In the words of ‘Slade’: It’s Christmas!
It’s been a whirlwind fifteen weeks, with Term 1 bringing about its usual mix of in-school, after-school, and educational events.
Inside the classroom, students have started the year well, and it has been pleasing to see so many of our pupils committed to their learning and wanting to do well.
Outside of the classroom, it has been brilliant to see and hear about more students being involved in enrichment opportunities, culminating in the magnificent performance of ‘Oliver’ this week.
The school feels in a good position, and it has been nice to have had so much external validation on this, too. Application numbers for next year are our highest on record, with 852 applications for Year 7, and 339 applications for Sixth Form. This is due to the work that students, staff and parents / carers undertake together on a daily basis, to ensure RFSS is a special place to work and learn.
Thank you for your continued support; I’d like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas, and an extremely happy and prosperous New Year.
Mr Green
Headteacher
Round Up from the Heads of Year
Year 7
As we come to the end of our very first term at Rugby Free Secondary School, I want to take a moment to congratulate each of you for your hard work, dedication, and brilliant efforts. Starting secondary school is a big step, and you’ve all shown incredible resilience, adaptability, and enthusiasm in making the most of this exciting new chapter in your school life.
This term, we’ve seen you shine in so many ways. Whether is getting ready for your first day at Secondary School or school photos, diving into House competition, or taking part in the Year 7 Information Evening, you’ve embraced every opportunity to get involved and contribute to the wider community. You’ve also shown respect and thoughtfulness as we marked Remembrance Day, remembering those who came before us. And who could forget the excitement of the Christmas Show.
You’ve faced challenges, tried new things, and shown what you’re capable of. Whether its in your lessons, extra-curricular activities, or simply getting to know a new environment, you’ve each made a positive mark on the school.
Enjoy your well-deserved break, and take pride in everything you’ve achieved so far. I’m looking forward to see all the fantastic things you’ll continue to accomplish in the coming terms. Keep up the brilliant work – you are all on an amazing path!
Well, done and see you all next year. Stay safe, Happy Christmas and Happy New Year.
Mr Beasley - Head of Year 7
Year 8
As we near the end of the Autumn Term, I’d like to take the opportunity to acknowledge the incredible progress Year 8 has made. They have shown dedication, creativity, and teamwork in many areas, and I am incredibly proud of everything they’ve achieved.
A real highlight this term has been the Drama 360 projects, where Year 8 students displayed impressive skills in performance and collaboration. Their enthusiasm and hard work brought their ideas to life in a way that was truly inspiring.
Year 8 also worked hard preparing for the Oliver school production. Their commitment to rehearsals and their positive contributions have been outstanding.
Their generosity in the Christmas Hamper collection has been heartwarming, demonstrating a real spirit of giving that will make a difference to families in need this holiday season.
Throughout the term, Year 8 has come together as a supportive and vibrant community. It’s been a joy to watch them grow, overcome challenges, and celebrate each other’s successes. They have truly come a long way, and I look forward to what they will continue to achieve in the coming months.
I couldn’t be prouder of Year 8, and I’m excited to continue supporting them on their journey.
Miss Angell - Head of Year 8
Year 9
WOW, what a term it's been for Year 9. From sports fixtures, to Prison Me No Way and finally hosting our options evening, it has been an incredibly busy term for Year 9 students. It may seem wild that your child is about to choose their GCSE subjects, and I know it only feels like yesterday that they finished their SATS in Year 6, but rest assured that we are going to do everything we can to ensure that you and your children feel confident in the decisions they are making as we progress through the selection process.
Year 9 have taken part in so many activities, including Prison Me No Way, careers events, sports fixtures and trips to Cambridge University, all in hope of allowing students to experience more through our school, and the feedback has been sensational from both our staff and external providers, so well done. Watching Year 9 grow into more sensible and mature people has been a pleasure.
As a school, we know and understand that for some, Christmas can be a difficult time, so if there is anything we can do to help, please let me know.
I'd like to finish this blog by thanking the huge 92% of you, our parents, that attended our Options Evening at the end of November, that was a great success and we appreciate your support very much.
Thank you, and have a wonderful Christmas.
Mr Hallmark - KS3 Lead & Head of Year 9
Year 10
As we approach the end of the first term, it's clear that Year 10 students have made impressive strides in adapting to the challenges and opportunities the new academic year brings. The transition from Key Stage 3 to Key Stage 4 is significant, with new subjects, increased responsibility, and a greater emphasis on preparing for the future. But through it all, Year 10 students have demonstrated resilience, commitment, and growth in many areas, from academics to personal development.
Teachers have noticed a strong sense of ambition in the classroom, with students actively engaging in lessons, asking insightful questions, and showing a willingness to go beyond the basics to deepen their understanding. Many students have made use of revision resources and have been proactive in seeking support when needed. As a result, there's been a noticeable increase in academic confidence among students, with many taking ownership of their learning in ways they hadn't before.
One of the most rewarding aspects of Year 10 has been seeing students grow into more independent learners and individuals. With the increased expectations of Key Stage 4, students are learning to manage their time more effectively and prioritize their studies alongside extracurricular activities and social commitments. Many students have embraced their new responsibilities with maturity, balancing schoolwork with part-time jobs, volunteering, and hobbies.
Moreover, students have shown great initiative in setting personal goals for themselves. Whether it's aiming to improve in a specific subject, participating more in class, or towards self-improvement. Teachers have reported that students are becoming more self-motivated, eager to track their progress, and willing to reflect on how they can do better.
The transition into Year 10 can be mentally challenging, as students adjust to a heavier workload, higher expectations, and sometimes increased pressure. However, one of the standout qualities of Year 10 this year has been their commitment to supporting one another. Mental health awareness has been a key focus, and students have shown a great deal of empathy towards their peers, whether it's offering help with homework or providing emotional support during difficult times.
Through various initiatives in PSHE lessons and mental health workshops, students have learned strategies to cope with stress, manage their emotions, and reach out for help when needed. Many have engaged in activities like mindfulness exercises and have shown a willingness to talk about their feelings openly. This openness has fostered a supportive environment, where students feel comfortable discussing their well-being and seeking support.
As we move into the next term, the progress Year 10 students have made is a testament to their dedication and growth. The journey towards GCSEs is not easy, but the resilience, collaboration, and focus on well-being that Year 10 has shown this term sets a solid foundation for the years ahead. Students have not only made academic progress, but they’ve also grown personally, learning valuable life skills that will serve them in the future.
Here’s to a successful and fulfilling rest of the year for Year 10!
Miss Woodward - Head of Year 10
Year 11
As we approach the end of the year and look ahead to an exciting 2025, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on your incredible efforts during this pivotal stage of your education.
Year 11 is a challenging time - it’s the year where hard work, determination, and resilience come together to shape your future. Watching you rise to the challenge fills me with immense pride. Your dedication, particularly your attendance at intervention sessions, has been outstanding. The effort you’ve shown demonstrates the strong character and commitment you bring to everything you do. Well done, Year 11 - you are truly setting yourselves up for success.
On a personal note, I have to admit that the last half-term has been bittersweet for me. Missing time with you due to my Achilles injury has been difficult. It has been heart-breaking not to be there to support you in person as you prepare for this important year. However, please know that my heart has been with you every step of the way. I am determined to come back stronger than ever in 2025, ready to give my all to support you through the rest of this journey. Together, we will make it a year to remember.
Finally, I want to share some lovely news: Miss Probert has welcomed a healthy baby boy! She’s overjoyed and already looking forward to returning to see you guys ready to embark on your own personal journeys. I know she’ll bring the same enthusiasm and support that we’ve all missed.
As we head into the holiday season and the new year, I encourage you to stay focused, but also take time to recharge. Reflect on everything you’ve achieved so far and set your sights high for the months ahead. I am incredibly proud of each and every one of you. Keep showing up, giving your best, and working toward your dreams.
Have a wonderful break, and I’ll see you all in 2025!
Mr Rupal - KS4 Lead & Head of Year 11
Year 12
This term we have been thrilled to begin the year with our largest ever cohort of Year 12 students, with many of those coming from different previous schools. The jump from Year 11 to Sixth Form is undeniably large, but we have been impressed as ever with the mature manner in which students have made this transition. During the first few weeks of term, we were so impressed with the attendance of our Year 12 students that we brought forward their privilege of being able to leave school at lunchtime if they don’t have any lessons. We think students have really benefited from this new independence, and are enjoying the freedom they have been granted.
Many of our Sixth Form students have thrown themselves into the school community, getting involved in House Events and even becoming Student Leaders. We were so grateful for the support these students gave to us during our very successful Sixth Form Open Evening which took place in October. They were excellent ambassadors for our school.
As we reach the end of the first term of Year 12, students are now fully engrossed in their studies, and many are preparing for January exams in their vocational subjects. We wish them all enormous luck in these, and hope they find time to relax over the break, as well as focusing on their revision. It hasn’t all been hard work this term though, and many students have enjoyed taking on new enrichment options such as recreational sport, film club, creative crafts, EPQ and many more. Some students have even enjoyed going out on trips, such as to the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford.
We would like to take this opportunity to wish all Year 12 students a happy and peaceful holiday, and we look forward to seeing them in the New Year.
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
As we conclude Term 1, Year 13 students have made significant progress across various areas. Most students have now submitted their UCAS applications and are already receiving offers from universities. We are really proud and excited to see student's journey through this process. In addition, Year 13 students completed their first set of pre-public examinations and are actively engaging with teacher's feedback to continue improving their work as we work towards forthcoming January and summer 2025 examinations.
Our Student Leaders have been exceptionally busy, taking on key roles in supporting school events such as the Year 7 Open Evening, Sixth Form Open Evening, and Year 11 Taster Day. Meanwhile, our Prom Committee has been hard at work planning the end-of-year celebrations and has kickstarted their fundraising efforts with a successful whole-school bake sale.
It has been a productive and exciting term, and we look forward to the continued hard work and achievements in the months ahead.
Mr Chadwick - Assistant Headteacher: Sixth Form
Mr Edwards - Assistant Director of Learning for Sixth Form
Ms Bagnall - Assistant Director of Learning for Sixth Form
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!
V&A Museum Trip:
Some KS4 students attended a workshop at the V&A Museum, called ‘Fashion Conscious’. This workshop used the V&A’s dynamic and diverse fashion collection to highlight techniques, key movements, and influential individuals that are part of the exam specification. A fantastic day was had by all.
National Justice Museum Trip:
Year 10 History students visited the National Justice
Museum in Nottingham to support their study of Crime and Punishment over time. They had a fantastic day including participation in workshops examining issues relating to crime and punishment over time, a tour of an old 18th Century prison and a mock trial in the former Crown Court. It was a really rewarding day.
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
Students in years 9 and 10 have made a great start on this Year's DofE journey. We have had our first in-school training day where students learned and practiced their key map reading skills, and each group has now planned their route for their practice expedition. An especially big well done for all of the students who have already been submitting evidence for their physical, volunteering and skills sections on eDofE. Keep up the great work!
A reminder that the next in school training day will be on Sunday 19th January 2025, 9am - 3pm.
Mr Ash, Duke of Edinburgh Lead
PE Lessons
This has been a difficult term for PE in terms of staffing, but also a rewarding one in regards to student resilience, maturity and engagement.
Netball, badminton and basketball after school clubs and teams have flourished and gone from strength to strength. With the Year 10 girls winning their 3rd straight championship in badminton! The Under 13 girls had a fantastic day of competitive football at Coventry University against the best teams in Warwickshire, losing to the eventual champions along the way! The Year 11 boy’s basketball team remain undefeated.
With injuries and pregnancy, the department has been heavily impacted in our Core PE delivery. Groups with different teachers are far from ideal, but unfortunately unavoidable. We expect to have some future Olympic Champions now in table tennis with the depth of teaching and learning that this sport has experienced!
It has been brilliant to see students being adaptable during Year 11 and 13 PPE's. With the Sports Hall out of action and bouts of hellacious weather, students have responded incredibly to the demands of the majority of their lessons being outside. Students have demonstrated the school values consistently and in tough circumstances.
We continue to be proud, but no longer surprised by the engagement of students in the subject and the desire to participate and endeavour to better themselves in all conditions.
The switch to badminton, handball and gymnastics has led to new skills being developed, with social, cognitive, emotional as well as physical ones being explored. These areas provide the focus for PE lessons and assessment moving forward.
2025 promises to be an exciting year for PE!
Mr D’Arcy, Director of Learning for PE
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.
Employability Focus – SET for Life Curriculum
As part of the SET for Life curriculum, significant emphasis has been placed on enhancing students' employability skills, providing them with the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed decisions about their future careers. This is achieved through a combination of interactive resources, real-world engagement, and personalised guidance.
One key aspect of this initiative is the integration of the Unifrog platform within our PSHE sessions. All students have had the opportunity to explore Local Labour Market Information (LMI), allowing them to research the current and future job market in their area. In addition to understanding local employment trends, students have also been able to review entry requirements and career advice for fields they are interested in pursuing. The platform’s comprehensive tools empower students to make well-informed decisions, ensuring that they are aware of the qualifications and pathways required for various careers.
A highlight of our employability focus was the Key Stage 4 and 5 Careers Fair, held on Monday, 21st October. This event provided students with the invaluable opportunity to engage face-to-face with local apprenticeship providers, education institutions, and employers. Students were able to seek advice directly from industry professionals, ask questions about specific career paths, and receive guidance on how to navigate the transition from school to the workforce or further education. The presence of such diverse providers allowed students to gain insights into a wide range of career options, both academic and vocational, helping them to consider various routes based on their interests and strengths.
Finally, Year 11, 12, and 13 students are continuing to receive an independent, impartial 1-hour Careers Interview with Career Torch. During these sessions, students can receive personalised advice and develop an action plan tailored to their individual aspirations. These interviews provide a structured opportunity for students to reflect on their career goals, whether they plan to continue at RFSS or explore opportunities beyond school, such as apprenticeships, higher education, or employment. The action plans created during these interviews help students set clear, achievable steps towards their next stage in life.
Together, these activities form a vital part of the SET for Life curriculum, equipping students with the skills, knowledge, and guidance they need to succeed in an ever-evolving job market.
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 half term has seen our students cover such a broad range of topics, all aimed at equipping them with skills, knowledge and confidence to be SET for life.
Year 7s have been developing their social and team building skills, whilst looking at different types of relationships, how to manage them in different ways. The importance of communication within these different relationships (formal and informal) and how there are lots of different pressures we can experience in this phase of life and knowing where we can turn to seek support with these pressures.
Year 8 have been focusing on Health and Wellbeing and the multitude of factors that can impact our health and wellbeing (physical, cognitive, emotional and social). They have looked at topics that require compassion and open communication and have looked at ways to support their health and wellbeing.
Year 9s half term have seen them focus on their next steps in their educational journey. Within the last 7 weeks they have had lots of experiences to develop their knowledge on different career paths, areas and what skills are required. They have developed knowledge on decision making skills and heard from a number of staff about different careers subjects could lead them into. The aim of this block of work was to help students know their options and to help them feel confident in making the right choices for themselves.
Year 10 have had a half term of a deeper dive into areas that can really have a big impact on a persons health and wellbeing. This block of work is to raise awareness, equip students with knowledge of signs and strategies and help them to see the importance of communication in life, which includes them listening to their own emotions and seeking support if they need it.
Year 11’s topics are all about preparing them for life after school, helping them to understand relationships and sexual health. They have had talks from external and internal speakers to help them to understand about their bodies as well as about concerning topics such as sexual harassment. These sessions aim to raise awareness and give them information as well as sign posting them to extra support as and when its needed.
Staffing
We will be welcoming the following new staff in January who will make a fantastic addition to our team. Joining us are:
Sam Edmonds - Teacher of Mathematics
Georgia Wickramasinghe - Teacher of SEND
Nicola Seadon - ADT Technician
Amy Jarratt - Family Support Worker
Please be reminded that school is closed on Monday 6th January for a Teacher Training Day. We will welcome all students back to school on Tuesday 7th January 2025.
See you there!
Kind Regards,
Mr Iain Green
Headteacher
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