Well done to Year 11 for what I know has been a particularly busy week for them – GCSE French and Spanish speaking examinations, GCSE PE moderation, GCSE Geography Field Trip to London as well as additional revision sessions after school and during lunchtimes, and revision for next week’s Science mock examinations. I would also like to recognise the very positive feedback we had from the external immunisation team regarding the conduct of Year 9.

This week Mrs Howells, Deputy Headteacher and Head of Sixth Form, has launched the Year 12 application process for next academic year’s Head Students. It is a credit to our students that so many of them are looking to apply and I will look forward to the interviews and to hearing their ideas.

Mr M Barrow, Headteacher

Charlie’s Promise – an update from Mrs Townsend, Deputy Headteacher and Designated Safeguarding Lead

Martin Cosser from the charity Charlie's Promise (Charlie's Promise | Working to prevent knife crime) came to school to speak to Year 8 and Year 10 students yesterday about the dangers and immeasurable impacts of both using and carrying a knife. Martin spoke of his much loved 17-year-old son Charlie's death as a result of knife crime in 2023 and the impact that this has had on his family and friends. The talks were very moving, with many students staying behind or returning to speak to Martin at the end. The end of the talk focused on positive choices and the choices students can make if they believe or suspect someone is carrying a knife, including contacting Fearless (Crimestoppers) anonymously on 0800 555 111 to report this. 

British Science Week – an update from Mrs Pett, Excellence Lead and Head of Science

British Science Week is a ten-day celebration of science which takes place each March. Notley High School celebrated this year’s British Science Week with a captivating ‘magic’ science show! Mr Henson, as the ‘magic science man’, led this exciting and engaging experience for students, offering them a chance to dive into the wonders of science with ‘magic science’ demonstrations. The atmosphere was filled with energy as students eagerly participated, and watched, as transition metals burnt with vibrant flames, methane bubbles set alight Mrs Moore’s hands and everyday liquids were transformed into water, milk and lemonade!

Our celebration of science week showed students how science can be both thrilling and relevant to their daily lives. 

Year 9 options – an update from Mr Burrows, Assistant Headteacher

Thank you to parent/carers for attending last night’s Parents’ Evening. Today the options form opens for completion. To support this, students will be receiving their progress reports next week and families have up to the 4th April to confirm option choices. The link for the form has already been emailed to you. Students also have a paper copy of the leaflet which also includes the link to the options form.

A reminder that:

• The March Online Safety Newsletter can be found here: https://notleyhigh.com/files/news/2021/2025/Online-Safety-Newsletter-March-2025.pdf
• Arrangements for the last day of this term can be found here: https://notleyhigh.com/letters-home-archive/item/last-day-of-spring-term-arrangements