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 Foreword

As we reach the half-term break, it is a good opportunity to pause and reflect on what has been a busy, productive and successful seven-and-a-bit weeks. Since September, our students have thrown themselves into school life with enthusiasm, whether in the classroom, on the sports field, or through the wide range of enrichment opportunities on offer. 

One particular highlight of the term has been Kindness Week. It was particularly heartening to see a number of our students visit the William Alvey School to read with younger pupils, helping to foster both a love of reading and valuable links between our schools. Other activities included students volunteering their time to litter pick around the school site, demonstrating pride in their environment, and a popular book swap which encouraged students to share recommendations and discover new authors. 

You will also find in this newsletter a Halloween-themed reading list. We know that some boys can be reluctant readers, but I would encourage parents and carers to support and promote reading at home wherever possible. 

This edition also celebrates the sporting achievements of two of our Year 9 students, whose success demonstrates the talent, determination and commitment that we are fortunate to see across so many areas of school life. There are also updates from our Geography and Technology departments, showcasing examples of the excellent work being produced by students. 

Finally, you will notice that our Trust's Charity of the Year is Cancer Research UK. Supporting charitable causes is an important part of developing responsible and compassionate citizens, and there will be much more to share in future newsletters about the fundraising and charity initiatives planned across the year.

I would like to thank everyone for their continued support and wish all members of our school community a restful and enjoyable half-term break. We look forward to welcoming students back, refreshed and ready for the next stage of the term. As a reminder, students return to school on Tuesday 3 November.

Have a wonderful break.

Mr J Holland

Deputy Headteacher

Useful Dates

Staff Training Day
All Day
02
November
Term 2 Starts
All Day
03
November
Year 11 Positive Health Day
All Day
05
November
Flu Vaccinations
All Day
10
November
Under 16 Superzone Basketball Tournament
2:30pm – 5:00pm
10
November
Under 14 Superzone Basketball Tournament
2:30pm – 5:00pm
12
November
Children in Need Day!
All Day
13
November
Year 11 Internal Exams
All Day
from 16 Nov until 27 Nov
16
November
Y12 & 13 - UKMT Andrew Jobbings Senior Kangaroo
All Day
18
November

Introducing our Carre’s CIT Community Champions

Our CIT Community Champions are a dedicated group of colleagues based in every school across the Trust family. They play a vital role in keeping school communities informed about local initiatives, as well as wider Trust-wide projects and opportunities. As ambassadors for community engagement, they help share ideas, encourage participation, and strengthen the connections between our schools.

The Community Champions meet four times a year to collaborate, share best practice, celebrate success stories, and help shape future initiatives that make a positive difference across CIT and the communities we serve.

Launching Our CIT Charity of the Year – Cancer Research UK

We are delighted to announce our nominated CIT Charity of the Year for 2026/27 is Cancer Research UK.  Throughout the year, our school community will continue its legacy of community fundraising for a range of causes alongside Cancer Research, and we look forward to seeing our students, staff and families continue to get involved, by showing kindness, generosity and community spirit while making a positive difference to the lives of others.  Donating is simple – just scan the QR Code below.

Mr J Holland and Mrs L Phoenix

​​CIT Community Champions


Proposals for a New PE Kit

Carre's Grammar School prides itself on our sporting achievements as well as academic success. As part of reviewing our PE kits, we are considering updating the kit to a more modern, comfortable and lightweight design that the students can be proud of, and enjoy wearing. 

Working with our key suppliers, we have come up with two proposed designs. All garments are made using moisture - wicking, lightweight breathable fabrics. The garments offer durability, comfort and are designed to fit a multi-sports purpose role. They would also be more comfortable and cooling during summer months (if uniform rules are relaxed – school will confirm these dates).

Students will be given the opportunity to see the concept designs in the sports hall when we return after half-term. They will also be asked to make a choice of their preferred design during tutor time at the end of the first week, so we would encourage them to go and see the new designs in person.

Parental engagement is vital, and we would welcome your feedback on the proposed new designs using the questionnaire in the link below or via the QR code.

Carre's Grammar School – updated PE kit parental consultation – Fill out form

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Revision Strategies for Half Term for Year 11 Students

Half-term is a fantastic opportunity for your child to consolidate their learning and boost their confidence before the mock exams in November. Based on evidence-backed techniques from The Exam Expert, here is a quick, practical guide to supporting your child with effective, high-impact GCSE revision this half-term.

🕒 The Big Picture: Timetabling

Build a revision timetable: Map out the week together. Treat revision like a school day—start early, finish by late afternoon, and protect their evenings for relaxation. Or divide the day into 3 – morning, afternoon and evening. You can then choose which 2 out of the 3 to work each day. Then break the sessions into 25 to 30-minute study blocks followed by a 5-minute break (the Pomodoro technique).

🧠 3 Revision Techniques for Parents to Support

Active recall is the secret to exam success. Here are three simple ways you can get involved and help them study actively rather than just re-reading notes:

1. Flashcards

  • What it is: Flashcards with a question on the front and the answer on the back.
  • How to help: Test them! Read the question out loud and have them answer.
  • The Strategy: Set up 3 piles. Pile 1 is tested every day, Pile 2 every other day, and Pile 3 once a week. Correct answers move up a pile; incorrect answers go straight back to Pile 1.

2. Brain Dumps

  • What it is: Giving your child a blank sheet of paper/whiteboard and a topic (e.g., GCSE Carbon Cycle or Macbeth themes), then get them to scribble down everything they know.
  • How to help: Provide a different coloured pen. Once they have finished, have them open their exercise book/textbook. Use the new colour to write in anything they missed. This instantly highlights their knowledge gaps.

3. Practice Questions

  • What it is: Applying knowledge to actual past exam board questions under timed conditions.
  • How to help: Act as the examiner. Print out past papers and mark schemes. Hide the answers while they work, and help them tick off where they earn points on the mark scheme so they learn exactly what examiners look for.

🌟 Quick Wins for a Stress-Free Half Term

  • The "No Phones" rule: Keep mobile devices in a separate room during study blocks to eliminate distraction.
  • Be the cheerleader: Praise their effort and consistency rather than their practice scores. A supportive home environment builds the best exam resilience!

The Big Future: Encouraging Your Child to Have Their Say

We would like to encourage parents and carers to support their children in taking part in The Big Future, a nationwide survey led by Dame Rachel de Souza, the Children's Commissioner for England. This important survey gives young people the opportunity to share their views on the issues that matter most to them, their hopes for the future, and the changes they would like to see in society. 

The survey is open to children and young people aged 9 to 18 and aims to ensure that their voices are heard by those making decisions that affect their lives. 

We know that our students have thoughtful perspectives and strong opinions about the world around them, and we would encourage them to take a few minutes to complete the survey. By doing so, they can help shape discussions about education, opportunities for young people, wellbeing, communities and the issues they care about most.

The survey is quick and easy to complete and can be accessed here: Take part in The Big Future Survey

The survey closes in late October.

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Kindness Week

Carre's students visited the William Alvey School to listen to Year 2s reading and talk to the Year 6 students about life at Carre's.

Kindness Week concluded with SLT baking cakes and goodies for the staff.  

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Design and Technology - Vase Project

Students have recently completed an exceptionally challenging Design and Technology project that required them to master sophisticated CAD software and confidently move between 3D design environments and precise 2D manufacturing drawings.

The level of engagement has been outstanding, with students demonstrating resilience, independence and highly effective problem-solving skills throughout the design process. Their ability to tackle complex technical challenges reflects both their growing engineering capability and commitment to excellence.

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Design and Technology – Extended Project Qualification

For my EPQ, I designed and manufactured a working jet engine demonstrator to investigate how modern jet engines operate and to help explain the key stages of the jet propulsion process. The project involved extensive research into engine components, including the intake, compressor, combustion chamber, turbine, and exhaust systems. Using this research, I created my own design and produced a 3D-printed model that visually demonstrates the airflow and operation of a jet engine.

The Design and Technology Department at Carre's allowed me to take advantage of the extensive range of tools and equipment. A large part of my design was printed using the school's state-of-the-art 3D printers, and the assembly was done using tools provided to me.

I am extremely grateful for the help I received from the whole department, even though this project wasn't directly linked to the department. Thank you all for your help. 

Freddie Coleman – Head Prefect for Design and Technology 

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Get Caught Reading This Halloween!

A Spooky Celebration Of Reading And Our School Library

As the nights grow darker and Halloween approaches, there's no better time to curl up with a good book. Whether you enjoy ghost stories, mysterious adventures, thrilling mysteries or fantasy worlds filled with magic, reading can take you on exciting journeys without ever leaving your chair.

Why Reading Matters

Reading is one of the most powerful skills you can develop. Regular reading helps to:

  • Improve vocabulary and communication skills.
  • Boost creativity and imagination.
  • Increase concentration and focus.
  • Build empathy by allowing us to experience different perspectives.
  • Support success across all school subjects.

Just 20 minutes of reading each day can make a significant difference to your learning and confidence. The more you read, the stronger your reading skills become.

Discover Your School Library

Did you know that our school library is packed with hundreds of fantastic books waiting to be discovered?

Whether you're looking for:

  • Edge-of-your-seat thrillers
  • Fantasy adventures
  • Graphic novels
  • Historical fiction
  • Science fiction
  • True stories and biographies

...There's something for everyone.

If you're not sure what to read next, visit the library and speak to Mrs Morrissey or student library prefects for recommendations. You might find your next favourite book on the shelf!

Challenge Yourself This Autumn

Why not:

  • Try a genre you've never read before
  • Borrow a book recommended by a friend
  •  Read for at least 20 minutes each evening

You may be surprised by what you discover!

Halloween Reading Recommendations

Looking for something suitably spooky this October? Here are some excellent reads for you to discover…

Coraline by Neil Gaiman

A creepy and imaginative story about a girl who discovers a hidden world that seems perfect at first but holds dark secrets.

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

Raised by ghosts in a graveyard, Nobody Owens must learn the secrets of both the living and the dead.

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

A powerful and moving story blending reality, fantasy and mystery as a boy faces difficult challenges.

Lockwood & Co: The Screaming Staircase by Jonathan Stroud

A thrilling paranormal investigation featuring ghost hunters, haunted houses and plenty of suspense.

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

A mysterious and atmospheric novel featuring strange photographs, hidden secrets and extraordinary children.

Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy

A witty blend of fantasy, mystery and adventure starring a detective who just happens to be a skeleton.

The Woman in Black by Susan Hill
A gothic ghost story filled with atmosphere and suspense. Best suited to older secondary readers who enjoy classic horror.

Dracula by Bram Stoker
The original vampire novel. A challenging, but rewarding read for confident readers interested in classic horror.

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Part horror, part science fiction, this famous story explores ambition, responsibility and what it means to be human.

Remember . . .

Not every great adventure happens on a screen. Some of the most exciting worlds, unforgettable characters and spine-tingling mysteries can be found between the pages of a book.

So, this Halloween, read something spooky, and discover where reading can take you.

Happy Reading!


Geography 

The Year 12 Geographers were carrying out fieldwork around Lincoln recently.

They were comparing deprivation in two areas of the city in the morning and then were investigating the success of the recent regeneration strategies in the city centre in the afternoon.

They are now able to see that some of the theories they have learnt in the classroom can be applied to real-world examples in their local area. They will be out again later in the year, when the weather is warmer, to practice more fieldwork skills on the Lincolnshire coast. 


The Year 8s have been doing some excellent work about how plants and animals have adapted to the conditions in the Amazon Rainforest.

Students chose a diverse set of plants and animals to look at, ranging from poisonous frogs to sloths and carnivorous plants to some of the tallest trees in the world.

They have demonstrated some excellent understanding and worked very hard on their homework.

Well done everybody!

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Berty Salmon 🏆 Champion of Champions 2027 (Golf)

A HUGE OPPORTUNITY FOR ME

Being able to compete in the 2027 Champion of Champions World Championship is an opportunity that I am incredibly proud of and excited about. Taking place from 20 to 22 July 2027 at the magnificent Lough Erne Resort in Northern Ireland, with all three rounds played on the incredible Faldo Championship Course, this is a chance for me to compete against some of the best junior golfers from around the world.

For me, this is about so much more than just playing in another golf tournament. It is about seeing how far I can push myself, testing my game against international competition and gaining experience that could help me throughout my golfing journey. The chance to compete on a world-class course, alongside junior champions from different countries, is something that I know will be an amazing experience.

Getting to this level in golf is not easy. It takes a huge amount of dedication, hours of practice, commitment and determination to keep improving, even when things don't always go your way. That is what makes an opportunity like this so special. To be able to compete at a world championship like this is something I don't take for granted.

I know that competing against some of the best junior golfers in the world will be a real challenge, but that is also what makes it so exciting. I want to learn as much as I can, challenge myself, enjoy the experience and see what I can achieve. Being part of an event like this could create memories that last a lifetime and give me even more motivation to keep working towards my goals in golf.

I am really looking forward to the opportunity to represent myself and my achievements on an international stage. Experiences like this remind me why all the hard work is worth it and how many exciting opportunities golf can create.

For me, this isn't just another tournament. It's an opportunity to challenge myself, learn from others and be part of something truly special. I am incredibly grateful for the chance to compete and can't wait to see what July 2027 brings.

🏆 Champion of Champions World Championship
📍 Lough Erne Resort, Northern Ireland
📅 20–22 July 2027

One incredible opportunity. A world-class stage. And a chance to make it count. ⛳🌍

Good luck, Berty, from all at Carre's Grammar School.


Charlie Attends the England St George's Park Football Training Camp

I was selected to attend the England men’s under 15 squad training camp at St George’s Park. I spent four days there training, taking part in activities and education sessions. It was an amazing opportunity and a great experience.

Well done Charlie.

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OCTOBER HOLIDAY SPORTS CAMP! 🎃

Get ready for an action-packed October half-term packed with sport, games, challenges and loads of fun! ⚽🏀🏏

Ages 5–12 years

📍 Northgate Sports Hall, Sleaford

🎟️ NEW BOOKING SYSTEM – Class For Kids!

Please scan the QR code or click the link below to book your place:

October Holiday Camp (5 -12yrs) at Northgate Sports Hall, Sleaford | Outreach Holiday Camp | Powered by ClassForKids

👉 Get booked on and secure your place!

Spaces are limited, so don't miss out! 🎉

If you believe you still have credits on our old system, please get in contact

Tel: 01529 308 746

Email: cgsoutreach@carres-cit.co.uk

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News Stories


08 Oct 2026
Carre’s Grammar School Recognised for Excellent Attendance
Carre’s Grammar School is celebrating a fantastic achievement after being recognised among the top 10% of secondary schools nationally for student attendance during the 2025/26 academic year.
Read more