On the 4th December as part of our Ambition Drive, a small group of Year 9 students were lucky enough to have a chance to chat with an RAF Officer working at RAF Northolt. 

As a member of the Royal Air Force, you might think the only job you can get is as a pilot, but Flight Lieutenant Wilkinson discussed the variety of roles available, from engineer, to intelligence, to his own position in logistics.

Flight Lieutenant Wilkinson arrived for his talk wearing his full uniform. One student asked if he was a member of The Royal Family!

Mr Whelan also thoroughly enjoyed the session, expressing how he wished he'd had the opportunity to learn about the RAF when he was in high school.

After a quick chat about the different ways in which young people can get involved, the floor was open to a series of questions which allowed students an insight into military life - not just about national and international defence, but the opportunities to travel the world, develop new skills, meet all kinds of people and even compete in high-level sports. 

Lieutenant Wilkinson also graciously bought in his own personal ceremonial sword for the students to not only view, but hold (with supervision)! These swords are made to order for officers commissioning into the RAF, and includes personalised inscriptions within the cartouches on both sides of the blade. 

Students were given special gloves in order to hold the sword, which is made of brass and blunted for safety. Lieutenant Wilkinson explained how his sword was engraved with the initials of his grandparents, alongside his great grandparents. 

Mr Bullock was just as interested in holding the sword as the students were!

Thank you to Lieutenant Wilkinson for taking time out of his busy schedule to educate our students, and share his engrossing experiences and anecdotes. A huge thank you to Ms Emmerson for organising this experience for our Year 9 students too.  It was an excellent insight into a lifelong career which really is open to all, and we were grateful to the opportunity. 

Here is a quote from two of our Year 11 students who attended the trip!

“On the Monday 15th December, we went to the British Library in Kings Cross. During the tour we saw a number of rare books, manuscripts and exhibits and had the opportunity to view historical texts such as the Magna Carta and learned how they were preserved overtime. It was fascinating to see the authentic Jane Austen novel “Pride and Prejudice.” We also saw the ‘Thirty- Leaved Qur’an from India’ dating back to the late 17th century to early 18th century.

Year 11 English Star Students!

Upon arrival in the library, we were greeted by the King’s Library, which was donated by King George III. Sadly, however, only two people in the entire library are permitted access (I was not one of them). We then visited slightly-less-literary sights of St Pancras and got a bite to eat. All in all, it was a very fun and educational day out.”

- Mariam R and Rahma L

A select group of our highest-achieving Year 11 students stepped away from the classroom and into the unknown during a reward trip to Escape Hunt Watford.

Faced with cryptic clues, hidden messages and ticking clocks, students had to rely on sharp thinking, teamwork and calm under pressure to uncover secrets and escape in time.

A well-deserved reward that proved excellence isn’t just shown in results, but in resilience and collaboration.

(P.S My Group and Mr Whelan escaped and Mr Litchfield remained stuck...)

On the 17th, our Year 11 Basketball team played against Nower Hill's team, winning with a spectacular score of 51-35! Our team delivered a statement performance as they powered their way into the semi finals with a series of well-earned wins.

Their final game was nothing short of dominant, closing out with a 25+ point victory that reflected their intensity, teamwork and hunger from the opening tip. Leading the charge was Roberto (11I), who produced an outstanding display, scoring over 30 points in a performance that lifted the whole team and left no doubt about their ambition. 

Congratulations to our immensely talented Year 11 team, Well done boys!