SUBJECT SUPERSTARS

Ms Daswani has chosen the following 2 pupils as her students to be celebrated:

Vlada in Y7 for brilliant Home Learning effort and who wows me every time with the work she is producing and Issa in Y9 for his outstanding work in History this year. He is both hard working and engaged with the subject. Well done to both of them. Mr Woodgate and Mr Callaghan also selected star pupils who will be featured in a future publication.

MEET MS DASWANI: HEAD OF DEPARTMENT

I have absolutely loved my first full year at Deptford Green! It has been a joy to share my passion for history and shape a curriculum that is diverse, inclusive, and representative. Our History Department is full of history enthusiasts, always seeking creative and engaging ways to enrich students' experiences in the classroom.

Beyond history, I have a few other passions. I started DJing at a young age and am looking forward to playing at festivals over the summer holidays. I’m also a dedicated Tottenham Hotspur season ticket holder, much to the delight of my students, who never miss an opportunity to tease me about it!

KS3 TEACHING & LEARNING

A key focus for us is ensuring that history is truly representative. This year, we have been exploring Post-War Britain and how far British society has progressed. We have shone a spotlight on Black Tudors and the presence of people of colour in British history, challenging misconceptions about the past. Our students have also examined the development of the Chartist and Suffrage movements in the 1800s, understanding the fight for democratic rights. In Key Stage 3, we have been delving into the role of the NHS and the welfare state, exploring how these institutions have shaped modern Britain. With the arrival of sunnier days, we are excited to take learning beyond the classroom and into our outdoor spaces.

ORACY IN THE CLASSROOM: SPEAK LIKE A HISTORIAN

Developing students' historical literacy and confidence in public speaking is a key focus for us. This year, we have integrated some fantastic opportunities into our curriculum to enhance their oracy skills. Whether it is debating whether Winston Churchill should remain on the £5 note or presenting archaeological findings from the Sutton Hoo dig. Students from Y7 to Y11 have truly impressed us with their knowledge, teamwork, and communication skills. Our students at Deptford Green worked so hard as a group and presented brilliantly.

Mr Woodgate sent this photo of some of his Y8 students who've been working on Civil Rights in the USA this term. They wrote their final assessment on the question of why there was progress in the Civil Rights movement from 1954 - 1964. The students wrote some fantastic work about the influence of Martin Luther King and Linda Brown, amongst others.

Y10 BOOSTER SESSIONS

We have been providing our keen historians in Y10, a Booster Session on a Thursday. This is a wonderful opportunity for students. There are always snacks, and we also provide some freebies (highlighters/flashcard packs) for students with consistent attendance. All history GCSE students are welcome!

OUR 'HISTORY IN FILM' RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Y11 EXAM REVISION

To help students extend their learning beyond the classroom, we have created REVISION BOOKLETS for each exam paper. These resources have been invaluable, not only for catching up on missed content but also for pushing students to challenge themselves further.

Additionally, we have introduced ASSESSMENT BOOKS IN KS4, where students have been producing outstanding GREEN PEN FEEDBACK. This reflective practice allows them to critically evaluate their work, refine their exam skills, and develop a deeper understanding of key historical concepts. We are incredibly proud of the effort and progress our students are making!

To give our Y11 students a final boost before exams, we’re running intensive intervention sessions on MONDAY 7TH APRIL & WEDNESDAY 9TH APRIL. These sessions provide a fantastic opportunity for students to receive bespoke support, targeted exam techniques, and teacher-led guidance in a focused learning environment. These workshops have consistently boosted students’ confidence and performance, helping them feel prepared for the real exams. Don’t miss out—these sessions always make a huge difference!

Thanks to Ms Daswani and Mr Woodgate for their contributions...

STUDENT STARS

What a term it's been in Music!

There have been many exciting events happening throughout the year, involving a number of students who I want to acknowledge so the shoutouts are going to be quite a few!

Firstly, I'd like to give a shoutout to a number of my Y10 & Y11 students, who have shown up in so many ways! They have been completing their coursework as well as taking part in extracurricular events such as the LSO On Track Playing Day, Easter Showcase and Battle of the Bands!

Here are Leo (Y11), Harris and Katie (Y10) after the LSO On Track Playing Day in March, where they got to perform with musicians from the London Symphony Orchestra and creatively devise pieces of music based on a brief.

Next, I'd like to shoutout my Y11 students, Emmanuel, Daniel, David O and Sheetal for playing in their last ever Easter showcase at Deptford Green. These students put in such great effort, as well as Daniel stepping in on drums for a group in the Battle of the Bands! Here they are performing 'Hey Jude' and 'Sailor Song'.

My last shoutout goes to ALL the Bands that participated in Deptford Green's first Battle of the Bands.

It was one of Deptford Green's most phenomenal showcases to date, and testament to our hard-working, creative and talented students. All bands performed Cover songs and Originals which they had composed themselves. Well done to The Phantoms, No Eyed Deer, K3S, Abdication Shortage, Sunshade, Watermelon Tattoo and last but not least, our WINNERS... The Blue Brick House! A huge congratulations to Joe, Dylan and Orson (Y9)

MEET MS DASZEK-GREEN: HEAD OF DEPARTMENT

I am Ms Green, and I am very proud to be the Head of Music at Deptford Green School. Since I started here in July 2022, it has been amazing to see the department flourish and grow. I am grateful to teach in such a diverse and vibrant school which puts Arts at the forefront!

CURRICULUM/DEPARTMENT NEWS

Y7 have been working on 'Power of the Pentatonic', and looking at how the Pentatonic Scale has been used throughout Folk and contemporary Classical music.

Y8 have been delving into the Baroque period, with its particular features such as the Harpsichord, Ground Bass and Concerto Grosso's. Students have been performing Pachelbel's Canon on keyboards as well as creating their own chord progressions and basslines.

Y9 have been exploring 'Fusions in Music', and how genres such as Afrobeat, Electro tango and Bhangra began, looking into the cultural context as well as specific artist's work, which they've been performing in groups.

Y10 and 11 have been looking at a range of Areas of Study, such as Film Music, Rhythms of the World, Concertos as well as Pop and Rock Music. Y11 have been busily finishing their coursework, with a number of students nearly at the finish line! I wish them all well as they await their results in the summer.

Thank you Ms Daszek-Green. What an end to a term it has been for you with the Battle of the Bands right at the end with exams on the horizon, so thanks again for your contribution here.

Y11 REVISION

Y11 parents - the end is near! Please see below for the exam dates for French and Spanish GCSE.

The SPEAKING exam is one of the earliest GCSE exams and students should be revising their flashcards DAILY for 5-10mins to prepare and completing their Speaking Exam Booklet on the roleplays and photocards. Use the Learning Strategies below to help them to learn them most efficiently.

The best overall website to direct your students to revise for GCSE French and Spanish is BBC Bitesize which has revision info, videos and mini quizzes! Email zcalvert@deptfordgreen.co.uk for any further support.

How to revise for Spanish/French:

VARIETY and CONSISTENCY is key – do a little bit each day and do something different each day.?

STAFF NEWS:

Ms Calvert says:

During the Easter holidays, I'm planning to spend some time in London catching up with friends, playing some football matches (got some cup games!) and relaxing as well as travelling around the UK to visit a friend in Wales and my family back in Leeds. I will also be dog-sitting my parents' dog Baxter for a while (photo is when he visited Deptford Green during his last stay)! In the February half-term, I visited Copenhagen and enjoyed their comforting, cosy winter vibes of 'Hygge'! In the May half-term, I'm going to be taking the train across France and hiking the Pyrenees - the mountains between France and Spain. I can't wait for the beautiful views! Ce serait magnifique! Ms Calvert

STUDENT STARS

Ms Caltagirone has chosen Bea, Lotte, Sky, Helen, Ria, Joyce, Neriah in Y11 for consistently working very hard in Spanish! 'It will pay off!' and Igor for making the most progress this term!

STAFF NEWS:

Over Easter, Ms Caltagirone is going to visit her sisters and friends in Paris and catch up with them at some lovely French terraces, drinking coffee and eating croissants! She will then visit her parents in Vendee in Les Sables d’Olonne and walk along the beach, go to markets and eat plenty of delicious seafood! Have a wonderful time Ms C!

Mr Lambert has chosen Ife in Y8 for always working excellently in Spanish and helping other students to succeed. Well done Ife!

STAFF NEWS:

Mr Lambert is visiting Nantes where he plans to eat oysters and crêpes, washed down with copious amounts of muscadet. Oh, and he’s going to visit the giant elephant.

Ms Burley-Burton chose Rae in Y7 who has gone above and beyond to support an EAL student who she shares a table with. Rae has thought about how she could help the student and came up with a list of key phrases and points in the lesson to help and support her classmate.

Ms Burley-Burton has been trialling a Language Leader VIP table, this is for the student or students who have made a positive and significant contribution and demonstrated exemplary behaviour in the previous lesson. There is a box of costume items to choose from in the Spanish and French lesson.

STAFF NEWS:

Ms Burley-Burton is planning to travel to St. Lucia where she can enjoy the scenery and visit family and friends. Most importantly, she cannot wait to spend the days either in the Springs or on the beach!

From Ms Schettini our PGCE Spanish, French + Italian teacher

Italian Club: To all Students and Staff:

“Ciao a tutti! The Italian Club is returning on Tuesday, April 29th, and will run every Tuesday after school (room 304)! Whether you're just starting or already know your way around an Italian conversation, come along for a fun taster session in the first week. We’ll be learning through films, games, and—of course—food! Expect a special cooking session at the end where we’ll put our Italian skills (and taste buds) to the test. Don't forget to sign outside room 304. Everyone is welcome, so why not give it a try? A presto!”

STAFF NEWS:

For my birthday this year, I spent the weekend at Disneyland Paris, conquering all the scariest rides! My favourite? Tower of Terror—but the ones that truly had my heart racing were Avengers Assemble: Flight Force and Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain. To top it off, I had a magical birthday dinner at Bistrot Chez Rémi (because Ratatouille is one of my favourite Disney films!) and even brought home a pair of Ratatouille-themed ears. Next stop: Rome for Easter!"

From Ms Calvert:

Teachers of Deptford Green have been keen for a while to learn Spanish for their travels and to interact better with our many students and their families who are Spanish speakers. Teachers including Ms Stanghon, Mr Bannon, Mr Paish, Mr Neill, Mr Evans, Ms Pritchard, Mr Curran, Ms Kelleher, Ms Loucini, Mr Stamp, Mr Jacobs, Mr Josephs and even Ms Thurston have been attending weekly lessons with Ms Calvert, and have developed their confidence in asking others how they are feeling, describing how they feel, and asking students if there's anything they need e.g. a pen. Teachers really enjoyed learning through games and found it a unique experience to be in the students' shoes! Lessons have paused for now so teachers can focus on their GSCE exam students, but will resume in the Summer term.

Thanks to all the members of the MFL department for their contributions

Y11 @ THE FINANCIAL TIMES

We have a special invitation for Y11 Deptford Green students from The Careersguard to a special event on 16^th April at the Financial Times.

It promises to be a fun day, with interactive games, spot the fake news, lots of group activities and FREE FOOD!

You will hear from the Careerguard team and also learn more about the FT News School, an internship program, and get a head start to a career in Journalism, Media, Data and Technology. Here is the link for more information and to book - click HERE

IDEAS FOR HOLIDAY CAREER CONVERSATIONS WITH YOUR CHILD

Log into Xello with your child: See how to log in from home - click HERE. Have they completed the ‘personality Style’ section, the skills section and their interests section?
Learn about sectors, employers and apprenticeships:
RETAIL

Do you know a young person not currently attending college and not employed? Or a Y11 concerned about their grades and going to college?

If they fancy earning over £22k while they learn, the Tesco Stronger Starts Retail Apprenticeship could be for them.

The programme is open to anyone aged 16 or over interested in starting a career in retail.
They can find out more and apply by clicking HERE

See here for other Retail sectors apprenticeships open to people aged 16+:

Click HERE

THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT

Hear from current apprentices about their experiences, challenges, and successes at Barratt Redrow.

Tia is a trade apprentice: click HERE to find out more

Abdul is a quantity surveyor and Reshaurn is a trainee land buyer - click HERE

Their stories highlight the opportunities available in this sector.

A few key tips for applying for jobs and apprenticeships:

- - - Update your CV and tailor it to the role you’re applying for
    - Research the company/role
    - Understand the application process
    - Know the key dates and deadline
    - Keep track of your applications
    - Check your emails

Access Industry is a training providers delivering apprenticeships in Digital, Events, Software Development, Sport, Business.

Have a look here at their programmes - click HERE

MY GREAT FUTURE

WHAT IS IT LIKE TO BE A BLACK STUDENT FROM SOUTH EAST LONDON STUDYING AT CAMBRIDGE?

Y10 students had plenty of questions for undergraduates Tia and Hannah who were visiting us from Gonville and Caius, our partner college at Cambridge University. They also gathered some sound advice about studying for their GCSEs, choosing their A Levels and applying to university.

We wrapped up the session with an interesting discussion and lots of information about student finance, bursaries and scholarships and budgeting.

Thank you to Gwyneth from the outreach team. We love working with you!

We always love catching up with our alumni! Youth Services was in school this week to hear what young people want and need from their youth provision and Millie - Class of 2018 - was part of the team! Welcome back Millie! It was lovely to see you again.