Y13 Leavers' Barbeque
On Friday, 20 June, just hours after our Biology students put their pens down on their final exams, Heston Sixth Form welcomed its Year 13 students for our annual Leavers Barbecue.
It was an emotion filled but joyous occasion, as our students sat down in our Sixth Form Centre one last time to hear from their tutors and myself before moving to the field for a relaxing barbecue in the sun. It was important for me to revisit the place where they started, two years ago, and to highlight how far they had come. I am incredibly proud of the resilience they have shown, of the obstacles they have overcome and of the individuals they have become.
Albert Einstein once said “Genius is 1% talent and 99% hard work”. Each of our students has spent countless hours poring over books, going over notes and discussing targets and progress with their teachers, and as they leave us, we are confident they are on the path to professional success.
However, school is about more than academic success. Our Sixth Form’s aim is also to develop students as well-rounded, happy and ambitious individuals. Over the past two years, we have seen fantastic demonstrations of ambition, both in and outside of school. Our students have attended Science workshops in Cambridge, trained for half-marathons, secured degree apprenticeships, been recognised for their kindness on national news, completed work experienced in American universities and become kind, intelligent, thoughtful and interesting young adults. There is so much to be said about the perseverance students displayed and I am excited to see where their journey takes them next.
Miss Forrest [Y3 Learning Coordinator]
From our students:
“Enjoy your school years, they go faster than you think.”
“I have enjoyed the last seven years and I am excited to go to uni now!”
“It was really nice to see all our teachers one last time today; I’ll definitely be back to visit!”
“Mr Naqvi’s video was really funny and it was nice to see many of our teachers take part.”
I've been attending Miss Bryan's arts and crafts enrichment club since the start of the year and I've really enjoyed my experience so far! This club has helped me discover my love for art and helped build my confidence in how Miss Bryan encourages us to let our creativity shine through our masterpieces! It helped me feel like myself and made me feel safer by showing my true self. This shows how enrichment improves us mentally!
As I step in the tranquil place called "The Library", my body tingles with excitement. As the feeling wears off, I spot the Librarian, who is very kind and calm; she helps everybody. My role in this place is Head Librarian. My duties are to check the returns box and put the books in a certain place. Everything has a place, and you can be a part of this wonderful community.
During our school trip to Bristol and Bath, I had the opportunity to explore a range of historic architecture, which deeply inspired me as an aspiring architecture student. One highlight was visiting Bristol Cathedral. I was fascinated by the way 18th-century architects were able to construct such a majestic and spiritual space for worship. The scale, symmetry, and intricate detailing showcased an incredible level of craftsmanship that continues to influence architectural design today.
Visiting the University of Bath on our school trip was both exciting and eye-opening. The campus was buzzing with energy, and it was fascinating to see what university life is really like. We got to explore the sports facilities where famous British athletes come to train, student facilities, and even speak to some current students who shared their experiences and advice regarding A-levels. It was inspiring to learn about the wide range of courses and opportunities available, and it made many of us start thinking seriously about our futures. Later, our visit to the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol was just as memorable. Standing on the bridge and looking out over the Avon Gorge was breathtaking, and learning about its history and engineering made it even more impressive. It’s one thing to read about famous landmarks, but being there in person gave us a whole new appreciation for the creativity and effort behind them. Exploring the city and seeing what Bristol is known for its street art, historic buildings, and vibrant atmosphere was a great way to connect with the culture and history of the area. Overall, the trip was the perfect mix of fun and learning, and it left us with memories we’ll never forget.
The Bristol and Bath trip was truly memorable and enjoyable. There were lots of exciting activities, from visiting museums to exploring landmarks such as the Clifton Suspension Bridge, and even a fun round of mini golf at the end. I can honestly say this was one of the most unforgettable experiences. The time I spent with my teachers, and most importantly my friends, was amazing. This trip has to be one of my favourite highlights of sixth form. It was truly exceptional, and I really appreciate the level of independence and trust our teachers gave us. It allowed us the opportunity to explore a new environment and step outside our comfort zones. A massive thank you to all the teachers who took part and made it possible.
I was surprised by how much history Bristol has to offer. One of the most fascinating parts of the trip was visiting the site where the statue of Edward Colston was pulled down. We had some eye-opening discussions about the legacy of historical figures and the naming of landmarks in the city, such as Cabot Tower.
Alana: wasn’t far behind, also taking 2nd place in her Y7 Discus event with a throw of 15m
I found the trip both enriching and enticing. There were a range of stalls with pamphlets exploring careers within aerospace and engineering, which I found particularly helpful as it gave me an insight and provided both knowledge and support on the subject. There were also a range of practical activities that we could do, like wearing life jackets and inflating them in the same way you would in case of an emergency, as well as being able to look inside the actual plane, which was also quite enriching. Overall, this trip was an amazing opportunity, providing me with useful knowledge, but it was also fun.
When visiting BA, we were able to have a look into the inner workings of operations within the airline. This includes the maintenance and repair team and a team that recycles parts of aeroplanes. Conversations with engineers and seeing different parts such as the engines showed us all the complex details that go into the making and maintaining of planes. There were many activities, including an air flight simulator and VR. It was an amazing opportunity to visit the BA hanger.
During the STEM open day at British Airways, I had an amazing experience exploring their hangar and speaking with various staff members. I was thrilled to see the Concorde up close and even had the chance to go up a crane for a unique view of the airport. I also spoke with professionals working in various other fields, including electrical engineering, security, and maintenance of the airport. It was an inspiring day that opened my eyes to the exciting career opportunities in aviation!
Girls