This week we received a brand-new minibus! This will allow us to take students on trips and sports fixtures, and joins our fleet of three existing minibuses.

The UK faces a national skills shortage in STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. In particular, there are fewer and fewer females choosing this particular sector in which to work. To help address this, girls from the Computer Science afterschool club took part in a fantastic coding workshop at Bayer Pharmaceuticals. The workshop encouraged the girls to push their thinking and to get hands-on with robotics that could actually be used in the real world.

Using LEGO Education’s Spike Prime kits, students worked together to build and code an automated vehicle. The coding was all done using word-blocks within the Spike app. Throughout the session, students explored how coding and automation are reshaping industries like agriculture. It was not just about making something that moves, but about solving a real-world problem using motors, sensors, lights, and sound.

There is another workshop planned in June, and we are extending the invitation to other Year 7 girls who are interested in attending. The same students will be invited to an advanced workshop in October to help develop and build the basic skills they learnt.

This workshop supports the UK national curriculum at Key Stage 3, with links to computational thinking, control systems, and digital design. It’s a strong foundation for future studies in computing, engineering, or D&T (Design and Technology).

Year 10 students, Abdul, Salim and Aamir, came second in the recent Cultivate Enterprise Competition at Zebra Technologies.

They had to create and pitch a new piece of technology that Zebra could use in the future. Their idea was StockIQ – a system that can be used by retailers to automatically check stock of items.

The judges were really impressed with the students; they commented that the team had answers to technical questions that even Zebra had taken three years to figure out!

They won £250 for themselves, and a bag of goodies each. Well done team!

Back in March, we entered the Newbury and District Agricultural Society (NADAS) Debate Competition, and we were up against two other local schools.

We entered two teams of Year 12 students – Rachel, Rylee and Sienna, and Flossie, George and Phoebe. The teams had to debate the topic of the family farm inheritance tax. They had to speak for 15 minutes as a group with one member being the chairperson, one member the proposer and one as the opposer.  

We are proud to announce that Flossie, George and Phoebe's team won the competition and will receive £300 for the school.

Both teams performed brilliantly and were commended by the judges for their preparation, delivery of their speeches and the quality of their arguments. 

• 14/4 - Y7 U12 Boys Football League Semi-Final, LHS 2 v 0 Bohunt
• 14/4 - Y7 U12 Boys Football League Final, LHS 2 v 0 Highdown
• 15/4 - Y10 U15 Boys Football League Semi-Final, LHS 6 v 2 Bohunt
• 16/4 - Y8 U13 Boys Football League Semi-Final, LHS 0 v 1 Bohunt
• 16/4 - Y11 U16 Boys Football League Semi-Final, LHS 0 v 3 Bohunt
• 21/4 - Y9 U14 Boys Football League Semi-Final, LHS 4 v 3 Bohunt
• 22/4 - Y10 U15 Boys Football League Final, LHS 2 v 1 Blessed Hugh Farringdon 
• 30/4 - Y10 Athletics (result to follow)

BANK HOLIDAY FAMILY EVENT
Monday 4 May, Holybrook Fun Day, Linear Park

Bring the family along this Bank Holiday, Monday 4 May, to Linear Park, Calcot (1–4pm) and celebrate Holybrook Parish’s 25th Anniversary with a relaxed afternoon of entertainment, food, stalls and plenty of community fun for everyone.

It’s a free, family-friendly event with live entertainment, food, stalls and activities, offering a great opportunity for families to enjoy time together in the local community.

SENSORY PROCESSING WORKSHOP
Saturday 9 May, Wildflower Meadows

Wildflower Meadows, Burghfield Common, are hosting a Sensory Processing Workshop for parents on Saturday 9 May. 

This is ideal for parents of children who:

• become overwhelmed by noise, touch, or busy environments
• struggle with emotional regulation or anxiety
• may have autism, ADHD, or sensory differences
• are experiencing school avoidance (EBSA)

The session offers practical strategies and clear guidance to help parents better understand and support their child.

The booking link can be found here: Eventbrite | Booking Link Sensory Processing Workshop

READING SAILING CLUB OPEN DAY
Saturday 9 May 2026

Reading Sailing Club Open Day is on Saturday 9 May. If you would like to try sailing, this is a fantastic opportunity to give it a go in a safe, friendly environment.

There will be free taster sessions, model yachts, canoeing, and more, plus refreshments and a chance to explore our club facilities at Sonning Eye.

For more information and to book a session, email enquiries@readingsc.org.uk or visit readingsc.org.uk/openday

HONEY BEE TALK
Saturday 16 May 2026, Five a Day Garden

Adults and children over the age of 8 years can join Liz for a talk about Honey Bees on Saturday 16 May, at Five a Day Garden in Englefield.

Learn about their life cycle, habitats and how these amazing creatures contribute to the eco-climate.

Email 5adayevents@gmail.com to book your place.