HESTON TIMES AUTUMN 2022

1 DEPUTY HEADTEACHER MESSAGE As we approach the end of the term, I am very pleased to write the foreword for the Autumn Heston Times. I am extremely proud to share with you news of the Summer GCSE and A Level achievements. In the first year of public examinations since the pandemic, students and teachers alike were understandably nervous about the results. The release of the A Level results was met with a mixture of relief, jubilation and tears of joy. Our students did the School and themselves proud, producing our best ever set of results. The vast majority were accepted to their first choice university and apprenticeship places. These results are a testament to the hard work and dedication of students, colleagues and the support from families. We wish them well in whatever path their life takes and look forward to hearing about their future successes. It was a pleasure to see so many of our Year 11s return to continue their studies in the Sixth Form. Their achievements at GCSE were also a source of pride for the entire School community. I look forward to reporting on their success in two years. In November 2022, Heston celebrated its 90 th year as an integral part of the local community. It gave us the opportunity to reflect, with a sense of pride, on the contribution of our students to the community. As part of the celebration, students had the opportunity to see the humble beginnings of their School and the significant achievements since its inception. I am already eagerly anticipating the 100 th year of Heston’s existence and, whether you have children in School at that time or not, we hope that you will join us in our celebrations. The Autumn Term has brought several exciting developments to the physical infrastructure of the School, significantly improving the learning environment for the student body. I would like to draw your attention to the stories in this newsletter that share the improved seating and space in the Canteen. This has allowed more students to use its services at any given time in a more comfortable setting. The Modern Foreign Languages Curriculum Area has now moved to the top floor of the Hogarth Building accommodating five purpose designed classrooms. Improvements in the Art Curriculum Area include a brand new classroom and dark room, where students have access to state of the art facilities and cutting-edge technology to support their learning. Our Post 16 students have once again benefited from new facilities with a dedicated food kiosk providing a variety of meals and snacks during their first break. This has improved their experience and allows them to socialise in their own exclusive seating area. At Heston, we are committed to fostering a learning environment that promotes the School’s ethos and prepares our students to take advantage of the many opportunities that they will be presented with later in life. One example of this is our commitment to student voice. Our Student Council has continued to flourish and has spearheaded the roll out of a new initiative called Hestonian Heroes. Every fortnight those students who demonstrate a specific Hestonian Value are recognised. They have also started to recruit representatives with specific interests in Art, Music, Drama, Sports and Fitness, Literature, Science and Humanities, with a view to promoting these interests with the school community. The School’s focus on enrichment opportunities has grown from strength to strength, with the vast majority of our students now regularly attending an activity. From the range of sports on offer, to Bhangra and yoga, there is something for everyone and we would encourage you to remind your child to try something new. On behalf of all the staff and Trustees, I would like to wish you and your loved ones a safe, happy and restful break. Ingrid Hall UPCOMING EVENTS January 03/01: INSET Day 04/01: Start of Spring Term 04/01: Yr. 11 — 13 Mock Examinations begin 30/01: GCSE French Mock Speaking Examinations Start February 09/02: 15:50 - 19:00: Post 16 Parents' Evening [Virtual] 10/02: Half Term Begins 20/02: Late Start for Students 22/02: GCSE Food Examinations 23/02: Year 11 Progress Meetings 28/02: Post 16 External Interviews March 08/03: Y2. 11 and Yr. 13 Photographs 09/03: 15:50 - 19:00: Yr. 9 Parents' Evening [Virtual] 16/03: 15:50 - 19:00: Yr. 7 Parents' Evening [Virtual] 21/03: Super Learning Day [2] 22/03: Super Learning Day [3] 23/03: 15:50 - 19:00: Yr. 10 Parents' Evening [Virtual] 24/03: 10:00: Yr. 8 HPV Vaccinations 24/03: 10:00: Yr. 9 HPV Vaccinations 28/03: Spring Music Concert The Heston Times Autumn 2022