Head’s News July 12 2019
Duke of Edinburgh
I received a letter this week thanking Verulam for its participation in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. This year 118 boys started the Bronze and Silver awards.  In the same year 69 boys completed Bronze, Silver or Gold awards. Overall, this means boys completed 1144 hours of learning skill, 1521 hours of physical activity and 1274 hours of volunteering in their local community. This achievement puts us in the top 20 schools in Hertfordshire. I would like to thank Mr Massey and all of his team for their exceptionally hard work this year and for sacrificing so much of their free time.
The benefits of participating in the DofE scheme cannot be overestimated as it builds character and resilience, whilst developing communication and team working skills. It is no surprise that many of our most successful students complete either the Silver or Bronze awards. Their experiences puts them in an excellent position to secure places at first rate universities or prestigious apprenticeships.
So far 87 Year 9 boys have expresses an interest in completing the award and I would encourage any parents whose son has not expressed an interest to discuss the opportunity further with them. However, if the commitment involved in the DofE award scheme appears daunting, pupils might consider opting for the National Citizenship Service scheme which can be undertaken in 3 to 4 weeks after GCSE examinations.
Any parents who wish to take up the DofE award can contact Mr Massey by emailing admin@verulam.herts.sch.uk.
Uniform reform – September 2019
I would like to thank all those parents who contacted me with their views on our proposed changes to school uniform. The overwhelming view was in favour of retaining summer uniform, which I am happy to agree.
We do wish to ensure that our pupils are among the best dressed in St Albans and we will, therefore, be rationalising uniform from September on the following lines:
School Uniform Year 7 -11
- Navy Blue Blazer with badge
- Black trousers of conventional cut (as some pupils currently wear grey trousers, these will be accepted until December)
- White shirt (as a small minority of parents may have blue shirts these will be accepted until December)
- House tie
- School pullover or grey V-necked pullover
- Black shoes – not trainers
- Dark grey or black socks – white socks are not permitted
Summer Uniform
- Pupils wear normal full school uniform OR a tailored short sleeve shirt with an embroidered Verulam badge.
No other combination will be acceptable – if pupils are not warm enough in summer shirts alone, they should wear full school uniform including a tie and blazer. In the summer the 6th Form may dispense with Jackets and ties.
Mr P A Ramsey
