Newsletter – July 2024
Welcome to our first Verulam newsletter in an updated format and my first as Headteacher of Verulam School. I am very proud to be appointed to lead this excellent school, and the newsletter will give you a flavour of the vibrant academic community that we have at Verulam.
When you have come in to meet me, you have talked about communication being an area to work on, and that some parents/carers felt that they wanted to know more about what was going on. You also mentioned that you preferred a quick read in a news magazine style that worked well on a mobile device, as opposed to the more formal termly newsletters and ‘focus on’ particular subjects.
Our aim is to issue this newsletter roughly twice per half term and to give a broader picture of school life than our social media that is more regularly updated for sports and trips. This edition is a pilot before relaunching in September, so we would be grateful to have your feedback on this.
It’s been a busy term, but we are now fully staffed and Ofsted inspection now successfully concluded. See elsewhere in this edition for more on plans for September, with everything from a renewed commitment to environmental sustainability to the school improvement plan and changes ahead on assessment.
I was delighted to hear that Steve Reed OBE, a past-pupil of Verulam, has been appointed to the new cabinet as Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Steve is testament to where a great state education can get you in life!
Mr Moane
Headteacher
Trips & Visits
Year 8 Dorset Residential Trip
In early May, Year 8 embarked on their residential trip to Dorset in a tented village in Dorset near Corfe Castle. We arrived to wet weather but it didn’t stop the team building games organised for us. The weather for the rest if the trip was warm and sunny and each day we rotated on different activities. Stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking in a small lake a short walk away ended up with the boys “waffling” their boards and trying to defeat the instructors to see who ended up wet. Others did tag archery, playing several games including Capture the Flag and Medic using bows and arrows trying to “shoot” each other to eliminate their opponents. Others did Target Sports with rifle shooting and axe throwing. Some were incredibly accurate with quite a few bullseyes! The favourite activity was coasteering down at Dancing Ledge. Scrambling along rocks into a cave and jumping into the sea from several high ledges. On Wednesday everyone went to the water park to play on the inflatables and do the mud run and there was lots of mud! The last day was a walk to the beach for a paddle before setting off home.
Mr Knowles
British Library Year 12 History Visit
Earlier this term, Year 12 historians took part in an exciting A Level history day-trip opportunity at the British Library. As part of the History A Level India and the Road to Independence course, Year 12 participated in a bespoke workshop at the British Library, including a tour and chance to see the famous African and Asian Studies Reading Room. The workshop was delivered by Hedley Sutton, the Reference Leader of the African and Asian Studies Reading Room, and included handling documents and official primary material from 1914-1947; opportunities like this are rare and usually only available to University academics (not students) over 18 years old!
The British Library is the national library of the UK and is one of the largest libraries in the world, estimated to contain 200 million items from many countries, including the Magna Carta and handwritten Beatles lyrics amongst its some 400 miles of shelving.
During the object handling workshop, students handled items with the upmost care while completing a booklet that asked various questions about the material presented. Some of the documents included:
- A government top secret handwritten letter from Gandhi during the Quit India movement of September 1942;
- Parliamentary questions and replies and reports on demonstrations, rioting and police action, arrests, trials and judgements passed from the Salt Satyagraha of 1930;
- A telegram outlining the resolutions passed from Motilal Nehru, the leader of the Indian National Congress in December 1919 about the Amritsar Massacre. These resolutions presented Congress in disagreement and in political rebellion against the Raj for the atrocities caused in the Sikh holy city.
The students were ambassadors for the History department and were able to gain an invaluable experience of how history is shaped through the traces that are left behind.
Mr Pettitt
Computer Science Trip to The University of Hertfordshire’s Festival of Ideas
An intrepid group of Year 10 and Year 12 Computer Science students went off to explore the University of Hertfordshire’s Festival of Ideas. It was an excellent opportunity for the students to visit a university on their doorstep to see what it is all about!
Some highlights of the trip included time in the Art department looking at all the amazing creations from fashion, adaptive fashion technology, to a variety of ultra-realistic film props. My favourite was a final year student’s project where he created a realistic suit of Elvish fantasy armour. Students also interacted with a range of future technology being used and developed at the university. This included robotic self-navigating cars and talking robotic models, artificial intelligence use in generating Minecraft worlds, a F1 driving simulator and a 3D training model developed by the Engineering department to simulate a nuclear power station.
We ended the day listening to a panel debate on the environmental impact of satellite technology. The number and unpredictability of active and defunct satellites along with huge amounts of space debris are causing significant issues with any tech company wanting to put new satellites into Earth’s orbit. We listened to how international communities are working together to put in place stricter guidelines and how two different companies are creating new technology to fit satellites with refuelling ports and retrofitting defunct satellites so they can be brought back to life.
Mr Schalker
Year 7 Lake District Trip
Year 7 students recently returned from an unforgettable residential trip to the Lake District, and we’re delighted to report that it went brilliantly. The weather was excellent, allowing the students to fully enjoy a range of exciting activities. It rained on the journey there, and started again as we got on the coach to return. It’s amazing what a positive mentality can do!
From refreshing mountain hikes and thrilling abseiling to captivating canoeing and invigorating Ghyll Scrambling, each day was packed with adventure. Evenings were equally enjoyable, with activities such as football in the park, Bushcraft, a visit to a private cinema screening (we were the local Co-Op’s best customers!), and a special treat from a pizza van serving delicious homemade pizzas to send us on our way with full tummies.
The students’ enthusiasm and willingness to embrace every challenge were praiseworthy, showcasing their courage, resilience, and team spirit. The boys behaved impeccably, making us incredibly proud. Their respectful and considerate manners were praised by all, and they represented Verulam and their families admirably. The friendships they strengthened and amazing new skills they learned during this trip will certainly have a lasting impact. This trip made a remarkable end to Year 7, and we look forward to many more opportunities for our students to thrive and create wonderful memories in the future. You can see more pictures on our dedicated Instagram verulamlakes2024 https://www.instagram.com/verulamlakes2024
Mr Holding
Paris 2024
On 30th April 2024, 35 year 9 and 10 students with 4 members of staff left Verulam at 5.30 in the morning for a great 4-day adventure to the beautiful and busy capital of Paris. After a long coach journey and being amazed to see the coach going on a train to cross the Channel, the students’ first stop was the Sacré Coeur Basilica situated on a mound: quite a lot of steps to climb but well worth seeing the art work inside as well as the mosaics. We then explored the picturesque artists’ quarter in Montmartre with its narrow streets and accordion playing. Fantastique!
The following day was spent at the Asterix theme park in the sunshine and in a very pleasant heat where the students had a great time and year 10 managed to break the record of how many times someone can go on the same ride! The next day was spent visiting the Eiffel Tower, the Stade de France and visiting Paris from the river Seine on a Bateau Mouche. On the last day before coming home, we managed to visit the Louvre which hosts the Mona Lisa and to walk up the Champs-Elysées and we saw the Arc-de-Triomphe. What an amazing four days!
Mrs Herrington
Year 11 End of Year trip: Paintballing
Rather than opting for a traditional prom, the Year 11 students celebrated the end of their exams and their time at Verulam with a paintballing trip on the 25th of June. The event took place at Delta Force in Hemel Hempstead and saw a great turnout, with both students and staff participating enthusiastically. The weather was perfect for paintballing, adding to the overall enjoyment of the day.
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all the students for their tremendous efforts during the GCSE exams. Their hard work and dedication have truly paid off. I am incredibly proud of how they have matured over the years and how they carry themselves with such poise and confidence. It has been a joy to watch them grow, and I look forward to seeing all the wonderful things they will achieve in the future.
Miss Daya
Curriculum Enrichment
STEAM club takes flight
After 4 months of meticulous engineering and planning, Verulam’s STEAM club headed to Bushy Park to take part in the NGL Water Rockets challenge along with 44 other schools.
Students were keen to showcase their ideas and engineering skills and with some 3D printed fins (that needed to be filled down due to the points potentially being a hazard). Lots of gleeful faces after the first rockets were fired at the targets, even the ones that fell short on the first attempt.
STEAM is all about trial and error and lots of adjustments led to bigger successes in the second and third round. The final round encouraged the team to protect an egg within their rockets, with success for most of the teams involved.
With lots of adjustments made to rockets and launchers due to some technical difficulties, the students scored many wins (including longest time in the air, consistent points scoring and longest time for a sticker to be in the air).
All in all, a fantastic day spent in the sun, with plenty of ideas for next year and a couple of trophies to parade for this amazing STEAM adventure with clear links established with NGL for next year to come in and work with the school.
Mr Greaves
Duke of Edinburgh
Over 3 weekends in late April and May some 70 year 10s undertook their bronze expedition for the Duke of Edinburgh Award. This consisted of two days walking for approximately 6-7 hours each carrying all that was needed for the two days. In addition, they had to navigate round some of Hertfordshire’s loveliest countryside.
The weather was generally kind and allowed the boys to enjoy their time as much as possible when carrying a big rucksack and knowing you’re sleeping in a tent that night! All boys worked well in their groups to ensure they got to our campsite in the daylight – some took the scenic route to do so but that’s all to the good.
Since returning, 95% of students have now completed the bronze and will be receiving their awards shortly. It is now time to move onto the silver for these boys in the Autumn term whilst 30 year 11/12s undertake their gold expedition in July which will involve walking the 160km long distance path along the South Downs Way (this also involves the equivalent of climbing Mount Everest!) Good luck all!
Mr Toley
Sports Round-Up
Within lessons this term, the boys have been taught tennis, rounders, athletics, cricket, and golf at Verulam Golf Club. The boys have absolutely loved these activities, and we are very grateful to Club Pro Grant Neal for coaching them.
The PE department would like to express our gratitude to the school PTA for purchasing pickleball rackets and balls, which we will be using in our after-school club on Tuesdays.
Fixture-wise, this term started with the year 8 football team winning the County Plate final with a 4-1 victory over Ridgeway at the County Ground. Since then it has been very busy with cricket and athletics competitions. We have seen notable success in athletics this year. Oscar N in Year 10 broke a 50-year-old 800m record at the District Championships and earned automatic entry into the England Schools. Tom BD in Year 8 came second in the County Championships and qualified for the Ireland Championships. Nico in Year 8 won three medals at the District Championships. Additionally, Michael Barrett and George Rowson won County Gold medals.
Verulympics 2024: A Week of Athletic Excellence
This year’s Verulympics was an all-week extravaganza, with sporting events taking place from Monday to Thursday and culminating in the all-day athletics and tug-of-war event at Westminster Lodge on Friday. The weather throughout the week was glorious, and the boys excelled in various sports, including badminton, swimming, beach volleyball, duathlon, table tennis, tennis, and golf.
The Friday event at Westminster Lodge was particularly notable, with five school records being broken:
- Isaac GD broke the Year 8 1500m record.
- Eddie Johnson shattered the Year 10 triple jump record.
- Oscar N set a new record for the Year 10 1500m.
- Noah S broke the Year 8 hurdles record.
- Max B set a new benchmark in the Year 9 high jump.
Congratulations to all participants for their outstanding performances, and special recognition to York for emerging as the overall winners of Verulympics 2024.
Mr Errington
Curriculum News
Reading Fluency Project
Over the last year, numerous boys have had the opportunity to complete the Herts for Learning Reading Fluency Project. This develops word recognition skills, reading comprehension of texts, and confidence to read out loud. Reading is an important life skill and allows greater progress in all subjects, not just English. Our programme is delivered in small groups which allows our boys to gain confidence. This term has been fantastic and the boys should be proud of their achievement. All our boys that completed the programme passed the STAR reader test and improved their reading age by a minimum of 2 years! To recognise their achievement, they have been awarded certificates, LoR’s, gold book badges and, most importantly, a sweet treat for their amazing work! Well done!
Mr Pettitt
Robotics have landed at Verulam!
Robotics have landed at Verulam! This half term has seen our Year 7’s delve into the world of physical programming. We have invested funding, given
to us through training a PGCE student last year, to purchase a small number of ‘tanks’. These tanks are programmed by our students on computers, downloaded into our micro:bit boards and loaded into our tanks! Students can then see their code come to life in a very real and physical way.
Students have already mastered moving and turning the tanks, with some already racing against each other. Students have then learned about ultrasonic sensors and how they can detect how far away objects are. The tanks were then programmed to stop before hitting objects and further programmed to be able to turn away from obstacles and carry on moving.
We will next be looking at how light sensors on the underneath of the tank can be used to follow any dark line, allowing them to move along any pathway that has been laid out.
Future plans will be for students to complete a series of robotics challenges to see who is the greatest! We have applied for some PTA funding for an AI attachment called a Huskylens which will allow us to incorporate AI to control the tank through facial and object recognition. Hopefully we will be successful in our bid and can add this exciting element to our curriculum.
Mr Schalker
Verulam Alumni Updates
A massive congratulations from all at Verulam to former student Seb Ferdinand, who has penned his first professional contract with Arsenal Football Club this week. Seb played an integral role in his year group achieving unprecedented County/District success while at the school; we are so proud to see his continued success after years of hard work. Well done, Seb!
Former Verulam student Steve Reed OBE was recently appointed to the new Labour cabinet as Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. He was elected as the MP for Streatham and Croydon North and as Secretary of State has overall responsibility for the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. He has specific responsibilities for budget, international relations and senior appointments.
Eco News
At Verulam, we are dedicated to fostering a culture of environmental stewardship and sustainability. We believe that educating our students about the importance of protecting our planet is essential to ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come. We are also proud of our efforts to reduce our ecological footprint through various sustainable practices across the school site including recent developments as follows:
- EcoSchools Green flag status achieved
- Solar panels now provide 60-70% of the school’s electricity needs during the summer months
- Electric minibus being leased in September with EV charger points being installed over the summer
Staffing Updates
Happy retirement x 3!
It was so long ago, not many can remember the day that Mr Freakley arrived at Verulam as Deputy Headteacher. His start was marked by a change in Headteacher on his first day followed by ‘the fire’ a few weeks later. Since then, he showed himself to be the most professional of professionals and his impact on hundreds of students and staff alike has been incomparable.
Mr Freakley’s work ensured curriculum plans were always in place and assessed accurately so students always knew what progress was needed to be made. This was then translated into students, particularly at KS4, achieving some outstanding results allowing them to progress to the next stages of their education or work. Along with this, his work on options and timetabling allowed the school to grow and develop greatly.
Some of the boys will undoubtedly remember Mr Freakley for his ability to wax lyrical about his beloved Stoke FC and the many victories they have had. Many a time this was used to get students back on track and diffuse a situation without the other party knowing how or why they were suddenly back doing their work or the ask required of them!
To say he will be missed is an understatement – Mr Freakley has been a beacon for any to follow, through thick and thin, over the last 16 years and he will leave a hole in the school that will take many years to fill. Thank you for all your time, enjoy a very well earned retirement.
Mr Toley
As Verulam School bids farewell to two stalwarts of our community, we reflect on the immense contributions of Mr Smyth and Mr Skipper. Their combined 37 years of dedicated service has left an indelible mark on the lives of students and staff alike.
Mr D. Smyth, our esteemed librarian, has served Verulam School with unwavering dedication for 21 years. Mr Smyth retires this week. His passion for books and learning has transformed our library into a sanctuary of knowledge. Mr Smyth’s tireless efforts to foster a love for reading among students have not gone unnoticed, especially with his help on the Extended Project Qualification. From meticulously curating our library collection to helping students with their academic endeavours, Mr Smyth has been the cornerstone of our library. His invaluable guidance has inspired countless students to explore the vast realms of literature, nurturing a culture of avid readers within our school.
Mr R. Skipper, an exceptional English teacher and former Head of Sixth Form, also retires after 16 years of exemplary service at the end of the academic year. Mr Skipper’s commitment to excellence in education and his unwavering support for his students have made him a beloved figure at Verulam. As an English teacher, he has ignited a passion for literature in his students, encouraging them to think critically and express themselves eloquently. His tenure as Head of Sixth Form was marked by his dedication to student success, providing guidance and mentorship that has helped shape the futures of many young minds. Mr Skipper’s influence extends beyond the classroom, as his wisdom, kindness, but most importantly his witty humour, have left a lasting impression on all who have had the privilege of knowing him.
To honor their remarkable service, Verulam School is proud to introduce the “Skipper-Smyth Reading Award.” This annual award will be bestowed upon one student at the end of each year who demonstrates outstanding academic efforts and a passion for reading throughout the school year. This prestigious accolade will serve as a lasting tribute to Mr Smyth and Mr Skipper, celebrating their legacy and inspiring future generations to pursue academic excellence and a love for literature.
Mr Smyth and Mr Skipper, your contributions have been invaluable, and your presence will be deeply missed. Thank you for your unwavering dedication and for enriching the Verulam community. We wish you both a fulfilling and joyous retirement.
Mr Pettitt
At the end of the Summer term we will also say goodbye to the following staff as they move on to new challenges:
Mr Jamali – Science
Mr Austen – Business Studies
Mrs Mitchell – English
Ms Nicholls – Social Sciences
Miss Davey – English
Mr MacKenzie – Drama
Mr Greaves – Science
Miss Wilson – English
Mr Stiffin – Pastoral
Mr Reeves – TA
Mrs Crichton – Science
Mr Hagos – Science
Mrs McDonnell – Geography
We wish each of them the very best for the future and hope they will stay in touch. We are delighted that from September, we will be joined by 16 new members of staff.
Events & Celebrations
Summer Showcase
Bringing the year to a close, the Creative Arts team showcased some talented students with their Summer Showcase evening on Tuesday 5th July.
Kicking off the proceedings was the Chamber Orchestra with Third Chorale from St John Passion and they finished the first half with the traditional folk song – Londonderry Air – perhaps a nod to our new Headteacher? A splendid recital of The Imperial March began the second half with an unexpected guest: Darth Vader himself!!!
Representing the Music department were the GCSE group, split into two bands: The Verulam Jazz Men and the Verulam Allegro group. The Verulam Allegro men rocked the evening with their repertoire of Vida La Vida – Coldplay and Somewhere Only We Know By Keane. Leading the band was Sam R singing, with guitars from Joe E and Matthew C, Gabriel FL playing acoustic guitar, accompanying them with drums was Matthias MK.
The Verulam Jazz Men group consisted of Oliver M on drums, Raul P on Piano, Arthur R on Saxophone, Jacky P playing the trombone, Joseph G on electric guitar & Reuben C on Clarinet. Like the Jazz Men, they played two songs: The Return of the Prodigal Son and Watermelon Man. Considering this is the first time the groups have played live together, they sounded professional and bought the Summer sound to Verulam throughout the evening.
Representing the Drama department with an excellent excerpt from Macbeth: Matthew D and Cyrus M including a sword fight! Elliot McM performed a monologue and our very own Mr Mackenzie as Baldrick in the poignant Blackadder sketch: Goodbyeee from Blackadder goes forth. He was accompanied by the GCSE Drama students: Zack M, Aiden C, Evan T and Ollie B. The rich range of talent on show made us laugh, titter, smile and feel sorrow. Performances made all the more relevant by recent World events.
Who could forget our solo performers: Dill D singing and dancing, Lewis G – a fabulous example of a self taught Verulam man of rock, Archie H or Dominic Gale, giving us one last performance of Somewhere over the Rainbow and of course, the tremendous Sam R with Skyfall.
Verulam is rich in talent and no words can convey the courage and bravery that these students demonstrated. Each performance was carefully rehearsed with hours of practice and polishing. Hard work does not go unrewarded and tonight’s students deserve all the praise for their fabulous show!
If you didn’t make it this year, do come along next Summer.
Mrs Tomlin
Farewell to Year 13: Celebrating 7 (or 2) Years of Growth and Achievement
As the academic year draws to a close, we find ourselves at a poignant crossroads. On a lovely summer evening in the staff garden, we said goodbye to Year 13 with canapes and a few speeches from the School Captain Billy Jobson, Vice Captain Aaron Lota, Mr Base & Mr Moane.
Our Year 13 students, who have been with us for up to seven turbulent years, disrupted by Covid, are preparing to embark on the next exciting chapter of their lives: university, apprenticeships or employment. While we are sad to see them go, we are immensely proud of their achievements and the young adults they have become.
Throughout their time here, Year 13 has consistently exemplified the core values of our school: Excellence, Character & Respect; becoming Role Models. From their first days in Year 7, filled with anticipation and nerves, to their final exam, they have grown not only academically but also personally. Their journey has been marked by hard work, determination, and commitment.
As they leave us to pursue higher education, we are confident that they are well-prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Their chosen universities and employment routes are as diverse as their aspirations, ranging from prestigious institutions to renowned international universities. Each student leaves with a unique story, a testament to their individuality and the personalised support they have received from our staff.
To the parents and families of our Year 13 students, thank you for your unwavering support and trust in our school. Your partnership has been invaluable in shaping these incredible young people.
As we bid farewell to Year 13, we do so with a mix of sadness and pride. Sadness, because we will miss their presence and contributions. Pride, because we know they are ready to make their mark on the world. Congratulations, Year 13. We are excited to see all that you will achieve in the years to come.
Mr Base
A New Beginning: Induction Lessons for Sixth Formers
Just a few days after the GCSE Exams concluded, we were delighted to welcome our incoming sixth form students to our school. This is an exciting time, filled with new opportunities, challenges, and experiences that will shape their future. The induction lessons are designed to help the transition smoothly into this next phase of your educational journey.
The Sixth Form marks a significant step up from the previous years of schooling. They will now have more autonomy and responsibility, with the freedom to tailor your studies to your interests and career aspirations. From choosing your A-level and BTEC subjects to understanding the expectations of sixth form life, these initial lessons are crucial in setting the tone for the next two years.
One of the key components of the induction process is the chance to meet new teachers and 50+ new students at Verulam. Building strong relationships with your tutors and peers is essential for a supportive and enriching Sixth Form experience.
Understanding what is expected in the Sixth Form is vital to success. Induction lessons covered the academic and behavioural standards required to be Role Models to younger years.
Starting Sixth Form can be overwhelming, so the induction lessons introduced students to the various support systems in place. Whether it’s academic assistance, mental health support, or career guidance, the Sixth Form Team are here to help you every step of the way.
Welcome aboard, Year 12 Class of September 2024!
Mr Base
PTA Thanks
At Verulam we are incredibly lucky to have a wonderful community of parents and carers who give up their time and energy to support the school raising funds, running events and organising the second hand uniform sales and lottery on behalf of the PTA. This term alone they have supported the school at numerous events such as Verulympics and our Transition Evenings, welcoming our new students with open arms. They have also organised a fabulous quiz night, raising several thousand pounds in the process.
We have been particularly grateful for the funding that has been donated this term including a donation supporting the new electric minibus and allowing us to support a variety of departments through staff funding bids. These have included the following:
- Table tennis, indoor football goals and gym equipment for PE
- Visualisers and 2 x 3D Printers for Technology
- AI Lenses for Computer Science
- A2 light box for Art
We were also incredibly grateful to receive items donated via the Giving Tree at the quiz night including display items for Food Tech, foreign language games for MFL, pickleball sets for PE and mugs for the staff room. We’d like to say an enormous thank you to the small but dedicated team of volunteers that work so hard to make all of this happen!
The PTA can only continue to run events and raise all important funds for the school with your support so please do get involved and keep you eye out for exciting news coming soon regarding upcoming events and activities for September onwards.
Coming Up
Tuesday 16th July
Year 9 vaccinations
Tuesday 16th – Tuesday 23rd July
Gold Duke of Edinburgh
Friday 19th July
Last day of term – 12.20pm close
Thursday 15th August
A Level Results Day
Thursday 22nd August
GCSE Results Day
Monday 2nd September
Inset Day – no students in school
Tuesday 3rd September
Year 7 & 12 return – 8.35am start
Year 7 Individual and Form Group Photographs
Year 12 Individual Photographs
Wednesday 4th September
All students return – 8.35am start