As we come to the end of the first half-term of 2024, I hope that the week ahead offers you some time to spend with your families and that our pupils enjoy an opportunity to relax and enjoy some free time.

It has been a short half-term, but a busy one and as ever I have been thrilled with the buzz and the sense of happy purpose in both the Junior and Senior schools. I must particularly commend those pupils in Year 11 and Upper Sixth who had exams immediately after the Christmas holiday, for their efforts and also for the positive manner in which they approached these important examinations, which are such an important preparation for the summer. I was very proud of them and grateful to Mrs Lewis and her team in the Exams Department and all the staff and invigilators who worked so hard to ensure that everything ran smoothly.

Last weekend we were treated to four absolutely spectacular performances of Beauty and the Beast. This year’s school production involved over 180 pupils in an immensely talented cast and crew, alongside an army of support provided by staff members. I wholeheartedly applaud all those who have committed to regular rehearsals since mid-September, giving their Friday after-school time to memorising dance steps, lyrics, stage positions and so on, and for the patience they have displayed throughout weekend-long rehearsals. As a former Director of Music myself, I understand just how much is involved in bringing together a show of this size and also maintaining the standard of performance throughout. My thanks and congratulations to all, but especially Mrs Morgan-Collins, Mr Suranyi, Mrs Webb, and Mr Ting who led from the front and inspired us all.

In addition to sold-out audiences for all four shows, we were also able to invite some VIP guests to the dress rehearsal, including children from local primary schools, Hamsey Green, Selsdon Primary, Greenvale and Park Hill Juniors. We also welcomed guests from Whitgift House and Selsdon Contact and the enjoyment and appreciation of all who came, young and old, was wonderful to see. We thank them for being such a fantastic audience and my thanks to Mrs Beck for arranging this.

This week we marked the first anniversary of the deaths of Mrs Pattison and Lettie, with moments of reflection, shared memories and mutual support. They will remain in our thoughts and we will continue to honour their memories, in the school that they both loved.

With half-term trips heading off to Bonn, to the ski slopes of Andorra and to Washington and New York, more opportunities lie ahead for inspiration and aspiration! I wish all our travellers safe journeys and the whole school community a very happy and restorative half-term break.

Ms Annabel Davies
Head

With a cast and crew of 180 pupils from Year 5-Upper Sixth taking part in this year’s Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’, it was most definitely a Tale As Old As Time and one we will never forget.

Each and every girl stepped up to their role, and we are incredibly proud of them all!

Here are some quotes from the main cast:

I have really enjoyed the whole experience of Beauty and the Beast – it has been an amazing opportunity for me, and I am very grateful! It was an incredible final show for all the Upper Sixth.
Maddie W (Upper Sixth) – Lumiere

This production has been one of my best experiences while being at Croydon High. I had so much fun being involved in such a spectacular production and hope that our audience enjoyed our shows as much as I enjoyed being a part of them.
Jessica L (Lower Sixth) – Maurice

I loved this year’s production of Beauty and the Beast and think it could be the best show yet. It was fantastic to be a part of it, and I thoroughly enjoyed participating in it and can’t wait to see what is in store for us next year.
Naima B (Year 9) – Chip

I have thoroughly enjoyed taking part in this year’s whole school production of Beauty and the Beast. I made new friends,  memories and had so much fun putting on the show – everyone should be so proud of themselves!
Ava G (Year 10) – Monsieur D’Arque

I had so much fun being a part of Beauty and the Beast. From the rehearsals to the performance, I loved it all! I created some amazing memories and will always remember the whole experience – especially the final show.
Jessica W (Upper Sixth) – Cogsworth

This production was so incredible! It was exciting to be a part of the retelling of a childhood classic. I liked playing Babette as she had some excellent one-liners, and it was great to make the audience laugh.
Sasha G (Upper Sixth) – Babette

I absolutely loved taking part in this year’s production! I made so many memories and new friends. I will miss the iconic role of Madame, which has grown on me. It was a wonderful experience and the best production I have participated in yet!
Juliana G (Year 11) – Madame de la Grande Bouche

I have had so much fun doing Beauty and the Beast this year! It has been so enjoyable, as I have loved working with the other year groups to create such a fantastic final show that I will always remember!
Emily M (Upper Sixth) – Lefou

It has been a huge pleasure to have taken part in this year’s production of Beauty and the Beast. The whole school musicals have always been a highlight of my year, and getting to work with everyone in different year groups is always delightful.
Fallon V (Upper Sixth) – The Beast

It has been a great privilege to have been a part of Beauty and the Beast this year. The whole experience has been enjoyable and time flew by incredibly fast! I loved working with people outside of my year group and having people to inspire but also look up to. Beauty and the Beast was overall my favourite production I have performed here at Croydon High School!
Elana P (Year 10) – Mrs Potts

Mrs Leanne Morgan-Collins
Head of Drama

Junior School

In the Junior School, we launched Children’s Mental Health Week with a special assembly. The theme of this year’s week is, “Your Voice Matters”. Together, we explored the different ways in which our pupils can use their voice at school. The children came up with a range of examples including: using TAG in the playground, taking ideas to school council, circle time in Reception and speaking to Mrs Crossfield in the Wellbeing Room.

We also celebrated “Express Yourself” day on Monday 5 February. The children came to school dressed in outfits that showed something of their personalities and we were able to celebrate our similarities and differences. Donations made on Express Yourself day raised over £550 for Place2Be.

In Year 2, we talked about all the different people who the pupils know will listen to them when they need to talk.

^{Download the ‘Do you sometimes worry about how you are feeling?’ poster}

Senior School

For Children’s Mental Health Week, the Senior School have partnered with luna — an educational health app that offers a safe space for teens to learn about their bodies, health and wellbeing. All articles, videos and answers to anonymous questions are medically verified and safety is a top priority — users cannot communicate or interact with one another. To learn more about the app, you can visit the section on their website dedicated to parents/guardians. You can also download the app.

Over four weeks, pupils participating in the luna wellbeing challenge will complete a set of online and offline activities, created in partnership with a team of medical experts at luna. Each challenge is designed to help young people establish healthy habits and positive attitudes around sleep, body image, physical activity, and mental health – habits that will help them for years to come.

Some of the activities under each week’s theme may include:

• Week 1 (Making space for your mental health): Start gratitude journaling and complete a short meditation/breathing exercise.
• Week 2 (Getting active): Try a new activity such as yoga, a dance class, a nature walk, or one of luna’s exercise routines.
• Week 3 (Creating a sleep routine): Create a bedtime “ritual” to relax and read some of luna’s articles for inspiration.
• Week 4 (Loving your body and yourself): Using the “11 positive affirmations to use daily” article for inspiration, create personal affirmations, and track your mood daily to observe the positive changes.
  The co–founder of Luna, Jas Schembri – Stothart will be visiting Croydon High on Tuesday 27 February which will also provide a fantastic opportunity for our pupils to learn more about the project.

In addition, the Senior School have been given the opportunity to partake in a series of ‘My Voice Matters’ challenges. The challenge is open to Years 7 – 11 with prizes and House points for anyone who successfully completes a minimum of 6 challenges. Designed to celebrate the theme of ‘My Voice Matters’, challenges range from making presentations, researching international news stories, and making paper chains! It is totally up to each individual pupil which challenges they complete, but all are designed to encourage students to speak up and have their say on what matters to them!

Mrs Nikki Crossfield
Assistant Head (Pastoral and Outreach) of Junior School

Miss Caroline Krause
Head of PSHE

The Junior School were delighted to have a few of the pupils showcase their talent and traditions of how they and their families celebrate the Lunar New Year.

Maggie G (Year 5) opened the assembly with a beautiful flute performance.

Judy L (Year 5) presented Miss Pendleton with jasmine tea and chopsticks while explaining that jasmine tea is given to guests when welcoming them into your home and chopsticks are used when eating food.

Maggie came back on stage to dazzle us with a stunning traditional dance.

The assembly closed with a short anecdote from Ms Davies, Head, who shared her memories of celebrating Chinese New Year when she taught in Hong Kong and seeing the amazing dragon and lion dances.

As part of our Ivy Reach initiative, we successfully completed a Root Robot Programming Course with fourteen Year 5 pupils from Park Hill Junior School. During the programming project, the pupils were taught to apply mathematical concepts of lines and angles to programming floor robots; a practical way to combine geometry with programming skills. This integration allowed pupils to understand how mathematical principles can be used to control the movement and navigation of robots. They thoroughly enjoyed programming the root robot to draw shapes and letters.

We organised a special celebration and prize-giving event for the wonderful and enthusiastic Year 5 pupils where they made a short presentation to Miss Pendleton about their learning journey. A special thanks to the Year 9 pupils Ahaana P R, Sophia R, Emily R and Anika J for their help during the sessions.

Mrs Maya Krishnamurthy
Head of Enterprise Technology – Junior School

The LRC ran a Reading Bingo challenge which had many pupils take part and proved very popular. The pupils have enjoyed the various tasks from ‘A poem’ to ‘reading a book set in the past’ and ‘A book that is considered a classic’.

Many girls quite happily found a cosy spot in the LRC to read for 30 minutes and others took the challenge a little further and not only read a poem, but decided to write their own ones below:

Hinduism

In the heart of tales, ancient and old,
Hinduism’s warmth, a story unfolds.
A journey through time, ancient and wise,
One year ago today, a celebration of time that flies.

Hinduism isn’t just for young,
But for the old too,
Ram and Sita, a love so true,

Diwali brings joy, happiness,
and light in our lives

Rangoli patterns, vibrant and bright,
Crackling fireworks, with a dazzling sight,
Cultural richness, traditions we share,
Diwali’s magic, floating in the air

A year ago today, with gratitude I say,
Hinduism’s teachings light my way.

By Samridhi B (7S)

Harry Potter

In a world of magic, where spells are spun,
Lies a tale of a boy, Harry Potter, the chosen one.
In a cupboard he slept, so lonely and small,
Unaware of the wonders that awaited his call.

A letter arrived, in an envelope sealed tight,
Inviting him to Hogwarts, to join the fight.
With friends by his side, Hermione and Ron,
They embarked on adventures, where they truly shone.

At Hogwarts they learned of the Philosopher’s Stone,
A stone of great power, not meant to be known.
But danger lurked close, Voldermort’s return,
With evil intentions, his soul to burn.

In the end, it’s not magic or spells alone,
But friendship and bravery that truly shone.
The Philosopher’s Stone, a symbol of might,
In Harry’s story, it’s the journey of light.

By Yaahna (7S)

We are looking forward to welcoming Simon James Green to Croydon High on Tuesday 27 February. Simon is an award-winning and three time Carnegie nominated author and one of the UK’s leading writers of LGBTQ+ teen fiction. He will be giving an assembly to Years 9, 10 and 11 and running comedy writing workshops throughout the day for Year 9.

Signed copies of his books are available to buy via ParentPay. Place your order by Tuesday 20 February. Don’t miss out!

Gay Club

A landmark comedic novel about a group of queer teens at their worst – and ultimately their best – from one of the UK’s leading writers of LGBTQ+ teen fiction.

Barney’s a shoo-in for his school’s LGBTQ+ Society President at the club’s next election. But when the vote is opened up to the entire student body, the whole school starts paying attention. How low will the candidates go to win? Buckle up for some serious shade, scandals and sleazy shenanigans.

It isn’t long before it’s National Coming Out Day – for everyone’s secrets! But when the group faces an unexpected threat – and a big opportunity – can the club members put politics aside and stand united?

Boy Like Me

In the margins of a book’s pages, sparks fly as a teenage romance begins. But in this time and place, sparks like these can only ignite trouble.

It’s 1994 and thanks to Section 28, there can be no mention of gay relationships in UK schools. When a kind librarian leads Jamie to a disguised novel in the library that reflects his own confused feelings towards boys, Jamie sees that he’s not the only one who has checked the book out. Will Jamie and this mystery boy have the courage to meet – and if they do, what will it take to hold on to each other?

You’re the One That I Want

According to the rule, Freddie has to say “yes”.
Freddie is unremarkable – too unremarkable. He doesn’t stand out in any way, and in fact teachers and fellow students keep forgetting who he is.

Even his mum thinks he’s a disappointment, and spends almost all her time at work, producing a TV show. After a particularly awful night when he embarrasses himself in front of Jasper Perry (the gorgeous teen star of his mum’s new show), Freddie decides to follow a new, proactive philosophy designed to transform his social and romantic life: saying ‘yes’ to every opportunity. It works! Freddie finds himself auditioning for the school musical (Grease), actually going to parties, and flirting with hot new boy Zach!

He’s becoming a whole new Freddie – maybe even one that his mum might be proud of. But the path to love is never smooth, and sometimes getting things very wrong is an important part of figuring out what – and who – you really want.

Ms Laura Tapsfield
Learning Resource & Innovation Hub Manager

Congratulations to Sareena P and Jorjah W for having your articles featured in the Autumn 2023 Student Comet.

^{Download the magazine}

Sareena’s article can be found on page 5, Spark to Flame.
Jorjah’s article can be found on page 10, Futures Week.

Ms Alison Cotton
Head of English

Upload your kms

Sunday 11 Feb by 3pm – Fit Feb 2024 – week 2

Sunday 18 Feb by 3pm – Fit Feb 2024 – week 3

Or email fitfeb@cry.gdst.net by the deadlines above – must include your house and evidence.

How to take part

Whether it’s running, Yoga, HIIT or golf, you can rack up those kms or convert your workout using our activity conversion chart. At the end of each week, please submit your distances.

Pupils and staff can fill out a weekly Google Form and those without access can email fitfeb@cry.gdst.net

Please include the following information in your email:

• Distance (km)
• House or Croydon High School Group
• Evidence (screenshot of the fitness app workout or photo of details on the fitness machine)

Google Form* and email submissions dates and times:

• Sunday 4 Feb by 3pm
• Sunday 11 Feb by 3pm
• Sunday 18 Feb by 3pm
• Sunday 25 Feb by 3pm
• Thursday 29 Feb by 11.59pm

View all information about Fit Feb here and be ready to get active!

_{*Google Forms will be sent out for each week, so keep an eye out in your emails.}

Mrs Sue Beck
Head of Community & PE Department

Love not Hate – Fundraising Talent Showcase celebrating London’s best young talent to honour all lived impacted by knife violence in our communities.

Saturday 2 March 2024 at 6pm – Whitgift School

Some of our talented Sixth Formers have been invited to perform at this important event which aims to raise awareness and funds to support the Manju Shahul-Hameed Foundation for Mental Health which is one of the Mayor of Croydon’s designated charities.

Tickets are available via Eventbrite

^{Download the flyer}

Professor Joanna Shapland, Class of 1968

Professor Joanna Shapland is a British criminologist, forensic psychologist, and academic specialising in restorative justice and victimology. She started her academic career at King’s College, London, researching mitigation in the criminal courts, before moving to the University of Oxford as a Junior Research Fellow and Research Fellow. At Oxford, she directed the first major research on the experiences of victims in the criminal justice system, looked at the public’s views of policing, and was editor of the British Journal of Criminology. She acted as an expert to the Council of Europe and the United Nations.

Joanna moved to the University of Sheffield, where she was first a Research Fellow, then Lecturer, Senior Lecturer and Professor. She has continued her interest in victims as Executive Editor of the International Review of Victimology and through advising governments in relation to criminal justice in England & Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, as well as Victim Support Europe. Following the Good Friday Agreement, she was a member of the Review of Criminal Justice in Northern Ireland. She directed the national evaluation of restorative justice in England & Wales, which has shaped government policy on restorative justice in England & Wales and Scotland. She has also worked with the General Council of the Bar and the Law Society on careers in the legal profession. She was appointed to the Edward Bramley Chair of Criminal Justice in 2013. She is an Honorary Member of The British Society of Criminology, which has always been a major element of her professional life. More recently, she was on the Professional Affairs Committee.

In April this year, the Centre for Criminological Research held a successful international conference on ‘Shifting logics in Criminal Justice’ in honour of Professor Joanna Shapland for her many and varied contributions to criminology and criminal justice. This was an outstanding event in terms of the quality of speakers, papers and discussion, and it gave Joanna the tribute she deserves for her leadership and contribution to criminology and criminal justice in the School of Law, the UK, and internationally.

Joanna states,

“I have always been slightly eclectic in pursuing a number of lines of research at the same time. The thread running through them has been how lay people interact with criminal justice, more recently comparatively in different countries. My long-term interest in victims of crime, the way they are treated, and the role they should have in different legal systems continues and has diversified into a fascination with the processes of restorative justice and how they compare to more traditional criminal justice.”

We caught up with Anna recently for a Q&A session:

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

I enjoyed many things about Croydon High School, both in the old buildings in the centre of Croydon, though they were a little cramped, and in the extraordinarily spacious and elegant new buildings to which the school moved when I was in the sixth form. I played the violin then and immensely enjoyed playing in the orchestra, rising to lead it – though it was very scary when we entered a competition which meant playing in the concert halls in the centre of Croydon.

What did you aspire to whilst at school?

At Croydon High, I did science, so I envisaged going on to do chemistry when I went to university, though I never quite managed to fit neatly in the science box. I certainly didn’t imagine that I would end up doing criminology and criminal justice – that was the effect of volunteering to do children’s holiday play schools and working in slum areas when I was at university.

How did Croydon High School empower you for your future?

I think for the sheer variety of people, subjects and interests it was possible to follow. It made very different subjects and pursuits interesting, and I’m still a jackdaw and generalist, which has been really useful in doing research with different people in relatively political fields, like victimisation, policing and restorative justice – as well as editing an international journal on victims.

What has been your proudest moment?

I was a member of the government’s Review of Criminal Justice in Northern Ireland as an independent assessor, which was part of the Good Friday Agreement and looked at the whole criminal justice process in Northern Ireland. A proud moment was when we came through the two years of the Review and realised, at the press conference, that we had produced something, parts of which, at least, were seen to be useful in progressing criminal justice in the very particular context of Northern Ireland after the Troubles, and providing opportunities for people to talk together. A moment which came close was when I was awarded the Outstanding Achievement Award by the British Society of Criminology, the professional body for criminologists.

What are your hopes for the future?

Well, I hope I can continue to be useful to younger scholars and colleagues and occasionally to think of new ideas and new ways of thinking about crime and justice.

What would you say to your younger self?

Life is surprising, but it’s all interesting – so go for it.

Mrs Karen Roe
Alumnae Relations Manager