Whitefield News - Winter Term - 2024 by Whitefield School

Headteacher’s Letter

Dear Parents/Carers,

Our Year 11 and Year 13 students have worked exceptionally hard in the lead-up to and during their mock exams. To celebrate their efforts and provide valuable feedback, we will present their grades in a format similar to the A-Level and GCSE results day in August. Completing our mock exams early allows students, staff, and parents ample time to identify and implement strategies for improvement, helping all pupils exceed their potential.

In response to the Year 11 mock exams, we have introduced additional sessions during afternoon registration and after school for core subjects: English, Maths, and Science. We also offer targeted interventions to help students develop essential study and homework skills to stay on track. Additionally, Year 11 students enjoyed a fantastic ‘Taster Day’ on 26th November, providing them with the opportunity to explore some of the courses we offer. Now, it is up to the students to continue their hard work throughout the academic year, ensuring they achieve the grades needed to secure a place in Whitefield’s Sixth Form or pursue other exciting post18 opportunities.

It is heartening to see so many students displaying kindness and participating in fundraising and volunteering initiatives, including our Food Bank drive. Their contributions reflect the values we uphold as a community.

We continue to welcome parents, governors, and leaders from other secondary schools to observe our school in action. The feedback we receive is a testament to the dedication of our students and staff. Recently, an Executive Headteacher from East London shared their impressions of Whitefield:

“I wanted to write to tell you how impressed I was on the visit to Whitefield School at the end of last half term. The leadership is really evident, and there is a clear, purposeful, and calm ethos throughout the school. Line-ups were effective and efficient. Every lesson we visited was purposeful, and there was rigour in the learning. It was fantastic to see science as a fellow chemist. I liked the automaticity about the Yondr pouch and the way it was just a normal part of school life. It was clear that many aspects of school life had been thought through to maximise learning time and promote excellent behaviour. We both agree on the importance of creating an orderly, purposeful climate in a school as an essential foundation for learning. Well done.”

Furthermore, I would like to thank all parents and carers who took the time to respond to our recent survey. Your feedback is invaluable as we strive to make our school and its community even better. The results were overwhelmingly positive, with 90% of parents and carers indicating they would recommend Whitefield to another parent. While this is encouraging, I am ambitious for our school and aim for 100% of respondents to share this sentiment. The survey also highlighted that parents feel their children are happy, safe, and well-supported at school, benefiting from high expectations and excellent teaching.

I remain passionate and committed to further improving our school. Across the Autumn and Spring terms this academic year, we have introduced new opportunities for our Year 7s and 8s to attend pantomime performances at local theatres. We are collaborating with a local football club and Football Beyond Borders to run Year 7 to 10 teams, and in the Spring term, we hope to offer opportunities for students to participate in a band, receive tennis coaching, and engage in boxing. Your engagement and support are crucial as we work together to achieve our shared goals.

Lastly and most importantly it is official that Whitefield school is in the top 9% of all secondary schools across the country for progress. Well done to all, this is no easy task but with the joint collective effort we have reached this new milestone and we will continue to climb in the coming years.

I wish everyone in the Whitefield School community a wonderful holiday!

All the best,

Mr Hunt

Across the school we foster a culture of students practising our values, Ambition, Respect and Effort. Kaitlynn in Year 10 is another inspiring example of this.

This term she has started ‘She Can Play’, a girls football training club, creating a space for students to practice and support each other. We spoke with her to learn what she has taken away from the experience.

Throughout my secondary career I have had a lot of opportunities with sports. With these opportunities I have learnt a lot such as learning and improving on my coaching skills. As well as this I’ve learnt if I really want something and put effort in, it will happen.

Kaitlynn - Year 10

Whitefield Christmas Lunch

As we enter Winter our annual tradition returns again, the Whitefield Christmas Lunch. This year two students shared their experience.

I really enjoyed this year’s festive style lunch! Everyone was eating in harmony and no matter who you were, you were welcome to enjoy the day with teachers and peers. Students were delighted with a deliciously warm Christmas meal. As they savored their meal, the atmosphere was filled with the joyful sounds of fun festive songs, creating a cheerful, celebratory mood that added to the magic of the occasion. Laughter and singing echoed throughout the room, as students exchanged stories and shared in the excitement of the holiday season, making it a memorable and heartwarming gathering for all.

Rim - Year 12

Helping to set up the event was an amazing experience for me as it brang me and my friends together to work as a team to set it up as soon as possible ensuring everything was ready. I felt great to contribute to an occasion that brought happiness to everyone while bringing back memories from years back when we had these events every christmas event. This event enriched the whitefield school community by strengthening relationships and creating lasting memories and reminding us of the importance of coming together and supporting one another

Latifeh - Year 12

Clarion Updates:

This term new uniform options were seen around the school as we surveyed students.

As we continue on the path to opening as Clarion in September 2025, lots has been happening at the school to prepare for and involve our students and families all along the way. This term we began surveying new uniform options, leading to a final selection.

This term sample uniforms were seen around Whitefield School, there was a week of volunteer students wearing different options. There were two variations of a grey uniform and two of a navy uniform. Through student feedback and a following consultation process, the school has worked hard to both pick the best option and put together a uniform package with suppliers that will be economically viable for all our student families.

We are excited to announce the final selection was the navy blazer shown here, this will be paired with black trousers. There will also be new sports top options for PE classes, a polo shirt and a fleece long sleeve top.

There will be more updates to follow in the new year with more details on the uniform, so please keep an eye out for school communications via email and any updates online on the school website.

Christmas Fundraisers

This holiday season, we are organising a special initiative to bring joy to our refugee students and their families by providing Christmas hampers. We are grateful and proud to announce we raised over £1,100 towards this fund through donations.

These hampers will include essential items, festive treats and small gifts to make the season brighter for those that have faced significant challenges. Many of these students are navigating a new life in our community, and these gestures mean a great deal to them.

Donations were used to purchase: Non perishable food, toiletries or gifts Providing gift cards or vouchers.

Your generosity directly impacts these students and their families, ensuring they feel supported and valued during this festive time. Your support not only will create lasting memories for these students at this time but will also support our students throughout their education.

Thank you so much for your support!

Ms Ritacca Director of Learning for Humanities

Age UK Festive Event

Through the festive season, students have opportunity not only to host, but to lead events and fundraisers for some great causes. This winter term, students from Year 12 and 13 collaborated with Age UK Barnet to host a community social event.

This was a student led event, where they showed great teamwork and community spirit in creating a memorable ocassion. There was boardganes, knitting, festive food and drinks and a game of bingo. We are proud of their efforts in bringing this event together and their great character shone through.

Age UK’s vision is a world where everyone can love later life. They are a charity that supports people in later life with a range of services, aiming to support those most in need. Social activities are a big part of what they do and we are extremely grateful we could welcome in members of the community to give our students an afternoon to remember.

To learn more about what Age UK do and how to support them, visit their website here !

Mens Cook 5 Competition

Last month the Catering department hosted a Men’s Cook 5 challenge for International Men’s Day. Participants were challenged to create a dish using only five ingredients. Staff judged the dishes anonymously and graded them on flavour, texture and appearance.

Congratulations to Yousef in Year 7 who won with his red pepper and tomato pasta. Our runners up also produced some impressive dishes and made this difficult to decide a winner!

Runners up were Mahdi and Hariad, who both plated up amazing dishes. Mahdi with his Afgham beef Mantu and Hariad with pancakes topped with banana and caramel.

Psychology Trips

Year 12 and 13 students visited the Freud Museum on the 14th November. Part of the course requires students to understand different approaches in psychology. We are delighted that our school is located not far from Sigmund Freud’s House, so we paid a special visit. For the current Year 13 it was a great revision opportunity and for the Year 12 an opportunity to visit a place of the significant figure, father of talking therapy, founder of psychoanalysis where he spent his final years of life.

We watched a documentary in which his daughter, Anna Freud, discussed her memories, shared family stories and explained her father’s heritage. At the end of the day, students listened to the lecture on the links between psychoanalysis and schizophrenia, which greatly supported our understanding of Freud, his work and mental health illnesses.

Less than a month later, we visited Bethlem - Museum of Mind located in East Croydon. We had a great time travelling by public transport using the Thameslink train, thanks to the TfL, an experience of its own for many of us. The history of the museum goes back to the 13th century and is one of the first hospitals that started to document patients, their illnesses and therapies used. It brought us closer to understanding the evolution of mental health treatments, the variety of challenges faced by people suffering, as well as the perspective that mental health should never define a person. The museum is currently holding a number of exceptional art exhibitions created by various artists who share their journeys to mental wellbeing. We were delighted to visit the newly opened exhibition of Charlotte Johnson Wahl, Boris Johnson’s mother, and experience the art that came from private collections.

Ms Micun Psychology Teacher / RSHE Lead

Thank you to all our staff who prepared their content to deliver an outstanding taster day.

We are extremely grateful to have amazing head students, Mahammed and Dua who also shared their experience and also Yara in Year 12 who spoke to Year 11s about her first year in Sixth Form.

Year 11 - Sixth Form Taster Day

Year 11 previews the Sixth Form experience.

This term we held our annual Sixth Form Taster day, where Year 11 students had the chance to select their potential A level classes.

Across the school students sat in taster sessions where staff led them through the curriculum, what to expect from A Level subjects and advice on how to choose their next subjects.

This day gave students a preview of the Sixth Form experience, where they arrived at school in Sixth Form uniform, used the Sixth Form Area and could take their lunch breaks off site.

Head boy and girl Mahammed and Dua with Yara in Year 12 delivering speeches (top).

Students in an A Level Physics class

STEM Club

At STEM Club (AKA “The Survivors of Natural Selection”) we’ve explored exciting science concepts in fun and creative ways. For example, we investigated how long a straw can be before it becomes impossible to drink through, learned about and saw plasma—the state of matter found inside the sun, which exists at around 10,000 degrees Celsius! Discussed what we can learn about a person’s country of origin just by examining their skull.

We also had our first department competition, the egg drop challenge, where teams of students came up with inventive ways of protecting an egg from breaking after a one storey drop!

Mr Viddal Lead Science Technician

Jack Petchey Award

Arman has been announced as our next Jack Petchey Achiever. The nomination for November has been confirmed for Arman, Year 8 student, for exceptionally hard work in ICT, passion for robotics and great dedication in the autumn term across all of his subjects.

Arman is a truly inspirational and exceedingly hard working young person. To further boost opportunities for students interested in ICT, he decided to donate part of his award towards new robotics equipment and towards an ice skating trip for a group of Year 8 students. Well done, Arman! Keep up the good work!

Ms Micun Psychology Teacher / RSHE Lead

Wise Up!

Since the last academic year, once a week, we focus our afternoon form time on the topics related to being wiser about the world around us.

We have picked a number of different topics and led successful discussions based on mental health (Hello Yellow/ Movember) , keeping ourselves safe (e.g. lockdown procedures, anti-bullying), power of reading, understanding others (disabilities) as well as kindness and importance of the work related to charities.

Ms Micun Psychology Teacher / RSHE Lead

Chess taking off

Chess in 6th Form has taken off.

A game thats easy to learn but teaches strategy, how to be forward thinking, problem solving, competition and mental self improvement. Instead of being on mobile phones during free time the chess boards are out and players are surrounded by fiends all offering advice and help, except during the tournament.

Our tournament started with 32 Players (16 individual games) all playing a knockout game. This will progress to 16 players, then 8 which will leave the four winners playing in the semi finals. The dates for the Semis and Final will be published later. Unlike the knockout games the semi final and final will be the best of three games. There are medals for the finalists and a trophy for the ultimate winner.

We intend to orginises 3 tournaments a year and hopefully other year groups can be involved should they wish to play. Even if you have never played chess its a wonderful game to learn and learn the importance of perseverance when you lose.

Mr Walker Sixth Form Pastoral Support

Have your say. Scan the QR code to ﬁll out a short survey, pick up a copy from the Visitor Pavilion or visit transformingbx.co.uk/communityspace

brentcrosstown.co.uk

Trips and Enrichment

As you will already be aware, we place a great emphasis on our students experiencing a rich cultural capital, which means we plan very carefully experiences and trips beyond the classroom. This year (from September 2024) we have already spent £15,000 on providing every child with these opportunities and as could can imagine, this is not sustainable with such a tight school budget.

Caring for people, our places and the planet

Most schools ask parents to cover the whole cost of trips but I am writing to let you know well in advance about the minimum contribution of £10 per child per trip.

and the planet

We will follow up with a further letter giving details of the July trips and the two ways you can pay on:

Parent Pay

Just Giving Page

Caring for people, our places and the planet

Ms Dervis Director of Operations

KEEPING

BARNET SAFER

A SAFETY GUIDE FOR WOMEN AND GIRLS

Click the image to read the full guide

Year 7 YTL

Year 7 have continued to settle in well over this past half-term. Year 7 attendance is the highest attendance in the school and the vast majority of students are punctual and ready to learn every single day.

As a group, the Year 7s have been very busy. 7A and 7H each spent a form time helping to clean up the school surroundings and learn the value of community spirit, making many local residents smile as they walked past us! 7J and 7R will do their sessions in the new year.

Year 7 also enjoyed a trip the Millfield Theatre in Enfield, where they saw the pantomime ‘Aladdin and the Legion of Genies’. Fun was had by all students and they enjoyed the singing, dancing and shouting that typically accompanies a pantomime show.

Students have really improved this half term with taking personal responsibility for themselves and their learning. One target that still needs to be worked on is ensuring that all home learning is completed on time, as this is the main reason for Year 7 to be in centralised detention! Parents, please help by checking My Child At School and helping students keep track of deadlines!

Year 7, I wish you a restful and happy holiday. Take care of yourselves and be safe.

Year 8 YTL

Ms Ott

Year 7 Team Leader

The Year 8 cohort have had a productive autumn term with many successes identified around displaying Whitefield Values to a high standard. With trips to central London for a Tate Britain/ Thames river cruise and the Chicken Shed theatre to watch Peter Pan, students are enhancing their cultural capital and life experiences. A science drop down day was also well received, allowing students to utilise their STEM knowledge and understanding into real life problem-solving scenarios. Student Helpers are doing a tremendous job so far to support departments with their runnings. As we consider option choices to be picked and the soon coming Student Progress Evening on Thursday 6th March, I wish to request all parents make a note of this date so as to avoid missing this crucial evening of feedback and reflection on learning. It is a delight to see your child responding well to school routines, learning culture and opportunities to display school values.

Well done to 8J as the leading form class this term across the areas of Home Learning, Positive Logs and Student Helper rankings. Moving into the Spring, Home Learning will take even greater precedence, with the nominations of Home Learning Student Champions. They will support those students finding it difficult to remember, engage in and complete tasks.

Mr Croucher Year 8 Team Leader

Year 9 YTL

As we approach the end of this term, I would like to take a moment to celebrate the fantastic achievements of our year group and reflect on the progress we have made together. One of the highlights this half term has been the improvement in attendance across the form groups. It has been wonderful to see so many students demonstrating their commitment to their education by showing up to school consistently and on time. Regular attendance is a key factor in success, and I am proud of the collective effort made by students and families to make this a priority. Let’s aim to keep this momentum going into the new year! It has also been a pleasure to see excellence reflected across all subject areas. The number of positive points awarded this half term has been outstanding, showcasing the hard work, enthusiasm, and dedication our Year 9 students bring to their studies each day.

This term, we have focused on the importance of accountability – taking responsibility for our actions and choices. Students have shown great progress in managing their commitments, from completing their homework on time to attending detentions when required and making positive decisions in their everyday school life. Learning to be accountable is an essential life skill, and I encourage all students to continue striving to meet expectations and reflect on how their actions contribute to their success and that of their peers.

As the term comes to a close, I would like to wish all students and their families a restful and well-deserved break. I hope you enjoy this time together and return feeling refreshed and ready for the opportunities that the new year will bring. I am confident that we will continue to achieve great things as a year group in the months ahead.

Thank you for your continued support, and I look forward to seeing everyone back in the new year!

Mr Tan Year 9 Team Leader

Year 10 YTL

As we come to the end of another busy and successful term, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on all your hard work and achievements. This term has been filled with challenges, growth, and many opportunities to shine, and you have risen to the occasion with determination and resilience as you have formally started your GCSE 2-year course. Well done!

The festive season is a time for joy, celebration, and spending time with loved ones. Over the holidays, take the opportunity to rest, recharge, and enjoy the things that make you happy. You’ve earned it!

Thank you for your energy, effort, and contributions throughout the term. Let’s keep building on this momentum when we return in the new year.

Wishing you and your families a wonderful Christmas and a very happy New Year. See you in January, ready to make 2025 a year of great energy and achievements.

Take care and stay safe,

Mr Opoku Year 10 Team Leader

Year 11 YTL

The Year 11s have wound down 2024 in exemplary fashion, finishing with their mock GCSE exams. They have conducted themselves in such a positive manner and clearly worked hard to fulfill their potential. Staff invigilating and working around the exams have had nothing but praise for them and they should be incredibly proud of themselves. Alongside this they have attended trips to Middlesex University to gain an awareness of University life and some of the opportunities they would have whilst a student there.

The prom committee have worked hard and started fundraising for their 2025 prom, successfully raising money via candy cane sales and a pie the teacher event.

The whole Year Group also took part in a sixth form taster day where they were exposed to life in Year 12 and 13 at Whitefield. Again, they got stuck into everything offered to them on this day and conducted themselves as role model students. A vision of the future.

Now is the time for some rest and recuperation as they enter the holidays. Some work will be needed, however, rest is the key and recommended. Recharge and get ready as we when we return we have only 67 school days left until the first GCSE exam.

Enjoy the break Year 11.

Mr Boyles Year 11 Team Leader

Counselling Support

We are proud to have an experienced counsellor, Jon Thompson, who runs one-to-one support sessions for students identified as needing extra support. Jon works for FYP (Forever Young People) and helps students understand the difficulties they are facing, work through a booklet to help set targets, and learn strategies to cope with problems that may arise in their future. If you would like more information about this, please contact Mrs Hammond or Ms Thomas.

Forever Young People uses thought, emotional intelligence and ethical practices to create an inclusive and meaningful future through our teenage mentoring programs and coaching which engages young people through conversational-based learning. We aim to provide young people, children, and community groups with coaching/ mentoring that will support them with their low emotional well-being.

To learn more visit: www.foreveryoungpeople.com

Sixth Form

Well done Sixth Form for all your hard work this term.

There have been so many amazing events including trips and the Age UK party and ambitious opportunities such as the Path to Success program, all Year 13 students have careers appointments and assemblies delivered by numerous universities, alumni and work experience providers.

Our attendance figures went up significantly which is incredible. Year 13 have been revising for their mocks and some students have taken exams and completed coursework submissions.

We have so many things to look forward to including Cambridge University workshops, a trip to Brunel University, interviews with experts and so much more!

I hope you have a restful break during this festive season and I hope you come back refreshed and ready for next term.