Rotary Youth Speaks Debating Competition – Congratulations to our students!

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Many congratulations to our Y9 and Y13 students for their brilliant performance at the Rotary Youth Speaks debating competition held last Wednesday evening (12th November) – a St Albans-wide competition designed to support and encourage the development of effective communication skills.

Our Y9 team debated the question: ‘Has modern day feminism truly liberated women or just given them new chains?’ and our Y13 team asked the question ‘Were the consequences faced by the banks after the great recession, appropriate?’. There was strong competition from other schools including Beaumont, Loreto College, Marlborough and STAGs but our students demonstrated incredible confidence, logical thinking and strong oracy skills. Although STAGS was awarded the trophy, I think it’s safe to say that our teams were still very much the winners!

Well done to all – you did yourselves and Townsend School very proud!

Mrs S Thompson (Head of English) and Mr R Potter (Head of Y12 and Film/Media)

Townsend Music Recital

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We are thrilled to extend a warm invitation to you for a special evening showcasing the musical talents of our GCSE students.

Our Music Recital will be held on Thursday 20th November at 6pm.

This recital is the culmination of weeks of hard work and dedication by our students, and we are excited for them to share their progress with you. From instrumental performances to vocal solos, the evening promises to be filled with wonderful music and inspiring moments in a relaxed atmosphere.

To book your ticket please via the link via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/townsend-music-recital-tickets-1968184221990

We look forward to seeing you there!

Mr E Barnett
Head of Music

Visit from singer song writer Shao Hao

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We were delighted to welcome singer and song writer Shao Hao to Townsend today ahead of anti-bullying week (next week).

All Year 7 and 8 students were given the opportunity to listen to his inspiring educational journey and the importance of diversity and inclusion. Shao  Hao was able to deliver his message through his music which can be found on YouTube, social media and Spotify. All students were given the opportunity to meet and greet Shao Hao at the end and many walked away with a signed photo. A great experience for all involved!

 

Mr A King
Head of Year 11

Upcoming events and courses

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Please see the below upcoming events and courses.

Reminder- School photos are now available for collection!

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If you have ordered your child’s school photograph, these are now ready to be collected from Student reception.

Please send your child to collect and sign for their photograph.

Thank you.

Remembrance Day-Honouring Service and Sacrifice at Townsend

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On 11th November, we observe Remembrance Day, a solemn occasion to honour military veterans and commemorate those who lost their lives in service during armed conflicts.

This date marks the end of hostilities in the First World War, which ceased “at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month” in 1918. It is a moment recognised across many nations, reflecting a shared commitment to remembrance and peace.

At Townsend, we will join in this tradition with a moment of silence at 11:00 AM, the playing of The Last Post, and the laying of wreaths in tribute to the fallen. These acts of remembrance serve not only to honour the past but also to instil in our students a deep sense of duty, gratitude, and respect.

We warmly encourage students who are members of uniformed youth organisations such as the Air Cadets, Army Cadets, Boys’ Brigade, Fire Cadets, Girl guiding, Girls’ Brigade, Royal Navy Cadet Forces, Scouts, Sea Cadets, and St John Ambulance Cadets to wear their uniforms on this day as a mark of respect and pride.

Remembrance Day is a meaningful part of our school calendar, reflecting the values of reflection, community, and honour. We thank you for your support in helping our students engage with this important tradition.

 

Mr F Ofori
Head of Religious Studies

PE Round Up

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There have been a few changes to the fixtures this week with some now being delayed to after October Half-Term.

Year 7 Boys Football vs The Highfield School

Year 7 Boys were invited to go and play an 11v11 friendly at The Highfield School in Letchworth, North Hertfordshire. The Highfield School have an excellent pedigree of success in the challenging North Herts District League and always produce strong competitive teams. Townsend Year 7 Boys were looking forward to the game, and undeterred by the prospect of a little rain were keen to challenge themselves. Brought into the side for this fixture were Isaac M and Jacob N.

Townsend were a little slow to get going and were 2 goals down in the first 10 minutes despite some heroic defending from our new centre back pairing of Isaac M and Jacob N. However, Townsend rallied and with Trey B-L getting more of the ball in centre midfield the team began to look threatening. A wonderful Crossfield pass from Sid M-C to his opposing winger, Captain Josh N finally saw another first time pass into the pass of Dario P, who finished with confidence across the goalkeeper for a deserved goal to make the score 2-1 at half time.

Changes from both teams at half time saw the game return to more of a congested battle in midfield until a sudden break from Highfield saw them get a third. Once again Townsend rallied and began to play better football with quicker passing and fewer touches. Issac L, who had been doing a sterling job in midfield played a quick ball through to Nathan P, picked up the pass just inside their half and showed wonderful control when running at speed with the ball before finishing with aplomb into the top corner to make the game 3-2. Despite threatening for an equaliser it was the Highfield school who scored next with a long range strike past Mason H in goal before a last kick of the game penalty for handball saw the game finish 5-2. Scoreline slightly flattered the Highfield School as this was another very competitive game for the Year 7 boys that with a little quicker passing and better scanning of players in space could have seen a different outcome.

Player of the Match – Isaac M

Mr P Dawson

 

Upcoming Fixtures:

Tuesday 4th November – Year 7 Netball vs Roundwood Park (Cup game @ Home)

Wednesday 5th November – Year 10 Basketball vs KWS (Away)

Thursday 6th November – Year 8 Football vs Hitchin Boys (Home)

Miss M Jones
Head of PE

Half term and Halloween

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It’s October which  means two things; half-term and Halloween.

Halloween has long given concern to parents as well as the general public. Largely this has been due to anti-social behaviour, social disorder linked to trick or treating, house party overspills, late opening hours in the nightlife sector and so on.

There are risks lurking for children and young people. These secondary dangers including unsafe costume design, and the low nocturnal visibility of participants have been addressed in a recent article from the Child Accident Prevention Trust.

https://capt.org.uk/halloween/?utm_source=capt&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=parentsoct25&mc_cid=376a41f0ed&mc_eid=d72f37d350

 

Ms L Gibbons
Assistant Headteacher

Year 9 Calshot Trip

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We are delighted to report that the recent Year 9 residential trip to Calshot was a tremendous success.

Taking place over several days, the trip provided students with an exciting opportunity to challenge themselves, develop new skills, and enjoy a wide range of outdoor and adventure activities in a safe and supportive environment.

Throughout the trip, students took part in a variety of activities, including:

  • Kayaking – developing teamwork, water confidence, and paddling techniques
  • Skiing and Snowboarding – learning the fundamentals of winter sports on the indoor slopes
  • Rifle Shooting and Archery – improving focus, control, and coordination
  • Climbing, and Team Challenges – encouraging perseverance and cooperation

All students behaved exceptionally well throughout the trip and were a credit to the school. Staff at Calshot were highly complimentary of their respectful attitude, willingness to participate, and enthusiasm across all activities.

It was clear that students thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Many overcame personal challenges, tried new activities for the first time, and built stronger relationships with their peers and teachers. The atmosphere was one of encouragement, support, and fun – creating lasting memories for everyone involved.

Best wishes,

Mr M Brooks
Head of Year 9

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