“Every Student Thriving”

Headteacher's Welcome

The first half of the summer term is nearly at an end and it has been highly eventful as usual. The examination season has started and it has been great to see year 11 and year 13 demonstrating an admirable determination in their desire to do well. I note that developing 'grit' will be part of the new governments education philosophy and I have seen that displayed in abundance over the past few weeks. We have also had some incredible trips abroad which have enriched the cultural experiences of some of our students. Again, preparing for such events and being away from home require an element of 'grit'. In the final half-term of the academic year 'grit' developing opportunities are in abundance from Sports Day to Focus Week. One of our fundamental objectives is to develop character so we are certainly ahead of the curve in ensuring that we highlight the importance of resilience and determination in our students : John Colet Grit is alive and kicking!

Ypres

Two years ago, following the retirement of our previous trip provider we sought other external travel agents to support our Year 8 Battlefields trip.

Despite approaching 3 well established companies the cost was nearly £200 higher than previous years.

Understandably inflation and the credit crunch meant that for the first time in nearly 13 years there would not have been a battlefield trip.

To try and avoid this and cut costs we decided to organise and run in house, with staff taking on all aspects of the running, including the tour guide role!

Whilst this created much more work, both before and during the trip, it enabled us to take twice as many students for a much reduced cost.

Four days is a long time to be away from our families, as it is also for the students on the trip.

For many students it is the first time they have been away from their country without their parents.

Watching them interact and explore their surroundings, making friendships and memories, it really helps to make all the preparation, responsibilities and stress worthwhile.

On this trip alone we were able to take four students to the location that their relative is commemorated.

All of whom were the first in their family to visit these markers.

Again we had glowing feedback from the hotel managers, shops and business that we frequented. Each commented how polite and well behaved our students were.

Because of all this, trips remain one of my favourite parts of teaching, a truly rewarding experience.

Special thanks to Tomos of Masons, by far our best coach driver. Always happy to help and to adapt to any unforeseen travel challenges.

Thank you to all the team who supported the operation of the Somme Ypres Battlefields trip 2025.

Mr Clarke.

Mobile Phone Policy - 'no use, no see no hear' from gate to gate.

At John Colet we have a 'no use, 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 to ask them to contact home on the students behalf.

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.

Dodgeball Tournament

A huge well done to all students who were involved in the Bucks and MK School Games Dodgeball Tournament. The Year 7/8 boys and girls teams competed in a competitive tournament, displaying some impressive dodgeball.

The boys tournament consisted of 12 teams being split into two pools of 6, with the top team in each group progressing into the final, and the second placed teams in each pool playing for 3rd place. Unfortunately the boys team fell just short, placing 3rd in their pool on goal difference, but can be extremely pleased with their efforts.

The girls tournament followed a similar format, consisting of 10 teams in two pools of 5. After some nail biting matches, the Colet girls placed 2nd in their pool, and won a tense 3rd place playoff game to finish 3rd palace!

The tournament would not have been so successful without our excellent sports leaders who assisted with the refereeing and scoring of the games.

As we look ahead to upcoming breaks and family plans, we want to remind parents and carers of the importance of booking holidays, days out and family events during the school holidays.

Taking holidays during term time might seem like just a few missed days, but the impact on your child’s learning and progress can be much greater than it appears.

📉 The Impact of Missing School for Holidays:

Lost Learning: Even a few days away from school can mean missing out on new concepts, key discussions, and important skill-building.
Gaps in Knowledge: Teachers often introduce new topics daily. Missing lessons can leave students playing catch-up—especially in subjects like maths and reading.
Disruption to Routine: Young learners thrive on consistency. Time away can disrupt the rhythm of learning and make it harder to settle back in. We know from our own data that students who have missed school due to term time holiday can have low overall attendance and suffer with anxiety and school related difficulties.

📅 Plan Ahead

We understand the value of quality family time, and we encourage you to take full advantage of the designated school holiday periods to rest, travel, and reconnect. Term dates are published well in advance so families can plan ahead.

🚫 Unauthorised Absence

Please note that holidays taken during term time are considered unauthorised absences and may be subject to formal procedures, in line with local authority guidelines.

We would also like to see all students taking an active part in the wonderful opportunities on offer during Focus Week. We know families see this as an opportunity to take holiday or days off, however the character development, fun, friendships and opportunity for adventure plays an equally important part in school as academic learning. and all students should attend.

Let’s work together to give every student the best chance to thrive—by making every school day count!

With kind regards

Di Bull and Natalie Preece, the Attendance Team

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.

Wind in the Willows

Year seven pupil recently performed in her first school production since joining John Colet. We asked her to explain what the experience was like…

“I came into the audition for Wind in the Willows a bit nervous, but then I discovered everyone would land a role, and all the staff and students were very supportive.

“When the day for finding out our roles came around, I scanned over the list and saw just how many people were joining me on the production journey - both cast and backstage - and I already knew that I would not regret signing up for this exciting new opportunity.

“After a few minutes of searching I found it, my name… In two places! I had managed to land myself two roles, and I was going to be two very different characters too! Firstly was Portley, a baby otter, and I also had the role of Gerald the ferret.

“I was so excited to get started! I would always look at my roles in between lessons, and drawing little doodles of them on paper. I really felt like part of the group.

“I started rehearsals about a month later, and it was very fun! Then before I knew it, it was time… it was show week!

“We were all so excited, but also nervous. Four months of hard work was finally going to pay off.

“Both of the shows went great and we all had a laugh and did a great job, everyone was thrilled!

“If I was a new student here at John Colet, or even someone who has been here for years, I would fully encourage participating in the production. If you are undecided, just give it a try. Joining the school production was a great decision.”

Experience from a Year 10 student
I had a wonderful time going through the rehearsal process for the most recent production, Wind in the willows. Going through the script and learning more and more about my character definitely had to be the best part of taking part. All the rehearsals were fun as it allowed me to see how the performance would look once it came around and to see how each actor perfectly performed, fitted and matched their roles. Once the final performance week came around everyone involved suddenly felt the pressure as the whole rehearsal process came down to this week. I had a great time experimenting with the hair and makeup for my role-my hair is still white in places from the temporary hair dye - Alongside practicing my scenes on the actual stage. Once the final performances came around I definitely felt the excitement (and nerves) to perform in front of the paying audience. Overall I had the best time taking part in ‘Wind in the willows’ and cannot wait to see what else the drama department has up their sleeves.

Year 7 student

For the school play I was in the back stage crew and it was one of the best experiences a person could ever have. Mrs Staunton and Mr Devine assigned me as prop master, which meant I made sure all the props were looked after and we knew where they all were.

Computing

Robotics Club - Bot Battles

In the Robotics Club, we have been experimenting with building robots that can deliver and robots that can battle. We have seen some interesting machines with some fantastical ideas about transporting items. The Robotics Club will be hosting a Bot Battle during our final session of the year, 8th July.

Focus Week - Programming Days - Code Ninjas

We are delighted to announce we have Code Ninjas joining us for our programming days in June. One of our new Information Technology suites will be transformed into a Code Ninja Dojo - Our Year 7 students will have access to the Code Ninja sensei's and will be coding their own computer game. Watch out for our next notice about it! Year 7 students are also able to get an extra free session - Code Ninjas have generously offered our students access to their free sessions, allowing students, family and friends of the John Colet School to register for a free session. There are two on offer, Code Ninjas JR (suitable for younger children 5 to 6) and Code Ninjas Create (suitable for ages 7 to 14). Students are encouraged to collect their free voucher from Computing!

Pastoral Cookery Workshop

Some students learned chopping skills, made hummus and finished with making grazing platters. Here are some of the students wonderful creations. Well done to everyone who took part.

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

Do you know of any one who would like to join the John Colet School. We have vacancies for Caretaker, Cover Supervisor, Exams Assistant, Teacher of Geography and Business.

Full Job Descriptions are available on the John Colet School website.

Sky Studios Tour

At the start of the term some of our Year 9 Media Studies students visited Sky Studios and got the opportunity to visit the studios where Wicked and the latest Jurassic Park Film were made. There was the chance to see various props including one of the Jurassic Park Jeeps. The highlight was students making their own short film based on stories they had developed in class. Students became directors, actors, editing managers and sound crew and we were very impressed with the creativity. The students also go to find out more about all the various roles behind the camera and hear directly from people on the sky academy programme.

EKFB Viaduct Visit

A small group of our Year 12 students who participated in the EKFB Carbon Heroes programme got a special VIP tour of the Waddesdon HS2 site with the opportunity to walk along the Thames Valley Viaduct as well as see other areas usually off limits to visitors. The group found out how the viaduct was constructed and all the different roles that had played a part in its construction.

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.

School Garden

Thank you to everyone who supported our plant sale - we raised £145 which will fund our gardening activities throughout the year.

Rewards and Consequences

Year 7

As we approach ever closer to the end of the year, it is great to watch those R-Points climb.

With an incredible 400-point lead, 7T are in first place! Not so close behind are 7Z, with 7A in third place.

Only 40 points behind third are 7C in fourth place. 7G are in fifth position, and 7J are hanging back in sixth place. But, with still a number of weeks left, it’s all to play for!

Special shout out to Daniel T, Jack B and Dylan S, who are top for boys in the year; not forgetting the top girls - Rosie B, Alice J and Amy F. Great work!

When looking at the recent Learning Cycle 2 reports, we have also spotted some superstars, whose Attitude to Learning scores were amongst the top in the year. As well as those named above, well done to Niamh S, Elloise G, Hen G and Jacob S. Keep up the great work!

Moving into the final half term of Year 7, I am looking forward especially to seeing my students experience their first Focus Week at John Colet - whether it be school-based character building, exciting day trips, or a 5-day residential - it’s character and culture galore, and I look forward to seeing what Year 7 make of it.

Year 8
Year 8, what a fantastic way to begin the summer term! We have seen a clear and consistent improvement in Attitude to Learning across all target groups, and that is a brilliant
accomplishment you should all be proud of. Your growing maturity, focus in lessons, and commitment to learning are clear to see, and they’re making a real difference.

To celebrate, we held a Hot Chocolate Morning to recognise those students who have gone above and beyond with their Attitude to Learning. I also had the pleasure of meeting with over 90 of our top ATL students, and it was genuinely inspiring to talk about their progress and positivity. A special mention goes to our top ATL students this cycle: Ella Atkinson, Sammy Alqassar, Adam Bella, Edward Neale, Ellie-Mae Richardson, Lucy Rolston, Finley Cleaver, Jasmine Richardson, and Scarlett Ross, fantastic work!

Our top tutor groups for Attitude to Learning have also stood out. In ranked order, they are:
🥇 8T
🥈 8C
🥉 8Z
Followed by 8G, 8J, and 8A. Well done to all tutor groups for playing your part in making this such a successful term so far.

We also want to celebrate those students who have received the highest number of recognition points thus far. Congratulations to the following students for leading the way:
Ella Atkinson, Finley Cleaver, Lucy Rolston, Lilia Courtney, Jack Hodkinson, Peter Cheung, Adam Bella, Scarlett Ross, Isabelle Gelly, Sammy Alqassar, Zac Dawson, Edward Neale, Jasmine Richardson, Victor Audibert, Ashria Bhashkaran, Rosie Highmore, Kai Pichler, and Heidi Stockton.

Finally, our attendance continues to be excellent, with Year 8 standing out as one of the top year groups in the school. Your commitment to turning up each day, ready to learn and support one another, is something to be proud of.

Let’s keep this momentum going, keep striving, keep supporting each other, and let’s finish the term as strongly as we’ve started it. Well done, Year 8!

Year 9

It's hard to believe, but the end is in sight—Year 9 students are nearly through their first year of GCSEs! Just a little more effort will carry you over the finish line, Year 9—keep pushing!

A huge well done to the following students who are leading the way in R points:

Top girls: Jessica Gomez-Gomez, Brooke Brocklebank, and Yara Pinto-Bello
Top boys: William Proudfoot and Jack Shelley-Tomlinson

The competition remains tight, but 9A are currently in the lead for overall R points. There's still time for others to catch up—let’s keep the momentum going!

Year 10

Since the year 10 internal exams, students have knuckled down and are working hard to set themselves up well for Y11 which is encroaching quickly. Well done to the following pupils who are topping the Y10 leaderboard for R points: Mylo Evans-Stone, clara Allan, Nia-Mai alphonse, Tara McEvoy, Harry Munson, Ryan Hayers, Ellie Prior, Dillon Lowles and Florence Jeffcoat.

10C are flying ahead with the most R points, can anyone catch them?

Year 11

As year 11 are in their final weeks, it is important to reflect on how well they are still doing. Well done to 11C who have received the most R points this year, and I take my hat off to Jack, Clara and Darsh who have more than 50 reward points since January!

You have done yourselves, your tutors and me proud over the past five years and I will miss you all.

Year 12 and 13

As Year 13 say goodbye to JCS, they can be proud of all they have achieved. We have loved getting to know you in sixth form and wish you all the best for your future! Congratulations to our top Y13 scorers this year; Lizy Pearson, James Berthoud, Harry Blake and Kayleigh Knight. Head Student Lizy Pearson has a 50 point lead; thanks to Lizy, 13C are the clear form winners.

Well done to Oliver Drysdale who leads in Year 12, followed by Finn Lockham, Oliver Kyson and Sam Manvell. 12B are racing ahead with the most R points - the challenge is on 12B and 12C!

PE Department

Year 8

The Year 8s had their District league final action against Aylesbury Grammar School. Unfortunately, AGS had the luck of the draw on this occasion, scoring 4 of their penalties compared to Colet’s 3. What an incredible group of boys and what a great season this team has had. Each game they put 100% effort in,and this has shown with some brilliant performances. After failing to qualify last season, the team have made it all the way to the final, have won their 7-a-side tournament and have won both of their fixtures in Barcelona during the sports tour. Each and every player has played their part across the season, and they can all be so proud of their efforts.

Year 7, 8, 9 and 10

Students from Year 7,8,9 and 10 took part in the English Schools Track and Field event. A huge congratulations to everyone who participated!

Cricket season is back

take a look at our U13 squads!!

U13 girls football

The U13 girls football team had a brilliant day representing JCS in their football tournament. It was great to see such a young group of sports women fulfill their passion and work hard for 4 hours! A greatly organised tournament led to smiles all round.

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.

Go to www.tooledupeducation.com/register.
Fill in your name, email address and chosen password.
Add your unique school PIN. Our PIN is JCS2206

If you already have an account, simply log in here using your email address and password. If you forget your details, use the reset password function to reset your account.

If you ever need assistance, contact the Tooled Up team, who will be happy to help: support@tooledupeducation.com.

Once you are logged in, click on the Resources button in the top left corner to discover the vast library of evidence-based support at your fingertips

How to make a bubble tea

Cheat's chicken ramen

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

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.

This is a quick and easy way to help with fundraising for
John Colet School.

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