News from Spanish

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Spanish Trip to Andalucía 2026

Between Monday 2nd and Thursday 5th March, 36 students studying Spanish from Years 8, 9, and 10 enjoyed a vibrant and enriching cultural trip to Andalucía. Based in the historic city of Granada, the group spent four days immersed in Spanish language and tradition, beginning with a guided walking tour of the city and evening meals at a local Mediterranean buffet. The students showed great enthusiasm as they explored the stunning Alhambra Palace and experienced the passion of a live Flamenco show, which provided a wonderful insight into the region’s artistic heritage.

The journey continued with a visit to Córdoba, where students marvelled at the famous Mezquita and wandered through the winding streets of the Jewish Quarter. Throughout the trip, students were encouraged to put their language skills into practice during a town trail and shopping challenge and formal lessons at a local language school. It was a fantastic opportunity for everyone to build their confidence speaking Spanish in real-world situations while creating lasting memories of their time in Spain. Massive thanks to the students for getting stuck in and participating, and being wonderful ambassadors for the school, and thanks so much to Mrs Russ, Mrs Worthy, and Miss Clarke for accompanying us on the trip.

Ms Price

News from Sixth Form

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Year 12 Visit to Riverside Care Home

On Tuesday 17th March, Year 12 students visited Riverside Care Home in Ware to spend an afternoon with the residents.

The activities that the students organised were Easter card making and painting residents fingernails. It was a lovely afternoon where students were told stories by the residents about the careers they had, and their families. We were even lucky enough to hear stories from one of our previous Science Technicians at Presdales School.

This is our second visit to the Riverside Care Home this academic year, and we look forward to returning there in the Summer Term. We are grateful to have this established link, and the students thoroughly enjoy giving back to the local community.

Heads of House Assembly

On Tuesday 17th March, all 6 of our student Heads of House delivered a joint assembly, with the theme of their choice.

The theme of the assembly was about David Attenborough, and his career. It was wonderful to hear about all the wonderful things he has done over the years, especially as he is approaching his 100th birthday.

At the end of the assembly, one of the Heads of House launched a competition for Sixth Form to film a 60 second wildlife video, and to promote the wonderful environment that we have in and around Presdales. Entries needed to be submitted by the end of term.

Year 12 UCAS Exhibition Trip, London

On Tuesday 24th March, all Year 12 students attended the UCAS Discovery Exhibition at the Excel in London.

Students explored the hundreds of stands from Universities, Apprenticeships and Student Support organisations.

Year 12 enjoyed the opportunity to ask questions, find out more about individual courses and to discuss things like student accommodation, job prospects and topics covered.

Comments from Year 12 students:

‘It was so useful to hear about what universities have to offer-there is so much more to think about than just the courses.’

‘I will definitely be applying to University as well as looking at Apprenticeships too.’

‘The talk on Law was really inspiring-it is good to know there is more than one route into Law.’

‘I feel motivated to book Open Days now!’

It is an exciting time as we go into the Summer Term, as Year 12 students will begin the UCAS process, and looking ahead beyond Year 13.

Sixth Form Team

News from Sixth Form

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Farewell to our Sixth Form Student Leadership Team

On Tuesday 3rd March, the Sixth Form Team met with the Senior Students to thank them for their service to the school over the last year.  To say they have been an incredible group would be an understatement.  In their time as Senior Students they have supported the school with many events-to name a few:

  • Sixth Form Open Evening
  • Secondary Transfer Evening
  • House Charity Weeks
  • Visits to the Riverside Care Home
  • Publishing the Sixth Form Newsletter

As well as events, the students worked on community projects that have made a real difference as a result of a fantastic team building day organised by Miss Turner last summer.  A collection for Welwyn & Hatfield Women’s Refuge, the Year 7 Buddying Programme and the House Quiz were some of the projects that students organised.

We are so grateful for the time, dedication, effort, resilience and positivity that every Senior Student demonstrated throughout their time-you will be a tough act to follow.  Thank you for being such amazing role models, not just to the Sixth Form, but to all of the students at Presdales School.

We wish you well in the next few months, preparing for your A-level exams, and we look forward to the students who will form the new Student leadership Team and see if they can build on your successes.

Sixth Form Learn 4 Living Day – Tuesday 24th February

Sixth Form Learn4Living Day took place on Tuesday 24th February. The programme of the day is based on Sixth Form students telling us what they would like to know more about, as well as following recommendations from the government RSHE programme.

Year 12 students had sessions that were delivered by:

  • East Herts Mental Health Support Team delivered a session on Exam Stress in preparation for their upcoming End of Year 12 Exams
  • Hertfordshire County Council Road Safety Partnership Team delivered two sessions on safer driving.  One session was delivered by Fire and Rescue Service within Hertfordshire. This focused on young people being aware when driving, but also as passengers too

Year 13 students had sessions that were delivered by:

  • Hectors House: A charity dedicated to suicide prevention and awareness: https://hectorshouse.org.uk/
  • A representative from the University of East Anglia to speak about budgeting and financing
  • SARC to raise awareness of sexual assault and the support that is available: https://hertssarc.org/

All of the sessions were delivered by outside speakers, who we are grateful to, for coming in and speaking to our Sixth Form. Students were very positive about all of the sessions and felt they had a better understanding about each of the areas and where to look for support, if needed.

News from French

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La fête des rois

To celebrate the Epiphany, a number of Year 7 groups found out about the tradition of “la galette des rois” during their French lessons. As many of our students now know, “La galette des rois” is enjoyed by French people on the day of the Epiphany and  a “fève” (a sort of charm/coin) is hidden in it. Whoever gets the slice with the “fève” is crowned King or Queen for the day. The recipe was shared and many Year 7 students have been busy this week creating crowns and making the galette at home. 

The many impressive crowns that Year 7 created to accompany the galettes were fine examples of their creativity.  

 Christel Ainge

News from Italian

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We welcomed Presdales alumna Polly Watson back to school this week to share her experiences of learning languages at university. Students from Year 10 upwards attended her lunchtime talk and found it very useful and interesting. Polly described her journey from Presdales to the University of Bristol, where she is studying French and Italian in her fourth and final year. As well as explaining some of the differences between language learning at school and university, she told us all about her year abroad, where she studied in Toulouse, France, and Palermo, Sicily. Polly is really passionate about promoting languages and inspired our students to consider where their language learning might take them. Year 12 Italian students also enjoyed a presentation given by Polly about festivals in Sicily, to link in with the A Level curriculum. We are so grateful to Polly for giving her time and sharing her experiences with us.

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Presdales School
Hoe Lane
Ware
Hertfordshire
SG12 9NX

Tel: 01920 462210
admin@presdales.herts.sch.uk

Headteacher:
Mr Warren