Leadership Likes: Mrs Webb
This week Mrs Webb celebrates the many benefits of being in a school production
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Find out what is happening at Croydon High this week.
This week Mrs Webb celebrates the many benefits of being in a school production
Read MoreOn Monday, Ms Davies announced the Head Girl Team for 2023/24. Warmest congratulations to Head Girls, Eloise C and Talia E, Deputies, Jessica W and Gajivana M and House Captains, Sophia J, Jemima J, Emily M and Maddie W. These students have been rewarded for the demonstration of leadership skills which we know they will undoubtedly continue to develop over their year in office.
For the Drama and Music Departments, it was particularly pleasing (but not surprising) to see that the majority of this team are taking significant roles in this week’s whole-school musical production of Jesus Christ Superstar.
This made me consider what it is about what happens through teaching the creative arts that nurtures many of the skills we are looking for when we appoint leadership roles. Amidst the rehearsal process over the past few months, I have watched these young leaders show creative collaboration, know when to lead and when to listen, how to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of their peers, how to make a quick and purposeful decision and, most importantly, how to organise and how to delegate. They have been incredibly impressive.
The students shared some of their thoughts about this with me:
When I was in Calamity Jane last year, my confidence really developed. I had a bit more responsibility on stage, and with more to do, I had to trust that I knew the songs and perform with confidence. The increase in confidence I got from performing also really helped my ability in public speaking, because when you are on stage it almost becomes normal!
Jessica W, Deputy Head Girl
When I was involved in Hairspray in Year 8, I learnt to work as part of a team; I grew closer to all the other years as we all united to make the show the best it could be. As well as this, I pushed myself to be more confident and put myself out there more as I was in a lot of the songs and dances.
Emily M, Evans House Captain
I thought having no dialogue in a play would make it very difficult to follow, but learning all the songs and dances to JCS was very exciting as it encouraged all years to come together and piece the story simultaneously. We had the opportunity to add our own creative input with the choreography, which developed our imaginations and leadership skills. It has been a brilliant play to end my Croydon High School productions!
Yasmin I, Head Girl 2022/23
For this year’s production of ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ I have learnt how to manage my time around rehearsals so that I can be organised in my school work alongside my commitment to the show. I have also been able to develop my connections within the school community, as I have been mixing with pupils in other year groups in rehearsals, meaning that I can expand communications within the student body.
Maddie W, Curie House Captain
I think it is fantastic that each year, everyone contributes to the school shows and works together to produce something we can all be proud of. The drama department is such an inclusive and excitable aspect of Croydon High. This year’s show, in particular, has taught me confidence and enthusiasm in my performance.
Sophia J, Garrett House Captain
Talia, one of our new Head Girls, and Aila, also in Lower Sixth worked closely with Year 11’s Fallon in developing a sequence of choreography for the big finale number “Superstar”. The brief from me was to ensure Fallon was able to deliver a strong singing performance but move on the stage seamlessly. It felt like no sooner had I requested this, (actually it was only an hour later) they had not only demonstrated their creative vision to me, but had also taught Fallon how to deliver this effectively on stage.
Other Lower Sixth pupils Sasha G and Ayo P also stepped in to hone the skills of our “Superstar” dance troupe. Unfazed by the task at hand and with a group of 18 pupils from other year groups who they barely knew, our two sixth formers delivered effective and well-planned rehearsals – and as those of you at our opening night performance on Thursday night will know, this number was an absolute show-stopper!
I reflect on this image of the iceberg every year as we move into “show week.” To me it represents everything that we aspire to do at Croydon High. By not focusing entirely on the final product, we work together to ensure that the quality of the process leading up to it is as rich and as rewarding as possible.
Thank you to every single one of the many people who played a part in the JCS ‘process’ to make it such an unforgettable production.
Mrs Emma Webb
Assistant Head (co-curricular)
This week we are delighted to spotlight Honey Gabriel, Class of 2010, who regularly supports and inspires our current pupils in various careers and progressions events.
Read MoreHoney Gabriel Class of 2010
Born in Nigeria but raised in South London, Honey graduated from Drama Studio London in 2019. After leaving Croydon High in 2010, she initially studied Economics at Loughborough University and worked in private equity for four years.
Although she graduated from drama school just before the pandemic hit, Honey has had the opportunity to work on numerous projects, including BBC One’s Doctors, Home Box Office’s (an American premium tv network) The Nevers and a big Christmas commercial campaign for the software firm ServiceNow. One of the things she’s most proud of is her work with The Show Must Go Online, which performed the entirety of Shakespeare’s First Folio via Zoom. She was a part of four shows, playing most notably Paulina in The Winter’s Tale.
As acting can be transient work, Honey also works with DoThinkDo as a corporate coach, teaching communication and impact skills and as their DEI ( Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) manager as they pivot to doing DEI the DoThinkDo way. DoThinkDo has delivered transformational learning experiences using their smart thinking, innovation and creative flair to help over 100 organisations, including Google, VMO2 and the NHS, unleash their people’s potential, power their performance, and embed lasting cultural change.
She also pursues assistant director and producer opportunities to explore more sides of her creativity. Honey describes herself as a storyteller. And although she would love to do more TV and film work, she’s more focused on telling stories that fill people’s hearts, whatever medium that might be in.
Honey’s fondest memories from Croydon High are actually from her time in the Junior School, where the girls would set up shops in the trees on the grounds to sell daisy chains and pretty stones they’d found. She recalls the creative and entrepreneurial spirit being encouraged and fostered. She believes Croydon High instilled a can-do, go-getter, anything-is-possible mindset in her from an early age.
On many occasions, Honey has visited Croydon High school to talk to groups about her career as an actor and voiceover artist, plus as a delegate at network breakfasts and careers conventions. She recently spoke to a group of Year 9 and Year 10 pupils, sharing some of the challenges and the high points of her career, giving pupils a positive and realistic view of working in the arts. It was interesting to hear how although she performed in almost every school play (specifically remembering playing Meg in Our Country’s Good), Honey had not thought about a career in acting while at Croydon High and, in fact, first worked in private equity! Honey was incredibly inspiring, showing our pupils what can be achieved with tenacity, determination, and hard work.
If Honey could tell her 15-year-old self anything, it would be that the future is not fixed and it is okay to love maths and drama. They aren’t mutually exclusive and actually make for a well-rounded creative.
Honey really does feel like one of the family; we are so grateful for her continued support of Croydon High.
Mrs Roe
Alumnae Relations Manager
A huge congratulations to our Junior and Senior School Swimming teams who both won the GDST Swimming Championships last week.
Read MoreThis is a phenomenal achievement when we were competing against the best swimmers in the Trust.
In the Under 11 section, the final results were as follows:
Arabella W – 1st 50m Backstroke
Ella J – 1st 50m Breaststroke
Wren B – 3rd 50m Freestyle
Sophie L – 5th 100m Individual Medley
A Team Medley Relay – (Arabella, Ella, Sophie, Wren) 1st place
A Team Freestyle Relay – (Amarisa B-H, Ella, Wren, Sophie) 2nd Place
Naomi T – 2nd 25m Backstroke
Anna A – 3rd 25m Breaststroke
Elia P – 1st 25m Butterfly
Sonya F – 4th 25m Freestyle
B Team Medley Relay – (Naomi, Anna, Elia, Sonya) 1st Place
B Team Freestyle Relay – (Elia, Anna, Sonya, Naomi) 1st Place
In the Under 14 section, all swimmers made their respective individual finals. The results were as follows:
Poppy T – 2nd 50m Backstroke
Leonie P – 2nd 50m Butterfly
Emily D – 1st 50m Breaststroke
Kaweng P – 4th 50m Freestyle
Josie L – 1st 100m Individual Medley
Medley Relay (Poppy, Leonie, Josie, Kaweng) – 1st place
Freestyle Relay (Poppy, Kaweng, Josie, Leonie) 3rd place
In the Over 14 section, our team also made all individual finals.
Lucy M – 3rd 50m Backstroke
Olivia M – 6th 50m Butterfly
Lillian C – 7th 50m Breaststroke
Marion C – 1st 50m Freestyle
Beatrice P – 2nd 100m Individual Medley
Medley Relay (Lucy, Lillian, Beatrice, Marion) – 3rd place
Freestyle Relay (Beatrice, Marion, Izzy, Lucy) – 1st place
On top of this amazing team result, we are so proud of Upper Sixth Marion C who not only won gold in her event but she also broke the GDST 50m Freestyle Record. Such a great achievement in Marion’s last ever swimming gala for Croydon High. We will miss her very much!
Years 8 and 10 have been responding to some interesting challenges.
Read MoreIn the past few weeks, Year 8s have been building scientific models in their Science Skills lessons with Mrs Leppala. Some of the models include atomic structure of lithium and a balanced chemical equation using plasticine, molecules built using Molymods and a foldable 3D Periodic Table. Pupils also made models of the phases of the moon. There were many creative ideas from using ping pong balls, making a stop-motion video, and building the model inside a shoebox. Excellent work Year 8s!
Three teams of 3-4 Year 8 pupils took part in the Problem Solving Challenge Selection Heats that ran in January. The pupils were given a pack of materials with very limited instructions. Their task was to design, build and calibrate a Newton meter – a type of force meter. They could only use the materials in their pack and water to calibrate. Mrs Leppala enjoyed watching the process and is very proud of all the teams for their efforts!
The pupils were judged for their teamwork and how they tackled the problem. Their final devices were then judged for their design, easiness to use and how accurately they measured a known force. Combined points were used to select six students to take part in the regional heat of the SATRO Problem Solving Challenge which will run on the 9th of March at an outside school venue.
Six teams of four pupils took part in the preliminary round of the RSC Year 10 Chemistry Challenge. The challenge consisted of four rounds with a variety of tasks which included quick questions, using data, making connections and disconnections, solving puzzles and handling new information. Some questions were beyond the IGCSE Chemistry curriculum. The members of each team were advised to use their pooled knowledge and skills to tackle each round. Mrs Leppala is extremely proud of the resilience and teamwork demonstrated during the challenge. Excellent work teams!
The results of the challenge will be out in March. We will be hearing whether any of our teams has won a place in the Downland Section Final or the South East Region Final. Fingers crossed for our amazing Year 10s!
Mrs Sari Leppala
Teacher of Chemistry
Innovation & Enrichment Lead (Science)
Reception embarked on a short trip to visit Selsdon Library on Monday 30th January. It was great to spend some time in the local library.
Read MoreLots of the girls are members of this library or had experiences of other Croydon libraries to share. We were lucky enough to have some stories read to us by the librarian as well as some free time to explore the warm and cosy children’s section. The girls made full use of the space and facilities, making themselves comfortable on the chairs and even trying out the tablets. Once back in class, it was a joy to see some of the girls acting out being a librarian and scanning books out to read.
Mrs Amanda-Jane D’Aranjo
Reception Class Teacher
Early Years Leader
On Friday 27th of January, Croydon High hosted the Years 5 & 6 CSSP Quicksticks Hockey tournament.
Read MoreNine keen and aspiring umpires from Year 9 assisted in the running of the competition. Several local schools participated, with four matches taking place at the same time. We worked in pairs, umpiring each pitch carefully and making sure the games were played fairly. Although a few of us were a bit nervous at the start, as the day went on, we all became more and more confident. We are all very lucky to have had the opportunity to learn new and interesting skills. We had a fantastic time and look forward to further events in the future. In the end, it was St Aidan’s who came out on top with an exciting final of 7-4, Heavers Farm in a close second. We hope all the schools had an enjoyable afternoon, just like we did.
By Poppy S, Charlotte S & Rika
Morales were boosted as the Sixth Form began their Friday with some fun form time karaoke
Read MoreMorales were boosted as the Sixth Form began their Friday with some fun form time karaoke which included classic songs such as ‘A party in the USA by Miley Cyrus‘, Black Eyed Peas’ ‘I’ve got a feeling’, and for a grand finale, a song by Oasis; ‘Don’t look back in anger’. Keira, of the Lower Sixth found the karaoke session ‘ a fun way to wake up on a Friday’ and everyone enjoyed themselves, even Ms James and Mrs Gower, who took delight in a little dance. It’s safe to say that the Sixth Form went into lessons with content smiles. We look forward to many more enjoyable karaoke sessions in the future!
Tabitha P
Lower Sixth
We are delighted to announce the winners of our St Ives photographic competition.
Read MoreWe had lots of amazing entries, and it was extremely hard to choose. We chose images for their artistic composition, use of light, colour and texture, as well as capturing the heart of St Ives. It really was a wonderful trip and I hope you enjoy these photographs as much as we did. First, second and third prize winners will receive a printed canvas of their photograph.
Mrs E Smith
Head of Art & 3D Design
Director of Teaching & Learning
Last week, all girls in Years 4 and 5 took part in the GDST Junior Maths Times Tables Rockstars.
Read MoreLast week, all girls in Years 4 and 5 took part in the GDST Junior Maths Times Tables Rockstars competition – GDST Junior Rock out 2023.
Mrs A Johnson
Year 3 Class Teacher
Maths Subject Leader
Chloe W reports on the Chinese New Year and Rashna describes Thai Pongal
Read MoreChinese New Year – by Chloe W, Lower Sixth
On the 22nd of January 2023, Chinese communities celebrated the Lunar New Year. This has been a long standing tradition, rooted in myths and honour to deities. Throughout the week of the Lunar New Year, Chinatown is plastered in red lanterns, firecrackers and images of the iconic dragon which parades through the streets.
2023 brings about the year of the rabbit. These animals represent Chinese zodiac signs, and rotate on a 12-year cycle. Similar to sun sign astrology, each zodiac represents different personality traits. If you are born in the year of the rabbit, you may believe this will be your lucky year – but that is not the case. It is supposed to be seen as a challenge to overcome. The legend stems from the tale of the “great race” from the days of the Qin dynasty. The decorations of firecrackers and symbols of red originated from an old folk tale. The village people were terrified of a beast called the Nian who would eat villagers in the middle of the night. When they all went into hiding one year, an old man appeared to take revenge on Nian. He displayed red papers and firecrackers. When the villagers came back, all was well and nothing had been destroyed. The villagers found that Nian was scared of the colour red and loud noises. Thus was born the tradition of these elaborate decorations.
Growing up, Chinese New Year was one of my family’s most celebrated holidays. Every year we gather round for a huge dinner, and exchange lucky red envelopes with money inside (lai see). When I was young, I dreaded it. I couldn’t think of anything worse than being surrounded by people I didn’t know, having to struggle to understand conversations entirely in Cantonese.
I noticed I was different to my friends; I looked different, ate different foods, celebrated different things. As I got older, I learned to embrace these differences. I took pride in these traditions. A member of the British-Asian community said recently: “this is a time for us to connect as a family, and celebrate our roots. We gather round for dinner and exchange wishes of good luck”.
Chinese New Year is now a time for me to embrace my culture, and be proud of it. I show my friends my celebrations and the food we eat. I feel connected to my culture, even when miles away from Hong Kong. Although only half-Chinese, this holiday allows me to explore this side of me, and feel rooted in my ethnic identity. My culture and my identity are inextricably linked. The celebrations of the Lunar New Year are so vital to me and my family. It is important for us to be proud of who we are. ‘Different’ is not something to be scared of – it is something to embrace.
Gong hei fat choi !
Thai Pongal : A New Beginning By Rashna T in Year 11
In January there is a big festival for many Tamils all over the world. We live in a multicultural country and it is important to appreciate the festivals and traditions of others. This is a time of celebration, a time of togetherness and a time of gratitude. This festival is known as Thai Pongal.
Thai Pongal, the start of the Tamil Heritage month, celebrates the Sun God, Lord Sureyan, giving thanks for the light provided during the day, the cows for providing us with dairy products and the bulls for their hard-work on farms. This year on January 14th the Prime Minister posted a video wishing all Tamils his “best wishes” for the weekend of celebrations and thanking them for their “hard-work”. But how is Thai Pongal celebrated in Sri Lanka?
I asked Mrs Thivija Thivakaran, a Wallington resident for 22 years, for her memories of events in the land of her birth. She told me that the day before there is a burning of all bad things, such as old clothes and broken items, in order to give way to a new positive beginning. In addition, rangoli patterns are created around the house as decorations. On Thai Pongal morning, having woken up before sunrise, people shower from head to toe as an offering of water to the Sun God before going outside where they light a fire. Milk is boiled in a clay pot on the fire until it overflows, a further offering for the Sun God as the sun rises. Mrs Thivakaran remembers that this is followed by boiling sugar and rice to make a sweet rice eaten as a blessing from the Sun God. “This was the best part of it” smiled Mrs Thivakaran. These activities are always followed by a visit to the temple, such an important part of life in the Tamil Hindu society. Mattu Pongal, the celebration of cows and bulls, involves washing the animals, boiling milk for them and adorning them with garlands.
I don’t think we will be adorning cows here in the UK very soon but perhaps there will be some adaptations that will allow Tamils here to feel more connected to their homeland at such an important time.
Two Charities we have supported recently have been in touch to express their thanks.
Read MoreTo the staff and pupils,
The Salvation Army New Addington Christmas Appeal
On behalf of The Salvation Army in New Addington/The Vine Foodbank I want to thank you once again for a truly amazing show of support for our Christmas Family Program.
Thank you for taking the time to consider those families for whom Christmas was going to be a struggle. Your thoughtfulness was evident once again in the gifts you gave. Such a lovely outpouring of love and compassion for others.
2022 was a challenging year for our world in some many ways and so the importance of communities whether schools, churches or other organisations working together to help others was vitally important. Together with donations of food, gifts and financial contributions we were able to make Christmas special for over 200 families.
We are so grateful that you partnered with us this year and hope that we may able to work together again in this new year.
We wish you every blessing for 2023
With sincere thanks,
Emma Spencer
Major
The Salvation Army New Addington
Welcome by the CEO of Children’s Hospital Pyjamas
Well, what a year we’ve had. We wouldn’t have accomplished all we have without your support, so thank you. When I started Children’s Hospital Pyjamas, I never imagined it would grow as it has and we really want you to know that we appreciate every single pair of pyjamas received, every pound donated and every company that helped us to deliver our donations or supported us in other ways.
We had more requests for donations than ever before and I’m proud to say that we have fulfilled every single one! Without you, we honestly wouldn’t have been able to do this, as we delivered to more than 200 locations this year (127 last year) and, for the first time ever, our donations exceeded 20,000 pairs of pyjamas (21,057).
This report won’t be too long, but I’d like to give you some insight into how your donations have helped the charity this year and the impact this has had on the children and young people we support.
Coming out of a pandemic and heading straight into the current cost-of-living crisis has been challenging. However, my amazing team and the generosity of the general public, schools, companies, foundations and trusts has helped us to surpass all previous donations.
As I reflect on the last year, the passion displayed by my team and our supporters has been amazing. I have been brought to tears so many times, reading the testimonials we receive and seeing the smiles on the faces of children wearing their new pyjamas.
Going forward, we hope to keep doing all we can to support as many families as possible.
Charmaine Green
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
You can read the entire thank you message and charity details HERE
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.