A Message from the Headteacher

Dear Parents/Guardians,

I hope that this Newsletter finds you well. It is difficult to believe that we are already at the end of the first term of this academic year. It has been a busy term, with students and staff busy in a range of different activities, several of which have focused around the rebuild of the School. I shall be writing to you in early January about the first of a series of opportunities to get your views about the kind of new school you would like to see built here.

Just a reminder that School closes at 1.00pm on Friday 15th December. Students who wish to remain for a packed lunch will be able to do so. Also, the Spring Term begins for students on Tuesday 2nd January at 10.35am. This is to give staff time for additional training which we hope will bolster strategies to continue to raise achievement amongst students.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support this term, and to wish you and your family a happy, peaceful and successful 2007.

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

With very best wishes,

Simon Harris
Headteacher

Overstrand Trip

On Wednesday 22nd November, forty six Year 11 GCSE geographers embarked on a three day residential to the rural wilds of north Norfolk. The weather forecasters had predicted howling winds blowing straight from the Arctic, driving rain and frosty temperatures. So each student and accompanying teacher brought enough provisions and clothing to survive a tundra winter. Upon arriving the sun was shining, the anemometer was hardly turning and there was not an umbrella or raincoat in sight. News from London which slowly reached us stated that the weather down in the south was particularly severe - whilst we were basking in the warm autumnal glows.

The highlight of Thursday's trip around the Norfolk Broads was seeing deer glide past the birdwatchers hide we were in, and the beach study at Sea Palling where we were greeted by an inquisitive seal, diving and reappearing to see what was happening.

Friday was coastal erosion day, where gabions, rip-rap, revetments, groynes, sea walls, bore holes and beach nourishment was observed. We followed this with an early lunch and then the coach journey home to the urban concrete jungle.

As is the norm with these trips, the students’ behaviour was very good, especially their politeness and consideration towards the staff at Overstrand, and to students from other schools. As they were the eldest group there, most took on the mantle of responsibility and leadership very well. Thanks must go to the members of staff who went and helped - Ms Galligan, Ms Sparkes, Mr Swaine, Mr Markson and Mr Simon.

More trips are being organised - another for Year 11 geographers in January to Tyn-y-Berth in north Wales (where it always rains), and a Year 8 trip to the Lake District in northern England in late February.

Mr Jacobs, Head of Geography

Johnny Depp Comes to St Paul's Way!

Well, kind of!

Students at the school were treated this week to the bi-annual Staff Pantomime. This year's production was based (very loosely) on the Pirates of the Caribbean movies starring Johnny Depp and Kiera Knightley. A wonderful tale of high sea high jinks, the schools pantomime - Pirates Off! The Caribbean (written by former SPW English teacher, Justin Wilson) - told the enchanting story of Jim 'the cabin boy', his friend (harrumph) Cat and their battle of wits with the evil Captain Mordant, his motley crew and their arch-enemy Jake Hollow. The dastardly bunch of pirates all double-cross each other in their battle for the Golden Grapefruit - the world's most expensive diamond. The panto was a roaring success and included such wonderful characters as Grace Hemlock, Reverend Smith, Henri Maltemps and unnervingly familiar ship’s cook - who was more than a little 'pukka'…

The drama department would like to offer thanks to all staff who were willing to involve themselves in the show, all those who covered for those who were and anyone else we have forgotten to mention. Look out for upcoming theatrical treats from some extremely talented Year 10 and 11 students as they tackle William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet for the London Schools Shakespeare Festival.

Mr Brooker, Assistant Headteacher

A Day at the Palace!

The group arrived at the Palace by coach. Inside the Palace, there were many golden objects and works of art. Many different university science departments were there, giving out information about the Science courses offered at their universities. Universities also showcased some of the scientific projects they were working on, including artificial pumps to replace hearts in humans, and work on mosquito bites.

The day was very memorable - a real experience to remember!

Ms Ahmet, Head of Year 11

Jack Petchey Award Winners 2005-2006

September 2005: Amina Begum,11T

October 2005: Akber Ali, 11S

November 2005: Nesereab Ali (left school)

December 2005: Melissa Hector, 8U

February 2006: Mamta Kumari, 11W

March 2006: Victoria Ajayi-Adesanya, 11Y

April 2006: Shaun Newman, 10W

May 2006: Odera Valentine Obi, 10T

June 2006: Aftab Hussain, 8U

Leader Award: Lorraine Phillips

Ms Khera, PSHE

School Noticeboard

Special Mentions
Well done to Option 2 & 3 Photography who braved the elements of Whitstable to gather vital photographs for their mock exam.

Congratulations to them all for completing a stressful two day mock exam.

Ms Addison, Art Department

Spanish Trip
Students are reminded that they must make their final payment for the Barcelona Trip by January 4th 2007 at the latest. They must also collect and fill in the medical and parental consent forms by the same date.

Students must meet the deadline.           Ms Williamson, Modern Foreign Languages


Year 8 Football Reports

St Paul's Way 2 Stepney Green 0
21st November 2006: The Year 8 A-Team came together well to chalk up their first win by scoring in both halves. The team put pressure on the opposition goal for the first 10 minutes. Stepney eventually came back into the game and swarmed our defence who were frantically trying everything they could to get the ball forward.

After some sustained pressure and great defence from Marouf, Nayeem and Mamunur, our boys finally started to get back into the game, playing the ball to feet and supporting each other going forward. The breakthrough finally came after some great attacking runs from Mamunur which caused the ball to fall to Ruhel at the back post to calmly slot it home.

In the second half, Stepney applied the pressure and came close to scoring on numerous occasions. Faim came up with a number of great saves in goal and some quality defence from Paul down the left side allowed St Paul's Way to keep a clean sheet. The second goal came from a marvellous counter attack that released Nazir down the right side to cross to Royej, who set up Ruhel again to score at the back post. The boys played really deserved the win.

St Paul's Way 4 Stepney Green 3
5th December 2006: The Year 8 B-Team chalked up their first win of the year by scoring in the last minute with a great team goal. They took a while to settle into the game as many players were not familiar with playing on a big pitch and under lights. Stepney Green scored first as we struggled to find our shape and play the ball to feet.

St Paul's Way began to get back in the game with some good defending and passing from the midfields to the forwards. Ali, Andre and Zeeshan made lovely passing moves to put the forwards Mansoor and Azizur into spaces behind the defence. Some great individual skill from Azizur up front resulted in him scoring three goals in quick succession. Stepney came back at the end of the half with a fast counterattack that made the score 3 -2 at half time.

In the second half, Stepney broke through taking the score to 3 - 3 with only five minutes to go. In the dying minutes, St Paul's Way drove forward as a team and a great ball from Azizur saw Andre slide in at the back post to score.

In the end a good performance and a narrow 4-3 win for our boys.

Mr Foster, PE Department