Summer Term 2024 - Highlights Magazine

HIGHLIGHTS M A G A Z I N E

Inspiration for the Modern YOUNG STUDENT

Summer Term 2024

HIGHLIGHTS

EDUCATION

COMMUNITY

INSPIRATION

MESSAGE FROM OUR HEAD OF SCHOOL Dear Parent/Carers, It has come to the end of another very busy school year! Reflecting back, so much has been achieved, year 7 have become very much part of our school community, we have said good bye to year 13, who leave us for the next stage in their journeys and year 11, also said a temporary goodbye. I do feel privileged watching the girls grow up from excited and quirky 11 year olds, into the confident young women they become by the time they leave us. I have to say it never gets easier saying goodbye and there is always an edge of sadness when the exams end in year 11 and year 13 and we do say some goodbyes! Like your own children growing up we have to watch hundreds of girls doing the same …reminding us all of how quickly time flies!!!!

We also say goodbye to a few members of staff this term. We are very lucky in that we do have a low turnover of staff at school, most of our staff to stay with us for long periods of time. This term we will be saying goodbye to Mr. Eagleton, Ms. Luna, Ms Willhite, Mr. Rowell, Miss Pearce, Dr. Ong and Dr. Smith. On behalf of the school I would like to thank them for all of their hard work and wish them well for the future.

Thank you also to all of the staff who will be remaining with us again next year. You have worked so hard this year to ensure that the girls get the very best experience of their school life, not just in the classroom but with the many activities and events that you have organised.

As we move into next academic year we will be welcoming some new members of staff. Ms Croft and Ms Humphries will be joining the SLT as two new assistant head teachers and new teaching staff, Miss Nollman, Miss Geen, Mr. Loks and Mrs. Rai. We welcome them to Brentford and know that they will be happy here.

Thank you to parents for all of your support over the last year. Your support and help has been hugely appreciated .

Wishing you all a wonderful summer holiday Best wishes

Marais Leenders Executive Headteacher

Summer Issue | July 2024

MESSAGE FROM OUR CHAIR OF GOVERNORS Hello Everyone, I hope you are well and looking forward to the summer break – whatever you have planned I hope you enjoy it and I hope we all see some long overdue sunshine.

I wanted to write and thank you all for all of your hard work this past year. It is due to your continued commitment to the school and the girls that Brentford continues to be the welcoming and inclusive community that it is.

To those of you that are leaving for pastures new I wish you all the very best for the future.

Looking forward to seeing everyone in the new academic year, have a great summer.

Best wishes Terri George Chair of Governors

Summer Issue | July 2024

IN THE PRESS Discover a selection of news articles that have been published in the Herald Hounslow Newspaper www.brentford.hounslow.sch.uk/newsarticles

Summer Issue | July 2024

BRONZE EXPEDITION This year's cohort truly showcased their navigational and camping prowess in Chesham on 8th - 9th June.

They embarked on a thrilling 2-day hike and a night of self-sufficient camping. Despite the challenge of carrying all their gear, the girls persevered, making the experience both exhausting and incredibly rewarding. Fantastic job, girls!

Summer Issue | July 2024

YEAR 10 GEOGRAPHY FIELD WORK The Year 10s geography students had their second exciting geography adventure in preparation for Paper 3! The girls explored two fascinating river sites, where they dove into hands-on data collection, measuring river characteristics like velocity, depth, and width. They put their mapreading and measurement skills to the test and learned new techniques for gathering accurate data.

Back in the classroom, the cohort analyzed and compared their findings, sparking lively discussions about the impact of human interference on river systems. They also delved into the vital topic of preserving natural resources and brainstormed ways humans can adopt more sustainable practices. This field trip was a fantastic opportunity for the girls to connect theory with real-world experiences and develop a deeper understanding of the environment around them.

Summer Issue | July 2024

DIVERSITY WEEK

Monday, June 17th kicked off our vibrant annual Diversity Week, a fantastic celebration of the rich diversity within our school and society. This year, all the funds raised went to Doctors Without Borders, a phenomenal charity providing crucial medical care in conflict zones and countries battling diseases. We encouraged your daughter to dive into the week's activities and help us raise as much money as possible. Here’s a glimpse of the exciting events we had lined up: Selling wristbands, stickers, henna painting, and jewelry Global food sales Information booths on various charities linked to the 9 protected characteristics A lively culture and diversity talent show (entry fee) Culture Day It was a week packed with fun, learning, and heartfelt giving!

Summer Issue | July 2024

DIVERSITY WEEK

The girls thoroughly enjoyed participating in the activities and learning more about diverse cultures, backgrounds, and experiences.

They also had a great time discovering new foods, fashion, music, and traditions.

More importantly, through Diversity Week, we were able to raise awareness about important topics such as cultural sensitivity, inclusivity, and equality. It was an opportunity for us to recognize and celebrate our differences while promoting unity and understanding within our school community.

We are proud of the efforts put forth by all our students and staff in making this year's Diversity Week a success.

YEAR 6 TASTER SESSIONS The Year 6 taster sessions on Wednesday, June 19th, were a fantastic opportunity for our incoming Year 7 students to dive into school life and explore their future classes. They got hands-on with various activities, giving them a real taste of the curriculum, while meeting their soon-to-be classmates and teachers. This helped build a sense of community before the September.

Parents didn’t miss out either—they attended information meetings, ensuring everyone felt ready for the big transition. The excitement and anticipation in the air were palpable as students eagerly looked forward to the new academic year.

BRENTFORD FUTURES Brentford Futures sessions provided Year 11 students with a firsthand glimpse into our programs, offering insights into the course structure and what to expect in September. Students also learned about essential resources for success, such as textbooks, online materials, and specific software.

Summer Issue | July 2024

YEAR 12 UCAS TRIP Year 12 students went on an exciting UCAS trip!

The visit included campus tours showcasing accommodation, sports facilities, and social areas. In addition, the students experienced introductory talks on various subjects and engaging taster lectures.

A fantastic opportunity for our students to explore and get inspired!

Summer Issue | July 2024

POETRY SLAM 2024 Year 7 students were invited to take part in this year’s Poetry Slam. students took part in two workshops in school.

A poetry slam is poetry with performance. The

They collaborated with a professional Poet, Remi Graves and learnt

different techniques on how to draft a poem using art and their own experiences.

The final workshop they refined their work and practiced their group performance constantly working and re-working their poem.

For the Poetry Slam competition, Ms Gill and Ms O’Sullivan took the girls to St Mark’s School Hounslow, who were our hosts for the day. The students had a short amount of time to work on their poem for the final performance where they would compete with five other schools in the borough.

It was an anxious wait to find out who had won, as the competition was very high.

They announced the winners in

reverse order and the students couldn’t believe it when they called out Brentford School for Girls in 1st place! We were so proud of them; it is not easy standing up in front of other people and their achievements are greatly deserved.

This is such a wonderful event, and next year we will be going to keep the trophy at Brentford School for Girls!

Summer Issue | July 2024

YEAR 11 EAL Teaching the Year 11 EAL class over the past year has been a joy and an honor. Witnessing my students' remarkable growth, both in their English skills and personal development, has been immensely gratifying. Initially strangers in a new environment, they now leave as friends and esteemed scholars. Many have formed strong bonds that I hope will endure a lifetime.

The classroom atmosphere was always positive, bolstered by students' eagerness to assist one another. Tuesday mornings were a highlight for me, as I eagerly anticipated our double lessons during periods 1 and 2. I will deeply miss these wonderful girls and wish them nothing but success in their bright futures.

Remember, as Lao Tzu wisely said, "A journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single step."

Mrs. Butterworth

Summer Issue | July 2024

LANGUAGES FOR ALL On 26th July, Michael Slavinsky - Managing Director at ‘Languages For All’ launched the programme with the Year 10 cohort. They will be enrolled in Year 11, providing them with school trips and support to prepare for their speaking exams.

The school is keen to promote that studying a foreign language is a highly desirable skill that can benefit their students in numerous ways. For one, it helps to improve their cognitive abilities and memory, as well as enhancing their problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Learning a second language can also make the girls at the school more adaptable, flexible and open-minded. It can give them a competitive edge in the job market, as it is a skill that is in high demand in today’s globalised economy.

BAKE OFF COMPETITION The Year 7 Bake Off served as a fantastic stage for young bakers to demonstrate their culinary prowess. This exciting event not only showcased their baking abilities but also nurtured vital life skills such as teamwork, time management, and creativity.

Students were given the chance to craft unique cakes, display their baking techniques, and compete.

Well done to everyone involved!

Summer Issue | July 2024

JUNIOR MATHS CHALLENGE 2024 The United Kingdom Mathematics Challenge (UKMT) organisation is proud to announce the results of the Junior Maths Challenge 2024. This event celebrates the mathematical talents of young minds. We appreciate the dedication and hard work of all participants. Students achieving the highest scores against other students in the UK were awarded Bronze, Silver or Gold certificates. At BSFG our Year 7s and 8s took part in the Challenge.

Congratulations to our 9 Bronze Winners Year 7 Congratulations to our 13 Silver Winners: Year 8 Congratulations to our Year 8 Gold Winner: Yusra also Best in School and in Year 8.

Well done to all the students that took part. You can try the challenges yourself on the UKMT website.

S N O I T I T E P M O C S R E D ROUN S C I T E L H T &A Year 9 and Year 10 students rounded off the season with an impressive 18-4 win in their final match against SWA, showcasing their hard work and dedication throughout the year.

Meanwhile, our Year 7 athletics team competed at Borough Athletics, demonstrating remarkable talent and sportsmanship as they took on various events against other schools.

We're so proud of all our students' achievements and look forward to even more successes in the future!

Year 9 and Year 10 rounders Final match vs SWA 18-4 win

Year 7 athletics team at Borough Athletics:

Summer Issue | July 2024

MFL TRIP TO NORMANDIE, FRANCE At Brentford School for Girls, we are deeply committed to creating enriching and unforgettable experiences for our students. Our Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) department perfectly captures this spirit with thrilling opportunities like our recent four-day adventure to Normandie, France.

Students embarked on a journey packed with history, fun, and mouthwatering delights! We explored the Arromanches 360 degree cinema, where students were captivated by the immersive film depicting the D-Day landings, and the historic WW2 artificial harbour at Arromanches-les-Bains, which offered a tangible connection to the past. The trip also included a visit to Festyland theme park, where the afternoon was filled with adrenaline-pumping rides, laughter, and camaraderie, creating memories that will last a lifetime!

ACTIVITY DAY- CIRCUS WORKSHOP Diving into the world of circus skills such as trampolining and acrobatics, the girls mastered new tricks while enhancing their coordination, confidence, and teamwork. The day overflowed with laughter, excitement, and a genuine sense of achievement, transforming it into an unforgettable and joyous experience for everyone involved.

LONDON BANK OF ENGLAND ACTIVITY DAY During Activity Day, a group of enthusiastic secondary school girls had the opportunity to uncover the secrets of the Bank of England located in Central London. They explored the rich history, learned about its crucial role in the economy, and even got a glimpse of the gold vaults. It was an enlightening experience that sparked their interest in finance and economics.

ACTIVITY DAY- V & A MUSEUM

During their end-of-July activity day, the secondary school girls had a fantastic time exploring the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, UK. They got to see an incredible array of art and design, including fashion exhibits, historical artifacts, and stunning sculptures. The experience was both educational and inspiring, leaving them with a deeper appreciation for culture and creativity.

ACTIVITY DAY- V & A MUSEUM

DOCKLANDS MUSEUM TRIP Secondary school girls embarked on an exciting journey through London's hidden past at the Museum of London Docklands, where history comes to life! They enjoyed exploring the fascinating exhibitions, including the captivating "Tunnels, Trains, and Tools" exhibit and other interactive displays.

LONDON PHOTOGRAPHY TRIP ACTIVITY DAY During activity day, a group of enthusiastic secondary school girls, led by their inspiring photography teacher Ms. Kennelly, embarked on an exciting mission to capture stunning images of iconic central locations.

Enjoy these stunning photos!

LONDON PHOTOGRAPHY TRIP ACTIVITY DAY

During activity day, a group of enthusiastic secondary school girls, led by their inspiring photography teacher Ms. Kennelly, embarked on an exciting mission to capture stunning images of iconic central locations.

Enjoy these stunning photos!

ROWING TRIP - ACTIVITY DAY As part of the school's activity day, some students went on a rowing trip on the River Thames with Team Keane Rowing. They spent the day learning & practicing their rowing techniques, enjoying the scenic views, and bonding with their classmates. The experience was both educational and fun, providing a memorable adventure on the water.

MILLIONAIRE CUPCAKE PARTY On Thursday, July 4th, we hosted the Millionaire Word Cupcake Party, a fun-filled celebration for students who shone brightly in our Accelerated Reader program by reading and acing quizzes. These young bookworms were treated to a delicious cupcake party and an exciting prize draw, with a Kindle up for grabs!

SPORTS DAY AT OSTERLEY What an amazing Sports Day we had this year at the Osterley Sports and Athletic Centre!

The day was packed with all sorts of track and field events, and our students really gave it their all. Those who weren't competing were cheering like crazy from the hill—talk about school spirit! The energy was electric, especially during the tug of war. Everyone showed incredible determination for their houses. We had awesome events like javelin, long jump, shot put, and races ranging from 100m to 800m. The day wrapped up with thrilling 4x100m relays for each year group, ending with a super exciting staff and 6th form relay. The whole event was a huge hit, and everyone—both students and staff—had a great time.

Flexible House took home the 2024 Sports Day trophy, but honestly, every participant put in an amazing effort and should be super proud of themselves.

Thank you also to Brentford FC for being at the event with their two mascots and the play-off trophy for the girls to see.

YEAR 13 GRADUATION

The Year 13 graduation was unforgettable, marked by hard work and determination.

The event featured heartfelt speeches from the Executive Head of the School, Head of 6th Form, and teachers.

You can find some of the photos capturing the graduates' joy and pride. These snapshots are lasting reminders of this milestone achievement!

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YEAR 13 GRADUATION The Year 13 graduation was unforgettable, marked by hard work and determination.

The event featured heartfelt speeches from the Executive Head of the School, Head of 6th Form, and teachers.

You can find some of the photos capturing the graduates' joy and pride. These snapshots are lasting reminders of this milestone achievement!

FASHION UPCYCLING COMPETITION Year 9 students got creative and sustainable with an awesome new project for Year 9 textiles. They kicked off a sewing bee style initiative, which was part of the school's sustainability curriculum, to teach the art of upcycling while having fun and working together as a team. This innovative project aligned seamlessly with the school's ongoing commitment to environmental education and practical learning experiences.

Started in June, the project challenged students to turn unused items like old clothes, bedding, fabric bags, and tablecloths into stylish new outfits. It was all about showing how easy and important it was to repurpose materials and breathe new life into them. By learning to transform these everyday items into fashionable attire, students gained a deeper appreciation for the resources they used and the impact of their choices on the planet.

Summer Issue | July 2024

YEAR 8 MFL TRIPS Diving into the delicious world of French cuisine with our Year 8 MFL students last week exploring traditional flavors. What an amazing experience!

ARTS FESTIVAL 2024 We were delighted to welcome the local community to Brentford School for Girls as we celebrated the Arts. Over 40 stall holders, ranging from local businesses to creatives, participated, creating an energetic atmosphere filled with arts activities, demonstrations, and diverse stalls. It was a truly wonderful summer evening that filled our school with pride.

This year was just as inspiring as we celebrated the hard work and achievements of our GCSE and A LEVEL students while also cheering on our younger learners. Students from all Key Stages have been exploring and developing creative skills in Music, Drama, Film Studies, Textiles, Photography, and Art. The exhibitions, screenings, performances, and networking opportunities at this festival highlighted how much the school values the creative arts and is a hub for local community events.

ARTS FESTIVAL

The success of this year’s Arts Festival was made possible by your sponsorship, dedication, and unwavering support before, during, and after the event.

Whether you helped spread the word, participated in activities, or delivered workshops for the children, your efforts were invaluable.

The collaborative spirit and enthusiasm of everyone involved made this event truly special.

Thank you once again for making this event memorable and inspiring. Your contributions have not only enriched our community but have also ignited a passion for the arts in many hearts.

ARTS FESTIVAL We were delighted to welcome the local community to Brentford School for Girls as we celebrated the Arts. Over 40 stall holders, ranging from local businesses to creatives, participated, creating an energetic atmosphere filled with arts activities, demonstrations, and diverse stalls. It was a truly wonderful summer evening that filled our school with pride.

FESTIVAL OF PLAY TRIP A Day of Fun and Learning On the 4th of July, eleven girls from Brentford School for Girls attended the Festival of Play at the University of Westminster in central London. Hosted by Digital Schoolhouse, this annual event has become a highlight for our students, blending entertainment, education, and hands-on experience in the gaming industry.

The day kicked off with an exciting opportunity to meet popular YouTubers and influential figures from the gaming world. This interaction provided the girls with unique insights into the careers and day-to-day lives of their online idols. Following these inspiring encounters, the students were introduced to various industry professionals, offering a behind-the-scenes look at game development and the booming esports sector.

One of the most anticipated activities was testing newly developed games by leading companies. The girls eagerly engaged with these cutting-edge games, providing valuable feedback while enjoying the thrill of playing the latest releases. This hands-on experience was both fun and educational, opening their eyes to the many career opportunities in gaming.

The esports segment was particularly popular, allowing the girls to compete in a professional setup. The excitement and adrenaline of friendly competition left a lasting impression. Many expressed how exhilarating it was to participate in esports matches, feeling like true professional gamers.

Our lead teacher, Mr. Masri, accompanied the students and ensured they made the most of this enriching experience. As members of Digital Schoolhouse, Brentford School for Girls values the unique blend of creativity, technology, and education that the Festival of Play offers.

The Festival of Play is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of innovation and potential. Each year, it continues to inspire and educate, leaving a lasting impression on all who attend. Brentford School for Girls eagerly looks forward to next year's festival, cherishing the memories and knowledge gained from this year's event.

FESTIVAL OF PLAY TRIP

ZINE ARTIST WORKSHOP

The final event of the Poetry Slam occurred on July 11th, featuring a "Zine" workshop led by design artist Grace Kress. Students were provided with a template to create their own magazines, allowing them to creatively reflect on their achievements throughout the poetry slam process.

This workshop was a fitting conclusion to a successful event, offering students a meaningful keepsake.

Summer Issue | July 2024

SCHOOL REFURBISHMENT UPDATES With our newly refurbished venues, we’re excited to share them with local community groups and small businesses for private hire! After the fantastic teamwork led by Jacqueline Douglas, our Interior Designer, and Melanie, our Business Manager, we’re thrilled to introduce our new multi-functional event space. You can use this space for workshops, meetings, conferences, and private events. It’s equipped with state-ofthe-art technology like projectors, screens, and sound systems to meet all your event needs.

By opening our facilities to the community, we’re providing a valuable resource for local groups and businesses and fostering a sense of community and collaboration. Our school is more than just a place for academic learning; it’s a hub for growth in all areas.

We’ve received such positive feedback from those who have used our refurbished spaces and look forward to welcoming more individuals and organizations. Our goal is to keep expanding our offerings and make our facilities accessible to as many people as possible.

Whether you’re hosting an event or need a space for regular meetings, consider our school as your top choice. We pride ourselves on providing a welcoming and professional environment for all guests. Contact us to learn more about our facilities and availability.

Jacqueline Douglas - the Interior Designer https://www.instagram.com/jacquelinedouglasdesign https://www.jacquelinedouglasdesign.com

We can’t wait to see how our event space and sports hall will be used by the community and contribute to the success of local groups and businesses. Let’s work together to strengthen our community!

Possible uses for the event space include: Workshops or seminars on personal development, career advancement, or health and wellness Networking events for professionals or small business owners Community meetings to discuss local issues or initiatives Cultural events showcasing performances, art exhibits, or food tastings Charity fundraisers or benefit concerts As for the sports hall, it can be used for: Sports team practices and games (basketball, volleyball, badminton, etc.)

Fitness classes (yoga, Zumba, martial arts) Group training sessions for personal trainers or coaches Tournaments and competitions for various sports and age groups The possibilities are endless. Contact us for more information or to book a tour of our facilities. We look forward to working with you and being part of your event or activity!

pLEASE ENQUIRE VIA OUR WEBSITE www.brentford.hounslow.sch.uk/facilitiesforhire

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