Fifteen students from Year 9–Year 12 went to the London Borough of Hounslow's apprenticeship and job fair on 10 February 2026. Students had the opportunity to talk to a range of employers about future careers. All students attended a workshop presentation on future options.

I enjoyed the trip; there were many employers to help us with our future and careers. Nakshi Kapadiya [10G]

I really enjoyed how the people working there came up to you and asked you questions. I talked to West Thames College and asked them what lessons they provide. Overall I really enjoyed it. Soma Salam [10P]

I think the trip was good because it provided a chance to look at job opportunities. Manvirjit Singh [10R]

I really enjoyed the trip, as I got to learn about different opportunities regarding colleges and university. Daisy Collier [10P]

I learnt about careers and apprenticeships and how to get into them. I choose to do a design or technology based career following this. Azekah Fernandes [10R]

I enjoyed learning how to become a pilot and the skills that I need. Zakir Arman [10W]

I enjoyed the workshop and asked questions about what they do, how much they earned and how they got into the job. Overall, I found the trip enjoyable. Wahaj Syed [10B]

I learnt that you can do apprenticeships whilst studying and there are many pathways towards success and education. I found the workshop useful for learning about different careers. Also, speaking to people, understanding different opportunities. Julia Mwangi [10B]

I enjoyed that we got to walk around and ask people about careers that we are interested in. Now we have knowledge about the career we have in mind. Overall, I really like how the people who worked there wanted to communicate with us about anything we had in mind. Iqbal Bulhan [10G]

I found this helpful to find out about apprenticeships. I got the opportunity to speak to the staff and ask them questions about their career. Ayush Busawah [10W]

Today was useful. I found out about Natwest and got clarity about the department I want to go into in the future. I enjoyed the workshop about CISCO, as it was mainly about interview skills, which was really helpful to hear and made me more prepared for future interviews. Harleen Garcha [12D]

I enjoyed talking to Natwest, even though I was not interested in what they offered. They were very respectful and understanding. The NHS helped me clear up my options and decide a path for me and what I could do if I wanted a change of scenery or did not like the job I wanted. I looked at apprenticeships and what I could do if I didn't want to do a degree. I spoke to CISCO. I previously had work experience with them and won a competition at Bedfont Lakes. Safiyah Syed [12F]

  

Students had a wonderful opportunity to participate in the Cambridge University - Homerton Biology Challenge for the 2025-26 academic year (ongoing). The challenge comprises multiple rounds, each featuring a broad, thought-provoking question linked to Biology, i.e., ‘Can new life be created?’ and ‘Why is Maths a gift for Biologists?’. Options for submitting responses include essays, audio, video, posters,and presentations.

Designed to mirror university-style questions at interviews, exposure to, and engagement with scientific research, this challenge put many skills to the test, such as critical thinking, effective written communication, and thoughtful research, utilising multiple resources to produce responses. Some students received certificates for participation, ‘commended’ for their entries, equal to 2 points, with some also earning a badge of Merit equal to 0.5 bonus point. It is a significant and proud achievement, both for students and teachers at Heston Community School.   

Participants said the experience boosted their confidence and deepened their interest in pursuing science in the future. The challenge inspired greater enthusiasm for biology and motivated students to continue exploring complex scientific topics beyond the classroom. It is an experience we will never forget.  

Ali Babar [Year 12]

Heston Community School was honoured to welcome dignitaries and guests from the Borough to the annual Holocaust Memorial Day organised by the Hounslow Friends of Faith. Our special guest was Eliana Ostro, granddaughter of a Holocaust survivor, who delivered a powerful and deeply moving presentation. Through personal family stories and reflections passed down through generations, she helped us understand the lasting impact of the Holocaust and the importance of preserving these memories. Her message reminded us of our shared responsibility to stand against prejudice and ensure history is never forgotten. We are grateful for her time, insight, and willingness to share such a meaningful legacy.

Mr Clayton [Senior Assistant Headteacher]

We were given the chance to hear a deeply moving talk from the granddaughter of a Holocaust survivor. Through her powerful delivery, she guided the audience through her grandfather’s harrowing journey, describing the disappearance of his family, his wrongful arrests, and the constant fight for survival he endured. The videos she shared added an emotional weight that stirred compassion for him and for the Jewish community who lived through such unimaginable suffering.

She also connected the lessons of the past to the injustices of today, acknowledging the struggles faced by both Palestinian and Israeli people. Her message encouraged us to challenge hate, confront discrimination, and recognise how deeply rooted prejudice still is in society. The talk left a lasting emotional impact and reminded us why remembrance must continue.

Maria Beigi [12B]

The granddaughter of a Holocaust survivor delivered a powerful presentation speaking with remarkable emotion and clarity. She recounted her grandfather’s experiences during the Holocaust, describing the countless obstacles he faced, the loss of his family, and the injustices he endured. The videos she shared brought his story to life and left the audience deeply moved by the resilience he showed in the face of such horror.

Beyond recounting history, she highlighted the importance of recognising injustice in the world today. She drew thoughtful parallels to the ongoing struggles of both Palestinians and Israelis, urging us to speak out against hatred and raise awareness of discrimination wherever it appears. Her talk served as a powerful reminder of why remembering the past is essential for shaping a more just future.

Ayma Babar [12B]

On the 27 January, our school observed Holocaust Memorial Day. Dignitaries from Hounslow were in attendance, alongside the granddaughter of a Holocaust Survivor. We learnt about the Holocaust and its impact on those who lost their lives, as well as the survivors. We heard stories told from the survivors’ perspectives, which gave us an even deeper understanding of their experiences.

The Holocaust not only affected the survivors but also their families and the wider community. Many survivors were left with a constant feeling of fear, never feeling safe. They often felt they had to be careful wherever they went and struggled to trust others. This shows the effects of the Holocaust, how it influenced families and their ways of thinking.

Many victims who were found or managed to escape still faced hardships. Some had to bargain for their lives, sleep outside in the snow, or live underground with barely enough food to survive. Even today, Jewish people continue to face discrimination, and many feel pressured to hide their identities.

This memorial gave us the opportunity to reflect on past atrocities and understand how learning from history can help shape a better and safer future, one where everyone can feel equal and accepted.

Maryma Jaamac [10B] and Sharaya Vajpai [10B]

  

 

At Heston, we are committed to supporting our local community and also to ensure that our students appreciate the importance of giving something back to their community where they can. Being a community and supporting our neighbours is integral to the ethos at Heston and so each year we commit to providing support for a grassroots organisation.  Our students and their parents rally behind this project and the donations this year were our best yet.  

Hounslow Food Box were grateful for the sizeable donation provided by the School.

On behalf of everyone at FoodBox, a huge thank you to all the teachers, pupils and families for the very generous donations received at the Centre. We are ever so grateful for your continued support.

Please extend our gratitude to everyone and wish you all a happy and healthy Christmas and New Year.

 

Taking food and everyday essentials to the local food bank was a truly eye-opening experience. It made us realise how often we take necessities for granted. Items that may seem small or insignificant to us can be incredibly valuable to someone who does not have easy access to them. This experience showed us that supporting our community and helping those in need should not be a one-off act, but something we all do regularly. Even the smallest contributions can make a meaningful difference in someone’s life. Bilal Shah [11Y]

Knowing that people in need would receive essential items during such a festive time made the experience especially meaningful. Something as simple as a can of beans or sanitary products can have a huge impact and bring comfort to someone who is struggling. The volunteers at the food bank were genuinely happy, knowing that others would be cared for, fed, and appreciated. It was a rewarding experience to know that I had helped, even if it only made a difference to one person. Aleena Nisar [11R]

I was really fortunate to be given the opportunity to take part in the school's initiative to give back to the community through donations to the local food bank. We transported the generous food donations made by the school to the food bank, and while we were there, we were able to witness first hand, the incredible effects that donations have on our local community, and the amazing work that volunteers do. Their gratitude for our contribution, and astonishment at seeing a whole minibus full of donations, helped us realise the importance of giving back to the community, and helping projects and initiatives that support our community, especially during times of hardship, and when more and more people rely on our support. The experience was deeply enriching and valuable and I was very lucky to be able to be involved in such a great and important activity. Sahil Kotak [11P]

At Heston, we believe that success is built on dedication, resilience, and a willingness to go above and beyond. This term, we are proud to celebrate a group of exceptional students who have demonstrated these qualities through their outstanding attendance and unwavering commitment to our enrichment clubs.

Attendance is more than just being present. It reflects a student’s determination to make the most of every learning opportunity. These students have shown remarkable consistency, ensuring they are engaged in various enrichment clubs, ready to learn and grow as an individual. Their reliability sets a powerful example for their peers and reinforces the importance of responsibility in achieving academic and personal goals.

Equally impressive is their engagement in enrichment activities. From sports clubs to STEM clubs and creative workshops, these students have embraced opportunities beyond the classroom. Their enthusiasm for learning new skills, collaborating with others, and challenging themselves highlights the true spirit of our school community. Participation in enrichment clubs fosters creativity, teamwork, and leadership skills that prepare students for life beyond school. Coupled with excellent attendance, these qualities create well-rounded individuals who are ready to thrive in any environment. 

We extend big congratulations to Liyanna Ali, Ritvik Bandorcar, Hashleen Gurwara, Muhammad Abdullah, Jasmaria Ahoja, Raphael Conor, Ahmed-Hadi Abdi, Laksh Damree, Tomas Drescher, Gleb Romanovs, Zoha Khan, Christopher Goes, Leyla Besic, Patryk Tomaszewki, Bodhan Kuziv, Ahad Adnan, Vikram Singh, Niam Banger, Kumail Khan who have earned this recognition. Their commitment and hard work do not go unnoticed. They are an inspiration to their peers and a credit to our school.

Let’s continue to celebrate these achievements and encourage every student to strive for excellence both inside and outside the classroom.