Each year, a Mock Magistrate competition is held for schools across London. This event helps young people understand how the law impacts various aspects of their lives and provides insight into how the legal justice system functions. As part of the competition, students receive resources, including a specially written criminal case, to assist in preparing their legal arguments.

On 11 February Magistrate Mr. Harris visited our Mock Magistrate, where he shared valuable advice and insights to help my peers and me prepare for the mock magistrates’ trial. His guidance allowed us to develop a deeper understanding of how legal cases unfold in real-life courtrooms.

Mr. Harris answered a wide range of questions, explaining everything clearly to ensure we knew what to expect. He took the time to provide detailed responses, making his explanations precise and easy to understand. Personally, I found his advice incredibly helpful, as he addressed all the questions I had in mind and clarified the responsibilities of each role within the trial. He was patient and considerate, frequently using examples from past trials to help us grasp key concepts.

He also advised us on what we should and shouldn’t do to succeed in the mock trial, reassuring us that even if we didn’t reach the finals, our hard work and dedication would still be recognised with a certificate. His guidance was highly beneficial, offering my fellow participants and me valuable support. I especially appreciated how he covered a wide range of topics, such as the roles of prosecution and defence teams, cross-examination, and examination-in-chief, as well as the dos and don'ts of courtroom proceedings.

Overall, Mr. Harris’s visit was an enriching experience that provided us with a strong understanding of legal proceedings. His patience and approachability ensured that everyone felt comfortable and well-prepared, especially those considering a future in law. We are now excited and ready for the first round of the competition, which will take place on March 15 at Wilsden Court.

Reeya Dewan [9O]

For our Food Preparation and Nutrition GCSE practical examination, we had to plan and cook three dishes that were for a school canteen and had an international theme.

This practical makes up 35% of our exam and allows us to apply our knowledge and skills learnt over the last two years into practice. We had to have very good time management and ensure our three recipes preparation, cook time and plating skills fit into 3 hours with a 45-minute preparation window. We had to learn the skills of how to manage time correctly by dovetailing the three recipes along with the responsibility of making sure we followed all health and safety in the kitchen and making sure each step was done correctly.

We had a huge amount of support leading up to the exam from Mr. Compton, which gave us the confidence to not get overwhelmed and remain calm throughout the exam while documenting all the processes for our NEA 2 document that makes up our grade.

We all felt a massive sense of relief once our exam was over, and we were proud of our achievements.

Andrew Rixon [Year 11] 

Our school basketball team put in a valiant effort in a tough match, ending with a 17-30 loss . Despite the scoreline, the players showed great teamwork, determination and grit throughout the game.

The defensive unit worked tirelessly, making crucial blocks and interceptions, keeping the game competitive. The team’s energy and fighting spirit never faded, even as the opposition built their lead.

Player of the match - Ahmed Ahmed and Waliullah Said

Waliullah Said [Year 9]

 

The reading group trip to St Mark's School for the annual Speed Read event was a huge success! 

As ever, the students behaved impeccably and engaged in all activities with maturity and genuine enthusiasm. 

They represented Heston School incredibly well and it was such a treat to see them talking with such confidence to other students from across the borough about why they love reading and which book is their fav and why! 

There were 62 students present! And they each spoke for one minute to every single student -  in the old school speed dating fashion - so it was a real effort and they did amazingly. 

The host and poet, Tony Dallas, also gave a shout-out at the end of the event to Kacper and Izabella, asking them to stand for a round of applause for their noteworthy effort and excellent use of language and communication skills that deserves a special treat.

And lastly, as ever, a big thank you to Mr Green who makes all the fun of trips possible. THANK YOU so much for doing all the hard work behind the scenes. 

Kyra Bryan [LRC Manager]

Izabella: I really loved the trip, and thought it was really fun. I was at first fairly nervous about the speed reading task we were going to do, but I actually enjoyed talking to others about my book - especially to people who appreciate and love reading as much as I do. [And that is quite something coming from someone who hates interactive tasks]. Of course, because it was so interactive, we were told that it was a great way to make friends, but the last thing I was expecting was to end up giving my number over to a friend I'd just made so that we could stay in touch. I'm still shocked and can hardly believe I have just made a friend!

Avneet: Going to St Mark's School for this Speed Read event was very interesting. It helped me go out of my comfort zone and interact with others. I enjoyed hearing about other people's books and what they were about. I was lucky enough to go and really enjoyed it.

Venshin: The Speed Read trip we went on was spectacular. I had a lot of fun; I made new friends and got a lot of book recommendations that I think I will love. I loved telling others about my book, and I loved hearing people talk about their own books. The other students were very kind and friendly. I had an amazing time and would go again.  

Snehdeep: I found the Hounslow Speed Read very enjoyable. It was a unique event with lots of people who were eager to engage with each other and talk about books.

Jasmine: I found the Heston Speed Read quite enjoyable. I liked talking to other people from different schools and seeing different books that I might enjoy. It was good that I got to explain one of my favourite books to many people, as I feel that they may find it quite enjoyable and enjoy it as much as I have.

Kacper: The trip was a cool experience to learn about new books and listen to which books people like enjoying reading.  

Shazil: We went to St Mark's to talk about our books and promote them. We met people from other schools and talked to them. We also met a famous author to get us ready for the event.

Aiden: We went to St Mark's school for a Speed Read event. In my opinion, I quite enjoyed it. I met new people and found out some interesting facts about various books. 

We also met a poet called Tony Dallas who told us what we were doing and made the event fun.

  

        

Visiting the Houses of Parliament was an invaluable exploration of British democracy, where tradition and history converge in a living institution. The Central Lobby, with its vaulted Gothic arches and statues of political titans such as Churchill, Thatcher, Attlee, and Lloyd George, served as a powerful testament to the ideologies and decisions that shaped modern Britain.

The House of Commons Chamber, instantly recognisable from media broadcasts, was even more compelling in person. The worn emerald-green benches resonated with the echoes of historic debates, while the suspended microphones symbolised the ongoing dynamic of democratic discourse.

This experience illuminated the intricacies of the legislative process, transforming theoretical knowledge into tangible reality. Walking through the corridors where critical laws have been debated and enacted, we gained a deeper understanding of Parliament's role in shaping society. The visit highlighted the evolution of suffrage and the continuous development of democratic governance, reinforcing that politics is not merely academic but a living, evolving institution.

Hanaya Singh [12E]

I went to the Arts Centre in Treaty Centre with about 30 students. We were watching a play about Robin Hood which was about two hours long. The play was very interesting and there were several other schools enjoying it as well. We were chosen to go as a reward because we demonstrated the Hestonian Values so well over the Autumn Term. We went in the afternoon and walked from school to the Arts Centre which I didn't mind because it was good exercise and I was with my friends. Overall, I really enjoyed the reward trip and it was really fun. 

Ezzah Asghar [7R]

I went to the Arts Centre to watch a play as a reward for demonstrating Heston Values. About 30 students from Year 7 and 8 were awarded for their good behaviour and for being an excellent role model to others in my year group. I enjoyed this trip as it was a wonderful reward to be watching a show of Robin Hood. The journey there was also great fun as we got to walk with some of our friends. We got back just as school finished. It was a great time! I really enjoyed it.

Aditya Kotak [7R]