Dear Parents/Carers
I hope you are well.
I have had a wonderful week this week and I had two highlights which I will share with you.
Firstly, on Tuesday I had the pleasure for teaching a Year 8 class how to cook rustic salmon fishcakes from scratch. Mrs Callaway had asked me a while back, if I would do a demonstration lesson for a competition which needed Headteachers to cook a fish dish. The prize being a lot of cooking resources in terms of fish for the students for their lessons. Of course, I said yes, little did I know exactly what it really involved. However, if it was to benefit the students then they know I would never say no. I had the best time and the Year 8 students were incredibly kind and supportive. The fishcakes turned out well and I had very positive feedback. I still have all my fingers intact and no one was ill following the taste test, so I see that as a resounding success. We do not know yet if I have won, as the evidence had to be submitted. Needless to say, I did not have to send test samples. For Feel Good Friday the staff had the privilege of seeing the hilarious outtakes, however, I am not at liberty to share these further. The Year 8 students and staff only get to experience that once.
We also had the opening of The Orangery. Mr Moorcroft CEO (TCAT) and our Senior Head Students Williams Kenwright, Abiah Binoy and Haldron Tellis officially opened our fantastic resource on Thursday 13th March. Harrisons – our food supplier, provided a wonderful celebration breakfast. The students had prepared opening speeches which were just incredible and it was just a fantastic morning. I am sure you have seen all the publicity around this on our social medial channels and in the press. This multi-purpose space can now be used and really alleviates the pressures on the queues at break and lunchtime. I wonder what my next extension project could be as I really enjoyed designing and furnishing this space to ensure it was the best it could be for our young people. I know they absolutely love it, which was my goal from the start.
As you may be aware Ofsted are in the process of changing their framework and are looking to bring in a new system from September 2025. I attended training delivered by Senior HMI Rachel Goodwin (who was our lead inspector in 2021) a couple of months ago and she informed us that Ofsted were looking for schools to volunteer to pilot the new toolkit/framework. What this would mean is that Ofsted would visit the school over two days (like in an inspection) and test out their new proposals. The school would receive no judgement as it is about Ofsted testing their new toolkit . What Ofsted would then gain from the visit is feedback from all the staff on how they feel their new proposals would work in practice, what worked well, what did not work etc. The schools involved would obviously gain informal feedback and have an opportunity to ‘feel’ what it is like to be inspected under the potential new framework. I made an informed decision to put us forward to be a pilot school, because I feel we are in a strong position to be able to support Ofsted and I was contacted a few days ago to let us know Ofsted had selected us from the school who put themselves forward.
Whilst you may think why on earth would we want on Ofsted visit, due to the pressures and stresses that it may bring, I actually only see benefits, which will in turn not only help, us but help schools across the country. If we can help design a fair system that holds us to account then I see that as a real positive. Our feedback could affect change and rather than sitting on the side-lines letting something happen, we are being proactive and trying to contribute. Although this is 100% not an inspection, as there are no outcomes or judgements the process will be like one. We will be prepared as if is was one, so that we are able to make it as ‘real’ as possible. The staff are fully on board and it is brilliant professional development for them. We are also in the official Ofsted window from September 2025, so having a ‘dry-run’ we see as being invaluable, especially as it is a brand-new framework. I am always conscious of pressures and stresses that this might bring, but the staff and students are fully aware these decisions are made for the greater good of the school and the provision we have in place. I will never apologise for wanting the best for our young people and I see this process for us as keeping us focused and sharp on our priorities. My staff as always are fully on board and are wonderful and support the rationale. I will involve the students and yourselves fully in the process and keep you updated so you have a voice too.
I will be informing the students of what the pilot entails in due course. As it is a pilot we have a lot of notice and they will be visiting on Wednesday 26th March 2025 and Thursday 27th March 2025. I have a Teams meeting with the lead inspector on Friday 21st March 2025, so I will be able to give you more information then. I am sure I have your full support as we have a superb school with amazing young people, very talented staff and fantastic relationships with our families. I am very proud of our own Boteler Family and all its many successes and I am also fully aware of our priorities and areas for improvement, which we work on constantly. I am looking forward to the Ofsted team visiting us and seeing all the good work we do in practice and hopefully they will have lots of informal positives to take away too. If there are any questions please do not hesitate to contact me.
I really hope you all have a wonderful weekend and please take care.
Beverley Scott-Herron
Headteacher
Following feedback at Parents’ Evenings regarding curriculum content I wanted to draw your attention to information regarding what your child is learning.
Each subject has put together a ‘Curriculum Map’ to outline which topics will be studied and when. The sequence of learning takes great consideration to ensure that learning opportunities are maximised to both develop and enhance learning over time. This includes taking opportunities to both interleave and reteach certain elements of topics which may be challenging. The sequencing of learning is not always written in stone as it is important that we consider the outcomes of both formal and informal assessment. This is a responsive process that we call ‘precision planning’. This approach is adopted to make sure we focus on learning that may have been previously fragile due to misconceptions. Our curriculum planning is therefore ‘live’ as we have to respond to student learning needs whilst still ensuring core knowledge and skills are delivered effectively.
The curriculum maps clearly identify content though each year group and each key stage. Post-16 links are also referenced. Most parents/ carers will be aware that sitting behind these curriculum maps are ‘Knowledge Organisers’. These student support documents cover, in detail, all of the required knowledge to support learning in a specific topic.
If you require any further information regarding what your child learns and when, and what our approach is to this, please do not hesitate to contact Mr. C. Kinsey
https://www.boteler.org.uk/what-your-child-is-learning/
Year 11 Easter Exam Revision Classes
As was communicated last week, it is so important that Year 11 students are working independently at home each evening and that students engage with all the revision material and resources that have been provided.
In addition to the revision that students should be carrying out at home, revision sessions are also taking place, in school during the Easter holidays. Mr Koltan has completed the timetable of the sessions that are running and is now attached. Year 11 students have each been given a hard copy.
Easter Revision Timetable
Final-Year-11-Easter-School-Rev-TT-2025.pdf
A reminder that these sessions are to supplement and support the revision that students should be doing at home and not a replacement for it.
The Importance of Multiple Emergency Contacts
Ensuring the safety and well-being of students is our top priority. One of the most effective ways to support this is by maintaining up-to-date emergency contact information, including more than one emergency contact where reasonably possible.
Why Are Multiple Emergency Contacts Important?
- Emergency Situations: In the event of an accident, illness, or urgent situation, the school needs to contact a responsible adult quickly. Having multiple contacts increases the chances of reaching someone who can assist.
- Unreachable Primary Contact: If the first listed contact is unavailable due to work commitments, travel, or other reasons, an alternative contact ensures that critical information is relayed without delay.
- Safeguarding and Well-being: Schools have a duty of care to students, and in cases where safeguarding concerns arise, reaching an alternative trusted adult may be necessary for the student’s safety and support.
- School Closures and Emergencies: During sudden school closures due to weather, transport issues, or other unforeseen circumstances, having multiple contacts helps ensure that parents or guardians are informed promptly.
Keeping Contact Information Up to Date
We encourage all parents and guardians to regularly review and update their child’s emergency contact details. This can be done quickly and easily via the Arbor Parent Portal. If you need assistance accessing the portal or updating your details, please contact the school office.
By ensuring that multiple emergency contacts are in place, we can work together to keep all students safe and supported.
Advice and Guidance: Supporting Students with Healthy Sleep Routines
Ensuring students arrive at school on time and well-rested is essential for their learning, well-being, and overall success. We understand that some students may struggle with late arrivals or persistent tiredness, often due to poor bedtime routines. As a school, we want to support families in making positive changes that can have a significant impact on students achieving their full potential.
The Impact of Poor Sleep Habits
Lack of sleep can lead to:
- Difficulty concentrating in lessons
- Lower academic performance
- Increased anxiety and mood swings
- Poor physical health and weakened immune systems
Common Causes of Poor Sleep in Teenagers
- Late-night gaming – Playing video games into the early hours can overstimulate the brain, making it harder to wind down and sleep.
- Unrestricted phone use – Social media, messaging, and streaming can keep students awake far beyond a healthy bedtime.
- 24/7 Wi-Fi access – Having continuous internet access can encourage late-night screen time and distractions.
Simple Changes That Can Make a Huge Difference
- Set a bedtime routine: Encourage a regular sleep schedule where students go to bed and wake up at the same time each day.
- Limit screen time before bed: Aim to switch off devices at least an hour before bedtime to help the brain relax.
- Create tech-free zones: Keeping phones, tablets, and gaming consoles out of the bedroom can remove the temptation of late-night usage.
- Manage Wi-Fi access: Consider turning off Wi-Fi at night or using parental controls to limit internet access during sleep hours.
By making these small but effective changes, students will benefit from improved focus, better academic performance, and overall well-being. If you need further advice or support, please feel free to contact the school. Together, we can help students reach their full potential.
We are delighted to share with you that our bookings for Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Easter programme can be made from Monday 10th March.
Easter delivery dates
Easter HAF will take place from Monday 7th April-Tuesday 22nd April (excluding bank holidays and weekends) Activities include gymnastics, scootering, dance, arts and crafts and family events. There are also events such as bowling and trampolining which are non-staffed events and are aimed at the secondary age range.
There are over 50 clubs across the town, and you can use the filter tool on our booking system to filter by age/date and club. You can also click on the map to view clubs nearest to you. Each eligible child can book up to four sessions each.
How to Book
Browse the link to register your interest now, however this will not secure a place for your child. You will still need to book from Monday onwards.
https://www.eequ.org/warringtonhaf
Year 9 Td/IPV (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Polio) and MenACWY (Meningitis ACWY) vaccinations
Please click on the following link to view letter from the School Immunisations Team regarding the upcoming Td/IPV (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Polio) and MenACWY (Meningitis ACWY) vaccinations which are being offered to Year 9 students in school on 23rd April & 7th May.
If you have any questions, please contact the School-aged Immunisation Team on 01925 946808
Skills Builder/ Essential skills
In school your child is using the Skills Builder programme to develop their essential skills. Our vision is for everyone to build their essential skills to succeed. Students are informed which essential skill they are working on in lessons and follow an essential skill programme during their INSPIRE programme in form time.
Skills Builder recognises the vital role parents and carers have in helping their children to build their essential skills. The Skills Builder Universal Framework which provides a common language for building essential skills has been used to create Homezone especially for parents and carers.
Why does your child need to build their essential skills?
Research shows that building essential skills supports:
Social and emotional wellbeing
Learning and academic outcomes
Careers and opportunities
Where does your child have opportunities to build their essential skills?
As a parent or carer, you are best placed to support your child to recognise all of the different places where they are developing their essential skills. School is just one part of the picture. Hobbies, interests, community connections and activities at home can all help to build the eight essential skills your child needs now and for their future success.
‘Parental engagement plays a vital role in essential skills development.’
How can you support your child to build their essential skills?
You can easily support your child to build their essential skills. Talk with your child about the essential skills, what they are and how they are so useful. Help your child to identify where they already build their skills so they can talk about their skill strengths with others. Look for opportunities to build essential skills together.
Use these links to find out more and support your child in developing their essential skills.
from ‘Better prepared: Essential skills and employment outcomes for young people’
Digital Day Parents’ Evening – a webinar that explores what a career in digital could look like for their children.
In this FREE webinar, parents will learn about job opportunities, salaries, workplace culture, and pathways into the digital industry.
- When: Wed, 26 Mar 2025 18:00 – 19:00
- Where: Online
- Tickets: FREE – REGISTER HERE
This webinar is free to attend and open to any parent interested in learning more about the digital industry and the opportunities available for their children.
Please share this invite with the parents.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bima-digital-day-parents-evening-tickets-1226087473639
Comic Relief
This Red Nose Day, let’s celebrate 40 years of going big, giving big and feeling good with Comic Relief. Whether you give a few quid or give your all, let’s do it together and support incredible projects which help children to be happier, families stronger, women safer, communities prouder, and millions of lives fairer. Red Nose Day 2025.
On the 21st March there will be a staff vs. students event (staff chosen through student voting) and an extended lunch with lots of stalls and activities for everyone to get involved in. There will also be an Easter egg raffle with the winners being announced P5 on the 21st. Students might want to bring in change to school to participate in raffle prizes and voting.
Please follow the Just giving link to donate- Just Giving is fundraising for Comic Relief
Year 7 Residential Trip – Tyn-Y-Felin
We are excited to offer our Year 7 students the opportunity to take part in a three day residential trip to Tyn-Y-Felin, Anglesey. This trip is designed to help students build friendships, develop key life skills and gain confidence in a fun and supportive environment.
During the trip, students will take part in a range of outdoor activities, including team building challenges and a visit to the beautiful Silver Bay Beach. These experiences will help them enhance their communication, teamwork, and problem solving skills, as well as develop their independence and resilience by stepping outside their comfort zones.
Letters have been sent via email and through Arbor, our school communication app. If you have any questions or need further information, please contact Mr. S. Mason at [email protected]
myHappymind
We are excited to inform you that our school has partnered with myHappymind to offer an innovative, science-backed programme called myMindcoach, to support the mental well-being of all our students. The myHappymind programme is built on the belief that mental health education should be proactive, science-backed, fun, and accessible for all. The app is designed for students to use independently outside of school.
How to download the app:
- Scan QR code or click the link myMindCoach Sign Up
- Enter a username, school email, authentication code (144799) click ‘get resources’ button
- Download apple or android app to the phone
- Check school email for MyMindcoach email to create password
- Use school email and created password to log onto the app’
Please click on the link below for the latest Keeping Boteler Safe newsletter: https://tinyurl.com/mr2vrnuy
World Book Day
Thursday 5th March saw Sir Thomas Boteler students engage in the annual World Book Day with their usual wonderful enthusiasm and fantastic effort. A highlight of our activities was the chance for all students to create their own bookmark inspired by their own personal reading choices. We love reading at Boteler – as these fantastic pictures show!
Poetry by Heart Competition 2025
I am thrilled to announce that Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School will be taking part in the Poetry by Heart Competition 2025.
ALL staff and students are welcome to attend and take part. I can’t wait to see what you come up with!
You simply just need to choose a poem already written and published, learn it by heart and record a copy of this to be entered into the competition. I will handle all of the logistics/recording.
Sessions will be held on Thursday lunchtimes in Room 22
Food Technology
Head of Fish – Food Teachers Centre have set up a competition for Headteachers to cook a dish containing fish, and we could be in with a chance of winning £100 of fresh fish to use in practical lessons. Of course, when Mrs Callaway asked Mrs Scott-Herron if she was up to the challenge, it was a resounding yes! She cooked ‘salmon ‘rustic’ fish cakes’ from scratch to Year 8. The skills executed were amazing, and so was the final product. The students who sampled said it tasted lovely; we were all very impressed. Also, the fish used was the fresh Alaskan Salmon we received from #FishHeroes via Food Teacher Centre! Thank you Mrs Scott-Herron and good luck!
Sport and Performance
Elite Athletes raise their game at University!
Our Academy Sport+ students across TCAT had a truly inspirational day at LJMU School of Sport and Exercise Sciences. Students were calculating pre-match carbohydrate consumption for maximum performance and the role of carbohydrates within the body. Next up students were immersed into Laboratory Sport Science carrying out a sub-maximal VO2 test and calculating lactate levels at increasing intensities of exercise. Our final workshop of the day involved tracking athlete workload and intensities using GPS technology.
Our staff and students experienced first-hand the expertise and knowledge that has shaped the unrivalled research, knowledge and dedication to sporting excellence. Students loved being on Campus and cannot wait to return in May. A massive thank you to everyone at LJMU for giving up their time to work with the athletes of the future – they are beginning to realise their dream!
Y8 football fixture
Year 8 boy’s football, Warrington School’s Cup- away @ Cardinal Newman HS, Wednesday 19th March
KS4 Academic Success
As part of Year 10 OCR Sport Science, students have to create and design their own fitness tests, for a specific skill and component of fitness from their chosen sport. Students have to use their creativity to make it exciting but have to analyse the validity and reliability of their test. Other students from the class then complete the fitness test, and this forms their normative data which the student can then use to analyse their own performance.
Below are some examples of outstanding work. Joel W created a fitness test around agility, power and dribbling in football. Liam H designed a test for boxing for agility, power and changing direction. Excellent work!
Stagecraft – School Production
Fantastic technical rehearsals this week. The Students have been working incredible hard on the show, and we are looking forward to performing ‘Brain Play’. Tickets are still available at school reception please check the poster below for details.
It’s nearly conference time!
….and all of the tickets have gone, we’ve had a couple of cancellations and have sent out waiting list invites. There are about a dozen parent/carers on the waiting list, so if your unable to attend for any reason then please cancel your ticket with eventbrite or email [email protected]. Professional tickets are also fully booked, but there appears to be an issue with the waiting list for these – please email us – [email protected] – with your details and we will contact should a space become available.
Nominate your SEND Superstar
Whether or not you are able to join us next week, we would really like to hear from you about people who have really made a difference to your child/young person/family. Did someone go over and above to help you, offer a listening ear or perhaps take the time to make sure you’re ok?
Here is your chance to show them what a difference this made. Let us know about anyone who has really made a difference in your family’s life, whether they are from health, education, social care or a charity / voluntary group. We’d love to share the success stories in your family’s lives
CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE A NOMINATION FORM
Warrington Guardian Education Awards
Make your nominations here:
This link will take you to the Warrington Guardian website:
https://www.warringtonguardian.co.uk/news/24997377.warrington-guardian-education-awards-2025—enter/
This link will take you directly to the nomination form:
https://forms.office.com/e/iVfw6xmgEp
Stockton Netball Club
Wednesdays 17:30 – 18:30 for Years 7 – 11
Please contact Lisa on [email protected] for further information.
