On Saturday, we visited the Auschwitz and Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration and death camps. With heavy snow falling, it brought home to students who were wrapped up in thick coats, hats and boots how the freezing winter conditions would have made life even more impossible for the people being held in the labour camps. This year it is the 80th year of remembrance on Holocaust Memorial Day, Monday 27th January, a day that marks the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi death camp, by Soviet soldiers. Survivors of the Holocaust will be invited to attend a ceremony taking place under the easily identifiable railway archway at the entrance to the camp. Although we didn’t see the archway as it was covered in preparation for the Memorial event, we were able to walk along the platform where Jews and other persecuted groups such as political prisoners, homosexuals, Romani-Sinti, newly arrived via cattle truck trains, were split into two groups by Nazi guards. One group, usually older people, women and children would be sent straight to the gas chambers a half-mile further up the platform under the pretence of having a shower before being given a warm meal and new clothes, and the second group - typically older boys and men - would work in the labour camp, living in dreadful conditions with limited food and a life expectancy of a few months. 

On Sunday morning, we were privileged to listen to the testimony of Rena Rach, a Holocaust survivor. Her inspirational story was both humbling and emotional. Her father, Asher Stern, worked for Oskar Schindler in his enamelware factory and was named on one of Schlinder’s lists, so he avoided being sent to a death camp. Rena’s mother escaped with her from the Kraków ghetto and to avoid them both being murdered, her mother gave her to a Polish Catholic family, whilst she was hidden by a friend. Both her mother and father survived and were reunited when Poland was liberated. We visited the Remah Synagogue in Kazimierz; Judaism is one of the two religions students learn about as part of GCSE Religious Studies. At the end of the trip, we held a minute’s silence to remember all those murdered by the Nazis, and to reflect on all we had seen and heard. My thanks go to Miss Lay, trip organiser for planning such a full experience, and to Mrs Rudge, Mrs Knightley and Mr Dawson for accompanying the trip. It is an incredible privilege to be able to support this opportunity for students to bear witness to the devastating impact of Nazism. By sharing their experiences, they contribute to spreading awareness and to fostering a commitment to being 'upstanders', striving to ensure such atrocities are prevented from ever happening again.

Travel Information

The delay to the opening of our new classrooms and Sixth Form spaces is linked to some work that Anglian Water needs to complete in the vicinity of the school. This work is scheduled to start on 15th January 2025. From what we have ascertained, there will be some temporary traffic lights on the main A413. While this may not directly affect access to school, it is most likely to cause disruption to the flow of traffic in the roads immediately surrounding the school, most notably Church Street. Please bear this in mind when dropping off/collecting students from school. 

The Church Warden has let the school know that there is going to be a funeral at the church at 3pm on Friday this week. They are expecting about 100 people to attend and as such there are likely to be challenges with parking. We know that despite previous requests to collect only from the Coach Park, some families still collect from Church Street. I would politely ask that everyone collects from the Coach Park.

Camps International trip to Peru

Launching to students and parents this week is our next big overseas adventure. Planned for summer 2026, students have the opportunity to travel to Peru. Mr Curtis is sharing the plans with students in assemblies this week, and a parents' information session is planned for next Wednesday 22nd January, 6 to 7pm for families of students currently in Y9, 10, 11 and 12. 

For more information and how to sign up to attend /curriculum/wider-curriculum/super-curricular

Financial Wellbeing

An event for financial empowerment that Money Heave is hosting called "Can't Afford to Be Broke," is taking place on Thursday 30th January at Bucks Community Wellbeing Hub. The event is aimed at providing practical tools and guidance on money management, particularly for those aged 16-35, but it’s open to anyone who might find it valuable. Click on this link for more details: Can't Afford to Be Broke: A Financial Empowerment Event 

Year 11 Progression Evening

We’re looking forward to seeing Year 11 students and their families for the face-to-face Progression Evening this Thursday. If you’ve not confirmed your appointment yet, please reply as soon as possible. If you can’t make the day/time, please get in touch and we’ll aim to rearrange the appointment.