Principal's message:
It is incredible to think that we are coming to the end of our spring term next week. This week we have seen our students successfully participate in the Reading Magistrates Court Mock Trial, which saw our girls competing with students from other schools, taking on the roles as lawyers, witnesses, magistrates and court officials. They embraced these roles and their performances were very convincing. Well done to all of our students who participated in this event.
In addition, on Thursday we had over 60 students attend the Year 10 Geography Field Trip to Bournemouth where they looked at coastal management, with Mr Keating and Mr Jones, as part of their GCSE course. We also had our annual Red Nose Day, which aims to raise money for people who face poverty both in the UK and around the world. The students and staff came dressed in red. Lunchtime saw many students participating in musical activities, or outside playing games organised by our Senior Student Leadership Team. It was a joyful experience.
We also said bon voyage to our students and teachers who went to Greece on Thursday. This is the first foreign trip for a number of years. Students will be visiting Athens and surrounding historical sites such as Delphi. We wish them all an enjoyable time, and I am grateful to Ms Connolly for organising it and all the members of staff who are there supporting her. Thank you to all of them for giving their time. We look forward to seeing further photographs.
Our Year 11s are busy preparing for their exams in the summer. Thank you to all who attended parent’s evening. I know how important these evenings are for parents to understand where their child is at with their learning and how they can support them. Year 11s have been busily working on completing their coursework which will form part of their GCSE grade in the summer. It will be important that, during the holidays, they set aside some time for revising and completing past papers, if they are to feel prepared and confident for the exams ahead.
End of term early closure - 12.00noon on Thursday 28th March - all school buses will be leaving at that time. Any students entitled to free school meals will be able to have hot food at break time.
We have been advised by Reading Buses they will continue to pick up from both the Buckland Road Circle and Canterbury Road bus stops after Easter, so there will be no changes now.
I wish you all a restful weekend.
Marika Farrugia, Principal
Principal's Surgery is held every Friday 8.15 – 9.00am.
Duke of Edinburgh Scheme
The students had a great time putting up tents in preparation for the Duke of Edinburgh expedition in June!
Geography Field Trip
On Thursday over 60 students attend the Year 10 Geography Field Trip to Bournemouth where they looked at coastal management, with Mr Keating and Mr Jones, as part of their GCSE course.
Magistrates Court Mock Trial
A group of students took part in the Magistrates Court Mock Trial competition last weekend against other schools from Berkshire.
They had been working very hard to prepare, taking on the roles of lawyers, witnesses, magistrates and court officials and studying the given case of a passenger accused of actual bodily harm against their taxi driver. First, they defended the case against St Bartholomew's School, Newbury, then they prosecuted the case against Denefield School, Tilehurst.
They performed excellently, the court officials were very efficient, the lawyers very professional in their questioning, the witnesses acting out their roles, and the magistrates debating whether the person was guilty or not guilty. They faced stiff competition though, so sadly they didn't get through to the regional final.
They enjoyed the experience and the atmosphere of the competition, and Miss Connelly and Ms Maye, who had been preparing them, were very proud of their achievements.
Personal Development Day
The Year 9s and year 10s have had Personal Development events recently. It was superb to have visitors including the school nursing team, Brighter Futures for Children, the Samaritans, HealthReach and the University of Reading helping the students develop their awareness of study skills, relationships and mental health.
Samaritans | Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy | Here to listen
The Year 7s will be having a Personal Development event next week with varied sessions about health and wellbeing including workshops about creative writing. HealthReach will be looking at 'how the brain works' and the Museum of English Rural Life will be following up on a STEM project. The RNLI and Network Rail will also be visiting to talk with the year 7s about personal safety.
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SEND Short Breaks Easter Holiday's funded by BFfC
SEND Short Breaks Easter Holiday Sessions - Reading Play
Reading Play welcomes you to The Ranger Station as your SEND half term provider, we will be holding two sessions on the 9th and 11th April 2024. Each short break day will consist of 2 sessions, unique activity themes for each session like seasonal arts and crafts where young people can take home their work and crafts. Young people will all have access to mini golf, climbing tree, low ropes, archery and more. Each session is 2.5 hours with 8 spaces per session. Further information and how to book a place can be found here Reading Directory | SEND Short Breaks Easter Holiday Sessions Reading Play Education Play and Support, Communications & Bookings Officer 01189373283 E- reading.play@reading.gov.uk
SEND Short Breaks -Chance to Dance Stars CIC - Dance and Multi Activity Program
Short breaks are available for Reading children aged 5 years to 18 years old. We cater for children 5 years to 25 years at all our activities. (discounted short breaks not available for 19-25yrs). Chance to Dance Stars CIC will provide group activities for children & young people with disabilities to have new experiences with sport and dance, to have fun and to build upon social and physical needs. *Note* Cost - £20 per day for anyone outside of Reading. Reading Residents - Session are partial funded by Brighter Futures for Children. You receive a 50% discount only paying £10 per day. Don't forget to enter your discount code: EQN344. Proof of residence will be required in booking. If your child requires 1:1 you must contact Vicky before booking on sendanceclub@hotmail.com or 07736343570. Time 10am till 2pm (sometimes we have to run 9am till 1pm) - Location – Reading. Activities can vary week by week. We will always ask for your feedback. Sports, dance, drama, singing, arts and crafts, table top games, zumba kids, generation pound, yoga, gymnastics, sensory and messy play. Further information can be found here Reading Directory | SEND Short Breaks -Chance to Dance Stars CIC - Dance and Multi Activity Program
SEND Easter Holidays 2024 - Short Breaks - Holiday Clubs - Make Sense Theatre
Make/Sense Theatre will be running our ever popular Easter holiday clubs once again this April! Our different sessions cater for young people aged 4-25+ and are designed in a way to ensure that we are fully inclusive, giving all young people with SEN the opportunity to attend. We will be running our Primary Sensory, Secondary Sensory and MLD groups over the first week of the Easter holidays (Tuesday 2nd April - Friday 5th April). Reading Directory | SEND Easter Holidays 2024 - Short Breaks - Holiday Clubs
SEND Easter Holidays 2024 - Short Breaks – Reading FC
Reading FC will be offering short breaks – awaiting information from Reading FC. Please check the SEND Local Offer later this week - Reading Directory | SEND Short Breaks (all ability activities & overnight breaks)
Family Information Service/Local Offer, Brighter Futures for Children, Reading Borough Council, Civic Offices, Bridge Street, Reading, RG1 2LU. 0118 9373777 (Option 2).
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FROM 1ST NOVEMBER 2023
All meals are provided by Chartwells - a school meal consists of a main meal and a dessert for £2.78 a variety of snacks and drinks are also available.
Chartwells operate a cashless till system, operated by biometrics. The accounts are topped up online using a secure website called ParentPay, if your daughter is eligible for free meals, £2.78 is credited to her account each day. Your daughter will be provided with her ParentPay login details on her first day at Reading Girls' School. You can find more information about ParentPay on their website http://www.parentpay.com. The school office is also happy to help with any enquiries.
Follow the link for details of the school menu.