Dear Parents and Carers, 

I hope you are well.

We have reached the end of another successful half term and I just want to take the time to thank you for your on-going support.

It was so lovely to see so many of you at the Parents’ Forum last night on Mental Health and Wellbeing. I know how high this is on your agenda and to see you engage with the offer we have and how we utilise all the many professionals was really positive. As I said last night we are always here to help and support in any capacity. However, we can only help if we know the problems or issues, so please never hesitate about contacting us.

The Year 11 students have done so well and it has been a heavy half term of examinations. I am so impressed by their resilience and attitude. The half term week has come at the right time for them as they are tired and they need a week away from school to recharge. Of course, staff have offered to help and support the young people next week where appropriate as we just want them to succeed. Just a reminder that students are not on study leave. We have worked really hard at putting on a full revision support programme where their teachers will be with them, helping and guiding them. The teachers are trained in examination preparation and will be giving out expert advice and coaching, so it is essential that the young people attend school until the official leaving day. The easy option is for us to let them go on study leave, but that is not the right option. We need to help each and every one of them for as long as physically possible. They are worth it so please support us with this.

Just a reminder that your child has to have a tie. If we lend one to them going forward on a regular basis, we will invoice you for a new one. This invoice must be paid please or it may prevent your child from attending out of school events and/or trips. A tie is an essential part of the school uniform and must be worn.

Skirts are becoming an issue due to their length. I appreciate my wonderful young people grow. Skirts MUST be knee length and if a skirt is not at the appropriate length in September then you will be asked to purchase one at the correct length. I understand that some young people decide to roll them up, so when the skirt is rolled down it must be knee length. Unfortunately, the new skirt model will not be introduced for September but will come into play for 2026/2027 and I will give you a big enough lead in time to address this. Therefore, if purchasing new uniform please ensure that the skirt is of the appropriate length or it will need to be changed.  

There is no slack in the school uniform in the run up to the end of term and especially with regard to school shoes. School shoes must be worn. If you are worried about cost, then the supermarkets, Primark etc do some very cost effective black plain shoes which are suitable and which may work for the remainder of the term.

I appreciate I keep giving really similar messages but in order to maintain high standards the fundamentals have to be right.

As I mentioned last week we are exploring options regarding mobile phones for next year in terms of a total ban. We are in talks with schools and organisations across the North West who have introduced this ban by using specialist pouches etc.  There is a lot of information out there in terms of products, so the SLT are on a fact finding, information gathering mission to find a workable solution. As always, I will keep you informed. I just want to be honest with you in terms of what we are doing. There is a lot to digest and I will only ever make decisions with the best interests of the students at heart. If we do this, it will be also in full consultation with you as parents and carers.

The remainder of the Year 7 Tyn-Y Felin trips go after half term and I am praying for good weather, but regardless of this they will have an amazing time.  Our Duke of Edinburgh Bronze and Silver Expeditions have been very successful of late and the students have been superb and done so well.

Just to let you know Mrs Hesford has been appointed as Head of Languages with immediate effect, which is a promotion from her current position. She has been an amazing addition to the Boteler Family this year and we look forward to seeing her developing our Languages provision.  

Please make sure your young people have a wonderful week off and that they are ready and prepared for learning on their return on Monday 2nd June 2025.

Beverley Scott-Herron
Headteacher

 

 

Standards

As we commence the final half term of the academic year, we kindly remind you of the importance of students arriving at school fully prepared for their lessons. Maintaining high standards in the coming weeks is crucial for continued success.

Essential Daily Equipment:

To support effective learning, please ensure your child brings the following items each day:

• Pen
• Pencil
• Ruler
• Eraser
• Pencil sharpener
• Scientific calculator
• A suitable school bag
• A reading book
• Independent Study Pack (ISP)boteler.org.uk

All writing instruments and tools should be contained within a pencil case. These requirements are outlined in our Standards Handbook 2024–25. If your child does not have the correct items, please use the half term to resolve the matter.

Please note that students who arrive without the necessary equipment may face sanctions, and persistent issues will result in contact from the school.boteler.org.uk

Your support in ensuring your child is well-prepared each day is greatly appreciated. Together, we can uphold the high standards that contribute to a productive and successful learning environment.

 

Rewards Trips – Open for Payment!

We are now in a position to accept payments via iPay in order to secure your child’s place on the trip.

The deadline for payment is Monday 30^th June and it is important to note that there are limited places on the trips based, with us operating a waiting list once the capacity has been reached. In addition, once a visit has been paid for, your child will not be permitted to swap to another visit.

Please click on the following link for payment details – Rewards Trips

 

House Assemblies

This week we held our final house assemblies for 2024 2025 school Year. Students have competed over the year in various pop up challenges, they have raised money for charity and have received house points in school for contribution to their house. The Head of House students alongside their House leader have done an incredible job of leading their house and the students in their house. Along with their House Captains they have used their essential skills to lead others and organise their events. Well done to all involved.

Here are the final results:

 

Mental Health Workshop

This week we had Bronnie here delivering a concert and a Mental Health workshop. Students in Year 7, 8 and 9 enjoyed the concert and asked relevant questions around Mental Health.

Collective Singers is back!

Tuesday form-times in the big music room, the worship group Collective Singers will be starting up again after half term. 

All are welcome, there are no auditions. Just turn up and start the day with some singing!

Chat to Kim Wellens (Youth for Christ worker) if you’d like to know more, or just turn up. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We are pleased to invite Year 10 parents and carers to our final Parent Forum of the year, which will take place on Tuesday 10th June from 18:00 to 19:30 in the Main Hall. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided.

This session will focus on your child’s post-16 options and you are more than welcome to bring them along. You’ll receive practical information about what students need to do from September to apply for apprenticeships or college places.

We’re also delighted to welcome representatives from:

• Priestley College
• Warrington & Vale Royal College
• Cronton and Riverside College

They will share insights into the courses and levels they offer, helping you and your child make informed decisions.

Please note: The earlier students apply to college in September, the better their chances of securing a place on their preferred course.

Please confirm your attendance to the event by clicking on the link below:

https://forms.office.com/e/afkpjnhT30

We look forward to seeing you there.

 

This week as part of Collective Worship, students have been learning about the impact of compassion in our lives. Our scripture for this week is from 1 John 4:18:

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

This reminds us to live our lives without fear and worry but to place our trust in Gods love. This is important to remember following Mental Health Awareness Week giving us the opportunity to consider how we can support others to improve their mental health by demonstrating love instead of fear in our lives.

Year 10 student and Worship Ambassador, Bea Fox has been leading the reflection in Collective Worship this term. She reflects on the Christian Value of compassion saying:

Compassion is at the very heart of Christian life. It is a deep, active love that moves us to help others. Jesus, throughout his life and ministry, showed compassion to the sick, the outcast, the sinner and the broken. His actions remind us that compassion is a calling – to love others as he loved us. As Christians, we are not only invited, but in Colossians 3:12, we are commanded “to clothe ourselves with compassion”. Compassion is the outward expression of a heart transformed by the grace of God.

1 Peter 5:7 says, “cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” This verse reminds us that God’s compassion for us is constant and personal. This shows us that God is not distant from our suffering. He cares. He listens. He responds. God’s compassion is not passive- it’s intentional and powerful. In our own moments of weakness and fear, we are reminded that we are not alone. And in being cared for a compassionate God, we are called to extend that same care to others. In light of compassion, this verse reminds us that Gods care is not just a feeling-it’s a promise backed by action.

Through Christ, God stepped into our broken word and became the very embodiment of compassion. He didn’t just feel our pain. He carried it to the cross.

As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect this divine compassion.

Compassion is often born from our own encounters with God’s comfort when we’ve truly experienced his care, we are more equipped to offer that care to others-we mirror the love God gives us.

In a word that values strength over vulnerability, and success over sacrifice, compassion stands as a counter-cultural witness to the love of Christ. It calls us to be generous in a selfish culture.

 

Spiritual Pause: How can we show more compassion to others? Do we judge people who are experiencing poor mental health? How can we consider the feelings of others, even those we do not know? How can we show kindness and generosity to our neighbour? Thinking of our reactions to others, do we consider their views or meet them with judgement. This week, let us consider ‘what would Jesus do’ to guide us in our actions.  

Baptism and Confirmation: We have the opportunity to partake in these special events if you haven’t already done so. Students who may have missed their confirmation or wish to be baptised are invited to see Mrs Hoey in school as soon as possible to register their interest, with parental consent. If you have any questions please contact Mrs Hoey (ehoey@boteler.org.uk). 

Please keep up to date with our weekly prayer and scripture via social media.  

 

For the latest KBS newsletter please click here

MyMindcoach

Following our recent Mental Health and Wellbeing Forum, we are pleased to share the information and QR code to download MyMindcoach, our whole-school mental health app. We encourage parents to download the app to explore its mental health modules alongside their young people at home. The app also provides helpful signposting to local support services in the Warrington area, covering a range of mental health topics e.g. self-esteem, body image, anxiety, friendship.

Modules:

Meet Your Brain: Understanding how your brain works and how to look after it so that we can manage our emotions and be at our best.

Celebrate: Understanding your unique Character Strengths and learning to celebrate them. This is a fantastic module for building self-esteem.

Appreciate: Understanding why gratitude matters and how you can develop gratitude as a habit. Gratitude is key to well[1]being and resilience and we’re all about making it a lifelong strategy!

Relate: Understanding why positive relationships matter and how to build them. We’re focussed on the building blocks of good relationships and friendships.

Engage: Understanding how to set meaningful goals that matter and how to stay resilient in times of challenge. This module is all about building self-esteem and resilience too.

You will need our school code to sign up: 144799

Click on the Link for instructions on how to download or scan the QR code below: myMindCoach – Parent Sign up

 

Supporting your child’s reading at home:

All students in Year 7 – Year 10 complete weekly Reciprocal Reading tasks with their form tutor during INSPIRE. Each Reciprocal Reading skill is used naturally by expert readers and by practising each skill, our young people will become more confident and fluent in reading and will enjoy reading more.

How about trying these skills at home?

Use the following steps:

1. Have a discussion with your child about what they predict is going to happen in the text they are reading.
2. Support your child by helping them to clarify the meaning of any words they misunderstand. Remember: it’s okay for adults not to know what words mean too – use Google or a dictionary to support you!
3. Ask your child if they have any questions about what they have read. Encourage a discussion and see if you can answer their questions.
4. Summarise the key events/points of what you have both read.

What can Reciprocal Reading skills be used for?

The Reciprocal Reading skills can be used for any text regardless of length or whether it is fiction or non-fiction.

What are the benefits?

Academic impact:

• Reading attainment and writing ability
• Text comprehension and grammar
• Breadth of vocabulary
• Gains for pupils in languages, mathematics and science

Holistic impact:

• Greater self-confidence as a reader
• Pleasure in reading later in life

 

History Department

We are incredibly proud to share that a digital copy of Making History now features two of our very own students, Lexi Stone and Curly Lui. They are the first-ever secondary school students to have a history article published in this magazine, which is traditionally written and produced by sixth form students at Priestley College. This is a fantastic achievement and a true testament to the talent, hard work, and ambition of our students.

https://www.priestley.ac.uk/making-history/