Jack Petchey Speak Out Challenge

Before half term, in the semi-finals of the annual Jack Petchey Speak Out Challenge, Year 10 pupils delivered their two-minute speeches to a panel Year 12 students. The competition was especially tough this year, and we are delighted that Yvette D and Adeeza D (pictured left) made it through to the finals.

Yvette spoke eloquently and persuasively on ‘Your name is your superpower’ and Adezza spoke emotively on the subject of stereotyping. The finals will be held on 6th March at Graveney School and we look forward to following the progress of these two remarkable pupils.

Wimbledon Championships 2025

We are absolutely delighted to announce that a record number of our pupils and students have been selected as ball boys and ball girls for the Wimbledon Championships 2025. The selection process is arduous and hugely competitive, so this is a massive achievement. They will be amazing ambassadors of the school - look out for them on the TV in July demonstrating their agility and focus.

U15 Rugby Team

We are really proud to celebrate the outstanding success of our Under 15 Boys’ Rugby team, who have triumphed in the prestigious Continental Tyres School Competition National Bowl. This remarkable achievement not only highlights the team’s talent and determination but also underscores the school’s commitment to fostering excellence in sports as a school competing at the highest levels. 

Girls' Sportshall Athletics Team

On Thursday 6th February, the Year 7 girls’ sportshall athletics team attended the regional finals at Osterley Sports and Athletics Centre. As the girls won gold earlier at the Wandsworth championships, they raced through the rounds and came joint first overall with Godolphin and Latymer School, which means they qualify for the London finals in March - a huge congratulations to the squad.

Cross Country News

On Wednesday 5th February, our top cross country runners (pictured) were selected to race at the prestigious London Schools’ cross country event at Wormwood Scrubs, where the top distance runners in London compete. There were some outstanding individual performances. In particular, Bea E (pictured right) in the Junior Girls category coming 7th overall and Jack H in the Senior Boys coming 8th overall. We anticipate that they will be selected to represent London at the English Schools’ cross country event. Well done to all. 

Year 7 Getting Fishy

Year 7 have been looking at the respiratory system. Last week they compared the structure of gills in fish with the structure of human lungs. Pupils were fascinated by the change in the gills between air and water.

Ceilidh in Memory of David Iannarelli

On Friday 7th February, we held a ceilidh for staff and students in memory of Mr David Iannarelli, a much loved and missed former member of staff. It was a hugely fun and uplifting event. Students were enthusiastic in their praise: “It was life changing”, “The live band was my favourite bit”, “It was a great bonding experience bringing the whole Sixth Form together.” We are extremely grateful to the Friends who helped make the event possible by contributing half the cost of the live band.

Football success

Last week, Year 9 played against St Thomas the Apostle School in the South London Cup and had an excellent match, winning 4-2. Goals were scored by Kishon C (three) and Dylan G.