On Wednesday 18th November, Henry from Year 8 represented Townsend School in the Rotary Young Chef competition, hosted at The Stables Restaurant at Oaklands College.

Below is Henry’s written experience of the event: On Wednesday, I participated in a Rotary Club Young Chefs competition, thanks to the brilliant suggestion of Mrs Johnson. To sum up my experience, it was fun and stressful when I was cooking and terrifying when we were waiting for the judges to decide on who won. Sadly, I did not make it to the podium but I was awarded a certificate which was presented to me by the Mayor of St Albans. I made salmon á la pesto, with couscous, pomegranate seeds and baby spinach, served with a side of samphire, for my main course (which turned out amazingly) and then for my dessert I made an apricot sponge with custard (which unfortunately didn’t turn out so amazingly).

The competition was held in the kitchens at Stables restaurant at Oaklands College, and it was an exciting experience to work in a professional kitchen. While I loved the whole evening, the worst bit was definitely having to do all the washing up afterwards… Overall, though, I just can’t wait for next year’s competition. Finally, a big thank you to Mrs Johnson for helping me through the entire experience.

Mrs J Johnson
Food Technology Teacher

Please see below our recent and upcoming sporting fixtures.

Tuesday 18^th Nov – U16 Football vs NBS 

Year 11 hosted Nicholas Breakspear School on Tuesday 18^th November in the first round of the County Cup.

A new look Year 11 team started brightly with some nice passages of play but got caught out on the counter-attack on a few occasions and found themselves 3-0 down at HT.

It was always going to be a big ask to turn the score line around but Year 11 kept pushing forward and created some half chances with one effort hitting both the crossbar and post. With Townsend pushing forward to get a goal, Nicholas Breakspear kept bodies forward and scored a further two goals in the second half.

Luke scored a consolation for Townsend with the score finishing 5-1.

Mr A King

 

Wednesday 19^th Nov – Senior Basketball vs KWS 

Sixth Form Show Spirit in Friendly Against Katherine Warrington

On Wednesday 19th November, the Sixth Form basketball team took on Katherine Warrington School in a well-contested friendly match. Although the result didn’t go our way, the team showed great character, effort, and teamwork from start to finish.

There were promising moments at both ends of the court, with the players demonstrating improving cohesion and a positive attitude throughout. Archie stood out for his composure, hard work, and smart decision-making, earning him Player of the Game.

The team now look forward to building on this performance in their upcoming fixtures.

Mr B Hill & Mr D Hawkins

 

Monday 24^th Nov – U15 Football vs Ridgeway 

Following a close encounter against Parmiters in our last game, Year 10 begun their plate campaign against Ridgeway School.

It was a competitive start with Ridgeway bringing a strong and physical approach to the game that Townsend had to try and deal with. A close first half of end-to-end football meant the scores were level 2-2 at half time. With the game going to penalties, Townsend had to be clever in their approach to ensure they didn’t concede but a great run and finish from Ellis down the right-hand side allowed Townsend to take a 3-2 advantage into the last 10 minutes.

Ridgeway kept pushing to get an equaliser but this left space behind their defence and Matei took great advantage of this on two occasions in the final minutes to secure a 5-2 victory for Townsend. Well done to all involved.

MOTM Matei.

Mr A King

 

Monday 24^th Nov – U15 Basketball vs KWS 

Year 10s Show Determination Against Katherine Warrington

On Monday 24th November, the Year 10 basketball team took on Katherine Warrington School in another competitive district fixture. Although the game finished 32–19 in favour of KWS, our boys showed real effort and resilience throughout, continuing to work hard despite a challenging start.

There were still plenty of positives to build on, including a fantastic defensive block from Lucas in the fourth quarter, which lifted the team and showcased their determination right to the final whistle. As the match went on, communication and teamwork continued to improve.

Zamir and Nathan shone for their energy, composure, and persistence, earning them joint Players of the Game. The team will take these positives into their next fixture as they look to bounce back.

Mr B Hill

 

Tuesday 25^th Nov – U12 Netball vs Beaumont

The Year 7 netball team put in a determined and positive performance in their recent match against Beaumont, despite a 10–3 loss. From the start, the team showed real improvement in their passing, movement, and communication on court.

Although Beaumont applied strong pressure throughout the game, our players worked hard to create space and move the ball confidently down the court. The shooting circle took every opportunity they could, scoring three well-earned goals against a solid defence.

Defensively, the team showed great resilience, with several strong interceptions and tightly marked plays that kept Beaumont working hard for their goals. The team’s effort, enthusiasm, and supportive attitude towards one another were clear throughout all four quarters.

Overall, it was a very encouraging performance, and the players should be proud of how much progress they are making. The team is growing in confidence each week and are already looking forward to their upcoming games.

POTM – Sarai T

Miss M Jones

 

Tuesday 25^th Nov – U13 Netball vs Beaumont 

The Year 8 netball team delivered a fantastic performance in their 6–4 win against Beaumont. From the opening whistle, the team showed great energy, focus, and teamwork, setting a strong tone for the match.

By the end of the second quarter, the team had earned a 5–3 lead thanks to quick movement through the mid-court and confident shooting. The attackers worked well together to create space, and the shooters made the most of their opportunities, scoring with accuracy under pressure.

Defensively, the team was outstanding throughout the match. The defensive unit made numerous interceptions, applied consistent pressure, and kept Beaumont’s scoring chances to a minimum. Their hard work played a crucial role in maintaining the lead and securing the win.

In the final quarter, the team stayed composed, continuing to move the ball effectively and supporting each other across the court. Their determination and teamwork ensured they stayed in control right to the final whistle.

A brilliant all-round performance and a well-deserved victory. Well done, Year 8!

POTM – Paris M

Miss M Jones

 

Tuesday 25^th Nov – Seniors Football vs DAO

Townsend’s senior team produced an encouraging performance in their recent fixture against Dame Alice Owen’s, despite a 4–1 defeat. The match underlined the team’s growing confidence and organisation on the pitch.

DAO started quickly and took an early lead, capitalising on a bright opening spell to go 1–0 up. Townsend responded positively, gradually settling into the game and putting together some excellent passages of play through midfield and out wide.

Throughout both halves, Townsend created plenty of chances, moving the ball well and working hard off the ball to win possession back. The main frustration was in front of goal, with several promising opportunities not quite finding the target at key moments.

In the second half, the team’s persistence was rewarded when Emmanuel M calmly finished to make the score 3–1 and give Townsend renewed momentum. As the side committed more bodies forward in search of another goal, spaces began to appear at the back and Dame Alice Owen’s were able to add a fourth to seal the game 4–1.

Despite the result, this was a clear improvement from the start of the season, with better structure, teamwork and belief evident across the squad. The players can take real confidence from the way they competed and the quality of some of their build-up play.

A big thank you goes to Mr Armstrong for his continued work with the squad in training, which is clearly starting to show in the team’s performance levels. Player of the Match was awarded to Theo H‑B for his outstanding contribution and consistent effort from the first whistle to the last.

Mr M Tominey

 

Wednesday 26^th Nov – U14 Football vs Haileybury (MBR)

The Year 9 football team delivered an excellent performance on Wednesday 26th November in their fixture against Haileybury School, securing a well-deserved 3–1 victory.

From the first whistle, the team showed determination, discipline, and real attacking flair. Lamech O proved to be a standout presence up front, scoring two superb goals—one a composed finish following a quick passing move, and the other a powerful strike that left the goalkeeper with no chance. Will N added the third goal, reacting quickest in the box to slot home and extend the lead.

Haileybury pressed hard throughout, but our defence remained organised and resilient, limiting their opportunities and showing great composure under pressure. Every student contributed to a confident and cohesive team display, demonstrating excellent teamwork, sportsmanship, and pride in representing the school.

With this victory, the team progresses to the next round of the competition, where they have been drawn against Bushey Meads School. Spirits are high, and the players are eager to build on this momentum.

A brilliant performance all round—well done, Year 9!

Mr M Brooks

Upcoming fixtures up to Christmas:

Tuesday 2nd December – Seniors Basketball vs SAS (Away)

Wednesday 3rd December – U12 Netball vs KWS (Home)

Monday 8th December – U14 Basketball vs Hemel (Away)

Monday 8th December – U13 Netball vs KWS (Away)

Monday 8th December – U12 Football vs Hertswood (Away)

Tuesday 9th December – U15 Netball vs SRA (Home)

Thursday 11th December – U14 Netball vs SJL (Home)

Monday 15th December – U13 Basketball vs SRA (Away)

Monday 15 December – U12 & U14 Netball vs NBS (Home)

Thursday 18th December – PE Rewards Trip to Wembley Stadium

Miss M Jones
Head of PE

On Monday 24th November, our Year 9 students took part in an impactful Lives Not Knives workshop aimed at reducing knife crime and promoting positive conflict-resolution strategies.

The session encouraged students to reflect on the real-life consequences of their choices and to consider safer, healthier ways of handling challenging situations.

A key part of the workshop involved an immersive VR experience called Virtual_Decisions: KNIVES. Using VR headsets, students were placed in realistic scenarios where they were required to make decisions in the moment—each choice leading to different outcomes. This interactive approach helped learners explore the pressures young people may face, the reasons some choose to carry knives, and the serious, often life-altering consequences that can follow.

Throughout the workshop, students engaged in guided discussions, exploring how to resolve conflict without violence and how to support one another in making safer choices. The experience reinforced the message that every decision matters and that there are always alternatives to carrying a weapon.

The workshop was an important reminder of the power of education, awareness, and open conversation in keeping our young people safe. Year 9 represented the school brilliantly, showing maturity and thoughtfulness as they navigated these challenging topics.

 

Mr M Brooks
Head of Year 9

Just a reminder that Year 11 parent/carers evening bookings are currently live on Edulink.

Please note that Year 11 parent/carer evening will take place online on Thursday 11th December.