World Challenge: Sri Lanka Adventure 2025

This summer, a group of Pinner High students took part in an unforgettable World Challenge expedition to Sri Lanka. The trip was a powerful blend of adventure, cultural exchange and community engagement, giving students the chance to step far outside their comfort zones and develop vital life skills.

Over the course of the trip, students explored the incredible landscapes of Sri Lanka, from lush highlands to coastal communities. They engaged in meaningful project work, supporting local initiatives and learning directly from the people living there. Whether helping with community infrastructure, contributing to environmental efforts or participating in cultural activities, our students approach every challenge with maturity, resilience and teamwork.

They also experienced the rich culture and history of Sri Lanka—visiting temples, trying traditional foods and learning about local customs. Every day brought a new opportunity to learn, grow and connect.

World Challenge is about more than travel. It is about learning leadership, responsibility and collaboration in real-world settings. We are incredibly proud of how our students represented Pinner High and embraced the values of the programme.

A huge thank you to the staff who supported the group throughout the journey, and congratulations to all students for their commitment and courage.

 

 

Mandarin Excellence Programme – China Visit 2025

This summer, students from Pinner High took part in the 2025 Mandarin Excellence Programme (MEP) study trip to China, joining peers from across the country in an unforgettable educational and cultural experience.

As part of this government-funded initiative, students immersed themselves in Mandarin language lessons, cultural workshops and visits to some of China's most iconic landmarks. A particular highlight was visiting the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, where students learned about Chinese history and architecture while practising their language skills in real-world settings.

Throughout the trip, our students represented the school with maturity, enthusiasm and a strong sense of adventure. They embraced every opportunity to speak Mandarin, try local food and engage with Chinese culture, building both confidence and global awareness.

Sports Day 2025 – Team Spirit and Sunshine

Sports Day 2025 was a fantastic celebration of energy, teamwork and determination, with students from all year groups competing across a wide range of events.

Held at the athletics track, the day featured everything from sprints and long jump to relays, tug of war. Students gave their all, showing resilience, fair play and a great sense of fun throughout the day.

One of the standout moments was the fiercely contested tug-of-war, with students working together and cheering each other on. The sense of community and house spirit was clear, and it was brilliant to see so many students supporting their teams.

Staff also joined in, adding extra excitement and competition to the day. Whether competing or spectating, everyone contributed to the positive atmosphere.

Thank you to the PE team for organising such a well-run and enjoyable event, and to all the staff who supported it. Congratulations to the winning house, and well done to all participants for making it such a memorable day.

Honours Awards Evening 2025

Honours Awards Evening 2025 was a truly special occasion, celebrating the outstanding achievements, dedication and progress of students across the school.

Held in front of proud families and staff, the event recognised excellence in a wide range of subjects, as well as contributions to the wider life of the school. From academic performance and artistic flair to leadership and service, the awards reflected the many ways students make Pinner High such a remarkable community.

It was wonderful to see students stepping up to the stage to receive their certificates and trophies, with many receiving Highly Commended recognition for their hard work and perseverance. The evening was filled with well-deserved applause and a real sense of pride.

A particular highlight was hearing stories of personal growth and determination, showing that success comes in many forms. The celebration was a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through commitment, curiosity and courage.

GCSE Rivers Field Trip with Year 10s

Our Year 10 Geographers recently took part in a field trip to the River Chess, bringing to life the physical geography elements of their GCSE studies.

Fieldwork is a core component of the Geography curriculum, and this trip provided students with the opportunity to apply their classroom learning in a real-world context. They explored river processes and landforms by measuring channel width, depth, velocity and sediment size at different sites along the river. These practical skills are essential for the Paper 3 examination and help students understand geographical enquiry techniques in action.

It was fantastic to see our students so engaged, curious, and collaborative. Many commented on how much easier it was to understand the processes after seeing them first-hand. The field trip also encouraged teamwork and resilience, as groups worked together to take measurements – often in the river itself – despite the classic British summer weather!

Mandarin Students Experience Dim Sum Culture

 

On 24 June, our Year 7 and Year 8 Mandarin students enjoyed a cultural and culinary adventure with a visit to Loon Fung Restaurant and Chinese supermarket in Alperton. Before the trip, students explored the traditions of Cantonese Dim Sum culture during their Mandarin lessons. At the restaurant, they had the chance to taste a range of authentic dishes they had studied in class and to practise their chopstick skills in a real setting. Many students tried new foods for the first time, embracing the experience with enthusiasm and curiosity. After the meal, they visited the Loon Fung supermarket to explore Chinese ingredients and everyday products, thereby deepening their understanding of Chinese food culture and lifestyle. Back at school, students reflected on the visit by writing about their experiences in Mandarin. This provided a valuable opportunity to apply language skills in a meaningful and personal context. A big thank you to the Mandarin teaching team for organising such an engaging and memorable experience.

Year 10 Work Experience Week – Real-World Learning in Action

Our Year 10 students have been out on Work Experience, and we are delighted with how successfully they have represented Pinner High School in a wide variety of professional settings.

We have received glowing feedback from employers, who have consistently praised our students for their maturity, enthusiasm and professionalism. It has been fantastic to see them thriving in real-world environments, gaining insight into working life and making a positive impression on those around them.

Standout placements have included students working at the Bank of England, NatWest, ITV, Sky, Transport for London, the British Transport Police and SOAS University. Many others have contributed meaningfully in local schools, nurseries, offices, and charity shops—demonstrating adaptability and initiative in every setting.

Here is what some of our employers had to say:

"Owace is having a fantastic work experience to date. He is keeping a diary for each of his days at the clinics. Owace has been professional, punctual and engaged throughout his work experience. He has engaged in learning about how a clinic runs both in clinical and non-clinical aspects. He spent the day with a specialist orthodontist and we did a session dedicated to careers in medicine and dentistry and pathways to access these degrees."

"Liana has been great, a lovely and polite young lady. She has attended every day and on time as expected. She has a positive attitude, has taken part in various training sessions, and continues to meet different department heads, learning more about Tracker business."

We are proud of all our students for embracing this opportunity with such enthusiasm and professionalism. Thank you to all the employers who generously hosted our students and helped to shape this valuable experience.

Year 12 Work Experience Highlights – 2025

This week, our Year 12 students took part in their first ever Work Experience programme, and we are proud to report that it has been a resounding success. Many students secured placements in industries aligned with their future aspirations, gaining first-hand insight into their potential career paths.

We have received excellent feedback from a wide range of employers, who praised our students for their maturity, enthusiasm and professionalism. It has been inspiring to see them adapt to new environments, build confidence and represent Pinner High School with pride.

Some standout placements this year included:

• The Bank of Ceylon
• CBRE at Google
• CGI IT Consultants
• Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and other local hospitals
• Coutts & Co
• Francis Crick Institute
• Football Media
• Harrow Nature Conservation Forum
• Heathrow Airport
• St George PLC – Property and Construction
• Transport for London

From healthcare and science to finance, technology, media and sustainability, our students embraced a wide range of opportunities and made a positive impression wherever they went.

Thank you to all the organisations who hosted our students and to the staff and families who supported them. We look forward to seeing how this valuable experience will shape their next steps.

Academy of Real Assets Competition – Winner’s Event at Legal and General
15 July 2025

We were proud to celebrate Ashwina Gunaseelan’s achievement at the Academy of Real Assets book launch event for competition winners, held at the Legal and General headquarters in the City of London.

Ashwina was one of the national winners of the competition, which challenged students to respond to the prompt: “If I could build a neighbourhood from scratch...” Her creative and thoughtful design stood out, and it was a pleasure to see her work recognised at such a prestigious venue.

The event brought together talented students and professionals from across the real estate industry. It was both inspiring and insightful, with discussions about innovation, sustainability and the future of the built environment. The day also provided excellent networking opportunities and encouraged students to consider careers in the property and real assets sectors.

Pinner High School has developed a valuable partnership with the Academy of Real Assets this year. Their mission is to increase access, diversity and intellectual curiosity among UK students by connecting schools with leading real estate and real assets firms.

Mandarin Graduates Inspire Future Sixth Formers

On the 26th of June, we were delighted to welcome back two of our Mandarin Sixth Form graduates, now both studying Chinese and Business Management at the University of Manchester. They returned to Pinner High to speak with prospective Sixth Form students about their experiences.

The graduates shared valuable insights into studying Mandarin at A Level, highlighting how the subject prepared them for university-level language learning. Thanks to the strength of their Mandarin studies at Pinner High, both were able to join second-year Mandarin language modules upon arrival at university—a remarkable achievement that speaks to the quality of teaching and the dedication of our students.

They also spoke about the wider value of Mandarin as part of a joint honours degree, and the exciting opportunities it opens up for international careers, study abroad and global business.

Hearing from former students who have walked the same path was both inspiring and reassuring for those considering Mandarin A Level next year.

Mandarin Excellence Student Awarded Prestigious Scholarship to Study in Shanghai

We are extremely proud to share that one of our current Year 11 students on the Mandarin Excellence Programme has been awarded the prestigious Engage with China scholarship. This highly competitive opportunity will see them study at Shanghai Concord Bilingual School for both Year 12 and Year 13.

The scholarship covers the full cost of Sixth Form tuition, boarding, flights and daily Mandarin lessons, offering a fully immersive educational experience in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.

This is an exceptional achievement and a reflection of the student’s dedication, resilience and passion for language learning. It also highlights the strength of the Mandarin Excellence Programme at Pinner High School and the outstanding opportunities it can lead to.

We are thrilled for our student and look forward to hearing about their experiences as they begin this exciting international journey.

Congratulations on this truly life-changing achievement.

Year 10 Students Attend Bioengineering Talk at Imperial College

A group of selected Year 10 students recently attended a Bioengineering Talk at Imperial College London, gaining valuable insight into one of the most innovative and fast-developing areas of science.

The talk explored how engineering principles can be applied to solve complex biological and medical challenges, such as creating artificial organs, developing advanced prosthetics, and designing new diagnostic tools. Students heard from researchers working at the cutting edge of the field and learned about real-world applications that are transforming healthcare globally.

The visit provided a fantastic opportunity to connect classroom science with real-life careers. Students were engaged throughout and impressed the hosts with their thoughtful questions and enthusiasm. For many, it was their first visit to a university campus, and it sparked new interest in pursuing further study in STEM subjects.

Junior Maths Challenge Success

Fifty-two of Pinner’s talented Year 7 and Year 8 mathematicians took part in the UK Junior Maths Challenge last half term. The competition, run by the UK Mathematics Trust, encourages mathematical reasoning, precision, and creative problem-solving.

Students had one hour to tackle a series of challenging puzzles and problems without the use of prompts, notes, or calculators. It was fantastic to see so many pupils rise to the occasion, demonstrating resilience, focus, and a real enthusiasm for mathematics.

We’re especially proud of the eleven highest-performing students, highlighted in red on our display board, who have been invited to take part in the next stage of the competition on Tuesday 10th June. This is an excellent achievement, and we wish them the very best of luck as they prepare for the next round.

Well done to all who took part—you represented Pinner High brilliantly

Year 8 Students Shine at Women in Engineering Event

We are delighted to share how brilliantly our Year 8 students represented Pinner High School at the Women in Engineering event held at UTC Heathrow on Monday.

The students worked in mixed teams alongside peers from Northwood School and Hatch End High School, supported by mentors from LMG, Amazon Web Services and Scott Logic, as well as UTC’s own Year 13 engineers. Their task was to develop innovative and sustainable solutions to reduce plastic pollution in our oceans.

Our students rose to the challenge with creativity, resilience and teamwork. They engaged thoughtfully with the problem, listened to one another’s ideas and presented their solutions clearly and confidently to an audience of students, staff, parents and industry professionals.

It was inspiring to see such enthusiasm and confidence on display, and the students' professionalism and collaborative spirit were praised by the event organisers and mentors.

We hope the experience has sparked a lasting interest in engineering and technology. The future looks bright, and perhaps even software-engineered, for this impressive group of young innovators.

Pinner High Awarded £500 Prize for Prospective Trip to Spain

We are thrilled to announce that Pinner High School has been awarded a £500 prize towards a prospective trip to Spain, courtesy of Discover the World Education.

This exciting award supports schools in enriching their curriculum through international travel, and we are delighted to have been selected. The prize will go towards planning a future trip that gives our students the opportunity to experience Spanish culture, language and history first-hand.

Educational visits like this broaden horizons, inspire curiosity and deepen understanding beyond the classroom. Whether exploring the art and architecture of Barcelona, the landscapes of Andalusia or the language and traditions of a Spanish town, students stand to benefit enormously from this immersive learning experience.

A huge thank you to Discover the World Education for their generous support. We look forward to developing our plans and bringing this opportunity to life for our students.

More details will follow in due course.

The Wizard of Oz at Pinner High

This week, the Pinner High community was transported to the magical land of Oz in our spectacular school production of The Wizard of Oz. With vibrant sets, memorable performances and a powerful message at its heart, the show was a true celebration of courage, creativity and teamwork.

The production brought together students from across the school, with younger performers taking centre stage and older students providing outstanding support behind the scenes and in key roles. Their mentorship helped to build confidence and community, and it was wonderful to see so many students learning from one another.

The set design transformed the stage into a journey from Kansas to the Emerald City, complete with a yellow brick road, enchanted forest and a rather convincing tornado. Every detail, from costumes to lighting, reflected the care and commitment of the team.

At its heart, The Wizard of Oz is a story about courage, heart and the importance of home. Our students captured those themes beautifully, leaving audiences proud, moved and thoroughly entertained.

Thank you to the cast, crew, staff and families who made this production possible. It was a magical reminder of what young people can achieve when they work together.

GCSE Drama Success
Congratulations to our Year 10 Drama students who have completed Component 1, worth 40 percent of their final GCSE grade. This marks an important milestone for the group and for Ms SGR, who is guiding her first GCSE cohort since joining Pinner in September.

DNA at the Global Academy
Students will be attending a performance of DNA by Dennis Kelly on Thursday 10 July. The play is a set text for GCSE Drama, and the trip will deepen their understanding of staging, performance and interpretation.

Josh Hanson Trust Workshop
We were honoured to welcome Tracey Hanson from the Josh Hanson Trust, who delivered a powerful assembly and creative workshop. Students engaged meaningfully with themes of resilience, loss and the importance of making positive choices.

VE Day Cross-Curricular Collaboration
To mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, students across Key Stage 3 and Year 9 took part in a cross-curricular project led by the English, Drama and History departments. Through creative writing and scene setting, students explored three distinct time periods—1945, the 2000s and 2105—bringing history to life through imaginative storytelling.

Standout written pieces include work by Max A, Jessica S and Josh L, with a mixture of digital and hand-written submissions. The quality and creativity across the board was exceptional. Led by Ms SGR, this collaboration has shown the power of interdisciplinary learning.

PE and Drama Students Explore Teamwork and Performance in Dear England

Students from the PE and Drama departments enjoyed a powerful cross-curricular theatre experience this week with a trip to see Dear England at the National Theatre.

The play explores the psychology of elite sport through the story of Gareth Southgate and the England men’s football team, examining themes of teamwork, leadership, pressure and national identity. For both PE and Drama students, it offered a unique opportunity to connect theory with real-life performance—whether through the emotional demands of the stage or the mental resilience required in elite sport.

Discussions following the performance focused on the psychology of winning and losing, the importance of emotional intelligence, and how leadership can shape performance in both sport and life. Students reflected thoughtfully on the play’s themes and the impact of bringing such ideas to life through live theatre.

Thank you to the staff who organised this enriching trip. It was a memorable example of how learning across subjects can come together to inspire, challenge and engage.

Year 8 Explore Museums and Identity Through Theatre Workshop

Year 8 students took part in an engaging and thought-provoking workshop this week led by a visiting theatre troupe focused on the role of museums in reflecting diverse cultures and communities.

The session encouraged students to think critically about the purpose of museums and whose stories are told within them. Through interactive performance and discussion, students explored how museums can be made more inclusive and relevant to people from a range of backgrounds, including those similar to their own.

The workshop sparked insightful conversations about heritage, representation and the importance of cultural spaces that reflect the full richness of our society. Students were encouraged to think about how history is chosen, curated and displayed—and how their voices and experiences could shape the museums of the future.

Celebrating Creativity in Art – July 2025

It has been a vibrant and inspiring time in the Art department, with students across year groups engaging in a range of creative workshops and projects.

Year 9 Lead Art Workshops for Cannon Lane Visitors
We were delighted to welcome Year 5 pupils from Cannon Lane Primary for a collaborative Art workshop led by our Year 9 students. Together they explored typography and statement art through hands-on printmaking activities. It was a fantastic opportunity for our students to take on a leadership role, guiding younger learners and sharing their passion for visual art.

Year 7 Explore Embroidery and Textile Techniques
Our Year 7 students have been experimenting with mixed media in their textile unit. They began by painting designs and transferring them using the heat press, before using freehand embroidery to develop their ideas. Their work focused on the concept of 'drawing with stitching', and the results were imaginative, detailed and highly expressive.

Year 10 Develop Artwork Based on ‘The Senses’

Year 10 Art students have been developing work based on the theme of ‘The Senses’. They have explored a wide range of media to express their ideas visually, with thoughtful experimentation and creative risk-taking. We have been particularly impressed by the originality of their responses and their ability to use materials with purpose and skill.

Well done to all our artists. The standard of work and level of creativity continues to grow across the school.

Year 9 Mock Practical – Food Preparation and Presentation

Our Year 9 Food Preparation and Nutrition students recently completed their mock practical assessment, producing a range of impressive dishes that showcased both technical skill and creativity.

As part of their development in the subject, students were challenged to prepare and present a dessert that demonstrated a balance of texture, flavour and visual appeal. The results were outstanding. From biscuit crumb bases and layered fillings to fresh fruit garnishes and decorative finishes, the level of precision and flair on display was exceptional.

Year 10 Table Design Project – Modelling in Action

As part of their assessment for the table design project, Year 10 Design and Technology students have been developing and refining their modelling skills with some outstanding results.

Using card and other modelling materials, students created 3D prototypes of their original table designs. The aim was to explore structure, balance, proportion and creativity in a hands-on way before moving to more advanced design stages. The models on display show a range of influences and styles, from sleek modern forms to bold sculptural pieces.

These prototypes demonstrate not only practical skill, but also a deepening understanding of form and function. Students were encouraged to think about how their tables might be manufactured in full size, as well as how they might suit particular users or environments.

We are really impressed by the ambition and execution shown in these designs. Well done to all involved for your focus and creativity.

 

3D Design Students Get Inspired by Stephen the Skeleton

3D Design students have been taking a hands-on approach to understanding human form this term with the help of a borrowed skeleton named Stephen from the Biology department.

Students who selected "Human" as their project stimulus used Stephen during the modelling stage of their design process. Examining the structure and proportions of the skeleton up close allowed them to think more creatively about how to construct and connect elements of the human body in their own work.

Whether sketching the ribcage, experimenting with joint mechanisms or exploring the shape of the skull, students used this opportunity to reflect on materials, construction techniques and how to communicate form effectively in three dimensions.

Stephen certainly sparked plenty of curiosity, laughter and thoughtful design thinking. The experience helped bring anatomy to life in the studio and added a memorable layer to the creative process.

We look forward to seeing how these early explorations develop into finished pieces later this year.

A Memorable Cricket Season

This season was filled with dramatic victories and with very little lows, making it one of the most exciting and challenging seasons in our schools history. We began our season with our group games where we managed to beat Avanti, Nower Hill, Salvatorian and Preston Manor comfortably, cruising our way to the semi-finals where we faced Park High. This match was full of dramatic moments consisting of amazing catches, superb run scoring and immaculate bowling. We ended up defending 16 runs in the final over, which led us to the final of the competition. In the final, we faced Nower hill, one of our biggest rivals, and what a game it was. We batted first and ended up putting a score of 126 of our 20 overs. It wasn't he best, but it was defendable. Unfortunately, for large parts of the game, Nower Hill batted with ease and was controlling the game massively. The game was in their hands and at onepoint, they only needed 13 runs of 7 overs, equivalent to 42 balls, even having 7 wickets in hand. But the tables had turned. One of our key bowlers picked up a crucial wicket, getting rid of their best batsman, which created an opportunity. More wickets started to fall and the rest of the Nower Hill batsmen had no idea how to score because of our incredible and consistent bowling. A couple of extra wickets and run outs towards the game helped us do the unthinkable and won us the competition. This game reminded us that anything is possible and the game is not over until the final delivery. This game was a definite highlight and ended our season at an incredible high.

Year 12 Economists Explore Climate Change with Dr Sailesh Rao

Year 12 Economics students joined their peers for a powerful and thought-provoking lecture delivered by Dr Sailesh Rao, a renowned systems engineer and founder of the non-profit organisation Climate Healers.

Dr Rao, recognised by The Guardian as "a foremost voice on green transition and on the true scale of societal change required to save the planet," shared insights from his groundbreaking work on the climate crisis. Having played a key role in the transformation of the internet from analogue to digital, Dr Rao has since dedicated his expertise to tackling ecological breakdown.

Students explored how economic systems and policies—such as the pursuit of infinite economic growth and the impact of industrial animal agriculture—are contributing to the transgression of six out of nine planetary boundaries. This framework, developed by scientists at the Stockholm Resilience Institute, outlines critical thresholds for maintaining a safe and stable planet.

The talk linked systems thinking, environmental science and economics, offering students a global and deeply relevant context for their studies. It challenged them to think critically about the consequences of current economic models and the urgent need for a shift in both policy and mindset.

We are grateful to Dr Rao for his time, insight and passion, and to our Sixth Form team for making this enriching learning experience possible.

Year 12 Economists Engage in University-Level Discussion with Dr Simon Mouatt

Year 12 Economics students took part in an engaging and intellectually stimulating session with Associate Professor Dr Simon Mouatt, an experienced academic with over thirty years of teaching in Politics, Philosophy and Economics.

The discussion offered students a valuable introduction to university-level Economics, covering core models taught in higher education and encouraging critical reflection on their real-world relevance. Dr Mouatt guided students through the importance of both inductive and deductive approaches to generating knowledge, and explored the differences between dynamic and static models used in economic analysis.

Alumni Workshop: Preparing for the Transition to Sixth Form

We were delighted to welcome back former student Shamil, who returned to Pinner High to lead a workshop with our Year 10 students on preparing for the transition to Key Stage 5.

Shamil shared his personal journey since leaving Pinner High, including his experiences at Uxbridge College and his reflections on moving from GCSEs to the demands of Sixth Form study. His honest and practical advice gave students a valuable insight into what to expect and how to prepare for success beyond Year 11.

He offered top tips on managing time, staying motivated, and making informed decisions about post-16 pathways. Students appreciated hearing directly from someone who has recently made the transition and who understands the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Thank you, Shamil, for returning to support the next generation of Pinner High students. We are proud of your achievements and grateful for your thoughtful guidance.

Gardening Club: Supporting Local Wildlife

Gardening Club members have been learning about the vital role birds play in supporting biodiversity and conservation in our local area.

Through discussions and research, students explored how birds contribute to healthy ecosystems and why it is important to create welcoming spaces for them in urban environments. They then worked together to make eco-friendly bird feeders using sustainable materials.

These feeders are now in place around the school grounds and are already helping to attract a variety of local bird species. This hands-on project not only supports local wildlife but also deepens students’ understanding of environmental responsibility.

Well done to all involved for your enthusiasm and teamwork. We look forward to seeing more nature-friendly initiatives from Gardening Club as the year continues.

Year 12 Politics Trip to the Supreme Court

Year 12 Politics students recently visited the Supreme Court for a first-hand look at the UK’s highest court in action. The trip offered an invaluable opportunity to deepen their understanding of the judiciary and its role within the political system.

Students took part in a guided one-hour tour of the three courtrooms, learning about their different functions and the kinds of high-profile cases that have been heard and decided there. From constitutional matters to human rights issues, the visit brought key elements of the A Level Politics curriculum to life.

It was a fascinating and thought-provoking experience that encouraged students to reflect on the relationship between law, politics and democracy in the UK.

Year 7 Poetry Assembly with Neal Zetter

This half-term, the English Department was delighted to welcome poet Neal Zetter to Pinner High School for a special assembly with our Year 7 students.

Neal delivered a lively and engaging session, performing a selection of his own poems to a captivated audience. His carefully crafted renditions brought humour, rhythm and thoughtfulness to the stage, instantly connecting with students and drawing them into the world of spoken word poetry.

The theme of identity was central to the performance, complementing the work students are currently doing in their English lessons on identity poetry. Neal’s poems explored a range of ideas around self-expression and individuality, sparking reflection and discussion among students.

The session concluded with a Q&A, where students asked insightful questions about Neal’s journey to becoming a poet and what it is like to work as a full-time writer. His answers offered a glimpse into the creative process and the realities of writing as a career.

Year 10 Explore Bioengineering at Imperial College

A small group of Year 10 students recently attended an inspiring Bioengineering talk at Imperial College London, one of the UK's leading institutions for science and innovation.

The visit gave students a unique opportunity to experience a university-style lecture, offering a first-hand look at what it means to study engineering at a world-class institution. The session introduced them to the cutting-edge innovations taking place in the field of bioengineering, from medical technology and robotics to tissue regeneration and wearable health devices.

Students also learned about the academic pathways and subject choices that lead into bioengineering, gaining valuable advice on how to prepare for a future in science, medicine or engineering.

The trip offered a glimpse into university life and left students feeling motivated and curious about the possibilities that lie ahead. It was a brilliant way to connect classroom learning with real-world applications and future careers.

Science Enrichment and End of Year Activities

This term, students across all year groups have been working hard to consolidate their knowledge in preparation for their End of Year assessments. Alongside their academic focus, the Science Department has provided a variety of enrichment opportunities to support learning and spark curiosity. 

Following the completion of their Key Stage 3 lessons, Year 8 students took part in a range of interactive activities designed to reinforce prior knowledge and develop their enquiry skills. Highlights included making stretchy slime, investigating how different road surfaces affect the speed of a model car, and competing to create the most effective rocket and paper plane designs.

Older year groups engaged in a number of practical investigations to deepen their scientific understanding. These included performing chemical flame tests, dissecting hearts to study organ structure and function, and making copper salts through practical chemistry techniques.

These activities have brought science to life in engaging and hands-on ways, allowing students to apply what they have learned and experience the subject beyond the textbook.

Well done to all students for their enthusiasm and effort throughout the term.

Science Shines at Pinnfest

Science was one of the busiest and most popular areas at Pinnfest this year, with students eagerly lining up to take part in a range of exciting hands-on activities.

One of the highlights was making ice cream in a bag, where students explored the chemistry behind freezing point depression while creating a tasty treat to enjoy. It was a perfect mix of science and fun, and the results were delicious.

Elsewhere, students used acid-base indicators to reveal secret messages—an engaging way to explore the science of pH and chemical reactions. Many also attempted to launch their own paper rocket designs, testing the principles of aerodynamics and propulsion.

It was fantastic to see so many students getting involved, asking questions, and enjoying science in action. Thank you to the Science Department for putting on such a dynamic and memorable experience.