Last week, Croydon High School hosted an event to celebrate the resounding success of Mission Aspiration, which saw a team of students from the school’s Astrogazers Club collaborate with the University of Bath to become the first UK school to send two weather balloons into space. The weather balloons were launched 32,000 metres into space and successfully retrieved images of the Earth. Alongside the celebrations, the gathering also marked the official unveiling of Astrogazers’ new mission, Mission Pegasus.

The event was attended by a diverse audience, including family and friends of Astrogazers, Croydon High staff, professionals from universities and the space industry, as well as Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon. Notable guests included Professor Cathryn Mitchell, Dr. Robert Watson, and Clare Cambridge from the University of Bath, who shared their reflections on the success of Mission Aspiration, underscoring the significance of hands-on learning experiences in STEAM education.

Mrs. Arabi Karteepan, Head of Physics at Croydon High School, Director of Astrogazers and recent winner of the RAS award for further and Higher Education said:

“I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power that hands-on learning experiences can play in boosting our girls’ confidence and fostering an early passion for not only space science, but all STEAM subjects. I have had an influx of educators asking for guidance on running similar projects, and it has been very rewarding to share these unique learning experiences which empower girls to see themselves as capable and competent contributors to the field. After launching two high-altitude meteorological balloons into space, the next goal for Astrogazers is to become the first UK school to launch a CubeSat (satellite) into low earth orbit.”

Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon, said:

“I was really inspired by my visit to Croydon High School Astrogazers Club… Physics teacher Mrs Arabi Karteepan, who recently won the Royal Astronomical Society’s Secondary and Further Education Award for the Mission Aspiration project, spoke passionately about her childhood dream of going into space and I eagerly look forward to their next mission.”

Ms. Annabel Davies, Head of Croydon High School, opened the event with an inspiring speech, highlighting the achievements of Astrogazers and reaffirming Croydon High’s dedication to fostering STEAM opportunities for girls.

Chrissie Hillyer, Business Development at Spirent Communications, leading global provider of automated testing and assurance solutions for networks, security and positioning, and Astrogazers Club sponsor said:

“Astrogazers are truly an inspirational group to all women globally. Their passion, motivation and enthusiasm towards space science and pushing the boundaries of research through their inquisitive minds makes Spirent proud to be sponsors and partners of the group. With the balloon launch proving a huge success, we can’t wait to see what they can achieve with Mission Pegasus. The sky really isn’t the limit with these girls – and I doubt the ionosphere will be either!”

Other esteemed guests at the celebration included Professor Gemma Attrill from The Defence Science & Technology Laboratory (Dstl) Space Systems Programme, Professor Andrew Coates from Mullard Space Science Laboratory – University College London, Professor Keith Ryden, Head of Surrey Space Centre, Vinita Marwaha Madill, Founder of Rocket Women, Mission Control Space Services and Vanessa Viney – Innovations Manager at Airbus, Lucinda Offer from the Royal Astronomical Society, Graham Cluber from Croydon Astronomical Society, as well as Helen Forrest and Rachel Wiffen from Innoval Technology.

The National Council of Women (NCYW) conference, ‘How to be a Woman in a World Tailored for Men’, was hosted on 13 March 2024 by Chloe W and Ambreen H. The event drew attendees from the Croydon area and highlighted the resilience, strength, and priceless contributions made by women in traditionally male-dominated fields. This event is an integral part of the National Council of Women’s larger campaign to end inequality and prejudice at all societal levels. The conference highlighted the role that young voices will play in creating a more inclusive future by giving teens a forum to learn about gender-related
issues and the particular struggles that girls around the world face.

A series of compelling lectures provided guests with a glimpse into the lives of women who are making major advancements in their industries. Albena Atannasova’s investigation into the architectural field highlighted the glaring differences between genders in positions of leadership and construction, underscoring the necessity for more female presence. In her art presentation, Elli Cartwright used her installation ‘A Grotto Of Her Own’ as a case study on art activism, criticising patriarchal institutions in the field. Dr. Sara Abad’s observations on women’s engagement in STEM fields, especially robotics, brought to light the revolutionary effect that female involvement has had on shattering preconceptions and improving technology. Finally, Rachael Burford’s career in professional rugby served as an example for upcoming female athletes of the incredible perseverance needed for women to succeed in physically demanding sports.

The conference, which was recorded for those who were unable to attend, not only honoured women’s accomplishments but also cleared the path for important conversations on gender equality. The NCYW maintains its aim to empower the next generation of change agents by highlighting the significance of giving young people’s voices a platform, guaranteeing a future in which a person’s gender is no longer a determinant of their success.

Ambreen H
Lower Sixth

Last week, we hosted the prestigious GDST Chrystall Prize in the Holt Hall, with a number of VIP guests including our own Year 10 pupils. As they listened to the wholly inspiring speeches delivered by Year 11 pupils from five GDST schools, we hope they will be thinking about how they might be involved next year.

The esteemed Chrystall Prize competition brings together Year 11 pupils from across GDST schools to voice their opinions on the most prevalent debates in modern society. Set up in memory of former GDST Deputy Legal Secretary, Chrystall Carter, the competition holds extra meaning for the girls. Chrystall had a strong belief in the power of reasoned argument, and this competition provides a platform for girls to build confidence and have their voices heard.

This year’s judging panel included:

Dr Phil Purvis
Dr Purvis is currently Head of Educational Partnerships and Projects for the GDST. Previously, he was Head of Senior (Fulham School) and Deputy Head (Academic) and Head of Sixth Form (Croydon High School). A former Director of Music, Phil is a lover of the spoken and written word and is also a published author having edited two books Masculinity in Opera (2013) and Music & Camp (2013).

Jonathan Vickery
Mr Vickery retired from Croydon High School in 2019 after 30 years at the school, where he was a highly respected teacher of English and Government and Politics. Amongst many other achievements, Jonathan is credited with transforming debating and Model United Nations (MUN) at Croydon High School and was a great supporter of the Chrystall Prize competition.

Amelia Maher
Amelia works for leading London law firm, Sheridans; specialist lawyers in leisure, media, entertainment and technology. Prior to joining Sheridans, Amelia trained in-house at animation studio Aardman, gaining experience with a range of film, commercials and games production.

Amelia was a Senior Prefect leaving Croydon High School in 2011 for Exeter University to study History. After graduating, Amelia worked in a variety of roles including setting up her own record label, working as both a radio presenter and music journalist and at Apple’s advertising agency, Media Arts Lab, focusing on music licensing, legal clearance, and talent agreements.

Her musical talent was apparent from an early age, with Amelia actively involved in a number of school choirs as well as being an accomplished guitarist and memorably, acting as compere at the Sixth Form Fashion Show.

Katie Tomsett
Katie is a solicitor in the London office of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, advising on international white-collar crime and regulatory investigations, internal investigations, and international disputes.

A Senior Prefect, Katie left Croydon High School in 2014, for the University of Oxford to read Human Sciences. After graduating, Katie trained at Gibson Dunn, spending a year seconded to the firm’s Hong Kong office. She is relocating soon to the firm’s Singapore office, where she will continue growing her practice and broadening her experience. Katie also has an active pro-bono practice, with a focus on the protection of endangered wildlife.

Katie herself represented Croydon High School in the Chrystall Prize competition of 2012 and was the recipient of the prestigious GDST Minerva Prize in 2014, for all-round achievement.

This year’s finalists and their chosen speeches included:

Each of the girls spoke with passion, flair and conviction but in the end it was Jaan W from Notting Hill & Ealing High School who walked away with the Chrystall Prize Award 2024 with her speech on whether art is a necessity or luxury. The judges praised Jaan’s ability for speaking without any notes or prompts, and for adeptly supporting her responses in the Q&A section with further research and relevant theory.

Many congratulations to all seventeen Year 6 girls who represented Croydon High School this year against 20 other GDST Schools, playing in so many highly competitive and closely fought netball matches on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 March.

There were separate A and B team tournaments and at the end of the group stages, both our teams topped their group of ten schools. Their excellent form continued on Sunday in their final stage matches (they won them all), meaning that they both reached their respective finals. Putney High also reached the finals of both tournaments and proved too strong for our teams on this occasion, but every one of our girls was so proud to receive a silver medal for finishing as both A team and B team runners-up, a superb achievement.

When not playing netball, girls were able to challenge themselves by undertaking multiple other activities such as the zip wire, rock climbing, abseiling, high aerial trek, leap of faith, laser conquest, grid of stones and tunnelling. It was lovely to watch the girls both encouraging each other and displaying such a determined streak; this enabled many of them to succeed in activities that they were initially nervous about attempting. The weather added to the challenge, as we experienced a mixture of sleet, snow, heavy rain, hail and sunshine during the weekend, but the girls continued throughout with a smile on their faces and arrived back at school on Sunday evening, having made a whole host of memories that will stay with them for a very long time.

Mrs. Alison Botham
Head of Junior School PE

On the 23rd of February, Professor Gemma Atrill, a Physicist from the Defence Science & Technology Laboratory visited our school to give a fascinating talk on her experiences in the Space Science sector. She spoke to us about her journey from leaving high school, all the way to where she is today.

We found out about her experiences at Aberystwyth University at the University Centre on Svalbard (in the High Arctic) where she studied Radar Diagnostics of Space Plasma (relating to Space Physics) and The Upper Polar Atmosphere (relating to her research within the Ionospheric Physics sector of Astrophysics). It was clear that studying in this remote location was an incredible experience for her! When we asked her to describe what it was like to study there, she simply replied, “It’s not like visiting another country, it’s more like entering a whole new world, a completely different planet.”

We then went on to discuss her career path. After completing her undergraduate degree at university, she began as a researcher at the Harvard Centre for Astrophysics. After this, she moved on to become a Systems Engineer at the DSTL, Ministry of Defence. Following this, she gained her Chartered Physicist (CPhys) accreditation from The Institute of Physics. Being a chartered Physicist is a highly-regarded achievement which provides validation of your skills, knowledge and expertise as a leader in your field. At the moment, she is the Chief Scientist of Space Weather and has recently become a visiting professor at the University of Bath, specialising in Electronic & Electrical Engineering. However, her previous titles also include: Chief Scientist; Space Weather Lead Scientist; Space Systems Program Project Technical Authority and Space Scientist.

As well as her inspiring journey throughout her career, she has (quite literally) been on countless exciting journeys around the globe, studying in places such as Japan, the USA and the High Arctic!

Finally, we ended on the topics of space weather, the ionosphere, the upcoming IRIS & CIRCE Mission, life-work balance and why it is important to pick a career you absolutely love.

Professor Atrill gave an eye-opening talk and we all really appreciate her coming in and sharing her story with us. Here are some quotes of hers that we found really inspiring…

“Don’t let anyone tell you no… EVER!”
“If you need to get somewhere, just make yourself a door!”

Anaiya S
Year 9
Astrogazers, Crew Operations & Resources Engineer

As part of their Science Skills lessons, Year 8 pupils are taking part in Engineering Educates Farmvention Challenge. Pupils have looked into different types of farms near us, suggested solutions to minimise release of greenhouse gases and tackling different engineering problems at farms. In the past couple of weeks, the pupils have designed and built their own hydroponic systems to grow cress sustainably without soil.

Mrs Sari Leppala
Teacher of Chemistry
Innovation & Enrichment Lead (Science)

Four Year 9-11 pupils took part in the regional heat of the Top of the Bench Chemistry competition in November. Each pupil completed multiple choice questions followed by a practical task. Congratulations to Lorelei, Ahaana, Prisha and Penelope for coming 6th in their heat!

In January, two teams of six took part in the SATRO Problem Solving Challenge. The teams were tasked to build a device to transport supplies (Lego bricks) from one area to another. Well done to both the KS3 and KS4 teams! Congratulations to our KS3 team – Ahaana, Lorelei, Alisha, Anaiya, Riya and Arvika – for their third place in the regional heat, and just narrowly missing a place in the national final!

Between December and February, twenty four Year 11-13 students took part in the Physics Olympiad Challenges. Congratulations to Eloane for her Silver Award, and Charlie and Milly for their Bronze Awards in the Senior Physics Challenge. Massive well done to Lillian, Harneka and Ellie for their Gold Awards; Akshata, Elsa, Hollie, Penelope and Shamika for their Silver Awards; Chloe, Daisy, Lucia, Mia and Vania for their Bronze Awards, and Anya, Fox and Lily-Belle for their Commendations in the Intermediate Physics Challenge.

Results for the CityZen Civil Engineering Competition (Lower Sixth) and the Year 10 Chemistry Challenge should be published within the next few weeks!

The entire Science Department is looking forward to further fantastic performances during the Science Week!

Mrs Sari Leppala
Teacher of Chemistry
Innovation & Enrichment Lead (Science)

As part of their Ecosystems topic in Geography, where the pupils have been exploring the biomes of Australia and the wilderness of Patagonia, we took Year 7 to Kew Gardens. It was great timing to coincide with Science Week, and we were fortunate to be able to bring several Science teachers with us! During the day, pupils discovered the amazing uses of plants from around the world and saw their unusual adaptations first-hand. A highlight of the day was the photograph competition. Winners will be announced very soon, but the initial entries coming in are fantastic! Here are some of the pupil’s lovely diary entries from the day:

Dear Diary,

Today I went to Kew Gardens, and it was an awe-inspiring experience. The temperate rainforest biome fascinated me with its towering trees and vibrant flowers, while the other greenhouses were quite humid with overhanging leaves and branches. The Palm House, which was my favourite glasshouse, showcased exotic plants and palm trees. I also found it quite interesting how the leaves on the different trees in the biome differed in size and colour. Another thing I enjoyed in The Palm House was the balcony, where you could see a full view of the biome from overhead. Today, I was really fascinated by all the different biomes in Kew Gardens, and I definitely learnt a lot more facts about the biomes and seeing it visually was definitely enjoyable. Bye diary.
-Ehi

Dear Diary,

Today we went to Kew Gardens and it was really fun. We learnt new facts and saw amazing greenery and wildlife. We enjoyed the displays, looking around in the greenhouses and taking lots of photos! My favourite greenhouse was the Princess of Wales Conservatory, which, upon entering, had lots of fascinating types of cacti. Through some glass doors there was what looked like a tropical rainforest and had a few different flowers. There was also a lily pond that had some lilypads floating on it and reflected all the wildlife around it. Down some steps were a few interesting glass holes and displays with plants and even fish in them! I really enjoyed my day and loved every minute of it.
-Diya

Dear Diary,

I’m living in the world of Jack and the Beanstalk, in real life! Here’s a fill-in on Kew Gardens. The cold fir trees rustled in the wind that harshly bit our cold faces. Flowers of all the colours of the rainbow were the centre of attention. Each building was beautifully designed, the glass structures each held special valuables everyone enjoyed, although very humid inside. I loved the cacti because they were every shade of green and more attractive as I had never seen anything like it. I could never pronounce any of the names. This sight couldn’t compare to the treetop, though. The stairs were hard work, but it was worth it when we faced the jaw-dropping views.

A great end to the amazing trip.
-Faith

Dear Diary,

Today I had a great day at Kew Gardens. Once I arrived on the bus, I got into my form group and we set off. When we were walking I spotted lots of very loud geese and plenty of glasshouses. My favourite glasshouse we went into was the Palm House as when I went in it was very hot and it made my skin tingle and made it really smooth. My favourite flower throughout the whole trip was 100% the Tristagma uniflorum. If I were to bring my family, next time, I would take them to the glasshouse with all the different shaped and sized cacti because I think they would love reading about all the cacti. I had such a great day, but it’s getting late, so I must get some rest.

Write tomorrow, I promise.

Dear Diary

Today was a very exciting day. I went to Kew Gardens. We went into lots of glasshouses and in there we explored different biomes and environments. All the glasshouses had different plant and temperatures some also had animals. My favourite place was the tree top walkway, I found it amazing to see all the views from above as it’s not every day that you get to do that. Overall I had an amazing experience and I wanted to thank my friends and teachers for making this trip possible and so amazing.
-Wren

Dear Diary

Today was a very exciting day. I went to Kew Gardens. We went into lots of glasshouses and in there we explored different biomes and environments. All the glasshouses had different plant and temperatures some also had animals. My favourite place was the tree top walkway, I found it amazing to see all the views from above as it’s not every day that you get to do that. Overall I had an amazing experience and I wanted to thank my friends and teachers for making this trip possible and so amazing.
-Zaynab

Dear Diary

Today marked our much-anticipated Year 7 trip to Kew Gardens, and what an adventure it turned out to be! From the moment we boarded the bus, excitement filled the air as we eagerly anticipated the day ahead.

As we arrived at Kew Gardens and stepped off the bus, the sheer size and beauty of the place took our breath away. It was as if we had entered a magical realm, far removed from the confines of our school grounds. The vibrant colours of the flowers, the towering trees, and the lush greenery seemed to beckon us to explore every nook and cranny.

Our first stop was the Palm House, a towering glass structure housing a myriad of tropical plants. Stepping inside felt like stepping into a different world. The air was warm and humid, and exotic plants surrounded us on all sides. It was fascinating to learn about the different species and their unique adaptations to survive in such environments.

Next on our itinerary was the Waterlily House, where we were greeted by the serene sight of delicate lily pads floating on tranquil pools. We marvelled at the vibrant colours of the water lilies and learned about their importance in aquatic ecosystems. Some of us even tried our hand at sketching the beautiful flowers, capturing their intricate details on paper.

One of the highlights of the day was the treetop walkway, a thrilling adventure high above the ground. We eagerly climbed the stairs to the top and walked along the suspended bridge, feeling like explorers in a dense jungle canopy. The views from above were simply breathtaking, and we couldn’t resist snapping countless photos to remember the moment.

Throughout the day, we were accompanied by the cheerful chatter of our classmates and the laughter that echoed through the gardens. We explored every corner, from the aromatic herb garden to the sprawling Arboretum, soaking in the beauty of nature with each step.

As the day drew to a close and we reluctantly made our way back to the bus, we were filled with a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to experience such natural splendour. Kew Gardens sparked our curiosity, ignited our imaginations, and left an indelible mark on our young minds. It was a trip we would cherish for years to come, a day filled with laughter, learning, and unforgettable memories.
-Olivia

A vital part of a student’s experience of geography is fieldwork, and we encourage pupils to come up with their own surveys and questionnaires to develop their independence and decision-making skills.

Our current topic is The Geography of Health, and they are applying the Mayor of London’s Healthy Streets concept to Selsdon. Each group was given 2 segments of the Healthy Streets framework to devise their own fieldwork focus for. They came up with some great ideas and headed out during their Geography lesson to collect their data. Despite a few knockbacks from busy pedestrians and drizzly weather, they managed to speak to quite a number of people in the end; the photos show them in action speaking to local people. Their next step is to produce a colourful rose diagram to conclude their class investigation and evaluate their choice of survey questions. Well done, Year 8!

Mrs Alice Mollison
Head of Geography

At our Presentation Evening, Lower Sixth EPQ pupils showcased their independent research endeavours, demonstrating intellectual curiosity, critical thinking skills, and passion for exploration. From investigating cutting-edge scientific theories such as, ‘To what extent is the representation of the black hole in the movie Interstellar, scientifically accurate?’ to the exploration of complex societal issues including, ‘Evaluating the institutional failings of the American healthcare system, particularly around racial justice’ and many in between. We had a lovely evening with parents, teachers and other students who came to see our presentations and engage in thought-provoking discussions surrounding our topics as well as our experience with the EPQ process. Attendees were able to gain insight into the diverse range of topics we explored and the impact of our research on our academic and personal growth.

Lilia H
Lower Sixth

Congratulations to Anastasia, Fitnet, Laura and Flora, who came first in their class of double reed ensemble at the Coulsdon and Purley Festival on Friday evening at Wilson’s School. They performed 2 pieces, ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ and Beethoven’s Turkish March. It was wonderful to see a group of oboes and bassoons performing chamber music together.

The Adjudicator was the eminent clarinettist and musician, Paul Harris, and he was very impressed with their tone and ensemble playing. He made a particular mention regarding the focus required in Over the Rainbow which featured sections with more complex textures and harmonies.

Mr Marcus Suranyi
Director of Music

JOIN US!

Has your child always wanted to be on stage?

Would he/she like to join our Workshop and take part in our annual musical?

Kenley Holiday Workshop is a local group of 50 or so young people aged 9-18 who spend a fortnight of their summer holiday preparing and presenting a show at the Barn Theatre, Oxted, under the expert guidance of a talented directing team. KHW has something really special!

On stage, you see a group of youngsters having a great time presenting a really good show. But it is much more than that. We are a community, a family, with the performers supported by a large unseen team, from the talented Directors to the big group of backstage workers, led by our superb Stage Manager, together with many parents helping in so many ways.
The children gain confidence, learn new skills, make lasting friendships and, above all, have fun!

The show for 2024 is the magnificent “BEAUTY AND THE BEAST”

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Audition date is: Sunday 14 April
Rehearsal dates are: Saturday 3 to Tuesday 13 August
Performance dates are: Wednesday 14 to Saturday 17 August
(Everyone must be available for the whole of the rehearsal period)

Rehearsals will be at St Francis’ Catholic Primary School in Whyteleafe, with the second week based at the Barn Theatre, Oxted.
If you would like some more information, please contact: sallydallosso@googlemail.com
^{(Bursaries are available for those in financial need)}

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