The first Super Learning Day of this academic year saw students taking part in a book display competition, participating in workshops, and brushing up on their interview skills.

Years 7 to 10 teamed up in groups to rise to the challenge of making book displays that represent different stories from around the world. They put their team-work, creativity and art skills to the test to create some amazing 3D displays using a mystery box of exciting materials.

They also used their literacy and writing skills to write summaries, quotes, and even alternative endings to their stories. All the groups produced stunning displays, and it was very difficult to pick a winner!

But, huge congratulations to…

Group 7 [Ms Nsiah] – The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas

The competition was very close, so all groups should be incredibly proud of what they produced, particularly our runner-ups:

Group 22 [Mr Haque] – Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

Group 9 [Mrs Wassi] – Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief

Year 12 were fortunate enough to work with Dale Williams and our very own Ms Gould to develop their confidence and interview skills. They really enjoyed their day and found it very useful!

Year 11 focussed on preparing for their English and Mathematics GCSEs and Year 13 worked closely with a group of teachers and an external University Admissions Tutor to improve their UCAS applications and/or CVs. Good luck to everyone applying this year!

All in all, the day was a huge success, and we hope there are many more to come in the future!

Here’s what some Hestonians had to say:

“On the day I was super excited because it was something I have never done before. We all had to take on different roles like: modelling, drawing the scenes, making a book review, making the book structure and many more jobs. Everyone was involved. Every year group up to Year 10 had to use their imagination and teamwork skills to create a pop-up book. I had so much fun doing this because we had to create and work together.” – Shazil Raja [7O]

“When my teachers first told me about Super Learning Day, I got really intrigued and wanted to do it then, but I had to wait for the day. The night before I was so excited. Then I went to the class the teacher was there, and I was ready to do it. He went through the PowerPoint, and I was even more excited. Then we started to read the books. I hadn't read either of these books so reading them was a new experience. We started design, I started to design aliens because we chose Doctor Who and that was a sci-fi book. Through period 3-6 we started to make it, I made aliens and planets. In the last 30 minutes we started to stick the things on the book. Overall, it was so much fun and if someone else were to do it from another school, I think they would have just as much fun as I had.” – Lana-Maria Juneda [7O]

 “Super Learning Day was fun as I interacted with new people and created a masterpiece making an open book on Alex Rider.  We used cardboard to make our 3D book. After sticking in paper, we drew Alex Rider and the villains on each page. Some of the boys made Katanas [swords] and we glued them on.” – Damini Grewal [9O]

“We used our imagination and made a very abstract project. Super Learning Day was a great experience and a fun day dedicated to interacting with other students from different Year Groups to create a masterpiece. I can’t wait for the next one!” – Haris Junaid [9O]