Croydon High School, a special place to learn

Today I wrote my first line of code

At Croydon High our Computer Science curriculum is taught from Nursery up. Designing a relevant curriculum for girls who will not hit the job market for another 15-20 years, requires foresight, imagination and a certain degree of courage. It also requires us to attempt to evaluate now how robotics and artificial intelligence will change future careers forever.

What makes Croydon High’s approach stand apart is the aspiration that we will produce ‘designers of’ not simply ‘users of’ technology and so sparking imagination and understanding early is key.

Skills are taught in an age appropriate and inclusive way, Computing and Coding Cluba in the Juniors are full to capacity at every session and the girls are realising that what they learn here helps them in so many other ways – through collaboration, creativity and problem solving our girls are developing the skills to excel in whatever environment they find themselves.

Our Enterprise Technology programme encompasses and expands the existing computer science curriculum and provides new opportunities for all subject areas (including arts and humanities) to engage with technology.

Today I pursued my dreams.

Sienna says: When I was eight years old, I discovered motorsports. By the time I was 12, I had decided to begin pursuing a motorsport of my own: go karting.

Go karting is very male-dominated and there is still a lot of sexism in the sport, but Croydon High has always taught me that no obstacle is too big to overcome in the pursuit of your dreams. I won’t give up – I plan to continue working hard at my training, practising pitstops, rolling and stationary starts, and improving my stamina, neck muscles, biceps, and reaction times. I will look for private sponsorship to help me go even further and closer to achieving my dream.

Over the last two years, I have reached the local finals of the British Karting Championships and placed in the top ten fastest people in the South. I have become a very competitive person, always striving for self-improvement, and hoping for more success.

At Croydon High, we want every girl to not only learn without limits, but to aspire without limits – no dream is too big. Every girl is supported on her individual journey, and we actively encourage pupils to break glass ceilings

Today I captured my own DNA

At the GDST Junior Science Conference at the Royal Institute, Seanna learned that 50% of our DNA is the same as that of a banana and that only 0.1% of our DNA makes us unique. She and the rest of Year 5 spent an incredible day extracting her own DNA in the L’Oréal lab, creating necklaces to take home that held a piece of their own DNA inside. Seanna even created her own personal chromosomes matching her individual characteristics.

But we didn’t need the evidence to prove that Seanna and all her friends are totally unique – we see it in every girl, every day.

Today I showcased
my creativity

Reading, writing and mathematics feature alongside the traditional Early Years Curriculum in our Nursery. Interestingly, many of the preparations for early writing do not actually involve paper or pencils. Staff help girls develop gross and fine motor skills, using ribbons and our CleverTouch interactive boards for large circular movements and threading and pincering for small control. Recently, Nursery girls have been practising their fine motor skills by using screws to mend their spaceship!

Safyah is just one of our very youngest girls discovering the joy of seeing her words come to life on the page. But the best preparation for her future University thesis, is actually the hours we will pour into developing her self-confidence and passion for learning. From Nursery up, our specialist Drama teacher works with every girl, building the skills that see them speak aloud assuredly in a group.  Our current affairs assemblies throughout Junior School also ensure our girls have interesting things to talk about, developing an understanding of the world beyond their playground.

Today I learnt to communicate in different ways.

Lily-Belle says: I have been a member of sign language club for quite a while now and I really enjoy it! We cover a different topic every week, so we are constantly learning new signs – our range of topics so far has included the alphabet, numbers, animals, clothes, countries, food, colours and more. Those of us who have been a part of the club from early on have also had the chance not only to learn BSL (British Sign Language) but also ASL (American Sign Language).

Something I enjoy in sign language club is learning songs, like ‘True Colours’ and ‘A Thousand Years’, which have stayed lodged in my memory for a long time. We have also carried out research in small groups on a chosen topic and presented the signs in that topic to the rest of the club, which I have found to be a fun opportunity to build confidence.

At Croydon High, we want pupils to be empathetic members of their community who understand that everyone goes through life differently and so we seek to introduce them to as wide a variety of experiences as possible

Today I protected my future

This is Bela in Year 4 enjoying time in our Forest School. We’re sowing the seeds of environmental stewardship and nurturing a culture of sustainability among our girls. From tree planting to beekeeping, our diverse eco initiatives are shaping future eco-warriors, conservationists, and sustainability pioneers

Tree Planting for a Greener Tomorrow

Our Year 10 Climate Change elective and Year 1 students joined forces to extend our school hedge, fostering biodiversity and teaching the importance of environmental protection. The new saplings, including Dogwood, Hawthorn, Silver Birch, Wild Cherry, Hazel, and Rowan, are enhancing the hedge’s diversity, creating a thriving ecosystem.

Embracing Biodiversity through No-Mow Initiatives

Our Pollinators Project is in full swing, with our NO-MOW bank flourishing with Oxeye daisies. Year 10 Climate Change Elective, with the guidance of Surrey Wildlife Trust planted pollinator-friendly species around the Science department, creating habitats for wildlife to thrive.

Forest School: Cultivating Holistic Growth

Our Forest School programme immerses girls in a unique, hands-on learning experience set in a natural environment in our onsite Forest School. From minibeast hunts to den-building, girls explore the seasons and develop a deep connection with nature. Forest School instils a sense of responsibility and fosters a holistic approach to learning.

Junior Gardening Club: Growing Well-Being

The Junior Gardening Club is cultivating more than just plants; it’s nurturing well-being and resilience. Students learn about the natural cycle, plant seeds, and take pride in growing their own vegetables. The club not only promotes physical activity but also encourages a deep respect for the environment.

Bee Club: Buzzing with Purpose

Our bee club is a hive of activity, mirroring the energy and care of our girls. They’re not just learning about bees; they’re becoming beekeepers. Managing two hives with over 100,000 bees, the club members will harvest honey, care for the colonies, and delve into the intricate world of bees, flora, and weather patterns.

At Croydon High School, these initiatives are more than green projects; they’re pathways to instil a sense of responsibility, compassion, and environmental consciousness in our girls. As they engage in these activities, they are not only shaping their own futures but contributing to a sustainable and eco-friendly world. The seeds we plant today will blossom into a green legacy for generations to come.

When Amy started Year 7 this year she didn’t expect to meet her big sister. But that is what Kiara has become; someone to lend a listening ear and to pass on the benefit of her experiences – and perhaps even an occasional hug if Amy’s day wasn’t going so well.

At Croydon High we recognise that positive mentoring is a key factor contributing to a general sense of wellbeing. And who best to mentor our younger girls, than the older ones who can relate first hand to all they are experiencing?

At the end of Year 9, girls like Kiara can apply to be a ‘big sister’ and are interviewed by members of the sixth form and pastoral staff. Those who show the right attributes, are given training and support and then, at the beginning of Year 10, they are matched with a “little sister” starting Year 7. The girls meet up regularly and are always available to help with any small worries and concerns.

Some become good friends whilst for others, it’s just someone to wave to in the corridor.

Just like real sisters…

Today I explained the offside rule

Like much of our co-curricular provision, our Junior School Football Club was provided in response to enthusiasm from the girls. What started as five girls with more enthusiasm than skill has now become one of our most popular clubs and has had to be split into two age groups. Our Under 11 team now also play in competitive fixtures. Sereana, seen here explaining some of the finer details of the game, also represents Crystal Palace, our local club.

Today I strived to be the best I can be.

Croydon High School has introduced me to a huge variety of competitive sports including biathlon, cross country, gymnastics, and athletics. We have a fantastic PE department who work hard to put on fixtures for us throughout the year.

We are also very lucky to have an experienced swimming coach on the staff, who introduced me to the world of competitive swimming after being selected for swim squad in Year 3.

Over the past year, my greatest achievements have been becoming British biathlon champion as well as English 50m breaststroke champion in my age group. I was also lucky enough to be part of the Croydon High school team that won both the GDST swimming and athletics rallies.

My ambition is to continue to improve my times, to keep representing my school and to aim for British and International swimming competitions in the future.

Today I met my big sister

When Amy started Year 7 this year she didn’t expect to meet her big sister. But that is what Kiara has become; someone to lend a listening ear and to pass on the benefit of her experiences – and perhaps even an occasional hug if Amy’s day wasn’t going so well.

At Croydon High we recognise that positive mentoring is a key factor contributing to a general sense of wellbeing. And who best to mentor our younger girls, than the older ones who can relate first hand to all they are experiencing?

At the end of Year 9, girls like Kiara can apply to be a ‘big sister’ and are interviewed by members of the sixth form and pastoral staff. Those who show the right attributes, are given training and support and then, at the beginning of Year 10, they are matched with a “little sister” starting Year 7. The girls meet up regularly and are always available to help with any small worries and concerns.

Some become good friends whilst for others, it’s just someone to wave to in the corridor.

Just like real sisters…

Jennifer and Leah, in Lower Sixth will be part of the world’s largest arts festival this summer, when they (along with the rest of the Ivy Players) perform “There’s A Leak!” by Ben Hales, at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

It is Head of Drama, Emma Webb’s second Croydon High trip to the Fringe and as she explains, it is a wonderful opportunity for the girls to perform in front of a discerning live audience in an incredibly inspirational environment.

Our girls should be used to that; productions in school, recently including ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ and Oliver! attract capacity audiences and we are very proud of both the level of individual performance and the fact that so many girls are keen to get involved.

Dramatic and musical events like these enhance the life of the school, with teachers and girls working collaboratively to produce outstanding productions and create unforgettable memories. Look out for ‘Hairspray’ at Croydon High – February 2019!

On with the show…

Today Zoe trained to uphold the law.

Zoe says: The main objectives of law are the judgement of good and evil, and the punishment of those whose actions are deemed evil. Although this is a challenging ambition, I believe a career in Law it was what I was born to do.

I currently study REP, History, and Maths for A Level, which teaches me different ways of comparing situations, both quantitatively and qualitatively. The support I have received on my pathway through school, has led me to aim to read Philosophy, Politics, and Economics at university and also seek out work experience with a pro bono firm, where I currently assist with case research on many different areas of law.

I am excited about the journey ahead.

At Croydon High, we support pupils at every stage of their school journey, to ensure they can explore every opportunity and go on to pursue their career of choice.

Today I learned to care for the environment.

Bees are like Croydon High pupils – they are high energy, enjoy hands-on work and care about the planet. That is why the Junior School started Bee Club: Croydon High girls and bees go hand in hand! Members like Nicole have become beekeepers to two hives of over 100,000 bees, learning to care for the equipment, harvest honey and keep an eye on the health of the colony. They have also been learning about bees and other insects, flora and weather patterns. Nicole understands that bees are vital within an ecosystem because they are pollinators. Even at such a young age, she is passionate about protecting the bees and preserving our planet.

At Croydon High, we want pupils to be passionate about climate issues, which is why we not only teach them about the environment, but we also encourage them to take action to protect it.

Today I made a breakthrough

Every girl, every day is the mantra at Croydon High, reminding us that a moment of inspiration- that lightbulb moment – can come at any time and sometimes these moments can be life-changing. For a teacher, seeing the look on a student’s face when they grasp an idea that has been elusive, is just one of the things that makes the profession so rewarding. At Croydon High, our staff consistently challenge themselves and the girls, to take on new ideas and extend their learning inside and outside the classroom. Whether it is our youngest girls forming their first letters, Year 9 girls like Ivana, here, mastering trigonometry or our Sixth Formers finalising their University applications, every breakthrough is something to celebrate

Today I was the change I want to see in the world.

Ashwini says: I am the Menstrual Health Prefect at Croydon High. My aim in taking on this role has been to help ensure that all pupils are fully equipped with a knowledge of periods and understanding of everything having periods entails, as well as crafting an environment in which we can be ourselves, bloody and all! My motivations for this are rooted in my own personal menstrual health experiences; I hope to become what was not available to me.

At Croydon High, we want every girl to be the change she wants to see in the world – we encourage pupils not only to find solutions, but to create the solutions themselves.

When Jennifer and Leah were in Lower Sixth they were part of the world’s largest arts festival, when they (along with the rest of the Ivy Players) perform “There’s A Leak!” by Ben Hales, at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

It was Head of Drama, Emma Webb’s second Croydon High trip to the Fringe and as she explains, it is a wonderful opportunity for the girls to perform in front of a discerning live audience in an incredibly inspirational environment.

Our girls should be used to that; productions in school, recently including ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,  Hairspray, Guys and Dolls and We Will Rock You attract capacity audiences and we are very proud of both the level of individual performance and the fact that so many girls are keen to get involved.

Dramatic and musical events like these enhance the life of the school, with teachers and girls working collaboratively to produce outstanding productions and create unforgettable memories.

On with the show…

Today I won my first England cap

Mya started playing football outside school when she was in Year 4, often finding she was the only girl on the team. However, she believes this experience helped mould her into both the player and the person she is today. In her words, “… it taught me from an early age that challenges are put in place to be overcome.”

Mya was awarded her first England cap in February 2019. She played for Tottenham’s Under 20 team (where she was voted Players’ Player 2018-19) and also the ISFA England Schools Under 18 team.

Women’s football is growing quickly in popularity, nationally and at Croydon High, and is now a very popular co-curricular club. Mya was an inspirational coach and mentor for the younger girls and her passion for the game as well as her undoubted skill, means that we believe she could go all the way to achieving her dream of playing professionally and one day, bringing the World Cup home!

Just as with every one of our girls, we will do all we can to support her in her quest.

Today I performed surgery

When it comes to work experience, Croydon High girls are encouraged to really get stuck in. Some take it more literally than others, immersing themselves in real-world work situations to better prepare themselves for life after school. In October 2018, Vanessa took on a two week work experience through Gap Medics, in one of the most deprived hospitals in the world in the Dominican Republic. Her most memorable moments included being part of the surgical team delivering twins by caesarean section. She also observed emergency surgery, after a thief was shot by police and needed to have bullets removed from his intestines. A passionate environmentalist, conservationist and vegan, ‘Ness took the experience in her stride, using it to fuel her ambition to one day qualify as a doctor and work in the developing world.

We think she could do anything.

Today I achieved my dream

Jess knew she didn’t want to go to university; her ambition was always to start building a career in the City starting with an apprenticeship, where she could gain an industry recognised qualification in the workplace.

So, Jess set her (very determined) mind to researching options with the support of our dedicated Head of Careers. She attended a number of Insight Events at blue chip companies and took advantage of numerous opportunities offered by the wider GDST network, all of which reinforced her conviction that this path was right for her.

Applying for apprenticeships from March onwards meant Jess was having to juggle her A-Level revision with attending interviews and highly competitive assessment programmes. Fortunately, time management is just one of the many skills Jess found she had developed during her time at Croydon High, particularly in her last year as a valued member of the Senior Prefect Team.  During her interviews, she was able to talk confidently about how school life has helped shape her. An enthusiastic and accomplished sportswoman, Jess is a real team player who can always be relied upon to meet a challenge and give of her best, on the field, on stage and in the classroom. We have no doubt these attributes will be equally appreciated in the Board Room!

Jess knew what she wanted and we are extremely proud to say she has achieved her goal. She begun her Apprenticeship at Rothschild & Co. in August 2019.