From the Co-Headteachers
This week, we are all saddened by the news of the death of Queen Elizabeth II. She was a queen who stood as a figurehead for people from whatever background in the UK and across the world. Her steadfast, dignified, wise and unforgettable contribution to our country was immense, and, indeed, seismic. Students will be given space to honour and remember her life throughout Study Support sessions and assemblies in the coming weeks.
It has been a really busy first week in school, focusing on both inducting and welcoming students back into formal education. We have relayed important messages about celebrating success and basic expectations; you can read all the news below.
Please do read the full newsletter which also contains information about our New To You scheme and a drive to ensure that students are safe when travelling to and from school.
Simon Fisher and Jo Higginbottom
Year 7’s First Week Reflections
“The teachers are pretty cool – they are friendly and can have a joke with you. They always make you feel welcome in their classroom.” – Godwin Omondi (7Am)
“Ever since I came to this school the teachers have welcomed me and they are really helpful when it comes to your work.” – Nico Chohan (7Br)
“I have loved coming to school this week. The teachers are so good and they have really helped me. My favourite lessons so far have been PE and Spanish.” – Nathaniel Jaworski (7Sn)
“I enjoyed my induction days because I loved the lessons, as they were very interesting. My favourite lesson was computing. I also enjoyed the food, as it was delicious.” – Harvey Chapman (7Tr)
Importance of Reading
We enjoy a proud heritage of exceptional education and outstanding opportunities. We work tirelessly to maintain these high standards. The reasons students achieve at this school are many, but particularly because we encourage students to READ, READ, READ.
Adults read with them; students read by themselves; and adults share their love of reading. We recommend that all students take advantage of both our on-site library and our digital library of over 10,000 E-Books.
Instrument Lessons
This year, we will continue running music instrument lessons in school through the Hounslow Music Service. You can learn more via this link then sign up via Scopay.
For those who took lessons last year, you will notice a slight increase in the cost of student lesson costs.
Lessons will commence the week starting 19 September. Ensembles for singers and instrumentalists will start that week too. The final timetable will be shared on the Music Teams page soon.
Safeguarding Updates
If you have a concern about the safety or welfare of your or another child, please email the safeguarding team at safeguarding@isleworthsyon.org. In an emergency call 999 or, for non-urgent matters that require police attention, call 101.
Personal Safety
Parents/carers, please reinforce the below points with your child.
- When walking to and from school, always be mindful of your surroundings
- Always wear a helmet when cycling to and from school
- When travelling by train or tube, it gets busy at the stations (Isleworth and Osterley) and the railway crossings (Wood Lane). Always be vigilant.
Access to School Site
We have installed new ‘access control’ measures on all external doors throughout the school site as an extra safety precaution.
This means that students will not be able to access the school site until 8.15am. The exception to this is CucinA and the library, both of which can be accessed from 8.00am.
Coming Up!
- Tuesday 20 September – early finish
- Tuesday 20 September – Open Evening
- Wednesday 21 September – late start
- Thursday 22 September – Open Morning 1
- Wednesday 28 September – Open Morning 2
Shoes
Students are encouraged to bring trainers to school for break and lunchtimes, so that their school shoes stay in peak condition.
Parents/carers should also note that they can continue donating school shoes to our New To You service. Donations go to main reception.
Free School Meals
We know that many families will have recently experienced a sudden change of financial circumstances due to the cost of living crisis. We therefore wanted to make you aware that you can receive financial support by claiming Free School Meals. Check your eligibility and apply via this link.
Word of the Week
The word of the week for next week is “regime“.
News
Start of Term
On Monday, we welcomed Year 7 for their first day as Isleworthians. Co-Heads Mr Fisher & Ms Higginbottom introduced them to key philosophies that will mark their I&S journey – exceptional education, outstanding opportunities and traditional values.
All other year groups had induction assemblies at the start of the week before full lessons began on Wednesday period 2. Students have made a great start – well done, everyone!
NCS Summer School
This summer, we facilitated nine Year 11 students taking part in the National Citizenship Service (NCS) summer school programme. Students completed a five-day residential which involved various outdoor activities like rock-climbing and ziplining. This helped them to develop important skills around teamwork, leadership and problem-solving. Students were encouraged to push themselves out of their comfort zone throughout.
In the second week, students completed an individual social action project, helping out the local community. One group created a community litter project, encouraging members of the public to litter-pick. Another group raised over £150 for a local charity, in aid of critically-ill children.
Well done to the boys involved. We are already on the lookout for current Year 12 students to take part in the Autumn NCS project – get in touch with the Sixth Form team if you’re interested in getting involved.
KS5-Ready Evening
We held our KS5-Ready Evening for new Year 12 parents/carers on Tuesday evening. This important event, hosted by Mr Doyle and the Sixth Form team, introduced families to our sixth Form expectations and explained how we help students adjust to the complexities of Key Stage 5. The event was well-attended and provided a great platform for sustained success!
Year 12 Study Skills
As part of their induction, Year 12 had a fascinating session with Dr Van Der Spoiel. He is a psychologist who has worked with professional football clubs, universities and businesses to help improve performance.
For our students, he presented on how the brain works and on the importance of repetition and purposeful practice for academic learning. Through interactive games, he demonstrated how learning from mistakes is a vital component of improving outcomes with students being ‘teacher no.1.’
His philosophy matches perfectly with the Sixth Form philosophy that all students can be successful if they are well organised, work hard and see mistakes as learning opportunities on the road to success.