As we reach the end of another school year, this term has brought many successes and achievements. From the excitement of Dream Days and the energy of Fame: The Musical, to the competitive spirit of Sports Day and the dedication shown during the Y10 exams— this term has truly been incredible.
We are now looking ahead to the Y11 results in August with great anticipation, and we are proud of all the hard work our students have put in.
There is so much to celebrate and read about in this newsletter, so I won’t say too much more here, except to remind everyone of the importance of excellent attendance. Every day in school really does count, and consistent attendance hasa significant impact on student outcomes.
We’re excited to welcome our new Y7's on 2nd September, and look forward to seeing all other year groups return on 3rd September.
To celebrate 2026, designated the 'Year of Reading', we’re launching our Summer Reading Challenge. Can you send us a photo of you and your family reading in the most unusual or unexpected place? Whether it’s up a tree, in a tent, or somewhere totally wild (and safe!), we’d love to see how far your reading adventures can go!
I would also like to take this opportunity to say goodbye to some of our colleagues who are sadly leaving us, and wish them all well as they move on to pastures new! Thank you for your contributions to our school community.
Finally, a huge thank you from me and the entire team to you, our parents and carers, for your continued support throughout the year.
Wishing you all a restful and enjoyable summer.
Emma Thurston
WE SAY GOODBYE AND THANK YOU!
Ms Hill, Ms Rahman, Mr Curran, Ms Tumkevice, Mx Landon & Mr Evans
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY:
FRIDAY 25TH - SATURDAY 26TH JULY - Summer School
THURSDAY 21st August - GCSE Results Day
MONDAY 1st September - INSET DAY (no school for students)
TUESDAY 2nd September - Y7 & Y11 ONLY in school
WEDNESDAY 3rd September - ALL YEARS return to school
Please do follow us on the social platforms above
WELCOME TO OUR END OF YEAR BUMPER EDITION!
WHAT'S BEEN HAPPENING AT SCHOOL?
Y11 VISUAL ARTS GCSE SHOW
Art work by Teigan and Photography by Henry
Art Work by Jasmine, Beatrice and Patricia
Artwork by Lotte
Artwork by Vy, Eden and Lowie
Street photography by Morgan
Textile work by Augustine (top left), Handbag by Zeynep and 'Insecure' by Lotte
Street Photography by Henry
Artwork by Eden and the piece on the right by Victoria
Textiles by Maeva & Jasmine
Self-Portrait by Obaro and War Poster by Sky
Huge congratulations to all our GCSE artists from Art, Photography and Textiles and to the staff who have taught them along the way. This is just a small selection of the amazing work they all produced, but I think you will agree, this is FANTASTIC work of which, our Y11 Creatives should be VERY proud!
Thank you to Ms Bartlett-Garrard for the amazing curation of the work for our Creative Gatherings before the show last week. It is an absolute pleasure walking past the art and discovering something new and wonderful every time!
This term we have taken students on a wide variety of trips, exploring a Zine exhibition at the Wellcome Trust, visiting artists and makers at Cockpit Arts, exploring Electric Dreams at the Tate, exploring the amazing FLOWERS exhibit at the Saatchi gallery and walking from Waterloo to London Bridge or vice versa and visiting a number of fantastic architectural and historically important places, including visiting Tate Modern. Visiting galleries, museums and creative spaces is vital for students so they can see what Art looks like in the real world, and see people who have careers in the Visual Arts in multiple roles to increase their aspirations. Did you know that visiting galleries helps you live for longer too? Added benefits!
To find out more about the huge range of amazing careers you can get into through the visual arts please click HERE
As part of our partnership work with Goldsmiths University some of the tutors created a fabulous Cyanotype workshop for the Y10 Art students, they loved finding out about the chemical and compositional effects and considerations involved in making cyanotype photographs.
Y8 students who were awarded the highest grades for effort and attainment in the recent Zine Unit were invited to visit a Zine exhibition at the Wellcome Collection and they had a blast!! They really enjoyed visiting the Collection and the specialist Zine exhibition that is currently showing as we all as exploring the range of exhibits the collection has that link Art and Science. If you haven't been it is well worth a visit!
As part of the fabulous Discovery Day programme,Y9 Photography visited Christ The King 6th Form to see their darkroom and digital editing facilities in June, and meet the students studying Photography there. Students then participated in a creative collage workshop.
A select group of Visual Arts GCSE Y10 students visited the inspiring Electric Dreams exhibition at the Tate Modern. They loved being able to interact with the pre-digital age artworks and realised that technology has been used to make art for longer than they had thought!
The Y10 Art students worked really hard in their PPE’s, and some of their work was exhibited in a Pop-Up Exhibition, alongside work from Christ the King 6th Form students at Lewisham Shopping Centre in June!
Y10 Art and Textiles students had a careers related visit to Cockpit Arts to meet a range of makers, including a leather fashion maker, a ceramicist and a mosaicist, to take part in a Textiles workshop and have a 'meet the makers Q&A. It was incredibly informative and students learnt more about the routes you can take to become a successful craftsperson/maker.
CREATIVE CHAMPIONS
Here are our recently appointed Creative Champions, of whom we are very proud!
We took a selection of them to the Saatchi Gallery this week to reward them for all their hard work and they were given a tour of the Flowers exhibition and then took part in a workshop to create album covers inspired by what they had seen. They really enjoyed themselves and many said they hoped they could bring their families to see the exhibition over the summer (details of it are at the end of this section).
Working alongside our Creative Champions, other students too have been working on making placards and costumes for the Deptford X Parade. This took place on Thursday 17th July on Deptford High Street, leaving from Deptford Library and finishing in Fordham Park. They have been working with an artist and the Deptford X Team to make placards and wearable sculptures for the parade, including a two-day workshop at Goldsmiths University as part of Dream Days. Their outcomes look amazing!!
On the day, our Y7, 8 and 9 students took part in the Deptford X Parade along with students and staff from Watergate School. We performed a silent protest march from Deptford Library, down Deptford High Street and then to Fordham Park, wearing and displaying the work we have been creating for the past few months with the artist Ruth Beale. The students had an amazing time! The public were so positive and quite a few parents came along to support us too so thank you so much for that!!
In Art, Textiles and Photography lessons, our students learn how to acquire and develop practical skills that they can use to develop visual ideas inspired by the work of a range of diverse artists using effective visual language.
We set our students homework to help them develop and deepen these skills independently. Please check Classcharts regularly to see what your child has been set as homework and to see if you can help them to complete the work to the best of their ability. Thank you.
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
Hi, I’m Ms Greenhalgh, a textiles and art teacher with a love for making things by hand, whether that’s clothes, artwork, or something good to eat. I’m happiest when I’m outdoors, finding inspiration in nature or experimenting with new ideas for projects. This summer, I’m looking forward to visiting Cornwall with my family, swimming, taking coastal walks, and slowing down by the sea.
If you're around London this summer and want to stay creative, here are a few ways to stay inspired:
SKETCH AT KEW GARDENS OR A LOCAL PARK Take a notebook or sketchpad and spend time drawing from observation. It’s a great way to slow down and improve your eye for detail.
CHECK OUT THE V&A OR TATE MODERN Both have fantastic textile and contemporary art exhibitions. The V&A, in particular, has a great collection of historical garments and fabric techniques.
EXPLORE PUBLIC ART AND STREET ART Take a walk along the South Bank or through Shoreditch and look at the street art, murals, and installations. Try documenting what you see with photos or quick sketches.
TRY A PERSONAL PROJECT Set yourself a small challenge—like designing and making something to wear, creating a zine, or keeping a summer sketchbook. Just something that feels fun and keeps you thinking creatively.
Whatever you do this summer, make time to look, notice, and be creative, it doesn’t have to be complicated to be meaningful.
WHAT HAVE WE BEEN LEARNING ABOUT THIS TERM?
Y7 are currently learning about Landscapes. They started the project making observational drawings in our outdoor classrooms, and making a painting they have designed using their visual and artist research as inspiration. They have explored the work of a variety of historical and contemporary painters to inspire both their watercolour technique and their composition.
Y8 worked on exploring architecture and making some fantastic constructions inspired by Brutalism and Zaha Hadid. Now they are creating collaborative group flags celebrating the diverse cultures we have at Deptford Green and developing their compositional, applique and embroidery techniques.
Y9 have been completing the Discovery Day projects exploring the theme of identity.
Ms Greenhalgh’s Textiles Y9 class have been exploring textiles construction skills and making clothing patterns using newspaper. They have really improved their understanding of how shapes fit together in a 3D way, as well as working as a team and celebrating their class work in a fashion parade!
Ms Austin-Burdett’s Photography classes have been exploring photographical composition and collage, exploring how we have layers to our identity.
We run a variety of clubs and your child can improve their creative skills and enjoy spending time making fantastic things at 3D club on Mondays, Creativity Club on Tuesdays and Clay Club on Thursdays. Attending Visual Arts clubs is a rewarding way to spend time focusing on developing creative skills and skills that support wider learning and progress, such as problem-solving, creativity, team work, resilience and critical thinking skills, as well as strengthening hand to eye co-ordination and the ability to stay focused, all skills that many employers and universities are looking for in applicants!
Thank you to Ms Austin-Burdett and the rest of the Visual Arts Team for their contributions to this newsletter.
On Monday 7th July, Y8 students took part in an electrifying STEM Day powered by Formula E’s Driving Force programme. The science lab met the racetrack in a fast-paced, hands-on exploration of electric racing, sustainability, and the future of tech.
From the roar of electric engines (not quite!) to cracking codes and solving real-world engineering and logistics challenges, students discovered how they can apply their literacy skills at work and explored a range of STEM topics across Science, Design & Technology, Geography and Maths.
They investigated the materials and metals used in Formula E cars, explored renewable energy and battery storage, and even tackled how air resistance and friction affect speed on the track.
Students looked at futuristic features like regenerative braking and sustainable design, learning how engineers and designers are helping to drive the world towards a greener future.
They also put their numeracy and problem-solving skills to the test, calculating efficiency percentages and analysing performance data like real Formula E engineers.
Throughout the day, our budding innovators worked in teams to complete challenges, crack an anagram and discover how STEM skills can lead to exciting careers, from environmental engineering to motorsport design.
"It made me think about how science and technology can make the world better!" said one Y8 student.
The event was part of our careers programme, opening students' eyes to a world of STEM careers and helping them see how their individual interests and strengths can shape the future.
Huge thanks to the Formula E team for inspiring the next generation of change makers.
The race for a sustainable future is on—and Y8 are on the starting grid!
Our Runners up: Someone who is undercover!, Hazel, Nigella and Christine
The Winning Team: Ezra, Zelick, Annie, Amaury & Khadija
Thanks to Ms Nembhard for organising such a rich, engaging, inspirational and interactive day for our Y8's.
From left to right: Ms Nembhard, Natalie, Manjul, Ka Yan, Rhianne, Sabrina, Ayat, Ioana, Dmitry, Ejiro, Misha, Mr Zikusoka and Stephanie
INSPIRING ENCOUNTERS FOR OUR Y8'S: ALUMNI SPEED NETWORKING EVENT
This week, we welcomed back some of our amazing alumni — and even our fantastic girls’ robotics mentor, now practically an honorary alumna—for a special speed networking session with Y8 students with a STEM focus. Stephanieis currently studying for a Masters in Robotics at Kings at the age of 19 and who started her undergraduate course at 16! Simply wow!
Our visitors generously shared their time, stories, and advice, offering students a powerful glimpse into a wide range of career journeys — from engineering and medicine to landscape architecture and geology.
It was both inspiring and reassuring to hear how many credited their time at Deptford Green, the encouragement from their teachers, our enrichment activities, and fond memories of the school library as key sparks that launched them on their paths.
The key message?
There’s no one “right” route to success. What matters is resilience, curiosity, and being open to new experiences.
Our students came away feeling motivated, valued, and excited about what’s possible for their own futures.
Our alumni commented:
“Thank you for inviting us back! it was a pleasure talking to the Year 8s, and more importantly go back to the school that was part of my growth!”
“Lovely to come back and see how much curiosity and potential Deptford Green students display day to day.”
“Growing up, I never knew doctors who looked like me or came from my background. I hope my presence showed these students that it is possible to study at an elite university, to pursue a prestigious degree such as medicine, and to thrive no matter where you start from.
It was such a privilege to hear their dreams and aspirations. The future is bright! Seeing my classmates blossom into professionals in their respective fields was a welcomed bonus.”
We are incredibly proud of our alumni and grateful for their continued support. Their involvement makes a huge difference—whether they’re sharing their career journeys, offering work experience or workplace visits and inspiring students to dream big.
This is what our alumni above did next, after Deptford Green:
Natalie: Colfe’s Sixth Form Scholarship. Geology at The University of Bristol
Manjul: Colfe’s Sixth Form Scholarship. Physics with Astrophysics at The University of Bath
Ka Yan: LDEUTC. Masters of Landscape Architecture at The University of Sheffield
Rhianne: Thomas Tallis Sixth Form. Medicine at King’s College London
Sabrina: Harris Westminster Sixth Form. Archaeology and Anthropology at UCL
Ayat: City and Islington Sixth Form College. Architecture at The University of Westminster
Ioana: Blackheath High Scholarship. University of Roehampton Bachelor of Biological Sciences and Master of Research Primate Biology, behaviour and conservation
Dmitry: Shooters Hill College. Apprenticeship Project Management M&G
Ejiro: Colfe’s Sixth Form Scholarship. Systems Engineering Degree Apprenticeship with Royal Mail
Misha: Harris Westminster Sixth Form. Maters Natural Sciences- Physics University of Cambridge
It was so lovely to see so many of them back in school and a reminder of how much we miss our wonderful students when they walk out of our doors at the end of their DG careers! They are NOT forgotten!
On Wednesday 2nd July, our Y9's graduated at a lively and happy celebration of their transition into their GCSE pathway. Please see below a selection of the photos from that glorious occasion! Well done to all involved in organising it, to our (current) Y9 Team, soon to be Y10!, Ms Wild and Mr Charles-Reid and to the fantastic students who just made it work!
The wonderful Ms Wild Y9 Head of Year and Mr Charles Y9 Pastoral Leader
Well done everybody and we wish you an AMAZING and successful GCSE Pathway! Thank you too to Amanda in Y8, Ms Thurston and Ms Austin-Burdett for the photographs!
What a fantastic show! Night after night and weekend after weekend, these wonderful young students along with their amazing teachers, The Mr Heelbeck, Ms Green, Ms Williams, Mr St Luce and many more, have worked their hearts out and boy did it pay off! Everyone was buzzing exiting the show - they had obviously enjoyed it! Such a fun musical and they deserve so much praise! Well done to everyone involved. #SO PROUD! DG is simply the best!
Thanks to Ms Austin-Burdett and Ms Thurston and others for the photos!
Our FODG Family having just a little too much fun!
Thank you all for your help
A HUGE thank you to FODG for all their contributions this year. Our group is getting there and even though the photo above represents only the first night of FAME, the second night there were many other wonderful volunteers. Lots of our parents showed up time and time again to help.
THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU WHO VOLUNTEER AND SUPPORT US. YOU ARE TRULY AMAZING! WE COULDN'T DO ALL THIS WITHOUT YOU!
'GET INTO THE GREEN' CELEBRATIONS
On Monday 21st July, students who GOT INTO THE GREEN!, got to celebrate in the Sports Hall. They had lots of fun jumping about and generally bouncing all over the place! Here are a few photos from the sessions.
Lukis who Mr Cregan works with so well, put Lukis on the bouncy thing using a special hoist. Lukis joins in with everything that comes his way and he is a delight to be around! Well done Lukis, you make us so proud everyday!
Thank you to Mr Joseph's and all the other staff involved for organising this event and to all our students for taking part with gusto! Well done for achieving this celebration, and we hope you had as much fun as it looks!
SPORTS DAY 2025
There were several hundred photos of our sports day but here are a small selection of the day. Hope you enjoy them!
Well done to everyone who organised it, to those who took part, to the winners and the other competitors, to the supporters and to everyone who went along and made the day a success despite the all-over-the-place weather!
Well done DG!
Y7 ANIMAL SNAPPER PROJECT WITH MR CURRAN
Mr Curran’s Y7's have been working really hard on their animal snapper projects. The project involves designing and making an animal head which uses a mechanism to create the movement. The materials that they have used are MDF, softwood and nuts and bolts. During the making process they learnt to use a variety of workshop machines such as the pillar drill, sander and Hegner saw, as well as hand tools. Y7's have also learnt how to present design ideas and annotate them.
The Y7's below worked with Mr Chana making some little creatures in Metalwork! Well done everyone. Looks like they have some presents for special occasions sorted!
Dayo , Ben & Grace
Thank you to Mr Curran and Mr Chana for the photos!
FANTASTIC SUMMER OPPORTUNITIES
INTO MUSIC? INTO FILM? HERE ARE SOME SUMMERTIME ACTIVITIES FOR YOU TO GET INVOLVED WITH!
OPPORTUNITY ALERT FOR 16 & 17 YEAR OLDS ALUMNI...
in their first year of A levels and studying at least one STEM subject.
Work Experience to find out about data science and security. You will explore applications of data science such as Deep Learning, Large Language Models or Cryptography with The Alan Turing Institute. Apply here for the London placement 18th-22nd August: The Turing Summer Experience 2025 - London, 18-22nd August 2025
There is a charge for most activities but grants and discounts are available.
Deptford PeopLe’s Heritage Museum and artist DeLe Adeyemo invite you to a 5-day summer workshop expLoring Deptford Town HaLL and its statues through the work of BLack artists and new ways of remembering the past. You’LL create monuments using cLay, 3D scanning, audio and video, with your work shown in an exhibition at Deptford Town HaLL and featured on The Monument is the StruggLe, a website Linked to QR codes across Lewisham. The project is a coLLaboration between the BLack-Led Deptford PeopLe’s Heritage Museum and artist DeLe Adeyemo, and is funded by GoLdsmiths, University of London.
EXPLORING BLACK ARTISTRY AND MONUMENTS 4TH - 8TH AUGUST
How has slavery and colonialism shaped the built environment? And how can you reframe it through black artistry?
Deptford People’s Heritage Museum and artist Dele Adeyemo invite you to a 5 day summer workshop looking into Deptford Town Hall (DTH) and its statues, exploring the work of black artists and proposing alternative ways of remembering the past. You will create your own monuments by working with clay, 3D scanning, audio and video recordings, and will have your work displayed in an exhibition.
You will receive:
-a £50 voucher
-Free lunch
-Certificate from Goldsmiths and the Deptford People’s Heritage Museum in Community Research and Curating (great for your future!)
-Experience working with world renowned artist Dele Adeyemo in the creation of 3D Monuments
-Training in video, sound and photography
-Training in curating and working with archives digitally
The result of our work together will be displayed at an exhibition at the Deptford Town Hall and featured on The Monument is the Struggle, a website linked to QR codes in places across Lewisham for community responses that connect the past, present and future.
-Dates: 4-8 of August 2025
-Time: 11:30 - 4pm
-Location: Deptford Town Hall - New Cross Rd, London SE14 6NW (room to be confirmed)
This project is a collaboration between Deptford People’s Heritage Museum, a Black-led, community museum that develops programmes about histories of enslavement, colonization and resistance in the local area, and artist/architect/urban theorist Dele Adeyemo (www.deleadeyemo.com). It is funded by Goldsmiths, University of London.
If you have any questions, please e-maildphmusem@gmail.com
This is a final reminder about WITH INSIGHT Career Talks series - only one session remaining for now.
A few remaining spots in the Insight2Uni mentoring programme specifically for black heritage students. This programme matches students with university student mentors of black heritage, providing tailored guidance on securing a place at a leading university.
This is a free, London-wide post-16 search tool designed to help young people and adult learners explore courses and training opportunities at schools, sixth forms, colleges, and training providers.
THANKS TO MS NEMBHARD FOR ALL THIS WONDERFUL AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND FOR KEEPING OUR STUDENTS MINDFUL OF THEIR FUTURES!
The students below are my Carnegie Shadowers and Book Clubbers. No matter what is happening at school, no matter how tiring it is sometimes and how ridiculously busy it can get, these young people have been keeping me going with their love of reading, PLUS they are amazing (and interesting!!!) company in the library along with ALL our other regulars - who are amazing too! This group LOVE reading and that is a joy to watch.
Hephzibah, Afizah, Maurice, Harley, Ellie, Amaury, Ezra, George, David and Mikko
With the Carnegie Shadowing Scheme, they have read 8 titles in approximately 10 weeks. At the end of each book we come together and discuss them, and at the end of the scheme we had a party and held our own vote before finding out who won the prize nationally. The titles in the scheme this year went down very well, so we recommend them to all students who are looking for a good read!
Afizah, Hephzibah, Harley, George, Mikko and Maurice
Ernie and Amaury (with his magnificent side-eye, of which he is very proud!)
Whilst they have taken part and achieved the same amount of reading, I want to single two students out in particular for different reasons. Ezra because he is the fastest reader I have ever come across in all my years at DG, and yet he takes it all in. He doesn't just skim-read the books, he absorbs them all and has well-formed opinions about what he has read once finished! The other special mention goes to David who, when he first started reading with us, was perhaps the quietest of us all and would sometimes not finish the books on time, but now he joins in confidently and always finishes each title, sometimes before others and always smiling, polite and kind. His reading age has consistently been 16 years and 6 months this last year or more, and I am especially proud of him because he embodies the whole meaning of resilience and his level of effort is through the roof! Well done Ezra, David and the rest of you. Fantastic reading and commitment! Have a wonderful summer...
Ezra and David
Amaury - too cool for school!
READING ROYALE ROARS!
From Top left to Right: Faith, Ben, Tom, Leo (hidden from view), Gahbriel, Jayden, Reuben, Sebastian, Adam, Doris and Mowada
Over the course of this second summer half-term, these amazing Y7's have been independently reading books and earning points for our Reading Royale Challenge. As Mr Sinclair would say, they are all 'top' people!
On Wednesday 23rd July, they got to reap the rewards of their work by having some time off-timetable, to play table-top games, PlayStation 5 Games and Nintendo Switch games, all chosen by Mr Neil.
They had snacks and one student told me, "I had the best time EVER!" I like to think that includes the reading, but I didn't ask! They have all been working hard and from next year they will become our READING ROYALE AMBASSADORS and will work with myself , Mr Neil and Mr Sinclair to help get our new Y7's into reading and involved with Reading Royale as they begin their DG careers, so watch this space as they take on this new responsibility!
Well done to all of them! They were brilliant at this rewards session. Always polite and helpful, tidying up and kind. They are a joy to be around. Well done 'Reading Royalers', you are pure reading royalty!
TEACHER FOCUS
Ms Ebanks
Hello, I am Ms Ebanks. Even though I am currently Head of Maths, I was not good at Maths in Secondary School. At KS3, I was always at the bottom of a mixed ability class. But I achieved an A* in Maths GCSE, not because I understood Maths; I memorised formulae, practised past papers and I learnt how to solve mathematical problems by rote.
English Language and English Literature were my passion. Consequently, I decided to specialise in English and Social Studies at University. Halfway through the first term, I changed courses. I decided I wanted to understand and conquer Maths and the only way to do that was to study Maths in depth. It was challenging. One of the most challenging things that I have ever done. I overcame this through resilience and a determination to achieve.
I have been on maternity leave for 12 months. I am excited to be back at school full-time. I missed the debates we used to have about which method to use, I missed the expressions on student's faces when they walk into a lesson and realised they were having an assessment.
My priority for this year is to ensure that all students in Maths receive quality first teaching. I do not want students to do Maths because it's compulsory. I want students to LOVE Maths, I want students to be excited about an assessment, I want students to enjoy maths lessons at DG.
Outside of school I enjoy playing the violin and spending time with my children.
My name is Mr Harris. I am a Maths Consultant and have been at DG since January 2025. I grew up in South East London and went to school locally and eventually did my degree in Maths at Queen Mary’s. Growing up with Dyslexia, I always wanted to teach and support young people with SEND. I did some work with the Department of Education in Shanghai looking at teaching strategies between the two nations. I love working in the Maths department here - the team is very warm and welcoming and passionate about our subject.
Unfortunately, I am leaving Deptford Green in order to support the development of a Children’s Residential Home for children who have Special Educational Needs or disabilities which I have set up. We registered with Ofsted last May and I already have a team set up there working hard, but I will be joining them with the vision of further expanding my project.
Mr Harris, you will be missed. Thank you for all you have done for our school and we wish you all the best with your amazing project.
STUDENT STARS
YEAR 7
Ms Ameenuddin says:
Adam is a truly outstanding student who brings energy and enthusiasm to every lesson. He is always eager to learn more and constantly demonstrates positive behaviour for learning. Respectful to both his peers and teachers, Adam is not only curious but also courageous - he frequently challenges his own understanding by asking thoughtful questions and confidently sharing his ideas in front of the class. His passion for learning is inspiring, and it's an absolute pleasure to have him in the classroom.
Adam in Y7
Mr Harrison says:
Leo is a delight to have in my lesson (7Ma2). He always arrives with a smile and gets on with the work straight away. Leo is keen to challenge himself and get to the star tasks as quickly as possible. Leo works hard all the lesson but doesn't worry if he makes mistakes or doesn't understand something, instead, he keeps the smile on his face and asks for help. As a result, Leo is making brilliant progress and learning to solve challenging problems.
Leo in Y7
Also Mr Harrison chose Anastasia.
Anastasia is a great maths student. She is always willing to have a go at questions, however challenging and is not afraid to put up her hand or come to the board to show how a problem can be done. Anastasia gets her own work done but is always available to help other students if they need it. As a results of her hard work and perseverance, Anastasia is making great progress and doing very well.
YEAR 8
Mr Ndebele says:
Ife is such an inspirational student in Y8 and loves Maths so much that she attempts every challenging question thrown at her and is keen to come to the board and explain to her peers her approach to the question. Such an inspirational student. She will go far – watch this space!!!
Ife in Y8
YEAR 9
Ms Louchini says:
My star student is Setia. She is a student who joined the school and moved to the UK just this year. She is an excellent student with an amazing can-do attitude. She is so polite, respectful and very helpful to her peers and teachers.
She is also very appreciative of what the school offers her. I have been watching Setia making such great progress this year, from an EAL student who was struggling to understand English to a student who is simply thriving, enjoying her Maths lessons and achieving the highest marks in the latest assessments. It is such a pleasure teaching Setia and being part of her learning journey.
Setia in Y9
YEAR 10
Ms Begum says:
Sydney is a hard-working and dedicated student who consistently puts in great effort in Maths. Sydney's positive attitude and determination makes her a great role model for her peers, and she contributes to a supportive and encouraging classroom environment.
Sydney who always brings a smile
Ms Zahraa says:
Azara is an exceptionally motivated and deeply engaged student. She throws herself wholeheartedly into everything she does, and the care and dedication she shows towards her academic studies is truly inspiring. Her resilience is exactly the kind of quality every student needs as they head into Y11 and beyond into life after secondary school. Polite, well-mannered, and mature beyond her years, Azara’s strengths go far beyond the classroom — qualities that will no doubt carry her far in whatever path she chooses next.
Azara in Y10
Thanks to Ms Zahraa and the Maths team for this contribution to our newsletter.
Please click HERE for the Holiday Activities & Food Programme for Lewisham for Summer 2025
Dear Parents and carers,
I am writing to inform you of Rise Up, a mental well-being mentoring project for Lewisham young people aged 12 - 19 (up to 25 with SEN).
The service is able to offer up to 14 face-to-face 45-minute sessions to young people with mild to moderate mental health concerns. The content of the sessions will depend on their specific situation and the goals they would like to work towards.
We will track progress in different areas, including feelings & emotions, healthy lifestyle, where you live, friends & relationships, school, training & work, how you use your time and self-esteem. We will work with the young person to better understand their mood and learn ways that they can cope with difficult emotions in a more positive and productive way.
Currently, we are working on a self/parent/carer referral basis only as we have limited capacity and have found that this can increase engagement in sessions if young people empower themselves to reach out for support if they feel they need it. Please DO NOT make referrals on a young person's behalf but support and encourage them to do this for themselves or with your support.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE SERVICE WILL BE CLOSED FOR AUGUST, however referrals are welcomed for A SEPTEMBER START.
We are excited to share an opportunity for parents and carers, including all teachers too. As part of a whole school approach to mental health and wellbeing, the Kooth commissioners have expanded their current Kooth offer for YP to include our adults offer ‘Qwell’ across Lewisham.
Qwell, which is a trusted digital mental health and wellbeing platform specifically designed to support parents, carers, and teachers across secondary schools. By engaging the wider school community—not just students through our Kooth offer—Qwell helps embed a culture of mental health awareness, support, and proactive self-care throughout the entire school environment.
Our Qwell Digital Model is anonymous from the point of entry and built around community and peer support pathways, and self-directed care. All content is fully moderated for safeguarding purposes with proactive referrals and signposting external to the Qwell service offered. The platform is similar to the Kooth offer, including:
Discussion Boards created by adults seeking peer support and advice from others. Therapeutic content: articles, podcasts, mini activities and videos created by the clinical content team. Mini activities are short, practical exercises, e.g. ‘create a good mood playlist’.
Comments: Adults can comment on discussion boards and articles and support their peers/receive support. All comments are pre-moderated.
Live Forums: real time or ‘live’ interactive workshops.
Journals: a private, therapeutic space for Adults and moderated for safeguarding issues.
Effective Messaging support: 24-hour messaging to access asynchronous support, advice and signposting.
Single Session/brief psychological interventions: to provide bridging care and support appropriate referrals and signposting to existing NEL services.
Structured and unstructured support allowing either drop ins or structured ongoing sessions.
Adding Qwell to your Kooth service provides a more comprehensive, school-wide strategy in promoting mental health and wellbeing to all members of the school community — students, staff, and families.
Mediodía: Tiempo libre o creativo (leer, pintar, escuchar música)
Tarde: Socializar con amigos o familia
Noche: Tiempo sin pantallas + reflexión personal o journaling
2. Autocuidado Básico
Duerme 8–10 horas
Bebe agua regularmente
Dúchate y cuida tu piel
Usa ropa cómoda
Aliméntate sin culpa: frutas, snacks favoritos, comidas caseras
3. Cuida tu Mente
Dibuja tus emociones
Escribe en un diario (cómo te sientes, qué agradeces hoy)
Escucha música que te relaje o te motive
Prueba una meditación guiada (en YouTube o apps)
Establece límites con las redes sociales
4. Amor Propio y Motivación
Haz una lista con 5 cosas que te gustan de ti
Escribe una carta a tu “yo del futuro”
Haz un “vision board” con metas para el próximo año
Date permiso de descansar sin sentir culpa
5. Conecta con Otros
Invita a alguien a caminar o a una tarde de películas
Envía un mensaje lindo a alguien que quieres
Participa en algo nuevo (taller, deporte, voluntariado)
6. Emergencias Emocionales
Cuando te sientas triste, ansioso o abrumado:
Respira profundo 5 veces
Habla con alguien de confianza
Escribe lo que sientes
Llama a una línea de ayuda si es necesario (child help line 0800 1111, Kohoot.com , Shout 24/7 P2B to 85258, Papyrus Hopeline Text 07860 039967 Headspace App, ThinkNinja App, Calm Harm App)
Felices Vacaciones!
Thank you Alison (an your team) for ALL that you do everyday for our students and families. You are amazing!
KOOTH MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES FOR THE SUMMER
With the Summer Holidays fast approaching, at Kooth we appreciate there will be some young people who may struggle during this time without the access to the daily pastoral support, trusted adults and friends that the school community provides.
A reminder that Kooth is a free and safe mental health and wellbeing service commissioned for young people in South-East London aged between 10 and 25. Available without waiting lists or thresholds to be met until 10pm each night, 365 days per year, it provides a much needed out of hours service for advice and help.
To self refer click HERE or scan the QR code below so young people can refer themselves to our service or with your help:
LPCF LATEST NEWSLETTER
Click HERE for the latest newsletter from LPCF. It is really packed so take a look!
Lewisham Parent and Carer’s Forum (LPCF) is a voluntary group of parents and carers of children and young people (0-25) with special/additional needs and disabilities (SEND) living in the London Borough of Lewisham.
We provide an opportunity for parents and carers to express their views and input into the planning and delivery of SEND services.
We signpost, support and empower families to obtain the best possible support and services for their children.
Free membership is for all parents and carers in Lewisham
