SBS News
Winter Edition 2023
Inside this issue... Headteacher's Welcome / Black History Month Event / SB Alumni Event / ITV News / Open Evening / Greenhouse Tennis / An Evening of Gothic Tales / Online Safety School Award, Plus Much More...
Headteacher's Welcome Welcome to the Winter edition of the Sarah Bonnell News. This time of year gives us a great chance to reflect on the many things we have achieved together this term. We have a lot to celebrate and so, for a change, here are our successes shown in numbers: 1334 awesome students with great attitudes to their learning and personal growth
16,875 great lessons delivered by 84 specialist teachers and 32 skilled teaching assistants
Attendance has improved (getting closer to our pre-covid level) at 92.67%
15 inspiring Teaching and Learning briefings 10 mins sessions every Wednesday for all staff
35 practice GCSE examinations for Year 11 in the Exam Hall 1 new website successfully launched 2 wall art installations added to the wall in the SB Restaurant with motivational quotes from diverse role models
28 refurbished classroom with new windows, doors and technical equipment and furniture
827 Chromebooks refurbished, reprogrammed and ready to be allocated to students in Priority Groups
1 Head Girl, 4 Deputy Head Girls and 52 Prefects taking an active role in student leadership
4 members of the Strategic Leadership Team speaking at prestigious national conferences.
6 Students and 1 Assistant Head on ITV News promoting World Mental Health Day
8 experienced and dedicated governors attending school events and Local Board Meetings
1 newly appointed Poet Laureate who has written and performed 2 poems so far
2 Student Leadership Conferences to promote leadership skills and provide a forum for student voice
£1543 raised for our school in Cambodia as part of our United World Schools charity work
2 Extended Learning Days to enrich our curriculum and inspire our students
3 Parent Evening Meetings attended by 80% of our parents
226 Achievement Awards presented to 226 students in our Sister Achievement Assemblies
3 Community Events Celebration of Learning for Year 7, Black History Month Celebration, Gothic Tales
11 Early Career Teachers successfully mentored through the first term of their teaching
2 empowering staff training days which inspired, upskilled and developed our team
59 after-school clubs with a student footfall of 3533
£119 raised by students for humanitarian aid to Middle East
3 refurbished toilet blocks
80 amazing assemblies on Sisterhood, Black History Month, Anti-bullying week and more
78 students engaged in specialist tennis coaching from Greenhouse Coach Tom Sippy
17 educational visits involving 1128 students to galleries, museums, theatres and more
180 careers interviews,1 careers workshop linked to Black History month and 1 careers Insight Visit to Alvarez & Marsal
Well done to all our students and staff for making this a brilliant term. I hope you enjoy reading more about some of these achievements in this edition of the newsletter. Wishing everyone a peaceful and happy new year and Merry Christmas to all those in our community observing this Christian festival over the winter holidays. Ms Potter - Headteacher
BLACK HISTORY MONTH On November 1st, Sarah Bonnell hosted a dynamic Black History Month event, featuring our students' talents in poetry, art, drama, music, and catering. The evening was a testament to their dedication, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present. From powerful poetry to captivating drama and visually stunning art, our students brought Black British history plus experience to life. Musical performances added another layer of depth, celebrating the diversity of African heritage. Beyond the arts, a culinary feast delighted taste buds, showcasing our students' commitment to celebrating diversity.
We take pride in our students' hard work and dedication, and this successful event emphasizes the importance of recognizing and honoring the contributions of all individuals, regardless of background. Let's carry forward the spirit of unity, creativity, and appreciation for diversity throughout the year. Our gratitude goes to all students, teachers, and parents whose efforts made our Black History Month event a resounding success. Here's to fostering an environment where every achievement is celebrated, and diversity is cherished as a source of strength.
Greenhouse Tennis
Since September, we have had 80+ girls in the programme, most of whom are participating twice a week in P.E. sessions as well as clubs. This far exceeds the average number in a Greenhouse programme as does our average club attendance over Autumn/Winter which is 88.5%. 25 new Year 7s join the programme and 10 took part in a multi-school tournament in October. Each of them gained one win in either singles or doubles. We took 8 Year 11’s to a Tennis Leaders Coaching Course which provides them with official youth coaching certification to include on their personal statements. We have also started filming footage and interviews of the Year 11’s time with the programme. This will be edited into a short film. We also took 12 Year 11’s to the Copper Box Arena to watch Great Britain v Sweden which was their first experience of watching live tennis. The Year 8 Team have played two matches in the last month, with each of them gaining a win in either singles or doubles. The Year 10 Team competed against a school who have numerous advantages and have always beaten Sarah Bonnell. We played two singles, a doubles and won 21 overall. This result was unexpected, the best I’ve ever experienced with them, and the product of a huge amount of hard work from all involved with the programme. The Sarah Bonnell Greenhouse programme is the recipient of the ‘Sport For Development’ Award which will be presented on ITV next year at the Sport Gives Back Awards. This is an incredible achievement from all involved with the programme, and is a complete summation of the last three years.
Open Evening 2023 On 9 October, Sarah Bonnell School opened its doors to Year 5 and 6 students and their parents for its annual Open Evening. The visitors got the chance to experience the wonderful atmosphere at the school, with every Curriculum Area providing engaging activities, examples of students’ awesome work and student voice. Lots of visiting parents talked about how impressed they were with the school with many of them commenting on how happy and engaged our students were. The students and prefects who represented the school on the night were fantastic ambassadors, taking visitors on tours and talking with prospective students with such confidence and enthusiasm.
#SBAlumniEvent 17th July 2023 saw our Alumni reunite once more. We had a fantastic evening full of musical treats and networking for the SBonnell Alumni network. These events are always great to ensure we are constantly connecting with our community and Alumni students. There is always a great turn out with these events and we look forward to sharing memories and success stories with everyone in the Alumni community.
Digital Leaders deliver Safer Internet Day
This year we celebrated Safer Internet Day early. The theme was Inspiring Change, Making a difference, Managing Influence, and navigating change online. Our very own digital leaders developed and delivered these lessons to the year 7 cohort. Students were involved in a variety of activities such as looking at old tech through time, spheres of influence, and persuasive technology. A great day with many new ideas being shared with confidence.
Future First Film Awards Nomination
Future First's film 'Someone Like Me' which features students from Sarah Bonnell, has been nominated for a Charity Film Award! In order to get through to the next round, we need to get as many votes as possible. Voting is free, takes just a few moments.
Enhanced Learning Day 1 On 12 October we held our first Enhanced Learning Day of the Year with a range of activities to celebrate Black History Month. Year 7 spent the day at Greenwich learning about the transatlantic slave trade and then went to the cinema to watch the inspiring film Akeela and the Bee. The students said ADD QUOTE Year 8 had a successful day taking part in workshops led by professional actors on the Barber Shop Chronicles. Students engaged so well with the workshops and put on some incredible performances. Students worked hard to develop their theatrical skills by bringing specific extracts to life in small groups. The year team, the drama team, the professional actors as well as the students put in an incredible amount of work to make this day a success. Ms Temizsoy, Curriculum Leader of Drama Our ADT team led a day of incredible creative workshops ranging from caribbean cooking, screen printing and mural making for Year 9. The work that students produced was beautiful and we all enjoyed the wonderful aromas of caribbean spices drifting through the corridors during the day! Aa student commented: “I really enjoyed how diverse it was to challenge our critical thinking whilst being creative because of how rich it was on engagement.” A range of inspiring careers workshops were organised for Year 10 students who also had the opportunity to hear a fascinating lecture by Ms Oloyede on the science of afro hair. The lecture not only educated students on the science but addressed common misconceptions and prejudices surrounding afro hair. Year 11 students focussed on preparing for their unseen poetry assessments as well as participating in african, caribbean and latin american dance workshops. The day ended with a wonderful dance performance by the students and a fashion show where Ahmira and Rayan wore traditional dresses and talked about their history, cultural and personal significance. It was truly a magical moment where the theme of BHM ‘Saluting our Sisters’ really came to life. Enhanced Learning Days are a wonderful experience for students to enrich the curriculum and extend their learning and Ms Servini would like to thank all the staff who put so much hard work into making the day a success.
Online Safety School Award We are immensely proud to receive the National Online Safety Award 2023-2024. This achievement reflects our commitment to providing a safe and supportive online environment for our students. In an ever-evolving digital landscape, it is crucial for schools to take a proactive approach to online safety, and this award is a testament to our dedication to the well-being of our students in the digital age The focus remains on continuous improvement and innovation in online safety practices. The school looks forward to furthering its mission of preparing students to navigate the digital world with confidence, responsibility, and resilience.
Sarah Bonnell School recognised for its commitment to helping pupils stay safe online Sarah Bonnell School is now a National Online Safety Certified School
Parent online safety training & certification
As part of our ongoing commitment to fostering a safe and supportive online environment for our students, we are excited to announce the continuation of our Parent Online Safety Certification Course at Sarah Bonnell School.
In the previous academic year, we hosted several successful sessions where parents actively participated in the Online Safety Certification Course. We are proud to share that all attendees received certification, signifying their dedication to ensuring the online well-being of their children. This year, we are extending the opportunity for all parents and guardians to participate in this valuable course. The Parent Online Safety Certification Course covers essential topics such as: Recognising and addressing online threats Promoting responsible social media use Understanding the impact of online content on children Safeguarding personal information in the digital age If you are interested in taking part in this certification course, please scan the QR code provided. This will direct you to the online registration form. Kindly complete the form to express your interest and secure your spot in the course. We believe that a collaborative effort between the school and parents is crucial in creating a safe online environment for our students. Your involvement in this certification course not only enhances your own digital literacy but also strengthens our collective ability to guide and support our students in navigating the online world responsibly.
Maths Inspiration
In Maths students in year 11 attended The Cambridge Theatre to attend this year's Maths Inspiration interactive lecture. The Maths Inspiration lecture allowed students to experience the UK’s most inspiring maths speakers presenting mathematics live in context of exciting, realworld applications. Aoife Hunt’s session showcased ‘The Shape of Escape’ where she shared her expertise in her field of work as a maths consultant supporting big events such as Glastonbury, The o2 and Spurs football stadium solving problems such as the time it would take big crowds of people to leave an arena. Students engaged in an interactive experiment calculating speed, density and links to a quadratic graph. Ben Sparks session focussed on ‘The Sacred Geometry of Chance’ whereby he shared the maths behind probability and chance in games such as poker. He conducted an experiment with the audience focussed on the probability a random selection of people in the audience would share the same birthday with the same day and month. Steve Mould focussed on ‘Weird and Wonderful Maths’ engaging students on a series of maths problems and comparing the answers to AI generated results on chatGPT. Students were able to gain a greater insight on the drawbacks of relying on AI as often the results can be inaccurate. Overall students were able to develop their mathematical skills in Geometry, Number and probability through real life problems.
ITV News (mental health) On Tuesday 10 October 2023, we promoted World Mental Health Day at Sarah Bonnell School by collaborating with the Chartered College of Teaching and ITV’s ‘Britain Get Talking’ Campaign. Ms Bibi and some Year 11 prefects were interviewed by ITV Regional News to discuss the work Sarah Bonnell School does to support the wellbeing of young people every day. On the day, all students were set ITV’s National homework during form time which encouraged students to talk to their families at home about their mental health. Ms Bibi and Ms Oloyede also led assemblies which promoted positive mental wellbeing, shared strategies and reminded students of who they can speak to at school.
Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé Visit I attended the Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé author talk and creative writing workshop organised by Ms Kaur. To be honest it was one of the most amazing experiences I have had at Sarah Bonnell School! It was so much fun hearing about the journey of Faridah and how she wrote her book and what gives her inspiration to write. One of the things that made hearing from her so great was that she had read most of the books we had and knew what reading was like from our point of view. It felt like, for me, that I was talking to someone my age or talking to a friend about a book I read. Personally I love Alice Oseman. She is my favourite writer and to have Faridah talk about her to me felt amazing because she was somebody in the writing industry and they were on, this may sound a bit strange, the same level of cool writer-ness. I especially really loved it when she explained how she got inspiration for her books and we found that watching TV shows and reading books and combining them in her head to create new stories. So she took themes of Wednesday and Mean Girls and created an idea for a book. I am dyslexic and you should have seen the joy and surprise on my face when I found out that she is too! I have only ever seen authors writing about dyslexic characters such as Rick Riordan, who wrote Percy Jackson. It was so inspirational seeing a person who was fulfilling their purpose in life no matter what stands in their way and that will forever leave a mark on me and help me fulfil my purpose in life. I am so excited to read Ace of Spades. It seems like a really fun and interesting read! Thank you Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé for coming to my school. I will forever be inspired by you. India, 9A
Debate Mate Mentoring Exciting News! Our Debate Mate Mentoring Programme is officially underway, and the response from students has been overwhelming, with a flood of requests to join. Currently operating at full capacity, we're thrilled to witness such enthusiasm. The eagerly anticipated UDL Round 1 is set to kick off in the upcoming year. The question on everyone's mind: Can our new teams maintain Sarah Bonnell's impressive standing on the leaderboard? The anticipation is palpable, and we invite you to stay tuned as three of our teams go head-to-head with schools across England. They'll be vying for the coveted top 16 spots in the league tables, setting the stage for an exhilarating competition culminating in the Cup of 2023. Watch this space for updates on our debate journey!
An Evening of Gothic Tales A huge congratulations to all of the wonderful students from KS3 and KS4 who participated in this year’s school production, An Evening of Gothic Tales. The cast have worked incredibly hard on the performance, creating a range of petrifying stories, including Frankenstein, The Fall of the House of Usher, and Dracula. The evening also included a mixture of fabulous musical performances. Students were supported brilliantly well by many different members of the school community, including staff, family and friends. We are all incredibly proud of the marvellous work which the students have put in, and would like to thank all of those who have helped out, as well as the stupendous performers for their wondrous work.
Christmas jumper day In the true spirit of giving, Sarah Bonnell celebrated Christmas Jumper Day and a festive Christmas lunch while simultaneously supporting a noble cause. Students and staff adorned themselves in vibrant and whimsical sweaters on Christmas Jumper Day, creating a lively atmosphere of holiday cheer. This festive fervor extended beyond our school community as we organized a collection drive to support United World Schools, a global initiative striving to provide education to marginalized communities around the world.
Lego Robotics Competitions Thrilling Announcement! Brace yourselves for an exhilarating LEGO Robotics Workshop, spearheaded by two brilliant Year 10 Computer Science students. Eager to share their passion, they've meticulously planned an exciting competition tailored for Year 7 and 8 students. Scheduled to launch this January, this workshop promises a blend of fun, engagement, and healthy competition—with fantastic prizes up for grabs! To learn more, check out the attached poster, and for a chance to participate, sign up via the Google Form available on the Student Bulletin. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to delve into the world of robotics—register in teams for an unforgettable experience!
DIGITAL LEADERS The Digital Leaders at Sarah Bonnell School have proven to be beacons of digital responsibility, diligently working to empower their fellow students with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the online world safely. Through various initiatives and engagement activities, they have become influential figures within the school community. This year, our Digital Leaders have taken the initiative to conduct several sessions focused on online safety. These sessions, designed to cover a wide range of topics, aim to equip students with practical strategies for staying safe in the digital realm. From safeguarding personal information to recognizing and addressing cyber threats, the sessions are tailored to address the diverse challenges students may encounter online. Our Digital Leaders are actively preparing a comprehensive series of sessions to be delivered throughout the year. These sessions will delve into various aspects of online safety, including responsible social media use, identifying and handling online bullying, and understanding the implications of online content sharing.
Pinsent Mason Debating Competition 2023 Exciting Update! Seven outstanding Year 10 Scholarship and Apprenticeship students recently showcased their impressive debating skills at a masterclass hosted at Sarah Bonnell School. Following this, they formed a stellar team and participated in the heat competition at the Pinsent Mason Offices on December 1st. Facing off against St Edward’s Church of England Academy, our students triumphed in the first round, passionately opposing the motion: "Video cameras should be installed in all classrooms." The competition highlighted the exceptional skills of all participants, earning accolades from sponsors and attending lawyers. The invaluable feedback received during this event has provided us with valuable insights for improvement, and we are excited to announce our intention to return next year, armed with newfound knowledge and determination. This success, coupled with our holding of the cup for 2022, adds another feather to our cap. A huge congratulations to our talented debaters—your mentors and the entire SB community are immensely proud! Well done!
Cyber Security Workshops from Bletchley park Bletchley Park, historically famous for its role in breaking Enigma-encrypted messages during World War II, ran a successful workshop in school for our students for an immersive experience in cybersecurity. The workshop aimed to instil a deep appreciation for the importance of cybersecurity in our interconnected society. The students engaged in hands-on activities that simulated real-world cyber threats. From deciphering coded messages to tackling simulated cyber attacks, the workshop provided a dynamic environment where students could apply problem-solving skills and learn about the critical role of cybersecurity in safeguarding information. The workshop not only equipped students with practical cybersecurity skills but also served as a source of inspiration for future careers in the field. As technology continues to advance, the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals is higher than ever, and this workshop aimed to ignite a passion for exploring the possibilities within this exciting and essential domain. The cybersecurity workshop at Bletchley Park left an indelible mark on our Year 9 students, fostering a deeper understanding of the significance of cybersecurity in today's digital landscape. As we prepare our students for a future where technology is omnipresent, experiences like these are invaluable in shaping the next generation of digital defenders and problem solvers. We extend our gratitude to Bletchley Park for their commitment to inspiring young minds and equipping them with the skills needed to navigate the complexities of the digital age.
Guess what our Year 10 GCSE Computer Science students were up to on Wednesday, December 13th? They embarked on an epic adventure to Bletchley Park – the legendary home of the code breakers! Picture this: our students got an exclusive backstage pass with a guided tour of the mansion and huts, stepping into the actual offices where Alan Turing and the brilliant codebreakers worked their magic. It was like taking a time machine right into the heart of World War II cryptography! But hold on, it gets even cooler – our students didn't just observe history; they dove into it hands-on style. They cracked codes and tackled tasks that gave them a taste of the brainpower needed at Bletchley Park. Imagine the thrill of deciphering secrets just like the pros did back in the day! And that's not all – they wrapped up the day with a mind-blowing workshop on Cryptography. Ever wondered about the secrets behind encryption? Our students got the scoop on how it all works, unlocking the mysteries of codes and ciphers in today's digital age. This trip wasn't just a stroll down memory lane; it was a dynamic, immersive experience that brought the past to life and made computer science history seriously cool. Our Year 10s are now armed with not just knowledge but the kind of hands-on understanding that sparks a passion for learning.
In my opinion, the trip was fabulous and the SOAS university was big and nice. Lessons were good and I enjoyed very much! Sohima - 10N
The trip was very fun and memorable. I loved the journey and I really enjoyed it. People were very helpful and Kind. The lessons were very enjoyable. I liked it very much! Sara - 10B
I enjoyed the trip a lot, it was educational and we all took part in the workshops. It was fun to go around the university and to meet new people and everyone there were very helpful. I am glad that I had the opportunity to go on this trip! Maheen - 10N
Year 10 Computer Science Students visit to Bletchley Park Mansion Home of the Code Breakers
LSE Project - Common Sense Education - Online Safety Year 8 Sarah Bonnell School has joined forces with the prestigious London School of Economics (LSE) to spearhead a new and dynamic online safety project. This collaborative effort aims to equip Year 8 students with essential knowledge and skills to navigate the digital landscape responsibly Throughout the term, Year 8 students at Sarah Bonnell School have delved into a comprehensive curriculum covering a range of pertinent online safety topics. These include: Digital Media & My Brain: Understanding the impact of digital media on cognitive processes and overall well-being. Big Data: Exploring the concept of big data, its implications, and the importance of digital privacy. Social Media & My Life: Examining the role of social media in students' lives, emphasising responsible usage and digital citizenship. Responding to Online Hate Speech: Equipping students with tools to identify and respond to online hate speech, fostering a culture of respect and tolerance. Finding Credible News: Developing critical media literacy skills to distinguish between reliable and unreliable sources of information. Year 8 students have demonstrated remarkable enthusiasm and engagement throughout the project. Interactive activities, discussions, and practical exercises have allowed them to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, empowering them to make informed decisions in their digital interactions The school is excited about the prospect of continuing this valuable partnership with LSE in the upcoming year. The commitment to keeping students educated and up to date on the responsible use of social media aligns with Sarah Bonnell's broader mission of fostering well-rounded, informed, and responsible citizens. This collaboration is a testament to the school's dedication to providing students with a forward-thinking education that prepares them for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. As the partnership with LSE unfolds, Sarah Bonnell School looks forward to shaping the next generation of digital citizens who are empowered, knowledgeable, and socially responsible in the online world.
Bio-Robotics in Conjunction with UCL
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