Opting to do T-level Management & Administration in the Sixth Form, gave me the opportunity to attend a workshop, hosted by Spark, a work experience provider for local schools. The aim of the workshop was to work on our employability and interview skills. Spark are based in GSK on the Bath Road, so often have experiences of interviews and the recruitment process in general. We learnt about presenting ourselves as a personal brand unique from others by developing the skill of persuasiveness. Spark used a very hands-on approach during the workshop.  We all had to take it in turns to convince others that our chosen flavour of crisps was the best.  The task seemed daunting at first, but as we progressed we became more at ease and were able to express ourselves with a degree of confidence.  The experience was insightful and most importantly it help us to build our employability skills, which will no doubt be useful in the future. 

Wasi Syed [T-Level Management & Administration - Year 12] 

This year in our school, we had the Open Morning and Evening, which was different to what we had in the past. Parents came in with their children to view our school to see what it is like inside, and to experience a variety of subjects being taught.

All the parents I guided thoroughly enjoyed the environment of our school and more importantly, the children were excited, and were looking forwards to coming to Heston.

I enjoyed talking to new people and telling them about my experiences in school, and welcoming them hoping they consider Heston to send their child to.

Alishma Fernandes.

I was one of the tour guides on Open Morning and Evening. This year was quite different to previous years as we held an Open Morning where parents and their children got a presentation from our Headteacher, Mr Ranjit Berdesha, on our school and how it operates. We had some current and past students gave a speech about their experiences and achievements in our school which was so inspirational to listen to. After the speeches were done, in Open Morning, the Year 11s took a group of parents and children around the whole school while lessons were taking place and gave the parents a glimpse at what their child’s education would be like by entering a few classes and talking to some teachers. After the tour, all the parents and guides entered the main hall for some snacks and beverages while the teachers and guides were floating around, communicating with the parents and answering any unasked questions that they had.

In the evening, once again, Mr Berdesha gave his presentation and the students gave their speeches in front of 200+ people. After the speeches, the guides [ranging from Year 8 – 11] took a group of parents and children around the whole school and into classrooms where separate presentations on each department were taking place, such as the Maths and English department, while the teachers were interacting and answering any questions that the parents had such as the curriculum. The department that caught most of the children's eye was the Science department as many experiments were taking place that the Science teachers and Sixth Formers were conducting.

While I was giving my tour, I got a lot of great feedback from the parents on how much they loved how the school looked as a whole and how they were in awe as they saw the number of students on the Hogarth wall that achieved such amazing grades and the universities they went to. The atmosphere around the school in the morning and evening was energetic as the parents and children were so eager to learn about the school and pleased to have the ability to ask their guides that have been in this school for many years about what they think about the school and what their personal experiences have been.

Kiranpreet Gill Year 11

When I first stepped onto the Cambridge University ground, I initially felt out of place, as the buildings were extremely grand and prestigious, however I was surprised to see a variety of scholars from different backgrounds and races instead of wealthy, predominantly Caucasian people you would perhaps expect.

We started with a lecture in either STEM, Arts or Humanities. I chose the STEM biology and natural sciences lecture, taught by a senior student who had recently received her PhD in the field. In the lecture we were taught about the wonders of bacteria and enzymes and how scientists are tackling plastic pollution by changing the genetic code of amino acid chains. I found the subject really informative. 

We had a chance to have lunch with current students, and ask them lots of questions. We also received a tour of the campus including: the student union, the library, students very own dormitories and to see two Halls of Residence that make up the 31 Cambridge Colleges!

Overall it was an incredible experience and I loved the fact that students and staff were very informative and inviting.

Bob Ryatt [10R]

On Tuesday 04 October, our Year 10 football team played our first league game of the season against Bolder Academy. From the first minute until the last minute of the game we showed teamwork, determination and perseverance. We ended up winning the game 3-2. Even when we conceded goals, we kept our heads up high and played as a unit, moving forwards and tracking back and that is what led us to victory.

Karan Virdee

The summer break has been a whirlwind of activity right across the School to continue to upgrade our infrastructure.  These upgrades are designed to provide a much nicer learning environment for students and for staff.  MFL has now benefited from refitted classrooms in the Hogarth Building, providing them with much more spacious rooms in our newest building.  The five new light and airy classrooms are a welcome change from a much older part of the school.  Mrs Virk, Curriculum Leader has said that students and her team are delighted with the new facilities are thoroughly enjoying the spacious and inviting rooms.