Black History Celebration Fashion Parade

240 sixth form from 5 schools debate the issue of privacy vs surveillance.Supported by TEAMGlobal our school created another challenging conference on the hot topic of privacy and surveillance with experts in Law, IT, the Home Office and Privacy Campaigning.

Read more on page 3 ….

Founded 1841

GUMLEY HOUSECHRISTMAS2015

Dear Parents and Carers,As we come to the end of a very busy and successful Autumn term, I have to begin by thanking you for your generosity and support in making our Christmas Bazaar and raffle such a huge success. The whole atmosphere of the day reflected our community spirit and the £8K that was raised surpassed all previous records! I am particularly grateful to the PA committee members for their relentless effort and hard work in putting on such an event. The funds raised by the PA provide those extras for our students that would otherwise not be there because of inadequate government funding.

I hope you enjoy reading this newsletter which once again gives you a flavour of the opportunities that different year groups are able to experience. We continue our commitment to extending students’ learning beyond the classroom and developing the whole person.

I want to thank you for all your support throughout the term and wish you and your loved ones every blessing as we celebrate the coming of Christ’s birth.

May the New Year bring you much joy!

With my warmest wishes,

Ewa KolczynskaHeadteacher

Parents’ Association Christmas Bazaar reaches £8,000 for much needed school projects.

Annual 6th Form Conference

Active CitizenshipHow Secret Is My life?

A group of our Year 13 students completed the challenging EPQ (Extended Project Qualification) submitting outstanding 5000 word research reports, preparing a logbook and delivering a presentation. As part of the assessment requirements, each student presented their research to an audience comprised of parents, teachers, students, and staff. It was a great celebration of their accomplishments and achievements.

Some sample questions included: • What responses have been made for football hooliganism and

are they effective? • Has the increased use of social media changed the way

charities have approached publicity as a result of more effective ways to generate awareness?

Well done to students & their supervisors!

About EPQ…..It allows each student to embark on a largely self-directed and self-motivated project. Students must choose a topic, plan, research and develop their idea and decide on their finished product.Creativity and curiosity are encouraged. A project topic may be directly related to a student’s main study programme, but should look beyond the specification.

Jaguar LandRoverApprenticeship ProgrammeSixth form students interested in engineering and design participated in a video conference with Jaguar LandRover. Students were able to hear about the programme in detail and they also had the opportunity to discuss it further through a Q&A session. A great opportunity!

This academic year we have again welcomed 3 Italian students into our Year 12 Sixth Form.

Additionally, we were delighted to meet with and host senior staff Paula Priori, Luca Montecchi & Caterina Pizio who also met with our Maths department to further explore how we can expand our partnership into new opportunities and subject learning.More news in the summer when we will be welcoming a new group of Sacro Cuore students for work experience placements in our school as well as developing work experience in late 2016 for our students studying Italian.

Aiming Higher EPQ

Engineering Video Conference

Sacro Cuore, Milan International Partnership

COMING UP IN EARLY 2016…….‘Women’s Voice in Politics’ – January 18th: Inspired by the Women of the World Conference a group of Year 12 students have created a mini event with external political speakers for Year 11 students.

Step up to Careers -January 21st - 12 different professions running career workshops and recruitment consultancy planning tips.

Baroness Lola Young - February 1stspecial talk to all our 6th form students as part of The Creativity, Arts and Culture Campaign.

SKY INTERNSHIP 2016 LAUNCH

An amazing opportunity for students seeking a gap year or immediate employment post 6th FormSKY is offering a number of internships only to students of Hounslow schools that include: Sky Production Services, SKY Creative, SKY News and SKY Sports.

Year 12 students were also part of this event so that they could begin to consider their options and plan ahead.

Students gained a very thorough understanding of the internship opportunities and the different roles on offer, from 3 sky representatives that kindly gave their time to our school:

Stephen Ladlow – Channel Head

Lydia Duncan one of the Fast Forward current interns and an ex Gumley student

and

Martha Jennings Manager of the Starting Out Scheme for SKY.

Sixth Form

2

Continued from the front page……….

Experts provided students with information from alternative perspectives. This enabled individual and divided opinions to be formulated and led to a heated and intelligent discussion amongst students and speakers.The conference was enlightening as it raised issues that most students hadn’t even considered prior to the event.

Thank you again to TEAMGlobal and the superb contributors:

• Bill Bowring, Barrister Field Court Chambers & Professor of Law Birkbeck College, University of London.

Topic: ‘The UK’s complex relationships with crime of terrorism, the right to privacy.’

• Adrian Seccombe, Research Associate for the Leading Edge Forum & Secretary of WCIT Information Security Panel.

Topic: ‘From Privacy to Agency?’• Nigel Burrowes, Policy Adviser Office for Security and

Counter Terrorism in the Home Office Topic: ’Regulation of Investigatory Powers’.• Harmit Kambo, Director of Campaigns and

Development, Privacy International. Topic: ‘It’s not about privacy vs. safety -privacy IS

safety’.

Thank you also to our moderators:Laurence Smy Chairman of TEAMGlobal

andPaul Mylrea, Director of Communications

at the University of Cambridge

“I was also able to put my

views forward and get them

answered” – Isleworth & Syon

School

Sixth Form Conference How Secret is my lifePrivacy vs Safety - Who Decides?

“ It broadened my knowledge of current affairs and raised my awareness that I can have an impact” – Upton Hall School FCJ, Wirral

“We got to discuss

important issues

with our peers.”

– Gumley House

School FCJ

“I found it highly informative and thought that it was well planned out” – St Mark’s School

“Very informative discussion and debate with ‘live’ and interesting topics being talked about” – Gunnersbury School

“The conference

offered a lot of

interaction” – Gunnersbury School

“I learnt a lot of new things about the contrasting views of privacy” – Gumley House School FCJ

“Great to discuss topics which we wouldn’t discuss in a normal school day. The Q and A sessions with the experts were the best” – Upton Hall School FCJ, Wirral

“It was mentally engaging” – St Mark’s School

“Gave a good insight on a topic that is very relevant” – Isleworth & Syon School

3

Congratulations to student Naila Schweizerwho was accepted onto the highly competitive pathways to law programme with the LSE/UCL. Throughout this academic year she will embark on a plan which includes law lectures, a mentoring programme & university access specifically with UCL. What a fantastic opportunity and achievement – Well done.

Pathways to Law Programme Student offered competitive LSE/UCL programme

WOMEN OF THE WORLD CONFERENCE

Collaborative learning with St. Andrew’s College, Singapore

St. Andrew’s Teacher view:

“The teachers were extremely accommodating. They allowed students to chat about things beyond the chemistry lesson content, which I believe benefitted our students in that they really exchanged interesting ideas. I also love that our students were part of the Sociology class which is a new experience for us.”(St Andrew’sdo not offer Sociology so this was very much a new and positive experience for students.)

Student observations included:

• “Gumley students are articulate, confident, friendly and welcoming”

• “We enjoyed the experience of how lessons are conducted and the ‘culture’ of British students.”

Topics and challenges covered included:

Sociology: “Structure, social process,

behaviour and development”Science:

Buffer solutions, neutralization and titration curves.

Once again we enthusiastically welcomed St. Andrew’s students and staff joining our 6th form Science and Sociology lessons.

A group of Year 12 students kicked off the day on the London Eye with each benefiting from mentoring with a number of women from wide ranging professions that included the fields of: journalism, law, surveying, creative arts and science etc.

This was followed by a full day of conference talks from inspiring women as well as think tank workshops to challenge students on their views on progressing global issues that impact on girls and women in today’s world.

Sixth Form

4

Oxbridge PreparationThose students in Year 13 applying for Oxbridge / Medicine attended an interview preparation day delivered by ‘Oxbridge Applications’, with ex-admissions tutors, Oxbridge graduates, undergraduates and a communication skills consultant. The day focussed on: what to expect at interview / what interviewers are looking for, interviews skills and mock interviews.

Eleanor Duce said: “It was a really insightful and valuable day. We worked on interview techniques which highlighted how to prepare ourselves in the run up to interviews and had the opportunity to practice with Oxbridge graduates who gave really useful advice.”

Elena Garitta said: “It was very helpful in telling us exactly what Oxbridge admissions tutors are looking for in an applicant. The day included role play, talks and two challenging mock interviews to show us what Oxbridge interviews will be like. Although it was quite nerve-wracking, it has made me feel more calm and confident in being interviewed.”

Year 13 students who are applying to Oxbridge, Medicine & Dentistry were also invited to attend the Oxbridge Admissions Test Seminar delivered by ‘Oxbridge Applications’.

The sessions were arranged for students to prepare for specific types of entry and general admissions tests.

Interview Preparation Day

Oxbridge Admissions Tests Seminars

4 students gained placements, 3 of those were supported by Gumley bursaries.

The impact on our students:

Jacqui Harrington “During my 6 years at Gumley I have been given vast amounts of amazing opportunities, but receiving the nomination for going on GYLC would turn out to be the opportunity that has impacted on me the most. As both an Economics and Politics student, the conference proved to be more even more engaging as it was focussed around world economics, with talks from the World Bank and other such organisations, and international politics in terms of human rights and international diplomacy through mock united nation simulations.”

Phoebe Clayson-Lavelle “This experience has impacted on me immensely because it has increased my self-confidence and also in expressing my own opinions. During the conference I was able to take on different roles such as scribe and information attaché. What stood out for me the most was how well we all connected even though we were from different countries as we shared similar concerns about global issues. Overall it was an amazing experience and I would recommend it to anyone regardless of the subjects you are studying.”

Roisin Culligan-Hughes “This has undoubtedly been one of the most exciting, enjoyable and fulfilling experiences, both academically and personally. The conference speakers were all incredibly knowledgeable and I was especially enraptured by Khurshida Begum, a survivor of human trafficking. We were divided into sub-groups with members of other countries in order to discuss certain world issues (mine was trade and globalisation). I learnt so much just from listening to other people’s perspectives on it. I feel so lucky to have been able to make connections with so many people from all over the globe and learn so much about their individual cultures and beliefs. It was a wonderful experience that I would urge anyone else to go on.”

Claudia Rodrigues Campo “My experience on GYLC pushed me to develop my social skills as well as challenging intellectual debates specifically in developing my understanding on how politics works globally. As a China representative during my trip, I learned a lot about its past and future; politically, economically and socially. It was challenging debating as I personally didn’t agree with some of their views, such as militarising space. However I feel like this really helped me develop my debating analytical and adaptability skills.The main thing that stood out for me was meeting young individuals from all over the world who challenged my views on current affairs and had very different cultures. It is a very unique experience and an amazing opportunity to make friends from all over the world.”

Global Young Leaders’ ConferenceNew York & Washington – An inspiring leadership experience

5

6th Form ART

Highlights from A Level students’ work 2015

Abigail McDermott

Alexandra Jones

Ruby May Birch

Marta Stok

Lucy

Krystyna MacGibbon

Gabriella Ruztler

Christine Thorogood

Karen Mok

Chantal Delikan

6

Highlights from A Level students’ work 2015

Elana Garritta

Ivanna Reudnytska

Ciera O’dwyer

Emily WatsonCharlotte Gallagher SquiresAbigail McDermott

Rachel Aquino

Natalia Onyszko

Nikita Norton

7

British Aerospace Engineering

SCIENCE Clubs continue …KS3 Science club has been a big success with enthusiastic students keen to discover more about the amazing world of Science!

Students carry out mini projects relating to STEM Club (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects.

Royal Institution Gumley Girls become members

Encouraging more women into engineering

A group of Year 12 students were able to expand their understanding of the career options in this field.

• Following a presentation delivered by the director of BAE systems about their work with the British Armed Forces they then…

• Completed the practical skills test.

• Heard from BAE employees- including Marine Engineers, Cyber security Engineers, Weapon Systems Engineers, Network Engineers and Computer programmers.

• Tasked with making a lift out of paper, cello tape and other items etc.

• An excellent lecture by the female lead of Cyber-Security at BAE systems

Students’s feedback…

Miah Robinson

“The conference educated me not only in the field I would like to go into but in the many branches of engineering that I had little knowledge of.”

Orla Kavannagh

“The day was very informative and helped us to understand how so many different courses can lead you to do engineering. ”

Morgaine Webb

“I found this extremely useful as I learnt more about the career I want to follow in the future and also how to enter the field.”

Students learn about the scope of roles & some of the challenges from ocean noise to the threat of cyber-attacks.

Several of the Gumley students in Years 10-13 have become members of the world famous and historic Royal Institution of Great Britain. Membership allows students who are interested in the latest developments in Science to attend public lectures delivered by some of the world renowned Scientists alive today.

Previous lectures have been delivered by Professor Brian

Cox, Professor Jim Al-Khalili and Professor Robert Winston.

This year several students have attended a lecture delivered by:

• The popular Science author John Gribbin entitled,“The Search for the Theory of Everything.

• and an exciting demonstration lecture by Andrew Szydlo called, “Fireworks and Waterworks”.

Students have enjoyed carrying out a variety of experiments

• Flame Tests and Elephant Toothpaste

• Movie Wheels

• Design and build bridges using paper

And coming up……Homemade lava lamps, Designing and making your own rocket, Screaming Jelly Babies and Magical Cartesian Diver.

Coming Up…..

• how everyday things work, design 2d objects and print them off in 3d using a 3d printer,

• Find out how everyday drugs were discovered, learn about Engineering merging with Geology etc.

Photo credit The Royal Institution: A Science technician at the Royal Institution demonstrates how ordinary powders can become explosive in the right conditions.

Students in Years 10-13 join our STEM Club

Fusing the world of science, technology and business

This inspring programme kicked off with another great team of Imperial College undergraduates developing lessons and test sessions with 40 Gumley

students learning the marketing mix to new and practical science from… magnets to the formation of lip balm!

LUSH In week 2 Two Lush representatives added

another dimension of knowledge and insight from explaining the formation of the company to its values and product creation. This provided essential support for our students’ business

planning. Read More in our next newsletter… on the final in January and the winning team!

Science Year 9 Techno-Entrepreneurship with Imperial College undergraduate students

8

Year 10 Students turn into Crime scene InvestigatorsGSK 4 Students Gain

Work Experience Placements

During CE days all year 10 students learned about Forensic science.

They discovered how the experiments they carry out in science Lessons are used to solve crimes every day.

• Students worked in teams to identify and collect valid evidence from a mock murder scene and analyse the evidence forensically to gather as much information as possible.

• They carried out finger print, foot print, soil and blood splatter analysis, chromatography from pens found on suspects & flame tests carried out on mysterious white powder collected at the crime Scene.

• Learnt how Forensic Scientists remain impartial throughout any investigation. However, for the day students were encouraged to analyse the evidence and arrest one of the teachers who was a suspect for the crime.

“I really enjoyed the day especially all the experiments. It is great to see how Science is used in everyday life. It was the best CE day I have ever experienced at Gumley”Marcie Gabriel

Students really got into the spirit of the day which is best described by Molly Duggan who excitedly remarked at Mr. Campbell (one of the suspects), “Your tie doesn’t match your shirt. You must be the killer!” We’re not sure it would hold up in court!!!

Congratulations to….Emily Binns, Alicia Hiney Eleanor Igboanugo & Alis Sejourne

Here’s what they have to say on their Molecule to Market insight….Alis Sejourne….I enjoyed my GSK work experience, I have definitely gained some vital experience from the the work place and continue with and I will be able to incorporate this knowledge into my studies. This experience has convinced me fully to pursue a career in the scientific field.The people who ran the workshop were great fun and the professionals that lectured us about different aspects of the process from molecule to market were extremely interesting. Alicia Hiney….I gained a lot of knowledge in the daily occurences in so should read I gained a lot of knowledge in the areas of etc in a multinational pharmaceutical company. In particular I learnt a lot about what goes into the process of how a dug is developed from the first idea to mass production.It was very helpful also in informing me of the different departments and jobs within GSK. Overall I really enjoyed the GSK work experience and I feel that it has prepared me for my future. Eleanor Igboanugo….The various lectures were very insightful and informative, particularly the presentation on Clinical Trials. The opportunity undoubtedly has had an impact on my future thoughts of the subjects I want to continue studying. What I found most helpful was that there were a number of people I could ask questions of about the company, apprenticeships and their jobs.

Exciting Experiments continue………….This year so far we had even more hands on fun in Science,

showing off some of our more exciting experiments.

• Biology was not for anyone with a weak stomach as there were many

dissections of rats and frogs!

• Chemistry showed us some explosive chemistry reactions

• Physics had laser shows, smoke machines and minion holograms

9

English

Year 10 SPEAKOUT Competition (Jack Petchey)During November, 25 Year 10 students participated in the Jack Petchey Speak Out Challenge aimed at providing the training and skills needed for successful public speaking.

Throughout the day, the girls were taught very important skills to assist in delivering speeches and were involved in a number of ‘mini’ speech competitions and discussions where they practised their new skills. It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience, despite some nerves, as they worked with a dynamic trainer. We are looking forward to the upcoming Speak Out Finals!

Well done girls and to our school finalists - Ketsia Mandiangu, Caitlin Doyle, Emily Bryce, Mica Robertson-Finn, Sarah Obinna, Isabel Atkinson.

During the Curriculum Extension Days in October all of Year 11 spent a full day with trainers to review key exam skills, motivation and revision skills in an engaging and creative seminars.

Students were reminded of memory, time management and positive thinking skills amongst others, to help them as they prepare for their mock and public exams at the end of the year.

On 3rd and 4th November 30 year 8 and 9 students were trained as cyber mentors as part of the highly successful e-safety programme led by Greenford High School.Cyber bullying affects the everyday lives of many young people.Often students feel unable to confide in an adult because they feel ashamed and wonder whether they will be judged, told to ignore it or close their account so having a team of peers as trained cyber mentors increases awareness, prevention and promotes early intervention.

“The training was a real eye opener because it really helped us understand the impact of cyber bullying and how we can help”

Tanatswa Maposah

“The training was engaging and fun, I enjoyed meeting new people. We discussed lots of ways of supporting students with friendship and bullying issues”

Luna De Rosa

Year 11: Curriculum Extension Days

“We have set up weekly drop in sessions and presented at assemblies so that we can share our experience and really support students who are affected by any kind of bullying”

Emilie Brown

10

GeographyYear 9 Trip to Selsey, Eastsussex

Year 8 Geography

Year 9 students were lucky with the weather in October when they went on their annual trip to Selsey to investigate coastal processes and coastal management. All the students were able to collect their data effectively and enjoy a day out at the seaside.

The most important benefit of this trip is enabling the students to see in real life all the ‘geography’ they have been learning so far this term. We were able to discuss

the various benefits of different types of coastal protection and judge whether the ‘Managed Retreat’ at Medmerry is a sustainable policy for the future.

Caption: The students found a huge jellyfish on the beach

Year 8 creativity knows no bounds – they produced a magnificent selection of ‘Country in a Box’ projects in order to present the most important and

interesting geographical facts about a European country of their choice. Here Year 8 poses with their handiwork.

11

Across 2 days, all Year 9 students working in teams, created products for new international territories taking into account cultural factors for each market to ensure these offerings would appeal to their new audiences.

As you can see this was a very hands-on practical experience.

Students develop the language and marketing skills for the global business world

How do you sell Chinese tea to committed coffee drinking Italians, French perfume to the Chinese, Pizza to the Spanish and Spanish traditional fans to the French?

Go GlobalLanguages & InternationalDeveloping global citizens

12

This year we will welcome our partner schools in Italy, France and Spain in exchange visits with our students.

The French students to Gumley from Wednesday 16 to Wednesday 23 March 2016

The Spanish Students to Gumley from Wednesday 10 March – 17 March 2016

The Italian students to Gumley from Wednesday 4 May to Wednesday 11 May 2016

Host families: If you would like to host an international student and be part of their experience here, to welcome them as they study in our school, experience our culture and make friends please contact out MFL teaching team.

COMING UP……Language Exchanges:

Their comments:

‘I found Ai Weiwei’s exhibition very thought-provoking. His conceptual art posed important, relevant questions such as human rights in China.’ Abigail McDermott

‘Ai Wei Wei’s exhibition at the Royal Academy was incredibly powerful. There were pieces which were politically, as well as personally, motivated which gave the entire show more meaning. It will definitely leave an impact on anybody who goes to see it.’ Louise Stevenson

‘The Ai Wei Wei exhibition really brought to life what I have been learning in class and I was able to understand how the artist expressed his feelings about the Chinese government through art.’ Jasmin Perreira

Ai Weiwei exhibition at the Royal Academy

Language trips coming:

• Sixth Form at the InstitutFrancais - South Kensington Tuesday 2 February

• Languages exchanges - this year we will welcome:

- Students from Gumley will visit Paris for a week from Friday 1st to Friday 6 April 2016

- Students from Gumley will visit Badajoz, Spain for a 6 days from Friday 27 May –Thursday 2 June 2016

…Coming up• HSBC/British Council Mandarin speaking competition.

A team of eight Year 8 and 9 students are going to the regional heat to perform both individually and as a group. They’ve been working really hard to perfect their performances, guided by our Hanban teacher, Ms Cheng.

• China Summer 2016: To see the sights of Beijing and to participate in language and cultural lessons with their peers in a school in another Chinese province. This is open to all students but priority will be given to those studying Mandarin GCSE.

• Sixth Form at the Institut Francais - South Kensington Tuesday 2 February

Language Expeditions

& Events

Year 13 Mandarin students visited the fascinating exhibition of the famous Chinese artist, Ai Weiwei, on the evening of 13 November.

13

Learner Voice

Following our Learner Voice survey in May 2015 we are moving learning forward by allowing our students to develop resilience and independent learning skills through new initiatives.

Google Education Classroom is currently being trialed in languages with year 9, year 11 and our Sixth Form.

Learners are engaged on a new online platform where collaborative learning can develop resilience in learning. Can technology really have an impact on learning and progress? Learner Voice will have a say after using the tool for 2 terms.

Our learning champions will lead Forum 1 with a strong focus on what helps students to progress in different subjects.

• 37 learning champions, 200 students and a very busy forum!

• The outcome of our forum will be published in our Spring Newsletter!

Meanwhile all students will also complete an online survey on learning which is available on https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/H9KC88V

Log in and join the debate!

Learner Voice and Google Education Action Research

Year 10 PLG (formally known as BEST)

So far the PLG group have had an eventful term. We had a great time at the Hillingdon Outdoor Activity Centre: crossed a lake in barrels and poles, rescued a duck and walked the planks. We have started to investigate colleges to make plans for the future and visited West Thames and Richmond Colleges of FE. We are working on our GCSE’s, identifying our weaknesses and building on our strengths.

BEST & Personalised Learning

Group

14

BEST & Personalised Learning

Group

BEST & Personalised Learning

Group Year 11 BEST continue to develop

career & team work skills

Year 11 have got serious! Over this course we have mingled with the hairdressers, the artists, the child-minders, the beauticians, the actors and bakers. Some of us have even been on a “plane” and made sure the rest of us were safe and comfortable. We were taught interview skills by a visiting HR manager from an accounts firm and how to dress by ‘House of Colour’, We are preparing for adulthood, not just our jobs but for our adult relationships and future families. We adopted an egg for the day; most of which survived. All of us have applied to college and secured places for when we leave Gumley. Together we are dreaming of our futures and making plans to get there.

15

Music

September

• Gumley Glee & Chamber Choir auditions

• Open Evening

The auditions for Gumley Glee and Chamber Choir took place at the start of the academic year and around one hundred girls sung for around 20 places in Gumley Glee and for only around 15 places in Chamber Choir. We are always excited to discover new talent and this year was no exception!

Our fantastic Chamber Choir was invited to perform at Open Evening and gave a great rendition of ‘Sing, Sing’, by W Herman, which got the audience tapping their toes. Several parents commented on the high standard of performance during their visit to the Music Department

October

• Cake Concert

• Black History Celebration

In October we had our first Cake Concert in which KS3 students are invited to perform in an informal setting. Girls can try out pieces they are about to perform in an exam or play their favourite pieces with friends. We encourage all girls to enjoy the experience, even if performances are not perfect. The Cake Concert is an opportunity to learn to cope with distractions. Each performer is asked to provide a cake and the performers and audience enjoy eating them at the end of the event!

The Music Department was very much involved in the wonderful Black History Celebration Evening. Two groups of Year 8 girls had received specialist tuition on African Drumming by Inspire Works during the Curriculum Extension days and both groups performed enthusiastically and impressively at the event. Our Gospel Choir sang beautifully and the Staff Choir sang Stevie Wonder’s ‘Isn’t She Lovely!’ The audience particularly enjoyed the presentation of baby and toddler pictures of members of Gumley staff! A high point during the Black History Celebration Evening was the song composed by GCSE Music student Kimberly Ngala, which brought the house down. In addition, Kimberley sang a duet with Christal Poku, expertly accompanied by the talented Orla Noonan, another of our GCSE Music students. Finally Gumley Glee made its first appearance of the academic year with a rousing performance of ‘Everything is Beautiful’ by Ray Stevens.

16

DecemberDecember heralds the Christmas Concert, which showcases Gumley’s many ensembles, both instrumental and vocal. This year the concert will include carols and readings and should be the perfect start to the Christmas season.

November• GCSE Music Borough Conference

• Stomp trip

Gumley was proud to host the very first GCSE Music Borough Conference in November. Students and staff from three other schools attended the conference: Chiswick Community School, The Green School and Gunnersbury Boys’ School. In all there were over 60 students and 12 members of staff present for an afternoon of discussion, music making and tuition. Our guest speaker was John Kelleher, who gave valuable advice on how to achieve the best grades for GCSE composition and performance. The conference discussed how to attract more students to study GCSE Music and why the numbers going on to study A level Music have dropped nationally in the past couple of years. The event was very much appreciated by the students who enjoyed the opportunity to meet musicians from other schools and to be assured that their voice was being heard.

The trip by Year 8 girls to see Stomp took place at the end of November. The Music Department introduced a Scheme of Work based on the West End show after the teachers of the Music Department saw the performance and realised how exciting it would be for students to create their own Stomp pieces. The show is truly unique and the students thoroughly enjoyed the mix of rhythmic numbers, which used a wide variety of objects to create a fantastic and complex mix of rhythms.

Cakes for the concert

Music Borough Conference

Music Borough Conference

Black History – African Drums17

Black History Celebration Evening: #NoShadeInBeautyThis year’s Black History Celebration evening was truly something special. With the theme, #NoShadeInBeauty, our talent students responded with deep consideration, sensitivity and creativity. With the involvement of over 160 girls, it was an evening of singing, dancing, drama, comedy, poetry and speeches. The atmosphere in the hall was electric and the fashion feature lifted it to new heights.

Top Fashion Show at Black History Celebration

Through making contact with the founder of African Fashion Week, Ronke Ademiluye, Bola Obileye, fashion designer and founder of Tote London brought a selection of her current collection for ten of our student committee girls to wear in a catwalk feature for the show.

Adorned Portraits to be Printed on fabric

The Art department’s response was the creation of magnificent portraits by groups of Year 8 girls, inspired by the artist Chris Ofili. Bola Obileye, was so impressed with them, that she asked if she could have them to reproduce in fabric for her collection.

Other Departments Respond

• The Maths department researched the work of Black mathematicians, such as Marjorie Lee Browne and produced some wonderful posters.

• RE department organised for students write prayers

• English department inspired student to write poetry in response to our theme.

• Drama and History GCSE students combined learnt about the Freedom Riders of 1961 who stood up against overt racist laws in the US southern states.

We had the renowned Theatre Centre in to perform a new play by Lisa Evans entitled Rise Up! about the Freedom Riders.

Drama

18

The Shakespeare Schools Festival

Report by student, Ketsia Mandiangu,published on The Local Guardian’s Young Reporter’s website..…

The Merchant of Venice

The topic of the evening was “No shade in Beauty”. Exploring the true meanings of skin colour, the message was that no matter what shape or size you are, you should be comfortable in your own skin.

The showcase, which was started with an honourable prayer and ended with an evolutionary dance, demonstrated the wonders of beauty in various ways. The

girls of the evening lightened the spirits and inspired the younger generation to embrace the true meaning of beauty. “Beauty cannot be judged by the colour or look of someone’s skin”, said by a performer. “Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder” said in a poem created by Faith Munemo.

As each and every act captured the hearts of the audience, it brought a

strong message. “This has made me realise the truth of beauty”, said a member of the audience.

Fashion by designer Bola Obileye, music, dance and speech flourished on the stage. We had amazing comedic talent shown in a “Little Miss Jocelyn” sketch performed by FeyiBadejo and Chantel Anumihe, leaving the crowd crying with laughter. Comedian Jocelyn

Jee Esien herself even made an appearance on screen to wish Gumley Girl well for the evening. She later tweeted, #GumleyGirlsRock.

So as the final acts left the stage, the crowd was roaring with amazement, justifying the message that the truth of colour on someone’s skin shouldn’t be judged, but rather the person that lies underneath it.

Theatre Trips in the Autumn TermAs part of Black History month, Drama took the student committee to see Memphis the Musical. We had a fabulous time. The musical

was in its final week and it was an absolute privilege to see Ms Beverly Knight sing her heart out, accompanied by the talented

Matt Cardle and company, in a powerful piece of musical theatre that shows how one man’s determination to combat prejudice can

change a nation.

A Wolf in Snakeskin ShoesIn November, A-level Drama and Theatre Studies students saw this hilarious and chilling adaptation of Moliere’s Tartuffe. Part satire,

part morality tale and part allegory for our times, the production at Kilburn’s Tricycle Theatre had our students laughing, cheering and

horrified by turns. It was an inspiring evening at the theatre.

Another huge success and a fantastic performance that captivated the full house audience of primary and secondary school children and parents at the Waterman’s Art Centre.

It was a pertinent choice of play with its themes of justice and mercy.

The company had a perfect balance between the humour and drama of the play and the mixed cast of Year 9 to 11 girls gave it their all and shone in their parts. The Festival Director spoke very highly of the ensemble, the truth of their characterisation, the slickness of the production and the stand out performances from the leads.

You will get an opportunity to see this in school at our Drama festival in February.

19

Community

Thank you and well done to our wonderful group of Year 7 & Year 9 students who willingly participated on

Sunday 8th November to join other local schools and the community to remember those that fought for our freedom.

Read her account….

During the summer of 2015, after I completed my GCSE exams, I decided to take part in the National Citizenship Service by The Challenge.

Even though it took up 3 weeks of my holidays, I never once regretted signing up to it. I was always entertained with both physical and mental challenges helping to enhance my confidence and self-esteem massively.

I met many amazing young people of my age and also mentors as well as engulfing myself into an area of my local community.

It helped develop personal aspects of myself, from teamwork in hiking up the sister mountain to Snowdonia to coasteering along the edge of Wales. Also building on life skills, like wild camping and forming my own business scheme to raise money for Age UK Hounslow.

My experience did not stop there! I volunteered and was nominated to be on The Challenge Youth Board. I currently participate in meetings to make my voice heard for the future of Hounslow NCS. This does not only strengthen my UCAS and CV but it also gives me leadership skills, which stretches my experiences and connections for the future.

This all happened because I said “Yes to NCS!”

Honouring the 390 servicemen who gave their lives

WW1 ISLEWORTH COMMEMORATION

NCS The Challenge - Student Sophia Merola Joins the Youth Board

Christmas Raffle & BazaarA huge thank you to our wonderful Parents’ Association and to all students, staff and others in the community who supported our Christmas raffle & Bazaar

It was a great day with a fantastic range of stalls.

The students excelled themselves with their creativity and of course the marvellous Gumley Glee in fine voice.

Congratulations to the raffle winners! We hope you enjoy your shopping spree, trip to The Shard, and Sky tablet.

The rest of us can enjoy our Gumley Christmas puddings for another year.

We raised nearly 8K, a truly amazing result that brings us closer to the target required for the “Bench project”.

Thank you for your generosity.

20

Harrow:

On the 11th of November, the A level PE class were given the opportunity to not only visit Harrow School, but also have a personalised tour to support our history of sport studies. While at Harrow, we explored classrooms and the main speech presentation hall. Here our tour guide spoke to us about the significance of Harrow in the development of sports, such as Rugby and Football. We later tried out some traditional sports from Harrow, including Rackets and Fives. These proved to be highly skilful but very enjoyable. Overall, this experience has made our course much more relatable and we all found it relevant and fun to get involved.

Wimbledon:

On the 23rd November, we were given another exciting opportunity to explore Wimbledon tennis club. We were given a tour guide who took us around all of the courts, whilst she gave us interesting facts. We learnt how Wimbledon became the centre of tennis and how the tournament has developed over the years. We ended the tour on centre court, before we visited the museum. Here were learnt about different tennis players, such as Fred Perry, and the influence they had across the sport. We also learnt the different sports that were important at the start of Wimbledon. These included croquet and badminton. One important fact we learnt was you may never stand on the

Borough Badminton TournamentGrace Fisher, Elle Ordona, Erica Londgon-Hughes and Alicia Northcotetook to the Badminton courts at The Dome, Hounslow for the KS4 Borough Badminton tournament. They played some fantastic games their final match being the decider of the tournament against Lamptonschool, they played some superb Badminton. They will be representing Hounslow next at the Middlesex competition.

grass because it is measured to be precisely 7mm to stop it becoming shocked!!!

Both these experiences have

been valuable to our PE Alevel studies and we are grateful for the opportunity.

PE

21

Another Gumley dominated afternoon at the Borough Cross Country, with Gumley winning all of the team events, as well as some strong individual performances. 19 girls finished in the top 10 in their respective races. The top 9 will go on to represent Hounslow in the Middlesex competition.

Year 7- An-Isabel Andersson 3rd, Lily Temple 4th, Molly Fendley 5th, Mya Davis 6th, Hannah iguchi 7th, Charlotte Gregory 8th, Ariana Johnson 9th.

Yearr 8/9- Lucy O’Brien 1st, Tilly Harwood 2nd, lauren Fisher 4th, Zoe Blake 6th, Molly O’Reilly 7th.

Year 10/11- Millie Giglio 2nd, Erin Shevlin 3rd, Evie Harwood 4th, Emily Powell 6th, Olivia Sejourne 7th, Rebecca O’Neill 8th, Emily Bryce 9th, Emily Magill 10th.

Brentford Football Club Cup

Borough Cross Country

On a beautiful sunny November day the year 7 and 8 football teams took on the challenges of 19 schools from the west of london! After some cry tough matches both teams headed for the quarterfinals. The year 7s had tough game but unfortunately narrowly lost out on the semis. A great experience for them in their first competition together. The year 8 team fought hard in the quarters winning on sudden death penalties. The semi saw them in a local derby against St Richard Reynolds which Gumley won convincingly. The final saw the team face Teddington. A very evenly matched game that ended 1-1. The girls kept on battling into extra time, but in the final minute Teddington managed to slot a goal in. A great effort by the girls and fantastic display of team work and resilience.Gumley year 8 took home the silver medal.

PE

22

Ever wonder what it’s like to be selected for an England Hockey training camp ? Making it to the group of 34 out of 12,000 players in the system ?

Millie Said

“It’s been really tough to get all the way to the England training squad but definitely worth the trouble, all the long and cold sessions are starting to pay off. I started at the bottom at Richmond U10’s and now I’m almost at the top. I still really enjoy playing club hockey every weekend. The thing I most enjoy about playing hockey is I always see old friends at games because you play in so many different teams all over the country that there’s always someone there you know! I hope to keep going through the national age groups and maybe one day go to the Olympics!”

Millie Giglio gets selected for the last 34 of the England Hockey U16 squad

Yr10 Borough Netball RallyOn a very wet afternoon the year 10 team played some good netball to put themselves in the semi- final. In a very close game Gumley went on to win in golden goal time. The final saw them face old rivals Chiswick. A very even game left the full time score at a draw. Gumley held off Chiswick for a large chunk of time, but finally succumbed to their pressure in the extra time losing by 1 goal. The girls played well finishing runners up in the borough.

23

Gumley House Convent School FCJFounded 1841

Headteacher: Mrs Ewa KolczynskaSt. John’s Road, Isleworth, Middlesex TW7 6XF Tel : 020 8568 8692 Fax : 020 8758 2674

general@gumley.hounslow.sch.uk - www.gumley.hounslow.sch.uk

Best Read House and StudentOur Reading Award for the House who has read the most this term was won by the Rs.

Our individual winner was Lysa Mfoumou. Congratulations.

The Library has been celebrating Christmas! We had a Santa’s Lucky Dip and the money raised will be donated to the Shooting Star Children’s Hospice.

LibraryBook Fair

Hounslow Teen Read

Santa’s Lucky Dip

Gumley Library hosted its annual Scholastic Book Fair from 11th-21st November. The Fair provides students with the opportunity to browse the most recent titles, as well as celebrated classics. The girls can add books to their own library or can select books to give as Christmas presents. The Book Fair helps our aim of encouraging girls to read for pleasure. Once more, it was a huge success, and we would like to thank everyone who attended, and the volunteers who helped! The Fair included books by the popular Liz Pichon and Rachel Renee Russell as well as fantastic titles such as‘The Rest of Us Just Live Here’, ‘Ruby in The Smoke’ and ‘The Secret Garden’.

Congratulations to the winners of the prize draw:Lucia Nisco Danielle Beke Sarah Lobo

Christmas Storytelling A group of Year 10 students formed a Christmas Storytelling group for primary school pupils and visited The Blue School, Isleworth to share their love of reading by telling stories and singing songs. Reception to Year 3 had a visit from the girls. “The pupils enjoyed their experience and I think we have some budding primary school teachers. They were absolutely amazing and we are so proud of them.”

Nishali Samaranayake, Erica Longdon-Hughes, Emily Felix, Liwia Kocela, Lauren Johnson, Julia Kunaszewska, Kisholi Perera-Merry, Krystina Hynda

A group of Year 9 girls attended the Hounslow Teen Read Award Launchevent on Tuesday 17th November at the Paul Robeson Theatre, Hounslow. The short list was announced by the children’s author Dave Cousins.

The Teen Read is open to girls from Yr9, who will read a collection of six books. It is a way of encouraging the girls to

My Second Life, Faye BirdBomb ,Sarah MussiSay Her Name, James DawsonThis Is Not a Love Story, Keren DavidTape, Steven CamdenThe Art of Being Normal, Lisa Williamson

Klaudia Jagla 9T, Lucy Craughwell-Franks 9M1, Anna Sieczka 9R, Tabith Bower 9T, Soumeya Nait-Yahia 9M2, Alicja Mrozek 9J, Natalia Cwalina 9M2, Ayah El-Bayrouti 9M2, Shivani Verma 9M2, Alaleh Tadayon 9M, Mariam Salib 9R, Sephora Dimundu 9R

L-R: Natalya Latka 8R, Elize Tanner 7C1, Megan Foley 7M,

Julia Bahadrian 7T1

We would like to thank all our volunteer pupil librarians for their invaluable help during the term! They have been wonderful assistants during break and lunch times, and during the annual Book Fair.

Pupil Librarians

discover new books and authors and to share their love of reading with students in their school and across the borough. At Easter, the girls will vote for their favourite book. The most popular book in the Borough will be the winner.