Dear Parents/Carers
I hope you find this well.
At the end of the school day today, a student was hit by a car as they were crossing Rectory Lane. This happened close to the Saffron Road junction. A police van was going past and stopped to support whilst an ambulance arrived. Senior leaders were present within minutes to also support and usher other students along. The student was attended to at all times. The student was alert, talking and standing. He was able to walk to a stretcher and the paramedics, with a member of his family, took him to hospital for further checks. The driver had stopped and waited too.
This is a timely reminder to all of us: students and those of us in cars. Students must ensure they are looking left and right and crossing the road with due care. Drivers are encouraged to drive slowly and are mindful that there are over 1000 students coming out onto Rectory Lane (or Coningsby) each day. Incidents like today are rare but we must all continue to be alert and aware.
Kind regards
Mr B Tailor, Headteacher

Dear Parents/Carers
Brakenhale Extra-curricular Clubs Fayre – Friday 30th September
We are delighted to launch our Extra-curricular Clubs for this year with our Fayre at lunchtime on Friday. Extra-curricular clubs provide opportunities outside the classroom for your child/ren to develop a wide range of additional skills in a variety of social situations.
As you can see from the timetable on our Clubs and Activities webpage we have a broad range of activities on offer across the week.
Please do encourage your child to come along, see what they would like to join in with and sign up for some clubs.
Kind regards
Mrs H Whitaker Flower, Deputy Headteacher

Dear Parents/Carers,
Homework Policy
I am writing to share and clarify the Brakenhale Homework Policy, we understand that there has been some confusion.
Below you can see the homework timetable for Year 7 students. The weekday reflects the date that homework has been set. This means that students should complete their homework on that day, ready to be checked by their tutor the next morning. For example, on a Monday Week A, students will need to complete their MFL homework (whether during the school day or at home) to be checked on Tuesday morning by their tutor.
Going forward, please ensure that your child is completing their homework on the day it is set, ready to be checked by their tutor the next morning.
Week A
– Monday – MFL
– Tuesday – Sparks Maths
– Wednesday – English
– Thursday – Science
– Friday – History
Week B
– Monday – Vocab (Tier 1-3)
– Tuesday – Sparks Maths
– Wednesday – English
– Thursday – Science
– Friday – Geography
In regard to accessing the work, all students have been added to a tutor Google Classroom where the questions and knowledge organisers can be found. As a reminder, homework booklets are a part of students’ tools for learning and therefore should be brought into school every day and failure to do so will result in a 30-minute detention.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Kind regards,
Miss Campbell-Watson, Assistant Head of Year 7
ncampbellwatson@brakenhale.co.uk

Dear Parents/Carers,
Thank you to those of you who attended the Year 13 Destinations evening last week, it was great to meet with so many of you and we hope you found the event informative.
We appreciate there was a lot of information given to you and that some of you were not able to attend this event, therefore please find the presentation from the evening on our Sixth Form webpage.
If you have any further questions or queries please email us sixthform@brakenhale.co.uk and a member of the Sixth Form team will get back to you
Kind regards
The Sixth Form Team

Dear Parents/Carers
Performing Arts Extra Curricular Clubs
The Performing Arts Department would like to invite Students to join them on Tuesdays afterschool for Choir Club and Keyboard Club.
Please see below for more information:
– CHOIR CLUB – Tuesdays, 3.05-4pm in M01, Mrs Hope
– KEYBOARD CLUB – Tuesdays, 3.05-4pm in LS1, Mr Futcher

Dear Parents/Carers,
Year 12 Welcome to Sixth Form Information Evening – Tuesday 27th September
The Brakenhale Sixth Form Team will be hosting a Year 12 Welcome to Sixth Form Information Evening which will be taking place on Tuesday 27th September from 18:00-19:00 in the school’s main hall.
The evening will be an opportunity for us to provide you with information about the Sixth Form and how, along with your support, we can ensure students get the most out of their experience
Please click here to confirm or decline your attendance to this event
Kind Regards
The Sixth Form Team

Dear Parents/Carers
PE Extra Curricular Clubs
On a Wednesday, students to come down and take part in any form of physical activity they wish. This could be some badminton in the sports hall, a work out in the gym or some football on the astro turf. These sessions are designed to allow students to spend their free time with us doing some extra physical activity with each other.
On a Tuesday and Thursday, we will be running boys rugby and girls netball.
All sessions after school run from 15:15 to 16:15. All we ask students to do is the following 3 things:
1. tell parents that they will be attending
2. bring their full PE kit to take part in
3. make sure they sign in on the register each night to be marked as ‘present’ and gain their house points.
Please see our programme on the website for our clubs.
Kind regards
School Office

Dear Parents/Carers
National Fitness Day
National Fitness Day is next Wednesday, 21st September.
The PE Department will be running some additional activities, come and get involved!
– Workout at Break!
– 3 Fitness Challenges on the MUGAs at Lunchtime!
– Mates Participate after school!
Kind regards
School Office

Hello Year 7
ClassCharts Information Guide
Please see our Homework page on the website https://brakenhale.co.uk/home-learning-resources/ for our ClassCharts Information Guide.
If you need any further assistance, please ask your tutors will be happy to help.
Kind regards
School Office

Good afternoon
Students – Accessing School Emails at Home
Please see information on accessing student emails from home on our website https://brakenhale.co.uk/pastoral-support/student-study-support/– homework is set on classcharts if you do not have your login information, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Kind regards
School Office

Dear Parents/Carers and students,
With university deadlines quickly approaching, we want to give parents the opportunity to be well informed about the application process, so that they can support and assist their child(ren) where possible.
The Brakenhale Sixth Form will therefore be hosting a Year 13 Destination Evening which will be taking place on Tuesday 20th September from 18:00-19:00 in the school’s main hall. Here, we will be delivering key information regarding university applications, deadlines, and the support we have already offered students. This is an opportunity for parents/carers to gain a clear picture about the next couple of months, and ask any questions that they may have.
We look forward to seeing you there,
Kind regards
The Sixth Form Team

Dear Parents/Carers
Matilda Auditions
This is a reminder that Open Auditions are being held next Wednesday, 21st September.
3.05-4.30pm in the Main Hall.
No experience or expertise required!
Performing Arts

Dear Parents/Carers
SPARKS Maths Homework
This year we will be continuing our learning journey with Sparx as a pivotal aid for your child. For added continuity we will also be using Sparx in your child’s IT Maths lesson as well as for their homework. This will be replacing the Hegarty system used previously in lessons.
Students are set tasks based on topics learnt in lesson, after this Sparx will then personalise each child’s homework, making sure it is suitable for their ability, but includes stretch and challenge questions. Students should work independently; therefore, the activities completed will be accessible for your child.
Learners will also see some questions from topics they have previously covered so they have the opportunity to keep practising the skills they have acquired. As you may already know, Sparx homework is not marked as complete until all of the questions have been answered correctly at 100%. Sparx believes, and their research has shown, that 60 minutes a week of this type of personalised home learning is the best length for achieving the best impact long term. Sparx has been designed with the learner in mind and wants to support us as teachers to help your child’s understanding, confidence, and success in Maths grow. We hope you agree that Sparx continues to play an important role in your child’s maths learning journey.
Homework will be set every Wednesday and will be due the following Tuesday evening.
Should any student not complete their homework on time, they will be required to attend a Sparx detention the following day where they will complete the outstanding work under supervision.
To help your child to succeed we will be offering support sessions every week in B11 as follows:
– Monday – 3.05pm – 4pm
– Tuesday – lunchtime
If you are new to Sparx please see attached a useful “Sparx How to Guide” which should answer any questions that you have.
Kind regards
Mrs D Turner, Sparks Maths Lead
dturner@brakenhale.co.uk

Dear Parents/Carers
Applying for a Secondary School place – September 2023
If you will be applying for a secondary school place for your child for September 2023, please see attached information from Bracknell Forest Council
Kind regards
School Office

Dear Parents/Carers
Reminder Early Finish on Thursday 15th September at 1.10pm
We would like to remind you that due to our Year 6 Open Evening on Thursday 15th September school will be closing at 1.10pm for students. Students will be able to purchase food as usual at break time as there will be no lunch service on this day.
Kind regards
Brakenhale School

Dear Year 7 students
We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you on completing your first week here at Brakenhale and what a fantastic week it has been. You have all looked impeccably smart in your uniform and we have all been impressed with the way you have conducted yourself around school. The start of your secondary school journey has been a positive one, a really big well done to you all.
It has been so lovely to see you all aiming high in your lessons and being fully focused and engaged. During break and lunch times it has been lovely to see new friendships forming and your kind nature you have as a cohort.
Moving on to week two we would just like to note, it is okay to feel anxious or nervous. You are in a new setting which is very different from your last and it will take time to get used to where your lessons are, as well as the layout of the school. In another two weeks’ time you will know Brakenhale like the back of your hand. As you are aware there are various members of staff who you can talk to, your tutor being your first port of call. You can talk to any member of staff if you are feeling worried or concerned about anything. We are here to support you.
It is great to see so many of you being rewarded with not only achievement points but also Golden Tickets. This highlights you have been recognised for going above and beyond in your lessons. You should be extremely proud of this achievement. Golden tickets are worth an incredible 5 house points! This will link nicely to our celebration of achievement assembly where individual and tutor groups will be rewarded for the highest golden tickets and the tutor group with the highest achievement points. If you have not received a golden ticket yet I am sure you will over the course of the term. Remember to aim high not only in your lessons but around school to ensure you have a great chance of being rewarded with one.
Have a restful weekend ready to have another brilliant week at Brakenhale to ensure we are all aiming high, being kind and taking responsibility for the positive choices that we make.
Best wishes
Miss K Wilson, Head of Year 7
Miss N Campbell-Watson, Assistant Head of Year 7

Dear Students, Parents and Carers,
Please note that the deadline for University Admissions Testing is fast approaching.
Depending on your chosen institution and course, you may need to take an admissions test as part of your application (some joint degree courses require you to take two tests). As well as being an entry requirement, an admissions test gives you the chance to show your potential to succeed on your course.
These apply to University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, BioMedical Admission Test (BMAT) to name a few.
If this is something you need to do please contact the exams team before 20th September. You will need your UCAS ID, course code along with the College details within the University.
Many thanks,
The Exams Team

Dear Parents/Carers
Your chance to be a part of Matilda The Musical JR
Open Auditions – Wednesday 21st September – 3.05-4.30pm – Main Hall
No experience or expertise required!
Just bring your PE kit, energy and enthusiasm.
Please see your Performing Arts teacher or email performingarts@brakenhale.co.uk for more details.

Dear Parents/Carers
Key Stage 3 Art
We would like to advise that Art has now moved into the rotation system, along with DT, Food and Textiles. All KS3 students will study each of these 4 subjects at some point during the year, depending on where they start the rotation.
Art Club will still be running this year so students will be welcome to attend, regardless of when they are studying Art in the rotation.
All KS3 students will be given a new Art sketchbook at the beginning of their Art rotation so there is no requirement for parents to purchase one.
Kind regards
Ms T Wilhelmy, Head of Art & Design Technology

Dear Parents/Carers
School photos on Thursday 8th September 2022
We would like to advise that Imago Portrait Studios will be visiting to take individual studio photos of students in Year 7/10 and 12 on Thursday 8th September 2022 The photos are used for the school database only, however, you will have the opportunity to purchase them.
Uniform
Please ensure your child is wearing the appropriate school uniform.
Viewing your images:
View online via secure login
We will send you a secure passcode and login as soon as your images are ready (this should be approximately 3 weeks after the photos are taken).
www.imagojuniors.com
Please visit the website to view the type of images Imago produce.
Kind regards
Mrs L Theal, Curriculum Support Manager
ltheal@brakenhale.co.uk

Good morning
ClassCharts
As a school we use the Class Charts platform to monitor student behaviour, timetables and homework. On Class Charts you are able to see the number of positive rewards awarded and in the unlikely event your child receives a detention the notification is issued only via Class Charts.
Class Charts can be accessed via their website or through their iOS and Android apps. You will find links to these on the attached documentation.
A special code is required for a student and parent to be able to access the system. The codes will be sent to you directly from tlawes@brakenhale.co.uk. If you do not receive the email, please check your SPAM. The codes are to enable you to set up your Class Charts account.
To access the account please follow the instructions in the Parent Guide:
https://brakenhale.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Class_Charts_for_parents_guide-.pdf
Once you are set up you will see the homework tab on Class Charts. Please see the Homework section for further information on how to track any homework set – pages 6-11.
Please view the attached help video which will assist with any questions you may have https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llZ4IJIpxeg
If you have any difficulty please feel free to contact mainreception@brakenhale.co.uk
Kind regards
School Office

Dear All,
It was lovely to see you today. We hope you enjoyed seeing everyone and well one for your superb engagement with Mr Tailor’s assembly, Ms Loj’s team-building extravaganza and your respective lessons.
Please be reminded that all students, regardless of privilege pass, are to be in school tomorrow (Tuesday) and Wednesday by 8.35am.
Tuesday 6th September: Please make your way to your tutor group where registers will be taken.
Wednesday 7th September: Please make your way to the Main Hall where registers will be taken.
Have a lovely evening.
Kind Regards
The Sixth Form team

Dear Parents/Carers
Improved text messaging system – and you can help the school save money
From time to time, we send information to parents via text message to your mobile phone. A new, free, smartphone app for parents is now available for download called ‘School Gateway’ for Apple (iOS 8 on the iPhone 4S or later, iPad, iPod Touch) and Android (4.0 / Ice Cream Sandwich or later) devices.
Please could you download this new app to your phone (it’s free) as it will help us improve communication with parents – and save the school money.
The set-up process is simple and will take no more than a couple of minutes:
1. Search for “School Gateway” in the Apple App Store/Google Play or on your phone go to www.schoolgateway.com/apple (Apple) or www.schoolgateway.com/android (Android)
2. Install the app and if you are asked then say yes to “Allow Push Notifications”
3. When you launch School Gateway for the first time, please select ‘New User’ and enter the email address and mobile telephone number you have registered with the school
4. The system will send a PIN code to your phone which will come from phone number 01344 567083; please enter this PIN code and the app will be activated for you.
As soon as you’ve got the system set-up, all of the text messages we send you will appear in the app; you’ll receive notifications/alerts as normal.
If you would like to find out more click here
If you’ve recently changed your email address or mobile telephone number, please let us know so we can update our records.
Thank you for your help.
School Office

Dear Parents/Carers
Improved text messaging system – and you can help the school save money
From time to time, we send information to parents via text message to your mobile phone. A new, free, smartphone app for parents is now available for download called ‘School Gateway’ for Apple (iOS 8 on the iPhone 4S or later, iPad, iPod Touch) and Android (4.0 / Ice Cream Sandwich or later) devices.
Please could you download this new app to your phone (it’s free) as it will help us improve communication with parents – and save the school money.
The set-up process is simple and will take no more than a couple of minutes:
1. Search for “School Gateway” in the Apple App Store/Google Play or on your phone go to www.schoolgateway.com/apple (Apple) or www.schoolgateway.com/android (Android)
2. Install the app and if you are asked then say yes to “Allow Push Notifications”
3. When you launch School Gateway for the first time, please select ‘New User’ and enter the email address and mobile telephone number you have registered with the school
4. The system will send a PIN code to your phone which will come from phone number 01344 567083; please enter this PIN code and the app will be activated for you.
As soon as you’ve got the system set-up, all of the text messages we send you will appear in the app; you’ll receive notifications/alerts as normal.
If you would like to find out more click here
If you’ve recently changed your email address or mobile telephone number, please let us know so we can update our records.
Thank you for your help.
School Office

Dear Parents/Carers
Year 7 ClassCharts
We would like to confirm that Year 7 ClassCharts logins for parents and students together with information guides will be sent out during next week.
Kind regards
School Office

Dear Parents/Carers
We’re back!
I hope you have all enjoyed a rest over the summer and you are looking forward to returning to school next week. As communicated before the summer break, Years 7, 11, 12 and 13 return on Monday 5th September and all year groups on Tuesday 6th September. We are looking forward to welcoming back our existing students and meeting our new students.
Please see below some reminders before we return:
· Being in school and on time is our standard expectation. Gates open at 8.20am and close at 8:35am. Line-up is at 8:35am for Years 7-10. Yr11, Turbo Tutor begins at 8:30am.
· Being equipped with our Tools of Learning (pencil case fully stocked) is a standard expectation. This will be checked daily during tutor time.
· We do not allow mobile phones to be visible on site. Please keep them turned off and out of sight throughout the day. Sanctions will be applied if mobiles/electronic devices are seen or heard.
· Ensure your ParentPay is topped up so that you can buy food and drinks from the Canteen.
· Detentions can be issued for the same day for 30 minutes and parents/carers are informed via ClassCharts so make sure you receive these emails.
· Uniform must be immaculate. This will be checked every morning and throughout the day. How we dress is important.
· If parents need to contact a member of staff, please ring or email main reception.
· Golden Tickets are issued once per lesson, every lesson. Our teachers will narrate what you need to do in order to receive the Golden Ticket.
· House points can be issued for every positive action around our school. These are also logged on ClassCharts.
If you have any issues with ParentPay or ClassCharts, please email mainreception@brakenhale.co.uk
Have a restful weekend and we look forward to seeing you all next week.
Mrs Whitaker Flower, Deputy Headteacher

Dear Year 11
We hope you have enjoyed a fantastic break and are feeling rested and relaxed. We are very much looking forward to seeing you all on Monday morning for a successful and vitally important year ahead!
Please be reminded that year 11 need to arrive each day in their Turbo Tutor rooms every school day of the year at the earlier time of 8:30am for registration so that learning can start promptly.
Monday 5th September will be a little different, in that students don’t know their new year 11 tutor groups. Therefore, we will be lining up at 8:30am in year 10 groups, welcoming you and introducing you to your new tutors, before filing off to new year 11 Turbo Tutor rooms from there. Please ensure that you arrive on time, looking smart in your full uniform.
Study Prep (2:55-3:40pm) will not commence until Tuesday 20th September, when it will run Tuesday-Thursday each week A, and Monday-Thursday each week B. Students will of course be welcome to kick start the year by attending Champions Hour daily in the LRC at this time.
Have a very restful weekend, and we can’t wait to see you all on Monday
Best regards
Mrs Lister, Mr Hilton and the Year 11 Tutor Team

Dear Sixth Form
Reminder – Back to School 5th September 2022
We hope you have enjoyed the summer!
Please be reminded that we return to school on Monday 5th September, all students are expected to be in for 8:30am. Please make your way to the sixth form area to collect your timetables, privilege passes (and lanyards for Year 12 students).
Please note that students may be accessing their timetables, however these will not be confirmed until Monday and therefore any concerns or enquiries should wait until then.
All students will be in next week for the start of term on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday morning’s at 8.30am. From Thursday, attendance for Year 13 will be dependent on their Privilege Pass.
We look forward to seeing you all on Monday.
Have a wonderful weekend.

The Sixth Form Team

Dear Parents/Carers
Online Free School Meals Applications
In order to make the application process for Free School Meals easier and to ensure we don’t miss any entitlements for your children, all parents/carers are now able to complete an online application form. This form will only need to be completed once per student. Each application is reviewed regularly throughout the time your child is at Brakenhale, and both the school and yourself will be notified by email if your eligibility changes. We hope this will ensure Free School Meals are provided for all students who are entitled, and they don’t miss out as the school haven’t been informed.
We encourage all parents/carers to complete an application form, even if you believe you will not be eligible for Free School Meals. If your child is eligible for Free School Meals, there is no obligation for them to take the meals, although they will be entitled to them at any point during their eligibility period. One application form must be completed for each child at Brakenhale. If you have recently completed an application form, you do not need to complete another one.
Please follow the link below to start your application:
https://www.cloudforedu.org.uk/ofsm/sims
If you need any assistance completing the application form, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Kind regards
Data Team – data@brakenhale.co.uk

Dear Parents/Carers
ParentPay
As preparations are made for the return to school, could we please ask that ParentPay accounts are topped up in readiness. Please be aware that the site gets extremely busy at the start of terms and can crash due to high volumes of parents accessing to add funds.
https://app.parentpay.com/public/client/security/v2/#/login
Please ensure that balances are regularly checked and accounts are topped up ready for the week ahead. Please note that if a student has forgotten their lunch or does not have enough money on their account, they should see a member of staff in the canteen and they will be issued with a lunch token. We will advise you if a token has been issued and will expect that your child’s account is credited as soon as possible.
If you require a daily limit to be added to your child’s account, please email mainreception@brakenhale.co.uk with the details and we will be happy to help.
Kind regards
School Office

Dear Parents/Carers
Reminder – Back to School in September 2022
We are pleased to confirm our back to school arrangements for September 2022.
Monday 5th September – Years 7/11/12 and 13 only
Tuesday 6th September – ALL students return, in all year groups
Gates will open as usual 8.20am to ensure students are at morning line-up for 8.35am.
Please note due to our Year 6 Open Evening on Thursday 15th September school will be closing at 1.10pm for students. Students will be able to purchase food as usual at break time as there will be no lunch service on this day.
Kind regards
Brakenhale School

Good afternoon
Please find below links as a reminder of our school uniform requirements together with supplier and price list information.
Kind regards
School Office

https://brakenhale.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/School-Uniform-Supplier-and-Price-List-Information-2022.pdf

https://brakenhale.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Uniform-List-2022.pdf

Dear Parents/Carers
ILS Lockers
ILS provide lockers for Brakenhale School students from Y7 – Y13.
The lockers are owned by ILS and are available for students to rent on an annual basis.
Rental costs are per year allowing use from September through to July.
Please note all bookings terminate at the end of the school year in July. We apologise but there is no discount for lockers booked late in the year.
The locker size is as follows:

STANDARD LOCKER £25

Height: 450mm

Width:   300mm

Depth:   450mm   LARGE LOCKER £30

Height: 600mm

Width:   300mm

Depth:   450mm XL LOCKER £35

Height: 900mm

Width: 300mm

Depth: 450mm

To guarantee a locker please book online at our website www.ilsschools.co.uk.
Lockers for September 2022 – July 2023 are available online now.
Lockers are subject to availability please book early to avoid disappointment. All available lockers are shown online.
All rentals are subject to our terms and conditions which are available during the booking process.
Please note we are a separate entity from the school and all dealings will be directly with ourselves.
Yours faithfully
ILS Admin Team

Dear Year 11
GCSE Exam Results Day – Thursday 25th August
Firstly, I hope you have been having a good summer break. From the final exam back in June to the results days seemed quite far apart; however, that day has loomed ever closer and we are almost there! As a reminder, you can come to collect your results between 9am and 10am on Thursday 25th August.
If you are unavailable and would like your results to be collected by someone else please provide a written signed letter.
Please come into school via the green gate and then make your way into the Main Hall.
If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact exams@brakenhale.co.uk.
Importantly, if you have applied to our Sixth Form then you must enrol on Thursday too. Ms Manlay (Assistant Headteacher: Sixth Form), Ms Loj (Head of Year) and other teachers will be there to support and guide you. As long as you have achieved the entry requirements, the enrolment will be straight forward. If you have not quite made it, we will have a conversation with you and see what we can do and offer. For some of you, your place at another institution (for example, Bracknell College) will need to be secured once you have your results.
Last Thursday, the out-going Year 13 got their results. They did extremely well! Almost half of all the grades awarded at A Level were awarded a A*-B. Almost one in five (18%) was awarded an A* or A. Our BTEC and vocational courses were equally impressive. 48% grades were awarded either a Distinction* or Distinction, which is the highest for this qualification. This just goes to show that with our dedicated teachers, a focus on your learning and with the support and guidance, students in Brakenhale’s Sixth Form achieve well. Many students go on to university and in some cases, some of the top and most competitive ones in the country. We are proud of this. By joining us, we will ensure you are part of this success.
You may have already seen the Facebook post with some success stories? If not, please do have a look (search ‘Brakenhale School’ on Facebook). Also, please view our updated Sixth Form page: https://sites.google.com/brakenhale.co.uk/brakenhale-sixth-form/welcome. Here you will find information on courses in readiness for Thursday, if you still have any questions.
We look forward to seeing you on Thursday.
Good Luck
Mr B Tailor, Headteacher

Dear Parents/Carers

Changing School

Just a reminder if your child will not be returning to Brakenhale in September as you are moving and changing schools, please click on the link below to ensure that our records are updated.

Student Leavers Form

Many thanks

School Office