Regents Review Spring 2025 26

REGENTS PARK COMMUNITY COLLEGE NEWSLETTER

SPRING 2026

World Book Day See page 20

Pi Day

Culture Week

Science Club

Year 10 Work Experience

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Page 24

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The Regents Review Spring 2026

WELCOME Headteacher’s Welcome

During student voice meetings, students have mentioned that they are enjoying the new resources and in particular the additional challenge that the United Learning curriculum promotes. As I write this today, Regents Park continues to be as vibrant and busy as always. Over the last week we have celebrated another fabulous Cultural Day with many activities and some of the most wonderful outfits. Year 11 have been immersed in our Focus Fortnight with exam feedback lessons, rewards for resilience and tonight we will celebrate our first ever Festival of Revision. As always, our swimming pool is full of students from our local primary schools learning the essential life skill of swimming. Saints Foundation are on site running interventions and this afternoon our student leaders will continue their exciting programme on leadership. As we enter the last term of the year, I would like to say a couple of farewells. Mr Grant, Head of Year 9 Support, is leaving us at the end of the week and we wish him well. Mrs Green left us this term to move onto a promotion as Head of Food Technology and we wish her well and she cooks up some treats in a new kitchen. Our new food technology teacher has now taken over creating delightful dishes in our state of the art food room - welcome to Mrs Snoddon. We welcome back Mrs Dahl. During Mrs Dahl’s maternity leave, Miss Cole has worked tirelessly to look after the year group, I am extremely grateful that she stepped in to support the year group and I know the students and staff would all agree she has done a great job, thank you. Wishing all staff and students a restful holiday and I look forward to welcoming you all back for another busy and vibrant summer term. Thank you for your ongoing support as part of our Regents Park Community. Mrs Barnes Headteacher

Welcome to another bumper edition of The Regents Review, with some new additions including a fantastic article on the Year 10 work experience and an update on our student leadership focus. Preparing our students for the wider world of work is an essential part of our enrichment programme and it has been so rewarding to talk to students about their new found confidence. Our Spring 2026 edition also includes a fantastic capture from every department and every year group in the school. Our RPCC library goes from strength to strength and with World Book Day and our celebrations on the National Year of Reading, students have so many opportunities to get involved to improve their reading skills. The section on exams returns again and whilst it may seem that this is for Year 11 students, it is helpful for every year group to capture some top tips. As we prepare to launch the Summer term, do not miss out on our page on the summer extracurricular activities that form part of our enrichment programme this year - it includes a huge selection of clubs and classes, something for everyone on page 43. This time last year, we opened our new state of the art Fitness Suite, which has proved a very popular addition to our amazing Physical Education curriculum. This has been one of the many school improvements that we have made over the last five years and I know from talking to the students they really value the investment that we have made in modernising their school. In addition to improvements with our resources, food, enrichment and the school environment, I have enjoyed talking to students about their progress in lessons. Since joining United Learning, staff and students have benefitted from a wide range of opportunities. Staff now have direct access to subject advisers, who are regularly visiting the school to ensure that we continue to offer the very best curriculum to every student.

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GENERAL NEWS Year 10 Work Experience During the week commencing 2nd March, Year 10 students took part in their work experience placements, spending time in a variety of workplaces and industries. The week gave students a valuable opportunity to develop new skills, gain confidence and experience what life in the workplace is like. We are very proud of how well our students represented the school and would like to thank the organisations who supported them during this important experience. Here are a few snapshots from their week.

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Year 7 Mr Sinclair and Mrs Jarvis are extremely proud of all Year 7 students, who currently have the best attendance in the school. Since January, the school has had a strong drive to improve attendance and Year 7 have led the way by setting the highest standard across the school. This achievement reflects the positive attitude that Year 7 bring to their learning each day. We know that learning and progress only truly happen when students

are in school and Year 7 have shown a fantastic commitment to being present, ready to learn and making the most of every lesson. Starting secondary school is an important milestone and our Year 7 students have made an excellent start to their journey. Their dedication, enthusiasm and willingness to engage in school life have made them a brilliant example for the rest of the school community. As we approach the Easter holiday, we would like to wish all

students and their families a very happy and restful break. We look forward to welcoming everyone back for the summer term, which will be an exciting one, as it will be the final term for our students as Year 7 before they move forward into the next stage of their school journey. Well done, Year 7 - keep up the excellent work! Mr Sinclair Head of Year 7

Year 8 As we move further into the term, I would like to congratulate our Year 8 students for the positive attitude they continue to show in lessons and around the school. It has been great to see many students engaging fully with their learning and taking pride in their work. At the start of March, a group of Year 8 students had the opportunity to take part in our exciting trip to Paris. I would like to thank all of the students involved for their excellent behaviour throughout the visit – they were fantastic representatives of the school. During the trip, students enjoyed a range of memorable activities including crepe making, climbing the steps of the Eiffel Tower, taking a river cruise along the Seine and spending time at Disneyland. One of the highlights of the trip was seeing so many students step out of their comfort zones and bravely try snails for the first time! We have also been very pleased with the success of both our Year 8 football teams this term. Their teamwork has been particularly impressive and it

is clear to see how much effort and dedication the students are putting into representing the school. Their commitment to training and supporting one another has been fantastic and we are proud of the way they have approached both matches and practices. Attendance continues to be a key focus for Year 8 and it has been very pleasing to see an improvement in recent weeks. Many students have shown real commitment by attending school, even when they may have a minor cold or are not feeling at their best, recognising that being present in lessons helps them avoid missing crucial learning. Every day in school counts and even a small number of missed lessons can make it more difficult for students to keep up with new topics and skills. We greatly appreciate the support of families in encouraging strong attendance and punctuality, as this plays a vital role in helping students succeed and make the most of their opportunities at school. Over the coming weeks, Year 8 will be focusing on maintaining strong study habits as we continue to build the skills needed for the next stage of their education. We will also be highlighting the

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importance of wellbeing, respectful behaviour and supporting one another as a year group. Thank you for your continued support. Working together helps ensure that our Year 8 students have

a positive, successful and enjoyable year at school. Mrs Wales Head of Year 8

Year 9 It has been a very positive term for our Year 9 students at Regents Park Community College. This term we launched our Inspire Scholars Group, recognising 15 Year 9 students for their excellent attitude to learning and strong progress. These students will be working with Oxford University as part of the programme and have already began taking part in extra-curricular activities. We are very much looking forward to their first trip to Oxford University next term.

Year 9 students have also been selecting their GCSE options. Ms Webster was extremely impressed by the maturity shown by the cohort and the thoughtful way students approached their decisions about their future pathways. It was fantastic to see such strong engagement from families at both Parents’ Evening and Options Evening, with parents and students showing great enthusiasm when discussing options and future plans. We are also pleased to welcome

Miss Harrison back. She has already returned to work with Year 9 on Mondays and Tuesdays and will be back full time after the Easter holidays. We look forward to another successful term ahead and all the opportunities the summer term will bring for Year 9. Miss Cole Head of Year 9

Year 10 As we reach the end of term, I want to say how proud I am of the way Year 10 approached their work experience. It was fantastic to hear about the wide range of placements they took part in and the different skills they developed along the way. Many students stepped out of their comfort zones, showed initiative and represented our school brilliantly. I hope this experience has given Year 10 a valuable insight into the world of work and helped to shape their thinking about future pathways and ambitions.

Back in school, Year 10 are, on the whole, approaching their lessons with a really mature attitude, and it’s great to see the progress many of them are making. I’d like to see this positive approach continue as we move into the next term. One area we do need to keep focusing on is making sure phones are placed in phone wallets at the start of each day and that everyone is in school and arriving to lessons on time. Small habits like these make a big difference and help create the focused learning environment we want for everyone. Keep up the good work, Year 10! Mrs Mouland Head of Year 10

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Year 11 As we move further into the spring term, I would like to take a moment to recognise and celebrate the continued hard work, dedication and resilience shown by our Year 11 students. This is an especially important time in the academic year, as we approach the final months leading up to the GCSE examinations. The coming weeks will be a crucial period for students to consolidate their learning, build confidence in their subjects and prepare themselves for the challenges ahead. Please be assured that the school remains fully committed to supporting every student throughout this journey, both academically and pastorally. I am extremely proud of the effort that Year 11 students demonstrated during their most recent round of mock examinations. All students approached these assessments with maturity and determination and it has been encouraging to see the positive attitude that the year group has shown towards their studies. Although results are still being released, the early indications suggest that a significant number of students have made progress since the November mock exams. This

improvement reflects the commitment students have shown in lessons, during revision sessions and through their independent study at home. It is fantastic to see such progress as we move closer to the final examinations. At this stage in the year, it is completely normal for students to experience a mixture of excitement, motivation and, at times, pressure as they prepare for their GCSEs. I would like to reassure parents and carers that support is always available. If your child is finding the final months at RPCC challenging, whether academically or emotionally, we strongly encourage you to let the school know. By working together, we can ensure that students receive the appropriate guidance, encouragement and support to help them navigate this important period successfully. I would also like to extend a sincere thank you to Miss Moore and all of the Year 11 tutors for their continued support and dedication to the cohort. Their guidance, encouragement and consistent care play an essential role in helping students stay focused, motivated and confident during this important stage of

their education. The time and effort they invest in supporting students both academically and personally is greatly appreciated and makes a significant difference to the Year 11 experience. Alongside their academic efforts, many Year 11 students have also continued to contribute positively to the wider school community. In particular, I would like to extend a sincere thank you to our Head Ambassadors, Kinti and Diana, as well as the rest of the Year 11 student leadership team. Their commitment, leadership and enthusiasm throughout the year have made a meaningful and lasting impact on the RPCC community. They have represented the year group with pride and have helped to create a positive and supportive environment for their peers. The months ahead will undoubtedly be busy, but they will also be a time of celebration, reflection and achievement for our Year 11 students. We are incredibly proud of everything they have accomplished so far and look forward to supporting them through the final stages of their secondary school journey. Mr McIntyre Head of Year 11

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Library 2026 is the National Year of Reading, a UK wide campaign to help more people to rediscover the joy of reading.

during tutor times to find out how the resources here can help them with their reading journey.

are welcome to attend these clubs, just turn up to the library or pop in and see the librarian for more information. Our Dyslexia Support Group continues to meet once a week and our students are progressing and growing in confidence. It has been fantastic to see them supporting each other and we are very proud of the way they have applied themselves. We have continued our paired reading sessions in the Library on Friday mornings, with Year 8 reading with students from Year 10. It has been wonderful to see the progress made and confidence is growing every week. Well done to everyone involved. If you, or someone you know is struggling with reading, you can get help from the ReadEasy scheme. You can also help others with their reading journey by volunteering with them. Find out more here https://readeasy.org. uk/how-can-we-help-you/

In February, we had National Storytelling Week, which we celebrated with our Tremendous Tales event. Staff read out their favourite poems, stories and song lyrics and we had some fantastic songs played by the school band. We also celebrated a ‘Love of Reading’ with our ‘Blind Date with a Book’ event, where students could collect a surprise gift bag from the library to try and find their perfect match. March has been a very busy month with World Book Day, which was great fun. Staff dressed up as fabulous book characters. We gave out over 400 free books to students and there were competitions and activities to join in with throughout the day. We have also created some fantastic displays for British Science Week, International Women’s Day, Women’s History Month and Shakespeare Week. Students have enjoyed break and lunchtimes in the library with some lovely seasonal craft activities and board games. Our Chess Club continues to meet for some very competitive games on Thursdays after school and students have been attending Homework Club on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, to get a head start on their home learning. Students

Reading has always been very important at RPCC and we take our responsibility to promote and encourage reading for pleasure very seriously. We are lucky to have a lovely, well stocked library for students to visit and we have around 10,000 books for students to borrow. We have several events planned throughout the year, to celebrate the National Year of Reading. We have got off to a great start with our ‘Starbooks Reading Reward Scheme’, where students can gain prizes for reading as many books as possible. Year 7 and 8 students have been visiting the Library

We have some fantastic online resources, which are FREE for students to borrow via Google Classroom. Please do make use of these, there are over 2,000 e-books on the e-platform, which includes audio books and the text can be changed to help students

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with visual impairments. The books can also be read to you or be translated into many other languages, so that families can read together, which is a lovely activity. https://regents-park. wheelers.co/ Students have also been given access to The Day, which is a fantastic online newspaper. Students can find this on the school computer’s student landing page and it is a great way to keep up with current events, enabling them to have a wider view of the world they live in and understand the issues being discussed. www.theday. co.uk/?id=3B348D80-2CF0-4B11 8589-E6CC55028AB2

Examinations Year 11 have shown an impressive level of maturity, determination and focus throughout their recent mock examinations and the whole school community is incredibly proud of the way they have risen to the challenge. Their conduct during the exam period demonstrated real perseverance, a grown up attitude and a strong sense of responsibility for their next steps. The mock exams were a significant milestone and pupils approached them with the seriousness and resilience that will serve them well in the months ahead. Staff supervising the exams consistently commented on how calm, prepared and focused Year 11 were, even when faced with demanding papers. This mindset has set a positive tone for the final stretch before the summer examinations. The crucial next steps With mock results now being returned, the most important phase begins. The final weeks before the

GCSE exams are where perseverance and tenacity matter most. Staying in school, attending every lesson and maintaining momentum will make the biggest difference to outcomes in May and June. We are encouraging all pupils to: • Stay fully engaged in lessons • Act on teacher feedback from mock papers • Use revision sessions and support opportunities • Keep a steady, balanced routine as pressure increases This is the “last home stretch,” and Year 11 have already shown they are more than capable of rising to it. Adapting to new JCQ regulations We are also extremely proud of how well pupils have adapted to the updated JCQ regulations for entering the exam hall. These rules are in place to ensure fairness and integrity and Year 11 have shown real professionalism in meeting these expectations.

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As we approach the main exam series, beginning Thursday 7th May, we ask families to continue supporting pupils by ensuring they are familiar with all JCQ requirements, including: • No mobile phones, watches, or unauthorised materials in the exam hall • Clear pencil cases and water bottles with labels removed • Arriving promptly and entering the exam hall silently • Following all instructions from invigilators without hesitation A full reminder of JCQ expectations will be sent home and we encourage families to review these carefully with their child. Looking ahead with confidence Year 11 have already shown that they can meet challenges with resilience and maturity. With continued focus, attendance and determination, they are well placed to achieve excellent outcomes this summer. We are proud of everything they have accomplished so far and look forward to supporting Student Leadership Student leadership has taken centre stage this term, with pupils not only developing their own skills, but also making a meaningful contribution to the wider school community. The programme has now moved through its second major session and the momentum behind it is clear in both the training and the impressive range of pupil led activities taking place across the school. A powerful message on resilience Session 2 featured an inspiring talk from Irish eventing Olympian Jonty Evans, whose remarkable journey following a significant brain injury left a lasting impression on students. Hearing how he relearned to walk and talk and how determination shaped every step of his recovery - gave pupils a real, human example of resilience in action.

them through the final stage of their GCSE journey. Please see link to our summer examinations list: https://www.regentsparkcollege.org.uk/wp content/uploads/2026/02/Full-confirmed-SUMMER 2026-TIMETABLE.pdf

Many reflected on how his story reframed their understanding of perseverance, leadership and personal growth. Leadership in action across the school Alongside their formal training, students have been putting leadership into practice in a wide variety of settings. Recent pupil led initiatives include: Anti bullying support in the library, offering peer guidance and a safe space for conversations • Paired reading, helping younger pupils build confidence and fluency • Assemblies, planned and delivered by student leaders • Science Week activities, from demonstrations to interactive sessions • Sports events, where pupils supported organisation, coaching and fundraising • Culture Day, celebrating diversity through student designed activities

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Each event has showcased a different aspect of leadership - communication, empathy, organisation, teamwork - and pupils are increasingly recognising how these skills transfer across contexts. Developing confident communicators Students are now in the midst of their third round of leadership training, shaped directly by their own feedback. The current focus is on presenting to audiences - a skill many identified as both challenging and essential. Through practical workshops, peer feedback and opportunities to rehearse in real settings, pupils are building confidence in how they speak, structure ideas and hold the attention of a room. This phase is already strengthening their readiness for the next step: reflecting on the skills they’ve gained and the contributions they’ve made to their chosen projects. Looking ahead The final stage of the programme will see students evaluate their leadership journey - what they’ve learned, how they’ve grown and the impact they’ve had on the school community. With so many projects already making a visible difference, there is a real sense of anticipation for the completed work and the legacy these young leaders are creating.

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Teaching & Learning Teaching and Learning at Regents Park this term is focused on strengthening classroom practice to support student progress through adapted strategies. The CPD teachers received recently highlighted four key strategies that help us monitor understanding, plan effectively, support student independence and maintain strong classroom presence. 1. Formative Assessment Formative assessment helps teachers check student understanding throughout the lesson. One effective strategy is the use of mini whiteboards, which encourages participation from all students. Why we use whiteboards? • All students respond at the same time • Teachers can quickly assess understanding • Misconceptions are identified immediately • Students remain engaged and accountable Teachers across the school use them effectively in the following ways: 1. Asking clear questions linked to the learning objective 2. Giving students time to think and write their responses 3. Asking all students to hold up their boards simultaneously 4. Scanning responses and addressing common errors or misconceptions. This strategy provides instant feedback and helps guide the next steps in teaching. 2. RPCC 6 Step Expectation Effective learning plans help ensure lessons are structured and focused on student progress. Lessons at RPCC are designed to support the school’s 6-step learning approach, guiding students from introduction to mastery. Effective planning at RPCC includes: • A clear learning objective. • Structured explanation of new knowledge.

• Opportunities for guided practice • Checks for understanding throughout the lesson. • Independent practice for students to apply learning. Strong planning ensures that students move through the learning process confidently and successfully. 3. The RPCC Green Zone The RPCC Green Zone represents the stage where students are able to work independently and apply their knowledge confidently. To help students reach this stage, teachers will provide appropriate scaffolding, such as: As students develop understanding, these supports will be gradually removed, allowing students to take greater responsibility for their learning. 4. Teach Like A Champion – Powerful Positioning Strategies from Teach Like a Champion by Doug Lemov are strengthening classroom management and student engagement at RPCC. Powerful Positioning refers to how teachers position themselves in the classroom to maintain awareness and be able to offer responsive support. Effective positioning helps teachers to: • Monitor student work across the room • Maintain visibility of all students • Reinforce expectations and routines • Provide quick support where needed. Teachers will move strategically around the classroom to ensure students remain focused, supported and accountable. Every teacher is able to support RPCC students in the pursuit of Active Learning for Progress. RPCC Pedagogy Key Takeaways from our recent CPD Effective teaching combines strong planning, active • Worked examples • Sentence starters • Structured notes • Guided questions • Model answers

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assessment, structured support and confident classroom presence. Teachers at RPCC aim to: • Use whiteboards for frequent checks for understanding • Plan lessons using the 6-step learning structure • Provide scaffolding to guide students toward independence • Use powerful positioning to maintain engagement and focus. These strategies help create a learning environment where all students can succeed and develop independence in their learning. Curriculum The highlight of my year so far has been meeting with Year 9 students to discuss their options. This year, we once again offered a broad range of subjects from Computer Science, Sociology and Business Studies to Photography, Sport and Digital iMedia and many more… The full list of 2026 options can be found on the school website. Year 9s were impressive during their meetings. They were prepared, mature and sensible about whether their choices would be a positive step towards their future aspirations. The majority of students got their first choices in all three of their options and I will be working with the few who did not, to make positive start for their KS4 studies, as they have demonstrated a positive mindset and a desire to succeed. Before this academic year is out, they will experience a formal taster lesson where they can check that they have made the right choice, so that once they return in September, they are ready to go! In Key Stage 3, students will have been experiencing some of the United Learning curricula as different departments begin to follow these new schemes sure they are happy with reserve choices. This Year 9 group have already got off to a

of learning. This will be a transitional phase as we work with United Learning to ensure a smooth process, which enhances students’ experiences of learning and builds on any prior learning. Year 10 students are now well into their KS4 courses with some aspects of assessed coursework already completed. Year 10 mock examinations are fast approaching, giving students their first taster of formal GCSE examinations. Papers will be based around the content covered thus far and students should be revising this using Carousel, Google Classroom and any other resources they may have. It is never too early to start. Finally, Year 11s have been extremely busy. With course content covered in most subjects, revision is now the main focus. The level of effort from Year 11s has been outstanding with students showing significant improvements from their December mocks to the most recent exams. The majority of students have increased their marks, with some improving by as much as 3 grades! For them, the focus is on the final countdown to the formal summer examinations. I wish them success: they absolutely deserve it. Ms Webster Deputy Headteacher

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GENERAL NEWS RPCC’s Cohort 2026! The places are allocated, the parents are aware, the pupils are ready: the next generation of Regents Park is coming soon… We are proud to share that we are once again oversubscribed in Year 7 with students from many different primary feeders joining us in September 2026. The formal list means that we have the names of our new students and we can’t wait to get to know them all. Plans are

in place for exciting activities for transition, parental welcome events, information booklets and, of course, the Regents Park Ready Summer Homework. SEND children and those with more serious anxieties will have an enhanced transition supported by our SEN team. By now, all Year 6s should have received their welcome postcards with reminders for parents about accepting the offer. Further information about transition will follow. But, in the meantime a new Head of Year is limbering up, a Head of Year Support is flexing

and Spencer (our therapy dog) is practising how to behave better on stage. Hopefully this year there will be no woofing during the Headteacher’s welcome. Everyone at Regents Park – staff, students and dogs – will offer a warm welcome as the next generation of students joins the Regents Park community.

Safeguarding When discussing safeguarding with students, they are always reminded of who the DSLs and Deputy DSLs are. Additionally, they are also told that every member of staff on site, regardless of their post, has safeguarding training, so if they ever have a concern there is always someone for them to talk to. As part of that staff training, a weekly bulletin is sent out which covers topical themes or reminds staff of processes. Every PDD (Professional Development Day) also includes a ‘Safeguarding Snapshot’, which focuses on an aspect of safeguarding not yet covered. Additionally, all staff have access to an online training platform to complete any additional learning. Finally, the DSL and the Deputy DSLs update their formal training at least every two years. The DSL and Deputy DSLs also come together to do more in depth advanced training, so that they are informed about local and national trends, facts around exploitation and key Government documentation. Something which is likely to feature in the updated KCSIE (Keeping Children Safe in Education) 2026 is mobile phones and the expectation that schools

have policies so that ‘children do not have access to their mobile phones throughout the school day’. Since we introduced the wallets, we have noticed a dramatic improvement in student focus, but also a reduction in the amount of conflict between students. This step by the Government, including this ban in a safeguarding document, reinforces that mobile phones are a safeguarding issue. Indeed, many of the safeguarding issues with which we deal are linked to the online world, including abusive messaging, sending or receiving inappropriate images or contact with unknown adults. Without seeming dramatic, we all need to be aware that whilst it can be a source of entertainment, social media puts children at risk. As parents, please monitor your children’s accounts, activate parental controls that allow you to block inappropriate content and manage screentime. Check privacy settings, including on gaming platforms. Discuss with them, the need for online safety, but above all make sure they know they will be supported if they ever have a safeguarding issue online. If you ever have a safeguarding concern regarding your child, please contact one of the DSLs at the school.

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HOT 50 Our HOT 50 reward event brought together students who had shown outstanding attendance, a brilliant attitude to learning and an impressive collection of achievement points earned through their hard work in lessons. Those who made it into the HOT 50 enjoyed an unforgettable afternoon packed with exciting activities, including: Indoor Laser Quest, Inflatable Jousting, Bungee Runs… and plenty more! The atmosphere was buzzing, the energy was high, and every student who attended, truly earned their place. Remember: Be in it to win it. Keep showing your best attitude, putting in the effort and turning up every day - you could be part of the next HOT 50 celebration.

Attendance At our school, we want every student to achieve their very best - both now and in the future. One of the biggest factors that affects success, is coming to school every day. We encourage all students to aim for 95% attendance or higher, because being in school regularly makes a huge difference. Why is good attendance so important? • Better academic progress: When students miss lessons, they miss vital explanations, class discussions and the chance to practice new skills.

Even a few days off can make it harder to keep up. • Stronger future opportunities: Good attendance shows colleges, training providers, and employers that a young person is reliable, committed and ready for responsibility. confidence: Being in school every day helps students build friendships, confidence and resilience - all of which are essential for life beyond the classroom. What are the risks of poor attendance? • Falling behind in key subjects • Positive routines and

• Increased stress when trying to catch up • Reduced confidence in lessons • Fewer options later in education or employment We understand that sometimes there are genuine barriers that make attending school difficult. If you or your child are struggling, we want to help. Please contact us so we can work with you to find solutions, offer support and break down any obstacles to good attendance. Together, we can make sure every child has the best chance to succeed.

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Mathematics DEPARTMENTAL NEWS Sparx Superstars At the time of writing, RPCC students have… • Answered 453,000 questions correctly • Spent 7,100 hours of personalised learning on Sparx Our current Leaderboard is as follows:

Year 11 Maths Revision Reminder • Every other Monday: Foundation topics with Mr Whatley (Room 34) • Every other Tuesday: Higher topics with Mr Faur (Room 36) or Mrs Khan (Room 35) • Exam practice with Mrs Morrissey and Mr Van Reenen (Room 30) Pi Day On Monday 16th March, Regents Park celebrated Pi Day. Pi is the ratio between the width of a circle (diameter) and the distance around the circle (circumference). Rounded to 3.14, it is an irrational number, which means that the decimal numbers go on forever without a repeating pattern (so it cannot be written as a single fraction). The idea to celebrate Pi day began in America, where the 14th March would be written as 3/14, the same as the first few digits of Pi. Competitions for the best homemade pie, reciting the most digits of Pi and other fun activities took place. Here are a few pi puns to celebrate: • Why did pi fail it’s driving test? Because it didn’t know how to stop. • Why should you not start a conversation with pi? Because it will go on and on forever… • Did you know that most ships use a standard rate of pay, but 3.14% of ships use pi-rates. • I never understood why the area of a circle is pi r squared, because pi are round!

Well done to those pupils!

Sparx & Year 11 GCSE Revision Just before February half term, you were informed that Sparx Maths now has a new, weekly GCSE exam-style revision. These are exam-style questions using the familiar Sparx format of providing videos to support and help if a pupil gets stuck. We would like to see more Year 11 pupils using this resource, as all the clever AI and algorithm wizardry within Sparx can then personalise any improvements for each pupil. To see more about this amazing resource, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=gaTwY-ia8U0

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English Soundtrack Your Story Our first ‘Soundtrack Your Story’ event took place on the 11th February. As part of the National Year of Reading, this event was held in the hall, exploring how music, rhythm and sound create narratives. Staff read from a text of their choice to entertain and inspire the students, demonstrating staff members’ love of reading, as well as modelling reading aloud. The event was a huge success and will certainly be repeated in the near future, but bigger, better and with even more star guests!

Team Up Success for Year 7s!

At the beginning of this term, our first cohort of 15 Year 7 students completed their tutoring sessions with educational charity Team Up, who provide high-quality literacy tutoring in small groups. The 11-week programme was a roaring success; Team Up’s tutors and course leaders were blown away by the attitude, effort and determination of our students. Team Up gave the students a baseline test at the beginning and then retested the students after their 11 sessions. The results were fantastic,

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with students demonstrating amazing progress in their reading skills. The programme was such a success that Team Up will be back in the summer term to work with a fresh group of Year 7 scholars! World Book Day Regents Park celebrated World Book Day on the 5th March. Staff across the school dressed up as literary characters to showcase their love of reading. In tutor time, students enjoyed book-themed quizzes and teachers read a story in 6 parts to their classes – this year it was Roald Dahl’s Lamb to the Slaughter. All Key Stage 3 students received a book token and were invited to claim a free book from the library. Also in the library, students had the chance to win prizes by guessing which disguised staff members were hiding behind books.

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Poetry Club Last term Mr Walker discovered that a few Year 10 students were sharing poetry with one another, so asked them if they would share some with him. It was supposed to be a one-off - but fast forward a couple of weeks and we have had a regular meeting set up with students reading poems once a week and receiving feedback. With this commitment, alongside great attitudes to improving and taking criticism, these students are becoming excellent

poets and the standard is getting very high, with some of their work being shared at the recent school Storytelling Event – Tremendous Tales – and the group working towards entering local poetry competitions. If any other students wish to get involved, please go to Room 13 (Mr Walker’s Room) on Mondays after school. It is an amazing group of creative students!

Science

This term has been a hugely productive one across science, with students in every year group showing real commitment to their learning and a growing sense of pride in their achievements. From the focused determination of our exam groups to the developing confidence and curiosity of our younger learners, it has been a term full of increasing momentum and meaningful progress.

Year 11 Science Year 11 have now completed their second round of mock exams and their hard work is evident. Attendance at after school revision sessions has been consistent, with students demonstrating a real drive to deepen their understanding and further refine their exam technique. The atmosphere has been positive and the willingness of many of the students to push their knowledge and skills each week has been impressive. The Walking Talking Mocks ahead of the second round of mocks this year have been another significant success, offering students a valuable insight into how to approach questions step by step. These guided sessions have helped build confidence, develop knowledge and strengthen exam technique. The continued work and support from these sessions has helped with setting up Year 11 for the months ahead.

Year 10 Science Year 10 have also shown an improved focus this term. With their summer mock exams approaching, students have been working hard to improve their homework completion rates and develop greater precision in their written work. Teachers have noted a clear shift in maturity, with many students taking greater ownership of their learning and striving to produce more detailed and precise responses. All of this is helping Year 10 to build the strong foundations that they will need as they move toward the challenges of Year 11 and their final year of their GCSE course.

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The Regents Review Spring 2026

DEPARTMENTAL NEWS

KS3 Science This term, our KS3 students have shown excellent enthusiasm and commitment as they explored key science topics across biology, chemistry and physics. They have developed a strong understanding of how living organisms are structured, investigated how waves help us to see and hear and carried out practical work to observe different types of reactions. Throughout these lessons, students have demonstrated growing confidence in using scientific vocabulary, working safely and applying their knowledge in both practical and written tasks. A particular highlight for KS3 this term was the visit to LifeLab at Southampton Hospital, run in partnership with Southampton University. 64 students took part in this exciting opportunity, spending the day exploring genetics, DNA and the science behind healthy lifestyle choices. The programme offered a wide range of hands on activities, from learning CPR to working in real laboratory facilities to examine DNA and investigate how age and lifestyle can affect British Science Week 2026 During British Science Week, our student leaders transformed lunch times into a hub of scientific curiosity and discovery. With the support of enthusiastic student volunteers, they ran a series of eye‑catching demonstrations that caught the attention of students from across the whole school. Students were treated to a variety of experiments, including the dramatic can‑crushing experiment, the inspiring iodine clock reaction and the vibrant colour‑changing chameleon reaction. One of the most popular sessions was the sheep’s head dissection, giving students a unique opportunity to explore brain anatomy up close. The events were a huge success, sparking curiosity and making science feel fun, whilst being hands‑on, and accessible for everyone.

long term health. Students were fully engaged throughout the day and returned with a deeper understanding of how science connects to their own lives and futures. We are also incredibly proud of our Science Subject Ambassadors, who have been fantastic role models and played an important part in supporting the department during British Science Week. Their leadership, enthusiasm and willingness to help others have made a real difference. In addition, our KS3 Science Club has been thriving, with excellent attendance and plenty of excitement, as students take part in hands on experiments and explore science beyond the curriculum. From creative investigations to lively discussions, the club has offered a brilliant space for students to stretch their curiosity and deepen their love of the subject. It has been a very productive, positive and inspiring term in science and we look forward to building on this momentum as we move into next term.

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The Regents Review Spring 2026

DEPARTMENTAL NEWS

Science Club This term in Science Club, we’ve been busy exploring the chemistry behind everyday reactions! Students investigated different antacids to see which neutralised acid most effectively, giving them a hands on introduction to titration and how chemists measure reactions precisely. We also had a go at making our own indicator, discovering how to use a range of different indicators together to reveal whether a substance is acidic or alkaline. A highlight of the term was a special visit from Alpha Laboratories for the International Day of Women and Girls in

Science. Their team delivered an inspiring careers talk and led a fascinating practical on urine analysis, showing how simple chemical tests can help diagnose conditions such as diabetes. It’s been a brilliant term of curiosity, colour changes and real world science in action!

Registered Scientist We are incredibly proud to share that Mrs Stear, our Senior Science Technician, has officially become a Registered Scientist (RSci) through the ASE! This is a fantastic professional achievement that recognises her expertise, dedication and the huge contribution she makes to our science department every single day.

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The Regents Review Spring 2026

DEPARTMENTAL NEWS

#TECHOGNITION Friday 13th March is #Techognition, a national celebration of technical support staff, recognising the importance of their essential roles in school and college education. This one-day event celebrates the work of school and FE college technicians with the aim of publicly showcasing their vast range of skills and the variety of tasks that these jobs entail. Technicians are highly skilled, very experienced and essential members of school and college staff whose value is often not fully appreciated. Our Science Technicians, Mrs Stear and Mrs Highmore, IT Technicians, Mr Knight and Mr Dunnett, and Creative Arts Technician, Miss Durrant all showcased their many talents and shared a glimpse into the huge variety of skills that their jobs involve.

Creative Arts & DT

Year 7 Textiles The Year 7s are learning about fundamental key skills in Textiles, such as sewing a button, back stitch and running stitch. They have applied these new skills by creating their own Junk Monsters inspired by Jon Burgerman.

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The Regents Review Spring 2026

DEPARTMENTAL NEWS

Year 8 Textiles

The Year 8s are learning to develop their fundamental key skills in textiles, such as appliqué and using the sewing machine. They are applying these new skills by creating their own wall hanging with pockets and the artform of monograms.

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The Regents Review Spring 2026

DEPARTMENTAL NEWS

Year 9 Textiles The Year 9s are continuing to develop, advance and progress in using the fundamental skills of textiles to create a tote bag. Inspired by the graffiti artist Mr Brainwash, students are learning the difference between graffiti, vandalism and street art.

Year 10 Textiles Students are finishing their Flora and Fauna project. They have been looking at different artists such as William Morris and Karl Blossfeldt. They have then done their own inspired pieces from the artist’s work. We have looked at different techniques such as lino printing, batik and embroidery.

Year 7 Food Students in Year 7 have been introduced to health and safety, learning how to safely use the kitchen and how to safely prepare food. Starting with basic dishes and quickly moving to savoury Mexican favourites and seasonal fair.

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The Regents Review Spring 2026

DEPARTMENTAL NEWS

Year 8 Food In Year 8 food tech, students have created a variety of different meals from around the world. Featuring Asian and Italian week with Friday night fakeaway butter chicken. Alongside the practical aspects of the curriculum, we embrace seasonal fair. We are learning about the transferable skills cooking can offer and how to adapt a dish to widen our skills.

Year 9 Food Year 9 students have been exploring a variety of cultural cuisines, including English and Asian dishes. As part of their learning, they’ve been focusing on the dangers of cross‑contamination in the kitchen, particularly in relation to food allergies and intolerances. They have been developing their understanding of gluten‑free and dairy‑free lifestyles and learning how to adapt popular recipes by swapping ingredients safely. Students are also gaining awareness of the 14 major allergens, how they affect individuals and the importance of preparing food responsibly to avoid serious consequences.

Year 10 Hospitality & Catering Year 10 have just started their culinary journey in hospitality and catering and are learning the standard protocol of health and safety in the industry and the importance of following it. This is the time of exploring the culinary world of development and designing and producing their own creations with the guidance for creativity and improvement. Jamaican chicken skewers with rice and peas, pepperoni pizza, brown stew and mash, seared salmon and of course burgers have featured in our kitchen, as well as our new termly breakfast club creations.

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