Celebrating Language and Culture at Pinner High
This term has been full of exciting opportunities for students in our Languages Department, as they explored new cultures, connected with alumni, and celebrated language learning through food, creativity, and conversation.
In Spanish, our students had the privilege of meeting a former Pinner High School student who is now in his second year at SOAS, University of London, studying Mandarin and Japanese. He returned to speak with our Year 9 and Year 11 classes, offering fascinating insights into his journey from Sixth Form language studies to university life. Our students were especially intrigued to learn that he will be spending a year studying abroad in Beijing—a unique opportunity to immerse himself in language and culture. His visit sparked lively discussions about the differences between learning Mandarin at school and at university, as well as the exciting pathways for global work and travel that language learning can unlock.
Meanwhile, our Mandarin and Spanish classrooms were buzzing with energy as nearly 300 students earned a bubble tea reward token for their enthusiastic participation in lessons. With flavours like classic brown sugar milk tea and lychee tea, the drinks were freshly made in school—with help from our talented Year 8 and Year 9 students.
The Chinese New Year brought even more celebration, with our wonderful kitchen team serving delicious Chinese dishes in honour of the occasion. Our Year 7 and Year 8 students joined in with creativity and spirit, taking part in a vibrant Chinese New Year door decoration competition that brought festive colour and culture to our school corridors.
From alumni inspiration to hands-on celebration, this term has shown the many ways language learning can open doors—both literally and metaphorically.
Checkmate! Pinner High Shines at Interschools Chess Tournament
Strategy, focus, and a touch of competitive spirit were on full display at the recent Interschools Chess Tournament, where Pinner High School played host to students from Bentley Wood and Northwood College.
Our players demonstrated not only their tactical prowess but also grace under pressure, going head-to-head 
with strong competitors in a series of intense matches. We’re thrilled to announce that Pinner High secured two of the top three places—a fantastic achievement that speaks to the skill, patience, and preparation of our team.
Congratulations to all who participated—you’ve shown that chess isn’t just a game, it’s a battle of minds, and Pinner High came out on top!
Mathematical Minds Shine in National Competitions
We are thrilled to celebrate the mathematical achievements of our students in Years 9, 10, and 11, who continue to impress with their intellect and dedication. A total of 59 students recently took part in the Intermediate Maths Challenge, demonstrating their problem-solving skills and mathematical fluency in this prestigious competition.
Adding to this success, eight talented students represented our school at the highly regarded Maths Feast competition, facing off against 22 teams from various local schools. Divided into two teams of four, they tackled a series of rigorous rounds covering algebra, geometry, and mathematical reasoning. The challenge pushed their thinking to new heights—but our students rose to the occasion brilliantly.
Both teams performed exceptionally well, showcasing not only strong mathematical ability but also teamwork, resilience, and an infectious passion for maths. Their efforts were richly rewarded with impressive 6th and 8th place finishes overall—a remarkable result in a highly competitive field.
A huge congratulations to A Gupta, J Mistry, K Patel, L Sunderji, M Damodar, M Mistry, N Patel, and S Kanuga. We are incredibly proud of your achievements and the inspiring example you set for your peers.
High Achievers Rising: A Term of Challenge and Discovery
This term has been packed with exciting opportunities for our High Achieving Pupils (HAP), who have embraced every chance to stretch their thinking and dive deeper into their academic passions.
In English, students rose to the occasion through their participation in the Jack Petchey Speak Out Challenge, Poetry Slams for World Book Day, and various Online Reading Challenges. These enriching experiences have not only nurtured creativity but also helped students develop confidence in their public speaking and a deeper love for literature.
Over in Maths, we’re incredibly proud of one standout student who ranked among the top participants in the national Maths Challenge—earning a coveted invitation to a prestigious summer school. A remarkable achievement that reflects both talent and tenacity!
Our Oxford Inspire Programme for Years 9–11 continues to offer thought-provoking sessions, with recent topics exploring how guilt is determined in psychology. We're delighted to share that five students have been invited to a Summer School at Oxford University, an exceptional opportunity to explore higher-level thinking in an inspiring academic environment.
In Mandarin, students were treated to a talk from one of our own alumni, who is currently studying the language at university. This invaluable session offered firsthand insight into the challenges and rewards of pursuing languages at an advanced level.
For our Sixth Form students, we organised study days at the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge, giving them a real taste of university life while encouraging them to explore their academic interests in world-class settings.
It’s been a vibrant and fulfilling term for our HAP cohort, and we are incredibly proud of the curiosity, ambition, and enthusiasm they continue to bring to every opportunity.
Sixth Form Success: Oxbridge Offers & Inspiring Opportunities
We are absolutely delighted to share some fantastic news from our Sixth Form, as our students continue to shine with hard work, ambition, and academic excellence.
A huge congratulations to the following students for receiving prestigious Oxbridge offers:
🎓 J Tarling – offered a place to read History at Oxford University
🎓 R Savla – offered a place to study Archaeology at Oxford University
🎓 A Rackham – offered a place to read History and Politics at Cambridge University
🎓 L Herbert – offered a place to study Geography at Cambridge University
These achievements reflect not only the dedication and passion of the students themselves, but also the outstanding support provided by our Sixth Form staff. We are incredibly proud of what they’ve accomplished and can’t wait to see what the future holds for them.
In even more good news, six of our current Year 12 students have secured places on the Oxford Inspire Programme with St. John’s College, an exciting opportunity to engage in university-level study and explore their academic interests further.
Our Sixth Form continues to be a space where aspiration is nurtured and excellence is achieved. Well done to all!
Drama & Performing Arts: A Spotlight on Expression and Creativity
This term has been a whirlwind of theatrical energy, creativity, and collaboration across all year groups in our Drama and Performing Arts department. From classroom experiments to professional productions and international trips, our students have truly embraced the spirit of performance.
In the Classroom...
Year 7 students have been diving into melodrama, experimenting with stock characters, exaggerated gesture, and body language to tell stories with bold emotion.
Year 8 are engaging with educational theatre, using placards in performance to provoke change and raise awareness about trending social issues. They also stepped into the role of critics, providing insightful feedback to our Year 11 students as they prepared for their Component 2 GCSE Drama exams.
Year 9 students took part in a Unique Theatre Workshop led by Unique Community, designed to build empathy, deepen their understanding of community, and sharpen their critical thinking around real-world issues.
Exam Success & Theatre Trips
Our Year 11 students have now completed Component 2 of their GCSE Drama—60% of their final grade. As part of the preparation, they performed to Key Stage 3 students, gaining valuable feedback to refine their work. They also took part in Component 3, attending a performance of Animal Farm at Stratford East, exploring powerful political storytelling on stage. Year 13 Drama students also completed Component 2, supported by peer performances with students from Canons High School and Park High School. As part of Component 3, they travelled to The Old Vic to see a gripping adaptation of Oedipus, adding depth to their exploration of Greek tragedy.
On Stage & Beyond
Rehearsals are in full swing for our highly anticipated summer production of The Wizard of Oz, with an incredible 60 students involved! We’re thrilled to see our Key Stage 3 ambassadors, G Jain and K Patel, take on the roles of the 
Lion and Glinda—their commitment and charisma are already lighting up rehearsals.
We also hosted a Performing Arts Non-Uniform Fundraiser, and we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all parents and carers who contributed. The day was full of laughter and creativity with karaoke, Just Dance battles, and a “Best Dressed” competition celebrating PHS Values: Creativity and Collaboration.
And to top it all off—our A-Level Drama students jetted off for an unforgettable international trip to Berlin. The experience provided incredible insight into global performance styles and was an inspiring cultural immersion for our budding these pians.
From Year 7 to Year 13, our students continue to push boundaries, express themselves, and uplift one another through the power of performance. Bravo to all!
British Science Week 2025: Curiosity, Careers & Cutting-Edge Discovery
This year’s British Science Week was nothing short of electrifying at Pinner High, offering students a dynamic blend of hands-on exploration, future-focused learning, and inspiring scientific discovery.
Throughout the week, our corridors buzzed with curiosity as students across Key Stages 3 and 4 engaged in a variety of events designed to ignite a deeper interest in the sciences. Students who demonstrated excellence in their Science lessons were awarded exclusive tickets to a lunchtime practical session, where they explored topics through dissections, forensic investigations, and exciting physics demonstrations that brought the wonder of the subject to life.
During Form Time, all students took part in thoughtful class discussions exploring the role of AI in healthcare—a hot topic in today’s rapidly evolving world of medical science. These conversations not only encouraged critical thinking but also highlighted the ethical considerations and real-world applications of science in everyday life.
We also shone a spotlight on the world of engineering, helping students explore the vast and varied career opportunities available in the field—from structural design and robotics to environmental engineering and aerospace.
One of the week’s most talked-about highlights was an immersive dome experience brought right into our very own school hall. Year 7 students were transported into the depths of space as they learned about the mysterious phenomenon of black holes, a truly out-of-this-world way to experience science beyond the textbook.
British Science Week reminded us all of the importance of curiosity, innovation, and imagination in shaping the future. A huge thank you to the Science department for putting on such a brilliant programme of events—our students are walking away inspired, informed, and ready to take on the world of science.
From Particle Colliders to the Cosmos: A Stellar Season for Science
This term has been packed with awe-inspiring opportunities for our budding scientists, taking their learning from the classroom to the cutting edge of scientific discovery—and beyond.
Our Sixth Form Physics students embarked on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to CERN and the United Nations in Geneva, diving deep into the world of particle physics. At CERN, they learned directly from some of the world’s leading experts about the revolutionary research being conducted with the Large Hadron Collider, where particles are smashed together at near light-speed to unravel
the mysteries of matter and the universe. The experience offered not only scientific insight but a glimpse into the spirit of global collaboration that defines modern science.
While in Geneva, students also visited the UN Headquarters, including the iconic debate room where key international decisions are made. It was a powerful reminder of the intersection between science, diplomacy, and global progress.
Back home, our students turned their eyes skyward for a memorable evening of stargazing and planetary observation. The clear night offered brilliant views of Jupiter, Mars, Uranus, and Neptune, along with several dazzling constellations. Equipped with binoculars and telescopes, students deepened their appreciation for astronomy, witnessing the wonders of our solar system with their own eyes.
Whether probing the subatomic world or exploring the vastness of space, our students continue to show a boundless curiosity and passion for discovery. These experiences not only expand their scientific horizons but also ignite imaginations and ambitions that may one day help shape the future of science.
English in Action: Sixth Form Explore Drama on Stage
Our Sixth Form English students had the opportunity to witness a powerful live performance of Death of a Salesman, enriching their understanding of this iconic text as part of their exam preparation.
Seeing the characters come to life on stage added depth and emotional resonance to their studies, helping students connect with the themes, dialogue, and dramatic techniques in a way that classroom analysis alone can’t always achieve.
It was a memorable and thought-provoking experience that brought the world of Arthur Miller’s masterpiece vividly to life—an invaluable companion to their ongoing work in English Literature.
Year 12 Meet Daljit Nagra at Post-Colonial Conference
Our Year 12 English Literature students were recently invited to attend the annual Post-Colonial Conference at St Helen’s, where they had the unique opportunity to meet acclaimed poet Daljit Nagra. Known for his powerful explorations of identity, culture, and language, Nagra’s work offered a compelling focal point for the day’s discussions.
The event deepened students’ engagement with post-colonial literature, sparking thoughtful reflection and vibrant conversation. We’re especially proud to share that some of our students were even quoted in the Harrow Times—a wonderful recognition of their insightful contributions and literary maturity.
Experiences like this not only enhance classroom learning but also give students the chance to interact with leading voices in contemporary literature and explore the themes shaping global narratives today. Teacher of English Ms Woolford judged the student’s artistic creations, with a group of both PHS and St Helen's students combined were amongst the overall winners.
Speaking Out with Pride: Regional Finals Success
We are incredibly proud of our students who took part in the Jack Petchey Speak Out Regional Finals, showcasing their confidence, creativity, and command of language in front of a live audience. Their speeches tackled meaningful topics with clarity and passion, embodying the values of expression and leadership we champion at Pinner High.
A special highlight of the evening was seeing last year’s runner-up return as a judge, sitting alongside distinguished guests Daljit Nagra and the Mayor—a true testament to the calibre of students our school continues to nurture.
Congratulations to M Mistry and Shaurya Kanuga, who represented us with poise and power. We are immensely proud of your achievements and the inspiration you bring to your peers.
Art in Action: Creative Journeys Beyond the Classroom
It’s been an inspiring time for our young artists, with recent trips and projects that have sparked imagination and deepened creative understanding across year groups.
Year 9 and Year 12 Art students recently visited the National Portrait Gallery, where they explored powerful representations of identity, culture, and history through portraiture. The experience encouraged students to think critically about the role of art in storytelling and representation—while drawing inspiration for their own developing work.
Meanwhile, our A Level Art students had the opportunity to attend Mixology by Ketna Patel at the Heath Robinson Museum, a bold and vibrant exhibition exploring themes of multicultural identity and pop culture. A highlight of the trip was the chance to take part in an artist talk and Q&A, where students engaged directly with Patel about her creative process, influences, and the stories behind her powerful pieces.
Back in the studio, Year 12 artists have been busy translating their ideas into action, producing large-scale development pieces that reflect the conceptual depth and technical skill they are building through their personal projects. These works mark a pivotal moment in their creative journeys—rich with originality, experimentation, and self-expression.
Year 10 Dive into Digital Distortion with 'Glitch' Art Project
Our Year 10 Art students have been exploring the intersection of technology and creativity through their innovative ‘Glitch’-inspired mixed media project. This visually striking unit encouraged students to embrace imperfection and distortion, using it as a powerful tool for artistic expression.
Throughout the project, students experimented with layered mixed media techniques, combining traditional materials with digital photography editing to create bold, fragmented visuals that reflect the energy and unpredictability of the glitch aesthetic.
The final outcomes are a testament to their creative risk-taking and technical growth—a series of artworks that are as thought-provoking as they are visually captivating. We’re incredibly proud of the originality and commitment our young artists have shown, and we can’t wait to see how they build on these skills in their future projects.
Year 8 Bring Their Surroundings to Life in Clay
This term, our Year 8 Art students have been getting hands-on with a new batch of clay relief experiments, forming part of their ‘Surroundings’ Scheme of Learning. Drawing inspiration from the textures, patterns, and structures in their everyday environment, students explored how to translate observation into three-dimensional form.
Through carving, layering, and imprinting techniques, they’ve created tactile, visually rich relief pieces that reflect both personal and collective interpretations of the world around them. These clay works are not only a celebration of material exploration, but also a meaningful step in developing spatial awareness and sculptural thinking.
We’re excited to watch this creative momentum continue as students move forward in their artistic journey.
Culinary Creativity: NEA Success in the Food Technology Kitchen
A huge congratulations to our Food Technology students, who have successfully completed their NEA (Non-Exam Assessment) practical exams! All 36 students were challenged to prepare three main dishes and three accompaniments within a tight three-hour window, following a brief set by the exam board.
The atmosphere in the kitchen was electric as students demonstrated not only their culinary skills but also time management, precision, and creativity under pressure. From savoury showstoppers to sweet masterpieces, the results were truly mouth-watering.
One particular highlight was the lemon meringue pie, which many students executed with finesse—balancing tangy citrus with perfectly browned peaks of meringue. The dishes produced were nothing short of impressive, and we encourage you to check out the photographs in the folder to see their incredible creations for yourself.
Building Connections Through Books: Reading Mentors in Action
Our Library has been a hub of inspiration and connection this term, thanks to the ongoing success of our Year 7/Year 12 Reading Mentoring Programme. As part of this initiative, Year 12 students have been trained to act as reading mentors, offering support and encouragement to younger pupils during dedicated form time sessions in the library.
It’s been a joy to witness the relationships forming between students, with Year 12s guiding, listening, and sharing recommendations that spark meaningful conversations around books. These moments not only boost reading confidence in our younger students but also provide invaluable leadership experience for our Sixth Formers.
The library continues to be a space where stories are shared, friendships are formed, and a lifelong love of reading is nurtured—one page at a time.
Stuart Lawrence Author Visit for World Book Day
Stuart Lawrence, renowned author and activist, visited as part of our World Book Day celebrations. Stuart is the younger brother of Stephen Lawrence, who was involved in a racially motivated attack and the implications this had for society. Stuart’s life story is one of resilience, purpose, and activism. His visit was an incredible blend of personal history, profound wisdom, and empowering messages, resonating deeply with students, teachers, and everyone who attended.
Part of Stuart’s visit was how he encouraged students to think critically about their role in society. He emphasised that we all have the power to make a difference, no matter how small. He talked about the impact of activism, the importance of reading to broaden perspectives, and how engaging with literature can help us understand different experiences, ideas, and struggles. The message was clear: silence is not an option. Stuart’s call to action was empowering, urging everyone to find their voice and make it heard.
Stuart’s visit was an unforgettable experience. He not only shared his powerful story but also left us with a sense of responsibility to speak out against injustice, support one another, and actively contribute to a fairer society. His passion for change, combined with his humility, made his talk both motivating and accessible.
SEN & STEM: Enrichment, Enthusiasm, and Extraordinary Guests
This term has seen some fantastic enrichment activities at Pinner High, bringing both inspiration and expertise into the classroom—and beyond!
Our SEN Transport Club had the honour of welcoming a very special guest, Commodore Mark Anderson CBE of the Royal Navy, who captivated students with fascinating insights into Her Majesty’s Ships, including submarines. The session was highly interactive, with Commodore Anderson quizzing students on naval knowledge—and to his delight, many of our transport enthusiasts were more than up to the challenge, impressing with their quick and accurate answers.
In the world of Computer Science, we’re thrilled to have welcomed back former student Robert, who has returned to volunteer his time and knowledge with our Year 9s. Robert has been working closely with students to help them better understand the GCSE curriculum, while also introducing them to additional coding challenges to stretch their skills. His enthusiasm and expertise have already made a big impact, and he’s quickly become a fantastic role model for aspiring tech minds across the school.
From naval trivia to lines of code, it’s been a term full of learning, leadership, and inspiration!
Chatterboxes & Connections: Year 7 Build Healthy Friendships
This term, our Year 7 students have been taking part in a social group during form time, designed to help them build connections across different form groups and 
explore what healthy friendships look like.
In one especially fun session, students used origami chatterboxes to spark conversations and learn more about one another in a light-hearted and interactive way. It was wonderful to see so many smiling faces, thoughtful questions, and new friendships beginning to blossom.
These small moments of connection go a long way in helping our newest students feel part of the wider Pinner High community. We’re proud of how openly and kindly they’ve embraced this opportunity—and we hope you enjoy the lovely photos capturing these moments in action!
Sports Round-Up: Victory, Team Spirit & Unstoppable Energy!
It’s been an incredible term of sporting success here at Pinner High, with our students displaying determination, teamwork, and exceptional talent across a wide range of events. Here’s a round-up of the latest wins and milestones:
🏃♂️ Indoor Athletics
Our Year 7, 8, and 9 boys dominated the Harrow Indoor Athletics competitions, taking home first place across all age groups! A special shoutout to our Year 7 and Year 8 teams, who have now qualified for the London Youth Games—we can’t wait to cheer you on as you take on the capital’s best!
⚽ Football
The Year 7 Boys Football team clinched victory at the Whitmore Tournament—and what a final it was! Goalkeeper Oliver Benson was the hero of the hour, saving five penalties and scoring the winner in a nail-biting finish. A phenomenal display of nerve and skill under pressure!
🏃 Cross Country
Eight of our students qualified for the Middlesex Trials, representing the school with pride and endurance. A special mention to Daniel Jones, who finished an impressive 3rd out of 43 in his race—a brilliant achievement!
🏐 Netball
Our Year 8 Girls Netball team had a clean sweep in their recent fixtures, beating Harrow High 13–0, Avanti 16–7, Whitmore 13–3, and Hatch End 15–0. The Year 10 Girls also shone, winning against Whitmore 13–6 and Avanti 12–10, with a forfeit win against Hatch End. Their teamwork and communication have been second to none!
🏓 Table Tennis
Our Year 7 Table Tennis team showed great form in the qualifiers, finishing 2nd and earning a well-deserved place in the finals. We're excited to see how they perform in the next stage!
From the track to the court, the field to the table, our students continue to represent Pinner High with pride, passion, and a whole lot of talent. Go Team PHS!
Staff Netball Match: Teamwork, Laughter & Just a Bit of Competition!
It wasn’t just the students bringing the energy to the courts this term—our staff took centre stage in a fun-filled and fiercely contested Staff Netball Match!
With plenty of friendly rivalry, quick passes, and unexpected moments of sporting flair, the match had the entire school buzzing. Teachers from across departments showcased their hidden talents (and competitive streaks!), much to the delight of the cheering spectators.
More than just a game, it was a brilliant example of the PHS community spirit, with students and staff coming together to enjoy a lively afternoon of sport, laughter, and connection.
We’re already looking forward to the rematch—rumour has it, the PE department is training already!
Careers Corner: Building Futures with Purpose and Confidence
It’s been a dynamic and forward-thinking term for Careers at Pinner High, with students across year groups gaining valuable insights into the world of work and planning their next steps with clarity and confidence.
As part of National Apprenticeship Week, we hosted a series of careers assemblies for all year groups and sent detailed resources to parents, helping to broaden understanding of the diverse pathways available after school, including apprenticeships, further study, and employment.
Our Work Experience Programme has officially launched, with all Year 10 and Year 12 students—and their families—learning about the importance of real-world experience in shaping future career decisions. Students received practical guidance on how to approach local businesses, leverage personal networks, and take initiative in securing a placement that aligns with their interests and aspirations.
📅 Work Experience Dates:
Year 10: 23–27 June
Year 12: 30 June–4 July
If you are able to support a student by offering a placement, we’d love to hear from you! Please contact Mrs Kabel, Careers Coordinator at skabel@pinnerhighschool.org.
We were also thrilled to welcome Premal Patel, Trustee and accomplished professional, who delivered a truly inspirational talk to our Sixth Form students. He spoke candidly about his unconventional career journey through business, finance, and retail, highlighting the importance of adaptability, lifelong learning, and most importantly—playing to your strengths.
With every opportunity, our students are growing in confidence and ambition, ready to step boldly into their futures.
Careers Fair 2025: Opening Doors to the Future
Our Careers Fair was a resounding success this term, bringing together a diverse and exciting range of employers, colleges, and universities to help students explore the many possibilities ahead of them.
We were especially pleased to welcome ASK Apprenticeships, the government-funded organisation dedicated to promoting apprenticeships and career education. Their presence provided students with valuable insights into alternative pathways and the real opportunities available across industries.
One of the most anticipated highlights was the visit from GCHQ, part of the UK’s intelligence services alongside MI5 and MI6. Their team spoke to students about the power of skills in languages, technology, and mathematics, sparking excitement about how academic interests can translate into influential and impactful careers.
It was also a real treat to welcome back alumnus M Karim, currently studying Project Management with Turner and Townsend. His return reminded students that great things begin at Pinner High—and that their next steps could take them anywhere.
All students had the opportunity to attend, and we were thrilled with the positive feedback from exhibitors, who praised the politeness, enthusiasm, and thoughtful questions—particularly from our ever-curious Year 7 students.
Student feedback was equally enthusiastic, with many expressing how the fair helped them start thinking about their futures and the wide world of possibilities that await. Events like this make it clear: inspiration starts early, and the future is bright