As always, as we build towards Christmas, we are very busy.  This week, we had our annual Sports Awards evening, where individual and team performances are celebrated.  Congratulations to all who received awards and have taken part in school sport. School sport is an important way of developing friendships as well as leadership skills.  Taking part in sport and keeping active is also very important for individuals' mental well-being, so it was wonderful to see over 170 students receive awards and certificates for their sporting endeavours.  The guest speaker, Adam Corbett, an alumnus of Charters, spoke about his career in sport from an operations and commercial viewpoint. For students who are passionate about sport to hear that there are commercial avenues to keep their interest alive when they are looking at careers was good to hear.

Wednesday saw the much-anticipated Winter Concert, after the performance that was trialled in the assemblies last week.  As always, the energy in the room and joy from both the performers and the audience were wonderful to be part of.  With over 100 students taking part in the orchestra, bands, choirs and ensembles.  Next week we have the Carol Service at Holy Trinity Church, all are welcome to attend.   Thank you to the newly formed Friends of Charters School who helped with refreshments on the evening. 

This week, we had the news that we have been accredited as an AI Pathfinder school in recognition of the work that we have been doing in the curriculum to support learning, and also in other functions of the school.  

Traffic continues to be an issue. I would ask that drivers not stop on the yellow line or park in areas that are hatched off; these are there to ensure we have better traffic flow.  I have been in contact with the Police as well as the local authority to find a more permanent solution to the congestion on Charters Road, as this is a public highway. As has been requested on a number of occasions, if pick-ups could be arranged a few 100 metres from the school site, that would make a significant difference. 

Acrylic nails of any length

We had a student last week who had their own natural nail ripped off in an accident in school because they had acrylic nails on.  This has led to a very nasty injury for them and a lot of pain.  This would not have happened if the acrylic nail was not on. Please do not allow your child to have acrylic nails when they are in school, as we are concerned from a health and safety point of view.

CHRISTMAS DRAW 2025

This year, we are aiming high, and we would be grateful for your support in helping us achieve something truly special. Our hope is that our Christmas Draw can raise £7,000 to begin transforming our Main Hall into a space that will genuinely inspire our students. This project will make a meaningful difference to their school experience, and with your help, we can bring it to life.

Here’s the remarkable part:
If every parent or carer purchased just one £5 Christmas Draw ticket for each of their children, we would reach our goal.
One ticket is all it takes to contribute to a project that will benefit the entire school community.

We are also delighted to offer a fantastic selection of prizes, including:
• West End Theatre Tickets for two
• Go Ape Adventure for four
• Sparkling Afternoon Tea for two
• Indoor Skydiving for four – sponsored by H Prestige Estates Ltd
• Vineyard Tour for two

Whether you are treating yourself or hoping to win a special gift for someone else, every ticket purchased brings us closer to creating an exciting new space for our students.

Thank you for supporting the Christmas Draw if you are able to.

Together, we can make a real and lasting difference.

Thank you.

Tickets are £5 each and are available on ParentPay

Small Lotteries License – SL0174

MAKE A WISH COME TRUE!

A huge thank you to everyone who has already donated to our 2025 Wish List to buy resources that will truly enrich daily life for students across all subjects and departments are getting very excited!

This year’s wishes range from a realistic “breathing” comfort puppy to help soothe unwell students, to a brand-new distortion pedal to inspire creativity in the Music Department. 

We’re also delighted to include wishes from our Tutor Teams for the very first time. They’ve seen how a simple five-minute game can spark laughter, build confidence, and strengthen the sense of community within their Tutor Groups. To help them continue this brilliant work, we’d love to provide 10 games for each year group from Years 7–11. The cost to fulfil a full year group’s wish is £123 — and every contribution makes a difference.

• Parents and carers can grant the wish of a single game.
• Local businesses may like to sponsor an entire year group for just £123 (Please contact our Marketing Manager if you have a business that could help)

If you would like to support this year's Wish List, you can make your donation - either via ParentPay or by using our secure online giving platform CAF Donate -  and then just let us know the wish you have granted by emailing marketing@chartersschool.org.uk 

If you’re able, please consider supporting this year’s Wish List – and helping us shape joyful, memorable moments for our students.

Thank you for your continued generosity & for making our wishes come true!

CHECK OUT THIS WEEK'S NEWS STORIES BY CLICKING ON THE IMAGES BELOW

The Big Lecture 2025

Shining a Light on Respect: Assemblies Tackle Sexism and Misogyny

Winter Concerts Heralds the Start of the Festive Season

Jessica Strikes Gold in Fencing Competition

AFBT Bursaries support Charters’ Rising Sports Stars

Sports Presentation Evening 2025 Celebrates Outstanding Talent
 

Take a look through our social media using the buttons below

A huge well done to all our Stars this week...

7	ALICE	For always contributing sensitively and insightfully to discussions in form time and PDL, and for always offering to lend a hand to help both members of staff and other students.
8	TED	Amazing attitude towards learning and getting the first act of kindness in our tutor - show respect towards staff - Well done.
9	EDEN	Amazing Half term with making positive decisions and contributions in lessons. Well done Eden.
10	ANTONIO	Antonio has had a great week, especially for achievement points, a fantastic student who always does the right thing.
11	IRIS	For their excellent effort and preparation during mock interviews.
12	MATTY	For an outstanding tutor time presentation and consistent acts of kindness that contribute to a positive atmosphere around the school community.
13	SAM, MATTHEW, HARRY & BILLY	For hard work and positive approach in preparation and delivery of Y13 assembly.

We will have a double round-up of all activities over this past fortnight, next week...

SAVE THE DATE 

MESSAGE FROM WHITE BUS SERVICES - TEMPORARY BUS STOP CHANGES

Ongoing roadworks on Fernbank Road have progressed to a point where the Goaters Road bus stop is no longer accessible for our school transport, as it is within the active works area. 

With immediate effect and until further notice, all students who usually use the Goaters Road stop should instead wait at one of the following locations:

• The Gold Cup bus stop
• Audley Way bus stop

We appreciate your cooperation in helping ensure students can be collected safely and without disruption during this period. We will provide further updates as soon as the situation changes.

SCHOOL EQUIPMENT LIST

As we move closer to a well-earned break it is always sensible for all students to have a quick equipment check and make sure that they can use the time off over the festive period to replenish pencil case, making sure that they all have the equipment that they need for the new year. As a reminder the Charters School equipment list is always displayed at the bottom of the newsletter. Please note that we have added whiteboard pens to the list. The primary aim here is that students can have good quality whiteboard pens of their own to use the many lessons where teaching use mini whiteboards to add engagement and deepen learning. The pens can be purchased, relatively inexpensively at a range of stores and online. Other suppliers are, of course, available, but we have put a few below that you might find kick and useful. An ideal stocking filler!

• Pack of 2 black pens here
• Pack of 10 assorted coloured pens here
• Pack of 10 black pens here

UNSUITABLE TRAINERS 

We would like to remind you that Nike Air Force 1s are classified as lifestyle/fashion trainers and are not permitted for Physical Education lessons. These shoes are designed for casual wear rather than sport, and therefore do not provide the support or functionality required for safe participation in PE activities.

To ensure students can take part safely and comfortably, we ask that all students wear appropriate sports trainers specifically designed for physical activity.

Why Air Force 1s are unsuitable for PE:

• Lack of proper foot support: Air Force 1s have a flat, heavy sole that does not offer the arch or heel support needed for running, jumping, or multidirectional movement.
• Reduced flexibility: The thick leather upper and rigid sole limit natural foot movement, increasing the risk of strains and discomfort during PE.
• Heavier than sports trainers: Their weight can make movement sluggish, reduce agility, and cause fatigue more quickly.
• Poor grip for sports surfaces: The tread pattern is made for everyday wear, not sport-specific surfaces, increasing the chance of slipping.
• Higher risk of injury: Because they are not performance shoes, they can contribute to ankle rolls, knee strain, and impact-related issues.
• Not designed for repeated high-impact activity: Lifestyle trainers do not provide adequate shock absorption for running or high-impact sports, potentially leading to joint soreness.
• Durability concerns: Intensive PE use can damage the leather structure and stitching, meaning the shoes wear out significantly faster.

We appreciate your support in ensuring students are properly equipped for PE. 

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE POPPY APPEAL

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all parents and carers for your generosity in supporting this year’s Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal. Thanks to your kindness, our school community raised an impressive £745 in total — a fantastic achievement that will make a meaningful difference.

We were also delighted to receive a lovely thank-you card from the Royal British Legion, who wished to pass on their sincere appreciation for your support. Your contributions help ensure that the vital work they do for serving and former members of the Armed Forces, and their families, can continue.

Thank you once again for your outstanding support and generosity. 

ATTENDANCE MATTERS

We continue to encourage students to attend school even when they feel a little below their best. For those worried about heavier periods, pain, or embarrassment, we offer understanding staff, access to supplies, and a safe space if needed. These supportive measures help students feel secure and confident in maintaining good attendance.

HAVE YOU LOST YOUR COAT?

There are many lost property items in Student Services including coats, blazers, pairs of shoes and trainers, as well as jewellery and other items.  We have included a photo of some of the coats in the hope that they will be recognised.  If these items are not claimed by the end of term we will be donating them to charity.

TICKETS SELLING FAST FOR SENIOR PRODUCTION

Rehearsals are well under way for the Senior Production of DNA by Dennis Kelly. Tickets are selling fast and there are just a few available on ParentPay for the performance on Thursday 15th January. This year’s performance features a talented cast of 24 outstanding students from Years 10, 11, and 12, all of whom have been working incredibly hard to bring this gripping play to life. 

There will be two evening performances on Wednesday 15th and Thursday 16th January and the production is generously sponsored by Elysee Kitchens & Interiors.

We would like to offer local businesses the opportunity to advertise in our programme for this exciting production. This is a wonderful way to support our students while showcasing your business to an engaged local audience.

Prices for advert are:
£100 for a full A5 page (Portrait 297mm x 210mm)
£50 for a half A5 page (Landscape 133mm x 190mm)
£25 for a quarter A5 page (Portrait 133mm x 93mm)

As well as a full colour advert within the programme, all advertisers will also feature in this weekly newsletter which is emailed to our staff, 1700 students, and their families on the week of the production, with a live link to their business.

If you would like to place an advert, please complete this form.

Artwork will need to be sent to our Head of Drama - l.jordan@chartersschool.org.uk - BY 15th December 2025 so that it can be included in our programme before the print deadline.

Thank you for your support

CAREER POWER SKILL - CHRISTMAS EDITION

MESSAGE FOR STUDENTS

Developing strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills is essential for success in school—and in your future career. Whether you dream of becoming an engineer, medic, designer, entrepreneur, programmer, or anything in between, employers look for people who can analyse information, think creatively, evaluate options, and make good decisions.

And what better time to build these skills than during the festive season?

Try these Christmas-themed activities to get thinking like Santa’s top problem-solvers.

NHS WORK EXPERIENCE SESSIONS

MESSAGE FROM MEDICMENTOR.ORG

The Medical and Dental Schools Council acknowledges virtual work experience as an equal alternative to in-person shadowing based on a discovery report conducted by Health Education England. I encourage students aged 14 and over, interested in becoming doctors or dentists to participate in our FREE National NHS Virtual Work Experience programme. We are pleased to offer a variety of medical and dental specialties, with a focus this month on Palliative Care and Public Health & Oral Pathology. This enables your students to gain a well-rounded perspective of working within the NHS.

For students in Years 10-13
Medicine: https://medicmentor.org/university-hospitals-birmingham-trust-virtual-work-experience/
Dentistry: https://dental-mentor.org/university-hospitals-birmingham-trust-virtual-work-experience/

Developed in collaboration with Birmingham Universities Hospitals Trust, this Virtual Work Experience has proven to be transformative for thousands of secondary school students over the past year. It also provides a strong foundation of knowledge for students who are preparing to undertake future in-person placements.

This 6-month medical and 4 months dental e-learning work experience programme allows students to set their own pace of learning. Covering everything from confidentiality and ethics workshops delivered by the GMC to clinical procedures, our virtual work experience provides a crucial overview to enhance your students’ UCAS applications.

Signing up is easy – students simply need to fill out the free online application form:
Medicine: https://medicmentor.org/university-hospitals-birmingham-trust-virtual-work-experience/
Dentistry: https://dental-mentor.org/university-hospitals-birmingham-trust-virtual-work-experience/

We look forward to interacting with your students and will provide them with certificates upon completion. Thank you for passing on the details.

Warm regards,
Dr (Prof) Dhakshana Sivayoganathan
Medical Director of Medic Mentor (part of Mentorverse)
Visiting Professor of Medical Leadership and Innovation at University of Greater Manchester Medical School
British Medical Journal (BMJ) Clinical Champion
Mentorverse is a General Medical Council (GMC) Designated Body for Doctors
Associate Member of the NHS Confederation
NHS Providers Insight Partner
Creating Future Healthcare Leaders for the NHS
Previously successful Medical students: https://medicmentor.org/successful-student-journeys-reviews/

Previously successful Dental students:
https://dental-mentor.org/successful-student-journeys-reviews/

From Secondary School Student to Medical Scholarship Student: a step-by-step guide on getting into medical school successfully: https://medicmentor.org/become-a-medic-mentor-student-2/

Website: medicmentor.org | dental-mentor.org
Enquiry Form: https://medicmentor.org/contact_us/
 

Our Upcoming Opportunities page is constantly updated with new and exciting Careers opportunities.

SUPPORT 1ST SUNNINGDALE SCOUTS – BUY A BRICK APPEAL

1st Sunningdale Scouts are raising funds to rebuild their Scout Hut in 2026, creating a modern community space that will support Scouting in the village for years to come. Over 130 local young people and 50 volunteers currently take part in Scouts locally, building skills, confidence, and lifelong friendships.

You can support the project by buying a brick and having your name or message engraved on the celebration wall at the new hut.

Learn more or order your brick at: www.sunningdalescouts.org.uk

BE PREPARED
EVERY DAY STUDENTS WILL NEED TO BRING...

HOPE FOOD SHARE

The Hope Church food share takes place each Tuesday from 12pm-1pm. 

The items include mainly fresh food and bakery items donated from local supermarkets. The food is at the end of its shelf life (but still perfectly fine to eat!) and would otherwise just go to waste. Bring a bag to fill up, stop for a chat and a cup of tea (and cake!!) and warm up in the church. ALL welcome, no voucher/referral required.

Hope Church, Sunningdale, The Hope Centre, High Street Sunningdale, (next to Nag’s Head).

Please CLICK HERE for more details.

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PARENT CURRICULUM/SUPPORT INFORMATION

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PLEASE NOTE: The school’s phone system records all external calls both incoming and outgoing. 

 Disclaimer: Any websites or apps mentioned in the Weekly Newsletter are not endorsed by the School and are used at your own discretion.  Any views or opinions expressed within the website or app are not necessarily those of Charters School.