Twickenham School Easter 2018 newsletter

Aspire, Achieve, Enjoy

Newsletter

VALUES l Perseverance l Dedication l Empathy l Integrity l Responsibility

Spring 2018

Proud: Sam and Jack at the airport

Boys guided in special visitor TWO schoolboys from Twickenham School were invited to 10 Downing Street after helping to marshal a Royal Airforce plane carrying Prime Minister Theresa May. Year 8 students Sam Newbold and Jack Brown helped to guide the RAF Voyager A330 after it landed at Heathrow Airport on December 22.

The unique opportunity came while doing work experience during the Christmas holidays at the airport, where Sam’s dad Simon Newbold, 45, works.

The boys said the Prime Minister, who was returning from a trip to Cyprus, personally thanked them for getting her back on British soil safely.

They were due to meet the PM in February but due to adverse weather conditions the trip was rescheduled.

Sam, 13, said: “It was a very proud moment for me. My dad knew it was her plane but we didn’t know she would be on it. When she walked down the steps it was really amazing.

“She looked over at us and nodded a thank you, smiled and then waved at us.

Jack, 13, said: “It was a real once-in-a-

Thrill: The Prime Minister’s arrival lifetime moment. It is unlikely you are ever going to do something like help land the Prime Minister’s plane again.

“I felt really privileged to be in that situation because it felt like a place where only a select few people are allowed to be.”

The £12 million RAF Voyager was converted from a military plane to a VIP passenger-carrier by former Prime Minister David Cameron.

It is known as the British version of America’s Air Force One aircraft, which carries US presidents.

Royal Academy joy for Harmoni YEAR 10 Harmoni Edwards passed her first-ever ballet exam at the Royal Academy of Dance with flying colours.

The Twickenham School student scored a distinction after impressing in an hour-long exam held at the prestigious company’s HQ in central London.

The 14-year-old trains three times a week at the Whitton Centre Dance Company, located next to the school.

Harmoni says the certificate is the first step towards winning a place at the Royal Ballet School.

She said: “I was so happy to get a a distinction. Everyone told me how hard it was, so to do so well was really a great feeling.

“I want to be a dancer – that is what I want to do as a career. If you are in ballet, the only place you want to be is at the Royal Ballet School. That’s my dream.”

Harmoni has already started training for her next exam.

She added: “Ballet is like studying. If you work hard and try your best, you will see the results.”

Alpine adventure on horizon DETAILS of our once-in-a lifetime school trip to the Austrian Alps have been announced.

Year 9 and Year 10 students – who will be in Years 10 and 11 when the trip takes place – will be heading for the slopes in the February half-term in 2019, it has been confirmed.

Students will travel to the picturesque village of Wagrain in the foothills of the Austrian Alps, where they will get four hours a day ski instruction. They will get the chance

to explore Salzburger Sportwelt – which forms the centrepiece of Ski Amadé, Austria’s largest ski area network. Students will also have the opportunity to ice-skate on a frozen lake and eat traditional home-cooked Austrian cuisine.

Head of PE Mr Bryan said: “As a school, we are all extremely excited about this trip.”

If you would like a letter or have any questions, please see Mr Bryan in the PE Office.

Kind Hannah worked to help the homeless A KIND-HEARTED student spent her pocket money on presents for the homeless before delivering them on Christmas Eve. Hannah McCallum-Benson, 12, from Isleworth, saved up the money she earned from her parents for doing chores round the house.

But rather than fritter it away, the youngster spent the cash on toothpaste, toothbrushes, handwarmers, chocolate and Christmas cards for those on the streets.

She even forked out for dog food to give to the animals keeping their owners company on the streets.

Accompanied by her mum, Hannah headed into central London on the night before Christmas to hand out the gifts.

Hannah said she was inspired by a visit to a charity and by YouTube videos of people helping out the homeless during the festive period.

She said: “When you see someone on the street, particularly at Christmas, you think how awful

it must be and wonder if you could help them.

“I managed to hand out seven bags to different people in London on Christmas Eve then some more locally in Whitton and Isleworth this January.

“Most people were grateful, others just nodded a thank-you, and one girl was asleep under a blanket so we just left a bag.

“It was really hard to see people on the streets and just walk past.”

Next year, Hannah plans to help feed the homeless by volunteering in a soup kitchen over the festive period.

Hannah’s mum said: “When Hannah told me her plan, I was really moved as it was all her idea.

It took courage to approach people but once she started and talked to people about their dogs it got easier. It made us think about how lucky we are.”

Headteacher Assal Ruse said: “Qualities such as Hannah’s are priceless and very much in line with our school value of Empathy.

I am proud to have such a student attend our school.”

Generous: Hannah was touched by the plight of the homeless

Leading professionals offer careers guidance YEAR 10 students heard from a wide range of industry experts at our Careers Carousel.

Professionals with jobs in journalism, law, photography, uniformed services, horticulture and architecture led workshops with our pupils.

Each session lasted ten minutes with students learning about career paths, soft skills and interview techniques from our

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industry experts. The sessions, which took place in March to coincide with National Careers week, were organised and run by our careers team Twickenham Futures.

Careers Advisor Alex Holmes said: “The aim of these sessions is to expose students to a wide range of possible career paths.

“For many, this will be their first

introduction to the world of work.

This will help them to start to become comfortable with the challenges and opportunities that await them after Twickenham School.

“Their guidance and support will be invaluable, not only for learning about specific careers, but the intangible, such as soft skills, networking and interview techniques.”

Twickenham School newsletter n Spring 2018

Tour: Students were able to visit Goldsmiths

Club project helping to stretch bright students BRIGHT Year 9 and Year 10 students have been taking university-style sociology tutorials led by a PhD student.

Pupils have been learning about the changing perceptions of children in society, ahead of completing a 1,200-word thesis for their Brilliant Club assignment.

Students also got an introduction into life at a top university after taking a tour of the public research university, Goldsmiths, in January.

The Brilliant Club is a programme run at Twickenham School, which helps our bright youngsters get into top universities.

Year 10 Serena Garrod said: “Going to Goldsmiths was really interesting. I haven’t taken my GCSEs yet, so hadn’t really thought about university until now.

“The project has been really interesting because it stretches your abilities and makes you think in a more critical way.”

Year 10 Jack Vincent said: “What we have been doing in Brilliant Club is very advanced.

We are looking at the topic in a lot of detail. It really pushes you.

“It is giving us a real insight into the level we will have to be at to study at a top university, which is very good training for us.”

Head of Year 10 Miss Quigley said: “Taking part in the Brilliant Club is making our students more ambitious and aspirational.

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“The challenge of completing their thesis has led to a greater awareness of the rigours of further education.

“As a result, they are now better able to recognise that they are capable of meeting

challenges head-on. The discourse has now changed from questioning whether a university education is the path they want to follow, to what university they would like to go to.”

Marking a century of women’s suffrage YEAR 9 students created posters, merchandise, jewellery and rosettes to mark 100 years of women’s right to vote.

They have been learning about opposing tactics of the militant Suffragettes and the peaceful Suffragists in the fight for equality.

Twickenham School newsletter n Spring 2018

Workshop gives insight into Holocaust horrors OUR students heard from Holocaust survivor Bea Green and took part in an inter-school workshop to mark Holocaust Memorial Day. They later got to speak with Mrs Green, who told them about her escape to the UK in 1939, aged 14, as part of the mass evacuation of children from Germany, known as Kindertransport.

They also learned about genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur during the evening held at Hampton School in January.

Students who volunteered to be part of the project, were then tasked with making posters based on Mrs Green’s life.

Year 9 Morgan Rose said: “It was really interesting to hear from someone like Bea. You have seen and read about what happened in Germany during the Second World War but to meet someone who was there, really brought it home.

“Her life is incredible and her story of what she had to overcome when she was about the same age as me is really inspiring.”

Fellow Year 9 Sana Nori said: “This was a very important event in our history so it is

important that people my age are aware of it.

“Whilst it was obviously very sad to hear about the suffering, the fact she went through it was also quite uplifting because she is such an incredible person.”

Deputy Headteacher Mr Martin said: “Pupils have come away with a resounding reinforcement of their British Values, including mutual respect, tolerance, individual liberty, democracy and rule of law.

Workshop to breed Heroes STUDENTS learned skills such as teamwork, resilience, determination and creativity during a workshop designed to boost confidence and employability.

Led by company Human Utopia, Year 9 students were taught how to become mentors, known as Heroes, to younger pupils.

The Heroes then supported the workshop leaders to run the group for Year 7 students and have been tasked with being good role models around school.

Year 9 Hero, Max Philippou, said: “The most daunting part of the session was to get up and speak in front of the entire class.

“It is something that I have never done before but it was really a great experience because after I had done it I felt really good and much more confident.”

Minibus treat for students

New equipment

Comfort: Our students will travel in style thanks to our new school minibus.

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THE music department have three new microphones, an audio interface and a controller keyboard thanks to a £500 donation from our wonderful PTA.

Twickenham School newsletter n Spring 2018

TWICKENHAM SCHOOL COMMENT Sharing knowledge helping to improve techniques school as being an excellent school for their students.

Our maths teacher, Mr Ahluwalia, taught a top set maths class at Heathfield to give them a taste of life at Twickenham School.

There are also plans to set up visits, teach and observe sessions with teachers at other local primary schools. We will keep you posted in the newsletter!

Deputy Headteacher Sarah Bromly (right) explains our cross primary and secondary school academic initiative...

School, Ms Ginman, did a learning walk of Year 7 English.

She was very impressed with the progression of learning in Year 7 and said she felt very confident to go back to Heathfield and recommend our

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The school is working with our feeder primary schools to ensure our Year 7 make a smooth transition to Twickenham School.

The cross primary and secondary initiative allows teachers to share knowledge and gain a better understanding of the different assessment and moderation techniques used.

This term, the Year 6 Numeracy and Literacy Lead at Heathfield

Parents’ group thriving after first 12 months from all the exciting events that have taken place this term.

There are already many other events and trips planned in the future and being discussed in our Facebook group.

And while on the subject of future, we are looking forward to all the new Year 7s in September 2018 and hope that our Facebook group helps in answering any questions that the new parents may have.

When they were at primary school, I knew everything my sons did. Our children are growing up, becoming more independent and this is reflected in how they are treated at school.

But as a mum I still want to know! I missed the playground group of mums that I could just ask any question. Which is why this Facebook group for parents was started.

Please join and take part in the conversation.

Search for Friends of Twickenham School on Facebook and click to join.

Environment allows students to develop

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Parent Natasha Ferrara has two sons in Year 7 and 10. Here are her thoughts on the progress at Twickenham School...

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The school has gone from strength to strength and is progressing at such a speed that the school is now almost unrecognisable from a couple of years ago.

This is thanks to our very own superwoman Headteacher Ms Ruse and her extraordinary team.

You can tell there has been so much work gone into improving the academic

standards, the behaviour and aspirations of our pupils.

It is now a calm and welcoming environment where children can learn and develop.

Maintaining our journey of improvement Headteacher Assal Ruse looks back on a term that saw continued improvement across the school...

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It has been a busy and productive term for students and staff.

Our school continues to strive for excellence in all areas. Our expectations are high, as well as our aspirations for our students.

Our school improvement partner visited us this term and has confirmed our self-evaluation is accurate and we have indeed made huge improvements in all areas.

Our students are now achieving in and outside the classroom. There is a real sense of community and pride within our school, which is a pleasure to see.

I want to thank first and foremost our students who inspire us to do more.

I also want to thank staff for their tireless commitment and dedication. Finally, I would like to thank our governors, whose support and challenge is hugely invaluable.

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On the eve of its first birthday, Friends of Twickenham School Facebook page founder Ellie Sant gives us an update…

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Our Facebook group is not far from its first birthday and we now have close to 200 members.

This term has been busy on Facebook. We have posted and commented on many events, sports matches, school trips and information about the school and our students.

There have been matches for netball, football and rugby and our PE School Leaders have been helping run the local Tag Rugby event, amongst many others.

The PTA organised the hilarious Comedy Night, raising funds now allocated to new music equipment for the school.

The parent forum on Facebook has also been busy sharing information on apprenticeships, career advice, NCS and half-term events – all very useful to both parents and students.

Reminders were sent out to parents for events such as Meet Your Tutor day / Parents Evenings / GCSE Options Evening and other important dates for the diary.

We have also shared trips organised by the school, such as the Year 10 and Year 11 trip to Goldsmiths University, the science and drama trip to the theatre, and a visit by NEBT to coach our Dance Club – this is just a selection

Twickenham School newsletter n Spring 2018

Science fun for visitors NELSON Primary School pupils joined us for experiments to celebrate Science Week.

The afternoon of experiments focused around forces, states of matter and weight.

Nelson Year 5 pupil Ella said: “I really enjoyed today, where I learned about forces and weighed objects in Newtons. I enjoy experiments.”

Mr Gardener, teacher at Nelson School, commented: “It was fantastic for our pupils to come to Twickenham School. We really enjoyed our time.”

Other events for science week included a liquid nitrogen demonstration, a visit to the Big Bang festival in Birmingham and a crime scene investigation game.

News in brief

Cyclist Sam flying high

Revision tips

YEAR 11 students learnt a range of skills that will help them with their exams at a revision study skills session. They were given tips on how to develop a growth mindset, set revision timetables and be resilient at the session in February.

Lightning studies

OUR students have been investigating electrostatics during science class this term and also discovering why lightning occurs.

Drama outing

YEAR 10 and Year 11 drama students visited Baron’s Court Theatre to see the Angel Theatre Company’s The Maids.

Career in music

Year 10 GCSE music students heard about a career as a military musician during a visit to Kneller Hall Army Music College.

STUDENT Sam Jones competing at the Forest of Dean in a downhill race in February.

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A BIG thank you to the PTA, who have provided the school with this wonderful pottery wheel.

Twickenham School newsletter n Spring 2018

Playing key role at dodgeball tournament OUR student sports leaders were described as a credit to the school after they helped to run a primary school dodgeball competition.

Twickenham School welcomed Year 5 and 6 pupils from Richmond primary schools St James’s, Lowther, Collis, St Elizabeth’s and St Stephen’s.

The tournament, run by the Richmond School Sports Partnership, featured

round-robin matches between the primary schools.

Year 10 Meera Bakshi said: “It is a great privilege to be asked to represent your school as a young leader at these events.

“The school talk a lot about our values and one of the main ones is responsibility.

That is what we were asked to display today.”

She added: “Today was also very important to help us develop leadership skills that will help us in later life.”

Games Organiser Ms Morrell added: “The visiting pupils thoroughly enjoyed their morning at our school.

“Many thanks to our young leaders, who were simply fantastic as usual and ran the event in a very professional manner.”

Student sports leaders impress rugby visitors OUR young leaders braved the cold weather to help run an international tag rugby tournament at a local primary school.

Despite plunging temperatures, Year 10 students kept score, organised teams and ran the car park at The Chase Bridge International in February.

They supported teams from Leicestershire, Italy and Wales as well as Richmond primary schools at the tournament, which took place on the Kneller Hall pitches.

Lorenzo D’Ambrosi, who brought a team over from Paese, near Venice, said: “I would like to say a big thank-you to the older children who have helped us today.

“They have been very good ambassadors for their school and for the sport of rugby in England.”

Harlequins star Lewis Boyce was also in attendance and took time to talk to pupils, pose for pictures and give them some tips for their matches.

Sports leader Hannah Palmer said: “It has been very cold today, but we have really enjoyed helping all the teams out.

“The teams from Italy have needed extra support due to the language barrier, but we have been able to help everyone out today.”

News in brief

Lab in a Lorry visit

STUDENTS conducted experiments with practising scientists and engineers when the Lab in a Lorry rolled into the school.

Meet Your Tutors

FAMILIES got the chance to learn about their child’s education at Twickenham School at our Meet Your Tutor day.

Buddies step in

OUR Year 8 buddies have been working closely with Year 7 to help them reach their academic targets.

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Ambassadors: The sports leaders who helped run the tag rugby tournament

Lending Knights a helping hand STUDENT sports leaders helped professional team the Richmond Knights host a basketball tournament for primary school pupils.

Teams from Buckingham School, Heathfield, Trafalgar, St Mary’s and St Peter’s and Hampton Hill Juniors were

among the competitors at the event, held in March.

Year 9 sports leader Katelyn Vincent said: “For me it is really important to encourage younger students to be involved in sport. It is great for keeping your mind and body healthy.”

Twickenham School newsletter n Spring 2018

TWICKENHAM SCHOOL SPORT

Girls go so close OUR Year 7/8 netball team showed real grit and determination despite a narrow defeat to Hampton Court School.

Andrei relishes his Romanian call-up

Twickenham student Andrei Stanescu has taken his first steps towards international footballing fame after being called up to the Romanian national youth team.

The 14-year-old took part in a training camp in Bucharest over the Christmas holidays, having impressed for his club side Fulham.

Keep it steady!

The goalkeeper, who moved to the UK from Romania three years ago, spent a week training with the team.

The Twickenham School student, who has also played for Premier League champions Chelsea, said: “To get the chance to represent your country, to hear the national anthem and the people singing with you will be the most incredible experience. There is a tournament coming up and I want to do my best to make sure I have a chance of making the team.”

Andrei said support from the PE department at Twickenham School has been crucial to his development.

He added: “The school have been really supportive. The PE department in particular have helped with training and encouraging me.

I can’t thank them enough.”

Andrei is the second student from the school to have made an impression on the international stage. Lauren James, 15, scored

four goals as she captained England’s women’s U17 team to a 10-0 victory over Lithuania in a World Cup qualifier.

Head of PE Mr Bryan said: “We are really proud of Andrei, here in the PE department.

He has worked hard for a number of years now and deserves his international call-up.

“It is a great honour to represent your country and we wish him luck. With him and Lauren James now playing in the Arsenal Ladies first team and captaining England, it is great news for us and shows the quality of athletes we have here at the school.” l THE Year 10 boys’ football team beat Riddlesdown Collegiate 7-1 to reach the quarter-final of Surrey Schools’ Spencer Park Trophy before bravely going down in the semifinal to holders Carshalton Boys. l THE Year 8 boys’ rugby team showed grit and determination despite a narrow defeat to Christ School.

Gymnast Henry on international stage

Don’t move: Our gifted Year 8 PE students impress with a group balance

STUDENT Henry Godfrey was part of a two-strong team who took bronze at an international gymnastics competition.

The Year 8 student and his teammate came in third in the acrobatics category of the prestigious Maia International Acro Cup held in Portugal.

Henry’s Heathrow Club received a trophy in recognition of their achievements at the tournament. It follows his gold medalwinning performance at a national junior gymnastics competition in the

summer of last year. Henry said: “It was really great to take that next step up to compete on an international stage.

Getting a medal at national level is great but this is better.

“We practised very hard for this tournament so to come away with a bronze medal is very rewarding.”

Headteacher Ms Ruse said: “Henry has displayed characteristics such as resilience, determination and perseverance, which we promote at this school. He is a credit to himself, the school and, above all, a role model for other children.”

For more sports stories please visit our PE department Twitter page @pe_twickenham Page 8

Twickenham School newsletter n Spring 2018