Friday 20th September, 2024

From the Headteacher

Dear Parents and Carers,

I am pleased to say that students have settled back in well to our routines and that learning is strong and focused in lessons. This week, I have begun my series of annual examination meetings, where I meet with Heads of Departments to discuss last year's examination results and their plans for this year. I am always so impressed and humbled by how much knowledge our staff have about each of their students; their strengths and their barriers to learning and how we can work together to overcome these.  You will see some good tips about achievement further down in the newsletter.

Our new dining hall extension is proving an excellent addition to our site and is making lunchtime much smoother and more enjoyable for students.

Thank you, as ever, for your support.

Mrs M Pye

Headteacher

Year 7s Making a Great Start:

At Greenford High School, we always striving for our students to show excellent character. We are so proud of our students' conduct both in and out of school.

Our year 7s have made an excellent start to their journey:

Firstly, a member of the public took time to email us about his encounter with one of our year 7 students:

'This afternoon, while waiting for a 140 bus at Northolt Station, one of your pupils, possibly Y7, stood out for his gentlemanly behaviour. He noticed that I'm elderly and stood aside to allow me to board the bus. We both alighted at Danemede Grove, just past Petts Hill roundabout. As he got off the bus, he politely called out to thank the driver. He is a great ambassador for himself and your school.'

Secondly, we would like to celebrate Jaihvon  (JJ) Springer in year 7. His mum informed us of his boxing championship. We are so proud of JJ:

‘To everyone at Greenford I just want to say thank you for understanding and letting JJ Springer year 7 travel last week to compete at the boxing championship. He has brought back a GOLD to London, so all worth it as he is now the new 2024 champion of the Barum Box’s cup and will hold that title until next year.’

Well done Year 7s.

Year 12 Freshers' Fair:

On Wednesday 11th September, we held our first ever Fresher’s Fair, showcasing the clubs and societies available to our year 12 students. From senior netball, football, badminton, through to debating, crochet, and film society, there really is something for everyone.

Well done to Ms Westcott and the Post 16 Team.

Parental Ambassador - do you know someone who might be interested in becoming our Parental Ambassador?  Could you help us reach the right candidate by sharing on your social media?

We are looking for someone with the ability to develop productive working relationships with foster families and biological parents, as appropriate, and the ability to liaise with GHS staff and external agencies.  

Further details and information can be found in the job description attached or on the school's vacancies page on our website here.

Upcoming Events

Media Awards
5:30pm – 7:30pm
17
September
Year 8 Expectations Evening
5:30pm – 6:15pm
18
September
Year 12 Expectations Evening
5:30pm – 6:15pm
19
September
Year 11 Geography Trip to Juniper Hall
8:30am – 5:00pm
20
September
Teach First Autumn Institute, School Centred Learning
All Day
From 23 Sep until 27 Sep
23
September
European Day of Languages - Steve Eadon speaker visit
All Day
26
September
Year 11 Assessment Week
All Day
From 30 Sep until 04 Oct
30
September
Year 13 Geography Trip to Overstrand Hall Norfolk
9:00am – 5:00pm
From 30 Sep until 02 Oct
30
September
Year 12 D of E Trip to East Creech Farm Swanage
5:30am – 7:00pm
From 03 Oct until 04 Oct
03
October
Year 8 and Year 13 Careers Fair
8:30am – 12:30pm
03
October
Provisional Open Evening for Prospective Parents
5:00pm – 8:00pm
03
October
INSET Day (School closed to students)
All Day
04
October

Achievement Messages from Ms Henderson-Barnes (KS4) and Ms Hughes (KS3)

KS4 Achievement:

Thank you to the families for a great turn out to our recent Expectations Evenings for Year 10 and Year 11. These are crucial years for all students, and therefore, we really appreciate the support of so many of our families. Here is a summary of key dates and key messages that were shared at the evening.

 Here are the 5 top tips for success aimed at GCSE students:

  • Attendance
  • Organisation
  • Being active learners in lessons
  • Independent learners at home (completing homework.)
  • Revision.


Here are the 5 top tips for parents:

  • Where possible, provide your child with a study area.
  • Your child will be studying for 9 GCSEs this year: support them with how to spread their time over all of their subjects.
  • Ensure your child is sleeping at least 8 hours per night.
  • Encourage your child to have breakfast and keep hydrated.
  • Look out for our newsletters that are sent out each half-term.

Key dates for Year 11:

  • W/C 30th September: Assessment week in Class.
  • 21st October: Interim 1.
  • W/C 11th November: Mock exams-Eng, Maths and Sci.
  • W/C December: Mock exams-all subjects.
  • Thursday 23rd January: PARENTS EVENING.


Key dates for Year 10:

  • 21st October: Interim 1- what is my child’s attitude to learning?
  • January 27th: Interim 2- first GCSE grade predictions.

Thursday 6th February: PARENTS EVENING.

KS3 Achievement:

Thank you to everyone that attended our recent Expectations Evenings for both Year 8 and Year 9. It is important that our students establish positive routines at the very beginning. This will help with the transition into KS4 and ultimately prepare them for their GCSEs. We really appreciate the support of our families and community, so thank you for working with us to raise aspirations for our young people. 

 Here are the 5 top tips for success aimed at our Year 9 students: 

  • Attendance
  • Organisation and routines
  • A positive and enthusiastic approach to lessons
  • Taking pride in home learning
  • Independent learning


Here are the 5 top tips for parents:

  • Engage with our online platforms (SMHW/Google classroom/Student VLE)
  • Check home learning
  • Communicate with us if you need support 
  • Be aware of key dates in the calendar 
  • Establish positive routines at home

Key dates for Year 9:

  • W/C 4th November: Interim 1
  • W/C 24th February: Interim 2 
  • W/C 21st April: Assessment week 
  • 4th April: Raising Achievement Day (RAD)
  • W/C 5th May: Interim 3 
  • Thursday 20th March: Parents Evening


Key dates for Year 8:

  • W/C 4th November: Interim 1
  • Thursday 5th December: Parents Evening
  • W/C 3rd March: Interim 2
  • 4th April: Raising Achievement Day (RAD)
  • W/C 9th June: Assessment week
  • W/C 23rd June: Interim 3

All slides for the Expectations evening can be viewed on the website

Autumn Term Parent Support Series of Webinars:

https://go.elevateeducation.com/ukschoolwebinar

Open Evening Thursday 3rd October 2024 5pm-8pm

(Last entry at 7pm)

To book your tour please use the link below:

https://greenford.applicaa.com/events/71

Our first (Duke of Edinburgh) DofE Silver practice expedition will take place on 3rd and 4th October to Swanage.  24 of our newly registered Year 12’s will be navigating their way through the Swanage countryside.  They will be completely self-sufficient and will spend a night under the stairs and cooking for themselves!

PE Extra- Curricular Timetable:

Always Here to Support Our Community:

Continuing the Work with Our Community:

Term Dates 2024-2025

INSET Day (school closed to students): Fri 4th October 2024

Half term: Mon 28th October - Fri 1st November 2024

Occasional Day (school closed): Fri 22nd November 2024

End of Autumn term:  Thurs 19th December 2024

Start of Spring term: Mon 6th Jan 2025

Half term: Mon 17th Feb - Fri 21st Feb 2025

End of Spring term: Friday 4th April 2025

Start of Summer term: Tuesday 22nd April 2025

Half term: Mon 26th May - Fri 30th May 2025

Final Day of School Year: Tues 22nd July 2025.

For more details, see the school website at https://www.greenford.ealing.sch.uk/termdates