Modern Foreign Languages

Last week a group of Year 9 French and Spanish students participated in the National Language Competition organised by GCHQ, one of the UK’s intelligence agencies.

 

The competition aimed to inspire language learning in schools from around the UK. Over the course of five days, students worked in teams of four to score points by tackling a variety of fun, language-themed challenges hosted on an online platform. The event saw students decoding words and phrases involving lesser known languages and even some made up languages! The challenges really got the students thinking and were very tough but they enjoyed the experience. Team “Great kind barnacle” with Talliah, Jaden, Anusha and Umut scored the highest within St Mary’s …congratulations!!

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St Mary’s Chefs

Yr7s culminating their skills on dough making, by developing the basic scone to a Pizza Scone; the top baker for this activity was Katie.

Yr10 are continuing learning about different methods of cooking. Recently they made Croque Monsieur using the method of grilling along with making their own white sauce and the top students were Harrison and Austin. They also learned about, and developed skills in, baking. Students made cakes using the creaming method to produce Pineapple Upside Down and Orange cakes-Top Bakers Cristiano and Eve.

We are wondering when these fabulously talented students will be on the Great British Bake Off!

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Sixth Form Open Evening

The school hosted over 120 students and their families at the 6th form Open Evening on Wednesday 15th November.

This was a chance for young people in Y11 here and at other schools to discuss the many subjects we offer at A level and Level 3 BTEC and to hear about 6th form life. In his address, the Head Teacher Mr Simms gave a brief overview of the recent Ofsted report and reminded visitors that we were graded GOOD for 6th form provision in 2023, but also in 2019 and that we have a long heritage of quality and success in the 6th form tthat goes back well over five years. Mrs. Mathews then gave detail about the 6th form, its benefits and successes as well as the responsibilities that come with being a student at that level. She detailed the importance of 6th form study and success at this level in the current climate and explained what we do to help young people be the success they want to be. Y13 student Sylvia then spoke eloquently of her experiences in the 6th form.

There is still time to apply so if you are interested click the link () – you have until Friday 8 December to do this and remember there is stiff competition for places at our 6th form!

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Passport to Science – Festival of Learning

In an exciting foray into the realm of secondary school science, the bright minds of Bonneygrove Primary School recently engaged in a series of captivating lessons at St Mary’s that delved into the realms of chromatography, electro-magnets, and acids and alkalis.

This initiative aimed to provide a glimpse into the fascinating world of scientific exploration for these enthusiastic young learners.

The students’ enthusiasm and engagement showcased their innate ability to navigate the complexities of scientific concepts, laying the foundation for their academic journey in the realm of secondary education.

Thank you to the dedicated science staff at St Mary’s, whose passion and commitment made this educational experience truly inspirational for the budding scientists from Bonneygrove. Their guidance and expertise paved the way for a memorable and enriching encounter with the wonders of secondary school science.

As we reflect on this engaging collaboration, we eagerly anticipate the prospect of welcoming some of these talented young minds into the St Mary’s family in the years to come. The seeds of curiosity and intellectual curiosity sown during this interaction promise a bright future for these students as they continue to explore and excel in the realms of science and education.

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Remembrance Day Service

The school marked the national act of remembrance at 11am on Friday 10th November.

Due to the weather, we gathered in class groups to remember those who gave their lives in conflicts, for our freedom and liberty. We also took the opportunity to remember those in our community who had passed away with a service of remembrance in the Memorial Garden. With thanks to Mr Crosby, Fr Eugene Hanshaw and Mrs Bundock for making this service possible.

When you go home, tell them of us and say For your tomorrow, we gave our today.

John Maxwell Evans

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Christmas Jumper Day 2023

Dear Parents/Carers,

We will be supporting the ‘Christmas Jumper Day’ event this year on 13th December 2023. Following a vote by the School Council, we will be splitting the proceeds between two local charities, ‘Haven House’ Children’s Hospice and the ‘North London Hospice’. The school Christmas Lunch will also take place on this day.

If students want to wear a Christmas Jumper they may do so, along with non-uniform. In this case they must bring in £1 for the charities, this will be collected by tutors during morning registration.

If students do not wish to take part they don’t have to, but need to wear full school uniform as usual. They can of course wear school uniform and still donate to these worthy causes if they wish.

All students (in uniform or not) must wear their lanyards.

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Year 9 Geography Field work

On 2 days at the start of November, Year 9 took to the local streets to investigate a range of factors in their local area.

They completed data collection for their geography fieldwork ready to come back into school and carry out analysis and present their data using GIS. The students investigated accessibility in 4 different locations, did a litter count and a vandalism survey, and drew field sketches of the places they went to. The students enjoyed being about to see their learning in the real world and even managed to avoid the rain. Well done year 9, the geography team enjoyed working with you in the field.

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Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) Club

STEM club is back!

We have a group of enthusiastic students participating in STEM activities every Thursday after school and some of the activities the students have participated in include “Iodine clock”, “using chromatography” and “building a glider”. You can see our STEM ambassadors proudly showing their models!

 

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Year 9 and Year 10 Food Technology

Year 10s have been focusing on methods of cooking this half term and this week they are looking at moist methods of cooking.

They made duchess potatoes using the boiling cooking method which also incorporated some piping skills.

Year 9s have started their Street Food lessons. This week they made spicy chicken and vegetarian samosas showing their skills in creating the perfect samosa shape.

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Year 12 University Experience

Year 12 students engaged in an online outreach presentation from the team at Gonville and Caius College, University of Cambridge.

The presentation began with a general discussion about competitive courses and universities, before delving a little deeper into the opportunities available at the University of Cambridge. During the presentation, students heard from current students and were able to engage in a Q&A about how the students prepared and how they have found the transition. They also discussed the importance of the super-curricular with guidance being provided that signposted specific resources that would enable the students to stretch and develop their wider experiences.

This activity was especially for our Russell Group University Scholars group – some of these students completed the scholars programme with Mr Worker in KS4. Similar activities are provided for a range of students in Y12 and Y13 according to their plans and aspirations

We are looking forward to working with the team at Gonville and Caius college as the year progresses and have plans for further meetings and a visit in the Spring.

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