Dear Parents, Carers and pupils,
As we approach the end of another productive term, I am delighted to share with you the numerous achievements and exciting developments that have taken place at our school.
Our Year 9 families recently joined us for their Consultation Evening, providing a valuable opportunity for parents and teachers to discuss academic progress and future aspirations. These conversations are crucial in shaping our pupils' educational journeys, and I thank all who attended for their engagement and support.
World Book Day was a resounding success, with pupils and staff alike embracing the joy of literature. The enthusiasm displayed during this event demonstrates our commitment to fostering a love of reading across the school community.
Our pupils have been fortunate to engage in a variety of enriching experiences beyond the classroom. Recent trips have included visits to the British Film Institute; the West End to see productions of Mrs Doubtfire and the Mousetrap; and the choir took part in Young Voices at the O2 Arena where they showcased their talents. These opportunities not only enhance learning but also broaden horizons and create lasting memories. I am so proud of all pupils who have represented Baylis Court School so positively on these trips; their behaviour is always impeccable.
I am particularly proud to announce the outstanding performance of our A-Level Biology students in the British Biology Olympiad. Their success is a testament to their dedication and the support they receive in their scientific education at Baylis Court School.
In addition, our Debate Team who got through to the final of a debate competition. Mr Hartley was very proud of his team who were placed second in the final!
As we look ahead to next term, I would like to remind pupils and parents that the Baylis blue jumper remains a compulsory part of our uniform until after the May half-term. This consistency in appearance reflects our school's values and sense of community.
For our Year 9 pupils, GCSE options will soon be confirmed, marking an important milestone in their academic journey. Year 12 students should be aware that mock examinations will take place immediately after the Easter holidays, providing valuable preparation for their final assessments next year.
The examination season is fast approaching, with GCSE Spanish (speaking) and art exams scheduled for the week commencing 28 April. GCSE and A-level formal examinations will begin in earnest in May. Our Year 11 and 13 pupils have been working exceptionally hard and demonstrating our values of inquisitiveness and resilience as they prepare for their final examinations. I know that they will maintain their focus and utilise the support available to them during this crucial period.
We are pleased to welcome three new staff members after the Easter holidays: Mrs Agrewal in science, Miss Mydell in music, and Miss Ramsey as Head of Department for PE. Their expertise will undoubtedly enrich our educational offerings and we look forward to them joining our community.
Looking further ahead, we are excited to announce the full reintroduction of music to the Key Stage 3 curriculum from September 2025. As a precursor to this, Miss Mydell will be teaching music to some pupils in Years 7, 8, and 9 during their timetabled food technology lessons next term.
As we continue to strive for excellence in all aspects of school life, I am grateful for the ongoing support of our pupils, parents, and staff. Together, we are building a vibrant and successful learning community at Baylis Court School.
Wishing all our families a relaxing and peaceful holiday. A belated Eid Mubarak to our families who celebrated Eid this week. I wish happy Vaisakhi and a happy Easter to all those who are celebrating during the holidays. We look forward to seeing everyone return safely for the summer term on Tuesday, 22 April 2025.
Christine MacInnes
Principal
Holiday, Activities and Food Programme
Please scan the QR code on the poster below or visit Slough HAF to view the options available during this Easter break. Pupils can access sports, crafts, technology and much more, which is totally FREE for pupils on free school meals, and bookable for a small fee for anyone else who would like to join in.
Celebration Assemblies
Year 7 celebration assembly focused on the term from January to Easter. Attendance, achievement and improvements were celebrated. We had 4 students selected for head of learning special recognition awards for demonstrating resilience, kindness or inquisitiveness this term. A student of the term was also celebrated.
Year 8’s celebration assembly highlighted the dedication, progress, and positive impact our students have made this term. From excellent attendance to achievement points and strong contributions to school life, the year group continues to set a high standard across the school community. Special awards included gold and silver badges, Amazon vouchers, and Easter eggs for top-performing students.
A special mention goes to Amantra K in 8 Curie, who was awarded the Head of Learning Award for achieving 100% attendance, zero behaviour points, and over 150 achievement points. She represents the commitment and positivity that so many of our Year 8 students have shown this term.
Miss Kelly is incredibly proud of the year group’s progress and the mature, enthusiastic way they continue to represent Baylis Court School.
Our Year 9 students came together for a special Celebration Assembly, marking an incredible period of growth and success. The assembly highlighted some impressive achievements, with attendance across the year improving significantly, reflecting the hard work and dedication of our students.
In just five weeks, several students went above and beyond, earning more than 25 achievement points each. A huge congratulations to Rawdha Latioui, Fatima Ahmed, Gurnoor Kaur, Aiza Ovais, and Sara Maria Fiala for their outstanding commitment to excellence.
Recognition Awards were also presented to several students for their progress in both attitude and attendance. Khatija Perveen, Cienna Perry, Ahlaam Jama, Sania Sheaikh, Na'Eema, and Noor Khan were commended for their improvement in attitude to learning, demonstrating a positive shift in their approach and engagement with studies.
Additionally, Sana Ahmed, Mysha Zeeshan, and Zaineb Sultan were celebrated for their remarkable improvement in attendance, showing a commitment to being present and making the most of every learning opportunity.
Congratulations to all the award winners and to Year 9 for their hard work and positive contributions to the school community. We look forward to even more achievements in the new term!
Year 10 enjoyed an assembly where lots of pupils were recognised for their excellent attendance, Attitude to learning or improved effort.
Awards were also presented to Haiqa for completing her Bronze Duke of Edinburgh award, as well as top behaviour points and more.
Congratulations Year 10, you have earned this break!
Year 12 and 13 Celebration Assembly
Our recent Sixth Form Celebration Assembly highlighted the incredible achievements of our Year 12 and 13 students, with over 100 awards presented. These awards recognised excellence across a range of areas, from embodying our school values of kindness, inquisitiveness, and resilience to outstanding progress in Attitude to Learning (ATL) and subject excellence.
Sixth Form students play a vital role in our wider school community, and it was wonderful to celebrate their contributions. Special recognition was given to students who logged the most hours on UpLearn, with £30 Amazon vouchers awarded to the top performers and £15 prizes for the runners-up in both Year 12 and Year 13. Additionally, students who maintained excellent attendance throughout the year received attendance gift cards in appreciation of their commitment.
The theme of the assembly was ‘invisible progress’ - the idea that growth isn’t always immediately noticeable. Whether in academics or personal development, progress happens each day we challenge ourselves. Only when we look back do we truly see how far we’ve come.
I am delighted to share with you some outstanding pieces of hand crafted armoury, constructed out of corrugated card by Hardeep Kaur in year 9. She has been following online videos demos and produced her very own outcomes. These were then painted using metallic acrylic paints. Well Done!
Last week, Baylis Court was buzzing with excitement as Science Week took over! Students had been eagerly awaiting the jaw-dropping, slightly messy, and totally awesome experiments lined up which did not disappoint!
From elephant toothpaste erupting like a volcano to the mesmerizing fire snake, students were in awe. The flame test fireworks lit up the room, while methane bubbles had everyone gasping as fire whooshed across the air. But the real showstopper: A rocket launch so powerful it hit 121 decibels. That’s 9 times louder than the legal workplace limit for human ears! (Don’t worry, no students were harmed, just slightly startled) For the brave, there was the unforgettable real heart dissection, with some students eagerly poking and cutting, while others observed from a very safe distance, whispering, "Ew, but cool!"
Science Week wasn’t just about jaw-dropping demos. Pupils got hands-on in lessons too! They made pinhole cameras to safely view the first UK-visible partial solar eclipse in 20 years, crafted fizzy bath bombs, played Defeat the Tumour, and tested their zoology skills with the animal adaptation games.
Whether launching rockets, setting things on fire (safely), or poking hearts, Science Week proved one thing—science is epic!
Until next year… stay curious, stay experimental, and remember: safety goggles are cool.
New Spring/Summer Menu
We are pleased to share the new Spring/Summer dining room menu which will be available from Tuesday 22 April.
The Meals shown as Option one and option Two are available as part of our Value Meal Deal, costing only £2.78 and including a pudding of the day.
We also have a wide range of grab and go options and a varied breakfast starting at 8am.
This week a number of our year 10 Media students were lucky enough to participate in an ‘Insight Day’ with the company Spotify! The day involved the girls finding out all about Spotify and how the business runs. They were fortunate enough to speak with a number of people who work at Spotify, including people from the marketing side of the business and those involved in coming up with new ideas.
The day was aimed at exposing students to a different type of IT company, one that is hugely successful but that also most of the girls knew about. They learnt how the company started, how the business makes money and were even asked for new ideas of what the company could do next. Overall, it was a fantastic opportunity to work with a large corporate company and our girls were amazing, asking insightful questions and even coming up with some new ideas – well done to all those who took part!
The Quiet Cove is going from strength to strength with pupils in years 7 and 8 enjoying a chance to take solace in this calm and nurturing environment.
There are a variety of activities on offer, including crochet, colouring, pencil and paper games, as well as a chat with Mrs Kapoor or Mrs Rana, or just a chance to reflect on a busy week in the supportive atmosphere.
Credits:
Created with images by MarekPhotoDesign.com - "background and texture turquoise abaca (manila hemp) paper the oldest existing paper mill in Capellades, Spain" • Maximusdn - "Christmas wallpaper decorations concept" • surachetkhamsuk - "pink glitter texture abstract background"