Participation is optional however, if you feel this would benefit your child, please encourage them to sign up for Communion with Mr Ofori. The next service will take place on Monday 15th December at 2pm and is for Sixth Form students only.
Mr F Ofori
Head of Religious Studies
These events are:
Christmas jumper day on Wednesday 10th December – students are expected to wear full school inform but with a Christmas jumper.
Christingle service giving on Tuesday 16th December.
Non-uniform day on Friday 19th December.
We are not expecting three donations from each student, but just one donation that will cover all events.
Donations can be made by:
Cash or card payments – Head Students will be visiting form groups next week
School gateway – for parents/carers
Many thanks for your support,
Mrs H Line
Deputy Headteacher
Transport for Hertfordshire is currently consulting on a proposal to introduce a 20mph zone in the North and Central areas of St Albans. The aim is to make it safer and easier for people walking and cycling, and to improve road safety for all users.
The 20mph Zone Proposed for St Albans Plans include:
· 20mph signs
· Road humps on Sandridge Rd
· Better lighting
The consultation period runs from Monday 24th November 2025 to Thursday 11th January 2026, and responses will help shape the final decision.
https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/about-the-council/consultations/consultations.aspx
Starting in December for Australia, New Zealand, and the Netherlands – and expanding worldwide in January – Roblox will require age verification for all accounts that use chat features. The move follows increasing pressure from regulators, safety organisations, and parents concerned about child protection on gaming platforms.
Roblox is introducing two verification methods to ensure safer interactions:
Age ID Verification (for users 13+)
Players aged 13 or older can verify their identity using a government-issued ID. The process takes just a few minutes:
Go to Settings → Account Info
Select “Continue with ID”
Scan a passport, driver’s licence, residency card, or other official ID
Take a selfie to match the ID
Receive immediate pass/fail confirmation
Facial Age Estimation (for younger users)
For younger players, Roblox will use facial age estimation to place users into age bands (Under 9, 9–12, 13–15, 16–17, 18–20, 21+) and automatically restrict who they can chat with. Children under 13 will continue to be blocked from private messaging unless a parent grants permission.
With more than 80 million daily users, many of them children, these changes aim to reduce well-documented risks raised by safety groups – including the NSPCC – and help platforms meet rising regulatory expectations such as the UK’s Online Safety Act.
Roblox is now the first major gaming platform to implement facial age verification for chat, signalling what may become a major step toward more proactive, verifiable digital safety across the industry.
Ms L Gibbons
Assistant Headteacher
Your child can gain direct insight into veterinary pathways with the School of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool. They will meet practising vets and learn entry routes and deepen their understanding of specialist roles. The experience will be via remote learning through Google Classroom and is being offered by Futures for All. To apply students will need to follow the link below and set up an account with Futures For All if they don’t already have one.
https://finder.futuresforall.org/opportunity-detail/9A7FE55A-89B0-4829-3098-08DE26AD79DF
Mrs K Davey
Assistant Headteacher
The event brought together a panel of speakers and sixth form students for a lively two-part discussion, beginning with a themed subject debate and moving into a broader conversation about current affairs.
Students took part in two main ways. Several submitted two-minute speeches on the chosen theme, with two students selected to present their ideas to the audience before joining the panel in the first part of the debate. Many others contributed by sending in questions in advance, covering both the central topic and wider political and global issues, with a handful of impromptu questions also invited from the floor on the day.
The St Albans Cathedral setting added a reflective and inspiring backdrop, helping to create a thoughtful atmosphere in which students’ voices were heard and respected. The conference successfully encouraged young people to think critically, listen carefully to different viewpoints and articulate their own perspectives with confidence.
Mr M Tominey
Head of Sixth Form
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
If you are interested in attending our Sixth Form Open Evening please book your tickets via Eventbrite.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/townsend-c-of-e-sixth-form-open-evening-tickets-1781182959179
Thank you,
Mr M Tominey
Head of Sixth Form
Tuesday 18th Nov – U16 Football vs NBS
Year 11 hosted Nicholas Breakspear School on Tuesday 18th 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 19th 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 24th 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 24th 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 25th 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 25th 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 25th 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 26th 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
