Message from the Headteacher, Ms A Sharma:
Thank you to all the parents/ carers who attended our wonderful summer Music Concert, there were a range of students who participated. I am very proud of the high standard of our singers and those who played a variety of instruments. You should be very proud if your child was involved in any performances or with the organisation behind the scenes. There was also an Art Exhibition of our brilliant Art and Photography GCSE and A-Level students’ work.
Please note, that next week most of the students are attending reward trips or in-house activities. They need to be suitably dressed for the activities and arrive at the right place and on time, to ensure the trips and activities run smoothly.
Have a good weekend.
Science enrichment
The incoming Year 7 students engaged enthusiastically with the interactive science activities run by Sixth Form students during the Enrichment Fair. The Sixth Formers provided knowledge, guidance and expertise with the experiments. The young students’ curiosity and inquisitiveness was quenched by our equally fun-loving Villiers students.
Natural History Museum
Our Year 9 students had a wonderful time exploring the Natural History Museum and engaging in a ‘Meet the Scientist’ talk focusing on geology and volcanoes. During the trip, the students had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the fascinating world of natural history. They encountered a wide range of exhibits, including fossils, dinosaurs, minerals and geological formations. These hands-on experiences allowed them to connect theoretical knowledge with real-world examples, igniting their curiosity and appreciation for the natural world. One of the highlights of the trip was the “Meet the Scientist” talk. The students actively participated in discussions about geology and volcanoes, engaging with an expert in the field. This experience provided valuable insights into the formation, characteristics and impact of volcanoes, stimulating their interest in the subject and inspiring their scientific curiosity.
Explorer space dome
Are we really made of stardust? Yes, we are. Students were enthralled by real life images taken by the Hubble, the James Webb and other telescopes that showed them what the Universe looks like. Not only were the images spellbinding, they also raised awareness of how vast and beautiful the Universe is. Students left the Explorer Space Dome wanting to know more about space. The night sky with shooting stars, planets and constellations is stunning. Students enjoyed learning about the quintessential role of our Sun for life on Earth, its place in the Milky Way and the Universe.
Science STEM projects
Year 7 and 8 students have been working with great enthusiasm on STEM projects. Year 8 students made and raced their balloon buggies. Their engineering skills (attention to detail and a critical approach) were required to make buggies that were race worthy!
Year 7 students further developed critical chemical handling skills with the precipitation project in the laboratory. They made critical observations and comparisons between reactants and products. Learning and developing laboratory skills is a fundamental aspect of learning in Science.
Descendants 18th Annual Achievement Awards 2023
Zakaria 8G was presented with the Excellence in Sports Award at the Descendants 18th Annual Dr. John Roberts QC CBE Achievement Awards event. The Descendants Charity, in partnership with Ealing Council’s Education Department, publicly acknowledges the achievements and successes of children and young individuals of African and Caribbean descent from schools across the Ealing Borough.
Villiers Pride 22/23
Shaping mental health research
Reward trip- Kew Gardens
Students attending the Kew Garden trip can wear their own clothing on this day. Students should consider wearing sturdy shoes for walking, a hooded coat in case of rain, a sun hat or sunscreen. Packed lunches to be brought in disposable bags, so they do not need to be carried around all day. We have advised students on what they should or should not bring, e.g., sweets, spending money, cameras, etc.
In the event of extreme heat, students must come prepared by bringing sun hats, wearing sunscreen, taking regular breaks in shaded areas and staying hydrated (can bring an extra bottle of water). There is plenty of shade in the arboretum, water fountains locations are marked and there is guidance of walking times between attractions.
We will be leaving school for around 9am and aiming to arrive back to school for around 4:30pm.
Reward trip- Paccar Scout Camp
We would suggest that students bring two sets of clothing (sports clothing to participate in the activities and also a change of clothes at the end of the day). Students should consider wearing sturdy trainers for the activities, a hooded coat in case of rain, a sun hat or sunscreen. Packed lunches to be brought in disposable bags, so they do not need to be carried around all day. We have advised students on what they should or should not bring, e.g., sweets, spending money, cameras, etc.
All activities will operate in wet and hot conditions. As a school, we would follow the advice given by the government regarding extreme heat. The venue does have shaded areas in case students are unable to continue in warm/ hot conditions. Due to the nature of this trip all activities are outside and would only be cancelled in the case of thunder and lightning. In the event of such conditions, students would come into school and join the in-house activities.
We will be leaving school at 8:30am and arriving back to school at 5:30 – 6:00pm. If your child is currently taking any medication, this needs to be placed into a clear plastic bag with a note to explain. This bag will be collected by a member of staff. If you are collecting your child from school, please ensure that you arrive on time.
Trip to Greenwich Museums- Thursday 20th July
– Please wear school uniform and trainers.
– Students should bring their Zip cards / Oyster cards, which have been topped up.
– They should bring packed lunch for the day. They should not have any sweets, chocolates or fizzy drinks with them.
– FSM students will have lunch provided.
– They will need a reusable water bottle that they can keep filling up throughout the day.
– In the event of extreme heat, please come prepared by bringing sun hats, wearing sunscreen, taking regular breaks in shaded areas and staying hydrated.
– In the event of rain, please do ensure students have packed a raincoat or umbrella.
– Students must arrive at 8:20am and line up in their forms on Court 2. We will be departing at 8:30am and returning between 4pm and 4:30pm.
– Latecomers will not be able to join the trip.
In-school activity days- Thursday 20th July
– Please ensure students come to school in their VHS P.E. kits and appropriate trainers.
– The school day will finish at 3.10pm on both days.
Equipment
It is expected that pupils will bring with them the following items of stationery on a daily basis:
Planners (provided on the first day); a reading book (which may be borrowed from the school library); a pencil case with stationery inside including: a blue/ black pen, a green pen, a pencil, a ruler, highlighters, a rubber, a sharpener, a compass, a protractor, a calculator, a glue stick, a water bottle (all pupils have received one with Villiers branding, but you may bring your own if you wish).
September start
All Year 7 and 12 students will be starting on Monday 4th September and need to be on site by 8.30am. All other year groups will be starting back Tuesday 5th September and will need to be in their tutor rooms by 8.30am, so must have entered the site well before this in full uniform having removed any non-uniform items and headphones. The new entrance gate in the mornings will be gate 6 on Villiers Road. All pupils who arrive after 8.27am will be sent to gate 2 (the main pedestrian gate on Boyd Avenue). FREE breakfast club for all pupils starts at 7.45am in the canteen. At the end of the day, Year 7 students only will leave by gate 3 (nearest to Southall Park) and other year groups will leave through gate 1. (Sixth form may leave through the turnstiles). Pupils are not permitted to walk through Southall Park for their own safety.
End of term arrangements
On the final day of term there will be an extended break time, so all students can get something to eat and those who receive free school meals can collect them. Period 3 will begin at 11am. Students should bring all their books for periods 1 – 4 only on this day. Year 7 – 9 will be dismissed from their period 4 class at 12.15pm and Year 10 and 12 will be dismissed at 12.30pm.
Uniform donations
If you are thinking of disposing your child’s uniform, please consider donating it to the school if it is in good condition.
This generous gesture can assist families who are finding it difficult to purchase uniform for their children next year.
Kindly bring the washed uniform in a carry bag to the school reception. Thank you for your support.
DT donations
The DT department are seeking some donated items.
– Spring Summer clear out . . . if you are going to ‘Marie Kondo’ this summer break, we are seeking to generate props for our photography evidence- e.g. old phones, mirrors, hats and any object/ item that could support students creative photography.
– We need old bedlinen (pillowcase/ bedsheets/ table cloths/ tea towels and plain t-shirts).
– A4 plastic wallets (any condition).
Uniform for September 2023
Over the Summer holidays, many of your families will be buying new items of uniform for you. We would strongly encourage you to check our school website’s “Key parental information” section and visit uniform to make sure that items you are purchasing are in line with our uniform policy. For example, we do not allow you to wear trainers, only black, polishable shoes. The school jumper is optional but the blazer is compulsory (NB you are able to buy a plain navy blue blazer and purchase a logo to sew or iron on). Long-sleeved t-shirts under short-sleeved shirts are also not acceptable. There is information on acceptable haircuts, jewellery and make-up too. We have sourced our providers to make sure that prices are affordable, competitive and give details on our website. If you have any questions, please see your Head of Year.
Guidebook
We have compiled a helpful guidebook for parents and students at Villiers, containing valuable information about external organisations that offer support and guidance. Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to Mr. Silva or Mr. M Abdulrahman (Parent Ambassadors ) via phone: 020 8813 8001, ext. 1016.
Library information
The last loan date for all students is Thursday 6th July 2023. All loans need to be returned by Friday 14th July 2023. Your loans will be recorded as ‘overdue’ if they are not returned by this date.
If any student would like to loan books over the summer period, please see the school librarian between Monday 17th – Thursday 20th July 2023 (after school) this will be discretionary and if there are any extenuating circumstances regarding summer loans/ extensions then call or email the school librarian on:
0208 8138001 x1371
librarian@villiers.ealing.sch.uk
Library opening hours:
Monday 8am – 4.30pm
Tuesday 8am – 4.30Pm
Wednesday 8am – 4.30pm
Thursday 8am – 3.10 (closed after school)
Friday 8am – 4.30pm
Autism awareness bookmark competition
The SEN department and the library are working together to promote a better understanding of Autism. Our latest bookmark competition highlights the different types of Autism. The library will also be running an Autism book display and these books are available to students. Students can contact the SEN department or the school librarian if they require any more information. Please encourage your child to participate in the bookmark competition.
Summer activities
Places where kids eat free
Ealing summer holidays activities and food (HAF) programme
Mobile phones
As of September, 2023 smart phones and headphones (including in-ear and AirPods) will not be allowed to be used on the school site by students from Year 7 – 11. Sixth formers will be allowed to use these items only in their dedicated areas (6D1 and 6D2) if given permission by the staff in there and not elsewhere on the school site. This is to support students with concentration, increasing opportunities to develop social skills, high quality play and oracy, as a method of avoiding cyber-bullying and to prevent loss or theft. If you wish your child to have a mobile phone with them on the way to or from school, this is fine. Non smart phones are often cheaper and more durable e.g. this example from Tesco. These phones should be switched off during the day and kept in bags. AirPods or headphones may be used on the way too and from school, but need to be put away before reaching the school gate. Should these items be seen (NB not necessarily in use) within the school gates, they will be confiscated and parents (not pupils) are welcome to collect them at the end of the week from 3.45pm. If the incident happens on a Friday, then the items may be collected the following Friday. If you wish to discuss this or have any further feedback, please contact crichards@villiers.ealing.sch.uk
Welfare and Medical Updates
A reminder that students should not be carrying any medication, unless it has been prescribed by the doctor to take in school and a medication consent form has been filled in for safety purposes. Students are not allowed to call home for sickness, as this disrupts the school. If you are feeling unwell, you must go to welfare and parents/carers will be contacted if necessary.
We would like to ensure that our school records accurately reflect your child’s medical needs including information on any allergies. Please keep us informed of any changes to your child’s medical allergy condition(s) to ensure information is accurate and up to date on our school system. If a student has been prescribed an Epi-Pen by their doctor, they should carry two Epi-Pens. One to be carried on their person and the other to be provided to school in case of an emergency. In addition, please encourage your child to check with the canteen staff for any food allergens food before purchasing and to read the food labels on display. If you have any queries, please contact the welfare officer directly via email- welfare@villiers.ealing.sch.uk or by calling the school. Food related questions can be directed to- cparameswaran@villiers.ealing.sch.uk
Summer Term Club Timetable
A&E pressure
Our A&Es are under particular pressure at the moment. They are seeing a significant increase in health issues related to the hot weather and the very high pollen count in the area. They have published some information to help members of the public understand the right place for them to go when they need help from the NHS but also advice on staying well in warm weather and top tips around asthma and hay fever.
Key Forthcoming Dates
Get in Touch
If you have any suggestions on how to improve the school further or any concerns, please do not hesitate to get in touch via email: info@villiers.ealing.sch.uk