Message from the Headteacher, Mr Richards
Happy Valentine’s day! It’s no coincidence that our school values spell out the word ‘HEART’ given that part of our vision is to be ‘the beating heart of the community’. Living up to this promise, we hosted our second community forum of the year on Monday evening in our Heritage room and our family forum in the sixth form where we discussed a variety of topics all aimed at supporting our students and our community to thrive.
Thank you to all the year 9 parents who came to the options evening on Thursday; if you require any further information about options, we have two pages on the website which may help: GCSE Options and GCSE Transition as well as information about our curriculum in general here.
Over the holidays we know that some families may struggle, so please do visit our safeguarding page for a list of resources which may help alongside advice about keeping children safe online and anti bullying work. School will not be open during the half-term (other than for planned interventions for year 11 and 13 which you can find out more about on page 2) so if you contact us during this time, please be prepared that there will not be an immediate response.
Year 12 Trip to Kolkata, India
~Harry Dhillon – Year 12
What an unforgettable journey! On January 24, 2025, I had the incredible opportunity to travel to Kolkata, India, with 19 fellow students and 6 dedicated teachers all thanks to the amazing organisation and care of our Head of Sixth Form, Mrs Nagi. I’m deeply grateful to her and to my school for making this adventure possible!
Our trip began as we arrived in Kolkata and settled into our hotel (complete with a refreshing swimming pool!). One of the highlights was visiting the Rabindranath Tagore Museum in Shantiniketan also known as Rabindra Bhavan. This museum isn’t just a building; it’s a gateway into the life of one of India’s most influential cultural figures. Rabindranath Tagore was the first person of Indian origin and the first Asian to be awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1913. Surrounded by his manuscripts, personal library, paintings, and photographs, I felt an immediate connection to his legacy and a renewed appreciation for the arts.
Beyond the museum, we immersed ourselves in the vibrant everyday life of Kolkata. We marvelled at cows and bulls roaming the streets and visited a traditional saree design studio, we learned that crafting a single saree can take anywhere from six months to two years. I even tried my hand at sewing, gaining a newfound respect for the skill and speed of the professionals.
A particularly memorable moment came on our way to one of Kolkata’s popular temples when my friends jokingly told a friendly shopkeeper that I’m Shah Rukh Khan’s son and that we were here for a movie shoot a playful encounter that perfectly captured the lighthearted spirit of our trip.
Our cultural immersion deepened during our visits to local schools. At the first school, the warm welcome went beyond the classroom. Some students even took us out to explore Kolkata, including a soulful visit to the famous River Ganges. Their kindness and guidance made us feel at home. The next school day was filled with creativity, painting, arts and crafts, and vibrant performances from children as young as seven. At The Heritage School, we paired with local students for a tour of their expansive campus. We engaged in gardening, collaborated on group projects about “integration” and “perception” (I proudly represented the “perception” group!), and even enjoyed an exciting football match against the school’s team. Every moment of this trip, blended learning, laughter, and genuine cultural exchange. I only wish I could share more photos with you all. I already can’t wait to return and uncover even more of this incredible city
Year 7s Sustainability Drop-down Morning
On Thursday 6th February, Year 7s participated in a series of workshops related to sustainability organised by Sustainability Managers for Schools (SMS) Leon Palmer and by Villiers Sustainability Coordinator, Mr Martins.
The workshops included Climate and Education talks run by Sustainability Managers for Schools (SMS), Climate Activism and Myth Busting delivered by AnotherWay, three sessions about Climate Justice run by GenEarth, and three hands-on activities: Litter Pick coordinated by LARGERCAN, jewellery-making from recycled materials promoted by the Design Technology teachers, and in the RepairCafé, pupils had a chance to fix bikes, clothes and appliances.
Also, pupils carried out a biodiversity audit around the school site, led by National Education Nature Park (NENP). All these extraordinary activities combined contributed to raising awareness about sustainable ways to live and to be an active citizen. Pupils clearly engaged very well in the activities and benefited from them hugely. They left the workshops aware of their commitment to our planet and ready to act.
PSHE: Year 9 TFL Workshop on Sexual Harassment
This week, our Year 9 students participated in an important workshop on sexual harassment delivered by Transport for London (TFL). The session aimed to raise awareness about inappropriate behaviour on public transport, how to respond to harassment, and ways to seek support.
Workshops like these help equip our students with the knowledge and confidence to navigate public spaces safely and respectfully. We encourage families to continue these conversations at home and reinforce the importance of respectful behaviour in all settings.
Year 10 GCSE Computer Science – AI in Schools Workshop
Last week, our Year 10 GCSE Computer Science students took part in an exciting and interactive AI workshop led by Dr. Beth Lane. They explored how AI powers real-world applications such as chatbots, recommendation systems, and image recognition. Students had the opportunity to design, code, and test their own AI models, including using Teachable Machine to program AI for image recognition. The session also sparked discussions on the importance of ethical AI and future career opportunities in the tech industry. A fantastic experience that inspired our students to think critically about the role of AI in our world!
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