I’m writing this with half term in mind, as my spotlight focus is a celebration of the great outdoors due to its significant impact on our wellbeing and also the opportunity to spend quality time with family away from technology.

Although my family and I are off exploring the Rhineland region of Germany over half term, we usually spend our free time heading out to Kent and Sussex or visiting various corners of Wales, where my family are from, maximising every opportunity to add to our tally of National Trust car parks. Having moved to West Wickham from Honor Oak last year, the opportunity to access the Kent countryside within 30 minutes has been a wonderful revelation to us.

Our current favourite destination is the countryside near Westerham, where we make the most of the clearly marked footpaths and opportunities for cream teas at Emmetts Garden and Chartwell. If you have a free afternoon and fancy a walk, I thoroughly recommend parking at Toys Hill car park and following the circular walk via Emmetts; I am sure there will be some lovely Autumn colours during half term, especially from their Acer japonicum and palmatum and Liquidambar acalycina. Another great time of year to visit is the spring when their lovely blue bell wood and tulip meadows are in full display. A few weeks ago when September temperatures rose unexpectedly high, we escaped to the woods and thoroughly enjoyed their tranquillity; for us they were much more satisfying than sweating it out on a cramped beach covered in sunscreen! By half term we’ll probably be replacing our water bottles with hot chocolate in a flask to keep us going on our hikes.

Another favourite activity is to plan our routes on our traditional paper OS maps at home and I encourage every family to buy a copy of the 1:25,000 OS Map 147 of Sevenoaks, which covers the Kent/London borders. There is nothing better than opening out the map and contextualising places being visited, rather than looking down at a small screen on your phone. A couple of weeks ago, I was delighted to see that a good number of my Year 7 students said they’d used OS maps at home with their parents and hope that more of them will use their newly developed map reading skills to identify some walking routes if you head out over half term. Have a lovely half term and I do hope you will head out to enjoy the beautiful countryside on our doorstep.

This autumn, you can claim a free National Trust pass for you and your family to enjoy one of the many places.

Mrs Alice Mollison
Head of Geography

Larissa Kennedy, Class of 2016

Bringing a new angle to her commitment to open-access education, Larissa co-hosts a social justice-oriented podcast, called Shado-lite. The podcast navigates the big issues seen on feeds and timelines and constructively supports listeners to ‘move from apathy and overwhelm to collective action and hopeful pathways forward.’

At school, Larissa received the Margaret Adams Award for excellent GCSE results, the Senior Prefect Prize, and the Croydon High Prize for Spanish and gained straight As in English Literature, French, and Spanish A-levels. From 2014-2016, she was a National Girlguiding Advocate speaking up about what the organisation is passionate about; sought change by talking to MPs and in Parliament; was the media spokesperson for Girlguiding; she ran sessions in her local guiding units and spoke at Girlguiding events. She also helped direct Girlguiding’s research, advocacy, and campaigning work.

She went on to the University of Warwick to read Politics, International Studies and Hispanic Studies. Whilst there, she was President of the Warwick Anti-Racism Society and Co-President of the Warwick Anti-Sexism Society. Larissa was the first ever Afro-Caribbean woman on the Officer Executive at Warwick Students’ Union, serving as Education Officer and Deputy President in 2018/19.

Larissa has received several awards, including the Save The Children Jo Cox Memorial Scholarship for Women Campaigning on Human Rights issues. The Campaign Bootcamp residential was an intensive week-long campaign training programme packed with workshops, globally renowned speakers, discussion groups and real-life scenarios to reinforce learning what it takes to run effective campaigns and find a place in the movement.

She was named 63rd Most Influential Woman at UK Universities (2017) by Barclays and The Tab’s Future 100, a definitive list of women at UK universities who are set to achieve incredible things in the future, voted for by 215,841 students.

She was named Black Student of the Year (2018) by the National Union of Students. NUS Black Students’ Campaign is the largest organisation of Black students in Europe and represents all students of African, Arab, Asian and Caribbean heritage in the UK. Of all these students, she was nominated and awarded Black Student of the Year for her contributions to anti-racism in Higher Education.

Larissa was National President of the National Union of Students 2020-2022, representing 7 million students across further and higher education in the UK. She entered office during the 2020 pandemic. She campaigned for greater testing in student communities, greater investment in student mental health services, making online learning accessible, universities’ divestment from fossil fuels and anti-racist, liberated education.

Larissa spent a year abroad in Latin America, between La Universidad de San Andrés in Argentina and La Universidad Diego Portales in Chile. She is now in her final year at Warwick, taking a sabbatical for the academic years 2018-22.

She is currently President of SOS-UK (Students Organising for Sustainability), an educational charity created in response to the climate emergency and ecological crisis.

We caught up with Larissa this week for a Q&A session:

What aspects of Croydon High School did you enjoy and find most rewarding?

During my time at Croydon High School, I thoroughly enjoyed being a part of many clubs. This allowed me to develop a well-rounded academic career, and this ethos followed me to university. Though what I look back on most fondly are the relationships I built with classmates, I still call friends to this day. We continue to support, encourage and uplift one another long after our time at Croydon High School.

What did you aspire to whilst at school?

At school, I was always passionate about impacting positive change. I aspired to keep finding new ways to use my voice to positively transform the world around me.

How did Croydon High School empower you for your future?

Taking part in impromptu speaking, debating and Model UN during my time at CHS is where I began to find the voice that has fuelled me as a campaigner!

What has been your proudest moment?

During my term in office as President of NUS UK, I undertook a solidarity trip to South Africa and Eswatini. I was informed that the newly formed Students’ Union in Eswatini was facing political repression from the state – the only full monarchy in Africa. Upon my return, I garnered political support for Eswatini’s student activists from students across Europe at the 82nd Board Meeting of the European Students’ Union in Paris. The opportunity to stand in solidarity with students around the world is one of my proudest moments!

What are your hopes for the future?

I hope to play my part in building a just, sustainable future for people and the planet. The climate crisis requires a re-envisioned society, and I hope to find new ways to champion climate justice, centring the voices of those most impacted by climate breakdown.

What would you say to your 15-year-old self?

For generations, young people have been at the forefront of positive change, pushing the boundaries of what is deemed possible and waiting for the world to catch up. Don’t be afraid to start now!

Mrs Karen Roe
Alumnae Relations Manager

It is week one of Black History Month!

So far we have had more interest in books by black writers and conversations about black people and history. Pupils have been participating in the ‘Celebrating Black Computing Word Search’ and one pupil completed one of the books from the ‘Black History Month Reading Challenge!’. Also, enjoyable ‘background music’ has been played during break/lunchtimes in the LRC, from 18th century black Canadian pianist Robert Nathaniel Dett, to a Violin Concerto by French Violinist and conductor Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges (of the same period) and steel pan from the Caribbean.  

Several teams have signed up for The Big Black History Month Beat-The-Clock-Quiz for next Friday, but we still have places for more!  

Activities planned for Late Clubs after school this week include a Black History Month Science Trail… plus more quizzes!

Ms Angela Rolle
Learning Resource & Innovation Hub Manager

Junior School Assembly

Last Friday, a few of Astrogazers went down to the Junior School to give an assembly to the younger pupils about our successful weather balloon launch as part of Mission Aspiration. They were all very impressed with what we had achieved and it was obvious that they understood the scope of the project from all of the gasps and exclamations we received as they watched the real video footage of our launch, which is available here. The juniors all seemed to thoroughly enjoy learning about our mission and what we got up to so I am sure that there will be many more exciting assemblies and competitions to come!

Ivy Satellite Mission

We were tracking the NOAA satellite passing over the school from our own devices using our DIY ground stations. We were given free rein in terms of where in the school field we wanted to track it from and compiled our results together at the end of the day to find out whose chosen location delivered the best satellite image. After recording the pass we processed our recording through a software program that converted our data into a professional satellite imaging of what could be seen from NOAA itself! After, we processed and analysed our images, trying to decode them as much as we could and extract all of the information embedded within them. Overall, we recognised many countries in Europe such as Spain, Italy and parts of North Africa, as well as learning lots about how cloud coverage varies over the different places in the world and the current direction of the Jet Stream. To conclude the day, we were kindly gifted a Turnstile Antenna by Dr Sasha Engelmann from Open Weather and Royal Holloway University. We are excited to use it for our future missions to come…

Follow us on Instagram and YouTube to get all the updates on our missions!

Anaiya S, Year 9
Crew Operations and Resources Engineer at Astrogazers

I have always wanted to do an exchange programme and when I heard that they were doing one for German, I immediately asked my parents if it would be possible, as I really enjoy my German lessons with Frau Sigusch. The anticipation of the days before my German exchange partner, Corinna K, came was very exciting, as I really wanted to know more about how they live in Germany and more about their culture. Whilst Corinna was over, I asked her many questions, like what is typical food in Germany and what do they usually have for breakfast, which is bread rolls, cheese, muesli, schnitzel, sausages and many more. When I first met my German partner, I was very nervous but excited as well. As the days went past, we got to know each other better and played all sorts of different games including: Playstation, Chess, Football Table, Pool table and lots more. Me and my German partner also took part in several physical activities, including football, in our PE lesson and running after school on Thursday and Tuesday. Corinna says ‘I really liked it and enjoyed the social aspect’. We also went to Oxygen on Saturday and went to jump for an hour, on Sunday, we went shopping around Croydon and brought two matching jumpers and other clothes.

I have learnt many things from Corinna about Germany. The Brand Haribo, is called Haribo, as The Ha is for Hans, the first name of the man who made Haribo. The ri is for the surname of the owner, Riegel and the Bo, is for Bonn, which is where Corinna is from and where Haribo was made. Corinna also bought me some delicious Haribos all the way from Bonn, including different flavours like, die Schlümpfe, Color-Rado and Pico-Balla.

I have really enjoyed this experience, as it has shown me the way people in Germany live. Me and Corinna are really good friends and I have had a great time with her and I hope she has too. This week has been fantastic and I am looking forward to going to visit her in Bonn February 2024.

Aida P-D

On the 20 September I came down to the office at 4pm to meet my exchange partner, Silja. All day I was extremely excited and could not wait to meet her and have such a fun time together. When I met her she was so kind and friendly. We got home and I gave her a tour of the house, then I started trying to find some fun things we could do in the evening. In the end I found out that we both have a big love for Mario kart! This became a common thing that we would do together every evening. Sadly she would always win against me as she was a lot better. On the weekend we took her to Oxford street as she really wanted to go to some shops that were too far away from her in Germany. She really enjoyed this and bought a lovely pair of earrings. Just before she left I asked her what her favourite part of the week was and she said ‘going in the pool’.

On Friday night a bunch of my friends came over with their exchanges and we went for a late night swim in the pool. We did racing, diving competitions and ended it with pizza. I really enjoyed my week with Silja and I’m so excited for when I go over to Germany. Silja has told me all about how when I come to Germany a festival called ‘Karneval’ is going on which is when you dress up, go out, see friends and family and celebrate. People also throw sweets at you! I came to the conclusion that it is basically halloween but without the scary part and in the daytime. I really enjoyed the exchange and if I get the opportunity to do it again, I will definitely be taking it.

Annabel H

My week with my German exchange partner was an experience I will never forget. From figuring out things we have in common, to laughing together as I was jealous that she saw Harry Styles’ wax figure when she went to Madame Tussauds in London. Before we met, I was very nervous as to what Lina would be like in person, and I am very pleased to say that she is so nice and very well educated in English (which was very helpful)! We went to Birmingham together on the weekend with my family to watch my sister compete in trampolining and we had a blast! I am sad that she has left to go back home, however I will still contact her and call her and I cannot wait to go to Germany to stay with her family in February.

Emily D

I had no idea what having an exchange partner staying with me would be like, but I soon realised I had nothing to worry about. I was paired with a really nice girl called Selma, who had similar interests to me – the main one being gymnastics. All the exchange partners could speak English confidently which made it really easy to get to know them (I’ve got a lot to learn before I go to Bonn in February)! Over the weekend, we went to Chessington World of Adventures with Kyla and her exchange partner, Mia, and on Sunday, we also met up with Chloe A, her family and her exchange partner, and had a group mini golf game at Puttshack! We then enjoyed Gordon Ramsay’s all you can eat pizza, before rounding off the weekend with a spot of London sightseeing – we went on the London Eye and walked to Buckingham Palace. During the week, we were busy with before and after school clubs, which Selma joined in with, and enjoyed family meals together. It was over dinner that we shared funny stories and chatted about life in Germany compared to life in England. I think one of the things Selma will remember most about her trip to England was how my dad (who has a northern accent) says ‘Albert Einstein’! I really enjoyed spending time with Selma and the other German exchange students and I am now really looking forward to my trip to Bonn!

Emily I

The event was organised by Transport for London in collaboration with the Metropolitan Police, and the fire & ambulance services with the aim of equipping students with essential knowledge as they become more independent over the next few years. The girls learnt about utilising different modes of transport around London, fire safety, and First Aid amongst other informative sessions.  They asked some excellent questions and impressed the presenters with their knowledge and enthusiasm.  It was an informative and worthwhile afternoon for us all.

Mrs Jane Monaghan
Year 6 Class teacher
English Subject Leader

In a celebration of empowerment, five fortunate Sixth Form pupils had the unique opportunity to attend the International Coalition Of Girls Schools at Benenden Boarding School. The event, which featured distinguished speakers such as her Royal Highness Princess Anne, former head of MI5 Baroness Manningham-Buller, and Silicon Valley entrepreneur Amber Atherton, served as a powerful platform for young women to learn and develop their understanding of leadership, and the power of effective speaking.

Princess Anne provided us with insights into leadership in the spotlight and the valuable traits of a good leader, particularly those displayed by her late majesty, including being a good listener, observer, and also taking time to learn about the people she met. The Princess Royal highlighted the importance of maintaining trust in not only yourself, but also those around you, emphasising how leadership can bring difficult decisions and takes an incredible sacrifice.

The first female head of MI5, Baroness Manningham-Buller shared her remarkable experience in the world of intelligence and security, her story illustrating her journey as a woman traversing into a heavily male dominated realm, emphasising that determination and resilience are key ingredients for success in any field. The Baroness highlighted the importance of teamwork and the power encouragement can have in elevating those you work with.

Amber Atherton, a revolutionary entrepreneur from Silicon Valley, offered a glimpse into her pioneering journey which began within Benenden itself, as she began her own jewellery enterprise. Atherton highlighted the importance of seizing opportunities in order to prosper and succeed in the career realm. Resilience and perseverance were key in Atherton’s journey as she advised us to continue persisting and move forwards, even when things are unsuccessful

We were lucky to have been exposed to these incredible stories and words of wisdom from remarkable women, and also had the chance to develop our communication and public speaking skills with the help of Dame Didi Wong, who reiterated seeing every situation as a positive, and commanding how you speak.

We would like to express our thanks to those who helped organise this event and GDST Head Office who funded our travel.

Tabitha P
Upper Sixth

We had an exhilarating and exciting opportunity to compete in the 2023 Philosothon event at Brighton Girls. It began with a talk from the guest speaker, a recent Philosophy graduate who spoke passionately about studying philosophy at university level. The main event began, and the students were split into teams. The first-round topic was based on an extract from Plato’s Republic and the question was ‘Would an intelligent person be just and moral if not compelled to be so?’. Each one of our students participated enthusiastically, displaying impressive thinking, and debating skills. The topic for round two was Artificial Intelligence and interesting questions posed such as ‘Does AI benefit or harm society?’ ‘What are the long-term effects on society?’ ‘Do AIs deserve to have rights and if an AI is shut down, is this a form of digital murder?’. This provoked a very stimulating discussion and the students agreed that this had been a very worthwhile event.

Mrs Mary Aitken
Teacher of REP

As part of our Medics Club, Surgeon-Captain Kate Prior, a Royal Navy and NHS consultant spoke to our students about her work with war trauma, peacekeeping, Formula 1 and sport/events medicine. The Year 10-Upper Sixth pupils were enthralled, a fascinating talk and some fantastic questions from those in attendance.

Ms Kate James
Teacher of Biology and Stem Universities Coordinator

The ripple effect in scientific terms is when ‘an initial disturbance to a system propagates outward to disturb an increasingly larger portion of the system’, in everyday terms it is a series of things that happen because of a particular action or event. This school term ‘the ripple effect’ came to play at Little Ivy’s Stay and Play. It began when Astrogazers had ‘lift off’ with their successful weather balloon launch. Our tots and teddies took to the runway, fuelled by inspiration for the first test flight of their craft aeroplane, and keen to experience their own ‘lift off’.  Next, Little Ivy’s was transformed into a Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). Carer and tot aerospace engineers designed and built their rockets on the arts and crafts launch pad. What size of rocket? What colour for the rocket body? What angle for the nose cone? What size fin? It was wonderful to witness our carer and tot aerospace engineers communicating and working as a team – the only flaps witnessed at Little Ivy’s were those on their rockets! Top tot scientists; Arthur and Hettie sent photos of their remarkable rockets with ribbons streaming out of the nozzles. This ‘lift off’ was contagious, even Hettie’s Big Brother caught ‘lift off’ fever and was inspired to make a rocket when she took hers home. We even had ‘lift off’ at the printing table with tots printing hot air balloons with potatoes, apples and pieces of string. This week Little Ivy’s transformed into a Locomotive Works, tots had fun across a network of activities and turned out trains and troublesome trucks from the engine shed. This morning I received a photo from Chief Engineer Seycha, it seems Big Sister Syon has built a train overnight!

Thank you Croydon High Astrogazers for inspiring us, your payload of positivity has paid off, your ‘Ripple Effect’ has sent out a rainbow of ripples radiating right into the Croydon community.

Ms Anita Reeves
Little Ivy’s Stay and Play Supervisor

View the full list of raffle prizes – got to be in it to win it!

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

Croydon High School PTA raised £267 for Macmillan Cancer Support at the coffee morning and the donation has been made to them already. Was a really great result in the end, thank you to you both for your support last Friday 🎉