Clarion News - December Term 2025

Letter from the Headteacher

Dear Parents and Carers,

As we reach the end of a busy and productive term, I would like to begin by expressing my gratitude to everyone in our community who completed this year’s parent and student surveys. Your insights help guide our decision-making and shape the ongoing improvements we make across Clarion. Many of the comments left were incredibly thoughtful. A few examples include:

“I wanted to express my appreciation for your active involvement in my child’s education. Your support and dedication make a significant difference in her academic progress and overall development. Thank you.”

“The no-phone policy creates a focused learning environment… Communication with parents is excellent… The school also offers a range of opportunities such as awards, trips, and enrichment activities.”

“The school has a sense of belonging where everyone is heard and considered”.

The overall results were extremely encouraging with Over 94% of parents saying their child is happy at Clarion, and more than 97% agreeing that expectations are high, their child does well at the school, and teaching is both effective and challenging.

While we are very pleased with this feedback, our aim remains for every single family to share this confidence. Throughout this term, we have welcomed a number of visitors, including Primary Headteachers from Colindale, Mora, and Childs Hill, as well as governors and leaders from other schools. Their reflections have been highly positive, praising the purposeful atmosphere in lessons, the respectful conduct of our students, and the calm manner in which transitions take place. Their feedback is a testament to the professionalism and dedication of staff and the maturity of our students.

Another highlight has been witnessing the kindness and generosity displayed by many of our young people. Their involvement in fundraising efforts, including contributions to our Food Bank drive, reflects the values that underpin our community and the pride they take in supporting others.

Academically, our Year 11 and Year 13 students have worked with impressive commitment throughout their mock examinations. As in previous years, results will be shared in a format similar to GCSE and A-Level results days in August, enabling students to clearly understand their progress. Scheduling the mock period early in the year allows time for focused planning, and we have expanded our support for Year 11 by offering additional sessions in English, Maths, and Science during afternoon registration and after school, as well as targeted interventions to strengthen study habits. Students also enjoyed an engaging ‘Taster Day’ on 27th November, giving them the chance to explore the subjects available in Clarion’s Sixth Form. The task ahead is for students to build on their strong start so they are well prepared for post-16 studies at Clarion.

Looking towards the months ahead, we are excited to broaden the range of enrichment opportunities available to students. We hope to offer free tennis or table tennis coaching throughout the Spring and Summer terms, with the ambition of competing against private schools across the country. These experiences contribute greatly to students’ confidence, resilience, and personal development.

Finally, I am delighted to share that Clarion is ranked in the top 6%* of all secondary schools nationally for progress, based on the latest *unvalidated 2024 results. This is an outstanding achievement and reflects the collective effort of students, staff, and families. It is a significant milestone, and we remain committed to building on this success in the years to come.

I wish everyone in the Clarion School community a peaceful and enjoyable holiday.

Mr Hunt Headteacher

Special thanks to our support staff and Nourish Contract Catering

Christmas Lunch 2025

To end the term we hosted our annual Christmas Lunch with festive spirit and music ringing through the canteen. Thank you to our amazing staff and catering team with Nourish Contract Catering, for all their efforts in putting together an amazing meal once again.

From all of us at Clarion we wish you a happy holiday and a great New Year!

Mr Hunt and FBB head to Parliament

This term we welcomed Alistair Strathern MP to Clarion, to visit the school and see first hand how we deliver for our students. The visit was focused on our Trusted Adult scheme, this is a first of its kind initiative where every student across the school nominates a trusted adult. This is someone for them to talk to about any issues or concerns they may have, no matter how small, fitting into our wider safeguarding strategy.

Mr Hunt held a discussion with our partners from Football Beyond Borders (FBB) to discuss the safeguarding measures and how the Trusted Adult initiative can be a useful tool for schools across the country. Mr Strathern MP also sat in on a FBB session with our resident practitioners Andy and Natalie and Schools Programmes Manager Pedro and External Director Ceylon. The FBB programme has been working successfully with us for a number of years now. Currently with a group of our Year 9 students who are passionate about their work with FBB, this partnership encourages growth and builds skills in students to support them both in the classroom and beyond in their journey to adulthood.

Headteacher, Mr Hunt and Mrs Stephenson also visited the Houses of Parliament to further discuss the broader impact the Trusted Adult scheme can have if implmented in schools across the country.

Christmas Hampers

This Winter our amazing safeguarding team led a donation effort among our staff, to put together winter hampers for some of the families most in need this Christmas. As it’s the season of giving, the staff body made a fantastic effort to donate a wide range of gifts and essential supplies to make this Christmas a little easier for those families. A special thanks goes to Mrs Stephenson, Mrs Thomas, Ms Walsh for their work on this hamper drive and to our helpful Sixth Form students who supported.

We hosted a Festive Lunch gathering to allow families to collect their hampers and also learn about different forms of support and useful information that will support them, with the help of local Barnet outreach partners New Citizens Gateway.

Celebrating Students

To end the term across the school teachers, Year Team Leaders and more have been nominating students for awards based on their development both academically and in their character. This meant an accumulation of hundreds of certificates across Years 7 to 12, representing significant demonstrations of Ambition, Respect and Effort across the school. Year Team Leaders took time to celebrate their cohorts and end the term on a positive note before the break. The celebration of achievement will return next term as we host another set of nominations, so there is plenty of opportunity for students to develop and be recognised for their efforts.

Top of the Table!

This term we’ve seen some phenomenal performances from both boy’s football teams, the Year 7-8 and Year 9-10 teams have taken part in competitive fixtures against a number of Barnet schools.

The Year 9-10 team have secured a place in the Plate Cup for Barnet, finishing top of the table in the borough, a massive achievement. They look to build on a string of strong team performances and build on their chemistry and cohesion. They have embodied the school values on the pitch in the commitment and delivery.

A massive thank you to Mr Adeyeye and Mr Alteiri for their continued effort in the development of both teams. We look forward to seeing more positive results from these teams next term.

Chemistry Research Gold Crest Award

This term Yara in Year 13 took part in the Gold Crest Award for Chemistry. This is an independent project where students can submit a research project of their own design. We spoke to Yara about her study and more.

Could you introduce your research project and why you decided to start?

Yeah. So I did a project that was testing a drug. It was a multi-vitamin drug. The cognitive ability from a brand called neuromind. And I was testing it on different PHs to see its solubility, to replicate how it works in the body. So when you do take a drug, it will be absorbed in both your stomach and small intestine, which both have different conditions in the stomach will be more acidic, whilst the small intestine is more alkaline.

So to represent that I crushed the drug and tested its solubility using a calorimeter in the different PHs and a higher solubility would show more absorbance, which would replicate how it works inside the body. And I did it because I want to go into pharmaceuticals or medicinal chemistry and drug manufacturing. So I thought it would be a really good starter before I go to university. To get an insight into what I’d be doing and what I’m basically going to be doing for a living.

Where does your passion for chemistry come from and what inspired you?

Honestly, at first I guess it was a lot of just studying in school, like doing these A-levels made me realize this is what I like. Initially, when I was in secondary school, I didn’t like science at all, but when I chose Science for A-levels, especially A-level chemistry, I think it was the first time I got an A and A* and I realized, okay, I can, I can do it and I realized I actually do like it.

I enjoyed studying it and researching deeper even to areas outside of school and I tried work experience. There was an internship as well in the summer in a lab. It wasn’t in pharmaceuticals, it was in biochemistry, but it was that same sort of principle of, oh, like being in a lab and this could be my career.

Obviously it’s so versatile and there’s so many different things within the lab. It was just I think also when we looked more into organic chemistry here in school, I realized it was very interesting. And, I just realized instead of doing something vocational, like being a pharmacist or something, I can be a part of the actual manufacturing and be the person that makes these medicines that help people. I just thought it would be really cool and I just thought it was very interesting.

How was your experience on a work placement?

So it was a five day placement at Queen Mary University with a program called ‘into science’. And it consisted of. It was a lot. It was very heavy. And it was above what you would do at A-level. It was really taking you into like, university life and that sort of content. So we spent the first day it was only me and one other girl.

We spent the first day just sort of looking over some, some content that you’d be likely to go over at university. It was a mix of biology and chemistry, but a bit more chemistry based. The second day we were in the lab where we did an experiment quite similar to the experiment I did, just a different aim.

So it was testing like it was finding the unknown protein concentration of a stock solution. That was the first time I’d been in, like, a big sort of university style lab.

If you were to give any advice to your younger self or any students who have ambitions in science, what would you like to share with them?

I say just go for it because I feel like even with me, science is one of those subjects that everybody’s scared of because they know it’s not easy and you do need to put the work in. But it will just show how much you’re capable of. And I think even if it’s not science and anything that you have an interest in, always go deeper.

Even like above what you do at school. Research into it more and find what you’re truly interested in and then you realize how many, how many things can actually open the doors for what you want to go into. So don’t be scared of it. Just try and go for it and you’ll realize how hard you actually can walk and what you’re capable of.

We look forward to hearing back from the Crest Award on Yara’s research project and wish her the best!

Mr Hunt flew over 5,000 miles to reach China and Japan, taking over 10 hours!

Building Partnerships in Asia

To start the term one key member of staff was missing... Our Headteacher Mr Hunt had been away in Asia developing partnerships with schools in China and Japan. On his travels, learning what makes our school systems different and similar and learning about various traditions in each countries education system. This included how each country integrates technology, including AI, into their curriculum and teaching as well as how they support physical and mental wellbeing within their school communities. Mr Hunt visited schools with farm land and animals in China and learnt about how Japanese school student embrace maintaining and cleaning their classrooms, building respect and appreciation for their shared space.

These relationships open up potentially very exciting opportunities for our students. Clarion has already built links in Asia with our International Cultural Exchange Programme and in the new year a group of students will even be making an exciting trip to China.

Robotics at Kings

Clarion Students Take On the Girls Robotics Challenge at King’s College London

We are incredibly proud of our team of Clarion students who took part in this year’s Girls Robotics Challenge at King’s College London. Throughout the event, the students engaged in a series of inspiring activities designed to spark curiosity and confidence in engineering and robotics.

During their visit, the team attended lectures delivered by academics and engineers from King’s, gaining insight into cutting-edge research and real-world technological applications. They also experienced hands-on robotics work. Learning how to build, program, and control their own robot under the guidance of King’s professors. The students even had the chance to interact with some of the latest human-interaction robots, giving them a glimpse into the future of robotics and AI.

By the end of the day, each student left with their own robotics kit, which they are now using to design and program a rover for an exciting Mars-themed challenge. Their mission continues back at school, as they prepare to compete against other London schools this Spring to build the most capable and innovative robot.

We congratulate our Clarion team for embracing this ambitious challenge with enthusiasm and determination. We look forward to supporting them on their journey and are confident they will represent Clarion’s STEM department with pride.

Mr Grigoroudis

STEM Lead

Sports Leaders in the community

This term a group of our Year 9 and Year 10 students took part in a cross organisation sports event, running various sessions for SEND students. Our young practitioners are exemplary role models for all students aspiring to achieve in sport. The students dedicated their day to the sessions, collaborating with coaches from Ministry of Rowing, XLPerformance, Panathlon Foundation, Saracens Foundation and Icandance. We are extremely grateful for the opportunity given to these students to develop their leadership skills.

Thank you for the kind words from Barnet West practitioner Caroline featured below. We look forward to more great news from our partnerships with BPSS.

“I know I said it many times yesterday and to the leaders at the end. They were amazing! I and the other school staff were amazed at how confident many of them were at talking to them and the pupils and how they kept the stations going with the same energy! The afternoon especially was brilliant, as they worked through the slump and just kept going. Without their and your support we can’t give these opportunities to schools, so please thank them for all they gave yesterday, and despite being exhausted by the end I hope they enjoyed the experience and can reflect positively.”

Caroline Connell School Games Organiser - Barnet West Barnet Partnership for School Sport

Inspirational Talks

This term we were extremely grateful to have the Galldris team join us to give an informative talk on apprenticeships and the wide ranging roles and projects possible through engineering. Showcasing various projects that Galldris has developed, including sites at the Royal Albert Dock, Kings Cross GHQ, Canada Water Masterplan and the local Brent Cross Town. This was an insightful talk where students could hear first hand from current apprentices and their studies and skills that helped support their journey. Clarion thanks the team from Galldris for their continued support and investment in local youth education, helping to inspire our future engineers.

We were also privileged to have another guest speaker, Dr. Sharma, CEO of Portobello Business Centre join us for a series of talks with our students all about entrepreneurship. Through her work Dr Sharma has supported many businesses get off the ground successfully, through her talks she introduced to our students the concept of being your own boss, how having a great idea or passion can lead to exciting future paths.

The Portobello Business Centre is a not-for-profit social enterprise based in the heart of West London at Morley College. For over 25 years, they have supported start-ups and scale-ups from market traders to classic car restorers, restaurateurs, children’s entertainers, fashion designers, and artisan food makers.

Dr Sharma CEO

Our next production is coming soon!

Head to our Eventbrite to reserve tickets today

Attendance Updates

Why Attendance Matters: Our Commitment to “Attend to Achieve”

Making progress at school starts with being present. Every lesson missed is a chance lost to build knowledge, skills, and confidence. All of which directly impact grades and long-term success.

This half-term, we continued our Attend to Achieve initiative, which aligns with our school vision: developing well-rounded pupils who achieve great grades and strong character. Regular attendance allows students to benefit from high-quality teaching, interventions, and opportunities to develop essential skills.

To recognise commitment, we have:

• Awarded students for Excellent Attendance (96–99%)

• Celebrated the first Bronze Certificate recipients for 100% attendance so far

• We have also improved our tracking system to spot absence and lateness patterns early, so we can provide timely, personalised support.

As we move through the colder, darker months, we have observed a slight dip in attendance. We know that winter brings increased illness, challenging mornings, and sometimes low motivation — all understandable.

However, we urge parents and carers to support regular attendance whenever possible. And when absence is unavoidable, please inform the school and provide evidence as soon as you can (e.g. a doctor’s note). Your cooperation helps us to support your child, track attendance patterns fairly and ensure no student falls behind.

Looking Ahead

Good attendance doesn’t just happen, it’s built through partnership between school, students and families. We encourage every student to ask themselves: What difference could regular attendance make to my learning, my friendships, my future?

To every parent or carer: thank you for your role in making sure our students “Attend to Achieve.” Together we can help them thrive academically, socially and personally.

Let’s finish the year strong.

Mr Tan Associate Assistant Headteacher

Attendance Lead

Coffee Morning at the Clarion Lighthouse

We were delighted to host parents and guardians at the Clarion Lighthouse Coffee Morning on Thursday, 11th December 2025. This served as both a consultation on issues affecting students with autism and how we can further understand strategies to support them.

This event was also a wonderful opportunity to learn from and share experiences with other parents, as well as to see some of the work first hand going on at the Clarion Lighthouse.

We are grateful to our staff who supported during the session and beyond as well as all the carers who took time to join us. We wish you lovely Winter break. See you soon.

Mr Figueiredo ARP ASC Lead Teacher SEN Department

Adventures in Food

Celebrating International Men’s Day

Congratulations to Neekan in Year 8 who won this year’s Men’s Cook 5 Competition with his delicious and tasty dish of pan fried salmon with a creamy sweet carrot puree.

Male students and staff competed against each other to produce a dish that uses only five ingredients, dishes can be savoury or sweet with 1 hour to prepare, cook and present dishes. This year due to the nature of the dishes the time was reduced to 30 minutes. The competition was extremely close with only a couple of points between 1st and 3rd place.

Congratulations to Yousef in Year 8 who came 2nd with his seafood and tomato pasta, Mr Alteiri who came 3rd with spaghetti quadratti (anchovies and pecorino), joint 4th were Mr Salvetta with spaghetti carbonara and Radin Year 10 with creamy cajun chicken penne.

Mighty Mussels doing the #MusselHustle

November saw the start of #fishhero season at Clarion. Once again, we have been fortunate enough to participate in this year’s Fish Hero programme by the Food Teachers Centre, funded by the Fishmonger’s Company. We were one of two-hundred schools in England and Wales to receive 10kg of sustainable rope-grown carbon-neutral mussels from Offshore Shellfish. The mussel’s shell is made from carbon which they absorb from their environment and they will only grow in the cleanest of waters. Students also learnt about the anatomy of a mussel, and that the more orange coloured mussels were female & the white coloured mussels were male.

As part of our Year 9 Enrichment Food Studies programme, students study seasonality and produce dishes depending on what is currently in season. Students had the choice of making classic French moules marinière, Italian angry mussels with chilli, tomato, and garlic, or Thai green mussels, a new experience for many of the Year 9 students. Staff were also invited to cook in class or take some tasty mussels to cook at home.

Year 7 Food Scientists

This term Year 7 began their adventure into understanding how food works and how to conduct a food science investigation. Students had to learn the difference between a control sample - original sample, and a variable sample - something that changes.

They were then asked to predict and make a hypothesis of which solution would be the best at preventing enzymic browning in apples, learning how to conduct a fair investigation. Students had to record their findings and explain if their hypothesis was correct or not, explaining the reasons why.

Mrs James Catering and Technology Director of Learning

Words Matter

50,000.

That’s the number of words research suggests students need to know in order to achieve the top grades at GCSE. The size of a child’s vocabulary is the best predictor of academic success across the curriculum, not only in writing-based subjects, like English, but also in PE, Maths and even Art (Hirsch, 2003). Vocabulary also correlates with confident reading and the so-called ‘Matthew Effect’: the more words a child knows, the easier they find it to read, and in turn, the more new words they learn. A virtuous cycle!

With that in mind, our vision is for every student at Clarion, regardless of their starting point, to have a broad and ambitious vocabulary. This is key to not only giving them confidence in their own voice, but also giving others confidence in their voice. Through building and using a complex vocabulary - both inside the classroom and in life generally - students will have the tools to achieve both great grades and demonstrate great character.

This half-term, we launched a new weekly home learning task focused on developing students’ vocabulary through ReadingWise. ReadingWise is a research-informed, online programme that aims to improve students’ reading and literacy. The ‘Vocab’ programme specifically focuses on teaching and consolidating new words that are ambitious and useful for school generally (‘tier-two words’), or linked to specific subjects. Each week, students will have a new set of words to learn, revise and practise using. This is alongside all the other words they learn in lessons and through reading. By the end of the academic year, students will have learnt hundreds of new words that, one by one, contribute to getting them closer to the 50,000 words they need to thrive at GCSE.

How can my child log onto ReadingWise?

Every student has been given their ReadingWise login details - these should be recorded on page 117 of their planners.

When is their ReadingWise Vocab task due?

Students will be set new Vocab tasks every Monday, to be completed by Sunday.

How long should each Vocab task take?

It depends on your child’s existing vocabulary - they may know some words already and be consolidating them, and learning others for the first time. With 10-15 words each week, most students should spend 30 minutes a week doing their Vocab tasks.

What else can my child use ReadingWise for?

ReadingWise also has a Phonics and Decoding programme. If your child struggles with reading, they will likely already be working on the Decoding programme at school. They can also work on Decoding at home, to further develop their word-level reading, a key component of reading and comprehension. If they finish all of their set Vocab tasks, there are also additional Vocab lists for students to work through.

Ms Cherrih School Oracy Lead

Our new student zine

This term we’ve launched a new student-led magazine that will be available online and in school. Keep posted for more information and head to our website to read!

V&A Treasure Hunt

Year 9 heads to the Victoria & Albert Museum

This term Ms Harker led a treasure hunt at the historic V&A, students had the opportunity to explore the vast range of historic cultural artifacts on display and learn about the history and processes behind them. The successful treasure hunters who visited all locations were: Ahlaam, Amarah, Carmalita, Eleah and Lili.

Year 7 Updates

As the festive season approaches, we want to take a moment to reflect on the fantastic progress and enthusiasm Year 7 students have shown this term. They have embraced new challenges, excelled in their studies, and truly embodied our school values.

Exploring Future Careers: Apprenticeship Assembly

In November, our Year 7 students had an inspiring Apprenticeship Assembly that helped them look ahead to potential career paths. The session focused specifically on the Construction Industry, providing valuable insights into the skills needed and the variety of opportunities available through vocational training. It was a great introduction to the world of work and sparked some excellent conversations about their futures!

Celebrating Success and Clarion Values

We are incredibly proud of how hard Year 7 has been working. They have consistently demonstrated the Clarion Values: Ambition, Respect and Effort in their classrooms and around the school. Whether it’s showing Effort in their classwork or demonstrating Ambition in their extra-curricular activities, the growth this year group has shown is outstanding.

A special CONGRATULATIONS goes to 7D Girl’s Football Team for their fantastic performance and well-deserved victory in the Year 7 Penalty Competition!

Mr Francis Year 7 Team Leader

Year 8 Updates

Year 8 has had another steady half-term. Year 7 and Year 8 are fighting weekly for the best attendance in the school and the vast majority of students are punctual and ready to learn every single day. We do ask that parents support our improved focus on attendance by continuing to report absence daily and providing medical evidence if necessary.

This year’s community focus is the role of the Reception Student Helpers. Nearly all students have had a turn now at working at the front of the school and provide assistance to staff when required. It has been so lovely reading their report cards at the end of the day. If you haven’t had a chance yet, you will be doing it in early January so don’t worry!

October 2024

Year 8 students have shown a real conscientious approach to taking care of themselves in school, with missed home learning negatives dropping dramatically since last year, and very few students missing detentions. They are clearly wanting to do the right thing!

In the new year, Year 8s will be focusing on the Year 9 ‘GCSE Bridging Year’ option selection process, which is extremely important as it shapes the next three years of study for the Year 8s.

Year 8, I wish you a restful and happy holiday. Take care of yourselves and be safe.

Ms Ott Year 8 Team Leader

Year 9 Updates

As we come to the end of a busy and productive term, we want to celebrate the fantastic efforts shown by our Year 9 students. This term has seen a noticeable rise in positive achievements across the year group, with many students demonstrating commitment, resilience and maturity in their learning. We are proud of the increase in positive points and the enthusiasm students have shown in meeting expectations.

Year 9 also took part in a range of enrichment sessions, giving them the opportunity to explore new skills, build confidence, and enjoy experiences beyond the classroom. From creative activities to teamwork challenges, the engagement and energy from students has been excellent. Students in our Mindful Masters club also enjoyed an excellent session this term, taking time to unwind through relaxing painting activities and sparkling diamond-gem art.

As we head into the winter break, we encourage all students to take time to rest, recharge, and enjoy time with family and friends. Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to seeing Year 9 return refreshed and ready for an exciting new term.

Ms Ahmed Year 9 Team Leader

Year 10 Updates

Motivation starts with believing you can do it—even on the tough days.

This half-term, we have placed a special focus on motivation within our Year 10 cohort. Understanding what drives our students—both academically and personally—plays a crucial role in shaping their success.

Having the right motivation not only helps students engage more deeply with their learning, but also strengthens their character. Year 10 is a time filled with new responsibilities, tougher coursework, and greater expectations. It’s also a time when barriers can feel bigger, and challenges more persistent. Yet, when students recognise their “why”—their goals, passions, and purpose—they are far better equipped to navigate obstacles with resilience and drive.

This term, we have encouraged students to reflect on what fuels their determination and how they can build habits that keep them motivated even when things get tough.

We are incredibly proud of those who consistently demonstrate motivation in their daily school life. A special well done to the students who have been recognised with awards this term:

Aspiring Achiever Award – for ambition and striving for excellence

Nebal, Amarah, Kawthar, Amirah, Fatima, Ore, Izzy, Kaneez, Zinat, Miski, Paythan, Bridget, Lana, Gabriel A, Hariny and Noah P.

Citizen’s Award – for consistently demonstrating respect and community spirit

Ayub, Muhammad Sarwari, Amir, Kysha, Raad, Davit, Michael, Kuan, Noor, Tala, Latifa, Cody, Felipe, Noah A., Aizada, Iryna

Growth Mindset Award – for outstanding effort and perseverance

Ini, Nafas, Abdirahman, Moqtased, Marcus, Harry, Aryana, James, Jana, Ionut, Israel, Muhammad Arman, Rasha, Ishaan, Bana, Anna

Mr Tan Year 10 Team Leader

Counselling Support

We are proud to have an experienced counsellor, Jon Thompson, who runs one-to-one support sessions for students identified as needing extra support. Jon works for FYP (Forever Young People) and helps students understand the difficulties they are facing, work through a booklet to help set targets, and learn strategies to cope with problems that may arise in their future. If you would like more information about this, please contact Mrs Hammond or Ms Thomas.

Forever Young People uses thought, emotional intelligence and ethical practices to create an inclusive and meaningful future through our teenage mentoring programs and coaching which engages young people through conversational-based learning. We aim to provide young people, children, and community groups with coaching/ mentoring that will support them with their low emotional well-being.

To learn more visit: www.foreveryoungpeople.com

Year 11 Updates

Dear Year 11s,

I know you have had a busy and productive period, our visit to Middlesex University which is part of the ongoing preparation for post-16 pathways, Sixth Form taster day and our Mock Exams.

During the university trip, you explored the campus, learned about university life, and took part in activities that helped you to understand future study options and career opportunities. The visit was an excellent opportunity to raise aspirations and encourage you to think ahead to life beyond school and you made yourselves proud.

You have completed the mock examinations, demonstrating focus and resilience. These assessments have provided valuable insight into students’ progress and highlighted areas for improvement ahead of the summer exams.

We look forward to welcoming parents to Year 11 Students’ Progress Evening on Thursday 22 January 2026, which will provide an important opportunity to discuss mock results, progress, and next steps.

Have a Merry Christmas and wonderful end of year celebration.

Mr Opoku Year 11 Team Leader

Sixth Form Updates

Great start of the academic year

The autumn term has been a highly successful and purposeful start for our KS5 students. Sixth Formers have shown strong commitment to their studies, Year 12 students settling quickly into advanced learning and demonstrating excellent attitudes both in and out of the classroom. A key focus for Year 13 students this term has been UCAS applications, with students engaging fully in the process of exploring courses, writing personal statements and preparing references. We are proud of the maturity, ambition and resilience shown throughout this demanding period. Thanks to the dedication of staff and the proactive approach of students, the majority of applications have been submitted on time, with several already receiving offers. Alongside UCAS preparation, students have continued to excel in lessons, enrichment activities and independent study, laying firm foundations for the year ahead. We look forward to building on this strong start as students continue to lead, excel and thrive in KS5.

Smooth Mocks

Congratulations to everyone involved in the smooth running of the KS5 mock examinations. Students demonstrated excellent preparation and resilience, while staff support and organisation ensured a positive and purposeful experience. This experience will surely support you in preparing for the summer exam season.

Heartful donations:

We would like to thank our students and their families for opening their hearts to those in need. Our KS5 students have brought in a lot of goods, donating multiple times throughout the recent weeks, making a positive difference within our local community.

Coming up in 2026:

8th January - Brunel University Trip - all Year 12 students

14th January - UCAS Application Deadline

15th January - Y13 Progress Evening

16-20th February - Half Term break

Mrs Micun Deputy Head of Sixth Form

Checkmate! Exciting Times for Our Chess Club

The Chess Club has had a fantastic start to the year! Every week, students have been sharpening their strategic skills, mastering clever openings, and even pulling off some impressive checkmates. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just learning how the knight moves, there’s a place for everyone at the board.

We’re thrilled to announce that our first in-school chess competition has started! Students and staff can put their tactics to the test against each other. It’s all about strategy, patience, and a bit of friendly rivalry. We can’t wait to see who is going to be the winner of our autumn term competition! We are now heading into the quarter-finals as we return in January.

Congratulations to all our winners so far:

Nicolas (11S), Cheryl (11D), Mousa (12P), Aaron (12P), Etienne (8S), Amirali (8S), Mikael (12A), Niki (13A), Uyi (13D), Gabriel (10D), Mrs Micun, Mohammed (12D), Omar (13P), Zak (12P)

Mr Walker Sixth Form Pastoral Lead

MFL Reminder

You can make big gains from small investments in time!

Dates for your diary

DECEMBER

December 19th - Last day of term - Students dismissed at 12:30

December 22nd - January 2nd - Christmas Winter Break

JANUARY

January 5th - INSET

January 6th - First day back

January 8th - Brunel University Trip - Year 12

January 9th - British Library Trip - KS3/4

January 11th - 18th - Ski Trip in Italy

January 15th - Year 13 Student Progress Evening

January 22nd - Year 11 Student Progress Evening

January 26th - International Cultural Exchange Programme Starts

January 28th - Royal Opera Matinee Performance

FEBRUARY

February 16th - 20th - Half Term Break

MARCH

March 2nd - National Careers Week

March 12th - Celebration Evening Y7-13

March 30th - April 10th - Easter Break