It is amazing how quickly the first term flies past and how soon we are awaiting Christmas again.

The Year 11s have been anxiously awaiting their mock results to see how much commitment and studying they need to do as the GCSEs creep closer.  All the departments in the House offer after college enhancement sessions and it is hoped these will be well attended.

The Year 8s have settled in well and many of them are starting to make a real difference to the House and make suggestions for things we can do. 

Gemma Chambers is working with Miss Alner to organise a Year 11 Christmas netball rematch to raise money for cystic fibrosis.  Miss Alner and Molly Dineen from Hawking House organised a netball match for Children in Need earlier in the term and raised in excess of £60 – well done.

Attenborough House has teamed up with Whittle House once again to put on two parties for Age Concern Hampshire; one of the main charities that Attenborough House supports. 

This half term we reached our goal of selling 300 Stepping Stones Nigeria badges and have sent the cheque to Gary Foxtcroft at the charity who will be visiting soon to meet the pupils again.

All of our assemblies this term have followed the  Olympic/Para-Olympic standards with Laura Kalus an ex Year 11 coming in and delivering an assembly on her determination to make a difference working with SEEDS orphanage.  Mr Andrew Mackay is taking an assembly on inspiration telling pupils what it was that made him want to write his first novel.  Bobby Allison who used to be in Attenborough and who is now an international horse rider is hoping to join us to talk about pride in doing something for your country. 

We hope to be able to welcome many guests to our assemblies over the coming months to share their experiences with us and to inspire us to greater things.

Please keep an eye open for information about ATTENBOROUGH’S GOT TALENT : the first auditions for this event will be held in January and it promises to be a high quality varied competition.  All year groups can enter and all talent of any sort is welcomed.  So come on you singers, dancers, magicians, jugglers, comedians – step up to the mark and entertain us.  Entry forms will be available in January.

Everyone in Attenborough House wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

C Barker (Mrs)

Head of Attenborough House