Insight 34

Half-termly news from Highgate Wood School Issue No 34 February 2017

HIGHGATE WOOD SCHOOL proudly presents MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM

Thursday and Friday 23rd & 24th February Tickets: £5 adults £3 children Tickets available online and from the Wren Office

“I have had a dream, past the wit of man to say what dream it was.”

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR OF GOVERNORS Chris Tully writes: Many of you will be aware of the potential changes to funding facing schools across England. From April 2018 the government’s new National Funding Formula comes on stream.

The idea of bringing funding across the country into line seems a good one – but the plan is to take money away from inner city schools to achieve greater parity. This is wrong and will damage the outstanding work done by schools in Haringey over the last eight years to consistently outperform national averages. You will find more information on the potential impact and how parents and carers can make their views known later in this edition of Insight.

As a governing body we have had opportunities to feed into consultations and make our views known on the new formula. The Governing Body operates a sub-committee system looking at three particular areas of work; curriculum, personnel and finance and property. These committees will be working hard to analyse the implications and impact of any potential funding changes.

Even in the midst of financial uncertainty, Highgate Wood School staff continue to support and encourage students to achieve and flourish. The job is even bigger than that and a key part of any successful school is taking care of student safety and well-being.

Finally, as the parent of a very enthusiastic (long since left) drama student, I am delighted to see tickets for the school’s forthcoming production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream are available (23/24th of February). These productions act as a reminder of the huge talent at Highgate Wood School; dramatic, musical, artistic, technical, logistical, digital and a ‘healthy’ dose of PR thrown in for good measure. See it if you can.

Tickets are available from the Wren Office or from the PSA’s ticket tailor site at http://bit.ly/hwsmsnd.

HIGHGATE WOOD SCHOOL GOVERNING BODY Chair of Governors: Chris Tully LA Governor: Cllr Eddie Griffith Parent Governors: Manjeet Bains • Mark Harber • Mano Manoharan Craig Perry • Sally Watson Co-opted Governors: Oli Blackaby • Phil Cavendish • Phil Cocksedge • Joe Demetriou • Phil Dileo • Violet Hazelwood-Henry • Elizabeth Hess • Chris Parr • Imogen Pennell • Charles Wright Headteacher Governor: Patrick Cozier Staff Governors: Emily Ford 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 Or email: governors@hws.haringey.sch.uk

Tuesday 7th of February is Safer Internet Day and an opportunity to “promote the safe, responsible and positive use of digital technology for children and young people”. Last week the PSA opened up their meeting to the RAP project which aims to support parents to support their children in safe digital technology use. Also of national interest, February 6th-12th marks Children’s Mental Health Week – a national initiative to raise awareness and start conversations about young people’s mental health issues. Both these initiatives are being supported by HWS and information is available on the web site.

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Cover picture is our poster for the school production, Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, which will take place on the first Thursday and Friday after we return from the half-term break.

Dozens of students have been involved in preparing for the production, either as members of the cast, the production crew or the set designers. Do come if you can. It will be a performance to remember.

Tickets are available from the Wren Office or on-line. A photogallery of the production will be posted following the dress rehearsal.

Issue 34

February 2017

MESSAGE FROM THE HEADTEACHER Welcome back to successful learning at Highgate Wood School. I wish to start this edition by wishing you all a very belated Happy New Year! As always however, time flies and instead of reflecting on the festivities of Christmas and the New Year celebrations, we have already reached the spring half term break. It is difficult to believe that we are already half way through the school year.

So much has been accomplished, but as ever there is much still to do!

Year 11 – Getting those grades If you are the parent of a child in Year 11, you will be aware that our students sat their Year 11 Mock Exams before the Christmas break. Since we have come back, they have received their Mock Exam Results and thus they all know on an individual level how well they are achieving – and what else they need to do to hit their personal targets across each of their subjects.

There is much work to do between now and the summer exams to ensure that our students get the very best outcomes possible. We know that they will be more committed than ever to do their very best. I also want to pay tribute to the dedication of the staff members who are making themselves available virtually every break time, lunch time and after school to help and support our students.

A reminder of our results for the last eleven years is shown below: GCSE trends over the years compared to the National Average

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February 2017

As can be seen, we are rightly proud that since 2011 our results have been significantly better than the national average. Over the last few years, the national context has changed and government policy has made it harder to sustain the year on year growth. However, we are pleased that we continue to achieve well above the national average and importantly, the progress that our students make puts us in the top 25% of the country. The table below shows this using the government’s new Progress 8 measure.

Progress 8 Score

+ 0.26

National Average Score for state schools is -0.03

Significantly better progress than national average progress for 5

Attainment 8

C+

(Top 30% of schools)

The table above shows the headline figures, but we also have a more detailed analysis from Ofsted statistics that reveal the following details: Overall Progress 8  Our overall Progress 8 score is significantly positive. This means that students at HWS make more progress than compared to students nationally. This is true for the last five years  Our disadvantaged students have achieved well with their Progress 8 score statistically in line with non-disadvantaged students nationally English Performance  English Progress 8 score is significantly positive.

It means that students at HWS make more progress in English than compared to students nationally.  Our lower attaining and middle attaining students in English make better progress that other students nationally (statistically significant).  Our lower attaining students attain higher grades (in English) than lower attaining students in other schools (statistically significant)  Our lower attaining disadvantaged students in English have achieved higher attainment than national non-disadvantaged lower attaining students (statistically significant)

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Maths Performance  Maths Progress 8 score is significantly positive. It means that we can say that students at HWS make more progress in Maths than compared to students nationally.  Higher attaining students in Maths make better progress that other students nationally (statistically significant – top 10% nationally).  Middle attaining students in Maths make better progress than other students nationally (statistically significant).  Our higher attaining students attain higher grades (in Maths) than higher attaining students in other schools (statistically significant) We have much to be proud of. We know what our students are capable of when backed by our excellent staff and supportive parents. Let’s ensure that we continue to work together to help them achieve their best.

HWS Sixth Form proving to be very popular I am now very pleased to report that the number of applications that we have received for September 2017 remain very high, as they have been for the last few years. Having been involved in a number of the interviews held with our own year 11 students, I have been very impressed with their attitude and commitment to both their studies and the school.

What came across clearly was that our students want to stay with us because they are happy and comfortable with the ethos of Highgate Wood and they are inspired by the excellent teaching they receive. The specific feature described by the students that I spoke to was the very positive and caring relationship that exists between staff and students. This is something of which I am intensely proud and will always remain a distinctive characteristic of Highgate Wood School.

I can also reveal that we have received a very high number of applicants from students who attend other Haringey schools and schools in our neighbouring borough. This is very good news for the school as it says that students from within and outside of the school are clear about what our sixth form can offer them. However, it also means that competition for places in the sixth form and particularly for popular courses will be high.

The message to our students is that they make sure that they: 4

1. Work really hard between now and the summer exams to secure the very challenging grades necessary to gain access to our Post 16 courses 2. Understand that not everyone will automatically be offered a place – it has to be earned 3. Be committed to doing their absolute best in the sixth form which includes taking full responsibility for their learning, making learning their first priority and ensuring excellent attendance and punctuality to all lessons/study sessions 4. Ensure that they continue to make a positive contribution to HWS as a positive reference from their tutor or their head of house is also a prerequisite for entry We also recently held a Sixth Form Taster day on Friday 20th January where our students had the opportunity to be treated like sixth formers for the day, including going to sixth form lessons and having non-teaching periods. We also laid on a day of careers advice topped off with a visit to a local college for those students who are looking at doing alternative courses that we don’t specialise in at HWS. The initial feedback has been very positive, and I hope that this will help students make the best decisions in August when we have our enrolment day.

Year 6 to 7 Transfer Figures We have recently received confirmation of the parents of year 6 children who have expressed a desire to send their sons or daughters to Highgate Wood. We are again pleased at our continuing popularity as a school. The table below shows our total preferences (from 1st choice to 6th choice) over the last few years.

Year

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

HWS

995

968

879

1009 1001

Haringey Average

678

674

628

695

693

Gap (+/-)

+317 +264 +251 +314 +308

Year

2015 2016 2017

HWS

983

962

1070

Haringey Average

750

759

807

Gap (+/-)

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+233 +203 +263

February 2017

Every secondary school in Haringey is a strong school with results that place us as one of the top performing local authorities in the country. Each school is regarded as good or better by Ofsted.

Given that context, it is even more impressive that we are (and have consistently been) one of the most popular schools in the borough. Long may that continue!

Haringey Pupil Admission Number (PAN) Consultation Haringey Local Authority is predicting an increase in pupil numbers coming into secondary school from September 2018 moving forward. As a consequence of this, Haringey have just completed a phase of consultation with the secondary schools to look at making changes to the planned pupil admissions numbers (PAN) from September 2018. For a number of schools, the consultation is proposing an increase.

Highgate Wood is one of those schools.

The consultation is proposing to increase the PAN at Highgate Wood from the current 243 children in each year group to 270 children from year 7 of September 2018 and then each subsequent year after that. This would have significant implications for the organisation and running of the school over a five-year period of adjustment. At the present time, no decisions have been taken by Haringey so there is nothing more to report. However, should you want more details about this and access to the Haringey FAQ document, please visit the link below. http://bit.ly/hwspan17 One other key aspect of the consultation, is the suggestion that schools consider the financial benefits (considering the current and future funding challenges reported elsewhere in this edition of Insight) of increasing class sizes from 27 to 30. This is potentially a contentious issue for staff and professional associations since class sizes in Haringey have traditionally been set at a maximum of 27. However, Haringey is pretty unique in this respect and the view expressed in the consultation suggests that the future financial viability of our secondary schools will require a re-think of the current class size arrangement.

We have been in discussions with Haringey LA about their proposals. We have responded to the consultation questions and posed additional questions to the Local Authority to clarify a number Issue 34

February 2017

of matters relating to their pupil projections, the implications of the proposals for Highgate Wood and the implication for Haringey as a whole. As soon as we have more to report, we will do so in due course.

Leaving Staff Members February half term is not usually a time of year where we say good bye to staff. However, this year we will be saying farewell to two members of staff.

Ms Deborah Bryan who has worked in our school reception for the last four years departed earlier this half term. She has moved to work in another school nearer to where she lives. She did a fantastic job in her four years at the school and we are very sad to lose her. However, as ever, we know that she will do a great job in her new school and we wish her all the best for the future.

Mr Fu Ping Lee has been a teacher of music at Highgate Wood since September 2014. He has made a significant contribution to the music department and will be very much missed by students and colleagues. Mr Lee will be leaving us to go and pursue other opportunities in teaching and music education in climates much warmer than the UK! We wish him the very best in his new endeavours. ‌ And Finally We wish all our students and families the best for the coming half term holiday and we look forward to seeing our students return on Monday 20th February at the normal start time of 8.35am.

Thank you as ever for your continued support!

Regards Patrick Cozier Headteacher

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RAP stands for Raising Awareness and Prevention.

PSA NEWS There have been some recent changes in the PSA executive after Rebecca Hamilton and Jane Morgan Co-Chairs of the PSA, stepped down from their role after many years service to the school.

Happily both Rebecca and Jane are still involved with the committee and the PSA Chair has been filled by Tahra Zafar. Lindsey Reed takes on the role of Deputy Chair.

PSA general meeting On 2nd February the PSA hosted the termly general meetings at the school. Guest speakers were Allison Havey and Deana Puccio, founders of the RAP Project which they set up in response to their own needs around being parents to teenagers in today’s online world.

The presentation was informative and frank. It covered issues around sexting, the impact of pornography on teenagers’ attitudes, the stresses associated with body image, and guidance around sexual consent.

The RAP Project is not concerned with “preaching morality”; rather they are “teaching reality”.

They like to emphasize to teenagers that a healthy relationship involves “mutual respect and mutual consent”.

Further information from the evening, including links to relevant sites, can be found on the PSA pages of the school website, which will shortly be updated.

If you have any questions or would like to be more involved with the PSA please email hwoodpsa@gmail.com

The best way to predict the future is to invent it

From caring comes courage

52,250

53,663

51,192

so far this year

so far this year

so far this year

Top Merit Earners Hussain Mahjaben (Yr 11) Mert Albayrak (Yr 10) Denada Bardhoshi (Yr 9) Eden Cavendish (Yr 8) Katie Effingham (Yr 7)

Top Merit Earners Maya Eagles (Yr 11) Mehmet Aslan (Yr 10) Ty Knox (Yr 9) Manon Elliott (Yr 8) Talia Hendry (Yr 7)

Success comes from perseverance

Top Merit Earners CJ McCarthy (Yr 11) Day Robinson-McKenzie (Yr 10) Daniel McCormick (Yr 9) Kathleen Archibold (Yr 8) Maisy Harrison (Yr 7)

Many parents have found e-praise to be very helpful in keeping informed of their child’s behaviour and achievements at school. If you still need an account for the system please email data@hws.haringey.sch.uk with your child’s name.

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February 2017

ONLINE PARENT EVENING APPOINTMENTS

Mr Ashman writes: Highgate Wood School is excited to be working with epraise on developing a new on-line parents’ evening booking system, and the Year 7 Parents’ Consultation Evening on 23rd March will be our first opportunity to put it to the test. Having already adopted epraise’s core system for providing online reporting of achievement and behaviour we are confident that their online booking system is going to bring significant benefits to the smooth running of our parents’ evenings.

At the same time we are aware that things don’t always go exactly to plan the first time they are introduced so we will have some contingency options and alternative systems in place.

It is likely that the new system will highlight issues that have always been there; the fact that teachers who teach multiple classes will not be able to make appointments with all their students (there simply is not enough time in the evening) or that some parents\carers arrange appointments which they then find they are unable to attend, but we hope that effective communication will allow us to properly manage expectations and ensure that things work as smoothly as they can.

Immediately after the half-term break we will be writing to all Year 7 families to let them know how the new system will work. Already the vast majority of parents log in to epraise to see their child’s achievement and behaviour points, but we will be contacting those who have not to help them to get onto the system in time for them to book their appointments. We will also need to establish alternative systems for those who do not have internet access.

The trial will be monitored and we will also be asking for feedback from parents\carers, teachers and students so we can make further improvements for the Year 10 Parents’ Evening in April.

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February 2017

SCHOOL SURVEY

Mr Hewitt writes: After the half-term break we will carry out our regular Parent Survey from Kirkland Rowell. Please look out for the email or text message announcing its release.

We will give a two-week window for parents, students and staff to complete the survey which will allow us to report back on the findings early in the summer term.

SCHOOL COMMUNICATIONS

Mr Ashman writes: Groupcall Xpressions is an App that allows us to send messages to parents absolutely free of charge. If you have an Iphone or an Android it is easy to install, just download the App from Google Play or the App Store, install it on your phone and then enter your email address and mobile number.

If it matches with our records then you will automatically receive messages through the App rather than by text. You will also benefit from the future developments we have planned for Xpressions, which includes linking to the main school calendar. More information on the App is available on the school website at http://bit.ly/ hwscomms.

If you have any problems logging in -or problems linking to any other school system including Wisepay and Show My Homework, please email data@hws.haringey.sch.uk 7

THE CHANGES TO SCHOOL FUNDING AND THE IMPACT ON HIGHGATE WOOD SCHOOL Chris Tully, Chair of Governors, writes: You may be aware that many schools are already facing financial difficulties which are set to worsen as a result of changes in government funding, coupled with a significant increase in the costs they must bear.

In December 2016, the National Audit Office confirmed that schools in England will face an 8.7% real terms reduction in spending by 2019-2020, as funding is frozen and so fails to keep up with inflation, and as school costs rise. This is equivalent to £3bn worth of cuts.

In April 2018, the Government plans to introduce the new National Funding Formula (NFF). The NFF has been designed to even out the historic imbalance between funding for schools in inner city areas, which have received higher per pupil funding, and those in other areas of the country, which receive less. The idea of equalising funding across the country is a sensible one. However, rather than just increasing budgets for those with less, the intention is to take money away from inner city schools to facilitate this redistribution. This plan is being introduced at a time when there are already significant cost pressures for schools.

Under the NFF, more than 9000 schools in England will face further cuts (approximately 3%) on top of the £3bn real terms spending reduction outlined above.

Schools are also now required to pay for significant increases in employers’ contributions for National Insurance, teachers’ pensions and an apprenticeship levy, without any additional funding. Government figures and estimates from the National Audit Office suggest that 98% of schools in England will be worse off in real terms by 2020.

What does this mean for Haringey schools?

It is anticipated that schools across Haringey will face an 11% real terms cut in funding by 2020. This will have a huge impact on Haringey schools which, largely due to increased funding since 2009, have gone from lagging behind national averages at every stage of education from Early Years to Key Stage 4, to outperforming the national averages at all stages.

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What does this mean for Highgate Wood School?

For Highgate Wood School these funding changes and increased costs could mean cuts of as much as £890,000 per annum within four years. These cuts, which represent over £700 per student, would mean having to make difficult and fundamental decisions about how the school is structured and run. It would impact on staffing and resources as well as the scope and nature of our curriculum.

What to do if you would like to know more or share your views You can see the report from the National Audit office at http://bit.ly/hwsnff1 and details of the likely impact for individual schools at www.schoolcuts.org.uk or on the Department for Education website.

Have your say: You can submit your views about the NFF through the online the government consultation at http://bit.ly/hwsnff2 which is open until 22 March 2017. You can find out more about the national campaign for Fair Funding For All Schools at www.fairfundingforallschools.org and you can sign a petition against the proposed changes on the Fair Funding for Schools website or on http://bit.ly/ hwsnff3.

How you can help Highgate Wood School Highgate Wood School is fortunate in having a proactive and committed PSA (Parent School Association) to which all parents/carers automatically become members when their child joins the school.

The PSA already fundraises through multiple activities and events across the year and has funded the wet weather shelter, sports and science equipment, musical instruments and a whole range of trips and events. In the current financial climate, and knowing what lies ahead, the funds that the PSA raise will be more important than ever to supplement our provision for students at Highgate Wood School so please look out for information and communications from them. But PSA fundraising will not be able to address all the demands we will face under the proposed new budgets. The single most important factor in challenging these cuts will be the voice of parents, carers and other members of the community.

I would urge you to take the time to explore the detail of the proposed cuts and communicate your views through the channels detailed above. The governors and school leadership team will also be making their concerns known and we will keep you informed of that progress.

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February 2017

GROWTH MINDSET AT HWS: SKILLS

PART 3 SETBACKS

... come from hard work and can always be improved. Skills are not fixed or something you are born with. ... should be embraced and seen as an opportunity to grow. Challenges should not be

CHALLENGES avoided or seen as things that might reveal a lack of skill. You shouldn’t give up easily.

EFFORT SETBACKS

... is essential on the path to mastery. It shouldn’t be seen as something you do because you are “not good enough”. ... Should be used as a wake-up call to work harder next time, not something that gets you discouraged or something that leads you to blame others.

Mr Hewitt writes: Much has been written about the supposed lack of resilience of today’s young people, with contentious, pejorative terms such as ‘generation snowflake’ bandied around. Whilst not wishing to be sucked into this debate it is important to recognise that research is increasingly suggesting that qualities such as ‘grit’ are key determinants of success in life.

Psychology Professor Angela Duckworth Lee defines grit as: "sticking with things over the very long term until you master them." Her research suggests grit can predict success as effectively or even better than measurements of intelligence. Watch her explain this on Ted Talks: http://bit.ly/hwsgm7.

This has important links to key growth mindset ideas, particularly about effort, responding to feedback and setbacks. The original growth mindset guru Carol Dweck says that sometimes there is a tendency to oversimplify the message to one of ‘anyone can do anything’ and ‘all you have to do is try harder.’ This is partly true, effort is important, as is the belief in your capacity to improve. However, just doing things over and over again, particularly when you are not achieving your goals, is clearly not a constructive approach. Dweck says: ‘We also need to remember that effort is a means to an end to the goal of learning and improving. Too often nowadays, praise is given to students who are putting forth effort, but not learning, in order to make them feel good in the moment: “Great effort!

You tried your best!” It’s good that the students tried, but it’s not good that they’re not learning. The growth-mindset approach helps children feel good in the short and long terms, by helping them thrive on challenges and setbacks on their way to learning.

When they’re stuck, teachers can appreciate their work so far, but add: “Let’s talk about what you’ve tried, and what you can try next.”

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February 2017

Therefore putting the ideas of grit and growth mindset together, a key message is how you respond when things get tough, for example when you are not understanding a piece of work or you get a low mark in a test. Students with a growth mindset would redouble their efforts and maintain a belief in their capacity to do better, but this alone is not enough. Thinking about which strategies they have used, which ones worked, how they can get more help and how they can use an analysis of their errors to move forward are all crucial to the process of learning.

Year 11s, 12s and 13s have all had mocks recently and will have received lots of feedback about how to improve. Those who show grit, listen to the feedback and are able to learn from their mistakes should be able to get themselves into a position to do significantly better come the summer exams.

Students lower down the school should realise they are in a marathon not a sprint and that their ability to respond as positively to setbacks as to successes will be crucial to their level of eventual success.

How you can support your son/daughter with this:  Remind them that whilst we should always strive for excellence everyone makes mistakes and these are ideal opportunities to learn something  Praise them for their efforts, resilience, for trying different strategies and for responding to feedback, not just their mark, grade, etc.  A key reason they are at school is because they don’t know and understand everything (despite teenagers often giving the impression they do!)  When things aren’t going well ask them what help they have sought, how they have tackled similar problems, situations, etc.  Ask them to talk through an issue, a difficult homework problem, etc. and try to prompt them to think about it in different ways

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LEARNING SUPPORT INFORMATION EVENT

Ms Brain from the Speech, Language and Communication Needs group reports: parents enjoyed hearing about each other’s experiences of speech and language interventions as well as sharing advice with each other.

The Learning Support department would like to thank all the parents who attended the SEN Social Information event on the 31st January. We had a really good response which led to a great atmosphere and a successful evening.

Ms Bayat writes: It was wonderful to see some of our EAL parents come along with their son/ daughter to information evening and participate in the interventions their child is having. Although the parents as well as some of our EAL students still struggle with speaking in English, it was inspiring to see them trying their best to communicate with each other as well as members of staff and, most importantly, establishing a home and school relationship despite the language barriers.

We look forward to arranging regular SEN parent focus groups, any parents interested who didn’t attend this one, please contact Matt Dobrashian at mdo@hws.haringey.sch.uk

It began with an introduction, outlining the vision to place greater emphasis on:

WHERE TO GO OVER HALF TERM

Mr Dobrashian writes:

 

High aspirations and improving outcomes for students and young people with SEN and The participation of young people and their parents\carers in decision-making at individual and strategic levels.

Then the Learning Support team were introduced as well as the Senior Leader Dean Mansfield and the SEN Governor Chris Parr.

After this the department’s specialist staff led small focus groups providing opportunity for parents to:  Have a good understanding of the support and interventions we provide  

Have opportunity to provide feedback, contribute for the future plans and Consider and share home strategies for enhanced progress

Ms Ronay and Ms O’Donnell from the Cognitive and Learning group reports: Our parents were given a 'real' experience of a student with dyslexia and the challenges they face in the classroom. They shared some of their views about the support their children receive here at HWS and gave us some ideas to build on too.

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Ms Zwicky writes: There are lots of fantastic art exhibitions happening at the moment. We would particularly recommend the following:  Tate Britain - David Hockney  Tate Modern - Wolfgang Tillmans from 15th February - Photography  Camden Arts Center - Joachim Koester Photography  Whitechapel Gallery - Eduardo Paolozzi Retrospective See the HWS Art and Photography twitter feed to find out more: @HWSArt_Photo

LUNCHTIME SUPERVISORS WANTED Could you or anyone you know be a lunchtime supervisor at Highgate Wood School?

We are looking for people to support our students during their lunchbreak.

More details are available on page 23 of this edition of Insight.

Highgate Wood School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and all employees are required to have an Enhanced DBS Disclosure.

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February 2017

BRITISH BIOLOGY OLYMPIAD

JACK PETCHEY AWARD WINNERS

Mr Heath writes: 2017 marks the fifth year of the British Biology Olympiad- a competition organised by the Royal Society of Biology- as well as the year Highgate Wood School students made their debut.

Five students were entered, and after a short preparation period began the first of two one-hour papers. Results rolled in on Monday morning.

All five of our students were congratulated for taking part in what is a particularly gruelling set of exams. Not only that, but two students achieved a “Highly Commended” grade- a fantastic outcome for both. However, scoring a whopping 60%, Gabriel Brown achieved a Bronze Medal and as such has been invited to the award ceremony at the Institute of Engineering and Technology later this year.

Congratulations to Eda Yuce, Phoebe Berman, Leila Kikuchi-House, Gabriel Brown and Eliane Vitoriano for their excellent performance, representing Highgate Wood School at the highest level.

KEY STAGE 4 REVISION SESSIONS Mr Hartley writes: All Year 10 and 11 students should now be fully engaged in their revision programmes for their summer exams.

We have a growing schedule of revision sessions and workshops happening to support Year 11 students, including sessions that are happening over the halfterm break, and these are listed on the school website at bit.ly/hwsrevsessions.

Year 11s can also find a growing range of general resources to help them study and revise. These include the ones from their ELEVATE session on Friday 10th February. Please visit bit.ly/hwsrevision to access these.

Both these web resources will continue to be updated over the coming weeks, giving students the information, help and support they need to be ready for the challenges of the summer. Don’t forget, however, that you can also speak to your tutor and your teachers for any help you might need.

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February 2017

Ms Sayer writes: On Tuesday 31st January, I had the extraordinary honour of accompanying our two Highgate Wood School finalists to the regional finals of the Jack Petchey Speak Out Challenge at Northumberland Park School.

Day Mckenzie-Robinson 10W gave a speech entitled 'If I Were Prime Minister'. She shared her vision of the perfect society, in which equal opportunities, regardless of background, were paramount. I would certainly vote for her!

Sydney Aarons 10D spoke on the topic 'Why I Need Feminism'. She covered personal frustrations - such as jogging becoming a spectator sport - as well showing an understanding of the global picture of gender inequality.

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ART ACHIEVEMENTS IN RECENT WEEKS Ms Zwicky writes: Between December and the end of January students from all KS4 and KS5 year groups had big deadlines to meet, and we can safely say they have stepped up to the challenge, we are so proud of them!

However there is no such thing as a break; Year 11 have now started their preparation toward their Art exam worth 40%, as have Year 12 and Year 13, worth 50%. This is a demanding period of time for our art cohort, as they have to work hard throughout and organise their time to ensure they produce work continuously whilst meeting all other pressures and demand for their other subjects.

We want to encourage all students to come and work in the department during lunch and after school. We also recommend you make sure you go to exhibitions and galleries, to see what the work you are responding to looks like first hand will make an invaluable difference to your own work.

We want to thank parents and carers in advance for the support they will give to their sons and daughters in this time, and if any of you have questions about how to support the exam process, please just get in touch with your child's teacher.

Alternatively we try to share exhibition recommendations, as well as highlights of the preparation work produced through the Art Twitter account @HWSArt_Photo

Here is a selection of work celebrating a few highlights from the recent deadlines:

Jasmine Daley Noah Stoneman 12

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February 2017

Isobel Crompton

Ruby Neale Savannah Smith

Thorn Myers

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THE RAP PROJECT

FIRST STORY Mr Gowen writes: The First Story Scheme is continuing to develop marvellous writing within the English department.

Students have been finding their voice under the guidance of poet Adam Kammerling , and we are excited to announce that our published anthology will be released on the 4th July.

Please enjoy a snippet of the work we’ve produced through the pen of Alice Jenkins:

Fear

Mr Ashman writes: As part of Safer Internet Day on 7th February, Year 9 received a talk from The Rap Project on issues of consent, caution and relationships from. This follows a similarly wide ranging discussion that took place at the special PSA evening, when the Rap Project’s founders, Allison Harvey and Deana Puccio, engaged a packed hall of parents with discussions about the impact of digital media and the research that the project had carried out for their award winning book, Sex, Likes and Social Media: talking to our teens in the digital age.

Both talks were really well received. Year 9s conducted themselves brilliantly whilst discussing subjects that can sometimes seem embarrassing or difficult.

Parents were also very impressed with the speakers, suggesting that the school should consider inviting the Rap Project or similar organisations to speak to students in other year groups, particularly those lower down the school, about a subject that is becoming increasingly complicated by the ever developing streams of social media.

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Fear is floating above the earth in the arms of a stranger.

Fear looks like your home, miles below your feet.

Fear says nothing, but laughs at you, cruelly.

Fear will come and find you.

And fear never forgives.

KISSING IT BETTER Ms Michael writes: A group of year 12 students visit the Whittington Hospital every week to learn about patient care and improve the morale of those on dementia wards.

One of the activities they do with the patients to improve their dexterity and brighten up the wards is adult colouring and the charity Kissing it Better has sent a picture of a display on one of the wards coloured by our students (see below).

Students are also working towards a qualification which is recognised by the Royal College of Nursing and enjoy speaking with patients and playing a part in making their day better and perhaps their recovery a bit easier.

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February 2017

CREPE’S HOLIDAY

DESIGN A BOOK COVER COMPETITION

Ms Lacroix writes: Yes, you read that right: a holiday devoted to crêpes. Every year on 2nd February, France observes La Chandeleur. This Catholic religious holiday is exactly 40 days after Christmas and is celebrated by making and eating crêpes. Their round shape represents the sun and the circle of life, while the act of eating and sharing with others commemorates a historical tradition of Popes giving food out to the poor.

Students in Key Stage 3 were invited to make their own crêpes to both celebrate La Chandeleur and to be involved in an aspect of French culture. The results were fantastic, with many students bringing their crêpes into school.

“Here are my crêpes, they're not that great but they are good for a first try,” announced Mehmet (7I).

Eleanor (7I) said "I was really excited when I realised our homework was to make crêpes. I enjoyed having the responsibility of making food and celebrating another country's traditions.”

Felix (8G) commented "when I found out that I was going to make crêpes for homework I was amazed.

It was quite possibly the most fun homework we have ever got.”

Hevin (7I) said "It was very nice to make the crêpes.

I had lots of fun making and I am sure that I will enjoy making it next time. It was quite easy for me because I usually bake at home myself and enjoy every single bit of it.”

Elisa (8G) " it was fun making crêpes at home. I made them all by myself without any help.”

Well done to all the students who took part.

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February 2017

Ms Ereira writes: I’m very pleased to announce the winner of the Year 7 book club ‘2017 Design a Book Cover’ competition.

Esther Kent of 7A is the winner, impressing us with her atmospheric design for 13 Hours by Narinder Dhami.

It was a hard choice, and Nina Fraser (7E) and Phoebe Spellman (7H) take joint second place with their designs for The Fault in Our Stars by John Green, and My Brother is a Superhero by David Solomons.

Well done to all the students who took part. We were impressed with everyone’s entries.

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SIXTH FORM TASTER DAY

Ms Pinnick writes: On Friday 20th January, Year 11 had an opportunity to consider their choices for AS subjects and college courses. Students who were considering college courses met staff and students from Barnet College, City and Islington College and Haringey Sixth Form Centre. In addition, they visited Haringey Sixth Form College and experienced several taster sessions. Mr Kennington, the school Careers Advisor supported the students with further advice and guidance on college courses and apprenticeships.

Students considering AS Levels followed a timetable of four of five AS subjects. Staff reported that students were really focused and engaged with all the lessons in a really enthusiastic and mature manner. Feedback from students was very positive with the majority stating that Highgate Wood School Sixth Form is definitely their first choice for Post 16 studies.

I would like to thank all students and staff for their hard work and engagement during the day. A particular thanks goes to Barbara Lewis for her fantastic administration of the day.

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STONEWALL SCHOOL CHAMPION

Ms Smith writes: Celebrating LGBT History Month at school is a great way to enrich young people's awareness and understanding of LGBT people and issues.

This year to coincide with LGBT history month we have become a Stonewall School Champion.

Research shows that secondary schools that take an active, positive approach to tackling homophobic, biphobic and transphobic language and bullying get the best results, both in terms of personal development and in terms of exam outcomes.

The Stonewall School Champions programme is aimed at creating a safe and welcoming learning environment for all students that celebrates our diversity.

Look out for other ways you can participate in LGBT history this month

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February 2017

GCSE FRENCH

MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM

Ms Crook writes: Ms Lacroix writes: Khem Iglesis Barrull (Year 11) is very interested in Art, French and History and he showed his passion for all three in this amazing and vivid drawing depicting a tragic scene from the trenches of First World War France.

Elsewhere in Key Stage 4 students have been busily developing our penpal links with students in our partner schools in France. Year 10 have shown some amazing video production skills in the work they have produced about their town and school and have also shown immense skill in the more traditional form of communication: extended writing in letters to their penpals.

Well done all!

Witchcraft is brewing and magic is in the air, as the cast of A Midsummer Night’s Dream work tirelessly towards their performance at the end of the month - and what a performance it is set out to be! I could not have asked for a more dedicated and talented group of actors and I cannot wait for you to see the fruits of their labour.

Whilst I am truly grateful for every single member of the cast and their show of commitment, dedication and professionalism, I would also like to mention a few by name. Toby Wyckoff-Smith, Joe Trainer, Amy Davis, Charlotte Whelan, Lucy Whelan and Eimear Stevens deserve a standing ovation for their commitment to the roles of the lovers. These students have had to learn a huge number of lines and have given up almost every lunch break for the past three months to work on their parts.

Moreover, Ty Candappa, Mia Clifford, Lucy Whelan, Laura Moss, Eleanor Jones and Abel Kent have all been working towards this production whilst simultaneously preparing for their AS Level Drama performance exam taking place this week.

Alongside the students’ efforts, Ms Angove and Ms Zwicky along with the Art and Design Technology departments have been working on set and costume, which are shaping up beautifully – as ever.

Brace yourself for some punk-tastic fairy mischief!

Tickets for the production, which will take place on Thursday 23rd and Friday 24th February, can be purchased from the link on the school website or direct from http://bit.ly/hwsmsnd Looking forward to seeing you there!

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February 2017

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DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARD

Ms Gribble writes I am delighted that twelve of our Year 13 students have now received their Silver Duke of Edinburgh awards, receiving their certificates in an assembly earlier this term.

It seems a very long time since their qualifying expedition—which took place in 32 degrees heat!

Well done Lilia Basla, Gabriel Clarke, Faizan Hafeez, Rowan Juneman, Eve Kelly, Lois Kelly, Emma Kinloch, Berivan Korkmaz, Toby Osman-Timms, Raphaella Phelps, Anselm Ravith-Gooneratne and Billy Scott-Price

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VISIT TO LADY MARGARET HALL, OXFORD.

Eliane Vitoriano writes: On Thursday 26th January, I and four other Highgate Wood sixth form students had the tremendous opportunity to attend a talk hosted by LMH (Lady Margaret Hall), University of Oxford, at the Haringey Council Professional Development Centre. Here, Julisa Tusha, Melissa Guvenler, Clement Lanoe, Rosa Salonen and I engaged an enriching and insightful discussion about the life and studies of a student attending the college.

The LMH, Oxford, talk was overwhelmingly proficient in teaching us about the expectations and ideal features of a student attending the college as well as attempting to provide us with an idea of what it would be like to live and study at Oxford University and at LMH. The talk helped us break down and reconstruct our ideas around what we see as the typical student studying at Oxford University (we quickly discovered that there is no typical student and that anyone is welcome). It also showed us through a detailed presentation, guest talks and videos about the beautiful and modern facilities and unique teaching styles offered at the college. We were even gifted with the opportunity to talk directly to the Principal of LMH, Alan Rusbridger (former editor-in-chief of the Guardian) and two students (one current and one former student) of the college and ask questions about experiences at the college and what choosing to apply there would offer us.

Overall, the Oxford University talk was a wonderful opportunity to start to see what universities had to offer us and help students like us decide the way in which we might want to pursue our occupational aspirations. Through programmes like this, students can be supported and reassured about applying to university, which is how we all felt after attending this event.

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February 2017

SKYPE INTERVIEW WITH KERRY DREWERY

WORLD BOOK DAY

Ms Ereira writes: Cell 7 is shortlisted for the HWS Book Award, and has been very popular here. Unfortunately author Kerry Drewery lives too far away for a lunchtime visit, so we did the next best thing and had a Skype call with her.

Cell 7 is set in a dystopian future in which the death penalty has been reintroduced. The verdict, potentially condemning the accused to death, is decided by the telephone votes of the audience of a live TV show.

The book groups had prepared lots of questions about her novel and about her inspirations as a writer. Kerry told us that she came up with the idea because she had wanted to write about a teenager on death row, but didn’t want to set it in America.

Our readers were very interested to hear about the ideas that led to the final story, and particularly keen to hear about the forthcoming second and third books in the trilogy. Day 7 will be published this summer and we are all eager to read it.

If you haven’t read it already, come and find Cell 7 in the LRC before voting closes at the end of February!

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February 2017

Ms Ereira writes Don’t forget we will be celebrating World Book Day on Thursday 2nd March.

Students in Years 7 and 8 are all invited to come to school dressed as their favourite book character. Last year the costumes were absolutely fantastic, from superheroes to spies, along with unicorns, monsters, princesses and Winnie the Pooh.

This year will be the 20th anniversary of World Book Day so we hope that the costumes will be even more spectacular than before.

March 2nd is on our second week back at school, so there is not long to prepare. Spend some time over the half term break deciding on your character and planning your costume.

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SEX FM

Mr Grimmett writes: As part of our sex and relationship education (SRE) provision, our Year 9 students watched and took part in a unique exciting and interactive forum theatre production called Sex FM. Sex FM places year 9 students at the heart of the action and empowers them to take part in active discussion to explore how different choices and decisions affect their lives and relationships. The morning helped to engage the thoughts and feelings of students on the complex issues of teenage pregnancy, negotiating sexual relationships and learning about sexually transmitted infections.

Yusra writes “Sex FM was very helpful, it made me understand more about sex and relationships and that if anything happens to tell someone and don’t be scared. It was engaging to young people because it was interesting and funny but at the same time it was serious about sex.”

Julianne added to this by writing “The actors constantly involved the audience which kept me interested, they used lots of our generation’s slang which allowed me to feel more comfortable around the actors and my peers… I also liked that the actors were quite young and that made me feel like they are more understanding and willing to engage with the audience. Overall I really enjoyed the assembly and feel like I’ve learned a lot from it”.

Feedback from the actors about our students was also positive, they were quite impressed with how engaged students were.

Over the coming term our PHSEE staff will continue to work with our Year 9 students through our ongoing SRE provision focussing on healthy relationships, consent and respect.

MOSAIC FUNDING

Anwar and Katie write “Sex FM gave me useful advice and appealed to young adults using comedic factors. It made me aware of sexual issues and the value of relationships.”

Ms Jones writes: We are delighted that Veolia have awarded us £700 following the successful mosaic project (with the fantastic mosaics that currently decorate the benches in the school playground.)

The money will allow us to continue the project and develop it further, thus enhancing the environment of the school and providing a creative outlook for some of our outstanding students.

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Issue 34

February 2017

HWS BOOK AWARD

Several of the shortlisted authors have visited the LRC for lunchtime talks, and will be keen to see the winning books announced on 3rd March.

You can use the voting box in the LRC, or you can vote online via the LRC Blog . The link is on the school website or you can go straight to: www.highgatewoodlrc.wordpress.com

Ms Ereira writes: Voting is now open for the Highgate Wood School Book Award. It will close on the 28th of February so if you haven’t yet read the shortlisted books, get reading. You can find them all in the LRC.

This year the HWS Book Award has two separate age categories. The two lists overlap, but we have a shortlist for Years 7-8 and a separate shortlist for Years 9-13. Students may vote in either or both categories as they wish.

The books shortlisted for the 2016-17 HWS Book Award are listed below.

YEAR 7—8 SHORTLIST

Cuckoo

by Keren David

Cell 7

by Kerry Drewery

Where monsters lie

by Polly Ho-Yen

The Whispers of Wilderwood Hall by Karen McCombie

Barefoot in the Wind

by Zoe Marriott

Blame

by Simon Mayo

Swan Boy

by Nikki Sheehan

Everything, Everything

by Nicola Yoon

YEAR 9—13 SHORTLIST

Chasing the Stars

by Marjorie Blackman

Cuckoo

by Keren David

Cell 7

by Kerry Drewery

Barefoot in the Wind

by Zoe Marriott

Blame

by Simon Mayo

13 Minutes

by Sarah Pinborough

Swan Boy

by Nikki Sheehan

Everything, Everything

by Nicola Yoon

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February 2017

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ACCELERATED READER Ms Razi writes: Congratulations to all those students who have used Accelerated Reader this term, particularly those listed below who have won awards.

Silver Quizzes Arlo Biddulph (7H) Bethan Coomber, (7G) Jolanda Dittrich (7I) Katie Effingham (7G) Isabel Gordon (7I) Emily Millard (7H) Andrew Seymour (7D) Phoebe Spellman (7H) Silver Words Arlo Biddulph (7H) Jolanda Dittrich (7I) Katie Effingham (7G) Isabel Gordon (7I) Olivia Dennis (8A) Bronze Words Kaito Anderson (7H) Miggy Boda (7H) Sophia Byron (7S) Bethan Coomber, (7G) Daisy Entwisle (7T) Defne Eskioglu (7D) Maisy Harrison (7W) Talia Hendry (7A) Lily Klein-French (7H) Emily Millard (7H) Helena Nwakor (7W) Liam O'Shea (7A) Maya Ramlogan (7S) Andrew Seymour (7D) Milly Tailor (7I) Oliwia Zdeb (7W) Manon Elliott (8A) Noah Gerner (8W) Arisara Iglesis Barrull (8E) Alice Jenkins (8T) Ainoa Kontoh (8E) 22

Ms Sayer writes: I am delighted to be organising the 10th North London Model UN conference which Highgate Wood School will host on Saturday 11th March. Lots more information will be available soon, but you might like to know: What is Model UN? Model UN is a debating format in which students represent the views and interests in a UN Member State and work in committees to find solutions to major world issues.

What qualities do you need to take part?

Students must have an interest in political and social issues and be committed to improving the lives of global citizens.

How can I get involved?

Applications for delegates are now closed. However, we are still looking for a team of committed rapporteurs. These students will be responsible for the organisation and timekeeping of the debates. It’s a great way to get started in MUN, especially for students in Year 7 and Year 8. Please register your interest with Miss Sayer in A26.

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February 2017

NOTICES OPEN EVENING FOR ADOPTIVE FAMILIES

Body & Soul Adoption Support programme is holding an Open Evening to give families an insight into their four week Saturday Programmes and monthly Adoption Support Days for all age groups on Wednesday 22nd February from 4:30—7:30pm It will take place at Body and Soul, 99-119 Roseberry Avenue, London EC1R 4RE Contact: rebeccaw@bodyandsoulcharity.org CHOICES: NEW SERVICE IN HARINGEY

LUNCHTIME SUPERVISORS WANTED

Could you or anyone you know be a lunchtime supervisor at Highgate Wood School?

We are looking for people to support our students during their lunchbreak. The successful candidates will communicate effectively with children and young people in a calm manner and be caring and approachable. No previous experience is necessary.

Apply online before 20th February 2017.

Application forms are available on the school website (See the Vacancies link under the About Us tab.)

Highgate Wood School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and all employees are required to have an Enhanced DBS Disclosure.

KEY STAGE 3 HOMEWORK CLUB

Don’t forget we now have a Homework Club for students in years 7, 8 and 9 running every day until 4:30pm in the Learning Resource Centre.

Choices is a new service to support the emotional wellbeing of children, young people and families in Haringey. This service allows for self-referral (for parents and young people) and offers a one-off (1hour) appointment to establish with children, young people and their families the intervention most appropriate to them to help address concerns about emotional wellbeing and/or mental health.

For more details please call 020 8702 3405 or visit www.haringeychoices.org

WORDS TO INSPIRE

FRIDAY BOOK CLUB IN THE LRC

Katya Dickson (8A) writes: Each week on a Friday there is a wonderful place where you talk about the worlds created inside your head; this is made easier by the fact there are biscuits.

Each week on a Friday, Book Club is held in the LRC. It doesn’t matter if you’re an obsessive reader or an occasional book lover; everyone is welcome.

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February 2017

Khem Iglesis Barrull (11E) drew the above picture and writes: “Never Give Up Your Dreams” is an inspirational quote to emphasise the importance of effort and a clear vision of the future. Hopefully it will be interpreted positively as a way of highlighting the “power of dreams” in the historical and acclaimed Wright Brothers effort to achieve their dream of flight.

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School begins again for students on

Monday 20th February It will be Week 2 at 8:35am KEY DATES School Production: A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Thursday 23rd & Friday 24th February

Year 10 Work Experience

27th February - 3rd March

World Book Day

Thursday 2nd March

North London Model United Nations

Saturday 11th March

Year 7 Parent Consultation Evening

Thursday 23rd March

School closes for Easter Holidays

Friday 31st March

Summer term begins

Tuesday 18th April

Year 10 Parent Consultation Evening

Tuesday 25th April

PSA Curry and Quiz Night

Thursday 27th April AUTUMN 2017* Term Starts

23rd - 27th October Half term break

SPRING 2017

SUMMER 2017

Thursday 21st Dec

Thurs 5th January

Term Starts*

Tues 18th April

Term Starts*

13th Feb – 17th Feb

Half term break

29th May – 2nd June

Half term break

Fri 31st March

Term Ends

Fri 21st July

Term Ends

Term Ends

SPRING 2018* Wednesday 3rd Jan

Term Starts

12th - 16th Feb

Half term break

Friday 13th April

Term Ends

SUMMER 2018* Monday 16th April

Term Starts*

28th May—1st June

Half term break

Friday 20th July

Term Ends

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

* term dates for 2017-18 are provisional

Monday 4th Sept