Half-termly news from Highgate Wood School Autumn 1: 2018
MESSAGE FROM THE HEADTEACHER 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... 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 and also that the first half of the autumn term went well for your child/ children. It was very much a busy half term as you will be able to tell from this latest edition of Insight. Much has happened and we are pleased with how well the start of the term has gone. Good Exam Results! In the summer we again received another positive set of exam results. We are very pleased that we were able to maintain the very the high level of performance that we have achieved over the last six years. The headline figures are shown in the table below. GCSE: How we did overall (with some historical comparisons)
PROGRESS 8 and VALUE ADDED (Based on this measure, our 2018 Year 11 GCSE cohort have achieved the following) Measure
2018
Provisional Progress 8 Score Achievement 8 Score
+0.23 (2017 national average for state schools was -0.06)
49 (Average Grade = Strong Pass)
We are very proud that our Progress 8 score is 0.23 which is indicates that students at Highgate Wood School make significantly better progress than their peers nationally (a P8 score of zero would indicate that students are making expected progress). The next table shows our trend over the last six years. YEAR
Progress Measure
% Rank of
Score
maintained schools & academies nationally
8 2018 Progress provisional
+0.23 Top 23%
2017 Progress 8
+0.26 Top 24%
2016 Progress 8
+0.25 Top 24%
Measure
2018 2017 2016 2015
English and maths (4+)
67%
65%
70%
68%
2015 Value Added
1022.7 Top 18%
English and maths (5+)
48%
49%
N/A
N/A
2014 Value Added
1014.6 Top 29%
5 or more 4+ Grades (EM) 63%
63%
69%
64%
2013 Value Added
1014.1 Top 25%
5 or more 4+ Grades
67%
71%
77%
74%
5 or more 7+ Grades
26%
25%
32%
28%
Note: The other measure in the table above (for 2013 to 2015) is what is called a value added measure. It works in a similar way to Progress 8 but is based around 1000 representing expected progress.
However, as you will no doubt be aware, the Department for Education (DfE) now use an accountability measure for schools called Progress 8 which indicates the progress that students have made from year 7 to 11. We have recently received notification from the DFE of our provisional results (currently provisional as this is subject to any changes based on exam remarks and appeals, etc. 2
We are particularly proud of our consistency over the last few years. At a time of significant change in the educational landscape which has witnessed some considerable fluctuations in the fortunes of schools, we have maintained a high level of performance, outdoing three quarters of all maintained schools and academies every year. More information on our 2018 results is available on the school website or directly at http://bit.ly/hwsresults2018 Autumn 1
2018
Similarly, at A Level we have maintained a high level of performance, as you can see from the table below. As always our year 13 students have been able to secure places at some of the best universities up and down the country. A Level (and equivalent) Trends over the years. YEAR
% A*— C
% A*— E
2018
78%
100%
2017
87%
99%
2016
90%
100%
2015
83%
100%
2014
83%
100%
2013
83%
100%
2012
78%
98%
2011
78%
97%
2010
71%
98%
Given the recent changes to the specifications at A level we are pleased with our year 13 outcomes from 2018, even though the headline figure is slightly down on previous years. I would like to congratulate the students from last year’s Year 11s and Year 13s on these positive 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 we at Highgate Wood School have much to be very proud of!
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Our School Development Plan Targets For the coming year, the school development plan targets are focused around three overall priorities as shown in the table below : SDP Priority Areas: 1.
Achieving Outstanding Student Behaviour Through Consistent Implementation of The Behaviour Policy and the Setting of High Expectations.
2.
Improving Reading and Literacy Across the School
3.
Improving the Attainment and Participation of Our Disadvantaged Students
Our chosen priorities very much reflect the things that we know we must do to make our school the best that it can be. We have made new demands and tried out some different approaches to ensuring that behaviour and uniform is excellent. Students have responded magnificently to this. In addition, the introduction of daily reading time is working well so far and is making a real difference. We are also aware that we must do more to make sure that all of our students are making excellent progress, particularly those who come from disadvantaged circumstances. For more information on these plans, please visit the school website or http://bit.ly/hwssdp18.
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New Staff We recruited well over the summer and during the first part of the autumn term in a number of key positions across the school. Department New Staff Art & Technology: Ms A. Tshiamalenge English: Drama :
Ms F. Ismail Ms R. Board (Head of Department) Ms F. Howell
Geography:
Mr J. Hales Ms S. Nafi
Maths:
Mr M. Asiedu
Modern Foreign Languages: Ms A. Hermann Physical Education: Science: Social Science :
Mr T. Mayes (2nd in Charge) Ms A. Blake Mr W. Custodero Ms L. Salmon Ms A. Uddin
Behaviour Support Team:
Ms G. Johnson-Witter Mr S. Kenan
Cover Supervisors:
Ms M. Dreeling Ms L. Kutabikisa
6th Form Support
Ms H Gordon*
*Ms Gordon was previously a member of the Admin team
I would also like to congratulate the teachers taking on new roles of responsibility this year: Ms Eades and Ms Wilkinson as the co-coordinators of Public Speaking Events, Ms Grayson as Mathematics Enrichment Co-ordinator, Mr Varrone co-ordinator for Student Voice, Ms Chaudhri as Key Stage 4 Options co-ordinator and Mr Gowen, Ms Otchere and Ms Sen as Key Stage 3 Raising Achievement Coordinators for DaVinci, Seacole and Edison Houses respectively. I am confident in the quality of the staff that we have recruited. I have no doubt that through your children’s experience of them during the 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. 4
I am also delighted to welcome back Mr P Adams, Head of PE, who as many of you know had a prolonged period of absence last academic year for reasons of health. Open Evenings and Mornings – A Positive Start to the Year We held our Open Evening on Monday 8th October and followed this up with three Open Mornings the week before half term (16th, 17th and 18th October) for all prospective Year 6 students and their parents to come and view the school. I was really pleased with the very large number of people that attended each event and even more so with the extremely 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 most pleasing 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. ... 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
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PASTORAL REVIEW DAY
OUR UNIFORM CODE
Mr Hewitt writes: Pastoral Review Day provides the opportunity for parents and carers to have a meeting with their child’s Form Tutor to review their start to the academic year, discuss any issues that may be of concern and agree purposeful and achievable strategies to help them maximise their progress at school. It is vital that students attend as well as their parents or carers so they can be fully involved in the process of identifying ways to ensure improvement and further achievement. This year Pastoral Review Day will take place on Wednesday 5th December. As previously, there will be no regular lessons on the day so the only time students need to attend school will be for their appointment. We will again be using e-praise to book the 10 minute appointments. PRD is for students in years 7 -10 and also in the Sixth Form. Fuller information about arrangements for the day will be circulated shortly.
Mr Mansfield writes: Many thanks to the students, staff and parents who helped put together the new guidance to the school’s Uniform Code. The booklet was made available last month and can now be found on the school website or directly from bit.ly/hwsuniform. Everyone has been incredibly impressed with the way students have responded to the initial focus of ensuring that uniform expectations are met and their considerate and considered approach is also reflected in the fantastic achievement of earning over 100,000 merits in the first half term of this school year.
The best way to predict the future is to invent it
From caring comes courage
Success comes from perseverance
35,242
38,011
41,153
merits
merits
merits
so far this year
so far this year
so far this year
Top Merit Earners Mae Greene (Yr 11) Rosie Hegarty Morrish (Yr 10) Fizzy Linke Amorin Correia (Yr 9) Clementine Gosling (Yr 8) Megan Elliott (Yr 7)
Top Merit Earners Eliya Panayioutou (Yr 11) Zoe Street (Yr 10) Nicole Ampofoa Bonsu (Yr 9) Kathryn Holland (Yr 8) Izzy Peel (Yr 7)
Top Merit Earners James Vasilev Krumov (Yr 11) Huzma Kahn (Yr 10) Yildiray Pinar (Yr 9) Laneashe Williams (Yr 8) Dylan Cervi (Yr 7)
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THE SEASON OF COLDS AND FLU
Ms Stevens writes: Now that the “cold” season is upon us students should carry tissues, dispose of them correctly and wash their hands regularly. But don’t forget that even in cold weather it is important to keep hydrated. Students should continue to bring a water bottle into school. Please remember we cannot give any medication to students under 16 except if they have brought in the medication themselves and we have written permission from the parents to administer it.
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FINGERPRINT ID
Mr Ashman writes: We will use Pastoral Review Day on 5th December to begin the introduction of finger print ID as an additional form of identification in the Dining Hall. For those students whose fingerprints are recorded they will then be able to use this form of ID both at the tills and on the cash loaders. Students (and parents\carers for those under 16), will need to give permission for their fingerprints to be taken and there is no compulsion for them to do so. Furthermore this system will not replace the current card IDs. Even with their fingerprints “on the system” students will still require their cards for printing, borrowing books from the LRC and registration and access for sixth formers. The cards will also remain students’ official ID and will be needed for examinations. The advantage of also having fingerprints on the system is that students who do not have cards with them will still be able to purchase food from the canteen and Pod at lunchtime and break. It will also prevent the misuse of ID cards by those who try to use other students’ cards without their permission. More information will be circulated closer to the time but, in essence, students who want their fingerprints taken will come to the canteen before their tutor appointment on Pastoral Review Day. Their fingerprint will be recorded and that biometric information will be stored securely against their account details on the school’s IT system for cashless catering. Once the fingerprinting process has been completed we will enforce more strictly the current rule that prevents student from making purchases without proper ID (either card or fingerprint) as this causes considerable hold-ups to the queues in the Dining Hall and at the Food Pod. Autumn 1
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TEENAGE CANCER TRUST
GLOBAL FEMINISM AT HWS
Inspired by the #OneReasonWhyImAGlobalFeminist campaign students have begun their own campaign to raise awareness around global issues of gender inequality. Involving both boys and girls, students have been meeting at lunchtimes to discuss concerns ranging from child marriage to gender discrimination, and from lack of opportunities for girls in education to sexual harassment and bullying. They are now beginning their own social media campaign. The group’s work has coincided with the recent research by Plan International which has revealed how girls and women are being harassed in public and that more than one in three girls in the UK have received unwanted sexual attention, such as being groped, stared at, catcalled and wolf-whistled, while wearing their school uniform in public. The students have set up a Twitter and an Instagram account that will support the work they plan for the coming term to promote the many issues affecting girls and women today. If you want to be involved please email: globalfeminist@hws.uk.com or you can follow their posts on Instagram (global.feminists) or Twitter (@globalfeminist1).
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Mr Grimmett writes: On 9th October we welcomed a representative of the Teenage Cancer Trust who came to speak to Year 11 students about the serious topic of teenage cancer. We learnt how every day around seven young people aged between 13 and 24 are diagnosed with cancer in the UK. They need expert treatment and support from the moment they hear the word ‘cancer’ and The Teenage Cancer Trust is the key charity that is dedicated to help make this happen. As part of the assembly we discussed what cancer is and how to check for some of the various signs and symptoms—remembering that having some symptoms does not necessarily mean you have cancer. This was later followed up by tutors during tutor times. Important points to remember:- 1) Get to know your body (Year 11 this was your homework!), 2) If you spot any unexplained changes or you are worried please speak to your GP. More information is available at the Teenage Cancer Trust website: www.teenagecancertrust.org
YEAR 10 WORK EXPERIENCE
Students who are arranging their “own find” for work experience next March should have already completed the required forms. If this has not been done it will need to be completed very swiftly. If you have any questions or need a replacement own-find form please contact Ms Martin urgently. ema@hws.haringey.sch.uk Please also get in touch if you believe you may be able to offer a student a work placement either now or in the future. 7
Ms Went writes: Following the success of the last years Year 11s with their GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition results, the current Year 11 Food group have a tough act to follow. To that end and to enable them to accomplish the skill levels required to achieve the highest marks, they have been undertaking training sessions on the complex skills they will need to evidence in their practical work. Half of the final GCSE grade is dependent on the result of a three hour practical exam where the students are expected to produce three separate dishes in three hours… and they must be dishes that they have not cooked before! Just like on TV’s Masterchef, except those chefs get to practice their dishes in advance! Additionally, each dish must be cooked completely from scratch. So if the student wishes to use pasta, they must make and shape it on the day. If they want to use fish – they start with a whole fish and fillet it. Likewise, if they wish to include chicken in a dish, they start with a whole chicken and fillet/portion/remove the joints that are required. The greater the range of skills that they can evidence in the three hours, the higher the marks scored. Last year, for example, Hope Selby produced Spanish influenced Olive Bread Rolls, Chicken and Seafood Paella and Piped Churros with Chocolate Sauce. Tyreek Campbell-Heerah made Greek influenced Chicken and Couscous Stuffed Peppers, Rough Puff Spanakopita and Chicken Adana (minced chicken and mint) Skewers with pitta bread and Hummus. Both students made each of their dishes completely from scratch…in three hours…in exam conditions. A huge accomplishment. 8
Anya rolling pasta dough and Isaac cutting ravioli.
Issy filleting a chicken breast
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Hope’s Final Products from last summer’s practical
Tyreek’s Final Products from last summer’s practical
We are so proud of the achievements of our Year 11 students last year and with the hard work and great efforts of our current Year 11s we are looking forward to even better results in 2019. Well done to everyone, and we will be back with more news from W1 very soon!.
Damiano filleting a Mackerel Autumn 1
2018
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Ms Christodoulou writes: Students and staff have enthusiastically embraced our new Dedicated Reading Time initiative, and it is certainly noticeable how school falls silent during the allocated slots. We have already seen so much focus and concentration, so much enjoyment and engagement of reading right across the school. Key Stage 3 students started the academic year engaging with a range of different reading related activities. Some tutors read aloud to their groups, others listened to an audio book. A few tutor groups read short stories around the classroom; several designed and produced book marks in preparation for their silent reading sessions. Many tutors shared their favourite books with their tutees and invited others to do the same – some students did so very eagerly. All these activities have helped us all to get used to the idea of regular reading time. All students in Key Stage 3 have now had an opportunity to visit the Learning Resources Centre (LRC) to select and take out books. Time in the LRC has also been used to complete quizzes on the books that have been read. On a weekly basis tutors are provided with information on who has completed quizzes so that students can be congratulated - they can use the same information to encourage those students who have not managed to do a quiz too! We have lots of exciting reading related activities planned for the coming months. We have opportunities for students to be involved in local and national book awards, we will be recruiting student librarians to support the work of the LRC and we are starting to plan our contribution to World Book Day on 7th March 2019. Keep reading! 10
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PSA UPCOMING EVENTS
Mr Went writes: Bake Off Club is just about to get underway again for its first run of the year. I have ten aspiring Year 9 bakers, ready to pitch their skills in order to win the coveted title of HWS Star Baker… Its all to bake for who will receive the first Went handshake? Last year’s clear winner, Celeste Clifton (10T) walked away with the Bake Off Title having been awarded Star Baker in three of the six technical challenges. The question arising from this is – can anyone beet her record of three consecutive wins?
HOW STUDENTS CAN PREPARE FOR AND HOW PARENTS CAN SURVIVE THROUGH EXAMS
We are looking forward to welcoming our guest speaker at the PSA meeting on 6th February 2019. Juliet Landau-Pope is an expert on time and organisational management and also a study skills coach who has written extensively about supporting teenagers in the run up to exams and other times of stress. Those who have already heard her speak have found her to be both helpful and inspirational. Her talk at the PSA meeting will be directed for parents, not students, but will provide some really useful pointers to help us support our children with revision and study. More information about Juliet and her work can be found at https://jlpcoach.com
Last year’s Bake Off contestants
A date for your diary: There will be another Curry and Quiz Night on Thursday 7th March 2019. These have proved to be really successful and hugely entertaining fundraising events. Tickets will be available on line during the Spring term.
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PSA COMEDY NIGHT AT HWS
NEW SCHOOL WEBSITE
The PSA is delighted to stage our first ever Comedy Night fundraiser with a stellar line up of fabulous comedians: Rob Delaney, Rose Matafeo, Paul Tonkinson, Julian Deane and Gareth Jones. This brilliant night will raise funds for refurbishments to the toilets at Highgate Wood School. Every penny will go to this valuable project so it really is going to be a night of toilet humour! Ticket prices reflect both the incredible line up and the much needed funds for the project. Please be aware that tickets are only available online and will not be available on the door. They can be obtained from the link on the school website or http://bit.ly/hwscomedy Can't make it this time or have you found that all the tickets have gone? Then it's easy to make a donation to the PSA instead - all proceeds, including donations, will go toward the toilet project! This is the first event we have staged with the kind sponsorship of Castles Estate Agents. If you would like to receive regular news and information from the PSA please sign up to our mailing list at: http://bit.ly/hwspsamail
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Mr Ashman writes: Helped by Creative Schools and supported by the PSA, we have been working on a complete upgrade of the school website. This is a fairly substantial undertaking, especially as we want to be able to provide some enhanced communication features on the new site. But progress is being made. We are currently anticipating the “launch� for the new site at the start of the new calendar year. However, this will need to be preceded by a test launch towards the end of this term when we will be inviting a selection of users to test out the new site and try and identify any bugs or failings. If you would like to be involved in this process please email me: tas@hws.haringey.sch.uk
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Ms Ereira writes: The debates are over, the votes are in and I am very excited to announce this year’s shortlist for the Highgate Wood School Book Award. Our book groups nominated books at the end of the summer term, from which we drew a fantastically strong longlist. There are several books on the longlist which I am personally very sad not to see on the shortlist, but we do have the whole longlist in the library, so I hope that they will still be read and loved. You can find the full list on the LRC Blog at www.highgatewoodlrc.wordpress.com. The shortlist is compelling and varied. We’ve got sci-fi, fantasy, thrillers, historical fiction, a verse novel and, for the first time, a graphic novel. Night of the Party by Tracey Mathias White Rabbit, Red Wolf by Tom Pollock Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera The Sacrifice Box by Martin Stewart
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Your Turn to Die by Sue Wallman Stranger by Keren David Twelve Nights by Andrew ZurcherT The Loneliest Girl in the Universe by Lauren James Illegal by Eoin Colfer and Andrew Donkin
The Loneliest Girl in the Universe by Lauren James The only surviving crew-member of a spaceship on a mission to establish a second home for humanity, Romy learns a new ship has launched from Earth – with one passenger on board. Night of the Party by Tracey Mathias Britain is now governed by a far-right nationalist party. Its flagship policy only allows those born in Britain to live here. Everyone else is subject to immediate arrest and deportation. An election is coming but how do you speak out if you have no rights? White Rabbit, Red Wolf by Tom Pollock Nervous Peter Blankman finds solace in the love of his family and the logic of mathematics. But, when his mother is murdered and his sister is nowhere to be found, he is dragged into a world of espionage and violence.
Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds Will knows the rules: Don't cry; Don't snitch; Get revenge. Carrying his dead brother’s gun, he descends a building where he encounters a series of past victims of teenage gun crime on every floor. A powerful verse novel.
Illegal by Eoin Colfer & Andrew Donkin A powerful and timely story that explores the current plight of undocumented immigrants. Illegal is a graphic novel with glorious colour artwork about one boy's epic journey across Africa to Europe.
They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera Mateo and Rufus don’t know each other but thanks to an app called Last Friend they are able to meet for one great adventure on the day that Death-Cast has told them they are going to die.
Stranger by Keren David A boy staggers out of the Canadian forest covered in blood and collapses at the feet of 16-year-old Emmy. 100 years later Megan arrives from London for her great grandmother Emmy's 105th birthday.
The Sacrifice Box by Martin Stewart Five friends thrown together one hot, summer discover an ancient stone box hidden in the forest. Four years later, a series of strange and terrifying events take place. Someone broke the rules, and now everyone has to pay. Autumn 1
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Your Turn to Die by Sue Wallman Every winter, three families gather in an old house to celebrate the New Year. This year, 15-year-old Leah discovers with the other teens that the house has a dark past. As they dig into the history, terrible things start happening. Twelve Nights by Andrew Zurcher Kay’s father is a Cambridge academic except the staff in the college now deny he ever even worked there. The calling card left on Kay’s bed is the first clue to unravelling the fantastical mystery that his disappearance brings to life.
Ms Ereira writes: This term Year 7 were lucky enough to be offered their choice of book as a gift from the school. We have been able to do this in part due to the generosity of our brilliant PSA, who have generously contributed in order to enable this fantastic scheme to continue despite the loss of the funding we have enjoyed in previous years. Bookbuzz is a reading programme from BookTrust that helps inspire a love of reading amongst 11 to 13 year olds. Participating schools give their students the opportunity to choose their own book to take home and keep from a list of fifteen age appropriate titles. They are all carefully selected by a panel of experts to ensure quality, suitability and to encourage reading for pleasure. Our Year 7 students have now made their choices and are eagerly awaiting the arrival of their books in the second half of term. Autumn 1
2018
Every year Bonfire Night brings injuries and upsets to numerous families across the UK. Remember to always follow the Firework Code and that nobody under the age of 18 is allowed to buy or use fireworks. We have always had a very firm rule that no firework of any sort is allowed anywhere on the school premises. If anyone were to be caught with a firework in school the consequences would be extremely severe, including the possibility of permanent exclusion.
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GCSE ART Ms Zwicky writes: Year 10 have started their GCSE course by focusing on line and layering. We have studied the work of Jasper Johns and Michael Craig Martin to try and help us develop our ideas and techniques. Here are some fantastic outcomes by Rudi Wallis O’Dowd, Luna Berger, Lily Walker, Ella Taylor, Oli'ka KirbyScott and Julia Coroama. Our focus has now moved on to texture and colour, with particular focus on a range of print making techniques. If you are interested to find out how our art students develop their ideas toward an outcome, why not follow our Art Twitter page on @HWSArt_Photo
Lily Walker
Oli’ka Kirby-Scott
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Luna Berger
Ella Taylor
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Julia Coroama
Rudi Wallis O’Dowd
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START TO THE SIXTH FORM Ms Pinnick writes: Year 12 Our Year 12 students have settled in well. We have been delighted to welcome some excellent students from other local schools. They are all making very good use of the Lower Study Room for their study periods. The vast majority of students have maintained excellent attendance since September and have earned the privilege of leaving school after period 4 if they do not have a lesson. All Year 12 students are expected to arrive at school by 8.30am and swipe in if they do not have a lesson. Attendance All Post 16 students are expected to maintain attendance that is 95% or higher. Students should not take days off school unless they are genuinely too ill to attend. Absences should be reported to Harriet Gordon – extension 239.
Year 13 Our Year 13 students gained a very good set of AS results. They have settled into their studies well. All the students applying for medicine or degrees at Oxford and Cambridge have now completed their applications. All other students applying to universities should have their personal statement and application form completed by Monday 29th October. We aim to submit the applications by Friday 2nd November. Some of the early applicants are already receiving offers from their chosen universities Enrichment Year 12 are engaging fully in our Wednesday programme of activities which include computer programming, debating, first aid, cooking and sports. They have had presentations from NCS and World Challenge Project (to launch the Morocco expedition 2020). After half term the Mark Evison Foundation will also be offering students the opportunity to pitch an idea with the hope of being funded by this charity organisation.
We a pleased to announce that a newly elected 6th Form Council has been set up to act as a body for students to organise change, arrange student events and be a platform for representation of all members of the HWS Sixth Form community. It comprises of 12 delegates, each elected into the role by their tutor groups, with a Chair, Vice Chair, and other positions being voted in by these representatives. The council has chosen James Lenton to be the Chair with Holly Hart acting as the Vice Chair. A BAME officer, Mental Health officer, LGTBQ+ officer, Women’s officer and other roles having been selected to represent groups in the sixth form. The council urges all sixth formers to give regular feedback to their representatives and various officers of the school council. 18
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OUR SECRET GARDEN Ms Went writes: There is a secret space in the school that very few people have been aware of….until now. At the back of Food Tech and extending down to Textiles is an enclosed walled patio that until recently remained untouched, with weeds growing up between the flagstones and rubbish collecting in the corners. It has been the dream of our department to turn this sun trap into a fruit, vegetable and herb garden where we can grow produce for GCSE classes and also support the teaching of Food Choice and Food Provenance, two of the main topics covered in the GCSE Food Preparation and Nutrition specification. In addition the garden could become a space used by many other members of the school community. With the demise of the school allotment to make way for two new classrooms a unique opportunity presented itself to bring that dream to life. So, at the end of last year, with the assistance of the school’s site team and my Year 12 tutor group, we salvaged everything reusable from the allotment. This included a garden table and benches, water buts, a compost bin, old car tyres, a collection of ceramic and plastic plant pots, gardening tools and boarder edging as well as plants, bushes and trees. With Phase One completed - the site and materials ready, it was time to bid for money for Phase Two of the ‘Kitchen Garden Project’. The PSA granted £700 to enable the purchase of materials needed for assembling the raised beds and planters, giant plant pots and compost for planting the fruit and herb bushes. Kevin Nairn masterminded the construction of three raised bed containers, four tree planters on trolleys (allowing them to be easily moved) and the fruit bushes were safely transplanted. We are now moving into Phase Three, again with the support of the PSA. This will include the installation of an outdoor tap with hosepipe on reel and connectors, the purchase of a wheelbarrow, outdoor storage for the gardening equipment, damp proof membrane to finish lining the planters, pea shingle for drainage of raised borders and planters, vegetable and fruit topsoil to fill the raised borders and planters. Autumn 1
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Once Phase Three has been accomplished the raised borders will be ready for planting next Spring. We can plant up the moveable tree planters with two Olive trees and a mini Fig tree that have already been acquired and two grape vines that will be planted in the ground once the paving slabs have been removed. In the meantime the Harrap Hortan family have kindly donated two magnificent bay trees that were planted and cultivated by Mr Hortan in 2003 (the same age as our current Year 10 cohort who used some of the leaves to flavour their Turkey Strudels last week!) We still have a long way to go and further funds to obtain in order to furnish the space but the secret space is now really beginning to look like a garden. The plan is to have picnic benches and shade enough for an outdoor classroom. I hope, eventually that it will become an area that can be enjoyed by the whole school and be run as a fully-functioning Kitchen Garden. If you could contribute to the development of our kitchen garden please email awe@hws.haringey.sch.uk
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Ms Birnie writes: This year, the History Department ran a Key Stage 3 Inter House Black History Month Quiz : “From Cheddar Man to Windrush”. As well as celebrating 70 years since the arrival of the Empire Windrush, students researched the long and significant contribution that black people have made to British history, society and culture long before then. The archaeological find of Cheddar Man, discovered to have dark brown skin and blue eyes, takes that contribution back at least 10,000 years The aim of the quiz was try and dispel the myth that black people only arrived to Britain on the Empire Windrush in 1948 and to teach students about what is often a forgotten history of British black people. Students left lessons armed with facts to remember and revise to win achievement points for their Houses! The following week students they sat the test and added up all their fantastic marks. All the classes’ achievements points were added up and the winner was Seacole! We hope students enjoyed the quiz. Your teachers certainly did and found out lots we didn’t know too.
The History Department would definitely recommend David Olusoga’s Black and British: A Forgotten History.
MERITS EARNED SEACOLE:
415:
EDISON
342
DA VINCI
304
RSE AND SCHOOL HEALTH PROMOTION COUNCIL Mr Ashman writes:
Last year the Department for Education announced that they intended to review Relationship and Sex Education in school. Existing guidelines have not changed since 2000, but the world has changed significantly - as have the pressures and risks confronting young people. We are pleased to have been selected to work on a pilot project with the London Schol of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and the National Children’s Bureau Sex Education Forum on the future of RSE education. 20
Called “Positive Choices” we have already done some work on the programme and more information will be circulated to students concerned, as well as their families. Our immediate focus is to begin a School Health Promotion Council which will involve students taking a lead in deciding how to best address different health concerns. If you would like more information please contact me: tas@hws.hairingey.sch.uk Autumn 1
2018
KNIFE CRIME WORKSHOP
Mr Grimmett writes: On 3rd October we were lucky enough to have Nathan Levy speak to our Year 9 students of the dangers involved in carrying knives and other weapons and the fatal consequences associated with them. He spoke from a personal viewpoint about how knife crime has affected him and his family. Nathan is the older brother of Robert Levy who was stabbed to death in Hackney, 2004. Robert Levy, aged 16, was murdered a few yards from his home in Hackney whilst trying to prevent a fight. Robert went to the aid of a younger boy who was being threatened with a knife by an older schoolboy. Robert suffered multiple stab wounds at the hands of the attacker. It was known by students at the school that the murderer attended that he was carrying a knife and wanted to fight someone. But no one said anything. Nathan led students on the interesting story of his own and his brother’s life with the key message that we should work as a community to stamp out knife crime and that one way we could do this in our own community was to not carry knifes, be alert to those who may be carrying knives and if we are aware of someone carrying a knife to report it—and possibly save the live of a potential victim, the knife carrier themselves, their family and their friends. As a student in 9S quickly and rightly pointed out: "We need to redefine what it means to get power. It's not through carrying a knife, it's by doing the right thing. It is clear that you shouldn't be a bystander". But you must not put yourself at risk either. Autumn 1
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The workshop was certainly thought-provoking and made us reconsider the issue. As one student explained: “Before the workshop, if I'd seen someone I didn't know very well with a knife I would probably stay out of it and not do anything, whereas now I realise that I could actually save someone's life if I speak up.” Another said “the fact that Nathan was able to stand up and talk about how his dream was crushed then how he tragically lost his brother and kept on going and keep on living is just amazing. It’s inspired me and the assembly taught me a lot.” A number of Year 9 students voiced concern at the increase in stabbings across London of late with around 100 fatal stabbings so far this year alone. We may not be able to solve such a wide ranging issue as a school but, as a community, we can make a start through the 4 Cs and learning from Nathan by:
Cooperating with each other as a community. Contributing to positivity by helping each other, particularly when times are tough.
Being courteous to each other and avoiding conflict.
Considering others by being an active citizen and not a bystander.
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HR SPORTS ACADEMY AT HIGHGATE WOOD SCHOOL
Ms Ward writes: Together with our regular sports clubs we are pleased to have introduced some additional sports training for students this year. Over the past term students in Key Stage 3 have enjoyed weekly basketball sessions provided by HR Sports Academy. They have received professional coaching three times a week and then play competitive games. Selected students who have attended are looking forward to going to see a professional basketball match in the future. We hope to be able to expand this initiative in the coming months to enable more and more students to develop their skills, stamina and abilities to work as part of a successful team. School sports clubs (and other extracurricular clubs) are listed on the school website http://bit.ly/hwsclubs
HEALTHY EATING COMPETITION Exposure, north London’s award winning youth charity, in partnership with Haringey Youth Council, invites students to participate in “Saucy Sandwich Snaps”, a tasty competition that is designed to encourage peope to eat more healthily. All you need to do is create, prepare and then photograph your very own healthy sandwich recipe. Submit your #saucysandwichsnaps via email (info@exposure.org.uk) and/or social media together with: a ‘saucy’ name for your sandwich key ingredients and how they contribute to a healthy diet your name, age and school group You can enter individually, as a small group or a whole class. Closing date for entries is Friday 6 December 2018 and the winner will be announced on Monday 14th January. For more information visit http://bit.ly/hwshealthyeats, call 020 8883 0260 or email info@exposure.org.uk. The competition is for under 21s only
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2018
LGBTQI—SKITTLES CLUB
AN INSPECTOR CALLS
Mx Lacroix writes: Don’t forget that the Skittle Club takes place on Tuesdays Week 1 in A34. Skittles Club is a place where students can meet and talk freely and safely about their feelings and the issues they wish to discuss. “I never though that a school that I went to would support me as much as HWS does,” says one student. “Skittles supports LGBTQI+ It has really helped my confidence." "Skittles Club is helping me to be who I really am, giving me support and making me feel better about myself.” says another. “This club has helped finding people that understand what Iam going through. I am still waiting until I am more relaxed to come out as non binary. I would love it if more people came,” says a third. Highgate Wood School is proud to be a Stonewall Champion and to support LGBTQI+ rights, equality and visibility. Skittles is open to all students, and you are welcome to also bring a friend if you wish.
As part of their GCSE English Literature course, Year 11 have been studying JB Priestley’s An Inspector Calls. A trip was organised to see Stephen Daldry’s critically acclaimed production of the play. Here’s a review by one of the students. William Crawford writes: The journey itself was uneventful. We saw and noticed nothing and nobody out of the ordinary. The theatre was full, the lights were on and the stage set for a breathless performance of ‘An Inspector Calls.’ Generally, I would think a play about duty to society where all the action takes place in one room wouldn’t make for a great production. However, I was wrong. The use of levels and the gradual destruction of the set made a particular impression. It was a compelling way of showing that Mr and Mrs Birling’s elitist attitude doesn’t stand up to scrutiny. By the end of the play we were spellbound, apprehensively watching its conclusion. The final ultimatum delivered by the Inspector hammers home the thesis that we are all part of one community with duties to each other. The message of the play made a real impression on me and others who watched it. Our journey home reinforced this message. After understanding the play, I saw what I had been blind to before: the scores of homeless people by the side of pavement under Finsbury Park Bridge. What struck me more than anything else was not the homeless people themselves but the lack of people helping them. ‘An Inspector Calls’ may have been written in 1945 but it is still relevant today. In some aspects we are still just a sea of individuals as opposed to a community with responsibilities for each other.
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ART NEWS
Ms Shepherd writes: We are very impressed with our new Year 7 students who have been celebrating Black History Month with us. We have studied Wadsworth Jarrel and Betye Saar from last years' fantastic Tate Modern show 'Soul of a Nation' and we have looked at Lubaina Himid and her amazingly colourful painted figures. Students had a chance to discuss the gaps in art history and the social purpose of art, which is to put out a positive and empowering message. We look forward to completing this collective 'quilt' after half-term, but here is a sneaky peak to get you interested. Well done in particular to 7X2, Erin, George, Karte, Hattie, Mateo and Biba.
Ms Shepherd writes: After last year's success we are pleased that we are again involved in running this year's competition for the Royal College of Arts, Young Arts. Last year's competition raised a total of ÂŁ85,000 for Cancer Research and we hope this year's will surpass this staggering amount. We believe that not only does this competition give our students a chance to shine by having their work selected for a show at the RCA, it also shows how art and artists can play their apart in raising awareness of the difficult issues life can throw at us. This year's competition theme is 'Capture the moment' and we invite everyone to participate. The competition is open to all students from all key stages and there are three categories, painting, printmaking and drawing. If you interested in participating, please come to art club on Mondays, Tuesdays or Wednesdays or talk to your art teacher for more information.
Ms Shepherd writes: We are very pleased that our new cohort of year 10 GCSE students will again be participating in the National Art and Design Saturday Club. It means that some of our students will get expert teaching by industry professionals from a wide range of the creative industries, workshops with the English National Opera and much more.
Our students will get to work in a fantastic location at the new University of the Arts’ London campus at King's Cross. Well done to Ellie Hutchings, Daisy Mattock and Macy Martin for getting involved with this brilliant opportunity. We look forward to seeing your work at Somerset House next summer no less!
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2018
SAFE DRIVE STAY ALIVE
POST 16 READING
Ms Pinnick writes: As part of our PSHEE programme, all Year 13 students attended a fantastic presentation organised by Haringey on the issues involved with Safe Driving. Students watched a series of live educational performances featuring a sequence of films and live speakers, which aim to make young people aware of their responsibilities as drivers, and passengers, whilst travelling, and to positively influence their attitudes. These emotional, engaging and thought provoking performances featured people recounting their stories and the many serious, long term impacts to themselves and all those around them. Each new film featured a true story, told by the people directly affected by a road traffic collision. After each film an individual from the emergency services, took to the stage – a police officer, a paramedic, a firefighter and an A&E doctor or nurse – to speak about their experiences of attending road traffic collisions or treating patients, and how these have affected them professionally and personally. Students found the event both thought provoking and illuminating on the many issues around road safety and responsible driving.
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Ms Pinnick writes: This Year all Post 16 students are engaging in a structured programme of reading and PSHEE. Each day has a distinct focus: Monday: assembly or silent reading for pleasure Tuesday: silent reading for pleasure or wider reading for an A Level Wednesday: PSHEE Thursday: Peer mentoring or reading with a younger student Friday: Wider World Reading In the Wider World Reading sessions, students have read and discussed a range of different articles including: the trials and tribulations of being a criminal barrister, how the English language is taking over the planet to the more quirky material of how auto-tune revolutionized the sound of popular music. The PSA kindly donated a bookcase for the Sixth Form Study Room. If any parents have any fiction texts that they no longer need and would like to donate, please leave in Reception for Ms Pinnick or contact via lpi@hws.haringey.sch.uk for us to collect. 25
YEAR 9 OPTIONS - FOR STUDENTS BEGINNING KEY STAGE 4 IN SEPTEMBER 2019 Mr Hartley writes: Next January Year 9 students will begin the process of deciding which GCSE Option subjects they will take in Year 10. The offer is likely to be very similar to the most recent year group (the current Year 10 group). However there are a few changes that we are considering: The removal of the timetabled literacy and numeracy support that takes an option slot The addition of a further vocational course, yet to be determined The removal of the Business & Economics GCSE from the available options The reasons for considering these changes are as follows: We believe a larger vocational offer and will provide better outcomes an progression routes for students and will also reduce the need for additional academic support. Economics GCSE is not needed for progression to A’ level, which is an extremely popular course in the sixth form and one that we can expand if teaching resource is focussed here rather than at Key Stage 4.
Full details will be available at the Year 9 Options evening scheduled for Tuesday 29th January 2019. In the meantime if you have any questions please contact Ms S Chaudhri (sci@hws.haringey.sch.uk) who will be co-ordinating the Options process this academic year.
WORLD CHALLENGE 2018 Ms Eades writes: Every year a group of Highgate Wood Sixth form students take part in a World Challenge expedition. past trips have included Malaysia, Morocco, Swaziland. This year we went to India. As part of that trip students worked with local tradespeople to improve infrastructure in a rural village in the mountains of Uttarakhand, trekked in the foothills of the Himalayas, and visited Agra and the Taj Mahal. All experiences that the students will never forget!. We are now planning for Belize in 2019 and then, for the following year, returning to Morocco where we had an exceptional adventure in 2017. Students have a full 18 months before departure to raise the funds for the trip. 26
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2018
ENGLAND v SPAIN AT WEMBLEY
HISTORICAL NOVELIST
Ms Harding writes:
We were delighted to be able to obtain tickets for the England v Spain match at Wembley in September, and happy to take a group of Year 9 students to the event. Dylan Mark (9S) writes the Match Review The England Spain game was an incredible experience for everyone who went to it. It was immensely gripping, right up until the final whistle blew. From kick-off, until Welbeck’s (unfairly) disallowed goal in the 90th minute, Spain played as the better team, with more possession and shots, but England were great on the break with Marcus Rashford making many great runs down the left wing. There was an incredible atmosphere throughout the ground the whole game long; with continuous passionate chanting and encouragement for the England side from the huge crowd of almost 80,000 fans, flooding the ground with white shirts and England flags. It was a memorable experience that I will never forget
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2018
During the summer term, as part of a year 8 history homework, students were asked to write a piece of historical fiction that has a convincing setting in a past time and place. The three best stories were then selected and sent to the Historical Association to be entered into their international writing competition. When selecting the best three stories, the history department looked for historical accuracy, even down to the choice of names characters are given, and any props additional to the historical setting, as well as a riveting read with a good plot! The history department was delighted to discover that Maisy Harrison, (now 9W) has been selected by the Historical Association judges as a winner in the best story category for her entry 'Ground Zero.' The Historical Association commented on this year's entries, 'This year's 'Write Your Own Historical Fiction' competition has once again provided some work of an exceptional standard. Year upon year, we were not only astounded by the number of entries we receive, but also by the very high standard, which makes the judging process very difficult.' The history department would like to congratulate Maisy for producing such a gripping and interesting story. Maisy's story will be published in next month's edition of the Historical Association magazine. Maisy will receive a cheque for £25, a paperweight, and the school will receive a years’ free membership of the HA. Thank you Maisy, and well done!
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PRIMARY TRANSITION OPEN EVENING
Ms Spence writes: I would like to say an enormous thank you to everyone who made our Open Evening and Open Mornings such a success. We welcomed nearly a thousand people during the course of the week, confirming our local popularity and the way we are the school of choice for so many families. The evening itself was exceptionally busy, but despite the crowds it all went extremely smoothly, I had so many positive comments from parents and prospective students who were impressed by everything they saw. They were particularly struck by the positive atmosphere and sense of welcome and friendliness they felt at Highgate Wood School
It is always heartening to see our students showing so much pride in their school and being such fantastic ambassadors for everything we do here. We had dozens of student helpers acting as guides , and dozens more who were providing outstanding support to departments with all the activities that were taking place. Everyone who helped deserves thanks, but I would like to single out in particular Megan Elliott and Daniel Kan in Year 7 and Aisha Taylor Duran and Izzy Eatherden from the Sixth Form. They agreed to speak to all the parents in the Hall during the course of each of Mr Cozier’s three presentations. A massive ask from us, and a huge achievement for them!
The new Prospectus for 2019 entry is now available on the school website, where you will also find the Headteacher’s presentation from Open Evening.
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YEAR 7—TEAM BUILDING DAY Ms Burniston writes: Thanks again to the support of the PSA Year 7s enjoyed a Team Building Day with the Problem Solving Company. Taking place on 21st September it was very close to the Year 7s joining the school and involved the students in a whole range of activities and games. It was a great day and we were all so impressed with how fantastic our new Year 7s are. Everyone did extremely well and everyone should be congratulated for their brilliant teamwork, their patience and their enterprise in finding so many different solutions. In the end the winning House was DaVinci, who came away with this year’s Team Building Cup.
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Francesca Emery (7H) writes: I loved enrichment day. The year 7s had just joined the school and we still barely knew each other. We got set tasks that really tested our abilities and skills. We always had to work together as a team which was really challenging for us all. But it was a great ice breaker. We really got to know each other as people, not who we want be seen as, but who we really are. I found different aspects of the day challenging and easy depending on who you were. Overall I think enrichment day was a real success and this tradition should carry on for all new year 7s. Thanks to everyone who made it happen.
Maggie Whelan (7S) writes: Enrichment day was a really good ice breaker. I got to know my form and I also got to know some older kids who were helping my group . It was really challenging and kind of stressful but overall a great experience. Certain aspects of the day and some activities were easier than others depending on each individual person but, overall, I think enrichment day was a really positive experience. Sofia Fazaldin (7G) writes: Enrichment day was a great way to make friend and was lots of fun and a good experience. We had loads of activities to do and being outside all day in the rain was awesome. It was so cool that Da Vinci won!
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2018
Reuben Collins (7G( writes: Teambuilding day was a blast and everyone had a fantastic time. It was the best way to start at school and I want say thank you very much to all the staff who helped. Esma Aslan (7A) writes: Team Building Day was amazing as it had so many different activities and was so much fun. It was my favorite day as it had many hard challenges and was so entertaining. Some were fun , some where amazing, some were challenging but all of them were really enjoyable. Overall, I thought that the day was splendid and more extraordinary than any other school day I have had.
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KEY DATES Year 7 Meet the Tutor Evening
Tuesday 6th November
PSA Comedy Night
Thursday 8th November
Year 8 Parents’ Consultation Evening
Tuesday 13th November
Post 16 Open Evening
Thursday 22nd November
INSET DAY
Monday 26th November
Year 11 Mock Exams
28th November - 14th December
Pastoral Review Day
Wednesday 5th December
Winter Concert
18th, 19th, 20th December
End of Autumn Term
Friday 21st December
Year 7 Parents’ Consultation Evening
Tuesday 26th March 2019
Year 8 Parents’ Consultation Evening
Tuesday 6th November 2018
Year 9 Parents’ Consultation Evening
Tuesday 15th January 2019
Year 10 Parents’ Consultation Evening
Tuesday 30th April 2019
Year 11 Parents’ Consultation Evening
Tuesday 22nd January 2019
Post 16 Parents’ Consultation Evening
Tuesday 12th February 2019
AUTUMN 2018
SPRING 2019
SUMMER 2018*
Wednesday 5th Sept
Term Starts
Monday 7th Jan
Term Starts
Monday 23rd April
Term Starts*
22nd - 26th October
Half term break
18th - 22nd Feb
Half term break
27th — 31st May
Half term break
Term Ends
Friday 5th April
Term Ends
Friday 19th July
Term Ends
Friday21st Dec
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
Insight is available on-line at www.hws.uk.com