Celebrating World Book Day: A Parade of Literary Characters:
World Book Day is a celebration of literature and reading that takes place annually, and this year was no exception. One of the highlights of the day was the staff's enthusiastic participation in dressing up as characters from beloved books.
From the moment one entered the school corridors, it was like stepping into a literary wonderland. Characters of all kinds roamed the halls, bringing the pages of their stories to life. There was Dr. Jekyll, embodying the duality of human nature; Where's Wally, with his iconic red-and-white stripes causing a delightful game of hide-and-seek; and Thing 1 and Thing 2, the mischievous duo from
Dr. Seuss's whimsical world.
But the creativity didn't stop there. Lady Macbeth made a striking appearance, her presence commanding attention and stirring echoes of Shakespearean tragedy. Meanwhile, the Phantom of the Opera lurked in the shadows, adding an air of mystery and intrigue to the festivities.
The sight of these characters mingling and interacting was a testament to the power of literature to inspire imagination and unite people across different stories and genres. It was a celebration not only of individual characters but of the collective joy found in the world of books.
As the day unfolded, students and staff alike couldn't help but be drawn into the enchanting atmosphere created by this eclectic parade of literary figures. It was a reminder that books have the remarkable ability to transport us to different worlds, ignite our imaginations, and bring us together in shared appreciation of the written word.
In the end, World Book Day was not just about dressing up; it was about celebrating the magic of storytelling and the enduring impact that books have on our lives. And as the last echoes of laughter and conversation faded away, one thing was clear: the spirit of literature would continue to inspire and captivate us long after the costumes were put away.
Reading Partnerships: Year 9 Students Visit Pinner Wood Primary School
On the 8th March, a group of Year 9 students had the opportunity to visit Pinner Wood Primary School as part of a reading partnership initiative. The PHS students engaged in workshop activities with Year 3 and 4 students, sparking discussions about their favourite books, sharing recommendations, and highlighting the importance of reading both in school and in broader life contexts.
The interaction between the older students from PHS and the younger pupils at Pinner Wood was enriching for both parties involved. As role models, the Year 9 students demonstrated a genuine passion for reading, inspiring the younger children to cultivate a love for books and literacy.
Pearl Patel, Chloe Fearn, Zidane Nai, Divyam Verma, Ronnie Lewis, Blake Lewis, Lemar Maskan, Viyaan Patel, and Kaashif Ali are deserving of special recognition for their exemplary contributions as reading role models. Their enthusiasm and dedication undoubtedly left a lasting impression on the students at Pinner Wood, fostering a positive attitude towards reading and learning.
Such collaborative initiatives not only promote literacy but also cultivate a sense of community and camaraderie between schools. The exchange of ideas and experiences during these visits enhances the educational journey for all involved, fostering a culture of lifelong learning and appreciation for literature.
A huge thank you and congratulations are extended to the Year 9 students for their outstanding efforts in promoting literacy and for being exemplary ambassadors for Pinner High School. May their passion for reading continue to "inspire" others and contribute to the enrichment of young minds in the community.
Empowering Readers: Year 12 Mentors Support Year 7 Students
This term, a dedicated group of Year 12 students took on the responsibility of undergoing training to become reading mentors for Year 7 students. Every Monday, the library buzzed with activity as Year 7s and 12s came together, working side by side to enhance reading confidence and delve into literacy activities that would benefit them across the curriculum and in their lives beyond school.
The collaboration between Year 12 mentors and Year 7 students has proven to be invaluable in nurturing a love for reading and improving essential literacy skills. From exploring the magical world of Matilda to embarking on thrilling adventures inspired by Bear Grylls, each session offered an exciting opportunity for shared learning and growth.
The enthusiasm and engagement demonstrated by the participating students is truly commendable. Their willingness to invest time and effort into this initiative has not only enhanced their own reading abilities but have also contributed to the academic and personal development of their peers.
To all the students who have participated in this program, we extend our sincere thanks. Your dedication and enthusiasm have made a significant difference in fostering a culture of reading and learning within our school community. Your commitment to supporting one another's growth as readers is a testament to the spirit of collaboration and mutual support that defines our school ethos.
As the term progresses, we look forward to witnessing the continued progress and success of our Year 7 students, guided by the unwavering support and encouragement of their Year 12 mentors. Together, we celebrate the power of reading to transform lives and ignite a lifelong passion for learning.
Two Students Shine at Harrow Regional Final of Jack Petchey's Speak Out Challenge
Students from Pinner High School showcased their oratory skills at the Harrow Regional Final of Jack Petchey's Speak Out Challenge, a prominent public speaking program in England. Managed and delivered by Speakers Trust, a leading public speaking charity in the UK, and supported by the Jack Petchey Foundation, this event aims to empower young voices, build confidence, and provide platforms for sharing stories and ideas.
The Speak Out Challenge emphasises effective communication for education, employability, and social change, offering free communication skills training to Year 10 students in state schools across London and Essex. Over 30,000 young people benefit from this program annually.
Sara Dawson's Success:
Sara Dawson, with her speech titled "It's About Time," delivered a captivating performance that resonated with the audience and judges. Her message urged listeners to value time, encouraging them to pursue happiness for a fulfilling life. Sara's outstanding performance earned her the Runner-Up position, reflecting her dedication and the skills honed through the Speak Out Challenge.
Reflecting on her experience, Sara expressed her joy and newfound confidence, stating, "I've learnt to trust myself through the Jack Petchey's Speak Out Challenge. It wasn't as scary as I thought. I know I can do it, and I did it!" Her success serves as an inspiration to her peers and all young individuals striving to make their voices heard.
Priya Kaur-Lawley's Achievement:
Priya Kaur-Lawley, another student from Pinner High School, delivered a remarkable speech titled "My Messy Room" at the same event. Her eloquent argument advocated understanding and acceptance of messy rooms, particularly amongst teenagers, highlighting them as spaces for self-expression and relaxation. Priya also suggested that messiness could indicate intelligence and potential success.
Despite tough competition, Priya secured third place, expressing her surprise and gratitude for the opportunity to showcase her speech. She acknowledged the support of Sir Jack Petchey and credited the Speak Out Challenge for nurturing her talent and fostering confident communication skills.
The success of Sara Dawson and Priya Kaur-Lawley at the Harrow Regional Final underscores the effectiveness of the Jack Petchey's Speak Out Challenge in empowering young individuals and promoting confident communication. Their achievements serve as inspiration, not only to their peers at Pinner High School but also to all young people striving to share their voices and ideas with the world.
Author Anthony McGowan Inspires Students on World Book Day
As part of the World Book Day celebrations, we were delighted to welcome acclaimed author Anthony McGowan to our school. Anthony engaged with students in Years 7 and 8, sharing insights into his journey as a writer and offering a glimpse into the creative process behind his latest book, 'Dogs of the Deadlands'.
During the session, Anthony regaled the students with tales of how he embarked on his writing career and the challenges he encountered along the way. He spoke passionately about the dedication and perseverance required to bring a book to life, particularly highlighting the extensive research that went into 'Dogs of the Deadlands', a project spanning over two years.
The students were captivated by Anthony's anecdotes and eagerly participated in the discussion, asking him a myriad of questions about his writing process, inspirations, and experiences as an author. Anthony's ability to connect with the students and share his passion for storytelling left a lasting impression, igniting their enthusiasm for literature and creative expression.
As the session drew to a close, it was evident that Anthony's visit had inspired the young minds in attendance, sparking a newfound appreciation for the power of words and the art of storytelling. We extend our sincere gratitude to Anthony McGowan for taking the time to visit our school and for inspiring our students with his words of wisdom and encouragement.
In the spirit of World Book Day, may Anthony's visit serve as a reminder of the transformative impact that literature can have on our lives, inspiring us to explore new worlds, broaden our horizons, and embrace the magic of storytelling.
Annual Poetry Slam: A Celebration of Voices
Our school recently hosted its annual poetry slam, where staff and students alike took the stage to share their love for poetry. Some recited original works, others read pieces from their favourite authors, while many came to support their peers.
The event was a vibrant celebration of creativity and community, with each performance resonating with authenticity and passion. From heartfelt reflections to uplifting odes, the power of poetry to connect us all was on full display.
As the final applause filled the room, it was clear that the poetry slam had left a lasting impact. To all who participated, thank you for making this event truly memorable. Let's continue to embrace our voices and celebrate the beauty of shared expression through poetry.
Pinner Pride: A Celebration of Our Students' Sporting Success
It's been an exhilarating season for our school's sports teams, and we have plenty of victories to celebrate! Here's a roundup of the fantastic achievements across various sports:
Netball Triumphs
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Year 9: Crowned as the borough champions, our Year 9 netball team has shown exceptional skill and teamwork.
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Year 10: The girls' netball team emerged as the borough champions after a nail-biting match against Park High, clinching victory with a score of 16-15.
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Year 11: Displayed remarkable tenacity in the semi-finals but were edged out by Park High.
Football Feats
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Year 8: Fought valiantly in the semi-finals but were narrowly defeated on penalties by John Lyon.
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Year 9: Dominated the semi-final against Whitmore with a resounding 4-0 win. The final is set for April 24th against Nower Hill – we're rooting for you!
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Year 10: Showed their prowess in the quarter-finals, securing an impressive 8-2 victory over Avanti.
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Year 11: Triumphed in the semi-final against Whitmore on penalties. The anticipation builds for the final on April 25th.
KS3 & KS4 Girls' Football
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KS3: Currently leading their group with unmatched performance.
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KS4: Reached the final against Park High, with the date to be announced.
Basketball Brilliance
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Year 8: Our basketball team has been crowned the borough champions after a victorious match against Salvatorian College.
Chinese Universities Day - Article by Carys H. in Year 11
On Tuesday, we went to a Chinese university fair. I found this very useful and interesting, as it allowed me to see what opportunities there are for Chinese after sixth form. First there was a talk, where we heard the experience of some students, one from University of St Andrews, one from
University of Cardiff and last but not least a student from Durham University. Then there was time for us to talk to some different universities, that offered some form of Chinese degree, including University of Warwick, University of Cambridge, Lancaster University, Chester University, St Andrews University, Durham University, SOAS, University of Cardiff, University of Sheffield. After that we had an authentic meal in China Town, and everyone really enjoyed getting bubble tea. I found out about combining Chinese with other subjects at university, and thought more about how I could use my gap year to improve my Mandarin level.
Educational Adventure: Hamilton Trip for UK Students in Music and Drama
A group of 90 KS3, KS4, and KS5 students recently enjoyed a special outing focused on Music and Drama, highlighted by witnessing the acclaimed Lin Manuel Miranda musical, Hamilton.
In the theatre, students were captivated by the performances and the story of Alexander Hamilton, gaining valuable insights into history and the arts. For GCSE and A Level students, this experience was particularly beneficial, deepening their understanding of historical events and encouraging creative expression.
Beyond the performances, the trip fostered unity and inspired discussions about ambition and legacy. As the curtains closed, it was clear that this adventure had left a lasting impact, reaffirming the importance of arts education in shaping young minds
Success at the Mock UN: Celebrating Student Achievement
Our students recently took part in the Mock United Nations, joining peers from local schools in engaging in discussions and debates on global issues. The experience was both enriching and enjoyable for all involved.
We're thrilled to announce that four of our students were recognised for their outstanding contributions. They were awarded certificates for their exemplary performances in debates and for their excellence as delegates.
Their achievements reflect not only their dedication and hard work but also their passion for diplomacy and global affairs. We commend them for their success and for representing our school with distinction.
Participating in the Mock UN is not just about winning awards—it's about honing critical thinking skills, fostering diplomacy, and gaining a deeper understanding of the world around us. We're proud of all our students who participated and contributed to the success of this event.
Congratulations to our award-winning students, and a big thank you to everyone who participated. Your enthusiasm and commitment have made us proud, and we look forward to more successes in the future.
Year 13 Business Students Shine in Zoom Revision Session
Our Year 13 Business students recently participated in a Zoom revision session with an Edexcel examiner to prepare for their summer exams. The examiner was highly impressed by the students' communication and participation, stating they were "one of the best groups she has had this year" in a follow-up email.
This commendation speaks volumes about our students' dedication and ability to excel in virtual learning environments. We congratulate them for their outstanding performance and encourage them to continue their hard work as they prepare for their exams.
Year 12 LinkedIn Trip
A group of Sixth Formers had the opportunity to spend the day in a professional work environment at the LinkedIn Headquarters in London, a major social media company with more than 1 billion registered members from over 200 countries and territories.
The office space was huge in size but not too full due to flexible working hours. There was a great restaurant, lots of snack and refreshment stations, a maternity room, gender neutral toilets, a rooftop hangout and even a gym with a personal trainer.
Through this experience we were able to gain lots of valuable information, such as how to determine our personal brand, how to build relationships with new connections, make connections for work experience and jobs, interview techniques and how to maximise our profile. It was very interesting to hear about aspects of Linkedin we had not previously heard of, such as the Linkedin Learning platform, which provides hundreds of online courses to help enhance many important skills.
We gained lots of valuable advice from the Q&A panel featuring 4 international LinkedIn professionals working in recruitment (Canadian), data analysis (French), marketing (American) and account management (British). These professionals shared their career journeys and how they got to their current positions. We learned how to be curious and resilient when approaching new career opportunities and how important it is to take positive feedback from rejection. We all look forward to implementing what we learnt in the coming months!
Parent Muslim Community Generously Provides Ramadan Lunch for Staff
During the holy month of Ramadan, our school community came together in a beautiful display of generosity and kindness. The Parent Muslim Community graciously provided lunch for our staff, offering delicious meals to break their fast and nourish them during this special time.
This thoughtful gesture not only showcased the spirit of Ramadan but also highlighted the strong sense of unity and support within our school community. It is gestures like these that truly embody the essence of compassion and understanding, fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Parent Muslim Community for their generosity and for exemplifying the spirit of Ramadan through their actions. Their kindness has touched the hearts of our staff and serves as a reminder of the importance of coming together to support one another, especially during times of celebration and reflection.
Design & Technology
Amongst the plethora of exhibits, their focus honed in on designer furniture, exploring form, function and innovation. With minds buzzing and imaginations ignited, students returned ready to translate their museum experience into innovative designs for their GCSE DT project based on Designer End Tables.
Mandarin
We are very proud that Year 12 Jakhavee K and Year 9 Nathan E have entered the Chinese Bridge Mandarin Speaking Competition, supported by Ms Liu. N Evans tells us about his experience:
The competition was structured into 3 parts:
- Part 1 was to create a speech lasting two minutes long and memorise it
- Part 2 I was asked 2 questions relating to the speech, which I responded to in Chinese
- Part 3 was to create an ‘on the spot’ speech from a stimulus (eg, describe your weekends), with a planning time of 45 seconds and a speaking time of 1 minute
I had been working towards this day for the past few months, writing out, memorising and practising my speech, at home and in school. The entire process was very stressful (as I was the last in the running order), although afterwards I felt relieved by how well it went. I now await the (hopefully positive) results!
Engaging Science Explorations for Year 7, 8, and 9 Students
The Science Dome made a triumphant return to our school hall, captivating Year 7 students with an immersive exploration of the delicate balance between life on Earth and the oceans. They learnt how the interconnectedness of life within and outside the sea plays a vital role in maintaining the equilibrium of our atmosphere, preventing our planet from resembling the uninhabitable conditions of Venus.
The analogy of Earth without this balance was vividly depicted as a house on fire with closed windows, illustrating the catastrophic consequences of unchecked carbon dioxide levels. Students were left with a profound understanding of the importance of environmental harmony.
Additionally, they were treated to a visual representation of the relative sizes of planets compared to the sun, broadening their cosmic perspective.Meanwhile, Super Curricular Investigations offered stimulating hands-on experiences for students in Years 7, 8, and 9.
Year 7 delved into the world of forensic science with the intriguing "Whodunit - The Case of the Stolen Chemicals" investigation, putting their deductive skills to the test as they worked to uncover the culprit among suspects Mr. Hayyan, Mrs. Anderson, or Dr. Munir.
In Year 8, students embraced their inner scientists by perfecting the art of making slime, exploring the fascinating properties of polymers and chemical reactions.
Year 9 students embraced the role of engineers as they tackled the challenge of constructing the most efficient and effective tower, applying principles of design, stability, and strength to their creations.
These engaging investigations not only stimulated students' curiosity and critical thinking skills but also provided valuable hands-on experiences that will undoubtedly inspire future scientific pursuits.
We commend our students for their enthusiasm and dedication to exploring the wonders of science, and we look forward to continued scientific discoveries and innovations in the years to come.
Our inspirational Year 10 female Physicists,
Sofia A, Roma L, Laya S, and Gia P recently represented our school in a rigorous Physics competition, facing off against teams from 20 other schools. This competition demanded not only technical prowess but also teamwork,
problem-solving skills, and critical thinking.
Their performance was nothing short of remarkable, leaving us bursting with pride. Throughout the competition, Sofia, Roma, Laya, and Gia exhibited unwavering dedication and determination. Their ability to collaborate seamlessly and tackle complex physics challenges underscored their exceptional talents and commitment to excellence.
Despite the stiff competition and challenging tasks, our students approached each problem with tenacity and resilience. Their outstanding performance is a testament to their hard work, preparation, and relentless pursuit of success.
We commend Sofia A, Roma L, Laya S, and Gia P for their outstanding representation of our school and for setting a shining example of teamwork and determination. Their achievement is a source of inspiration for their peers and a testament to the strength of our school community.