Leadership Likes: Mrs Cook
This week Mrs Cook reflects on the real power of philanthropy
Read MoreWeekly News
Find out what is happening at Croydon High this week.
Blessed Are Those Who Plant Trees Under Whose Shade They Will Never Sit
I attended a Conference last year, where the guest speaker repeatedly stressed how important it was to ‘embed an ethos of philanthropy’ in a school, as if this was somehow an abstract idea that might be unfamiliar to his audience.
I remember thinking, this guy clearly hasn’t been to Croydon High.
As someone who frequently has to explain their job title (Director of External Relations and Philanthropy) I have had plenty of time to reflect on what philanthropy actually means – and specifically in relation to education and to Croydon High. As with all concepts, there are a number of different definitions including “ the desire to promote the welfare of others, expressed especially by the generous donation of money to good causes” but I prefer the wider view that “philanthropy means anyone who is giving their time, energy, expertise and money to help make the world a better place.”
I have long taken the view that philanthropy is at the very core of what we do here at Croydon High. Ever since the school was founded, almost 150 years ago, the desire to create opportunities for young women and to instil in those young women values which compel them to ‘make a difference’ has been fundamental. The often told tale of our first Headmistress, Miss Neligan, pulling ivy from the wall and instructing her pupils to wear it in their hair to mark them out as Croydon High pupils, illustrates her confidence that ‘her girls’ would represent the values associated with her school. And this remains the case today.
Throughout the school, we regularly celebrate initiatives – both staff and pupil-led – which demonstrate how much we, as a school community seek to connect and support the wider community. Our Head of Community and Outreach, Mrs Beck, is always seizing opportunities (national and local) where we can become involved and help raise awareness and funds for great causes.
And we are also fortunate to benefit enormously ourselves, from the philanthropic efforts of those directly connected to us. For example, the PTA who work tirelessly to put on events such as the fabulous Winter Fair, raising significant funds which they donate to the school to provide desirable ‘extras’ which benefit pupils throughout the school. They make such a difference and we are so grateful.
But the clearest evidence we have of how the ethos of philanthropy has always been so deeply embedded in the heart of the school, is the support we receive from former staff and alumnae through the Ivy Link Network. For example, the generosity of a former teacher of Music, Peggy Guillou, has long enhanced opportunities for our budding musicians and creatives. It is due to her significant legacy that we are able to fund the Year 3 strings programme, the Year 5 woodwind and brass programme and it also helped us create our stunning MAC Suite (it stands for Music and Art Creative Suite – but is also filled with Apple Mac stations) along with a fabulous recording studio, which pupils in Seniors enjoy using so much. More recently, the legacy left to the school by alumna Helen Holt, enabled us to embark upon our most ambitious building project for some time, as the Junior Hall was transformed into The Holt, complete with a spacious entrance lobby and the welcome addition of an Enterprise Technology room.
In recent years, fundraising activities undertaken by GDST schools has purposely moved towards supporting bursary provision in our schools, which reflects the Founders wishes to extend opportunity to as many young women as possible, regardless of their financial circumstances. Croydon High as a whole has benefitted hugely from being able to award a number of funded places in our Sixth Form to talented inspiring girls, thanks to generous legacy gifts from alumnae and to the particular support of an individual family trust, whose specific wishes were to support the school in this way.
Last week I met with Sam Davies, Director of Philanthropy at the GDST, to discuss our plans for honouring yet another legacy, this one from alumna Susan-Ann Dowle. Mrs Dowle left our school in 1956, but reconnected with us in later years and visited on a number of occasions. She was a vivid, larger than life character whose passions included fast cars and cricket! When we were notified of her wishes, we wanted to ensure that her personality was reflected appropriately in her legacy to the school. So, as well as ring fencing some of the funds to support our bursary provision, which she strongly supported, it seemed appropriate to channel some of her gift into developing our provision for cricket at the school. We sought approval from family members in their capacity as Executors and this was enthusiastically given – so please watch this space for news of how we intend to do this! I am confident Susan-Ann will approve.
It is humbling (and rather sad) to think that the financial support received through legacies means, of course that we are never able to properly thank our benefactors or demonstrate to them the power of their generosity. They have planted the trees and we are enjoying the shade.
What I regard as a critical part of my role in the school, is to try and support and enable the many individuals and groups who want to give, financially and in other ways, and who will ensure that Croydon High remains an initiator of philanthropy. Not everyone will choose or be in a position to be able to donate financially, either in their lifetime or through a legacy. And as transformative as these gifts are, it is actually the everyday culture of caring, of giving time and sharing expertise for the greater good, those traits that we see around us here every day, that have the most impact. It is from this culture, not unique to Croydon High but certainly incredibly strong here, that always has and always will inspire the philanthropists of tomorrow.
May her character and talents inspire others.
Susan-Ann with former Croydon High Head Debbie Leonard and The Holt Hall plaque
Mrs F Cook
Director of Philanthropy and External Relations
For this week’s Alumna Spotlight we head to the Bank of England to meet Rupal Patel.
Read MoreRupal Patel Class of 2010
After leaving Croydon High School in 2010, Rupal attended the University of Nottingham to study Economics and International Economics BSc Hons, including an exchange to the Malaysia campus for a semester in her 2nd year. She went on to do a Master’s in Economics at The London School of Economics and Political Science.
Rupal said, “I chose to study Economics at A level because it was during the financial crisis, and I had no idea what was happening. All over the news, you saw images of bankers packing up their desks and walking out with cardboard boxes; people I knew lost their jobs, and I couldn’t really make sense of it and studying Economics helped me piece together what was happening. I enjoyed it so much that I studied it at university and then applied to the Bank of England at an interesting time after the aftermath of the financial crisis – I wanted to get in involved in trying to figure out how the economy would evolve and how I could help to get it out of the financial crisis and move on.”
Rupal has worked at the Bank of England for more than nine years. She is currently Senior Private Secretary to the Deputy Governor for Markets, Banking and Resolution, advising governors on their policy decisions and working with colleagues to ensure they have the correct information to make the decisions.
Last year, Rupal and colleague Jack Meaning authored the Bank of England’s first book, Can’t We Just Print More Money? which offers an accessible introduction to economics themed around ten questions. Why are all my clothes made in Asia? How come I’m so much richer than my great-great-grandma? And what even is money? The Bank of England is Britain’s most important financial institution, responsible for printing money, regulating banks, and keeping the economy running smoothly. This book takes us inside the hallowed halls of the Bank of England to explain what economics can – and can’t – teach us about the world. The book is accessible, authoritative, and witty, a crash course in economics and why it matters. Along the way, it offers idiosyncratic examples of economics in action: from the City of London to Springfield Power Plant, from Babylonian gold lending 4,000 years ago to the economic effects of the Covid pandemic.
The Bank of England has launched a classroom resource for GCSE English students based on the book. Every state secondary school in the UK is being sent the six-lesson resource, which features extracts, presentation slides and worksheets, and a copy of the book. The lessons have been designed using key extracts from Can’t We Just Print More Money? as the basis for analysis, critical evaluation and writing tasks which also introduce and explore key economic ideas and concepts. Jack and Rupal said: “The book and the resources are designed to open economics up to as many young people as possible, so they have the opportunity to explore and understand the economic world around them. Key theories are explained through engaging and relevant examples from daily life, which we hope will spark lots of discussions in the classroom.” Students can explore key economic ideas in each lesson and reflect on popular English Literature texts. You can use them to support your school’s English curriculum or cross-curricular studies. “We hope the book can show that economics is for everyone, not just economists. It might even be fun.”
Mrs Gower fondly remembers Rupal as an outstanding Geographer who used her excellent understanding of economics and statistical data to inform her mature approach and reflections on global issues. She is not surprised that Rupal has continued to use her skills successfully in the world of work. Head of Economics and Business, Mrs Serradilla said “Rupal has been an inspiration for our future economists at Croydon High School. It is wonderful to see how she is making a difference through her economic policy decisions, for our economy”
Rupal told us “Studying economics at Croydon High helped to spark my interest in the subject which has led me to following it through to university and now building a career in economic policy. I hope the book inspires young women to study economics at school and further to better educate themselves about the world around them.”
By making economics more accessible, perhaps an inspired student will one day be an economist working alongside Rupal at the Bank of England!
Mrs Roe
Alumnae Relations Manager
Follow us each week as we develop our plan for launching our Weather Balloon to touch the edge of space. Through our weather mapping, sponsorship plans, experiment ideas and health-and-safety notes, watch as our project comes together. Enjoy!
Isla M
(Year 11)
It is not unusual for Croydon High to welcome an inspiring guest to speak at our school
Read MoreWe are extremely fortunate to regularly hear from talented and hard-working individuals from a wide range of sectors. But Candice Brathwaite’s visit on Friday 20th January really was something special. From the moment she walked out on stage and began answering the questions of our Head Girl team with her inimitable brand of honesty and humour, it was clear that she instantly connected with our Croydon High pupils.
During the assembly, Candice described her own career journey from winning a competition which awarded her a job at Penguin, making the leap into building a hugely successful social media following, her work as a broadcaster and journalist, writing a Sunday Times best-selling book on her experiences of Black British motherhood and now her YA novel, Cuts Both Ways. Whilst it was clear that Candice has worked incredibly hard to get where she is today, she was at pains to point out how important it is to also make space in your life for family and friends.
We could have stayed listening to Candice for hours, as she shared the top ten things she has learnt – look after your credit score! But the bell rang all too soon. Year 10 were the lucky ones as they went off to the Lecture Theatre to spend another whole hour with Candice, in conversation with the wonderful Ms Howie, where they also read and discussed an extract from Cuts Both Ways and had the opportunity to ask their own questions.
That was not all, at breaktime in the LRC, Candice signed copies of her books and bookplates for those pupils who had not yet had a chance to order their copies. The long queue, the buzz of excitement and the emotion of the pupils as they expressed their admiration for Candice was testament to the impact she had on our Croydon High pupils in just a matter of hours. I have no doubt that as they read her books at home, she will continue to make a difference.
Thank you Candice Brathwaite, come back any time!
Ms Tapsfield
Learning Resources and Innovation Hub Manager
What our pupils had to say:
Inspiring. I know it may seem clichéd but listening to Candice Brathwaite talk about her upbringing and her challenges throughout her life, to how successful she has now become and how wonderful her life has become, was truly breathtaking. I wouldn’t say I’m a bibliophile per se, but I have taken on reading a lot more recently and it has been eye-opening, as well as disappointing. There are often books that don’t represent me or the people I grew up with, and even the life stories in books tend to be about a once black protagonist falling in love with a white person – there aren’t many books about black love, and even if there are, it’s usually set in America where it is harder to relate to some of the experiences. Being able to talk with a women who provides both black love stories and the experience of being a black women living in South London is an honour and a privilege. On top of that, learning that she has the same heritage as me (and we could potentially be related;) just warms my heart – it’s not every day you meet someone just like you who is so successful and real. I really do hope that we can bring more people like Candice into school to inspire others like me as well as others not so like me so that they can see that the things they want to achieve in life are possible and they should strive for their dreams even if they don’t succeed right away.
Juanita C-J
Meeting Candice was honestly the best. Hearing the passion in her voice while talking about her book and what it was about made me realise, I could finally relate to something, and it hit close to home. She was extremely nice and accepting, and I was also able to get a photo with her, which she posted on her Instagram story!
Temilola O
I really enjoyed listening to Candice Brathwaite speak so engagingly and passionately about her experiences and her books last Friday. I found it very inspiring and eye opening to hear these and her advice for us all was genuine and brave. Very grateful for the opportunity to listen to such an empowering woman making a difference in society.
Hollie B
It was such a gift to speak to Candice and listen to her advice. Cuts Both Ways is a really exciting book that hits home for some of us as we live in South London like Cynthia. It was such an unforgettable experience.
Ruby B
I found Candice’s visit really inspirational and informative. She really went into detail about the real world of publishing; finances managing them and what the real world is like as an adult in London. I really enjoyed it!
Jorjah W
I thought that Candice Brathwaite was really inspiring, and I love what she is achieving by writing her books. Some of the statistics that she told us about, such as, there are only 3 books about motherhood written by black women in the UK, really amazed me. I never thought that that would be how it is now, especially not in the 21st century.
Carys B
I loved Candice Brathwaite’s visit as I could relate and understand the meaning of her story.
After her talk, I even managed to speak to her, she was extremely nice, accepting and full of joyful energy. After, Candice asked for a picture with me and my friends which she then posted on her Instagram.
Sianna N-L
Candice was great. It was inspirational to hear about her journey as a writer and how she has persevered through tough times. She gave spectacular advice to all of us, including lots of guidance for girls struggling to create their own community. I thoroughly enjoyed her visit and I hope we experience more amazing visits from successful authors.
Thea H
The visit from Candice Brathwaite was inspiring and engaging. With a Q&A in assembly and Yr10 getting to have a workshop (in which we looked further into an extract from her newest novel ‘Cuts Both Ways’), we were given lots to think about and I loved how freely Candice shared her thoughts with us. It was great to be able to have this opportunity!
Lily-Belle T
Candice Brathwaite is a very inspirational person who was nice, funny, and independent. She made me realise that it’s important that we should be understanding and have each other’s backs.
Anya P
Candice’s visit was truly a pleasant surprise for a Friday morning. Her active presence, wise words of advice and outgoing nature brought a smile to everyone’s exhausted Friday faces. The assembly hall was echoing with laughter with her engaging presence. Her opinions and ideas were inspiring and very relatable and the themes she illustrates in the story resonated strong with our year. I thoroughly enjoyed her visit, and I would love it if she could visit us again.
Harneka G
GDST LEAD was launched in September 2021 as an innovative leadership and enterprise programme
Read MoreIt is a process designed to allow young women to develop the transferable skills that will transform them into future leaders and entrepreneurs. Each team had access to their own dedicated mentor from LSE to support and advise them through the business planning process all the way up to the final showcase event in March.
On Friday 20th of January, a small number of GDST schools were chosen to be filmed by LSE and Oak North for the LEAD Entrepreneurial programme. A team of Lower Sixth pupils have taken on this enterprise competition to develop a social enterprise.
A selection of pupils were interviewed by the film crew about the importance of enterprise skills in the current workplace and their business idea: DropCycle.
DropCycle is a student-led brand, which aims to promote the basic habit of recycling plastic bottles within Biggin Hill Airport, using a website. The website, coded independently by our GDST computer science pupils, will allow the consumer to see how much they have recycled. This recycling scheme would also include a rewarding system.
DropCycle have set up marketing scheme, including social media, (@drop.cycleuk on instagram) and an upcoming treasure hunt. This is a promotional event involving the junior school.
The Croydon High GDST team will be donating all their funding to The Woodland Trust, to offset the carbon emissions from aviation fuel.
If you would like to donate to our charity cause, please go onto our crowdfunding page
https://www.gofundme.com/f/dropcycle?qid=48d5f3611289e0b79c6f3f27c3309f01
GDST Lead Year 12 Team – Ambreen H, Serena C, Safa H, Isabella W, Sasha G, Nur-Aleen H, Sibel K, Gajivana M, Keira M, Anya P, Tabitha P, Shafia S
Mrs M Serradilla
Head of Business and Economics
At Tuesday's staff briefing, Mr King spoke enthusiastically about one of our longest serving members of staff, here is an edited transcript of his speech.
Read MoreIn just under 24 hours, the life of one person in this room will change, not very much, but significantly. It isn’t quite 9/11, or Princess Diana’s death, but in terms of long-lasting impact over time immemorial, the date of 25 January 1993 will go down in history. It is a closely guarded secret, though nobody knows really quite why.
Being the 25th of January, of course, you could be forgiven thinking that it relates to Robert Burns, or other birthday/landmark moment. It’s not. Apologies to anybody who has a birthday tomorrow and had been feeling a little excited.
In fact, not, the 25th January 2023, tomorrow, will mark the day when Lawrence Mercer, Lol, has been working at Croydon High School for 30 years!
To talk about reassuring faces is nothing, unless Lol is mentioned. I haven’t counted the number of text messages I have sent to Lol late at night, which are a variation on a theme: “I’m leaving now, school should be empty”. I didn’t count those messages, but I have some other metrics to judge his astonishing contribution by:
In my brief time here, there has not been a moment of renovation, refreshing, restyling or refurbishment where Lol hasn’t been on hand to fill in the background information.
Through Lol, I know why the pipes look like they do outside the 3D corridor.
Through Lol, I know that the senior hall floor is lifted slightly.
Through Lol, I know the best way to chase scallywags off the site from the Year 11 Common Room, or hurdling the fence near the sports centre car park, or disappearing through the top astroturf gate.
We have drawn you in here this morning, Lol, earlier than you should have started work, in order to say thank you for generations worth of service to the school.
We know you would prefer the limelight to be elsewhere, and my genuine apologies for any discomfort you feel.
I’d like to offer my own sincere thanks for digging us out of holes time and again.
Without you, the leak which caused significant damage to the Art rooms might have been catastrophic.
Without you, many a trip to Skern would have got off on the wrong foot at 5am with trapped buses and angry parents, and many a late night returning coach would have been unloading onto Old Farleigh Road, not to mention the Carol Service faithful who you greet each year with an assortment of music stands, mince pie crumbs, urns and other paraphernalia.
Without you, innumerable school functions would have been impossible to facilitate.
You have highlighted pupils of concern through their reluctance to leave school, and/or their out of character behaviour.
And without you, I and several others I’m sure, might have left this building with less of a smile on my face. Our late evening interactions are invariably jolly – and you instigate that every time.
We have nothing to give you today except a round of applause, which we will come to shortly. We have an idea or two of a small gesture from the school that you and Irene can enjoy together at a date a little in the future. We hope it is something that you would appreciate, and, given your 30 years of service, we didn’t want to guess, and get it wrong!
Suffice it to say, Lol, …. THANK YOU for your service so far, for all you do for the school and for everything you have yet to do. Croydon High School is very grateful.
Mr D King
Deputy Head (Pastoral)
On Thursday 19th January, Tara K in 11T competed in the semi-final of the Chrystall Carter Public Speaking Competition against Bromley, Blackheath, Sydenham and Sutton.
Read MoreWe are delighted to announce that Tara was victorious and goes through to the final at Sheffield High in March.
Tara spoke powerfully and purposefully for seven minutes (without any aids or prompts!) on her topic ‘Out of school and out of luck? Women’s education in the developing world’. She then answered questions with compassion and skill for a further three minutes.
The competition was fierce: all girls did brilliantly delivering their speeches.
Bromley:
What matters in our society is the here and now, not the future.
Blackheath:
Do we over romanticise mental health issues?
Sydenham:
The ulster cycle, writing history
Sutton:
Invest in technology and we will save the planet.
We were really lucky to hear feedback from some awe-inspiring judges, Zara Berry and Meera Patel. Zara Berry works for Chatham House – the world-leading policy institute which helps governments and societies build a sustainably secure, prosperous and just world. Zara praised Tara for her ability to engage the audience and adapt her style and language to both subject and audience. Meera Patel is a Director at Deloitte and former Croydon High student – she praised Tara for her effective use of time, and ability to deal with questions.
The Chrystall Prize is a trust wide competition which is named after Chrystall Carter who was Legal Adviser to the GDST for nine years until her untimely death in 1999. She had a powerful belief in the power of reasoned argument and pushed for public speaking to take a higher role in the GDST. It is a wonderful way for girls to build confidence and have their ideas and voices heard.
Well done Tara – we are very proud of you. We can’t wait to hear what you’ll speak about next: weather balloons, perhaps?!
Ms Howie
Second in charge of English and Academic Scholars’ Coordinator
Next week our Drama and Music Departments present our Whole School Musical.
Read MoreA global phenomenon that has wowed audiences for decades, Jesus Christ Superstar is a timeless work set against the backdrop of an extraordinary series of events but seen through the eyes of Judas Iscariot.
The story, told entirely through song, explores the personal relationships, and struggles between Jesus, Judas, Mary Magdalene, his disciples, his followers, and the Roman Empire. The iconic 1970s rock score contains such well-known numbers as “Superstar,” “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” and “Gethsemane.”
Originally released as a concept album, the show opened on Broadway in 1971 at the Mark Hellinger Theatre. The original London production ran for over eight years. By the time it closed, after 3,358 performances, it had become the longest-running musical in West End history at that time.
The show is sold out! If you would like to go on a waiting list for returns please email productions@cry.gdst.net
As empty seats are a disappointment and we do understand that circumstances can change, we would ask you to return (up to an hour before the show starts) any unused tickets as there will be a waiting list. Please return to: productions@cry.gdst.net
This week, Croydon High School's Sixth Form met Ms Gilmour our new Head of Sixth Form
Read MoreThis week in Croydon High we welcomed the new Head of Sixth Form, Ms Gilmour, whom the Head and Deputy ran a Q&A session with. We delved into her hobbies and personal interests, learning about her fondness of rugby, her pet dog and her go to karaoke song by Linkin Park. One of the Deputy Head Girls, Gaji, found Ms Gilmour ‘very pleasant and driven, with a friendly personality’. We all look forward to having Ms Gilmour run our Sixth Form and guide us through our final steps in our journey at the School.
The Lower Sixth were also lucky to have a STRANDS lesson with Mr Loveday about politics. The session spoke about the necessity of your vote, and the different types of electoral systems, including First Past The Post(FPTP), alternate vote, and alternative members system. Sibel K enjoyed the session and found it ‘an eye opening experience on how we need to adapt to the changing surroundings as technology advances’. Thank you Mr Loveday for the session!
Tabitha P
Lower Sixth
Year 9 remembered the Holocaust on Thursday 26th January by participating in a number of activities to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day.
Read MoreHolocaust Memorial Day is the day for everyone to remember the millions of people murdered in the Holocaust, under Nazi Persecution, and in the genocides which followed in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, and Darfur.
This year’s theme is ordinary people. Genocide is facilitated by ordinary people. Ordinary people turn a blind eye, believe propaganda, and join murderous regimes. The murder of 6 million Jews in the Holocaust was not the actions of one man. Genocide is a societal act, it takes the action and inaction of millions of people to cause murder on this extent. Those who are persecuted, oppressed and murdered in genocide are not persecuted because of crimes they’ve committed – they are persecuted simply because they are ordinary people who belong to a particular group (eg, Roma, Jewish community, Tutsi).
In the morning we first heard the story of Leon Greenman, a British anti-fascism campaigner and survivor of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. We discussed the series of events leading to their arrival at the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. Leon was chosen for work at the camp, however his wife Else and Barney, their two-year-old son, were led to their untimely death in the gas chambers. After WWII he attended protests against racism and talked to people about what happened to him and his family; he fought for rights until the very end of his life.
Later we learnt about some of the people who were killed and the timeline for the events that caused the horrors and mass genocide. We saw the other groups Hitler and his collaborators targeted such as Sinta and Roma communities, Black people, Eastern Europeans, gay men and those who have disabilities.
A timeline covering laws, policies and the individual people murdered by Hitler’s policies.
Afterwards we found out about the liberation of the Bergen-Belsen camp by the British forces (19th April 1945), and listened to Richard Dimbleby’s report about the camp. The BBC initially refused to publish as they thought the audience wouldn’t believe it, until Dimbleby threatened to quit his job. We heard about a number of different concentration camps. Dachau was the first concentration camp established under the SS where more than 28,000 people died between 1940 and 1945. The total number of deaths at the camp is not known – initially it was first built to hold political opponents of the Nazis and trade union leaders.
Finally, we finished the day by creating memorials to honour the victims of the Holocaust, or attended a session run by Ms Fenwick on perpetrators, collaborators, bystanders and rescuers. People that stood by and let these events happen and people who resisted and rescued those in need. However, throughout our learning we questioned what is the line between good and evil? Many people had their own agendas and many more sit in a greyish area to call them ‘rescuers’ would be too kind but ‘collaborators’ too cruel, for example, some Nazi soldiers sent thousands of people to their deaths and saved one in order to justify their horrendous actions.
Our teachers, who do this every year, have given their time for an interview. Ms Fenwick, Head of History, told us that it does not get easier to teach each year and that she would be worried if it did, if she became desensitised to it in the same way everyone became used to the death and dehumanisation of the Jews. She speaks more on her feelings about the subject… “in our workshops for Holocaust Memorial Day we look at what happened, how it happened, why it happened, It is important to explore individual stories and allow for creative responses in the afternoon. It’s really important to remember the people that were involved; who lost their lives, but also it’s very very important to ensure that we recognise the stages that allow genocide to take place. I say that knowing it has happened again, genocides continue to happen, but it’s educating us all to be aware of what the signs are, and knowing that we should do everything we can to stop this happening again.”
It is important that we use this day not only to remember those who were murdered but also to educate ourselves in these matters in order to work together to prevent more mass premeditated murder. It was the small actions at the beginning that no one spoke about that helped lead to the deaths of nine million people.
Please take a look at our responses in the gallery below..
By Beyza C, Ava H-K, Anya M, Prajnaa S and Shriya S
Fierce competition and laughter abounded on Friday 27th January for the Y11 Academic Scholars as they went head to head to save the school from a ravaging 'outbreak' of Poison Ivy.
Read MoreTeams completed a series of timed challenges which had to be solved correctly in order to break free:
At the end of the session, we reflected on how collaboration is not always about the loudest voice, how creativity can be found in the most mundane of places – bin bags, in our case – and how confidence is about giving it a go, even if you might fail. We also reflected on how we can apply this to the mock examinations: results can happen with perseverance and determination; when we seek solutions, and when we’re not afraid to get it wrong the first time around.
Well done to Ananya and Maebella for winning the challenge; to Jess, Nancy and Lucy for a resolute second place, and to Raadhikhaa, Meg and Delia in a valiant third place.
Ms Howie
Second in charge of English and Academic Scholars’ Coordinator
This week I’ve been busy aggregating data to help steer students in their Firm and Insurance options for university.
Read MoreThese conversations begin next week and data is crucial in helping us, as staff, give advice that is carefully considered, accurate and useful for students. This school does not take data lightly and rightly so. Each score must be taken together as a whole with all other pieces of data at our disposal. Each aggregation of data has meaning and assists students to make decisions that are informed and clear.
The Firm and Insurance conversations that we will be having next week will be elucidating and edifying for students. For those who are waiting to hear from some universities, we’ll be making contingency plans to help alleviate any stress, anxiety or concern that comes with the wait to hear from universities. It is worth parents noting that UCAS has extended deadlines for universities to reply into May of this year, and some of these responses could coincide with exam dates. Therefore, I will be doing everything in my power before Easter to ensure that this wait is not excruciating and that students have clear plans in place whatever the outcome down the line; such that they are not worried, lost or anxious about what their future may hold.
The Year 8s this week learned about squiggly careers and the non-linear nature of life and associated success. These were wonderful, uplifting sessions and I have asked them all to speak to their parents to learn the life story of their adult role-models; the successes, setbacks and complications that have affected the decisions that parents have made. I hope that these conversations are illuminating and enjoyable and that parents are subject to as many curious and enquiring questions as I was in my Year 8 sessions this week!
Dr Lakha-Kassam
Head of Progression and Futures
Our School Minibus service offers an efficient and flexible option designed to help families with journeys to and from school. Minibus travel is offered to pupils in Year 3 and up.
The service is managed on our behalf by Vectare, a specialist school transport management company. All bookings for our school bus routes are made via our online booking system, which can be accessed at croydonhigh.vectare.co.uk.
The website allows you to book travel 24/7 from anywhere, meaning that if you need to leave early for work one morning or are running late and you would like one of our students to travel on a school bus as a one off, you can make a booking right up until the route is due to depart. Payment for the school bus service is made at the time of booking, so there is no need for pupils to carry cash.