Who knew crunching numbers could be this tasty? Ever opened your favourite snack, only to feel slightly let down by how little is inside? This term, our Year 12 Business students turned that universal disappointment into a learning opportunity! Using one of our go-to snacks, they explored the concepts of capacity and capacity utilisation within Operations Management. Students rolled up their sleeves, crunched the numbers (and the snacks), and developed their quantitative skills by examining what was actually inside those packets. Spoiler alert: you don't have mice in your cupboard! The Hula Hoop packets we analysed were operating at around 44–56% capacity utilisation. But... if you're feeling really hungry, reach for the Cheese & Onion, those came in at a whopping 56%!

What does the future of education look like and how do we build it together? This January, Caroline Chisholm School staff are gathering at the Wooldale Centre for Learning for our CCET Conference '26, and we couldn't be more excited. The theme says it all: "The Way Forward – Building Our Future Together." Why is this such a big moment? Because we're launching two game-changers: 1. Our Strategic Framework 2025–2029 – a bold vision for excellence, equity, and enrichment across every stage of learning. 2. The CCS People's Pledge – our commitment to supporting and empowering the incredible professionals who make transformational learning happen every day. Our mission is simple yet powerful: to inspire every student through an innovative, world-class education. From early years to Sixth Form, we're building a culture where ambition meets opportunity, and every learner is encouraged to aim high, grow with confidence, and make a real impact in the world. This isn't just a plan, it's a promise. A promise to deliver exceptional education, foster resilience and compassion, and create a community that's 'globally minded and future ready'. The future of education isn't something that happens to us, it's something we design together. Every conversation, every collaboration, every shared idea moves us closer to a world where every child's potential is realised. Working to imagine boldly, act with purpose, and build a future full of hope and aspiration ... together.

A huge thank you to all the families who created a bauble for our Christmas Tree Festival! We have been absolutely overwhelmed by the effort, creativity and festive spirit that went into every single design. The trees are already looking magical thanks to your hard work! Our House Captains had the very tough task of selecting a winner from each year group, the entries were just incredible. Well done to all of our winners! Your baubles will take pride of place on the Primary Reception tree once they return from the Christmas Tree Festival. Everyone is warmly invited to come along and admire the fantastic creations on display from Sunday at St George The Martyn Church in Wootton. Well done to all our students and a massive thank you to Mrs Simmonds for all her hard work organising such a fun competition!

On Wednesday, eight of our year 13 students braved 'Giant Country' and watched Roald Dhal's 'The BFG' at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-Upon-Avon. The production was incredible and the students all had a thoroughly glumptious time!

Last week, we were delighted to welcome CCS alumni Cameron Brown back to speak with our Sixth Form students about his journey through A Levels and how he secured his Degree Apprenticeship at JPMorgan Chase. Cameron shared valuable advice drawn from his own experience, highlighting the importance of networking, gaining relevant work experience, and presenting yourself confidently in a highly competitive field. He also offered students an insight into his first few months in the role, giving a realistic picture of both the benefits of the apprenticeship route and the commitment and dedication required to thrive within it. Following his talk, Cameron answered a range of student questions and spent additional time with our Year 12 and Year 13 Economics classes, where he held a more focused Q&A session about his time at CCS and his early experiences at JPMorgan Chase. Our students left feeling inspired by Cameron's enthusiasm and achievements. It was wonderful to see another former CCS student return to share their knowledge and demonstrate the exciting opportunities that A Levels can lead to. We look forward to seeing all that you go on to achieve, Cameron!

What an incredible day Year 5 had at the National Space Centre in Leicester on Monday! It was a fantastic opportunity to take learning beyond the classroom, and it certainly didn't disappoint. From exploring the interactive exhibits to discovering fascinating facts about the solar system, the children were completely immersed in the world of space science. One of the highlights was the breathtaking planetarium show. We also got to enjoy an exciting rocketry demonstration that made all their recent science learning truly come to life. A brilliant experience for the students who can take this new experience and apply it to their classroom learning. Well done Year 5 and all the staff who helped make the trip possible!

Last Monday, Biology Teacher Dr Brammer took our Year 12 Biologists to the University of Birmingham for A Level LIVE - an incredible opportunity designed to enrich their understanding of biology and inspire future scientific study. The day featured talks from some of the most respected scientists working at the cutting edge of their fields. Students heard from Professor Gillian Forrester, Dr Tim Lamont, Professor Adam Hart, Professor Jennifer Rohn, and Professor Sophie Scott, each sharing fascinating insights into their research and its real-world impact. In addition to these inspiring lectures, Michelle Oldfield, an experienced A-level external examiner, delivered two highly practical sessions. She focused on exam technique, the importance of command words, and effective revision strategies, providing invaluable advice for our students to support their success in upcoming exams. This trip was not only an opportunity to deepen subject knowledge but also to experience the excitement of university-level learning and connect classroom theory with real scientific innovation.

Still thinking about your primary school application for September 2026? We've added an additional daytime tour date on Friday 9th January 2026, and we invite you to join us to view our wonderful all-through school. Come and meet our staff and incredible children, where their school place is guaranteed from from Reception all the way to Year 11, where we hope they will then join us for Sixth Form too!! Book your tickets here - https://ccs-foundationstage-2026-tours.eventbrite.co.uk/

Who knew crunching numbers could be this tasty? Ever opened your favourite snack, only to feel slightly let down by how little is inside? This term, our Year 12 Business students turned that universal disappointment into a learning opportunity! Using one of our go-to snacks, they explored the concepts of capacity and capacity utilisation within Operations Management. Students rolled up their sleeves, crunched the numbers (and the snacks), and developed their quantitative skills by examining what was actually inside those packets. Spoiler alert: you don't have mice in your cupboard! The Hula Hoop packets we analysed were operating at around 44–56% capacity utilisation. But... if you're feeling really hungry, reach for the Cheese & Onion, those came in at a whopping 56%!

What does the future of education look like and how do we build it together? This January, Caroline Chisholm School staff are gathering at the Wooldale Centre for Learning for our CCET Conference '26, and we couldn't be more excited. The theme says it all: "The Way Forward – Building Our Future Together." Why is this such a big moment? Because we're launching two game-changers: 1. Our Strategic Framework 2025–2029 – a bold vision for excellence, equity, and enrichment across every stage of learning. 2. The CCS People's Pledge – our commitment to supporting and empowering the incredible professionals who make transformational learning happen every day. Our mission is simple yet powerful: to inspire every student through an innovative, world-class education. From early years to Sixth Form, we're building a culture where ambition meets opportunity, and every learner is encouraged to aim high, grow with confidence, and make a real impact in the world. This isn't just a plan, it's a promise. A promise to deliver exceptional education, foster resilience and compassion, and create a community that's 'globally minded and future ready'. The future of education isn't something that happens to us, it's something we design together. Every conversation, every collaboration, every shared idea moves us closer to a world where every child's potential is realised. Working to imagine boldly, act with purpose, and build a future full of hope and aspiration ... together.

A huge thank you to all the families who created a bauble for our Christmas Tree Festival! We have been absolutely overwhelmed by the effort, creativity and festive spirit that went into every single design. The trees are already looking magical thanks to your hard work! Our House Captains had the very tough task of selecting a winner from each year group, the entries were just incredible. Well done to all of our winners! Your baubles will take pride of place on the Primary Reception tree once they return from the Christmas Tree Festival. Everyone is warmly invited to come along and admire the fantastic creations on display from Sunday at St George The Martyn Church in Wootton. Well done to all our students and a massive thank you to Mrs Simmonds for all her hard work organising such a fun competition!

On Wednesday, eight of our year 13 students braved 'Giant Country' and watched Roald Dhal's 'The BFG' at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-Upon-Avon. The production was incredible and the students all had a thoroughly glumptious time!

Last week, we were delighted to welcome CCS alumni Cameron Brown back to speak with our Sixth Form students about his journey through A Levels and how he secured his Degree Apprenticeship at JPMorgan Chase. Cameron shared valuable advice drawn from his own experience, highlighting the importance of networking, gaining relevant work experience, and presenting yourself confidently in a highly competitive field. He also offered students an insight into his first few months in the role, giving a realistic picture of both the benefits of the apprenticeship route and the commitment and dedication required to thrive within it. Following his talk, Cameron answered a range of student questions and spent additional time with our Year 12 and Year 13 Economics classes, where he held a more focused Q&A session about his time at CCS and his early experiences at JPMorgan Chase. Our students left feeling inspired by Cameron's enthusiasm and achievements. It was wonderful to see another former CCS student return to share their knowledge and demonstrate the exciting opportunities that A Levels can lead to. We look forward to seeing all that you go on to achieve, Cameron!

What an incredible day Year 5 had at the National Space Centre in Leicester on Monday! It was a fantastic opportunity to take learning beyond the classroom, and it certainly didn't disappoint. From exploring the interactive exhibits to discovering fascinating facts about the solar system, the children were completely immersed in the world of space science. One of the highlights was the breathtaking planetarium show. We also got to enjoy an exciting rocketry demonstration that made all their recent science learning truly come to life. A brilliant experience for the students who can take this new experience and apply it to their classroom learning. Well done Year 5 and all the staff who helped make the trip possible!