Dear Parents/Carers

I hope you are well.

We are entering a really cold spell at the moment so please can you ensure that your child is appropriately clothed for school. I appreciate they may want to wear a hoody for extra warmth on the way to school. However, it must be removed on entry to the building. If it is seen under or over a blazer then it will be confiscated. School coats are allowed when going outside, however a hoody is not classed as a coat. Just a reminder that 70+ denier black tights are compulsory from January 2026 if your child would like to wear a skirt.

Year 11 mock examinations are under way, and the students are doing really well. They are focussed and revising hard.  And this experience gives them a good grounding for the real GCSE exams in 6 months time.  We will be having a compulsory P6 from January which is focussed subject support and revision. We have done this for the past few years, and it is really well received by students as it supports the revision process in a structure way with a subject expert. More information will be coming out from Mr Koltan on this soon.  Just a reminder that all the same uniform and jewellery rules apply during the examination periods. Some students are pushing the boundaries, and it undermines our high standards so your help with this would be appreciated.

Please can you also encourage your child to come fully equipped for learning and that their iPay account has money on. Whilst we are all super supportive and will always help, my office team are being inundated with requests to ring home. Please ensure that your child goes to Pastoral for any requests like this. The office are incredibly busy and whilst they will of course help it is important that the students seek Pastoral help as then the Head of Year can monitor patterns and offer support where necessary. We also are trying to build independent, resilient young people who are organised and ready to learn. Of course, we understand that things are forgotten occasionally, however the current flow of traffic in the main office is excessive.

I apologise if this all seems like a list of requests, but to ensure we are consistent in our approach and have the highest of standards sometimes the operation aspects of school life have to be addressed. You are my biggest resource of support in everything we try and do and if we work together, it makes things much easier. I am so very grateful for the relationship I have with you, and I feel very supported in terms of your all subscribing to our vision and mission. We do make every decision in the best interests of the child and just want them to be the best version of themselves.

Have a lovely weekend when it arrives.

Beverley Scott-Herron

Headteacher

Year 11 Mock Exam Timetable

Punctuality Reminder

We are increasingly seeing more students arriving later than usual in the mornings, often with reference to traffic and bus delays. We fully appreciate that ongoing issues—particularly the current disruption around Kingsway Bridge—have presented challenges for some families. However, we kindly ask that you work with your child to re-evaluate their morning routine and travel timings to ensure they are able to arrive at school punctually.

While genuine, exceptional circumstances will always be considered, it is important that all families remain mindful of how morning traffic and travel unpredictability can impact punctuality and daily routines.

Poor punctuality negatively affects attendance figures, as U codes count as absences. Good punctuality, on the other hand, helps establish positive learning habits, supports personal development, and sets students up for success throughout the school day.

Our Morning Systems

• Monday to Thursday:
  • Students may access school from 08:00.
  • They move to form rooms from 08:20.
  • All students must be onsite by 08:25, ready for standard morning checks.
• Friday:
  • Students may access school from 08:35.
  • They move to form rooms at 08:50.

The Department for Education is clear in its expectations:

“Schools should actively discourage late arrival, be alert to patterns of late arrival and seek an explanation from the parent… All schools are expected to set out in their attendance policy the length of time the register will be open, after which a pupil will be marked as absent. This should… not be longer than 30 minutes.”

In line with this guidance, any student arriving after 09:00 Monday–Thursday, or after 09:25 on Fridays, will receive a U code. A U code indicates a late arrival after registration has closed and is recorded as unauthorised absence. Students receiving a U code will automatically be issued with a 60-minute same-day detention.

Please be aware that persistent U codes may lead to more formal attendance procedures being put in place.

As with absence, any issues relating to punctuality or exceptional circumstances should be reported to our Attendance Officer or your child’s Head of Year. We are here to support.

Mobile Phone Pouch Update

We continue to see students responding very positively to the mobile phone pouch system, which is now fully embedded across the school. As reported previously, we are pleased to confirm that we are experiencing no mobile phone disruptions during lessons, ensuring excellent levels of focus, improved attention, and no lost learning time.

One reminder we would like to reiterate is the importance of students bringing their phone pouch with them each day. We are still collecting in phones from students who have forgotten their pouch, and this is now happening daily. If your child has misplaced or lost their phone pouch, it will need to be replaced.

Thank you for your continued support in helping us maintain a calm, distraction-free learning environment.

Years 7 – 11 Childhood Flu Immunisations

Please click on the following link to view a letter and consent form from the Cheshire, Warrington and Wirral School Age Immunisation Service, regarding the upcoming Flu Immunisations.

https://tinyurl.com/2nyrnyt7

If you have any questions, please contact the Cheshire, Warrington and Wirral School Age Immunisation Service.

We want to help your child grow not just academically, but also as a confident, responsible, and resilient person. 

• Our Personal Development curriculum includes: building character, encouraging respect, promoting equality and inclusion, offering high-quality extracurricular opportunities, and supporting your child’s mental health and resilience. 
• We also prepare students for life beyond school — helping them understand and navigate future education, work, and citizenship through their careers learning journey.
• In school, this includes learning about mental and physical health, building positive relationships, understanding diversity and respect, developing resilience, learning how to stay safe (including online), and exploring future careers and life skills. Personal Development also encourages pupils to reflect on their values, set goals, and make informed decisions.
• By teaching Personal Development, we aim to equip every child with the tools they need to thrive both in and beyond the classroom, preparing them for the opportunities and challenges of adult life.

How You Can Be Involved as Parent/Carers

• Talk to your child about what Personal Development activities they enjoy (e.g., after-school clubs, PSHE lessons, school councils, trips, the ambassador programme).
• Take a look at our Personal Development programme here: Personal Development – Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School
• Share feedback with school leaders: if you feel something important is missing, your voice matters in shaping a well-rounded provision

The Boteler Wider Curriculum can be found here: BWC timetable – Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School – Please have discussions with your child about which clubs they are attending and if they are not going to any why not. We can then work together to help them attend a club.

Year 9 Gaming and Gambling workshops

Year 9 have all covered gaming and gambling in workshops with the Get to know team from Warrington Borough Council.

Gaming & Gambling 

• Recognise pressures and understand influences, make informed choices 
• Awareness around types of gambling and associated risk 
• Impact of advertising, social media and sponsorship 
• How to access help, advice and support 
• Recognise negative behaviours
• Awareness of risks and tips for staying safe
• Tips for reducing screen time
• How to access help, advice and support

Year 8 Road Safety Workshops

Year 8 have all covered Road safety in workshops with the Road safety team from Warrington Borough Council.

Young people between 11 and 20 are most at risk of being involved in a road traffic accident. They considered paying attention as a pedestrian, seatbelt safety and taking extra care when cycling or skateboarding. All cyclists have been offered free bike lights by Warrington Borough Councils road safety team.

Anti Bullying Week

During Anti-Bullying Week, we had a group from Youth for Christ come into school to deliver sessions to Years 7-10, all about the power of your words. 

The words we say to others matter, and the words we believe about ourselves matter, so we had singer/rapper Jon Jackal and 678Nath share about the impact of our words both in person and online, as well as performing some of their music for students. 

Year 10 Careers Learning Journey

Students have received information today regarding their Careers Learning Journey for Year 10. They should have come home with information regarding their work experience which is taking place from Monday 30th March to Thursday 2 April 2026. Please support your child in finding a placement for these 4 days. 

More information can be found here:  www.boteler.org.uk/careers

• Well being council         Tuesday lunch    week 1 and 2   room 4a
• Ethos council              Tuesday lunch    week 1 and 2   room 29
• School/Student council      Thursday lunch  week 1   room 6
• International council       Thursdays lunch week 1   room 11
• Eco council               Thursday lunch  week 2   room 9
• LGBTQ+ council          Friday lunch    week 1    room 26

House captains you meet once a half term/ every fortnight to organise the pop up house events and charity events.

If your child is on a council they are a school ambassador and should attend their meetings on a regular basis. They are part of our student voice and work towards making positive change in school as well as raising money for charity, leading Collective Worship and leading at whole school events.

Poppy Appeal

Year 7 Parents’ Evening – Bookings Now Live 

We are pleased to announce that bookings for Year 7 Parents’ Evening on Monday 8th December, 15:30 –19:00 are now live. This is an important opportunity for parents and carers to meet tutors and subject teachers, discuss how students have settled into secondary school, celebrate achievements, and explore ways to support learning at home. 

Please ensure you book your appointments as soon as possible to secure your preferred times. 

Next Parent Forum – Supporting Children with ADHD 

Our next Parent Forum will focus on understanding and supporting children with ADHD. This session will now take place on Monday 26th January in the Main Hall, 18:00–19:00. 

The forum will provide practical strategies for supporting focus, organisation, and wellbeing at home and school. It’s a great opportunity for parents and carers to ask questions, share experiences, and learn from school staff and specialists. 

Sign-ups for this event will go live in December, and we encourage all interested families to reserve a place. 

This term as part of Collective Worship, students have been exploring our Christian value of Thankfulness. During the month of November, we also remember those who have given their lives in conflict to protect our freedom and in the name of peace. We have used our time in Collective Worship to consider how thankful we are for the sacrifice of others. As we start to prepare for Advent we are reminded of the Christian belief that Jesus will return to us. This is called Maranatha and it means watchfulness.

The scripture we have studied reminds us to be thankful and kind towards each other, as we never know when Jesus will return:

“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.”   Matthew 24:42

Spiritual Pause: Advent is a time of preparation, preparing for Christmas, buying gifts and decorating the house. What about our lives? How can we use Advent to prepare to be better for ourselves and for each other? 

Collective Worship Notices: 

Holy Communion: Starting on Thursday 27^th November and each Thursday in Advent, students are able to receive Holy Communion during lunchtime in R27. The first session is for curious students so we will be using unblessed communion wafers. All are welcome. 

Candy Cane Lane: The annual ‘Pay it forward’ gifting of candy canes will begin on Monday 1^st December. Candy canes cost 20p and can be gifted to anyone in our school community. You can buy them at lunchtimes from Room 28 (by the canteen).  

Mental Health and Wellbeing Support: Youth in Mind

If you have any concerns about your child’s emotional wellbeing or mental health, Youth in Mind service at Warrington Youth Zone offers accessible support for young people and their families. The service provides a safe, confidential space where children can talk through worries such as anxiety, low mood, friendships, or changes at home, and receive guidance from trained professionals.

Parents and carers can complete a referral directly or young people already signed up to Warrington Youth Zone can attend their drop in.

If you’re unsure whether your child needs support, reaching out for advice is always a positive first step.

The service is delivered seven days a week.

Opening Hours
Monday-Sunday – 3.30pm-7.30pm
SEND Sunday – 11:00am-3:00pm

English Department

English Language GCSE support videos

GCSE examiners from a range of TCAT schools have produced a series of recorded exam support sessions for each question that cover a range of grades. The sessions have been sent to all students in year 11 by email. Also, if students would like to complete the practice paper that is mentioned at the end of each session, they need to get a copy off their English teacher and then hand the paper into Mr Vallender for marking and feedback.

Up coming English revision sessions

English Language paper 2: Sunday 10:30-11:30 or Tuesday 26^th November 15:15-16:15 in room 22

English Literature paper 1: Thursday 27^th November 15:15-16:15 in room 22

Science Department

United Utilities STEM Challenge

Last week we took 15 Year 9 students to United Utilities headquarters, to the launch of the 2025-26 STEM challenge. An annual event that see’s 7 TCAT high schools compete in a project that takes 20 weeks to complete… not one for the feint hearted.

Students will have to design a building of their choice in village in the lake district. They have to plan everything.

How will the building benefit the local population and enhance the area?

What is its purpose? (Maybe a community centre? And design their company logo.

How will they get water and electricity to the building?

How will they make it sustainable and produce an environmental impact statement, just to name a few questions that need to be answered.

Also, they have to work to a budget and produce models or 3d plans.

They will be meeting with an engineer from United Utilities on a weekly basis to help guide them.

So begins the challenge, an update in around 20 weeks – watch this space.

Pictures show our teams winning tower made of balloons the tallest freestanding tower… not as easy as you think.

Physical Education

PE Kit Reminders – Winter Term Update

As we move further into the winter months and colder weather sets in, we would like to remind Parents and Carers about expectations for students’ PE kit at Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School.

During this term, some PE lessons may continue to take place outdoors where safe to do so. Staff will assess weather conditions carefully each day. In cases where conditions are unsuitable, lessons may be adapted to take place indoors. Our aim is always to maintain high-quality physical education while ensuring student safety and wellbeing.

Compulsory PE Kit

Please ensure that your child attends school with the following items for every PE lesson:

School PE t-shirt

School PE shorts, skort, branded or plain jogging bottoms or plain black leggings

Navy sports/football socks (not compulsory if jogging bottoms are worn)

Trainers or sports-appropriate footwear

Optional (Weather-Appropriate) Items

To help students stay warm, the following items may also be worn:

Plain base layers/thermals (top and bottom)

School-branded ¼ zip PE jumper

School-branded rain jacket

Suitable sports gloves and/or  (please note: bulky ski-style gloves are not permitted)

Students may wear extra layers under their PE kit as long as they are in line with the guidance above.

Coats and Outerwear

We kindly ask that non-school coats are not worn during PE lessons, as they can make participation difficult and risk being damaged during physical activity. Adequate layers and approved sportswear should provide enough warmth; however, staff will make reasonable allowances in exceptional weather conditions.

We appreciate your support in ensuring that students are properly equipped for PE during the winter. This helps us deliver a broad and engaging curriculum while keeping students safe and comfortable.

If you have any questions regarding PE kit expectations, please contact the PE department: cburbidge@boteler.org.uk

Football results:

Year 7 boys:

STB 0-3 Birchwood HS

STB 2-2 Lymm HS

Year 9 boys:

STB 1-1 Birchwood HS

STB 1-1 Culcheth HS

Rowing update

Our Year 8 rowing team have started their preparation for their Indoor Rowing competition in January. Students are learning about stroke power and the importance of getting the most out of each stroke. The students will compete in a 300m rowing piece and also a team relay against other schools who are taking part in the rowing initiative.

What’s on this week?

Please take a look at the Sport extra-curricular timetable below and get involved with the clubs we have on offer! Please note, that due to Year 11 mock exams, our timetable will be missing a few clubs at lunchtime for the next two weeks due to the Ball Hall being out of use.

Christmas Comes to TCAT

On Wednesday 3^rd December 2025 our dancers and senior choir will be representing our school performing as part of Christmas comes to TCAT 2025. They are working very hard rehearsing, and it will be a fantastic festive evening. If your child is taking part you can purchase tickets from Mrs A Graham.

Music Department