“Every Student Thriving”
Embedded Files
Headteacher's Welcome
Headteacher's Welcome
As we approach the Easter break, I want to take a moment to reflect on the values that bring us together as a school community.; notably 'Be Kind'. Easter is a time of renewal, hope, and joy—a reminder that kindness and compassion can transform the world around us.
Kindness is one of the greatest gifts we can give. A simple smile, a thoughtful word, or an act of generosity can brighten someone’s day in ways we may never fully realise. Throughout this term, I have seen countless examples of kindness in our school—students supporting each other, staff going the extra mile, and families working together to create a nurturing environment. These moments remind us that kindness is not just an action but a way of life.
As we enjoy the Easter celebrations, let’s take this spirit of kindness with us. Let’s reach out to those who may feel lonely, help those in need, and continue to make our school and community a place where everyone feels valued and respected. Life is demanding; kindness , patience and understanding make it less so.
I wish you all a restful, joyful Easter break filled with laughter, love, and cherished moments with family and friends., (and if you have exams plenty of purposeful revision!). May this season of renewal inspire us all to keep kindness at the heart of everything we do.
World book day
World book day
Staff dressed up as literary characters on Thursday 6th March to kick off our book month. The school had a host of activities planned for everyone to engage in.
World Book Month
World Book Month
As part of our World Book Month celebrations, our staff have been showing us what they are currently reading. It is so lovely to see such a diverse range of books on show.
Buckinghamshire Book Awards
Buckinghamshire Book Awards
On the 12th March some of our Year 7 and 8 students attended the Buckinghamshire Book Awards at Aylesbury Grammar School. After reading the shortlist and voting for their favourites, the students were eager to see who had won. They enjoyed a fabulous author talk from Sue Wallman, who might have just gained some new readers and they also took part in a book quiz.
One of our talented students
One of our talented students
One of our talented students in Year 9 performed in the musical Annie on Saturday 15th of March.
She had some wonderful feedback from Graham Liverton, the President of NODA, who watched (and Assessed the company):
“You sang, moved and acted totally in character throughout – this was an excellent performance, just about the best version of the character I have seen.”
What a wonderful achievement and well done!
PE Department
PE Department
Year 9
Year 9
The Year 9 football team concluded their regular season league with an impressive 5-0 victory. With this win, the team has secured top spot in the league table and now await the announcement of their semi-final opponents.
Year 8
Year 8
The Year 8 boys basketball team played against Tring winning 34-18. A hard fought game initially saw Tring go ahead in the 1st quarter but JCS kept the score with strong defence and found the ability to score on drives to the basket.
Year 10
Year 10
The Year 10 A and B team organised a fantastic match against each other. Some great netball was played from both teams. We look forward to seeing the girls shine in their end of season tournament.
A great performance from the JCS netball teams against Royal Latin away in their final games of the season.
Year 7B winning 9-6,
Year 8A drawing 9-9 ,
Year 11 winning 16-10.
A special mention to the Year 11 team on their last netball league game. Year 11 finished the season undefeated and therefore winning the league.
Year 8
Year 8
The Year 8s attended the School Games Dance event at Stoke Mandeville. They all worked so hard to learn different styles of dance as well as understand the importance of teamwork.
Year 9 & 10
Year 9 & 10
The Year 9 & 10 girls played some great cricket as they took part in the ECB U15 Schools Indoor Cricket Competition. After Losing their first 2 games against some strong opponents, good team work,determination and excelling batting and bowling saw them bounce back and win their final 2 games, placing 3rd overall.
Year 7 & 8
Year 7 & 8
The Year 7 and 8 girls cricket team took part in the ECB U13 Schools Indoor Cricket competition. The whole team showed excellent teamwork. Well done to Eva for scoring 15+ in two of their games and having to retire not out, and Scarlet for scoring 15+ in one game also having to retire not out along with two huge 6s, the only 6s of the tournament!
Year 11
Year 11
Having one more game in the year's league, the Year 11 boys football team knew that they would need all 3 points in their final game to have a chance of finishing in the top 2 and progressing into the semi finals. They did however know this would require their best performance against an extremely strong Grange side. JCS finished, winning 4-0. Shoutout to Henry and William for the POTM nomination.
Year 11
Year 11
The Year 11 boys basketball team won against AGS 22-19. A strong attacking performance from Colet, well done!
Year 11
Year 11
Congratulations to our Year 11 netball team for winning the AV district tournament! Not only did they win the tournament, they remained undefeated in the netball league, finishing in first place. The day was bitter sweet, knowing that this is the last time they would play as a team for JCS. What an incredible group of young women, who are driven by their love for sport, determination and resilience. We are so proud of you all and what you have achieved.
Year 9
Year 9
Some of our Year 9 boys football team enjoyed a welcome break from league action, competing in a 7-a-side tournament. After securing one draw and two impressive wins, they proved just how talented they are by claiming the tournament victory.
Two of our students have both been nominated for the English U18’s Centre of Excellence. They were nominated by the Buckinghamshire county coaches and will have to have more assessments to progress and for their age group they are the highest level they can get to. They have both excelled at club and county and this is their reward.
Technology Tournament
Technology Tournament
Looking back, we still can’t believe we won the Design & Technology rocket challenge, all in just one day.
The task was simple: build a rocket that would launch as straight as possible using a catapult powered by elastic bands. With limited time, we focused on making the rocket lightweight and stable, carefully shaping the fins to keep it on course.
When launch time came, we watched as other rockets twisted and veered off track. Then it was our turn. We pulled back the elastic, released, and our rocket shot forward in a perfectly straight line. It was a huge relief.
When the judges announced the results, we were amazed. We had won. It proved that sometimes, simple but well-thought-out designs make all the difference.
Article by Luke Cooper
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.
As we move through the school year, we want to take a moment to highlight the importance of consistent school attendance. We know that regular attendance is a key factor in ensuring student success, not only in achieving their very best in their GCSE's, but also in giving them the best opportunity to make friends, take part in sport and other extra curricular activities, and feel a sense of belonging to the JCS community.
We know that the support of parents is crucial in ensuring students attend school each day. Recent analysis by the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) has unveiled a troubling decline in parental engagement. In 2022, only 25% of UK students attended schools where parents actively monitored their child's progress, a significant drop from 37% in 2018. The CSJ's research has consistently shown the critical importance of parental involvement in improving students' attendance, academic progress, and overall well-being.
The disconnect between schools and parents is further highlighted by CSJ's polling data, which reveals that 28% of parents now believe daily school attendance is non-essential due to the pandemic. This shift in mindset poses a severe challenge to educational institutions striving to maintain consistent student attendance.
As a school, we work to build trust and communication between school and our families, involving collaboration with the local authority. There are a number of things that parents can do to support their children in coming to school more regularly including -
Encourage Regular Attendance - help your child to understand the importance of attending school every day. Do not keep your child at home with minor ailments such as headaches, colds and tiredness and set a clear expectation that they will be attending school each day. Please do not book holidays, or take days off in term time for family activities and celebrations, and please schedule medical and other appointments outside of school hours where possible.
Set a routine - Ensure your child has a consistent bedtime to give them enough time to rest, and a clear morning routine to start the day and be ready for school. Please allow additional time for your journey to school as the roads become more congested in the local area - we know that travel to school will continue to take longer than it has previously so please plan accordingly.
Support the school - please re-inforce the standards we expect for behaviour, attendance, uniform and homework. We would very much like to work with you to improve student outcomes, and appreciate your support.
Communicate with school - If your child is too ill to attend school, please notify us every day using the google form on the home page of the school website. If your child is anxious about school, please do not keep them at home and contact their form tutor or head of year so we can put support in place.
Thank you for being a partner in your child's education and ensuring they have the best chance to succeed. We hope you all have a very happy Easter break, and look forward to seeing everyone back in school after the holidays,
With kind regards
Di Bull and Natalie Preece, the Attendance Team
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.
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.
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, Cover Supervisor and Science Technician.
Full Job Descriptions are available on the John Colet School website.
Gardening Club
Gardening Club
School Garden
School Garden
Students continue to work on the school garden and are currently developing two pollinator patches within the grounds.The students have worked hard to clear the weeds and long grass and will be sowing a variety of wildflower seeds. We will also be taking part in the Gardeners’ World Make A Meter Matter campaign.
School Garden
School Garden
Our annual fundraising plant sale will take place on Wednesday 7th July 2.30-3.30pm. We have been growing a selection of tomatoes, chillies, veg and bedding plants with prices starting from £1 (cash only), all money raised is used to fund our gardening activities throughout the year.
Now hopefully Spring is here, the students are now seeing the results of their bulb planting around the site last year.
Pinewood
Pinewood
Some of our year 10 students attended the Pinewood Futures Festival last month finding out more about careers in front and behind the camera. The students had a great time and got to meet a few famous faces.
EKFB Tunnel Visit
EKFB Tunnel Visit
Our Year 7 students got to take part in a competition to name one of the new Tunnel Boring Machines at the EKFB site in Wendover. The students chose Hannah Cockcroft and students then had to design posters to go onto the side of the machine. Two winning teams then got the opportunity to visit the site and meet Hannah the TBM before she started work.
Inginiting Futures STEM Day
Inginiting Futures STEM Day
Some of our Year 8 and 9 Service Family students attended the Igniting Futures Stem Event organised by Study Higher. The students had a great day taking part in construction tasks, designing Apps and meeting people with a wide range of STEM careers. The students and staff particularly enjoyed the cakes.
EKFB Carbon Heroes
EKFB Carbon Heroes
A group of our Year 12 students have been taking part in the EKFB Carbon Heroes Project designing a product that could help reduce the carbon footprint of the project. The team has been working with mentors and we are grateful for their input and time. The team present their idea to senior executives on 1st April and we wish them all the best with their pitch.
Work Experience
Work Experience
We still have students in Year 10 and Year 12 that are still trying to find a work experience placement. If you are able to offer a placement please email wex@johncolet.co.uk. The dates for work experience are 23rd-27th June.
Professor Simon Conway-Morris
Professor Simon Conway-Morris
We were pleased to welcome Professor Simon Conway-Morris to speak with our students (from Years 7-13) with a very informative and engaging lecture on evolution which covered a number of curriculum topics including Maths, Physics, English Literature and Philosophy. Professor Conway-Morris kindly donated a copy of one of his books to the school library.
Professor Sir Keith Willet
Professor Sir Keith Willet
Professor Sir Keith Willet OBE came to speak to our Year 12 students about his career in the NHS and NHS careers and pathways. The students found the talk very informative and an insight into the many roles within the NHS.
Rewards and Consequences
Rewards and Consequences
Year 7
Year 7
The sun is starting to shine, and so is the behaviour of the majority of Year 7!
In first place, with 1456 points, are 7C. Close in second are 7T with 1404. In third are 7Z with 1308, closely followed by 7J with 1299. 7G stand in fifth place with 1180, and still bringing up the rear, but not far behind, are 7A with 1100.
Year 8
Year 8 – Staying Strong as We Approach Easter!
Year 8
Year 8 – Staying Strong as We Approach Easter!
Year 8, you continue to make us proud! As we pass the halfway mark of this year, most of you are consistently showing what it means to be Ready, Respectful, and Responsible, and that’s reflected in the R-Points you’ve earned so far. This term alone, 8Z has set the pace with an impressive 493 points, followed closely by 8A with 464 and 8J with 416. 8G are showing great determination with 412, while 8T have built up 347 points, and 8C are putting in fantastic effort with 299. Every point reflects the positive choices you make each day, well done!
However, as we strive to be our best, it’s also important to reflect on how we treat one another. Our school is a community, and every one of us plays a part in making it a place where everyone feels valued, included, and supported. Most of you are already demonstrating kindness and respect, but let’s make sure we all take responsibility for lifting each other up with our words and actions. A strong year group is one where everyone feels safe, encouraged, and able to thrive.
With the Easter break on the horizon, take time to rest and reset. Reflect on the great things you’ve achieved this term, and think about how we can come back even stronger, not just in our work, but in the way we support one another. Let’s finish this term in the best way possible, showing why Year 8 is a fantastic year group to be part of!
Year 9
Year 9
Year 9 continue to settle in to the routine of GCSE’s and it was so lovely to see so many of your parents at the recent parents consultation evening. There was such a positive atmosphere in the Hall.
9Z are storming ahead in the R points race with 9A and 9C not far behind them. But let’s see if the other three forms can rally round and catch up.
As always there are a few students who deserve mention due to their individual totals. This time I would like to congratulate William Proudfoot and Jessica Gomez - Gomez as they are currently learning the individual leaderboards for individual students.
Year 10
Year 10
Congratulations to Year 10 for their efforts in their first ever set of formal internal exams. They showed great maturity and resilience throughout the process.
10C have squeezed ahead of 10TB with the most R points with 300 this half term. 10TB can you fight back next half term, or will it be another form?
Special mention must go to Henry Davis, Sophie Hayers, Dillon Lowles, Lexi Sergiou, Charlie Crummack, Florence Jeffcoat, Shaan Pancha and Enish Eldose for earning the most R points. Well done for hard work and dedication this half term.
Year 11
Year 11
Year 11 have had a challenging half term with another set of mocks for their core subjects. They have all handled this amazingly and we are all so proud of them.
This term 11A are in the lead with R points with a total of 108 but 11JA are not far behind with 101.
Hats off to Amelia, Haris and Darsh, all in 11A who has received the most R points in the year group this half term.
Keep it going Year 11, it’s the final stretch now!
Year 12 and 13
Year 12 and 13
Since January 13C are leading the R points in the upper sixth and 12B are leading in the lower sixth.
Leo E in Year 13 tops the individual R points this term and Ben C in Year 12 does the same in the lower sixth.
Well done to all KS5 students who have earned R points this term. Year 13, this is the final stretch now before the exam period; do your very best!
Future Focus programme
Future Focus programme
Our Year 10 and Year 11 students have continued to engage positively with the new KS4 Future Focus programme. Our Year 10 students have supported through their Mock exams and Year 11 with their welfare as they approach their GCSE exams. Year 11 have also been guided in their choices as they prepare for their Post 16 pathways.
The Year 10 students have been gaining an understanding of how to revise effectively and have been taught in their Future Focus lessons an understanding of the importance of producing a detailed revision timetable and have been supported to do this by our staff. In addition they have gained an understanding of Metacognition and the range of techniques they can use to revise successfully including Mindmaps, Cornell Notes and the use of Online Learning Platforms, and this will be built on as they move into the Year 11 programme. Year 11 have been shown a range of mental health strategies to help them cope with any exam stress they may feel, and have been supported by our Future Focus staff in the run up to their GCSEs.
Iceland
Iceland
What an incredible trip! To say everyone had a good time is an understatement of just how breathtaking the landscape was. The teachers ensured we saw the best of Iceland, and they most definitely achieved that. From towering waterfalls to geysers erupting from the ground, to black sand beaches and even the edge of tectonic plates.
The hotel (Hotel Hjardarbol) was a perfect place for us to relax after our long days out in the beauties of Iceland. With comfy beds and a community room for those late relaxing evenings, with chess and lots of board games. We even had an amazing singer on the piano playing some beautiful songs. There were also two hot tubs that were well suited for those cold frosty nights in the snow. As well as that, there was a big field for those lively students to play around and admire the landscape. On the first night most of the students were settling into their surroundings, and petting two of the nicest dogs ever. We all had a massive snowball fight and everyone had a good time enjoying the snow - probably because we don’t get a lot here. Our first dinner was a sweet and sour chicken with some salad and rice. There was even a selection of foods for our vegetarian and allergy students on the trip. Most of the students went to bed early to get ready for the upcoming days ahead as we had to be up early for our breakfast.
Our breakfast had a selection of cereals, toast, and most likely the most amazing homemade yoghurt, skry, with toppings such as raisins and brown sugar. As well as this, we had to make our own sandwiches for lunch with different spreads and flavours such as jam, peanut butter and nutella. There were also fillings like ham, cheese, and tomatoes. More than enough to fill up our students for the days ahead.
On our first day out and about, we visited the Lava Centre: an educational centre where the students learnt about how volcanoes work and some of the most significant eruptions in Iceland. The exhibits were fenomenal and there was a section where the students could experience what it felt like to be in an earthquake. They also explained how they were expecting an eruption very soon. Then we visited two waterfalls. At the first was Seljalandsfoss. Here students were able to go behind the waterfall and they all came back soaked. And due to the water, everywhere was a slipping hazard. The second waterfall was called Skógafoss and it allowed people to walk to the top! This meant a group of students - who were up for the exhausting walk - and Mr. Cattle climbed more than 200 steps to the top to see an excellent view from the top.
In the evening, we arrived around 6:45, which was just in time for our dinner which had been pushed forward due to another school arriving at our hotel. For dinner we had some delicious lasagna with some salad and potatoes. Afterwards, most students relaxed in the 2 hot tubs in a confined calm space. But a few spent their free time playing board games in the community room. A few of those students bought some lovely cheese and crackers to enjoy as snacks for the late evening games. All the teachers joined in to ensure enjoyment in all students. The owners of the hotel also ensured that we had the most amazing experience that they could make. Around 9:00 pm, all the students were called outside to experience the northern lights. The view was gorgeous; you could even see them with the naked eye! With the green and dark purple colours in the sky, it was hard to not look away. Thanks to Jack Robbinson and Clara Allan, we were able to get some amazing photos with their cameras of the colourful phenomenon. Finally, everyone went to bed for the final full day of the trip.
The next day the first place we visited was the Hellisheidi Geothermal Power plant. Here they explained how they used the heat from the Earth to produce electricity and warm water. We then went to the Secret Lagoon. For many it was one of the best parts of the trip. The natural warmth of the pool was wonderful and a nice contrast from the Icelandic cold.
There was also an ice bath on site which many tried to go and see how long they could stay in. We then all dried off and made our way to Gullfoss waterfall (above), one of the most famous and beautiful waterfalls in Iceland. The height is equivalent to a 10-story building! We then stopped to wait to witness a geyser erupt - Strokkur. We were extremely lucky as it went off three times in a row. There was also bubbling water around, and one dormant geyser. We then moved on and saw a glacier, however I think the boys were more excited by the snow. Finally we walked in Thingvellir National Park and it is where the North American Plate and Eurasian Plate are moving away from each other, which is what causes Iceland to grow 2 cm each year!
On the last evening, we arrived at the hotel around 6:30, which gave students enough time to either have a quick dip in the hot tub, or to get into some comfy clothes. We had dinner around 7:00. The meal was some lovely meatballs with potatoes and some salad. It was a perfect meal for the last dinner of the trip. Sadly there weren't any northern lights, there was the pain of thinking about going home the next day though. We were all going to miss Iceland. But to cheer our moods up, ice creams were brought out for all students to enjoy as a late evening snack. To finish off the night, one of the students led some of us into a karaoke session with the piano containing a range of songs.
On our final day, before we made our way to the airport, we did the Iceland Flyover in the capital city; Reykjavík. This was a virtual experience where the students sat in chairs that moved up, down, even tilted, making it feel like they were actually flying over Iceland. The giant screens captured the beauty of the island and made sure it showed all of its natural beauty. After the experience we walked along the streets stopping in shops allowing students to buy souvenirs. We also went inside Hallgrímskirkja, a stunning church and the students were able to hear live organ being played.
We would like to give a massive thank you to all the teachers, guides, cooks, our coach drivers, and especially the owners of hotel Hjardarbol, for giving us the best trip we could ever imagine. You are the reason this all happened and we had such an excellent time, and we thank you all for unforgettable memories.
Tooled Up
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Spring chicken in a pot
Spring chicken in a pot
Easter drip cake
Easter drip cake
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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