Speaker and Microphone System

I was so pleased to receive funding for a brand new whole school speaker and microphone system. This included 2 15-inch speakers, 2 speaker stands, audio cables, 2 wireless microphones and an equipment carry case.

The equipment’s first outing this year’s annual Year 13 Leavers Karaoke Session. A hugely popular hit with our Sixth Form students, Mr Wilder, Co-Head of Sixth Form commented it was “the best karaoke ever”! This new system is a significant upgrade from the previous equipment the school had been using and the wireless microphones a definitely a huge hit with staff. We are particularly pleased that we will be able to use the new system on Sports Day, a real key event in the summer term, as we are confident it should get much better coverage of the field!

Mr Weller, Expressive Arts Technician

Therapy Guinea Pigs

Smokey, Salt, and Pepper are the Therapy Guinea Pigs in Personalised Learning. At our school, Smokey, Salt, and Pepper aren’t just pets—they are special therapy guinea pigs who play an important role in the Personalised Learning Faculty. These gentle and friendly animals help students feel calm, supported, and motivated while they learn.

The guinea pigs provide comfort and reduce stress, especially for students who may feel anxious or overwhelmed. Many find that spending time with Smokey, Salt, and Pepper helps improve their concentration and mood. Caring for them also teaches responsibility and encourages kindness and empathy, making the learning environment more positive and inclusive.

The Personalised Learning Department often includes the guinea pigs in activities like mindfulness and sensory breaks, where students can relax and recharge before returning to their lessons feeling refreshed.

What’s more, during school holidays, Smokey, Salt, and Pepper go ‘on holiday’ too! They visit the homes of students and staff, where their adventures continue beyond school walls. These visits help strengthen the bond between the guinea pigs and our school community, spreading joy and comfort even when school isn’t in session.

Smokey, Salt, and Pepper truly are important members of our school family, helping students learn in a fun and caring way. We are extremely grateful to the PA for helping fund the cost of their bedding, hay and dried food.

Mrs Ortiz, Assistant SENDCo

 

2025/26 Parents’ Assocation Projects

As we come towards the end of another academic year, it is important to acknowledge again the fantastic contribution that the Parents’ Association makes to the life of the school. Meetings throughout the year coordinate a range of enjoyable fundraising activities – the Craft Fair and the Quiz ’n’ Chips being two of the most notable – and also provide an opportunity to discuss school-related topics with representatives of the Leadership Team.

The year’s work really culminates in the May meeting when the Parents’ Association consider various bids that have been submitted by teachers. These bids focus on ideas ‘to support student opportunities beyond the core curriculum’ and this year we are delighted to share that the Parents’ Association agreed to commit some of the resources they have raised to provide:

  • Specialist equipment for use in Graphics and Drama
  • Resources to support Sixth Form students in the completion of Extended Project Qualifications.
  • Support for the Young Enterprise and Community Action programmes.
  • Materials for a Personalised Learning gardening club – alongside bedding and food for the Personalised Learning guinea pigs!
  • Books and other materials to help the Library to engage reluctant readers.
  • Display material for the Art Department.
  • Support for the Nature Reserve development project

As always, we are hugely grateful for the support of the Parents’ Association here, and look forward to working with them ever more closely on future fundraising initiatives. To find out more about the Parents’ Association and to get involved, please explore their page here.

Sixth Form Stairwell Art

The PA funded poster frames for the Sixth Form Stairwell and it has made a huge difference to the space. This is the route most Sixth Formers take at the start of the day and it is a great opportunity to displays uplifting and positive messaging. The frames are so practical and smart. We love them as we can change the displays as often as we like. Sometimes the stairwell might celebrate international weeks, student achievements or our alumni, or alternatively provide useful information. A huge thank you to the PA for supporting this idea.

Laura Wrzesinski, Promotion Manager

Young Enterprise Programme

I was delighted to be awarded PA Funding for our Young Enterprise Programme. The programme requires students to set up and run their own student company, offering a real-life learning opportunity that develops practical business experience, adaptability, entrepreneurial mind set and the employability skills needed to secure successful futures. Student companies have the opportunity to attend various competitions, the Young Enterprise Trade Fair and, at the end of the year, the students attend the Young Enterprise Area Final with the ambition of progressing to Regionals and even Nationals!

As the only state school in the Berkshire area participating in Young Enterprise, St Bart’s are keen to ensure that the costs of attending the YE Trade Fair and competition events does not become a barrier for some students. The PA funding is used to cover transports to key events and support with the purchase of materials for trade stands, their support is helping us ensure this valuable experience is open to all those who wish to benefit.

Mrs Seward, Head of Business & Economics and Careers Lead

Science Department

We have been fortunate to receive a grant from the PA for two years now.  During the first year we used our budget to learn all about bees and the products we get from their hard work!  We made candles, cosmetics and beeswax wraps – all materials purchased with our PA funds.  We also took a fully funded trip to a local apiary where eight students were lucky enough to get up close to a working bee hive – an incredible experience for them all.

This year we have been focussed on our school environment and making it not only bee friendly but also a haven for all local wildlife.  We have purchased seeds and bulbs for the nature area and have just invested in some kits to make bee, bug, bat and bird boxes to place around the school site.  Without the funding from the PA we would not have been able to run these activities without asking for contributions from the students and their families.  The PA funding makes the club truly inclusive and also more engaging for its members. So thank you very much!

Mrs Johnstone, Science Teacher

St Bartholomew’s School, Andover Road, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 6JP

Telephone: 01635 521255 | Email: office@stbarts.co.uk | Full Staff Contact List
Y7-Y11 Attendance: 01635 576372 | Y12/13 Attendance: 01635 576366
Privacy Notice for Students | Privacy Notice for Staff