Message from the Headteacher, Mr C Richards:
A big thank you to Mr Virdi and his team for organising and running the Christmas markets trip to Paris last week. We’ve had some fantastic feedback from the pupils about how much they learned and how much they enjoyed the experience and there are already plans afoot for next week. This week our year 7s went to the Lyric Theatre to watch Aladdin (oh yes, they did!), our year 11 Eduqas Drama conference was a great success and our mock exams series has finally finished.
A reminder that today (20th December) is the end of term. Key Stage 3 pupils (years 7 – 9) will be dismissed at 12.15pm and Key Stage 4 and 5 (years 10 – 13) will be dismissed at 12.30pm. 6th form students may leave after their final lesson of the morning if it is before 12.30pm. It is vital that all students head straight home and do not linger around school, Southall park or in and around local shops and businesses.
Term starts again 6th January, 2025. Pupils will need to enter via gate 3 (on Boyd Avenue) for the next half-term due to the work on the Air Source Heat Pumps near gate 6. It is expected that students are in tutor rooms by 8.30am that morning.
Do have a very restful break and Merry Christmas to those celebrating.
Dates for your diary
| 6th January, 2025 | All return for the start of the new term. (In tutor rooms by 8.30am). |
| 7th January | Year 13 Mock Exams → 17th January |
| 10th January | PSHE: Online Safety for Y7 – 11 |
| 13th January | Year 10, 12 & 13 D&T Trip to the Design Museum Year 11 Chemistry Drop-down day |
| 14th January | Year 11B Geography Field Trip to Olympic Park |
| 15th January | Year 11C Geography Field Trip to Olympic Park |
| 16th January | Year 8 Parents’ Evening Spanish Trip to BFI |
| 22nd January | Challenge Partners Visit → 24th January |
| 24th January | India Trip → 1st February |
| 29th January | Intermediate Mathematical Challenge |
| 30th January | Year 7 – 10 P.E. Trip (Laser Tag) 10.30am – 2.30pm |
| 31st January | Higher Education Fair |
| 3rd February | LGBT+ History Month starts → 27th February |
| 6th February | Year 13 Parents’ Evening |
| 7th February | Year 10 Computer Science AI Developer Workshop |
| 10th February | Year 10 R.E. Trip to East London Mosque Family Forum (5 – 6pm) |
| 12th February | Year 11 Drama GCSE Performance Exam Year 9 Sexual Harassment Workshop Year 8 & 9 Mathematical Structures Workshop |
| 13th February | Spanish Trip: BFI Southbank Year 9 Parents’ Options Meeting Years 7 – 12 PE Trip – Indoor Skiiing |
Other key dates for the year can be found on our website. Next year’s confirmed dates are also available now.
Year 8: Christmas Market Trip to Paris
We are thrilled to share the highlights of our enchanting Christmas Market trip to Paris which took place Thursday 12th to Friday 13th December. It was an unforgettable experience for our Year 8 students. We hope you enjoy this glimpse into the magic they encountered. Our journey began with excitement as we boarded the coach and made our way to the City of Light. Upon arrival, we were greeted by Paris’s twinkling lights and festive atmosphere. Students were captivated by the iconic Eiffel Tower lit up against the night sky, setting the tone for an unforgettable adventure. On Thursday evening the cruise on the river Seine provided breathtaking views of Paris’s illuminated landmarks, leaving everyone spellbound and it was amazing to see our Year 8 students enjoying seeing the city of light and been offered a valuable lifelong experience which we believe they will never forget.
One highlight was the opportunity for students to practise their French language skills while interacting with local market sellers. They impressed us with their enthusiasm and efforts to communicate, making the experience both educational and enjoyable.
The trip was not just about exploring Paris but also about strengthening friendships and fostering independence. Students supported each other throughout the journey, creating bonds that will last well beyond this adventure. Their behaviour was exemplary, and they represented our school with pride and respect. The Trip Manager and the Coach driver were massively impressed by the level of respect and kindness shared by our Year 8 students.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the teachers and staff who made this trip possible. Their dedication and careful planning ensured that everything ran smoothly and safely. We would also like to thank parents and Carers for their support and trust in allowing their children to join us on this journey. This trip has left us with a renewed sense of wonder and an eagerness for future adventures. Stay tuned for announcements about upcoming events and opportunities for our Year 8 students to continue exploring and learning beyond the classroom.
Thank you for being a part of this incredible experience. We wish you and your family a joyous holiday season and wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
~ Mr. V. Virdi- Head of Year 8
Year 9 Trip to Brunel University
Twenty-nine students participated in The STEM Year 9 Taster Day at Brunel University on December 11, 2024. They designed and built bridges and cars. Shawn 9L, Ohiul 9E, and Tamin 9I won the design and built the fastest car with the best streamlined shape. The staff members at Brunel were very complimentary of all our lovely students, and they had a great time.
‘Medieval Women’ Exhibition at the British Library
On Thursday 12th December the A Level History students visited the ‘Medieval Women’ exhibition at the British Library. The Exhibition covered the period of time from the 11th to 15th century. The themes of the exhibition included medicine, politics, religion and work. The students were pleased to discover that women in the medieval world had more autonomy than they expected with 10% of apprentices in London being women.
The students were extremely moved to see the signature of Joan of Arc a women the same age as the students who created a turning point for the French during the Hundred Years War. The exhibition included the smells of Heaven and Hell and even the skull of a lion brought to England by Margaret of Anjou Queen to Henry VI. The students look forward to using this knowledge in their exams in YR 13.
Black History Bookmark Competition Winners 2024
Congratulate the six winners of our Black History Bookmark Competition. Each student received a book token, certificate, and trophy. 20 students were also shortlisted as runners up. Well done all!
The six winners are: Viyan 9E, Safin 7H, Irfa 7E, Lisha Ann 7E, Kinza 9E, Suha 7E.
Year 9 Family Morning Breakfast
The Year 9 team promoted a Family Morning Breakfast where parents were able to engage with their pupils Head of the Year and Deputy Head of the Year. During the meeting, parents were given a chance to understand more about the importance of high standards of attendance while enjoying breakfast.
Student Leadership – Sustainability
This week, Dr Bike teamed up with Let’s Ride Southall to offer free bike repairs at our school. Mechanics serviced 12 bikes, successfully repairing 11, including a bike belonging to a teacher who commented: “They adjusted my brakes and pumped up the tyres—I noticed an amazing difference! This is such a great service!”.
We hope to bring this service back next term, so keep an eye out for the next notice if you’d like to take advantage of this fantastic free opportunity. We hope this initiative inspires more students and staff to use their bikes for school journeys—a greener, healthier choice for everyone.
Year 11 students shine in mock interview experience
We are thrilled to share the success of our Year 11 students who recently participated in a valuable mock interview experience. This initiative provided students with a unique opportunity to develop crucial employability skills and prepare for the world of work. Throughout the process, students engaged in a series of activities designed to mirror a real-world job application journey. They began by reviewing job specifications and learning how to analyse key responsibilities and requirements for a role. This was followed by the creation of tailored CVs, allowing students to showcase their strengths, skills, and achievements in a professional format. The experience culminated in a one-to-one interview with one of our external stakeholders.
Students had the chance to practise their interview techniques, respond to competency-based questions, and receive constructive feedback on their performance. This invaluable experience not only boosted their confidence but also provided them with practical insights into the expectations of potential employers.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our external stakeholders for their time, expertise, and support in making this initiative a resounding success. Their involvement has had a lasting impact on our students’ readiness for future employment opportunities. A special congratulations to Gurshaganveer Singh in year 11 who successfully secured a summer work experience placement with The Green Quarter by Berkeley.
Year 7 Football News
As the term comes to an end, we would like to congratulate the Year 7 boys for their hard work. Although we did not get the results we wanted, the team remained tenacious and respectful throughout – well done!
A massive congratulations to Team Barcelona for winning Villiers Football Club League in school. Each week, there are over 30 pupils who attend the Football Club, a great team spirit and great sportsmanship. Mr Barber is very proud!
Year 7 Trip to Oxygen Trampoline Park
Congratulations to 7L who won the interhouse attendance competition this term. To reward them for their hard work, they enjoyed a trip to Oxygen Trampoline Park, a great way to celebrate. Students enjoyed their time and worked in a team in a great dodgeball match!
Year 7 & Year 8 Trip to Pantomine
The Year 7s and 8s enjoyed their time yesterday at the Pantomime watching Aladdin – an engaging, thrilling and hilarious time was had by all. Yusuf 7G and Patrik 7S enjoyed their time on stage alongside the star of the show Mr Barber! Well done for their excellent behaviour, they represented Villiers in a great way. Thankyou to Ms Reynolds for organising and to other teachers for their support!
Year 11 HS2 work experience interviews
Well done to all the year 11 students who participated in the recent HS2 work experience interviews. Our students put a tremendous effort into this and looked very professional. Merlyn, our year 12 A-level Photography student, took some excellent photographs of our year 11 students modeling in the style of the influential fashion photographer Erwin Blumenfeld, and these photographs were also created without the use of Photoshop. Well done, year 11 and year 12 photography students.
Teen Activity Sessions
Parenting Workshops for January 2025
Please find attached flyers for upcoming parenting workshops in January. If you would like to attend either of these sessions, please register by emailing parentingserviceadmin@ealing.gov.uk, including which workshop you are interested in.
Southall – Your Town, Your Vote
Have a say in our local community and vote for your key priority for Southall. The priority with the most votes will receive a significant investment over the next twelve months, so it is important to have your say. Through the link, there are also chances to sign up for a range of volunteering opportunities so that you can support your local community too.
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.
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 December Holidays.
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.
Sustainability Survey for all Parents and Carers
Parents/carers, 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.)
Villiers Diner – Week 1 Menu ( Monday 6th Jan – Friday 10th Jan)
EGFL – Ealing Grid For Learning
- Parent/Carer survey on social emotional and mental health (SEMH) provision and pathways- As part of Ealing’s review of social, emotional and mental health provision and pathways, we are seeking the views of parents and carers of young people living or attending school in the borough. Please Click here to complete the survey.
Holiday Playschemes – Christmas 2024
Penalty Noice for Unauthorised absences
A reminder to families that following the new guidance around school attendance that came into effect from September, new absence fine rates and thresholds at which penalty notices can be considered are now in place. If a family take their children out of school without authorisation for 5 or more days (which do not have too be consecutive) in a 10-week period, they will be liable to receive a penalty notice from Ealing. This can also include poor punctuality to school without an acceptable reason. Currently, the amount payable under a penalty notice is £160 per parent/carer, which reduces to £80 if paid within 21 days. If a further 5 days of absence occur, parents will be liable for a second penalty notice of £160 per parent per child with no reduction. If the penalty notice remains unpaid after 28 days, the Local Authority will consider a prosecution in the Magistrates Court.
Please note that penalty notices are issued per parent/carer per family so a family of two parents and two children will receive 4 penalty notices. Further absence could also result in prosecution.
We encourage all our families to notify us of any pupil absence, and for every day they are absent as well. You can report student absences or lateness by calling Ms Gough, our Attendance officer, on either 0208 8138001 or 020 8867 9077, or by emailing studentabsence@villiers.ealing.sch.uk. When leaving a voice message, please ensure that you are using the mobile number we have on our system. If you have changed your number, please let us know.
For Sixth Form Absences – please contact Ms Boliya, our sixth form administrator, on 020 8813 8001 (extension 1478) or email sboliya@villiers.ealing.sch.uk
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.