We have spent much of this term continuing to build our sense of togetherness at school. That means sometimes thinking of our school in the community, like helping our students see how a large group (like our school) can make a difference to others through activities like the Harvest Food donations.

It can also mean students thinking about each tutor group being a small community in itself. This week’s assemblies have been about ableism, encouraging students and staff to celebrate the identities of people of all bodies and minds. They have been brilliantly delivered by the form 7MMB, showing their own community strength. They have also explained to our whole school group how to understand disability, including when it is not immediately visible.

Another way we are strengthening tutor group identity is by awarding every Tutee of the Week a golden tie – for the next week. We have had the title of Tutee of the Week for some time now, but in adding the golden tie for a week, we are seeking to develop a sense of pride and ‘team’ within each class. 

The last way we build our community every day is through celebrating the excellence of its members in many different forms. This week’s Friday letter focuses on: 

Students of the Week

Congratulations to each of our stars of the week listed below for their hard work, community endeavours and support of others. Well done all!

Year 7	Year 8	Year 9	Year 10	Year 11	6th Form
Victor	Tyler	Daniel	tbc	Luciano	Laiba/ Adwin

English Chess Federation National Schools Qualifying Tournament – we won!

On Monday, our chess club took part in an online qualifying tournament. No fewer than fifteen schools took part in this qualifier exclusively for CSC (Chess in Schools and Communities) coached schools, and we came first. The next stage will be the regional final next term.  Congratulations to Andrei, David, Ivan, Jacob, Krishang, Kuveeshan, Leo, Puvikganth, Ravek, Saket, Shlok and Thirushanth.

Mock Bar Trial – we won!

Last Friday, seventeen of our Year 12 and Year 13 students were taken to the Mock Bar Trial in Reading. This was a day, in an actual court room, where Sixth Form students practised their skills in understanding law. A total of ten schools competed against each other, in the South of England regional round of the competition. Our students took on a range of roles, including court ushers, jurors and defending and prosecuting barristers. In this prestigious competition, complete with independent and grammar schools, Greenshaw (the only comprehensive present) came out the winners! This means we will be competing at the National Finals at the Royal Courts of Justice in central London in the spring of next year.  A huge well done to all those students who took part, as well as Mr Edwards and Mr Embers who gave up their Saturday to support our students.

The Performing Arts Christmas Showcase – Tuesday, 10th December

This showcase will include work from the art, dance, drama and music departments. It is an opportunity for students to develop their performance skills as well as showcasing a variety of curriculum and extra-curricular work they have produced this term. Friends and family are welcome to attend the event. Tickets cost £2 and will be available to purchase online on MCAS from 26th November. Profits will be donated to a local charity, Fabian’s Childhood Cancer Trust, which provides care packages for families at The Royal Marsden. fabianstrust.org.uk

As we head into the final month of the year this weekend, I wish you all a restful few days. 

Mr N House, Headteacher