Aylesford Weekly News - 9 October 2026

Update from Mr Perry

Thanks to the many contributions from parents last term, and having discussed these ideas with staff and Governors, we now have a new Vision for Aylesford School which we will deliver through our new Values. 

Visions and Values are essential for a school, it defines our purpose and gives clarity to how we want Aylesford students to develop.  Of course, we will always focus unrelentingly on high quality teaching, learning and results but we also must develop character. 

We are determined that Aylesford students will be successful and for that they need to be empathetic, confident and have integrity and we will now build the school culture to achieve this.  This happens through our curriculum, through our behaviour and rewards policy, through our anti-bullying work and through our teaching framework which will redefine what good teaching looks like.  Within this, we will demonstrate that Aylesford is unapologetically pro-work for all students, ensuring excellent learning, curriculum and extra-curricular opportunities to ensure all students feel successful and therefore confident and character development. 

I am more convinced than ever that Aylesford School is going to be an exciting place to be over the next few years and I thank all our parents who have shaped our Vision and Values by taking part in the questions last term.

Mr Perry

Headteacher

Meet Our Lead Practitioner - Mrs V Thomas 

I joined Aylesford School in September 2023, having previously worked as a Director of Performing Arts. I have always been passionate about education, creativity and helping young people achieve their potential.

At school, I wanted to join every sports team but also found myself in every performance and school show! That enthusiasm for the arts continues today through my love of theatre. I believe every young person should have opportunities to be creative, try new things and discover their strengths.

This September, I was delighted to become Lead Practitioner, focusing on teaching, learning and literacy. I work alongside colleagues to develop lessons that engage, challenge and support all students. An important part of my job this year will be improving literacy across the secondary phrase, helping students read confidently, communicate effectively and develop their vocabulary.

I am excited to work with staff, students and families to ensure every young person at Aylesford benefits from great teaching, high expectations and the encouragement to succeed.

Year 11 History Revision

Year 11 History Revision started this week on Tuesday during lunchtime and after school. The History Department were impressed to see 30 students attending the after school session and working on their Cold War content ready for the mocks. We look forward to seeing this engagement continue as we head towards the mocks.

Mulberry - Therapy Dogs Nationwide

Mulberry, from The Therapy Dogs Nationwide Charity, recently visited some of our year 7 students at Aylesford. The students enjoyed their visit from Mulberry.  Mulberry, provides much needed emotional support, helps to reduces stress, improves social interaction, and promotes both mental and physical well-being.

During her last visit, we all participated in attempting to sketch Mulberry, who was only too happy to pose, especially when she knew that some treats were waiting in the sidelines for her!

For more information on Therapy Dogs Nationwide, follow this link: https://tdn.org.uk/

This is Mulberry enjoying the attention from our year 7 students.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reading List

Reading is one of the most powerful ways to develop vocabulary, improve comprehension, build empathy and broaden horizons. As part of our commitment to fostering a love of reading, each year group takes part in a weekly tutor-time reading activity. Through carefully selected texts, extracts and video clips, students engage with a range of themes and ideas while developing key literacy skills.

This week, our students have been exploring the following texts:

Year 7 - A Kind of Spark by Ellie McNicoll

 

 

 

 

 

Year 8 - No One Is Too Small To Make a Difference by Greta Thunberg

 

 

 

 

 

Year 9 - We Should All be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

 

 

 

 

 

If your child has enjoyed the extract this week, you may wish to borrow the book from the library.

Student Celebration Outside of School

Last weekend, Thomas, Year 10, competed in the National Road Relays. This was a three stage U16 boys entry where alongside two of his team mates, Thomas ran his 3.88km leg over a challenging course in 12:25.

Having won the Midlands championships 2 weeks ago the team went on to win the National title this weekend. The whole team improving their time from 2 weeks ago by well over a minute and Thomas by over 20 seconds.

This is his first National gold medal!

Well Done Thomas! What an achievement!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Extra-Curricular PE Opportunities

Upcoming events/ Dates for your Diary

• Wednesday 14 October - Flu Immunisations - consent forms will have arrived by email from South Warwickshire Immunisation Service. You can also follow this link to complete a consent form for your child: Give or refuse consent for your child’s flu vaccination – Give or refuse consent for vaccinations Consent must be received by Tuesday 13 October 2026.
• Thursday 15 October - Year 11 Pathway to success evening. If you are a Year 11 parent or carer and haven't yet registered your attendance, please do so by Tuesday 13 October. The link can be found in your synergy message.
• Thursday 15 October - School photographs for Year 9-11 and optional Secondary sibling photographs - please speak to your children if you would like them to have a sibling photo and ensure they go to the Main hall during Break.  Those with siblings in Primary, will be captured through the Primary photo day. 
• Tuesday 20 October - Year 10 Work Experience Evening- more details to follow
• Thursday 22 October - Year 7 Meet the Tutor Evening. if you are a Year 7 Parent or carer, please register your attendance via the link in your synergy message.