Newsletters

Dear Parent or Guardian

Having just completed a round of house assemblies this week, the meaning of Easter is at the forefront of my mind. My message to students has been one of sacrifice, self-discipline, optimism, growth and hope, and the atmosphere in these house assemblies has exemplified this completely. These assemblies have celebrated house events like the Spelling Bee and poetry competition (the inspiring winning entry is included further on in this newsletter). It celebrated students nominated by teachers for subject success or effort, for having 100% attendance, for doing something that goes the ‘extra mile' and for achieving the most house points. It’s worth reminding ourselves that these house points are themselves largely built around effort and values; achievable by all.

We shouldn’t underestimate the power of talking publicly about the ‘sacrifice’ being made this Easter by those students in the assembly from exam year groups, who will no doubt spend most of it revising. Nor should we underestimate the message of highlighting the self-discipline of students who have managed to achieve 100% attendance or those working hard at the things they struggle with the most. The atmosphere in the auditorium was very much one that recognised how effort leads to growth and the spontaneous ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ accompanied by applause in the room that inspires hope and optimism.

Another area that has inspired optimism and hope, has been the huge success of our VAWG (preventing violence against women and girls) champions this term. The nine national finalists had to present their project at the National Crimebeat Awards in London, resulting in a commendation and £1000 award for future projects. Their work in raising the profile of these issues with other students and for getting business support in the local community meant they were also the proud recipients of a Kent High Sheriff award. It was genuinely humbling to see some incredibly inspiring charities receiving awards alongside our students such as Charlies Promise (who are visiting Borden in May to talk to students) and the “Legend on a Bench” project. Anyway, we are incredibly proud of our young people and the message this sends to the Borden community and beyond.

We started this term in January with the awful news of the tragic death of one of our year 12 students. It was therefore appropriate to end this term saying goodbye in the best way we could. On the last day, we held a memorial ceremony after school finished, planting an apple tree together, with students and staff saying some heartfelt words and holding a small silence together. As I said in the house assemblies, planting a tree was symbolic; when a tree falls it affects the entire forest, a tree has roots that mean it will always be a part of our community and the act of planting a tree is a positive step towards healing and growth. It is also comforting to know that a student, sometime in the future, will sit in the shade of a tree planted a long time ago in the name of someone who really mattered. Whether you are religious or not, it feels like Easter is the right time to plant such a tree.

Have a wonderful Easter break and, if you have a young person preparing hard for their exams, please recognise their sacrifice and give them hope!

Ashley Tomlin

Dream Wide Open

By Ope Ojedeji

 

We all dream dreams - in the daylight or the dark,

Sparks of imagination lighting up the park,

From fears to hopes, from pain to pride,

Our minds are the sky, and dreams are the ride.

I have a dream where voices rise, not fall,

Where “equal” means everyone, standing tall,

Where kindness is currency and courage’s the crown,

Where brave lifts others when the world pulls down.

Dreams are the blueprint, hopes are the plan,

Changes start with a vision in the heart of one man,

We see freedom in colour, in sound, in art-

Your future starts here - in the beat of your heart.

I have a dream - yeah, I breathe that theme,

Turning thoughts into flame, turn flame to steam,

Peace , power purpose in the rhythm I weave,

I dream it, I speak it - and I believe.

 

Turn whispers of doubt to the roar of the crowd,

My dream speaks softly, but my soul speaks loud,

No limit, no ceiling, no label, no wall,

If I fall seven times, I get up eight - that’s all.

Imagine a world where minds are free,

Where every “me” can be the truest “we”

Ink my voice on the page like fire in my pen,

I dream today - and start again.

 

I have a dream - yeah I breathe that theme,

Turning thoughts to flame, turn flame to steam,

Peace, power, purpose in the rhythm I weave,

I dream it, I live it - and I believe.

So write your dream, let your truth take flight,

Paint your vision across that night,

Young writer, creator - your words redeem,

The world shifts forward when you dare to dream.

Careers Update – Term 4, 2026

Careers education never stands still here at Borden. From new corridor displays and targeted assemblies to our ever-growing digital padlets, we are constantly finding new ways to engage our students. This term, we reached a new milestone by hosting our very first Careers Lunch.

We would like to extend our thanks to Mrs. Weekes, one of our parents, who reached out after reading a previous newsletter to offer her expertise. She provided invaluable insights to students interested in the intersection of Science and Law, proving just how powerful our school community network can be.

Year 10 Work Experience

Work Experience remains a highlight of the Year 10 calendar. While the landscape for placements has been particularly challenging this year due to external factors, the resilience of our students and families has been remarkable.

• Current Progress: At the time of writing, 130 placements are secured (pending final checks).

• Deadline: All placements must be confirmed by Tuesday, 21st April.

• Next Steps: Parents and carers will receive further details at the start of Term 5.

Student Spotlight: Sonny Smith (Year 10)

We are incredibly proud of Sonny Smith, who independently secured an additional week of work experience with BAE Systems. Not only was Sonny the youngest participant on the program, but he also successfully graduated as an Industrial Cadet at Silver Level.

Sonny’s initiative and professionalism are a fantastic example of what can be achieved when students ‘put themselves out there’. Congratulations, Sonny!

How You Can Help

Our program thrives on the support of our parent and alumni community. If you or your employer could support our students, we would love to hear from you. Opportunities include:

• Speaking to a class or year group about your industry.

• Hosting a school visit or a workplace tour.

• Offering placements for Year 10 or Year 12 Work Experience.

• Exhibiting at our Futures Fair in September.

• Hosting a ‘Careers Lunch’ session.

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you can help inspire the next generation of Bordenians.

Mrs. Cameron

Head of Personal Development and Careers

Year 7

Term 4 was an exciting one for Year 7, we welcomed parents and guardians into our school to meet with subject teachers and the year group received their second set of audit data.

A massive congratulations to all of the students that have shown big improvements in their attitude to learning grades; this means that your teachers have noticed the effort you are putting into your learning and the resilience to achieve.

The Borden Value for this term was Courage and I think the Y7 Pastoral team would agree with me that during their form time discussions, Y7 had a mature approach to serious topics and were able to describe different situations where being courageous is essential and why it is an important value.

We are looking forward to (hopefully) nicer and hotter weather next term and starting to think about transitioning to Y8.

Have a lovely break Y7!

Miss Irinoye, Head of Year

Year 8

Another busy term in Year 8 draws to a close.  In form time, we have been learning about study skills, democracy and fraud as part of the termly theme of Courage.  We have also been fortunate enough to have had a number of assemblies delivered to us by 6th Form students, as well as by students across year groups on topics such as International Women's Day, Anti-Bullying and Careers.  Year 8 students are regularly represented at the Rewards Breakfasts, celebrating their individual contributions to school life, recognised by their teachers.  Thank you to all of the boys who have represented the school in sporting fixtures or who regularly give up their time to rehearse for the school musical.  Another successful term for the year group as a whole and congratulations to 8B who narrowly won the interform competition!

Mrs Edwards, Head of Year

Year 10

Year 10 will be starting their GCSE Mock Exams after the Easter break. Details regarding the exams have been published on google classroom, including exam timetables, seating plans and other advice regarding revision. Please take a look over the Easter break. These exams are the first full trial run in the same setting and format as the final GCSE exams next year, so it is important that students make the most of this opportunity to learn the routines of the exam as well as developing their revision skills before the exam period.

Miss Phillips, Head of Year

Year 12

On 24th February 2026, our Year 12 students had the opportunity to visit Cambridge University, gaining a valuable insight into university life. The stunning architecture of Queens’ College provided a memorable setting for the day, and it was a pleasure to share this experience with such an engaged group of students. During the visit, students took part in informative sessions that outlined the Oxbridge application process, as well as receiving practical guidance on writing effective personal statements—key preparation for those intending to apply to university in 2027. The beautiful weather and picturesque surroundings made the day especially enjoyable. We were extremely proud of our students, whose excellent behaviour and enthusiastic participation reflected very positively on the school.

This is a reminder that all Year 12 students will be undertaking work experience during the week of 6th–10th July. While many students have already secured placements, a number are still in the process of doing so. We would greatly appreciate your continued support in helping your child arrange a suitable placement.

Year 12 examinations will begin on 17th June. Throughout Term 5, students will be focusing on preparing for these important assessments. Following the Easter break, it is essential that students make effective use of their study and research periods to support their revision. Students have been informed that the results of these examinations will be used as their projected grades for UCAS applications and apprenticeships. As such, careful planning and thorough preparation are vital to ensure they achieve their full potential.

We wish you a restful Easter and look forward to welcoming back our Year 12 students from 20th April.

Ms Wrighton, Head of Year

Performing Arts Showcase

On Tuesday 31st March, year 10 Music and Drama students performed their GCSE coursework pieces to an audience of parents and friends. There was a wide variety of performances including solo vocal and instrumental performances, group musical numbers, play extracts and original devised creations. Students performed brilliantly during the evening and showed off their hard work and talent. Well done to all of those involved. 

Our next performance on the 1st and 2nd of July is our summer musical, We Will Rock You. Rehearsals are already underway and we look forward to welcoming you to a performance. Ticket details will be available closer to the time.

A few highlights for each year group and their studies this term

• Year 7: The Ministry and Passion of Jesus This term, Year 7 investigated the life of Jesus through a critical lens, specifically highlighting the significance of women in his ministry and how they challenged the social norms of the time. We also navigated the complexities of Holy Week, analysing the narratives of Palm Sunday and Maundy Thursday. Students engaged in thoughtful debates regarding the roles of Judas and Peter, leading up to the events of the Crucifixion. After the break, we will explore the aftermath and the impact of these events on the early Church.

• Year 8: The Diversity of Hinduism Year 8 continued their journey through the complex world of Hinduism. It has been a colourful term exploring festivals such as Diwali, Holi, and the Kumbh Mela. Beyond the festivities, students studied the life of Gandhi and the fascinating intersection of Hinduism and Science, looking at how Hindu thought has historically influenced scientific progress.

• Year 9: The Five Pillars of Islam Our Year 9 students have shown great maturity in their in-depth study of Islam. We have focused on the Five Pillars, with a particular emphasis on the significance of the Hajj. By studying this pilgrimage, students gained a deeper understanding of the concepts of Ummah (community), sacrifice, and spiritual devotion.

 

The Road to Exams

Year 10: AQA GCSE Preparation Year 10 is currently navigating the AQA course, focusing on the dual study of Christianity and Islam. Please note that their Mock Exams will take place in Term 5. This is a vital opportunity for students to refine their exam techniques, and consistent revision over the break will be key to their confidence.

Year 11: The Final Stretch Our Year 11 students have just completed their final set of mocks. We are incredibly proud of their dedication. As we move into Term 5, we officially enter "Exam Season." When students return, the focus will shift entirely to final preparations. We wish them the very best of luck—the finish line is in sight!

 

Holiday Wishes and Reflections

As we head into the break, we recognise that this is a significant time for many in our community. Whether you are observing Passover, celebrating Easter, or simply taking the time to rest, we wish you a peaceful and restorative holiday.

At Borden Grammar School we take pride in our inclusive environment. 

Thank you to all our students and parents for your continued support.

Have a wonderful, well-earned holiday!

Mr R Sherwood-Farnfield 

The Religious Studies Department Borden Grammar School

Anti-Bullying Ambassadors

It's been an eventful term for the Anti-Bullying Ambassadors (ABAs), welcoming two new members from Y7 - Henry Stock-Leech (7B) and Oscar Clemons (7S), as well as five Y12 prefects to support their anti-bullying projects (Rafael Devibar, Ekene Nwosu, Alfie Pearce, Jay Sharma and Harrison Tong).

They have also been busy writing and delivering assemblies to Y7 - 11 on the topic of Banter vs Bullying (for which they received a huge amount of positive feedback from both staff and students), not to mention updating the anti-bullying posters on the noticeboards around the school.

Most exciting of all, one of our Y10 ABAs, James Banfield, was selected as one of only 50 students from around the country to take part in the Young Anti-Bullying Alliance 2026, organised by United Against Bullying. As part of this role, James will have the opportunity to get involved in a number of exciting projects, including helping to shape United Against Bullying's national Anti-Bullying Week campaign, drafting press releases, working closely with the DfE and public speaking at events in front of government ministers. James already made a significant impact at his first briefing with the DfE and I look forward to seeing what else he can achieve in this role. Well done James!

All Bronze level Duke of Edinburgh students took part in a training day on Wednesday 4th March. During the day, students learnt important skills they will need to utilise during their expedition such as cooking outdoors, how to put up a tent, map reading and first aid. Students were enthusiastic and attentive during the day and the visiting instructors commented on how excellent the students were. Well done to all involved. 

A reminder to continue uploading evidence on the eDofE app for volunteering, physical and skills sections. Each level of the award also now has a google classroom page where key information and updates are uploaded for students. 

Students already participating from a previous year can still complete their award by uploading their evidence to the eDofE app and asking their assessor to complete the end of section report. Please ask if you have forgotten your password!

New York

Over the February half term, a group of 25 students took a cultural arts trip to New York. The students had the opportunity to take part in a wide variety of music, drama and art experiences as well as taking in many of the tourist attractions. Some highlights of the trip included a Broadway dance workshop delivered by one of the cast members of Hamilton during which students learnt some choreography from the show. There were also visits to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, MOMA and the Guggenheim. Students also toured NBC studios and created and produced their own broadcast show. The students were a real credit to the school and there were many comments throughout the trip from a variety of venues about what a lovely group of students they were. 

Spelling Bee

Students across the school competed in the house spelling bee competition in March, it was a great success and all involved both staff and students were great!