We were honoured, at the end of last year, to be invited to become part of the TEDx mission, a grassroots initiative created in the spirit of the iconic TED talks, to research and discover “ ideas worth spreading.” TEDx inspires communities around the globe to take part in events that uncover and share ideas that spark conversations.

It felt particularly appropriate to be starting our 150th anniversary year with an event that spotlights empowerment for women and instead of considering how our young women are prepared for the world around them, to ask instead how a world designed by men, needs to adapt to the women destined to take on leadership roles across all spheres.

This is why we titled our event Role Reversal: as a challenge to society to prepare for a generation of incredible young women who already demonstrate the self-belief required to navigate their futures with courage and conviction.

The Holt Hall was the venue for a gathering of 100 specially invited guests, including the CEO of the GDST, Cheryl Giovannoni with a number of Trust Office colleagues, some of our School Governors, and representatives of local schools and organisations. We were also delighted to welcome alumnae from a range of year groups, as well as staff, pupils and parents of pupils involved in the event.

Our speakers came from both the student and alumnae bodies, representing Croydon High in the best possible way and all wholly inspiring in their words and their demeanour.  Alumnae Dr Mayoni Gooneratne and Millie Mensah ‘came back to school’ to share their wisdom on subjects relating to general and also menstrual health, shining a positive spotlight on some of the most fundamental shared female experiences, with a range of fascinating insights and considerations.

Rachel Evans, Director of Digital Transformation at the GDST also spoke brilliantly, discussing amongst other things the very hot topic of AI within the tech landscape and viewing this through a feminine perspective.

Our Head Girl, Alice, inspired everyone in the room with her knowledge and her delivery of an outstanding talk, celebrating her passion for Classical Civilisation and asking why the original ‘Girlbosses’ of yesteryear are not given the recognition they so clearly deserve. There is no doubt that Alice is preparing to take her place among the leaders of the future and we are exceptionally proud of her.

Amelia, also in Upper Sixth and one our EDI prefects gave an equally exceptional and highly personal talk about her lived experience as a young woman of colour, from Croydon. Her words were equally moving and challenging, provoking real reflection in the audience as well as a recognition of Amelia’s talents as an orator; again, we were all so proud of her.

Anaiya in Year 10 opened the whole event with her wonderful poem, For how much longer must we fear our mediocrity. Her poise and faultless delivery set the standard for everything that followed, including an unforgettable rendition of This is Me from The Greatest Showman, sung by Fallon in Upper Sixth and accompanied by the supremely talented Mr Ting on guitar. Fallon’s performance had such power and panache – it was incredible to see the audience respond to it. The final piece of the evening brought together a Drama ensemble from Lower Sixth and Year 8 comprised of Suzie, Matilda and Zarah together with Naomi G, Ivy and Naomi T. and directed by Ms Bradley, with assistant directors Lily-Belle and Fox. In this original piece, based on the words of our own pupils, the Dream Gap girls reminded us that our dreams may change, and we are never too young – or too old – to dream a new one. The humour and poignancy of this piece really struck home and it was performed to an exceptional standard. Our sincere thanks to each performer and also, Ms Bradley, who created the script and brought such outstanding talent out of this group.

The atmosphere in the Holt at the end of the evening was celebratory and incredibly positive, with a genuine feeling of shared hope and belief in the possibilities of the future.  The event was filmed and will now go through the editing and approvals process established by TED, after which we look forward to sharing the content with the wider community via the TED platform and our own channels.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this such an uplifting experience and particularly to our speakers and performers, who left us in awe.

Mrs Fran Cook
Director of Philanthropy and External Relations

On Thursday 26^th September (also European Day of Languages!) we were thrilled to receive a visit from the Freshwater Theatre Company. Girls in Years 1 to 4 were fully immersed in French for an hour as they experienced two fairy tales – Little Red Riding Hood and Jack in the Beanstalk – entirely in French!

Madame Mannooch
Teacher of French

Our Year 1 pupils had an amazing day at the Arc Centre, immersing themselves in the wonders of wildlife. They were thrilled to go into the meerkat enclosure and experience these adorable animals up close. They enjoyed feeding the sugar gliders sugar water using syringes. The highlight was dancing to music alongside the lively parrots, including the charming Milo. Students also shared high-fives with a friendly stick insect and stroked a giant millipede and hissing cockroaches, encountering an incredible range of creatures. This hands-on experience not only entertained but also educated the budding scientists, leaving them eager for their next adventure in nature!

Mrs Jo Harrison
Year 1 Class Teacher

On Wednesday 2nd October our year 10 Drama GCSE students took part in a professional in-school acting workshop yesterday led by Keyleigh Allen from Shakespeare Schools Foundation. They will perform ‘Macbeth’ as part of the renowned Shakespeare Schools Festival at The Shaw Theatre, London on Monday 18 November 2024. You can find details of how to buy tickets here.

Here is what some of our pupils had to say about the workshop:

“I loved this workshop and I enjoyed learning about awareness on the stage and how to use the space effectively. It was nice to work all together as we hadn’t done that before. I can’t wait to see the finished result!”
-Jessie H

“I loved the workshop as it allowed us to perform as one company all together. We experimented with improvisation and reacting to our surroundings which I found really helpful to translate into our Macbeth performance. Working with our fellow classmates to collaborate and share ideas was so interesting. We got amazing tips from our leaders and I can’t wait to perform in November!”
-Kyla R

“I really enjoyed the workshop as I thought that it made us come together more as a group, and get closer as a company. I learnt that you’re always working when you’re on stage, even if you’re not speaking. My favourite part of the workshop was when we were walking around the space and had to make a handshake with another person. This taught us to utilise space wisely and all the different things you have to think about when you’re on stage.”
-Izzy W

“I thoroughly enjoyed the workshop as it really helped for all the cast to get to know eachother better and definitely helped us to work as a unit much better. The exercises were both entertaining and educational, I really enjoyed spending some time getting to know everyone and it is definitely going to be the highlight of my Shakespeare schools experience.”
-Naima B

Mrs Morgan-Collins
Head of Drama

Sixth Form Open Evening
10 October 2024 | 7.00-9.00PM

We are delighted to announce that Croydon High School will be holding its next Sixth Form Open Evening on Thursday 10 October 2024.

There are, of course, many reasons why ambitious pupils choose to join the Sixth Form at Croydon High. More often than not, it is a combination of the broad range of subjects we offer, our outstanding A Level teaching, our record of excellent academic achievement and strong, and genuinely, caring pastoral emphasis.

We seek to prepare pupils who are ‘real-world ready’ for whatever they choose to do after A levels. Capitalising on our small-group approach, teachers and pupils are united with a shared sense of purpose and drive. Crucially, this approach means that pupils find themselves in a confidence-building and highly motivating environment that encourages them to be genuinely bold and unique.

Book your place today

Complete beginners to advanced typists welcome. Type 40+ words per minute using correct fingers and posture. Typing proficiency makes a huge impact on academic attainment at all ages.

Autumn and Christmas holiday touch typing courses for 7 – 16s

Dulwich College:  28 – 31 October and December 16 – 19

Sessions run 10:00 – 12:15 pm.

Cost per place: £176.00. 10% discount for siblings/ bring-a-friend/returners

OFSTED registered – childcare vouchers accepted.  Duke of Edinburgh Award skills assessor.

Apply at www.typingscool.co.uk