Message from the Headteacher, Mr C Richards:
We were delighted to welcome a good number of families to our first family forum of the year on Monday. We discussed keeping children safe online, the dangers of vaping and looked into how the school can communicate better with you and our students. Make sure you put the date of the next meeting in your diary: 10th February at 5pm. Of course, you don’t have to wait until then to get in touch, please do share any questions, thoughts or suggestions with your child’s Head of Year in the first instance.
Last week, as part of Black History Month’s theme ‘Reclaiming Narratives’, I shared the hidden history of black Romans, available on the excellent Black History Month website. This week: did you know about the North African woman in York in the very early 20th century?:
“In 1901, the ancient grave of a woman was discovered in York. Over a hundred years later, tests revealed her North African origin and established her as the earliest proven evidence of a Black woman in the British Isles. The contents of her grave indicated she was a woman of means and high social status. The engraving “Hail Sister May You Live in God” found at the site suggests a Christian burial.”
We are also showing racism the red card today at school. To find out more, please click here.
Next week, we have a year 7 Science Trip to the Natural History Museum and a year 8 Heathrow Engineering workshop at school as well as some GCSE Drama assessments to end the half-term. School will be closed between 26th October and 3rd November for the half-term break.
Dates for your diary
23rd October: Year 7 Science Trip
GCSE Drama C1 Exam
24th October: GCSE Drama C1 Non-examined assessment Day 1
25th October: Year 8 Heathrow STEM Engineering workshop
GCSE Drama C1 NEA Day 2
26th October – 3rd November: Half-term
4th November: Islamophobia Awareness month
Year 8 in-class assessments → 15th November
5th November: Year 7 Art Trip to Tate Modern
GCSE Resit examinations → 11th November
11th November: Armistice Day
Anti-bullying week → 15th November
13th November: Year 11 Music Solo Recordings → 15th November
Year 12 Seminar and lecture day
18th November: Year 7 in-class assessments →29th November
20th November: Year 9 – 11 Bright Sparks Music Concert
27th November: Flu vaccinations session 2
Year 8 Science Trip to the Natural History Museum
Other key dates for the year can be found on our website. Next year’s provisional dates are also available now.
Southall MP Deirdre Costigan visits Villiers High School
Last Friday, recently elected Southall MP Deirdre Costigan Visited Villiers High School for a meeting with the School Council, Head Students and the Headteacher. The discussion focused on important local issues such as sustainability and poverty, as well as national concerns like transport and employment. The students shared thoughtful insights, and MP Deirdre Costigan was impressed by their engagement and knowledge. She left with a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by young people in Southall and valuable points to take back to Parliament.
Netball Competition
On Thursday 10th October, we hosted the Primary Netball Development Competition. 16 schools from the borough attended. It was a great competition which was won by Allenby Primary school.
Celebrating Black History Month
The Business Studies Department at Villiers High School celebrated Black History Month by showcasing the entrepreneurial achievements of emerging Black entrepreneurs. Year 13 A-level students delivered engaging presentations on innovators who have successfully entered new markets nationally and globally. Well done to the Year 13 students for effectively linking their research to business modules surrounding globalisation, demonstrating a deep understanding of how cultural and economic factors influence modern entrepreneurship. This initiative highlighted Black business leaders’ contributions. It inspired students to explore diverse perspectives in business, fostering an appreciation for cultural heritage while encouraging future ventures that reflect inclusivity and innovation.
Black History Month: Reclaiming Narratives
This month, we’ve been celebrating Black History Month with the theme Reclaiming Narratives. Citizenship students researched unsung Black individuals who have made important contributions to British society but are often overlooked. They each gave a class presentation, leading to engaging and inspirational discussions.
It was fantastic to see the student’s passion for reclaiming these stories. The activity deepened their understanding of history and sparked thoughtful conversations around diversity and representation.
Black History Month Bookmark Competition
As part of Black History Month, we have decided to celebrate by running a bookmark competition. All details regarding this are below, and we look forward to seeing the bookmarks that the children have designed. Good Luck!
DATES: Monday 14th October – Monday 25th November*
THE RULES:
- No computer images, hand drawn only
- One bookmark per student
- Must have full name and form on the back
- One sided bookmark only
- Image must relate to Black History whether the person is living or dead
- Image must be the size of a typical bookmark backed on to card
- Only VHS students can enter
*Bookmarks must be handed in by 3.10pm on Monday 25th November. Top 10 winners will receive prizes and certificates including a trophy at the winner’s ceremony. The Head of Art, History and the school librarian will be the judges.
*Students can pick up card from the library subject to availability
Heathrow STEM Engineering Workshop
We are excited to inform you that 180 Year 8 students will be participating in the Heathrow STEM Engineering Workshop on Friday, 25th October. It is in two groups; Group 1 – Starts at 8:30 – 10:30 am and Group 2 – Starts at 1:30 – 3:10 pm. During this workshop, they will have the opportunity to explore the engineering career path. Your child will have the chance to demonstrate their strengths and curiosity while learning from external experts who will share their experience and knowledge.
Please ensure that your child comes to school in full school uniform and with their lanyard, as they may go through an interview process. This workshop will help your child develop important skills such as team building, communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and many more. We are looking forward to seeing your child participate in this exciting workshop.
Talk Consent Assembly
This week, our Year 7, 8, and 9 students attended an engaging and informative ‘Talk Consent’ assembly. The session taught students essential knowledge about consent, boundaries, and respect in relationships. Through interactive discussions and real-life examples, students were encouraged to think critically about these topics, helping them build healthy, respectful relationships inside and outside school. This assembly has given them valuable tools to navigate their social interactions with confidence and understanding.
Thank you for your continued support in reinforcing these important messages at home. Your role in this process is invaluable and greatly appreciated.
Turing Scheme – the UK’s global programme to study and work abroad
We are thrilled to announce that our school has been successful in securing two bids under the Turing Scheme to fund a trip and work experience opportunity abroad for our students! This exciting opportunity will provide our students with invaluable cultural experiences, the chance to broaden their horizons and an enriching educational experience.
Thanks to the Turing Scheme we will be able to offer beneficial work experience trips at a reduced cost to our students. Our Y12 and Y13 students are in the process of applying for a work experience placement in Spain, Portugal or France. We wish them luck with their applications. More news about these trips to follow shortly.
Southall Community Awards 2024
We are delighted to announce that the Southall Community Awards 2024 evening is taking place on Saturday 23rd November 2024 at Featherstone High School.
The Southall Community Awards 2024 is all about nominating individuals, teams or groups from Southall who have been great volunteers, community activists or those unsung heroes who give their time and efforts to help others. In the past we have had nominations of young people, schools, businesses, community organisations and sports teams so if you know anyone who fits this description please send us their nomination. The deadline for submitting nominations is Monday 4th November.
Attached below is an event flyer, a nomination form and guidance for anyone wishing to submit a nomination. This is a fantastic opportunity to recognise and applaud all those people and organisations who have been doing wonderful things in Southall. Hopefully you will be able to attend to help share our appreciation for their work and achievements.
Year 8 Christmas Market trip to Paris
Year 8 have been offered the opportunity to visit Paris, France in December to see some of the different attractions in the build up to the festive period. Please see the attached poster of what is included in the trip and the permission slip if you would like your child to go.
Parenting workshops
Please find the attached flyers for the following parenting workshops available this month:
Wellbeing Questionnaire for Yr 9 and Yr 10 parents
Your child is invited to take part in a new project being run by University College London. For more information on what exactly this project entails, please read the attachment below.
PE Extra Curricular Timetable
Please take a look at the timetable below offering extra curricular activities to all children.
Years 11 and 13 interventions timetable
Please find attached the schedule for our whole-school intervention sessions, which began this week and will continue until Thursday, December 19th.
You can check your child’s Google Classroom to see which sessions they have been invited to attend. We strongly encourage your child to participate in these sessions, as our teachers will be focusing on targeted topics and exam practice.
Thank you for your continued support.
Eco Warriors Club
Lots of students have signed up for our new Eco Warriors Club, but we’re still on the look out for new members. The focus of the club is to make Villiers High School even more sustainable, but there are also lots of other benefits too:
- Get involved in organising climate action events
- Feel like you are making a difference in the world
- Develop important sustainability skills
- Shape school policy and bring about behaviour change
- Enhance your CV
Any students that are interested should come along to O5 on Wednesdays after school from 3.10 – 4.00pm.
The Sustainability Managers for Schools programme
We are delighted to announce that Villiers has qualified as one of three schools in Ealing to be part of the Sustainability Managers for Schools (“SMS”) programme for the 2024/25 academic year. The school will benefit from a dedicated Sustainability Manager at no cost to the school. Leon Palmer is our new Sustainability Manager and will work alongside Beth Reynolds to help the school save money, develop green skills and apply for eco-project funding.
The SMS programme first learns more about the school by calculating our carbon footprint, forming a weekly pupil eco-group and running surveys with staff, pupils and families. With this information the school will agree a Climate Action Plan to give us a clear eco-strategy.
The pupil eco-group will help to shape the school’s Climate Action Plan and secure the brilliant Eco-Schools award. We’ve invited pupils to be part of the Eco-Group at last week’s Enrichment Fair. Please can Eco-Group pupil families return the media permission forms by 27 September.
Eco-Group pupils will learn about sustainability and how to create and manage schoolwide eco-projects. We look forward to seeing how these young people develop their ideas and build a more sustainable future for themselves and their community.
The learning from the programme will be shared with the Department for Education, local and national government to progress UK schools’ contribution to net zero targets.
Want to know more? We look forward to updating you with the school’s progress. Please email LeonPalmer@sustainabilitymanagersforschools.org if you have any thoughts or questions about the programme.
- For more information about the Programme please visit: www.sustainabilitymanagersforschools.org
- Follow SMS on Instagram to discover what the pupils are achieving: @smsmakingadifference
- To learn more about Eco-Schools award please visit: www.eco-schools.org.uk
- https://www.facebook.com/EalingLondon/posts/pfbid0TYK7rRBPbE7RBwEM2u9mrUFgiqbdZnVtd9Lqfa3t1NhByYcJY4Zz1rXmuwCtTEpwl
- Three schools across Acton, Greenford and Southall have been introduced to their dedicated Sustainability Managers. These Sustainability Managers will be supporting school communities (pupils and adults alike) to become more sustainable. Take a look at this link https://actforealing.org/2024/09/09/green-growth/ for more information.
School’s Carbon Footprint Measured
Staff at the school have measured its carbon footprint and the results will be published soon. With the help of the SMS Sustainability Manager, we looked at a whole range of impacts including energy and water use, staff and student travel, type of food consumed and waste. The results will feed into the 2024 Climate Action Plan and outline lots of ways we can all live and work more sustainably.
Sustainability survey for all Parents and Guardians
Parents/guardians, please spend 2 minutes completing this very short 6 question survey to help us understand what sustainability means to the school community. https://forms.office.com/e/A4FA236CFb
(We’ll be asking you again at the end of the Summer Term to see whether there have been any changes.)
The Great Cable Challenge
Join The Great Cable Challenge. Have you got one of ‘those’ drawers, filled with broken chargers and unused cables? According to research from Recycle Your Electricals, the UK bins stashes 627 million cables. That’s enough to go to the moon AND BACK! Did you know those cables are full of precious copper which could be recycled into anything from phones, transports, clean energy, and even lifesaving medical equipment?!
What can you do? Bring in your unwanted cables and chargers to school and we will make sure they are sent to a recycling point nearby. Look out for the deposit boxes in the corridors.
Sewing Course
A fun family weekend activity that also promotes sustainable fashion. Join us for a brand new session where we upcycle and remodel clothes. We’ll turn charity shop finds, or items from the back of your cupboard into a new and useful item of clothing. Experienced sewer, Laura Holland, a professional costume maker and used to creating something from nothing, shows us what to do.
Open Southall, Parkside Yards UB1 1GH Saturdays 11am- 1pm October : 5th, 12th, 19th & 26th £10 per person per session
Upcycle and remodel clothes to create a new and useful item – OPEN Southall
If you have any other suggestions for Eco-Projects please get in touch with Leon Palmer leonpalmer@sustainabilitymanagersforschools.org
Bring Our Futures
This is a community event that is being held in October to provide an opportunity for you to take your children to engage in various activities to do with policing that will help to break down barriers in a positive way. Take a look at the attached poster for further information.
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 look at the attached letter below on how to receive a supermarket voucher for this October half term.
Family First Magazine
Take a look at the magazine below that offers practical advice on parenting, mental health, family fun and lots more.
| Here’s your free copy of the UK’s largest parenting title – Enjoy! CLICK HERE  |
Home-Start Ealing
Home-Start Ealing has been supporting families in the borough for more than 25 years. Being a parent, whatever your situation, can be incredibly challenging, especially when children are young. Home-Start volunteers work alongside families to give compassionate and confidential support. To find out more information please see the link below.
https://www.egfl.org.uk/news/2024/09/home-start-ealing
Mental Health support team Autumn term workshop
Over the Autumn term, there will be a variety of workshops on offer for parents and carers of children who attend a school in Ealing. If you would like to know more about this and how to sign up, please see the attached poster below.
Villiers Diner – Week 2 menu ( Monday 21st Oct – Friday 25th Oct )
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.
Detention information
In order to support your child’s learning and keep standards high, we have introduced a new centralised teacher detention. This means that if a student’s behaviour has not improved after several reminders, they will have to sit a 40-minute detention after school.
We want to ensure that communication is made, so an automatic email will be sent to you, and students will sit the detention the next day, giving you 24 hours’ notice.
Please do remind your child about this and if you do have any queries about how we can best support your child, please do contact their Head of Year.
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
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.