Weekly Bulletin for Friday 10 July 2026

 

On Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon, I had the pleasure of presenting the awards at the Ipswich & South Suffolk school Games Quadkids sports event at Northgate High School.  This is an Olympics-style event for Year 4 and 6 children from local primary schools organised by Mrs Furlong and Ms Logan, the School Games Organisers who are based here at Westbourne but work across the whole community.  A number of our Year 9 and 10 sports leaders were present along with Mr Compton, helping organise the younger children in the long jump event. They did such a good job we were all very proud of them!

Year 9 Sports Leaders:

  • Evie P
  • Isla M
  • Mylie G
  • Ebunoluwa O
  • Abela A
  • Phoebe L
  • Megan G
  • Jasmin C
  • Max N
  • Dastan N
  • Riley W
  • Alfie A
  • Mahdi A
  • Leyland W
  • Sophie W

Year 10 Sports Leaders:

  • Luckveer K
  • Elysia W
  • Imogen T
  • Molly S
  • Milly S
  • Austin B
  • Resul B
  • Solman M
  • Flynn N
  • Patrick R
  • Euan L
  • Carson F
  • Isaac W
  • Kiran K
  • Jaxon M
  • Eiliyah I

As you will be aware we adjusted our arrangements for line-ups from Monday this week.  Although line-ups have made a big difference to how calm and orderly the site is throughout the day, we have found the lineups we do after break and lunchtimes are not as tightly organised as those we do at tutor time.  Part of the reason for this, was students moving from their playgrounds to where their lessons were taking place and arriving at different times, as well as the large number of classes – up to 20 – that were lining up for C block being difficult for one person leading the line-ups to speak to all at once.

Therefore, this week we have been asking students to line-up in the same place as they do for at Tutor Time, at the end of break and lunchtime.  This reduces the cognitive load of having to remember where to go three times a day. Iinstead all students just have to remember to go to the same place, with their teachers coming to collect them.

We have also introduced a simple hands-up signal to call the lines to silence. This is because senior staff were having to shout loudly for silence in the lineups before and this is not how we want staff and students to be interacting before going into a lesson.  The visual cue allows students to see they are expected to fall silent without any need for being shouted at.  We do ask students and staff to raise their hands together and, once silence falls, everyone drops their hand again.  This is working well so far.

As is often the cases with any change, we have had a very small number of students who have struggled to adjust. I would like to thank the parents and carers of those students who, when staff have called home, have been very supportive of what we are trying to do and this has really helped us.

 

Sportshall Athletics: Monday 13 July 2026

During the school day on Monday, each year group will have an opportunity to compete against their peers, representing their House, in a range of sportshall athletics track and field activities.

All students in all year groups will need to wear their PE kit and trainers to school on Monday and bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated.  Classes will register first with their usual timetabled teacher before going to the sports hall where they will sit in tutor groups as directed by PE staff.

Period 1 = Year 8

Period 3 = Year 10 (no line-up at the end of break)

Period 4 = Year 9

Period 5 = Year 7

The results and the wining House will be announced in the end of term assembly on Friday 17 July.

Bake Sale: Thursday 16 July

There will be a bake sale on Thursday at morning break time, in aid of resources for the gardening club. Students should please bring £1 or £2 coins to school if they would like to buy any cakes. The cake stall will be on the covered patio area, outside the entrance doors to the Food Hall from A block playground. Thank you to Mrs Ellis our Thrive Coordinator for helping to organise this event for our students.

 

Staff Goodbyes & New Appointments

At the end of term, we will be saying goodbye to the following colleagues who are moving on to new pastures new and we thank them for their hard work and commitment to Westbourne over the years:

  • Miss D Ellis – Teacher of History
  • Mr D Day – Team Leader of History
  • Mr A Durrant – HOY10/Teacher of Geography
  • Miss S Mazur – Teacher of Art
  • Miss J Millar – Teacher of H&SoCare/PSHE
  • Miss C Farr – HOY7/Teacher of Maths
  • Mr T Perry – HOY8/Team Leader of Music
  • Mr A Ojukwu – Teacher of Science
  • Ms H Feakes – Teacher of Science
  • Miss L Annandale – Team Leader for PE

The following colleagues have been successfully appointed to new roles within the academy and we would like to congratulate them on this achievement:

  • Mr A Archer – new Team Leader of History
  • Mr O Brighton – new Team Leader of PE
  • Miss K Marshall – new Team Leader of DT
  • Mr K Carr – new Teacher of Food
  • Miss S Bird – new Head of Year 11
  • Mr C Compton – new Head of Year 9
  • Mr J McLean – new Head of Year 8

Last week, we were delighted to welcome our new Academy Receptionist, Miss E Scott. There are a number of new teaching and support staff joining us next year and we will write to you separately to introduce them to you in September.

 

Heads of Year & Assistant Heads of Year for 2026-2027

We are pleased to confirm the Heads of Year and Assistant Heads of Year for September are as follows:

Year Group                                     Head of Year                                 Assistant Head of Year

New Year 7                                      Mr D Payne                                      Ms L Robbie

Year 7 into 8                                    Mr J McLean                                    Mrs G Rockell

Year 8 into 9                                    Mr C Compton                                 Mr M Masters

Year 9 into 10                                 Mr M Agate                                       Ms S McKnight-Shaw

Year 10 into 11                              Miss S Bird                                       Ms K Thomas-Astley

 

School Council Applications for Year 11

On Wednesday, parents and carers of current Year 10 students were sent information from Miss Bird about School Council applications for 15 July. A copy of this communication can be found here on our website news page:

School Council Applications for Year 11 (2026-2027) – Westbourne Academy

 

Last Day of Term: Friday 17 July

On the last day of term, we will be adjusting the timings of the day slightly to accommodate a longer morning break and to allow students to be dismissed at the earlier time of 13:00. Any students who are eligible for FSM will be able to spend their allowance at morning break as there is no lunchtime service.

  • Tutor time: 08:30 – 08:55 (as normal)
  • P1 08:55 – 09:50 (55 mins)
  • P2 09:50 – 10:45 (55 mins)
  • Break 10:45 – 11:15 (30 mins)
  • P3 11:15 – 12:10 (55 mins)
  • P4 12:10 – 13:00 (50 mins)

Please note that school and Reception will close at 13:30 on the last day of term. Any communications or message left whilst we are closed will be dealt with when we re-open in September.

 

First Day of the Autumn Term

Tuesday 1st and Wednesday 2nd September are staff training days, and the academy is closed. We will communicate our plans for the start of term by separate email.

 

Footwear Expectations from September

Please follow the link below to read more information about our footwear expectations for students from September. Previously, trainers such as Nike Air Force Ones were allowed to be worn but following a review, they will no longer be acceptable for school.

Sway

The following features are NOT permitted, regardless of brand:

  • Visible logos, ticks, stripes or branding in any colour
  • White soles, coloured soles, or contrasting trims
  • Reflective panels or decorative features
  • Sports shoe styling or trainer soles
  • Contrasting stitching, including yellow stitching

If you are unsure whether a particular pair of shoes meets our expectations, please take a photo and send it to wes-office@attrust.org.uk marked for the attention of Mrs C Clarke.

Thank you for your support in maintaining high standards of presentation and uniform

across the school community.

 

Lost Property

If your child has lost any personal items, shoes or uniform then they should please go and see their Assistant Head of Year in The Hub at break or lunchtime next week. Anything that remains uncollected by the end of the day on Thursday 16 July, will be donated to local charity shops.

 

Vacancies: Teaching Assistants

We have 3 vacancies for Teaching Assistants. We are looking for enthusiastic individuals who are self-motivated and have a passion for supporting teaching and learning by establishing supportive relationships with students, helping to raise their self-esteem and develop a positive attitude to learning within a secondary Academy. Previous experience in a relatable role within an educational establishment is desirable but not essential. These roles require a grade C/4 or equivalent in English and Maths.

Online applications and job descriptions can be found here on our website:

https://buff.ly/MYJBtrD

 

WA Community Hub Events 2026

Open to all! Our next Community Hub is on Monday 13 July from 15:15 – 16:15. Entry via Reception. Bags of non-perishable food items and feminine hygiene products are available in exchange for a £3 donation (exact change please). Queries to wes-office@attrust.org.uk.

Future Community Hub events for 2026-2027 are on pause whilst Miss Degville is on maternity leave.

 

Year 10 Geography Fieldwork Trip to Stratford and the Olympic Park

Year 10 GCSE Geography students recently visited Stratford and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London as part of their compulsory fieldwork investigation.

The purpose of the visit was to explore whether the legacy of the 2012 Olympic Games has improved the quality of life for people living in the area. Throughout the day, students collected a range of primary data to help answer this important enquiry question.

Working in small groups, students carried out traffic counts, environmental quality surveys and questionnaires with members of the public. These fieldwork techniques allowed students to gather evidence about the social, economic and environmental impacts of the Olympic redevelopment and assess how successful the regeneration of Stratford has been.

Students demonstrated excellent teamwork, organisation and communication skills while collecting data and engaging with members of the public. The information gathered will now be analysed in lessons and used to complete the fieldwork component of their GCSE Geography course.

After a busy morning of data collection, students enjoyed a well-earned lunch break in Westfield Stratford City, where they had the opportunity to explore the shopping centre and spend time with friends before returning home.

It was a highly successful trip, providing students with valuable first-hand experience of geographical fieldwork while helping them develop the skills required for their GCSE examinations. Miss Kelly, Geography Team Leader, would like to congratulate all students on their excellent behaviour and positive attitude throughout the day.

 

 

Reconnect Programme Update

On the 8 July, students from Year 7 and 8 celebrated completing the Reconnect Programme at school. This programme was jointly facilitated by Marcus Buckley from the Child Exploitation Hub and Matt Mason Community Inclusion Worker at Westbourne Academy .

This programme provides support to help children feel more included, build on their strengths, grow their resilience, and develop the skills and confidence they need to thrive in education. All the students involved will be involved in ongoing consultation to improve communication in school. All eight of them showed great resilience and positive change over the 11 weeks and were presented with a certificate and gift voucher by Vice Principal, Mr Stronach, to recognise their hard work.

Mr Mason and Marcus would like to thank parents and Staff for their support during the last 11 weeks.

 

 

KS4 Child Development for September

Miss Morrell who is teaches Health & Social Care to Year 10 and 11 students, is very grateful to Asda for their donation of books that are needed for September, when the above new Key Stage 4 subject will be taught as a Year 10 option.

Miss Morrell has a wish list of further resources that she is looking to acquire. If you are able to donate any of these items, please leave them at Reception marked for her attention before we close on Friday 17 July:

  • 30 tape measures
  • Tiny baby nappies
  • Accessories for dolls such as bottles etc
  • Tiny baby clothes
  • Child paints and paintbrushes for activities
  • 30 plastic aprons
  • Reusable plastic table covers
  • Paper plates and cups
  • Straws, pipe cleaners
  • Coloured pencil packs x 15
  • Slime kits
  • Baby toys and playmats
  • Jigsaws for children

 

 

Swim Safe: Free Lessons at Felixstowe

Swim Safe is coming to Felixstowe for the first time this August, giving local children the opportunity to learn vital open water safety skills through fun, free sessions.

Delivered by Swim England and the RNLI, Swim Safe is designed for children aged 7–14 who can swim at least 25 metres unaided. During the hour-long sessions, qualified instructors teach children how to enjoy the water safely, including how to float, recognise hazards and know what to do if they or someone else gets into difficulty.

Many children spend time at the coast over the summer holidays, so these practical water safety skills are more important than ever. Families can find out more and book their free sessions here:

Felixstowe Beach – Swim Safe

Places are limited, so families are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment.

 

 

Whitton Parish News

We are pleased to share the summer edition of Whitton Parish News with our wider community:

Whitton Times Summer 2026

 

 

4YP Summer Holiday Programme

4YP are hosting a free Summer Holiday Programme for two age groups, which will provide each group with two days of activities and lunch for local young people for five weeks of the holidays.

For 12–16-year-olds (School Years 7–11), the sessions will take place on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Each day runs from 10:30am to 2:30pm, with lunch provided. Activities will take place at the 4YP Hub on Lower Brook Street, as well as other great venues such as Clip ’n’ Climb and Colchester Zoo and will be organised and supervised by experienced 4YP Youth Workers.

Parents need to sign up online here for places by Friday 10 July:

Sign-up Page

 

 

 

Suffolk HAF Programme

Suffolk HAF programme is now live for bookings for the summer holidays. HAF provides activities for families who are eligible for means tested Free School Meals (FSM), or other support needs upon referral. Eligible families can view listings and book sessions including a meal here:

booking platform Eequ

Suffolk HAF Programme (Summer) flyer

If you have any questions or issues, please email HAFenquiries@suffolk.gov.uk

 

Student Absence

Please ensure if your child is absent from the academy, that you have notified the attendance office at the earliest opportunity on each day they are not going to be in school, in order to prevent the automated text messages being sent or absence calls being made to parents/carers – these commence from 8.35am each day.

The ways in which you can contact the academy to inform us of student absence can be found on our website here.

You can contact the attendance team direct on 01473 466145 or by email wes-attendance@attrust.org.uk

 

Applying for Free School Meals

You can apply for free school meals online direct with Suffolk County Council. You will get an immediate response and confirmation email after you have completed your application. You will not be able to apply over the phone because you need to provide an email address, password and sign the declaration stating that you have parental responsibility. Follow the link below which will take you to the SCC website:

https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/children-families-and-learning/schools/school-meals-uniforms-and-trips/apply-for-free-school-meals

Contact: freeschoolmeals@suffolk.gov.uk

 

  

MyChildAtSchool (MCAS)

If you have not yet registered, please do so at your earliest convenience to ensure you have access to all the academy’s communications and services. We recommend that parents and carers use the website version of MCAS rather than the app as the website offers greater functionality than the app. A copy of the self-sign-up instructions can be found here:

Cashless System – Westbourne Academy

NOTE: If you have MCAS, then you won’t receive SMS messages from school so please remember to turn on notifications on your device because any messages will go through MCAS.

 

Food Hall Menus

The new menu on offer at break and lunch in our Food Hall can be found here on our website. The menus rotate every three weeks and new menus will be introduced after half term:

Catering & Food Hall – Westbourne Academy

 

 

Key Dates 2026

Monday 13 July                             – WA Community Hub 15:15-16:00

Thursday 16 July`                           – Bake Sale at Morning Break (Food Hall)

Thursday 16 July                            – Staff v Y11 LEavers Football Match (3G pitch)

Friday 17 July                                  – Last day of the summer term/closed at 13:00

Tuesday 1st September                    – Staff PD Day (school closed)

Wednesday 2nd September             – Staff PD Day (school closed

Thursday 3 September                  – 1st day of autumn term 2026 (separate email to follow)

Friday 18 September                     – Whole School Photos

Friday 27 November                    – Staff PD Day (school closed)

You can view our academy events calendar, together with term dates and PD days, on our website here:

Academy Calendar and Term Dates – Westbourne Academy

Kind regards

Mr M Higgon

Principal

 

Academy vision: Westbourne is an inclusive academy. We support all students, regardless of starting point, to achieve their potential and develop the skills necessary for employment and life.

Academy values: Be Safe, Be Thoughtful, Be Accountable and Be Respectful.

General queries to: wes-office@attrust.org.uk or 01473 742315