Sixth Form Enrichment – Careers 

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It was a pleasure to welcome in PC Alex, PC David  and PC Ben to speak to Year 12s about careers in the police force and routes and pathways to students wishing to pursue this avenue.

They spoke about their roles and basics of training before demonstrating and interacting with students showing them their kit and all the accessories!

Year 12 students also had the opportunity it’s to work on their CV’s and looking at ‘what makes an employer good to work for’, two essential skills especially with the upcoming work experience week in the summer term.

Mr M Tominey
Head of Sixth Form

British Physics Olympiad

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Our A level Physicists took part in the 2026 Senior Physics Challenge for problem solving, which is highly prestigious and extremely challenging, even for the most able and high achieving students in the country.

Between the students, they outperformed the majority of the country Nationally.

Amaha S in Year 12 says:

“The Olympiad was a great opportunity to see Physics at A Level we don’t really cover in lesson. Each part of it, from the preparing with past papers, extra revision sessions, and actually sitting the paper, was a refreshing experience that helped us understand the subject on a much deeper level.”

 

From British Physics Olympiad:

“If your student has managed to achieve a number of marks on this paper, then they should be very proud of their achievement and you should congratulate them. They are amongst the best in the country taking a paper specifically set out to challenge them.”

 

Online Safety over the Easter break

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Please ensure you are monitoring you child’s online activity over the Easter holiday to ensure they are using technology appropriately and safely.

The NSPCC have produced information on how to talk to your child about online safety:

https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/talking-child-online-safety/

Thank you,

Ms L Gibbons
Assistant Headteacher

Jazz Workshop Day – Saturday 18th April

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Please see the below information about an upcoming Jazz Workshop Day with Hertfordshire Music Service.

‘We’re excited to share this opportunity for all instrumentalists and vocalists of secondary school age (grade 4 standard and above) to come and take part in our Jazz Workshop Day on Saturday 18th April 2026, 10am-4pm at Stevenage Music Centre! This exciting jazz workshop day will take place on, Saturday 18th April, 10am – 4pm and will conclude with a short performance at 3.30pm. Applications close on Sunday 12th April 2026 – limited spaces available.’

 

Year 10 Exams

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Year 10 students will be sitting their core examinations from Tuesday 5 May to Friday 8 May.

These exams will take place under full GCSE conditions to help prepare students for their formal examinations next year.

It is important that all students arrive fully prepared and equipped for each exam.

Please ensure your child brings the following:

  • A clear pencil case
  • Black pen(s)
  • A calculator (for Maths exams)
  • Any other required standard stationery

Please also note the following exam regulations:

  • No electronic devices are allowed, including mobile phones, smartwatches, or AirPods. Any such items must not be brought into the exam room unless students have a medical diagnosis and this has been agreed with the Exams Officer.
  • If students bring water, it must be in a clear bottle with the label removed.
  • Students who are entitled to access arrangements such as additional time, a scribe, or a reader—will receive these as normal in line with their usual support.
  • These expectations are in line with GCSE examination rules and help ensure a fair and consistent environment for all students.
  • We appreciate your support in reinforcing these requirements and encouraging your child to approach these exams with focus and preparation. Please also remind them of the importance of a good night’s sleep, breakfast and arriving to school on time for a punctual start

Please find attached a copy of the exam timetable and revision lists all of which have been posted on Showbie for the students.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school at year10@townsend.herts.sch.uk

Kind regards,

Miss N Beades
Head of Year 10

Year 11 Communion

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As part of Townsend’s ongoing commitment to nurturing the spiritual development of our students, we hold a Communion service once every half term in the school chapel.

Participation is entirely optional however, if you feel this opportunity would be beneficial for your child, please encourage them to sign up for Communion with Mr Ofori in HU1.

The next service is scheduled for Monday 20th April at 2:00pm and will be offered exclusively to Year 11 students.

 

Kind regards,

Mr F Ofori
Head of Religious Studies

Easter Foodbank Closure Times

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Please see the below flyer about Easter closure times at local foodbanks.

 

Sixth Form & Step

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Over the past two years, it has been a privilege to partner with STEP, expertly led by Helena, who are based at Verso Church, St Albans, in supporting and equipping our Y13 students.

Helena and the team’s commitment to delivering the Blueprint Series has made a powerful impact on our students’ personal development, confidence, and leadership growth.

Through this series, our students have engaged with thought‑provoking and relevant sessions, including:

  • Identity
  • Love Languages
  • Ethical Shopping
  • Leadership Foundations Taster
  • Moving On
  • Why Bother?
  • Saturday Night Survival Guide

These sessions have prompted rich conversations, encouraged self‑reflection, and provided practical tools to help students navigate life’s big questions with clarity and resilience.

We are incredibly grateful for STEP’s passion, consistency, and heart for young people. Their presence has created a supportive space where students feel empowered to explore who they are, how they interact with others, and how they can become leaders who serve with integrity.

Thank you, STEP, for your remarkable investment in our Sixth Form community. Your partnership has been truly valued, and we look forward to continuing to work together in the years ahead, not to mention the upcoming ALPs conference for our Y12 students!

Mr M Tominey
Head of Sixth Form

Modeshift Stars National Award

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As East of England winners, we were invited to present at the Modeshift Stars National Award at The Royal Society in London.

Hugo and Aoife represented the school exceptionally well, showing enthusiasm, knowledge, and pride in their fantastic presentation about the school’s projects on sustainability and green and safe travel. We couldn’t be prouder of the way they showcased our school’s commitment to sustainable and safe travel.

The room was packed with other schools, businesses and many MPs including our local MP, Daisy Cooper. We are in the top 20 of 1107 schools who were accredited for their travel plans last year!

A big congratulations to Mrs Line and everyone involved – this accomplishment reflects the hard work of our students, staff, and community!

 

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