Raising Money For Tackle Africa

‘We participated in this year’s Tackle Africa Football Marathon and thanks to the money raised by the school and our local community, we raised almost £1,000 adding to the event’s grand total of over £100,000. Funds will be used for the prevention of and education about HIV and other STIs in African communities. Tackle Africa aims to educate children and protect them from sexual diseases, using the popularity of football to promote and raise money. The marathon tournament featured more than 40 teams and lasted over 12 hours, including a celebrity appearance from ex-footballer Clinton Morrisson. Thank you to everyone who supported us.’

 Ollie D, Year 12

Set Design for ‘Shrek The Musical JR’

In set design this Tuesday, the Art Department gathered together backstage helpers plus extra artists from Key Stage 3 to create the huge backdrop and flats needed for the school production next month. Pupils arrived ready to be creative and fully involved; it was such a successful day! Texture and tone were added to the massive designs and we’ve really created the atmosphere needed for the production. It was an immensely enjoyable and productive day and pupils learnt a lot about the skills needed for creating huge set designs. A massive ‘thank you’ to those who were involved.

Charity Book Sale

Thank you to everyone who donated and bought books at the second-hand sale in the Library before half term. It was lovely to see so many getting involved and raising funds for The Mark Evison Foundation.

The charity uses all funds to financially support young people across the country to take on a physical or creative personal challenge. For my challenge, I am writing a novella and, with the charity’s support, hope to see it in print. The book sale was a fitting way to raise money for this charity and share my love of literature.”

Ruby S, Year 12

Computer Science Awards

Congratulations to two Year 10 GCSE Computer Science pupils for achieving external accreditation for their coding and problem solving skills. Melina P achieved her Bronze Duke of York iDEA Award and is now working toward her Silver certificate. Robert K successfully completed the CISCO Python Essentials 1 course and also the CS50 Introduction to Programming in Python Course from Harvard University where he had to solve nine coding problems and create an AI noughts and crosses project using a minimax algorithm.

ESSA Cup - Our Best Ever Results!

A team of 56 pupils from Years 8-10 competed in the first round of the English Schools’ Athletics Association cup competition in May. Each pupil competed in two events: every throw/jump/run meant points for the team, so they had to run as fast, jump and throw as far as possible. There were some outstanding performances. Four competitions were held across London with the best schools all competing and schools with the most points qualify to the next round. Overall, our junior boys came 5th/32, junior girls 4th/36, inter boys 5th/32 and inter girls 11th/32. These are the best set of results we have had since entering this competition! A HUGE well done to all.

DofE Bronze Practice Expedition

Last Friday, Year 9 DofE participants stepped out into nature for their practice expedition. They enjoyed a glorious day in Richmond Park, where they put their skills of equipment packing, map-reading, observation and teamwork to the test, with resounding success. While out and about, they were trained on how to plan an appropriate meal, as well as working out their team goal for the assessed trip. Everyone showed great initiative, independence and respect for natural spaces.

Wandsworth Athletics Championships Success!

Last week, we took 45 selected Year 7 and 8 pupils to the Wandsworth Athletics Championships at Battersea Park, where they ran, jumped and threw against 15 other schools. All four of our teams (Year 7 boys, Year 7 girls, Year 8 boys, Year 8 girls), were the highest ranked state school, winning over 25 medals! It was a great experience for many who have never been to such a competition. Well done to all.