A Message from the Headteacher

Dear Parents/Guardians,

I wish to thank the large number of you who completed our recent OfSTED questionnaire. We have studied the responses carefully and aim to implement many of the changes suggested. We still await news of the Inspectors’ visit - the suspense is keeping us on our toes!

The School has been officially identified as a vocational specialist school, to add to our specialism in visual art. This will mean an increase in vocational courses that students can study from Year 10. We will also develop a new range of courses to help all KS4 students get the best from education and training once they reach 16.

Sadly, too many students continue to involve themselves in estate-based gang issues. Please talk to your children about the disruptive and dangerous consequences of gang behaviour, and encourage them to come home promptly at the end of school each day.

The School's uniform is set to change from September 2006, and I shall write to you again with fuller details about that change. However, to avoid any confusion amongst students, please may I remind you that hooded tops, baseball caps, mobile phones and mp3 players are all forbidden and must not be brought into School. Students discovered with any of these items will have them confiscated, and such items of clothing will not be returned until the end of the half term. Confiscated items of electrical equipment, including phones, will only ever be returned to a parent.

As always, I look forward to welcoming you into the School very soon.

With very best wishes,

Simon Harris
Headteacher

HAVE YOU GOT THE ENERGY?
7S HAVE!

Scientists from the Science Museum are working with 7S this year on an exciting energy project. 7S will be busy scripting and rehearsing a film on energy. This will be put together with the work of nineteen other schools into a masterpiece. In July, we will be viewing our film on the museum's huge IMAX screens! Wow!!

Last month there was a lot of heat energy generated around the Science labs as 7S enjoyed their first session of fun and fierce games with the scientists. But ALL Year 7s can join in the experience because an explosive energy show will be performed on the 6th of February during period 2. So check your ties and tuck your shirts in, you're going to be in the film…

Mr. Rossell, Assistant Headteacher

STOP THE VIOLENCE

Stop the violence
It's not worth the pain
Stop the violence
What do you gain?

Stop the violence
Don't be ashamed
Stop the violence
Or you may get the blame

Stop the violence
Brush away the dirt
Stop the violence
Or you may get hurt

Stop the violence
Stop acting the fool
Stop the violence
You can still be cool

A Poem by Anna Miah, 10T

Student Travel

All 14-15 year olds with 11-15 or Child paper photocards (to get free travel on TfL bus routes) now need an Under 16s Oyster photocard. To obtain one, children need to complete an application form, pay a one-off £5 fee and must provide a recent passport-sized photo and proof of age. If they do not have any ID, the School can verify applications. Applications can be processed by any London Post Office. The child must be present at the time of application. Photocards are posted directly to your home address and the usual turnaround time for applications is two weeks.

Children aged 5-15 will need the new photocard to buy reduced rate Travelcards (for 7 days or more) and to pay for Tube and Docklands Light Railways journeys as they go. Child photocards issued by National Rail continue to be valid for season ticket purchases at National Rail stations, but can no longer be used for free travel.

If your child is under 14, and looks it, they won't need a card for free bus travel on TfL bus services but should apply if they look older than their age. Children must apply before their 16th birthday but the card will then be valid until the 30th September after the academic year in which they turn 16. Your child should apply as soon as possible.

For more information contact the Oyster Card line on 020 7227 7886 or visit www.tfl.gov.uk/fares on the internet.

Community Matters

Some parents have told us that they are worried about gangs and violence in the area. Do you share their concerns?

We are holding a meeting on 6th February 2006 at 11.30am to discuss ways to help sort out the violence, which happens in our local area and affects our community.

At this meeting you will be able to speak to members of the School and the school management team, and with our police officer. We are also inviting members of the Local Housing Team and other organisations in our local area.

If you would like further information, please contact Dawn Doughty or leave a message on 020 7515 2828 and we will get back to you.

School Noticeboard

Special Mentions
I would like to commend the following students for excellent work in Art and Design. From 8W, Halima Begum, Aklima Begum, Asma, Begum and Razmin Begum and from 8S, Mustafa Razack, Tahmina Tariin and Rubina Akther. I would also like to mention Mamta Kumari 10W, Yasmin Begum 10T, Marjana Akther 10W, Suad Ali 10Y for outstanding work in GCSE Textiles. Ms Rolfe

Well done to Fahima Patel 10A for her good work and effort in all of her lessons, and to Khoer Ali and Gamze Kumrili 11P for their excellent effort with their food coursework. Keep it up! Ms Mottley