The Darrick Wood Way
Parent Bulletin
“Education is a once in a lifetime opportunity to open children’s hearts and minds to the unbelievable wonder of the universe”
– Sir Anthony Seldon –
Message from the Head Teacher
Welcome to this bumper issue of our Parent Bulletin. I hope you enjoy catching up with all our news from the past few weeks. As I read through the items this week it makes me incredibly proud of our students and staff and all everyone is doing at the moment. It is a reminder in our 50th anniversary year of what an amazing community of individuals we have here every day.
Congratulations from the Secretary of State for Education
I was delighted to receive a letter recently from the Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson, where she wrote:
Congratulations to you and your team on the excellent outcomes the disadvantaged pupils at Darrick Wood School achieved at the end of the 2024/25 academic year. Your school’s performance places it among the very best nationally, and this is a significant achievement.
This success reflects the dedication of your staff and the hard work of your pupils. It shows what can be achieved when ambition and commitment come together. Thank you for everything you do to give children the best possible opportunities to succeed.
Obviously this makes us very proud as a staff team but I want parents/carers and of course students to feel proud too as success is always easier to achieve when we work well together in partnership. This is a real strength of Darrick Wood School and it gives me every confidence that we can continue to be a school where all children can thrive.
Uniform
Recently I met with our uniform suppliers and we almost at the point of being able to confirm the final design elements of our new uniform. As mentioned in my recent email home, current students should continue to wear the current uniform to the end of this year, and onwards if they wish.
PSFA pre-loved uniform sale
The PSFA are holding a pre-loved uniform sale tomorrow, Saturday, 7th February, from 10.00am to 11.00am in Dining Hall 2. Parents/carers can access this via the Sports Centre. This may be especially helpful if your child is in need of an item or two to keep them going with the current uniform.
50th anniversary year group photographs
Further to the information sent earlier this week, please find below the schedule for these. Students should bring with them all their usual equipment for school on those days and be dressed in smart uniform/dress code. Thank you for your support in ensuring students attend looking even smarter than usual!
Monday, 9th February – photographs taken for Years 7, 10 and 11
Tuesday, 10th February – photographs taken for Years 8 and 9
Wednesday, 11th February – photographs taken for Years 12 and 13
Upcoming Events
7th February 2026 – PSFA Pre-loved Uniform Sale, 10-11am
16th-20th February 2026 – Half-term break
23rd February 2026 – Return to school after half-term break
4th March 2026 – Year 9 Options Evening
Useful Links
Reading Recommendations
Click below for details
Attendance Focus
93%
During the month of January a large number of pupils registered attendance of 95% or more – this is an excellent achievement and we hope to see this maintained during February. 146 pupils had attendance between 85-94% over the course of January. It would be fantastic to see this figure rise during February and we will be looking out for those who can make this positive change.
Previous Bulletins
Updates and Reminders
Year 7 Parental Survey – Mrs Honeysett has recently sent a letter regarding a survey for all parents of Year 7. We would be really grateful if you could complete this survey by the end of this half-term.
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Expedition Update
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expedition programme kicked off on 17th January 2026 with a full in‑school training day. An impressive 80 Year 9 students and 81 Year 10 students volunteered their Saturday morning to take part in a three‑hour session preparing them for the challenges ahead.
During the training, students learned:
- What essential kit they will need for their expedition
- How to plan and cook simple meals outdoors
- What to expect from the expedition environment
For many, it was an eye‑opening experience, especially discovering that there will be no running water for showers and that toilets will be replaced by the great outdoors. Despite the surprises, students showed great enthusiasm and maturity as they began their DofE journey.
Following this the students moved on to planning the routes for their two‑day expeditions taking place in April and May. This stage helps them understand navigation, safety, and how to work effectively as a team while out on the hills.
The next requirement is for all participants to complete their online DofE training by 27th February 2026. The link is available on Microsoft Teams, and once finished, students must print their certificate of completion and hand it to Miss Manning or Mrs Bothick.
The next key date for the diary is the one‑day training walk, which will take place on Friday, 20th March 2026, Saturday, 21st March 2026, or Sunday, 22nd March 2026 at Frylands Wood Scout Outdoor Centre, Featherbed Lane, Croydon, CR0 9AA. The training runs from 9.00am to 5.30pm.
Originally, Year 9 students were scheduled to walk on the Friday. However, to ensure balanced group sizes and a smoother experience for everyone, we may divide the whole cohort across all three days.
A reminder that all participants must have completed two of their three DofE sections—Volunteering, Skill, and Physical—by 20th March 2026. As the award is designed to be student‑led, we encourage parents to direct any questions back to their son or daughter in the first instance. If students need further guidance, they should speak directly with Miss Manning or Mrs Bothick
We are proud to be working towards the Leading Parent Partnership Award (LPPA) — a nationally recognised framework that supports schools in building strong, meaningful relationships with parents and carers.
The LPPA helps us strengthen home–school partnerships so that every family feels informed, included, and able to play an active role in their child’s education. Research consistently shows that when parents and schools work closely together, children benefit through improved progress, attendance, confidence, and wellbeing.
What we are already working towards
As part of our LPPA journey, we have begun making positive, parent‑centred changes, including:
- Consulting with parents about our school uniform, ensuring family voices shape decisions that affect daily school life
- Transforming our parent meeting room into a more welcoming, comfortable space for conversations, support, and collaboration
- Expanding the ways parents can contact staff, including the introduction of our improved Contact Us form to make communication quicker and easier
- Reviewing how we present data to families, so information is clearer, more accessible, and more meaningful when discussing children’s progress
Our commitment
Through the LPPA, we continue to:
- Create inclusive opportunities for all parents and carers to engage with school life
- Offer activities that encourage parents and children to participate and learn together
- Strengthen communication so families feel connected, supported, and valued
Working towards this award reflects our belief that education is most powerful when schools and families work as a team. We look forward to continuing to develop supportive, inclusive partnerships that help every child thrive.
We would be grateful if you could complete a short multiple choice parent evaluation on our parent partnership provision here
Main Hall Fundraising Campaign Update
Thank you to all the parents and families who have already donated or offered support towards our Main Hall improvement campaign. Your generosity and enthusiasm are greatly appreciated, and we are delighted to share that we have currently raised £908.
These funds will help us begin much-needed upgrades to our sound and lighting equipment, improve audience viewing, and make the Main Stage accessible for all, enhancing experiences for students, staff, and the wider community who use this space every day.
If you haven’t had the chance to donate and would like to contribute, please use the QR code included in this bulletin or the link here. Every donation, no matter the amount, brings us closer to our goal. We also warmly welcome any fundraising ideas or initiatives you may wish to take on. If you’re interested in getting involved, please do get in touch – we’d love to hear from you.
Thank you once again for your continued support.
Highlights
Year 10 trip to Gonville and Caius College at the University of Cambridge
On Thursday, 15th January 2026 a group of Year 10 students and Miss Bargeron attended a Bromley schools visit to Gonville and Caius College (fondly known as Keys) at the University of Cambridge, alongside students from Langley Park School for Girls and Bullers Wood School for Girls. On arrival at the college, students had a talk delivered by Dr Francesca White on how to decide whether you may want to attend university and then the Oxbridge application process. They were interested to learn that at the University of Cambridge interviews approximately 80% of applicants, and last year a record high of 25% of Keys’ applicants secured a place to study at the university! The college organised a student panel where Year 10 had the opportunity to ask current first year students questions about university life and then we were taken on a tour through Cambridge town centre to see the Keys facilities, including the location of Stephen Hawking’s office and the Keys library, before having lunch in the Great Hall. In the afternoon, we visited The Fitzwilliam Museum where we explored objects and art from various periods of history from Ancient Egypt right up to the modern day – students were surprised to see various works of art from as recently as 2023, amongst some 16th Century paintings. Year 10 did not let the rain dampen their enthusiasm for the opportunity to visit the university, and the trip left them inspired to consider the opportunities available to them once they finish school.
Our talented Year 12 Drama students along with an ensemble of students across Years 8 to 10 are performing ‘Macbeth Macbeth Macbeth Macbeth Macbeth’. The play is about a group of students in detention who are investigating why somebody pulled the fire alarm during their GCSE performance of Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth.’ Throughout the course of the play, the students discuss whether Shakespeare is still relevant in modern times, whilst also exploring their own ambitions and dreams for the future. Tickets are £5 and can be purchased from Parent Pay. We do hope that you are able to come and support them.
Jack Petchey Speak Out Challenge workshops
58 students in Year 10 attended an all-day oracy (public speaking) workshop last month, led by trainers from The Speakers Trust. They learned how to engage the audience through body language (eye contact, gesture and stance) as well as through the content and structure of their speeches. Congratulations to the eight students – Bluebell, Adwoa, Hela, Ella, Poppy, Maisie, Anneliese and Sophia – who have made it through to the Assembly Finals which will be held next week in front of Years 7 and 8.
Talk about the Future Oracy Workshop
This week, 24 Year 12 students completed a four-hour Talk about the Future Oracy workshop. This is designed to support students to identify their own unique life experiences and skills and then develop their ability to use oracy to effectively articulate those experiences, skills and employability value. Tasks included confidence-building activities and mock interviews. Everyone received a certificate which can be used on their CV. Congratulations to Rachel and Jewel who were awarded an ‘oracy champion’ certificate.
Debate Club
A new lunchtime Debate Club has begun, ably led by two Year 10 students Ryan and Poppy. It is open to Years 8-11 and has already proved a great success, with some impressive arguments and counter-arguments. Debates so far have included: Is AI good or bad? Should social media be banned for under 16s? Should schools continue with school uniforms?
Music Trip to the Royal Opera House
On Wednesday, 4th February, 30 music students took a trip to London to watch a matinee performance of Puccini’s Opera, Turandot. We were also able to support a Year 7 student, Molly who was part of the children’s chorus. The 3-hour production was incredible and allowed Darrick Wood students to experience the world of opera at this amazing and historic venue.
Well done to all students who watched the production and conducted themselves brilliantly, and of course to Molly.
Curriculum Showcase
Learn Together at Home
Chemistry:
We study acids and alkalis at all Key Stages.
You can make a simple pH indicator using red cabbage. Chop up some red cabbage and boil in some water. Discard the cabbage and use the left-over cabbage water to test household substances such as vinegar, toothpaste and soap. What colour does the cabbage indicator change in acids and alkalis?
Further thinking…
KS3:
- Would this indicator be useful in the lab, why/why not?
- Can you find some other substances to test?
KS4/5:
- What makes a substance acidic?
- How is the strength of the acid determined?
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
As part of our ongoing commitment to celebrating diversity, promoting inclusion, and fostering a culture of understanding within our school community, we are highlighting several important awareness days taking place this week and next week. These events provide valuable opportunities for families to engage in conversations at home and for us to deepen understanding in school.
This Week:-
- 1st February – World Hijab Day – A day celebrating the millions of Muslim women who choose to wear the hijab, promoting religious tolerance and understanding.
- 1st–7th February – World Interfaith Harmony Week – A global initiative encouraging respectful dialogue and positive relationships between people of all faiths and beliefs.
- 4th February – World Cancer Day – An international day raising awareness of cancer, promoting prevention, detection, and treatment.
- 5th February – Time to Talk Day – A UK-wide campaign focused on breaking the stigma around mental health by encouraging open conversations.
- 5th – 11th February – UK Race Equality Week – A nationwide movement uniting organisations and communities to address racial inequality and drive meaningful change.
- 6th February – International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation – A UN-led day raising awareness and working toward ending harmful practices affecting girls and women worldwide.
Next Week:-
9th – 15th February – Children’s Mental Health Week – An opportunity to focus on supporting children’s wellbeing and promoting healthy emotional development.
10th February – Safer Internet Day – A global day for educating young people and families about online safety, digital responsibility, and positive online behaviour.
11th February – International Day of Women and Girls in Science – A day recognising the achievements of women in STEM and encouraging girls to explore scientific pathways.
12th February – Red Hand Day for Child Soldiers – A global campaign calling for the end of the use of child soldiers in conflicts around the world.
15th February – International Childhood Cancer Day – A day raising awareness of childhood cancer and supporting children, young people, and families affected by it.
As always, we are grateful for the partnership of our families in helping to build an inclusive, compassionate school community. These awareness days offer meaningful moments to reflect on the experiences of others, celebrate diversity, and support the wellbeing of all children. We look forward to continuing this important work together and encouraging positive conversations that help every member of our community feel seen, valued, and heard.
Sports and PE News
Just before the Christmas holidays we hosted our first ever mass participation Sport for All Football fixture. The premise behind the fixtures was to have as many boys play competitive Football and represent the School as possible. On the evening we hosted Bullers Wood Boys and had three games. For the first time we fielded a B and C team. These boys played first and were fantastic. They played with a determination to prove themselves and a strong competitive mentality that was brilliant to observe. Most importantly, they played with smiles! The B team drew 2-2 and the C team won 3-2. This was then followed by the A team playing a full pitch Bromley League game. Despite being 0-1 down for the majority of the game the boys fought back and won 2-1. It was a great evening with excellent attitudes all round. Hopefully one day soon we will repeat this and facilitate another occasion for as many boys to represent the School as possible.
On Saturday, 17th January Louisa (Year 7), Fletcher (Year 7) and Holly (Year 9) ran in the Kent Schools Cross Country Championships, representing the Bromley Borough. All three of them ran amazing races finishing in the top 16 for Kent, qualifying to represent Kent in the Inter counties in the next few weeks. Holly came 9th, Louisa 10th, and Fletcher 15th. All three students also gained a gold medal for coming first in the team event, with Bromley coming first in all age groups apart from senior girls (with only 3 girls taking part) and junior boys (where we came 2nd).
Go team Bromley and Darrick Wood School!
Our U13 Girls recently went to Charlton FC’s training ground for the next round of the National EFL Utilita Cup. Having previously won at Bromley FC we then represent Bromley FC at the regional tournament. The girls had 9 league games to play in horrible weather! So it was a tricky day managing our warmth and our running ability…
Results of the day in the league: (Reminder that on the day we were Bromley FC!)
- WIN vs Leyton Orient (3-1)
- Loss vs Millwall (1-2)
- WIN vs Portsmouth (2-0)
- WIN vs Barnet (7-0)
- DRAW vs Charlton Athletic (0-0)
- Win vs QPR (7-0)
- WIN vs Crawley Town (1-0)
- LOSS vs Wimbledon (0-2)
- DRAW vs Gillingham (1-1)
We then played Wimbledon (who were in fact a very successful girls school, Surbiton High) in the semi-final and lost 0-1. It was a fantastic occasion and experience for our girls, the majority of which were playing up a year!
Safety & Awareness
Wellbeing
Children’s Mental Health Week 2026
Around three-quarters of mental health conditions develop before the age of 18. Since many long-term challenges begin during adolescence, it’s crucial to provide young people with the right support early on.
The theme for Children’s Mental Health Week 2026 is ‘This is My Place’, and the aim is to support the environments around children and young people so they feel a genuine sense of safety and belonging. In Main School Assembly this week we looked at some of the ways we can help ourselves and others develop a sense of belonging.
The Wellbeing Hub contains many resources to explore how to build positive mental health, including mental health courses for students. Follow the link to log in and access these resources (student log in details have been sent to all student school email addresses).
Student Leadership
Main Assembly
This week in assembly, our Mental Health Ambassadors shared thoughtful guidance on where to seek support and who you can talk to if you’re struggling with your mental health. They also explored the importance of feeling a sense of belonging in our school community. We would like to thank them, and Mrs Cardy, for an excellent and impactful presentation. Special thanks to Vitu, Lacey, Wesley, Ellie, Lillie and Kseniya.
Main Assembly
Last week, our Year 12 Drama class spoke about National Connections, the performance project they’ll be taking part in later this year. It promises to be a fantastic production, building on last year’s success, and we wish them the very best as they prepare. Thank you to Daisy H, Daisy S, Millie, Hannah, Anna and Isobel for sharing their insights with us.
Main Assembly
In the week commencing 19th January, Zara, Najaa and Nea delivered our student-led assembly item on Tamil Heritage Month, sharing thoughtful insights into why this time is so important to them. We are grateful to them for showing such initiative in requesting to take part, and for presenting with confidence and clarity.
Work Related Learning
Year 9 Work Shadowing Day – Tuesday, 10th March
As part of our Careers Education, Information, Advice, and Guidance Curriculum, Year 9 students are invited to take part in a Work Shadowing Day designed to provide them with an insight into the workplace and the broader world of work, which will support them in choosing their KS4 option choices next month.
Work Shadowing Day is taking place on Tuesday, 10th March. On this day, Year 9 students can accompany a parent/carer or other named trusted adult to their workplace, but where this is not possible, they will be expected to attend school as normal.
Please refer to previous communications sent directly to parents/carers and complete the form within the letters to confirm your child’s arrangements for Work Shadowing Day. The form should be completed even if your child is not attending a workplace.
The deadline to submit the form is Monday, 23rd February.
Careers Bulletin
Please click on this link to view this week’s careers bulletin attached with various opportunities that may be of interest to your child.
National Apprenticeship Week
National Apprenticeship Week is taking place from Monday, 9th February to Friday, 13th February and focusses on supporting students, parents and carers with providing a platform to promote apprenticeships as potential post-16 and 18 pathways. Lots of information is being shared with students through emails so please encourage your child to check their emails, particularly if they are in Years 10 – 13.
Parent and Carer Webinar: Understanding Apprenticeships
Amazing Apprenticeships are hosting a special parent and carer webinar focussing on understanding apprenticeships which offer exciting and practical routes into rewarding careers. This session is designed to help parents and carers feel confident supporting their child as they explore this pathway. If you would like to register for the event, please follow this link: Webinar Registration – Zoom
Updated Higher and Degree Apprenticeship Vacancy Listing
The January Higher and Degree Vacancy Listing has been published and has been shared with Year 13 students seeking apprenticeships on completion of their studies. The listing includes over 1600 Higher and Degree apprenticeship vacancies with over 65 employers, including individual locations, salary information and direct application links. A link to the listing can be found here: Higher-and-Degree-Listing-January-2026.pdf
Esmee in Year 12 is currently training to run a half marathon in April for The Samaritans. This is what she has said about the event…
This will be my first big run and I am very proud to be running for a charity that will help people just like me. I have struggled with my own mental health for about 3 years and it’s one of my passions to help people. Supporting me in any way is amazing but making a donation towards Samaritans would mean so much to me and all the people out there who need help. Thank you.
If you would like to donate to her page please use the link below
https://www.justgiving.com/page/esmee-seal-1?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL
Watch this space to see how she gets on with the race and the fundraising – Good luck Esmee
A huge congratulations to Scarlett (Yr 8), James (Yr 8), Louella (Yr10), Lucas (Yr 10), Fotios (Yr11) and Carys (Yr12) who all competed at the Kent County Swimming Championships during the past two weekends for Orpington Ojays Swimming Club. The event was held at the London Aquatic Centre (Olympic Pool) and was also broadcast live, giving many their TV debut! They were all a credit to the School and between them, their hard work and determination resulted in some great PBs, Finals and a demonstration of true resilience. A huge well done to these students.