NEWSLETTER

From Mr Ball: Head of Secondary
Hello,
The IB examinations start on May 2 and a number of students have already sat
examinations for IGCSE ICT. The month of May is one of sadness and pride. The IB2
students will have their final day of formal education at Garden before beginning their
examinations. This is a time of sadness because I remember many students from their
time in Garden since Year 7, and they will leave school for the final time this year. I have
fond memories of these students over the last 7 years. Parth is immortalized on the library
wall as the first-ever winner of the Lone Wolf trophy when he was in Year 7. Sandy drove
very fast even back then, so nothing has changed there. Heta was very quiet, so a lot has
changed there. I wonder what their Year 7 form tutor Mr Waudby would say if he met them
now? It is also a time of pride as these students have visibly grown and matured over their
time at Garden and are, I can say, ready to head out and go to university, a place where
they will continue thriving and growing as both individuals and learners. The IGCSE exams
have already started for some students and Friday May 3 is their final day of formal study.
Many of the Year 11 students have indicated that they would like to return to participate in
the IB course and this is wonderful news. I remember teaching science to many of the
Year 11s when they were in Year 7 and they have continued to be as charming a year
group as they progressed through the school as they were in Year 7. I wish the IB2s and
the Year 11s the best possible luck in their examinations.
The MAD (Music, Art, and Drama) evening showcased the wide range of skills that our
students possess. The art work that was on display formed part of the IB art students’ final
IB examination work. The event was well attended and the ‘French café’ feel created by
the setup of the tables helped to make the evening as pleasant as it was.
The renaissance of the IB student work room is now complete. Mr Martin and his team
have done a wonderful job in designing, painting and refurnishing this room. If you haven’t
seen it yet (and you are in Year 11) you should have a peek, it’s a great room to work in. If
you are in IB2 this is a great room to revise in during your examinations.
Examination week for Years 7-10 and IB1 students is fast approaching. The dates are
Friday May 17 (for IB1 they start on Thursday May 16) to Thursday May 23. Form Tutors
will pass on the schedule to their tutor groups. These are important exams and students
should start revising soon. The Camillian Centre visited on the second day of term. The
IB1s organised a talent show for the the Camillian students, which was excellent. For more
information on this visit see the report by Mr Beales is below.
We are trialling new eco boxes in the secondary school. These are at the top of the stairs
on the first floor. Please place your cans into the eco box labelled cans and your plastic
into the eco box labelled plastic. Everything earned from recycling these items is used to
purchase plants and support eco activities.
Sage Ball
Head of Secondary