Headteacher introduction Headteacher introduction to SBS News Summer to SBS News Summer 2024 2024
We are at the end of another successful school year and what a great year it has been!
Sarah Bonnell students are ambitious, kind and hard working and this edition of the school newsletter shines a well deserved spotlight on all their many endeavours and achievements.
I wish you all a safe, restful and enjoyable summer break and look forward to seeing all our students back in school on Tuesday 3 September 2024 Every Year Group has a different start and finish time on this first day of term. Thank you for your ongoing support and for being a part of our brilliant school community.
Ms Potter - Headteacher
ALUMNI EVENT 2024 ALUMNI EVENT 2024
Sarah Bonnell School is delighted to invite our esteemed alumni back for our annual Alumni Event, happening on Monday 15th of July. This cherished tradition brings together former students to celebrate their achievements, reconnect with old friends, and share their journeys since leaving school Key highlights of the event include:
Mini School Tour
Musical Performance
Networking Opportunities
Refreshments and Snacks
We are excited to welcome back our alumni and celebrate the enduring bonds that tie the Sarah Bonnell community together. This event is a testament to the strong and supportive network that our school has cultivated over the years
The annual Alumni Event at Sarah Bonnell School is a wonderful opportunity to reconnect, celebrate, and look forward to the future We are eager to hear your stories, celebrate your successes, and continue building the strong legacy of our alumni network.
SPORTS DAY 2024 SPORTS DAY 2024
A day full of great competition, loud and supportive encouragement throughout and outstanding teamwork was enjoyed by everyone at Sarah Bonnell during our annual Sports Day event which took place in the last week of June 2024 Blessed with good weather and a return to an outdoor venue – with thanks to our fellow trust school Eastlea Community School for accommodating us - students from Year groups 7/8/9/10 took part in a number of sporting activities and events ranging from Tug-of-War, Target Throwing to Sprint Races. There was also room for classic activities such as Egg-and-Spoon races, Hula-Hooping and Welly Throwing as well the new addition of Boccia
Students competed to earn points for their respective form groups and the final placings to decide the winning groups in each Year were still not decided as the final events took place. The day’s activities concluded with the first staging of the 100m Student Sprint Challenge which saw the individual Year group 100m winners line up against each other to determine the fastest sprinter in the school. Massive well done to the winner, Damarie Plange-Welbeck, representing Year 7!! This was soon followed by a staff 4x100m relay in which the A+I department took 1st place. Congratulations also go to those students who won gold/silver/bronze medals in their respective events
Special thanks to Mr Bentley and Mr Legarda for their excellent contribution as main announcer and DJ, the form tutors and Year teams for their amazing support, the Art Department for their fantastic work in producing a medal podium, the students for producing so many fantastic banners in support of their form groups, the staff supervising the first aid tent and those leading the many activities that took place throughout the day Finally, a special well done to the PE Department for all their hard work in preparing for and overseeing what turned out to be a memorable Sports Day.
ENHANACED LEARNING DAY 4 ENHANACED LEARNING DAY 4
Our fourth ELD took place on 23 April led by Ms Servini and our progress leaders. Students took part in a wide range of exciting and engaging workshops and educational visits on the day to broaden their horizons, develop creativity and leadership skills.
Year 7 focussed on STEAM week with some brilliant Maths Growth Mindset workshops and building rocket cars! We can’t wait to race them in July!
Year 8 had a fantastic day out at the Science Museum. Their behaviour and engagement was exemplary and we loved seeing our Year 8s shine during the challenge activities they completed while visiting the museum as well as the workshops they participated in.
Year 9 took part in a day of activities themed around ‘Express Yourself’ with a focus on Music and the creative curriculum. Students attended Rap Therapy workshops and even got to perform their own raps in front of the rest of the year group. They also had the opportunity to explore the impact of rap music and how it can be used for positive social change.
Year 10 spent the day completing activities linked to careers and business as part of ‘Boss Day’. Students came to school in professional dress and it was a fantastic opportunity for students to focus on their aspirations for the future ahead of their mock exams in June.
We would also like to congratulate Year 11 students for their hard work preparing for their World Languages speaking exams and the determination and resilience to ‘dare to be extraordinary’ on the day.
Thank you to all staff and students for their wonderful participation and hard work on the day. These days are truly a team effort where our SB spirit really comes to life!
It was marvelous to have the inaugural Sarah Bonnell School Pride event on Wednesday 3rd June 2024, celebrating National Pride Month. The event included speeches from inspirational people, wonderful student performances, and even the opportunity to make some pledges!
As part of the event, guest speakers from Diversity Role Models shared their experiences, and there was a panel for student and staff speakers to share their ideas with all of the assembled guests. The ADT team worked hard to ensure that fabulous creative work from students were shared, and special pride-themed canvas bags were created during the event itself. A range of students from across different year groups came along to express their support for equity, diversity and inclusion, and members of staff and governors alike signaled their support. We would like to thank everyone who attended, and put in plenty of effort to make this event such a success for the LGBTQ+ community and its allies.
Winner: Winner: Maram 10E Maram 10E
Runner-Up: Runner-Up: Umaymah 10R Umaymah 10R
AND THE REGIONAL AND THE REGIONAL FINALS FOR NEWHAM FINALS FOR NEWHAM
Runner-Up: Runner-Up: Ariana 10N Ariana 10N
On one of our Enhanced Learning Days (ELD), the entire Year 10 cohort participated in an intensive training session on the art of public speaking. The training, delivered by Speakers Trust, provided students with invaluable skills and confidence through an engaging Speak Out workshop
From this session, nine outstanding students advanced to the assembly finals, showcasing their talents before a panel of judges at Sarah Bonnell. The competition was fierce, but Maram emerged victorious, earning the honour of representing SB at the regional finals at St Angela's.
Maram's fantastic performance led to a remarkable victory at the Newham Regional finals.
We're thrilled to announce that Sarah Bonnell will now be hosting the Regional finals in 2025! Watch this space as Maram MC’s the event!
Congratulations to all Year 10 students for their dedication and enthusiasm, and special congratulations to Maram for her outstanding achievement.
As part of her achievement Maram won a trophy, gift voucher and a chance to go to Cambridge University in the Autumn term with other Speak Out Regional Champions. She also has an opportunity for further public speaking training, a one day “Speak Up! Speak Out!” Level 2 course Finally access to an event at a high-profile venue where she can experience the power of voice to shape society and make history. Well done Maram.
Hurley 10S Hurley 10S Sahreen 10A Sahreen 10A Sofia 10B Sofia 10B
Tanisha 10D Tanisha 10D Imane 10H Imane 10H Amiya 10L Amiya 10L
GREENHOUSE SPORTS GREENHOUSE SPORTS
Our programme at Sarah Bonnell continues to go from strength to strength We won the LTA Regional School of the Year Award and lost out to another school in the LTA National School of the Year where I attended an event at the National Tennis Centre in Roehampton where I spoke to and saw public figures such as The Duchess of Gloucester and Trevor McDonald We started this programme with broken nets, sponge balls and numerous barriers To have reached these heights in such a short space of time is a monumental achievement and is a reflection of all of our hard work
Our Sports Give Back Award film was played on the Centre Court at the Cinch Championships which we saw when we attended the tournament with six students
I appeared on BBC World Service with a Year 11 student to speak about the impact of the programme and was also interviewed on BBC London Radio whilst at Wimbledon
We also took 10 students to a workshop with Goldman Sachs, 20 Year 11’s to Thorpe Park, participated in a tennis tournament at Bancroft’s School, and hosted our annual Tennis Awards at Sarah Bonnell
SHORT STORY COMPETITION SHORT STORY COMPETITION
Sarah Bonnell hosted a Short Story Competition from 18th June – 1st July in which many of our students showcased their incredible talents and imagination. It was a wonderful experience for students and a fantastic opportunity for them to express themselves and allow their creativity to flow effortlessly
Students were given a wide range of prompts to choose from through which they were able to experiment with different themes, concepts and test new ideas, allowing them to demonstrate their writing skills The aim of this competition was to encourage students to find their voice, inspire them and lift their confidence It was about making them feel seen and heard and provide them with a sense of accomplishment.
Stories have always been a way for humans to connect with one another and for our students, the joy of creating their own story, displaying it and sharing it with their peers and teachers evoked a deep sense of pride Following the competition, the stories were bound together into anthologies and some of our students got involved to illustrate the most gorgeous and vibrant covers We are so incredibly proud of all the writers and illustrators who took part in this com or all to enjoy!
SEASON IS CLOSED DEBATE SEASON IS CLOSED
End of Debate Mate 2023-2024
As the academic year draws to a close, we bid farewell to Debate Mate 20232024. This season has been filled with vigorous debates, insightful arguments, and remarkable teamwork A big round of applause for everyone's hard work!
The UDL finals competition was fierce, showcasing an incredible performance by our Year 10 debaters Despite a close match, we didn't clinch the title this year. The judges commended our team for their progress and were hugely impressed with their style
Looking ahead, Debate Mate 2024-25 application forms will be sent out in the new academic year. Keep an eye out for them, as we are only accepting 30 students next year!
YEAR 10 DEBATE CUP 2024 YEAR 10 DEBATE CUP 2024
SARAH BONNELL SHINES AT NATIONAL DEBATE CUP SARAH BONNELL SHINES AT NATIONAL DEBATE CUP
On the 17th of April, Our year 10 debate team attended the National Debate Cup competition and won all rounds, securing an impressive 3rd place in the whole region. How incredible! The results were exceptionally close, with our team just 2 points away from competing in the regional finals for the coveted cup!
This achievement highlights the tremendous progress our debate team has made this year. From rigorous practice sessions to intense competitions, their dedication and hard work have truly paid off A huge congratulations to our SB debate team for delivering outstanding performances at each stage and demonstrating exceptional skill and poise We are incredibly proud of how far they have come and look forward to even greater successes in the future as their journey on debate mate core programme ends this year!
UDL NOVICE - NOVICE DEBATE TEAM UDL NOVICE - NOVICE DEBATE TEAM REACHES TOP 16 IN LONDON LEAGUES! REACHES TOP 16 IN LONDON LEAGUES!
Our Novice Debate Team has made remarkable progress this year, successfully navigating through all their debates to secure a spot in the top 16 of the London Leagues. Their hard work, determination, and outstanding performances have earned them a well-deserved invitation to compete in the final competition at Imperial College for the League Cup. We wish our team all the best as they prepare for this exciting challenge Everyone needs to watch this space, as a new team is coming, ready to make their mark and continue our proud tradition of debate excellence!
MATHS FEAST MATHS FEAST
ASMP AT UCL ASMP AT UCL
The UCL Maths Feast competition was a fan students. This event brilliantly tested student a diverse array of mathematical challenges. Organised in teams of four, students faced o against schools from across London, making an exhilarating and competitive atmosphere The problems presented were both engaging thought-provoking, covering various areas of mathematics from algebra to geometry and lo puzzles It was truly an all-you-can-eat feast maths challenges that kept our Year 10’s on toes throughout the day.
The collaborative aspect of the competition was a highlight, as it required effective communication and teamwork to succeed The event was not only a test of individual skill but also a measure of how well students could work together under pressure.
Overall, the UCL Maths Feast was an intellectually stimulating and fun-filled event that provided a great platform for young maths enthusiasts to showcase their talents and connect with peers from different schools It was a memorable day that left students and staff feeling inspired and motivated to pursue further mathematical endeavours
Aisha 10D, Sara 10B, Musfirah 10N, Munzarin 10H, Umaymah 10R, Zakiya 10H and Barika 10A all represented SB well in the competition and went on to score huge points in the competition.
MATHLETE COMPETITION AT MATHLETE COMPETITION AT MONOUX COLLEGE MONOUX COLLEGE
The Mathlete competition hosted by Monoux College was a fantastic opportunity for students in Year 10 to compete against other schools within the local area. The College hosted a Master class, exposing students to Alevel style questions followed by a competition whereby students were asked to tackle a variety of problems under timed conditions The students worked fantastically together as a team to effectively answer all the questions and teachers who accompanied the students were very impressed by the girls' efforts and engagement.
The students won 1st place and achieved full marks in all questions making Sarah Bonnell hold the winning title for two consecutive years!
The Medical Activity Day session was a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the field of Medicine and the pathways to enter it. Not only did we get an insight into what it's like to pursue a university course in Medicine, but we also experienced a taste of the academic environment
Throughout the day, we engaged in various activities led by Medical students currently studying at King’s College London (a Russell Group university). For instance, we participated in a ‘Guess the Condition’ game, which introduced us to the diagnostic process doctors use to identify conditions. During the game, we had to apply our previous knowledge and the information provided by the medical students to determine the patient's condition.
Following this, the medical students taught us essential emergency skills, such as CPR and the recovery position. This segment was both enjoyable and educational, imparting lifelong skills
Lastly, the medical students explained the functions of the multidisciplinary team (MDT). We learned in detail about the different teams and the specific doctors involved in making a diagnosis.
Overall, this session was an invaluable opportunity to explore the field we are interested in and was a thoroughly enjoyable experience
Amiya Glockling - Head Girl
SB BOOK FAIR 2024 SB BOOK FAIR 2024
Sarah Bonnell hosted a week-long Book Fair between 16th - 23rd May It was incredibly delightful and heart-warming to see so many students get involved and be a part of the fair. We had a tremendous collection of the newest and best books from over 60 publishers, including many exclusive titles. In addition to these books, we had other bookish goodies and bookmarks of different patterns, designs and colours on display. The students were beyond thrilled to be given an opportunity to choose their own reading and decide what fictional worlds they want to travel to. The atmosphere in the Learning Hub throughout the week was vibrant and highspirited and there was a real sense of community amongst the staff and students It was a wonderful, wholesome way for students to socialise and make new friends as they discussed and shared their passions and interests.
The Book Fair offered our students more than just access to books, they exposed them to various cultures, allowed them to connect with their favourite authors whilst also introducing them to some new ones. It further encouraged them to explore a wide range of genres and stories We managed to raise a great deal throughout the week which will allow us to enhance the Learning hub by introducing fresh concepts and ideas and stories of great new adventures!
Y10 Art, Textiles, 3D Design and Photography students visited the Barbican or the Tate Modern in May to inspire their new projects!
They were amazed by the textile work in the ‘Unravel: The Power and Politics of Textiles in Art ’ at the Barbican Art Gallery. Students saw 50 international, intergenerational artists using textiles to communicate vital ideas about power, resistance and survival. From intimate hand-crafted pieces to monumental sculptural installations, these works offered narratives of imperialism and exclusion alongside stories of resilience, love and hope.
On display at the Tate Modern were paintings, photographs, sculptures and large-scale installations from artists around the world including Pablo Picasso, Yayoi Kusama and Henri Matisse. Students explored the iconic Turbine Hall alongside the underground Tanks, a striking space dedicated to live performances and video.
NCL POETRY BY HEART NCL POETRY BY HEART
Following the successful Sarah Bonnell Poetry by Heart Finals in the winter term, we took our phenomenal finalists,Angela Tang (8R), Emmeline Rhodes(8R) and Chanelle McGeary (8A), to compete in the NCL Poetry by Heart Competition!
It was fantastic to see such a wide range of students from all our schools participating in the competition. The atmosphere was electric, filled with passion and a love for poetry.
We were incredibly proud of Chanelle’s powerful performance of "Harriet Tubman" and captivating delivery of "Full Fathom Five" and we could not stop smiling as we watched Emmeline and Angela’s humorous rendition of "Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs” All students showcased exceptional talent and a deep understanding of their chosen poems.
While they didn't take home the overall NCL crown this year, they won second and third place and Chanelle won ‘Best in the Country’ in the overall Poetry by Heart National competition!
YEAR 9 TYCOONS SUMMER FAIR YEAR 9 TYCOONS SUMMER FAIR
Sarah Bonnell School's Year 9 students recently showcased their entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen at the annual Tycoons in Business Summer Fair. With a loan of £50 provided by the Business Department, students developed and sold a variety of products, transforming the fair into a vibrant marketplace and an invaluable learning experience
Each business class received a £50 loan, which they used to kickstart their business ventures This loan money was crucial in teaching students about initial capital investment, budgeting, and financial planning. Students were tasked with:
Market Research: Identifying popular products and potential gaps in the market to cater to their target audience effectively.
Product Development: Designing and creating innovative products that would attract customers and stand out at the fair
Budgeting: Managing their loan to cover costs of materials, production, and marketing while aiming to generate a profit
The Summer Fair was a culmination of weeks of hard work and preparation. Stalls were filled with an array of creative and enticing products, ranging from handmade crafts and delicious baked goods to eco-friendly items and unique accessories
The Tycoons in Business Summer Fair has proven to be an enriching and empowering experience for our Year 9 students. By turning a £50 loan into a profitable business, students have gained invaluable insights and skills that will serve them well in their future academic and professional endeavours.
SKATERS SKATERS
RDING ENRICHMENT RDING ENRICHMENT
As part of our commitment to provide students with exciting new opportunities in and outside of the classroom, we launched our new skateboarding enrichment SB Skaters. The enrichment was extremely popular with over 60 students signing up for 20 places! During the sessions, students learnt a range of new skills as well as getting to know different students from across the school and having lots of fun. The club has been a fantastic way to get active, build resilience and determination to succeed! As the enrichment has been so popular, we hope to run some more sessions again in September
Here is what some students had to say about SB Skaters:
“SB Skaters new enrichment programme is an extracurricular activity, ran by the School of Skate. To those who may wish to learn how to skateboard, this opportunity is perfect for you! This programme provides students with a wide range of different opportunities to learn new skills beyond the classroom. It will allow students to explore their interests, to experience various adventures, evolve their confidence and develop their leadership skills.
Falling over a typical part of skateboarding, but it's just half the fun. Skateboarding is shown to reduce stress, increases trust and provides escapism. Furthermore, it promotes creativity and freethinking.”
~ Kelly, 7D
“Before joining it, I believed skateboarding was hard and that I wouldn't be good at it. After joining, I was beginning to become confident. I think skateboarding club is an amazing extra curricular because of how fun it is.”
~ Asli, 8B
In an innovative approach to exam preparation, Sarah Bonnell School's Year 11 GCSE Business students recently attended a Grade Booster Workshop at Vue Cinema. This unique event was designed to help students maximise their potential and increase their confidence in exam preparation
The Grade Booster Workshop at Vue Cinema exemplifies Sarah Bonnell School's commitment to providing our students with innovative and effective learning opportunities By taking learning outside the traditional classroom setting, we aim to inspire and motivate our students to achieve their best. We continue to seek out creative and impactful ways to support our students' academic journeys, ensuring they are well-prepared for their future endeavours.
RESEARCHERS RESEARCHERS
At Sarah Bonnell School, we are committed to fostering a learning environment that goes beyond the classroom, providing our students with real-world experiences that inspire and prepare them for the future. We are dedicated to providing our students with unique opportunities to engage with leading experts in various fields Recently, some of our Year 10 scholarship and apprenticeship students had an extraordinary experience participating in an MRI scanning workshop and recording a Women in Tech podcast with renowned professors and researchers from Oxford University The MRI scanning workshop offered our students a rare glimpse into the fascinating world of medical imaging and neuroscience. Led by esteemed Oxford professors and researchers
Following the MRI workshop, our Year 10 students engaged in a thought-provoking Women in Tech podcast recording session. This opportunity was designed to inspire and encourage more young women to consider careers in technology These enriching experiences have had a significant impact on our Year 10 students, broadening their horizons and sparking new interests in science and technology.
We are incredibly proud of our Year 10 students for their enthusiasm and engagement in these cutting-edge workshops and podcast recordings. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Oxford professors and researchers for their time, knowledge, and mentorship. This collaboration has not only enriched our students' learning but also underscored the importance of bridging education with industry expertise.
Stay tuned for the upcoming podcast episode featuring our brilliant students and the incredible women in tech who are paving the way for the next generation
JACK PETCHEY MAYOR JACK PETCHEY MAYOR OF LONDON COUNT ON US OF LONDON COUNT ON US CHALLENGE CHALLENGE
On the 9th of May, five year 8 students were selected to take part in the Jack Petchey's Count on Us Heats Challenge after winning first place in the school tournament. The competition was fierce as they competed against 12 other schools across London in a range of activities from probability to algebra. Despite having a short period of time to practice some of the games, the girls had a wonderful time, enjoyed themselves and even won some of the rounds! Overall, they achieved 7th place out of the 12 schools and we are proud of their accomplishment!
Spanish Visit to
the National Gallery and Spanish Visit to the National Gallery and Queen’s College London Queen’s College London
Spanish Visit to The National Gallery and Queen's College London in the Summer Term by Makhsurat and Liyana:
The trip to Queen’s College London and the National Gallery was really fun as we got to answer a series of questions and write our own Spanish descriptions of some paintings in the Gallery. My Partner from Queen’s College whose name was Lisa was really friendly to me One particular painting which was called San Francisco really captivated me as the Day of Saint Francis (San Francisco in Spanish!) is a catholic celebration celebrated on the 4th of October: My Birthday! We had a lovely lunch in a lovely square in the centre of London. It was a hot and tiring day but the experience was amazing.
~ Hanifa 9H
After we had lunch, we went to Queen’s college London, and worked with our partners in their classrooms. We worked in groups and made a description piece which was going to get recorded later Whilst we were there my partner told me that Queen’s College was four Victorian houses together, which explained why it was so fancy! Queen’s College has been teaching girls since 1848 in the heart of London
~ Liyana 9H
Sarah Bonnell School’s Year 11 GCSE Computer Science students recently participated in an intensive Booster Revision Session in collaboration with Isaac Newton Learning This event was designed to help students sharpen their skills, deepen their understanding, and boost their confidence as they prepare for their upcoming exams.
The Booster Revision Session provided targeted support to our Year 11 students, focusing on key areas of the GCSE Computer Science curriculum. The session included:
In-Depth Topic Coverage
Exam Techniques
Interactive Learning
The Year 11 GCSE Computer Science Booster Revision Session was a resounding success, equipping our students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to excel in their exams We are proud of our students’ dedication and hard work, and we remain committed to offering innovative and effective support to help them achieve their academic goals.
CITIZENS UK YOUTH SAFETY CHAMPIONS CITIZENS UK YOUTH SAFETY CHAMPIONS
This half term we continued our commitment to working alongside Citizens UK and recruited our new cohort of Youth Safety Champions from years 8 and 9 who completed their training with our governor, Caroline Verdant.
Our current Youth Safety
acy behind them and have done so much work to help ma ork with TFL to improve bus journeys for young peopl ir work to make positive change for all.
“The training that I did wit
mined to be a good influence on other students. During my d developed a new sense of belonging somewhere wh expand my friendship circle and made me develop my confidence in one to one conversations with other students.
She also assisted me with the five steps on making a great team and how a project is supposed to be carried out The way she expresses her thoughts and makes everyone feel comfortable within their own bubble made me more confident in my responses to some of her questions or adding my own comments.
Now that I am a part of the youth safety champions in the future I aspire to be a part of many team projects and be involved for the many upcoming school trips for youth safety As for next year I hope to still be improving and developing my social skills and boosting my self-esteem as being a part of a program that makes me expand my network and meet new people.
In year nine I hope many of my targets are met that I set for myself during my time in year eight which may change over time as Caroline's support in my future can enable me to reconsider some things about myself.
As for next year, when I am going to continue to attend multiple youth safety meetings I hope that our hard work and resilience pays off as the future generation can take over our work and expand it to make the life of other students easier and ensure that every student feels comfortable and safe when travelling. I also wish that some of the rules and regulations can be changed to make public transport more fair.”
~ Mariam 8N
KPMG DRAGONS DEN YEAR 9 KPMG DRAGONS DEN YEAR 9
Year 9 students had the extraordinary opportunity to present their business ideas at the prestigious offices of KPMG. As part of the Tycoons in Business program, our young CEOs showcased their entrepreneurial projects, demonstrating their creativity, and confidence in front of industry professionals
The Tycoons in Business program is a dynamic initiative designed to introduce students to the world of business and entrepreneurship. Each class received a £50 loan from the Business Department to develop, market, and sell their products at the school’s Summer Fair
In preparation for their presentations, the Year 9 students engaged in extensive planning and practice sessions. They refined their business plans, honed their public speaking skills, and developed professional presentations
The presentation event at KPMG was a milestone experience for our young entrepreneurs. Held in one of KPMG's state-of-the-art conference rooms, the students presented their business ideas to a panel of KPMG executives and employees.
The Year 9 Tycoons in Business CEOs' presentations at KPMG were a resounding success, showcasing the talents and potential of our young entrepreneurs This experience not only validated their hard work but also opened doors to future opportunities in the business world. We extend our deepest thanks to KPMG for their support and encouragement, and we look forward to many more successful collaborations that empower our students to achieve
BIG BRAIN ESCAPE ROOM BIG BRAIN ESCAPE ROOM
The neuro-MRI escape room experience is a touring interactive adventure that immerses students in the fascinating world of brain science The escape room combines fun and education, challenging participants to solve puzzles and complete tasks using their problemsolving skills and scientific knowledge.
Sarah Bonnell School was chosen by the University of Oxford to host this innovative educational experience, highlighting our commitment to providing unique and enriching learning opportunities for our students.
We believe it will inspire many of our students to pursue further studies and careers in science and technology.
The University of Oxford's neuro-MRI themed escape room was one of the best highlights of the academic year at Sarah Bonnell School. We are proud to partner with such a prestigious institution to bring this unique educational opportunity to our students and community.
TRIP TO THE BLACK TRIP TO THE BLACK
CULTURAL ARCHIVES CULTURAL ARCHIVES ENRICHES LEARNING ON ENRICHES LEARNING ON WINDRUSH MIGRATION WINDRUSH MIGRATION
30 ks3 students embarked on an enlightening trip to the Black Cultural Archives in Brixton, London. This visit was
The Black Cultural Archives is the UK's only national heritage centre dedicated to collecting, preserving, and celebrating the histories of African and Caribbean people in Britain Our students had the opportunity to explore a rich collection of artefacts, photographs, and documents that brought the Windrush generation’s stories to life particularly significant for those currently completed their studies on the Windrush migration on the scholars programme for the Brilliant club.
During the visit, students engaged in interactive workshops and discussions, which deepened their understanding of the Windrush migration’s impact on British society. They learned firsthand about the
CULTURALLY CULTURALLY SPEAKING SPEAKING
WORKSHOPS WORKSHOPS
This trip was not just an educational experience but also an important step in fostering empathy and respect for diverse histories within our student community
“Seeing the personal stories and historical documents helped me appreciate the resilience and cultural richness of the Windrush generation ”
We are delighted to announce that following on from the educational visit to the Black Cultural Archives 30 students took part in The "Culturally Speaking programme!". During the session, our students engaged in an enriching mentoring workshop on public speaking, enhancing their communication skills and building their confidence. Our students found the experience both inspiring and empowering, gaining valuable insights into the importance of cultural heritage and effective communication.
The project will culminate in a TEDx-style showcase where participants will deliver their speeches onstage to an audience of hundreds, including cultural leaders and local decision-makers. This initiative by Speakers Trust aims to work with 2,400 young people over two years, fostering their confidence, resilience, social capital, and connection to culture.
Congratulations to the following students who were highly commended and showed so much potential from year 8 and year 9: Yasmin, Nabeeha, Annabelle, Jemima, Naomi, Aila, Juri, Keziah, Dannah. challenges and contributions of the Windrush pioneers, enhancing the classroom lessons with realworld context.
Our students have expressed how much they benefited from this workshop, noting an increase in their confidence and a greater appreciation for the power of their own voices. We eagerly await the showcase and look forward to seeing our students shine with their newfound skills Congratulations to all the students who took part and a big thank you to Speakers Trust for this incredible opportunity!
Some quotes from a few of our students:
“The trip to the Black Cultural Archives was eye-opening ”
UCL INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION UCL INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION
On Thursday 13th June, a group of Year 7 students had the opportunity to visit the UCL Institute of Education and participate in a selection of Theatre-in-education workshops led by PGCE student teachers at the university. Dr Theodora Bryer from the UCL Institute of Education commented that “it was such a pleasure to welcome the SB students and staff back to watch the Theatre in Education performances at UCL IOE again this year! The talented students didn’t just watch, of course - they joined in and really made the performances of Peter Pan and Orpheus and Eurydice something special.”
The workshops provided students with a platform to share their ideas about both narratives and showcase their marvellous drama skills. Throughout the workshops, students produced splendid practical work, demonstrating their fantastic capacity to generate drama and theatre within the stories, and their marvellous engagement and participation in the workshops was noted by both the student teachers and the university lecturers, too.
Dr Bryer also added that “We were bowled over by the students’ witty, articulate responses to the invitation to challenge Captain Hook and to put him on trial, and the dynamic physical theatre that they created to commemorate the tragic love story of Orpheus and Eurydice was particularly stunning. What a talented group of young people and thank you Sarah Bonnell for your continued support!”
We would like to thank the Year 7 Drama students for all of the work that they put in and the fantastic effort that they demonstrated throughout this event.
SCHOLARS PROGRAMME - SCHOLARS PROGRAMMESUMMER AND GRADUATION SUMMER AND GRADUATION
This summer, twelve of our talented Year 9 and 10 students were selected to participate in the prestigious Brilliant Club Scholars Programme These students demonstrated exceptional dedication and skill in their extended writing essays on the theme of ‘ STEM - Disease Detective: Finding Clues to Causality in Medical Research’ with all twelve performing remarkably well
Among the standout achievers were Yasmin Hedibi, Saima Hussain and Jannat Horaira Islam, who all obtained a 1:1 grade in their essays Their tutor commended them all on their achievements.
“You have consistently performed well throughout this course. You should be very proud of this grade as it shows performance at a very high level Well done!”
Students celebrated their hard work and achievements with a graduation ceremony at the UCL East Marshgate This small but significant ceremony honoured their dedication and outstanding performance. Hanifa was selected to be a spoke scholar where she read excerpts from her essay This was then followed by a tour of the campus and talks from university students about their studies and career pathways. Well done and congratulations to all who completed the course! Your hard work and achievements are truly commendable.
RIMZIM SHINES IN NATIONAL RIMZIM SHINES IN NATIONAL SCIENCE WRITING COMPETITION SCIENCE WRITING COMPETITION
At the beginning of 2024, the Association of British Science Writers (ABSW) invited students aged 14-16 years from non-selective state-funded schools in Glasgow, Cardiff, Birmingham, and the London Borough of Newham to submit 800-word essays. The competition aimed to get young people thinking and writing about big questions in science, technology, engineering, and maths, with a focus on how science impacts policy making and society.
We are thrilled to announce that our Year 10 Scholarship student, Rimzim Baser, entered the competition with her essay on "Gene Therapy and Its Impact on Society " Her insightful and well-crafted essay was highly commended by the judges, earning her a £100 prize and an invitation to a prestigious awards ceremony Rimzim’s essay, titled “GeneGenius,” stood out among over 150 submissions for its in-depth discussion of gene therapy and its societal implications. She will be attending the awards ceremony at the Royal Institution in London
The award was presented during this special celebration event, featuring talks from renowned science writers who will share their experiences, career journeys, and fascinating stories from their time as writers.
The ceremony took place in the historic Faraday Lecture Theatre, the home of science communication and the site of many ground-breaking scientific discoveries.
Congratulations to Rimzim for her outstanding achievement! We are incredibly proud of her and look forward to celebrating her success. Read Rimzim’s award winning essay here:
YEAR 9 DEBATERS AND SCHOLARSHIP STUDENTS ENGAGE IN YEAR 9 DEBATERS AND SCHOLARSHIP STUDENTS ENGAGE IN
Volunteers from Accenture visited Sarah Bonnell School to lead an engaging Climate Change Debate Challenge for our students
Now in its second year, this programme involved Year 9 students from the school's Debate Club, providing them with a valuable opportunity to hone their debating skills ahead of an upcoming cross-school competition
Students were divided into groups and assigned topics related to climate change, along with positions to argue either affirmative or negative With the help of Accenture volunteers, they crafted their arguments, preparing to debate against their peers. The volunteers also served as judges, evaluating the debates and selecting a winning group, who were celebrated with certifi t t b k d th i ti l
YEAR 7 SCHOLARSHIP CONFERENCE- CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE: YEAR 7 YEAR 7 SCHOLARSHIP CONFERENCE- CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE: YEAR 7 SCHOLARSHIP AND APPRENTICESHIP STUDENTS SCHOLARSHIP AND APPRENTICESHIP STUDENTS
We are proud to announce the launch of our very first year 7 Scholarship Conference Students came together to join the celebrations with their peers, dedicated to honouring the outstanding achievements of our Year 7 scholarship and apprenticeship students The event was a moment to reflect on their remarkable journeys over the past year.
The conference showcased achievements across academics, sports, arts, science and much more highlighting the hard work and dedication of our students. It also emphasised looking ahead to Year 8, encouraging all students to engage more in extracurricular activities and leadership roles across school and outside of school. Students shared their amazing achievements with each other and their next steps.
A special highlight was recognising 6 exceptional students, Anina, Amalya, Ayanna, Maysoon, Rhidima and Tawakul who have all excelled academically and actively participated in a wide range of in and out of school activities. They all hosted the conference, sharing their inspiring journeys and motivating their peers Each student received vouchers for their achievements and our Scholarship students of the year went to Anina who demonstrated the skills, knowledge and achievements of her hard work in Debate Mate and all the clubs she attends.
The Year 7 Annual Conference was a celebration of past successes and a look toward future possibilities
UCL - UCL
Congratulations to all our Year 7 scholarship and apprenticeship students on a fantastic year! We look forward to your continued growth and success
We are thrilled to announce that Sarah Bonnell School students recently led a series of interactive workshops for local primary feeder schools at UCL East. This initiative provided our students with an opportunity to showcase their leadership skills and inspire younger students through engaging, hands-on activities. Our students guided the primary school children in creating "inch worms" using Micro.
Introducing them to the basics of coding and robotics. Additionally, they presented their own bio-inspired projects, demonstrating innovative solutions and the potential of bio-inspired technology.
The primary students thoroughly enjoyed the sessions, actively participating and expressing excitement about the new concepts they learned. Our students excelled in their leadership roles, effectively teaching and mentoring the younger participants, fostering a collaborative and inspiring learning environment.
This initiative not only highlighted the creativity and dedication of our students but also showcased Sarah Bonnell School's commitment to community engagement and STEM education. We are incredibly proud of our students for their hard work and for setting a positive example for future innovators.
SCHOLARS PROGRAMME WITH BRILLIANT CLUB SCHOLARS PROGRAMME WITH BRILLIANT CLUB SPRING TERM: YEAR 7 AND 8 STUDENTS SHINE SPRING TERM: YEAR 7 AND 8 STUDENTS SHINE IN WINDRUSH MIGRATION PROGRAMME IN WINDRUSH MIGRATION PROGRAMME
In the spring term, fourteen keen year 8 and year 9 students participated in an enriching super-curricular programme with The Brilliant Club, focusing on the Windrush Migration Guided by a PhD tutor, the students explored the historical and cultural significance of the Windrush Generation, gaining insights beyond the standard curriculum.
The Brilliant Club's mission to bridge the gap between school and higher education was evident as students engaged in university-style learning and research. Weekly seminars facilitated by the PhD tutor encouraged critical thinking and a scholarly approach to the subject Through discussions, research, and analysis, students explored the socio-economic impacts and legacy of the Windrush Migration on contemporary British society. The culmination of their efforts was the completion of university-style essays, a first for many of the young scholars. These essays were assessed using university grading criteria, giving students a taste of academic rigour and expectations The results were impressive, reflecting the dedication and intellectual curiosity of the participants. Shout out to Maimuna Sangyang who achieved a distinction on her essay.
One student commented, "This programme has been an incredible experience I've learned so much about a vital part of history that I didn't know much about before. Writing the essay was challenging but rewarding, and receiving feedback was really helpful "
We congratulate all the students who participated in the Windrush Migration programme and thank the PhD tutor who guided them through this transformative educational experience
We look forward to seeing these young scholars continue to thrive and achieve great things in their academic journeys
Read Maimuna’s essay on the windrush migration by scanning or clicking the QR code
YEAR 11 GCSE COMPUTER SCIENCE BOOSTER
YEAR 11 GCSE COMPUTER SCIENCE BOOSTER REVISION REVISION
Sarah Bonnell School’s Year 11 GCSE Computer Science students recently participated in an intensive Booster Revision Session in collaboration with Isaac Newton Learning. This event was designed to help students sharpen their skills, deepen their understanding, and boost their confidence as they prepare for their upcoming exams.
The Booster Revision Session provided targeted support to our Year 11 students, focusing on key areas of the GCSE Computer Science curriculum. The session included:
In-Depth Topic Coverage
Exam Techniques
Interactive Learning
The Year 11 GCSE Computer Science Booster Revision Session was a resounding success, equipping our students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to excel in their exams. We are proud of our students’ dedication and hard work, and we remain committed to offering innovative and effective support to help them achieve their academic goals.
BIO ROBOTICS CLUB IN BIO ROBOTICS CLUB IN
WITH UCL- SB CONJUNCTION WITH UCL- SB STUDENTS INNOVATE WITH STUDENTS INNOVATE WITH OCEAN CLEAN-UP ROBOTS OCEAN CLEAN-UP ROBOTS
Since 2022, Sarah Bonnell School has been actively involved in an inspiring project to build robots designed to help clean up our oceans, tackling a critical UN global goal. Our students have shown remarkable dedication and creativity, drawing inspiration from animals and making educational visits to the London Zoo and the Grant Museum of Zoology.
With guidance from the UCL Computer Science team and a group of engineers, our students are now in the final stages of building their robots. The designs have been commended for their innovation and practicality, and we are eagerly anticipating the final product
This initiative is part of a larger project funded by the EPSRC's Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Public Engagement Champion award (£200,000) The funding supports the co-development, co-creation, delivery, and evaluation of public engagement activities aimed at engaging school students with STEM field including Computing, Coding, Maths, Mechanics, Biology, Physics, and Acoustic through the creation of Bio-Inspired Robotics
UCL Computer Science researchers are collaborating with teachers from loca schools and students aged 11-17 The project aims to:
Inspire: Encourage students to consider STEM subjects and careers. Transform: Use alternative learning spaces, such as the UCL Grant Museum of Zoology, and various learning techniques to engage students.
Influence: Measure the impact of these activities and use the information to plan future STEM engagement activities and create curriculum materials
Scan or click the QR to view the project designs created by the students.
We are incredibly proud of our students' achievements and look forward to seeing the final design of their ocean clean-up robots This project not only showcases their engineering skills but also their commitment to making a positive impact on the environment.
