Newsletter
Spring 2018
Cambridge trip gave students inspiration BRIGHT students got a taste of life at one of the world’s best universities during a visit to Jesus College, Cambridge. During a guided tour of the campus and grounds, pupils got a unique insight into life on a university campus, learned about student social life and the clubs on offer. They also visited the university’s famous chapel, where they listened to a history lecture given by a current PhD student. There was also an opportunity to ask questions about tuition fees and the bursaries and subsidies on offer for lower-income families. Head of Enrichment, Student Voice and Pupil Premium Ms Johnson said: “The students particularly enjoyed having lunch in the big hall and were shocked by the loudness of the organ that suddenly started playing in the chapel. They were surprised to discover that studying there is potentially cheaper than other universities because of generous bursary schemes. “It was a really positive day that challenged
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Tour: Some of the pupils (right) who attended the trip to Jesus College, Cambridge (above) misconceptions and left students feeling motivated to apply for the best universities.” Year 10 Vaishnavi Patel said: “This trip really changed my mind about this type of university. When you think of somewhere like Cambridge, you expect it to be a certain way. “But there was a lot of diversity there and lots of people from a similar background as me were at this amazing university. “The purpose of these trips, I think, is to help us students understand that these types of universities are not out of reach for us. “When you go there and see people like you,
it is inspiring because you think if they can do it, why can’t I?” Fellow Year 10 Karan Chana said: “I learned that the fees at Cambridge are not as a high as you first would expect. We were introduced to so many other things that we did not know existed, like scholarships and bursaries. “This trip has really helped to focus me. When you talk to the students at Cambridge, they all say the same thing, it starts at GCSE. “I know I am going to have to knuckle down and be on top of my work if I am going to have a chance of getting into a place like Cambridge.”
Charity events to aid appeals
OUR School Council is planning a series of fundraising events to celebrate Charities Week at the school in March. Events planned for this year’s event at its weekly Monday lunchtime meetings include car washing, a movie night and a cake sale. There is also the annual school football match where our sixth form students take on the teachers. Sixth Formers will also take part in a sponsored silence. The week of fun events will raise money for UNICEF Syria Crisis Appeal and Save the Children in Yemen. Year 7 Mathumigaa Kugatheesan said: “We want to
make it the best charities week there has ever been so we are putting lots and lots of effort into. “I have learned at this school it is very important to give back to the community and to people who don’t have much money.” The council will also be taking an active role in staff recruitment at Villiers by holding a School Council panel to quiz candidates. Mathumigaa added: “You join the School Council because you want to make the school a better place for the students. “We want to have good teachers the school who will help our education, so I am glad we will get to have our say.”
pic to come Sensational science! The school celebrated Science Week in March with students took part in some fun experiments, games and quizzes.
Villiers High School newsletter n Spring 2018
Our excellent progress has been recognised This term we heard that Villiers High School has been recognised nationally for its excellent results in 2017 based on data from the Department of Education and Ofsted, analysed by SSAT (the Schools, Students and Teachers network). Villiers High School was found to be among the best-performing secondary schools in the country, receiving an award for being in the top 20% of schools nationally for progress. The SSAT Educational Outcomes database compares all state-funded schools in England, with the highest performing for a range of key measures.
Headteacher Ms Sharma (right) reveals that Villiers’ progress in 2017 merited a national award We will be presented with their award in the summer term at a ceremony attended by winners from across the region. Sue Williamson, Chief Executive of SSAT said: “I am delighted that Villiers High School has won an Educational Outcomes Award. This recognises an important aspect of the school’ s work, but, as we know, there is much more to recognise in
a good school like Villiers High School. “SSAT is pleased to recognise the quality of leadership and the hard work of all staff to ensure the success of every child. “A big thank you and well done to pupils, parents, staff and governors. “I would like to add my thank you to all my staff and students for their continuous effort, commitment and support in achieving such high standards.”
Taster session leads to a real passion for brass OUR budding Year 7 and 8 musicians have been learning to play brass instruments and will perform at our summer concert. Following an introductory assembly, nearly 40 students attended a three-hour taster session with professional musician Hywel Jones at the beginning of term. They have since been attending weekly sessions where they have been practising the trumpet, trombone and French horn. The newly formed VHS Beginner Brass Ensemble put their acquired skills into practice at Villiers’ annual Summer Concert held in July. Trumpet player Ansh Padau said: “Learning to play an instrument is something I never thought of before but now I have tried it, absolutely love it. “The classes have introduced me to new styles of music and different ways of playing. It has made think of music as something I could do as a career.” Mr Jones said: “I was amazed at the aptitude of pupils. So many of them displayed excellent attitudes to learning and made very encouraging progress very quickly indeed.” Head of Music Ms Krenca said: “In my long and varied experience as a music teacher, I have seen students develop a passion for playing an instrument in Year 7 and continue on into professional musicianship. “What is certain is that those who seize these unique opportunities are opening doors which can lead to a myriad of future possibilities. “These pupils know that the future is bright and we look forward to seeing them progress from strength to strength.”
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Assemblies help bring school together The school celebrated LGBT+ History Month by holding assemblies across year groups based on the theme of Mapping the World. Teachers Ms Brady, Mr Sekhon, Mr Richards and Ms Johnson delivered the assembly together, discussing how social change had contributed to equality and looking at the next steps we need to take. Ms Brady discussed the idea of allies, those who may not identify as LGBT but support and celebrate that community, and encouraged students to become allies themselves. There are plans to join the
Stonewall School Champion programme, which recognises schools that tackle LGBT bullying and celebrates diversity. Ms Brady said: “This is a wonderful school with students with a range of diverse nationalities, ethnicity, religions and backgrounds. “We are a school that celebrates diversity and inclusivity. Ignorance comes about only through a lack of knowledge or understanding. These assemblies have proved to be a wonderful way of not only bringing the school together but enhancing our lives as a community of learners.”
Villiers High School newsletter n Spring 2018
World Book Day helps inspire love of reading THE school celebrated World Book Day with a series of fun and interactive literary-themed events. Teachers dressed up as their favourite characters from books and gave readings during break and lunchtimes in the canteen. There was also a quiz where students had to guess the book based on the teacher’s fancy dress outfit or their quote from the book. The competition, which had 40 entries, was won by Year 8 students Sandeep Singh and Stancio Da Costa, who put their victory down to a superior knowledge of literature. Sandeep said: “I read loads and loads of books so I knew I had a good chance of winning the competition. Stancio and I make a
great team.” Stancio added: “It was a really fun day because the teachers got involved in lots of fun events and we were able to win the quiz.” The school marked the day by launching their Accelerated Reader books programme to encourage students to share and swap their favourite novels. Head of Literacy Ms Richardson said: “It is so important that our students see a love of reading and books shine through their teachers. “There was a real buzz around the school because students were really engaged. I think they could see some of the teachers were out of their comfort zone dressed up, which they enjoyed.”
Students get up close with Shakespeare YEAR 9 students were treated to a performance of Twelfth Night by the Royal Shakespeare Company. The performance was streamed live from Shakespeare’s birthplace of Stratford-UponAvon and included a live question-and-
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answer session with the actors, with Year 9 student Lima having her question answered. Students had studied the play last term and also got the chance to email questions to the actors, which were answered in depth.
Teacher Profile
NAME: Seauntelle Brady SUBJECT: English YEARS TEACHING: One WHY DID YOU BECOME A TEACHER: A teacher at my school in Northern Ireland had a huge impact on me as a young person. I wanted to do that for someone else. BEST BIT ABOUT TEACHING AT VILLIERS: The pupils. They are so inquisitive, so eager to learn and so interested in the world. INTERESTING FACT: I am a very good rapper and do a great impression of Eminem. I can prove it!
Villiers High School newsletter n Spring 2018
Workshop helps improve students’ speaking skills OUR teachers went back to school at a workshop run by the National Literacy Trust to learn skills to teach students employability. Teachers learned how to demonstrate the importance of literacy for employment and were given strategies to improve students’ confidence in their own abilities and raise their career aspirations. The learning will form part of our literacy programme, Speak Like a Scholar, which aims to widen student vocabulary and speaking and listening skills. Head of Literacy Ms Richardson said: “A successful life beyond the corridors of Villiers High School is not just dependent on passing exams and getting into universities. “Employers at the top companies are looking for young people with the capacity to express themselves in an articulate manner. “The Words for Work programme and Speak Like A Scholar have been embedded in the entire curriculum and will offer students the chance to speak more and be active verbally in lessons.”
Strategies: Teachers learned about the importance of literacy for employment
High quality teaching and plenty of support We asked four of our Year 12 students why they decided to stay on at Villiers High School Sixth Form. This is what they had to say...
Brinoy Fernades is studying Computer Science, Physics and Maths at Sixth Form. He said: “At Villiers you will get the one-to-one time that you need when you are struggling. “The teachers are always really helpful because they take the time to work with you on areas of study that you may not understand.”
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Mihir Gosai, who is studying Computer Science, Chemistry and Physics at A-Level, said: “The Computer Science department at this school is very strong and that was the deciding factor for me. “I want to pursue a career in this area, so you want to be taught by the best possible teachers. The standard here is similar to a university.”
Aspen Fernandes, who is studying A- Levels in Maths, Computer Science and Chemistry, said: “I have been at the school since Year 7 so for me it was the natural choice to stay here and study A Levels. “The teaching here is of a really high quality. They know your strengths and weaknesses and can help you in all areas of your education.”
Mariet Treesa Babu, who is studying B-Tec Business Studies Level 3, said: “When it came to my GCSEs here, I was given so much support and time, so I know how much this school cares about the students. “Plus, there is a lot of extracurricular stuff going on like the Speaker Series where we can hear from experts. It helps you with deciding on a career.”
Villiers High School newsletter n Spring 2018
Working together: Students chat during the inter-faith forum
Faith forums to help celebrate area’s diversity
Impressed: Rev Karen Greenidge
OUR students are planning to hold a beliefs festival to celebrate religious freedom and tolerance in Southall. Students from our Inter-faith forum came up with the idea after discussing their theological beliefs during after-school sessions. The group is led by Southall Interfaith Secondary Schools Educator Revd Karen Greenidge and includes pupils from schools across Southall. During the sessions, Christians, Muslims, Sikhs, Hindus and atheists are encouraged to think how they are connected through their beliefs. Revd Greenidge said: “The students have really enjoyed the sessions. They have really been energised by the idea that we can hold a
beliefs festival to celebrate our community. I have been so impressed by how articulate and reflective they have been and by the way they have worked together. “There is such a wonderful diversity of nationalities and religions living in Southall. A festival to celebrate that is a wonderful idea.” Year 10 Ardhana Sherin said: “I am Hindu but I rarely get to talk about my religion with others who have different beliefs. “It is so important in the world we live in that we become closer to our neighbours and friends, even if they do not share our beliefs. “I have learned so much already in the faith forum and still feel there is much more to learn. I really like the idea of a festival and hope it comes off.”
Speakers give insight into career paths OUR Sixth Form students heard from industry experts in the field of finance, medicine and art design during our Speaker Series this term. Dexter Moren Associates interior architect Anya Gordon Clark gave students an insight on her career and discussed projects she had worked on. Other speakers included journalist Stefania Palma, Asia Editor of The Banker; and Nick Land, board member of the Financial Reporting Council. Student Mihir Gosai said:
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Expert words: Speakers Anya Gordon Clark (left) and Stefania Palmer (right) “This term the Speaker Series has really made me look at my career options. I am still very much undecided as to what I will do in the future but hearing from people
who are experts has really helped. “It is inspiring because the people who come and speak to us really give a good insight into what life would be like if you
pursue those paths.” Fellow student Aspen Fernandes said: “We are quite lucky to go to Villiers because I don’t know of any other sixth form that has such a wide variety of people come to speak. “My favourite speaker so far has been architect Anya Gordon Clark because she gave us an insight into a different kind of career.” Neurosurgeon and author of Do No Harm, Henry Marsh, will next term give students advice on how to follow a career in medicine.
Villiers High School newsletter n Spring 2018
Focus on... GIRL TALK
Women’s festival was amazing experience STUDENTS are being urged to join weekly sessions aimed at improving confidence in female students. Girl Talk, which started last term, is a programme of workshops for female students, run by female teachers and invited guests. The sessions cover a range of topics including body image, healthy relationships and empowering women. Highlights this year included a visit to London’s South Bank for the WOW Women Festival to mark International Women’s Day and a poetry workshop with published poet Desiree Reynolds. To join Girl Talk speak to Ms Richardson, Ms Lallian, Ms Byron, Ms Sood, or Ms Schito.
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Year 9 Wiktoria Kubicka talks about our Girl Talk club’s visit to the WOW Women of the World Festival, where she met the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan... International Women’s Day was on March 8, 2018. It’s an important day for me because it shows that women are as important as men and as strong as men. Since September I have been part of a group at Villiers called Girl Talk. Girl Talk is a group for girls to improve their opinion of themselves, get help from teachers and their fellow students and to make sure we have someone to talk to. Girl Talk changed my opinion of myself because I used to hate my body and how I look but now it does not matter to me at all, I just love how I look! The Girl Talk trip for International Women’s Day was really amazing. We went to the Southbank Selfie: Wiktoria Centre to celebrate with the Mayor women with other students – it was called WOW Women of the World Festival. We had workshops about what we agree and disagree with about women’s and men’s rights. After that we had our own time, when we listened to a girl singing her own songs about her parents and how hard it is to move to another country. Then we had a music workshop when we were separated into groups and worked as a team with girls we didn’t know. We wrote our own song to be performed later in the festival. After that, we were taken to the final party where we met the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, who gave a speech about women. My message to everyone at Villiers is to be proud of who you are, no matter what people say: women, men, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, we are all equal – and we should not prejudice anyone by their looks.
Students examine Suffragette movement in poetry workshop OUR Girl Talk group took part in a performance poetry workshop with published poet Desiree Reynolds (above). Students discussed the Suffragette Movement and the plight of ethnic
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minority women under 30, and those who did not own property, who were initially excluded from the right to vote in 1918. The girls practised performing their own poems using actions rather than
the spoken word, during the trip to the Watermans Arts Centre, Brentford, in February. They have now been invited to perform at an event to be held at the House of Commons in April.
Villiers High School newsletter n Spring 2018
Focus on... GIRL TALK
Insight: Villiers Headteacher Ms Sharma told students about her life and career during an interview with our Girl Talk club
Head discusses students’ career aspirations The Girl Talk group met with our Headteacher Ms Sharma to discuss topics around careers, feminism, healthy relationships and gender equality. We questioned Ms Sharma on dealing with fears, why she chose to work at Villiers and advice to young girls. Her answers were well thought-out and definitely inspiring. She talked to us about career aspirations,
By Tiana Chautkhan what we wanted to be and how we might achieve our goals. The session was led by some of the original Girl Talk members who discussed what they learnt in the first part of the career aspirations session. Florangel Gomes and I presented vision boards which detailed our career
aspirations of becoming a pilot and a surgeon. Rawan Farhan also shared the concept of how vision boards can help to achieve aspirations. We left the session feeling inspired to keep working towards our dreams and ambitions. This session made me realise that I have the whole world ahead of me and with hard work and dedication I can achieve what I aspire to.
History lesson at the seat of Parliament STUDENTS learned about the history of democracy during a tour of the Houses of Parliament. They learned about the history of the building, including why the Queen’s annual visit for the State Opening of Parliament
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sparks extra security, a tradition that dates back to Guy Fawkes’ Gunpowder Plot in 1605. The trip was a reward for students who attended clubs consistently last term. Headteacher Ms Sharma said: “I was
hugely impressed by the knowledge of some of our students – Joy in Year 10 was able to cite the exact number of MPs, for example. This was a wonderful way to reward students for their attendance of clubs.”
Villiers High School newsletter n Spring 2018
Students heading for more exam joy
Svenja D’Costa
OUR students are on course to replicate last year’s GCSE exam success, which saw the school ranked in the top 300 nationally. Last year, we scored plus 0.58 in Progress 8 attainment, which measures the progress pupils make from the start of secondary school until GCSEs. The results, which were more than half a grade higher than the national average of
zero, put the school in the top two per cent nationally. The average score for Ealing is plus 0.43. Star pupils this year so far include Fatima Dias, who has made a remarkable 19 levels of progress since her first mock exam. Meanwhile, Svenja D’Costa has achieved grade 9, equivalent to A**, in almost every subject.
Fatima Dias
Diversity celebrated at school’s cultural treat THE school celebrated diversity with poems, dance and dramatic performances at our Multi Cultural Evening. The evening featured poetry recitals in French, Spanish, Somali and Arabic, as well as Indian, Pakistani and Punjabi dancing. There was also a multi cultural fashion parade and a dramatic performance in French of the balcony scene from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. A highlight of the evening was Year 8 student Abdullah Alkhadi, (below) who performed a heartfelt poem about his homeland of Syria. The show was closed with a poem by Mr Winter on what makes Villiers High School a special place. Afterwards guests gathered in the canteen to enjoy a selection of world cuisines. Nebyl Yousif, who portrayed Romeo in the balcony scene, said: “It was really great fun to do Shakespeare in French. Everyone seem to enjoy our performance. “It was a fun evening because we learned about each other’s cultures through poems and dance.” Year 10 Jennifer Mosammad, who was one of the stars of the fashion parade, said: “It was really great to be able show everyone the fashions from the different countries. “Villiers is such a great school because you have so many different nationalities and cultures here. We are so diverse, which is great.” Headteacher Ms Sharma said: “This evenings really sums up the harmonious culture that we have at Villiers High School. “I’m so proud of every one of the students who got up on stage and gave such wonderful performances. “It was fantastic to be able to showcase our inclusive, warm and welcoming school to our families, friends and the wider community.”
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Colourful: The students in costumes during the Multi-Cultural fashion parade
Orchestra recital thrill for students GCSE music students were treated to a concert performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra at the Royal Festival Hall. The recital, which featured GCSE and A Level students and was presented by conductor Rachel Leach, took place in March. Student Tanzil described the concert as an amazing experience and Svenja
said the orchestra was “awe-inspiring”. Head of Music Ms Krenca said: “This was a fantastic opportunity to witness, the dedication and determination of 100 superb musicians performing together. “Rachel Leach, in her own inimitable style, bombarded us with analytical detail and key terminology, whilst simultaneously retaining our absolute concentration.”
Villiers High School newsletter n Spring 2018