This has been a week of achievement and positivity. For example, on Wednesday 170 students from Years 9 to 11 took part in the UK Intermediate Maths Challenge. A further 40 students took part in the Chemistry Challenge after school yesterday, where Year 12 students read out tests and questions to students in Year 10, competing in teams. In the school hall an hour earlier, it was brilliant to see twenty Sixth Formers taking part in PE as part of their enrichment activity, in addition to their A Level courses.

Sadly, also during yesterday – as you may be aware – two police incidents occurred in Sutton. We shared a safety message with families yesterday afternoon, that was proportionate to any concerns that the local authority had been sharing with us during the day. At no point was the safety of children or staff in any way compromised, and we have been assured that both incidents have now been dealt with.  Inevitably, information will be shared on social media, and I would encourage parents to monitor their children's use of social media closely. 

Competing in the National Schools Chess Championship

On Monday 27th of this week, our chess team played their latest match against a local independent school, Caterham School. Entering the national chess championship for the first time, we had the misfortune of being drawn against very competitive opposition in the first round. Although we did not win, it was great to see how long some of the matches went and how much our chess players have improved.

The best in the country

Huge congratulations to Izel, now in Year 12, who collected her ‘British Nutrition Foundation Drummond Education Award’. Last summer, Izel received the highest Food GCSE grade of any GCSE Food candidate across England and Wales. 

She was presented the award by the British Nutrition Foundation by award-winning chef Chris Mapp. As well as the award for Izel, we were awarded £100 for the school, which we will use for items in our hugely popular food technology department. Well done, Izel. 

Students of the week

Well done to each of the students below for being nominated this week. I look forward to hearing about each of their achievements and the contributions that they have made to the school when we meet up on Monday.  

Year 7	Year 8	Year 9	Year 10	Year 11	6th Form
tbc	Raphael	tbc	tbc	Mira	Arij / Ibrahim

Wishing you all a good and restful weekend. 

Mr N House, Headteacher