The Heathrow work placement was an amazing experience, and I would like to sincerely thank you for providing us with this incredible opportunity. For the first two days, we were based at the ICTS office in Stockley Park, where we were introduced to the key roles within the organisation. These included the planning team, the vetting team, and the department responsible for carrying out five-year background checks on people applying for security roles at airports, as ICTS operates in many sectors beyond Heathrow. We learned what each of these teams does, how they operate, and why their roles are so essential to the company's success.

On Wednesday, Ram and I were the first students to visit Heathrow Airport, which was a fantastic experience. Once we arrived, we were assigned to different terminals. My role involved shadowing the supervisors at the departure gates, where I observed them checking that passengers' boarding passes matched their passports. I also witnessed several passengers undergoing additional security screening because their boarding passes displayed "SSSS," which indicates that the US government has randomly selected them for enhanced security checks.

Thursday and Friday were similar to the first two days, but I also had the opportunity to observe an interview for a security position at a bank. This was possible because one of the staff members worked within ICTS's corporate division rather than the aviation sector. In addition, one of the managers taught some of us how to use Claude AI effectively, explaining the importance of giving clear and detailed prompts, especially as artificial intelligence continues to play an increasingly significant role in the future of work.

Overall, this work experience was extremely insightful, and I would like to thank you once again for giving me this opportunity. One lesson that will stay with me is that none of the managers began their careers in management. Most of them started as security officers at Heathrow and worked their way up through dedication, commitment, and loyalty. It was inspiring to see how far hard work and perseverance can take someone within a company, and it has motivated me to adopt the same mindset in my own future career. AK Year 12

I completed my work experience at Elthorne Park High School, my former secondary school. It was a really enjoyable experience because I had the opportunity to work alongside many of my old teachers and learn more about their day-to-day responsibilities. I asked lots of questions and gained an insight into tasks such as interviewing prospective students and using SIMS to find important information, including students' timetables and lesson locations. I also helped students who were lost find their classrooms, supported them in settling into lessons, and assisted some students with their maths homework when they needed extra help. Since I already knew the school and the staff well, I did not face many challenges during the placement. My favourite part was spending time with the teachers who had supported me throughout my own time at school and knowing that I was able to help them in return. Although the experience has not changed my career aspirations, as I still hope to work in healthcare, it showed me that education is another career I would enjoy if my plans ever changed. Throughout the week, I developed my communication and teamwork skills, learnt how to use SIMS and other office equipment such as a shredder, and gained confidence in supporting both staff and students. The biggest challenge I faced was finishing my placement, I enjoyed being back at my old school so much that I didn't want the week to end. SS Year 12

I completed my work experience in school, where I had the opportunity to support the science technicians. This experience gave me an insight into what it is like to work in a laboratory environment and helped me develop a range of skills. I improved my communication skills by working closely with the technicians, asking questions, and understanding the importance of teamwork. I also developed my problem-solving skills by organising scientific equipment into the correct boxes and storage areas, ensuring everything was properly arranged and easy to access.

During the week, I also supported Mr Green with the Year 7 Induction Day, which was similar to taking part in a community service activity. I enjoyed meeting the new Year 7 students, helping them feel comfortable, and supporting them as they prepared to begin secondary school. On Thursday and Friday, I worked alongside my peers to assist Ms Jassal with the Academic Mentoring Days for current Year 7 and Year 10 students. This involved welcoming parents and students, registering attendees, escorting them around the school site, and ensuring they arrived at the correct meetings.

Overall, my work experience gave me a valuable understanding of how a workplace operates and showed me how every member of staff contributes to creating an organised and successful environment. I gained confidence, improved my communication skills, and developed a greater appreciation for the teamwork and effort required behind the scenes to keep a school running effectively. VG Year 12

During my work experience, I had the opportunity to work with an architecture business, where I gained an insight into the daily responsibilities and processes involved in the industry. Throughout the week, I visited and inspected different building sites to ensure that projects were progressing according to plan. I also had the opportunity to explore the software used by architects to create designs and blueprints for different properties, which helped me understand the technical side of the profession.

The experience gave me a greater appreciation of the importance of time management, as I saw how architects need to balance multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and manage different stages of projects throughout the day. I also developed my organisational skills by preparing materials for client meetings, including printing and arranging architectural drawings and schematics. Overall, the placement provided me with valuable insight into the profession and helped me develop important workplace skills such as organisation, communication, and attention to detail. ZA Year 12

The Year 11 Prom was a truly unforgettable evening and the perfect way to celebrate the end of their journey at Heston.

From the moment students began to arrive, there was a real sense of excitement in the air. the boys looked incredibly smart in their suits and tuxedos, while the girls looked absolutely stunning in their beautiful gowns. Students made their entrances in style, adding to the glamour and excitement of the occasion. It was wonderful to see everyone looking so confident, happy, and ready to celebrate.

On arrival, students were welcomed with refreshing drinks before gathering with friends to take photographs and enjoy the atmosphere.

The event was filled with food, music, laughter, and plenty of dancing. It was wonderful to see everyone enjoying themselves, celebrating friendships that have been built over the last five years, and reflecting on everything they have achieved during their time at school. The dance floor was full throughout, with students and staff sharing in the celebrations and creating memories that will last for years to come.

Prom marked not only the end of Year 11 but also the end of an important chapter in our students' lives. We are incredibly proud of everything this year group has accomplished and hope they enjoyed every moment of this special day.

We wish all of our Year 11 students a restful and enjoyable summer. We look forward to welcoming everyone back on Results Day and celebrating their achievements as they take their next exciting steps.

Mr R Green – Year 11 Learning Coordinator

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Our Year 11 Leavers' Assembly was a memorable occasion, providing the perfect opportunity to celebrate the achievements, resilience and friendships of the year group as they reached the end of their GCSE journey.

The assembly was filled with laughter, reflection and pride as students looked back on their five years at school. From their first days in Year 7 to their final weeks preparing for GCSE examinations, the journey has been one of tremendous personal growth. Staff shared heartfelt messages, memorable stories and words of encouragement, recognising not only the academic achievements of the students but also the determination, kindness and maturity they have demonstrated throughout their time with us.

This year group has shown incredible resilience. They approached the challenges of their GCSE courses with dedication and perseverance, working tirelessly through revision sessions, coursework and examinations. Their commitment to achieving their personal best has been inspiring, and they should all be immensely proud of what they have accomplished. Completing their exams marks the end of months of hard work and the beginning of an exciting new chapter.

Following the assembly, students enjoyed one of the most cherished Year 11 traditions – shirt signing. The school hall was filled with smiles as friends, classmates and teachers wrote messages, shared memories and wished one another good luck for the future. The signed shirts will undoubtedly become treasured keepsakes, reminding students of the friendships they have built and the experiences they have shared during their time at school.

We are incredibly proud of everything our Year 11 students have achieved. Their resilience, determination and positive attitude have been evident throughout the year, and they leave us as confident, capable young people ready for the opportunities and challenges ahead.

We now look forward to seeing year 11 at prom in July for their final celebration!

Mr R Green – Year 11 Learning Coordinator

   

My visit to Homerton College was an eye-opening experience that completely changed my perception of university life. It was fascinating to learn about the history of Homerton and the wider University of Cambridge during the campus tour. The highlight of the day was definitely the escape room challenge. Working as a team to solve a series of complex puzzles was both enjoyable and rewarding, while also giving us a taste of the critical thinking and problem-solving skills expected at Cambridge. I also really enjoyed exploring the city, which surprised me with its beautiful surroundings, rich history and welcoming atmosphere. Overall, the trip inspired me to think more seriously about my future aspirations. [HB 12E]

I thoroughly enjoyed exploring the city of Cambridge and admiring its beautiful architecture and historic buildings. Visiting Homerton College gave me a valuable insight into university life and the welcoming community at Cambridge. My favourite part of the day was the escape room challenge, which encouraged teamwork, communication and creative thinking. It was a fun and engaging activity that pushed us to approach problems from different perspectives. [RP12G]

I really enjoyed the escape room challenge, as the puzzles were both thought-provoking and engaging. It encouraged us to work together while thinking creatively under pressure. I also found it interesting to learn more about life at Cambridge and what the university looks for in prospective students. The experience gave me a better understanding of the application process and what it takes to succeed. [HB 12G]

Visiting Homerton College, Cambridge was a memorable experience that broadened my understanding of higher education and encouraged me to think more confidently about my future aspirations. One of the highlights was the escape room challenge, where each puzzle tested our teamwork, reasoning and problem-solving skills. We also had the opportunity to explore Cambridge city centre and learn about its remarkable history. I was particularly fascinated by the Mathematical Bridge, with its unique engineering, and seeing the famous Newton Tree outside Trinity College. Overall, the visit was both enjoyable and inspiring, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to take part. [MAB 12H]

I really enjoyed our visit to Homerton College. My favourite part of the day was exploring the campus and seeing what university life is really like. I was surprised by how Homerton combined modern facilities with traditional architecture and history. The campus tour gave me a better understanding of how students live and study, while the city tour highlighted Cambridge's rich heritage. Overall, the experience was both enjoyable and inspiring, and it encouraged me to think more seriously about university. [SD 12A]

 

  

Farewell to the Class of 2025–2026

It is with immense pride tinged with some sadness that we feted the Year 13 students at our annual BBQ in their honour.  This is their last summer break from our school.  The vast majority of our Year 13 Leavers spent seven years with us at Heston and over that time we have watched them grow into amazing, confident, witty young adults now ready to take on the world.

Bon voyage to you all, and we encourage you to keep in touch with us to share your journey and, of course, to join our Alumni group so that you can inspire the next generation of Hestonians.

See you all again on Results Day.

Ms I Hall [Deputy Headteacher]

On Friday, 19 June, we said a fond farewell to the Class of 2025–2026 as they completed their journey at Heston. With the sun shining brightly, it was the perfect way to celebrate their time with us and mark the end of an important chapter in their lives. Students enjoyed a special BBQ alongside teachers and staff, providing an opportunity to reflect on the memories, achievements, and friendships built over the past two years. The atmosphere was filled with laughter, pride, and excitement for the future. As our Year 13 students now await their final results, we would like to wish them every success. Having worked with them over the last two years, I am confident that their hard work, resilience, and determination will bear fruit and lead them to great achievements. While the photographs capture some wonderful moments from the day, they cannot truly replicate the amazing atmosphere and sense of celebration that made the event so special.

We are incredibly proud of all they have accomplished and look forward to hearing about their future successes. Good luck, Class of 2025–2026, you will always be part of the Heston family.

Mr H Naqvi [Head of Sixth Form]

  

I really enjoyed the First Aid Training, particularly learning about the different ways you can help someone in an emergency. For example, I found it useful to learn that there are several techniques that can be used if someone is choking. Although I had completed first aid training before, I still learnt some new information, especially about treating burns.

The course did not contain anything that particularly surprised me, but it reinforced important skills that I already knew. I now feel very confident about helping someone in an emergency because I have previously used some of these skills to treat injuries and give advice to others. For example, I have learnt how to apply a bandage to stop bleeding, support a suspected broken bone, and even create a makeshift tourniquet to control severe bleeding.

I found all the practical activities useful because you never know what situation you might face during the day. Having basic first aid knowledge can help you stay calm and make better decisions. For example, if someone is not breathing, many people may panic and forget what to do, but I feel confident that I could recall my training, apply it appropriately, and seek additional help if needed.

I believe first aid is an important skill for all young people to learn, even if they do not plan to work in healthcare. At some point, most people will encounter someone with a serious burn, injury, or medical emergency. Knowing what to do can reduce panic, help protect both the injured person and yourself, and give you the confidence to take appropriate action. It can also provide reassurance that you did everything you could to help.

In the future, I hope to use these skills regularly because I am interested in a career in healthcare and would like to spend some time working as a paramedic. This training is particularly valuable for healthcare careers, as it includes skills such as CPR and responding to patients who are not breathing. However, this knowledge is useful for everyone, whether that is helping a child who is choking or responding to an accident in everyday life.

I would definitely recommend this training to other students. First aid knowledge can make people feel much more prepared if something happens to a family member, friend, or member of the public. Even if an outcome is not successful, knowing that you were able to try and help can make a big difference. In my opinion, everyone should learn basic first aid because a short training session could one day help save someone's life. SS [12D]

I really enjoyed the practical side of the First Aid Training, especially practising CPR and learning the recovery position, because it made the session interactive and realistic. I learnt how to respond safely in an emergency, assess a situation, and provide basic first aid while waiting for professional help. One thing that surprised me was how much of a difference simple first aid can make before an ambulance arrives. I was also surprised by how few people are willing to help in an emergency, which showed me why learning first aid is such an important skill. The training has made me feel much more confident about helping someone in an emergency, although I know I would still need to stay calm under pressure. I think first aid is an important skill for young people because emergencies can happen anywhere, and knowing what to do could help save a life. I would definitely recommend the training to other students as it was enjoyable, practical, and taught valuable skills that could be useful in the future. SH [12E]

Taking part in the First Aid Training was actually a lot more interesting and reassuring than I had originally expected. I went in feeling unsure about what I’d be able to do in a real emergency, but practising things like CPR and the recovery position made everything feel much more doable. One moment that really stuck with me was when we learnt how to help someone who’s choking as it made me realise how quickly you might need to react in real life. I also didn’t realise how important it is to stay calm and check the situation before jumping in, and that’s something I’ll definitely remember. By the end of the session, I felt genuinely more confident, like I could actually help someone if something went wrong. I’d definitely recommend the training to other students because it makes you feel prepared rather than helpless. MM [12C]

The first aid training we received was very useful and extremely informative. We got to learn about the different symptoms of many different health issues we could face on our DofE silver expedition as well as everyday life. During this training, I learnt basic skills which are very important. For example, I learnt how to perform CPR on adults and children, as well as how many rescue breaths they may need. We used inflatable dummies to practice how to do it ourselves. I also learnt how to perform Heimlich manoeuvres on both adults and children, and how to know when to use it. We also learnt how to use a defibrillator with a live demonstration. One thing that surprised me was the variety of issues we are vulnerable to and the many different acronyms you can learn to support others. Overall, I enjoyed this training, it has taught me a lot, as well as allowed me to see live demonstrations and videos, with very good explanations. I recommend this experience to other students and even adults too, as it was a great way to explore the many different health implications people face day-to-day, the ways to spot it, and how to deal with it. We were also given our own CPR face mask keyring, which is quite handy.  AI [12E]

During the first aid training, I learnt a lot more than I expected. The part I enjoyed most was practising CPR, as it helped me understand how important quick action can be. I also learnt how to deal with choking, how to check someone’s breathing, and how to put them in the recovery position. I was surprised by how confident I felt by the end of the session. The practical activities were really memorable and made the information easier to understand. I think first aid is an important skill for young people because you never know when someone might need help. In the future, I feel I could stay calmer and take the right steps if an emergency happened around me. I would definitely recommend the training to other students because it teaches skills that could save a life. AW [12H]

I really enjoyed the First Aid Training, especially learning how to put someone into the recovery position, because it was quick and easy to learn. I also learnt how to use a defibrillator and what to do if someone has stopped breathing. One thing that surprised me was how many chest compressions you have to do in one minute during CPR. After the training, I feel much more confident about helping someone in an emergency. One funny moment was when Aisha was practising CPR on the dummy and pushed much harder than she needed to! I think first aid is an important skill for young people because anyone could be in a situation where someone needs help. I will use what I have learnt if ever I need to help a family member, friend, or even a stranger. I would definitely recommend this training to other students because it teaches life-saving skills and builds confidence. HO [12C]

The best thing that I really liked about being part of this First Aid Training programme was its usefulness and interest. One good thing is that we learn was the practical ways of how to behave in case of any real-life emergencies and practise them by ourselves on the dummies. Some things which I learnt included doing CPR and putting a patient in a recovery position as well as learning how to stop choking. Moreover, I was amazed by the fact that such small actions are this important for saving one's life. Before this training I would not feel ready to help in emergencies, but now I do. I strongly think that it is an important skill for young people as there is always a possibility of an emergency situation happening somewhere around us. I will definitely recommend this training to my friends as it helps to master an important skill that might become useful someday. It is also important that we receive plastic mouthpieces which we can carry wherever we go in case we need to give CPR. BR [12H]