Welcome to Issue 31 and our 2025 Autumn/Winter issue!
We raised over £10,000 this term for charitable causes, such as the Gaza Humanitarian Appeal, Macmillan Coffee Morning and our annual Festive Winter Campaign. A huge thank you to everyone who supported these causes.
The theme for this issue is Community. In our first term of the 2025-6 school year, students have been hard at work as well as enjoying plenty of extra-curricular activities.
Peace be upon you and so may the Mercy of Allaah and His Blessings
All praises to the Almighty, Lord of the Worlds and the Master of our fortunes Salutations to our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, the seal of the Prophets and the guide for all humanity.
The theme of this issue is “Community”, this Qur ’aanic teaching seems befitting: “All living beings roaming the earth and winged birds soaring in the sky are communities like yourselves” Al-Qur ’aan (Surah Al-An’am 6:38)
This verse reminds us that community is not merely a human construct but a divine design. From the smallest creatures to the birds that grace the skies, every living being thrives within a network of connection and mutual dependence It teaches us that belonging is a universal need and that strength lies in unity.
At Eden, we strive to embody this principle. Our school is more than a place of learning; it is a vibrant community where every individual matters, and every voice contributes to the harmony of the whole.
This term has truly reflected that spirit at Eden. Together, we have raised over £10,000 for various causes, both local and international, demonstrating our shared commitment to compassion and service. As part of our Winter Gift Campaign, students and staff donated toys to a local children’s centre and prepared hampers for the vulnerable and needy within our communitycontributions amounting to over £5,000. These acts of kindness remind us that true success is measured not only by academic achievement but by the impact we create as a united community
Alongside charitable efforts, we have focused on spiritual growth, looking deeper into the significance of the birth of Eesa (AS) and the role of his mother Maryam (AS) in Islam
These reflections offered profound lessons in faith, resilience, and humility, reinforcing the values that bind us together as a community. Our students have also continued to shine in various arenas, earning podium positions in prestigious competitions such as CyberFirst, the Pinsent Masons Debating Competition, and the Imperial STEM Competition. These achievements are a testament to their dedication, creativity, and collaborative spiritqualities that will serve them well in every stage of life.
As we approach the end of this term, let us carry forward the lessons of community Like the creatures mentioned in the Qur’an, we are interconnected and interdependent. May we continue to nurture an environment where every member feels valued, supported, and inspired to contribute to the greater good
We pray that the upcoming break offers you time to rest, reconnect, and renew. May it be filled with moments of joy and gratitude shared with loved ones. We look forward to welcoming you back for another term of growth, learning, and togetherness.
Ms Aamena Mayet Principal
Ms Aamena Mayet
The Importance of Community
Community within Eden:
This year, students across KS3 took part in a range of leadership and careers activities designed to build confidence, teamwork and future-ready skills
Year 7 students enjoyed their first Leadership Day, an experience they will continue each year until Year 10 Volunteers from global professional services company Accenture led the day and challenged students to design an app that would benefit young people Working in teams, students created creative ideas including a GCSE revision app and a gaming app based on personality quizzes The activity was set as a friendly competition, with winning teams receiving prizes Most importantly, the day helped Year 7 students recognise their own leadership potential and showed them how Eden helps these skills grow.
Year 8 students took part in Careers Insight Visits to a range of organisations, where they explored what it is like to work in different industries They learned about career pathways, apprenticeships and graduate programmes, giving them a clearer understanding of their future options. During the visits, students also developed key employability skills such as teamwork, communication, active listening and presentation through discussions and collaborative tasks with employers
Year 9 students focused on leadership and careers during their Leadership Day They learned about different job opportunities and the skills needed to be an effective leader Working in random groups helped develop teamwork and communication skills Visitors from a banking company shared their career journeys, explaining the benefits of working in banking and the opportunities it had given them. Students then took part in a city-building challenge and a business pitch activity, using problem-solving and SWOT analysis to plan and present their ideas Although presenting felt nerveracking, teamwork and confidence shone through.
Together, these experiences highlight how Eden supports students from an early age to develop leadership, confidence and ambition for the future
Year 11 Results Day
Another year, and Eden’s best GCSE results to date The Year 11 cohort of 2024–2025 opened their results on August 21st to see the rewards of their hard work, with 74% of students achieving a Grade 5 or above in English and Maths the strongest outcome Eden has ever achieved. Results day was a moment that filled us all with pride Seeing the determination, resilience, and late nights pay off was truly inspiring Students came together to celebrate not just their grades, but the journey that led to them. This cohort supported one another throughout, and their outstanding results are a true reflection of that teamwork and commitment We could not be prouder of what they have achieved
However, results day was about more than grades on paper; it was about the promise of what lies ahead As students take their next steps, we are confident they are on the right path Whether moving on to college, sixth form, or apprenticeships, they have the skills, passion, and determination to succeed We hope they carry forward the lessons learned, continue to aim high, and never stop believing in their potential This is only the beginning, and we look forward to seeing all they will achieve
At Eden, we take pride in our STAR values, which prepare our students to become the strongest leaders, actively acting as a guide for others and creating continuous change to create the finest students, using their excellent grades to become the leaders of the future. Every year, we elect a Head Girl, Student SLTs, and a group of prefects, chosen through stages such as applications, presentations, and interviews, to find vigorous leaders who embody and contribute to the school’s ethos and represent responsibility, kindness, and the entire student body The Head Girl acts as a bridge between students and teachers, leading Prefect teams and overseeing the students to set high standards for appearance, behaviour, and attitude The Head Girl, along with the Deputy Head Girls and the Prefects, represent the school at open days, events, and outside functions This year, our Head Girl is Ashalina Haider, a resilient leader who has outlined her suitability for this role through her thriving determination to create change in the school Along with the Head Girl stands the Deputy Head Girls, Tanimah Choudhury and Imane Bentoume, a pair of perceptive, ambitious leaders who strive to make students feel comfortable expressing their voices in times of need Finally, we have the Prefects, acting as role models for students through enforcing exemplary behaviour and assisting during functions and during school Our 2025 prefects are: Hajar Hateb, Aaminah Hassan, Ruhm Ali, Khadijah Dada, Ikram Abdi, Rania Bennoune, Janna Saliman and Husna Yacoobali.
g to listen and support good communication . has learned how to further develop her teamwork skills. She wants every student to feel toenjoyschoolwhilealsoachievingtheirbestpossiblegrades with a concern, Imane will listen carefully and help find a solution in a nment She hopes to encourage students to share their ideas and use Eden a better place Imane plans to lead by example, support school vities, and make the most of this opportunity to help others and grow
T A N I M A H C H O U D H U R Y - D E P U T Y H E A D G I R L
Festivals
A R O U N D T H E W O R L D
Águeda’s streets get a bright uplift in the month of July, as colourful umbrella canopies line the streets of this town From the July 7th through to the 29th, visitors and locals can expect art installations, performances and tons of street art as the festival takes place.
Dia De Los Muertos is a celebration derived from the core of Mexican traditions that celebrates the lives of loved ones who have passed away Colourful, marigold-filled alters and graveyard flower installations, combined with parades and rituals, are done with the belief that the spirits for the day should feel anything but sombre This celebration takes place on November 2nd, with families and friends coming together in remembrance, as well as dressing up in traditional skeleton makeup and colourful costumes
Gathering up tp two million revellers per day, Rio’s Carnival is one of the world’s largest Carnival festivals preceding Ash Wednesday. The streets vibrate with music, dance, costume, and chaos of the best kind It's the biggest street party in the world, showcasing AfroBrazilian culture, and parades with elaborate samba school costumes and an influx of tourists
Russian winters are famously long and cold, and to combat the chill, the country hosts a month-long Winter festival. Moscow's festival is the most extensive, with the city adorned in thousands of twinkling lights It features an exhibition of ice sculptures and entertainment such as concerts and fashion shows
Jordan's Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts is an annual summer celebration in the ancient city of Jerash featuring crafts, dance, and food from local and international artists blending history with modern performances.
This Spring-time floral extravaganza, known as The Fuji Shibazakura festival, sees the blooming of hundreds of thousands of Shibazakura flowers at the base of Mount Fuji in Japan. For the best experience visiting these vibrant blooms, you'll want to bring along your flower power gals
The Holi Festival of Colour is a Hindu celebration of the triumph of good over evil and the arrival of spring, Holi is catching on as a colouredpowder-throwing party in many cultures beyond India.
MSDAUHOO THEJOURNEYOF...
Ms Dauhoo is the Head of Arts at Eden and has been part of the school since it first opened, now in her 12th year She is well known for her artistic nature and for making every student feel valued Her journey to becoming a teacher was not easy, but her determination and passion for art helped her overcome many challenges
She grew up in Mauritius, where her love for art began at the age of 13 After creating a painting she was proud of, her art teacher told her it was below average, which hurt her confidence Her father, who was a Maths teacher, asked an Art teacher to give feedback; this teacher praised her work and encouraged her to continue, telling her she was gifted This moment inspired her to pursue art seriously She studied Art and French at university in South Africa and later qualified to teach in Mauritius Teaching never felt like a job to her it was something she enjoyed and found joy in When she moved to England, she discovered she was not qualified to teach here and had to complete a PGCE She began as a teaching assistant at Walthamstow School for Girls, where she was impressed by how much importance was given to students with special needs She worked hard, took many courses, and eventually became the lead in the SEND department
Her journey was full of obstacles. She struggled financially and could not afford training, but her school recognised her effort and paid for it. She also faced homesickness, missing her family back in Mauritius, and found it difficult to adapt to England’s unpredictable weather compared to the hot and humid climate she was used to. Learning English was another challenge, but over time she became fluent. Once she was qualified, she found a job opportunity at Eden teaching Art and French. The faith-based environment made her feel welcome, and although she enjoyed French, she decided to dedicate herself fully to Art. The subject is often overlooked, but it plays an important role in developing skills. It improves hand-eye coordination, dexterity, and precision, which are useful even in science and practical fields. Ms Dauhoo’s story shows that even with setbacks, hard work and passion can lead to success. She continues to inspire students every day, proving that art is not just a subject, but a way to grow, express yourself, and build confidence
For students who want to follow in her footsteps and become Art teachers, the academic path is clear. You need at least Grade 5 in English and Maths at GCSE, with Art strongly recommended. At A-Level, choose a creative subject such as Art or Design and build a strong portfolio to show your skills. Then, complete a degree in an art-related subject like Fine Art or Art History, aiming for at least a 2:2 classification Finally, complete a PGCE in Art and Design to gain your teaching qualification
By Aisha Hanif
This term has been packed with sporting opportunities, and it has been inspiring to see so many students getting involved across a wide range of activities. From competitive football fixtures and an exciting netball rally, to sports leaders stepping up to lead activities, alongside enrichment events such as ten-pin bowling and skateboarding, there has been somethingWhenever confidence dipped, Ms Ashraff and Ms Patel were there with motivational talks and constructive feedback that refocused us and lifted team morale Their support made a huge difference throughout the day. We played multiple matches, and it was especially rewarding to hear teachers from other schools comment on our progress and teamwork
Although we didn’t come away with the overall win, the experience we gained was invaluable We finished the day with a friendly match against Holy Family, sharing laughter and new friendships. Overall, this term’s sporting activities have helped us grow in confidence, resilience and teamwork, leaving us not just better athletes, but a stronger sporting community
Whenever confidence dipped, Ms Ashraff and Ms Patel were there with motivational talks and constructive feedback that refocused us and lifted team morale Their support made a huge difference throughout the day. We played multiple matches, and it was especially rewarding to hear teachers from other schools comment on our progress and teamwork.
Although we didn’t come away with the overall win, the experience we gained was invaluable We finished the day with a friendly match against Holy Family, sharing laughter and new friendships Overall, this term’s sporting activities have helped us grow in confidence, resilience and teamwork, leaving us not just better athletes, but a stronger sporting community
Our living tapestry: An inspiring amalgamation of all creatures. Whether it be Mammals, Amphibians, Birds, Conifers, Reef corals, Reptiles or even Cycads, each living, breathing organism carries a vital obligation towards this remarkable planet As Homo sapiens, we must instil common etiquette that helps all organisms Our shared etiquette: To act out our primary onus as nurturers of this terrestrial globe. This is where the marvellous Eco-Club joins the proceedings
The Eco-Club, headed by Ms Crawford, ran a challenge this term where they asked teachers and students to actively endeavour to reduce their carbon footprint This could be by: dropping your heating by a ℃, meal planning to reduce overall food waste, participating in a device-free day, etc. These actions may be viewed as minute, yet these seemingly inappreciable shifts in habit can be hugely beneficial in the long term. So, why not participate in this practice? Strive to diminish old habits and help be the cause of a greater outcome
Ibtisam Haji
new scientist live
physics AT WORK
IMPERIAL STEM COMPETITION
In Year 10, 8 students got to participate in the STEM Muslims competition at Imperial College London, testing their super curricular knowledge on science. They had to answer 10 challenging questions in teams of 4, and practiced skills such as cracking codes engineeringone challenge involved builded the tallest tower which can survive a simulated earthquake (shaking the table). Maths skills were also tested, as they you took part in a relay race of 30 questions to see who could solve the most in the least amount of time. Eden won third place overall, and first in the Engineering category
On Thursday 11th September, the brand new Year 7s left for their annual team-building trip to Gilwell Park All Year 7s that enter Eden go to Gilwell Park to build connections with each other through physical activities and to help them create new friends As part of STAR, Eden encourages teamwork, and each activity enables the Year 7s to build friendships that last a lifetime They were taught survival skills such as starting fires and how to put up tents which are skills they will cherish always remember Some Year 7s said that they had an amazing time and cannot wait to go on many more trips in the future!
A Christmas Carol Theatre Trip
Spirituality & Faith
Well, this half term, the year 10s were granted the privilege of travelling to Cambridge for a trip of faith; from being able to tour the prestigious university, to being enlightened by the history of a sophisticated mosque that stands tall right at the heart of the city
This mosque, to be exact, has been appointed the title of ‘Cambridge Central Mosque’; the Cambridge Central Mosque was first idealised in 2009, as Mark Barfield Architects had recently won the competition to model and design the building with the concept of a mosque that symbolises a “calm oasis within a grove of trees” The entire project has pocketed around an approximate £23 million and currently requires a rough estimate of £1 million just to keep the religious building afloat. However, the hefty price is utterly worth it as the mosque is now considered a sanctuary for both Muslims and non-Muslims The Cambridge Mosque has strived to ensure that all Muslims are accommodated in a place of worship This mosque, alongside being built to harbour the vast Muslim community in Cambridge, clarifies the welfare of the environment by reducing overall water, electricity, and heating expenses, as well as installing green rooves, including great insulation, and adding photovoltaic cells on roofs to help generate renewable energy from sunlight These adaptations are key essentials to help reduce the mosque’s carbon footprint, which, in my opinion, is truly phenomenal and beneficial for humanity.
CBoundbyFaith: ommunityinIslam
Community occupies a central place in Islam, shaping not only religious practice but also social responsibility and moral development Known as the ummah, the Muslim community is envisioned as a collective bound by faith, compassion, and shared values. This concept emphasizes that individuals do not exist in isolation; rather, they thrive through mutual support, cooperation, and accountability.
One of the most visible expressions of community in Islam is the congregational prayer Muslims gather in mosques, standing shoulder to shoulder, symbolising unity and equality before God This regular interaction nurtures a sense of belonging and strengthens social bonds. Similarly, Friday prayers (Jumuʿah) serve as weekly opportunities to reconnect with fellow believers and engage with communal messages of guidance and reflection
Charity also underscores the importance of community Obligatory almsgiving (zakat) and voluntary charity (sadaqah) ensure that the needs of the vulnerable are not overlooked By redistributing wealth and encouraging generosity, Islam fosters a society where people care for one another and work toward collective well-being.
The Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) teachings further highlight cooperation, empathy, and service He described believers as parts of a single body: if one part suffers, the rest respond with care This metaphor captures the deep interconnectedness expected within Islamic communities.
Ibtisam Haji
One of the clearest Qur’anic reminders of unity appears in Surah AlHujurāt (49:10): “The believers are but brothers, so make peace between your brothers.” This verse establishes fraternity as a fundamental principle, urging Muslims to resolve differences and uphold harmony Therefore, community is not merely a social arrangement but a religious duty.
The Qur’an also emphasises collective worship, which strengthens bonds among believers In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:43), God commands: “Establish prayer and give zakat, and bow with those who bow.” The phrase “with those who bow” highlights the communal nature of worship, reminding Muslims that spiritual growth is enhanced through togetherness and shared devotion Ultimately, the emphasis on community in Islam nurtures moral growth, strengthens resilience, and promotes social harmony. By encouraging unity, compassion, and shared purpose, Islam envisions a society where individuals uplift one another and contribute to a more just and supportive world
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
HOW DOES EDEN CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH?
DEBATE COMPETITION 2025
Pinsent Masons Debate competition is an annual event held at the multinational law firm’s building in London for schools to compete in intense civil debating This year a group of 7 students were chosen to represent Eden in the competition: Alesha Aamir, Aqdas Mirza, Amina Dabreye, Aliyah Petkar, Ammaarah Mayet, Jaysha Siddiqui and Neveah BoyceHemmings They had up to 3 and a half weeks to prepare themselves for competition
“Don’t wait around for someone else to tell your story Do it yourself by whatever means necessary ” Leonardo DiCaprio
In the 21st century, when you’re constantly being told what to do and how to think, its essential to be able to express your ideas and feelings clearly – in the workplace and in social life, speaking affects every part and its vital to learn communication skills In year 10, 30 students battle it out to represent the school in a regional competition (and hey, hopefully up to national) and share an idea on whatever they are passionate about
Our school was proud to present Eshaal Atif with her speech about the expectations placed on young south Asian women compared to men through her perspective, titled ‘Why my Brother Gets the Bigger Piece of Chicken’ She came third in the regionals and attributed her success to her passion and experience in the topic and how it directly or indirectly affects lots of women and girls, even today.
On Friday 5th of December 2025, the team of seven Edonian debaters set out to the Pinsent Masons headquarters on Liverpool Street, to attend the annual event Our team was arguing against the motion: ‘Planting trees is better than building houses’. We won our debate and managed to get through to the finals when we were arguing for the motion ‘Unpaid apprenticeships should be banned’ which we lost - yet taught us how fun it can be sometimes to argue The winning team was Sarah Bonell, a girls school situated in Stratfordtheir win was attributed to their cohesion and eye catching introductions
Opening Our Doors: Eden Welcomes Year 6 Pupils and Parents
A warm, welcome was given once again by Eden to display the wonderful snippets of what we have to offer to parents and Year 6s who were at the stage of one of the most crucial times – deciding which secondary school they would apply for! We have been there before and that is why we wanted to deliver an unforgettable memory of what Eden has to offer for our future students joining the Edon family.
Eden took the parents and year 6s through an adventure, starting with the Principal’s Speech joined with a Year 7, Year 9 and the new student SLT (our Head Girl and two Deputy Head Girls) from Year 11. After the first few delightful and informative speeches came to an end, our student guides took a few of our guests taking them on a tour explaining the endless possibilities you can find at Eden while being able to see it
Eden allowed for parents and the year 6s to explore the school, meet the teachers and students, and created the opportunity to gather information about the school’s ethos, facilities and programs The annual open evening is a chance for prospective pupils and families to see our school in action, allowing us to demonstrate our commitment to allowing our students to prosper at our school Eden gives the chance to explore the facilities to enable you to judge whether Eden is the right place for you by giving a feel of the school’s atmospheres and values, and to ask questions you can’t ask online
Open evening in Eden hopes to not only show you the educational side of our school, but also the creativeness shown through the art and textiles classrooms. In the art classroom, we displayed exciting examples of artwork created throughout the years, ranging from soft watercolour pieces to bright abstract projects, seamlessly designed and planned by our art students. The art classroom provided in-class demonstrations and activities, such as lino printing (a printmaking technique where you carve designs and stamp it onto paper) This allowed for the visitors to create a range of designs such as flowers and scenery These activities were very interactive for the visitors, for all ages, and was a great opportunity to showcase how vast art is as a subject and what we have to offer
Embracing your Inner Artist
Over the holidays, when you’re not out at the Christmas market, ice skating or enjoying other festive activities, sometimes all you want to do is stay at home with a nice warm cup of hot chocolate and relax Relax - what does that mean to you? Some say a nice TV series, some say a good book, but I implore you to create - to make something new .
“If we do not create, we are dead”
What on earth does embracing your inner artist actually mean ?
Embracing your inner artist means choosing to express rather than echo. It is about shaping something that carries your voice, your values, and your imagination.
Why is creating even important?
Golden Goose
This winter, Year 7 students were given the special opportunity to watch the Year 8 drama performance
The Golden Goose The production brought the classic fairy tale to life with humour and energy, keeping the audience engaged throughout At the centre of the story was Dummling, a kind-hearted and simple character who, despite having very little, chooses to act generously and help others His compassion and selflessness ultimately lead him to good fortune and a happier life
Beyond the comedy, the performance delivered a strong message about kindness and greed Dummling’s actions showed that generosity brings positive rewards, while the innkeeper’s daughters represented the consequences of selfishness and wanting more than one needs Their greed led to embarrassment and dissatisfaction, reinforcing the moral of the story Overall, the performance was both entertaining and thought-provoking It left a lasting impression on the audience and promoted the importance of kindness over material gain.
If you’re looking for a book that is full of fantasy and themes of identity and hierarchy, Powerless is what you’re after. It’s part of a trilogy that is based on the concept of ‘Elites’ - people who have magical abilities called ‘gifts’, after a plague swept through the country If you are not an ‘Elite’, you’re an ‘Ordinary’, and therefore rendered powerless The kingdom of Ilya is dominated by Elites and run by its king: the king trains his two sons Kitt Azer, the heir to the throne preparing to be Ilya’s next king; and Kai Azer, the Enforcer of Ilya, who must prove his harsh training and strength in the Purging Trials
The Purging Trials is a tense competition that Elites are chosen to participate in as a celebration of their powers As Ordinaries are treated unjustly in Ilya, Paedyn, the protagonist, is an Ordinary trained by her father to fake being a psychic to survive. After saving a prince, she becomes known as the Silver Saviour, named after her distinct silver hair She is forced to compete in the Trials against Kai Azer, Jax, and many powerful contestants, as the public would enjoy her presence Paedyn must survive the Trials while developing a confusing relationship with Kai Azer, though she tries to distance herself due to her secrets and differences. During the book there are big plot twist that leaves readers with many unanswered questions and characters feeling betrayed, which is continued in Reckless and Fearless Overall, I would give this book 5/5 as it has a well-developed plot and intriguing characters Recommended for 12+.
Aisha Hanif
Twinkling Watermelon is one of those rare K-dramas that manages to blend heartfelt storytelling with just the right touch of fantasy and nostalgia Airing on tvN in late 2023, the series quickly captured viewers’ hearts with its blend of coming-of-age warmth, time-travel mystery, and musical soul
At its centre is Ha Eun-Gyeol (played by Ryeo-un), the only hearing member of a deaf family. A gifted guitarist who hides his passion from his parents, Eun-Gyeol unexpectedly finds himself transported to 1995 — where he meets his father as a teenager What unfolds is an emotionally rich exploration of family, communication, and the unspoken sacrifices that shape who we become The show’s emotional core is its strongest asset. Rather than leaning solely on the novelty of time travel, Twinkling Watermelon uses the concept to deepen the bond between parent and child, bridging generational gaps through music and empathy The depiction of Eun-Gyeol’s family particularly his relationship with his father — feels refreshingly authentic and tender, offering a rare portrayal of disability that is both sensitive and deeply human.
Visually and sonically, the drama shines The 1990s setting is lovingly recreated, from vintage cassette players to retro fashion and vibrant band scenes that pulse with energy The soundtrack, filled with rock-inspired performances and acoustic moments, perfectly complements the show’s themes of self-expression and emotional release. Performances across the board are stellar Ryeo-un delivers a nuanced portrayal of a young man torn between duty and passion, while Choi Hyun-Wook brings youthful charm and vulnerability to the teenage version of Eun-Gyeol’s father Their chemistry — both as friends and as a son unknowingly rediscovering his parent — anchors the entire narrative. If there’s one minor drawback, it lies in pacing. The early episodes take their time establishing the world, and the final act, while emotionally satisfying, can feel slightly rushed. Yet these are small blemishes on an otherwise captivating production. Ultimately, Twinkling Watermelon is more than a fantasy or musical drama — it’s a story about connection: between generations, between the hearing and the unheard, and between who we are and who we wish to be A melodic journey through family, time and youth – Twinkling Watermelon is a warm, resonant reminder that love often needs no translation.
