Dear Parents/Carers

I hope you are all well.

We have had another very successful week in school, and I am sure you will have seen from our social media communications the wide range of opportunities and activities currently taking place. If you do not already follow our social media channels, I would strongly encourage you to do so, as this is where we share our most up-to-date news, celebrate success stories, and provide important reminders about school events and activities. Facebook.com/thomasboteler, and instagram.com/thomasboteler. 

We are extremely proud to offer over 63 clubs and activities through our Boteler Wider Curriculum Programme. Please encourage your child to become involved in the wider life of the school. I am confident that there is something to suit every interest. If your child feels there is an activity missing, we encourage them to speak with Mrs Mawby, who will be happy to explore the possibility of introducing a new club should there be sufficient interest. You can view the timetable here: boteler.org.uk/bwc-timetable.

The Boteler Wider Curriculum plays a vital role in developing our young people. It allows them to pursue their interests and passions, build friendships across different year groups, and develop key leadership skills. These experiences are invaluable in helping students grow in confidence and character.

Currently, we have 272 trained Student Ambassadors from across all year groups. These students support the school at a wide range of events, including careers events, open evenings, and concerts, taking on active leadership roles. Many go on to apply for further leadership opportunities within the School Council and TCAT Parliament as their confidence and skills develop. All members of our Year 11 Student Leadership Body have previously engaged in wider curriculum activities, ambassador roles, or school council positions. This clearly demonstrates how involvement beyond the classroom can open doors to future success, and we are immensely proud of what our students go on to achieve.

I would also like to remind families of the importance of students staying well hydrated during the school day. Only water bottles are permitted in classrooms, and no other drinks are allowed. Students may purchase juice at break and lunchtime. They will not be permitted to leave lessons to get a drink; however, water will be provided in an emergency. Water fountains are available at break and lunchtime, and we encourage students to refill their bottles at these times. Thank you for your continued support with this.

Finally, a huge well done to our Year 11 students who have started their compulsory Period 6 revision sessions. They have had an excellent first week, with fantastic attendance and commitment. Maintaining this focus will be key, and I am pleased to continue supporting them by providing food to help sustain them during this additional hour of learning.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

Beverley Scott-Herron

Headteacher

 

Rewards and Recognition

This week’s Collective Worship was led by our Heads of Year and focused on the importance of rewards and recognition. We have celebrated the fantastic achievements of our students over the last half term, highlighting high levels of attendance, positive attitudes to learning, contributions to our Student Leadership Body, achievements in literacy and many other areas of success.

As well as recognising individual accomplishments, students were also encouraged to perform to the best of their ability in order to contribute positively to their tutor group’s overall performance. This collective approach reinforces the value of teamwork, responsibility and shared success.

We are incredibly proud of our students and the effort they continue to show each day. Celebrating their achievements is just one of the many ways we recognise and reward the dedication, resilience and ambition within our school community.

If your child has any successes to share outside of school – whether in sport, the arts, community involvement or any other area – we would love to hear about them. Sharing these stories not only celebrates individual achievement but also inspires others to strive for their best.

 

A Positive Start to the Year – Let’s Keep Attendance Strong

As we begin the new academic year, we would like to thank our parents and carers for the strong support shown in ensuring students attend school regularly and on time. The first two weeks of term have been very positive, with noticeable improvements in attendance across the school and we are grateful for the commitment shown by our families.

At Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School, we know that excellent attendance is essential for students to thrive – academically, socially, and emotionally. Being in school every day allows students to fully access learning, build strong relationships and benefit from the wide range of pastoral and enrichment opportunities available to them.

Our whole-school attendance target remains 96%, and we are encouraging all students to continue building on this strong start. For many, this means maintaining high attendance levels, while for others it may involve improving on last term’s figures. Every improvement matters and we are proud to recognise students who make positive progress.

Attendance is not just about numbers, it reflects commitment, resilience, and readiness to learn. Research consistently shows that students with higher attendance achieve stronger outcomes and we want every young person at Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School to have the best possible chance of success.

We will continue to celebrate excellent attendance and recognise improvements through weekly rewards, competitions and positive recognition. At the same time, our pastoral and attendance teams remain available to support any families who may be experiencing challenges.

Thank you once again for your ongoing partnership. By working together, we can ensure that every student makes the most of every opportunity this year.

 

 

Boteler Wider Curriculum

Please take a look at the Boteler Wider Curriculum programme for this term. Wider Curriculum – Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School

 

Lost Property

If your child has lost their coat, please see Mrs Mawby.

 

The Pledge Partnership

As we move forward to the next 10 years of implementing High Quality Careers Education in schools, on Thursday we welcomed employers into school for a training day on Modern Work Experience. The conference aimed to give employers advice on delivering effective work placements for students as well as exploring ways of how schools can work with employers to create ‘meaningful work experience.’ It is the government’s ambition that all children from age 11 – 16 will have 10 days of modern work experience before they leave school. Our employers were greeted by student ambassadors, entertained by a Year 11 vocalist and welcomed by our Head Student and Head of Careers. Some Year 9 students enjoyed a work experience day, meeting with employers, interviewing them about their roles and careers as well as discussing their thoughts on work experience. Students then worked on a meaningful work experience task related to journalism.

We would like to thank all involved including The Pledge Partnership, which connects more than 90 schools and colleges with more than 500 regional businesses, for delivering the event at our school.

 

Warrington Pledge Jobs and Apprenticeship Fair

We are excited to announce the Warrington Pledge Jobs and Apprenticeship Fair, one of three local authority wide Fairs organised by The Pledge Partnership for Cheshire & Warrington on Thursday 12th February 5pm-8pm at The Engine Rooms, 101 Faraday Street; Risley WA3 6YN.

Fairs are free and open to all, for any age or stage in your career. All exhibitors are actively recruiting or will be recruiting within 2026. If you are a parent/carer looking for a change or want to bring your young person to connect with potential employers and understand opportunities locally, everyone is welcome. We will be holding various information sessions about apprenticeships throughout the evening to help you understand if this as a pathway either for yourself or for your young person. 

Link: Warrington Apprenticeship and Jobs Fair – PUBLIC SIGN UP 2026

Email: alison.holloway@youthfed.org

 

College Interviews

Year 11 will be completing their Cronton and Riverside Interviews in school on Thursday 22^nd January. Please support your child in preparing for this.

 

Priestley College

Priestley College are holding an Open Event on 5th February. This is an opportunity for Year 11 students to revisit, or for Year 10s to take a look at the campus and start thinking about their next steps. Follow the link to book your place. Open Event – Priestley College

 

 

Successful Year 11 Parents’ Evening and Upcoming Events This Half Term 

We would like to thank all parents and carers who attended the recent Year 11 Parents’ Evening. The evening was successful and provided a valuable opportunity for families to engage in discussions with teachers at a crucial stage in the GCSE journey. 

Conversations focused on students’ current progress, examination readiness, and the next steps needed to maximise achievement. Staff were able to offer personalised guidance on revision strategies, coursework completion, and targeted support, ensuring students are well prepared for the months ahead.  

Upcoming Events This Half Term 

We look forward to welcoming parents and carers to the following key events: 

 

📅 Parent Forum – 26th January (18:00–19:00, Main Hall) 

This half term’s Parent Forum will focus on Supporting Your Child with ADHD. The session will provide practical advice, key information, and effective strategies to support children both at home and in school. Parents and carers will also have the opportunity to ask questions and share experiences in a supportive environment. 

Please confirm your attendance by clicking on the link below: 

ADHD Explained: How to Support Your Child Effectively – Fill in form 

 

📅 Year 9 Parents’ Evening – 9th February 

This important evening will allow families to review progress and discuss next steps before students confirm their option choices. Teachers will provide clear feedback to help guide informed decisions as students prepare for Key Stage 4.

 

Diversity is a fact, but inclusion is an act!

Calling all parents and carers of children and young people 0-25 living with special educational needs and or disabilities (SEND) and professionals who support them.

Our annual  “Working Together Conference” in coproduction with Warrington Borough Council and Health is fast approaching so here’s the  “SAVE THE DATE”

This is YOUR conference, a whole day dedicated to SEND, an opportunity to connect with other families “living the dream”.   The opportunity to sit around the table with the professional teams who are responsible for providing the services you and your family use. Learn, explore, enjoy a day for you, a free lunch and plenty of tea, coffee and tissues!  

Our theme this year is ‘INCLUSION’

Why?   because nationally there’s a big push on inclusivity and we want you to know where Warrington is in the grand scheme of things and ensure going forward that Warrington is a community dedicated to inclusive education, health and care.  

WarrPAC  listened to your feedback from last year, you want honesty, not excuses, so we’ve asked lead professionals to be up front.  Tell us as it is: we know nationally SEND is in crisis. It may not be what you want to hear but at least we’ll know.  

You asked for more workshops that were interactive, so we have included two. You asked for an opportunity to have a Q&A panel with professionals from Education. Health and Care, so a panel you will have!  

We always strive to improve our SEND conference year on year, we are very confident this will be the best yet.  

More information about the full agenda, booking on and how to submit questions for the panel will follow but for now SAVE THE DATE, keep an eye on our social media and we look forward to welcoming old friends and those friends we haven’t yet met on 10th March 2026. 

The conference will start with a marketplace of professionals from 9.00am – if you can call in some help with the school run, it would be worth checking this out.  The main conference runs from 9.30 to 2.30 and is free to all our members – parents/carers and professionals.  Not a member yet? Sign up here.

 

 

 

Looking after your wellbeing this January

January can feel like the perfect time for a fresh start, but that can also bring a lot of pressure. Whether it’s setting new goals, getting back into fitness, or starting a new term, it’s easy to feel like you need to have everything figured out right away. 

It’s much more helpful to settle into your routine at your own pace. This way, you can stay on track with your goals and still find the time you need to rest and look after yourself. 

If you’re looking for some extra support at this time of year, we’ve gathered up some top tips to help you manage your wellbeing this January, and start your new year in a positive way:  

1. Ease yourself back into your routine 

January can be a busy month with assessments and the start of a new term, so it’s important to take time to look after yourself. Making the most of longer, brighter days with short walks, fresh air, and natural light can boost your mood, improve energy levels, and give you a much needed break from revision.

2. Set yourself realistic goals 

 Whether you’re setting academic goals or New Year’s resolutions, it’s important to be specific, realistic, and flexible. Vague goals can be hard to stick to and lead to frustration, so try setting small, measurable targets, like trying a new activity or making time each day for something you enjoy. If a goal isn’t working, it’s okay to adjust it to make it more achievable.

3. Keep up your self-care routine 

 Everyone unwinds differently, but building small self-care habits into your routine can boost your wellbeing. This might be going for a walk, taking a bath, or limiting time on your phone and self care doesn’t always need to be productive. Using your free time as a reward can increase motivation, and activities like watching TV or gaming are okay to enjoy as a treat after revision.

4. Return to healthy eating habits  

 Christmas can throw healthy eating off track, leaving you feeling tired in January. Getting back into healthy eating and drinking habits can make a big difference to your energy levels and mood.

5. Be kind to yourself  

 Lots of people feel down or lack energy at the start of a new year. So, it’s important to know that you’re not alone in feeling this way. Try not to isolate yourself. Reach out to friends and family to make plans or for support.

 

Hospitality

Congratulations to Pearl Year 7, Bianca Year 8 and Magdalena Year 9 who won last terms ‘Ultimate Super Star Chef’ prize in Hospitality!

 

Physical Education

Academy Sports+ 

Liverpool John Moores University Trip 

Last week, our Academy Sports+ students had the fantastic opportunity to visit Liverpool John Moores University, where they took part in five specialist-led sessions delivered by experts in the field of sport and exercise science. 

Session 1 was led by Dr Ben Edwards and focused on altitude training and the physiological adaptations athletes can make to enhance performance. Dr Edwards has worked with numerous Olympic athletes, and his research into extreme environments has taken him from the Sahara Desert to the summit of Mount Everest. Students had the opportunity to experience the altitude training chamber, where they assessed their fitness levels by cycling at a simulated altitude of 2,000 metres. They recorded and analysed performance data to determine who would be best suited to working at altitude and whose bodies adapted most effectively.

 

 

Session 2 was delivered by Joe, one of the university’s lead cardiovascular scientists. Students explored the role of the cardiovascular system and blood vessels using ultrasound technology. A live demonstration showed how the heart functions differently at rest compared to during exercise. Students then used the ultrasound equipment themselves to identify veins and arteries, learning how to distinguish between them on the scans.

 

Session 3 saw Dr Daniel Owens present a lecture titled “Sport and Nutrition in Action.” Dr Owens has worked with elite performers across a range of sports, including Formula 1 drivers, professional Ironman athletes, the England Rugby Union team, Hearts FC, and Warrington Wolves Rugby League Club. He is currently working with professional marathon runner George James. Through his role at the university, he has also collaborated with Science in Sport to help develop performance-enhancing drinks, gels, and chew bars. Students gained valuable insight into how nutrition supports elite athletic performance. 

 

Session 4 was led by Hannah, the university’s lead Performance Nutritionist. With experience working alongside professional boxers, track and field athletes, and triathletes, Hannah guided students through how athletes must fuel themselves at different stages of training. Students were set the challenge of designing a full day’s nutrition plan for a professional footballer and a cyclist, calculating meals, snacks, and fluids. Prizes were awarded, with Joe and Tai producing the winning plan by meeting calorie requirements with the best overall variety—well done!

 

The final session took place in the laboratories and was led by Professor Jonathan Jarvis. Students examined muscle structure and how it influences athletic performance. They learned how to prepare staining solutions and microscope slides before analysing muscle samples. By identifying muscle fibre types, students were able to determine whether the muscles were more suited to endurance athletes or sprinters and explain their reasoning based on muscle composition and function.

 

Overall, the visit to Liverpool John Moores University was an invaluable experience for our Academy Sports+ students. The opportunity to work with leading specialists, use professional equipment, and apply classroom learning in a real-world setting helped deepen their understanding of sport science and performance. The day was both educational and inspiring, giving students a clear insight into potential future pathways in sport, health, and higher education. 

 

Extra-curricular round up

A big well done to our Year 7 basketball team who despite playing some tough opponents, never gave up and give 100% effort! They will play again in three weeks time. A reminder that training is every Thursday after school in the Ball Hall, 15.00-16.00.

Final prep session for our Year 8 rowing team, before they take part in the Indoor Rowing competition over at Birchwood High School next week! Over 40 schools across the North West area take part in rowing initiative so it will be a great day! Thank you for the coaches at Warrington Rowing club for prepping our students.

 

A reminder that all our extra-curricular clubs are now up and running. All clubs are free and anyone is welcome to attend. Please get down and get involved!

 

 

Spring Spectacular

Spring Spectacular has officially begun! Rehearsals are already under way for our next dance show. It is not too late to sign up. Rehearsals are a Tuesday and Thursday lunch and Thursday after school. See Mrs Hughes, Mrs Graham or Miss Wright in these rehearsals to sign up. You can be a part of our group pieces or create your own.

 

 

Music Department