Rayner Stephens High School

Eid Mubarak to everyone in our school community who is celebrating!

It’s been a busy and productive half term across school, with students and staff working incredibly hard as the exam season got underway.

As we head into the Half Term Break, we want to thank all of our students, staff, families and wider communities for their continued support during this important time of year.

We hope everyone takes the opportunity to rest, recharge and recoup before we return on 1st June, ready for the next stage of the exam season.

We wish everyone a relaxing and enjoyable Half Term Break.

Year 6 Parents Coffee Afternoon ☕️🫖

📅Wednesday 3rd June
⏰2.45-3.45

Come along to meet with Mrs Lund (Assistant Headteacher for Transition) & Mrs Cowling (Assistant SENCO)

As GCSE exams begin we know many young people are feeling pressure and nerves.

Mental Health Awareness Week is a reminder to slow down check in with yourself and ask for help if you need it. Taking breaks getting enough sleep and staying connected with people around you can all make a real difference.

At Rayner Stephens High School students can access support through pastoral teams safeguarding staff wellbeing support and trusted adults across school.

More wellbeing advice and support is available here:
https://www.raynerstephens.org.uk/support/mental-health-and-wellbeing/

At Rayner Stephens, we want your transition to secondary school to feel smooth and reassuring. We’re continuing to help you put names to faces, so you can feel confident about the people who will support you every day.

Meet our wonderful SENCO and Student Support team:
Mrs Cowling – Assistant SENCO
Supports students with SEN daily, checking in regularly and coordinating TAs to ensure effective support in lessons and interventions. Works closely with the SENCO to support students’ needs.

Mrs Thomas – HLTA & Young Carers Lead
Based in The Hive (our SEN base), Mrs Thomas supports students through daily check-ins and targeted interventions. As Young Carers Lead, she also supports students with caring responsibilities at home.

Mrs Knowles – SENCO & Assistant Headteacher
Leads SEN provision across the school, ensuring high-quality support for students. Works closely with families, students and external agencies, and supports staff to meet all learners’ needs.

This Mental Health Awareness Week we are reminding students that looking after your wellbeing is just as important as preparing for exams.

Simple things can help reduce stress and improve focus:
• Drink plenty of water
• Eat regular meals
• Avoid revising late into the night
• Spend time outside each day
• Talk through worries instead of bottling them up

Our staff are here to support students throughout exam season and families are encouraged to get in touch if they have concerns.

More information and support can be found here:
https://www.raynerstephens.org.uk/support/mental-health-and-wellbeing/

This is the final week to qualify for Alton Towers!
Every lesson attended brings you closer to the reward trip.
Stay on track with:

95%+ attendance

Positive behaviour
Don’t give up now – you’re so close!

Find out more about wellbeing support here:
https://www.raynerstephens.org.uk/support/mental-health-and-wellbeing/

GCSE exams can feel stressful, this Mental Health Awareness Week we want our students and families to know that support is always available.

If you are feeling anxious about exams try to:
• Break revision into smaller chunks
• Take short screen breaks
• Keep active even if it is just a short walk
• Speak to friends family or staff about how you are feeling
• Make time for sleep and rest

Students can speak to their Form Tutor pastoral staff safeguarding team or trusted adults in school whenever they need support.

Find out more about wellbeing support here:
https://www.raynerstephens.org.uk/support/mental-health-and-wellbeing/

Recently, a group of our Year 7 and Year 10 students enjoyed an exciting and educational visit to Chester Zoo 🦁🐘🌿

Throughout the day, students explored a wide variety of animal habitats and learned about conservation, biodiversity, and the importance of protecting endangered species. The trip provided a fantastic opportunity to bring classroom learning to life while encouraging curiosity, teamwork, and a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

Our students were a real credit to the school, demonstrating excellent behaviour, enthusiasm, and engagement throughout the visit. We are incredibly proud of the way they represented our school community.

A huge thank you to the staff who organised and supported the trip, helping to make it such a memorable experience for everyone involved! 👏

There is still time to qualify for Alton Towers!

Students who maintain:

95%+ attendance

Good behaviour

can still earn their place on the Alton Towers reward trip.
Keep showing up every day - you’re closer than you think!