Message from the Headteacher, Mr C Richards:
We are writing to you a little earlier this week given that school will be closed Friday 1st December for staff training. In case you’re interested in what we do on these days, there are a number of safeguarding training courses all staff need to complete each year to make sure all children are kept safe and harm is prevented where possible, so staff are spending time refreshing their knowledge of these areas. We are back in school as usual on Monday 4th December and pupils need to be through gate 6 by 8.27am or they will be marked late.
A group of lucky staff and students are winding their way to the Paris Christmas markets as I write this and we hope they have a wonderful cultural and linguistic experience. Whilst it will be a very enjoyable couple of days, we thank all staff who have given up their time to run this, including one of our caretakers who had to open up at midnight and stay until they had left safely as well as all families who will have dropped off and collected children at very unusual hours!
A few reminders about forthcoming events: photo day for years 8 – 11 and 13 will be on Tuesday 5th December. Please do buy the photos as they make a lovely seasonal gift. Our family forum will take place at 5 – 6pm also on 5th December – make sure you RSVP and the year 11 parents’ evening takes place 7th December. This is an extremely important event for families of year 11 who will have found out their mock examination results that day.
Villiers Theatre Grand Opening
The School Hall has been closed for the last 6 months whilst being transformed into the Villiers Theatre. We are delighted to say it is now officially open to the school and the community. The Villiers Theatre had its official launch with staff on Thursday 14th November and then opened to students through their assemblies. Each week students will be able to enjoy this beautiful space and have their very own seat number to sit in.
The original Hall was built in 1907 and has been a central focal point of the school’s history. RCZM Architects Clare Bowman and Mick Way of Theatretech have created our vision for a new theatre for both the school and local community to use for many years to come. We look forward to families and the wider community seeing and enjoying this amazing space and are inviting you to the Grand Opening event.
Winter Music Concert
Join us for an evening of holiday cheer at the Winter Music Concert which marks the Grand Opening of the Villiers School Theatre! This incredible event will take place on Thursday, December 14, 2023, at 5:30pm at Villiers High School.
Immerse yourself in the festive spirit as talented Villiers students showcase their skills and passion for music.
Whether you’re a music enthusiast or simply looking for a festive evening, the Winter Music Concert is the perfect event to celebrate the joyous season. Come along with your friends and family to support our wonderful students.
If you would like to attend this event, please follow the link provided to secure tickets. This is a free event, and all are welcome. Click here for tickets.
Young Southall Award
Congratulations to Lamise 8E for winning the prestigious ‘Young Southall Award’ in recognition of her outstanding contributions to sports and her inspiring role model status within the community. This award serves as a testament to her unwavering commitment, dedication, and passion for sports. Lamise’s perseverance and remarkable achievements have not only enriched the lives of those around her but have also set a shining example for aspiring young athletes and motivated countless others to pursue their dreams. We are incredibly proud of Lamise’s accomplishments and are confident that she will continue to make significant contributions to the world of sports and beyond.
Sustainability
We have recently planted spring and summer flowering bulbs in Coco – Narcissus ‘Thalia’, Narcissus ‘Ice follies’ & Allium ‘Purple Sensation’.
The Gardening Club have been involved with the Ealing Council Southall Square Project. The pavement has been lifted and the soil prepared for an exciting planting scheme. Today they planted ‘Sarcococca’ a sweet scented, evergreen winter flowering shrub.
The quad nursery in the school is getting ready for new plants in planters at the front of reception to create a more biodiverse welcoming area.
Islamophobia awareness month
We raised Islamophobia awareness this month by holding a successful Human Library. Stories of famous and not so famous Muslims were displayed, as well as respected stories of individuals in Islam. Students and staff also took part in designing and decorating Islamic art, as well as given the opportunity to write about their own personal story!
A lovely, heart warming poem by Sanika 12R
Family forum
We welcome the effective working relationships that exist in our school community and the links between school and home are a real strength and something that we are very proud of. To develop this relationship further and to provide another opportunity for open communication between home and school, we are introducing a family forum. The purpose of this is to work together to get the best outcomes for our children/young people.
What is a family forum?
This is a chance for you to come to school to have an open discussion about specific topics and to hear from the senior leadership team of the school. Please note that this is not an event to bring children to.
When will it take place?
The first family forum will take place on Tuesday 5th December from 5-6pm. To book your place, please email info@villiers.ealing.sch.uk. We will inform you of future forums in the family bulletin.
How will it work?
To ensure that the family forum runs smoothly and effectively there will be a set agenda in place of topics to discuss.
The agenda for the forum on 5th December is:
- Meet the new Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team
- Agree ground rules for these meetings
- Sharing of the 3 year school development plan
- Keeping children safe online (including artificial intelligence)
- Update on the new building
If there is a topic that you would like raised, please include this when you email to book your place. There are limited places and they will be given on a first come, first served basis. The deadline for booking a place is Friday 1st December by 3pm; you will receive an email from school to inform you if you have a place or not.
Please note that for any individual concerns or queries about your child/children you will continue to contact the relevant member of staff who will help to address this.
We thank you for the ongoing support as we work together to support all children.
SLT Planting
The above images show members of our Senior Leadership Team planting three Acer rubrum ‘October Glory’ in November. This North American/Canadian maple will be at its most impressive in the autumn when its foliage turns from green to give a vivid display of burgundy, red and orange foliage. As this fantastic upright tree matures it will prove to be a stunning addition.
In the spring you will see the space around each tree has been planted with Narcissus ‘Ice Follies’, a white petalled daffodil with a primrose yellow trumpet or cup that fades to white.
The Green Plan Workshop
As part of the schools ‘Green Plan ‘ masterplan, it was wonderful to have a landscape workshop at the school where pupils and staff were able to work alongside BBC Gardeners World Presenter Arit Anderson and Andree Davis of Davis White Landscape Architects, who specialise in
creating more immersive nature-based learning landscapes for Schools.
Arit and Andree led this inspiring landscape design workshop where pupils were able to express and develop their ideas for the school campus.
Their approach is refreshing and led to pupils freely expressing sustainable ideas with outdoor learning , places to sit and enjoy being closer to nature were central to the themes expressed.
Year 9 Assessments
Year 9 Assessments are taking place next week, Monday 4th December – Friday 8th December. Please find below the timetable of the assessments taking place to support the time management and revision for your child.
| WEEK 1 | Monday 4th December | Tuesday 5th December | Wednesday 6th December | Thursday 7th December | Friday 8th December | |
| 1 | English | RE | Computer Science | MFL: French and Spanish | ||
| 2 | ||||||
| Break | ||||||
| 3 | Science | Geography | ||||
| 4 | ||||||
| Lunch | ||||||
| 5 | Maths | History | ||||
| 6 | ||||||
Year 9- revision booklets
As the December assessments draw near, we are equipping our year 9 pupils with the necessary tools to excel in their upcoming exams. This comprehensive revision booklet provides detailed guidance for each subject, empowering students to approach their assessments with confidence and assurance. Additionally, it helps them identify their strengths in each subject area, enabling them to focus their efforts effectively.
We recognise that assessment periods can be a source of stress and we remain firmly committed to providing our year 9 pupils with the unwavering support they need during this crucial time. We are confident that their dedication and hard work will be reflected in their outstanding results.
Include Me SEND advice event-
More information can be found: here
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 by 15th December.
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.
Library
Please make sure all library books are returned or an extension agreed with the librarian by end of school day on Wednesday 20th December. The last opportunity to borrow a book will be break time on Thursday 21st December 2023. Please see the librarian if you have any questions.
Ofqual: Proposed changes to the assessment of mathematics, physics and combined science GCSEs in 2024
We 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/
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
School photographs for all pupils in years 8, 9, 10, 11 and 13 will be taking place Tuesday 5th December. Make sure you are wearing your smartest school uniform… and a smile!
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
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.
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.
Friday Prayers
Students are able to pray during lunchtime in rooms O37 & O6.
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.
| 04/12/23 | Year 7 History Trip → British Museum Year 9 Exams start |
| 05/12/23 | Whole School Photographs (Years 8 – 11 and 13) Family forum (1700 – 1800) |
| 07/12/23 | Year 11 Mock results assembly period 5 Year 11 Parents Meetings 1600 – 1830 Full Governing Board Meeting 2 1800 |
| 08/12/23 | Year 13 Mock Results assembly period 1 Year 8 Reading Screen Year 9 Exams end |
| 11/12/23 | Year 9 Beanstalk reader training |
| 12/12/23 | Year 13 Parents Meetings 1600 – 1830 |
| 14/12/23 | Year 8 Beauty and the Beast Trip → Beck Theatre (1400 onwards) Winter Music Concert 1730 – 1900 |
| 15/12/23 | School Council Meeting 2 Year 11 Mock interviews Year 11 Textiles Assessment |
| 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