This is the sixth year the project has been running in the Junior School and I wanted to take the opportunity to share with you why it is also one of my favourite events in the school calendar. 

Enterprise Technology, our bespoke Computer Science curriculum, is taught from Nursery up and by the end of Year 6, our girls are working well beyond age-related expectations. What is unique about our Enterprise Technology curriculum is the focus on enabling girls to become ‘designers of’ not ‘users of’ technology.

Alongside programming, coding, robotics and presentation, girls develop the prized essential skills of collaboration, creativity and problem-solving that will all contribute to their future career aspirations. Enterprise Challenge channels all of these skills… and more!

The Enterprise Challenge project, devised by the one-and-only Mrs Krishnamurthy, sets out to give pupils in Year 6 the opportunity to launch their own ‘enterprise’ selling services or products. As teams, pupils are inspired to get creative, do their market research and come up with their own business plan for a unique business idea. Over the course of a term during their Enterprise Technology lessons, pupils are equipped with all of the tools needed to design a logo, a mascot, programme a website and develop a comprehensive advertising campaign. The project finale involves each team presenting their ideas to a panel of external judges on the presentation evening, when every member of the winning teams gets to take home a trophy.

The whole experience provides our pupils with a unique learning experience which gives them a taste of the ‘real world’. It is not always an easy journey and there are many ‘life lessons’ learnt along the way too as they learn how to compromise, reach decisions and ultimately to work as a team to achieve an end goal. 

Each year, I am amazed by the standard of work produced and particularly by the creative ‘outside the box’ thinking that takes place within each team, as they develop their ideas. As I look back at previous challenges, what is evident is that the ideas chosen reflect topical and relevant issues that really mean something to the pupils. This year was no different with ideas centred around sustainability, increased awareness of neurodiversity, wellbeing and the ever changing world in which we live.   

The standard this year was again exceptional with entrepreneurial schemes ranging from homemade candles to pet products! Once again, I was ‘blown away’  by the confidence our pupils demonstrate when speaking about their projects to family members, friends and of course, the judges. They really know their stuff and it shows!

It gives me great reassurance to know that the girls at Croydon High are indisputably the change makers of the future and I have no doubt that we will be inviting many of them back as judges in the future, to share their expertise and experiences and to impart their wisdom to future generations of budding entrepreneurs.

I want to extend a huge thank you to our panel of judges:

• Ms Davies (Head, Croydon High School)
• Gemma Brady (Digital Director Defence and Infrastructure, Newton Europe)
• Mariet Seradilla (Head of Business and Economics, Croydon High School)
• Elena Chrysostomou (Activation Project Manager, Commercial Development for Coca-Cola)
• Samantha Bullock (Head of Social Media Marketing, Superdrug). 

And finally, to Mrs Krishnamurthy for her continued inspiration to us all, her aspiration for all our pupils’ success and for the subject of Enterprise Technology which she continues to drive forward in the Junior School.

Mrs Laura Threadgold
Deputy Head of Junior School

In memory of Susan-Ann Dowle, class of 1956

In an earlier edition of NewsLinks, we were able to announce the fact that the school had received a most generous legacy from a former pupil, Susan-Ann Dowle.

On Friday 28 April, we were able to formally recognise this wonderful act of philanthropy with an event where we officially opened the Susan-Ann Dowle Cricket Wicket, as well as announcing our plans to establish a two year Sixth Form Bursary (the Susan-Ann Dowle Sixth Form Bursary) and create an opportunities fund, which will enable the school to help pupils access specific opportunities when these arise.

A number of VIP guests, including family and friends of Susan-Ann and former Croydon High Head, Debbie Leonard, who played such an important role in nurturing the relationship with Susan-Ann during her time at the school, gathered together in the Holt Hall to remember her. It was also an opportunity to recognise the important legacies of former members of the PE Department going back to 1963 and their roles in supporting the school. An address from one  of our former Sixth Form Bursary Scholars also made the transformative power of a bursary extremely clear.

The group then moved into the school grounds where Ms Davies officially opened the wicket and our Cricket Captain Eleanor bowled the inaugural ball. This ball will be made into a trophy which will be awarded annually to the Croydon High Hardball Player of the Match, in the first home game of every season played on our wicket. Unfortunately, the heavy rain earlier in the week meant that the planned match against Kent College had to be called off due to what would have been ‘marshy’ conditions for the outfield, although the cricket wicket was in perfect condition! The match will be rescheduled soon and we look forward to it.

It was a very special occasion and such an important opportunity to be able to honour the memory of our former pupil and all she has given to our school.

Mrs Fran Cook
Director of Philanthropy and External Relations

Our Young Reporter team 2022-2023 had their final mentoring session with journalist Diana Jarvis, programme organiser and professional journalist at NewsQuest. Over 8 months, the team have been researching, writing and publishing monthly articles, which have featured on the online news platform This Is Local – London. They have had to make contact with business owners, event organisers and members of the public, interviewing them to receive the all-important local insight and quotations for their pieces.

The programme offers a unique and exciting opportunity, working for a live online newspaper alongside real journalists , with opportunities to win tickets to a whole range of shows and events in London, which participants can then review. During the session Diana reviewed best approaches and tips to successful journalism, whilst reminding our girls of the ethical responsibilities of journalists, who must remain impartial and objective at all times. The team had the opportunity to ask questions, and receive careers advice, invaluable for our Lower Sixth students, who are thinking about their next steps and university.

Some of the team will be entering the national awards competition: we wish them the best of luck!

The programme is open to students from Years 10 and above and will re-launch in September. Any budding journalists should contact Ms Cotton, to register their interest early, as places are limited.

Ms Alison Cotton
Head of English

Year 10 Climate Change Elective students ventured out of doors during National Gardening Week. They developed new skills in hedge care. We were thrilled to find that the majority of saplings planted last Spring are now sprouting new leaves. Year 10 re-staked, protected, and pulled grass away from the base of our young plants, which will give them the best opportunity for strong growth through the Spring and Summer seasons. We are going to be filling in gaps and extending our hedgerow in the Autumn 2023.

The team are also planting pollinator-friendly seeds on Friday. And a group of Year 9 students, Rosa, Martha and Olivia have been helping to care for our planters outside Science.

Mrs Harriet Howgego
Head of Chemistry

On 26 April we completed our final piece of fieldwork with Lower Sixth to introduce them to a diverse range of geographical fieldwork techniques and possible ideas for their independent investigations. Armed with our walking boots, wellies and old trainers we took a quick stroll up Old Farleigh Road to the beautiful Selsdon Wood. After discussing the importance of ethics in fieldwork, we did a quick ‘eye spy’ activity to try and identify as many tree species as possible using the branches and buds (and some leaves) alongside a tree identification key and examined a soil sample to determine what its characteristics were. The students have been great at coming up with their own ideas for fieldwork methodologies, in this case they used the landscape character assessment guide for inspiration, and we are really looking forward to finding out what they decide to choose for their independent investigations.

Mrs Alice Mollison
Head of Geography

On the 26 April the class embarked on a trip to Selsdon Woods to experiment with a variety of techniques ranging from working out the age of Sycamore trees and drawing the natural landscape of the woods to feeling soil texture in order to determine soil type. Anya, a student, ‘really enjoyed working and collaborating together with other classmates,’ and found both trips to have ‘enriched and reinforced her geographical knowledge surrounding the topic of places’. She hopes to employ the ‘myriad of techniques’ she learnt within her NEA coursework.

Tabitha P
Lower Sixth

After school on 3 May, 21 quiz teams from a wide range of schools across South and East London met online to take part in the inaugural Worldwise Quiz for this area of London.

Croydon High had representatives from:

• Year 7
  • Soha
  • Zia
  • Hannah
  • Aleesha
  • Naiha
  • Aviela

• Year 8
  •  Emily
  • Alexa

• Year 9
  • Ava
  • Prajnaa
  • Shriya

Well done to all our students who took part, as they showed some fantastic knowledge and worked really well in their teams. Some familiar rounds included capital cities, country outlines and flags rounds and they were also quizzed on their knowledge of global foods, sports, famous faces and London landmarks.

Congratulations to everyone who took part and well done to our Year 8 and 9 teams who placed 1^st and 2^nd in their year group categories, having a very close competition with Langley Park School for Boys. Well done to our fellow GDST geographers at Blackheath High who also did very well in the quiz. We look forward to taking part again next year and have just launched a new Year 7 World Quiz club after school to support our geographers in developing their global and local knowledge!

Mrs Alice Mollison
Head of Geography

Year 5 have been looking at artists and designers that create patterns to reflect a concept. They explored the muted tones and organic forms of the Victorian designer and environmental campaigner William Morris. At the time of industrialisation Victorian lifestyles changed rapidly and many moved away from the countryside to towns and cities. Morris’s designs reflect a longing to be closer to nature and he was ahead of his time in reflecting this human need to connect with nature.

This was contrasted with the gold motifs of contemporary Chinese artist and human rights activist Ai Weiwei. In his wallpaper design ‘Golden Age’ he uses repeated golden handcuffs, surveillance cameras, and Twitter birds to create an elaborate pattern reminiscent of a high-end designer. These symbols reflect his experience of government surveillance as well as the allure of technology with its threat to our privacy.

These artworks led us to explore the importance of connecting with nature in contrast to the allure of technology in our digital rich lives.

We researched the benefits of spending time in nature and explored the aspects of our contemporary lives that keep it at arms’ length. This led us to create outcomes about nature and contemporary distractions such as devices and social media. We talked nature connectedness which is a is a concept that measures the closeness of an individual’s relationship with other species and the wild world. Studies show that people with a high level of nature connectedness enjoy better mental health and are more likely to act in environmentally friendly ways. Children who play outside are smarter, happier, more attentive, and less anxious than children who spend more time indoors.

Inspired by the vibrancy of Rachel Parker’s designs the students created individual collages about nature. The students then worked collaboratively to develop their ideas and imagery further. They included bold colours, statements, and some images evocative of more sedative and digital lifestyles. These upbeat and sometimes cheeky artworks remind us all to look up from our devices and in doing so perhaps reset.

I am incredibly proud of the students’ attitudes and learning. We’re looking forward to finding any excuses we can in the warmer weather to work outside.

Ms Claire Bird
Junior Teacher of Art

It’s National Gardening Week! Whether it’s an old chest of drawers, a pair of boots or a wheelbarrow, let your imagination run wild. Share your photos using the hashtag #NationalGardeningWeek.

As part of our fundraising for the forthcoming netball and hockey tour to South Africa later this year, we are running a number of events to help raise money for the trip.

I am delighted to announce a highly desirable item for all those golfing fans out there! We have received a generous donation of a 4 ball at Royal Cinque Ports Golf Course in Deal, Kent, one of the top golf courses in the country (to play this course currently, green fees are £210 per person per round).

Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club

As two time host of The Open Championship in 1909 and 1920, Royal Cinque Ports is a truly magical golfing destination on the Kent coastline.

Tall dunes, pot bunkers and a strong crosswind all contribute to the challenge that awaits as you make your way round.

The course

“I consider the last four holes at Deal to be without doubt, the finest four consecutive holes on any course in the world.”
GARY PLAYER
Open Champion 1959, 1968, 1974

“One of my favourite links courses. Straight out and straight back, the inward nine, especially if there is a wind against, is perhaps as formidable as anything in British golf.”
PETER ALLISS
Ryder Cup Player, Television Presenter & Honorary Member

Auction details

If you would like to bid for this amazing item, please complete this form by Friday 26 May at 4pm.

Please note there are some conditions, stated below associated with this auction item.

Winning bid – after the deadline on Friday 26 May at 4pm and as long as the reserve has been made, I will contact the winning bidder with further details on this auction item and how to book the 4 ball.

Start your bidding form here

Conditions

• The four ball cannot be split into two lots of 2 balls.
• Four balls play is permitted on Mondays and Thursdays ONLY
• Valid and in date World Handicap System (WHS) certificates required for all playing golfers.
• Voucher valid until May 2024
• There is reserve on this auction item.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the family who have made this generous donation and I wish you all the best of luck in your bids!

Mrs Sue Beck
Teacher of PE & Head of Community

We are so pleased and grateful to Jemca Toyota Croydon for sponsoring our Netball and Hockey Tour of South Africa later this year.