Our Applicant Webinar Series guides prospective students, their advisers and supporters through every step of the application process for 2027 entry.

Each online session is free to attend and includes a presentation followed by a live Q&A with admissions staff and current students.

Whether you’re just starting to explore Cambridge or are in the final stages of your application, these sessions will give you practical insights into every step of the process.

https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/events/applicant-webinars?utm_source=SRM_team&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=UKSRM_Information_Newsletters_May26

Mr M Tominey
Head of Sixth Form

After hosting a viewing of a new Friends of the Earth film, Savages, which highlighted the plight of indigenous peoples and wildlife at the forefront of deforestation.

Amanda Yorwerth informed us of her going to see our local MP Daisy Cooper on Friday 5^th June as part of the Day of Action and invited us to contribute something for her to take on her visit, this poem was written by Stan in 7Y:

‘In the whispers of the trees where gentle breezes play,

nature sings her melodies in vibrant green array,

mountains stand with ancient grace, rivers dance and flow,

with every leaf a soft embrace a world we must not flow,

protect the earth, our only home with every small endeavour,

together we’ll let beauty bloom and cherish it forever.’

Miss C Reynolds
Sustainability Lead and Duke of Edinburgh Co-ordinator

At Townsend, we use a variety of opportunities in lessons and in enrichment activities to develop oracy skills for our students.

Oracy is the ability to articulate ideas, develop understanding, and engage with others through spoken language – essentially the skill of listening, speaking and communicating effectively. We want students to be able to learn through structured talk, to be heard and to have a voice in a busy world.

How can you harness and practise these oracy skills at home?

Parents can develop oracy skills at home by encouraging children to answer in full sentences, asking open-ended “why” and “how” questions, and actively listening without interrupting. Daily routines like family meals and car rides provide natural, low-pressure environments to practice expressing thoughts, expanding vocabulary, and debating ideas

Some practical ways to use oracy at home:

• Storytelling & Role-Play: Take turns making up a story by adding one sentence each or ask your child to retell their favourite book in their own words.
• Family Debates: Hold friendly debates during dinner (e.g., “Should we have pizza or pasta tonight?”). Encourage your child to persuade you by providing strong reasons for their choice.
• “Teach Me” Sessions: Let your child become the expert and teach you about a topic they love, such as dinosaurs, a video game, or a hobby.
• Play Oracy Games: Board games like Articulate, Guess Who, or simple, quick games like Would You Rather naturally build descriptive vocabulary and listening skills.
• Audiobooks & Discussion: Listen to Audiobooks together and discuss the plot, character choices, or new vocabulary words afterwards.
  

Mrs M Buckland
Assistant Headteacher

As the digital world grows more and more complicated, Kids World Online, has a huge amount of information and support guidance for parents.

Please take a look at what they offer so that you are able to support your children when using online platforms.

https://www.kidsonlineworld.com/parents–carers.html

Ms L Gibbons
Assistant Headteacher

Please see the below message from University of Hertfordshire.

We’re excited to invite you to our series of online events taking place in May- designed to support students, parents/guardians and anyone exploring their next steps in education.

Please see below for what’s coming up.

Students and parents/guardians can sign up to attend here.

Topic: Parent/Guardian Information Evening: Introduction to the application process and Student Finance

Date: Thursday 14th May

Time: 19:00-20:30

This session is aimed at Y12 Parents/Guardians and will be particularly useful for parents who did not attend university themselves. Parents/Guardians of Y13 are also welcome to attend. This is the same session we ran in the Autumn.

Topic: The Perils of Power Posing Research

Date: Wednesday 20th May 2026

Time: 16:30-17:15

You may have heard of research claiming that standing in a “power pose” can make you feel more powerful, act more confident, and feel less stressed. However, is this really true? In this session, we’ll discuss some of the issues with the “power posing” research in psychology and talk about what your posture really says about you.

Topic: Clearing: Everything you need to know

Date: Thursday 21st May

Time: 16:30-17:15

Clearing can be a great opportunity to find that perfect place. There are many reasons why you might choose this route: a change of mind about the course/university, needing a plan B, being a new applicant. Let us guide you through the process, so that you are ready, if you decide to use it.

Mr M Tominey
Head of Sixth Form