Our Library Homework Club is open to all students of all year groups until 4pm throughout the academic year, and until 5pm during exam periods. It is an opportunity for our students to complete homework and revise in a quiet, safe space where they can prioritise learning and concentration.  It has been fantastic to see students making use of this space, especially during the recent mock examinations. Pictured is Samiyah in Year 10, who was revising in preparation for her maths mock examinations that were occurring over the coming days. We welcome and encourage all students to attend so that they may achieve their very best.

The school’s Debate Club traded cross-examinations for criminal investigations this week in a high-stakes murder mystery game designed entirely by members Victor and Adam. The event delivered an extraordinarily lively atmosphere, powered by the duo's impressive attention to detail. Victor and Adam spent weeks crafting an intricate crime scene complete with handwritten suspect notes, detailed mock police reports, and physical clues designed to challenge even the sharpest analytical minds.  Debaters quickly put their logic skills to the test, fiercely cross-examining suspects and debating timeline discrepancies before a team of student sleuths finally cracked the case. The evening was a total success, proving the club can dissect a crime scene just as effectively as a policy motion.

On Friday 6th November, our cross country team represented the school in a 2500m run at Pages Wood. We had six teams across the different age groups. Year 7 runner Adele achieved the bronze medal in the Year 7 girls' race, and Year 8 runner Abbie achieved the silver medal in the Year 8 & 9 girls' race. In the Year 9 & 10 boys' race, Sidi achieved the silver medal and David achieved the bronze medal.  As well as winning four medals, the team came joint first overall with Barking Abbey. Well done to all our students on this fantastic achievement.

This October half-term, 38 students from across our three sites and a range of year groups flew out to China for our annual exchange programme. The week-long trip consisted of a combination of amazing cultural activities, school visits, traditional food, and lots of shopping. Students had the opportunity to climb the Great Wall of China, go on a boat ride, and walk around the Forbidden City. They also visited four different schools, ranging from kindergartens to high schools. Despite their intense, action-packed days, the students still managed to keep their spirits high. Well done to all the students involved. Your behaviour was amazing, and you were great ambassadors not just for our school, but for the country! Thank you to Mr Walker and Mr Curtis for organizing the trip, and to the PTA for their funding support. 

On Monday 5th October, our Year 12 and 13 Beauty Therapy students enjoyed an exciting and inspiring visit to the Professional Beauty Show at ExCeL London , accompanied by their teachers, Mrs Rose and Ms Wallis. The event provided students with a fantastic opportunity to explore the latest trends, innovative treatments and exciting new product launches within the beauty industry. Throughout the day, students were able to experience professional products, observe live treatment demonstrations and engage with industry experts, gaining valuable insights into the ever-evolving world of beauty therapy. The visit was an excellent opportunity to broaden students' industry knowledge, develop their understanding of emerging technologies and treatments, and discover potential future career pathways. A fantastic day of learning, inspiration and professional development , helping our aspiring beauty therapists take another step towards their future careers in the beauty industry!

Across all three school sites, 150 Year 11 students experienced a Taster Day at Barking and Dagenham College, Rush Green Campus. This provided them with the opportunity to experience college life, try out different subjects and explore potential career pathways. Throughout the day, students took part in hands-on sessions across a range of curriculum areas and got a feel for what it's like to learn at the college. Our students got stuck into new experiences and began thinking about what their next steps could look like. Mr Hamill

The Year 9 boys played in their first National Cup game against Saffron Walden last week. The boys had a fantastic start, with the whole team working together through their set pieces and plays. A big contribution to their defensive only conceding 1 try through the match. A proud moment, scoring a rain of tries to finish the game at 44-7. The boys worked extremely well seeing them through against Southend High School in the next round at home.

To celebrate National Poetry Day on Thursday 1st October 2026, our English, Science and Geography departments created a lesson linked with their subject that explored this year's theme of 'Wonder' around a poem called 'Who's The Boss'. Lessons were taught to Year 7 and 8 students, and provided the opportunity to explore discussion and oracy based skills with students. Mrs Crowther-Green

On Monday 5 th October to Friday 9 th October 2026, 36 of our Year 13 A-level Biology students visited Trewern Outdoor Education Centre in Hereford, Hay-on-Wye, to participate in a 5-day long residential field trip. During the trip, students showcased excellent biological understanding, traversing many different ecological habitats (including stream/river systems and rocky shores) to expertly sample populations of plant and animal species. Pupils not only developed excellent fieldwork skills, but they also demonstrated fantastic levels of communication and teamwork. Our Year 13 pupils left such a fantastic impression at Trewern Outdoor Education Centre that they were even invited back to participate in work experience! We are incredibly proud of the excellent attitude and sense of community our A-level Biology students showed on this trip, and sincerely hope the memories they now have of this trip are lifelong.