Dear Parents/Carers
I hope this letter finds you and your families well; a Friday update for you, as always.
There has been lots going on this week in terms of opportunities for students, which is always great to see.
On Monday 23rd September thirty Year 7 geographers visited Westcliff and Southend and carried out a number of different activities as an introduction to human and physical geography fieldwork techniques. The students first described the land use in the area, followed by an evaluation of how well the cliffs are being stabilised. They then split into groups to carry out transport surveys. After lunch the students again split into groups to map the land use in Southend and evaluate the environment. A second trip had been planned for this week but due to the inclement weather was postponed.
It is #ClassicsTober2024! The idea is to create something – anything – for the prompt. Like other October prompt lists, it can be an illustration, but it can also be text, reference, historical artefact, video, story, translation, pretty much anything you’re interested in from the Ancient Med World that fits with the prompt. There’s no pressure to do every single one, just the ones chosen.
If students would like to join in throughout October, simply design your creation inspired by one (or more) prompts and hand it to Ms Ahmet by the end of October. The prompts will be shared on Google Classroom, along with instructions and further information. Outstanding artistic work will be posted on the Classics Department X (Twitter) page, as well as an award of R5.
Washington Post breaking news reporter, Jennifer Hassan, joined us this afternoon to discuss practical tips about getting into journalism, how to thrive in a male dominated field and share her journey from leaving a secondary school in Walthamstow to writing for a leading US newspaper. We had forty girls sign up and secure a place on the first of our monthly 'Women Talk' events. Special thanks to prefect Zahra Turkmani 11O for leading the Q&A section of the talk and asking such well considered questions. I look forward to the next month's guest announcement.
On Tuesday, a group of students from Years 8, 9 and 10 participated in their first workshop on "Ancient Myths and Modern Tales." Led by Dr. Efi Spentzou from Royal Holloway University. The session encouraged students to explore their questions and interpretations of the myth of King Erysichthon. In the second part, they created sacrificial offerings to the tree, an important element of ancient civilisation. Moving forward, they will delve deeper into the myth and begin developing their own narratives and designs.
A school wide tutor time quiz marked the start of Black History Month testing what we already know of our rich black British history. We look forward to staff and students presenting assemblies throughout the month with a focus on this year's theme 'Reclaiming Narratives'. The annual black history month art and creative writing competitions are under way, students are reminded to look out for details of those on their Google classrooms/during registration, or speak to Ms Dempsey and Ms Ridler.
A group of Year 7 historians visited the London Mithraeum on Thursday. The immersive experience of a Mithraic ritual light and sound show in the surroundings of a 1,800-year-old Temple of Mithras had the students spellbound. Students came away with knowledge of who Mithras was and how people in Ancient London worshipped.
We saw the return of the ever popular ICEE team this week who worked with a group of Year 10 students to deliver the Practical Success Principles Workshop. You will recall from previous years that through this programme, students work on Significance values such as What is your Why, developing a Growth Mindset, Developing and Designing their Life and goals for the future, a personal finance session and a focus on wellbeing.
I turn to our athletes now. The Kelmscott netball team was in full force this week with three games against neighbouring schools. Having formed the team two weeks ago, the girls have taken every opportunity to enjoy each game, learn and build new skills. Congratulations to the entire team with a special mention for Aleksandra Tsolova who has been named player of the match twice and Hannah Arthur and Alisha Mahmood (our top goal scorer) who were also named player of the match. Girls’ netball takes place every Wednesday after school for ALL year groups.
Next week we have our first cross country meet of the season at Jubilee Park, with Kelmscott taking over thirty students from all year groups. Year 10 & 11 will be running 4.5 km, year 8 & 9 running 3.5 km and year 7 & 8 running 2.5 km. Wish them luck!
The STORM Ambassadors have been brainstorming ideas and designing the STORM Passport this week which is due to launch soon. Planning is also well under way for our STORM drop down day, more to follow over the coming weeks on this.
For parents of children on the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (a service which supports young people experiencing poor mental health, or difficult feelings or experiences) waiting list, you are are invited to connect with a CAMHS Representative and meet a member of the Early Help Team for an Inclusive Coffee Morning on Thursday 10th October 9.30am - 10.30am at Mission Grove Primary School, Buxton Road, E17 7EJ. There will be an opportunity to ask questions and find out more about what support is on offer around other services in Waltham Forest.
Tomorrow, Saturday 5th October is World Teachers’ Day. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our team of teachers for all that they are and all that they do for our students and school. They are a talented, diligent and kind group of professionals. I am immensely proud to lead such a motivated team dedicated to ‘putting learning first’.
Some careers opportunities to signpost now:
The borough of Waltham Forest has recently published its “Your Future, Your Choice” post-16 prospectus. This guide is aimed at helping Year 11 students and their families navigate their options after completing GCSEs. It provides essential information on accessing careers advice and guidance in Waltham Forest, the various pathways and qualifications available, where to study, how to apply, and the subjects offered by local sixth forms and colleges. The prospectus also includes detailed profiles of the sixth forms and colleges within the borough. Please see links below:
Females in STEM careers event with Amazon. A virtual insight into all the opportunities Amazon have on offer for students this year including their Apprenticeship, Graduate and Work Experience opportunities. Amazon are one of the worlds biggest companies and offer some fantastic school leaver opportunities in the space. Tuesday 8th October, 5pm - 6-30pm. For more information and to register please see here.
An Insight to BDO - The World’s 5th Largest Accounting & Professional Services Firm. Thursday 10th October, 5pm - 6:30pm. For more information and to register please see here.
Finally, well done to the following students who topped the reward point charts last week for their respective year groups, with a particular mention to Filip Ionescu in 8S who topped the charts for the entire school with thirty one – keep up the good work.
Year 7, Amine Karimi Ichaoui in 7E with 20 points
Year 8, Filip Ionescu in 8S with 31 points
Year 9, Alexandra Gutoiu in 9C with 25 points
Year 10, Ismael Akhtar in 7M with 25 points
Year 11, a trio with 16 points - Jada Arthur in 11E, Kiril Kucalov in 11L and Ammara Sawar in 11M
With every good wish,
Mr Sam Jones
Headteacher
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