Insight23

News from Highgate Wood School arts college

WORLD BOOK DAY 2015

CONSIDERATION COOPERATION COURTESY CONTRIBUTION

Issue No 23 March 2015

GOVERNING BODY UPDATE Charles Wright, our Chair of Governors, writes: Spring seems to be here at last, and that means that exams are just round the corner. I'm proud of our record on consistently improving performance, and that is down to hard work across the whole school community; staff, parents and carers, and of course our students. So best of luck everyone who has exams coming up.

The Governing Body looked closely at performance at our last meeting, and the good news is both in terms of overall results and value-added measures, we are doing well. Our aim now is to consolidate that achievement, and make sure that we can continue to improve in all areas.

I also had the opportunity recently to meet with some new parents. It's great to see the goodwill and support for the school from parents, and I will also be looking closely at how we communicate with parents to make sure we can all benefit from a close and supportive relationship.

I hope you all have a restful break.

The school lottery has just paid for two outdoor table tennis tables, more outdoor picnic tables and a laser cutter, benefitting all Highgate Wood School students.

We could buy so much more if only every parent/ carer bought just one lottery ticket a year at a cost of only £12 a year!!!

Here's some maths to encourage you to sign up - if everyone of us bought just one ticket we'd raise over £12,000!

There are great prizes too! For details of how to sign up follow the link on the school website OR email us on hwslottery@me.com.

COME ON, IT COULD BE YOU (and the school!).

Don’t forget easyfundraising.org.uk. Visit www.easyfundraising.org.uk/hwspsa

HIGHGATE WOOD SCHOOL GOVERNING BODY Chair of Governors: Charles Wright (Community Governor) Vice Chair: Paul Bennett (Parent Governor)

Tickets for the PSA Curry and Quiz Night are now on sale in the Wren Office at school. Tickets cost £10 per person (which includes the evening’s curry).

The evening takes place on: Thursday 23rd April at 7.30pm. Tickets are limited so don't be disappointed, get your tickets now!

Cover picture: The cover features some of the characters who appeared in school on World Book Day. Year 7 students, as well as some members of staff, dressed up as their favourite characters from literature to celebrate World Book Day. More information of some of the things that happened are in this issue of Insight.

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Representative Governors: Cllr Eddie Griffith • Oliver Blackaby • Brenda Allan • Imogen Pennell Parent Governors: Diana Brown • Philip Cavendish • Elizabeth Hess • Chris Tully • Rob White • Julia Chalfen • Paul Bennett Community Governors: Phil Cocksedge • Caroline Conlon • Violet HazelwoodHenry • Chris Parr • Headteacher Governor: Patrick Cozier Staff Governors: Emily Ford • Joe Demetriou If you wish to contact the Governing Body please write to the Chair of Governors, c/o Mrs K Ozturk, Highgate Wood School, Montenotte Road, London N8 8RN (koz@hws.haringey.sch.uk)

Issue 23. March 2015

MESSAGE FROM THE HEADTEACHER This has been a very short term, but also a very busy one.

Many positive achievements have occurred, and as you would expect, lots of hard work and diligent effort from staff and students has happened. Our Year 11s and Post 16 students are only a matter of weeks away from taking their exams so they are preparing intensely at the moment, and I know that many of them will be coming in over the Easter break to continue these preparations. Do spare a thought for them and their hard working teachers.

It has also been a term where we have experienced extreme loss and periods of reflection following the deaths of two members of staff, Noreen Ryan and Austin Coyle. May they both rest in peace. Our loss was unprecedented in my time as a teacher and highly unusual in any school context.

In life you often find that adversity produces bonding and togetherness as people support each other to deal with grief. We have seen this and I have been inspired by the reaction of staff and students who coped tremendously well.

During the course of this term I have had the genuine pleasure of attending a range of events that have showcased the talents of our students and demonstrated some of what is special about our school. We have good reason to be proud, and when I watch our amazing young people in action, it is exactly that sense of pride that I feel. Unfortunately, there aren’t enough hours in the day for me to attend all of the events that take place, but I feel just as proud of our students when I hear of their success as when I see it in front of me.

The highlights for me this half term have been:  Attending the final night of our drama productions.

The talent and creativity of our students is incredible and this was very much displayed by the wonderful performances that I saw on the last night from our year 9, 10 and Post 16 students.  Seeing our students impress in the annual North London Model United Nations Conference. They Issue 23. March 2015

really do look and sound the part during the very mature and sensible discussions in which they address real world problems. I want to mention in particular Rosa Tully for her inspired speech to launch the conference, and also draw attention to our year 8 students who participated for the first time and did so well;  Hearing about Zoe Hutchings and Libby Archer winning awards for their exceptional singing and being presented medals by the mayor;  Receiving a letter from a local person commending the behaviour of an unnamed student who helped an elderly lady who was in need. Simply inspiring!

Post 16 at Highgate Wood In the last few weeks we have had the joy of interviewing some of our year 11 students following their applications for places in the 6th form. It is always fascinating to get the opportunity to listen to them talk about themselves as learners and to hear about how much thought and care they are putting into their decision making about their future.

What has been really pleasing for staff is listening to them explain why they have applied to the Highgate Wood 6th form.

Students have talked about  The enjoyment that they have experienced at their school over the years and how they see Post 16 as a natural continuation of the learning that is taking place in Key Stage 4  The benefits of remaining at a school they know, but more importantly a school that knows them; where their teachers know their strengths and how to build upon them and are also aware of their areas for development  The good progress that they are currently making, and a belief that this will continue in the 6th form  The trust that they have (and the evidence that they have seen and heard) that teaching in the 6th form is of the highest quality  The wide (and growing) range of opportunities available to them at Post 16 to embrace extracurricular opportunities  Knowing that at Highgate Wood School they benefit from teachers who really do care about

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them and will go the extra mile to support them throughout their studies to achieve their potential and go on to the very best universities and best possible futures.

It is heart warming to know that they are so proud of their school and that they want to stay because they feel that they belong and where they know they will do well.

A large number of HWS students have applied which demonstrates their commitment to doing well at this school. I am proud of them all and want them to remain here at ‘home’ at Highgate Wood School. I am looking forward to having another excellent Year 12 cohort in September.

Progress 8 & Attainment 8 for the last three years You may be aware that the accountability measures that are used to inform parents how well their child’s school is doing are changing over the next couple of years for GCSEs. The current Year 11 will be the last one that is measured according to the 5 or more A*Cs including English and maths figure. From 2016 onwards the measures that the government will be using are called  Progress 8 (a measure of how much progress students make according to their best 8 GCSEs)  Attainment 8 (an average of the attainment grades achieved by all students according to each their best 8 GCSEs) We recently received some data from the Local Authority detailing our Progress 8 and Attainment 8 outcomes for the last 3 years. I have summarised these in the table below:

We are very pleased that what the table shows is that our students at HWS have made significantly better progress than their peers in other schools nationally for the last three consecutive years. We have also been consistently in the top 20% of schools for attainment and the top 23% of schools for progress. We are proud of this and it is yet another indication of the incredible dedication and consistent efforts of my staff and students. I would like to congratulate them all.

Year 11 and post 16 students – Preparation for exams As referred to earlier, Year 11 and Post 16 students are now entering that final stage of preparation leading up to their exams, hence the range of exam preparation sessions available over the Easter Holidays.

Students are encouraged to make full use of these and to follow the guidance that they have been given by their teachers in terms of revision and preparation. We are confident that they will all do fantastically well – but they have to put in the hard work to make sure!

A reminder of our ambitious 2015 target (along with the exam results over the last few years) is shown below.

5 A*-C (including English and maths)

Attainment 8 YEAR

Grade

Pts per entry

Best 8

Rank

2011/12

C+ C+ C+

5.73 5.62 5.67

53.27 53.97 54.85

20 19 17

2012/13 2013/14 Progress 8 YEAR

Per Entry

Rank

Best 8

Rank

2011/12

0.36 0.36 0.23

14 15 23

0.33 0.48 0.27

22 12 23

2012/13 2013/14

Please note that light green indicates progress or attainment that is significantly better than the national norm. The last column of the Attainment 8 and Progress 8 sections of the table shows how we rank against all secondary schools nationally.

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Issue 23. March 2015

New Homework Policy at HWS; what’s your view?

We are currently reviewing our new homework policy at Highgate Wood School The policy changed in response to the views that we received from parents and carers this time last year, with a particular emphasis on increasing the amount of homework and challenge that our students get in years 7, 8 and 9. We also introduced in September a detailed homework timetable identifying the evenings on which homework needs to be completed, thus supporting our students with their organisational skills.

We would very much welcome your feedback on what your experience of the new policy has been.

Written comments should be submitted for the attention of Mr Mansfield on admin@hws.haringey.sch.uk.

Kirkland Rowell Surveys for Parents/Carers As above, your views are really important to us. A few weeks ago we sent home a survey via your child to seek your views on a wide range of matters to do with Highgate Wood School The deadline for getting these back has passed, however we will still accept them if you can get them back in the first week of the new term. If you have any queries about this then please e-mail the school for the attention of Mr Hewitt on admin@hws.haringey.sch.uk.

Uniform Issues The issue of school uniform is one that changes throughout the year, mostly depending on the overriding temperature. With the anticipation of warmer months ahead we would like to reminder parents/carers and students that: Blazers are compulsory (and must be worn at all times – other than in lessons and at lunch time), but jumpers/cardigans are not – hence if students do not wish to wear two layers on top of their shirts, it’s the jumpers/cardigans that should not be worn. This will remain the case until the May half term.

If at some stage the weather is very hot before May half term, then we will relax the need to wear a blazer at all times – however, we will inform you and the students if and when this happens Issue 23. March 2015

No other alternative to the school jumper/cardigan (with the school blue trim) can be worn. If they are they will be confiscated Short sleeve shirts are a perfectly acceptable alternative to long sleeve shirts for girls and boys As always, we ask for your support in ensuring that not only is the correct uniform is worn by all of our students, but that it is worn appropriately, smartly and with pride. This means that 

Shirts must always be tucked inside trousers and skirts



Ties must always be worn with the knot high and at least five stripes being visible on the wide part of the tie



Skirts worn unrolled with four buttons visible

Shoes – A special focus: We are going to be enforcing the footwear rule for all students. The aim is to ensure that from after Easter, no students are wearing footwear unacceptable to the school.

As this term has progressed, an increasing number of students have provided a range of reasons to excuse them from having to wear footwear that is acceptable to the school – often preferring to wear black trainers or canvass type footwear. We will no longer be accepting any reasons for wearing unacceptable footwear (except in exceptional medical cases supported by a note from a GP or other medical professional - parental notes will not suffice).

To support parents and carers who may not be able to provide immediate solutions to footwear issues, we have now purchased a large batch of school shoes in a wide range of sizes. Any student who attends school in footwear unacceptable to the school will be expected to hand over their footwear and wear the school provided shoes for the day. There will be no exceptions to this (other than extreme medical situations referred to above), and any refusal to cooperate will result in students not being allowed to attend lessons until cooperation is achieved.

This will apply for all year groups from year 7 to year 11. Your support in this matter is greatly appreciated in ensuring that we achieve fairness for all students rather than favouring those who are reluctant to cooperate with our expectations.

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As a reminder, the images below shows the types of footwear that are acceptable and unacceptable in school.

... And Finally – Thank you for your support!

I would like to thank you all again for your valued and continued support. I wish you and your families a pleasant Easter break.

Please remember, we return on Monday 13th April at the later start time of 10.50am.

Regards Patrick Cozier Headteacher

EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES AWARD

Dear Mr Cozier On behalf of SSAT, I am delighted to let you know that your school has won an SSAT Educational Outcomes Award for your exceptional attainment.

Primary Secondary Transfer – September 2015 – Highgate Wood Oversubscribed Again!

We have recently received data from the Local Authority that shows allocations and preferences for the schools across Haringey for secondary transfer in September 2015 (their list is in alphabetical order in the next column).

We have reason to be pleased that the number of preferences has remained over 1000 for the last three consecutive years.

We have more first choices (267) than the number of places available (243)

The award is to recognise your achievement of being in the top 20% of non-selective schools nationally for attainment in the 2014 end of KS4 examinations. This is based on your students’ best 8 average point scores at key stage 4.

These results are testament to the commitment and hard work of the students, teachers and leadership team at Highgate Wood Secondary School, and show what can be achieved when skilled teachers have high expectations and ambition for every young person.

I am proud that this school is a member of the SSAT network.’

With best wishes, Sue Williamson Chief Executive

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Issue 23. March 2015

HOW TO REVISE Mr Ashman writes: On the school website you will find links that will help you prepare, revise and plan for your exams.

Under the Student tab and also the Learning tab you will find links to your Exams, Exam Preparation, Revision Session and Study Portal pages.

Under Exams you will find the calendar for the public examinations in the summer. Here you will also find documentation from the exam boards about their rules and regulations.

Exam Preparation takes you to a page which has helpful videos on how to prepare properly, links to very useful sites like Get Revising (where you can create your own revision timetable).

Revision Sessions contains details about the revision sessions that are happening over the Easter break, and also other revision classes on Saturdays and after school.

The Study Portal is the only area of the site that is password protected. To access this your username is student, your password is hws2015

In the Study Portal you will find revision resources that have been provided by departments, as well as past papers (and some mark schemes) and links to useful websites to help you achieve success.

Here you will also find information about who to contact, and how, if you have any difficulties or have questions about particular exams or courses.

SAM Learning is only one of the tools you can use to help you do well, but it is a powerful one. Every student at Highgate Wood School has a Sam Learning account, and you should be able to work out your login details by looking at the picture here.

If you have problems logging in to this, or any of our other online resources please email: data@hws.haringey.sch.uk Please remember the PSA has kindly donated a substantial sum of money that will allow us to reward those students who make best use of SAM Learning in their revision.

HOUSE LEAGUE TABLES

The best way to predict the future is to invent it

From caring comes courage

Success comes from perseverance

37,061

37,429

38,003

so far this year

so far this year

so far this year

Top Vivo Earners Rasheed Kamara (Yr 11) Rawan Ataya (Yr 10) Luke Gosling (Yr 9) Grace Heron (Yr 8) Lottie Ezer-Ahern (Yr 7)

Top Vivo Earners Odeja Anderson (Yr 11) Randal Harrison (Yr 10) Mya Gomez (Yr 9) Brandon Durand (Yr 8) Hugo Clague (Yr 7)

Issue 23. March 2015

Top Vivo Earners Umer Khan (Yr 11) Marco Del Soldato Phillips Yr 10) Jasmine Daley (Yr 9) Toby Wyckoff-Smith (Yr 8) Louis Fletcher-Wheeler (Yr 7) 7

WORK EXPERIENCE

OUR CARING COMMUNITY

Ms Angove writes: This term Highgate Wood School released 240 of our Year 10 students into the working community. They were involved in a huge range of different jobs, from helping in primary and nursery schools to working with BT Sport for the week. Two of our students even made the long trek to Pendarren to help a Primary school during their outdoor adventure week!

The vast majority of Year 10 represented the school brilliantly, impressed the people at their placements and gained some valuable skills for their CV. One of our students even came out of the week with a Saturday job!

Comments from employers “it has been a pleasure to have him and we hope we have not discouraged him from a future career in architecture.” Alex Mclaren who was working at Soup Architecture “Enjoyable experience, I learnt from him!” about Romario Christian who was working at Highgate Library “Best person we have had in 3 years” about Simeon Loizos who was working at December 19 Ltd “Great student. He will go far” about Charles Fraser-Allen who was working at Boots the Chemist “Smart, hardworking and keen” about Eliane Vitoriano who was working at Queenswood Medical Practice We would also like to congratulate three students whose work experience was much closer to home. Cali Nice and D'An Greaves-John worked fantastically in the Geography Department as part of their work experience week. They took on the role as teacher by planning and resourcing a great introductory lesson on the topic 'Development' for a Year 7 class. The Geography department very impressed by their commitment and work ethic during their time.

Callum Francis was similar impressive working alongside the team in Computer Science.

Mr Cozier received a letter on 10th March thanking an unnamed student from Highgate Wood School who had helped an elderly lady, who had been confused and disorientated.

The letter had been sent by the woman’s daughter who had not collected the name of the student concerned. She asked if we could pass on her thanks and regards to everyone who helped her mum. She also wrote: “It is comforting to know that kind and considerate people still exist in the world.”

It makes us all proud to know that those people are students at Highgate Wood School.

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ROAD SAFETY PRESENTATION

Ms Pinnick writes: On Wednesday 4th March, Year 8 students watched a road safety drama presentation by Performance in Education. This was an interactive presentation aimed at raising awareness of the dangers of distractions when using our road system as a pedestrian.

Too often we see students trying to cross the road while on their mobile phones or listening to music.

Students explored real life situations with the actors and discussed strategies to deal with these.

Ms Pinnick stated that “Important information was presented in an entertaining way using situations the students could relate to in their every day lives.”

Issue 23. March 2015

TALENT—THE NEXT GENERATION

EASTER ACTIVITIES IN HARINGEY www.haringey.gov.uk/holidayfun

Ed Harlow writes: On Thursday 19th March, two year 11 students represented Highgate Wood School at “Haringey's Artistic Talent, The Next Generation”.

The talent show was a fundraising celebration hosted by Mayor of Haringey, Cllr Kaushika Amin.

Proceeds from the night went to the Mayor of Haringey’s Special Fund – which supports charities including Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice, Haringey CAB, Highway House Homeless Charity and Great Ormond Street Children’s Charity.

Libby Archer and Zoe Hutchings both sang songs from musicals, with Zoe going on to win the competition for her rendition of Andrew LloydWebber's 'Music of the Night' against representatives from all other Haringey Secondary schools. Both students are a credit to the school and yet another example of the outstanding range of musical talent spread throughout the student body.

As usual there are a whole range of things to do in Haringey over the Easter break. These include Teen Gym at Park Road Fitness Centre, Learn to Box at the Selby Centre and Dynamic Sports Academy at Finsbury Park Sports Stadium.

Download the Easter Fun 2015 booklet from www.haringey.gov.uk/holidayfun for full details.

MUSIC NOTICES Mrs Hassan writes: Our Italy Tour is fast approaching (12th-18th July).

The 3rd instalment or lump sum payment is due 27th April.

SUMMER TERM MUSIC FEES – are due in April, and must come in by the end of the month.

Cash or cheque ‘payments to HWS Private Fund’ Post-dated cheques are possible but cheques must be given in by 14th April Congratulations to Alex Carter-Jones who has passed his Trinity Grade 6 Exam with Distinction.

Issue 23. March 2015

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DECODED CODING WORKSHOP

Mr Talbert writes: Four Year 9 students took part in a coding workshop at DECODED’s London headquarters on Old Street as one of their prizes for the Appathon competition.

DECODED is an international organisation that teaches novices from the business world to the world of code in a day. Students took part in an unparalleled accelerated learning experience taking them from zero skills and confidence to coding their own app in a single day. It was a fun packed experience which helped the students join the coding revolution.

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MICROSOFT BAME DAY

Mr Talbert writes: In March, seven Year 9 students travelled to Microsoft UK headquarters in Reading to attend Microsoft’s BAME Day 2015.

The day was aimed at giving students from ethnic minority backgrounds the chance to learn about the various careers in IT, including: project management, app development and sales and marketing.

They had an inside look at what it’s like to work at Microsoft and the opportunity to interact with Microsoft employees and gained exposure to careers in business and technology. The students really enjoyed themselves and found the whole experience both educational and fun and showed that the world of IT is much more than coding.

Issue 23. March 2015

APPS FOR GOOD RESEARCH SESSION

Mr Talbert writes: This term nine Year 8 and 9 students participated in a user research session for the Apps for Good programme.

The students were helping Apps for Good develop their new Fellows Programme and help those who participated in Apps for Good develop their mobile app ideas.

The students worked with professional designers and got some hands-on experience in marketing and design.

HIGHGATE CAMP REMEMBERED

Caleb Wyckoff-Smith writes: Earlier this month a group of students went to Highgate School Museum to see Dr. Thomas, a senior teacher at Highgate School, and extend our understanding of Highgate Camp and World War I. We walked 2 miles down to Swaine's Lane to visit the Konstam's Children's Centre, set up after the First World War by two parents who lost their children. It was used as a clinic and as a hospital during the post-war period. After that, we hiked back up the hill to Highgate Cemetery, where we spread some leaflets for our exhibition and saw the grave of William Freise Green, inventor of 'Kinematography', (and beaten to the patent office by the Lumiere brothers, inventors of 'Cinematography').

After that brief visit, we walked over to the Highgate School Museum, where we saw the list of students and teachers who went to the war when it broke out. This was a reality check for many of the group, as many soldiers were the same age as some of the older students.

Caleb Wyckoff-Smith and Max Cowie also designed this artwork for the exhibition at Jacksons Lane on Sunday 29th March: Highgate Camp Remembered.

Entrance is free but please register first at: http://bit.ly/hwshighgatecamp Issue 23. March 2015

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SKI TRIP TO MONTEGENEVRE

Ms Howard and Ms Lacroix write: In the penultimate week of term we took 66 students, from Years 9 and 10 to Montgenevre skiing resort in France. This was a terrific week for everyone, with countless activities and lots of fun and learning. Some of the highlights feedback to us were: 1- the skiing 2- being with friends 3- Skiing in Italy for one day 4- eating snails and frogs legs for the first time.

The students were absolutely fantastic. The hotel staff, ski instructors and local residents all commented on their brilliant behaviour and conduct throughout the week. On the last night we went to a disco at a local facility and the manager stated that it was the most polite school group he had ever had.

The student made great progress with their skiing during the week. They really listened to the ski instructors and many complete beginners were skiing black runs at the end of the week, a real achievement. Their passion and enthusiasm for the sport and culture was reflected in their faces and comments made after coming off the piste each day and in the questionnaires they completed at the end of the week. It was a real pleasure to see students so engrossed in their learning.

We would like particularly to thank the staff ( Jessica Gribble, David Bomani, David Grimmett, Anna Gomez, Di Breed) who came along with us on that journey as they worked incredibly hard to make it a great success.

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Khem Iglesis Barrull writes: The trip to France was fantastic. From a 13 hour journey, to having lots of fun skiing! The day we arrived at Montgeneve was cold, windy, foggy and snowy, but as the days passed and we continuously progressed in our skiing, the days became sunnier with blue sky, no fog or snow and we can actually say it was hotter in France and more exiting than here in London!

Every day of the week was full of enjoyment. From the amazing breakfast the hotel served us until lunch, we had ski lessons, which consisted of a significantly small group of people (6-14 students + instructor) we polished our skiing skills/level. Then we had a French lunch, rest (30 min to 1 hr) following with 2 and a half hours of more skiing, which was great!

After taking our snow boots off back in the hotel, we were allowed 1-2 hours to relax, or walk into the tiny village of Montgeneve, practicing our French skills and buying souvenirs and snacks. Dinner, which was served at the hotel, was quite good, then we had an hour of activities (such as sledging and bin bag dressing). Lights went out at 10:30 pm. ... the only drawback was that our friend Maya couldn't make it, as she was ill for the whole week.

Je voudrais rentrer quand j'irai dans l'an dix!

Issue 23. March 2015

BBC SCHOOL REPORT

Ms O’Borne writes: Congratulations to Zoe Hancher-Rafiq, Isabella Walton, Harrison Grant, Alice Bowen, Maddie Stott, Amber Barnett, Rafaella Stokes, Kiehm Asare -Sonkour, Noor Singleton, Trieu Blyth Foster, Lulu Alacantra, Ella Pollack-Fleming, Caylan Samuel Ruby Kelly and Dilar Karadag who were amazing as reporters for the BBC Schools Report on 19th March—focussed, clear and calm under pressure.

Well done!

SKIING IN MONTGENEVRE (contd.)

Jasmine Bell writes: Skiing was one of the best experiences I’ve had in my life. I tried new things made new friends and have lasting memories of it. I’m so glad I took the opportunity to go.

My favourite part was being in the mountains it was more beautiful than I imagined, I think everyone should see a view like that at least once in their lifetime.

Issue 23. March 2015

The Highgate Wood School BBC Report is available on the school website at www.hws.haringey.sch.uk/schoolreport

FRIDAY NIGHT IS MOVIE NIGHT!

Mr Adams writes: On 20th March, 100 Year 7 students attended our very first World Challenge film night. The event was a brilliant evening where we saw the school main hall transformed into a temporary cinema.

All the students got to see the Spy Next Door, wear their own pyjamas, bring their own bean bags and spend time in school with their friends.

It was a success and brilliantly organised by the 4 World Challenge sixth formers, Rubel, Mahad, Thana and Renee.

The Year 7s left the film with big smiles on their faces and wanting to do a similar night again.

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NORTH LONDON MODEL UN

Mr Robertson writes With over 200 students from 10 schools debating a range of important and challenging topics, Highgate Wood’s eighth annual North London Model UN was a resounding success. Our delegates were wellinformed, professional and passionate about their topics, and negotiated maturely to resolve some complex problems, from improving girls’ access to education in rural areas, to reducing the supply and demand for women and girls being sold into slavery. All our delegates can be proud of their accomplishments.

As in previous years, the conference was entirely staffed by Highgate Wood students. Ms Birnie’s team of rapporteurs (and Ms Angove’s assistants) played a vital role in ensuring that committee business was handled smoothly. Ms Daws-Knowles led an accomplished and creative media team.

Without them our conference could not have been as professional or well-organised as it was.

But my greatest thanks and praise is reserved for my Secretariat of Year 11 and 12 students who worked incredibly hard to make sure their committees and the conference as a whole was a great success. Rosa Tully was an exceptional Secretary General whose passionate and moving speech inspired everyone in the room. Rosa’s call for empathy set the tone for this conference, and her desire to ensure that each committee was a comfortable experience for first time delegates was evident in the kind and supportive atmospheres in every committee room I entered. I owe them a huge debt of gratitude for creating a conference where, truly, everyone mattered.

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Isabel Pountney writes: Model UN is an amazing event that gives pupils the chance to debate current world issues in the format of the actual United Nations. The students who attend are called delegates; they represent different countries and take part in a wide range of committees which debate a certain topic. It is a wonderful learning platform to develop aspects such as; public speaking, confidence, persuasive writing and finally finding ways to reach an effective solution to a problem. It gives you the opportunity to gain experience and broaden your wider knowledge of the world and the things that go on around you.

This year the conference was on the topic ‘Women – Half the Sky’ and throughout the day we debated gender inequality and the rights of women. This is a very important issue because whilst 52% of the world’s population is women, they still face discrimination all over the world. 64% of the world’s illiterate people are women and 31million of girls at primary school age are not in school at all and that women work 66% of the world’s hours

Issue 23. March 2015

but earn only 10% of the world’s income. This shows how much this topic means to so many and why it is so incredibly important.

Another reason for debating this topic was that it was in the month of the real UN’s conference on women and gender equality – on the 20th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration. This therefore gave us stimulus for our debates and strengthened the importance for the topic.

The day started with a formal opening ceremony with three speakers who explained the importance of the topic and credibility it deserves. Mr Cozier made a very inspiring speech on the significance of the topic and also on the thanks that Highgate Woods expressed towards the other schools that attended. The guest speaker was Laura Bates, author and founder of the Everyday Sexism Project.

Laura shared the statistics and stories of discrimination, which really showed the importance of the topic. The keynote speech was from Secretary General Rosa Tully, who reminded us that our counter parts in New York were debating this very topic and trying to change the world. These were all very stimulating and inspiring speeches which left us much to think about throughout our debates.

Throughout the conference we debated over topics such as ‘women – at war and peace’ and ‘women – global development’ and worked through the day trying to create ways in which we could resolve our particular committee’s issue. We debate in a formal UN format with all of us being encouraged to participate by our wonderful chairs and directors and together we reached some amazing resolutions that would be worthy of the real United Nations.

The whole day was really inspiring and I am definitely going to carry on my model UN journey to enjoy more and more of these amazing opportunities.

The entire experience has given me so much to improve on, to think about, to look forward to and to enjoy in the future! Overall I just really value how much time and effort people put into making the experience as amazing as it is – it is really just a testament to so many wonderful people’s hard work. I would like to thank you all.

Issue 23. March 2015

CHAIRING A COMMITTEE AT MODEL UN Imogen Sheppard writes: Having just chaired my first Model UN committee I would urge anyone who has any interest in global issues, public speaking or current affairs to take part; it is always an excellent, hugely enjoyable experience. To become a chair at a Model UN event, you have to have prior Model UN experience, and a passion for solving problems.

You also need to be committed, and focused on doing the best job you can.

In a committee, the chair has to maintain ‘decorum’ as well as ensure the debate remains suitable, they are also there to help first time or inexperienced delegates through the process for example informing them what certain terms such as ‘pre-ambulatory clauses’ or ‘operative clauses’ mean in the resolution writing process. Chairs also have the ability to call on individual delegates to speak, encouraging all to participate. As a chair, you gain leadership skills and confidence in your own authority, as well as the competence to control a room full of twenty 12-17 year olds! In addition, it develops your own understanding of the United Nations process.

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NLMUN MARCH 2015 Secretariat: Secretary General: Rosa Tully Under-Secretary General: Harry Vinall-Smeeth Director General: Blue Weiss Committee Topic: Women in Politics & Power

Chair: Beth Gosschalk Co-Chair: Lucy Newbold Committee Topic: Educating Girls

My committee was the UN Human Rights Committee, discussing women in war and peace.

Although women may not be in the centre of most wars, “It is now more dangerous to be a woman than a soldier in modern conflict”. Issues such as displacement and lack of security can leave them shockingly vulnerable. Moreover, less than 10% of negotiators in peace negotiations within the last 20 years have been women. It is an important and complex issue yet my committee, with a majority of first time, year 8 delegates, managed to produce an impressive resolution directly addressing most issues which women can face during and post conflict.

Model UN has been such a positive experience for me, developing my public speaking skills, as well as my own self esteem. Consequently, I would urge anyone who is at all curious about Model UN to take part, it is an invaluable experience – anyone who has done it would tell you so.

Chair: Ellen Boardman Co-Chair: Martha Berkmann Committee Topic: Women in War & Peace

Chair: Lucy Carter Co-Chair: Imogen Sheppard Committee Topic: Human Trafficking

Chair: Alex Ahern Co-Chair: Natalya De La Motte Committee Topic: Violence Against Women\Girls

Chair: Ellie Delamere Co-Chair: Amy Garrad Committee Topic: Women & Global Development

Chair: Lucy Parfitt Co-Chair: Faye Heron Committee Topic: Security Council

Chair: Harry Vinall-Smeeth Co-Chair: Patrick Hegarty-Morrish

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Issue 23. March 2015

THE PRESS TEAM

HIGHGATE WOOD SCHOOL DELEGATES

Ms Daws-Knowles writes: Once again the fabulous Media Team recorded the wonderful debates and inspiring delegates and volunteers of the North London Model UN held on Saturday 14th March.

This year our team consisted of: Robyn Cowie

Charlie Newbold

Madeleine McBroom

Yasmine Hamchaoui

Toby Wyckoff-Smith

Alasdair Ellis

Houda Imansouren

Iola Elson (*)

Lily Roberts

Berivan Korkmaz

Yasmin Walton

Max Murphy

Imogen Marks

Dani Weiss

Cerys Walker

Shannon Osei

Alexander Harris (*)

Megan Boardman

Jada Sandy-Hersh

Freya Dougan

Emmy Budis

Nurselim Tekin

Leyla Osman

Marwan Benamer

William Jenner

Tom Carter

Hope Selby (*)

Mia Knight

Anna Jevons

Charlotte Whelan

Eleanor Jones

Ruby Morgan

Holly Hart

Amy Davis

Isabel Pountney (*)

Gabriel Brown (*)

Lucy Whelan (*)

Jake Canton Perry

Milou-Mai Law

Sina Nafissi

Eva Parfitt (*)

Sadie Goswell

Kate Owen

Laura Moss (*)

Harry Ghose-Coveny (*) (*) means that they won awards on their committees.

Issue 23. March 2015

We were excited to create a newsletter/poster as well as a short film to be posted on the school website in due course.

Past editor, Mattie Moss Kendall sent us a message of support. "I have fond, and busy, memories of my time on the team, for all the two years I participated. It was something that encouraged me to pursue my interest in media, and you might be pleased to know that I have joined the media team at my university".

See Ms DK if you want to participate as part of the Media Team for North London Model UN 2016.

Special thanks to Laura Bates, founder of the award winning Everyday Sexism project who was our guest speaker at the conference.

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WIND POWERED BUGGY—DESIGN COMPETITION

Mr McDonagh writes: Well done to all those Year 7 students who entered the Buggy competition.

The students had to design and make a wind powered buggy that would travel the greatest distance from one large puff of air. There were two prize winning categories; the team whose buggy travelled the furthest and the team who produced the most attractive livery.

Here Leah Whittaker , Serena Travaglini-Aubin, Poppy Heartfield , Rudy Berman , Enver Methoxha, Denada Bardoshi, Maisie Ayres– and Katie Fraser show off some of the designs.

BEN KINSELLA TRUST—KNIFE CRIME AWARENESS

This term all of Year 7 have visited the Ben Kinsella Trust . The purpose was to provide some insight into the risks and dangers of knife crime, and all the students have been extremely positive about the experience.

Katie Ley, Alabama Cawley & Laurel Smith write: Our trip was something that pulled on all of our heartstrings.

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The exhibition shows you the consequences and devastating effects of knife crime. The CCTV footage of Ben before and after he was stabbed brought some of us to tears. I now understand how one person’s actions effects everybody; the police, family, friends and the community.

We were given lots of information and statistics about knife crime, which put some of our concerns in perspective. We were also told how to stay safe and what to do if you see a knife crime happening.

In the Consequences Room we were shown what can happen to those who get involved in knife crime, and how joint enterprise means that even if you don’t commit the crime yourself, you can still suffer the consequences and end up being put in prison for a very long, long time.

Overall the Ben Kinsella trip was an amazing experience for all of us.

Issue 23. March 2015

ELECTION QUESITON TIME AT HIGHGATE WOOD SCHOOL

Blue Weiss writes: Highgate Wood Question Time brought the vigour, tumult and passion of politics to our own 6th form students. The panel was made of the candidates for the election in Hornsey and Wood Green Labour candidate Catherine West, Liberal Democrat candidate Lynn Featherstone, Conservative candidate Suhail Rahuja, UKIP candidate Clive Morrison and Green candidate Gordon Peters.

The panel were given five questions to answer for the audience addressing inequality, tuition fees, immigration, the NHS and the legalisation of cannabis. The candidates were given a minute and

Issue 23. March 2015

thirty seconds to answer and their answers were littered with interjections, bitterness and outright rudeness.

To inequality they all gave the same old wistful promises. Tuition fees brought the expected volatility with Catherine West laying into Lynn Featherstone. There was a short break from ‘adversarial nature’ when all stood up against Nigel Farage’s ban on immigrants attending schools for five years apart from UKIP. Even when unified the debate was all but cooperative, with one candidate trying to steal the microphone off the other.

Unsurprisingly it wasn’t long until this unity broke with bitter comments about other parties’ NHS policies and then, more surprisingly things all fizzled out when it came to cannabis, with the exception of Clive Morrison’s comments.

The hour was full of anger and feuds but it proved an invaluable experience. Sixth formers were able to gain insight into the world of politics from which Neck of the Woods’ poll students feel so removed from. Politicians were forced to address young people directly, answering questions on our own terms. This was a unique and incredible experience.

As Sahir who chaired the event said, “it was good to hear relevant issues [talked about] as opposed to large unrelatable manifestos”.

Students were able to understand the policies that mattered to them and there is no doubt they were shown that politics is by no means boring.

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ANTIGONE—THE SCHOOL PRODUCTION

Eleanor Jones and Cali Nice write: Working on this version of the Greek tragedy Antigone was a great experience as it was different to what we were used to doing in terms of both style and genre.

We all managed to work together really well, even if many of us hadn't really talked to each other before rehearsals began, and managed to pull off a play we were all really happy with on both nights.

Even though we were working with a fairly traditional play, we still managed to inject some new ideas into it and make something we felt was our own. After hearing there would not be a big production this year, it was nice to learn that there would still be something for our year group to do, and for that we thank Ms Sayer for all the hard work she put into the play and for putting up with us as well!

A more complete gallery of photographs from the productions will be made available on the school website during the Easter holidays.

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Issue 23. March 2015

ANTIGONE: THE CAST Chorus: Sina Nafissi Phoebe Bennett Leila Kikuchi-House Lucy Whelan Creon: Cali Nice Antigone: (Performance on 25th)

Mia Clifford (Performance on 26th)

Laura Moss Ismene: Eleanor Jones Haemon: Ty Candappa

Nurse: Gloria Coles Messenger: Jace Griffiths Jonas: Abel Kent Binns: Joe Trainer Snout: Maya Eagles Eurydice: Charlotte Whelan Page: Romilly Gosling

Issue 23. March 2015

21

6th FORM CODING WORKSHOP

Mr Talbert writes: In March, Twelve Year 12 & 13 students were given the opportunity to participate in a coding workshop run by digital transformation company Freeformers.

Freeformers is a digital organisation that enables companies big and small to think and act like digital startups and for every business person they train, they train a young person for free.

Throughout the day the students learnt how to create and develop their own website using HTML code.

The students will also feature in a promotional materials to encourage more students to learn code by the Department for Education (DfE).

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GEOGRAPHY FIELD TRIP

Mr Thomas writes: The Year 12 Geography class visited Slapton Ley in Devon for the Coastal and Urban field studies. The group stayed in the lovely FSC field centre and completed field work along the beautiful Start Bay coastline, Torquay, Plymouth and the local villages.

We were delighted by the way the students all worked with enthusiasm and impressed with their geographical understanding. A variety of new methods were taught, including the use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) in the field; iPads are indeed the new clipboards.

This is a valuable support for the second unit of the course and students significantly developed their skills and levels of analysis, while enjoying the local geography, as well as being smoothly chauffeured in the school minibus.

Usman Khan writes: On this Geography trip we went to the unexplored land of Slapton in order to do a range of fieldwork and research. We visited many areas such as Torquay and Plymouth and collected a range of data regarding the area.

The trip was full of unexpected trials such as the journey to and from the centre in the school minibus and talking to some of the locals. But we persevered and completed the week.

Overall it will be a trip that I will cherish and remember for the rest of my life because of the good times that came from it.

Issue 23. March 2015

ALTERNATIVE CLOTHES SHOW 2015

ART TRIP TO PARIS

Tilly Aldhous writes: The A-level photography and art students of HWS travelled to the beautiful city off Paris last month to visit galleries and experience a creative journey.

Included in the four day tour of Paris was the Centre de Pompidou, the Musee D’Orsay and the L’Orangerie, where we saw works by artists such as Monet and Van Gogh.

Highlights of the trip included coming across a impromptu rave on the metro, an interesting culinary experience at the Monte Carlo (selfservice) and a wet, but enjoyable boat tour. As tourists, we of course saw the Eiffel Tower and Louvre, along with other stunning Parisian architecture.

It was a great chance to gain inspiration for current school work, but was also just a wonderful experience in general.

Issue 23. March 2015

Ms Robertson writes: 4th March saw the Alternative Clothes Show 2015 at Hornsey Vale Community Centre.

The idea was to raise awareness about the ethical and environmental impact of some parts of the mainstream fashion industry. Some of the work of Highgate Wood Textile students was exhibited and received huge compliments about the quality of their design work and manufacture.

Cassandra Penfold and her sister, Florence, did a fantastic job modelling on the catwalk, showing some of Cassie's work which included a top she had made using a 'previously loved' blouse of her Grandmother.

Highgate Wood students are made aware of the consequences of unfairly traded fabrics and sweatshop manufacture whilst producing well thought out and creative design solutions.

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STARS AT HARINGEY AQUATICS

Haringey Aquatics reports: Highgate Wood School scored high in Haringey Aquatics Annual Awards ceremony last term.

Three of our current students have won top awards.

Sasha Shute in Year 8 was presented with an award for being Top Senior Girl, and Laurie Taylor in Year 7 received the Debi Hunt Outstanding Effort Award.

Allens of Kingsbury Best Training Attendance Award went to another of our Year 7 students, Kelton Ryland.

Former HWS student Sushila Ghose-Conveney won Haringey Aquatics’ Ted and Doris Sayer Merit Cup for outstanding achievement. (Sushi was Haringey Aquatics’ first-ever female national swimmer in 2014.)

Well done to all.

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THE PLAY THAT WENT WRONG

Ms Pinnick writes: Ms Christodoulou, Ms Ahmet and Ms Pinnick took a group of Year 11 students to see The Play That Goes Wrong at The Duchess Theatre.

The play is a highly physical and very silly comedy featuring the cast and crew of the “Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society” attempting to stage a 1920s murder mystery - and everything that can go wrong, does. The piece draws on any number of actors’ waking nightmares – forgetting lines, getting dialogue out of sync, being stranded without a crucial prop and the set literally collapsing around their heads!

We all laughed and laughed, particularly at the collapsing study floor, the acrobatic telephone conversation and the way characters were thrown out of the window.

We also enjoyed the ice creams Ms Christodoulou bought us in the interval!

Issue 23. March 2015

CHATTERBOOKS

A SONG FOR ELLA GREY BY DAVID ALMOND Claire, the narrator, and Ella have been best friends since they were very young.

Now, approaching the end of their school lives, they find themselves as close as ever, yet are kept apart by Ella's overprotective adoptive parents, when they refuse to allow her to join Claire and other friends on a wild Easter camping trip.

This is a contemporary re-telling of the tale of Orpheus and Eurydice, set among teenagers in Northumberland.

It’s a truly brilliant book, shortlisted for the YA book prize and described by The Guardian as ‘a triumph’.

CARNEGIE BOOK AWARD

Ms Ereira writes: Our new Carnegie Shadowing Group has begun, with regular lunchtime meetings in the LRC. We are reading two award shortlists this year, both the national Carnegie Medal list and the local Haringey Children’s Book Award list.

We have been setting up our web page on the Carnegie Shadowing Site and begun to read.

We’ve got a lot to get through before the winners of both awards are announced in June!

Issue 23. March 2015

Every Monday Week 2 After school in the LRC Intellectual & fun discussions about books you love and hate, film adaptations and a lot more.

For Years 9, 10 & 11

HWS BOOKCLUB

If you would like to join add your name to the sign -up sheet in Mr Gowen’s room (A25)

DEBATE MATE SUCCESS Holly Hart writes: On Tuesday 3rd of March, a group of Year 8 and 9 Highgate Wood students competed in the second round of the UDL (Urban Debate League) at Parliament Hill School.

We took two teams of six students and won three out of our four debates. Some of our debate team also came as observers and made excellent floor speeches.

The first motion, which we could prepare for, was: ‘This house would introduce a quota for black and ethnic minority officers in the police force’. The second debate was unprepared, meaning we had only 15 minutes to consider our arguments. The unprepared motion was: ‘This house would penalise football teams for the behaviour of their fans.’ We had a great time, met new people, learnt more skills to further us in debating and now we are looking forward to competing in the Debate Mate Cup in April.

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WORLD BOOK DAY: COSTUMES

Ms Ereira writes: On World Book Day, staff and Year 7 students were invited to come to school dressed as a character from a book.

There were some fabulous costumes, and at the end of the day Mr Mansfield (AKA Where’s Wally?) awarded prizes for the best outfits.

Congratulations to Cruella De Ville and all the other finalists.

WORLD BOOK DAY: WORKSHOPS CATHERINE JOHNSON Ms Ereira writes: This was a workshop with an unusual atmosphere, as it was attended by various characters from children’s literature!

It took place on World Book Day itself, and Year 7 arrived dressed as their favourite book characters.

There were some fantastic costumes and it was lovely to see the effort that had gone into them.

Catherine talked about her most recent book, Sawbones, and the historical research behind it.

She discussed the ethnic diversity of eighteenthcentury London and shared her own personal journey to becoming a writer .

She then led an object-driven writing exercise in which the students were offered a range of intriguing objects to inspire a fragment of story.

Here are a couple of examples which we particularly liked: 26

Finally, thought, Ethan, the school bus is here. The day was dreary and wet, all was grey. He grudgingly stomped inside shaking his soaked umbrella. As he sat down something hit his head – a small bone dice.

In annoyance he turned around but to his surprise noone was there, just him and the driver.

All the windows were closed but there his blazer was blowing in the … wind? The dice had small dots that looked like bloodshot eyes on a blank pale face. In confusion he rolled it and it shattered into what seemed like a million pieces. Inside was a rusty box – a music box.

Anonymous Y7

The diary had my name in it. I had never seen the diary or the man but it had my name in it. The words in an inky black pen: ‘Sophie Brown’.

I flicked through more pages. Pictures, more and more pictures. Me in my school uniform, at home, asleep! I could tell this man was looking for me.

Someone had discovered my true identity.

Thea Wilson, 7W Issue 23. March 2015

WORLD BOOK DAY: WORKSHOPS KEREN DAVID Ms Ereira writes: Keren offered a character-based story workshop, in which the students created characters individually, and then worked in pairs to devise a story involving both characters. The children worked with energy and enthusiasm on this, and the results were impressive. We heard the outlines of all sorts of stories including psychological thrillers, gritty prison dramas and action adventures. Some stories were driven by the inner psychology of the characters while others were plot driven, and Keren talked about how valid both approaches were.

Keren then explained how her first book, When I Was Joe, had evolved from an exercise just like this in a writing class.

Jayden Boyce (7S) said, ‘I think that day was great because maybe it inspired others like it’s inspired me to become book writers. I really enjoyed meeting her and speaking to her about my ideas for books. I’m now really excited to write my very first book… That was a great day for me.’

Tyce Griffiths (7D) said, ‘She was an inspiration to me – she wrote one of my favourite books (Salvage). Also she has made it easier for me to write stories because of the exercise we did with her!’

Catherine Johnson on World Book Day Issue 23. March 2015

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School begins again on Monday 13th April 2015

at 10:50am It will be Week 1 Monday 13th April

Summer Term Begins

Tuesday 21st April

Year 8 Parents’ Evening

Monday 4th May

Bank Holiday

Wednesday 20th May

Year 7 Parents’ Evening

Monday 11th May

Public Examinations start

Friday 25th May

Year 11 Study Leave Begins

Friday 25th May

School breaks up for half-term

Monday 1st June

2nd half of summer term

Parent\Carer Evenings Wed. 20th May 2015 Year 7 Tues. 21st April 2015 Year 8 Tues. 24th Nov 2014 Year 9

SUMMER 2015

Year 10 Year 11 Year 12 Year 13

Tues. 24th Feb 2015 Thurs. 15th Jan 2015 Tues. 27th Jan 2015 Wed. 10th Feb 2015

AUTUMN 2015

SPRING 2016

Mon 13th April

Term Starts

Thu 3rd Jan

Term Starts

Mon 4th Jan

Term Starts

25th—29th May

Half term break

26th Oct– 30th Oct

Half term break

15th Feb– 19th Feb

Half term break

Friday 17th July

Term Ends*

Friday 18th Dec

Term Ends

Friday 21st March Term Ends * Term ends for students

The school calendar is available on-line at www.hws.uk.com

Keep informed Find out what is going on at Highgate Wood School and keep up with our news visit us at our website www.hws.uk.com follow us on twitter twitter.com/highgatewood Check the school’s opening status Call 02084087508 and give the school’s DfE code: 3094030

Insight is available on-line at www.hws.uk.com