Insight Issue 5

News from Highgate Wood School arts college

CONSIDERATION COOPERATION COURTESY CONTRIBUTION

Issue No 5 April 2012

Year 7 at the Science Museum

Pop Art by Year 9

IMPORTANT NOTICE STAFF APPRECIATION TEA Arabella Weir writes: Once a term the PSA 'hosts' a tea/coffee and homemade cakes and biscuits tea for the Highgate Wood staff to show our appreciation (as in the title!) for all their hard work and commitment.

We've just hosted the third and, again, it was very successful ‐ lots of truly delicious cakes, biscuits and brownies were donated by parents and carers and were greatly appreciated by the staff. A handful of PSA members, with the help of a super‐efficient urn, make tea and coffee and hand out the sweet things. All the staff seem genuinely touched and appreciative of the gesture which makes it all worthwhile. So, as long as they'll eat cake we'll keep doing hosting the teas!

Ms Daws‐Knowles writes for the Staff Association: A big thank to the PSA from all the staff at HWS for serving us delicious treats and very welcome hot drinks. You know exactly what we need at the end of a busy day.

The next PSA meeting is on Wednesday 25th April at 7.30pm. It will include a presentation about the MLE.

START OF THE SUMMER TERM Discussions between the school and the NUT are taking place on Friday 30th March

We will let parents know the outcome of these talks and whether there will be an impact on school opening times for the new term as soon as we can.

We will send out text messages and e‐mails as well as updating the school website and the twitter feed.

You will also be able to find out the result of the talks by calling 0208408 7508 and give the school’s DfE code 3094030 IMPORTANT NOTICE

MADFEST 2012 on 7th June c It is not long before the 2012 MADFEST and the PSA are having a meeting on 3rd May at 7:30 for the sole purpose of planning this year’s event.

MADFEST is happening on 7th June but we can already begin growing seedlings for the plant stalls, saving books / CD's / DVD's / tombola prizes for the stalls, donations of raffle prizes…

Please come along if you are able.

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

Imogen Pennell ‐ Vice Chair (LA Representative) Oliver Blackaby ‐ (LA Representative) Eddie Griffith ‐ (LA Representative)

Phil Cocksedge ‐ (Community) Janice Dolan ‐ (Community) Violet Hazlewood‐Henry ‐ (Community) Chris Parr ‐ (Community)

Diana Brown ‐ (Parent) Elizabeth Hess Barth ‐ (Parent) Caroline Conlon ‐ (Parent) Phil Cavendish ‐ (Parent) Carol Vincent ‐ (Parent) Rob White ‐ (Parent)

7S re‐enact “The Last Supper” as part of their unit of work in ECS on Easter and Christianity.

Cover pictures: Year 7 Enrichment Day visit to the Science Museum (see page 8) and Year 9 Pop Art (see pages 10‐11)

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Tristan Ashman ‐ (Staff) Vacancy ‐ (Staff) Vacancy ‐ (Staff)

Patrick Cozier ‐ Head teacher April 2012

Message from Mr Cozier The Spring Term is already behind us It never ceases to amaze me how time flies! As we approach the end of the spring term I am continuously impressed and pleased with the progress being made by our students. They have worked really hard this term and I am proud of the way that they continue to make such a positive contribution to our school. The same is true of our staff who deliver quality learning and teaching experiences in the classroom consistently that make a real difference to our students.

I want to thank them all as well as all of our community for the many positive contributions that you have made to supporting Highgate Wood School over this last term.

New Timetable starts on June 11th The new timetable will be in operation from June 11th which is the first day back after the half term of the summer term. For those parents who are new to the school, the biggest impact of the June early roll is that each year group will begin their curriculum for next year half a term earlier.

April 2012

The main rationale for this is to benefit our Year 9 students by enabling them to start their GCSEs (and other Key Stage 4 courses) half a term early. This we believe affords them a greater opportunity to succeed in Key Stage 4.

The implication for all other year groups is that their current teachers may change in June. However, as the timetable that we start in June 2012 will remain in place until next June 2013 (and from June to June each successive year after that), it means that there will not be any further change of teachers this coming September.

Good News! Choice of Languages for the Year 8 Curriculum For the first time this year students will be given the choice over whether to study French or Spanish in Year 8 (for the timetable roll on 11th June when Year 7s become Year 8s). This year students in Year 7 have been given an opportunity to study both languages (to give them an experience in each) and they will be asked to make their choice in May. We will continue to offer dual languages in Year 8 for our most able linguists. For the new timetable we have increased the amount of curriculum time given to both the first language and the second language. However, the second language sessions will happen after school. I have written to Year 7 parents separately to explain this in more detail.

Year 11 and Post 16 Students – Preparation for Exams Year 11 and Post 16 students are now entering into that final stage of preparation leading up to their exams.

There will be a range of exam preparation sessions available over the Easter Holidays. Students are encouraged to make full use of these and to follow the guidance that they have been given by their teachers in terms of revision and preparation. We are confident that they will all do fantastically well – but they have to put in the hard work to make sure! A reminder of our ambitious 2012 target (along with the exam results over the last few years) is shown below.

5 A*‐Cs (EM) 80%

68%

70% 60% 50% 40%

39%

40% 41%

42%

47%

46%

51%

73%

46%

30% 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

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Paul Guenault says farewell ‐ Revised Leadership Team Structure for the Summer Term As you may recall, in the last edition of Insight, I informed you that my Deputy Head, Paul Guenault will be leaving at the end of this week after 5½ years at HWS. Mr Guenault has been appointed as the Headteacher of Wapping High School, Tower Hamlets – a brand new school due to open in September 2012.

Mr Guenault has made a significant contribution in his time at HWS. He is most notably associated with his leadership and support of the Arts Specialism; his key role in the design and implementation of our new build as part of the ‘Building Schools for the Future’ programme; and his contribution (along with Mr Charlesworth – Head of 6th form) to the leadership and management of our very successful Post 16 provision. In addition, over the last two years Mr Guenault has played an increasingly significant role in the Year 11 achievement programmes, supporting students and staff in producing fantastic outcomes.

This new Headship is a fantastic opportunity for Mr Guenault. I am sure that you will join me in thanking him for his contribution to HWS and also to wish him the all the best in his new and exciting venture!

Following Mr Guenault’s departure, I have taken the decision not to replace him for the summer term and the next academic year 2012/13 (apart from his music teaching). As you are aware, we have been looking very carefully at reducing our staffing costs in the light of budgetary pressures, and we have found a way to distribute most of Mr Guenault’s duties, tasks and line management responsibilities around the other members of the Senior Leadership Team. The Leadership Team now consists of:

Uniform Issues The issue of school uniform is one that changes throughout the year, mostly depending on the overriding temperature. As we move into the warmer months there are a couple of reminders for parents and students:  Blazers are compulsory, but jumpers/cardigans are not – hence if students do not wish to wear two layers on top of their shirts, it’s the jumpers/ cardigans that should not be worn  If at some stage the weather is very hot, then we will relax the need to wear a blazer – however, we will inform you and the students if and when this happens  No other alternative to the school jumper/cardigan (with the HWS Blue trim) can be worn  Short sleeve shirts are a perfectly acceptable alternative to long sleeve shirts for girls and boys In addition, you may remember that I wrote to you in the October issue of Insight to inform you of my concerns regarding girls’ skirts; namely in relation to their choice of skirts and also the length at which they are worn. We have previously discussed this within the school and particularly with the School Council. I regret to say that the issue continues to be one that I am not satisfied with, and as such I will be taking a final decision shortly after Easter as to whether or not to introduce an HWS Skirt for September. I will let you know via letter if this is the case, and in that event with plenty of notice for September.

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

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

Please remember, we return on Monday 16th April at the later start time of 10.50am.

Regards

Patrick Cozier Headteacher

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April 2012

WORK EXPERIENCE APRIL 23rd—27th

MLE NEWS

Ms Kent writes: Year 10 students will be attending their work experience work placements during the week beginning Monday 23rd April. This will take place one week after their return from the Easter Holidays.

This will be an exciting time for our Year 10s as they embark on their first opportunity to experience work. It will be a different environment, their surroundings will be unfamiliar, they will be meeting different people, and undertaking a variety of different tasks.

They will be representing the school and will have the opportunity to show themselves as responsible young people and be given the chance to utilise their key skills to help successfully fulfil their role at the placement.

All the students will have received their individual Job Descriptions outlining the address/contact details of the placement, the times of the working day and break times, the daily tasks and the dress code relevant to the placement. This school holiday will give them the opportunity to check on details such as journey times and mode of transport, also to obtain any uniform requirements. Or to think of any questions they may need answering before they attend the placement.

We wish them all the very best with their individual work placements and most of all hope they will enjoy the new experiences on offer to them during their Work Experience week.

Mr Ashman writes: We are continuing the development of the school MLE and our other on‐line resources.

There have been a few glitches with some of the programs, which we have now been able to solve. If students have any problems accessing what they need please e‐mail me.

The next PSA meeting on 25th April will include a presentation on the MLE, how we are progressing with it and what we expect to achieve in the near and longer ‐term future with our on‐line resources.

ENCOURAGING EARLY RESULTS Congratulations to all those students who have sat early examinations for the various courses at GCSE and A Level.

The results are encouraging and should students confidence for success in the summer. English results have been particularly pleasing.

Mr Barker writes: “75% have passed the Unit 1 aspect of the English qualification at grade C or above, which is the most difficult part of the course. A further 10% of pupils were 4 marks or fewer off a C grade. This gives us a great deal of hope for the summer results, where we expect to see further improvements.”

WE ARE GOING TO THE OLYMPICS!

Ms Christodoulou writes: We have just received details of our school’s allocation of tickets for Olympic and Paralympic events this summer. As a member of the Get Set network we have been given almost 200 tickets for students and accompanying staff to be a part of the Games.

We have tickets for 12 events including Basketball, Athletics, Canoeing and Football; and some of them are for events with victory ceremonies too!

Heads of Learning have been asked to consider the criteria that will be used to identify which students will be invited to take part. These special opportunities will form part of our rewards programme for this academic year and students who make exceptional progress, who have 100% attendance and make significant contributions to the school will certainly be in which a chance of a ticket.

Further details of the programme will be shared with the school community during the Summer Term.

KS4 EASTER REVISION SESSIONS

CONGRATULATIONS IN MUSIC Many congratulations to: Sam Ahern who passed G7 Clarinet with Trinity Josh Eldridge who passed G8 Saxophone with Distinction

April 2012

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

The Easter revision sessions are open to any Y11 students studying the relevant subjects within the remit of the identified focus The schedule is published on the school website at www.hws.uk.com If your teacher directs you to attend then it is compulsory to do so Please ensure to arrive promptly for the session – they are not drop‐ins unless you have specifically arranged this with your teacher 5

Year 7 Castle Competition Mr Fitzgerald writes: Year 7 were invited to take part in a castle model‐making competition as part of their study of medieval England. They were advised that any materials could be used to create the most impregnable castle.

We received many exceptional entries and would like to thank all the students who took part. The standard was extremely high and we found it very hard to make a decision. In the end we managed to agree on the top six entries We would like to say a special congratulations to the following: 1st ‐ Karol Sagan 7T 2nd ‐ Remy Beckford 7H 3rd (Joint) ‐ Giorgio Ardeleanu 7A 3rd (Joint) ‐ Eda Yuce & Elan O'Hara 7A

FOOD IN BRUSSELS

eTwinning with France

Ms Allaway writes: Eight GCSE Food Technology students travelled to Brussels in February half term accompanied

by Ms Allaway and Ms Angove as part of the International Schools Comenius Project. We joined a community of schools from across Europe linking together to work on the theme of healthy lifestyles.

As part of the trip we were involved in cooking healthy recipes and putting together a healthy recipe book. We took part in sharing our food cultures and traditions through presentations and quizzes.

We had a rare opportunity to visit an equine dairy and whilst there we saw the horses being milked and we tried horse milk ice‐ cream.

We visited and toured the cities of Brussels and Bruges and we were able to buy lots of chocolate! On our final evening we had a farewell party and everyone had a good time and we said our goodbyes.

Ms. Lacroix writes The Year 8 e‐twinning project with Collège Joliot‐Curie has already resulted in our students producing some French comics for their counterparts in southern France.

They are using the Comic Life program for the first time so they are developing their skills in ICT as well as French and communication with foreign partners.

We now also have some Year 10 French students who are in the process of producing their own French documentary about London, filming, editing and narrating the sequences themselves. Bravo!

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April 2012

Lysistrata was a perfect pick in my opinion. It took everyone outside of their comfort zones and forced them to try things they never would before.

Fionnuala Stevens writes: It’s not every day you get to walk around school to see all the boys in dresses, heels, and atrocious wigs; and the girls in suits you’d expect your granddad to wear. It’s certainly something that won’t leave your mind quickly!

Between the embarrassing costumes and scenes were stress, panic and shouting.

Lots of it. But it all came together to create three successful performances of ‘Lysistrata’ by Aristophanes.

For those of you who didn’t see it, it’s a story of the woman of Greece (boys dressed as woman) being convinced by their ‘leader’ Lysistrata – played by Lester Buxton – to withhold sexual privileges from their husbands and lovers (girls dressed as men) in a hope the men will stop the war and gang violence to create peace, however, this strategy just causes conflict between the sexes.

“It was weird playing a woman but it just added to the fun of it. It was a very... interesting experience and a very good production!” says Jack Tully. Who may I say pulled off his knee length kilt and elegant blouse very well!

In agreement with Jack it definitely was an interesting experience; and I’m certain I’m speaking on behalf of me and many of the other girls when I say, I MISS BEING A MAN! There are too many things to miss!

Sitting however you please! The excitement of our ‘facial hair’, the knee long ties, and not forgetting the stretching and releasing of the braces. As well as being able to enjoy the boys cries of pain of their shoes being too high, and their bras being too tight!

April 2012

On top of spending what felt like hours on end changing and cutting piles of inappropriate phrases and words from the script, the play made a lot of us work harder on a piece of drama then we ever have before.

Some more than others as the cast are all aware of!

“It was an experience of playing a women that I have to admit was entertaining but I won't be back in a dress anytime soon!” says Lester Buxton. Although after seeing him accessorize his own outfit and how well he walked in his heels, I’m not sure how much of that I believe.

As a whole the play was a complete success. Everyone got along, well... pretty much everyone. And it made me do things I didn’t expect I would other than off the script, like the crossword and tournaments of ‘snap’; which I am now aware is a very intense and dangerous game.

But of course the play would not have been such an amazing success without Jocelyn Keates and Kalli Stables directing and leading us through in their politest tones. A HUGE thank you to everyone who helped out. From the lighting to backstage helpers to costumes. You did an amazing job and there would have been nothing to show without you all!

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ENRICHMENT AT THE SCIENCE MUSEUM Mr. Rowlands writes On Friday 16th March Year 7 students were taken on their second school trip of the year. Nearly every Year 7 student attended the outing to the Science Museum in central London, accompanied by a total of 21 staff. The students were impeccably behaved and were a true credit to the school and to themselves.

The students were split into a total of 18 groups, each with a varied itinerary for the day. Activities ranged from 'Who am I?', in which the students could discover what their voice would sound like as a member of the opposite sex and morph their face to see what they would look like as they age, through to discovering information about the atmosphere and climate change, the history and science of flight, space travel and energy production.

As you can see from the comments on this page, the students gained valuable insights into the different realms of science in a fun, engaging, and interactive way. The visit underlines the importance of practical activities in science education generally.

As a department we are already looking forward to organising next year’s trip to the museum, in order to enthuse another group of young, eager students about the wonderful world of scientific exploration and discovery.

WHAT SOME STUDENTS SAID Emmy Budis: "The Launchpad was fun because we got to interact and do the Science for ourselves. It was fun learning new aspects of Science. I enjoyed the Science museum because we did activities we could not do in the classroom" Ty Candappa: "I enjoyed the amount of interactivity and I liked the freedom we got compared to primary school trips" Anouk Cavendish: "My favourite bit was when we went to the Launchpad and bit on metal straws and rap music played. I also liked watching the ice crystals grow, it was really pretty! I enjoyed learning different parts of my eye and taking a close‐up picture of my iris! I liked seeing myself as a boy‐ I looked really fat!"

Lucy Whelan: "I think that the trip was absolutely fantastic and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was fascinating and I learnt that:

The students' experiences led to some excited conversations on the way home, as students recalled and shared their individual highlights. By far the most talked about event was the Launch Pad. This is the Science Museum's most popular gallery, allowing students to explore science and technology first‐hand with 50 hands‐on exhibits and shows.

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It is possible to listen to music through your teeth! Space is even more incredible than I thought. If you peddle fast enough, you can generate electricity.

The best room was 'cosmos and culture', where you learnt about objects in space and what they were used for. Again please!" 

April 2012

Ms Ryan writes: We are looking for new members of our friendly community choir. We particularly would like to boost our bass section.

Originally we started as a choir for parents of Highgate Wood students but we have expanded and now we would like to invite anyone who fancies a sing.

You do not necessarily need experience singing with choirs. We are just looking for people who enjoy singing a variety of different choral styles.

MUSIC LESSONS Ms Hassan writes: Summer Term Invoices – these have all been despatched and should be paid by end of April promptly. If you know this will not be possible then please email or ring Mrs Hassan to arrange a payment schedule. If you have not received a Pink Summer Term invoice, please contact Mrs Hassan straight after the holidays. Thanks for those who have paid. Cheques will not be banked until after the break.

Year 11s – if you are doing A‐level Music next year at Highgate Wood School and want to reserve a place to have Music Instrumental Lessons, you need to inform Mrs Hassan now, otherwise your place will be removed permanently in order to make way for new Year 7’s.

Absences ‐ if your child is sick and unable to attend their music instrumental lesson, it is most helpful if you email Mrs Hassan on the morning of the absence to inform her, separately to the main office or alternatively ring on her direct line 8342‐7973.

New Addresses ‐ if you move please inform Mrs Hassan of your new address for invoicing purposes, as well as the Main office.

Non‐attendance & Late Payers ‐ if your child is consistently irregular to their lessons, without a valid reason, a letter will be sent home and if this does not improve, your child will be removed from the Instrumental Timetables. Likewise, if payment of invoices are consistently late, beyond the deadline, without prior arrangement or an agreed payment schedule, then serious consideration will be taken to removing your child.

April 2012

RAISING MONEY FOR HILLCREST

Ms Masters writes: A quiz night, a disco and a non‐uniform day are just some of the events we’ve staged this half‐term to raise money for the students to go to South Africa to work with the Hillcrest charity this summer.

The quiz night was a competitive affair with 27 teams participating for the top spot. The winning team went home with a bottle of bubbly and big smiles and one team sadly came last and took home the wooden spoon.

At the disco the year 7 students threw some shapes on the dance floor and really got in to the spirit of the event. The disco culminated in a group dance to the Cha ‐cha slide led by the South Africa 2012 Team.

The South Africa team 2012 would like to thank all parents, staff and students for their support. The disco and quiz night alone helped to raise £744.61 and the non‐uniform day is likely to raise a great deal more.

DAY

ACTIVITY

ROOM TIME

MONDAY

Funk Bank

D5

1:30 ‐ 2:00

TUESDAY

Music Tech (Jnr)

D6

1:30 ‐ 2:00

WEDNESDAY Music Tech (Snr)

D5

1:30 ‐ 2:00

WEDNESDAY Senior Choir

D1

1:30 ‐ 2:00

THURSDAY

Brass Ensemble

D5

1:30 ‐ 2:00

FRIDAY

Jazz Band

D5

1:30 ‐ 2:00

FRIDAY

Junior Choir

D1

1:30 ‐ 2:00

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HWS art and photography Ms Zwicky writes: Year 9 Pop Art (right) Year 9 classes have been working around the theme of food this term.

In Mr Maclaren’s classes they have been particularly focusing on the packaging of food; designing their own pop art cans inspired by Roy Lichtenstein, taking them through the design process from start to finish.

: spring 2012 Year 10 Exam Experience in Art (right) At the beginning of the term Year 10 had their first exam experience , where they were able to apply the skills and ideas acquired in the previous term over 5 hours. The whole year group did extremely well, evidencing how far they have progressed since starting their GCSE’s.

Here are a couple of impressive pieces by Rory Smith and Natasha Fairclough, who are two good examples of the high standard of work having been produced.

Well done to our Year 10s.

Well done Tilly Aldhous, Brandon Anderson, Kamarie Andrew‐Morris, Jonah Berman, Kieran Bose‐Wright, Eliot Brittain, Charlotte Cairns‐Thomas, Montana Cameron, Harvey Clements, Oscar Clements, Jake Couch, Lauren Dutton, Ethan Fraser, Sushila Ghose‐Coveney, Nicole Gil, Alfie Glanvill, Sam Holmes‐Kelly, Alexandra Horton, Bethany Jack, Kourtney Johnson, Arif Khan, Lyndon Leissle, Aron Matthie, Lola Mayers, Justin Meah, Francis Morrissey‐Murin, Adyna Moseley, Jem Navin‐Holder, Marlon Ogbe, Asha Oguri, Benjamin Phansing, Beatrice Plummer, Nicholas Ramjit, Sarah Rudolf, Luke Russell, Huseyin Sumbul, James Taylor‐Goff, Rosa Tully,Levi Wright and Magda Zieja.

A Level Art

At AS Level Art students have been working hard in pushing their skills onto new levels. Here you can see a wide range of mixed media work, evidencing the creative interpretations produced by our classes.

As part of the AS course students get experience of life drawing and exhibition visits such as to the Tate Modern.

This enhances the work being produced a great deal.

It is really exciting to see such a wider range of ideas being developed in the department, and we look forward to taking these students to Paris in February next year. Should you come and take A‐Level Art or Photography at Highgate Wood, this opportunity will also be available to you.

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April 2012

Rory Smith

Natasha Fairclough

Year 10 Art students visited the Saatchi Gallery to kick off the new coursework unit. The exhibition was by current artists from Germany and there was a wide range of exhibits to be seen. Students created work in the Gallery and had a tour to find out more about the work.

The most popular exhibit was the ‘oil room’ a piece of art by Richard Wilson, which is currently installed in the basement of the gallery. The students were an real credit to the school on this trip, and we look forward to future opportunities to be taking them out again.

A Level Photography Our Year 13 photographers have taken their work into very personal directions during the independent study. Here are two excellent examples of work by Fred Rich and Anna Ryle.

Fred has created an exciting triptych of vector art, where Anna has documented an environmental project aiming to prevent airport expansion through a compelling portrait of the space.

The date for the A Level Art and Design show is yet to be finalised but will take place in June.

Anna Ryle April 2012

Fred Rich

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Model United Nations Conference Lucy Parfitt writes: On the 17th March, Highgate Wood School hosted the annual 2012 model UN conference discussing the issue of Global Health. Over two hundred delegates from Year 9 and upwards attended from all around North London, to debate and compete with each other, which turned out to be an extremely successful event.

Model United Nations is a massive debating conference that Highgate Wood School actively takes part in. Young people from all across London and beyond come to debate extremely important issues that we face today around the world. Each delegate represents a certain country and must put forward their opinions convincingly and argue in their country’s best interests.

The topic of this particular debate was global health, and within this we were put in to different committees to discuss separate topics, such as child and maternal mortality and access to clean water and basic sanitation.

Global Health is an extremely important topic that is in need of discussion as it is a basic and fundamental requirement that we as human beings have. Without ensuring that each and every one of us has a good standard of health, we can never expect to see communities flourish, develop and reduce poverty.

Having good health ensures that we are able to grow and achieve more as individuals and within communities, and without this vital need we will continue to see this vicious cycle of poverty and poor health fuelling each other.

In 2010, malaria alone caused an estimated 655,000 deaths, mostly among young African children. This is a preventable disease. It is clear that this issue needs to be looked at as well as many other reoccurring troubles, and that action must be taken. This is some of what we, within our committees, were discussing and coming up with solutions for.

My reason for doing Model United Nations is that I love debating, arguing and speaking in public. Model UN is a fantastic opportunity to become passionate about a certain subject and gain confidence when speaking to a group of people. It is also a great way to learn about the world around us, other people’s opinions, and how I, as an individual, can help and contribute to the global 12

community. On top of that it’s an interesting way of gaining new friends who share the same interests as you, and meet new people from all over the world.

I would really encourage other students to get involved in Model UN ‐ it’s brilliant for developing confidence and leadership skills, learning about the global difficulties we face and it is a really good experience which I will always remember.

SOME COMMENTS FROM DELEGATES AND VISITORS “Wow! Really enjoyed it. I can’t wait till next year. Go Model UN. Love it.”

“I loved the UN conference, it was my first ever conference with the UN and I loved it. I would love to come back and I really love that it’s mainly student/teen talking to each other and the teachers just sit and watch. It’s a great change” “The Model UN improved my confidence and debating character. I want to thank you for having this in London, so that we can all be educated about other countries that have difficulties in their water and sanitation problem.”

“The Model UN was a great success, well organised and made me aware and more knowledgeable of how the actual UN would be.”

“It’s a great experience that develops communication skills, it’s a shame they are not held more often” “It was very good to be treated as adults, and a good place to meet new people. I also had an insight in to serious matters I wouldn’t have known about otherwise. I would readily participate again and I’m very excited about it!”

“I really enjoyed Model UN as it was great fun and a great way to meet new people. I also really enjoyed the unmoderated debates and I learnt a lot. Everyone was really friendly and I will definitely participate in the future.”

April 2012

HWS MODEL UN DELEGATES MARCH 2012 Caitlin Akass, Maya Aylott‐Harvey, Amira Barkhouche, Hannah Barkhouche, James Barth (Best Delegate Awarded), Ellen Boardman, Eleanor Brady, Charlie Butler, Dimi Dzhunov, Maddy Buttling‐Smith, Ellie Delamere, Charis Entwistle (Honourable Mention Awarded), Freya Everest, Laura Faherty, Rebecca Franks, Susie Friedman, Choon Fuller, Josh Gamble, Maddy Grant‐Pyett, Danielle Greaves, Alexandra Horton, Bethany Jack (Honourable Mention Awarded), Usman Kahn, Maya Kally, Lily Kelly, Ella Krikler (Best Delegate Awarded), Akiha Kuniyoshi, Vita Lerche (Honourable Mention Awarded), Omar Lindsay, Katrina Martin, Sonia Martinelli, Finlay McRae (Honourable Mention Awarded), Lucie Melsom, Emily Mort, Lucy Newbold, Beth O'Lenahan, Nicholas Orford‐ Williams, Lily Owen, Lucy Parfitt (Honourable Mention Awarded), Tilly Pembury‐Smith, Tomer Raphael, Maxime Singleton, George Southey, Holly Stanford, Fionnuala Stevens (Best Delegate Awarded), Maya Tikly Young, Rosa Tully (Honourable Mention Awarded), Harry Vinall‐Smeeth (Honourable Mention Awarded, Madi Vincent, Jessica Wagg, Isabella Weir, Blue Weiss, Alex Whitlock and Miranda Zieman.

HWS MODEL UN PRESS TEAM MARCH 2012 Gizem Alici, Alison Carroll, Deniz Hirli, Billie Fawcett, Ellie Hall, Lily Scott, Ella Tober‐Collins, Ashley Hamilton, Best Moshwe, Lily Beckford, Molly Cavanagh, Luke Leone, Renee Lamy, Shannon Osei, Tanisha Williams, Marianne Gerasimou and Elizabeth Gerasimou.

April 2012

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WORLD BOOK DAY VISITOR Ms Green writes: For World Book Day, students received a £1 book token to contribute to a book of their choice. There is a range of books available for £1 or less especially for World Book Day. These can be used at your local book shop or through the Puffin Books or Scholastic Book Club catalogues which are available in school.

Several year 7 classes designed World Book Day bookmarks to enter into a national competition with prizes of up to £100 in National Book Tokens. We’ve seen some lovely, imaginative designs but need to wait until June for winners to be announced.

A group of 35 students were invited to meet Karen McCombie, a local teen‐fiction author, at lunch time on World Book Day. Karen talked all about her novels, characters and inspiration from local places, including Alexandra Park and Highgate Wood School!

Students asked lots of interesting and thoughtful questions and were given some inspiring and thought‐ provoking responses. Her biggest tip for aspiring writers is to keep a note book with you everywhere you go and note down all the interesting things you see, hear and do. Karen said she’s written 75 books but wants to catch up with Jacqueline Wilson who has apparently written 100!

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

and... every school day after school:

until 5:00 pm Monday to Wednesday 14

Ms Green writes: On Thursday 8th March, four debating teams competed in the Urban Debate League Round 2 at Greig City Academy. Students debated against teams from other local schools on the topics of saving endangered species and banning child‐actors. Organiser Jess Dix was extremely impressed with the standard of all of four of our debate teams. One student has been invited to attend extra debating training with a world‐champion debater as the quality of his speeches was so impressive! We’re currently in the top 25 schools of the league table (out of over 100).

Debate club members said good‐bye to their debating mentor’s this week as they leave to focus on their university studies. The mentors have provided students with the skills and knowledge to enter debating competition with confidence. Our debating teams have performed superbly at both rounds of the Urban Debate League and have one more competition this year to demonstrate their fantastic debating skills.

Debating club will continue to be run by students in the summer term every Wednesday after school. New members are very welcome to join. See Miss Green or Miss Watkins for more details.

See Page 18 for latest news April 2012

CLIMATE WEEK

HWS BOOK CLUB

The Lonely Uncared World Our massive world glowing in danger Don’t blame global warming Stop damaging the beautiful nature You’re the one harming Walking through the cold breeze High up you can see the colourful rainbow Atmosphere surrounded with trees Above shining is the sun bright yellow One major problem is pollution World collapsed with earthquake Walk to stop pollution, is a solution World is starting to shake This beautiful world starting to disappear All this is causing corrosion Please don’t ruin this amazing atmosphere All this is causing a big EXPLOSION! Hazal Tapki

To raise awareness of issues surrounding climate change, students were encouraged to write a poem or design a poster for Climate Week (12th‐18th March), with prizes for the best of each.

The winning poster was designed by Melisa Sahan and Elif Celik in Year 8. The winner of the Climate Week Po‐ etry Competition was Hazal Tapki in 9H. Congratulations to these winners and everyone else who was involved in the occasion.

April 2012

A group of lower school students from a range of year groups has formed to read and discuss an exciting mystery / adventure novel called ‘The Joshua Files: Invisible City’, which is the first in a series by M.G. Harris.

New members are welcome.

We meet at lunch time every Wednesday in the LRC. Book Club member Derya Inkaya wrote: “Book Club is a very educational and fun club. I think this because we do quizzes and we’re reading an exciting book. We also discuss the book which helps us understand what’s going on in the story.”

LIBRARY ASSISTANTS Our LRC assistants continue to make an outstanding contribution to the running of the LRC in issuing books, returning resources to the right places, creating posters and displays and helping out other LRC users. Many thanks to all LRC assistants!

One LRC Assistant in Year 7 says: “Being a library assistance requires a lot of responsibility but is entirely worth it. We get to make posters, put books away and meet famous authors.

A lot of students in our school take part in this exciting and educational experience. You can join when you are in any year. I really enjoy being a library assistant and would recommend it to anyone.”

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YEAR 8 in PENDARREN

PENDARREN PENDARREN MARCH 2012

The Purple Book is used to record noteworthy achievements by students from across the school.

Teachers recommend students for inclusion Purple Book which is kept in Mr Cozier’s office and is a permanent record of their successes.

Highlights from this year’s entries: Akiha Juniyoshi 10G: Excellent work in Physics Dzikri Ahmad‐Hakini 8D: Excellent work in ECS Florence Penfold 8D: Excellent work in ECS Jessica Krahn 8D: Excellent work in ECS Isabella Platt 7E: Excellent work in Geography (Family Tree) Rubell Ahmed 9S: Excellent work in History—great effort Nurselim Tekin 8I: Excellent History Powerful Leaders Project 16

Nineteen Year 8 students, Ms Ryan and Mr Green spent a week in March at the Pendarren House Outdoor Education Centre in Wales. By all accounts they had a great time.

Nurselim Tekin 8I writes: “I think every student should go to Pendarren. It’s so adventurous and fun.

I faced all my fears and at the end I was very proud of myself. I couldn’t believe I did it!

Davina Jackson‐Keen writes: “I thought that Pendarren was really fun. The best bits were when we went caving. We got to do things that we couldn’t ever do at home.

We went through the letterbox in the morning and abseiled into the cave in the afternoon.

The highlight of the caving was pushing Mr A (our guide) into the cold lake at the end, and then most of us jumped in after him!”

Phiri O’Grady writes: I enjoyed Pendaren because of the great activities such as canoeing, walking and caving.

I enjoyed caving the most because it was in dark small wet spaces. I did not enjoy the walk because we walked for miles and it was so wet.”

Muna Sharif 8I: Excellent History Powerful Leaders Project Derya Inkaya 8I: Excellent History Powerful Leaders Project Berivan Korkmaz 8I: Excellent History Powerful Leaders Project Ellio Edwards 8I: Excellent History Powerful Leaders Project Omid Nazari 8I: Excellent History Powerful Leaders Project Artoo Martinez‐Cebrian 8I: Excellent History Powerful Leaders Project Natty Stark 7H: Outstanding work on Heritage in English.

Theo Maddison 7H: Outstanding work on Heritage in English.

Remy Beckford 7H: Outstanding work on Heritage in English.

Eliza King Lassman 10S: Excellent performance coming 2nd in the Haringey “Speak Out” competition.

Logan Carey 8S: Excellent Coat of Arms in Citizenship Alfie Hellier 8A: Great quality and finish to Cushion in Textiles..

Ella Zabel and Alex Dakovic 8H: Excellent Geography joint project on flooding in Autralia

April 2012

PROGRESSION DAY TAKES STUDENTSFROM GCSE TO A‐LEVEL Part of the process whereby students in Year 11 are able to make good choices about A level options is having an opportunity to take part in A level lessons.

On Thursday 22nd March senior students thinking about taking A levels next year were given this opportunity to experience first hand what the subjects they are interested in are Hands‐on with a taster class in Product Design A Level. like.

Classes were organised with A level teachers in the same small groups that operate in the 6th Form and students reaction to this was overwhelmingly positive. Students attended the day as if they were part of the school 6th Form – no uniform and with some free time. They were able to use the 6th Form Common Room and canteen throughout the day just as they would do if they attended the school 6th Form.

There are students who had a go at a particular subject they thought they would like only to find they did not fancy it for A level, whilst others were really surprised by the possibilities subjects they had only half‐considered would offer.

Students now have the opportunity to change the choices they have discussed at interview for the 6th Form and take subjects that they know to be the ones best suited to their interest and ability

UNIVERSITY OPTIONS OFFER A BRIGHT AND VARIED FUTURE TO 6TH FORM STUDENTS With six weeks to go before the deadline for accepting university offers students in Y13 attended a seminar this week aimed at making sure they understand what they should do before accepting offers for places at university.

The range of courses on offer to students is as diverse as ever and it seems that the favoured location has moved this year from Liverpool, Manchester and Leeds to Bristol and Exeter. Students are encouraged to visit all universities before confirming acceptance of an offer.

For the first time this year students are able to research the possibilities of bursary and scholarship funds that are available under the new finance arrangements.

Over 80 students from the 6th Form have offers for the autumn in courses ranging from Zoology, Aviation Engineering, Medicine, Bio Chemistry and Biology – Human and Marine, to History, Politics, Environmental Geography, Anthropology and Economics.

Students have just over eight school weeks before their final exams begin and are working hard to hit the grades they need for their first choice offers

UNIVERSITY FINANCE PRESENTATION GETS PARENTS AND STUDENTS THINKING ABOUT THE FUTURE This month parents of 6th form students heading for University received a presentation on the new finance arrangements and the way that increased university tuition fees are to be paid.

The press has been full of the new £9000 per annum fees but offer very little information on loans, grants, bursaries and scholarships to pay for living expenses, books and travel.

The presentation covered all aspects of the available finance as well as a guide to calculating living expenses – a room in a hall of residence now costs as much as £140 per week and with catered meals can cost as much as £200. Students all seemed to prefer their own bathroom until they understood that at up to £40 per week it might be OK to share.

Applications for student finance are now open via a dedicated website and must be complete by the 31st May if money is to be available for the first week of term in the autumn. The presentation can now be downloaded from the sixth form website at www.hws.uk.com April 2012

17

LATE NEWS + + LATE NEWS + + LATE NEWS + + LATE

Ms Green writes: Four debating teams from Highgate Wood School put their skills to the test at a full day debating competition at the London School of Economics on Wednesday 27th March. All 23 students involved performed remarkably well in each of their debates on the day. Debate topics included: whether the UK should intervene militarily in Syria; whether we should introduce a maximum salary of £100,000; and whether violent video games should be banned. Teachers from other schools commented on the outstanding performance of several of our students.

Out of four teams that went, two teams won all of their debates against other schools and came in 2nd and 3rd place overall out of 48 teams. Team A got through to the final round at the end of the day, in which they debated against Royal Docks Community School in front of around 350 people in one of LSE's large lecture theatres! It was brilliant to see them up on the stage delivering fantastic speeches and working superbly as a team.

Well done to all students involved in the Debate Mate Cup. Team C: Team A (2nd place in the Debate Mate Cup): Natalya de la Motte Charlie Butler Beth Gosschalk Blue Weiss Imogen Shepperd Susie Friedman Nina Wang Jonah Berman Maddy Rich Lauren Gee Rosa Elson Eleanor Brady

Team D (3rd place in the Debate Mate Cup): Team B: Freya Everest Amber Paterson Esme Cavendish Ruth Ollier Maya Schamroth Usman Khan Harry Vinall‐Smeeth Fuaad Shurie Alex Ahern Yasmine Hamchoui Sim Ferhad

TOP SPELLERS IN YEAR 7 Ms Watkins writes: Teams from every Year 7 tutor group competed in the HWS Spelling competition this half term. The winners: Mia Clifford, Alex Mclaren, Tommy Pegler and Anouk Cavendish who went on to compete in The Times Spelling Bee competition. We are now waiting to hear how well they did in relation to other schools.

18

YEAR 8 RUSHALL FARM VISIT

Ms Gunes writes: The geography department took all Year 8 students to Rushall Farm near Reading, Berkshire during the first week of this term. The trip formed part of the KS3 Geography curriculum where we study food and farming.

Students got to experience how an organic farm works, how and why the agribusiness is diversifying. It was a fantastic day for all who went..

Some comments from our students were: “It was an awesome day, I want to come again!'

“I loved holding and petting the animals. I have never chased a chicken before in my life!' “the people at the farm were so great! and I looovvveeedddd the tractor ride ‐ Rushall Farm rules!“

Thank you to all staff who helped us during this week, we couldn't have done it with you!

April 2012

FOOTBALL NEWS

Year 11 Boys Football Team Year 7 Boys Football Team

Mr Pryor writes: As has become the expectation with Highgate Wood School Football Teams it has been a very busy and successful time since February half‐term. All year teams have represented the school in an exceptional manner, at the same time showing the determination necessary to match other schools in the highly competitive environment of Haringey Football.

WHITEWATER RAFTING OLYMPIC STYLE Mr Pryor writes: Our first experience of the benefits that London 2012 will bring came when we were invited to take some students to try out the new Olympic facilities.

Nine Year 9 students had an excellent day trying out the Olympic Course at the Lee Valley White Water Rafting Centre on Monday 26th March. The course is entirely man‐made and is made up of a number of concrete obstacles mixed in with surging whitewater.

The students represented the school very well and were extremely positive about their experience. The students were: Lily Kelly. Harley Downes. Alex Ahern, Alex Burgess, Alex Whitlock, Rebecca Franks, Harry Vinall‐ Smeeth, Ethan Fraser and Hazal Tapki

In the leagues this year it was the Year 8 who finished highest coming 2nd out of 10 teams. This talented team only lost 1 game the whole season and are through to the semi‐finals of the Haringey Cup against Fortismere School. The Year 7 side came in 3rd out of 9 schools in the Haringey League and will play against Fortismere School as well in the semi‐final of the Haringey Cup. The Year 11 side came 3rd out of 9 teams as well and they will play Park View Academy in the semi‐finals as well.

April 2012

19

SUMMER TERM 2012 Monday 16th April

10:50 Summer Term Starts

April 23rd ‐ 27th

Work Experience (Year 10)

Wednesday 26th April

PSA Meeting in school 7:30 pm

Thursday 3rd May

GCSE Art Show

Tuesday 8th May

16:30 Year 7 Parents’ Evening

Wednesday 9th May

Late start for school (9:35 am)

Thursday 10th May

Full Governing Body Meeting

Thursday 24th May

Afternoon INSET

Thursday 31st May

End of Key Stage 3 celebration

4th—8th June

HALF TERM

Monday 11th June

New Timetable Starts

Friday 22nd June

Year 11 Celebration Evening

Monday 2nd July

New Parents Evening

Tuesday 3rd July

Year 6 Transition Day

Saturday 7th July

MADFest

Thursday12th July

Full Governing Body Meeting

Monday 16th July

Sports Day

Friday 20th July

End of term Early finish @12:25

AUTUMN 2012

SPRING 2013

SUMMER 2013

Tues 4th Sept

Term Starts

Mon 7th Jan

Term Starts

Mon 15th April

Term Starts

26th Oct ‐ 2nd Nov

Half term break

18th Feb– 22nd Feb

Half term break

27th—31st May

Half term break

Friday 21st Dec

Term Ends

Thurs 28th March

Term Ends

Wed 24th July

Term Ends

* dates for 2012‐13 are provisional at the moment

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

Keep informed Find out what is going on at Highgate Wood School and keep up with our news through the HWS twitter feed, website and news blog.

visit us at our website www.hws.uk.com follow us on twitter twitter.com/highgatewood read our news on hwsnewsweekly.blogspot.com Check school’s status 0208408 7508 and give the school’s DfE code 3094030

Insight is available on‐line at www.hws.uk.com The new term begins on Monday 16th April at 10:50. It will be Week 1