Our Weekly Newsletter Connecting School and Home
Headmaster’s Message
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Welcome to the first edition of The Bridge, our new weekly parent newsletter connecting school and home.
We now have news and information specific to each year group so you can easily find the important things relevant to your son(s) which I hope will allow you to keep up to date more easily. The team welcomes your feedback so if you do have any suggestions, please contact Mr Campbell via email: communications@
It is always great to have the boys back in school refreshed after a break. Our Year 10 and Year 12 students have been undertaking their final set of mock exams for this academic year which will continue into next week. These are important exams as boys will be able to see their progress in their BTEC, GCSE, A Level and V-Cert studies and set themselves up for the next year of studies.
Our Year 11 and Year 13 boys have just three school weeks left and our focus now is to make sure they continue to be ready for their upcoming exams. We believe that our boys can do great things this summer and beyond.
There are strikes by members of the National Education Union scheduled for Thursday 27th April and Tuesday 2nd May. As with previous strike days, FBS will remain open for all year groups on these days. On Thursday 27th, examinations in Year 10 and 12 will run as normal and Year 10 will undertake sports afternoon – although this will be held at school rather than Barn Elms. Co-curricular for Year 7, Year 8 and Year 9 on this day will be cancelled, therefore Year 7 will leave at 16:10, Year 8 will leave at 15:20 and Year 9 will leave at 16:10.
This week Ms Johnson, Deputy Head Teacher, has announced that, after nine years at FBS, she will be leaving at the end of the academic year to join Ofsted as one of His Majesty’s Inspectors. I am delighted that Ms Johnson has secured such a prestigious role but I am also sad to be losing such a dedicated member of staff who has been instrumental in helping to make FBS the success it is today. She will be much missed by boys, staff and parents. Please do take time to read her message to you all in the Whole School News section.
I am looking forward to our second, annual Staff XI vs Sixth Form XI football match this evening at Barn Elms. Our staff team manager, Mr Pellow, assures me that the team is fully fit and excited for victory – although goalkeeper Mr Brophy has already outlined his concerns of the weaknesses in the back line, which may lead to reduced probability of him keeping a clean sheet and reminding me that Maths is indeed everywhere.
I wish you all a pleasant weekend.
David Smith
Headmaster
From The FBS Foundation
Dear all,
One of the most asked questions I have had since I began my role in January is, “what exactly is The FBS Foundation?”.
This tells me that we haven’t yet done a good enough job of explaining to parents the crucial importance of The FBS Foundation in the everyday lives of each of our students.
To answer this question, I have put together a short introduction to the foundation which can be found below. It is a “one minute read” which I hope will help to clarify the purpose and aims of this vital aspect of FBS life.
Simply put, without the money provided by The FBS Foundation through its generous donors, the school could not function as it does or hope to achieve its future aspirations.
If you would like to get involved (or further involved), please do not hesitate to contact me.
Julian Thomas
CEO, The Fulham Boys School Trust
From The Friends of FBS
Dear all,
Thank you to all that attended the Friends “Bingo Night”; it was the most attended Friends Social in a very long time. Much fun was had by all. Parents, teachers and even the governors joined in! It was a really good night with a delicious meal supplied by local Ethiopian restaurant “Aubgida”; big thank you to them. Prior to eyes down, the 2nd hand Uniform Sale was a great success too – thank you to those that helped out. Money was raised and friends were made, which is what we are here for. We look forward to seeing you at the next social very soon. Every parent is a member of Friends so please get involved, the more of us there, the more we can achieve. In the meantime, please hold this date of 30th June as the Summer Edition of International Food Day is coming.
The Friends of FBS
A Message From Ms Johnson
This term will be my 27th term at FBS, in fact, Mr Kellie and I were the second and third teachers appointed back in January 2014 before FBS had any premises or even any students! This term will also be my last at FBS. I have loved my time here and am incredibly proud of the school we have created over the last 9 years but I believe it is now time for me to find new challenges.
Proposed Changes To School Day
Earlier this week, a letter from Mr Smith was sent to all parents regarding proposed changes to the school day starting from September 2023. Please see this changes to the FBS school day letter for further details. As mentioned within the letter, there will be two meeting dates and times that parents are invited to attend should they wish to find out more information regarding the changes and to ask any potential questions. These will be on Wednesday 3rd May at 9am and on Thursday 4th May at 6pm. Please complete this short Google form if you would like to attend either of these meetings.
French Trip Information Evening – Tuesday 25th April
If your son is on the French Trip, there will be an information evening taking place next Tuesday 25th April at 6pm in the drama studio. The meeting will involve: itinerary, equipment, safety and travel. Communication was sent out on Tuesday 20th April regarding this, however, if for any reason you are unable to attend the meeting, please contact Claire Healey (Trip Leader), who will be able to provide you with any information you will need. c.healey@fulhamboysschool.org.uk.
Student Departure Times – Thursday 27th April
As mentioned in Mr Smith’s message, there will be no Year 7, Year 8 or Year 9 co-curricular next Thursday due to the strikes taking place. Therefore, departure times for both these year groups will be as follows.
Year 7: 16:10 / Year 8: 15:20 / Year 9: 16:10
Student Departure Times – Wednesday 3rd May
Due to the Year 9 parent consultation on Wednesday 3rd May, departure times will be as follows. Year 8 will have PSHCE afternoon on this day.
Year 7: 14:30, / Year 8: 16:10 / Year 9: 12:40 / Year 10: 14:30 / Year 11: 12:40 / Year 12: 15:30 / Year 13: 12:40
Ski Trip 2023
The Ski Trip for this year is now live and so far we have had quite a few sign ups. There are still plenty of places available. More details regarding the trip can be found by reading this Ski Trip letter. If your son would be interested in attending, then sign up can be completed on ParentPay under the payment item titled ‘SKI TRIP CHRISTMAS 2023’.
Spanish Trip to Barcelona – Year 7, 8 and 9
The MFL department is excited to open additional places on our Barcelona tour for September 2023. Please see this Spanish trip letter for further details. Sign up for this trip can be completed via ParentPay.
Year 7 Reading Lessons
As you are aware, at FBS we place huge emphasis on the importance of reading and literacy skills. There are significant educational reasons for this, for example the department for education have stated that ‘Children who are weak readers will struggle as much in maths and science at GCSE as they do in English and in arts subjects, according to one of the biggest ever studies of student reading’. Reading is a particularly big issue for boys in England and as a school we are passionate about ensuring our boys buck the national trend and genuinely enjoy reading for pleasure and are all proficient readers. Alex Quigley, the National Content Manager at the Education Endowment Foundation, says: “Reading is the master skill of secondary school. Skilled reading, writing and talking is crucial for our students to succeed.”
For this reason we have decided to add an additional reading and literacy lesson to the curriculum in Year 7. This is taking place in the time when the boys were studying Computing as they have completed the necessary learning in Computing and all boys continue to use their chromebooks in all lessons and for completing ownwork. We will also continue to cover essential computing elements in the co-curricular and through our PSHCE curriculum.
Please discuss this with your son and ask him about the short story that the boys have been reading which is called ‘Hey, you down there!’ by Harold Rolseth. Later this term they will be writing their own creative short stories and prizes will be awarded for the best ones.
Year 8 Reading Lessons
As you are aware, at FBS we place huge emphasis on the importance of reading and literacy skills. There are significant educational reasons for this, for example the department for education have stated that ‘Children who are weak readers will struggle as much in maths and science at GCSE as they do in English and in arts subjects, according to one of the biggest ever studies of student reading’. Reading is a particularly big issue for boys in England and as a school we are passionate about ensuring our boys buck the national trend and genuinely enjoy reading for pleasure and are all proficient readers. Alex Quigley, the National Content Manager at the Education Endowment Foundation, says: “Reading is the master skill of secondary school. Skilled reading, writing and talking is crucial for our students to succeed.”
For this reason we have decided to add an additional reading and literacy lesson to the curriculum in Year 8. This is taking place in the time when the boys were studying Computing as they have completed the necessary learning in Computing and all boys continue to use their chromebooks in all lessons and for completing ownwork. We will also continue to cover essential computing elements in the co-curricular and through our PSHCE curriculum.
Please discuss this with your son and ask him about the short story that the boys have been reading which is called ‘Hey, you down there!’ by Harold Rolseth. Later this term they will be writing their own creative short stories and prizes will be awarded for the best ones.
Year 9 Bronze DofE Practice Expedition 1 – Friday 28th – Saturday 29th April
Communication was sent to parents this week regarding upcoming key dates regarding Duke of Edinburgh. A reminder that the expedition on Friday 28th April will be for Brunel and Dickens boys. Please see this Brunel and Dickens expedition letter for more information regarding the 28th date. Please also see key dates below for upcoming DofE activities.
5th – 6th May – Practice Expedition – Liddell & Wilberforce (Liddel and Wilberforce expedition letter)
15th May 5pm – 7pm – Assessment training session – map reading/ route planning – attendance compulsory for all
19th – 20th May – Final Expedition – all boys
Year 9 Parent Consultation – Wednesday 3rd May (2:45 – 7pm)
As you know the Parent Consultation afternoon for Year 9 is coming up on Wednesday 3rd May. This is the chance to meet with all of your son’s teachers to find out how he is getting on at FBS this academic year and exactly what he needs to do now to achieve his end of year target grade in the June exams. These meetings will take place online with each of your son’s teachers.
Appointments will be available to book from 4pm on Friday 21st April. Please log on to School Cloud to make your appointments. You can also find a link to this booking system on Parent Portal, and on the website under FBS Parent Platforms. Please do not hesitate to contact the school you have any questions or concerns.
Year 10 Exam Timetable
Please follow the Year 10 exam timetable link for more details of exam dates and times.
Year 10 Work Experience Forms
Please ensure that the work experience forms are returned to Ms Le Hur as soon as possible. Forms need to be signed by a parent/guardian, the student and the employer.
Help With Work Experience
If anyone is able to help providing a work experience opportunity for our Year 10 boys, please contact Ms Le Hur on c.le-hur@fulhamboysschool.org.
There is no specific Year 11 News this week.
Year 12 University/Post 18 Options Information Evening – Tuesday 2nd May
Year 12 Exam Timetable
Please follow the Year 12 exam timetable link for more details of exam dates and times.
Year 13 Business Studies Workshop Day
Communication was sent out earlier this week regarding details of a business studies workshop day for all Year 13 business studies students. Confirmation of attendance and payment can be completed on ParentPay.
Year 13 Psychology Workshop Day
Communication was sent out earlier this week regarding details of a psychology workshop day for all Year 13 psychology students. Confirmation of attendance and payment can be completed on ParentPay.
Amsterdam Sports Tour 2023
Many of our boys recently enjoyed our Amsterdam Sports Tour that took place during the half term. Click the read more button to find out about the trip.
FBS Foundation Event Night – Thursday 18th May
As mentioned in a recent email, the FBS Foundation is delighted to announce its most ambitious and exciting event yet. One of our kind families has donated an evening at the world-famous Tramp private members’ club, including a sumptuous three-course dinner, welcome drinks and fine wines, and dancing to a live band into the early hours.
Sports and PE Kit – Injuries and Illness
Kit: For the summer term, students should be wearing trainers, white socks and white polo shirts for both PE lessons and sports afternoons/mornings. We would encourage students to also bring a fleece or rain jacket just in case. As the weather gets hotter, please ensure your son has a water bottle and sun cream available. If required, please follow this Tylers Sportswear link for The Fulham Boys School kit page.
Peripatetic Music Lessons
There is availability at the school for lessons in the following instruments: bass guitar, brass, drums, guitar, piano, woodwind (saxophone, clarinet and flute) and finally lessons for singing. If you think your son would be interested in taking part in these lessons, contact either Mr Chawla (r.chawla@fulhamboysschool.org.uk) or Mr Gleed (o.gleed@fulhamboysschool.org.uk) to find out more.
The Drum/Guitar teacher would like to increase his uptake for instrumental lessons. Again, please contact either Mr Chawla or Mr Gleed if your son would be interested. Please see his introductory video here.
Parent Reminder For Visiting School
This is a polite reminder that parents should avoid visiting reception wishing to speak with a teacher, form tutor, HoH etc without prior arrangement. Parents should contact the relevant staff member by email to make an appointment. Thank you.
Monday 1st May and Monday 8th May Bank Holidays
A reminder that there will be no school on Monday 1st May and Monday 8th May due to both being bank holidays.
| Tuesday 25th April |
French Trip Information Evening – 6pm Start Year 13 Business Studies Day Workshop |
| Thursday 27th April |
A Level Speaking Exams begin Year 13 Psychology Day Workshop |
| Friday 28th April |
Year 9 DofE Bronze Practice Expedition 1 (Brunel and Dickens boys) |
|
Monday 1st May |
Bank Holiday (no school) |
|
Tuesday 2nd May |
Year 12 Information Evening |
|
Wednesday 3rd May |
Year 9 Parent Consultation (Year 8 PSHCE afternoon) |
|
Friday 5th May |
Year 9 DofE Bronze Practice Expedition 2 (Liddell and Wilberforce boys) |
|
Monday 8th May |
Bank Holiday (no school) |
