As the Spring Term draws to a close, I want to reflect on our shared accomplishments and some important details for the upcoming break.
First and foremost, I want to express my appreciation for your ongoing support throughout this term. Your commitment to your child’s education has been truly invaluable. Together, we remain focused on delivering the best possible educational experience for our students.
Revision sessions for Years 10 and 11:
We are optimistic about the next term and the examination season. I am extremely grateful to our staff who have provided Walking Talking Mock Exams for our Year 11 students every weekend throughout the last term and all staff running sessions for Year 11 students over the holidays. Please encourage your children to attend.
I am also pleased to share that we are implementing new Compulsory Intervention Sessions for all Year 10 students which will take place at 3:15- 4:05 on Wednesdays from 23rd April until 11th June. These sessions will focus on key subject areas and will be held as follows:
• Wednesday, 23rd April: English
• Wednesday, 30th April: Maths
• Wednesday, 7th May: Science
• Wednesday, 14th May: Option Subject 1
• Wednesday, 21st May: Option Subject 2
• Wednesday, 4th June: Option Subject 3
• Wednesday, 11th June: Option Subject 4
The aim of these sessions is to provide additional targeted support to ensure all students are wellprepared for their mock exams, starting on 25th June. We are offering these sessions at no cost to parents, as we recognise that private tutoring or additional revision sessions can often be expensive, with costs ranging between £30-£50 per session. We are pleased to provide this invaluable support completely free of charge.
Attendance at these sessions is compulsory for all Year 10 students. We understand that some families may have commitments on Wednesday afternoons, but we ask that you fully support the programme to ensure the students obtain the maximum benefit from the sessions. These sessions have been designed to help your child succeed, and attendance will be critical in helping them achieve their full potential in the Summer Mock Examinations.
Hardship Fund:
We recognise the additional challenges facing families, so I want to draw your attention to our Hardship Fund.
Yours sincerely,
Andrew Finn Headteacher
Little Ilford School Hardship Fund is aimed to help students who have financial difficulties in paying for things such as:
• All items related to school uniform/PE kit.
• Materials or equipment needed to study (e.g. subject revision booklets).
• Emergency cost of travel or cost to attend Work Experience Placement.
• Educational visits organised by Little Ilford School. If you would like to apply, please visit the school website for more details and the application form: https://www. littleilford.newham.sch.uk/parents-students-parents/ parents/hardship-grant-application
Newham Holiday Activities:
Please see the below links: Newham Activities Programme
Holiday food vouchers:
We are pleased to advise Newham Council has again decided to allocate funding from the Department for Work and Pensions Household Support Fund to schools to provide food vouchers to children eligible for free school meals for the Easter break.
The Council has decided to issue a grant payment to all infant, junior, primary and secondary schools in Newham in line with the approach taken for previous school holidays. The funding will cover food voucher costs for children from Reception to Year 11 who are currently in receipt of statutory (benefits related) Free School Meals (FSM), to cover theEaster holiday period.
In line with the approach taken for the previous vouchers the school issued, we will send £15 vouchers for the Easter holidays break through text and or email using Wonde. The vouchers will be sent out on the last day of the term.
Finally, I wish you all a restful and enjoyable holiday. May it be filled with joy, relaxation, and quality time spent with loved ones. We look forward to welcoming our students back on Tuesday, 22nd April; breakfast club will be from 7:45 am, and school gates will be open from 8 am and close at 8:20 am.
Please ensure your children are in full school uniform before returning to school and arrive on time. Uniform Policy https://www.littleilford.newham.sch.uk/ information/policies
Thank you once again for your unwavering support and partnership. Together, we can continue providing our students with the best educational experience.
LIS EID CARD COMPETITION WINNER
Hafsa, Year 9 1st Place Winner
THE DESIGN MUSEUM
Students delivered an outstanding performance in the Sportshall Athletics Finals
Design and Technology students visit The Design Museum
Year 10 Design and Technology students had an exciting opportunity to visit the Design Museum, where they explored a variety of exhibitions showcasing innovative and influential design work.
During their visit, they took the time to sketch ideas that could contribute to their own design process, allowing them to develop creative concepts with greater depth and originality. They carefully observed different materials, techniques, and design principles used in various products and installations, broadening their understanding of the design industry. Additionally, they studied the work of renowned designers, drawing inspiration from their techniques, styles, and problem-solving approaches to enhance their own projects.
SPORTS HALL ATHLETICS
With their combined efforts, the team secured 4th place in the borough, a fantastic achievement reflecting their hard work and dedication. Well done to all athletes!
YEAR 7&8 FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT
Students play competitively with each other with the goal to win
During Healthy Schools Week, the football tournament was a great success, bringing together enthusiastic Year 7 and Year 8 teams in a competitive and exciting event. Students showcased their skills, teamwork, and passion for the sport, making for a thrilling competition.
A standout story was a determined Year 7 team that defied expectations, fighting their way to the final against a strong Year 8 side. The match was intense, with both teams giving their all, but the Year 8s narrowly secured a 1-0 victory. Despite the result, the Year 7s impressed everyone with their resilience and teamwork.
The tournament was more than just a competition—it was a celebration of school spirit, sportsmanship, and a shared love for the game. Players left the field proud of their efforts and eager for the next challenge.
ROYAL ACADEMY OF ARTS
YOUNG ARTISTS
SUMMER SHOW 2025
We are thrilled to announce that our Year 8 sculpture piece, Untitled 2, has been officially submitted for the prestigious Royal Academy of Arts Young Artists’ Summer Show 2025. This remarkable collaborative artwork, created using a combination of mulch, wire, and cardboard, explores the theme of identity through movement, capturing the dynamic and everevolving nature of self-expression. The piece also reflects the inclusive, multicultural, and diverse spirit of our school community, celebrating the strength that comes from unity and shared creativity.
Last year, our Year 9 sculpture, Untitled, which drew inspiration from the favelas of Brazil, earned the
Year 8 students enter the Young Artists Summer Show 2025
prestigious Creative Collaboration prize. This achievement was a testament to the ingenuity, teamwork, and artistic excellence of our students, and we hope to build on that success this year.
As we eagerly await the results, we extend our congratulations to the Year 8 students who contributed their time, effort, and creativity to Untitled 2. Their passion for art and dedication to their craft truly shine through in this powerful piece. Fingers crossed for this year’s competition—we can’t wait to see what happens next!
RESOURCE PROVISION RECYCLYING
RP students have officially launched their exciting school-wide recycling project, taking an important step toward promoting environmental responsibility within the school community. As part of this initiative, students have been actively distributing paper and plastic recycling bins to staff members who requested them, ensuring that classrooms and offices are equipped to reduce waste effectively.
Dressed in their distinctive Environment Wardens uniforms, the students took great pride in their
Students involved in a mock trial, learning the world of the UK legal system
As part of National Careers Week, Year 7 students visited the Royal Courts of Justice for a mock trial on knife crime. They were captivated by the building and excited to use a real courtroom.
Taking on roles like judge, jury, and lawyers, they reached a not guilty verdict—only to learn the real defendant was guilty! Lively debates, especially among the jury, made it an engaging and insightful
Encouraging our school to be more sustainable by collecting recycling around the school roles, demonstrating leadership, teamwork, and a commitment to sustainability. Their enthusiasm and dedication were evident as they explained the importance of proper recycling practices and encouraged others to participate.
ROYAL COURTS OF JUSTICE VISIT
experience. A fantastic day was had by all!
RESOURCE PROVISIONCANOEING
Our RP students recently had an unforgettable experience as they took to the water for a funfilled canoeing session. With the guidance of expert instructors, they learned the basics of the sport, from paddling techniques to water safety, building both confidence and coordination along the way.
The excitement and determination were undeniable. Laughter and teamwork filled the air as students encouraged one another, embracing the challenge with enthusiasm. The session not only introduced them
RP
students entering new environments and enjoying the café experience
RP students enjoyed a wonderful visit to Valentine’s Café, where they practiced ordering food and experienced the joy of dining out together. For many, this was an exciting opportunity to build confidence in a real-world setting, from reading the menu to interacting with staff. It was a chance to develop independence, social skills, and self-assurance.
RP students having fun canoeing and learning the skill of canoeing
to a new sport but also fostered resilience, independence, and a sense of achievement.
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S
MONTH AT LIS
Article written by a Year 8 student,
Kavinaya
Karate is a challenging skill to master, but Sensei Janice helped us understand its true purpose and significance. She made every movement look effortless, which drew us in even more and sparked our curiosity.
Before we began, Sensei Janice emphasized that Karate should only be used for self-defense, never as a means of attack. We were especially fascinated by the Japanese names for each move and the punches we practiced during our first session.
To warm up, we split into two teams, with gloves placed on opposite sides of the dance studio. At the sound of the whistle, we had to throw the gloves to the other side as quickly as possible. When time was up, the
team with the fewest gloves on their side won. The game was exciting, fast-paced, and a great way to get our energy flowing!
Throughout our lessons, we focused on correct posture and some basic techniques, learning how to channel our strength effectively. It was such a fun experience, and we could really feel ourselves improving as the session progressed. Karate is not just about fighting—it’s about discipline, confidence, and selfimprovement.
We really hope more students express an interest in Karate so that we can turn this martial arts session into a regular Club here at school! The more members we have, the more we can learn, practice, and enjoy the benefits of Karate together. If you’re looking for a fun and exciting way to stay active while learning something new, Karate is definitely worth trying!
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S MONTH ACTIVITIES
This March, our school proudly celebrated International Women’s Month with a series of activities designed to empower and uplift our young women. From candle painting to karate, girls’ football, and more, we created a space where everyone felt comfortable, confident, and supported. These events encouraged self-expression, strength, and teamwork, reminding us of the importance of unity and resilience.
Workshops and discussions allowed students to share their experiences and inspire one another. Seeing so many young women embrace new challenges was truly inspiring. By fostering a supportive environment, we continue to encourage confidence and ambition.
Celebrating International Women’s Month
ENGLISH HPA SESSION WITH SUSMITA BHATTACHARYA
Our students had the incredible opportunity to learn from acclaimed writer Susmita Bhattacharya. Alongside sharing her journey as an author, she provided valuable insights into exam techniques to help students secure Grades 7-9. Susmita guided them on how to analyse texts critically, craft sophisticated responses, and enhance their creative writing by developing original ideas with precision—key skills for top grades. Students found her practical tips immensely useful, and their engagement was outstanding!
Year
11’s receiving insights from an experienced examiner
We were incredibly fortunate to have Jane Bilham, an experienced examiner with 20 years in the field, working with the students. She shared fantastic insights and high-quality resources, which really helped them sharpen their responses to LP1 Q3, Q4 and LP2 Q2, Q4—areas we’ve been targeting as a department. We had 55 students give up their Saturday to be there, which really speaks to their commitment and the value they see in these sessions.
Learning from professionals to prepare Year 11’s for their GCSE’s
A huge well done to our students for their enthusiasm and effort.
ENGLISH HPA SESSION WITH JANE BILHAM
YEAR 10 WOW DAY
Year 10 students had a wonderful opportunity to take part in World of Work (WOW) day. Students took part in a variety of activities throughout the day which helped develop their skills in preparation for work experience, the world of work and life after school. Students got to work on their employability and team building skills through activities designed to challenge them, and also learnt how to write their CVs.
The day was facilitated by East London Business Alliance and a fantastic team of volunteers from Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation – SMBC Group who
Year 10s going out to work and learning first-hand
Year 10 students recently took part in work experience. In preparation students took part in interview skill preparation ahead of their work experience interview. Work experience gave students the opportunity to gain an insight into the world of work, develop workplace skills and build their confidence. It offered our students’ a well-rounded opportunity to develop essential life skills, explore future career paths, and gain an
Year 10 students working with professionals and learning the world of work
students had the privilege of working with to learn more about what a job in finance would be like. Students came away from the day feeling inspired and better prepared for their upcoming work experience.
YEAR 10 WORK EXPERIENCE
early advantage in their professional journeys. It is an experience that provides both personal growth and practical benefits to our students’ future education and career decisions. We have had outstanding feedback from employers and a number of students who have received job offers. We are incredibly proud of the year group.
TFL PIONEERS PROJECT A HEALTHIER, GREENER FUTURE FOR OUR SCHOOL
Healthy Schools Newsletter 2025
We are excited to introduce the TfL Pioneers Project, an initiative aimed at transforming the way we travel to and from school. Our mission is simple yet impactful: reduce the use of cars and buses in favour of more active, sustainable methods like walking, cycling, and scooting. This initiative is not just about improving daily commutes; it’s about making a lasting difference for our community and our planet.
• Reduced physical activity, impacting student fitness and well-being.
Our Action Plan
To address these challenges, we are encouraging students, parents, and staff to adopt more active travel options. Here’s how we plan to tackle these issues:
• Walk to School Weeks: Designated weeks where students and staff commit to walking or cycling.
• Bike Storage: Enhanced facilities to make cycling a more convenient option.
• Step Count Challenge: Tracking our step count using Phone Health App
• Educational Assemblies: Sessions to raise awareness about climate change, emissions, and the health benefits of active travel.
Why This Matters
By reducing car and bus use, we can significantly cut emissions, improve local air quality, and enhance the health of our students. Walking or cycling to school can also boost concentration, energy levels, and overall fitness. Together, we can create a healthier, safer, and more sustainable environment for our children.
How You Can Help
We invite all parents and students to join us in this movement. Whether it’s walking once a week, cycling instead of taking the bus, or simply spreading the word, every small effort counts! Let’s work together to make our school a pioneer in sustainable travel.
Thank you for your support in making this initiative a success.
Let’s step up, take action, and pave the way for a brighter, healthier future!
Our next upcoming event: 9th-13th June Little Ilford - Walk & Bike to School Week and Healthy Eating Week our aim is to promote physical activity, reduce vehicle emissions and help the environment.
We hope everyone will get involved in the activities, competitions and challenges and do what they can to help the environment.
Many people making small changes to the way they live can have a big impact!
