Anouska, pictured here with the Sixth Form Christmas tree in St Luke’s Church, is Student Leader with responsibility for 'Charity and Fundraising Activities'. Thanks to her own creative contributions and her remarkable ability to motivate other students, even those who do not find working with a needle and thread comes naturally, the Sixth Form are proud of their combined efforts in decorating this year’s tree. 

Students in both Year 12 and Year 13 have focused on preparing for and sitting practice exams this week, so have not fully embraced the Christmas cheer which is now beginning to gather momentum. They have been completing past papers, writing timed essays and answering multiple choice questions which provides them with a checkpoint to assess their knowledge and understanding as well as giving subject teachers an indication of attainment levels. As parents and guardians you can expect feedback on this exam series in a full report which will be published and sent home in the New Year. 

Applause rang around the hall and our student body left assembly chattering animatedly about the presentations given by our own 'MP's representing the country's major political parties. The students, pictured, summarised the policies from each manifesto with exacting accuracy, witty humour and a youthful perspective; they communicated the key messages we are hearing on our news outlets all day and every day during this run up to what the students described as, 'the most important election of our generation’. 

Environmental issues were high on the list of priorities with clear points on the urgency of addressing climate change now as in ten years’ time the negative impact global society is having on the planet will be too far gone. How to boost the economy, save the NHS and incentivise people to become teachers were also issues addressed by party representatives with reference to how such initiatives would be funded. Of course, the 'B' word came up and the different political ideas around this hot potato were explored and clarified. Each MP spoke with knowledge, confidence, passion and authority and if I'm honest, represented their party's policies just as well as the party leaders.

Our Gambia Team have returned. They are armed with stories, memories and experiences which they will hold dear for life. Each one has reflected in their individual way on the trip and recognise that while they gave so much to the community there, they have also gained so much too. 

As a School, we are looking to contribute further to the community in Brufut and help fund the costs of building an additional classroom for the Education Centre, with a view to this becoming the centre’s first computer lab. To support our fundraising efforts please donate by visiting our JustGiving page. 

Through the help of a former member of staff, Robert Leder, Claires Court is supporting 'Charity Pearl The Gambia' in its efforts to make substantial improvements to day to day life in the Brufut area of The Gambia. So far Claires Court has helped fund the building of the Kids are the World Education Centre, along with the digging of a borehole and well to provide clean water to the community in Brufut.

Over the past year our passionate students, staff and PTA have busily arranged fundraising events in aid of the Claires Court Sixth Form ‘Gambia Project’, with initiatives ranging from a charity dinner to bake sales and sponsored dodgeball matches. Not forgetting student Tom’s 'close shave' when he agreed to have his head shaved by the highest bidder for the cause! 

If we are what we eat then I must be a warm Christmas muffin! Sorry to mention Christmas this side of half term, but our Sixth Form chefs have given me no choice following their culinary exploits this week. As part of our enrichment programme Mrs Irons has been working with a group of students to increase their cookery skills and knowledge in preparation for university and ultimately independent living. Our cooks have made numerous types of bread, pastry, sauces and cakes and can even bone a whole chicken! They will never go hungry. In fact, judging by the quality of the food they are making they will be the most popular students in halls and we know how central food is in bringing people together and forging friendships.

Our Gambia adventurers have also made their mark this week, holding a Bake Sale on Tuesday, selling delicious brownies, cupcakes, cookies, doughnuts and krispy cakes. In just half an hour over two hundred items were sold and enjoyed, boosting the charity fund by an extra £230. Well done to everyone involved, including Ms Bell who made the doughnut dawn raid on Krispy Kremes! With less than a week before 'wheels up' and the students fly off to Brufut, excitement is building. Activity plans to engage the local children are being finalised, last minute shopping for appropriate clothes is underway, including 'team t shirts' and vaccinations are done. The Gambia JustGiving Page will be officially 'launched' on Saturday, at Fireworks Evening. Look out for Sixth Formers in hi-viz, helping you park and give us a wave! A number of our students are also on ergos, demonstrating the many benefits of rowing. Please pop in and cheer them on.

Oliver and David conceived and organised a winning sports event for fellow students to participate in this week - a dodgeball tournament!

It attracted more than 20 players, divided into 5 teams and was played with incredible enthusiasm and competitiveness! There were plenty of supporters cheering on the competitors and match after match was keenly contested. Before we knew it, the final whistle was blown and the tournament was over. Only one team won all their games but everyone enjoyed taking part and agreed another dodgeball event should be arranged soon! Students gave generously to The Gambia Fund and close to £30 was raised. With only a month before our intrepid adventurers set off for Brufut, the occasion was intended to 'make a difference' which it will.

As well as tracking the time left before we wish our students a good trip we are also tracking and monitoring the progress and development of their learning before half term. To track means “to follow”, rather like following a car's motion on the Uber App;  while to monitor means “to watch” in the same way the “Ring” app “monitors” your front door so you can actually see it through the app, and when someone arrives, you can physically “monitor” and “observe” what is happening, in real time. Likewise, it is helpful to a student’s progress to track the academic assessments they experience each year and look at the outcomes at those checkpoints. Year 12 students are taking their first subject based assessments since beginning Sixth Form next week, while Year 13 are sitting internal tests. For Year 12 it is the first point of tracking their movement through Key Stage 5; for both year groups it is an opportunity to observe the quality of their work and to gauge their attitude to learning. Consistent, targeted and SMART work is fundamental to success in A Level and Level 3 study and I look forward to seeing results which reflect the best outcomes from each individual. 

In a recent study by the OECD economics think tank, going to university in England is still considered to be a good investment. The majority of our students recognise this too and continue to prefer the university route; 71% of our Year 13 leavers this summer achieved their first choice university while 19% are heading off to their second choice. As a school we are delighted not just by their success but also at the diversity of degree courses they have opted to study. As well as computer science, banking and finance, real estate, business and sport, students are also pursuing classical civilisations, astrophysics, interior architecture and design and marine and natural history photography. Traditional subjects including maths, biology, geography and economics remain firm favourites too.