Principal's Weekly Update

Hello everyone,
 

Welcome to the first blog of this half term! We’re excited to bring you a roundup of what’s been happening and what’s to come. As always, we’ll be covering three key themes: our focus on Remembrance, a reflection on last half term’s achievements, and a glimpse into the fantastic co-curricular events taking place in the school.

 

Remembering Those Who Served - A Special Message from Ms. Kawal

This week’s assemblies have focused on Remembrance Day, with a particular emphasis on recognizing the often-overlooked contributions of soldiers from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds across the British Empire. Our very own Ms. Kawal, Head of History and Government Politics, highlighted the significant roles played by soldiers from these communities, especially those from India, Africa, and the Caribbean.

 

For example, Indian soldiers, many of whom were Sikh, played a crucial role in both World Wars, with over 1.3 million serving in World War I and 2.5 million in World War II. Soldiers from Africa and the Caribbean also made invaluable contributions, often enduring harsh conditions and discrimination.

In honour of these unsung heroes, Year 9 students will be visiting an exhibition at Hampton Court Palace later this year to learn more about the Indian Army’s role in the wars. As we prepare for Remembrance Day on Monday, we encourage all students and staff to observe a moment of silence, reflecting on the sacrifices made for our freedom.

 

We also want to emphasize the importance of representation within our diverse school community. It’s a point we will continue to stress each week, as it is crucial that we honour the contributions of all those who have shaped history.

 

Reflecting on Last Half Term’s Achievements - Building on Our Success

As we kick off this new half term, it’s important to look back on the fantastic achievements from last term and how they’ve set the stage for the months ahead. We are thrilled to announce that our school attendance reached an impressive 95%, which is significantly higher than both the national and London averages.

 

Equally exciting is the number of students earning positive rewards. The ratio of positive to negative rewards is exceptionally high, and it’s a true reflection of the positive behaviours exhibited throughout the school. Our students have shown a commitment to our Proud Values, and we couldn’t be prouder.

 

One of the key highlights of last term was the introduction of our Star Behaviours in the classroom, designed to encourage positive engagement during lessons. “STAR” stands for:

• Sit up and be attentive

• Track the teacher

• Actively pay attention

• Remember the words of the person who spoke before you.

 

By following these behaviours, students help themselves retain information, stay focused, and fully benefit from their lessons. It’s been wonderful to see so many students embodying these behaviours and making learning an even more enriching experience.

 

Co-Curricular Activities - A Wealth of Opportunities

Our school’s commitment to holistic development is evident in the wide range of co-curricular activities that continue to take place. These events enhance the learning experience by connecting classroom knowledge with real-world experiences.

 

This week, Year 8 students have been enjoying a live performance of Romeo and Juliet, bringing Shakespeare’s work to life in a truly immersive way. They were fantastic in demonstrating their Star Behaviours, engaging with the performance and fully benefiting from the opportunity. Additionally, Year 10 students are watching a live production of Macbeth, while Year 11 are viewing An Inspector Calls. These performances provide students with valuable insights into the texts they study, making literature feel more tangible and relevant.

 

In the coming weeks, there will be more exciting events to look forward to, including trips, exhibitions, and performances, all of which support the learning taking place in the classroom. These experiences not only help students engage with the curriculum but also nurture their creativity, critical thinking, and confidence.

 

Looking Ahead - A Strong Start to the Term

It’s been an incredible start to the term, and we’re already seeing fantastic energy and enthusiasm from both students and staff. As always, your continued support in encouraging students to engage with school, show respect for events like Remembrance Day, and uphold our Proud Values is invaluable.

 

We look forward to another week of achievement, growth, and success as we work together to uphold the gold standards, we’ve set for ourselves this term.

Thank you for your support and have a wonderful weekend! We’ll see you next week with more updates.

 

Best wishes,

Ms. Seymour