This week has been packed with exciting opportunities for our Key Stage 3 students, combining sport, creativity, careers education and hands-on learning. From competing on the athletics field to exploring traditional Arabic calligraphy, filmmaking and the wonders of the rainforest, our students embraced every experience with enthusiasm, curiosity and excellent behaviour.
Our annual Whole School Sports Day took place at Queen’s Park, where students from every year group came together to enjoy a fantastic day of friendly competition, teamwork and sporting achievement.
Throughout the day, students participated in a wide range of athletics events, including running races, relays, jumping and throwing competitions. They demonstrated resilience, determination and excellent sportsmanship while cheering on their classmates and celebrating each other’s successes.
Sports Day provided much more than healthy competition. It encouraged students to develop confidence, perseverance, leadership and teamwork while promoting the importance of maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle.
The event supported learning within the Physical Education curriculum, while also reinforcing key values from PSHE, including resilience, respect, fairness and positive wellbeing. Students also applied mathematical skills by measuring distances, recording times and analysing results, demonstrating how learning extends beyond the classroom.
It was wonderful to see such fantastic participation and school spirit throughout the day, making Sports Day another memorable success.
Year 8 students were delighted to welcome Mrs Gulnaz Mahboob from the Yunus Emre Enstitüsü London for our annual Arabic Calligraphy Workshop.
Mrs Mahboob introduced students to the beautiful and historic art of Arabic calligraphy, explaining how it is not only an important cultural tradition but also a unique artistic profession that many people are unaware of today.
She shared her personal journey of studying calligraphy in Türkiye and explained the traditional relationship between a calligraphy master and student, highlighting the values of patience, dedication and respect that are central to this ancient craft.
Students were fascinated to see examples of her masterwork before learning about the traditional Qalam (reed pen), including how it is carefully prepared and cut to produce elegant Arabic writing.
Working in small groups, students learned the correct way to hold the Qalam before practising the dots, strokes and letter formations that form the basis of the Ruq’ah script. By the end of the session, they had successfully written Arabic letters and combined them to form complete words.
The workshop strengthened students’ Arabic language skills while developing concentration, creativity, precision and fine motor control. It also made valuable links with Arabic, Art and Design, History, Religious Studies and Design Technology, encouraging students to appreciate both the artistic and cultural significance of Arabic calligraphy.
Year 9 students also enjoyed an inspiring Videography and Filmmaking Workshop led by media specialist Mr Wesam Kittani.
The day began with an introduction to careers within the creative media industry, where students learned about the roles of photographers, videographers, producers and editors. They discovered how creativity and technology work together in today’s digital world and explored the many exciting opportunities available within this growing sector.
Students then worked collaboratively in production teams, using digital cameras, computers and CapCut editing software to create their own media projects. From planning and capturing images to editing and presenting their finished work, every student played an important role in producing a professional-quality final project.
The workshop encouraged creativity, communication, teamwork and problem-solving while strengthening students’ confidence in using digital technology.
It also supported learning across Computing, Art, English, Media Studies and Careers Education, helping students develop valuable digital literacy skills that will benefit them throughout their education and future careers.
Year 7 students enjoyed an unforgettable visit from ZooLab Rainforest, bringing the wonders of the rainforest directly into school.
During this interactive workshop, students met a variety of fascinating rainforest animals and learned about their habitats, adaptations, diets and behaviours. They had the opportunity to safely observe and, where appropriate, handle several of the animals under expert supervision.
The experience brought classroom learning to life, allowing students to deepen their understanding of biodiversity, ecosystems and conservation through first-hand observation.
The workshop supported the Science curriculum, particularly topics relating to living organisms, classification and habitats, while also making links with Geography through the study of rainforest environments and global ecosystems. Students were encouraged to ask thoughtful questions, observe carefully and develop a greater appreciation of wildlife and the importance of protecting our natural world.
This week’s enrichment programme has provided our KS3 students with valuable opportunities to challenge themselves, discover new interests and connect their classroom learning with the wider world.
Whether competing with determination on Sports Day, mastering the traditional art of Arabic calligraphy, developing creative digital media skills or exploring the incredible diversity of rainforest animals, our students demonstrated maturity, enthusiasm and a genuine willingness to learn.
We are extremely proud of the excellent attitude, behaviour and commitment shown by all of our students throughout the week.
Our sincere thanks go to Mrs Gulnaz Mahboob from the Yunus Emre Enstitüsü London, Mr Wesam Kittani, ZooLab Rainforest, and everyone involved in organising our successful Sports Day at Queen’s Park. Their support continues to enrich our students’ education, broaden their horizons and inspire them to become confident, respectful and ambitious young people.
