Half Term
Highlights Autumn 2023
Welcome Dear Parents and Guardians, We have come to the end of a fantastic first half of the term! I am always flabbergasted when I sit down to write my half-termly newsletter and think about the sheer volume of events and activities that have gone on. The Senior School and Sixth Form have been busy! As I reflect on the last six weeks, I am also struck by how wonderful it is to be Head of this fantastic school. It is such a pleasure and privilege getting to know everyone in the community, especially your children. There have been some notable trips this term, with the Year 7 Go Ape trip being a definite highlight. This was an excellent opportunity for our newest and youngest members of the community to get to know each other in a fun way and make a smooth transition into the Senior School, but it was also a great opportunity for them to build their resilience, challenge themselves to get out of their comfort zones and face their fears. The same can be said for the Year 8 Outward Bound trip to Wales. I look forward to hearing about all of their adventures when they return home this evening!
We continued to use London as our classroom and playground as teachers took advantage of our close proximity to all of what London has to offer. The Year 13 Art trip to the Natural History Museum was particularly interesting as was our visit to St James’s Piccadilly this week to celebrate Black History Month. The students were presented with a fascinating lecture on the 18th Century Abolitionist Ottobah Cugoano. We also had many lovely events at 106 Piccadilly. I was particularly grateful to see so many of you make it to the Head’s Welcome event where I had the opportunity to talk you through some of our current strategic objectives but also just get to know you a bit better. I would like us to come together more often to share stories and ideas so please continue to look out for opportunities to connect. My ‘Fireside Chat’ with Dr Tara Porter, Clinical Psychologist, was also a highlight for me. Her advice on how to connect with our young people was profoundly impactful. I was also delighted by our emphasis on charity and service. Our Heads of House and Charity Committee organised so many fun activities to raise money for charity, such as the penalty shootout between staff and students. Above, all, however, I am most proud of the charity initiative our student Charity Committee instigated last week with Ms Curnow, namely our Cups of Kindness campaign. This initiative, whereby students and staff bought a £2 cup filled with sweets that were then anonymously gifted to another member of the community, sums up the positive feeling within our school community. Students bought these for each other and for their teachers; the staff bought them for each other and for the students. It was a lovely initiative. So simple, yet so symbolic of the kind and compassionate school that we are. I am grateful for the way our community has embraced the new initiatives implemented this term. I know it has not been easy for our young people to not have their mobile phones throughout the day but I have been extremely impressed with how they have dealt with it. It demonstrates great maturity and I am happy that they, too, recognise the benefits of the mobile phone ban in our community. It has created a much more communicative atmosphere. Our new timetable with extra lessons has also been a resounding success as has our new extensive co-curricular programme. Indeed, the increase in engagement in clubs since they have moved to after school has been fantastic and I know this programme will continue to grow from strength to strength. I appreciate the students (and staff!) are now very ready for their break over half-term. Our Year 11 and 13 students will be busy studying for their upcoming mock exams directly after half-term, but I hope they will also get an opportunity to rest and relax and spend some quality time with their families. To all of you, I wish you a wonderful half-term break with your families. With best wishes, Dr Adrian Rainbow Head
Academic Maths Mathematics Olympiad On Wednesday the 27th of September, four of our students (3*Y12 & 1*Y11) tackled the UKMT Mathematics Olympiad for girls. The Maths Olympiad for Girls is aimed at girls and young women across the UK and consists of five challenging problems. Well done to Perla, Alveera, Jassminejade and Alina who all did incredibly, tackling problems ranging from geometry to Pythagorean triples and combinations. We eagerly await their results!
Senior UKMT Maths Challenge A HUGE well done to the 13 students who took part in the Senior UKMT maths challenge on the 3rd of October. Everyone done brilliantly and enjoyed a well-deserved KitKat post challenge.
Academic Science Microscope Year 9 students made an excellent start to their GCSE Biology course by successfully completing their first required practical. They were able prepare onion slides to a high standard for viewing under the light microscope. Students observed and independently located the different structures found inside the cells at different magnifications. They were then able to make scientific drawings of their observations.
Eye Dissection Year 11 students are studying the nervous system as part of their GCSE Biology course. They carried out a highly popular science practical amongst students: an eye dissection. After reviewing the structures of the eye, students worked in pairs to dissect a sheep eye. After identifying the optic nerve and trimming off excess muscle and fat from the outside of the eyeball, students cut off the eyeballs to locate the iris and lens. At the back of the eye, students found the retina and its blind spot. They also found a surprise difference between sheep eyes and human eyes: there is a beautifully coloured membrane behind the retina that aids the animal night’s vision. Students did a fabulous job managing their dissections and observing their specimens. Even though many students were initially wary of the ‘gross’ sheep eyes, everyone was very involved and excited about the dissection by the end of the lesson!
Modern Foreign Languages Languages Week During Languages Week we explored diversity and interculturality, through the celebration of languages as we recognise that many different languages are spoken amongst staff and students. We dived into the benefits of learning languages inside and outside the classroom, the scientific theories behind cognitive language learning, enjoyed international menus in the canteen, participated in fun form time activities involving teachers’ personal experiences and also competed in an exciting Language Flag competition amongst all year groups! Moreover our Sixth Form students also participated, making a short video on why languages are so important to them. Our students are encouraged to be proud of their diverse background, cultures and heritages here at Eaton Square Senior School, and Languages Week is one way in which we can celebrate this! We are also delighted to announce the winner of the Language Flag competition...a massive well done to Sharaf in Year 10!
GCSE
Drama
Year 9 Rehearsing 'Hamlet What Was The Question?' Our Year 9s have been working extremely hard for their drama assessment this term. They worked so well collaboratively and creatively to perform a comedic and melodramatic version of Shakespeare's Hamlet.
Art Updates Year 8 respond to Bryan Wynter’s Green Confluence, 1974 combining oil pastels and ink to create a wax resist.
GCSE - Year 10 Sketches of Green Park
Yr 13 Art Trip to the National History Museum
Art & Fashion Club Tuesdays
Go Ape Trip
The Year 7’s showed excellent courage and bravery on our trip to Go Ape in September. In the morning the students completed some team bonding activities and set about displaying the school's values in drama form. They acted our our POISE values whilst the instructors had to guess what they were acting out. They also played a giant board game as a team and managed to complete all the exciting activities. After a small lunch break, the students were all geared up and ready to take on the heady heights of the Go Ape assault course. They were all very resourceful and used their skills to conquer the course and overcome their fears. We are so proud of the Yr 7s as they helped each other along the way and managed to complete the course a few times. At the end of the course there was a zip wire ride which brought them back down to the ground with exhilaration. They truly enjoyed their fantastic day out and am sure they will remember this for a long time.
Outward Bound Trip
At the beginning of last week a group of our Year 8 students headed off on a residential trip to Outward Bound in Wales. Here's some updates on how they got on... Day 1 - As the group arrived late in day, their very first activity took place in the dark. Our students completed this challenge extremely well, demonstrating resilience and perseverance as they set off through the gorge with their head torches securely on. Day 2 - Canoeing - the students demonstrated excellent team-work skills as they spent the majority of the day working together to paddle through the estry. Although they only completed 1km out of the 7km, students thoroughly enjoyed capsizing. After a long and tiring day on the water, staff were SUPER proud of the students for all pitching in to carry the canoes back onto the trailer. Day 3 - The students went on a ‘nightline’ course where they demonstrated fantastic communication skills when directing their partner through all the obstacles. Although the students were exhausted when they returned back to London, they had an amazing time which was evident from the feedback we received.
Mental Health Week World Mental Health Day - Tuesday the 10th of October
This globally important event is celebrated yearly and promotes the concept of mental health as a universal human right. It is humbling to realise how far we have come in terms of recognising the validity of good mental health and World Mental Health Day not only helps raise awareness of its importance, but also actively strives for change in ensuring good mental health for all. We have been busy celebrating positive mental health here at Eaton Square Senior School with initiatives such as the ‘Cups of Kindness’. Staff and students purchased cups filled with sweet treats to give to others whom they felt either deserved a little kindness, or had displayed kindness to other people. Sarah Lamont, our School Counsellor, also promoted good mental health practices in Whole School Assembly on Monday and reflected on the nurturing environment Eaton Square Senior School provides to all its pupils.
‘As a new member of staff, I have been struck by the warm and welcoming atmosphere at Eaton Square School, which is a place where well-being and kindness are foremost. It is my pleasure and privilege to continue supporting students with any issues which may be concerning them and have been impressed by their bravery and tenacity in seeking help and addressing their mental health concerns.’ Sarah is a person-centred Psychotherapist and Counsellor, who works at Eaton Square School and Sixth Form on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays. For more information about our Counselling Provision please contact Sarah at s.lamont@eatonsquareseniorschool.com.
Black History Month To commemorate Black History Month, we have launched an article writing competition; students have been tasked with researching and writing newspaper articles about visionary black British figures from the past or present. So far, our fantastic entries have included the likes of Olympian Louis Bruce and artist Frank Bowling. The winner will receive a book linked to Black History Month and there will also be prizes in store for runners up. We can’t wait to see what else our students will share by the end of October deadline!
Sixth Form Team-building
Our Sixth Form students kicked off this academic year with a team-building exercise that was as educational as it was enjoyable. Armed with handfuls of spaghetti and blue tac the students were tasked with engineering challenges that required both creativity and collaboration. Constructing a sturdy bridge and building the tallest towers, the classroom was abuzz with ingenuity. Not only did the activity serve as a great ice-breaker, but it also provided hands-on learning opportunities in STEM, engineering, and design.
University of Cambridge's Open Day Visit Two of our aspiring Year 13 students, Gia and Mollie, recently spent an eye-opening day at the University of Cambridge's open day. From faculty presentations to lab tours, the duo soaked in a range of experiences that transformed their academic dreams into concrete goals. With the support and guidance of Eaton Square School in collaboration with Dukes Education, they're well on their way to turning these aspirations into reality!
Sixth Form Visitors
Leadership Training from Expert Andy Dunn In an inspiring session this term, our Year 12 & 13 students were graced with a visit from renowned leadership expert, Andy Dunn. Addressing the keen young minds, Dunn delved into harnessing leadership skills within the school setting to foster change and spur improvements. Beyond the core lessons, the discussion also revolved around recognizing and reflecting on their role models as leaders, urging students to draw inspiration and apply these lessons in their academic journey.
Students Boost Learning Skills with Elevate Education This term, Year 12 & 13 students had the opportunity to engage in a transformative workshop led by Elevate Education. The session primarily focused on cultivating revision techniques and enhancing memory-boosting skills, integral for effective learning and revision. Alongside these strategies, students were encouraged to develop a deeper understanding of their individual strengths and weaknesses. This holistic approach is geared towards optimizing their exam performance and setting them on a path to academic excellence.
Sixth Form Visitors
Eye-Opening Drugs Education Workshop Year 12 students recently participated in an impactful drugs education workshop, shedding light on the dangers and addictive nature of various substances. The session particularly highlighted the recent surge in vaping, emphasizing its health-associated risks. Beyond the immediate dangers of drugs, the workshop also took a proactive approach by discussing healthy behaviors and coping mechanisms for students transitioning to university, ensuring they are well-equipped and informed for the challenges ahead.
Youth Select Committee We are delighted to share that our Year 12 student JazzmineJada had an amazing opportunity to attend the prestigious Youth Select Committee. Debates and discussions were the order of the day, offering invaluable insights into democracy in action. This is just the beginning for Jazzmine-Jada; a future politician in the making.
A-Level Physics Year 13 A-level Physics Practical Our Year 13 Physics students have been busy this term determining the young modulus for a copper wire. The students were mastering important skills in performing scientific investigations, such as collecting data, drawing graphs, and estimating the probable errors of the experiments.
Games & P.E. Core P.E. Students have enjoyed a weekly double PE lesson this term which have taken place at the Queen Mother Sports Centre. Whilst the focus has been on basketball, students have also been put through their paces in a variety of fitness activities such as our popular Body Pump Class. These have been designed to improve functional movement patterns and develop core muscles. We have witnessed some rapid improvements on the basketball court, with students developing their basic dribbling, lay-ups, passing, and jump shots.
Featured in the photos Timbo, Lorenzo, James, Alex, Totti, Ali and Connor
Games This term, the focus has been on our core sports of football and netball. Whilst we have had a very busy period of competitive fixtures for our squads, there have also been beginner training sessions and development fixtures for students of all abilities. After half term students will also have the option to take part in a multisport Games option that will incorporate handball, dodgeball, and fitness games. On the football pitch, our U13’s have been building up their match fitness and working hard on defensive shape. We had a hard fought fixture against LPS, but despite a well taken penalty by Beltran Jamardo, couldn’t come away with the win. We have the benefit of access to our video platform, and will be reviewing the performance ahead of our rematch in November.
U13 Football v London Park Schools
The U15’s have had a brilliant start to the season, kicking off with two great wins against Wetherby & Fulham. In both fixtures we were extremely effective on the counterattack, transitioning well, and finding space to utilise Max Piers De Raveschoot’s pace in behind the oppositions defensive line. In our last appearance before the half term break, we took our first team and development side to play against LPS Clapham. Despite a dominant performance, and a goal of the season contender from Nikolas Latypov, our first team narrowly lost 3-2. Our development team however had a brilliant day, with Ali Amin scoring his first goals for the school in a brilliant 5-2 victory.
Nikolas Latypov wonder strike
Our U18’s also had their first ever competitive fixture against Fulham School. Whilst the result wasn’t what we had hoped of, it was a great opportunity for our Year 11’s to play together with students from our 6th form.
U18 Fixture v Fulham
Our netballers have enjoyed successful fixtures alongside London Park Schools, the highlight being a famous victory for our U15’s against Harrodian. Students have also benefited from mixed training sessions which have culminated in round robin tournaments where students have merged into mixed teams from both schools.
House Table Tennis took place on the final morning of the half term, with students gathered into the canteen to watch events unfold. There were a series of fantastic matches, with the highlight being a sensational comeback from Amelia Shahid to defeat James William Lao in the KS3 singles final. A feat even more impressive when you consider she is in Year 7, and playing against a previous winner from Year 9. In the KS4 singles, the spin of Alex Tyukhtin was too much for his peers to handle as he defeated a resilient Nikolas Latypov to earn a first-place finish. Nicolas Martin Jamardo was the triumphant winner in the plate match, his solid games earning a 21-14 victory, much to the delight of the cheering Waugh fans. Alex Tyukhtin earned a second win in the doubles event, working well with his partner Lorenzo Pecci to win a tightly contested match against Benjamin Simonini and James William Lao. In the plate match, the crowd favourite Dylan Ferree was able to work his back hand topspin magic, and earn a brilliant doubles victory for Hunlock alongside his playing partner Kiese Lopes Padre. A huge thank you to everyone who took part across the week, with a special mention to Mr Watkins, Ms Gaten, and Ms Pederson for helping make the event such a success. KS4 SINGLES Winner - Alex Tyukhtin (Hypatia) Runner Up - Nikolas Latypov (Browne) Plate Winner - Nicolas Martin Jamardo (Waugh) KS3 SINGLES Winner - Amelia Shahid (Browne) Runner Up – James William Lao (Waugh) DOUBLES Winners - Alex Tyukhtin & Lorenzo Pecci (Hypatia) Runners Up – Benjamin Simonini & James William Lao (Waugh) Plate Winner - Dylan Ferree & Kiesse Lopes Padre (Hunlock)
Elite Performance Pathway
A huge congratulations to the following students who have been selected as part of our Elite Performance Pathway. The programme has been designed to further support the development and progression of the most gifted and talented athletes at Eaton Square. Our aim is to provide support and guidance for them to reach their potential within sport, whilst developing transferable high-performance traits outside of sport. Over the first few weeks the focus has been on initial fitness testing, and strength and dedicated conditioning sessions. Over the remainder of the year, they will be enrolled into sports leadership and sports psychology programmes, attend state of the art exercise physiology testing at universities, and get hands on with diet & nutrition workshops. Amelia Shahid (Cricket & Hockey) Caedon Faulkner-Leask (Windsurfing & Sailing) Jay Jethwa (Cricket) Amora Rahul (Golf) Roman James (Swimming & Muay Thai) Connor Welsh (Ice Hockey) Lorenzo Pecci (Fencing & Basketball) Edoardo Gallucci (Swimming & Athletics) Nikolas Latypov (Football & Boxing) Sebastian Rahbary (Football)
Windsurf World Championships
Our Year 7 student, Caedon was selected to represent GBR at the Techno 293 Windsurfing World Championships held in Quiberon, France during his summer holidays. As part of a strong GBR Team Caedon raced in the Under 13 Class within the Techno 5.8m Fleet. Training started over the cold winter months, sourcing all equipment and race clothing, hours on the water in all weathers and in the classroom listening to lectures as well as physical land training and eating nutritionally! During registration days all equipment is measured on site by the ratified measurer and certified legal to use, all clothing is checked for safety and boards must be signed off using serial numbers. This all built to 7 days of intensive competition with up to 4 races per day against the best of best from around the globe. Caedon kept consistent in his results even across different course styles and wind conditions showing true commitment to his sport on the water. His determination and focus paid off finishing 4th 11-yearold in the World, 25th overall and 2nd British windsurfer in the Under 13 Class. As one of the youngest in the Worlds Team Caedon has an exciting future ahead of him! Caedon was also invited by pro windsurfer Taty Frans, to attend the Bonaire Windsurfing Association’s youth racing. He had to learn a completely different slalom style of racecourse where he used a specialized slalom sail and board. On race day Caedon was also lucky enough to meet one of the most successful athletes in the World, Bjorn Dunkerbeck, who has won the Professional Windsurfers Association Overall World Championships a record 42 times and is now inspiring the next generation of PWA hopefuls in Bonaire!
Clubs The new clubs schedule this term has proved to be very successful, with 20 different after school clubs to choose from each week. We are proud to have a broad and eclectic mix of clubs, with something on offer for each and every student at Eaton Square. On average, we have had 135 students attend a club each week, with a third of our students choosing to attend one of our externally run clubs on a Friday. Whilst we will constantly be evolving our club offering, this is a brilliant start, and we have picked a few of our highlights below. Students have had an opportunity to feedback on the club schedule, and we will be making a few tweaks after half term to further improve our offering. If you have any feedback or suggestions please do get in touch.
School Magazine Under the guidance of Ms Hilton, students have been busy working towards creating a school magazine that will be published at the end of term. Those involved are curating content, conducting interviews, writing articles about events, and editing everything into what will be a brilliant publication.
Strength & Conditioning Club Ms Curnow’s Strength & Conditioning club has really put students through their paces this term. There is a focus on core strength and muscular endurance, as they learn to safely and effectively use free weights, and the power rack cage.
Left to right - Ori, Ben S, Olllie SP, Gabriel P, Max P, Kiesse, Alkakakhar & Ace
Boxing Club We have recently launched a boxing club on a Friday in partnership with Buddha Box Mayfair. The sessions are physically demanding, with a focus on both fitness, and technical skills. Over the last few weeks, students have learnt about footwork, punch combinations, and defensive movement. Each session has culminated in a wildly competitive fitness challenge that the students have loved.
Roman James at Friday Boxing Club
School Production Drama Club The Drama Production Club has launched to give the students a platform to devise and rehearse a Christmas production from scratch. Students have all inputted ideas and are working to modernise the fairy tale of Cinderella into an Eaton Square masterpiece!
Maths Challenge Maths Challenge Club currently has 15 members who are working on developing logical and critical thinking to help solve mathematical problems. They are preparing to sit the UKMT test in February, which is a nationally recognised maths challenge paper where the questions get progressively harder. We wish them luck!
Cooking Club Cookery club has proved to be our most popular externally run club, and it is easy to see why. Students are always supported by Chef Flo from EnCuisine who have been learning to cook a variety of delicious meals from scratch. Students are now able to use the school canteen for these sessions, and have cooked everything from fresh pasta, teriyaki salmon, seasonal salads, and curries.
Football Club We have had great success in merging our football club with LPS Clapham. Despite the pitches being slightly further afield, we have more students taking part which means we are able to offer higher standard session. In addition to this, students have enjoyed playing on the superior floodlit playing surface, something that will become a necessity once the evenings become darker. The club has had a focus on smallsided games that helps to improve first touch and awareness.
Investment & Entrepreneur Club Our budding entrepreneurs have been set a challenge this term to create a small business from scratch. Working in small groups, they have been given the tools and resources to plan out every detail, including a business plan, and pitch deck.
Volleyball Club
Volleyball Club has once again proved to be a very popular Friday club that has had a focus on learning basic technique through fun match play. We owe a huge thank you Mr Simonini, a member of our PTA for helping to facilitate these sessions.
Fashion & Art Club Fashion & Art club has had a focus on Black History Month this term, responding to the work of Lubaina Himid’s Freedom Kangas.
Body Image Workshop Body Image Workshop with Upfront Theatre Company In this session they had time to work on identifying and challenging common misconceptions around Body Image. We also observed two actors playing the role of teenagers talking about how bodies develop and how we talk about the opposite gender. We then discussed these misconceptions and looked at the true facts behind these. We had chance to reflect on our misconceptions about body Image and how our thinking changes and matures over time.
Upcoming Events & News We are delighted to be hosting a cooking camp by the En Cuisine Cooking School, taking place in the kitchen at our Senior School. Dates: 23 - 27 October 2023 Time: 10:00am to 1:00pm Location: 106 Piccadilly, London, W1J 7NL Cost: £95 per day or £450 the week
Online bookings are now open, follow the link below to book your place: https://www.encuisinecookingschool.com/upcoming-events
Senior/Sixth Form Free e-sports academy trial class for 12-16 year olds with Meta Lions E-sports Academy - 21 October Ace the Oxbridge Interview Oxbridge Applications share their advice on how best to prepare for the all important interview - 2 November Articles for this week Neurodiversity in early years – by Nazish Usman Principal of Hopes & Dreams Eight educational activities and play ideas How to supercharge your child’s diet Nature-based play ideas
We wish you all a relaxing and enjoyable break!
Eaton Square Senior School 106 Piccadilly London W1J 7NL
www.eatonsquareschools.com 020 7491 7393 office@eatonsquareschools.com eatonsquareschools.com