Insight No 8

News from Highgate Wood School arts college

CONSIDERATION COOPERATION COURTESY CONTRIBUTION

Hampton Court Palace ECS and History Enrichment Day

Issue No 8 October 2012

GOVERNING BODY UPDATE The Chair of Governors, Charles Wright, writes: Our first governing body meeting this term was a chance to look in detail at the summer’s excellent GCSE and A Level results – not just maintaining our performance but improving again, and a real credit to our hard‐working students, staff and parents and carers. Well done to everyone.

Arabella Weir writes: GETTING INVOLVED ISN'T AS HARD AS YOU THINK Lending a hand to the Highgate Wood PSA (Parent Staff Association) might seem like a bit too much at times. Maybe you worry that if you help out once you'll get stuck for life! But it's really not like that ‐ getting involved isn't a life sentence, honest. The more parents and carers get involved, even if just helping set up an event, the easier it is and, believe it or not, the more fun it is for everyone.

Your kids' school's PSA is very active ‐ the events we organise raise a lot of money for much needed (and much appreciated) extra‐curricular activities for all Highgate Wood students. As a committee, we also have a valued and strong relationship with Patrick Cozier and his staff.

Whether it's serving tea or drinks at an event, signing up to the school lottery or simply attending the PSA meetings your input would be hugely valued and very welcome.

Part of the work of the governing body is to make sure that we continue to make this sort of progress, not just in exams but across the board, so that all our students fulfil their potential. That’s what the school’s newly‐adopted vision statement is all about – making a positive difference to students’ achievements and experiences, maintaining the highest expectations and inspiring self‐belief.

To make this a reality we have a continuing focus on working with the school to build on our achievements and deliver ever more good and outstanding teaching and learning, leadership and management and a clear commitment as well, that Highgate Wood remains the school of choice for families in the local community. I’m therefore delighted that so many Year 11 students have chosen to stay on for the sixth form, as well as new faces.

We also welcome our new Year 7s. I know that the transition to secondary school can be daunting, and so we have always put a lot of effort into making sure that our new students settle in, and rapidly start to gain the skills and experience they need to thrive at Highgate Wood. I hope it’s all going well, and tutors are there to help if you need.

Finally, Carol Vincent has been appointed as a community governor, replacing Janice Dolan who is now working overseas. Many thanks to Janice for all her work, particularly on our curriculum committee.

Details of the election process for a new parent governor will be announced shortly.

Cover picture: Some our History and ECS detectives from Year 7 on their visit to Hampton Court Palace.

During Henry VIII’s reign, Hampton Court Palace featured bowling alleys and tennis courts along with lavish gardens and a 3,300 sq. metre kitchen.

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Please come to the next PSA meeting on Wednesday 21st November at 7.30 to find out more. We really look forward to seeing you there You can contact the PSA by email at: hwoodpsa@gmail.com

HIGHGATE WOOD SCHOOL GOVERNING BODY Chair of Governors: Charles Wright (Community Governor)

Vice Chair: Imogen Pennell (Representative Governor)

Representative Governors: Cllr Eddie Griffith • Oliver Blackaby • Brenda Allan

Parent Governors: Andrew Boardman • Diana Brown • Philip Cavendish Caroline Conlon • Elizabeth Hess • Rob White

Community Governors: Phil Cocksedge • Violet Hazelwood‐Henry • Chris Parr • Carol Vincent

Headteacher Governor: Patrick Cozier

Staff Governors: Tristan Ashman • Jack Fitzgerald • Saad Gul Mohammed

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

October 2012

MESSAGE FROM THE HEADTEACHER

GCSE Trends over the years

Welcome to the first edition of Insight for the academic year. To those who are new to us as parents/carers of Year 7 students, simply... Welcome!

As this is my first time of writing to you all I will take this opportunity to express my hope that you have all had an enjoyable summer.

However that is a long way past now and we are approaching the end of the first half term. I hope very much that your child has had a good and positive start to the term.

Great Exam results!

Let’s start with some fantastic news! Last summer I wrote to you expressing my optimism about the exam results that our students would achieve, and that we were convinced that they would sustain the high standards set by Year 11 from the previous year (2011). I am thrilled to say that the optimism was entirely justified with our students achieving record results at both GCSE and A’ Level.

GCSE 2012: How We Did Overall Result

Compared to 2011

5 A*-C (EM)

72%

4% increase

5 A*-C

86%

10% increase

At A Level

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

%A-C

56% 61% 66%

71%

71%

78% 79%

%A-E

93% 94% 97%

97%

98%

97% 98%

I would like to congratulate the students from last year’s Year 11s and Year 13s on these amazing results. I would also like to thank my brilliant staff who worked so hard and with such passion and commitment to ensure that our students were supported to do their best. A good effort all round, and much to be very proud of!

New staff (and existing staff promoted) We recruited really well since I last wrote to you in a number of key positions across the school Department

New Staff (Responsibility)

Science

Ms B. Andreas (Part‐Time)

P.E.

Mr P. Adams (2nd in Charge) Ms R. Howard (School Sports Coordinator)

Languages

Ms A. Gomez‐Perez

History

Mr R. Barry (maternity cover for Ms J.

Social Sciences

Mr A. Jivraj Ms J. Harris (2nd in Charge of English) Mr T. Pateman

Kingston)

5 A*-G

97%

2% increase

English

1 A*-G

98%

2% decrease

Ethics and Cultural Studies

Ms. L. Brain

Eng. Baccalaureate

24%

1% increase

Geography

Ms N. Eisa

Cover Supervisor

Ms J. Duran

GCSE 5 A*‐C (EM): Boys and Girls Performance over time 2010

2011

2012

Boys

40%

61%

69%

Girls

57%

74%

75%

Difference

17%

13%

6%

October 2012

Learning Support Mr A. Williams Assistant Exams Officer

Mr J. Demetriou

Sims Manager

Ms B. Lewis

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Below is a list of Staff who are not new to the school but have been promoted to new roles Department

New Posts Responsibility

Ethics and Cultural Studies

Ms J. Burniston (Head of Department) Ms K. Harding (Acting Head of Department) Mr R. Pryor (Acting Head of Learning) Ms M. McGurk (Subject Leader) Mr N. Robertson (Subject Leader) Mr J. Rowlands (Acting Joint 2ic) Ms K. Smith (Acting Responsibility Holder) Ms C. Angove (Coordinator) Mr J. Fitzgerald (Coordinator) Ms S. Birnie (Coordinator) Ms S. Roberts (Coordinator) Ms C. Ronay (Coordinator)

History Year 9 Psychology Sociology Science Science Enrichment Student Voice 6th Form Enrichment & Student Leadership Student Careers Advice & Aspirational Guidance Literacy Coordinator

In addition to the above, I have also asked my Deputy, Katerina Christodoulou to step in to the role of Head of English for this term to cover the vacancy.

However, we have appointed an excellent new Head of English, Ms Emily Ford, who will be joining us in January. We are very excited by her anticipated contribution to the department when she starts.

I am confident in the quality of the staff that we have recruited and promoted, and I have no doubt that

through your children’s experience of them during this first half term, you will have very positive stories about the impact that they are already starting to make. I wish them long and successful careers here at Highgate Wood School.

Open Evenings and Mornings – A Positive Start to the Year We held our Open Evening on Wednesday 26th September and followed this up with three Open Mornings the next week (2nd, 3rd and 4th October) for all prospective Year 6 students and their parents to come and view the school. I was really pleased with the large number of people that attended each event and even more so with the very positive feedback that we received. The popularity of Highgate Wood School has steadily grown over the last few years, and I am proud that more and more we are considered by our community as the local school of choice.

The best element of the feedback that I received however, were comments about our staff and students. The number of people who fed back positively about the good vibe of the school was heartening. They noted the incredible keenness of our students who contributed positively on the evenings and mornings by being tour guides or helping out in departments – and the pride that they showed in their school. They paid tribute to the helpful, accommodating and pleasant nature of our staff. There is more on this later in this edition.

Are you interested in mentoring a Year 11 student at Highgate Wood School?

We are keen to find some mentors who could offer time and support to some of our Year 11 students during the last few months of their GCSE courses. A CRB certificate from any London borough, an ability to engage with young people and one hour a week from November to Easter is all that is required.

Please contact Miss McConville, Head of Learning for Year 11 before Friday 9th November. bmc@hws.haringey.sch.uk Tel: 020 8342 7970

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October 2012

The Year Ahead – The Key Focuses The priorities for our School Development Plan for the coming year are summarised below 

Securing Outstanding Teaching and Learning



Securing Outstanding Leadership and Manage‐ ment

Below is a termly breakdown of the specific focuses under the Outstanding Teaching and Learning Section of the plan Autumn Term

Teachers routinely plan and deliver lessons that use effective questioning to move all students forward and stretch the most able Teachers routinely plan and deliver lessons that are based on meeting the needs of all students with clear evidence of assessment, SEN and EAL data being used to inform planning Homework and extended learning work is routinely set and marked according the to Whole School Schedule/Policy; MLE usage is embedded

Spring Term

Summer Term

Develop and increase the use of student feedback to inform planning for learning so that it is routine

I would like to thank our parents and carers for your consistent feedback throughout the year. Much of what you say is included in our review at the end of each year and usually forms part of the plans for improvement in the following year.

... And Finally As always, the autumn term is very busy and you will find lots of information in this issue of Insight to give you a flavour of some of the things that have been happening at Highgate Wood as well as some useful prompts of things that are on the horizon.

I would also like to thank you for your continued support – it is very much valued.

Regards

Patrick Cozier

Headteacher

Develop and embed a shared approach to the teaching of literacy across the curriculum Develop and embed a shared approach to the teaching of numeracy across the curriculum Develop and implement a series of strategies to raise the achievement of boys (and further narrow the gap between boys and girls)

October 2012

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OPEN EVENING AND OPEN MORNINGS

Ms Allaway writes: Highgate Wood School Open Evenings and Open Mornings have always been busy, but this year we were busier than ever ‐ resulting in us putting on an extra morning for those families who were not able to join us for the first three.

The hall was packed for both presentations of the evening, when prospective parents listened not only to Mr Cozier but also to some of our students who delivered incredible speeches.

“I was extremely impressed at the genuine feeling of warmth and friendliness throughout the school and how happy the students themselves appeared”. ‐ Prospective Parent

Sixth formers Kate Gosschalk and Sam Tims spoke with the knowledge they have of the school from over the years. Year 7 students Johnny Roberts and Savannah Mundle had less experience to draw on, having only been at the school just over a month. But they all equipped themselves well to deliver talks that our visitors described as “inspirational,” “engaging” and “thought‐provoking.”

‘The Open Evening was really awesome... hope to be seeing you next year!’

– Year 6 Student

Dozens more students supported the school by being involved in the early preparations for the evening, helping with refreshments on the night and being involved in the by being guides, taking visitors around the school and within departments.

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The open evening was very well received by parents and their children. We had lots of positive feedback about how helpful and approachable our staff were and how polite and well informed our students were.

The overriding impression seemed to be that the school was welcoming and very clear about its goals to become outstanding.

October 2012

WINTER CONCERT

PERFORMING ARTS NOTICES

Congratulations to Marcie Shkreli who passed Trinity Board G4 Drums with Distinction

Congratulations to Emily Kitchen passed Grade 6 Trinity Board for Saxophone

Upcoming Drama Controlled Assessments: GCSE Devised Drama Year 10 Tuesday November 20th Periods 1 to 6 inclusive Year 11 Wednesday November 21st Periods 1 to 6 inclusive

Upcoming Drama Trips 6 November: Year 12 ‐ to see Hedda Gabler at the Old Vic 27 November: Year 11 ‐ to see Goodnight Mr Tom at Phoenix Theatre Tickets for the Winter Concert will go on sale at the end of November.

The concert will take place in the last week of term and will, as usual, involve a large number of students displaying their talents in music and performance.

Tickets will be available from the Wren Office or the Arts Office and will cost £5:00 for adults £3 concessions.

WINTER UNIFORM ISSUES Mr Hartley writes: Please note that during the autumn and winter months it is very important that students are suitably dressed and equipped for the weather but that they also still conform to the uniform code.

We recommend plain black shoes that are waterproof. Girls can wear low heeled ankle boots but nothing higher than this. UGG boots and trainers of any type are not allowed.

We recommend that a coat is worn in the cold weather, this must be worn over the blazer and we recommend that it is waterproof or that an umbrella is brought to school.

October 2012

14 December: Year 13—to see Julius Caesar at the Donmar Warehouse Music Lessons will run as normal on the Academic Review Day on Friday 9th November so please arrange your Academic Review time around your music lesson as much as possible.

If you do not turn up, your lesson will be forfeit. If you have any queries, please contact Mrs Hassan on 8342‐7973 or email her at: tha@hws.haringey.sch.uk

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY The Winter Concert will take place from 17th— 19th December 2012.

The school musical will be staged on February 27th—28th and 1st March 2013

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INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE GIRL

Ms Bayat writes: To celebrate the first International Day of the Girl, Year 11’s Kirsty Gaylard, Caeia Hurford, Imogen Marks, Fartun Arale, Savannah Smith and Linda Idrizi attended the WOW Girl festival at the Southbank Centre. The theme of the day was child marriage and we had the opportunity to listen and speak to some influential women from the arts, sports, and media.

Students from different countries spoke about the barriers to education for girls and explained how child marriage is one of the main reasons why girls miss out on schooling.

Imogen says “We learnt how women should be treated as equal as men. Unfortunately this doesn't happen in all countries, even in the UK. A girl called Grace from Malawi spoke about how difficult it was for girls to get an education in her country.

“A female power lifter who has won Olympic medals told us about her experiences in succeeding in a male dominated sport. She hadn’t received a very good education but worked hard to overcome this and to do well in sport.

Overall, it was an interesting and eye‐opening day.”

KEY STAGE 3 SCIENCE CLUB IS BACK

Ms Taylor writes: KS3 science club has launched again.

Come to P8 on Monday lunchtimes between 1.10 ‐ 1.45 and get involved in practicals that you can't do in class!

At our last meeting we dissected a squid and some fish eyes, helped by the 6th form Science club coordinators.

CHANGES TO SCHOOL’S BEHAVIOUR FOR LEARNING POLICY Mr Hartley writes: Please note that the school Behaviour for Learning policy has changed with effect from September 2012. Please ensure you read this policy which can be found on the school website. It contains the school’s response to changes in the law such as the ability of staff Direct link to revised policy to set same day detentions. http://tinyurl.com/hwsbehaviour 8

October 2012

speaking, coalition building and negotiation. Others are helping younger students with Science 6th formers coach potential delegates club, with their language lessons and also supporting them reading and writing in English. Still other sixth form students are running the new Year 7 film club.

SIXTH FORM AND STUDENT LEADERSHIP

More schemes are underway, ranging from providing on‐line support for academic work, to helping in the wider community through fund raising and volunteering.

Ms Birnie writes: Dozens of sixth form students have now signed up to the school leadership and enrichment programme.

Already more than 40 six formers have actively begun supporting the school and the community through a wide variety of initiatives.

The Bobath Centre were particularly impressed with our sixth formers on the recent sponsored walk.

More than forty volunteered to give up their time to make a difference to the school and the local community. “Who says young people aren’t motivated” they said on Twitter.

A group of sixth formers, experienced with Model UN, are training Year 10 and Year 9 students on how to become successful delegates, including good public

Yes, our sixth formers have shown themselves to be amazing young people and excellent role models for the children in the younger years.

FORM REPS ELECTED FOR THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR 7H

7I

7G

7A

7T

7E

7W

7D

7S

Manel Ait‐Mouheb

Imaru Lewis

TBC

Savanna Mundie

Zahra Bakht

Anna Richmond

Kadine Elliot Waldron

Rosa Bennett

Aiesha Shallo

Louis Silverman

Miya Johnson

TBC

Bobby Cox

Daniel Litviniuc

Joe Trainer

Hektor Rafuna

Tom Parker

Rory Moody

8H

8I

8G

8A

8T

8E

8W

8D

8S

Melissa Guvenler

Martha White

Khadijo Nooh

Bessie Beecher

Raphaella Stokes

Rosa Salomon

Emmy Budis

Aoife Allen

Leila Kikuchi‐House

Lloyd Bolton

Jake Canton Perry

Joel Olatunji

Ned Scott

Stanley Owen

TBC

Kiehm Benjamin Asare‐Sonkour Williams McNaney

Ali Kacmaz

9H

9I

9G

9A

9T

9E

9W

9D

9S

Yasmine Hamchaoui

Nurselim Tekin

Andoniai Fari

Sophie Marcus

Raphi Phelps

Simone Bell‐Roberts

Isabella Considine

Aimeeliah Knight

Amelia Jordan‐Wass

Sakariya Mohamed

Abdi Nooh

Yasmina Bensakrane

Yekda Cosgun

Ayub Mohammed

Ethan Wadsworth

Fred Linhart

Rory Hammett

Ben Mortimer

10H

10I

10G

10A

10T

10E

10W

10D

10S

TBC

Rosa Tully

Dorrell Cameron

Lucy Parfitt

Lucy Carter

TBC

Teddy Nash

Omar Lindsay

TBC

TBC

Cam’Ron Gordon

Renee Lamy

Ieuan King

TBC

TBC

TBC

Levi Wright

TBC

11H

11I

11G

11A

11T

11E

11W

11D

11S

Jahvarn Crouch‐Oswald

Gizem Alici

TBC

Nicole Cheung

TBC

Mahrukh Shabir

TBC

Sibel Biner

Elsie White

Ashyha Broomes

Puntcho Gomez

TBC

Jordan Amo

TBC

Joe Lewis

TBC

Tom Ryle

Sam Cassells

October 2012

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FIREWORKS WARNING Every year hundreds of people are injured by fireworks.

With bonfire night coming up please make sure you are sensible and careful.

Remember that it is illegal to sell fireworks to anyone under the age of 18. It also illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to be carrying fireworks.

Under no circumstances should any fireworks of any sort be brought onto the school grounds.

NEW WAYS TO CONTACT THE SCHOOL The every increasing number of emails that are now sent to the school, especially the general admin@ address, has meant that sometimes important emails go astray.

ON‐LINE SHOPPING FOR THE SCHOOL

Highgate Wood School PSA has set up an account with spend and raise.

This means that you can now shop on‐line at hun‐ dreds of different retailers, including Amazon, M&S, Waterstones and Play.com and raise money for the school at the same time—and it will not cost you a penny extra.

You can visit our spendandraise pages directly, but there is also a link off the school website.

www.spendandraise.com/hwspsa/

SCHOOL MUSICAL

We are now experimenting with some new email addresses that can be accessed by more than one member of staff to help ensure that the system works more smoothly.

For examination enquiries please email: exams@hws.haringey.sch.uk For enquiries about lettings please email: lettings@hws.haringey.sch.uk For general concerns about child protection email: safeguarding@hws.haringey.sch.uk For complaints please email complaints@hws.haringey.sch.uk For recruitment and jobs the email address is: jobs@hws.haringey.sch.uk We will monitor the system to see how successful it is. Parents and carers are still welcome to email Heads of Department, Heads of Learning and other staff whose email addresses are available on the school website.

Across the world nearly three million e‐mails are sent every second, which makes the daily total over 240 billion.

Unfortunately, about 90 percent of them are spam.

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Preparations are already underway for the school musical that will be performed next year. Auditions have just been completed and a set team is being recruited. Tickets will be available from Ms Hassan three or four weeks before the production at the end of February.

Return to the Forbidden Planet by Bob Carlton – Inspired by the motion picture “Forbidden Planet” courtesy of Turner Entertainment Co. This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Josef Weinberger Ltd October 2012

NATIONAL POETRY DAY— Haiku Competition Ms Green writes: Key Stage 3 students were invited to take part in a Haiku writing competition in the LRC for National Poetry Day this year. As this year’s theme for National Poetry Day is stars, students were asked to write a Haiku to describe the night sky.

Haiku is a Japanese poetry form with seventeen syllables and three lines describing something beautiful in nature. It was tough to choose a winner as the poems were all so beautiful! Congratulations to Mansoor Garcia (7G) and Lucy Sutton (7H) whose poems were selected as the winners of the Haiku competition!

My Wish by Lucy Sutton Bright, peaceful and pure, I bathe in your peace and light, You are my wish, stars.

Haiku by Mansoor Garcia Extraordinary, Tonight the stars are dazzling.

They are amazing.

ART AT KEY STAGE 3 ‐ selected by Ms Zwicky

Amber Paterson

Yvan Nyambikiwe October 2012

Gabriel Clarke

Lily Roberts

Mansoor Garcia 11

SAM LEARNING ‐ Success made easy!

Mr Ashman writes: All students now have an account with Sam Learning and should have received their username and password.

If you have lost it you can probably work it out. Your username and your password are the same ‐ your date of birth followed by two initials (of your first and last name).

Our centre ID is N8HW. Highgate Wood School is working with Sam Learning to see how their system might be developed further and benefit students even more. We are asking students to visit www.samlearning.com and explore their resources. Sam Learning will have activities available for all learners and all subjects.

We can track what you visit, but we would also like you to let us know what you think of it. Some people like to keep their on‐line lives private so we will not be giving public praise for your work on SAM Learning without first getting your agreement.

HINDU GAMES Ms Kemp writes: Year 8 students have been creating board games to illustrate Hindu ideas and concepts. Many did really well but we are particularly impressed with the boards by Olivia (8T and Ruby (8W). Well done!

ENRICHMENT VISIT TO HAMPTON COURT PALACE

“I liked the chapel because it was very peaceful in there and it had amazing patterns on the walls and ceilings” Maria Lyons 7T

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Ms Burniston and Ms Harding write: Year 7 became History & ECS detectives for the day at Hampton Court Palace.

Students investigated who Henry VIII was and gained a insight to his life, religion and daily routine of the Palace.

Students discovered what Henry and the Tudor court liked to eat, how they were entertained, and who was always watching them in the Great Chamber. In the chapel the pupils furthered their understanding of who was married, buried and christened in the chapel.

We were both extremely proud with the students’ conduct at the Palace and they made great detectives. We hope they had a great day too. Thank you to all the staff that accompanied us on the day’

“I really liked the gardens and the maze. They were beautiful.

Melvyna Ketareth 7T

“I liked the Great Hall with the fake faces on the ceiling called eavesdroppers” Charlie Clarke 7T

October 2012

MOSAICS IN THE GARDEN

CHRISTIAN UNION Ms Kemp writes: Some staff members of Highgate Wood School are asking Christian students and parents to show their potential interest in establishing a Christian Union at school.

The plan is to establish a community of faith for developing leadership skills, studying and discussing current issues and sharing fellowship and prayer. If you are an interested student please let Miss Kemp or Miss Otchere know; and parents, please email to tke@hws.haringey.sch.uk or iot@hws.haringey.sch.uk to express your support and any ideas you might wish to submit to us.

We hope to be able to begin next half term.

GOOGLE AT THE SCIENCE MUSEUM

Ms Jones writes: Following the success of their summer exhibition at Lauderdale House the BTEC Level 2 Sustainability Skills students have another Mosaic Exhibition coming up this November. It will run from 7th to 16th November, with a private view on 6th November, at Graham Fine Art Gallery, 56 Crouch End Hill, N8 8AA. The Mosaics idea came from the students as part of their 'working as a team' and 'enterprise skills' units on the course. It is a fund raising activity and a way for them to learn about enterprise in the community The stunning works were produced during the spring and summer terms in workshops co‐facilitated by Rachel Fell a professional mosaic artist.

All proceeds from this exhibition, which also include poetry readings, will be going towards the HWS Organic Garden, which is a Capital Growth Growing Space.

The students already have another Mosaic Exhibition booked, which will take place later in the year at Cafe Circus N8 and will have a Christmas theme.

London’s Science Museum welcomes 2.7 million visitors a year, making it the UK’s most popular destination dedicated to science and technology.

Their website welcomes 12 million visitors a year.

October 2012

Mr Ashman writes: Budding scientists and computer scientists may like to explore the work happening on‐line at the Science Museum.

The museum have teamed up with Google to launch WebLab ‐ five on‐line interactive experiments each of which tries to connect the physical world with the digital world in ways that we haven’t seen before.

Inevitably it also promotes the Google Chrome browser, and works best through this.

www.chromeweblab.com

Away from their Google partnership the Science Museum has also created a range of activities on the part of their site they call on line stuff. These include major scientific events displayed as tabloid newspaper headlines, the “Brought to Life” website exploring the history of medicine and the Code breaker Challenge game, which celebrates the work of the famous Computer Scientist and mathematician, Alan Turing, whose centenary is taking place this year.

www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/onlinestuff.aspx

13

ACADEMIC REVIEW DAY

SPONSORED WALK FOR THE BOBATH CENTRE Ms Allaway writes: On Sunday 22nd October Highgate Wood School students took part in a 3¼ mile sponsored walk in aid of the Bobath Centre for Children with Cerebral Palsy, a local charity based in East Finchley. We hope that it will build ties with our local community and raise awareness amongst our students of the issues around disability.

We had over fifty students, accompanied by parents, friends and dogs. The Sixth Form marshals were fantastic getting everyone around the walk in good shape.

We had a couple of heroes, Kiehm in Year 8 wore his new trainers and got sore feet however, he was determined to finish and he refused to take any short cuts, he was the last to finish but finish he did!

We had James Courtney making a special effort and taking part as the superhero Spiderman and completing the course before anyone else so the suit worked!

A big thanks to everyone who helped to organise the event and all those that took part. Please collect your sponsor money and return it to the Wren Office as

14

Mr Ashman writes: All parents and carers should now are now arranging appointments with their child’s Form Tutors for Academic Review Day on 9th November.

Together with reviewing progress and setting SMART targets for the coming year, we also use ARD as an opportunity to double check the contact and other information we have for families. Please make sure you check that the details we have are accurate and up‐to‐date.

ATTENDANCE AT HIGHGATE WOOD SCHOOL Mr Hartley writes: Congratulations to the many students who have improved their attendance so far this year!

Remember that attendance that is lower than 95% will harm grades and so it is vitally important that students achieve an attendance higher than this in order to fulfil their potential. Due to this, each year group has been set targets to achieve and if form groups are successful each successful group will get a treat at the end of each term to celebrate their success.

Parents can support their child by ensuring that holidays are not taken in term time, medical appointments are not arranged during school hours and that any absence due to illness only happen when absolutely necessary.

Progress summary so far: In Year 7 seven out of nine form groups are meeting or exceeding their attendance targets. Particular congratulations to 7A as they have an attendance of 99% which is amazing!

In Years 8 & 9 five out of the nine form groups are meeting or exceeding their attendance targets In Year 10 six of the nine form groups are meeting or exceeding their attendance targets which is very pleasing Several Year 11 tutor groups are meeting or exceeding their targets but in this crucial year for them we will be focusing firmly on this. A special congratulations needs giving to 11W who have an attendance of 98% ‐ very impressive!

October 2012

SIXTH FORMERS IN SOUTH AFRICA

The children loved games and stickers as rewards, which encouraged them to work even harder, and the lessons seemed to get easier for us as we began to fall into the role of the teacher.

The painting was also something that we got used to. However it is more

Jamilla Walcott writes

than just painting. We had to scrub down the walls

I was part of the 2012 team who went to South Africa

and ceilings, getting rid of blue tack, chewing gum or

to help in a primary school in the area called Valley of

pen marks, and sanding down the doors to make

a Thousand Hills, where we would teach but also

them suitable for paint.

paint. teach and paint. We were split into two groups

The paint gets everywhere, so we were constantly

and would alternate the teaching and painting roles

cleaning the floors and the window sills. The children

each day.

would come past the classrooms and would ask us

Teaching was extremely hard, but rewarding. The

what we were doing and we would tell them that we

class sizes were bigger than the class sizes we have in

are cleaning their classrooms and they would smile.

the UK, and the classes were also mix ability. We had

It’s a reminder that this is worthwhile and the

to find a way to make sure that every child’s

children deserve better than the run‐down

educational standard was met. This meant having

classrooms they had before.

separate work for different students and going round

At break time, it was a chance to go out and meet the

the classroom to make sure all the children

children. They were so lovely and amazing, they truly

understood. There was also a language barrier. Not

appreciated us and the work we did. They constantly

all the children had the same standard of English, so it

wanted to be around us. I speak for everyone when I

was helpful to split up the class and have more than

say that we were truly touched. We also had a chance

one student teaching. But at the end of all lessons,

to visit the Hillcrest Aids Centre, to which we donated

we would try and get all the children involved. This

our second hand clothes. They had the most beautiful

could involve a game or having children come up to

beadwork that was all handmade.

board and writing the answers to different questions.

We were taken on a little tour around the centre, it was a calm and relaxing place. There was a memorial wall and we had a minute silence for the people who had died at the centre because of Aids.

This experience has been a major eye opener. It has made me more aware of the issue of Aids, and that life should not be taken for granted. Most of the students have very little, but yet they strive to make the most of their education. I would recommend this trip to everyone.

October 2012

15

STAGING THE WORLD

YOUNG SHAKESPEARE COMPANY

Ms Christodoulou writes: Over fifty Year 12 and 13 English Literature students went to the British Library to visit the Shakespeare: staging the world exhibition on Thursday 25 October.

The event is part of the World Shakespeare Festival in the London 2012 Festival. The exhibition provided a new and unique insight into the emerging role of London as a world city four hundred years ago, interpreted through the innovative perspective of Shakespeare’s plays.

Students were able to learn about the birth of the modern professional theatre and how playhouses like the Globe and Rose Theatres informed, persuaded and provoked thought on the issues of the day.

Students were also able to develop their understanding of how the theatre opened a window on the wider world, from Italy to Africa to America, as London's global contacts were expanding through international trade, colonisation and diplomacy. This helps students to develop a greater understanding of the wider contexts of Shakespeare’s work.

The British Museum collaborated with the Royal Shakespeare Company in the creative approach to the design and content of the exhibition, drawing the connections between the objects, Shakespeare’s text and performance.

The exhibition runs until the 19 November 2012, but if you can’t visit it you can see and hear about many of the objects exhibited by going to the BBC website. tinyurl.com/shakespearepodcast

Many phrases that are common today appeared for the first time in plays by Shakespeare, including vanish into thin air, be in a pickle, flesh and blood and foul play.

16

Ms Harris writes: On Thursday 25th October, the Young Shakespeare Company came to the school to do a special performance and workshop of Macbeth for all of the year 11 English Literature students.

Year 11s had the opportunity to direct, produce, and act in the performance, while developing their understanding of the play.

YEAR 8 POETRY COMPETITION

Ms Harris writes: Over the past few weeks, Year 8 students have had the opportunity to get creative in English, and put themselves in the running to win an iPad. As part of the Young Writers national competition, The Poetry Games, students have written poems about issues that affect them such as crime, society and the environment. These have now been sent off to the national judging panel, and those deemed the best in the region will be published in a poetry anthology. Some budding poets will be lucky enough to make it into the national Grand Final, where an online public vote will decide the ultimate winner.

LEARNING RESOURCE CENTRE Open: every school day at 8:00 am

every break time

every lunchtime

and... every school day after school:

until 5:00 pm Monday to Wednesday

until 4:00 pm on Thursday and Friday October 2012

HIGHGATE WOOD SCHOOL DEBATE MATE PROJECT LEADS ON WWW.DEBATEMATE.COM Ms Watkins writes: A group of Year 10 students have successfully designed and led a debate project at Coleridge and Rokesley Primary School this half‐term. They have been teaching twelve pupils at each school about the key skills for debating; preparing them for a debate competition to be held at Highgate Wood School The Year 6 pupils have thoroughly enjoyed being taught by the Year 10 students, and I have been overwhelmed by the attitude and commitment that the Year 10s have shown throughout this project.

The project has been designed in response to the Debate Mate programme.

The leaders of Debate Mate have been so impressed that they have placed this story on their homepage.

Well done Year 10 ‐ great ambassadors for the school!

DEBATE MATE AND YEAR 8

FIRST STORY IS BACK

Mr Russell writes: Debate Mate will start again after half term. The Year 8 and Year 10 debate club will take place after school from 3:20‐4:20 every Monday from 19th November and the Year 9 club will run th

every Wednesday from 14 November.

Any Year 8 students who would like to join the debate club should come and see Miss Green in the LRC to sign up.

There are limited spaces so please sign up quickly to guarantee you get in! Students who came to debate club at the end of year 7 must let Ms Green know if they'd like to continue.

POEM FOR NATIONAL POETRY DAY

Stone by Faye Heron Sinking to the ocean floor Crying for help as it had done once before Warmth, with its beating heart Encased in a stone cold glass Memories fade below the surface And a mere stone begins a whole new life.

October 2012

Mr Russell writes: After last year’s successful First Story project, the English Department have decided to continue with the project.

This year we are hosting Anthony Anaxagorou – a spoken word poet who has worked with established UK rappers, as well as with the BBC Youth Nation and the Hip‐Hop Shakespeare company. The project is also full but we are offering a few more places to any student who is really interested in joining.

Where/ When: Every Thursday in A22 How: See Mr Russell in A22 for details 17

GREGG OLSEN VISITS HWS

OUR FOOTBALL IN HARINGEY Mr Pryor writes: Coming up halfway through the Haringey Schools Football Association season and Highgate Wood School is sitting in the top half of age group competition.

Year Group Current Position

Year 11 6th Place

Year 11 6th Place

Year 9 2nd Place

Ms Green writes: American author, Gregg Olsen met Highgate Wood School students in the LRC on Friday 19th October as part of his world tour to promote his exciting new book ‘Betrayal’ (we have copies in the LRC!).

Gregg had everyone (including the teachers!) hooked throughout the whole discussion. He was extremely impressed with our students’ thoughtful and imaginative contributions, responses and questions when asked to imagine lots of different (and quite spooky) scenarios.

Well done to Damien Del Curto for winning a prize for the best question

Year 8

2nd Place

Year 7 3rd Place

The standard of competition and football remains extremely high however with one half of the season remaining Highgate Wood remains nicely positioned to push for a trophy or two come the end of the second half of the season.

Students can watch Highgate Wood School’s progress in the competition on‐line http://tinyurl.com/hsfa2012

OUR DESIGNERS AT TENT CITY

THANKS TO OUR LRC ASSISTANTS Ms Green writes: Our senior LRC assistants have done a tremendous job of training the new year 7 LRC volunteers to help keep the LRC running smoothly at break and lunchtimes. All their help is very much appreciated.

Senior LRC Assistants: Madeleine Baron (8A), Alisa Gudzinkaite(8S), Olivia‐Jade Stammer‐Hanley (8T), Sabarin Tahlil (8T) , Tre Jackson (8A), Hamdi Dalmer (9S), Elif Celik (9S), Melisa Sahan (9S), Sibel Biner (11D), Ebru Cokgezici (11D) Junior LRC Assistants: Mahjaben Hussain (7I), Somiya Shahir (7I), Alex Diaferia (7T), James Sweeney (7S), Joe Trainer (7E), Conrad Pope (7E), Charlotte Ley (7T), Daniela Ismaili (7A), Armelinda Idrizi (7T), Maya Eagles (7T), Milosz Lewandowski (9E), Rafaella Stokes (8T)

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Ms Angove writes: As part of the Product Design A‐Level course, the Design and Technology department arranged a trip for students to visit Tent London at the Old Truman Brewery on the 21st September.

This international design show provided plenty of food for thought and inspiration for the students as they commenced their A‐Level Product Design careers.

October 2012

It seems a long time ago now, but this summer we were able to send over 200 students and staff to the Olympic and Paralympics Games in London. None of them will forget the experience of London 2012.

October 2012

19

School starts again on Monday 5th November It will be Week One. 29th October ‐ 2nd November

HALF TERM BREAK

Monday 5th November 2012

Term Begins

Friday 9th November

Academic Review Day

Friday 16th November

LATE START — 9:35 am start following Year 9 Parents’ Evening

Thursday 22nd November

INSET AFTERNOON — school closes early for students

Friday 21st December 2012

Term Ends

Parent Consultation Evenings Year 7 Tuesday 7th May 2013

INSET DAYS and INSET AFTERNOONS Thursday 22nd November Inset afternoon

Year 8 Wednesday 6th March 2013

Friday 21st December SCHOOL CLOSED

Year 9 Thursday 15th November 2012

Tuesday 5th February Inset afternoon

Year 10 Tuesday 29th January 2013

Monday 18th March Inset afternoon

Year 11 Thursday 17th January 2013

Thursday 23rd May Inset afternoon Monday 3rd June INSET DAY

Year 12 & 13 Wednesday 28th November 2012

AUTUMN 2012

SPRING 2013

SUMMER 2013

Wed 5th September

Term Starts *

Mon 7th Jan

Term Starts

Mon 15th April

Term Starts

29th Oct ‐ 2nd Nov

Half term break

18th Feb– 22nd Feb

Half term break

27th—31st May

Half term break

Friday 21st Dec

Term Ends

Thurs 28th March

Term Ends

Wed 24th July

Term Ends

The school calendar is now 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 school’s status 0208408 7508 and give the school’s DfE code 3094030