The Raising Aspirations Workshop was an enlightening experience with a focus on preparing me for the real world. It was a great way to delve into self-improvement. The range of activities all focused on key aspects such as exploring my goals, interests and reviewing the way I can become an ambitious young man. One activity which really struck me was the letter written to my future self. This activity emphasised the reality of time passing so quickly and helped me to record the aspirations I would like to accomplish in the near future. 

Sakariya Yusuf [10B] 

There were many activities that made us see how people actually saw us and how they weren't negative in the way that we may have thought. I think that hearing many positive comments helped to raise people's confidence. Furthermore, the stories he told us were inspirational and it seemed that many people were able to relate to them.  We had an activity where we were split into groups and were given a character. We were asked to talk about what the character’s hobbies could be and their characteristics. The characters were given different outcomes in life, which showed that some of us clearly thought the area we came from defined us, but it wasn't true. He shared that he came from an area where people didn't think anyone could start a business or even do a full-time job and that he wanted to prove them wrong and so he did as he started and now runs his own business. This inspired me because the area you live in doesn't have to define you at all, but your everyday decisions do. 

Maria Galawinge [10G] 

The Revolution Hive Workshop was brilliant and an excellent way for students to develop beyond our academics, teaching us valuable life skills that will benefit us in the future. I believe that Revolution Hive did as they promised they would with us by increasing students' self-motivation and aspirations. The experience was really enjoyable and fun. The teacher himself was really funny, helped every student engage in the tasks and gave us individual advice too. One of the most exciting aspects of the workshop was the collaboration and working with individuals from different backgrounds. For example, during our group project we brainstormed ideas to improve local sustainability efforts which allowed us to combine our unique perspectives. I found this incredible and believe that every student should do the Revolution Hive Workshop! 

Osbourne Fernandes [10O]

The Raising Aspirations Workshop was an excellent way to improve ourselves. The activities we partook in helped us learn more about our own interests, goals, ambitions and how to become more confident, dedicated and disciplined in planning and preparing for our future. One of the activities we did was creating a character board for ourselves containing ambitions for what we want ourselves to look like and be like in 10 years' time. Another activity was to write a letter to ourselves in the future and what we’ve achieved and worked towards. We also made a new timetable to make time for us to be able to do things to work towards our goals instead of wasting time. We had a lesson in confidence and how to be more confident in social settings. We also did a fun activity which included learning about the most well-known and successful habits of many successful people. The workshop allowed us to gain an insight into how we can work better towards our goals and how we can apply different techniques to help us achieve better in our GCSEs, A-Levels and future jobs, as well as making us realise the importance of thinking about where we want to be and what we want to achieve, and the importance of planning and carrying out steps to achieve these goals. 

Sahil Kotak [10P] 

The day started with some activities, such as talking about moral values. For example, think about what we would do if we saw a homeless person on the street. Another activity involved writing positive things we liked about other people. I really liked this activity since I saw what people liked about me and raised my self-confidence. I had a lot of fun answering questions and communicating with others. They also talked about what we might want to do in the future and gave us a collage making activity to consider what we want our house to be, future job, future family, etc. This really helped me to realise what I want in my future and what I aspire to be. Furthermore, I think this has also helped more young people like me who don’t know what they want in the future as a way of assisting us to realise what we want to be. 

Ariana Fasih [10Y] 

Peter Radford delivered a timely workshop equipping our young men to be positive role models in school and in their communities.  This was delivered to our Year 9, 10, 12 and 13 boys. We all want our young men to promote healthy masculinity, as well as show respect, empathy and emotional awareness. Peter encouraged our boys to shun poor role models and stereotypical masculine ideals. In addition, consent, challenging gender norms, encouraging individuality, verbalising emotions in a healthy and respectful way were all explored. 

Ms S Jassal [Acting AHT]

 

Student Statements:

After attending the workshop, I realised that being a man was not just about my own actions, but also helping others around me realise the way their actions come across. I did not think about the fact that our actions can be perceived in different ways to what we think they come across.

The workshop made me realise just how much of our lives are based on stereotypes, and it made me wonder how we would be different if these stereotypes weren't normalised. I didn't realise how many of my characteristics and interests were influenced by stereotypes.

The workshop made me realise that the traditional views of masculinity are not always the best views, and that we should be careful how we present ourselves and what values we adhere to.

I think that I will be a lot more mindful of other people and their behaviour, and I will end up judging people less subconsciously, which will help me interact more positively with others.

Before the workshop, I was also influenced by the many traditional views of masculinity. I now see that most of these views are not based on reality, but more towards societal expectations. I think we can be a lot more mindful to behaviours that were previously deemed as less masculine, such as portraying emotion.

I was surprised at how embedded negative stereotypes about masculinity were in our behaviours and values, and I was shocked to hear statistics about masculinity affecting women. I now realise that even simpler views can turn into harmful traits.

I think that we can be a bit more considerate towards many people and that we should also challenge ideas about masculinity that have the potential to easily turn harmful in order to improve things for everyone.

The workshop definitely has the potential to create a more positive environment. This is because it has enlightened us and opened our eyes to seeing our behaviour from the perspective of someone else's view. This will stop many behaviours that many boys and men do not realise are harmful or aggressive, as many people don't intend to harm someone or come across in that way.

Sahil Kotak [10P]

After attending the masculinity workshop, I found that many of the ideas reinforced what I already knew. It highlighted that boys and men don’t have to fit a certain mould and encouraged us to think about different perspectives.

I learnt that we all have different views. Before the workshop, I thought boys should act a certain way, but now my view has slightly changed. For example, I realise that not all boys have to be strong.

I think it should be talked about more so people can understand different views on masculinity.

I think it creates a better environment because it allowed people to discuss masculinity more and be more aware of what it is.

Bhavesh Balajothy [10W]

After attending the masculinity workshop, my understanding of what it means to be masculine has changed. I now realise that masculinity is not about being extremely strong or suppressing emotions, as that is unhealthy. Most importantly, it is about being a kind and respectful person. It is also okay to feel scared because fear is a natural human emotion. Trying to hold in emotions can eventually lead to a breakdown.

The workshop made me think differently about the way society expects men and boys to behave. I now understand that not being strong is not a major issue and that it is perfectly fine to feel afraid or upset. There is nothing wrong with showing that you are unhappy or scared.

It also changed how I view the pressures placed on men and boys. I now realise that these expectations are not as important as they seem, and it is okay to express emotions. Being incredibly muscular or strong is not necessary, and not every boy has to fit that stereotype.

The workshop has also changed how I interact with others and how I view gender roles. It has made me more aware of how stereotypes, like being very strong and holding in emotions, shape our behaviour. Removing these expectations allows for more positive interactions.

Before the workshop, I believed that boys were expected to be strong, go to the gym, and focus on building muscle. Now, I see that these expectations are not essential—it should be a personal choice whether someone wants to become physically strong or not.

The masculinity workshop helped me understand these issues in more depth because it was very thorough. I would like to see more people acknowledging that suppressing emotions is harmful and that it is okay not to be physically strong. These changes could relieve some of the pressures boys and men face.

What we discussed in the workshop has the potential to create a more positive environment in school. It is a crucial and valuable discussion that can improve the way we interact with one another.

Jeevan Syan [10Y]

It was fascinating to see the differences in birthday cards for boys and girls and how they reinforce gender stereotypes. It highlighted the pressure society puts on us to view males as providers and females as needing protection.

Vajahat Hussain [12C]

The session provided a safe space to discuss this sensitive topic openly. The examples and facts shared were really interesting and made me think more deeply about the consequences. It was an eye-opener to see the connection between media influence and gender stereotypes, which gave me a new perspective on the topic."

Ridwan Fleary [13F]

The Heston Community School celebrated the Spring Festival on Thursday, 27 March.

Over 30 students, Year 7 to 13, participated in the Spring Festival, reflecting the wider school community. They performed in Solo and Band ensembles from various music styles and genres, from Classical to Rock 'n' Roll. The Year 7 Choreography opened with two acts, dancing to the music of Doechii and Lady Gaga. Their commitment and dedication fulfilled the stage, creating a spectacular evening.

Zoha [7O] said, "It was extraordinary! It was so fun and lively! Everybody was so nice and I finally faced my fear of singing in front of crowds!"

Aglen [8P] added, "It was exciting and very nervous! I had fun and it was nice seeing everyone there."

Lucas [8R] said, "It was fun and very lively. Although I was nervous, everyone was very cheerful and helpful."

   

    

 

The Extended School sessions for Year 10 students during the Spring Term have been a real success. Students are provided with extra support outside of lessons, where they are given the opportunity to revisit past topics, reinforce their current learning, and build confidence in a focused yet supportive setting. With the guidance of dedicated Sixth Formers, students have been able to work through areas they find challenging at their own pace, ask questions without hesitation, and engage in meaningful discussions that deepen their understanding. The sessions have not only helped with subject knowledge but have also encouraged independent thinking and a more structured approach to revision, making preparation for assessments feel more manageable and effective.

Anyone walking past the room would notice the quiet buzz of learning - the steady flow of discussion, the focused note-taking, and those moments of clarity when something finally clicks. The atmosphere is one of collaboration and purpose, with students making the most of the opportunity to get the extra support they need.

Ms S Ali [Year 10 LC]

Student Testimonials:
Extended School is benefitting me greatly. It allows me to revise topics I had almost forgotten about whilst teaching me the topics we are doing in class, giving me extra practice. Tutors also give the tutees the option for them to teach whatever subjects students are struggling with, so the work is much more targeted and comprehensible. The tutors are also friendly, making seeking support so much more accessible and receiving the help needed. Alongside this, the tutors are always open to suggestions to improve the lesson and make them enjoyable by giving us regular breaks. Overall, extended school is benefitting me and is helping me prepare for our upcoming mocks.
Simran Kaur Punny [10B]

Extended school is a very comfortable environment where I feel I can ask questions without worrying. We are going over topics we may have forgotten and need reminding about, which is very useful. Overall, it was a great experience and very helpful.
Sarah Miranda [10O]

  

Heston CS: 2    Rivers: 0

In the first half against Rivers Academy we started off strong, creating space, pressing when needed and taking opportunities but struggling to break the deadlock. The Heston defence was strong and kept scooping up any through balls. The centre of midfield was controlled well by Maison, Baho and Aadi. Rivers, although a good team, could not keep their positioning and sadly, we were not able to take advantage of these mistakes. We were unlucky not to score in the first half.

The second half was much better. As we started to get more procession of the ball, we were able to shoot more. The first goal came from an amazing strike from Michal, taking the ball from the half-way line, dribbling through midfield to then strike the ball into the top left corner. Then Heston’s second goal came from a free kick taken by Maison curling the ball around the wall to score a second goal, securing the win for Heston.

Scorers: Maison Murray, Michal Oterski

Player of the Match: Maison Murray

First, we travelled to the Brentford stadium for the Girls in STEM Event, focused on empowering girls to consider careers in this sector.  There we were divided into groups along with other students from different schools and colleges. It was great to talk to them while completing an activity involving Lego building. We also discussed renewable energy and the Equality Act. It was a good group discussion on the subject and highlighted the under-representation of women in STEM careers, some of the barriers, but importantly, positive actions we can take. We also discussed the engineering aspects of wind turbines made out of various materials with a technician and following this, we conducted an experiment where a blower fan makes a cup containing coins rise. It was an exciting experiment to perform and in the final competition where the wind turbines we built were compared, our team won.

Stephanie Pereira [12D]