As part of our History topic on World War II, Year 6 enjoyed a fascinating and thought-provoking trip to the Imperial War Museum. Travelling by coach, the girls explored the World War II galleries, consolidating their classroom learning with real-life artefacts and immersive displays that brought the past vividly to life. The highlight of the day was a hands-on workshop where the pupils became documentary makers. Working in small groups, they were equipped with a clapperboard, microphone and recording device. Each group selected a series of objects they felt the world should know more about and recorded thoughtful, informative commentaries in their own words. The girls worked brilliantly throughout the day, taking turns, listening to each other and collaborating with maturity and enthusiasm. It was a rewarding and inspiring experience that deepened their understanding of the war and the importance of preserving its stories.

Mrs Effie Nathanael
Year 6 Class Teacher
Junior Science Lead

It was delightful to see the Junior girls come to school dressed as doctors, singers, vets, Olympic athletes, astronauts, a Prime Minister and many more occupations on Wednesday at our Junior Careers’ Day. We were delighted to welcome many of our parent body to give talks and demonstrations about their careers. The girls had so many questions for them all, showing their interest and appreciation. In the middle of the day, we held our very own Careers’ Fair with many parents and sixth formers hosting a stall. Each year group had time to walk around, see the displays, and ask more questions. It was a very successful day and would not have been possible without our parents giving time, patience, and enthusiasm about their career path. Thank you from all the girls and staff.

 

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Mrs Emily Ruiz
Deputy Head of Junior School

Last Friday saw pupils from across Years 10 and Lower Sixth enjoy a unique cross-curricular initiative, ‘Beyond the Headlines’, led by Ms Cotton.

It was a day of stimulating workshops, each aimed at developing critical media literacy skills in our pupils. We were extremely fortunate to have BBC journalist Paul Brown from BBC Verify joining us online, giving a fascinating insight to journalism as a career, and in particular the unique pressures journalists face today in reporting on fake news and ‘disinformation’ from mainstream and social media sources. He shared ‘tricks of the trade’ with pupils and was in turn keen to hear their views on how the BBC can better appeal to and meet the needs of younger generations.

The day began with a talk on bias in the media with Mr Loveday, introducing the concept of ‘cognitive dissonance’ and the need to be self-aware when engaging with media texts, understanding how our personal beliefs might shape our perception of the information we receive.

Next was an exploration with Ms Cotton into the representation of high-profile women in the media, in the workshop ‘Different but Unequal.’ Pupils explored a carousel of materials, each with a slightly different focus. In ‘Making & Breaking a Celebrity’ they unpacked a familiar toxic pattern, whereby the media seek to elevate, over-expose and then vilify a female celebrity, with a focus on the different experiences of two iconic pop stars. They explored a range of sources around tabloid news coverage of female politicians and Google search data; they watched clips from a series of televised interviews with high-profile sportswomen and actresses to investigate the types of questioning females often experience, compared to their male counterparts. Finally they explored a comparative case study of ‘Kate V Meghan’ and their vastly different coverage in the tabloid media, to give an insight into how women are often defined in opposition to one another, and some of the ideological forces underpinning this.

This was followed by a session with Ms Jalali: ‘Be a Lady, They Said’, where participants explored stereotyping around gender and cultural shifts in what is considered ‘ideal’, plus ways in which this is, thankfully, being challenged. Mr Murphy then introduced students to the world of digitally manipulated ‘beauty’ in his workshop ‘Don’t Believe What You See’. This showcased examples of different cultural ideals around beauty and how technology is used as a tool of manipulation, in order to present idealised forms in the media.

The day concluded with the opportunity to creatively respond to the day, with participants choosing between a range of options to capture and share their experiences.

We were blown away by the engagement and perceptive responses of our students, who spoke in glowing terms of how much they got out of the day.

Ms Cotton
Head of English

How do we encourage a love of learning—for learning’s sake—that endures beyond the classroom?

How do we spark not just the pursuit of answers, but the excitement of asking better questions and making synoptic links between subject domains?

How do we create space for young women to support one another, to take academic risks without fear, to celebrate curiosity over competition—and to know they will be caught if they fail?

These are the values at the heart of our Year 9 Academic Scholar Celebration, which took place on Tuesday night with great success. The event showcased the intellectual courage, creativity, and academic rigour of our Year 9 Scholars—each of whom presented an original research question of their own design to a packed senior hall.

Topics ranged from the science of sport—such as how aerobic and anaerobic energy systems influence performance—to global questions of language, culture, and health. Scholars investigated how India’s multilingualism shapes politics and identity; the environmental and health impacts of air pollution in fast-growing Asian cities; how CRISPR and regenerative therapies might change future medicine; and how the languages of the ancient world continue to shape modern English. Other inquiries included the scientific principles which explain the geographical distribution of skin colours and hair type variations; Renaissance art and classical influence, and the ethics of surveillance technology.

Each pupil was tasked with incorporating data visualisation, Harvard-referenced research, and a glossary of key terms—no small feat, and brilliantly delivered. Their findings were presented to a packed and supportive audience of parents, staff, friends, and younger scholars.

The younger pupils, clipboards in hand, took avid notes—recording facts, advice and inspiration… Many could be heard excitedly imagining what they might explore when their time comes at their own future celebration evening. Chloé Wilson, our Academic Scholars Prefect reflected, “It’s truly inspiring seeing such a diverse range of passions explored with such detail – I can’t wait to see what more will come from these innovative scholars!”

So how do we encourage a love of learning—for learning’s sake—that endures beyond the classroom?

We give pupils space to think deeply, to ask ambitious questions, and to take intellectual risks without fear of failure. We allow curiosity to unfold at its own pace, and we foster an environment where young women support one another rather than compete. As with the ivy that symbolises our school, growth here is not rushed or showy—it is steady, supported, and rooted in connection. The Year 9 scholars showed us how flourishing comes not just from knowledge itself, but from the freedom to explore it, together.

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

Wednesday 11 June was the annual summer Art & 3D Design exhibition, it was a delightful evening where the whole community were able to see and celebrate the wonderful work on display. It was lovely as always to see alumni as well as younger pupils and, of course, the artists and designers themselves along with their family and friends.

We are all incredibly proud of all the work the pupils have created over the last two years as part of their GCSE or A-level course, and seeing their work develop gives us a great sense of pride and joy.

We would particularly like to wish our A-level pupils all the best next year at university, where we know they will thrive and flourish. Zara, Emily and Milly are all going to study Architecture, Krishna Computer Science, Lilia Film and Photography and Lottie Phycology. Their work was beautifully created and ambitious and they have set a high standard for the next incoming A level pupils, who we know were extremely excited to see the show.

“I absolutely loved the exhibition this year! Especially due to the vast range of materials pupils explored, from wood, projection of videos, textiles and so on. The format of the pupils’ work in the exhibition was also incredible, my favourite being a walkthrough installation. This has really inspired me, in that I should focus not only on the quality of my work but the presentation of it and how I can engage the audience in it when viewing it.”
–Amalie, Lower Sixth

Mrs Smith, Mrs Palmer, Ms Greaves, Mrs Yam, Ms Duncan
Art & 3D Design Department

Last week, a few members of the LGBTQ+ society interviewed the founder of Stonewall (An LGBTQ+ charity – here’s a link to their website) and alumna of Croydon High School, Lisa Power.

“I was extremely lucky to get to interview Lisa Power”, shared Holly P in Year 9, “She was so inspirational, and speaks her truth without any care for what anyone else thinks.”

“I found the interview amazing!” Year 10 Ella M comments, “I think it’s amazing that we have such diversity in our alumnae, and I hope that we continue to produce such successful and inspiring women in the future.”

The group really enjoyed the interview, and was able to share some of Lisa’s wisdom with the school in assembly. Her reflections on her own experiences were matched with universal advice for all teenagers today – the concept that embarrassment will pass and learning about other people is interesting were particular takeaways.

Amelia T
9DW

Eleven Lower Sixth pupils took part in the Biomedical Diploma organised by Whitgift School. This is designed as an introductory interdisciplinary diploma course covering aspects of Anatomy and Physiology, Pharmacology, Developmental Biology and Neuroscience to extend and expand their scientific knowledge. The pupils attended weekly university-style lectures given by academics from King’s College, University College London and Whitgift School from December 2024 – April 2025. The pupils also had the opportunity to dissect a brain. The course culminates in a challenging examination testing their knowledge and understanding of the content.

Our pupils achieved great success in the examination, with many achieving Merits and Distinctions. Harneka G was awarded a prize for Outstanding Academic Performance, coming joint third overall in the final assessment. We would like to extend our congratulations to all the students who participated.

Below is a summary from Harneka about what she gained from the course:

Participating in the Whitgift Biomedical Science Diploma was a truly inspiring experience. During the programme, we were given lectures by university professors and subject specialists on a range of topics including Anatomy, Physiology, Psychological Trauma, Neuroscience and many more. We also concluded the course with a veal dissection where we explored the structure of the Brainstem, Cerebrum and Cerebellum.

Having the privilege of sitting in these lectures enlightened me on the sheer intricacies of the human body and the mind. Seeing just how passionate these esteemed professionals are really drove my enthusiasm for science and medicine.

Mrs Rachel Conrad
Head of Science

Junior, Senior and overall GDST athletics champions

Congratulations to Flo H for breaking the Year 10 GDST javelin record which has been held for 20 years! 

U11 National Freestyle Relay Champions

Year 8 Croydon Athletics Team Champions

U15 Football team have qualified for the Sisters and Sport National Plate Final on Monday – good luck team!

It is more important than ever to be aware of our mental health. Action for Happiness is a charity founded to create a movement of people committed to building a happier and more caring society.

Croydon High has been successful in having an alumna shortlisted for the GDST Alumna of the Year award with Margery Swinton.

Vote now!

Margery Swinton

Margery Swinton is a tireless champion for youth sport, inclusion, and education, whose work has transformed opportunities for children in rural Scotland.

Over a 37-year teaching career, including 14 years in her home village of Knockando, Margery dedicated herself to supporting children, both in the classroom and beyond. Even after retiring, she continues to work as a supply teacher and special needs educator.

Margery took up athletics at 42, becoming a registered coach and official for Scottish sport. She founded a rural athletics club to serve remote schools in the Highlands, ensuring that sport became an integral part of education in the region. Under her leadership, Knockando has become a hub for athletic excellence. She has raised over £75,00, including funding for a UKA-standard long jump runway, a 10-station fitness trail, and even a local skate park – all in an area with limited facilities and long travel distances to the nearest stadium.

As a World Masters athlete, Margery has competed internationally in the USA, South Africa, Australia, Canada, and beyond, winning medals in all three colours and always securing gold in her signature event – the hammer throw. She has held three British Masters records, several Scottish records, and continues to inspire with her achievements at age 82.

Her coaching has developed several national-level athletes. One of her protégés now trains with the Scottish National Sports Academy, ranked No. 2 in the UK for U20 long jump and hurdles, and another has been selected for Commonwealth Games training. Margery gives her time freely, obtaining equipment from ski resorts, maintaining tracks herself, and setting up virtual training programmes to support even the most isolated pupils.

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Class of 2010, Croydon High alumna Honey Gabriel will be playing The Hatter in Alice in Wonderland at the Marylebone Theatre.

Previews are on the 12 and 13 July with the show officially opening on the 17th and running until the 31st August.

Book today!

About the show

Tumble down the rabbit hole into the fantastical world of Wonderland, where up is down, and nonsense reigns supreme!

Join Alice on her unforgettable adventure as she shrinks and grows, meeting peculiar characters at every turn. Who will she encounter next? Will the mischievous Cheshire Cat guide her through the madness? Can the hurried White Rabbit help her uncover the secrets she’s searching for? And could the Queen of Hearts cause her to truly lose her head?

This internationally celebrated production brings Lewis Carroll’s delightful chaos to life with extraordinary puppets, exquisite costumes and an original score that will captivate audiences of all ages. With creative stagecraft that will leave you spellbound, this visually breathtaking experience is a “must-see” for families seeking an enchanting escape.

Book today!

Book your place

Join us for our School Open Morning and discover how a Croydon High education inspires girls to aspire without limits.

• Explore our school and tour our inspiring learning spaces.
• Experience our broad and dynamic curriculum through engaging taster activities.
• Hear about our vision for an exceptional girls’ education.
• Speak with passionate teachers and pupils about life at Croydon High.

Book your place

History of the Selsdon Centre

The Selsdon Community Clubhouse (formerly Selsdon Centre for the Retired) has been in Selsdon for 45 years! It provides a social / lunch club for our older individuals in Selsdon. New clients come to us as referrals from link workers, social prescribers or family members introduce them to us by knowing about our Centre or seeing it advertised in the Selsdon Gazette and on social media. We are centrally located, very close to Croydon High School for Girls, with free parking and on the bus routes. We have a beautiful bright environment with lots of natural light and views for our clients to enjoy!

Why attend the Selsdon Centre?

Hot mid-day meals are served after which we engage our clients in activities such as board games, arts and crafts, quizzes, card games, bingo, raffles, and live music events. We also offer chiropody, hairdressing, hearing aid services as well as instruction in IT technology.

Our meeting room and larger space are available for hire during the day, in the evenings and at weekends.

Supporting our local community and volunteering

Loneliness and isolation are big drivers for us to reduce and our Centre provides lots of social interaction particularly for those who have lost friends and do not have family around them. None of this is possible without the help of our valued volunteers who give of their time on a shift basis, three days a week when our lunch club is open. We are always look out.

Testimony from one of our volunteers:

“My 2-hour weekly session fits in well with my other commitments, although it is always great to do extra shifts preparing and serving food for special occasions, e.g. bingo or afternoon tea, if needed, and you have the time.”

“If you have some spare time and enjoy the company of and/or working with others, I’d certainly recommend that you pop in and see what a lovely place the Clubhouse is.”

Learn more

With prices as low as £42.50 per day when you book the entire week or £47.50 for individual days, that’s 30% off the on-the-day price!

Please ensure that you quote your host school discount code at checkout (CHS25) and receive a further 10% off these prices!

Book your place today

Book your place today