Walking exam classes into their first exams over the last two weeks, the first not just for them but for us as a school for three years has caused me to reflect on why we do this odd dance every year. Having been out of the habit – suddenly sitting in silence waiting for the clock to get to the allocated start time, the scratching through of rough work in the exam booklet and the peeling labels from water bottles all seem a little alien. Of course, I know why we do all these things. We do them because, whilst deeply flawed, examinations where everyone in the country is playing by the same rules, is still the fairest way to assess that we have come up with. If Boris Johnson has learnt anything it is presumably that CAGs and TAGs should never be revisited!

However, if the pandemic has taught us anything else, it is that those who can problem solve, think critically, and make decisions are best placed to deal with unexpected challenges. And our GCSEs and A levels have long been considered a fairly poor measure of any of those skills – those same skills that the World Economic Forum tells us that our children will need in spades when they enter the ever changing world of work. There are very few industries, if any, where doing what you have always done is enough.

So, for me, that calls into focus all the ways in which we challenge our pupils to develop skills outside of the set exam curricula.

This year I have had the privilege of seeing some of our EPQs (Extended Project Qualifications – in Lower Sixth) and HPQs (Hight Project Qualifications in Year 10) take shape. These fantastic projects really do test, develop and champion skills above content. From independently planning and tracking their project to presenting their findings and referencing their essays, they challenge the students in an entirely different way. The self-direction needed to complete one of these projects sets students up for life at university, where there is no Google Classroom to order your ‘To Do’ list and no bench to sit on by the staffroom to get a helping hand whenever you need it. The projects are impressive year on year, and the range of interests on show when we allow students to direct themselves is fantastic. This year I have marked a 3D digital model of a rocket engine, read an argument that Autism Spectrum Disorders and Synaesthesia may be linked and watched a presentation about how exposure to Disney Princesses affects young girls’ self-image.

Our junior school’s curriculum is built around the development of skills. Their curriculum promotes the development of five key skills: problem-solving, creativity, collaboration, emotional intelligence and resilience. These skills were chosen by staff following research released by the World Economic Forum about the skills required in the industry in the future. None of these skills are confined to a specific curriculum subject and are promoted within all aspects of Junior School. For example, problem-solving is not limited to Maths but is encouraged and developed across many other areas, such as during invasion games in PE and when working out the best medium to use to create the desired effect in Art.

Our girls are fortunate to be in a school that understands the importance of skill development, especially in relation to future careers. I wonder, had I been to a Junior School whose curriculum embraces skill development and a Senior School where I had been able to complete an HPQ and EPQ, would my university dissertation have been a less stressful experience!

So as we familiarise ourselves again with the odd rituals of exam season, I want to wish our exam classes luck, advise them to look after themselves and remind them that they are equipped with so much more than simply the grades they will have earnt.

Mrs Bradshaw

Deputy Head (Sixth Form and Operations)

Since returning from the Easter holidays Year 11 and Upper Sixth artists and designers have completed their practical exams, no less than 55 hours in just two weeks. They have worked incredibly hard to prepare, and we have seen installations, chairs, lights, and sculptures. Every student has chosen their materials to work with, and they have used a variety of materials, including paint, textiles, printmaking, wood, metal, and plastics. It has been an exciting two weeks at Croydon High.

These past two years have been hard for these practical groups, but they have risen to every challenge; they have used their problem solving and creative thinking skills with fantastic outcomes, and we cannot wait until the Exhibition this year.

All students and parents are welcome, and we especially encourage those in Year 10 and Lower Sixth who are taking these subjects and those that are going to be taking up GCSE next year. It will be an incredible evening showcasing our students’ amazing talents. The Exhibition will be on Wednesday 15th June 4.00 – 7.00 pm in our main school hall, and we hope to see you there.

Mrs Smith

Head of Art & 3D Design

The Spring Chamber Music Concert took place on Thursday 5th May in the school hall. Parents were treated to a wonderful evening of music from a traditional Baroque orchestra to a more modern interpretation of chamber music with the Big Band. There was also great variety in the smaller groups too, with a saxophone trio from year 7 featuring Meera, Riya and Lara through to a cello duo from the Sixth Form performing an arrangement from Mozart’s opera, The Magic Flute.

The Chamber Orchestra accompanied two sets of soloists in the Bach Double Violin Concerto, with Ananya and Lottie from Year 10 performing the fast first movement with confidence and skill. Lara and Milly from Year 7 performed the slow second movement with subtlety and style. We were also treated to a string quartet, a flute trio, piano duets, a trumpet ensemble and the Years 7, 8 and senior chamber choirs.

The audience enjoyed all this music whilst seated at tables, sampling a lovely selection of cheese and chutneys from our fabulous kitchen. Many thanks go to Mr Ting, Dr Purvis, Mr Davies and Ms Warwick for their assistance in preparing the students for their performances.

Mr Suranyi

Director of Music

On Wednesday 11th May, the Conference and Women’s prefects (Sofia D and Amy M in Lower Sixth) went to the ‘Women of the Future’ Ambassador Programme Conference held at the Aviva headquarters in London.

Sofia writes:  “We found this to be a brilliant opportunity where we had the chance to meet some incredible women, some of whom had been nominees for the Women of the Future Awards. The event was hosted by Amy Durrant, who is in ‘Forbes 30 under 30 in Media and Marketing’. We also had the opportunity to meet women such as Baroness Goldie (Minister of Defence), Pinky Lilani (Founder and Chair of Women of the Future) and CJ Bowry, who is a former Croydon High alumna and runs Sal’s Shoes. Whilst at this event, we listened to talks about women in business and the top tips which they wish they had been told at our age or before they had gotten into the jobs which they were in. The event catered to people who wanted to go into all different types of industries, such as reporting, being a psychologist, going into policing or becoming a banker. The conference allowed us to experience networking both with working professionals and also meeting other students from both schools in the London borough and also other GDST schools.”

Mrs Humphrey

Head of Progression & Futures

Year 3 and 4 girls delighted their parents and friends this week with their musical adaptation of the classic story of “Wind in the Willows”. Full of charming cameo performances and some outstanding singing solos, the woodland creatures and their adventures were brought to life in style. The energy and smiling faces of the girls invited the audience to share their enthusiasm as they performed for a live audience for the first time in two years.

The adults’ backstage contribution to this complex show needs a special mention too. Atmospheric lighting transformed the Holt hall into the riverbank and Wild Wood thanks to Mr Bishop; incredible constructions were made by Mr Eaton; amazing cars and a boat on loan from the Mitre players were manfully operated by Mr Wilks, Mrs Abrahams and Mr Johnston. This truly was a team event.

Mrs Broyd

Head of Junior Drama