Week 4 (23-27 September 2024)

Welcome from the Co-Headteachers

Reinforcing a common language of learning

An array of learning walks around the majority of classrooms this week have demonstrated the common and strong vernacular we possess within our school. Students are eager to reveal our common language of learning in every lesson through structured discussion, questioning and answers phases as well as storytelling. Such oracy in the classroom strongly supports students making rapid progress because, as the evidence shows, good talkers become good writers. 

Our outstanding Year assemblies have again been driving the importance of personal development, in particular ensuring that all students are ready for learning; this means being fully equipped for school. We encourage all parents/carers to check – and double check – that their son/ward possesses all the necessary school equipment, including a scientific calculator, water bottle and reading book – all held within an appropriately sized school bag. Any missing school equipment can be purchased from the school shop which is open every lunchtime. 

Outside the classroom, as part of our extensive extra-curricular programme, last weekend saw our Year 7 rugby teams perform in their inaugural fixture against Richmond-upon-Thames School; at the same time and, indeed, at the same venue, three other rugby teams (U13, U14 and U15) enjoyed Saturday morning training at Busch Corner (following an unexpected, late match cancellation).  

As ever, this newsletter contains important information about our other traditions and values as so please read it in full. 

Visible Consistencies

More on the theme of the week

Written presentation really does matter. Across all non-practical subjects our students are being taught about the art of: 

• routinely recording and underlining titles which are always framed as questions 
• recording key technical words 
• identifying, discussing and connecting what they already know through early classroom conversation 

These three steps are foundation stones on which good teaching is based. Indeed, all good schools are based on similar, robust in-class systems because they are instrumental for ensuring that our students make an effective smooth start to every lesson.

_{Pictured: Exemplar work from Year 8 English – click the image to view full size.}

Subject of the Week – Physical Education

Helping students become lifelong participants in physical activity

We have had a fantastic start to the new academic year in the Physical Education (PE) department, with students engaging fully in our broad curriculum offer. At Key Stage 3, students have embarked on their journey of skill development, both physical and strategic, through activities such as badminton, gymnastics, table tennis, rugby and football. Key Stage 4 exam classes have started very well, studying topics such as anatomy and physiology as well as the psychology of sport. This is supported by our core games offer, with all students taking part in two hours of taught physical activity each week, ensuring students remain healthy and active as they progress towards exams. Lastly, at Key Stage 5, students are taking both A level and CTEC vocational courses with the goal of adding to our history of strong examination outcomes.

The new term has also seen the start of our excellent extra-curricular offer, with students already having access to clubs in badminton, football, rugby and basketball, and fixtures with other schools have already started. Our first Year 7 rugby fixture has already taken place on a Saturday morning, with fantastic ‘buy-in’ from both students and parents/carers; we look forward to seeing this continue tomorrow!

The aim of the PE department is to develop student understanding of their own bodies, with skills to move and apply to in a range of different activities, that will enable them to be lifelong participants in sport and physical activity. This is furthered by so many students choosing PE at an examination level and continuing their studies at university and beyond. We recently saw our first Cambridge University student from our A level PE course, highlighting what a valuable subject this is.

Coming Up!

Dates for the diary, for the next two months

You can access the entire calendar via this link.

Progress & Partnership Day

Parents can indicate their preferences

Progress & Partnership Day (PPD) takes place on Friday 18 October. Normal lessons will be suspended for the day, with students and parents/carers of Years 7-12 having a ten-minute meeting with a member of staff.

Yesterday, we sent a letter to parents/carers inviting them to indicate their preferred time for the meeting. Please note that this is only a preference and cannot be guaranteed – although we will, of course, do our best to accommodate your wishes.

Check your emails for the link to the online form. If you have multiple children at school, please only complete a form for your youngest – we will then attempt to co-ordinate interview times across the siblings.

Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Survey

Give your views

Is your child on the SEN register or have an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan? If so, the Hounslow Parents/Carers Forum (HPCF) wants to hear your views about the local services available to children with SEND. You can complete this anonymous form – the deadline is 31 October.

You can read more about the HPCF on their website: https://hounslowpcf.co.uk/.

Partnership Working

A summary of last night’s Area Forum

Thank you to the parents/carers who attended the Area Forum at West Thames College yesterday (Thursday). It was an interesting three-hour event with a host of engaging presentations about community issues. For example, representatives from Hounslow’s transport team highlighted the upcoming closure of an important consultation phase entitled “Moving Forward“; given the recent traffic chaos around St John’s Road – for which the transport team wholeheartedly took the blame – we suggest that parents/carers contribute to this stage one of the formal dialogue. In addition, officials reported on proposed developments to the forecourt of Isleworth train station as well as improved pedestrian access on both Twickenham Road and St John’s Road; such developments will improve community safety and we welcome them.

Other local commentators on the evening spoke positively about the improvements in local parks and nature reserves such as the Northcote Nature Reserve. Negatively, commentators complained about local levels of litter, especially at the train station. In response, we are striving to identify student volunteering and leadership opportunities to support local nature recovery and the growing litter problem. 

Extra-Curricular Activities

Learn more about our outstanding provision

Last week, we revealed the Autumn Term extra-curricular opportunities timetable – there are so many different clubs and activities available. Pictured is our dynamic, vibrant and well-attended Badminton club. We also wanted to share that attendance to our after-school sport has been incredibly high. Mr Mullins, head of PE, was delighted as he said, “Our current Year 9 cohort are carrying on the long tradition of love of sport at I&S with an amazing number of 65 attendees last Friday!” We look forward to students honing their football skills throughout this year; one of our mantras is ‘practice makes permanent’.

To help students navigate all these extra-curricular options, we have designed posters to showcase all the activities for each year group (Years 7-11 and Sixth Form). A preview of a few is below – visit this link to view them all.

Elite Sporting Pathways

Supporting aspiring athletes in school

We were delighted to learn last week that Nazir Niazi (pictured left) in Year 12 had received an international call-up to the Afghan U-17 football team. Nazir is playing in an international triangular tournament over the next three weeks – The AFC Asian Cup – and we hope to give you more news on his experiences soon.

More broadly, be aware that we support all aspiring athletes in balancing the demands of sporting excellence with daily academic requirements. While it is important that students develop a deep understanding of the key contributing factors to their chosen elite sport, it is also vitally important that school recognises and responds to the various pinch points in the respective performance seasons. If your son/ward is on an elite performance pathway, then let us know so that we can support them with their sporting and academic journey. 

Pride of House

A new set of award winners

Congratulations to this week’s Pride of House award winners. There is one from each form group, reflecting their fantastic contribution to school life this week. Please do click on the house badges below to celebrate these students’ achievement!

Success Stories – James Skinner

Celebrating a superb former Isleworthian

James Skinner (2017-2024)
Three Bridges Primary School
Isleworth & Syon School
University of Bath

James always performed to his very best throughout his school career. He really did subscribe to one of our mantras – “to be the best that you can be”. Sports were great for his successful transition into school in Year 7; indeed, many of his closest school friends in Sixth Form were met in the first couple weeks trying out for school football and rugby teams.

James enjoyed all aspects of school life, including the performing arts events; he performed in ‘The Tempest’ in Year 8 and contributed to other winter concerts and Summer Arts Festivals. James has commented on how he thoroughly enjoyed the history trip to Ypres, Belgium, as well as a French exchange trip in 2020. He also relished and thrived on the Duke of Edinburgh’s Silver and Gold programmes, outdoor environments where his enormous leadership skills were brought to the fore.

James joined the school as already a highly capable sportsman but he then progressed to represent Great Britain in a TeamGym competition in Luxembourg, winning a bronze medal; he also won a gold medal in the national TeamGym championships. Within school, James regularly won subject prizes in PE, maths and science, as well as numerous awards for all-round leadership and citizenship. 

With three A*s and an A, James left us as a complete Isleworthian to study an integrated masters in mathematics and physics at the University of Bath.

Careers Corner

Helping students gain a foothold in the world of work

One of the many organisations we work with is called Young Professionals, and they aim to support young people in accessing information about apprenticeships and recruitment programmes. As part of this programme, they have introduced a parent/carer information evening designed to provide valuable insights into how you can support your child in making informed career choices when they leave school from an employer perspective.

This is a great opportunity for you to learn how to help your son/daughter/ward gain a foothold in the world of work with many major brands, like Forvis Mazars, AICPA & CIMA, Wates, Mishcon de Reya, PwC, Clifford Chance, Amazon, Experian, KPMG, BDO, Linklaters, and Evelyn Partners.

This event will touch upon applying to corporate roles and the application process, commercial awareness and how young people can develop these skills. It was also highlight degree apprenticeships, what they are, and key deadlines to make applications. The whole session will be led by the direct hiring managers at these global firms so you will learn from the very best on how to support your child as they transition from education to the professional world with leading brands.

Sign up here to secure your place: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/YPYourchild-theirFuture.

Safeguarding and Personal Development

Developing robust sleep routines

At this week’s KS4-Ready Evening, Mr Fisher took the opportunity to highlight the importance of sleep. Healthy sleep is crucial for teenagers as it significantly impacts their physical health, mental well-being, and academic performance. All our students should aim for between 8 to 10 hours of quality sleep each night.

Establishing a consistent sleep schedule helps regulate their internal clock, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up. Creating a calming bedtime routine, such as reading or taking a warm bath, can signal the body that it is time to wind down. Additionally, minimising exposure to screens at least an hour before bed is essential, as blue light can interfere with melatonin production needed for sleep. A comfortable sleep environment, free from noise and distractions, also promotes better sleep quality. Encourage your child to charge their phone overnight outside their room. By prioritising these habits, your son/ward can enhance their overall health and daily functioning.

If you have a concern about the safety or welfare of your child, please email the safeguarding team at safeguarding@isleworthsyon.org. A member of staff will be monitoring the account. If there is an emergency call 999 or, for non-urgent matters that require police attention, call 101.

_{Photo by Acharaporn Kamornboonyarush on Pexels.com}

News

The first educational visit of the year, plus a chance to show off our school

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Open Evening

We hosted our Open Evening on Wednesday, inviting prospective future Isleworthians (Years 5 and 6) to visit the school. Over 250 student ambassadors were involved in the evening, both as tour guides and curriculum helpers. It was particularly touching to see junior tour guides paired with Sixth Form ambassadors – fantastic duos which really showcased the school.

During the evening, visitors had the opportunity to chat with staff and see departments in action – frankly, it was impossible not to be impressed by the school. To showcase the school’s focus on the journey from boyhood to manhood, we were treated to two student speeches – Arthur East (Year 8) and Head Student Blake Lawrence (Year 13) spoke eloquently and effectively about how the school has helped them succeed. You can read the speeches by Arthur and Blake.

There are still three Open Morning tours left, so please do spread the word if you know anybody who may be interested in securing an I&S place for September 2025.

European Day of Languages

Studying a language is a key component of life at Isleworth & Syon. Language study is important because 75% of the world’s population does not speak English and 60% of Britain’s trade is with non-English speaking countries.

During this week was the European Day of Languages, so the MFL department organised a brilliant celebration for Years 7-11 to enjoy. Activities included:

• A languages-themed quiz
• A word hunt – solving riddles to find seven locations where the answers were displayed in different languages.

It was a fantastic celebration of all things linguistic. Congratulations, Félicitations, Felicidades!

KS4-Ready Evening

We are fully aware that many students find it a challenge to move up a key stage – as demands increase, so do the pressures. So, we do everything we can to support them with this journey. The move from Key Stage 3 (Year 9) to Key Stage 4 (Year 10) is a great example, with GCSE courses offering a more challenging curriculum and way of working for students.

On Thursday, Mr Dargan hosted a KS4-Ready Evening. All Year 10 parents/carers invited were invited to an hour-long presentation, which gave parents/carers a number of tips to help them maximise students’ progress ahead of their examinations in Summer 2026. Thank you to those who attended.

‘Our Country’s Good’ Theatre Trip

And finally – Tuesday saw our first educational visit of the year, as the drama team took 17 students from Years 11-13 to the Lyric Hammersmith to see a fascinating production of ‘Our Country’s Good’. Included in the group were the Year 13 A level drama cohort who are studying the play as one of their set texts. As they will write about the play in their summer examination, it was a fantastic chance to see the text brought to life. The rest of the students also had a fantastic time, enjoying how the text brought history to life as well as the fantastic lighting design.