To mark Remembrance Day, we gathered outside for our two-minute silence to reflect and honour all the brave soldiers who gave their lives.

To commemorate this occasion, the Junior School Holt Hall has been decorated with artwork designed by the pupils, from handprints to chalk designs – the display looks beautiful.

Sowing poppies for remembrance – Juniors school Gardening club

Our young gardeners learned why poppies grew in Flanders Field in the aftermath of the First World War and have created clay poppy seed balls to plant in the school grounds. We explored what is meant by a symbol and why poppies are a symbol of remembrance. Whilst we wait for our seeds to germinate and grow, which, given the right conditions, would be July and August, we have enjoyed creating poppies in clay.

The best time to sow poppy seeds is autumn. The seeds lie dormant during the cold winter months and then germinate in spring when conditions are warm enough for growth. They are hardy, annual wildflowers that can grow almost anywhere. Poppy seeds can remain dormant for decades until conditions for germination are just right. Poppies thrive in disturbed soil so when the soil was churned-up on the battlefields, dormant seeds were brought to the surface and started to germinate, filling Flanders Fields with poppies.

To make your own seed bombs you will need:

• Red poppy seeds (Papaver rhoeas)
•  Air-drying clay
• Compost or potting soil

Process:

1. Combine the clay and compost in a ratio of 5:1, adding a little water if the mixture is dry. It should have a consistency similar to cookie dough.
2. Add a sprinkling of seeds to the clay and compost. Thoroughly work the materials together and roll into a small ball between the palms of your hands.
3. Allow the balls to dry.
4. Find a location to place your poppy seed ball. Poppies prefer sites in full sun.
5. After you have enjoyed seeing your poppies bloom, they will form seed heads. You can harvest the seed so this activity can be repeated next year.

One Red Poppy

One red poppy in that place
Where another soldier died that day

Thousands grow every year
Each one is another tear

One red poppy standing lone
That one soldier had a home

Thousands of poppies standing tall
All those soldiers had their fall

One red poppy blown by the wind
All those soldiers died for one win

They died for peace
They died for love
They died for safety and our trust

They died so we could have a home
A place of safety where we are known

Lest we forget those who died,
Who died so we can have our lives

By Tabitha R, Year 7

During the half-term, a group GCSE and A Level Art & 3D Design pupils explored the sites of Paris and immersed themselves in the beautiful art and sights that the city had to offer.

“One of the most memorable parts of our trip was visiting the Musee d’Orsay. Seeing the main entrance room brimming with statues from a range of eras and even having a few located on the ceiling was fascinating. The variety of work across this museum, from life-like statues to Monet’s famous Water Lilies, meant there was something for everyone to enjoy. Personally, I loved seeing the famous clock tower at the top showing off incredible views of Paris, including the River Seine and the Louvre.”
-Milly C, Upper Sixth

“A highlight of our trip was visiting the Louvre museum. Here, we got the opportunity to see a variety of works, from intricately crafted statues, such as The Winged Victory of Samothrace, to the Mona Lisa herself. However, I think my favourite part was walking through the extravagant gold Galerie d’Apollon where the Crown jewels were on display, not to mention witnessing the breathtaking architecture of the Louvre itself!”
– Zara G, Upper Sixth

Musée de L’Orangerie – Claude Monet’s Les Nuages (The Water Lilies)

Located in central Paris, just above the bank of the River Seine, the Musée de L’Orangerie has been home to Monet’s series “The Water Lilies” since 1927. Created by one of the most influential impressionists, Monet’s work has always been considered uniquely striking in both subject matter and technique. This collection is made up of eight canvases spread over two rooms, with one on each of the four walls. This creates immersion, as the viewer is surrounded by the landscapes, which is foregrounded by the design of the seats, being rounded like the shape of the lily pads that pepper the walls, and having no back to give the illusion of floating. In fact, in the exhibit, we were told not to talk as it might disturb the meditation of the other visitors. The gallery is also flooded with natural light from the skylights, allowing nature in its truest form to be a part of the exhibit too.

The compositions are cohesive as a whole collection, yet still stand alone as individuals, with Monet trying something different in each. In ‘Les Nuages’ (The Clouds), he captures the dreamy pink haze of cloud as it hovers above his pond. The surface of the water acts as a wrinkled mirror, dispersing light and colour in a uniquely impressionistic way – with the form and exact nuances of objects and surfaces being less important than the feeling the painting evokes. Meanwhile, in ‘Reflets Verts’ (Green Reflections), the dimensions of the composition are purposefully unclear. Unlike in other paintings in the series, ‘Green Reflections’ foregoes details like river banks and tree trunks so that the water can stand alone in a more profound way. The composition simply implies a divide between water and air, with the lily pads implying that line.

Monet described the process of painting the water lilies as particularly calming and peaceful. It’s well known that the water lilies were a common subject matter for Monet, with him painting them for many decades before this. However, this particular series is very moving, as on the Armistice in 1918, he decided to gift it to the French state as a ‘monument to peace’, which is a particularly poignant message this week, as Monday marked Remembrance Day.
-Georgina M, Lower Sixth

“The Picasso museum was personally one of my favourite places we went to; the museum is in a beautiful, elegant historical mansion which perfectly sets the tone for appreciating Picasso’s transformative work. As you walked through the rooms filled with interesting paintings, sculptures and sketches, we were lucky to be given the opportunity to see his work. It was truly an inspiring experience.”
-Layan B, Year 10

“My school trip to the Pompidou Centre in Paris was amazing! The building’s unique inside-out design was exciting to see, and the art was even better. We explored colourful paintings, strange sculptures, cool art and paintings by famous artists like Picasso. One of my favourite moments was reaching the rooftop terrace, where we got an incredible view of Paris.”
-Leyla B, Year 10

On Tuesday 12 November, the iconic Globe Theatre team from London visited our school to deliver an inspiring set of interactive English and Drama workshops for all Year 8 students. The sessions focused on Twelfth Night, specifically the comical journey of Malvolio, the pompous steward who becomes the target of a prank involving yellow stockings and cross-gartering.

Through three lively and practical workshops, students were encouraged to step into character, experimenting with Malvolio’s mannerisms and voice, while delving into the humorous side of Shakespeare’s language. The experience brought an active perspective to the play, showing students how 400-year-old stories can be vibrant and relevant. Many left the sessions energised with newfound confidence and excitement for Shakespeare, ready to continue their journey with his works!

Additionally, students had the chance to go on an interactive tour of the Globe Theatre itself, immersing themselves in the theatre’s history and unique Elizabethan design. The tour provided insights into the lives of Shakespeare’s original audiences, offering students a deeper appreciation for the play’s historical context and performance style.

This visit was part of the Globe’s Lively Action Schools Project, an initiative designed to make Shakespeare accessible, engaging, and enjoyable for students through interactive learning. We’re incredibly grateful to the Globe Theatre team for bringing their expertise and enthusiasm to Croydon High!

Ms Kitty Howie
Head of Academic Scholars
Second in Charge of the English department

Our Year 11 GCSE Drama pupils, and A Level Drama and Classics pupils went to see ‘The Other Place’ at the National Theatre on Wednesday 6 November. Directed by Alexander Zeldin the production was a clever and gripping modern day reworking of Sophocles Greek Tragedy ‘Antigone’. Our Year 11 Drama pupils will be writing about the production in their ‘Live Theatre Review’ paper in their final GCSE written examination.

Mrs Morgan-Collins
Head of Drama

Below are a few highlights shared by our pupils:

“The set was amazing with an engaging naturalism, and the actors played their roles emotively and convincingly. The National Theatre was a cosy environment as well.”
–Lily-Belle, Lower Sixth

“Unlike anything I’d seen before, the quick pace of the play kept us all at the edge of our seats until the very end of the play. The adaptation was done cleverly, making it relatable to a modern audience.”
–Suzie F, Lower Sixth

“The Other Place was truly a unique and original performance with wonderful acting from the cast and intense moments that left the audience audibly gasping. I thought that the play’s modern spin on the Ancient Greek tragedy ‘Antigone’ blended wonderfully with the new original elements of the story so that it felt like it could stand on its own as a separate piece of creative work while still maintaining the essence of the original play.”
–Jessica L, Upper Sixth

Behind the scenes at Astrogazers, we have been extremely busy! But first, on behalf of everyone at Astrogazers, we would just like to thank our previous mission directors, Isla M, Aashka P and Éloane R. Thank you for leading our team so admirably and helping us to get to this point in our mission, as well as inspiring us to continue to be determined to make this dream a reality.

Below are some of the newly appointed roles within our new team structure:
Mission Directors – Anaiya S (Year 10) & Riya S (Year 10)
Lead Software Engineer & Deputy Mission Director – Prajnaa K (Year 11)
Chief Scientist – Athina K (Year 10)

The launch of Croydon High 150th anniversary ducks to raise funds for this year’s chosen charity, Unicef, has led us at Astrogazers to adopt our very own duck, whom we have named Cosmoquack!

Mrs Karteepan, along with Cosmoquack, went to Surrey Space Centre during half term to visit the testing facilities we will be using for our spectroscopy sensor. This is in order to test whether our sensor can actually withstand the extreme conditions in space that our cubesat would encounter.

Cosmoquack had the privilege of visiting the vacuum chamber and taking a twirl on the microgravity table, as well as visiting the control room and the shock table too. Everyone agreed that the duck was much more of a shock than the very table itself!

Back at school, the science and software divisions have been hard at work. The science division is continuing to test the LEDs and the functionalities of our spectroscopy sensor under dark-box conditions, as well as working on the standard operating procedure for the TVac Chamber too. Meanwhile, the software division has been developing and refining their code, as well as working with professionals to gain valuable learning experiences too.

We look forward to sharing the next episodes on our latest mission as well as our weather balloon launch on our socials so follow us to get all of the latest updates!

Follow us on Instagram and YouTube to get all the updates on Mission Pegasus!

Anaiya S, Year 10
Mission Director, Astrogazers

Congratulations to Avery (3B) and Harriet (2R) for your exceptional poems.

The poems were incredibly warming poems and made Peggy feel like a part of the family.

Book your tickets and wristbands here

As part of our fundraising for the senior tour to South Africa next year, I am organising a two-day CHS Christmas Cracker Sports Course at the start of the Christmas break (Monday 16 – Tuesday 17 December 2024).

The course will be open to our current Year 5-8 pupils; spaces will be limited, and it will run on a first come first served basis.

The course will focus on netball and hockey plus other popular sports and will be run by members of the PE department with pupils assisting who are going on tour. I anticipate it being an extremely popular and exciting course with lots of fun had by all.

We will be based in the sports block; activities will start at 9am and finish at 3.45pm. The sports block will be open and staffed from 8.30am on both days if this provides a more convenient drop-off time.  Lunch will not be included in the cost; therefore, your child will need to bring a packed lunch with them.

The cost of the course is £50 per day or £96 for both days and this can be made through ParentPay.

If you would like your child to take part in the Croydon High School Christmas Cracker Sports Course, please make your payment via ParentPay.

Once all the available places have been taken, no further payments will be permitted on ParentPay.
Further details will be sent to those participating during the last week of the term.

Sue Beck
Teacher of PE & Head of Community

Visit our Junior School and take a look at our fantastic facilities, and learn about our school from teachers and pupils.

Our Junior School Open Morning will take place 9.15am – 11am and include a talk from the Junior Leadership Team and an opportunity to tour the site.

Book your place today

Our founding Headmistress, Dorinda Neligan is honoured with a plaque at Croydon Minster and this year our service will be particularly special as we celebrate 150 years of Croydon High School. 

We hope our Croydon High families, friends and community will be able to make this wonderfully festive occasion.

Book your place today