In today’s rapidly evolving world, computer science has emerged as a driving force behind technological advancements, transforming industries across the globe. Despite its undeniable importance, the field of computer science continues to suffer from a gender imbalance, particularly in the United Kingdom. It is vital that schools such as ours, shed light on the urgent need for more female students to study computer science, both in school and as they progress into university. The Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) reported that during the 2019-2020 academic year, women made up only 16% of computer science undergraduates in the UK. By addressing the demand for computer scientists in industry, exploring opportunities, and discussing ways to promote gender diversity, we can create a brighter future for women in technology.

As the world becomes increasingly digitised, the demand for skilled computer scientists continues to rise. The UK, with its thriving technology sector, is no exception. From artificial intelligence and cybersecurity to software engineering and data analytics, computer science plays a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s economy and driving innovation. By fostering a diverse workforce, we can harness the potential of different perspectives, leading to more creative solutions and inclusive technologies.

As mentioned above, the representation of women in computer science remains alarmingly low with a study conducted by PwC in 2020 finding that only 15% of employees in the UK’s technology sector were female. This underrepresentation not only perpetuates gender inequality but also limits the potential for diverse ideas and approaches within the industry. To bridge this gap, concerted efforts are needed to inspire, engage, and empower female students to pursue computer science education and careers.

The computer science field offers a vast array of opportunities for aspiring female students. By studying computer science at the high school level, young women can gain valuable skills that are highly sought after in today’s job market. From coding and programming to problem-solving and critical thinking, computer science education equips students with the tools needed to excel in a variety of industries. Additionally, women who pursue computer science can find themselves at the forefront of groundbreaking technological advancements, making a tangible impact on society.

One inspiring modern example of a successful UK-based female computer scientist is Dr. Joanna Bryson. Dr. Bryson is a renowned researcher and professor in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) ethics at the University of Bath. Her work focuses on the responsible development and ethical implications of AI systems. Dr. Bryson has been instrumental in shaping the global discourse on AI ethics, advocating for transparency, fairness, and accountability in AI algorithms and decision-making processes. She has served as a consultant to organisations such as the European Commission and the United Nations, contributing her expertise to critical policy discussions. Dr. Bryson’s dedication to ensuring that AI technologies are designed with ethical considerations in mind showcases the transformative impact that women can have in shaping the future of computer science and AI. Her achievements serve as an inspiration for aspiring female students, highlighting the possibilities for success and influence in the industry.

Here at Croydon High, we have been embracing the need for students to become problem solvers and showing them the opportunities open to them to take their place in this industry. Encouragingly, in our current Upper Sixth cohort, all students have chosen to continue with their computer science studies at university and it looks like the majority of our Lower Sixth class will do the same. With some going to prestigious universities such as Manchester and Bath, it is my hope that they will be part of the movement which addresses this gender imbalance in one of the most important industries involved in shaping the future of our society.

Mr Kevin Murphy
Assistant Head, Digital Strategy

Dr Parviz Lakha-Kassam 2004

This year has been a somewhat “everything” year for me – from getting married to starting a new job and now being pregnant and about to embark on Maternity Leave – and so it seems pertinent to reflect on my journey from Croydon High School as a student back to Croydon High School many years later as the Head of Progression and Futures. The school is unusual in that we all seem to come back in some capacity or another, be it as a teacher, a member of support staff, a parent or even as a mentor. There is something in the water, something in the air that just somehow calls us back.

I joined Croydon High School as a 6-year-old in the Junior School and my memories are filled with an undeniable sense of warmth and pride. I still harbour vivid memories that I carry with me to this day: the break time rush; the smell of coffee that lingered outside the staff room; the amazing teachers who were warm, ebullient, and kind; the smooth curve of the blue spiral staircase and the wonderful librarian who gently encouraged us to devour books. There was a sense at that time that the world stopped after Junior School. But then, as we grew bigger, we would look over to the “big school” across the playground and realise that was one day where we were destined to be and this was where our future would be planned and secured.

I also remember my first day in Senior school as though it was yesterday. The rush of students on the way to assembly; the never-ending chatter through the hallways, the long walk up K-block; the smell of textbooks both new and passed down; the buzz; the energy; the sense of achievement. I relished every second of that day.

It became apparent at some stage that I wasn’t a straightforward student to pigeonhole – in that my interests were wide and diverse. There were a number of avenues that I could have gone down and I tell the students  now that this is okay. To have a wide set of interests is completely fine. It’s how you navigate your way through and devise a plan to set yourself up in life. Finally, I tell them that it is possible to do everything that you want to do in life. I have done it.  

When I was 16 and someone asked me what I wanted to do, I said, “Medicine, Law, Business and Education.”  I am pleased and proud to say that I managed in some capacity to do all of these things and more than I had ever even dreamed of – allowing me to work for prestigious institutions and with interesting people, running my own companies and even at one stage to become the youngest serving member on General Medical Council Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service panels. But it all started with a conversation in an office with a careers advisor about where to start, and the rest fell into place. I often say it was a combination of life having its own ideas alongside the loose semblance of a coherent plan. Still, I have often also been told that I am open to taking on opportunities when they come my way. I also know, however, that my life unravelled in such a way that one thing prepared me for the next and that experience, in turn, prepared me for the next thing to come along. 

My role here at Croydon High sort of fell into my lap. Having already established myself in the education sphere, I wasn’t looking for a new role but this role found me as I was mindlessly searching Google for answers to mundane questions, and after a flicker of excitement and some encouragement from my lovely husband, I decided to apply. This role was somewhat special; it was at a school that had given me so much.

I was asked to join with the mandate of “shaking things up” and “doing things my way” – music to my ears. The one thing that I have learned about myself through the various iterations of my career is that when I am in a role where I am given the space and the ability to create, restructure and solve – I grow, I thrive, and my potential becomes limitless. These are the types of roles that I live for, they give me a spring in my step and each day of work ceases to be work and feels like an absolute joy. I have loved speaking to students here and helping them find their feet and adored figuring out where this role has the potential to go and grow within the school.

And so this year has been wonderful, from restructuring the systems that were already in place, and implementing new plans, to dreaming of the ideas yet to come. Amidst all of this, I fell pregnant and am now about to embark on a brand new job until I return to Croydon High. Being a mum is the first job I have taken on that I feel entirely unprepared for, but also one that I know will bring me new joy in a completely different way. 

As I said earlier, life has its own set of plans and another thing reiterated to me throughout this pregnancy is to “go with it” and find the positive in every second, however tough the bumps can be.  And that’s an excellent life lesson when thinking about your future too!

Mrs Karen Roe
Alumnae Relations Manager

‘Rhea Dillon talks to fellow artist Anthea Hamilton about the resonances and meaning of materials, colonial histories, and her desire to be at play with an audience.’
^{Art Now At Tate Britain – TATE ETC., Summer 2023, Issue 58.}

Read the full article here.

The Laurie Magnus Poetry Prize competition encourages all budding poets to put pen to paper and is the perfect way for all keen wordsmiths to use their initiative to be creative Beyond the Curriculum.

This Prize is highly prestigious and is one of the GDST’s longest-running prizes. Many congratulations, Freya!

The judge, Sophia Blackwell (a performance poet, published poet and novelist) described Freya’s poem as, “Elegant and mysterious, a sophisticated poem of loss that suggests great potential for this poet in their future work.”

You can read Freya’s poem here:

In A Turn of the Earth

The air is thick the next day. You, glass-eyed, watch as
we stumble together with lips pursed in a terrible silence.
There is mutual agreement – though unnatural in its sincerity –
that we can let you have this final moment.

It is three days before you turn cold.
Three days before the wheels grind to an uneasy halt,
and the conversations pivot themselves back towards normalcy.
There is selfishness in it all, of course, but a sick relief too.

Life should stop then, but, as ever, it does not. Time crawls onwards,
the black fades, the tension unravels itself and floats on by.
My blood begins to burn. How dare life continue to be?
How dare the clocks refuse to stop ticking on by?

How quickly you have been reduced. With hateful hands they have
compressed you, mangled you, misunderstood you until you are no more than
three Sunday obituaries and a box of broken plates. It’s for the best, of course.
What remains can be easily packed away once you have been wrung dry.

And yet: how can I protest? Each of the words that trembles on my tongue
leads down a path worn down long before you stood at its end.
Dear God. You were no angel on earth, no model mentor. You were just
you. and any empty comfort catches in my throat, for there are no words for that.

Except – this Earth is lesser now, I think. And though
it does not stop spinning, though it takes no moment to breath,
just for a second, it shivers on its axis
before righting itself and continuing on, steady and weightless once more.

Freya is not resting on her laurels and is currently honing another poem to enter into a different competition: we wish her all the best!

Ms Kitty Howie
Second in Charge of English and Academic Scholars’ Coordinator

This week, I visited University of Bath to make final preparations for the launch with Professor Mitchell, Dr Sivaraya, and Mr Dingley. We tackled the technical issues with the data logger and GPS trackers. We discussed the mechanisms of filling the weather balloon with helium and how to prevent it from flying off once it has enough lift. Professor Mitchell said it was rare for teachers to organise a balloon launch and was impressed by all the work put in by Astrogazers.

University of Bath have amplified Astrogazers profile and initiatives to get experts and professionals joining us on the launch day. I am incredibly excited to reveal that Astrogazers will continue to launch more weather balloons in the future with University of Bath. The weather balloon launch and the partnership with University of Bath have given me the opportunity to plan for more exciting projects.

At the Astrogazers club, Ava P and Arya P from Junior school joined us to carry out the functionality test on the GPS tracker. The current GPS trackers are limited to provide the start and end location of the payload and will not provide the location in real time. Next week, they will carry out the functionality test on the GPS spot tracker. The GPS spot tracker will track the position of the payload live which will let us locate the payload when it has landed.

Ava and Arya both received their Astrogazers badges due to their ongoing commitment to the club. The rest of the team were thrilled to receive their personalised weather balloon t-shirts which they will wear on the launch day.

Ms Davies enjoyed seeing all the entries made by pupils in Junior school. The winners of the Astrogazers competition are Naina 1W and Anaya P 3V. Their logo designs will be attached on the wings of the payload and reach the edge of space.

Send your name to the edge of space – sign up for an e-ticket

An E-Ticket is a document with your embedded information that can be stored in USB sticks. Fill your name and Year group onto the Google form.

Your information will be uploaded onto the USB stick and placed inside our payload. That would mean that your name would be sent to the edge of space! You will receive your e-ticket when the mission is complete.

Follow us on Instagram and YouTube to get all the updates on our launch!

Anaiya S and Emily F
Year 8
Astrogazers Deputy Marketing Officers

Last night was the annual Private View of the Art & 3D Design Exhibition and what a show it was! It showcased all the extraordinary Art & 3D A Level and GCSE work. A really exciting range of work was seen at A Level with:

• architecture
• jewellery
• textiles
• glass
• enamelling.

Our students mastered a number of skills and techniques, and found ways of working at such a high level with unusual materials and processes to help design their vision. We saw students bringing together their other A Level subjects to inspire their work at such a sophisticated level and we are so incredibly proud of them and wish them all the best as Radhika goes on to study Architecture, Eleanor – Politics, Jessica – Geography and Krisha – Marketing.

The GCSE work was just as impressive and it was so wonderful to see every single student creating different pieces of work, every outcome is different. Students are encouraged to follow their own path with wide ranging materials, techniques, artists, designers and scale! Pieces included concrete tables, intricate jewellery pieces and large scale expressive drawings inspired by our trip to St Ives. There were so many KS3 students last night who I know will be truly inspired by the work they saw.

It was also lovely to see so many alumnae visit including Anne, Blanche, Maheen, Alice and Faaria’s Mum, and of course to have Gloria the Giraffe looking over us all.

‘You can look at a picture for a week and never think of it again.  You can also look at the picture for a second and think of it all your life.’
Joan Miro Painter, Sculptor and Ceramicist 1893 – 1983

Mrs Elizabeth Smith
Head of Art & 3D Design
Director of Teaching & Learning

For our topic on Transport, Reception are taking it in turns to take a short trip on a single-decker bus, tram and a double-decker bus taking a short circuit around the local area. Our focus has been on map skills, landmarks and similarities and differences between different vehicles as well as stopping for a drink and a biscuit.

Mrs Amanda-Jane D’Aranjo
Reception Class Teacher
Early Years Leader

Reception class all brought in their scooters for a fun afternoon exploring their scooters on the upper playground. We looked at the features on their scooter, wheels, brakes, handles, bells, and accessories. During the session, we focused on riding in a straight line, turning, bending, braking, and weaving through cones. Lots of fun was had by everyone.

Mrs Amanda-Jane D’Aranjo
Reception Class Teacher
Early Years Leader

On Friday 9 June, we visited the Imperial War Museum to learn about WWI and WWII, but more specifically the Holocaust. After seeing many artefacts that day, we’ve agreed that one of the most moving objects was a letter from a young German girl, Greta Cimbal, to her English pen pal. Other antiques we saw included a red jumper belonging to a girl living in the camp who had to trade it for food, a small violin that a girl made for her friend in a camp who dreamed of being a violinist, and a pair of ice skates that a young boy brought after receiving letters from family. After that, we completed a self-guided tour where we went through exhibitions on the World Wars. The items were very interesting to look at and we found the information helpful to broaden our knowledge. Overall, the trip was very enlightening and helped bring a new perspective to the events that previously took place, as well as giving us a better understanding of what it was like for those who had to live through the Holocaust.

Beyza and Ava G
Year 9

I am delighted to announce the following students have been selected to exhibit at the Dulwich Picture Gallery on Friday 30 June.

Claudia H (Year 11)
Ananya R (Year 11)
Maddie W (Lower Sixth)

Thank you to Ms Yan for taking all of the photographs for this competition, it should be an amazing show.

Mrs Elizabeth Smith
Head of Art & 3D Design
Director of Teaching & Learning

We were very excited to welcome alumna and author, Georgina Day, to share her new book, ‘Honey & Sugar Get Adopted’. The children enjoyed asking Georgina questions like:

• Did you enjoy your time at Croydon High?
• Where do you like to do your writing?
• How did Honey and Sugar get their names?
• What inspires you to write books about animals?

Georgina reminisced about her time at Croydon High, in particular the school’s pet rabbit which was beige coloured with pointy ears. Her inspiration for writing has come from her love for animals as a young child, growing up with many pets in the family, and then going on to adopt ten pets of her own, including rescue rabbits, Honey and Sugar. After the assembly, the girls who had their copy of the book even got a little book signing session from Georgina.

Mrs Linda Alpin
Marketing and Communications Co-ordinator

I would like to say a big thank you to everyone, and appreciation to all the volunteers who supported us in making Summer Fair a memorable event! Thank you to the girls who volunteered at the stalls. Glad to see everyone pulling together (especially in the Tug of War!).

Also, a special thank you to Ms Davies, Miss Pendleton and PTA Committee members (Nasreen,Vanessa, Yogeesh, Sheena, Babita, Reema, Iva, Divyaand Jignasha). An extra special thank you to the volunteers (Dawn, Mohit, Jio and Steven Fox), to Year 4 girls (Olivia, Sanaa, Amara, Alisia, Sienna and India,Sophia H, Arrietty and Audrey), to Chloe W (Year10), to Year 5 girls (Siyaa, Hannah, Alina), to Year 6 girls who helped to run the stalls, to Mr Wilks, and to all those that helped to decorate the school grounds.

Our last thank you goes out to all of you who supported the event.

Read the full article here

Tracey Smith-Robinson
PTA Chair

More information coming soon

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We are so pleased and grateful to Jemca Toyota Croydon for sponsoring our Netball and Hockey Tour of South Africa later this year.

Thank you to The Artemis Clinic and Inwood Developments for sponsoring the Astrogazers Club, your generous donations has enabled the club to purchase new GPS and Bluetooth trackers!