Dear Baylis Court School Community,
I am delighted to share updates from our school as we embark on the new academic year. All pupils have returned to school, and we have successfully completed our first full week together. It is wonderful to see our entire community reunited, with our new Year 7 pupils already settling in and confidently navigating their way around the school, supported by staff and their older peers.
We recently held Welcome Meetings for parents in Years 8-13 this week, providing valuable information about the upcoming academic year. We look forward to welcoming parents of pupils in Year 7 to the last of these events on Thursday 18 September (3:30-4:15pm). To continually improve our communication, we will be sending a brief survey today and next week. We would greatly appreciate your participation and feedback.
I am particularly pleased to celebrate our recent examination results. Our Year 11 and Year 13 results days were a tremendous success, with many students achieving excellent outcomes. Our Sixth Form now has the highest number of students enrolled in the last seven years, reflecting the strong academic environment we continue to build.
I would like to address a few important notices:
Uniform: please note that the blue jumper is not compulsory until after half term. Additionally, I kindly request that pupils bring a suitable coat, as they will be outside in all weathers at break and lunchtime.
Parking: for vehicle users on Gloucester Avenue, access to the school site is restricted. Only those with a specific permission letter for collecting a child with accessibility issues may drive onto the site. All other parents are asked to park and walk to the school entrance. I must emphasise the importance of not stopping on the yellow zig-zags outside the school, which are crucial for pedestrian safety during busy school hours.
For parents and carers who collect their child from the rear entrance to the school on Pippin Close, please be mindful of parking restrictions in force and park respectfully not preventing access to the private road or properties close to the school entrance.
Communication: we remain committed to working in partnership with all parents and carers in order to promote the wellbeing, behaviour, and academic progress of every child. We welcome your communication with us to alert us to any change in circumstance, or factors which may affect your child’s learning. Equally, if you have a concern, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s Form Tutor in the first instance by telephone to the main office or email bayliscourt@bayliscourt.slough.sch.uk, clearly stating your child's name and the nature of your query. This will ensure that communications are directed to the appropriate staff member. Please note, our community operates with clear expectations and guidelines for staff, pupils and parents, which are detailed on our school website. We maintain a zero-tolerance policy for any form of abusive, threatening, aggressive, or discriminatory behaviour.
Thank you for your ongoing support and cooperation. We look forward to a successful year ahead for all our students and families.
Mrs MacInnes
Principal
At Baylis Court School, the first of our three school values is kindness, and we’re incredibly proud to see this in our new Year 7 pupils. We are delighted that so many of them have volunteered to be tour guides for our upcoming Open Evening. This is a very important task and a huge undertaking for the pupils that have been with us for less than two weeks.
Offering their own time during the evening to welcome prospective pupils and their families is a fantastic example of kindness. It takes courage to put yourself in this position, especially so early in the school year.
We'd like all Year 7 pupils, who are showing kindness in lots of ways, to know that we are proud of you and the big difference you are already making to our school community. Thank you!
This week our Year 11 pupils were lucky enough to take part in the 'Ace your Exams' programme from Elevate Education. These interactive sessions cover:
- Highest value exam preparation tasks
- Fixing mistakes to ensure constant improvement
- Time allocation during exam preparation
- Techniques for managing stress & time pressure in exams
We hope that everyone found this advice useful and helped calm nerves during this very important time. Support is available from class teachers and your Head of Learning for any exam related queries.
Diary Dates
- Open Evening for prospective new pupils- Wednesday 17 September
- Year 7 Welcome Evening- Thursday 18 September
- Open evening for Baylis Sixth Form- Wednesday 8 October
- Year 11 Mocks begin- Monday 13 October
- End of Term- Thursday 23 October
- INSET day- Friday 24 October
- INSET Day- Monday 3 November
- Term Starts- Tuesday 4 November
- Year 9 Exams Begin- Tuesday 4 November
- Year 8 Exams Begin- Monday 17 November
- Year 11 Geography Fieldwork (Epping Forest)- Thursday 20 November
- Year 11 Consultation Evening- Thursday 20 November
- Flu Immunisation Session- Tuesday 2 December
- Year 10 Exams Begin- Monday 8 December
- Year 7 Consultation Evening- Thursday 11 December
- Year 11 Art Exam- Tuesday 16 December
- End of Term- Friday 19 December (early finish TBC)
Careers in…English
At Baylis Court, all students study two separate GCSE qualifications in English: English Language and English Literature. While the content of each course differs—Literature focuses on the analysis of literary texts, whereas Language emphasizes reading comprehension and writing skills—both subjects develop core analytical and communication skills that are essential for academic success.
At A Level, we offer a combined English Language and Literature course. This integrated qualification enables students to deepen and broaden their skills through the study of a wide range of texts, drawing on both linguistic and literary approaches to develop critical thinking and articulate expression.
Careers Options
Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential across a wide range of careers. These skills are especially important in professions where clear and persuasive communication is central—such as law, teaching, politics, and journalism. However, they are equally valuable in roles where effective communication can set you apart from other candidates. Whether you're considering a career as an office administrator, receptionist, or a position within the public sector—such as in local government or the NHS—the ability to communicate confidently and appropriately at different levels is a key asset.
Skills
Below is a list of transferable skills developed in English that can be applied to all careers:
- Strong written and verbal communication skills – including the ability to identify and engage different audiences, construct coherent arguments, present ideas clearly, and provide relevant context across a range of topics.
- Awareness of context and audience – sensitivity to how meaning is shaped by the circumstances of communication, the perspective of the author, and the needs of the intended audience.
- A rich and precise vocabulary – with the ability to apply critical and subject-specific terminology accurately and effectively.
- Proficient research skills – including familiarity with a range of research methods and the ability to present findings clearly, accurately, and appropriately.
A Level Results Day
Congratulations to all our students on their fantastic achievements this year. Our wonderful young people achieved the grades they have worked so hard for and that they deserve; they have shown true resilience and determination to succeed.
Our Year 13 leavers are now considering their next steps whether at university, to include King’s College London, the University of York, the University of Southampton and Queen Mary University London, or to employment and apprenticeships. We look forward to seeing what these ‘Leaders of Tomorrow’ achieve in the future.
GCSE Results Day
We are delighted to celebrate and share the success of our wonderful Year 11 pupils. We are incredibly proud of the commitment to their studies and the resilience they have shown throughout their GCSE courses.
The school’s mission, ‘Inspiring Leaders of Tomorrow’ underpins all that we do. Pupils are expected, encouraged and supported to achieve their very best academically. It is extremely pleasing to see so many pupils rise to the challenge and achieve outcomes that enable them to further their studies. All Year 11 pupils should be rightly proud of their achievements.
Headline figures:
- 82% of pupils achieved grades 9-5 in English and Spanish
- 78% of pupils achieved grades 9-4 in maths
- 66% of pupils in Spanish gained grade 9-7
For individual pupils there are a wide range of success stories. It was a pleasure to celebrate with our pupils and their families on GCSE results day as the group of young people prepare for the next stage of their educational journey,
All pupils have been supported by our wonderful staff who have worked tirelessly, and with relentless enthusiasm. We are thrilled to celebrate the achievements of our incredible community.
The Hidden Dangers of Energy Drinks: What Every Parent Should Know
In today's fast-paced world, energy drinks have become a popular go-to for teens and young adults seeking a quick boost to get through school, sports, or social activities. Marketed with flashy labels and promises of increased alertness, these beverages may seem harmless — but the truth is far more concerning. As a parent, it’s essential to understand the real dangers energy drinks pose to your child’s health and well-being.
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What Are Energy Drinks?
Energy drinks are beverages that typically contain high levels of caffeine, sugar, and other stimulants like guarana, taurine, and B vitamins. Popular brands such as Red Bull often target younger audiences through social media and sponsorship of extreme sports, creating the impression that these drinks are not only cool but also necessary for peak performance.
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Why Are Energy Drinks Dangerous for Kids and Teens?
1. High Caffeine Content
Most energy drinks contain 2 to 3 times more caffeine than a cup of coffee. For a developing body, that much caffeine can cause:
- Heart palpitations
- High blood pressure
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Insomnia and poor sleep quality
- In rare cases, seizures or cardiac arrest
Teens and children are especially sensitive to caffeine, and their bodies can’t process it as efficiently as adults. According to the NHS, children and adolescents should avoid energy drinks entirely.
2. Risk of Sugar Overload
Energy drinks are often loaded with sugar — sometimes up to 14 teaspoons per can. Excess sugar intake contributes to:
- Obesity
- Type 2 diabetes
- Dental cavities
- Mood swings and behavioral issues
Many kids don’t realise how much sugar they’re consuming, especially when it’s hidden behind trendy packaging and exotic flavors.
3. Dangerous Mixing with Alcohol
This is extremely dangerous because the caffeine masks the depressant effects of alcohol, making individuals feel less intoxicated than they actually are. This can lead to:
- Increased risk of alcohol poisoning
- Risky behaviors
- Impaired judgment
- Higher chances of addiction
4. Impact on Mental Health
Energy drinks have been linked to increased anxiety, depression, and irritability in adolescents. The artificial highs and crashes from these beverages can negatively affect mood regulation and emotional stability.
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Signs Your Child May Be Using Energy Drinks
Watch out for these red flags:
- Frequent consumption of drinks like Monster, Red Bull, or pre-workout powders
- Changes in sleep patterns (difficulty falling asleep, staying up late)
- Increased anxiety, jitteriness, or mood swings
- Complaints of heart racing or "weird" body sensations
- Hiding cans or being secretive about what they’re drinking
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What You Can Do as a Parent
✅ Start a Conversation
Ask your child what they know about energy drinks and share your concerns calmly and non-judgmentally. Use real-life examples or news stories if possible.
✅ Promote Healthy Alternatives
Encourage your child to choose:
- Water or flavored sparkling water
- Herbal teas
- Smoothies or fresh juices
- A balanced diet and regular physical activity for natural energy
✅ Read Labels Together
Help your child learn to recognise high caffeine and sugar content by reading product labels. Make it a teaching opportunity.
✅ Set Boundaries
If necessary, establish household rules about what drinks are allowed, especially for younger teens and children.
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In Summary
Energy drinks are not just harmless pick-me-ups — they are highly caffeinated, sugar-loaded products that pose real risks to your child’s physical and mental health. As a parent, staying informed and engaged is the first step in protecting your child. By fostering open conversations, modeling healthy habits, and setting appropriate boundaries, you can help your child make safe and smart choices in a world full of tempting but dangerous quick fixes.
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More than 6,000 children under 16 were injured while walking or cycling on UK roads in 2023, according to new data analysed by The AA. As schools reopen, The AA is reminding drivers to stay alert to protect young people heading back to classrooms.
Back to School: Safety Around School Zones
Children are more vulnerable to road incidents due to unpredictable behaviour and limited awareness of traffic dangers. The AA is reminding motorists to take extra care around schools, where congestion and distractions are common.
AA Safety Advice for Drivers:
- Reduce speed in school zones - even if not signposted
- Avoid mobile phone use while driving
- Park away from school gates and avoid zigzag lines
- Watch for children on bikes, scooters, or crossing roads unexpectedly
- Follow the request to stop by a school crossing patrol