Well done to our four groups of Year 10 girls and boys who successfully took part in their practice Duke of Edinburgh expedition at the weekend camping at Hurley Lock in Bray. Although our Year 10s are starting with their Bronze Award I hope they will also fix their eyes on the Gold Award, as it is an achievement that carries a great deal of weight with universities and employers, as well as giving a huge sense of satisfaction.

Our Senior Girls rowing squad were competing in the Maidenhead Junior Regatta at the weekend and we were delighted the squad of Kate, Millie, Beth, Kaya and Maddie achieved an incredible first place in the B squads competition beating Eton Excelsior in the final. The squad performed very well with a vast improvement on their last outing and they continue to develop due to all their hard work and commitment.

This week has been of course exam week for Year 7-10 and I know that it has been a busy and productive week. Pupils will be seeing their papers, going through them and getting feedback when we return after half term. Parents will also get a chance to see their daughter’s papers but please ensure they are returned to school. Please be aware that this is not an opportunity to undertake a forensic examination of responses and marks but to get a better understanding of attainment and responses to exam questions.

Looking ahead we have a very active half term coming up and  please make a note of the following dates for your diary.

The PTA are busy making final arrangements for the Summer Fete on 23 June and the Senior Girls are planning a range of games and fairground type activities. Our usual parent stalwarts will be there but we are also appealing for any of our parents to give up an hour or so of their time to man a stall or serve behind our soft drinks stall.

Our senior artists have their GCSE Year 11 Art Exhibition viewing on Thursday 7 June in the Senior Girls Art Room.

We look forward to the Talent Show on Wednesday 4 June, and the athletes get the chance to strut their stuff at Sports Day on the 26 June. Finally our young musicians are gearing up for Music-a-thon on Friday 6 July .

So exams, music, sport, drama, art… something for everybody to feel they can shine in and feel a sense of engagement and success.

Have a wonderful half term.