We are delighted to present our latest film, which we hope captures the essence of our Junior school and all of your wonderful girls.  We are so proud of them all and hope that this film captures the fun and excitement that they experience each day at Croydon High.

From academic excellence to prioritising girls’ happiness and wellbeing, the junior school is a place that offers endless opportunities and lifelong learning enabling each girl to thrive, be happy and grow in confidence.

We hope you love it and perhaps might spot your daughter in one of the scenes! We would love you to like, comment and share on our social channels:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• Twitter
• LinkedIn
• YouTube

Let the Croydon High Advent Calendar 2023 commence!

In the lead up to Christmas, we will be sharing 24 festive Christmas card designs on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter which were submitted and shortlisted by Mrs Smith and Mrs Bird, as part of the Croydon High Christmas card competition.

The competition was open to the whole school and there have been some spectacular and jolly submissions.

Our winner and runner-ups Christmas cards can be purchased at the PTA Christmas Fair on Saturday 9 December from 2pm.

Runner-ups

Runner up – Ishya (5M)

Judy L (5M)

Elizabeth T (11J)

Arabella W (7KM)

Winner

Lara T (9F)

Follow #CroydonHighAdvent to see some entries.

A breezy and sunny autumn day last Friday, Year 10 Climate Change elective and all of Year 1 looked after our young, establishing hedge along the edge of the school field. We started off bright and early meeting Year 1 on the field. Rob and Laura from Surrey Wildlife Trust taught us about the importance of protecting our hedge and giving the young saplings space to grow. Going off in small groups, we began pulling away the grass to protect the establishing plants. The Year 1s were very excited for this and the time passed so quickly before they then had to leave.

Year 10 continued throughout the morning extending the hedgerow. We lengthened the hedge from 90m to 150m while also filling in lots of the gaps from the previous planting, to replace plants which hadn’t survived. The new saplings planted include six native species, which will add diversity and year-round colour to our hedge. The species being: Dogwood, Hawthorn, Silver birch, Wild cherry, Hazel and Rowan. We found many creatures thriving among our hedge, from snail eggs to angle shade moth caterpillars, larvae and beetles. There is already a greater biodiversity around our growing hedge compared to the rest of the field, which shows why these spaces are so important!

We are extremely grateful to Laura and Rob, as well as Mrs Howgego who made the day possible.

This has been an extremely memorable experience and we really enjoyed our day! We wanted to share some of our favourite moments… We started the day by Rika bringing the sunshine and singing Moana songs while going to get Trevor the Trolley, this was a great kickstart to the day especially because of the COLD. We had multiple jumpscares whilst planting trees when we found worms, snails and snail eggs. Shout out to Lexie who removed them for us. As well as that, we had several slips and falls which all ended up in HEAPS OF LAUGHTER. Overall, it was an extremely fun experience and we’re very excited to watch the trees grow as we get older, especially Rosie, our first tree that was planted.

Year 10 Pupils

Mrs Harriet Howgego
Head of Chemistry

On Tuesday 28 November, Astrogazers attended a talk on ‘An Introduction To Space Travel’ with Mr Kazi. We have been doing whatever we can to learn about the conditions of outer space in preparation for our satellite launch as part of Mission Pegasus so this was a valuable learning experience for all of us!

The talk began with comparing some real life problem solving situations with problems you would work out in a maths question and discussing how they differ from each other: Real-life problems we face are often complex, ambiguous and involve various factors, whereas problems on paper are usually more structured and straightforward, with specific ways of solving them. We concluded that we needed skills beyond solving equations, like critical thinking and adaptability, to navigate through our mission’s complexities.

Next, we went on to discuss the Two Body Problem and the Three Body Problem, talking about how the movement of two masses as a result of gravity acts in a specific pattern, in comparison to how the movement of three masses is much more unpredictable, due to chaotic behaviour.

Satellites experience gravitational forces, solar radiation pressure and atmospheric drag, influencing orbits and requiring precise adjustments for optimal functionality. This is something we have had to take into consideration when preparing to launch our own satellite and have been studying cosmic rays and solar radiation in particular.

Therefore, the next topic Mr Kazi covered was the effect of solar radiation on an object in space. Solar radiation can degrade satellite materials, increase temperatures and affect electronics, leading to potential malfunctions and reduced operational lifespan. This is why we must build and code our satellite in such a way that avoids these problems to the best of our ability.

Finally, to end the discussion, we talked about vector and scalar quantities, tying in to some of the topics Y9 have been studying this term very well – it was amazing to see how what we were being taught could be applied into real world situations!

Thank you to Mr Kazi for hosting this event. Everyone at Astrogazers is super grateful for everything you taught us and we can’t wait for another interesting discussion!

Anaiya S
Crew Operations & Resources Engineer

Last week, the Lower Sixth English Literature pupils joined Ms. Cotton on a trip to the beautiful Emmanuel Centre for an extensive conference run by English in Action for A-Level students across the nation who study AQA’s ‘Love Through the Ages’ theme in English Literature.

The hall was packed with KS5 students from all over the country who came to the conference and we had the privilege to listen to a range of speakers, from the former Principal Examiner, Luke McBratney, with a very useful presentation on how to aim for the top scores, to the esteemed actor/director, Nick Hutchison, who broke down Shakespeare’s genius from a stage-actor’s perspective with incredibly perceptive observations, to professor and author Dr. Simon Avery on the complexities of love in novels, and finally a reading of ‘Feminine Gospels’ from the former Poet Laureate herself, Dame Carol Ann Duffy which had the whole room starstruck.

Luke McBratney delivered an excellent talk on love poetry through the ages in which he discussed the styles and subgenres of poetry, such as sonnets, and how love (in its various forms) is explored by poets spanning the ages. As an experienced examiner, he also shared ‘An Examiner’s Perspective’ of comparative essays and how necessary genre-specific analysis is.

Following this, Nick Hutchison presented a very detailed reading of little sections of several Shakespeare plays. Being a renowned stage actor and director, his incredibly valuable analysis of the nuances of linguistic and characteristic choices of Shakespeare provoked lots of interest and thoughts for any work we study or will study of the Bard.

Dr. Simon Avery also delved into lots of different novels spanning from ‘Jane Eyre’ to the ‘Great Gatsby’. His insightful analysis of the depiction of love in these texts was immensely informative.

And, of course, finally we had Dame Carol Ann Duffy read select poems from her anthology – ‘Feminine Gospels’. It was incredible to have been given the opportunity to hear such amazing poems being read from the poet herself. Her exploration of the feminine experience was incredible. Duffy made a comment on how if she could, she ‘would replace politics with ethics’ and this sentiment is present through her work, promoting philosophy and ethical readings.

Raadhikhaa K
Lower Sixth

On Wednesday morning, the Croydon High A-Level German class met at Waterloo station, ready for the insightful day at the British Film Institute that lay ahead.

‘The legacy of East Germany through film’ was a study day for German A-Level students across London, which focused primarily on how cinema portrays the various attitudes people had to living in East Germany during the time in which the Berlin Wall divided the country.

In the morning, we watched many clips from different films such as Das Leben der Anderen, Sonnen Allee and Ballon. We were encouraged to think about and discuss (in German of course) how aspects such as colour, lighting, music and camera angles make films more effective through a series of small activities.

During the afternoon, we watched a German screening of the film Goodbye Lenin, which tells the story of a family living in the GDR at the time which the Berlin Wall fell.

Overall, our trip was lots of fun and provided us with invaluable vocabulary and knowledge about film techniques, which undoubtedly will be very useful when we study our film after Christmas!

Louise R, Malina J and Alisha F
Lower Sixth

My Best Friends

Friends are very big,
We always laugh together,
We wear funny wigs,
And we are always with each other forever,

We share all our feelings,
We always have fun,
We care for each other,
And we always relax in the hot sun.

Friendship is all about love,
It will never end,
We are like a pair of gloves,
And we will always be best friends.

This is to my family,
My best friends from birth,
I love them more than the earth,
I was born to be beside them,
No matter how far I go.

Jasmine M
7S

The Junior school girls are always busy with a diverse range of clubs and opportunities to explore. From clubs engaging with the environment to creative minds flourishing in art and drama, our co-curricular provision fosters a dynamic learning environment outside of the classroom. Whether it’s sports, coding, or cooking, there is a club for every interest.

This term, our girls have actively engaged in a myriad of activities, showcasing remarkable achievements across various clubs. From academic accomplishments across the GDST to outstanding performances in arts and sports events, our girls have consistently demonstrated excellence. This term has been a testament to the well-rounded abilities and achievements of our remarkable girls.

Mr David Johnston
Assistant Head of Junior School

Art and 3D Design

• National Saturday Club: Free Saturday clubs for 13 – 16 year olds at your local university, college or cultural institution. Explore subjects you love (London Zoo, Architecture, Animation, Society & Change, Fashion, Film, Writing & Talking, Science & Engineering, Performance & Theatre, Craft & Making).
• Dulwich Picture Gallery: Rubens Life Drawing with Luisa MacCormack, Saturday 27 January (£80).
• Dulwich Picture Gallery: Sara Shamma Masterclass, Saturday 17th February (£80).
• Royal Academy many talks and lectures as well as Saturday drawing workshops (£10.00, sign up online).
• Tate: Many tours and talks over the next few months as well as photography workshops at both Tate Britain and Tate Modern, these do cost but are cheaper for members.
• Royal Drawing School: Epic evening drawings Tuesday evening from £19.50.
• See Croydon High alumna, Helen Chadwick’s work in ‘Women in Revolt’ 8 November – 7 April, Tate Britain
• See Croydon High alumna, Rhea Dillon: Alterable Terrain until 1 January, Tate Britain
• See Croydon High alumna, Caroline Ip’s curation of ‘It all starts with a thread’ until 31 December at the Whitechapel Art Gallery

Galleries

• Royal Academy
• The Courtauld
• The National Gallery
• Saatchi Gallery
• White Cube
• National Portrait Gallery

Drama

• The National Theatre has many affordable productions/£20/£10 tickets for young people.
• Download TodayTix app for last minute and special deals on West End musicals and productions throughout the year.
• The Globe – cheap ‘groundlings’ standing tickets available for every production.
• The Unicorn Theatre – ages 8-13 (years 7&8). Fantastic young persons theatre.
• National Theatre at Home: you can rent or subscribe to watch streamed theatre (please check age restrictions).
• Programmes for young people (producing, acting and technical theatre) ages 13+.

Music

• London Carol concerts
• Visit the South Bank Centre for a whole array of arts events and concerts. Students receive a 25% discount!
• A variety of London free music events
• Barbican Presents concert series gives something to listen out for with a large variety of concerts and musical events on offer. Every year, they offer Young Barbican members over 50,000 tickets across art, film, music, theatre and dance for only £5, £10 or £15 with new film releases just £5.
• Listening: The 100 best London songs
• Free music documentaries
• Live at Lunch, at the Royal Opera House (free)

Lower Sixth pupil, Charlie, recently attended the Aerobility Aviator’s Ball at the Hilton Heathrow hotel. Charlie attended as a member of Aerobility, Britain’s foremost flying charity for the disabled, whereby £130,000 was raised for the charity on the night.

The Red Arrows were guests of honour (as shown in the photo of Charlie and Red 1, Squadron Leader Jon Bond) who she met over two years ago. The ball is only one of the many charity events that Aerobility are part of, including Ace, an air show at Biggin Hill, and Farnborough air show. She spoke about how “the people [she] met were what made it” and that she has made so many new connections through attending the ball in the past three years.

Aerobility is a charity that supports disabled pilots, and Charlie has been flying with them for three years, and after a successful solo flight a few weeks ago, enjoyed the food and company that the ball provided.

Rebecca G
Lower Sixth

On Sunday 26 November, Delilah, Sanaa, India and Sophia H from Year 5, performed at the Shaftesbury Theatre in the West End. The dance troupe have been rigorously rehearsing since July culminating in a 7-minute dance troupe performance in which they were wonderfully slick, and the girls didn’t drop a beat! They were the youngest group there and they got the biggest cheer.

The show was a collaborative effort from troupes around the UK. The Croydon High girls are part of Stagecoach Croydon and they had to audition to be part of the smaller troupe. The girls had the piece choreographed for them, but they were able to give their input when it came to deciding which poses they could perform. The dance was in a street dance style, and it was to the music of the Disney films, Descendants.

Well done girls – you were phenomenal!

Mrs Sarah Newlands
Junior School Teacher

Treat Jars

Our heartfelt thanks for the wonderful gifts and treat jars, please DO KEEP SENDING them until 8 December 2023.

Please decorate and fill your jars, bring in any unwanted/unused gifts and leave them in the Junior School foyer tubs. Can include toys, stationery, hair accessories, wrapped sweets, etc..)

House Competition

Curie: 53
Garrett: 49
Seacole: 25
Evans: 21

PTA Committee

Anita Panchmatia, Class of 2000

Anita is a Managing Director at Bank of America (BofA) with over twenty years experience working in global investment banks. She drives growth in trading businesses by delivering transformative technology solutions. Anita previously worked at Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan, in Global Markets and Private Wealth Management businesses. She has worked in London, New York, and Boston where she also tutored Finance at Harvard University. Anita’s expertise is in strategy, digital transformation, governance, and risk management. She is experienced in leading complex, large-scale, multi-stakeholder organisations, in highly regulated sectors.

Anita is a passionate advocate for diversity and leads a Europe-wide Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion network at BofA. She has been recognised in Nasdaq’s global campaign for Women in Technology twice. She has won two industry awards for her diversity work in financial services.

Anita’s board experience (non-executive director, NED) spans defence, healthcare, and ESG-focused organisations, in private, public, and charity sectors. She is a Senior Independent NED at the National Shipbuilding Office (Ministry of Defence). She is a NED at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital and Chair of the People Committee. Anita is a Board Advisor and Investment Committee member at the Growth Impact Fund, which backs diverse-led social enterprises. She is on the management team for EI SMART, a healthcare charity focused on high-risk infants.

In 2012, Anita was our Prize giving guest speaker. She entertained the audience with her informative and enthusiastic address, inspired them with her drive and ambition, and clearly delivered her message to the girls that with focus and determination, the world is indeed their oyster.

We caught up with Anita recently for a Q&A session:

What aspects of Croydon High School did you enjoy and find most rewarding?

My time at Croydon High was very happy. I loved the breadth of the curriculum, and the chance to pursue all my interests to a high level. I wore out the floor in the drama room and tested the soundproofing in the music studios! The nurturing and supportive staff in the senior school encouraged me to fulfil my potential, and I am grateful for them. And the girls: amongst my closest friends, there remains a strong Croydon High cohort!

What did you aspire to whilst at school?

I always aspired to join the world of big business, and fleetingly, wanted to be a journalist! I’m pleased to be able to combine both these interests in my executive and non-executive roles today.

How did Croydon High School empower you for your future?

Empowering its students is what Croydon High does best. Firstly, the robust academics instilled more than a love of the subjects: it instilled a love of learning. I acquired the analytical skills and academic flexibility that I lean on today, in all roles that I assume. I think this education in “how to learn” and not “what to learn” is critical in our ever-changing world. Secondly, the culture at Croydon High develops strong, confident women. Ambition was encouraged; personality was indulged! This is a trait that I carry into every room and has enabled me to take big decisions with conviction. Finally, beneath the bustle of school, and supported by my parents, Croydon High instilled in me a sense of purpose. Whether it was the Duke of Edinburgh Award, Guild Day, or the Craft Fair, the conversation at Croydon High was always about giving back. Those strong values persist in me today.

What has been your proudest moment?

I am a mother of three boys, and my middle son was born severely pre-term. My proudest moment was bringing him home from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The NICU journey was very challenging. Those Croydon High values of resilience, focus, and strength were all practised, every day. He is my pride and joy, and I try and pay it forward through my charity work with EI SMART.

What are your hopes for the future?

If you had asked me this ten years ago, I would have talked about working in a global investment bank, living in New York, and trekking across the Andes. I feel fortunate to have been able to do all those things. Today, my focus is on giving back and making a positive difference.

What would you say to your 15-year-old self?

Firstly, don’t hurry! The journey is long and winding, and the joy is in the adventure, not the destination. Secondly, you will look back on any decision, and with perspective, it will be less intense or worrying than it feels now. Trust that you will do the best you can at every juncture, and trust that you will make the best of any outcome. Finally, in the words of Baz Luhrmann, “wear sunscreen”!

The values that Anita talks about in connection to Croydon High still ring true today. Thank you, Anita, for your inspiring answers to our questions.

Mrs Karen Roe
Alumnae Relations Manager

Dear All

Re: Harvest Donations 2023

Once again, we write to thank all those involved in donating food to us this year.

This ongoing support helps us provide food parcels to families who are struggling to make ends meet. They are often referred to us by Social Services, G. P’s, and other such professional support agencies.

If any of the girls would like to come and see where and how their donations are distributed, we would be happy to arrange this. (We could facilitate 2 pupils)

We always like to give feedback and so far, this year we have distributed over 2,550 parcels. Once again, a heartfelt thank you.

Yours sincerely,

Mary Russell-Redman
Community Support

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