PTA Update

PTA Bids Meeting: How Your Support Makes a Difference

Full List of Approved PTA Spending 2023–2024

From car boot sales to refreshment bars, social events, Easyfundraising, and generous donations, our PTA has once again worked tirelessly to raise vital funds for our school community. But what happens to that money?

Throughout the year, staff, senior leaders, and even students are invited to submit bids for PTA funding. These are then discussed and voted on at termly bids meetings, open to all parents, carers, and school representatives. A huge thank you to everyone who took part in these meetings – your insights and support are what make it all possible.

Highlights from the June Bids Meeting:

One of the standout approvals was the purchase of a school minibus, which will now give us two fully operational vehicles and an older one for transporting equipment — a game changer for trips and extracurricular activities.

We’ll share a full financial breakdown at the AGM in October, but for now, here’s a look at the wide-ranging impact of PTA funds this year:

PTA-Funded Projects, Equipment, and Experiences (2023– 2024):

Curriculum & Enrichment:

Electric hand drills — GCSE/A-Level art easels — Food tech supplies (KS3 & KS4) — Textiles sewing machines — Chromebooks (x30) with charging trolley — Weaving loom — Music keyboards — Fitness suite equipment — New speaker for PA system — STEM "Race to Life" programme — British Science Week — Smoothwall/Algorithm Talk — Drama production support (including DSM Foundation workshops)

Trips & Events:

Y13 USA/France trip — Y9 trips to St. Omer, Rhineland, Bletchley Park & Bognor Regis — Hampton Court tickets & coach — Jamie’s Farm residential (supporting under-resourced students) — Slapton Ley residential (Y12) — Y10 Brighton trip — Animal Farm theatre trip — Romeo & Juliet theatre trip — Politics & Economics conference (6th Form) — DofE Bronze & Silver programmes — UCAS convention (Y12 coaches) — Language football workshop — KS3 swimming lessons — WWI workshop (Y8)

Wellbeing, Inclusion & Student Support:

Enrichment fund — Uniform & personal care fund (to support attendance) — Sensory room development — Rainbow Alliance stall — Time Givers – EAL student intervention — Teen Project – 6-week mental health workshops — First aid training — Food budget support — Focus Mode KS3 mentor programme & workshops

Celebration, Rewards & Community Events:

Year 11 Yearbooks & Prom — Y13 Picnic & Prom — End of Year "High Praise" celebrations — Rewards & attendance celebrations — Activity Days — KS3 Hockey Club — Tennis coaching — Football skills coach — 6-a-side goals — PA branded tops — Dance competition coach — Hounslow Action for Youth Programme — Minivan — Lighting for the school hall

This incredible list demonstrates how your contributions make a tangible impact – enriching school life, expanding learning opportunities, and ensuring all students feel included and supported.