The Culture Day on the 23 June 2023 was a very successful event because as a school, we managed to raise over £679 for the charity WaterAid. The majority of our students took part in the day dressing in their cultural/traditional clothing representing their heritage. Many students had also chosen to wear a flag of their country, which was a relatively unique way to represent themselves. Teachers also embraced the day by either participating or contributing towards the charity.

In addition to raising money, the high engagement of students and teachers coming together in a celebration of the different backgrounds made the event extremely successful. Students and teachers had the option of having photographs taken to commemorate the event either alone or with their friends, depending on a students’ parents’ consent. The photo shoot event was an excellent way to increase the student enjoyment through their participation, and personal choice to capture school memories. The photographs were sold for £4 to raise additional money for the charity WaterAid. Overall, this event was an opportunity for everyone to come together and learn about the diversity of cultures that exist within Heston. It was a great success.

Tanshi Ratala [12H]

The Year 13 BBQ provided a final opportunity for students, who are moving on to the next phase of their lives, to gather together as a cohort one last time. After finishing their exams, it was evident that a huge weight had been lifted off their shoulders. Students were able to freely laugh and interact with one another, as well as have light-hearted conversations with the teachers who had helped them get through such challenging times. Although the students' friend groups may now be disrupted by the fact that they will not see each other every day at school, taking group selfies was their way of keeping the connection alive as they documented these lovely memories.  

Teachers' speeches both amused and moved the students, and it was evident how proud they were of the year group as a whole. Almost all of them said that they expected big things from the pupils in the future. It was a powerful statement, given how they had seen each student grow as academics and individuals since Year 7.  

They were then shown a visual representation of how much they have changed since Year 7. One of the day's highlights was the slide show that had been prepared, in which old photos from previous picture days were projected on the screen. Laughter filled the Sixth Form Centre as everyone recalled the embarrassing and wonderful aspects of their school days. The 'before and now' photos of friend groups touched the students showing how their social circles stood the test of time.  

To commemorate the completion of their secondary school journey, a miniature golden tree was in the Sixth Form Centre. Students were able to write a message about their experience and hang it on the branches for a small sample of them to be read aloud in their final assembly as Year 13 students: some were funny references to specific moments in class, while others were heart-warming passages that clearly showed their gratitude to the School and their teachers.  

Of course, the celebration concluded with a barbecue. There was a lovely atmosphere filled with good food and smiling faces. Since COVID had impacted their school experience, it was likely the first time in a while that they had spent time on the school field. The ability to sit on those picnic tables or even on the grass itself was undoubtedly a sentimental period where they could reminisce about the days when they would have PE lessons or spend break time there - concluding the day on the pitch was an excellent tribute to the time they spent in their younger years.  

The day marked the end of their journey at Heston Community School and the beginning of their careers as contributing members of society.  

Malaika Abbas [12A] Roving Reporter and Photographer 

Nikhel Chumber [12C] Reporter 

Abdisalam Abdulkadir [12E] Reporter

Heston’s Careers Hub is a remarkable space that stands out for its accessibility and support. With its open doors to all individuals, it fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment. The Hub is a large, spacious area that accommodates numerous resources and opportunities for career development. It ensures that everyone can freely navigate through the space, explore various career paths, and connect with professionals from different industries. The Hub's visibility is another key aspect, its location makes it easily noticeable to all, attracting students, who seek guidance and support. The dedicated Careers Advisor and the resources available at the Heston Careers Hub are incredibly helpful, providing valuable insights and guidance to individuals, to support their journey to a successful career. 

Anisha Nareydoo [13F]

The new Careers Hub is just one example of how our school has a strong commitment to careers education and the personal development of all our students. The Hub is accessible and prominent in the Hogarth Building, with opportunities for all year groups. The new space has a comfortable seating area for individual and group interviews. There are daily drop-in sessions available every break and lunchtime, for students to ask questions or to access careers education, information, advice and guidance.

We have computers available for students to complete applications to Post 16 providers and access for students completing university and apprenticeship applications. Group sessions take place in our meeting area with a large screen to support workshop delivery. The space is modern and inviting, with an increased number of students dropping by.

I look forward to continually inviting students to this space and to support them with their journey after Heston.

Ms A Laing {Careers Advisor]

The Junior Physics Challenge was definitely an experience to be thankful for. The Sixth Formers: Biansha Kapoor, Kiran Barrass and Aisha Ali were dedicated to helping me do my best and take on this challenge. Throughout the process I have gained much more knowledge which I have been able to incorporate into my lessons, I feel as though I have developed a greater understanding of physics and useful skills I can use later in life. Whilst Biansha was teaching me, I enjoyed learning Newton’s Laws the most. The manner in which she taught was very interactive, using whiteboards and discussing a lot of the questions, which made the lessons more enjoyable.  

Having these sessions twice a week really allowed me to learn more about one of my favourite sciences it made it easier to understand topics I was interested in.  The Sixth Formers were able to break down the topic and explain it to me in a way I could understand. If this club was to run next year I would more than likely join, and again as a year 11, hopefully learning harder topics. 

Results from Year 9: 1 Silver, 1 Bronze

Results from Year 10: 1 Gold, 14 Silver, 26 Bronze, 4 Commendations 

Ayurdha Mannyamgari Year 9 [Silver Award Winner]

Heston hosts a celebrity!

We were so happy to welcome Radio 1 DJ, Clara Amfo to our school.  She was working partnership with Pantene to promote their ‘Power of Hair’ campaign that works with schools across the country to promote the acceptance of different types of hair. The workshop saw us discussing hair and identity as well as the discrimination suffered by some people because of their hair type or style.

I would like to work in the beauty and fashion industry and this provided lots of opportunities for us to discuss really pertinent issues regarding our hair and how we are perceived.  There was also an opportunity to put our own thoughts and ideas as well as what we learnt into poetry.  We were very well supported by two excellent poets who gave us great insight into producing meaningful poetry.

This was definitely one of the best events I have ever participated in and I loved meeting Clara.  She was amazing.

Madline Acheaw [12D]

You can view the video via this link:

https://app.frame.io/reviews/3d14d3b4-d24d-424b-80d0-e990d919b6ac/d79d4570-2926-40f7-ad34-8623803d9c8f

Heston Community School feels extremely grateful to Nuffield Health this term. Every Monday after school, 3 or 4 Nuffield Health Personal Trainers come and work on fitness with some of our Year 9 and 11 students. 

Students take part in some individual fitness activities and some team-building competitions. 

They all feel invigorated by the sessions and have amazed themselves by adapting to new challenges. “It is exhausting, but definitely benefits the brain as well as the body, so I think it is helpful it in the run-up to the exams.” says Kilian V, Year 11

”I have really pushed myself”. His fellow Year 11 Caleb says, “They have given us a really good workout that includes strength, stamina and speed.” Logan M, Year 11

“It was difficult but fun.” Kiran G, Year 11and her friend Taran B, Year 11, says, “I feel de-stressed and ready to revise!”

Many of the Year 11s said they would now aim to try some of the exercises at home as part of their own self-care. 

Bettina Keki, one of the Personal Trainers, explains “We hope to also offer some sessions during half-term and the Summer, so students can maintain their fitness.” 

As a school, we want every student to benefit from taking part in Enrichment activities. Enrichment activities are any kind of club or experience like a trip which add value to a student’s school experience, skills, talents, knowledge or well-being. We look forward to continuing our link with Nuffield Health and hope to have news about holiday sessions soon so that students can really grow in confidence and strength.