Ready to learn and Celebrating Success
Ready to Learn - A guide for parents and carers
Expectations
Our Ready to Learn system is in place to ensure that all students are able to learn in all of their lessons without interruption. To that end, we have clear expectations that all students can now understand and easily achieve:
- Arrive on time.
- Sit where you are told.
- Use appropriate language
- Follow instructions first time
- Listen respectfully when others are talking.
- Keep off-task conversations for social times.
- Allow others to learn.
Students Who Break the Rules
If a student breaks a learning rule, they will be given a clear warning by a member of staff and their name will be written on the board. If any further rule is broken, the student will be asked to make their way to the Ready to Learn (RTL) Room. Students will stay in the Ready to Learn room for a lesson, and an hour after school; they will be expected to work during their time in the Ready to Learn room. Students who are referred in the last twenty minutes of a lesson will need to spend the following lesson in isolation. Parents and carers will be contacted via email or text to confirm that the student will be required to stay for an after-school detention for 1 hour, either the same or following day.
Students who refuse to go to the Ready to Learn Room or who continue to cause disruption in Ready to Learn room, will be suspended from school. Parents and carers will be required to attend a post-suspended meeting.
Behaviour around School
Students who fail to behave in a sociable and respectful manner around the school and during social times will be referred for a 20 minute/red card after school detention. If a student is defiant or refuses to follow the expectations/instructions from a member of staff, the red card may be escalated to an RTL referral for defiance.
Any student failing to attend this detention will be issued with a 1 hour after school detention. Failure to attend this will result in a 2 hour after school detention. Failure to attend this will result in the student attending the Ready to Learn Room for 1 lesson and breaktime and a 2 hour after school detention.
Mobile phones
Students are currently allowed access to their mobile phones with certain time and location restrictions in place.
Students are allowed to use their mobile phones during their break/lunch times in their designated breaktime areas and the main hall.
They are not allowed to use their mobile phone during lessons, lesson changeover, in the corridors, in the toilet area or lunch queuing area.
Phones used in these areas or times will be confiscated, taken to the student centre and returned to the student at the end of the school day. Parents will be contacted for repeat offenders.
Students who refuse to hand over their mobile phones will be placed in the 'Ready To Learn' room until they have handed over their phone to an appropriate member of staff.
Students with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities
The RTL system applies to all students at Castle School. However, we recognise that students with diagnosed additional learning needs may need a ‘reasonable adjustment’ to the RTL system, which we are happy to make.
The Student Centre
The Student Centre Team lead on all aspects of student care, guidance, behaviour, attendance, child protection and student well-being and are highly skilled in supporting students experiencing any difficulties that affect their learning and progress. The Student Centre also provides first aid and help with lost property.
Essential Equipment for Learning
Every student should bring the following equipment to every lesson: 2 blue or black pens, a purple pen, pencil, ruler, rubber, pencil sharpener, highlighter, coloured pencils/felt-tipped pens. No ‘Tippex’ allowed.
A compass, protractor and calculator will be required for Maths and Science lessons.
Celebrating Success
Celebrating success - Achievement Points
At The Castle School, we understand how important it is for students to have their achievements recognised and celebrated. We use our ‘Achievement point’ system to reward students’ positive behaviours, whether that relates to their academic studies, their contribution to school life, or the way that they uphold our school values.
What are achievement points awarded for?
Any member of staff can award achievement points to students. Examples of what achievement points are awarded for include:
- Excellent classwork
- Excellent homework
- Demonstrating one of the school’s values: aspiration, kindness or fairness
- Having 100% attendance for a term
- Having 97% + attendance for a term
- Improved attendance
- Contributing to extra-curricular activities
- Contributing positively to the school community
- Carrying out senior student responsibilities
- Having all purple 'attitudes to learning’ in a report
The number of achievement points awarded for any of these will vary according to the positive impact the student has had.
What happens to achievement points?
Achievement points are recorded for each student on our information system and will be reported to parents and carers.
There are award for students as they accumulate achievement points during an academic year.
100 points earn a ‘Bronze’ award, which is a certificate
200 points earn a ‘Silver’ award. As well as a certificate, the student has our ‘silver’ badge to wear.
300 points earn a ‘Gold’ award, certificate and badge.
400 points earn a ‘Platinum’ award. Students who achieve this level will be invited to meet with Miss Lobbett for lunch and receive their badge and a ‘Castle School pen’.
Additional incentives
Each term (three times a year), we add up all students’ achievement points, and award a prize to the tutor group in each year with the highest number of achievement points.
Celebrating Success at The Castle School!
Diversity Day 2025
On Friday 4th July, The Castle School was bursting with colour, music, and energy as we held our very first Diversity Day! The event was an incredible celebration of the different cultures, talents, and stories that make our community so special – and what a day it turned out to be.
The Performance Showcase
One of the standout moments of the day was our dazzling Performance Showcase, where students and guest performers lit up the stage with cultural music, dance, and creativity.
Highlights included:
- Arshan (Year 7) shared a beautiful pre-recorded performance on the Santur, a traditional Iranian instrument.
- Varsitha (Year 10) impresses with a pre-recorded video of traditional Indian dancing.
- Ronni (Year 9) performing on the Erhu, a traditional Chinese instrument.
- Matilda (Year 7) bringing energy and rhythm with Irish dancing.
- Iona (Year 11) performing on the Guzheng, a Chinese string instrument.
- Adam Eastman – Panache, captivating the audience with steel pan music originating from Trinidad and Tobago.
- RISE Youth Company, who closed the showcase with a vibrant Carnival Soca performance, also from Trinidad and Tobago, that had everyone hand and arm dancing along!
The atmosphere was electric – the audience clapped, cheered, and smiled throughout, making it a truly unforgettable celebration of culture and talent.
Inspiring Workshops and Guest Speakers
Throughout the day, students had the opportunity to take part in thought-provoking workshops and hear from inspiring guest speakers, designed to spark curiosity, empathy, and a deeper understanding of the world around them.
One of the highlights was a moving session with Lewis Wedlock, who explored themes of equality, inclusion, and social responsibility. Students were encouraged to reflect on their own experiences and consider ways to challenge stereotypes and barriers in everyday life.
Another standout session introduced students to British Sign Language (BSL). For many, it was their first time learning even a few signs, and the workshop gave students a hands-on opportunity to communicate in a new and inclusive way. This session not only taught practical skills but also highlighted the importance of accessibility, understanding, and breaking down communication barriers.
Year Group Experiences
In addition to the performance showcase, guest speakers and workshops, each year group had their own unique journey throughout Diversity Day, giving students the chance to explore fresh ideas and discover perspectives they may not have encountered before.
- Year 7 began their Diversity Day adventure by exploring themes of disability and inclusion with Nath Fernandes from VEUcan, who shared his personal story and challenged students to think about barriers and accessibility in new ways. The sessions encouraged empathy and understanding, sparking thoughtful conversations among our youngest students. Later, they joined our Learning Support team for “Brainbow,” a creative and interactive workshop that highlighted the strengths and experiences of people with neurodiversity. Students left with a greater appreciation of difference and how it enriches our community.
- Year 8 stepped outside the school gates for their very first full year-group trip. They visited a range of Places of Worship, giving them the chance to see faith and culture in action. From the atmosphere of quiet reflection in a church to the vibrancy of a mosque or temple, students experienced the richness of spiritual traditions first-hand. Many commented on how eye-opening the visits were, helping them see the similarities as well as the differences between communities of faith.
- Year 9 tapped into their creativity with a hands-on Adinkra printing workshop, led by artists from the Ghanaian community. They learned about the meanings behind traditional Adinkra symbols – representing concepts such as wisdom, strength, and unity – and proudly created their own prints that will be used to form a collaborative piece of art work displayed in school. The year group also took part in an empowering session with the LGBT+ charity Just Like Us, where they discussed identity, acceptance, and allyship. These activities sparked important reflections on respect, equality, and the importance of inclusion in everyday life.
- Year 10 also rolled up their sleeves for the Adinkra printing workshop, producing some stunning designs while learning about Ghana’s artistic traditions. They then shifted focus to neurodiversity with a session led by Leanne Maskell, an international speaker, author, and ADHD coach. Leanne’s talk was packed with insight and encouragement, inspiring students to see difference as a strength and equipping them with strategies to embrace diversity in learning and life.
- Year 12 had a full programme of thought-provoking activities designed to broaden their perspectives and deepen their empathy. Working with the Red Cross, they explored the global theme of migration, stepping into the shoes of people forced to move across borders in search of safety. They also collaborated with The Diversity Trust, engaging in honest discussions around identity, equality, and representation. To end the day on a high note, they joined a lively global dance workshop with RISE Youth Dance, where rhythms from around the world brought energy, joy, and laughter to the room.
A Day Full of Smiles
The atmosphere was joyful all day long. Students wore outfits that reflected their heritage and culture, filling the school with colour and pride. Even the canteen joined the celebration, serving up a special themed menu!
Looking Ahead
Diversity Day 2025 was more than just an event – it was a joyful, exciting celebration of everything that makes The Castle School unique. From music and art to powerful conversations, it was a day that truly brought our community together. We can’t wait to do it all again in 2026!
Prize Giving Ceremony 2025
A Night of Inspiration: Celebrating Our Students
On Thursday, 10th July, St Mary’s Church in Thornbury was transformed into a celebration for
the inaugural St Mary’s Prize Giving Ceremony. The evening brought together families,
friends, and staff to honour the remarkable achievements of our students, in a gathering that
celebrated not only academic and extracurricular excellence but also the extraordinary
character, dedication, and spirit that define our school community.
The ceremony was further distinguished by the presence of our eminent guest speaker, Ben
Smith, whose extraordinary journey captivated and inspired all in attendance. Ben undertook
the unprecedented feat of completing 401 marathons in 401 days to raise awareness for an
anti-bullying charity, a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and heart. His
compelling address reminded us that true distinction is achieved not merely through talent,
but through courage, perseverance, and a steadfast commitment to making a positive impact
on the world.
We celebrated the exceptional achievements and contributions of our students across the
following categories:
Academic Excellence: For students whose hard work, understanding, and results in their
studies truly stand out.
Academic Endeavour: For those who have shown dedication, determination, and growth in
their learning.
School Values: For students who live by our school’s values, inspiring others and making a
positive difference in our community.
Headteacher’s Award: For those whose achievements or contributions are exceptional.
We are endlessly proud of all our nominees and winners, and we extend our heartfelt thanks
to parents, carers, and staff for supporting our students on their journey. Let this evening be a
beacon, guiding every student to reach higher, dream bigger, and embrace the joy of
achievement. Kindness, Fairness, Aspiration.
Junior Leadership Team
Zuzanna Czarnecka - Head Student
This year, as my role as Head Student I'm going to strive to uphold the school's values through open conversations and emotionally supporting younger students through Prefect Chatter and by positive interactions through my help with Dance club. I look forward to an amazing year with Castle.
Tommie Costin - Head Student
I am Tommie Costin. As Head Student at The Castle School my aim has always been to improve this school for its students and hope that I am able to, in some way, achieve this goal for the betterment of the school.
Anna Little - Deputy Head Student
As your new Deputy Head Student I will try my best to lead the student body alongside the other Prefects. My main priority is trying to find ways to improve the wellbeing of everyone in the community, especially through my Anti-Bullying Club. A bit about me; I am very academic but I also enjoy Taekwondo after school on a Thursday and gaming on my Nintendo Switch!
The Head Students are joined in leading the Junior Leadership Team by the Year 11 Prefects:
|
Prefects |
|
Oliver Phillips |
|
Michael Movila |
|
Thinuli Silpadipathige |
|
Rose Robinson |
|
Joseph Heather |
|
David Ogunmokun |
|
Jessica Howells |
|
Ki Nok Tong |
|
Leo Reuben |
|
Indigo Nutbrown-Hughes |
The first Junior Leadership Team meeting of the year was held on Friday 3rd October whereby an amazing 144 students from Year 7 through to Year 10, with the support of the Prefects worked together to decide on whole school ‘active’ developments and charitable events that they would like to focus on this year. Three choices of a charity and ‘active’ focus was decided by each year group and was then sent to the student vote via a google form.
The results of each year group vote is as follows:
Of those 144 students many students are working within a JLT sub-group area to make specific improvements to specific area of the school. They are:
We will keep you updated on our upcoming JLT charity events and progress made towards our ‘active’ focus areas and sub-group focus.
Mrs Palmer and Head Students.
CastleFest - Celebrating Our Students!
On Monday 21st July, our much-loved CastleFest 2025 took place, and it was a
wonderful celebration of our students’ achievements and school community! Building on
the success of last year, the festival provided a fantastic opportunity for students and
staff to come together, reflect on a year of hard work, and enjoy a day of fun and
friendship.
CastleFest was a celebration of the values that make our school special: kindness,
fairness, and aspiration. Students demonstrated these values by working
collaboratively with their tutors to design and run stalls, help each other with activities,
and create a warm, welcoming atmosphere for everyone.
The festival featured a thrilling climbing wall from MojoActive, fun inflatables, live
music, delicious festival food, and a much-loved ice cream van. There were plenty of
opportunities to take part in competitions, games, and activities, with small contributions
going toward the festival fun.
The celebrations kicked off at 12:30 pm on the school field after a morning of lessons
and ran until 2:30 pm, giving everyone a chance to join in the festivities. Staff and
students worked together to set up, run, and clear away the event, showing great
teamwork, school spirit, and commitment to our shared values.
A huge thank you to everyone who participated, contributed, or supported CastleFest
2025. It was a brilliant way to celebrate the hard work, achievements, and talents of
our students while bringing our school community together. This festival truly captured
the heart of what makes our school such a special place.
