The Austria ski trip this February half-term was a resounding success, bringing together a fantastic group of students from Years 10, 11, 12, and 13 for an unforgettable week in the Alps. Throughout the trip, students showed incredible determination as they tackled the Austrian slopes, which were transformed by a significant amount of fresh snow. While the deep powder made for picturesque scenery, it also created challenging conditions that required extra focus and physical effort from everyone. From complete novices to seasoned skiers, every student made huge strides in their confidence and technical ability despite the demanding terrain.

Beyond the skiing itself, the group fully embraced the local culture and evening entertainment. A particular highlight was the curling session, which sparked some friendly competition across the year groups and provided a brilliant way to unwind after long days on the mountain. The mix of ages created a great sense of community, with the older students often stepping up to support the younger ones through the tougher ski sessions.

This experience was made possible by the dedicated staff members who volunteered their half-term break to organise and lead the trip. A massive thank you goes to Mr Toall, Miss Mitchell, Ms Shepelev, Mr Bowles, and Miss Priest. 

Is your child considering their next steps after school? Join Pathway CTM for a free virtual event on Tuesday, 3rd March (6:00 PM – 7:30 PM) to explore the world of apprenticeships. Featuring insights from top employers like the BBC, this session will debunk myths, explain how apprenticeships compare to university, and offer practical advice on the application process. Register for free here: https://pathwayctm.com/event/future-pathways-a-parents-guide-to-apprenticeships-2/ 

We wanted to share an update on how our October non-school uniform day has had a direct impact on our partner schools in Bereko, Tanzania. As many of you know, Mascalls, St Andrews Church and the wider Paddock Wood community have shared a close link with Bereko for many years, and it is great to see this partnership go from strength to strength recently.

Following a failure of local crops, students in all three schools in Bereko are currently navigating the difficult hunger months. Thanks to the money raised in October, these students are being supported through this period, and the local headteachers have asked us to pass on how much they value our community’s ongoing care.

Our connection with the region continues to grow. Following Miss Honey’s visit in October to see the Bereko Foundation’s work firsthand, we have now selected a group of Year 12 students who will be joining her on her next trip to Africa. It’s a brilliant opportunity for our students to build on the long-standing relationship between Paddock Wood and Bereko.