Head Teacher’s Update - December 2024

Dear Parents and Carers, 

As we reflect on the achievements and events of the term, it is clear that the success of our students is a direct result of the strong partnership between the school, our students, and their families. This collaboration, rooted in our RISE values—Resilience, Integrity, Success, and Empathy—helps shape a thriving school community. We are proud of the progress made and are grateful for the continued support from all of you. 

Education is not just about the lessons taught within the classroom but about creating a shared responsibility for students' learning and well-being. At Sir Thomas Fremantle School, we firmly believe that success is a result of close collaboration between teachers, students, and their families. 

Throughout this term, we have seen the incredible impact that this partnership can have on students' achievements. From the support you provide at home in encouraging good study habits to the shared commitment to our school values, your engagement with the school makes a significant difference in our students' educational journey. 

Our mock exams were a testament to this collaboration. Students arrived prepared and focused, demonstrating resilience and integrity in their efforts, thanks in no small part to the support they received from their families and the school. The feedback and encouragement you provide at home, combined with the structured support and teaching they receive at school, helped our students approach these important assessments with confidence and determination​ 

Moreover, our involvement in events such as Christmas Jumper Day and the Rotary Shoebox Appeal highlights how our shared values are nurtured. These initiatives not only encourage students to engage with their school community but also empower them to make a positive impact in the wider world, demonstrating empathy for those in need​ 

As we look ahead to 2025, we remain committed to strengthening this collaboration, ensuring that every student has the support and guidance they need to reach their full potential. The achievements of this term reflect the collective effort of our entire community—staff, students, and families—and it is this partnership that will continue to drive us forward in the New Year. 

Festive Celebrations and Community Spirit 

This December, our school embraced the holiday season with a series of meaningful events. 

The Christmas Carols at St. Laurence Church were a beautiful occasion, with students, staff, and families coming together to sing carols and share in the festive spirit. 

The Senior Citizens’ Christmas Tea Party was another highlight, where students showcased their kindness and hospitality, spreading cheer to members of the local community. 

Our Year 7 students showcased their talents and hard work in the production of A Christmas Carol this December. The performance was a tremendous success, with students bringing Charles Dickens’ classic to life through engaging performances and creative direction. This production allowed the students to express their growing skills in drama, teamwork, and public speaking, and they received positive feedback from the audience for their energy, commitment, and the impressive quality of their performance. 

The production was an excellent opportunity for the students to demonstrate the resilience and success that we value here at Sir Thomas Fremantle, as they faced the challenges of preparing and performing a full play in front of an audience. It was a fantastic way to round off the term and a proud moment for both the students and staff involved. 

Students also actively participated in the Rotary Shoebox Appeal, filling shoeboxes with gifts for those in need around the world. This thoughtful act of kindness reflects the true spirit of the season and highlights how we can make a meaningful impact on the lives of others. 

We also embraced the joy of giving during Christmas Jumper Day, where students and staff wore festive sweaters to raise funds for Save the Children. The money raised will help children around the world access the education, healthcare, and protection they deserve.  

Thank you all for your support, kindness and generosity. 

Highlights of the Term 

This term, we’ve had a wealth of exciting events and trips that reflect the diverse experiences we offer our students. In September, Year 7 students participated in a memorable residential trip to the Hill End Outdoor Education Centre. The overnight stay provided opportunities for team-building, independence, and the creation of lasting friendships—crucial for a successful start to secondary school. 

October saw our Open Evening set a new record for attendance, as families from across the community came to explore the school, meet our the staff, and experience first-hand what makes Sir Thomas Fremantle School unique. The evening highlighted the enthusiasm of our students and staff, showcasing the vibrant and engaging environment that defines our school. 

Also in October, Year 10 and 11 Drama students enjoyed a trip to His Majesty’s Theatre in London to see Phantom of the Opera.  

In November, our Year 11 English students attended a performance of An Inspector Calls. Watching J.B. Priestley’s iconic play on stage highlighted the value of live theatre in enhancing both academic learning and cultural appreciation. 

In December, Year 9 students visited Lille, France, combining language learning with cultural exploration. The trip to the Christmas markets provided an excellent opportunity for students to practice their French and experience festive traditions, bringing the magic of the holiday season to life​ 

Additionally, Year 7 and 8 had a fantastic time at the Waterside Theatre in Aylesbury for the pantomime—a great way to celebrate the season with fun and laughter​ 

We were also thrilled to launch the 2024-2025 Duke of Edinburgh Bronze and Silver Awards this term. This exciting initiative offers Year 9 and 10 students the opportunity to challenge themselves while developing valuable life skills 

Events and trips like these take a team effort to organise, involving detailed planning, coordination, and commitment from many staff to ensure everything runs smoothly and safely. So we were touched to receive this note of thanks from a parent: 
 
"I just wanted to pass on my thanks to your wonderful team of staff for such an amazing trip. It was a wonderful opportunity for the children, and I know they will remember it for a long time. I know how much hard work and effort go into something like this." 

Feedback like this reminds us of the value of creating memorable and meaningful opportunities for our students. It highlights the impact of these experiences and reinforces the importance of learning beyond the classroom. 

Commitment to Safety and Awareness

 This term, our school took part in Restart the Heart Day, equipping students with life-saving CPR skills to ensure they are prepared for emergencies. It was an invaluable learning experience that highlighted the importance of being proactive and ready to help when needed. 

As part of Operation Sceptre, we worked alongside Thames Valley Police to raise awareness about knife crime. This initiative included the use of a knife arch to enhance safety and educate students on the risks associated with carrying weapons. It was a crucial part of our commitment to fostering a safe and responsible community. 

Improvements to Our School

Our new Design and Technology (DT) room is nearing completion, with the final touches scheduled for January. The space will host DT, Textiles, Ceramics, Photography andd 3 work. We are thrilled about the opportunities this will provide for our students to explore new skills.

Staff Changes

This term we say goodbye to Mr Dunkley who takes on a leadership role closer to home. Mr Simpson will take on the Head of Humanities role from January. We wish Mr Dunkley the very best for the furture! 

Mr Martindale will step down as Head of Year but will remain at STFS as our drama teacher. Miss Rath will be taking on Head of Y8 from January along with her Y11 role. We'd like to thank Mr Martindale for his pastoral support for students over the many years.  

Thank you all for your continued support and involvement in making Sir Thomas Fremantle School such a successful and thriving community. We wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We look forward to welcoming students back on Tuesday, January 7th, 2025. 

Warm regards, 

Francis Murphy
Headteacher