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What a fantastic term this has been!
Our newsletter is where we celebrate the achievements of our students, staff, and the school each term.
In this edition, we will reflect on the fantastic events and successes we have seen this term at Denefield. Stay up to date with all our events and key dates for the new academic year on our website.
If you are not following us on social media yet, make sure you do. You will get regular updates, news, and reminders.
Learn more about how to protect your children online by visiting our online safety page.
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Important dates for our return - Week B
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| Monday 23 February |
Term 3 begins - All students return to school at 8.28am |
| Tuesday 24 February |
Year 11 Core PPEs commence |
| Tuesday 24 February |
Year 13 PPEs commence |
| Thursday 26 February |
Year 9 Virtual Parents' Evening - 4.00pm to 8.00pm |
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Together for Denefield – Building a Legacy for Our Students
As part of our journey towards Denefield’s 50th anniversary in 2026, we have begun celebrating our history while also looking ahead to the future through the Denefield 50 fundraising campaign. This year has focussed on bringing our community together through meaningful events, student involvement and charitable action.
Students and staff have taken part in a range of activities, including Culture Day, Festive Jumper Day, Tech Free Challenge etc., which brought the school community together while celebrating diversity, creativity and a shared sense of belonging. Alongside these events, students have been actively involved in a variety of fundraising activities, showing enthusiasm, teamwork and a strong sense of responsibility.
Since the launch of the campaign, we have raised £5,626 towards our overall target of £50,000. These funds will support enrichment opportunities for our students and contribute to our partnership with Launchpad, a local charity supporting people facing homelessness in our community. By linking our anniversary celebrations with giving back, we are helping students understand the importance of community, compassion and supporting others, as we work towards 50 years of Success for Life.
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Click the logo above to check out the Futures Bulletin each week. This is where all the careers and education opportunities and events, open days and apprenticeship information is shared. Posts are colour coded so you can find what you are interested in. It is updated daily during term time with the newest posts at the top, and a Red pinned post to the permanent links such as websites, publications and provider websites.
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PTFA - Expression of Interest
As part of Denefield 50, we are exploring the possibility of setting up a Parent Teacher and Friends Association (PTFA). A PTA or PTFA is led by parents/carers and supports the school through fundraising and community events. At this stage, we are simply gauging interest. There is no commitment required.
If you would like to be involved or would like to find out more, please complete the short expression of interest form by clicking the button below.
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This term, our students showcased their talents and teamwork across a range of sports. Our students played with determination and spirit, winning many matches and making Denefield proud. Well done to all the teams!
Netball
Year 10 Girls
Our Year 10 Girls Netball team achieved fantastic success this term, winning the Reading Netball League.
They showed great determination in a closely contested match against Kendrick, securing victory with a golden goal to finish 8–7. In the final, the team delivered another strong performance, beating Little Heath 13–8 to take the title.
Congratulations to all the players for their teamwork, resilience and outstanding effort.
U16 Girls
Our U16 Girls Netball team finished the season unbeaten. In the past term they have beaten many local schools.
This is also their last fixture for the school after 5 years of representing us in many different sports, it was great to end it in winning ways. Well done girls, you have made us all so proud.
Football
U12 Girls
Our U12 girls’ football teams have had a positive season across their league fixtures. The team delivered an outstanding performance to win the final of the Reading 5-a-side tournament. They faced Bohunt in a closely contested match that finished 1–1 at full time.The game then went to penalties, where the girls showed great composure and determination, securing victory in sudden death.
A fantastic achievement and a proud moment for the team.
| U12 Girls Football |
Scores |
| Denefield vs Prospect School |
4–0 |
| Denefield vs Bohunt School Wokingham |
1–1 |
| Denefield vs The Abbey School, Reading |
4–0 |
| Denefield vs Highdown School |
6–0 |
| Denefield vs Little Heath School |
1–0 |
| Denefield vs Barbarians (TBC) Girls U12B |
4–0 |
| Denefield vs Prospect School |
7–1 |
| Denefield vs Maiden Erlegh School Reading |
3–0 |
| Denefield vs River Academy |
3–0 |
| Denefield vs Bohunt School Wokingham |
0–2 |
| Denefield vs Hartland High School |
6–0 |
| Denefield vs Bohunt School Wokingham Girls U12C |
6–0 |
| Denefield vs Maiden Erlegh School Wokingham |
0–3 |
| Denefield vs Bohunt School Wokingham |
3-2 |
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HisDoory Interhouse Competition
This term, our much-anticipated inter-house competition HisDoory once again brought creativity and learning to life across the school. Following last year’s focus on historical eras, this year tutor groups explored influential historical figures.
Each tutor group was assigned a notable figure to research and then transform their classroom door into a vibrant visual display. Students worked collaboratively to present key facts, achievements and creative designs that captured the impact and legacy of their chosen individual.
Doors were judged by our Sixth Form students based on overall impact, quality of information, effort and originality. It was fantastic to see such a wide range of thoughtful, imaginative and beautifully decorated doors throughout the school.
The winning tutor groups are as follows:
N-AMI - Martin Luther King
S-GPE – Emmeline Pankhurst
L-NCH – Nelson Mandela
L-JCD – Florence Nightingale
L-LHY – Marie Curie
L-JNE – Alan Turing
N-LBH – Mahatma Gandhi
L-MOL – Abraham Lincoln
L-YLU - Alfred the Great
Congratulation to Langley House for winning this competition with 29 points.
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To celebrate our Attendance stars, we invited Year 11 students with 96 per cent and above attendance to a celebration cake party in the canteen during PM tutor time on Friday 6 February. The event recognised students’ commitment, consistency and positive approach to attendance throughout the term. It was a well-deserved opportunity to celebrate their achievement together, and a lovely way to thank students for the effort they continue to show as they approach their final exams.
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Trips and Visits
Travel and Tourism Year 13 visit to Basildon Park
This term, Year 13 Travel and Tourism class visited Basildon through a generous invite from the National Trust Education officer, Hamish Patterson.
The group spoke with the volunteers about the importance of visitor attractions and the roles that could be pursued in the Travel and Tourism industry. One volunteer spoke of the importance of the effort it takes to introduce any event from arranging the health and safety to the financial implications. The group were also allowed to explore the park and see the potential that the attraction could hold in terms of introducing a new attraction or service to improve visitor numbers.
The visit provided valuable primary research to support an upcoming assignment, and the first-hand experience gave students a clear direction and motivation as they begin putting their coursework together.
Film Studies A Level visit to Pinewood Studios
This term, Mr Neale and Mrs Levey took our A Level Film Studies students to a Futures Festival hosted by Pinewood Studios.
The visit gave students a valuable insight into careers in film and television, with the chance to speak to industry professionals and explore real pathways into the sector. Students experienced the studio environment first-hand, using professional cinematography equipment, taking part in performances, meeting well-known film characters, watching an impressive stunt show, and learning how major productions are brought to life.
It was an inspiring and immersive day that brought classroom learning into a real-world setting. Mr Neale is keen to offer more opportunities like this for current and prospective A Level Film Studies students.
Geography Year 11 visit to Bristol
Recently, our Year 11 Geography students visited Bristol, for their GCSE Geography fieldwork, a key part of their course. During the trip, students explored the urban geography of Bristol, walking from Whapping Wharf to Cabot Circus, a bustling covered shopping centre.
The visit brought their in-class learning about Bristol to life. They had two main areas of focus during the day: how Bristol's physical and human environments are interrelated and how environmental quality and land use change across the city. It was a brilliant opportunity to turn theory into real-world understanding.
Year 10 visit to Tate Britain
Our Year 10 students recently enjoyed an inspiring visit to Tate Britain in London, where they immersed themselves in the rich world of British art and culture.
During the trip, students explored the vast galleries and encountered an impressive range of artworks, from historic pieces to contemporary creations.
The experience gave students a valuable opportunity to engage with art beyond the classroom, deepening their understanding and appreciation in an exciting and meaningful setting. A big thank you to the Art Department for organising such a memorable visit.
ASDAN Students visit to Local Nursery
Our ASDAN students recently enjoyed a visit to the on-site Little Welly Nursery as part of their communication module. As part of the task, students wrote and illustrated their own stories before reading them aloud to a group of younger children.
The visit gave students a valuable opportunity to practise speaking with confidence, share their creativity and engage positively with others. They represented the school brilliantly and should be very proud of their efforts.
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Headteacher's Open House Event
On Monday 2 February, we were pleased to welcome parents/carers to the Headteacher’s Open House, where the proposed move to a horizontal pastoral system from September 2026 was discussed.
Mr Towill and Mr Simpson shared the rationale behind the proposal, explaining how tutor groups would be organised by year group while continuing to retain the House system for identity, pride and competition. The session also focused on how this model could support student wellbeing, consistency and year-group support.
Parents/carers engaged positively with the discussion, asking thoughtful questions and sharing their views. Feedback from the evening, alongside responses from the parent and carer survey, will help shape how the model is introduced and which elements of the current system are retained.
Further information will be shared with parents/carers, as well as students, as the proposal continues to develop.
Thank you to all parents and carers who attended the Open House and took the time to share their feedback. We value your continued support and partnership as we plan for the future.
Denefield Futures Fair
This term all students from Year 9 to 13 were able to visit our Futures Fair, where they met a variety of employers, universities, apprenticeship providers, colleges and sixth forms. This was a valuable experience for our students to engage with organisations and start to learn more about the world of work, study and the wider world.
We would like to thank all the organisations that attended and supported our Futures Fair.
- AWE
- Army
- Denefield Sixth Form
- Berkshire Youth
- BBC Radio Berkshire
- Cornwell Centre / Watermill Theatre
- West Berkshire Council
- Forbury Nursery Group
- HealthReach
- Chiltern Training
- Purley Park Trust
- GWR
- Pathways 2 Property / Henley Business School
- Reading College
- Thames Valley Police
- University of Reading
- Royal Holloway, University of London
- Solent University
- University of Winchester
- BCA
- BCOT
A Christmas Carol performance
Our Year 10 and 11 students enjoyed a vibrant performance of A Christmas Carol by the Box Clever Theatre Company, supporting their GCSE English Literature studies.
The adaptation brought the text to life through a thoughtful modern approach while staying true to Dickens’ original language. Live music — including some impressive saxophone playing — and plenty of audience participation (yes, even a whole-crowd Macarena) made the experience both engaging and memorable.
Students particularly enjoyed following Scrooge’s journey through his past, present and future, as laughter, warmth and goodwill gradually melted the ice around his heart.
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We are back with another fantastic edition of ‘Staff Spotlight’.
This term, we are proud to feature Miss Colbourne, Head of PE and Health, who has been part of the Denefield community for over a decade.
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“I joined Denefield straight after university, and this is now my eleventh year here,” Miss Colbourne said. “It was my first job, and I have never felt the need to leave.” She began her career as a PE teacher and has since progressed through a range of roles, including Head of Health and Social Care, before becoming Head of PE and Health.
Her decision to become a PE teacher came early. “I did my Year 10 work experience at my secondary school and loved it. I have always enjoyed sport, and I really liked my PE teachers, which made a big difference. From that point on, I knew PE was what I wanted to do.”
Reflecting on student attitudes towards physical activity, Miss Colbourne explained that awareness around health and wellbeing has grown, particularly following COVID. “Coming back after lockdown was challenging, especially encouraging students to be physically active again. However, many students now understand how important physical activity is, not just physically, but socially and emotionally.” She also highlighted the strength of sport at Denefield, especially girls’ sport, which continues to go from strength to strength.
One of the aspects she enjoys most about teaching PE is the relationships built with students. “We get to see students in a more relaxed setting, whether that is before lessons or during fixtures. That time helps build trust, and students often see us as a safe space. That is something really special about PE.”
Outside of school, Miss Colbourne enjoys keeping active at the gym and supporting Brentford FC whenever she can. “I am also really into music,” she shared. “I have DJ decks at home and enjoy mixing house music and drum and bass. It is something I am still learning, but I really enjoy it.” Reading fiction helps her unwind at the end of the day, and when it comes to television, her favourite show is 'Keeping Up with the Kardashians'.
Reflecting on her journey so far, Miss Colbourne added, “If you had told me when I started that I would be Head of Faculty by 28, I would never have believed it. Denefield has given me opportunities to develop and grow early in my career, and I am proud of the progress we continue to make in PE and Health.”
Denefield is proud to have Miss Colbourne as part of our community. Her passion for sport, wellbeing and student development continues to make a meaningful and lasting impact across the school.
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Year 9 GCSE/BTEC Options Evening
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On Thursday 5 February, we welcomed our Year 9 students and their parents/carers at our GCSE/BTEC Level 2 Options Evening - a part of the transition process to the next stage in their education.
The evening opened with a presentation by Mrs Davis, Assistant Headteacher and Director of Key Stage 4, highlighting the importance of a broad and balanced curriculum and future pathways. Families then explored the subject marketplace, speaking with teachers and student helpers who shared their own experiences and insights.
All students have now received their pathway letter from tutors, along with access to the options booklet and online resources. The online options form will be shared shortly, with a deadline of Friday 27 February. Parents/Carers can attend our Virtual Parents' Evening on Thursday 26 February prior to this to discuss all concerns.
A huge thank you to our staff and students for their time and support, and to all our families for engaging so positively. We look forward to supporting our Year 9 students as they take this exciting next step.
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Our Student Council did a fantastic job supporting the Options Evening, serving refreshments and collecting donations for the Denefield 50 fundraising appeal.
As a thank you, those who donated £10 or more received an exclusive Denefield 50 mug; a small token to mark a big gesture of support for our students.
Every contribution, big or small, helps us continue to provide enriching opportunities and experiences for our school community. If you would like to support Denefield 50, you can still donate by clicking the link below.
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Denefield School Show 2026
Buy tickets now - Limited spaces available
We are pleased to announce that the tickets are now on sale for our annual Denefield School show 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat'. The show will take place on 3, 4 and 5 March 2026 from 7.00pm to 9.00pm.
This biblical story revolves around Joseph and his coat of many colors. Joseph -- the favorite son of Jacob -- is blessed with vivid dreams that foretell the future. Sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, Joseph endures a series of adventures which challenge him to his core. Soon he finds himself belonging to Potiphar, whose wife makes advances toward Joseph and ultimately land him behind bars. However, news of Joseph’s ability to interpret dreams sparks the interest of the hilariously Elvis-like Pharaoh. Soon, Joseph is out of jail and well on his way to second-in-command. Eventually Joseph’s brothers find themselves unknowingly groveling at the feet of the brother they betrayed. As they fail to even recognise him, Joseph tests their integrity. He ultimately reveals himself and the brothers are reconciled. A truly timeless Old Testament tale, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is set to a multitude of musical genres, spanning from country-western and calypso to bubble-gum pop and rock and roll.
Please note that each ticket includes a program and refreshments will be on sale.
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Click on the pictures below to apply for the vacancies.
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Have a lovely Half Term Break!
We look forward to welcoming students back to school on Monday 23 February at 8.28am.
'8.28 at the gate!'
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