From the Headteacher

We have had another busy week in school with the summer sporting schedule well underway and a number of other extra-curricular events having taken place. At the time of writing, our athletes are on the way to the English Schools’ Championships at the Lea Valley stadium. Good luck to all the competitors! We will report on any special performances in the newsletter next week.

We are in the final stages of preparing students for the summer exams. Please do read the useful advice below which is designed to provide support to students over the next few weeks.

For students planning to go to university or college next year, applications are open for student finance which will cover tuition fees and can cover maintenance too. Useful links are below:

Student Finance video. How to apply

Student finance login – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

I wish all members of the community the best for the weekend and for the week ahead.

Euan Ferguson

Exam Preparation

The summer exams series is just over a week away.  Whilst students are working hard, they should also realise that vital improvements can still be made across all subjects.  Remember, one extra mark can change a grade!

Alongside revision, students should now start thinking about how to approach the exam days.  Important points to remember:

  • Know exactly when all exams are scheduled (timetables have been emailed and are on the website).
  • Ensure you have enough equipment and – for all Year 11 students – a scientific calculator.
  • Use this link to ensure a calm and steady approach to taking the written papers. 

Safeguarding Updates

Mental Health Week: 9-13 May 2022 

  • For Mental Health Awareness Week 2022 we are raising awareness of the impact of loneliness on our wellbeing and mental health. Practical steps to address this – e.g., connecting with each other – will be shared throughout next week. 
  • Loneliness is affecting more and more of us in the UK with the pandemic having had an impact on many of us, especially in relation to our physical and mental health.
  • Our connection to other people and our community is fundamental to protecting our mental health. It goes without saying that we need to find better ways of tackling the epidemic of loneliness. We can all play a vital part in this process. 

This is the link to our five long-standing, whole school wellbeing and mental health messages, one of which is ‘Connect’ – here. Please share with each other as well as our students. 

If you have a concern about the safety or welfare of your or another child, please email the safeguarding team at safeguarding@isleworthsyon.org.

Job Opportunities – Support Staff

If you are interested in a career in teaching, there is an opportunity to find out more at a face-to-face session at Lampton School from 5.30-6.30pm on Thursday 19 May. To register your interest, please e-mail getintoteaching@lwascitt.org.uk or visit the website https://www.lwascitt.org.uk

We are still looking for Exam Invigilators to join our team for the summer. For further details, read the full Job Description and how to apply here.

We also have live adverts for a Design Technology Technician and an ICT Technician.

All vacancies are posted here.

Parent/Carer Trustee (Governor) – Vacancy

We are pleased to announce that Mr Chris Couch has been elected, uncontested, to the Academy Trust Board. He is looking forward to contributing to the work of the trustees and replaces Miss Amal Bolbol who recently stepped down due to increased commitments at work. We thank Miss Bolbol for her considerable support of the school over nearly four years.

Word of the Week

The word of the week for next week is “export“.

News

I&S Inspires – Angus Havers

We were delighted to be able to relaunch our series of ‘I&S Inspires’ sessions on Friday 29 April. Our first guest since the end of Covid restrictions was Angus Havers a film and television music composer who is based in west London. Thirty students from across the school were invited to attend the masterclass by Mr McKeever in the music technology suite. They heard and watched demonstrations from Angus about how he structures his work when producing his music and had the opportunity to ask several questions. Not a believer in “writers block”, Angus urged the students to always write down their ideas as this can often be the starting point for great music.

Senior Badminton Team

Our under-19 badminton team travelled to Dulwich College in south London with Miss George on the afternoon of Wednesday 4 May to compete against five independent/grammar schools, all of whom have strong badminton programmes. With some schools, including ourselves, providing A and B teams the competition was keenly contested with our A team finishing a credible fourth place after all the play had concluded. The schools present, Dulwich College, KCS Wimbledon, Wilson’s, Whitgift and Reeds have agreed to form a league with us next season to ensure that this popular school sport maintains regular and intense competition.

Performing Shakespeare

Two of our Year 9 students competed in the regional round of the prestigious Performing Shakespeare Competition on Tuesday 3 May. Finn Chappel and Finn Donovan had progressed from the school competition and then had the chance to take part in a workshop at Dartmouth House before competing against other regional finalists. They were accompanied by Miss Thomson and performed a duologue from Act 1 Scene 2 of Julius Caesar, reading the parts of Cassius and Brutus. The competition – run by the English-Speaking Union – provides a fantastic opportunity to develop creativity and confidence in public-speaking. Well done to both boys!

Ski Austria 2023

After three years away from the slopes, the opportunity to join the school’s ski tour to the Zillertal valley in Austria is back. The trip will take place during the February half term in 2023 and is open to current year 7, 8, 9 and 11 students. An initial deposit will need to be paid by Friday 13 May and, as this is an enrichment trip, we cannot consider financial subsidies. However, this is a great chance to enjoy a ski holiday and also to experience the Bavarian culture with a range of après ski activities on offer. Should you be interested in finding out more, please do read the letter that has been emailed by the trip coordinator, Miss Lawler.