Message from the Headteacher, Mr C Richards:
We have been focused on anti-bullying week with pupils wearing odd socks on Monday to express their individuality and attending assemblies given by Mr Williams about stopping bullying and how to deal with it if you experience or witness it. Whenever these weeks come along, it can bring up strong feelings for some of our pupils who may have experienced bullying or even been a bully in the past and we would encourage them to talk to their tutor, Deputy Head of Year or Head of Year if they would like some support with this.
Next week, Ms Qadri will be delivering assemblies on Islamophobia awareness and similarly, if pupils feel that they have experienced it or witnessed it, they should speak to the pastoral team as listed above. Prejudice or bullying in any form against anyone in our community is never accepted and where it occurs, it is dealt with swiftly and proportionately.
This week, A-Level Sociologists and Historians have visited the Emmanuel Centre for crucial revision activities, we officially opened our newly refurbished hall (and look forward to welcoming you to our first official events in December), our GCSE resits finished and our year 11 Drama students completed their GCSE performance exam.
Gardening Club and Southall Square
The Villiers Gardening Club has been working with Ealing Council over the last few months to plan and design a pocket of green space at Southall Square. Concrete pavement has been removed to provide more green space to support local nature, provide a cooler space during hot weather and support the drainage of rainfall.
Huda 10E, Bilal 10G, Avir 10R, Ridhima 8S and Emerlly 8H have been busy planting flowering onions, dandelions, and daffodils. We look forward to the whole community enjoying the bloom come spring!
Inspire Scholars: University of Oxford trip
Our year 9 and 10 Inspire Scholars went on a day trip to St John’s College at the University of Oxford. They learnt about what it is like to study at the University and what they can do to help prepare them for applying to Russell Group Universities such as Oxford and Cambridge.
Students had a tour of the beautiful campus and its gardens, had lunch at the royal hall and took part in an exciting interactive class inside the University’s own museum learning about animals and insects.
Anti-Bullying Week
For the month of November, schools throughout the United Kingdom take part in Anti-Bullying Week. This is an opportunity to spotlight bullying and consider the steps we can take together to stop it. This week, all the students in the school have had an assembly from Mr Williams to help raise awareness of Anti-Bullying Week, whilst also encouraging students to ‘Make A Noise about Bullying’. At Villiers, we encourage students to respect and celebrate people for their differences and not to discriminate against people because of them. By standing up and ‘Making A Noise’, students can help to end bullying by speaking up and telling the bullies to stop, by being supportive to each other and letting other students know they are not on their own and finally by telling a trusted adult about what is going. Research by the Anti-Bullying Alliance proves that these actions by staff and students really does make a difference to the lives of children and young adults as it raises awareness of the issues and helps schools tackle bullying. By working together, we can end bullying.
Ofqual- Proposed changes to the assessment of mathematics, physics and combined science GCSEs in 2024
Ifrah 11H would be grateful if you could complete a survey regarding Ofqual’s proposed adaptations to the assessment of GCSEs in mathematics, physics and combined science for students in England taking exams in 2024. Please click here to read more.
The Department for Education (DfE) has confirmed that in view of the disruption students may have experienced, it is not necessary for them to memorise formulae for GCSE mathematics and equations for GCSE physics and combined science in 2024, as they must in a normal year. Therefore, Ofqual proposes carrying forward from summer 2023 the provision of support materials, in the form of formulae and revised equation sheets, in the exams for GCSE mathematics, physics and combined science.
The consultation will be open for 2 weeks starting on 16 November 2023 and ending on 30 November 2023 at 11:45pm.
Please respond to this consultation by completing the online response form: https://ofqual.citizenspace.com/public/gcse-maths-physics-and-combined-science-in-2024/consultation/subpage.2022-09-20.8715115722/
Cooking Club
This week students cooked spaghetti bolognese and demonstrated cooking skills such as cutting, peeling, grating, seasoning, measuring and weighing.
Friday prayers
Students are able to pray during lunchtime in rooms O5 & O6.
The Big Ambition
The Children’s Commissioner has launched The Big Ambition survey to understand what children want ahead of the next General Election. Please click here to complete the survey or use the QR code in the image above.
It is vital that all children have their voice heard through this survey, as it provides a much-needed opportunity for the children of England to tell political decision makers what is important to them ahead of the General Election. This is a great opportunity to teach children about politics and why it is important for them to use their voice.
Year 11 English Spoken Language assessment
Year 11 students were asked to write a speech for their English Spoken Language assessment. Well done to Hibo 11G, who wrote the following speech on the topic of racism:
Racism is among us. It is deeply ingrained into our society. Racism is in the slurs against both Black and Asian footballers. I mean look at Bukayo Saka. When he missed the penalty goal for England, during the Euro 2020 finals. The crowds went ballistic. The poor 19-year-old instantly knew he would become a target of racial abuse.
Saka suffered sickening racial abuse with countless disgusting comments on his Instagram account; with millions of trolls commenting “go back to Nigeria”.
What has this world come to? Racism is around us; it is in our society, and it creates hatred, division and injustice.
It does not always make headlines, but it surely is there.
I, myself have experienced microaggression regarding both my race and religion.
Discrimination is a problem that we must confront. If we want to build a society based on equality, then we must teach the upcoming generation right from wrong.
Over 66% of students in the U.K. say they have experienced racial abuse or discrimination… 66%!
Seven out of ten young Black people in the U.K. have felt pressure to change their cultural styled hair to fit in school or to appear more ‘professional’. Students feel compelled to fit in or be accepted in society. These are some rigid unwritten rules and policies which result in cultural erasure.
Is this true inclusion and equality?
Teenage Cancer Trust fundraising
Mr Virani will be doing 3,000 push-ups this November to raise money for the Teenage Cancer Trust. Please click here, if you wish to donate. Well done to Riley 7G for designing the above poster.
Imperial College London
Imperial College London is offering the following programme of activities and support to help students get into University:
Spanish trip- Barcelona
We are delighted to invite your child on a Spanish trip to Barcelona! The trip will take place from Friday 12th July to Monday 15th July and pupils will be travelling by plane. Letters can be found on Google Classroom or collected from their languages teacher. There are only thirty places available, so please act now!
School photographs
We are pleased to announce that we have been able to reschedule school photographs for all pupils in years 8, 9, 10, 11 and 13 for Tuesday 5th December.
Childhood flu vaccination programme
If you would like your child to receive the flu vaccination on Friday 24th November, please complete the eConsent form- https://app.schoolscreener.com/Portal/#/CNWLLon/pr/CNWLi2324flu/101928
If you experience any difficulty using the eConsent system, please contact the school welfare officer via email: welfare@villiers.ealing.sch.uk
Contacting Staff
If you need to contact staff at school, please use the contact page on our school website to make sure you get through to the right person: https://www.villiers.ealing.sch.uk/contact
A reminder that during the school day, the Heads and Deputy Heads of Year and many Senior Leaders will be teaching or on duty and will not always be available to get back to you immediately; this includes email, phone and in-person visits. Either leave a message with reception or email your child’s Head of Year and we will arrange an appointment for you if appropriate. If it is urgent, please make sure this is clear in your message and one of the Senior Leaders on High Profile Day will speak with you as soon as is practical. In an emergency, please dial 999.
If you are reporting lateness or absence, please check the details on this page: https://www.villiers.ealing.sch.uk/key-information/my-child-is-going-to-be-absentlate
Saturday intervention sessions
Please download the schedule to view the Saturday intervention sessions taking place this month for Year 11 students.
2024 Pearson National Teaching Awards
Pearson are now accepting entries for the 2024 National Teaching Awards. Entries must be submitted before Friday 22nd December. This award shines a spotlight on our unsung heroes, from stand-out teachers, friendly caretakers, playground helpers to brilliant office receptionists. This is the only award open to nominations from parents, carers and pupils. Send in your nomination here.
School production rehearsals
We are now fully immersed in our rehearsals for our annual school production. This year we are doing ‘When This Is Over’ by Company Three. Rehearsals are held on a Monday and Tuesday from 3:20 until 5pm. A rehearsal schedule has been published so students are aware of when they are required to attend.
With the late nights drawing in, please ensure that your child is picked up from school or organise for them to walk home with peers from school. We look forward to you seeing the final result in February.
National Theatre Connections Festival
We have been selected as one of fifty schools & theatre companies in the country to take part in the celebrated National Theatre Connections Festival with the opportunity to perform at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre in April. We are opening auditions to students in year 10 – 13 and an information evening was held on Wednesday 8th November after school from 3:10 – 3:30pm in O37. If students are interested in being part of this prestigious project please get them to speak to their Drama teacher!
Important Information – Free School Meals
Families who are not currently registered for free school meals but feel that they are eligible can apply using the following link here. Free school meals are available for pupils of parents or carers that receive certain benefits. Further information on the criteria for applying can be found here. If your child is eligible for benefits-related Free School Meals, please click here for further information regarding supermarket vouchers for the October half term holiday to support families.
Uniform
If you are planning on buying any new items of uniform or shoes, please do consult our uniform policy on the website first to make sure you buy the correct items.
If in doubt, please contact your child’s Head of Year who will advise.
National Sleep Helpline
Ealing Mental Health Support Team (Workshop for parents)
Medical and allergy information
We need 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: one to be carried on their person and the other to be provided to the welfare room in case of an emergency.
In addition, please encourage your child to check with the canteen staff for any food allergens 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 Charlie (Catering Manager) via email cparameswaran@villiers.ealing.sch.uk
Cycling into school
Any student cycling to school must ensure their bikes are placed in the caged bike shed.
Students with prescription medication
A reminder that students should not be carrying any medication in school (with the exception of epi pens and asthma pumps). Any prescription medication (given by a GP) must be handed to the welfare room and a medication consent form should be completed by families for health and safety purposes. If students are feeling unwell, they must go to the welfare room and family members will be contacted if necessary.
Public Health Ealing and NHS North West London
Winter is often a time of particular pressure in the NHS and there are more coughs and sniffles around in the colder months. NHS North West London are running a campaign to raise awareness of the different NHS services that are available, and when it’s the right time to use them. This will help people get the right care when they need it and alleviate pressure on A&E.
Villiers Diner
Please click along each slide to view this week’s canteen menu.
Autumn Term extra curricular clubs timetable
We are very proud to present our vast array of enrichment offers this term. Please see the timetables for all activities taking place during lunch and after school. Please note the sports clubs have changed this term. Encourage your child to participate in at least one club per term.
Key forthcoming dates
For our major events, please check here.
| 20/11/23 | Year 7 Maths Coding Workshop |
| 21/11/23 | Eco Building Workshop 10.30 – 13.00 |
| 22/11/23 | Y10 trip —> Navrtar Virtual Reality Experience |
| 23/11/23 | GCSE Music Trip → Brightsparks Concert Year 12 Psychology Trip → Emmanuel Centre |
| 24/11/23 | Y7 – 11 Flu Vaccinations Year 12 Science Trip → LGC Laboratory Year 10 English Trip on the GCSE Anthology Year 9 Reading Screen |
| 27/11/23 | Guru Nanak’s Birthday |
| 30/11/23 | French Christmas Markets Trip —> 1/12/23 |
| 1/12/23 | Staff Training Day (No pupils on site) |
| Looking ahead: Winter Holidays 22/12/23 – 08/01/24 Term finishes 12.15 – 12.30pm, Thursday 21st December 2023; New Term begins Tuesday 9th January 2024. Pupils to be through gate 6 by 8.27am to arrive in tutor groups by 8.30am. Breakfast club from 7.45am. If pupils take extended holidays for any reason beyond these dates, they will be recorded as unauthorised and you may be fined. | |
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