Friday 28 March 2025

Over the next few weeks, many students will be out on different trips, including the Ski Trip to Austria. Parents can stay updated with photos and highlights from these trips by following us on Instagram.

Scan the QR code below or simply follow this link: Instagram 

Year 10 and Year 12 Film Studies visit to Warner Bros. Studio

This term our GCSE and A Level Film and Photography students visited Warner Bros. Studio for a magical experience. Students were able to interact with all aspects of film-making, from cinematography to production design. We hope this visit inspired them to consider filmmaking as a career and to continue exploring their creativity and passion for visual storytelling.

We are excited to see how this experience influences their work and inspires future projects. 

 

Denefield Interhouse Competition - Spelling Bee 

The final took place this week and Bilal, a Year 8 student, won and was crowned Spelling Bee Champion of the year. The final was between four students, one from each house. Bilal from Kentwood House, Hanisha from Norcot House, Sonia from Langley House, and Nathaniel from Sulham House.
It was a tough and interesting competition but Bilal managed to spell almost all the words correctly. The words included humorous, mischievous, onomatopoeia and the winning word being anaphylaxis.

 

Year 9 Mock trial at Reading Crown Court

On Saturday 22 March, our Year 9 students took part in the Young Citizens Mock Trial competition at Reading Crown Court. They took on roles such as lawyers, witnesses, and magistrates, performing with confidence and enthusiasm in a real courtroom.

Although they did not progress to the next round, they showed great skill and teamwork. We are incredibly proud of their hard work and dedication.

Miss E Doyle, who accompanied the students, said, 'The students were amazing and loved the whole experience.'

 

Year 8 Spanish Play

This week our Year 8 students watched 'Primera Cita', a Spanish play performed entirely in Spanish by Onatti Productions.

The story followed two teenagers, Carlos and Maria, as they got ready for their first date. It was full of funny and relatable moments, from choosing outfits to dealing with some mishaps. 

Students enjoyed the interactive performance and were excited to see how much Spanish they could understand. Some even took part in the play, making it a fun and memorable experience.

A big thank you to Onatti Productions and our Languages, Business and Travel faculty for organising this play and helping the students learn Spanish in an engaging way. 

Netball

A huge congratulation to our Year 8 Girls Netball Team, who have won the Reading League after an undefeated season. All the girls performed really well throughout the league.  

Well done to Evie, Abi, Aubrey, Darcey, Chloe, Liv, Darcie, Zoe and Kayla. You have made us all proud! 

Year 8 Girls Netball Team, above, after winning the Reading Schools Netball League with a 14-2 victory against Little Heath.

Football

Kids College is a fantastic program that gives Year 5 and Year 6 students a taste of secondary school life. Each week, they take part in fun, hands-on activities, building skills and confidence for the future. Denefield hosts Kids College every Autumn, Spring and Summer terms for five weeks. For more details please contact Mrs J Jackson, Transition and Careers Lead via jjn@denefield.org.uk

Can cook, Will Cook 

Those who made apple crumble last week tried their hand at a Victoria sandwich, while the others baked a warm, crumbly apple dessert. This helped in giving all students the chance to develop new baking skills.

Silly Clay Creatures

After their clay models had been baked in the kiln, students carefully painted them, adding unique designs and details. Their finished pieces are almost ready and are looking fantastic. 

Secrets of Science

Our young scientists explored electrical circuits this week, learning how to connect components to successfully light a bulb. They discovered key physics concepts, including how electricity flows through conductors, the role of switches, and the importance of complete circuits.

Click on the advert below for more information.

At Denefield, we are interested in everyone's wellbeing and that’s why our Sixth Form Mental Health First Aiders have been visiting local primary schools to help them understand and manage their emotions.

The MHFAs from Denefield are helping the primary school pupils in Year 5 to create happiness jars, helping them to identify and name their feelings and giving them strategies for dealing with those feelings. This initiative provides a safe space for open discussions, allowing younger students to explore their emotions with support from our trained Sixth Formers. 

This initiative has been very well-received by primary schools, with feedback including:

'Just a quick email to say how much our Year 5 students enjoyed the workshop run by Denefield Sixth Formers. They were incredibly organised, sensitive and professional throughout the session, so we just wanted to pass on our gratitude.' 

If you are ever feeling stressed or worried about mental health or wellbeing, there is lots of support available for students and parents/carers.  The Wellbeing Hub is a mine of valuable information, with blogs, podcasts and articles on a huge range of topics, and you can access them by using the link given below.

This week at The Wellbeing Hub:

Watch the webinar here: Login - Teentips Wellbeing Hub