Message from the Headteacher, Mr C Richards:
Our year 10s have been taking part in Work Experience this week and the school has felt quite empty without them. Feedback from the different workplaces has been very positive and the students have really taken advantage of the opportunities given to them. Well done to Mr Williams and Mr Singh for coordinating such a large scale external experience and well done to the students who have been excellent ambassadors for the school.
We met our incoming year 7 parents on Wednesday evening, some of our year 9 and 12 parents in preparation for their big years next year and enjoyed an amazing Summer concert yesterday evening given by students from our music department. Thank you to everyone involved in this for such an excellent performance. A repeat of this performance is being given today to some of our local feeder primary schools so they get to enjoy it too.
Finally, our year 13s are looking forward to their end of school prom tonight. They have worked extremely hard and deserve to enjoy every second. Although next week is the last week of term, there is a lot going on. We have another international visit from a South Korean School, sports day and activity days. I suspect our school value of tenacity will come into play strongly particularly if the weather isn’t summery!
National School Attendance Award
Villiers High has been recognised by the Fisher Family Trust (FFT) because of the amazing attendance to school for the 2nd term running. Due to most of the students being in school every day, we are in the top 25% of all schools who have similar circumstances, and the top 25% of all schools nationally. On top of this, our overall attendance to school is always 2%+ over the National Average. Well done to all staff and students who have contributed to us gaining these very prestigious awards.
Y12 Shakes things up at the Globe!
Our lovely Year 12 students recently embarked on a thrilling trip to the world-famous Globe Theatre! They immersed themselves in the world of Elizabethan theatre and enjoyed a live performance of Shakespeare’s witty comedy, ‘The Taming of the Shrew.’
A visit from Crystelle Pereira
We were honored to host Crystelle Pereira, a talented cook and baker known for her impressive run as a finalist on the Great British Bake Off. Crystelle, who has made appearances on prominent shows such as Good Morning America, The Today Show, Sunday Brunch, BBC Morning Live, and ITV Lorraine, shared her culinary journey and insights with us. Born in North London to Kenyan-born, Portuguese-Goan parents, Crystelle’s diverse background and experiences were reflected in her discussion. She also spoke about her cookbook, My Flavour Kitchen, and engaged in an enriching Q&A session with 25 enthusiastic students. Additionally, she emphasised the importance of healthy eating and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, providing valuable tips and inspiration to all attendees. Mr Silva would like to thanh all the students who attended.
A visit from Hambrough Primary School
On the 3rd of July, 2024, year 6 students from Hambrough Primary School joined the Villiers High School Maths Outreach workshop. The students actively participated in a range of Mathematical activities designed to enhance their problem-solving skills. The workshop received highly positive feedback, where the year 6 were highly engaged with the activities . We would like to express our appreciation to the Year 7 and Year 12 Villiers Mathematicians for their valuable support in organizing and facilitating the workshop. Throughout the event, the students exemplified the fundamental Villiers HEART VALUES of respect and tenacity.
Careers conference:
Last week, Villiers High School hosted a highly anticipated Careers Conference, an event that brought an unprecedented level of excitement and opportunity to our students. Over 40 representatives from prestigious universities, leading apprenticeship providers, and both local and global companies gathered to share their insights and experiences. The event was a bustling hub of activity as students eagerly interacted with industry professionals, gaining valuable information about various career paths and higher education options. The presence of such a diverse range of organisations provided our students with a comprehensive view of the possibilities that lie ahead, inspiring them to envision their futures with newfound clarity and ambition.
In addition to the engaging presentations, the conference featured a multitude of workshops designed to raise students’ aspirations and equip them with essential skills for their future careers. These workshops covered a wide array of topics such as representation in wider communities and identity, post 16 pathways, art and design and more.
The hands-on, interactive nature of the sessions ensured that students were not only informed but also actively involved in their learning process. This dynamic event left a lasting impression on our students, motivating them to pursue their goals with confidence and determination, and underscoring the importance of planning for their futures.
Chinese students exchange
Over the past two weeks, Villiers High School has been buzzing with excitement as we welcomed two groups of Chinese students, aged 11 to 17, who were eager to immerse themselves in English culture and education. This cultural exchange was a vibrant addition to our school community, as each visiting student was paired with a Villiers buddy, fostering immediate connections and friendships. The classrooms were filled with enthusiastic chatter as students shared stories, learned about each other’s cultures, and worked together on various projects. This unique opportunity allowed both our students and the visitors to gain a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives and educational practices.
They joined our regular classes, contributing to discussions and collaborating on assignments, which added a fresh and global dimension to our learning environment. This exchange program has not only broadened the horizons of our students but also laid the foundation for lasting international friendships, making it a truly memorable event at Villiers High School.
Student Leadership and Charity
At the start of the year, the student body voted to support three charities: Save the Children (international), Cancer Research (national), and Hope for Southall Street Homeless (local). Throughout the year, the student leadership team organised numerous events, including the Villiers Fair, a movie night, multicultural day, and various bake sales, to raise funds for these worthy causes. Thanks to everyone’s efforts and generosity, we successfully raised £1,636.92 this year. Our new head students, Johan, Sanika, and Anas, are excited to work with the student body next year to select three new charities to support. We look forward to another year of successful fundraising and community engagement.
Sports day reminder ( Tuesday 16th July )
- Arrive to the Perivale stadium for 8:30am.
- Ensure that come dressed in P.E kit
- Water bottle/Refreshments/Packed Lunch – Those who are FSM will be entitled to a lunch
- Suncream in case they do get hot
- Any medication/Asthma pumps
- Also permission slips to confirm if they are being picked or they allowed to make there own way home.
Trips
We are thrilled to announce the launch of our exciting new trips program at Villiers. Our carefully planned trips are designed to enrich our students’ education by providing them with hands-on, real-world experiences that complement their classroom learning. School trips play a vital role in broadening students’ horizons, enhancing their social skills, and deepening their understanding of various subjects through immersive and engaging activities. To make this program possible, we will be asking parents to contribute with a one-off payment that will cover the costs of the multiple trips your child will be involved in throughout the year. This contribution will ensure that all students can participate in these invaluable experiences. More details about the trips, dates, timings and the payment process will be shared with you soon. We appreciate your support and look forward to providing our students with these enriching opportunities.
Student Leadership and Charity
At the start of the year, the student body voted to support three charities: Save the Children (International), Cancer Research (National), and Hope for Southall Street Homeless (Local). Throughout the year, the student leadership team organised numerous events, including the Villiers Fair, a movie night, multicultural day, and various bake sales, to raise funds for these worthy causes. Thanks to everyone’s efforts and generosity, we successfully raised £1,636.92 this year. Our new head students, Johan, Sanika, and Anas, are excited to work with the student body next year to select three new charities to support. We look forward to another year of successful fundraising and community engagement.
A-Level French
We are thrilled to announce that Villiers will now be offering A-Level French! This is a fantastic opportunity for your child to dive deeper into the language, culture, and literature of France. Whether you’re passionate about languages or looking to expand your horizons, A-Level French is the perfect choice.
NHS parenting workshops
Over the summer, Ealing mental health team will be running a number of different workshops that you, parents and carers, may find helpful. If you would like to know more, please read the poster below for further information.
Ealing cost of Living
The Brentford Project this summer are hosting a free outdoor cinema for anyone to enjoy throughout July and August. Morrisons have teamed up with Heinz to give customers a free jacket potato and beans every day up until the 14 July. For more information, please click on the link below.
https://www.egfl.org.uk/news/2024/07/updates-ealing-cost-living-team
Explore Barcelona with us in 2025!
Join our exciting secondary school trip to experience vibrant culture, stunning architecture, and delicious cuisine, whilst immersing yourself in Spanish! Limited spots available – reserve yours now by speaking to your languages teacher.
Lifeguarding qualification for Year 11 pupils eligible for the HAF programme
As part of our Summer HAF (Holiday Activities and Food) programme, we are offering year 11 pupils who are eligible (in receipt of benefits-related free school meals) the opportunity to complete the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) which will enable them to apply for work as a lifeguard in the future. The qualification will be offered at Northolt Leisure Centre, on 19th – 23rd August with the assessment taking place on Saturday 7th September 2024.
For further information, please click on the link https://www.egfl.org.uk/news/2024/05/lifeguarding-qualification-year-11-pupils-eligible-haf-programme
The Greener plan updates
Please read through some of the changes that have already started to take place here at Villiers as part of our ‘Greener Plan’ project. Some of the slides are blank as these will be updated on a weekly basis for you to look through. You can click the link to find out more.
Uniform expectations
All pupils return 5th September (new year 7 and 12 start 4th September). It is vital they wear the correct uniform from their first day back. Tutors will be checking with them in the first few days and we will contact families if items are missing or not correct. If you are concerned you will struggle to afford items of uniform, please let your child’s Head of Year know as soon as possible and we can arrange to support you.
A few commonly worn but incorrect items of uniform this year have been:
- A long sleeved t-shirt under a short-sleeved school shirt. If pupils want to cover their arms, please wear the long-sleeved shirt, the jumper or blazer.
- Short white socks over black socks are not permitted.
- Only navy trousers are permitted (not black) and these should be straight cut.
- Acrylic/false/gel nails, false eye lashes (your child will be asked to remove these even if they have only just been done) and hooped earrings are not permitted.
- Necklaces may be worn under clothing but should be removed before P.E. for health and safety reasons.
- Lanyards and ID cards must be worn around pupils’ necks at all times. If you have lost yours or it is damaged, please order a new one before the Summer holiday.
- Top buttons should be done up and the tie worn around it. If a shirt has become too tight, please purchase another.
Just in case you’d forgotten, we do not allow mobile phones on site. The students are clear about our “Not seen, not taken” rule, meaning if you decide to bring one with you and it is seen, it will be confiscated until the end of the week (or the following week if it’s on a Friday). This is non-negotiable. I advised families this time last year to avoid buying a new smart phone and instead opt for something cheap and simple e.g. Tesco Mobile – this allows you to keep in touch with your child before and after school but prevents them from being distracted during the day.
Fresh and dry foods collection
We are having a small amount of fresh and cupboard food donated to us once a week. If you would like to participate and collect a bag for your family, please come to gate 5 and collect from the collection point (near the 6th form entrance ) on Villiers Road. This will be every Thursday from 1:30 – 2:00pm.
Please bring a suitable bag from home as we are not able to provide any.
Staff Meetings and Phone Calls with family members
This probably goes without saying for most families, but it is not permitted to record or film any aspect of any meeting (virtual or in person) or phone call with Villiers High School staff without first seeking permission to do so.
Contacting Staff
A reminder that 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
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
Lunchtime arrangements reminder
Our new lunchtime arrangements are still ongoing as a result of the work that has begun on our new building. As we will have less space for all the pupils to have the same lunchtime sitting, the split lunches began on Monday 15th April, and will still continue. Please see all details below.
Years 7, 8, 11 and 13 will continue to have their lunch from 12.30pm until 1.20pm
Years 9, 10 and 12 will move to a later lunchtime of 1.20pm until 2.10pm. We recommend that the pupils have a snack at breaktime to help keep their energy levels up until their later lunchtime.
On Thursdays, Years 9, 10 and 12 will not have a lesson after lunchtime. Therefore, they will be dismissed from school at 1.50pm and expected to be off site by 2pm.
On Thursdays, Years 7, 8, 11 and 13 will be dismissed at the usual time of 2.20pm.
Updates from the Ealing cost of living team
During summer outside of Ealing, The Brentford Project are hosing a free outdoor cinema throughout July and August. There is no booking required and seats are offered on a first come first basis. For more information click on the link below please. https://www.egfl.org.uk/news/2024/07/updates-ealing-cost-living-team
Important information about Measles
Cases of measles are continuing to rise in London, including North West London. In order to manage this increased capacity, UK Health Security Agency colleagues are moving away from a full risk assessment of individual cases to only following up vulnerable contacts and high-risk settings. For more information, please click on the link below.
Infectious and contagious diseases and immunisations | Ealing Grid for Learning (egfl.org.uk)
Dangers of sharing intimate images
The risks of sharing intimate images of anyone without the persons consent is a criminal offence. Please read the article below to know the impact of what this could do to a person and the advice they tell you on how to avoid this.
Guide to Family Support Services
This guide is funded by Ealing’s HAF (Holiday, Activities and Food). The guide will highlight the important services and organisations that work locally to help various aspects of family life. These organisations provide help, guidance, and support to families.
For more information please click on this link: https://www.egfl.org.uk/news/2024/04/guide-family-support-services-2024-edition
Keeping children safe online
As we all have a part to play in keeping children safe online, please read and use the guidance on the NSPCC’s website to keep yourself, your friends and family safe online. Please click on the link below.
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety
Ealing Mental Health Summer Workshops
Over the summer, the Ealing Mental Health Support Team will be running a variety of online workshops for parents and carers of children who attend a school in Ealing. The workshops will be held online using Microsoft Teams. If you are interested in attending any of the workshops, please fill out this form.
For more information, please follow this link.
Ealing Mental Health Support Team
Over Summer, there will be a range of workshops that the Mental Health Support Team will be running for parents and carers. If you would like further information on how to sign up, please see below.
Young Carers
All pupils were given information about young carers in assemblies recently. Please see the information below about how you can make a referral to access support if you consider your child to be a young carer.
Vape Awareness Letter
Please take the time to read the letter below highlighting the dangers of using any sort of vape devices, and discussing this with your children to raise the importance of just how damaging on their health this could be. We want all children to be safe, so talking about this with them will be a great help.
Behaviour Systems
Our behaviour systems have been further developed so that they are clear and transparent for everyone. Please see our new behaviour pyramid below. The pastoral team has explained this to all the children. Since Monday 19th February, there have been posters up in classrooms and other areas of the school as a visual reminder. As always, we appreciate your support and any feedback is welcome.
Information about 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 Easter holidays to support families.
Top tips for staying secure online from the National Cyber Security Centre
Combine three random words to create a password that’s ‘long enough and strong enough’.
Weak passwords can be cracked in seconds. The longer and more unusual your password is, the harder it is for a cyber criminal to crack. A good way to make your password difficult to crack is by combining three random words to create a password (for example applenemobiro). Or you could use a password manager, which can create strong passwords for you (and remember them). Avoid the most common passwords that criminals can easily guess (like ‘password’). You should also avoid creating passwords from significant dates (like your birthday, or a loved one’s), or from your favourite sports team, or by using family and pet names. Most of these details can be found within your social media profile. If you’re thinking of changing certain characters in your password (so swapping the letter ‘o’ with a zero, for example), you should know that cyber criminals know these tricks as well. So your password won’t be significantly stronger, but it will be harder for you to remember.
If you want to find out more about why the ‘three random words’ technique works, you can read this blog by one of the NCSC’s technical experts that further explains our thinking.
https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/collection/top-tips-for-staying-secure-online/three-random-words
Medical needs & allergies
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 allergies to ensure information is accurate and up to date on our school system. In the case that a student has been prescribed an Epi-Pen by the doctor, they should bring two Epi-Pens to school, one to carry on their person and the other to be provided to the Welfare Office, as a spare in case of an emergency. Please encourage your child to check with the canteen staff for any food allergies and to read the food labels before making purchases. If you have any questions, you can contact the welfare officer directly via email- welfare@villiers.ealing.sch.uk or call reception. For food related questions, you can contact the canteen directly via email- cparameswaran@villiers.ealing.sch.uk
Phishing: Spot and report scam emails, texts, websites and calls
Please click on the link below to learn how to recognise and report emails, texts, websites, adverts or phone calls that you think are trying to scam you:
https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/collection/phishing-scams
Cash payments
We are a cashless school and families can pay for school meals, stationery, trips and clubs via ParentPay. You can top up your ParentPay account from a bank account or by using a debit/credit card. If you do not have a valid bank account or debit/credit card, please email info@villiers.ealing.sch.uk. We will set up a PayPoint account, so you can make payments using cash.
Key information about Villiers’ Diner
Please look through and have a read to find out more about our produce in the kitchen and even our excellent hygiene ratings. You can also have a walkthrough through our canteen to see where our delicious meals are prepared on-site daily. Please click on the link below.
https://www.villiers.ealing.sch.uk/our-school/our-food-and-service
Villiers Diner
Safeguarding and well-being spotlight
There is a lot of advice and guidance available to help and support parents and carers when you have any worries or concerns about your child. Please click this link for the NSPCC website which offers advice on some different issues.
Key forthcoming dates
For our major events, please check here.
| 15/07/24 | I RI South Korean Girls High School Visit |
| 16/07/24 | Sports Day |
| 17/07/24 | Activity Day 1 |
| 18/07/24 | Activity Day 2 |
| 19/07/24 | End of term Year 7 and 8 Dismissed at 12.15pm Year 9 and 10 Dismissed at 12.30pm Sixth formers may leave after their last lesson before 12.30pmThe school will be closed (including emails and phone lines) from 12.30pm |
| Just ahead… 04/09/24 – Year 7 and 12 Induction Day (Must be through gate 6 by 8.27am) 05/09/24 – All other year groups return (Must be through gate 6 by 8.27am)18/09/24 – Introduction to Year 11 Evening 20/09/24 – Late start 0920 (following open evening) | |
Opportunities at Villiers High School
Take a look at our current vacancies and join our team – Click here
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
Don’t forget to follow Villiers High School on social media.