SPRINGFORWARD
As I am sure many of you will be, I'm relieved to notice that we are finally emerging from the long winter months, and the signs of spring are very much in evidence around us The days are getting longer, the trees are tinged with green, and the sun appears between the clouds for longer spells
This can often be a catalyst for us all to feel more positive, more energised, and to approach challenges with a renewed sense of purpose
The next few months are a critical time for our Year 11 and Year 13 students as they make final preparations for their GCSE and A-level exams in the summer term They have worked extremely hard already, and we need to work together to support them in maintaining that positivity and energy so they can meet the challenges that lie ahead and achieve the results they hope for
I have particularly enjoyed learning about all of the great extra curricular activities that students have been engaged in this half term These are so important because they help to develop and enhance students’ skills, knowledge and understanding beyond the classroom in a more informal and rewarding way. With clubs providing enrichment in areas such as drama and languages, sports and technology, art and robotics, there is something of interest for everyone.
Please also take the time to read about our revamped rewards system and see the great items that are on offer to students who strive to work hard and develop their strengths and abilities to their fullest potential. We will, once again, be celebrating all of our students’ achievements as a school at the end of this term, so there is much still to aim for, and I always look forward to and enjoy these times in a busy and focused school year.
Look out for our full Spring Newsletter before the end of term.
Warm regards,
Omar Deria Headteacher
MrODeria,Headteacher
STUDENT REWARDS
More rewards than ever! A greater variety of exciting prizes available
✅ How it works:
��Continue exchanging Merits & Golden Tickets at the online shop and collect a voucher from Mr Jarvis
�� Spend your voucher at The Rewards Shop at student reception
✨ Start earning, start spending, and enjoy the new rewards!
CHINA TOWN
To celebrate the Lunar New Year 2025, our young people have taken part in a variety of exciting and memorable activities. The school hosted a troupe of Chinese performers who staged a Lunar New Year show full of traditional Chinese music, dance and martial arts. Students then took part in their own Chinese dance and kung fu workshops throughout the day. The whole school were also treated to a Chinese lunch from our catering team, and were given the opportunity to eat with chopsticks.
Alongside these activities in school, the MFL department have also organised a number of day visits to China Town in central London. In China Town, students have enjoyed the chance to experience Chinese culture, practice their language skills and celebrate over a huge Chinese banquet with spring rolls, duck pancakes, bubble tea and more!
Mr Bensley Head of Mandarin
INFLUENCERS
nspiring Visit from Deaf Illustrator Lucy ogers!
We were thrilled to welcome Lucy Rogers, a alented deaf illustrator, to our Resource rovision.
ucy shared her incredible journey as an artist, nspiring our deaf students with her creativity nd passion. Seeing a successful deaf role model n the creative industry was truly empowering or our young people.
hank you, Lucy, for showing our students that nything is possible!
Inspiring Visit from a Deaf Role Model at Our Deaf Support Base!
Today, our Deaf Support Base had the privilege of welcoming a remarkable deaf role model, who met with our students, shared his journey, and inspired them with his achievements. He also introduced the fantastic clubs he runs with the organisation Remark, offering our students exciting opportunities to connect, learn, and network with other deaf young people in the community.
We encourage our students to get involved and experience these enriching clubs first hand. Let’s continue fostering a strong and supportive deaf community together!
Ms Adam Lead Qualified Teacher of Deaf Children & Young People
JACK PETCHEY AWARD
Keichardae
Congratulations to the two Jack Petchey Award winners for March 2025 for her remarkable poem in the recently published anthology for Black History Month last year. Her poetry beautifully honours and highlights notable figures from the past.
Burhan
Burhan is a kind and friendly student of the Excelsior Academy who despite challenges tries hard in everything he does. He has a smile for everyone
DRAMA WITH FLIES
Our Drama department are excited to announce that auditions and rehearsals have commenced for our July School production 'Lord of the flies'.
Ms Bailey Teacher of Drama
SCHOOL TRIPS
Y10 Work Experience
Our entire Y10 cohort experienced a week of work experience, working across a variety of industries Five of our students had the opportunity to work with leading production companies for the week, concluding their placement with an exclusive trip to Sony HQ.
Y12 Confidence Training through Podcasting
Selected Y12 students stepped out of their comfort zone to build their confidence and develop their public speaking and presenting skills Students worked with renowned media training professional Paul Connolly.
Y12 Travers Smith Trip
Y12 Pathway to Law students enjoyed their second visit to a firm, networking with professionals in the legal sector and participating in a debate workshop
Y12 Boom Battle / XP Factory Trip
Y12 Pathway to Business/Finance students enjoyed a visit to XP Factory’s Boom Battle games venue. Students learned about careers in hospitality, and enjoyed a free 1 hour escape room experience.
Y10 London Screen Academy Trip
Y10 students enjoyed a visit to London Screen Academy. Students had a tour of the campus and an opportunity to learn technical skills working with various camera and lighting equipment. A great introduction to Post-16 options!
Y10 Brilliant Club Graduation
Well done to our Y10 students who have graduated from The Brilliant Club Scholar’s Programme. Students spent 6 weeks working with a PhD tutor learning all about Ethnomusicology. Students wrote a 2000 word essay which was then graded using the university grading system.
Ms Mederick Careers Leader/6th Form
ARSENAL
Our Year 10 students had the incredible opportunity to visit Arsenal Stadium last week as part of their ongoing work with Arsenal in the Community. This trip marked the culmination of their social action project on "Gender Equality in Football and Sport", a vital topic that continues to shape the future of the sporting world.
Throughout the term, the students have engaged in thought-provoking discussions, researched key issues, and developed strategies to promote inclusivity and equal opportunities in football and beyond. They explored the barriers faced by women in sports, tackled stereotypes, and proposed solutions to encourage greater representation and participation at all levels.
The students presented their findings to a panel of Arsenal judges as part of the programme, showcasing their passion and commitment to driving change. Competing against other schools, they demonstrated confidence, teamwork, and a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities surrounding gender equality in sports.
Following their presentations, the students were treated to an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Arsenal Stadium, where they explored the pitch, changing rooms, and other key club areas. This experience not only offered an exciting insight into the world of professional football but also reinforced the importance of perseverance, leadership, and advocacy qualities that they embodied throughout this project.
This initiative has been an invaluable learning experience, empowering our students to use their voices and take meaningful steps towards a more inclusive sporting community. We are incredibly proud of their hard work, dedication, and the impact they are making.
Ms Wright Teacher of PE
LOGOUTANDJOINOURSCHOOLCLUBS
Year 9 girls played a basketball game on 11 February against Mossbourne Community Academy. This was the first game in the Hackney League. The Excelsior Academy lost the first quarter 010 struggling on both offensive and defensive ends. In the second quarter Mossbourne was still in the lead 13-10, however, Excelsior was starting to find rhythm. By the third quarter Mossbourne was leading 18-13 and starting to control the game. The last quarter ended 21-21 leading to five minutes overtime. The game was extremely intense, and an amazing effort and hard work were shown by both teams. Both teams gave 100%. The game ended with Excelsior winning the game in overtime with the final score 30-24. Destiny won the offensive MVP and Sarah won the defensive MVP.
Ms Inoubli Teacher of PE
Click to see a full list of current clubs and operating details
DATES TO NOTE
PIDAYCELEBRATIONS
