Sydenham High School Highlight Magazine Spring 2024

Sydenham Highlights SPRING 2024

Dear Families,

As I read through this magazine, I am struck by this veritable kaleidoscope of experiences, which reveal the unique blend of academic excellence, cultural immersion and personal development that is the exceptional journey of our pupils at Sydenham High School. In line with our mission, to empower girls to forge their own futures, this edition focuses on our Careers Programme. With a network of alumnae and industry connections, as well as inspirational talks providing a wealth of opportunity, we are opening eyes, broadening horizons and developing an understanding of the world of employment now and in the future.

Throughout the Spring term, our teachers have continued to offer dynamic learning experiences for curious minds, including creative workshops, visiting experts, exploratory research tasks, and many exciting initiatives. From science week, debates, language festivals and partnerships with boys’ schools to dramatic and musical performances, there is no shortage of new encounters and challenges to foster a love of learning.

Our educational visits, both near and far, have been a wonderful highlight of the term. Whether the awe-inspiring trip to India with our History and PRE departments, our Modern Language excursions in Europe which open doors to new cultures, or our expeditions in Geography and Biology to explore new frontiers in fields of study, education is full of joy and adventure here.

Equally, our programme of sports ensures that we are healthy and active as well as committed and competitive. Our teams are highly motivated to represent the school, led by dedicated coaches and teachers. With football more popular than ever, rowing attracting increasingly younger pupils who ‘can’t wait to get started’, and our great successes in regional and GDST netball, our pupils hone skills and work hard.

This magazine offers just a glimpse into the richness of life at Sydenham High School. I invite you to visit us and see firsthand the warmth and purposefulness of our community.

With my best wishes to you,

Ms Antonia Geldeard Head

Careers, Futures & Leadership

Career Talk:

Jeffrey Boakye, BBC Radio 4 presenter,

In Feburary, we had the pleasure of welcoming Jeffrey Boakye, an Author, Educator, Speaker, Broadcaster, Journalist, and much more. During his assembly with us, Jeffrey highlighted the multitude of identities we all possess. The key, he emphasised, is to embrace each aspect of our identity and take pride in it. In a world cluttered with comments and judgments, Jeffrey reminded us to be good hosts, to exhibit kindness, and to stand firm with our voices while being proud of our identities. His engaging presentation and lively character truly sparked our thinking! Additionally, our Year 12 students had the opportunity to pick his brain on literacy and writing skills. Thank you, Jeffrey, for an enlightening and enriching experience!

Mrs Sara Carnegie, Lawyer

As we celebrated National Careers Week, we had the honour of inviting Mrs Sara Carnegie to join us for a twilight talk with our pupils about pathways in Law - including what to expect, and how to prepare. Mrs Carnegie answered many of our pupils’ questions. It was a truely insightful talk.

Dr Iain Ewing, Associate Medical Director

We wrapped Science Week by hosting Dr Iain Ewing, Associate Medical Director, to our BioChemMedSoc talk. Dr Ewing shared his role and responsibilities in the NHS, NICE and NIHR, highlighting how he uses his extensive skills to assist patients as well as to resolve medical-legal issues. He emphasised the broad scope of the medical profession and the ability to apply skills globally. Dr Ewing shared his passion for his job, and the importance of perseverance through challenges, regardless of one’s chosen profession. Our pupils were fascinated by the surgical videos and insight into his day-to-day life.

Dr Inga Boellinghaus, a

Principal Clinical Psychologist

We welcomed Dr Inga Boellinghaus, a Principal Clinical Psychologist for the NHS South London and Maudsley Foundation Trust, as our Breakfast Careers speaker. She shared her research journey, outlining the essential qualities for a psychologist, such as curiosity, empathy and

Amanda Miles from My Aerial Home

We hosted our first Socrates Lecture of 2024 in January, and were privileged to have Amanda Miles from My Aerial Home share her life inspiration and the transformation of her hobby.

Amanda took us through her journey, starting with initial setbacks in her career. She highlighted the importance of following one’s heart and staying committed to passions, such as her love for theatrical performance. With a career spanning 40 years in the entertainment industry—initially as a dancer, then an agent, and for over two decades as a freelance television producer, voice director, casting producer, and talent executive for Disney.

From humble beginnings, with three borrowed trapezes in a local school hall, My Aerial Home moved to a

commitment and explained the different possible careers within this field. Over 80 GCSE pupils and Sixth Formers joined the session and actively participated in the conversation - a hugely popular potential career path! It was inspiring to hear Inga talk about her ongoing interest in new research and life-long learning.

bespoke facility in 2015, solidifying its position as a vital local resource. Amanda’s visionary approach and the ‘Fear Nothing’ spirit truly inspire us. She also shared how circus training at My Aerial Home has empowered many to find confidence and joy in life. Regardless of age, strength, or flexibility, anyone can give it a try. Amanda has witnessed transformations, both mental and physical, in students aged from 2 to 83.

Amanda’s boundless energy left us all truly inspired, and our pupils engaged with numerous interesting questions about the risks involved, the height, and the requirements of strength and flexibility. As she stated in the lecture, ‘It changed my life and the lives of other people.’ She encouraged our pupils to pursue their passions and explore different paths, even when there are uncertainties. ‘Why not give it a try?’ she urged.”

Careers & Futures

Sydenham High welcomes new Head of Careers and Futures

We are thrilled to introduce Ms Stoney as the newest member of Sydenham High, joining us as the Head of Careers and Futures. She is qualified in Leading and Managing Careers work in schools, and is currently completing her Level 6 Diploma in Career Guidance and Development as part of the Career Development Professional Apprenticeship. Prior to joining our team, Ms Stoney spent 11 and a half years leading the Career team at Dulwich College, where she demonstrates exceptional leadership skills and guided thousands of pupils through their high school journey to university and beyond.

Ms Stoney brings with her a wealth of specialist knowledge in career and university pathways, particularly in the Higher Education Department and Apprenticeship fields. She will work closely with our Head of Sixth Form, Ms Parrish and Assistant Head of Sixth Form, Mr Hurst, who have extensive experience in Oxbridge, International and MDV competitive course applications, EPQ (Extended Project Qualification) and more. Together, they will provide well-rounded support to our pupils.

Ms Stoney plays an important role in leading and supporting our Higher Education and Careers website where pupils can access links to essential platforms such as UCAS and Unifrog. It provides a comprehensive digital resource, offering a wide range of features, including a diary of work experience opportunities, workshops, webinars, as well as timely updates on gap year schemes, insight visits, international study options, leavers’ destinations, and dedicated subject pages covering all university curricular areas.

We look forward to Ms Stoney’s leadership as she guides us to new heights in supporting our pupils’ future pathways.

Get to know Ms Stoney:

Which university did you attend, and what was your major?

I completed a BA in Media Production at Bournemouth University, which included a summer internship at the California Film Commission in LA, where I sorted out filming permits.

What was your first job?

My first job, aside from summer work at Selfridges, was in TV postproduction. I worked as a television editor for a few years.

What is the highlight of your career?

In terms of recent work, a career highlight was probably creating a website for a virtual careers convention during the pandemic. The website featured pages of information and videos for students. To launch it, I hosted a week of careers and higher education webinars attended by over 1500 students from 11 schools. It was a massive undertaking with lots of early starts to upload items before the internet on our street slowed down with everyone working from home. Additionally, I took a gap year in my late 20s with my husband, during which I worked at the State Debt Recovery Office of New South

Wales. I had the power to take money out of people’s bank accounts when they didn’t pay fines – not very high powered but fascinating! To be honest, it’s always wonderful when a student that’s been to see you for some help or advice returns to tell you they’ve got onto a course, won a competition, got a work placement, or whatever it may be. Empowering them and seeing their success is brilliant.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

In my free time, apart from parenting two teenagers and dealing with two cats, I attempt to regularly go to the gym and run. I also enjoy going to the theatre and cinema.

Any advice or tips you’d like to share with our girls?

Tips – if you don’t ask, you don’t get, and the worst anyone can say to you is no. Also, not knowing is fine –don’t feel you need to know or even should know what you’ll do with the rest of your life. Finally, while family, friends, or peers may have an opinion, remember it’s your future – ask questions, do research, and generally be curious about what’s out there. You might discover something you’ve never thought of.

Humanities & Classics

Classics Conference

Our Sixth Formers, Mei and Chloe, delivered captivating ‘Massolit-style’ talks on the Aeneid and the Odyssey in one of our Classics Conferences. They explored the portrayal of women in epic literature, spotlighting Penelope and Dido. With passion and intellectual curiosity, they engaged the audience with their interpretations and scholarly debates. Plenty of academic discourse but also valuable revision! Special thanks to Mrs Frankland and Mrs Saunders for supporting such an opportunity!

In January, our Sixth Formers participated in a GDST Classics Conference hosted at our sister school, South Hampstead High GDST. This year, the conference covered topics ranging from Greek drama

and sacrifice to Greek geography. Mrs Frankland, our Classics Lead, delivered a seminar titled ‘Gender Bias and Its Origins in Greek Drama’, collaborating with fellow classicists to explore:

How were women portrayed in the ancient world?

Who presented them like this? Why?

How does this compare with the presentation of women today? Who is in control of the narrative?

The event provided a wonderful opportunity for classicists to convene and engage in discussions on the topic. Additionally, we were honoured to have Professor Katherine Clark, from Oxford University, as keynote speaker. Her insights offered a fresh perspective to our pupils on their journey through Classics.

‘It was wonderful to meet with fellow Classicists who share similar passions and interests – especially as I am to read Classics and English at university next year! My favourite talk was by the keynote speaker, Professor Katherine Clarke at Oxford University, who spoke on the geography of the ancient world and how ancient Greeks viewed one another. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it – I generally consider myself more interested in Greek literature and drama, not geography – but Professor Clarke’s lecture was incredibly sophisticated, yet easy to engage with.’

Mei - Year 13

Sydenham

Art, Design & Technology

In Feburary, Year 9 hosted an Art Exhibition to showcase their project on Pop Art Food Culture. The level of work was spectacular; they experimented with various materials and textures - so many were highly ambitious and executed brilliantly!

We were delighted to invite the sculptor Rebecca Griffiths back to Sydenham High to lead a workshop with our Year 10 Art students.

Rebecca’s work explores issues around industry, design, and mass production and their impact on our sense of self and the environment. Her work borrows forms and structures from the world of product and industrial design, rebuilding them in clay and combining them with layers of disruptive glaze or sculptural detail. She draws inspiration from science fiction and poetry. Rebecca was also selected for the 2023 ceramics biennale and the Red House residency last year.

She spoke about her career and recent projects, residencies, and exhibitions. The workshop focused on considering decay and natural forms, the current GCSE theme, and responded to form and surface to influence the outcomes. The pupils worked brilliantly and had an immersive day packed full of learning.

Listen to what our pupils said about the workshop: Saffron, Year 10

‘We are very used to using different media for our work. It’s not very often that we have such an opportunity to work on 3D options hands-on. The clay itself looks very much alive after the sculpture, and I look forward to seeing how it will transform after the glazes are applied.’

Nina, Year 10

‘We don’t often work on 3D shapes, so it gives us a very new experience and a different perspective when we work on sculpturing the clay. I really enjoyed the workshop.’

We look forward to the end result of their work and seeing how the final touch of the glazes brings the whole art piece to life.

St Helen’s 3rd Annual Physics Tournament

We kicked off British Science Week with four of our Year 10 pupils competing in St Helen’s School’s 3rd Annual Physics Tournament, alongside 20 other schools. Our team excelled to take 3rd place with an experiment challenge, an escape room and a calculation race. Congratulations to Bobo, Saffron, Trinity, and Ephrata who shared their experience; “we found our hearts racing under the pressure of calculating the mass of the Earth; it was a thoroughly enjoyable day.”

Science Week

Juniper Hall Field Study Centre

Eighteen Sydenham Biology A Level pupils completed two days of fieldwork at Juniper Hall Field Study Centre with Dr Hill and Mr Hurst in March. They developed their analytical fieldwork skills, using quadrats to investigate the effect of various environmental factors on the abundance and distribution of plants in the woods, hills, and grasslands around beautiful Box Hill, Surrey. The pupils also performed some animal studies, catching a jumping, yellownecked mouse using humane traps and investigating the favoured habitat-type choice of woodlice. It was a full-on schedule, and the girls were pleased to have a fabulous campfire to toast some marshmallows on during the evening. We are grateful for Dr Hill and Mr Hurst for creating such a memorable experience for our biologists.

Chemistry Olympiad

Year 12 and 13 students took part in the Royal Society of Chemistry Olympiad 2024, where nearly 15,000 students took part nationally in the UK. It is renowned for being exceptionally challenging as many questions are beyond the A Level syllabus that students are expected to study, with content this year including questions about the composition of the FIFA 2023 Women’s World Cup trophy, Iodate salts, fuel-producing bacteria and MRI contrasting agents. This year’s paper was more challenging than last year’s, so it is significant that we had several students achieve Bronze and Silver awards. Congratulations to all involved.

Above: Year 12, below: Year 13

Fun in the Labs!

Throughout British Science Week, we’ve had an exhilarating lineup of activities celebrating the power of science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM). In line with the campaign to break stereotypes, we’ve delved into the stories of remarkable individuals leading in STEM careers and pondered the possibilities for our future generations.

Our Prep pupils in Years 3 and 4, alongside Mr Tan, our Head of Chemistry, dived into the theme of ‘Time’ by experimenting with chemical reactions. Guided by our Year 12 Chemists, they explored the explosive results of their experiments, showcasing their potential under the mentorship of our SydSisters.

The science adventure continued with a packed session of rat dissection led by Mr Batty and Dr Waites. It was heartening to see many first-timers

Sydenham’s annual #700STEM writing competition

On Thursday 14 March, a select group of finalists gathered to discover their positions in the Under 14, Under 16, and Under 18 tranches of the three essay categories: Science, Technology & Engineering, and Maths for this year’s STEM writing competition. The competition was masterminded by a Sydenham High School Year 12 student in 2018 and has seen hundreds of entries each year since then, from pupils across London. This year, strict criteria were applied to whittle down the entries from each school into the finalist selection, and pupils from eleven different schools made the cut, including seven GDST schools, Townley Grammar, Dulwich College, JAGS, and Alleyn’s. The competition is a fantastic opportunity

for pupils from Years 7 to 13 to develop scientific writing skills to disseminate information about topics that fascinate them.

“It was wonderful to see so many schools represented at this year’s finals, and to be able to read such engaging and thought provoking essays. One judge even commented that some were better than undergraduate essays!”

Ms Geldeard, Head

We are honored to have three expert judges from the STEM industry: Science Judge Professor Helen Fielding, Professor of Chemical Physics at the University of London; Tech and Engineering Judge, Zainab Olaide Olaniyan, Senior Consultant

eagerly participating and learning alongside our alumnae, Kyah and Liza, who returned to support the activity.

at Avanade; and Mathematics Judge Cyprian Njamma, Executive Director at Goldman Sachs. The overwhelming message from all three speakers was that career paths are not linear –more of a jungle gym than a ladder! This aligns well with our own school philosophy of ‘forge your own path’ and using failures as learnings. All three judges felt that there was so much potential in the room, with our finalists showcasing their ability to research, condense, and communicate their ideas effectively and engagingly, and they are sure that interesting futures lie ahead for them all!

It was wonderful to see pupils networking with other STEM enthusiasts from different schools, and their families even got involved in a quiz and other games. What a joyful evening.

Sport

Winning GDST U19 Senior Netball Rally

Our U19 Netball team (with pupils from Year 10-13) travelled to Bromley High for one of their biggest competitions in March: the GDST Senior Netball Rally. The morning saw us win against Newcastle, Bath, Norwich and Oxford and the cup competition followed in the afternoon. Our team remained unbeaten, drawing against South Hampstead, beating Portsmouth and Streatham and Clapham. In the semi-finals we beat Bath again and pulled out all the stops to win in the final, 8-7, against the very strong Putney High team. Our team played magnificently and demonstrated their commitment and progress throughout the season to rise to the challenge and shine brightly as GDST winners. We are very proud of them and thank Miss Matthews for her outstanding coaching!

High Performance Programme

As part of our High Performance Programme, our athletes at GCSE and A Level had the privilege of visiting Selhurst Park to attend talks from industry experts on various career pathways, apprenticeships, and university courses. The event provided invaluable insights into the intersection of sports and professional development.

Representatives from universities highlighted their support programmes designed specifically for athletes, ensuring they can maintain high performance levels while pursuing their degrees. Additionally, Arsenal Football Club Academy’s, media officer delivered an inspiring talk on careers in sports media, illustrating the profound impact media can have on the sports industry.

Key topics covered by the speakers included:

Cardiff Metropolitan University Discussed their range of courses associated with sport and performance sport.

Arsenal Football Club’s Academy inspired the students with the power and influence media can have on sport.

Palace for life foundation – Charity working in the community to support career choices and provide experience working with young people and sport.

Technical education officer at CIMPSA- discussed the range in the sporting industry and how to get involved.

Rally at Bromley High

This year, almost thirty of our Year 6 to 9 pupils participated in a GDST Rally at Bromley High. Our U11 hockey team, U12 netball team and U14 dancers demonstrated outstanding sportsmanship and networked with others who share similar interests and skills. Our dancers took part in a jazz dance workshop in the morning and collaborated to create some excellent pieces to showcase by the end of the day. Excellent work, everyone!

UKIS Coach Recruitment

Practical Coaching Apprenticeship Programmes

This experience not only connected our pupils with industry professionals but also enabled them to network with fellow high-performance athletes from across the UK. It is a great opportunity for our pupils to explore potential career paths and gain firsthand knowledge from experts in the field.

Rowing camp in Portugal

We have a tremendously dedicated team of our young rowers who demonstrated incredible endurance in their adventure to a rowing camp in Portugal with Mr Angel, Mr Barton and Miss Heal. The trip provided a wonderful opportunity for all to enhance their skills, foster teamwork and resilience - logging many miles every day.

Rowing

Rowing Dinner

We enjoyed a beautiful celebration dinner in February with the rowing team. Over 80 members of the rowing teams and their families gathered to celebrate their achievements. We were honoured to have Jack Beaumont, GB rower and silver medallist at the Tokyo Olympics, share his inspiring story on overcoming adversity. We were also able to raise money for a rowing slider, a simulation for the actual rowing experience. The event was a collaborative effort, and we are grateful to our parents for their continued support and generosity.

Modern Foreign Languages

GDST MFL Festival

We welcomed 120 pupils to our school to celebrate the GDST MFL festival on 7 March 2024! One of the strengths of being with GDST schools is creating opportunities for pupils to engage with a wider community. Language is a beautiful means of communication, allowing us to understand different cultures and connect with others on a deeper level.

We began the day by listening to the keynote speaker, Jorge Garrizis, the founder of Romancero books, Spanish language books and poetry, who shared his love for Spanish and how he promotes Spanish literature in England and helps Hispanic authors to get their work translated into English. The pupils then participated in various activities, from spelling bee competitions to poem recitals and literary texts. It was truly a fun and engaging way to incorporate foreign languages into the mix.

Congratulations to Bromley High for being the overall winner, and well done to our Year 10 pupils for winning the very dramatic roleplay of the day!

French fashion show from recycled materials

Drama & Music

‘Rules for Living’

Our Drama team delivered two outstanding performances of Sam Holcroft’s ‘Rules for Living’ on end of February. ‘Rules for Living’ is highly anticipated by the community, it is first performed at the National in 2025, a dramedy (drama/comedy) set at Christmas about a middle-class family imploding on Christmas Day. Our young actors from Years 11 and 12 exhibited exceptional acting skills, delving into the conflicts, building slowly to an anarchic climax. It was a brave choice – plenty of wit and comedy to deliver for young performers – and they did so brilliantly!

A huge thanks to Ms Eastaugh, Ms James, and everyone involved for providing such an exceptional experience.

House Music Competition: Last Day of Spring Term.

Sydenham High’s House Music Competition is back in action! On the last day of Spring term, our four houses –Shirreff, Stanley, Gurney, and Grey – come together for a feast of music!

Each house practised their big sing in the last few weeks of term. It is such a joy to see everyone work together! The teams come up with a music programme ranging from classical music, modern pop to rock bands and vocal performances. The diversity of music just left us all in awe.

We are also honoured to have Mr Aidan Coburn, Director of Music at St James Senior Boy School, as our professional judge. It was such a close call for all four houses! Congratulations to Shirreff house as overall winner for the Music Competition.

The house system is a fantastic way to foster a sense of community and belonging, providing opportunities for pupils across year groups to collaborate towards a common goal. It promotes teamwork and collaboration across various activities, from sports to music. Additionally, it serves as an excellent platform for developing leadership skills, instilling responsibility and confidence in pupils. The event was a great showcase of the effectiveness of the house system, as we witness everyone supporting each other and enjoying themselves.

Sydenham

Royal Academy of Music

An excellent demonstration of what sets the GDST apart is the strength of the GDST community! In February, 20 GDST schools came together with 100 senior girls for a collaborative event at the Royal Academy of Music. Seven of our girls delivered outstanding performances, showcasing the amplified power of collaboration. Their performance of Cecilia McDowall’s ‘The Girl from Aleppo’, learnt in one day under the careful guidance of world leading conductor, Tori Longdon, was astonishing. Thanks to Mr Ip for sharing in the leadership of this choir and congratulations to Amelia for her solo performance. Well done also to Holly, Zella, Rachel, Bess, Flo and Ellie for their outstanding contribution!

Music Scholars

Scholars play a vital role in our school community, showcasing exceptional skills and representing our school with pride. We were treated to a spectacular performance by 15 of our music scholars at the Music Scholars’ Concert in February. The level of talent displayed was outstanding, and the music brought immense joy to all in attendance. We are incredibly proud to see our Music team reach new heights. Well done to all our performers!

Spring Concert

Music department treated us to a rejuvenating Spring Concert on 6 March! It was a joyful evening with our community gathered to bask in the fruits of all the hard work. The hours of repetitive practice, fine-tuning, setbacks, and restarts, all resulted in this polished showcase, full of excellent musical range, impressing our audience. Thanks to our Music Department and everyone who contributed to creating such a stage on which our pupils could excel!

Trips

Silicon Valley Trip

Our Computer Science team took 20 pupils to Silicon Valley during the half-term break. It was an actionpacked trip as the team ventured to stunning sights such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Twin Peaks, and Stanford University. They also explored enlightening experiences at museums like the Computer History Museum, Cable Car Museum, and the Intel Museum. Additionally, they visited leading technology companies, including Apple and Google, as well as cultural landmarks.

Pupils demonstrated excellent Sydenham qualities - curiosity, kindness and respect - and had a fantastic time! We trust this trip will spark more inspiration in their future study.

Pupil Reflection:

During the trip, I experienced a strong sense of safety as our leaders meticulously ensured that everyone was accounted for and well. They made sure we never went hungry, organising visits to delightful restaurants. Overall, the trip was fantastic, and despite the challenging uphill walks and somewhat lengthy coach rides, the destinations, including renowned tech giants like Google and Apple, made it thoroughly worthwhile.

My passion for computer science flourished even more during visits to computer science museums, where most of our learning took place. The highlight of the trip for me was a tough choice between exploring Alcatraz prison, despite the intense fear induced by the remarkably realistic audio tour, indulging in some shopping at the malls, savouring stereotypical American foods, or the visit to Silicon Valley, where we explored numerous tech giants. In my opinion, the accommodation was up to par, with hearty meals served at breakfast, comfortable beds, and clean bathrooms. I would definitely do this trip again!

Opal Coast, France

Our French linguists had an exhilarating adventure on the Opal Coast trip in France in April! They immersed themselves in the region’s rich culture while sharpening their French language skills.

The journey began with an enchanting first half, where they learned about escargot at a local snail farm and savoured the delights of a bustling food market. In Stella Plage, they delved into history at the underground bunker from World War II, enjoyed a mesmerizing visit to the planetarium, and dined at

La Coupole restaurant before indulging in beachside ice cream.

As the trip concluded, Year 8 wrapped up their French expedition with visits to the aquarium, the charming old town of Boulogne, and a fun round of mini golf. Of course, no French adventure is complete without enjoying delicious cuisine, and they even mastered the art of baking the famous croissant!

This trip was filled with exploration, cultural immersion, and unforgettable experiences that will surely leave a lasting impression on our linguists.

Salamanca, Spain

Our Year 10 Spanish linguists embarked on a wonderful 5-day language excursion to Salamanca, a city steeped in culture and history, with one of the oldest universities in Europe. Immersed in the heart of Spanish life, our pupils stayed with host families, enhancing their language skills through authentic communication.

Each morning, they attended language school to refine their Spanish proficiency. They explored the vibrant city, navigating local markets, joining guided tours, and indulging in traditional tapas dining, all while practicing their language skills and immersing themselves in the local culture. They also embraced the artistry of flamenco with a fun dance lesson and unleashed their inner crooners during Spanish Karaoke sessions.

This intensive language excursion was a transformative experience, enabling our linguists to not only enhance their linguistic abilities but also to forge meaningful connections and gain a deeper understanding of Spanish culture and society.

Trips

India

Our History and PRE pupils recently embarked on a transformative journey through India, immersing themselves in its vibrant culture and remarkable conservation efforts. From exploring iconic landmarks like the Bangladeshi Sahib Sikh Temple to experiencing the heart of India through authentic rickshaw rides, this trip provided invaluable lessons in global history and environmental stewardship.

A highlight of the journey was the visit to the Agra Bear Rescue Facility, where pupils and staff gained insight into Wildlife SOS’s efforts to protect India’s wildlife. They also toured at UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort, delving into centuries of architectural and cultural significance.

In Jaipur, known as “The Pink City,” pupils were captivated by its distinctive pinkhued buildings and rich history. They embraced India’s vibrant spirit, from trying Bollywood dance moves to reflecting on the significance of their experiences. This educational expedition was truly unforgettable.

Events

World Book Day

We celebrated World Book Day on 7 March, our corridors resplendent with colour, laughter and energy, with the likes of the Grinch, Willy Wonka, Violet Beauregarde, a dragon, Katniss Everdene, Gangsta Granny, Luna Lovegood, Jacob Marley, and a wardrobe - it was one of our favourite days.

We believe it’s crucial to recognize the profound impact of reading for pleasure on young minds for learning, wellbeing and in building empathy, and are dedicated to fostering a lifelong love of reading among our pupils.

In Year 7, fortnightly library lessons and the Accelerated Reader program kickstart this journey, while our Library offers a range of reading material and book awards to engage pupils as they progress through school, as well as being a calm communal space for working and reading in during break times and after school.

Our library hosts various literary events, from author visits to themed book days, to further enrich our pupils’

reading experience. Our commitment to nurturing a lifelong love for reading in our pupils is supported through shared reading recommendations and the promotion of wider reading around all subjects, including a variety of online resources available via the Library website.

Events

Thriving Minds Conference

On 13 March, our Year 12 Academic Scholars attended the Thriving Minds Conference in central London. It was an inspirational day of interdisciplinary thinking. Julie Arliss, from the University of Oxford, discussed social physics and big data, Dr Christopher O’Neill, also from Oxford, explored the science of happiness, whilst Major Alexander Fogassy, from the US Air Force, delivered a highly motivational speech. The day concluded with a thought-provoking debate on AI and its ethical implications, with Daisy,

‘One Voice’ speaking competition

On 12 March evening, our Year 8 partnership with Dulwich Prep London came to fruition, with the final of the ‘One Voice’ public speaking competition. The theme was ‘Brave and the Brilliant’ and our hard-working

our Deputy Head of School, drawing on her extensive EPQ research to eloquently advocate for its potential benefits.

Maths Fest

boys and girls delivered a range of presentations to an impressed audience.

With a historical journey through key influential figures, including the likes of Rosa Parks, the suffragettes and Martin Luther King all the way up to the present influence of Marcus Rashford and Barbie, we were impressed by the composure, confidence and individuality on display. Well done to Sophia, Megan, Aeman, Rosa, Liv, Darcey, Claudia, Mya, Liana, Alex, Willow, Neli, Tilly and Bess!

On 27 February, 15 of our mathematicians in Years 11 to 13 participated in Maths Fest at the Royal Institution. This was a day of inspiring talks and demonstrations by some of today’s best-known mathematics authors, academics and Youtubers. They learned about paradoxes, infinite coastlines, and how statistics can be used (and misused) in areas such as climate change and medicine. Most exciting of all, Lara and Jeeya in Year 12 took to the stage as finalists in the Maths Slam competition. And, out of all the schools taking part, the judges chose their inventive demonstration of the Monty Hall probability conundrum as the winner! Well done all - we are extremely proud!

Public Speaking

“Debating is such a great skill for young people to learn. It teaches you to think critically, to research and, most importantly, it teaches you not to be taken in by the easy or the obvious argument. When we’re faced with fake news, we need citizens of the world who are intelligent, who are critical, and who are questioning the information they are presented with.”

Jason Vit from The National Literacy Trust and guest judge at Mace Grand Final 2023

on 26 January, two of our Year 10 pupils, Amiya and Saffron, participated in round 2 of the ESU Schools MACE Debating Competition at Dulwich College. The ESU runs the most prestigious debating competitions for schools in the country. Our team made it to the second round of the competition. Both Amiya and Saffron did a phenomenal job, showcasing quality arguments and thorough research. They truly demonstrated the ‘Fear Nothing’ spirit.

“After several weeks of working closely with Mr Wise, we reached the regional finals of the ESU Mace Debate Competition. We were feeling apprehensive and excited as it was a prestigious speaking event. Upon arrival, we discovered we were the youngest speakers and short on numbers. However, everyone was

very welcoming and friendly, and we took the opportunity to network with Sixth Formers from other schools to get advice from the about A Level and University choices. Our debate was against Grey Coat School, and we felt we were able to rebut them very confidently and be competitive with our points of information. We were told we had amazing persuasive arguments and strong rebuttals. Overall, we really enjoyed what we have learnt and have developed confidence and to think on our feet.”

Amiya and Saffron

Our Year 11 pupil participated in the Chrystall Carter Public Speaking Prize 2024 semifinal on 1 February It is a highly competitive GDST competition, contestants were required to speak for 7 minutes and then answer questions for 3 minutes. Only one contestant will make it through to the final in March.

‘The standard was incredibly high. It was the highest I have seen in 5 years.’

Mr Wise shared with us.

Well done to Meg in Year 11; she entered the competition wellprepared and spoke brilliantly. We are extremely proud.

Polecon Politics Conference

Our Politics students attended the Polecon Politics Conference at Central Westminster Hall, joining 2000 other young politicians. They listened to talks from leading political figures and engaged in stimulating (and probing) Q&A sessions with the likes of Jacob Rees-Mogg, Wes Streeting, and Richard Tice. The day also featured insights from Baroness Chakrabati and the leader of the Green Party. A highlight for them was an interactive session with Rory Stewart and Alistair Campbell, discussing past successes and ideas for the future. The event showcased respectful and intelligent debate (not always a feature of political views these days!), leaving our students feeling invigorated with plenty to ponder.

girls to forge their own path since 1887

Sydenham High School, Westwood Hill, London SE26 6BL www.sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net

Prep School 020 8557 7070 prep@syd.gdst.net

Senior School and Sixth Form 020 8557 7000 senior@syd.gdst.net

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Admissions enquiries 020 8557 7004 admissions@syd.gdst.net