At our core will always be setting the highest expectations for learning and achievement, while at the same time promoting values of community alongside engagement with a wide range of extra-curricular activities.

Nothing could encapsulate this more than my visits to Year 7 tutor time first thing this morning. When I walked into Miss Hughes’ tutor group, students were sitting with their heads on the table, appearing to be completely zoned out and not paying attention to their teacher. I was very relieved when I realised that the students were practising the skill of mindfulness. After a few moments of relaxation and meditation they stretched out, stood up and started focusing on the things around them.

This is part of our wellbeing curriculum, of which I saw more in the next room. Mr Booth’s Year 7 class were telling each other about their morning routines, including what time they got up and how they prepared for school each morning. Mr Booth explained how stress can impact us, and how being organised can help reduce this. I am really proud that we aim to develop all aspects of our students, and this continued in countless other places this week.

Jack Petchey Speak Out Challenge

Twenty five Year 10 students spent Tuesday practising their speaking skills. Supported by a (Bafta award-winning) coach, each student spoke, without notes, adding in gestures and varying their tone for ultimate effect.

I was lucky enough to witness the completed speeches. Students included a wider range of topics than I might have at the same age, including their own identity. Every speech was personal and full of conviction – I felt privileged to be in that room. 

Harvest festival food collection

A huge thank you to all the families that were able to support our collection. In total, the families of Greenshaw donated over 120kg of a wide range of food. The collection van had to make two trips as it did not have enough space to fit everything in one journey. Your donations are being shared with local food banks across South London, so thank you for your generous efforts.

Raft building challenge in Richmond

A group of our students headed off site this week, participating in the King’s Trust Achieve Programme and enjoying an exciting and engaging team-building day (pictured above). Students took part in a raft building challenge at Thames Young Mariners that tested their communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. It was a brilliant opportunity for the group to develop essential skills outside the classroom… while also having a great time.

Students of the week

I have met some amazing students this half term. This week I met three students in Year 10 who had seen a young person come off his bicycle, while travelling down the steep hill our school is on. They helped him up, stemmed the blood coming from his cuts and gave him water to drink. 

There is always a range of reasons why students are nominated, including high levels of effort and focus with their learning. It was great to see such community-minded students, looking out for others when in distress. Here is the list of winners for this week’s students of the week – I look forward to hearing their stories next week.

Year 7	Year 8	Year 9	Year 10	Year 11	6th Form
tbc	Emi	Tamara	Leah	Jake C	tbc

Wishing you all a great weekend, and especially to our Year 13 students who have completed a week of mock exams. Enjoy the rest.

Mr N House, Headteacher