SBS News Winter Edition 2024

SBS News

Winter Edition 2024

Inside this issue...

Headteacher's Welcome / Girls in Cyber Security / SB Alumni Update / Netball / BHM Poetry Writing Competition / Alice in Wonderland - School Production / SB Food Bank Collection / Visit to the Opera House, Plus Much More...

Headteacher's Welcome Welcome to another bumper edition of the Sarah Bonnell News. In this edition you can read about all the exciting things we have achieved in the Autumn Term. For example you can read about a visit to see La Boheme performed at the Royal Opera House, the victories of our Year 10 Netball Team, the work of our Digital Leaders, the growth of our alumni network and much more. Whatever you choose to read, you will be impressed with the great opportunities our students have had to learn, expand their horizons and develop as young people so far this year.

I am especially proud of the following events because they showcase what a great school we have here : the inspiring Black History Month event organised by Deputy Headgirls, Ariana Kizamba and Tanisha Ali, the wonderful Music Concert showcasing our fabulous musicians and performers and the joyous production of ‘Alice in Wonderland’ - the first Sarah Bonnell pantomime of many to come! All three of these events were ‘stand out’ successes because they brought together our great to see so many families at these events - your support is always valued and appreciated.

Thank you for you continued support of our students, staff and community. We are proud of our achievements this term and look forward to working together next term to lift our students’ experiences of school even higher. Happy Christmas to those celebrating this religious festival and a peaceful, healthy and happy new year to all our students, parents, staff and governors. 2025 is going to be another awesome year for Sarah Bonnell School.

Rae Potter - Headteacher

Cancelled - Performance On Friday 29 November our Year 9 students were treated to a thought-provoking experience, as Little Fish Theatre Company performed their impactful play, Cancelled in our very own Assembly Hall! Tackling the challenges of growing up in a 24/7 digital world, the performance explored the consequences of harmful mistakes, the complexities of teenage relationships, and the pervasive influence of social media. Through a dynamic blend of music, media, and participatory theatre techniques, the play captivated the audience, encouraging critical thinking and discussions about responsibility and positive decision-making. Asma Yousefzai (9A) commented on the show: “The performance was insightful as well as showing us the consequences for our actions online. It felt like it was tailored for our age and our understanding of social media. The actors truly brought the performance to life, and I can honestly say that I’ve gained a lot of knowledge from it”. Zainab Azimi said “The performance was incredibly interesting and engaging. I never once lost interest and not only was it entertaining but educational as well . I know how much the internet can impact us in a way that I didn’t recognise before and I honestly would watch it all over again”.

Ms Griffiths, SLT Link for Year 9 commented: “A wonderful performance that captivated our students from start to finish, delivering an engaging and impactful message. It brilliantly highlighted the importance of online behaviour and its consequences!”

Netball @ SB

Year 10 Netball Team The year 10s have had a good start to the netball season winning one game against Langdon Academy and losing one game against Eastlea. The team have demonstrated great sportsmanship in their games and have represented themselves honourably. Their growing commitment to training will benefit them going forward. Well done team!

Year 8 Netball Team The year 8s have had such a positive attitude and enthusiasm for this season. The team so far have drawn and lost one game but have demonstrated resilience and sportsmanship in their games! The commitment they have to the team has shown their dedication to the sport and extra-curricular activities. Well done team, keep up the great work!

Humanities Film and Culture Club This term, KS3 students have been watching Hidden Figures (2016) in Film and Culture Club, and have been discussing how the film portrays the racism and segregation that dominated the 1900’s. The film moved us all in many ways and reminded us of the importance of finding, representing, and celebrating the hidden figures of the past, and the impact they had on the world today. One key lesson that our students took from this film was the importance of diversifying the curriculum - Ms Kennedy asked our film club students: “How can teachers and students ensure that we represent other important ‘hidden figures’ and minority groups/ individuals across all lessons at SBS, and why is it important that we do so?”.

Here are two responses: “It is important because even though the women were very smart, they were still discriminated against because of their race, this can’t happen again” (anonymous, year 7) “If we did not not watch this film we would not known about these significant figures who made a big difference to the world and NASA… we need to study more people like this” (Ranim, year 8)

Alice in Wonderland School Production

On Thursday 12th December our students performed Alice in Wonderland, our Winter School Pantomime to our biggest audience. It was a magical evening! The cast and crew brought to life the world of Wonderland in a vibrant, energetic pantomime that left the audience laughing and clapping from start to finish. From the moment Alice tumbled down the rabbit hole, the stage came alive with colorful characters—from the mischievous Cheshire Cat to the eccentric Queen of Hearts. The audience eagerly joined in, laughing at the clever jokes and cheering on their favorite characters.

Winter Wonderland Music Concert

SB Food Bank Collection At Sarah Bonnell, we are proud to have supported this year’s foodbank appeal in partnership with The Renewal Program. Together, we donated over 600 items to help those in need during the festive season—a fantastic achievement that reflects the generosity and compassion of our school community. Special mentions go to 11D, 7S, and Fe Whitaker for their exceptional contributions, donating the most items. Thank you to everyone who played a part in making a positive difference.

This is a true example of how we live our school values every day!

Enhanced Learning Day 1 On 21st October, we celebrated our first Enhanced Learning Day of the year with a variety of activities to honor Black History Month.

Year 7 spent the day in Greenwich, learning about the transatlantic slave trade before heading to the cinema to watch the inspiring film Hidden Figures. The students shared, “It was a truly eye-opening experience that taught us about resilience and the importance of believing in yourself.”

Year 8 had a fantastic day participating in workshops led by professional actors on The Barber Shop Chronicles. The students were highly engaged and delivered impressive performances. Working in small groups, they brought key scenes to life, sharpening their acting abilities. The collaborative effort of the year team, drama team, professional actors, and the students made this day an exceptional success.

Our ADT team hosted an incredible series of creative workshops for Year 9, which included screen printing, and mural painting. The students produced stunning artwork, one student remarked, “I never realised how much art can be inspired by culture, and today was a perfect example of that.” Year 9 also had an exciting visit from George the Poet who performed some of his work and took questions from the audience.

Year 10 students participated in a series of inspiring careers workshops and had the opportunity to meet the UK’s most senior black female police officer Dr Alison Heydari.

Year 11 focused on preparing for their upcoming GCSE exams while also taking part in a special assembly led by Ayo Awotona from Joy Uplifts with Year 10. It was a truly magical moment that brought to life this year’s Black History Month theme, “Reclaiming Narratives” with some moving speeches from our students.

Enhanced Learning Days are an enriching experience that expands the curriculum and deepens students’ learning. Ms. Servini would like to express her gratitude to all the staff who contributed their time and effort to make this day such a success.

STEM In Aviation with London City Airport Our Year 10 Computer Science students embarked on an exciting journey into the world of aviation at the London Excel Centre, thanks to the incredible team at London City Airport and ELBA. The "STEM in Aviation" experience gave students a behind-the-scenes look at how science, technology, engineering, and mathematics power every aspect of the aviation industry. The visit reinforced how pivotal STEM disciplines are in solving complex challenges in aviation.

Students explored how pilots rely on mathematics for navigation, how engineers use physics to design safer planes, and how airport operations depend on advanced technologies to manage passenger flow and environmental impact. Students looked at the airport's operations and its importance as a hub for travelers. From logistics and air traffic control to engineering and environmental sustainability, the visit showcased the intricate systems that keep flights running smoothly and safely. For many students, this trip ignited new aspirations. One student shared, "I never realised how much engineering went into making flights possible. It’s inspiring to think that I could be part of that someday." Stay tuned for updates on our next exciting venture into the world of STEM!

LH BHM Poetry Writing Competition Well done to our Black History Month Poetry Writing Competition winners;

Yr 7 Winner: Haneefa 7A Yr 8 Winner: Fatima 8S Yr 9 Winner: Annabelle 9S Yr 10 Winner: Aziza 10E Yr 11 Winner: Sofia 11S KS3 A&I Winner: Hira 7E KS4 A&I Winner: Tanisha 11D The poems were beautifully written and were amazing. Each winner was awarded a fantastic Black History Month Goodie Bag containing, among other great prizes, a signed copy of George the Poet's book! All Access & Inclusion students received a certificate for working extremely hard in their lessons, with Mr Bentley, to create such meaningful poems. Congratulations and thank you to everyone who got involved.

Day Trip to Lille On Friday, 18th October 2024, students from Years 7, 8, and 9 embarked on an enriching educational day trip to Lille. Traveling via the Eurostar, the journey was particularly exciting for some students as it marked their first experience of international travel.

The itinerary offered a blend of cultural, linguistic, and historical learning opportunities.

Students explored the charming old town of Lille, immersing themselves in its rich history and architecture, and enjoyed the serene beauty of Le Jardin Vauban park. Additionally, the visit to the renowned Palais des Beaux-Arts Museum allowed students to engage with French art and cultural heritage, further enhancing their appreciation for the arts.

The group also indulged in the finest French patisserie, a hands-on opportunity to experience local culinary traditions while practicing their French language skills in realworld contexts. Such experiences allowed the students to develop not only their linguistic abilities but also cultural awareness and adaptability.

Throughout the trip, the students demonstrated exemplary behavior, embodying the values of SB and showcasing their commitment to learning. This educational excursion provided a platform for developing new skills, including communication, teamwork, and intercultural understanding, all of which will undoubtedly benefit the students in their future academic and personal endeavors.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FOLLOWING GIRLS WHO HAVE BEEN SELECTED FOR YOUNG INTERPRETER SCHEME (YIS 2024-2025) Hasanat Nain - 7A Fatima Zeb - 8S Baroorah Uddin - 8S Zainab Theeb - 8A Shifa Musea - 8D Vera Krauchuk Muzhive - 8E Anjus Arun - 8H Fatima Nizan - 9A Radyah Ahmed - 9B Asmaa Abdou - 9D Vejune Zentelyte - 9D Karina Galminate Mock - 9D Labiba Omar Yaariha - 9B Nida Akil - 11B Hawabibi Saleman - 11A Zunaira Naheed - 11E Soha Vohra - 11B

NCL Staff Learning Day The Newham Community Learning Trust recently held its annual Professional Learning Day on the 15th November, bringing together staff for a day of collaboration and growth. Support Staff delved into sessions on nurturing the Mind, Body, and Soul, while Teachers explored strategies to bridge the gap from Early Years to Key Stage 4. Meanwhile, Pastoral Staff focused on developing relationships, ensuring a holistic approach to student well-being.

Staff at SBS were delighted to meet with Rachel McFarlane - the key note speaker who inspired us all with her ideas.

Bertha Earth

My BE Ambassador Experience!

Being a Bertha Earth Ambassador has been one of the most incredible adventures I've been a part of!

Honestly, when I first heard about it I wasn't too sure but I'm so happy I decided to do it, it's been amazing. It started in September and we learnt all about what it means to care for the planet and how even small actions can make such big differences!

One of my favourite moments was making a fire at GROW farm! I had never done anything like it and it was such a fun experience. My other favourite part was finding the bugs! I remember finding a little water boatman and naming it Bob Marley 2.0, sadly Bob hated me and tried to swim away but that's beside the point. I had plenty of laughs on that trip, alongside learning, which I think is the most important part of trips!

The Tuesday before school club has been fantastic as well. Every week, we do something new and creative that teaches us about our environment. Being a Bertha Earth Ambassador has made me feel proud, like I'm helping the world in my own way!

I'm so excited to see what new adventures are waiting for us next!

By Kari 7S

Bertha Earth is an AMAZING journey.

As an ambassador for Bertha Earth, I have had the incredible privilege of being a part of a movement to help protect and preserve our planet. This past September, I was fortunate enough to participate in the highly anticipated Bertha Earth Launch Day. Knowing that I am contributing to a larger movement that is changing the way people think about sustainability makes all of the effort and passion worth it.

The most enjoyable part of the day was the overwhelming sense of community. It was not just about Bertha Earth’s mission, but about the people who are already making change happen. The launch day gave all of us an opportunity to connect, collaborate, and share ideas for how we can support one another in our sustainability journeys.

I also gained a deeper understanding of the importance of collective action. This launch demonstrated that real, lasting change happens when we come together—when we share knowledge, inspire one another, and act with a common purpose.

The path to a more sustainable future is not always easy, but it is one we must walk together. The September launch reminded me that we have the power to make a difference.

Nature Connect Day It was a very great and fun time exploring around the GROW farm and the funny fact is that… WE GOT TO SEE THE CHICKENS! The fun activities we did were that we chopped off some willows and made a decoration out of it, put some types of plant veggies in the soil and made a fire with cotton balls with our group. Ms Servini and Mr Coe really have putten a lot of hard work for us, Bertha Earth Ambassadors, to go on this trip and I really appreciate it. When we all attended the trip at GROW farm, we all showed the Sarah Bonnell Way by being proud to ourselves and others, by aiming high when we all tried to make the fire even though it was hard for some of us, by working hard as we all did our best to do the activities, by Being kind as we showed respect to everyone and the members of Bertha Earth and Sarah Bonnell and by showing No Excuses as we were doing the activities sensibly and carefully without anything going wrong!

By Muntaha

Italian Visit to the Opera As I stepped into the grand Royal Opera, I felt a wave of excitement wash over me. The anticipation for the evening had been building for weeks, and finally, I was about to experience the magic of La Bohème.

The venue itself was stunning—its detailed and polished gold along with the scarlet red of the seats and curtains showing royalty, it transported me to a world of elegance and timeless beauty.

When the curtain rose, the performance immediately captured my attention, as they started to vocalise in Italian. The story unfolded with breathtaking passion. The performer who played as Mimi, the poet Rodolfo’s fiancée, played a captivating role, delivering each note with such power and emotion, till the end, that I couldn’t take my eyes off the stage. The orchestra, conducted by Speranza Scappucci, brought the music to life with a seamless blend of grandeur and subtlety, carrying the audience through waves of emotion.

Equally mesmerising was the production design. The costumes were exquisite, rich with details to show the older times, and the stage sets were intricately designed and well handled to immerse us fully in the world of the opera. The lighting added depth and drama, especially during transitions of scenes, creating a truly cinematic experience.

As the final notes faded, the audience erupted into applause, and I felt a deep appreciation for the performers and the artistry behind the production. The evening at the opera left me inspired and moved, a reminder of the timeless power of music and storytelling. If you ever have the chance to see La Bohème, don’t hesitate—it’s an unforgettable experience. Thank you to Ms Servini for organising the visit and all the staff who came with us; Ms Davis, Ms Hadley, Mr Fergus, Ms Amin, Ms Noman and Mr Munoz.

By Meherun 9S

Digital leaders training and preparation for Safer Internet Day As part of our school’s ongoing commitment to digital literacy and online safety, we’re thrilled to share progress of our Digital Leaders training program. This initiative is designed to empower students with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the digital world responsibly while inspiring their peers to do the same. ll this preparation leads up to one of the most important events in our school calendar: Safer Internet Day (SID). This global celebration, taking place on February 6th, will see our Digital Leaders take center stage. They are busy planning engaging activities Our alumni have been instrumental in these preparations, offering mentorship and even co-developing resources alongside the current Digital Leaders. Their involvement showcases the strength of our community and the lasting importance of initiatives like SID. Their dedication and hard work exemplify the importance of collaboration in building a safer online world for all.

Girls in Cyber Security @ Pinsent Mason On 16th October 2024, a group of enthusiastic and ambitious young women gathered at the prestigious law firm Pinsent Masons for an inspiring day of learning, networking, and exploration in the world of cybersecurity. The event, titled Girls in Cyber Security @ Pinsent Masons, was designed to empower and educate the next generation of female tech leaders, offering them an inside look at the exciting, everevolving world of cybersecurity. One of the most valuable aspects of the event was the opportunity for attendees to network with professionals working at the forefront of cybersecurity.

Participants had the chance to speak with women who hold key roles in cybersecurity, tech consulting, and risk management, learning about their career paths, challenges, and the diverse opportunities available within the industry. The Girls in Cyber Security @ Pinsent Masons event also emphasised the importance of diversity in the tech industry.

The cybersecurity field, like many others, has historically seen a lack of female representation. However, initiatives like this are helping to bridge that gap by encouraging more young women to explore careers in cybersecurity and technology.

Climate Club 'Climate Club continues to demonstrate commitment to contemporary environmental issues. Closer to home they have been designing a NEW "super shady garden". This aims to increase, preserve and protect biodiversity around the school, and demonstrate urban greening as a possible mitigation to tackle local air pollution." They have also recently designed their own club badges.

GCSE Geography River’s Investigation On the 11th of December, 105 Year 10 pupils in GCSE Geography conducted 'river's analysis' to investigate the downstream changes of Loughton Brook, in Essex. Pupils were put out of their comfort zone to meet the requirements of the Paper 3 exam to achieve successful outcomes for their 2025 exam. Pupils used their prior knowledge in the classroom to successfully measure key aspects of each part of the river, collecting data to reach ‘whether characteristics of Loughton changed downstream’, as it moves from source to mouth. This was a fun-filled day with lots of laughs and education intertwined.

Year 10 should be super proud!

SB Alumni Update Sarah Bonnell School Alumni Network: Celebrating Over 1,000 Members!

We are thrilled to share a major milestone for the Sarah Bonnell School Alumni Network! Since its inception, our alumni program has blossomed into a vibrant community of over 1,000 members, connecting past students from all walks of life and spanning generations. This incredible achievement reflects the enduring bond our alumni share with their alma mater. From professionals making waves in their industries to those dedicated to giving back to their communities, Sarah Bonnell alumni continue to inspire. Our members have become trailblazers in fields like business, healthcare, the arts, technology, and education. Through this network, these individuals not only stay connected but also offer mentorship and opportunities for the next generation of students.

We love hearing from our alumni. If you have a story, achievement, or memory to share, reach out to us at alumni@sarahbonnell.ncltrust.net . You could be featured in our next newsletter or at one of our events!

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to making the Sarah Bonnell School Alumni Network a success.

Let’s continue to grow, celebrate, and support one another in the years to come.

If you are a parent and an ex SB student please do sign up to our Alumni community!

Scan the QR code to join.

Urdu/EAL Trip to SOAS Festival of Social Science 2024 Students went on a trip to SOAS and participated in the Festival of Social Science 2024. This programme's thematic area is Migration, marginalisation, Displacement, and Minorities and students participated in a variety of activities throughout the day, gaining valuable insights into migration and minority communities.

We received highly positive feedback from the SOAS university regarding our students’ contribution and participation in every activity. Their behaviour was exemplary, consistently reflecting the SB way.

Dear Ms Badar, I hope this message finds you well. On behalf of The Impact Acceleration Account team who organised the event and SOAS in general, I wanted to extend a heartfelt thank you to Sarah Bonnell School for participating in this year’s Festival of Social Science. We were thrilled to have your students and team as part of our event, and your involvement added so much to the festival’s success and atmosphere.

Your students’ contribution to each activity was truly remarkable. Their talent, dedication, and enthusiasm were evident, and they helped make the experience memorable for everyone in attendance. We’ve received wonderful feedback from our team, researchers and the student ambassadors, all of whom were impressed by the level of energy and creativity your students brought to the event. We learned a lot from the thoughtful questions they asked, conversations we have had with them and their feedback to the activities. Its our hope that they too had an educational, thought provoking and interesting experience, that might ignite their imagination in some way.

Beth Worku-Dix Impact Development Manager Research and Knowledge Exchange Directorate SOAS University of London

On November 7th 2024, I had the privilege of being invited to a prestigious SOAS university in Central London that researches the impact of migration and conducts research on African studies. Whilst taking a tour of the university campus, I was able to see the famous library that held over 1.2 million books and was able to be a part of a highly uplifting lesson that explored the heritage and identity of the T'boli indigenous people that reside in the Philippines. I also had the opportunity to play the cultural drums and to see the different types of fabrics that they hand make. Furthermore, I was also introduced to the complexities of coding and got to write a few lines of code. Overall, the experience was uplifting and inspiring and I really enjoyed it. (Layeba 10H) During the trip to SOAS University of London, I enjoyed my time as I participated in many workshops and I gained knowledge in different topics such as cultures and traditions around the world. It was very engaging and interesting. The tour was very fun too because we were able to go around and see different parts of the university. (Mayeda & Mariam 10N) The trip to SOAS University was very inspiring and enjoyable.I learnt about people in our community,and how their heritage and identity is very valuable to them.I was able to talk about my own identity and how it influences me in my daily life.It was truly amazing! (Zara 10N)

Enrichment and School Spirit Award This year students have had the opportunity to take part in some fantastic enrichments including skateboarding club, Science Fun Club, a range of sports and music activities and Debate Mate. Year 7 have also had the opportunity to take part in our School Spirit Award where students can earn badges and prizes for taking part in enrichments.

Our enrichment timetables are available on the school website and are updated termly. Next term we are excited to introduce chess club and self-defence to our new clubs!

It was a wonderful experience to have received my School Spirit Award badge and I hope to get many more throughout the year. To get this accolade I asked a member of staff at the extra curricular activity that I was attending to to sign a spirit award postcard. Once you receive 10 signatures, you get a purple star badge when you receive 20 signatures you get an aim high badge (one element of the Sarah Bonnell way), when you have 30 signatures, you get a school spirit award badge and finally, if you get 50 signatures, your name becomes entered into a prize draw where you can win some amazing gifts.

As I only joined this school in September, this programme helps me meet new people who are interested in the same things as me. I have made multiple friends from going to clubs like tennis, year 7 choir, creative writing and science club. If you attend certain clubs you can also go to special events such as sports tournaments or performing at concerts that happen every term.

By Mia 7A

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. Rob Eastaway explored division and the ultimate fair sharing sequence, Ayliean MacDonald delivered the beauty of numbers discussing the beauty of mathematical art, Jen Visser-Rogers discussed the importance of statistics in modern science and Matt Parker discussed the Impossi-ball looking at maths in football. The students had an amazing day seeing mathematicians who are experts in their field explore maths in a different light.

Year 7 Celebration of Learning The Year 7 Celebration of Learning event at Sarah Bonnell was a wonderful and vibrant showcase of the students' successful transition into their new school life. Held on the afternoon of Wednesday, 16th October, it offered parents the chance to engage with their daughters' form tutors, explore their work across various subjects, and interact with different curriculum areas. The event also featured impressive performances from the music and drama departments, adding a creative flair to the celebration. Overall, it was an exciting and memorable afternoon, fostering a strong sense of community among staff, students, and families.

Much ado about numbers This year the Maths and English department teamed up to take 30 Year 10 students to attend a new educational visit to explore Shakespeare and maths. In this engaging interactive show Rob Eastway, an award winning mathematician was able to reveal the surprising mathematical connections between Shakespeare and the world he lived in.

Students found out how Tudors multiplied, why dice games were a hazard for the unwary, and why Shakespeare really did make much ado about 'nothing'. With historical asides about calendars, optics, music and magic thrown in, this was a fascinating insight into a Renaissance world in which every subject was connected.