welcome
Headteacher's Welcome
As the holiday season approaches, I am reminded of the warmth and joy this time of year brings to our school community. Christmas is a season of giving, gratitude and celebration—a time to reflect on the year that has passed and to look forward with hope and excitement to what lies ahead.
At school, we have much to be thankful for. This year has been filled with academic achievements, artistic triumphs, and sporting victories. But beyond the accolades, it is the spirit of unity, kindness and perseverance among our students, staff and families that stands out most. You have all contributed to making our school not just a place of learning but also a place where students can thrive, delightfully, this was recognised and applauded by Ofsted in October.
This festive season, let us remember the importance of compassion and generosity, especially toward those in need. I encourage you to take the time to connect with loved ones, lend a helping hand to someone less fortunate, and embrace the true meaning of the season.
I wish you and your families a joyful, peaceful and safe Christmas. May this season bring you moments of love and laughter, and may the New Year bring renewed energy and success for all. Thank you for your continued support and partnership. We look forward to seeing everyone in the new term, ready to embrace the opportunities and challenges of 2025.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Aylesbury RFC
Aylesbury RFC
A huge congratulations to Clara and Bella on being accepted onto the Bucks County programme. The two year 11 students have already had to complete numerous training and assessment after being put forward by the head coach of Aylesbury Rugby Club. Now that the assessments are over, both Clara and Bella are now on the full squad!
Remembrance Day
Remembrance Day
On Monday 11th November, Remembrance Day, our Cadet students dressed in their uniforms in honour of the armed forces. The students looked exceptionally smart and it was amazing to see who is involved with the Cadets. Teachers and students were impressed and as a school, we felt proud of our students representing the armed forces. Well done to the Year 11 Cadets who asked to start this tradition last year and to all who continued it this year.
Mobile Phone Policy - 'no see, no hear' from gate to gate.
Mobile Phone Policy - 'no see, no hear' from gate to gate.
At John Colet we have a 'no see, no hear' policy from gate to gate for mobile phones while students are on school site. In a community of over 1000 people it would be disruptive to learning for phones to be used by students. Insisting that a parent or carer collects the phone acts as a deterrent to phones being used.
During school hours, should you need to contact your child please telephone the School Office and we will get a message to them. Alternatively if a student needs to contact their parent/carer they should go to the Student Support office or School Office where they can request to ring home.
Unfortunately, at times parents try to contact students directly which causes their phone to go off during lessons - this results in the student having their phone confiscated as per our school policy and it will be a parent/carer that will have to pick the mobile phone up from the School Office. If you are unable to collect the phone please arrange for a family member, or responsible adult to collect it on your behalf. Students will not be able to pick up their phone themselves under any circumstance. A number of students have raised the issue of having to use their phone to pay for transport home. If this is the case the student needs to come and speak to the School Office. We will arrange for a loan which will need to be reimbursed the next day.
I am sure you will have seen that school attendance continues to feature regularly in the news and on social media, with the government and schools working to try and recover the attendance levels seen before the Covid 19 pandemic. Last week, the Chief Inspector of Ofsted suggested that parents who have been working from home are more likely to keep their children off school with them, especially on a Friday. Certainly, we have seen a significant drop in our attendance levels, with parents frequently choosing to keep their children at home to work or revise if they are feeling a little under the weather. Whilst we understand many children would prefer to work in this way, working from home is not considered a suitable education. Attending in-person lessons with a teacher is hugely beneficial and we ask that you send your children in to school every day to ensure they achieve their full potential at school, make friends and have the opportunity to take part in extra-curricular activities. Students are able to attend school with minor illnesses such as a cough, cold, headache, tiredness or aching limbs and they are not a reason to be absent.
This term, we have seen a wide range of reasons for absence that are not related to illness, and thought we would share some with you -
The dog had puppies last night
The cat is poorly and someone needs to stay at home with him
I'm on holiday in Portugal and the children are staying with their Grandmother. She doesn't drive so they won't be in school
It was snowing
It was raining
When I looked out of the window, the traffic looked heavy so we decided to stay at home today
The car didn't start (again)
We are waiting in for an electrician/plumber
They have a dentist appointment at 11.30 in Aylesbury so won't be in all day as it is too inconvenient to collect them and bring them back to school
Their friend is going on a school trip today and my child isn't, so I'm going to keep them at home
They have an assessment today and don't feel prepared
We have family visiting from out of the area so are going to spend some time with them
They are tired from football/netball/cheerleading last night
They had their DofE expedition at the weekend and have tired legs
Sadly, these are all genuine reasons we have been given for children missing school, and they are absolutely unacceptable. Please give your child the best chance of success by making school a priority and sending them in every day. We are at the end of a long term, and we hope the New Year will be an opportunity for a fresh start after a restful break.
We send our best wishes for a very Happy Christmas, and look forward to seeing everyone, everyday, in the New Year!
Di Bull and Natalie Preece, the Attendance Team
PAT dog
PAT dog
Meet Riley, our beloved therapy dog who brightens our school community every Red Wednesday with his warm and friendly presence. Mrs Palumbo arranges for Riley to meet with our students to provide comfort and companionship. His gentle demeanour and playful spirit create a welcoming environment that helps reduce stress and anxiety, allowing students to feel more relaxed and engaged. Riley's visits offer a unique opportunity for emotional support, fostering a sense of connection and joy among students. His role as a therapy dog not only enhances the school experience but also teaches valuable lessons about empathy and kindness.
Vehicles on school grounds
Vehicles on school grounds
Remember that vehicles should not be driven onto campus unless you are authorised to do so by the school office. Please park and walk. Unauthorised drivers are increasing the risk of accident by significantly adding to the volume of traffic.
If authorised to do so, parents should drop-off directly in front of reception. Please do not use the parking bays for drop-off. The car-park directly in front of school is for staff vehicles only.
Please also be reminded that vehicle engines should be switched off when dropping off, or waiting for students to come out of school. Idling causes air pollution which is harmful to the school community.
Robotics Club
Robotics Club
Article by Oliver Drysdale - Team Leader
We have finished the first term of the new Robotics Club and it has been a complete success. Many Year 7 students have been attending consistently every Tuesday and have made so much progress in the last few sessions. They have been in groups designing and building working robots through the LEGO Spike program. In January we will be starting using the micro:bits to program some more advanced and complex robots, which a few students have already begun the process of. Remember it is never too late to sign up – just come along, either by yourself or with some friends, any Tuesday afternoon from 3pm in IT2 and build your own robot!
Year 7
Year 7
The Year 7 boys rugby team played a fantastic competitive game against Waddesdon tonight. JCS had a good control on the game from early in the match.
Year 7
Year 7
Well done to the Year 7 A and B netball teams. It has been a great start to the year and league, full of teamwork, hard work and fun.
Year 7
Year 7
Here is the Year 7 football team for this academic year!
Year 8
Year 8
Here is the Year 8B team this year! Well done to the team winning 5-3 against Cottesloe B team. Fantastic work passing the ball around the circle to get 5 goals. POTM Mia!
Year 8
Year 8
Year 8 football in county cup action!
Year 8
Year 8
Here is the Year 8 Rugby team this year!
Year 9
Year 9
First round cup action for the Year 9’s against a very tough St Michael’s side.
Year 10
Year 10
Well done to the Year 10 girls who won 14-4 in their friendly against The Grange School. Smashing performance from all and amazing work from our POTM Alisha!
Year 10
Year 10
Year 10 B team this year! A huge shoutout to Amelia for stepping up from the year below and performing outstandingly.
Year 11
Year 11
The Year 11 A team have started the league off to an outstanding start! Winning every single match so far with great dominance.
Year 11
Year 11
The Year 11 team this year kicked off their league campaign with a great win!
U13
U13
Well done to the U13 football team who secured their first win against The Grange. The team was dominant throughout and scored two great goals. POTM - Eleni
Well done to the students who took part in the ESAA cross country competition.
Message regarding parking at Wendover Memorial Hall car park
Message regarding parking at Wendover Memorial Hall car park
Good morning,
We are writing to request your assistance in supporting the John Colet students and families to understand that the Memorial Hall car park is not suitable as a drop off or pick up zone or a pathway. There is clear signage indicating that it is a private car park. However, it would seem that, if they are not actually parking, people think it’s ok to swing in to drop off/pick up.
The Pre-school uses the car park between 7.30am until 3.30pm with children being picked up and dropped off in between those times. We have had several incidents involving near misses and regular abuse when people are asked not to use the private car park.
The Memorial Hall Car Park is not a drop off or pick up zone or a safe pathway to the school campus.
This also applies to the Wendover Doctors surgery car park.
Movember
Movember
Every year for the duration of November Mr Brand takes part in Movember. Movember is an annual event involving the growing of moustaches during the month of November. This is to raise awareness of Men's Health issues, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer and men's suicide. As he has a beard all year around he dyes his beard bright colours, this year the colour was decided by his form group. Mr Brand is very pleased to announce that he has raised a total of £284.83 this year.
Current Job Vacancies - with flexible working patterns
Current Job Vacancies - with flexible working patterns
Do you know of any one who would like to join the John Colet School. We have vacancies for a Science Teacher, a Business Studies Teacher, Learning Support Assistant and a Cover Supervisor.
Full Job Descriptions are available on the John Colet School website. These can be found under 'About' tab on the 'Vacancies' section of the website.
Careers update
Careers update
On the last day of the previous half term we held our mock interviews for our Year 11 students. We are extremely grateful to all the volunteers who gave up their time to interview our students. This activity is to help prepare students for interviews for sixth forms, colleges and apprenticeships and we received excellent feedback about our students
In November Mrs Pearcey and Mrs Sinacore took a small group of our Year 9 and Year 10 service family students to Oxford Brookes University for a day finding out about higher education organised by Study Higher. The group got to attend workshops, have lunch in the university canteen and find out more about university from students and graduates.
Throughout this term Mrs Sinacore has been meeting with our Year 11 students for their next step meetings and will have met with most of the students by the end of term. It is good to hear that most have already put plans in place with applications made to sixth forms, college and apprenticeships. We have three students already being offered an apprenticeship and we are very pleased for them all.
Some of our year 12 students attended the Schools Aerospace Careers Programme on Friday 13th December with Ms Williams, and had the opportunity to find out more about specialised careers within the sector and the changing roles within space and technology.Ms Williams and the students got to meet and speak with a Boston Dynamics Robot Dog. We are grateful for the Careers Team at The Misbourne School for inviting our students to the event
Mrs Sinacore has been busy planning for our annual careers fair in February and she still has a few spaces left for exhibitors. The fair is running on 12th February 10.30am-3pm and all students will be invited to attend. If you are interested or know an organisation that would like to attend please email tsinacore@johncolet.co.uk
Rewards and Consequences
Rewards and Consequences
Year 7
Year 7
With Christmas around the corner, Year 7 have now largely found their feet and settled into the John Colet School life and routine.
7J have maintained the top-spot for R-Points, with 7G not far behind them. 7C are in third, with an almost neck-and-neck 7T and 7Z behind them. Bringing up the rear are 7A, but it’s all to play for with two terms to go!
Special shout-out to Gracie in 7J who has been stealing the show in Peter Pan at Aylesbury Waterside!
Year 8
Year 8
Year 8, you're on fire! We’re now up to an incredible 11,310 R-Points as a year group, with some truly fantastic contributions across all tutor groups. Well done to 8C and 8T, who are leading the way with an impressive 2,000 points each! Close behind are 8A with 1,986, 8J with 1,950, and 8Z with 1,872. 8G are making great progress too, with a strong 1,502 points.
Year 8, you're on fire! We’re now up to an incredible 11,310 R-Points as a year group, with some truly fantastic contributions across all tutor groups. Well done to 8C and 8T, who are leading the way with an impressive 2,000 points each! Close behind are 8A with 1,986, 8J with 1,950, and 8Z with 1,872. 8G are making great progress too, with a strong 1,502 points.
While we’re not in first place as a year group right now, we’re holding a close second—and that’s something to be really proud of. Keep aiming high, supporting one another, and showing how Year 8 can shine by being Ready, Respectful, and Responsible in everything you do.
Remember, every point earned reflects your hard work, kindness, and determination. Let’s see if we can push even further and take the top spot next time! You’ve got this, Year 8!
Year 9
Year 9
Congratulations to Jessica and Sophie on being the top two students in the year group for R points. 9T continue to lead the way for R points this term but 9J and 9Z are not too far behind them.
R-Points aren’t just about academic success—they reflect how well we support each other, show respect in our interactions, and take responsibility for our actions. I am sure that Year 9 will continue to strive to show these qualities
Year 10
Year 10
The weather may be gloomy but Y10’s performance has been bright! Well done to Jessica Fane-Gladwin, Charlotte Gammons and Jack Garbutt who have topped the charts with the recognition points.
10J, 10C and 10TB have the most R points, with 2102, 1999 and 1837 respectively.
Congratulations for your hard work and showing good character.
Special mention to 10C who have the least amount of C points by 60! Well done for choosing to do the right thing and be ready, respectful and responsible.
Year 11
Year 11
I want to start by congratulating Bradley and Natalie for having the top R points in the year group!
11JB and 11Z are in tight competition with 11JB only being one point ahead with 1519 R points. Well done!!
It is pleasing to see that Year 11 are still working hard to get their R points this year whilst preparing for exams. Well done Year 11, you should be proud of yourselves.
Year 12 and 13
Year 12 and 13
In the past half term there have been many opportunities for Sixth form students to gain R points - helping at Open Evening and at Into the Sixth were great chances to pick up some recognition. 12B have run away with the lead on R points this half term with 167. 12A and 12 C are 91 and 85 respectively. 12A have the lowest number of C point with just 12 for the half term. In Year 13, 13C has the highest R point total with 232, with 13A and 13B neck and neck on 124 and 122 respectively. Every point counts!
Future Focus programme
Future Focus programme
Our Year 10 and Year 11 students have made a very positive start to the new KS4 Future Focus programme, with an overall positive Attitude to Learning score of 95%+ in these lessons.
Year 10 students have had the opportunity to prepare for their Work Experience through the use of the online tool Unifrog. They have been exploring the range of workplace opportunities that exist and learning “softer skills” which include effective communication, teamwork and applying for jobs. Our Year 11 students have been gaining an understanding of how to revise effectively, Metacognition and the range of techniques they can use to revise successfully including Mindmaps, Cornell Notes and the use of Online Learning Platforms. In our recent students survey, the students identified that greater support for revision techniques and exam practice was an area for development, which is what we will continue to do through Future Focus and other whole school programmes.
Tooled Up
Tooled Up
If you haven’t signed up to ‘tooled up’ yet I urge you to. We subscribe to a library of resources for parents designed to boost children’s resilience, self-esteem and mental health to help them thrive throughout their educational journey and beyond.
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Easy Sparkling Holiday Party Punch
Easy Sparkling Holiday Party Punch
Snowman cupcakes
Snowman cupcakes
Free School Meals
Free School Meals
If your circumstances have changed recently and you think you are eligible for free school meals please get in touch via pupilpremium@johncolet.co.uk and we can complete a simple check for you.
Lost Property
Lost Property
We have numerous items of unnamed lost property including coats, shoes, trainers, water bottles and food tech containers/equipment. If you are missing any items, please ask your child to visit Student Welfare Officer's office. All unclaimed items will be donated to charity at the end of term.
Please can I ask that your child's name is put on everything. Thank you.
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