Heston Newsletter - Spring 2023

1 HEADTEACHER MESSAGE Welcome to the Spring Newsletter. I hope you will join me in recognising and celebrating the variety of activities and work that our students have undertaken. The Autumn Term ended with a full inspection from OFSTED. Over two days, every aspect of school life was scrutinised and we are extremely proud to inform you that Behaviour and Attitudes, Personal Development and the Sixth Form Provision were all judged ‘Outstanding’. Our students’ maturity, positive attitude and pride shone throughout the two days and was frequently mentioned during the many meetings my colleagues and I had with the Inspectors. The Report states: ‘Pupils have high aspirations and want to succeed in education. Leaders have established the right school climate for them to do so.’ ‘Pupils speak proudly about ‘Hestonian values’, such as kindness, honesty, resilience and equality. These values are embedded in the day-to-day life of the school. They provide a shared language for teachers and pupils, inspiring them to be the best that they can be. As a result, pupils’ behaviour and attitudes to learning are exceptional.’ ‘… pupils are exposed to a wide range of careers and future opportunities soon after they join the school.’ ‘Pupils behave exceptionally well in lessons and listen carefully to teachers' explanations. This has a very positive effect on their learning. They enjoy warm and positive relationships among themselves and with their teachers.’ ‘Governors have an accurate understanding of the school’s work. They use their link visits to ask probing questions about the quality and impact of the curriculum.’ ‘Leaders ensure no stone is left unturned in order to keep pupils safe and well.’ I have every confidence that with your continued support and the hard work of my colleagues, the School will maintain its strong upward trajectory, providing the highest level of service to the young people and our wider community. Over the past term, our students have had many opportunities to participate in trips, visits and a wide range of activities, both inside and outside of School. There have been visits to the Globe Theatre, GSK, IBM, Wimbledon Magistrate’s Court, the Royal Geographic Society and Brentford FC. We have also welcomed guest speakers from the House of Lords and the Questors Theatre who performed ‘An Inspector Calls’ and ‘Macbeth’, both of which are GCSE texts. The Spring Term has seen our Year 11 and Year13 students’ focus more sharply on their rapidly approaching final examinations, demonstrating greater urgency, effort and commitment. Our Year 11 students have spent a great deal of time with their Tutors, Learning Coordinators and Senior Leaders, developing a revision timetable and examination techniques. I encourage all parents and carers to visit the Revision Hub on our website, so that you can better support your children in their preparation for the forthcoming exams. I am pleased to report that many students continue to take part in the wide range of enrichment activities on offer during and after school: sport, fitness, art, music and dance – we have something for everyone. Please speak to your children and encourage them to sign- up to something new! Finally, a reminder that the use of mobile phones is not permitted anywhere on the site. Phones seen on site will be confiscated and retained in line with School Policy. Children needing to contact parents are allowed to do so at Welfare. Whilst these rules may appear a little draconian, they are vital to safeguard our children and staff. Ranjit Berdesha UPCOMING EVENTS 17 April 2023 Year 12 UCAS and Year 10 Mock Examinations Start 20 April 2023 Year 8 Parents’ Evening [Virtual] 24 April 2023 GCSE/GCE Art Examinations 01 May 2023 May Day Bank Holiday 02 May 2023 GCSE French Speaking Examinations Start 08 May 2023 Coronation Bank Holiday 11 May 2023 SEND Progress Evening [Inclusion] [Virtual] 16 May 2023 Year 12 Post Mock Parental Meetings 22 May 2023 Date of first Examination on Common Timetable 29 May — 02 June 2023 Half Term 26 June 2023 Y12 Mock Examinations Re-sits Start 29 June 2023 18:00 - 19:00: Post 18 Transition Information Evening 05 June 2023 INSET Day 06 July 2023 Sports Day [Reserve 12 July 2023] 07 July 2023 12:00 - 17:00: Y11 Prom 10 July 2023 Careers Week 11 July 2023 Y12 Re-sit Parents' Meeting 12 July 2023 Year 9 Vaccinations [DTP & Men ACWY] [TBC] 14 July 2023 Super Learning Day 17 July 2023 Sports Personality Awards 18 July 2023 Summer Concert 21 July 2023 Last day of term [Students dismissed 12:00] The Heston Times Spring 2023