From the Co-Headteachers
Parents/carers often ask us how they can support and assist the school, in addition to the constant work of supporting and checking the homework and reading levels of your son/ward. We always welcome offers in the form of either work experience placements or requests to speak to our amazing students. We know that, within society, talent is everywhere – but opportunities are not. So, we are now actively looking for Year 10 and Year 12 work placements with a PLUS ONE opportunity – so that some of our more disadvantaged students can access more favourable employment placements. This is a fundamental issue of social mobility. Please read the rest of this newsletter to find out more and, if you can offer a placement, respond to the request made by Mr Adams, our Careers Leader.
Finally, this week, as we build-up to Christmas, our exceptional House assemblies have been focusing on charity work. This term alone, we raised money for the poppy appeal (see below), we held an important information drive for Movember, and currently students are energetically collecting targeted items for our local food pantry down at Ivybridge Bridge Link. This inspirational citizenship always produces both a staggering amount of tangible goods as well as an astonishing amount of goodwill across our community. Thank you.
Next week, we are looking forward to holding our annual Christmas lunch. Information about this – plus the Ivybridge charity drive – was sent to parents/carers on Wednesday – you can read it in the ‘Letters’ section of this website.
Simon Fisher and Jo Higginbottom
Scarlet Fever/Strep
You may have seen information about a rise in cases of Strep A/Scarlet Fever. On Thursday afternoon, we emailed all parents/carers a letter from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) with important information about the signs and symptoms. You can read that letter on this website.
As a reminder, please remember to report all student absence with details. The easiest way to do this is via our parent/carer app; you can also telephone the main reception (0208 568 5791, between 8.00am and 4.00pm).
Work Experience and Careers
Last week, we launched our Work Experience programme to Year 10 students. Taking place from 10-21 July 2023, students get to experience a workplace, build their skills, improve their confidence, and begin to see where their qualifications and interests can take them.
A key part of this programme is challenging students to source their own placement. With this in mind, the first half term’s PSHCE lessons have been dedicated to building the skills and confidence needed by Year 10 students to do this. We’d also ask you to support your son/ward in sourcing his placement by having a conversation with him and asking him what he wants to do.
More information on the Year 10 work experience is to follow but Mr Adams is keen to hear from any parent/carer who could potentially offer a work experience placement or would be keen to contribute to the careers programme in some way. Please complete this form.
Club of the Week – Tech Crew
Staff: OTH
Room: Drama
When: Friday, 3.05 – 4.05pm
Who: All years
This club was set up this term by Miss Thomson to offer opportunities to students from Year 7-13 who wish to learn about non-performing drama roles of lighting, sound, costume and set design. Already, they have learnt how to operate the lights, sorted all the costumes and props into the new storage room in 123.
Yesterday saw the first school event that staffed entirely by students – the Christmas Concert (which you can read more about below). They did the stage design to make the Hall suitably festive, took charge of lighting sound, lighting and projections, worked backstage, and staffed the front of house. It was a pleasure to see such outstanding student leadership.
Anyone who is interested and committed to contributing to future school events should email Miss Thomson directly.
In the meantime, check out the full Autumn programme here.
Pride of House
As we rapidly approach the end of term, well done to this week’s ‘Pride of House’ awards, who have shown commitment to excellence towards the very end. Well done to this week’s 40 winners – click a house badge below to see who they are.
December Examinations – Great Start!
This week, December examinations have begun in earnest for students in Years 11 and 13. In case you missed it previously, you can view the full timetables on the Examinations page.
Students have made a great start but must make sure they keep their foot on the pedal and maintain their concentration throughout the exam period. Revise ‘little and often’ to maximise progress. We wish students the best of luck with their remaining exams!
Safeguarding – “If you don’t know, don’t go”
We are coming towards the Xmas party season, with many young people heading out to celebrations, often in the homes of friends or acquaintances. Although many of these parties will end with nothing worse than tiredness, other events may lead to greater problems, including sexual exploitation, drug use or other risky behaviours.
Police forces across the country are signposting key messages. Information from West Yorkshire Police caught our eye. This weblink provides information for young people about the potential dangers of house parties, and how to keep themselves safe.
If you have a concern about the safety or welfare of your or another child, please email the safeguarding team at safeguarding@isleworthsyon.org. If there is an emergency call 999 or, for non-urgent matters that require police attention, call 101.
Coming Up!
- Tuesday 29 November – Friday 16 December – KS5 December Exams
- Friday 2 – Friday 16 December – Year 11 December Exams
- Wednesday 14 December – Christmas Lunch
- Wednesday 14 December – Christmas Jumper Day
- Monday 19 December – Senior Awards Evening
- Tuesday 20 December – End of term (students dismissed at 12.30pm)
Word of the Week
The word of the week is guarantee.
News
Christmas Concert
We held our annual Christmas Concert last night (Thursday), and it was a rip-roaring success! With a packed hall and an excited audience, over 100 students took part in a festive feast of music and drama. The theme of the evening was ‘Our World’, with Mr McKeever and the performing arts team capitalising on men’s World Cup football fever to showcase cultures from across the globe. It was fantastic to see a number of different languages represented during the 90-minute show.
It would take too long to praise all the noteworthy performances, as it was clear that everyone brought their ‘A’ game. A particular highlight was the sing-along section, with the audience led in a rendition of ‘I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day’ by the staff band. This then led to a fantastic finale featuring every single student – and it nearly took to the roof off! Well done to everyone involved – events like this make you really proud to be part of the I&S community.
Year 7 Induction Assembly
The Year 7 induction process ended today (Friday) with their Induction Assembly. This ends the nine-month transition process, which began with an offer of a place in March. It is an important process as we know that the jump from primary to secondary school can be daunting for both students and parents/carers. Our transition process seeks to make students feel comfortable and settled.
This celebration assembly lasted just over an hour, with parents/carers invited to share in students’ triumphs. Every single student received a bronze, silver or gold medal to reflect their progress so far, while representatives from each form reflected on their journey thus far with a series of eloquent speeches.
It was lovely to see students wearing their medals with pride at the end of the assembly and for the rest of the school day! They have made a fantastic start to life as an Isleworthian – now is the time for these Inductees to soar for the rest of this year and beyond as they make their way through the Isleworth & Syon Way.
Students Save a Life on the A4
Last week, we were profoundly proud to receive news that two of our students, Raheesh Sarvary and Ballin Yousaf (both Year 7) had behaved admirably while on their way home from school. While passing Jersey Gardens – adjacent to the arterial A4 road – both boys intercepted a young girl – aged 4 – who had escaped the scrutiny of her parents. The child was heading onto the A4 where cars were speeding along without due care. Our lifesavers grabbed the girl and took her to safety. In addition, the boys then called 999 to report the incident before the parents of the child arrived. These parents will forever be eternally grateful for the quick thinking and practical actions of our two student leaders. Both boys have been commended and awarded citizenship points for their respective Houses.
Poppy Appeal
In November, we took part in the Poppy Appeal, run every year by the Royal British Legion to raise money for members of the British armed forces and veterans. Our student ambassadors sold poppies at break and lunchtime, and we raised a total of £111.40. Well done, everyone!
Mikaeel Shah – Maths Camp
Last month, we wrote about Year 12 Mikaeel Shah’s fantastic performance in the Senior Maths Challenge, qualifying for the British Maths Olympiad 1. We have just received the results from this competition, made up of some of the brightest maths minds in the country. Mikaeel’s performance was exceptional, so he has earned a place at the UKMT Hungry IMO Training camp. It takes place in Egor, Hungary, from Tuesday 27 December to Wednesday 4 January. Look out for a full report on this in the New Year – well done to Mikaeel!