And that’s a wrap! In what feels like the blink of an eye, the academic year is over! What a year it’s been; I feel we have made real progress as a school, and according to the parents and carers survey, so do you!
Thank you for all your support, feedback and kind words this year. We have achieved a lot and, as always, I am proud of our students and staff who have worked so well together. This is a truly unique and special place, and I can’t think of anywhere better to be on a daily basis.
Both myself and the team at Rugby Free Secondary School wish you a wonderful Summer and look forward to welcoming everyone back after the break.
Thank you for everything you have done to help us make this year so successful, and a big thank you to the staff who have worked so hard this year. Here’s to 2024-25!
Mr Green
Headteacher
Round Up from the Heads of Year
Year 7
As we conclude this enriching term at Rugby Free Secondary School, I am incredibly proud of our Year 7 students. Despite facing challenges in their transition to secondary school, their resilience and adaptability have been nothing short of inspiring. They've embraced numerous opportunities, from excelling in the inclusion football team to participating in enriching trips like the Battle of Bosworth, Alton Towers, and the Drama 360 Trip. These experiences have not only broadened their horizons but also fostered stronger bonds among peers and created lasting memories. Their achievements, both in and out of the classroom, are a testament to their dedication, enthusiasm, and indomitable spirit.
As we prepare for the holiday break, I encourage our Year 7 students to take the time to rest, recharge, and reflect on their remarkable journey so far. It's important to acknowledge the significant progress they've made and the personal growth they've experienced. Looking ahead to Year 8, I am filled with excitement and anticipation. I am eager to continue watching them grow, thrive, and embrace new challenges. Their journey has only just begun, and I have every confidence that they will continue to excel and inspire. Enjoy the break, and I look forward to seeing everyone refreshed and ready for another exciting year.
Miss Angell - Head of Year 7
Year 8
As we approach the end of this school year, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey we have shared. This year has been nothing short of remarkable, and I am immensely proud of each and every one of you.
From the very start, you have demonstrated tremendous growth and progress.
Academically, your hard work and dedication have been evident in the outstanding results in the classroom and positive feedback from teachers. Your curiosity and enthusiasm for learning have made the classroom a vibrant and exciting place to be.
Beyond the academics, your involvement in extracurricular activities, sports, and creative arts has showcased your diverse talents and passions. What has truly set you apart this year is your kindness towards one another. In a world that can often seem challenging, you have consistently chosen to support and uplift each other. Whether it was helping a classmate with their studies, standing up for a friend, or simply offering a listening ear, your compassion has made our school community a better place.
This year has not been without its challenges. Many of you have faced difficulties both in school and at home. Yet, through it all, you have shown remarkable resilience. Your ability to navigate through tough times with grace and determination has been inspiring. You have not only managed to overcome obstacles but have done so with a positive attitude and a willingness to persevere.
As your Head of Year, it has been an absolute privilege to witness your journey. I have watched you grow into young adults who are not only capable and intelligent but also empathetic and strong. On a personal note, thank you for making me proud every single day. I am confident that you will continue to achieve great things. Keep being the wonderful individuals you are, and never forget the strength and kindness you have shown this year.
Wishing you all a restful and enjoyable break. I look forward to seeing and hearing about your continued successes in the years to come.
Mr Rupal - Head of Year 8
Year 9
I wanted to take a moment to express how much I have enjoyed being the Head of Year for our wonderful Year 9 students this year. We have witnessed incredible achievements together, from excelling in careers competitions and sporting events to participating in house competitions and charity events. The students have formed strong friendships and made significant decisions regarding their GCSE Options.
It's been a pleasure to watch our Year 9s grow into more mature, sensible and understanding students, and I look forward to seeing how they progress into Year 10 and through to their GCSE exams.
I will genuinely miss being their Head of Year and am deeply appreciative of the support from all parents and carers. Your involvement and encouragement have been invaluable. It has been a pleasure working alongside all of you.
Thank you for a fantastic year!
Mr Hallmark - Head of Year 9
Year 10
The Summer Term has been a real time of growth, maturity and development for our Year 10 students. Not only have we seen the most amount of positives given to this cohort of any term, but we have also seen a reduction in any negatives given. As a Head of Year, it has been a privilege to watch the students grow and begin to fulfil their potential. Whether it was work within lessons, interactions with others or enjoying the rewards trip to Alton Towers, they have shown time and again a positive attitude which is pleasing to see.
I was particularly delighted by the way that this cohort approached the Pre-Public Examinations which was consistently praised by the staff body here. We ran the Mock Examinations (PPEs) in the exact same way as we will for their real GCSEs and the students responded to the professionalism and expectations we asked of them fantastically. There was real evidence of revision, dedication and a desire to achieve the best grades possible and their efforts will serve them well in the coming year. It was lovely to see that when the time came for them to stand up as students, they rose to the occasion admirably.
As the students reflect on the year they have just completed, I hope they will look back on a wealth of positive experiences and hard work that will stand them in good stead for Year 11. Whilst there is a lot more work for the pupils to do, they are well on their way to achieving a fantastic set of results at GCSE. If this year group continues to believe in themselves, works to their maximum and follows the guidance of their teachers, they will achieve great things. On a personal level, it has been a real honour acting as their Head of Year and, although I will not be working with them next year, I am certain I leave them in the most capable hands in Miss Probert and Mr Rupal. The future is exceptional bright for these students and I look forward to watching them blossom further from afar.
Mr Doherty - Head of Year 10
Year 11
What a year it has been!!
I'm so proud of you all. You have been an absolute pleasure to work with this year and I will miss you all.
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you on the last 5 years of hard work, particularly the last few months of Year 11. You will be genuinely missed by all of your teachers. The way you have handled yourselves during the exam period has been incredibly impressive. You have made some fantastic memories together over the past 5 years and it has been an honour to have been your Head of Year for your final year at RFSS. I want to wish all of you the best of luck for the future. I’m looking forward to seeing some of you again in September and I know others have got exciting plans elsewhere, but I know you will all go on to do amazing things.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all, for such a fantastic evening at Year 11 prom. I hope you all had as much fun as I did! Thank you for all being so brilliant; The Arnold House staff were singing your praises at the end of the evening, explaining how polite and respectful you had been all night. What a brilliant way to end a fantastic 5 years at RFSS.
Good luck with your results, please take care of yourselves and enjoy your well-deserved summer break, you have certainly earnt it!
Miss Probert - Head of Year 11
Year 12
The summer term has been a period of valuable experiences for Year 12 students. Since Easter, they have navigated various academic and extracurricular activities, each contributing to their personal growth and preparation for the future.
Pre Public Examinations
Year 12 students undertook their first set of Pre Public Examinations May Half Term. These exams serve as a critical component in preparing students for their final year of A-level studies and the actual public examinations they will face. The results of these PPEs will be informing their transition interviews for Year 13, providing valuable insights into their academic strengths and areas for improvement. The overall performance was commendable, with many students demonstrating a strong understanding of their subjects and a readiness to tackle the challenges of Year 13. There was lots of positive feedback from teachers on students' dedication and resilience during the examination period.
Work Experience
The work experience program offered Year 12 students a unique opportunity to gain practical insights into various professional fields. This experience is crucial in helping students make informed decisions about their future careers and enhancing their employability skills. Students participated in diverse placements, ranging from local businesses and healthcare settings to creative industries and technical roles.
School Mock Election
On July 4th, Year 12 students played a pivotal role in organising and running the school's mock election, mirroring the General Election. This event not only fostered a greater understanding of the democratic process but also encouraged leadership from Year 12 students. Year 12's involvement included acting as candidates, coordinating the election logistics, managing polling stations, and ensuring the smooth operation of the voting process.
PSHE: Sexual Health Education
During the summer term, Year 12 students also engaged in a comprehensive sexual health education module as part of their PSHE curriculum. This program aimed to provide students with accurate information, promote healthy relationships, and encourage responsible decision-making regarding their sexual health.
Conclusion
The summer term has been a period of substantial growth and achievement for Year 12 students. These experiences have equipped them with valuable skills and insights that will undoubtedly support their transition into Year 13 and beyond.
Year 12 students should take pride in their accomplishments and continue to build on this foundation of success as they prepare for the challenges and opportunities ahead. We wish them a restful and happy summer holiday.
Mr Chadwick - Assistant Headteacher: Sixth Form
Mr Edwards - Assistant Director of Learning for Sixth Form
Ms Bagnall - Assistant Director of Learning for Sixth Form
Year 13
A summer blog at the end of Year 13 will always be a collection of mixed emotions.
At this point in the year, we take the time to contemplate the hole that these young people are leaving in our community as they progress on to their next stages, to reflect on the amazing things that they have achieved, and to excitedly anticipate the new challenges that lie ahead of them. Much of what we wished to reflect on with Year 13 was shared in our wonderful Leavers’ Assembly which took place in June. This was the staff’s opportunity to thank and praise students for all that they have achieved during their time here, and to have a bit of fun with it too! It was lovely to see students joining in with the celebratory atmosphere in their fancy dress outfits, and we hope that they all enjoyed their send off.
But of course, this term has not all been easy, and we must recognise all the hard work that students have put in during their final months at school. Many students came into school during their Easter and May half-term holidays to revise with their teachers, and this diligence continued throughout the term with students coming in early and staying late to use the revision resources in school. We have been so proud of the way that all students conducted themselves during exams, showing real resilience and determination. We are looking forward to celebrating their successes with them all on Results Day on 15th August.
While most students secured university offers back in the Autumn and Spring terms, other students have had to wait until the Summer term to apply for apprenticeships and jobs. We have been so impressed by the independence and the ambition that students have displayed while searching for these opportunities, and some of the offers they have received have been really exciting.
Although the main focus of the term has been finalising coursework and exam preparation, we have also been conscious of the need to prepare students for post-school life. Our PSHE and mentoring curriculum has therefore continued, and we were particularly pleased to have one of our Year 13 students who volunteers with the fire service leading sessions on first aid.
We are so proud of all that Year 13 have achieved, not just this term, but throughout their time here. We hope they have a well-earned restful summer, and we look forward to seeing them all again in August.
Mr Chadwick - Assistant Headteacher: Sixth Form
Mr Edwards - Assistant Director of Learning for Sixth Form
Ms Bagnall - Assistant Director of Learning for Sixth Form
House Update
Delighted Head of Pankhurst, Miss Cowperthwaite, acclaimed her “fantastic students” for becoming Champion House for the second year running. Despite a late rally from Turing House, Pankhurst secured the title after leading the house competition for most of the year.
The winning House was announced on Friday 28th June during an assembly to all four houses. All students found out that Pankhurst had won with an impressive 2350 points. Turing were in 2nd with 2175 points, Attenborough in 3rd with 2025 points and Ali in 4th with 1600 points.
All houses have worked hard this year to achieve these points in many different competitions, including sport, charity fundraising, positive behaviour points, attendance, enrichment attendance, spelling, maths challenges, and many more. To celebrate Pankhurst students went on a rewards trip on Thursday 11th July. This also included a selection of students from the three other houses who have significantly contributed to their house achievements this academic year. All points gained in July, carry forward to next year’s House Competition. Will it be a Pankhurst hat-trick?!
Anyone that witnessed our inaugural RFSS Talent Show would have been so captivated by the outstanding enthusiasm, commitment and camaraderie of our wonderful students. Twenty incredible acts provided a night to remember. Headteacher (and Head Judge) Mr Green beamed “It encapsulates everything that is special about RFSS!” The team spirit amongst the cast was delightful with students cheering fellow acts on and encouraging a packed house to create a joyous atmosphere. The inclusivity of the show was special with superb Tamil Folk Dancing from Sheryl and Afro Dance from the talented Lilian. All students demonstrated courage to brave the stage, none more than our lovely representatives from our Specialist Resource Provision. All school years from 7-13 were represented, with amazing Drama performances, incredible singers, talented instrumentalists, stunning gymnastic performances, plus a lovely comedian! All students were winners in our eyes, all entertaining us and boosting their self- esteem. The overall unanimous winner was Cossack Dancer Frederick. His stunning endurance act deservedly earned a rapturous ovation and the trophy! The sensational memory act from a beaming Jeremiah secured second place and Miss Dwelly’s inspired choreography gained a well-deserved third place through the superb dancing of Amara, Kawsar, Harmony, Grace, Olivia, Niamh & Lily. The intense and flawless slam poetry of Jack secured fourth, and a wonderful dance duet from Isla & Alexa gained fifth.
Another set of successful charity days raised a whopping £814.02! Tutor groups showed great creativity to raise money for their House charity. A particular mention needs to go to the brave staff who faced the cream pies, water sponges, head decoration and waxing strips! Turing House raised £330.13 for Fred Bennett's Don't Look Down, Attenborough raised £209.86 for Air Ambulance, Ali raised £166.78 for The Azayalia Foundation and Pankhurst raised £107.25 for the Our Jay Foundation. So much fun was had for the benefit of these tremendous causes.
Mr Eadon, Head of the House System
Set For Life
Community is part of our Set for Life curriculum and is our commitment to ensuring students have the opportunity to develop their social skills through working collaboratively and celebrating similarities and uniqueness!
Parliament Trip:
Year 12 Sociology, Criminology, Politics and Psychology students visited Parliament on Tuesday 9th July, which happened to be the first time that MPs met in the House of Commons too. While this meant that we weren't able to visit some areas of Parliament that we normally would, the group were extremely lucky to have the opportunity to watch the MPs as they left their rehearsal for the swearing in ceremony that was happening later that day. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity as the rehearsal is closed to the public, so it is not something they will witness again. Any new MP who had not been a member of parliament before had to walk out of a door that was only a few metres from us. With 335 new MPs this government this gave students the opportunity to see the likes of Sir Lindsey Hoyle (Speaker), Carla Denyer (leader of the Green Party), Nigel Farage (leader of Reform), Sam Carling (UKs youngest MP) and Rugby's new MP John Slinger.
We then made our way to the Royal Courts of Justice where students were able to watch two criminal appeals in the Courts there, before touring the costume room.
The final activity of the day was a trip to the Old Bailey, where some students had the opportunity to watch individuals giving evidence in a drug smuggling trial. Both of these experiences allowed students to see the workings of the Criminal Justice System and better understand the roles of Police, Solicitors and Judges. All of the students were a credit to RFSS and we had many comments on their impeccable behaviour.
Care Home Visit:
Students enjoyed a visit to the local Overslade Care Home as part of the History Local Community Project. They were able to meet with some of the residents and discuss their memories of living in the Rugby area and also of key events, places that have stood out in their lives. It was a really lovely afternoon and we hope to visit again soon.
Drama 360 Project:
15 RFSS students performed their interpretation of A Much A Do About Nothing at Macready Theatre in June. Another successful collaboration with Rugby School.
Bosworth Battlefield Trip:
Year 7 History students visited the Bosworth Battlefield Centre to delve deeper into the history of the War of the Roses and the Battle of Bosworth. They had a fantastic day including participation in Medieval Weaponry workshops and a guided tour of the site of Henry Tudor’s victory. A really rewarding day and well done Year 7 for engaging so well with all the activities.
Health and Wellbeing is also part of our Set for Life curriculum and is our commitment to ensuring students are given lots of opportunities to take part in activities which will promote health and physical fitness and mental wellbeing.
Duke of Edinburgh Award
Our Year 9 Duke of Edinburgh's Award students have made a fantastic start towards their Bronze DofE Award this year. Students have attended 2 training days in school, where they have planned their practice and qualifying expedition routes. They've also undertaken first aid training and practiced putting up their tents and using the trangias.
Students have also participated in an outdoor training day, where they have practiced their map and compass reading skills, which they put into action in their practice expedition in June.
It's important that students continue to work towards completing their Skills, Physical and Volunteering sections and get them signed off on their eDofE account as soon as possible. Students need to upload their signed assessor report cards onto their eDofE account, when their section is complete, alongside any other additional evidence they've collated over the past 3/6 months. Students must have all 3 sections completed and their evidence uploaded and approved, before their qualifying expedition in September.
Please be reminded of the upcoming qualifying expedition next academic term:
Bronze Practice Expedition - Friday 6th & Saturday 7th September 2024.
Miss Probert, Duke of Edinburgh Manager
PE Lessons
With no indoor areas available for PE lessons due to exams, all lessons have taken place outside. Thankfully the weather has been kind (although not always warm!) and only a handful of lessons have had to take place in classrooms.
The arrival of 'summer' has seen athletics and striking/fielding sports as the focus for PE lessons. Softball, rounders and cricket have filled the field with shrieks of delight and groans of disappointment! Students have thrived on the team element and it has been great to see how much students support and encourage each other. Athletics has brought a more individual element with sprinting, javelin, shot put and discus at the forefront. Teamwork has been explored through the relay events. Perfect preparation for the festival of sport in the summer that is the Paris Olympics!
Student engagement continues to impress, with the vast majority consistently bringing kit and fully participating, which is a real credit to them and shows their character.
PE lessons focussed on athletics and rounders in the build up to Sports Day.
Year 7/8 and 9/10 students represented themselves and the school proudly in the Rugby Town Athletics Championships held over 2 different days. The 7s and 8s showed particular residence as they competed in near 30-degree heat!
Our student leaders from a variety of year groups have shone whilst supporting in several Primary School sports events such as athletics and kwik cricket. Several of our Year 11 leavers will showcase their leadership skills when they return to support with sports day.
Mr D’Arcy, Director of Learning for PE
Student Success
Congratulations to Lewie and Charlie who have been selected to represent Warwickshire County Schools FA for the 2024 - 25 season. Lewie will be playing an age up for the Under 14's and Charlie for the U16's. With over 300 students trialling, this is a massive achievement.
Employability is the third part of our Set for Life curriculum and is our commitment to ensuring students have opportunities to meet with employers, explore career opportunities and develop skills needed for the future.
The school value of employability emphasises equipping students with the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to succeed in the workplace. Over the summer term, several initiatives and successes have showcased our commitment to fostering employability among our students.
Successes of the Summer Term
Representation at the National Enterprise Challenge Grand Final
National Enterprise Challenge Grand Final, Doncaster Racecourse.
Our school proudly represented at this prestigious event, where students demonstrated their entrepreneurial skills and innovative thinking. The challenge provided a platform for students to engage in real-world business scenarios, promoting teamwork, problem-solving, and creative thinking. Participating in such high-level competitions enhances students' employability by giving them firsthand experience in enterprise and innovation.
Year 10 Individual Careers Appointments with Careers Torch
As Year 10 students prepare to transition into Year 11 in September 2025, they have begun their individual career appointments with Careers Torch. These sessions are instrumental in helping students identify their strengths, interests, and career aspirations. By providing personalised guidance, students are better prepared to make informed decisions about their future educational and career paths. This proactive approach ensures that students are well-equipped with the necessary tools to navigate their career journeys.
PSHE Career Exploration Sessions
In PSHE classes, students have engaged in exploring their dream jobs using the Unifrog Careers Library. This platform allows students to research various careers, understand the qualifications and skills required, and learn about different career pathways. By exploring their dream jobs, students gain insight into how to align their academic and extracurricular activities with their career aspirations. This exercise not only broadens their understanding of potential careers but also inspires them to set achievable career goals.
Independent Living is part of our Set for Life curriculum and this term we have ensured students know how to keep themselves safe both in school and as they go out into the wider community.
This term has been incredibly busy within PSHE with students learning lots of knowledge that they can apply to life now and after school.
Year 7
Students in Year 7 have been learning about skills around how to keep themselves safe online and offline. They have covered sessions on avoiding gangs, computer safety and exploitation, including what signs to look out for an importantly, how to report it. They have learned about how to keep themselves healthy by understanding more about energy drinks and why they are banned for under 16s. As well as developing a base of knowledge on the risks associated with alcohol consumption and smoking & vaping. Students have then continued onto a block of work challenging them to develop their teamwork, decision making and values within their city creation project. They have had to create a city, its rules/ laws and consider the elements that are needed to ensure it is a functioning city that will contribute to the wider society.
Year 8
Students in Year 8 have developed first aid knowledge, creating some exceptional presentations and displays and practically learning how to deal with different first aid situations. We welcomed Rugby Fire Service into school to come and find out what knowledge they had gained. Year 8s then began learning about a variety of different career areas, with the hope of broadening their horizons when it comes to future choices.
Year 9
In Year 9 students have learned about extremism and the warning signs involved, understanding where to seek support and how to make their own judgements about the validity of sources of information, so they don’t fall into the trap of conspiracies and fake news. Year 9 have then moved on to RSHE, a really important topic that will help them to widen their views and feel confident to make their own choices around relationships and sexual health. They have learnt about consent and the law surrounding this, they have learnt about FGM and the signs of how to spot if this is happening, including where to go for support. They have had talks on contraception including learning the differences between hormonal and barrier methods of contraception, including which contraception is the only one that prevents pregnancy and STI’s.
Year 10
Within Year 10 students had a block of sessions focusing on cultivating their study skills, this was in the lead up to their year 10 PPE assessments, with the aim for them to embed study and revision skills preparing them for Year 11 and beyond. The final block of work this term has seen them exploring Fundamental British Values. It is so important for our young people to learn about democracy, the rule of law within society, how to be tolerant and respectful of others and how we all have protected characteristics and what these are, including how we can discriminate others if we are not respectful or tolerant. Students are also learning about individual liberty and freedom of speech, but how we need to do this mindfully of others.
Year 11
Year 11 were exposed to lots of practical activities and ideas to get them thinking about their mental health and emotional wellbeing. They were given lots of time to practice mindfulness strategies, how being connected and doing activities with others is a good form of release. They were given opportunities to switch off from the pressure of exams to help them de-stress and learn the importance of a work/life balance. I hope this block of work has helped them realise how important it is to put their health first and they have developed some techniques of how to help them manage this.
Sixth Formers
In Year 12 and then 13 we have focused on developing a wider knowledge of the risks associates with extremist narratives and how easy it is for individuals to be coerced and manipulated. Our Year 13s were given the opportunity to learn and recap CPR skills and how to respond to different emergency situations. Our Year 12s have then finished the year looking at Fundamental British Values, understanding democracy, the rights of the child and laws are an important part of our society.
Staffing
As always at this time of year, some staff are moving on to pastures new from September. I want to place on record my thanks and appreciation to the following staff, who are leaving the RFSS community:
Mr Harrison
Mrs Lavender
Miss Bowley
Mr Middleton
Miss Lewis
Mr Edmonds
Mr Ward
We will be welcoming the following new staff in September who will make a fantastic addition to our team. Joining us are:
Staff Name | Position |
Elizabeth Towle | Assistant Headteacher: SEND & Inclusion |
Samantha Bryant | Assistant Headteacher: Curriculum |
Amanda Stevenson | Teacher of Maths |
Beth Woodward | Head of Year 10 |
Gavin King | Teacher of Chemistry |
Sarah Haddow | Teacher of Social Sciences |
James Kearney | Teacher of Maths |
Caitlin Cross | Teacher of Social Sciences |
Kiel Mullen | Student Support Teacher |
Katherine Wallace | Learning Support Assistant |
Courtney Fletcher | Learning Support Assistant |
Julie Waldon | Learning Support Assistant |
Matthew Watson | Learning Support Assistant |
Aysegul Ozcan | Learning Support Assistant |
Georgia Clarke | Learning Support Assistant |
Please be reminded that school is closed on Monday 2nd September and Tuesday 3rd September for Teacher Training Days.
We will welcome our new Year 7 students to school on Wednesday 4th September and all other year groups are back in school on Thursday 5th September.
See you there!
Kind Regards,
Mr Iain Green
Headteacher
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