This month, we are focusing on a theme that extends beyond the classroom: the importance of being responsible members of our local community. Encouraging children to take an active role in their neighbourhood teaches them valuable lessons about empathy, social connection, and the positive impact they can have on the world around them.
Engaging constructively in the local community offers a wide range of benefits for children and families. It helps to foster a sense of belonging, as when children feel connected to their community, they develop a strong sense of identity and purpose. It can also help to build empathy and respect as well as contributing to improving the local environment, for example by taking care of shared spaces, like parks and streets.
By teaching our children to be responsible members of the community, we are raising them to be active, compassionate, and engaged citizens. Every small act of kindness or contribution sends a powerful message that they are an important part of something bigger..
A key part of acting responsibly involves wearing our uniform with pride, as it signals that our students are representatives of our school. Like a team wearing its colours, our school uniform encourages loyalty, unity, and a sense of shared identity. When students wear their uniform neatly and correctly, they show respect for themselves, their peers, and our community, while also demonstrating the discipline and professionalism expected of them at Roding Valley High School. By embracing this responsibility, they help to create a positive and focused learning environment for everyone
For a student's safety and well-being, as well as to maintain a positive relationship with our neighbours, it is important that students go straight home at the end of the school day if they do not have any scheduled plans. Hanging around the local community without purpose creates several risks. It can expose students to unsupervised situations, which may increase the likelihood of them engaging in or being drawn into unsafe activities. Moreover, loitering can disturb local residents and businesses, creating tension and giving the school a negative reputation within the community we all share.
Responsible behaviour, therefore, extends to how students conduct themselves immediately after the school day ends, showing respect for both their own safety and the wider community.
The vast majority of students at Roding Valley demonstrate our school's values of aspiration, respect and endeavour on a day to day basis. As Headteacher, I regularly receive communication from local businesses, residents and visitors who share with me examples of exemplary behaviour that they have witnessed. I want to thank you as parents and carers for your commitment to promoting the importance of being a valuable member of both the Roding Valley and local community amongst your children.
Stars of the Week
Year Group
Year 7
Year 8
Year 9
Year 10
Year 11
Year 12
Year 13
Warm regards
Mr D Charlton Headteacher
Nicolas Blagoev - for making a great start to Year 7 and consistently displaying a positive attitude to learning.
Teddy Barnard - for making such a wonderful, and positive start to Year 8.
Christopher Convey - for being such a wonderful student in and outside of the classroom and always following our school values.
Gracie Groom - star of the week!
Nathan Mpofu - for taking such an active part in our assemblies, his abilities on the piano and for speaking up when needed to.
Eva Forcina - for setting up our new philosophy film club!
Daniel Igwe - for supporting Black History Month Assemblies to all year groups
Harper Haywood - for a fantastic start to Year 7 and consistently being elected the Star of the lesson.
Sophia Sapal - for always displaying such fantastic behaviour in lessons, and around the school community.
Paige Reed - for always being such a positive role model.
George Warwick - excellent start to Year 10. Great attitude and throwing himself into student leadership.
Alexander Belnikoff - for doing so tremendously well across all subjects. Excellent start to the year!
Mia Kaye - for setting up our new philosophy film club!
Nicole Kachan - for receiving our first university offer this academic year
Messages from Our Heads of Year
Our team is proud to be your child’s Head of Year and very much looking forward to supporting your child and with such a great cohort of students, we are sure it will be a great half term. To ensure that you are aware of who your child’s Head of Year is and who to contact, please refer to their details below:
Year 7: Mr John
To contact Mr John, please email bjohn@rodingvalley.net
Year 8: Miss Aston
To contact Miss Aston, please email caston@rodingvalley.net
Year 9: Miss Burke
To contact Miss Burke, please email tburke@rodingvalley.net
Year 10: Ms Wills
To contact Ms Wills, please email rwills@rodingvalley.net
Year 11: Mr Ryan
To contact Mr Ryan, please email fryan@rodingvalley.net
Year 7 News
Message from Mr John
We are already incredibly six weeks into our secondary school journey at Roding Valley! We've seen an absolutely fantastic start, with overall attendance being superb, a huge well done to all our Year 7 students for their commitment to being in school every day.
It's also been wonderful to see so many of you embracing school life by joining the wide array of clubs on offer; it's a brilliant way to make new friends and discover new passions. Our Year 7's commitment to our school values is also shining through in their impressive House Point totals. We had a very important and informative Anti-Vaping Assembly on Tuesday, which provided critical education and awareness about the significant health dangers that vaping can pose, helping all of us make safer, informed decisions.
The competition in the House Point standings is heating up! A massive congratulations goes to Fluorine, who currently lead the pack with a fantastic total of 3007 points! In a strong second place, we have Neon with 2769 points, closely followed by Argon in third with 2408 points. These points are a direct reflection of your hard work, positive behaviour and contributions to the school community. Every single point counts, so let's continue working hard, demonstrating our best effort in lessons, and making excellent choices. Keep up the good work, everyone!
In England, a Free School Meal (FSM) is a statutory benefit available to school aged children from families who receive other qualifying benefits and who have been through the relevant registration process. Recently, the process of applying for Free School Meals at Roding Valley High School has changed to an online application in order to improve speed and reduce the burden of paperwork for parents. For more information on the qualifying benefits and for more information, please visit our Free School Meals page on our school website It is important that parents register their children for free school meals if they are entitled as the school receives additional funding known as the Pupil Premium to support the children’s learning. The use of the pupil premium is personalised to meet the needs of the children who are entitled to support, such as 1-1 tuition, additional LSA support and intervention groups, access to school visits, Learning Mentor, speech and language assistants, Family Support and counselling. If you believe that your child is eligible for Free School Meals, please click here to use our Free School Meals Checker. Your Certificate of Eligibility will then need to be emailed to finance@rodingvalley.net
Message Miss Aston Year 8 News
I wanted to share some important updates regarding behaviour and conduct in Year 8. The Year 8 cohort have been showing great enthusiasm in lessons, and most have been respectful and responsible in and around the school community.
Please can I ask for your support at home in regards to us working together to ensure that students are not being disruptive in lessons, showing the utmost respect to every member of staff, and being on time to every lesson.
As mentioned in my previous bulletin, we are driving reading across the entire Year 8 cohort. Please could I request that you encourage your child to remain on top of their reading, and to follow our Bedrock Literacy Curriculum at home. Form Tutors, the English Department, and I will continue to oversee this. Unfortunately, if this is not supported and driven at home, students will be issued consequences by their form tutor. I would like to take this time to congratulate the Year 8 student helpers who supported us at the Open Morning a few weeks ago. These students were exceptional ambassadors for the school - welcoming families, guiding tours, speaking confidently to visitors, and showing great pride in our school community - well done!
We have already seen some fantastic achievements this term! Special mentions go to:
• 8 Beryllium - they have been awarded the form with the highest Attendance in Year 8 for the past 2 weeks - well done!
• Highest House points so far in Year 8 - well done!
• 1st - Ellie Sau
• 2nd - Christopher Jones
• 3rd - Ayaz Alici
• 4th - Salwa Inayat
• 5th - Daniel Bah
• 100% Attendance wheel winners in assembly - Jessica Dawkes and Nancy Gibson - a huge well done! They will now have queue jumpers for the lunch line until the end of half term.
• A huge congratulations to the Year 8 Rugby Team who not only won the WESSA Rugby tournament, and did not concede a try, but also won their Essex Cup Group, and have qualified for the Finals in November!
Let's continue to work together to make Year 8 a happy, successful, and memorable year for every student. And lastly please remember:
"Success begins with Effort" - Together, we have got this Year 8!
Year 9 News
Message from Miss Burke
What a fantastic start to the year it has been for Year 9! The engagement, enthusiasm, and maturity shown by our students over these first few weeks have been truly impressive. It’s been wonderful to see them throw themselves into lessons, contribute thoughtfully in discussions, and approach new challenges with such positivity.
I would also like to remind you of some key upcoming dates. On the 5th and 6th November, we will be running study skills sessions for all Year 9 students, ahead of their exams which begin on 8th December. These sessions are designed to give students practical strategies for learning effectively, revising with purpose, and managing their time and workload confidently. The aim of these sessions is to ensure that every student feels well prepared, confident and able to perform in their exams to the best of their abilities. We’re really proud of the way Year 9 have begun this important year, setting the tone for success both academically and personally. Thank you for your continued support at home; it makes such a difference in helping our students make the most of every opportunity.
Punctuality to school
Dear Parent/Carers
If your child is late, you must ensure you call the school before 8.30am.
We understand there may be heavy traffic on the road from time to time, please allow enough time to navigate the traffic.
When a child is absent or late for school, this causes disruption to the rest of the class and causes your child to fall behind. Many thanks - Attendance team
RVHS Pre Loved Uniform
Any parents/carers wishing to purchase some RVHS preloved uniform, please use this link to select & pay for any uniform you wish to purchase.
The process is quick and easy to use. You will be notified once your order is ready for your collection.
All orders will be processed during term time only
Do you have any old uniform your child has outgrown or no longer uses?
Please wash and donate back to our pre-loved uniform. This can be dropped into our main reception.
Message from Ms Wills Year 10 News
As we begin a new month it is time to celebrate the success of the first reward competition. 10Ma received a breakfast for having the best attendance in September. They were treated to a croissant and juice. Each form can compete for October’s reward, which will be announced just before half term.
I also want to take this opportunity to thank all the students who have helped out with the Year 6 open morning and parent tours. Families have sung the praises of these young people who really have represented the school well. I am so proud of the students for stepping up to the challenge of leadership. We are now in the midst of electing form and house representatives and there will be another opportunity for Year 10 to lead the way in hosting the parents' evening in a couple of weeks.
Students with the most ARE points last week were:
• Ruby Rae Haynes
• George Warwick
• Isla Spratt
• Adam Findlay
• Besjana Naboli
Year 11 News
Message from Mr Ryan
It has been another busy two weeks in year 11. With the students fully participating in school life. We have just had our elections for the Student Council with students being able to put themselves forward to either represent their form or their house. I look forward to see what suggestions they bring.
Last week Mr. Cocker ran two revision sessions to the year group on Wednesday and Thursday. These went incredibly well and he was very impressed. This is in preparation for the first round of PPE exams that are due to start in November. Please speak to your child about how they are revising for their exams.
Next Thursday 16th November, is Year 11 Parents' Evening, if you haven't already done so, please book appointments to see your child's teachers. Appointments can be booked through Edulink.
Class of the Week Nomination
Mr Ohemeng has nominated his Year 11 Science class for this saying: -
‘The level of engagement and the progress made in the lesson is mind blowing, I would like the class to be celebrated’.
Key Dates:
• Year 11 Parents Evening – 16th October 2025
• PPE1 – week commencing 10th November 2025
• Sixth Form 2026 application deadline – 12th January 2026
• PPE2 – week commencing 24th February 2026
• GCSEs – begin May 2026
• Year 11 Prom – 19th June 2026
If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact your child’s form tutor.
LOST PROPERTY
To report any property lost, please email: lostproperty@rodingvalley.net
We ask if you could provide a detailed description of the item you have lost so that we can reunite you with your missing property.
Message from Ms Wheaton & Mrs Curling 6th Form News
Year 12 Teambuilding day at Lambourne End - 9th September
We took 120 of our new joiners in year 12 to our team building day at Lambourne End on Monday 29th September. In teams of 12, students made friends and bonded over tunnelling, marbles in drainpipes, archery and rope swings (among other activities!). It was an absolute pleasure to watch the students bond and begin to have some ordinary small talk with new friends. Thank you to this wonderful new year group, who smiled their way through the day and really shone. We are very excited to see all they achieve.
Employers Talks – Investment2020 – 30th September
Our second visit this year from Investment2020. A fantastic insight into the Investment Banking Industry and the Trainee Programme that has benefitted so many of our students. Hearing from a current Schroders Apprentice on the programme was so enlightening for students and what fantastic tips from Henry McQuillan on researching companies and how to apply. A huge thank you to Gina Griesel and her team at Investment2020 for providing such informative workshops.
Everhire – 7th October
Today we welcomed back Nicholas Thomas who left Roding Valley 12 years ago. Now a CEO and Entrepreneur at Everhire. What an amazing journey and such huge achievements. A brilliant insight into recruitment and so many very important tips for students about applying for jobs. Thank you so much Nicholas, it was lovely to see you again.
6th Form News
Dates for your diary:
• Monday – weekly Sixth Form assembly in the Sports Hall
• Monday 29th September - Year 12 team building day at Lambourne End
• Tuesday Period 1 – Employer Talks (6th form students to sign up in advance)
• Wednesday’s – KS3 Mentoring supported by 6th form students
• Friday’s – KS4 Mentoring supported by 6th form students
• w/b 3rd November – Year 13 PPEs
For our parents and carers who are new to our school, we would love you to follow the Roding Valley High school account if you are on Instagram. Here you will find a celebration of all things Roding Valley. The account includes a selection of Highlights for you to engage with and discuss at home.
On Saturday the Roding Valley Foundation held their inaugural Outdoor Silent Cinema, showing Coco.
Although there was a visit from Storm Amy earlier in the day, the winds died down at the right time for students and families to arrive with their camping chairs and blankets and settle in for the showing. A great evening was had by all.
A reminder that you can support the school through buying tickets to the Parents Lottery https://www.theparentslottery.org/school/roding-valley-high-school1748968287
If you would like to get involved in supporting the Foundation in any way possible please email pta@rodingvalley.net or check out our website for more information.
Roding Valley is celebrating Black History Month 2025 with a series of student-led assemblies, highlighting Black British figures who have impacted our culture. This is in keeping with the theme for BHM2025, 'Standing in Power and Pride'. This group of students have taken the lead on this, planning and presenting a wonderful assembly to each year group. Well done to them!
This is coupled with a display in our wooden reception area, as well as further activities throughout the month.
‘The last two weeks, during messy science club, we have been making volcanoes. We covered a plastic bottle in papier mache and coloured paper to make it look realistic. We then conducted a scientific experiment to determine if the volcano would erupt. I have really enjoyed participating in messy science and will continue to join in with the lessons. I am really enthusiastic about science so I think messy science is a really great club to join and have fun after school. I have learnt many facts about volcanoes by using a different but extremely fun way of learning. One fact that I have learnt is that the largest volcano is on the planet Mars! I have also learnt that by working and communicating effectively in a team, you can learn from each other to create a great project’ - Beatrix Morales 7Ar
Thank you to the Arc Performers for delivering an excellent performance and session to Year 7.
Getting students thinking about choices with their health and the future - understanding vapes ‘not so sweet’
• A reminder to all parent/carers who have NOT yet completed the Flu Immunisation Consent Form: The Flu Immunisation Team requires each parent/carer to complete their consent form either way YES or NO. If you have any questions please contact them directly.
• Any student who missed their school photograph during September our photographers have offered the following: Great News! There’s another opportunity to have photos taken at our studio on Tuesday 28th & Wednesday 29th October 2025.
Just click on the link to book your time: https://calendly.com/carmeljanephotography/october-half-term-school-reshoot-2025
We now ask for a small £5.00 deposit to secure a booking. When you attend the shoot, you will receive a voucher that can be deducted from your order. Please note, the children must be in school uniform for the session.
Student Absence
If your child is unable to attend School for any reason, please report their absence by phoning the school number by 8.30am at the latest, you must also ring in each day of your child’s absence.
0208-508-1173
On their return to School, please ensure your child brings with them a letter or medical evidence if requested explaining the reason for the absence for our records.
Medical Appointments
Please make sure you make any medical or dental appointments outside of school time. If this is not possible then please try to ensure that your child attends before and/or after their appointment.
Holidays in Term Time
The school does not authorise any holidays during term time except if the Headteacher deems it an exceptional circumstance. A ‘Leave of Absence’ form must be completed (these are available at Student Reception) detailing your exceptional circumstances.
Please be aware if the absence is not authorised and the holiday is taken, the case will be referred to the Local Authority who may issue a Penalty Notice for £160 (or £80 if paid within 21 days) to each parent for each child taken out of school.
For full details regarding attendance, please see our Attendance Policy here.
Who to contact
Should you have any concerns about your child’s attendance or punctuality please contact your child’s Head of Year or our Attendance Officer Ms A Parsley (aparsley@rodingvalley.net)
Explore together: Ask your child to show you their favourite websites and apps and what they do on them. Listen, show interest and encourage them to teach you the basics of the site or app. 1
Chat about online safety little and often: Young people are likely to want to explore new apps and websites this month, whether that is for learning or for fun. Take this opportunity to talk to them about how to stay safe on these new services, and in general. Ask if anything ever worries them while they are online. Make sure they know that if they ever feel worried, they can get help by talking to you or another adult they trust.
Help your child identify trusted adults who can help them if they are worried: This includes you and other adults at home, as well as adults from wider family, school or other support services who they are able to contact at this time. Encourage them to draw a picture or write a list of their trusted adults.
Be non-judgemental: Explain that you would never blame them for anything that might happen online, and you will always give them calm, loving support.
Talk about how their online actions can affect others: If your child is engaging with others online, remind them to consider how someone else might feel before they post or share something. If they are considering sharing a photo/video of somebody else, they should always ask permission first.
Parental controls: Make use of the parental controls available on your home broadband and any internet enabled device in your home. You can find out more about how to use parental controls by visiting your broadband provider’s website.
Direct your child to age appropriate information about relationships and sex: It’s natural for young people to start exploring their sexual feelings online and adolescents are more inclined to take risks. It’s important to understand this and to talk to your child in a positive way. Brook, The Mix and Childline all provide age appropriate information about relationships and sex that you can signpost your child to.
Make sure they know about CEOP: Young people can report a concern about grooming or sexual abuse to CEOP at www.ceop.police.uk/safety-centre/ and get support from a specialist Child Protection Advisor. 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Support your child with CEOP Education website
The age appropriate CEOP Education website is a great way to start and continue chats about online safety and other issues. Click on the CEOP website here.
The website provides open and honest guidance for young people on friends, relationships and the internet, covering topics like dealing with pressure; consent; and getting support when you are worried.
If you are worried that a child or young person is at risk of harm online, you should call the police. Young people can make a report to CEOP.
Other Recommended Resources
Brook: Information and advice for young people on sexual health and wellbeing, including staying safe online. https://www.brook.org.uk
The Mix: Support service for young people with information and advice on sex and relationships. https://www.themix.org.uk
Internet Matters: A useful tool showing how to set parental controls across a range of devices and websites. http://www.internetmatters.org/parentalcontrols/interactive-guide/
NSPCC: Provides reviews and guidance on the most popular social networks, apps and games that children use. https://www.nspcc.org.uk/
Childnet – Information and advice for parents and carers on supporting people online. https://www.childnet.com/reso urces/supporting-youngpeople-online
How Can I Access Edulink?
EduLink can be accessed on any device – PC, laptop, tablet or mobile device – via the web browser or via the EduLink app. The link to access the EduLink login page on a web browser is www.edulinkone.com
Alternatively, you can download the EduLink App which is available to download for free on Apple or on Android.
Both the App and the web browser will display this log-in screen.
The School ID is ‘Roding’.
Parents/Carers will need to enter the Username and Password they have been provided with and click ‘Log in’.
The displayed is dependant of the platform you are logged in to:
• Via Web Browser
• Via the EduLink App
Navigating Edulink
You are able to navigate each of the following areas in EduLink:
• Achievement: You van view all positive achievements that have been awarded to your child
• Account Information: In this section you can view the current address we have for your child on file, your child’s Year group and the name of their Form tutor
• Timetable: In this section you can view your child’s daily timetable
• Absence Reporting: This feature will allow you to send a direct message to our Attendance Officer, to notify us of any absence for your child
• Linked Resources: This section contains links to all the schools learning resources available to your child both at school and at home
• Update Information: This section shows all of the contact information we hold for yourself and your child. You can review and update this information with any changes that may occur
• Exams: You can see all of your child upcoming exams; your child can also access this information so they can manage their own exam schedule
• Documents: In this section you can view your child’s reports
Parents can access information on all their children currently admitted to Roding Valley High School. If you require any assistance, please contact Mr Vermaak or Miss Stewart (mvermaak@rodingvalley.net or lstewart@rodingvalley.net )
How to Log on to Google Classroom?
Classroom
Students can log into their Gmail using their school email address and their password. Their school email will be the year they started at RVHS started plus their first initial and surname @rodingvalley.net (example- 19plarkin@rodingvalley.net).
Once your child has have logged in, they will need to click on the google apps button and then select ‘Google Classroom’
Your child will then be able to see all of the classes they belong to. They will then need to click on the class they want to use resources for and take a look at everything that their class teacher has posted for them to work on. They will be able to download items and make comments on them. Teachers will be regularly posting new work on their Google Classrooms.
What to Do if your child is a Missing a Subject their Google Classroom?
If your child is missing a Google Classroom for one of their subjects, they will need to click on the addition symbol, followed by ‘Join Class’ and then enter the Class Code for their missing subject. Class Codes are available from their subject teacher.
Top Tips for Our Students
Students must keep up to date with their lessons by using Google Classroom every day.
Use their workbooks to complete the work shown on their Google Classroom.
Don’t slack on presentation! Keep their notes in order of the lessons on the Google Classroom.
Year 11 and 13 Students: There will be revision materials available on Google Classroom. Please use them.
Heads of Year
Year 7: Mr John – bjohn@rodingvalley.net
Year 8: Miss Aston – caston@rodingvalley.net
Year 9: Miss Burke – tburke@rodingvalley.net
Year 10: Ms Wills – rwills@rodingvalley.net
Year 11: Mr Ryan – fryan@rodingvalley.net
Sixth Form: Ms Wheaton & Ms Curling – lcurling@rodingvalley.net / awheaton@rodingvalley.net
