Caterham High School's Easter 2019 newsletter

Easter 2019

Newsletter

Safwan targets top grades to seal King’s College place Y

EAR 13 student Safwan is one step closer to his dream of becoming a doctor after being accepted to study medicine at university.

Safwan must now score top grades in his Biology, Chemistry and Sociology A-Levels to take his place at Russell Group University, King’s College London, in September.

The talented student was accepted after impressing at an interview in February and passing a medicine course entrance exam.

Safwan (right) believes being accepted on the course has given him the extra motivation to study for his exams.

He said: “It is all very real now. I could be a doctor and I could study at one of the best universities in the world. I know I have to get on with my studies.

“I really want to go into a profession like medicine because I am very passionate about

Career in medicine the ideal motivation helping people and contributing to society. I also love science so it is the perfect degree and career for me to pursue.”

He also thanked Caterham High Sixth Form for giving him the belief and motivation to apply for the course.

He added: “These big Russell Group universities are quite intimidating. There is so much history and so many well-known people have studied there.

“It was my tutors in the sixth form that really helped me believe that I belong at one of these places. They gave me the confidence to apply and have been with me every step of the way through the application.”

Chess Club members want a bigger challenge

OUR budding grandmasters are learning their stonewall defence from their trench move at our new Chess Club.

Students in the group meet after school every Monday and Wednesday to play matches and talk strategy.

The group is planning to challenge local schools but first want to recruit new members.

Year 9 student Mohammed said: “We really need new members because we want to play local schools – and beat them.

“Chess Club is really a lot of fun. People might think that it is boring but it really isn’t, there is so much to chess.”

Fellow Year 9 student Juan added: “Chess helps you in so many different ways with your studies – it helps you to analyse things.

“I have improved in my studies so much since I started playing chess. In every subject, you can apply something you learn from chess.”

Year 9 student Gerard said: “I would encourage other students to come along and try it. We need new players and they will enjoy it.”

Caterham High School Newsletter n Easter 2019

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Culture of high expectation is emerging Headteacher Ms Chapple talks about the improvements that are taking place as the school ushers in a new era.

Friends of Facebook group which, as you will read, provides a friendly and welcoming environment for parents and carers with children across the school.

If you have not already done so, I urge you to join the Facebook Group.

I must make special mention of some students who have shown maturity, passion and dedication in following causes that are close to their hearts.

Firstly there are the Year 10 girls who have campaigned – successfully – for a change in uniform. They did this is a sensible, mature and patient manner.

Political activism is somewhat of a specialism here at Caterham, with Year 11

Zainab elected as Redbridge’s Member of Youth Parliament, a title she takes over from another Caterham High student, Kishan.

They are examples not just for their fellow students but to adults everywhere.

There are many more examples of students who have these qualities in this newsletter. I could not be more proud of the students at our school.

Since taking over in September, the school has significantly improved, reflected in a culture of high expectation and aspiration which is permeating around the school.

This can be clearly seen in our older students, who are showing a serious and committed approach to their forthcoming exams.

However, we will never rest on our laurels.

This is a new era for the school, and my staff and I will not stop until every student unlocks their full potential.

Have a safe and relaxing Easter holiday.

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AS my second full term at Caterham High comes to an end, we are starting to see the impact of the purposeful steps taken to bring about the change required at our school.

We are moving towards a school our students, family and community deserve.

It is a privilege to work with such a dedicated and passionate group of teachers and staff, who show their commitment to our young people in many different ways.

Our students delight and impress me every single day with their innovation, endeavour, humour and eagerness to learn.

This is testament to our parents and carers, who are both supportive and motivated to help me and my team usher in a new era of academic excellence at our school.

It is reflected in the new

Inspired: Students show off their letters

Caring Year 7 students join campaign against palm oil SOCIALLY conscious students have written to top multinational companies urging them to stop using palm oil.

Year 7 students were inspired by a short film made by environmental charity Greenpeace, telling the story of rainforest destruction and the impact on orangutans.

Following an assembly, more than 100 students contacted household brands, including Tesco, chocolate giant Cadbury and Walkers Crisps.

Many of the companies have since contacted our students directly, assuring them that they

have plans to use more sustainable products.

Year 7 student Zion said: “When I saw the advert it really affected me and I knew I had to do something about it.

“It is important as a young person to be aware of the things that are going on and what is contained in the products you are buying.

“It is amazing that these companies have responded to us and are planning to make a change. It shows you will be listened to.”

Fellow student Surya said: “I tried to think of the animals losing their home like it was me, and put myself in that position. Young people

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care a lot about the environment. We are the ones who are going to live here the longest so we need to take care of it.”

Head of Year 7 Ms Glaser said: “The response from the students was overwhelming.

Nearly every student in Year 7 wrote a letter to tell these companies why they were giving up the product.

“We have had responses from huge multinational companies, including in the United States. It has been an amazing response and I am really proud of the Year 7 students for writing these letters.”

Students triumph in their uniform equality campaign CAMPAIGNING Year 10 students have been described as a “true inspiration” after successfully petitioning for a change in uniform policy.

Pupils Milly, Hope and Nasrin urged the school to allow female students to wear the white shirts and ties worn by boys.

After collecting more than 300 signatures from their peers and staff, consulting with our new headteacher Ms Chapple and presenting in front of the Board of Governors, the trio have had the rules changed.

Previously, uniform rules stated girls had to wear lilac-coloured shirts, which were considerably more expensive than white shirts.

Nasrin said: “I am so proud of what we have been able to achieve.

“Ms Chapple listened to us straight away. She could see that we were very passionate about what we were trying to achieve.”

Milly added: “Ms Chapple is a feminist like us.

“She could see that it was very unfair that girls should have to wear a different uniform from the boys and she supported us from the start.

“Aside from the gender issue,

Inspirational: The three campaigning students with headteacher Ms Chapple there was also the issue of cost because a lot of families cannot afford the lilac shirts, which cost up to £40.”

After the campaign success, the trio insist they will continue to tackle inequality both inside and outside of the school.

Hope said: “It is not about

boys versus girls but equality. We want to try to help change gender perceptions when it comes to subjects at school.

“That will mean trying to encourage more girls to become interested in science but equally getting the boys to try arts and humanity clubs and classes.”

Headteacher Ms Chapple said: “I am hugely proud of these young women, not just as an educator but also as a feminist.

“This is a shining example of a group of students who have identified and then sought to address an inequality within their community.”

Parents’ supportive community

Uni trip for chemistry work

STUDENTS got the chance to tour a university while completing their chemistry practical coursework during a trip to the University of East London.

Year 13 student Adham said: “Obviously a university is

going to have more professional equipment so it was great to be able to complete our practical there.”

Fellow pupil Muhammad added: “It was also a chance to see what life would be like at a university.”

Parent Stella Prokopi talks about her Facebook group for friends and family of Caterham High. headteacher. It feels like the beginning of something different at this school with a renewed focus on high standards.

On the Facebook group families have the opportunity to share in the success of our students.

This newsletter tells of Zainab’s election to the youth parliament, to Safwan winning a place at King’s College and our inspirational feminist campaigners who have successfully had the uniform changed for girls.

On Facebook, search Friends of Caterham High School and apply to join. I look forward to welcoming you.

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This term we welcomed many families, whose children will be joining us in September, to our Friends of Facebook group.

As all parents and carers will know, moving from primary to secondary school can be a very stressful time for our children – and us the parents!

You have so many questions but you don’t want to bombard the school and teachers, particularly with the smaller issues.

That is why it is great to have a supportive community of parents at the school to turn to when you need some answers about your child’s new school.

The new families are joining us at a very exciting time for the school. I have been very impressed with the passion and determination of our new

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Fringe performance was the making of Neil

Memory: Neil Twitchett

Challenge gave pupils insight into video blogs STUDENTS got tips on how to become the next YouTube sensations thanks to a workshop on video blogging.

The Vlogstar Challenge saw students learn how to film, edit and post their own video content at sessions run by the Media Trust.

They were taught how to structure stories and given tips on presenting to camera, as well as how to share their content with a wide audience.

They were also encouraged to enter the Vlogstar Challenge with the winner receiving £2,000 for their school or youth organisation, £500 worth of equipment and tuition from YouTube experts.

Student Liam said: “This is already an area that I have some experience in but it was very useful to get tips from industry experts.

“It also gave me a lot more confidence to get in front of a camera and be more creative with the work that I put out.”

The project is run by Media Trust and the Jack Petchey Foundation, in partnership with YouTube and the Evening Standard.

FORMER student and now head of delivery for the London Football Association, Neil Twitchett says a sixth form trip to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe changed his life.

He performed in Steven Berkoff’s play “West” to an audience of around 40 people every night in a week-long run in 1996.

He made the trip to Scotland, organised by then drama teacher Dani Rose, with nine other drama students. Neil said:

“It was a hugely important experience for me. I was very young and yet I was doing this very adult thing.

“It is without question my fondest memory of my time at Caterham. To get that opportunity at such a young age had a profound affect.

“It gave me a huge amount of confidence in myself and helped me to focus on a project for a sustained period, which is crucial when you start to work.”

Fringe trip: Neil (second right) in 1996

Former students in mentoring sessions A TELEVISION director, successful entrepreneur and sports executive were among former students who returned to the school this term.

Year 9 students listened to talks and had one-to-one mentoring sessions from Caterham High School alumni at an Opportunities Day in January.

Other speakers on the day included firefighters from the London Fire Brigade, executives from media investment company Group M and our Head of Sixth Form, Mr Casey.

Sam Miles, who has directed well-known shows including Location, Location, Location, talked about his career in the television industry.

Sam, who left in 2003, said: “I was really impressed with how engaged the students were during the talk.

“Caterham High School was the starting point for me – it is where it all started. The skills I learned here have helped me get where I

am today.” Alan Wilson, who after leaving Caterham in 1988 worked for investment bank JP Morgan, now runs his own company.

He said: “I wanted to focus today very much on inter-personal skills. Now more than ever, being

able to communicate effectively in the workplace is crucial.

“When I left school, it was all about qualifications and while that is still very important, equally important is learning how to conduct yourself in a professional environment.”

Workshop made Oxbridge achievable TO win a university place at either Oxford or Cambridge, students need to stand out from the crowd when applying.

That was the advice given to bright pupils who attended an Access Workshop run by Wadham College, Oxford, in January.

Dr Hugh Munro, Access Officer at the worldfamous university, gave tips on interviews and applications to students from across year groups.

He said: “It is first about giving these students the

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belief that places like Oxford University are viable options for them. We know that some social groups have been unrepresented at places like Oxford and for us that is not a good thing.

“We want the best and brightest from different backgrounds and parts of the country and not just those who have had privileges in their life.”

Headteacher Ms Chapple welcomed Dr Munro’s comments, saying she wants to put more support in place for highly academic aspirational students.

Conference call for lucky Jay and Adam Chris’s top tip is be positive MOTIVATIONAL speaker Chris Preddie told students the secret to success is having a positive influence in your life.

During a talk to Year 9 pupils in January, Mr Preddie spoke about peer pressure, staying safe and life choices.

Mr Preddie (above), who was awarded an OBE from the Queen in 2011 for his service in supporting young people, said: “The key with young people is not to talk down to them.

“They see someone like me, who dresses similar to them, who talks in the same way, and it is easy for them to engage with that person.

“It is crucial that you engage with young people.

It is often not about the message but who is delivering it.

“I talk to them about life. For me, when I started to surround myself with positive influences, positive things started to happen in my life.”

SIXTH FORM students were given a unique opportunity to meet some of Britain’s top university academics at an exclusive conference.

Year 13 students Jay and Adam were two of just 50 British students invited to join lecturers from prestigious universities at the Royal Asiatic Society in Euston in March.

The boys met with academics from the universities of Oxford, Cambridge and UCL and heard talks on a range of specialised studies.

Jay, who will be studying history at Queen Mary University next year, said: “It was incredibly interesting. It was all about Ancient Egypt and Ancient Mesopotamia.

“We learnt so much and it was a real honour to go. You realise that most students do not get these types of opportunities.”

The afternoon activities included gallery tours of the British Museum led by teams of experts.

Only 50 student places were available for the whole of the country and these mainly went to children from private schools.

Adam, who is heading to the University of Warwick later this year, said: “It really made me reconsider what I want to do with my degree. I think I’ll be looking for a career as a museum curator after university.”

The conference places were arranged by teacher Bruce Johnson, who is, himself, a Fellow

Big opportunity: Jay and Adam met with leading academics of the Royal Asiatic Society. Mr Johnson said: “I am very pleased that two of our sixth form students were able to attend. We want our

high-achieving students to see the wonderful possibilities that await them as they are setting out on their university education.”

Young Leaders proved they were up to the task OUR Sports Leaders have been described as a credit to the school after helping to run the annual primary Panathlon competition.

The yearly tournament, hosted at the school, gives students with special education needs the opportunity to participate in different sports.

Year 9 students have received training to be Panathlon Leaders and were tasked with guiding, encouraging and running different activities.

Headteacher Ms Chapple said: “Our students were great! They were thoughtful, kind, encouraging – showing true leadership skills throughout.”

The winning school was New Rush Hall, who will represent the borough of Redbridge at the 2019 Panathlon finals later this year.

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Dance squad retain crown LOCAL primary school Gilbert Colvin has been crowned winner of the Redbridge Dance Festival for the second year in a row.

The 12-strong team, made up of Year 5 and 6 students, impressed judges with a choregraphed three-minute routine to the theme tune from the film, The Greatest Showman.

The dance squad beat seven other Redbridge primary schools in the event hosted at Caterham High.

The school practised twice a week for more than a month in preparation for the event. Year 6 student Ashley said: “We put a lot of effort into winning the competition.”

Year 5 Mayah added: “I enjoy performing in a group because it means that when you win, you win as a team.”

Ms Wilmot said: “Their hard work and dedication paid off on the day with a brilliant performance.”

Other primary schools to take part in the competition were Avanti Court, Downshall, Goodmayes, Christchurch, Glades and St Anthony’s.

Headteacher Ms Chapple said: “Congratulations to Gilbert Colvin for their victory in the Redbridge Dance competition.

We look forward to welcoming them and the other competing local primary schools next year.”

Zainab ready to act after election glory Youth Parliament beckons

YEAR 11 student Zainab has said she is “extremely honoured” to be elected as a Member of Youth Parliament (MYP).

Zainab (right) was one of just three Redbridge teenagers elected last month after more than 12,500 young people took part in the vote.

The candidates are not aligned with any political party, but Zainab will work alongside her local MPs to get the issues of young people in front of parliament.

Zainab said: “I was extremely honoured to win the election.

You hear a lot of bad things about young people in the media sometimes and I want to get across that we do care about society and the world we are growing up in.

“There were only three people elected and I got the most votes, which was a real surprise. We are going to be shadowing our Redbridge MP so it’s such a great opportunity to see how politics really works.”

As part of her election campaign, Zainab had to come up with a manifesto outlining how she will tackle subjects most

affecting young people growing up in the borough.

She is focusing on personal safety and body image, while encouraging businesses to offer work experience to young people.

She said: “A lot of young people have certain perceptions about the way they should act or look because of social media.

“I think we need to do things to change that.

“I plan to contact charities and the NHS to help me campaign by running workshops and assemblies for schools.

“Some young people in our borough are also being deprived of work experience, so I’m aiming to contact local businesses to build relationships with schools.

“And I’m trying to encourage businesses to run sessions for young people during the school holidays.”

As well as her work in the youth parliament, Zainab is preparing for her GCSEs. She said: “The school has been really supportive, helping me with my school work and youth parliament. I hope one day I’ll be working in politics and helping people professionally.”

Tree planting marks Holocaust Memorial Day CATERHAM High School students heard from Holocaust survivors and planted a tree to commemorate those who died in the atrocity.

The cherry tree was planted in the school grounds on Holocaust Memorial Day at the end of January.

Students from several year groups also attended a ceremony in Valentines Park, Ilford, where they heard how children their age were torn from their homes during the second world war.

The ceremony ended with the laying of wreaths on the park’s memorial stone as faith leaders read the seven tenets of the Holocaust Memorial Day Statement of Commitment.

Year 7 Hannah said: “It was amazing to hear from

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survivors about how they had managed during that time.

“It really made everyone think about what we would have done in that same situation.

“Although it was sad, I’m glad the school encouraged us

to go because I think it is so important to know about our history.

“And it is nice that the cherry tree is at the school so every time we look at it we are reminded to be kind to each other.”

Cut above: Year 8 pupils showing off their sewing and cutting skills in a textile class.

Treats: Year 7 students made fruit crumble in a food technology lesson.

Generations come together for stage craft workshops YEAR 9 students have been working with older residents in “confidence boosting” inter-generational drama workshops.

Students learned stage craft with a professional drama company acting out a range of scenes with Redbridge’s retired community.

The project aims to bring the generations together and show they have more in common than they think.

Year 9 pupil Emma said: “It was fun. We made up and acted out scenes together. It was all about speaking to people you wouldn’t necessarily interact with otherwise. It was confidence-boosting for everyone involved.”

Fellow student Siobhan added: “It was a really good experience. I think we all overcame any misconceptions we might have had about each other.”

The year group are now planning to put on a performance of the musical Blood Brothers using the skills they have learnt.

Year 9 pupil Ryan said: “The workshops really showed me how creative I could be.

I can’t wait to get started on rehearsals for Blood Brothers.”

Milne Court coordinator Simone Mazin said: “From the moment the students arrived, you could tell they were enthusiastic and motivated. I was blown away by their creativity, eloquence and how well they immersed themselves into the programme.”

Budding pilot tested One of our students is set to take to the sky after taking part in a workshop for young aeroplane pilots to celebrate International Women’s Day. The Year 10 student got the chance to test her skills in a flight simulator and learned practical emergency landing procedures at the session run by British Airways.

Learning curve: Students acted out scenes with the older generation

Biology work in the Marshes Year 13 students took a trip to Rainham Marshes to complete their practical Biology exam in March.

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Marcus punching above his weight TALENTED boxer Marcus has won the National Schoolboy Championships for the second year in a row.

The Year 8 student (right) dominated the competition, recording four victories on his route to victory at the nationwide tournament for toplevel youth boxers.

Despite having to compete in the weight above his own, Marcus was able to beat off the competition at the event held in Feltham, West London, in February.

Marcus, who competes in the equivalent of flyweight, said: “It was a really good day. I was a bit nervous because there wasn’t anyone else in my weight so I had to go up a weight.

“I’m quite small so I think sometimes people underestimate what I can do. But when I got in the ring, I was really confident and just got going.”

Marcus has travelled across the country competing and is planning to take part in European tournaments in the near future.

He hopes to grow up to be a professional boxer, like his hero Anthony Joshua.

He said: “My dad coaches me. He was going to train professionally but his dad wouldn’t let him.

“I want to be a professional boxer one day like Anthony Joshua. I really look up to Joshua and the way he does charity and community work.

“If I am a professional sportsman, I want to be like that. My teachers have really encouraged me. Everyone said they were really proud when I told them I had won.”

World event turns focus on literature

STAFF and students dressing up as their favourite literary characters was among a host of activities at the school to celebrate World Book Day. There were also student-led assemblies where Year 11 and Year 13 students read and analysed poetry to younger students.

The Year 7 students took part in the Harry Potter Experience with Redbridge Drama Centre, enjoying dressing up and readings from the famous novels.

Caterham cares

Brave effort: The Year 10 netball team played with passion and determination despite falling to defeat at the hands of Mayfield School.

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YEAR 7 students raised a whopping £402 in March by wearing pyjamas for the Mayor of Redbridge’s charity ELHAP (Every Life Has A Purpose).

ELHAP provides adventure play opportunities to disabled and disadvantaged children, young people and adults.