It has been an absolutely wonderful term, filled with so many fantastic student achievements and enrichment This edition of Nower Hill News is packed full of accomplishments and events and I would like to take this opportunity to say well done to every child who has been involved in the incredible array of opportunities that are offered at school.
I had the pleasure of inviting students from each year group to join me for afternoon tea. The students invited had the highest number of achievement points in their year group. I have been delighted to meet so many young people with high expectations of themselves and with great ambitions for their futures. They told me about the things they have done this year that made them proud, and this ranged from getting full marks in an essay, to going above and beyond the curriculum by completing additional and optional home learning projects We celebrate this hard work and determination, at this event, and across the curriculum.
As we come to the end of the term and reflect on all that has been achieved, I would like to say a particular well done to all students in Year 11 and 13 who have completed a full suite of mock examinations. This takes grit and perseverance from the students and all who support them
I hope that all students and their families have a restful and relaxing break, and a very happy Christmas to all those in our community who celebrate.
Jo Skelhorne
Headteacher
Nower Hill High School
Congratulations to; Lema 7GH, Than 7FN, Shamla 8KN, Simon 8GH, Vivien 9KN, Kanifnath 9KN, Kalyani 10NH, David 10Gh, Ainesh 11BN (not pictured), Seren 11BN (not pictured), Matylda 6BH, Oscar 6BH (not pictured), Olivia 6BN (not pictured), Mayowa 6BH (not pictured) & Martha 6NH.
NOWER HILL HOUSE NEWS
It has been a busy term for the Nower Hill House System In October, our team of Year 13 Heads of House and Year 12 House Captains launched this year’s competitions in their House assemblies
In October, the Great Humanities House Quiz was fiercely contested by students from all Year groups and houses, but was eventually won by Franklin, with Nightingale finishing runners up.
In November, the 6th Form Charity Committee and House Leaders held the very first Nower Hill Bake-Off, with 30 entries from students across the school. Khush in 8KH and Amaya in 7GH were announced as overall winners for King House and Gandhi House but their House charities were the real winners, with £249 raised from the sales of the entries split between the winning Houses' charities, Peace Direct and the Malala Foundation
The SES trading competition saw students assigned a country and resources and tasked with making as much profit through trading, with Gandhi and Nightingale House ultimately tied as winners of the overall competition.
Mr Bremner
NOWER HILL HOUSE NEWS
Our first House Talent competition saw hundreds of students packed into the Main Hall to hear incredible performances, ranging from piano pieces to original compositions and performances from bands. The winners were the Shabazz band Echoes in Reverse!
Finally, the 6th Form’s House Sports competition saw students compete in badminton and football, with Franklin emerging as overall winners.
Look out for more great opportunities to get involved next term, with the House Science competition next up!
Mr Bremner
Achievement Points
The achievement points and behaviour points of every student contribute to the Overall Conduct competition, with the winning House engraved on the House Shield at the end of the year Bannister have a narrow lead at the end of the Autumn Term!
Mr Bremner
6th FORM NEWS
Congratulations to 15 of our Year 13 Nower Hill students who have received interviews for Oxford, Cambridge or for Medicine so far!
All Year 13 students have been offered mock interviews by experts in relevant fields and we have been impressed by the calibre of professionalism that our students have displayed
We are immensely proud of all the hard work, dedication and resilience that our Oxbridge & Medicine applicants have demonstrated throughout their preparations for what is known as a highly competitive selection process.
We would like to wish them well and best of luck in their real upcoming interviews!
Miss Azam
6th Form Inter House Sports Competition
Congratulations to Franklin House who were the winners of the 6th Form Inter House Sports Competition on Friday 20th November, organised by Ishaaq and Ethan - Heads of the Sports Committee.
Competition was fierce across multiple sporting events, including badminton and a football tournament. Funds raised from the event will be donated to the Franklin House nominated charity: Cancer Research UK
Miss Azam
NOWER HILL NEWS
Cluster Carols
On Friday 6th December, nearly 100 students represented our school at our annual Cluster Carols.
The Pinner Cluster Carols, includes 4 Primary Schools and another Secondary School, as well as Nower Hill Our orchestra performed a selection of carols with our Glee Choir supporting with vocals. Staff from the other schools were so complimentary of our students and how talented they were. They all made us so proud.
Mr Suthesh
Elderly Christmas Lunch
On Tuesday 10th December, students from Years 7, 8 and 9 performed a selection of Christmas songs at the annual Elderly Christmas lunch in the school canteen. As always, the students sang beautifully and it was a wonderful, festive event!
Mr Roberts
AUTUMN TERM TRIPS
We hope you’ve enjoyed seeing your children take part in the many school trips this term. This image shows just a small selection of the trips (almost 1,000 student places!) organised by Nower Hill staff. Next term, we have more local trips planned, and we’ll be wishing a big ‘Bon Voyage’ to our Geography students heading to Iceland during February half-term
These trips are a wonderful experience for our students, and we’re very thankful to the staff teams who make them safe and fun. A big thank you also to parents for your support replying to messages and making payments on time helps make these trips possible. Thank you!
Ms Serrao
SAVE THE CHILDREN CHRISTMAS JUMPER DAY
On Thursday 7th December 2024, Nower Hill staff and students wore their Christmas jumpers in aid of the Save the Children's annual event which this year raised £273.02 for.
Every December, millions of people put on a festive outfit at their workplace, school or with friends and make a donation to help make things better for children in the UK and around the world. Here is a link to their website where you can read about the Charity work that they do. Have a look at our fantastic students enjoying the festivities!
Mr Bremner
Senior Maths Challenge
It has been an eventful year so far for many of our sixth form Mathematicians who took part in the Senior Maths Challenge. To recognize the highest performers in the Challenge, UKMT award the top-scoring 66% of participants Bronze, Silver and Gold certificates in the ratio 3:2:1. Students who achieve a gold are invited to the follow on round of the senior Kangaroo! Here is a photos of our highest performers with their Gold certificates.
Mathematical Olympiad for Girls
Congratulations to our female 6th Form Mathematicians who took part in the MOG! The Mathematical Olympiad for Girls is aimed at girls and young women across the UK and consists of five challenging problems. The top scoring students receive a Certificate of Distinction or a Certificate of Merit depending on their score. Our girls performed fantastically gaining Merits and Distinctions. Here they are with their certificates
Ms Maisuria
TECHNOLOGY BLACK HISTORY MONTH COMPETITION
Well done to the winner of the Technology Black History Month competition Inayah 7GH, who thoughtfully selected Claudia Jones to research, and presented her findings in a such a beautiful, unique and creative manner.
Claudia Jones, born in Trinidad lived in the United States as a child where her political beliefs led her to be imprisoned on Ellis Island before seeking residency in the UK.
Her unwavering support of those less privileged across the world let her to stand up for what she believed in, this shows real integrity. Once in the UK, she helped form the community that allowed the Notting Hill carnival to be celebrated in the tradition known to the West Indian Windrush generation at the time, helping integrate different cultures and creating a sense of belonging.
Inayah has been award the prize of a 3D printing pen
Ms Francis
PERFORMING ARTS HOUSE COMPETITION
On Friday 22nd November, the Performing Arts House Competition took place. There were six performances with a student chosen to represent each House
Bannister: Rishi (Piano)
Franklin: Atharv (Piano)
Shabazz: Echoes in Reverse (Band)
Nightingale: Gazel (Piano)
Gandhi: Jiya (Voice)
King: Gauri (Music Production)
The hall was absolutely packed with students, who really enjoyed the performances.
Congratulations to Shabazz House who won the competition with a fantastic band performance
Our Year 12 band, The Serving Spoons, also performed at the event
Mr Roberts
AUTUMN CONCERT: OUT OF THIS WORLD!
On Thursday 28th November, the Music Department held their annual Autumn Concert The theme this year was ‘Out of this World’. There were a range of musical ensemble performances including: Steel Pans, Orchestra, String Ensemble, Classical Guitars, Choir, Glee, Drumming Line, Jazz Band, Kitchen Sink, Student Bands and of course Otis and his rocking electric guitars!
Thank you to everyone who attended, as always the quality and standard of the performances by students was incredible
Mr Roberts
SINGING AND STAGECRAFT WORKSHOP
On Thursday 12th December, students from Years 7 and 8 took part in a workshop from the amazing Mozartists Students were treated to a professional performance from operatic singers and took part in a range of engaging musical opportunity to develop their musical awareness and dramatic story career paths
Mr Roberts
NOWER HILL DEBATE SOCIETY
This Autumn, we've kicked off our weekly Debate Society, held every Tuesday after school. Students from Years 7 to 10 have enthusiastically joined, tackling thought-provoking motions like "exams should be abolished" and "meat consumption should be banned."
On Tuesday 3rd December, we hosted a workshop with Impart UK, a dedicated debate organisation. This inspiring session introduced our students to the intricacies of British Parliamentary debates, igniting their competitive spirit as they learned new strategies to outsmart their opponents
For any students interested in joining the club, please speak to Miss Issa or Mrs Pankhania
Miss Issa
CITIZENSHIP HOUSE COMPETITION
To celebrate UK Parliament Week (18th - 24th November), the Citizenship department organised a competition for students to create a poster for their own political party.
There was so much creativity and the proposed political parties covered a wide range of political beliefs and ideologies.
The winner was Advik Parmar 7NN with ‘the Progressive Vision Party’
Miss Issa
YEAR 7 DIVERSITY IN MATHS
This term, the Maths department have launched our Diversity in Maths project for Year 7. This was very popular last year, and saw some great contributions from students, learning about and celebrating maths from around the world. This term the focus was on origami, the Japanese art of paper folding.
Here is a selection of amazing student creations, all made from paper or card! We have a range of animals and shapes, and even a backpack with books inside.
Thank you to all the students who contributed Next term our focus will be on learning about women in Maths.
Ms O’Shea
YEAR 7 PRE – MY WORLDVIEW PROJECTS
The Year 7s have completed a unit of work on worldviews, understanding the world through different lenses and perspective and as part of their homework have created a project on their worldview
Ms Chaudhry
Meera Solanki 7GH
Ishani Chowdhury 7SH
Samarth Khati 7GH
YEAR 8 PRE – PROTEST & PACIFISM
This term Year 8 PRE students have completed a unit of work on Protest and Pacifism, for homework they have created display work on different activists.
Ms Chaudhry
Anjali Sanjani 8GH
Zahra Khan 8GH
Ella Vadgama 8SN
Mrinmoyee Biswas 8GH
YEAR 8 FESTIVE TRIP TO THE CHARLES DICKENS MUSEUM
This half term, the English Faculty embraced the festive season with a visit to the Charles Dickens Museum in London, accompanied by some of our Year 8 students.
The museum, which was once Dickens' own home, offered an incredible glimpse into the life and times of Dickens. Our students explored the house, discovering fascinating details about Dickens' family life and viewing an array of his personal belongings. Among the highlights were original manuscript excerpts, first editions of his celebrated works, and personal items belonging to both Dickens and his wife, Catherine. The experience provided a wonderful immersion into Victorian life, including the chance to handle historical relics that brought the era vividly to life
Adding to the excitement, students tried their hand at using feather quills, gaining a hands-on understanding of how Dickens might have crafted his iconic novels. Inspired by his memorable characters and imaginative storytelling, they truly connected with the world of Victorian Literature.
As always, our students were a credit to Nower Hill. The museum staff were full of praise, commending their excellent behaviour, enthusiasm, and impeccable manners. We couldn’t be prouder of how well they represented our school!
Ms Sheikh
YEAR 9 CHILD DEVELOPMENT
This term our Year 9 Child Development students completed a coursework task of creating a children’s book for those aged 0-5 years
The level of creativity, diversity and inclusivity was amazing to see across the books that they have created
Ms Dey
YEAR 10 FUSION 360 CLUB
The Year 10 Fusion 360 Club Leaders have successfully put together a mini drone. The test flight took place this week in Technology and went well, the next steps will be to create a better more efficient frame If students are interested in joining the club they should come to T9 after school on a Thursday Only those who have used Fusion 360 will be able to join.
Ms Francis
YEAR 11 VISIT TO HARROW COLLEGE
A group of students from the Inclusion department visited Harrow College in November to find out about the range of courses that are available to them once they leave school and to have a tour of the college and its facilities. This trip has undoubtedly helped the students find out more about college and future opportunities
Ms Murray
YEAR 12 BIOLOGY IN ACTION TRIP
On Friday 6th December 2024, 24 Year 12 Biology students visited the Emmanuel Centre in London for an immersive experience in cuttingedge biological science.
The day featured a talk by renowned author Dr Nessa Carey, who explored the fascinating world of epigenetics showing how the environment and genes interact to shape gene expression The event also included presentations from prominent figures, such as BBC personalities. Professor Lewis Dartnell discussed the potential for microbial life to survive on Mars, while Professor Mark Brandon highlighted the crucial importance of preserving the Antarctic and Arctic regions. Greg Foot shared insights into the extreme physiological effects of pushing the human body to its limits, like climbing to the top of the world, and Dr Rachell Williams spoke on the emerging field of regenerative biology
The students had an engaging and inspiring day, thoroughly enjoying the opportunity to ask insightful questions and learn from the experts in the field.
Ms Akhoundzadeh
YEAR 13 MEDIA STUDIES
British Film Institute Southbank trip
Last Friday, the Media Studies department arranged an educational trip, for our Year 13 Media Studies students, to visit the British Film Institute Southbank (BFI) in order to attend the ‘Newspapers for KS5 Media Studies’ exam conference. This one day conference provided a comprehensive guide to their newspaper close study texts, which they will be assessed on, in their upcoming mock exams and in their final examinations. Our senior students thoroughly enjoyed the trip whereby they were able to consolidate their knowledge of their newspaper unit, strengthen their analytical skills when looking at a range of newspapers, and develop their understanding of what is required from the examiner in relation to exam-style questions for this unit of study
Furthermore, they experienced an amazing opportunity, whereby they listened to senior editor from ‘The Guardian’ newspaper; Joseph Harker, who leads on diversity and development. The students represented the school exceptionally and engaged with the work and discussions facilitated by the BFI, brilliantly.
We wish our Year 13 students the best of luck in their upcoming Media Studies exams.
Mr Duguid
CITIZENSHIP
Student Voice – The Day
Is there an issue you feel strongly about? Want to be a published writer?
Submit your articles and videos to the Day for the chance to reach thousands of people around the world and make a real difference.
To find out more information, please visit the link below and read the submission guidance https://theday.co.uk/student-voices-submission-guide/
For any questions, speak to Miss Issa in SE6
A huge congratulation to Kalyani in Year 10 who submitted an article and had it published on 'The Day' website Kalyani wrote about the challenges facing the medical profession and how that may impact the ambitions of young people who may be interested in pursuing a career in medicine.
Here is the link to the full article We need to treat doctors as humans - The Day
The Day
Do you find it difficult to believe what you see on social media?
Would you like to keep up with interesting news stories from reliable sources?
The Day is a news site for schools so students can access the news in a way that is relevant to learning.
To access the website, use this LINK
Miss Issa
SPORTS FIXTURES
Year 7 Football Tournament
On Thursday 5th December, Nower Hill was represented by two teams in the second Harrow Borough Football tournament held at Whitmore School. Both teams played exceptionally well against very good opposition
Nower Hill A lost their first game to the current holders, Park High School (2-0). They responded well in the second game beating Pinner High B (10) and also won their third game against Whitefriars School (3-1). They finished second in their group but their goal difference wasn’t enough to secure a place in the semi-final.
Nower Hill B also battled hard in their group games, but were unable to secure a place in the next round, losing 3-0 to Cannons A, 2-0 to Salvatorian College B, and 1-0 to Whitmore School B.
Excellent performances by all players, including Aaron, Colin, Mudassir, Aly, Sammy, Hamza, Tiberius, Aaryan and Rishi.
Volleyball Ranking Tournaments
On Thursday 28th November, the Year 7 volleyball team played in the Harrow ranking tournament at Salvatorian College. It was the first time the Year 7 volleyball team had played competitive games against other schools in the Borough and they performed very well. They lost 15-12 to Park High School and Salvatorian College Red, but fought hard in their final game to beat Salvatorian College Green 15-11. They finished 3rd in the tournament and will play in the semi-finals next term. Exceptional performances by: Roshan, Rishi, Stefan, Arya, Maya, Jasmine, Sai, Zahabiya and Alex.
Mr Gallop
Mr Gallop
SPORTS FIXTURES
Under 14 Volleyball Semi-Final
On Thursday 21st November, the U14 Volleyball team played in the Harrow Borough semi-final hosted at Nower Hill. They qualified comfortably in the ranking tournament, winning all of their games. However, they lost their opening game against a strong Rooks Heath team (25-19), before bouncing back in their second game against Park High, comfortably winning 25-14. Fantastic performances by Lucas, Shay, Jayden, Eirrah, Raul, Daniel, Abdurrahman and Andrew.
Mr Gallop
U16 Volleyball Semi-Final and Final
On Thursday 14th November, the U16 volleyball team played in the Harrow Borough semi-final against Park High School. The team performed exceptionally well and won both of their games: 25-19 against Park High B and in a close tie breaker, 28-26 against Park High A. This set up a meeting against Rooks Heath School in the final on Wednesday 27th November
The team played very well again in the final, and after a slow start losing 21-18 and 21-8 in the opening two games, managed to win the third game 21-17, before unfortunately losing the fourth game 21-15. Outstanding performances from Darren, Jack, Arthur, George, Rustam, Dylan, Daniel, Luca and Navisan.
Mr Gallop
SPORTS FIXTURES
U16 Basketball National Game
Christ’s College Finchley 79 - 41 Nower Hill High School.
On Friday 29th November, 2024, the U16 Basketball team played in their first ever national game. They played against a well-established team that has performed exceptionally well in numerous competitions. This was an exciting opportunity for the Nower Hill team to face a team of this calibre and to test themselves.
We lost the game 79-41, with Christ’s College, Finchley dominating the game and scoring on rebounds. We are very proud of our team’s performance, they never stopped competing and improved throughout the game. This experience has made them a better team, and we look forward to their next national game.
Mr Simmonette
STAFF V YEAR 9 NETBALL MATCH
On 13th November, Year 9 took part in a staff versus students netball match. Despite the best efforts of the Heads of Year and the Year 9 Form Tutors, the girls' netball team beat the staff with a whopping score of 17-4! Nevertheless, lots of fun was had and we look forward to more games.
Ms
Mainwaring
REMEMBRANCE DAY
On Monday 11th November at 11am, the school stopped for a moment of silence to mark Remembrance Day. As ever, the young people at Nower Hill showed great respect and were united in silent reflection.
On Sunday 10th November our school was represented by our Head Students, Amaan and Keiya, who laid a wreath at the Act of Remembrance at the war memorial in Pinner High Street. At both events the Last Post was played expertly by Lewis in Year 12
Mr Bremner
CAREERS FAIR 2024
The Careers Department organised a hugely successful Careers Fair early in November.
There was a real buzz of excitement in the hall as students asked employers and representatives from universities and colleges about their careers and courses.
Employers attended from a wide variety of industries - Bank of America, British Airways, GSK, IBM, London Ambulance Service, NHS Doctor, Army, Metropolitan Police, Law Graduate, Watford FC Community Education Trust, Equans, ConnectPlus M25, Bellway Homes and Pathways 2 Property.
The Careers Department would like to extend a very big thank you to the parents and Nower Hill alumni who gave up their time to inspire our students.
Ms Murray
USEFUL INFORMATION
Parent/Carer Workshops
Each month "Brilliant Parents" offer free discussion groups on commonly encountered problems by parents. They are given tips and suggestions for dealing with their children’s challenging behaviour, looking at short video clips and sharing their thoughts with other parents. Parents and Carers are actively involved throughout the 2-hour small group format discussions. The following discussion groups are coming up;
• Building Teenager Survival Skills- 10th January 2025
• Getting Teenagers to Cooperate - 14th January 2025
• Coping with Teenagers emotions- 17th January 2025
• Reducing Family Conflict - 21st January 2025
To find out more, visit our website where we have further information on each of these groups. To sign up please complete the registration form and survey.
USEFUL INFORMATION
STUDENT WELLBEING
Remember, there is always someone at school that students can reach out to.
Students can access the Student Wellbeing Page using their Google Account. A reminder that if parents/ carers need any support, you can access a range of resources on our school website
OTHER INFORMATION
Hire our Facilities
Looking for a venue for your function?
Nower Hill High School is proud to offer many facilities for hire to the local community, clubs and organisations at an affordable price.
Astro Turf Pitch
Indoor Cricket Nets Hall
Dining Centre
Drama and Dance Studio Gym
Tennis / Netball Courts Classrooms
For further information on any of our facilities, including availability, please email: lettings@nowerhill.harrow.sch.uk
Did you know that you Nower Hill High School is registered with easyfundraising? which means you can raise FREE donations for the school every time you shop online Over 7,000 brands will donate to Nower Hill when you use easyfundraising to shop with them – at no extra cost to you
These donations really mount up and make a big difference to the school, so we’d really appreciate it if you could take a moment to sign up and support us It’s completely free and only takes a moment. You can find our easyfundraising page at: https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/nowerhil lhs/
Work Experience
YEAR 10
Are you able to offer one of our Year 10 students a work placement?
Year 10 go on work experience from Tuesday 6th May – Friday 9th May 2025
The placements will help our students understand the world of work, develop skills and help to motivate them at school.
YEAR 12
Are you able to offer one of our 6th Form students a work placement?
Year 12 go on work experience from Monday 23rd June to Friday 27th June 2025.
The placements will be linked to the degree course or apprenticeship they wish to study at University.
If you are able to offer a Nower Hill student an opportunity to work in a professional working environment, please contact Mrs Doshi at careers@nowerhill.harrow.sch.uk or on 0208 863 0877
