KEY MESSAGES

Dear Parents/Carers,

As I write this to you all I am delighting in the fact that I was able to walk to school today without my winter coat, in the brilliant sunshine. Let us hope the rest of this term is as bright and warm so that we are able to successfully host the myriad of wonderful outdoor events we have planned during this last half-term such as Sports day, Dream Days and rewards trips.

This week the final GCSE exams take place and I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Y11’s for their commitment to the exams this year. I shall look forward to seeing them on the red carpet at the Prom in a few days’ time. Watch this space for the beautiful photographs to follow!

Y10’s are now in the spotlight with their PPE’s next week. I do hope they have been busily revising and will take the exams seriously, as the outcomes of the PPE's are our first real indication of their performance for their GCSE's. Good luck Y10! They certainly impressed us with their Work Experience placements last term, so I have no doubt they will impress us again.

What was your ‘Big Dream’ when you were at school? The students will be exploring their ideas around this in next week’s Dream Days sessions. Huge thank you to Mr Paish and Ms Nembhard who have worked tirelessly to plan some AMAZING experiences for our students, including visits to Ravensbourne, Goldsmiths, Tate Modern, the Horniman’s and the Science Museum. Organisation of this magnitude is no mean feat!

This week is also Refugee Week and last week Ms Joauvel organised assemblies to recognise this event and there is a lunchtime stand each day this week alongside the poster competition (see below).

We warmly welcome two new members of staff to our Senior Team. Mr Josephs who is leading on Student cClimate and Culture and Ms Ahmed who is leading on Raising Standards at KS3. We are delighted to have them here with us and you can find out more about Mr Josephs below.

I hope you have purchased your ticket to School Of Rock- if not you better do so soon as they are selling fast! You will also be able to see the amazing work completed by the Y11 Arts students during the private view before the show.

Thank you as ever for your continued support and to those of you who took the time to complete the Parent Survey. This information is vital in supporting the identification of our Whole School Priorities. We shall write to you later this term with a clear overview of exactly what impact your feedback has had across the school. I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events this term.

Emma Thurston

INTRODUCING MR JOSEPHS, OUR NEW KS3 COORDINATOR AND MEMBER OF THE SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM

Girls: Who are you Sir?

Mr J: I am Mr Josephs the new assistant HT overseeing KS3 so working with Y7-Y9 looking at student climate and culture, very much focusing on behaviour but also a range of different things such as rewards, the LORIC System and our GREAT values.

Ella: Have you taught in different schools?

Mr J: Yes I have. This is my 5^th school that I’ve taught at. I was at a school in West London before coming here. I wanted to come back to South East London because we have the best kids! (He laughs!)

Queen: Do you find satisfaction at where you are at in life now?

Mr J: That’s an amazing question! Wow! I do. I guess at different stages of life, the level of satisfaction changes and at the moment I am very happy where I currently am. Things can always be better, but if I am objective, I would say yes, my life is good.

Micha: Why did you choose to come to DG?

Mr J: There are many reasons actually, but the key thing is the community and the wellbeing aspect of DG. When I first visited the school and looked at the website, I just felt that the smiling faces at DG, felt sincere and genuine. When I did visit, and especially on my interview day, I found DG is ‘exactly what it says on the tin’. I am really impressed with how polite and respectful I have found the students and staff are towards me and I think that speaks volumes about the kind of community we have here. DG is closer to my home and it presents me with an opportunity to give back to my community. This school wants new initiatives; it wants people to be invested in it and I’m hoping I can do that.

Ella: Is there anything in particular you want to implement/improve in school?

Mr J: I am big on routines so for example, line ups. That smooth transition into lessons. I want students to go into lessons and feel that the classroom is a safe space where they say, “I’m here to learn, I’m going to leave everything else outside of the classroom and be focused”. In addition to that, I do want to work on more opportunities for DG students. I know there is already amazing work being done here by my colleagues, but I want to be a part of that. I think what we have at the heart of DG is gold, but if we can add to that, we can make it an outstanding school.

Micha: Do you like it here?

Mr J: Yes and that’s without hesitation. I am starting to identify what it is that I like about it. My experience so far has been so very positive.

Ella: So we (interviewers) are in Y9 going into Y10. When you were our age, what sort of stuff were you thinking about? What were your plans at our age?

Mr J: Being honest with you, I didn’t have the easiest childhood but I have learnt to own my own story. I always say that the hand that you are dealt with growing up, the family you were born in, that experience isn’t your fault or your responsibility, but who you become IS your responsibility. For me, when I was your age, I was picking up my younger siblings, I was doing a lot of chores and was very active in my home outside of school as I was from a single-parent household, so school reminded me that I was still a child and that in school there are people there to support you. If I was your age now, I would just be enjoying this moment in life and when I say enjoy, I don’t just mean living frivolously. I’m talking about all the opportunities that are coming at you. Take a firm hold of them, because it is good going into the world knowing you’ve made the most of the opportunities you were given. If DG gives you those opportunities, I wouldn’t even hesitate. Just jump on them! So, for example, if there’s a trip coming up to a museum or something, go on it and LEARN, because you won’t get these types of opportunities again.

Queen: Do you feel there are any great attributes to being an adult that we can experience? As an adult, you are able to be more independent than we can. We are more likely to be affected by external values, so when you see students, do you think ‘I wish you students could see this or that?

Mr J: Again that is just a brilliant question and without getting too emotional, what I’d say is that life can be so tough, it’s almost unfair and when you are young and quite innocent with it, you think that the world will be some sort of way, but then when you are an adult you realise it is not how you always dreamed it would be so what I wish as I encounter students as they go out into the big wide world, I just really hope that life is kind to them because it can be mean and upsetting at times. I know secondary school can also be tough itself, so what I want students to do is use school as a training ground to better their relationships, develop skills, push themselves out of their comfort zone and push themselves academically. You have to be creative because when you get into the outside world, you don’t really have an opportunity to continue to practise as it’s just you, and you have to get on and live your life for yourself, so now is your time to really enjoy it. Make mistakes and then the key thing about mistakes is that it’s only a mistake if you don’t learn from it!

Micha: What is your main role here?

Mr J: I oversee KS3 (Y7-9) and Transition, so Y6 coming into Y7, so if you can remember how Y7 was, it can be a daunting experience coming to secondary school from primary. I went to a secondary school where I knew absolutely nobody, so I was that guy that was just eating lunch by himself at the beginning and I needed to make friends. In my role, I want to make sure that there is nobody that doesn’t have at least one or two people that they can speak to in that first week and actually spend time with. I’m also an RE (Religious Education) teacher, so I love teaching, and outside my busy schedule, I love being in the classroom because that’s the one space for me where no one can disrupt me and say ‘Oh Mr Josephs, this or that is happening’ as that's my teaching time. When I’m in the classroom, I’m in there teaching a subject that I love and students can see a different side to me; see that I'm not just the guy that is always saying ‘Tuck your shirt in’, 'Do this!' or 'Do that!'

I want to develop rewards and trips – I want to plan for some amazing trips and implement some amazing initiatives that are going to encourage improved attendance, encourage students trying to increase their LORIC points and the GREAT values that we have already, so I’m really looking forward to seeing how we can take it to the next level.

Ella: There are lots of students in school having a hard time at the moment. For example, some of them taking their GCSE’s right now, having hard times at home, and like you, are coming from a tough background, but they’ve got to get from Y7 – Y11 in one piece. What would you say to them? I know no journey is smooth for anyone, but how would you help?

Mr J: Again a really good question. I would say it’s important that every student actually has a trusted adult or trusted person in school because when you know that you are going to see one of your favourite people in the world, it makes it a bit easier to wake up and come to school on time, or as an adult, wake up and come to work! I think everyone needs to have a trusted individual, so I would encourage everyone from Y7 all the way to Y11 to find that one person or that group of individuals that have your back. It could be members of staff, and I would highly recommend that, but it could also be your friends in your year group, and even now as I am looking around at you girls, (lots of laughter), I can see this is what we all need. I would say as I watch you interacting with each other, I can see that you feel safe within your group, and safe to be your own unique, individual selves and when you have your 'people', that’s what it’s able to do for you. It encourages the uniqueness of who you are.

Queen: Final question - do you think the past is as important as people make it out to be?

Mr J: Oh absolutely. If you don’t know where you’re coming from, how can you know where you’re going?

All interviewers collectively: OOOOOOOOHHHHH! That’s a great answer

Mr J: What’s so interesting is that every single one of you has a story and as you get older, you cannot be ashamed of that, so the best individuals in this world know how to communicate their story and I think that’s what you really need to hone in on. What happened to you isn’t your fault but who you become is your responsibility so you have to choose to become the very best version of yourself you can be.

Thank you to everyone for taking part in this lovely interview and welcome Mr Josephs to Deptford Green. We hope you will continue to be happy here always.

WORK EXPERIENCE OUTCOMES

Y10 are now getting ready for their PPEs, but before half-term, our amazing Y10 students were at work...yes! After months of prep, students were finally attending their work experience placements.

We were thrilled to see them exploring their interests and discovering various industries, from film and TV to architecture, investment companies, museums, GP surgeries and more. There were some last-minute nerves and questions about what does 'business casual' actually mean... Stepping into the professional world is no small feat, but we have received some brilliant feedback.

Well done Y10's, you smashed it!

If you have questions about work experience or can offer a placement or know someone who could, please get in touch: cnembhard@deptfordgreen.co.uk

ELISHA AT WORK AND AT PLAY WITH HIS TEAM AT HIGHSTEAD INVESTMENT

ELISHA SAID “I learnt so much about business and finance and the people were very nice and welcoming!”

FEEDBACK FROM THE EMPLOYER “Elisha settled in really well and soundly understood the initial research tasks we set him and is making steady progress. His output will be super useful for us in order to understand and approach companies we might want to develop a business relationship with. Great work!”

CREATIVE LEADERS

A group of students took part in the Creative Leaders Work experience week, working with LEAN, The Albany, Teatro Vivo, LAMDA and The Broadway Theatre. Working in teams, students designed their own festival and pitched it to a panel, including one of our own Deptford Green school governors.

After taking part in sessions including designing a unique logo and exploring brand identity as well as funding and marketing and a hands-on tour of The Broadway Theatre, developing an understanding of theatre production and experimenting with lights and sound, students exclaimed:

" I love it here!"

"I have learned so much about so much!"

" I am so proud of myself!"

Students clearly developed employability skills and discovered new careers during the week but they have also formed new friendships and their relaxed, open faces receiving their awards talked of optimism and confidence.
Huge thank you to everyone involved for expertly facilitating the experience and warmly supporting the group before, during and after the week.

BUILD YOUR FUTURE

Students went on a tour of Mace’s Panorama St Paul's site - where they got to see behind the scenes of a real-life construction project!

Through our Build Your Future Work Experience week, students worked with the Construction Youth Trust and a team of guest volunteers from over 10 different companies, including WSP, Overbury and The Fourfront Group, to develop their leadership, organisation, resilience, initiative, creativity and communication.

Students took on different roles within a team to design a community centre, which they presented to a panel of industry professionals and received feedback on their design and pitch. They were introduced to the world of work, gained transferable and technical skills and practised teamwork, problem-solving and presenting. They received career progression support and discover the broad range of careers available in the built environment sector and the opportunities available through apprenticeships and graduate schemes.

Students pitching at Landsec’s office in Victoria Street

We were immensely proud of their engagement and effort and thank all the volunteers and CYT.

If your child is in Y9 and would like to take part in this scheme next year, get in touch: cnembhard@deptfordgreen.co.uk

Congratulations to Omari in Y10 who completed his work experience in The Mayor of Lewisham's office! Thank you to mayor Brenda Dacres. In Omari's own words it was "quite the experience"!

SCHOOL CAPTAIN APPLICATION PROCESS IN MOTION:

At Deptford Green, we take pride in the opportunities for student leadership which we offer our students. In the final weeks of the term and into September, applications will be open for students to apply to join the Student Council, Mental Health Ambassadors and Eco Committee.

We are also pleased to announce that the selection process for our new Y11 School Captains is now underway. The students involved are busy campaigning to win the votes of staff and students in the school captain election which will be held in July and will be sharing their ideas in assemblies and tutor times in the coming weeks. Below is Deborah's opportunity to win your vote!

Deborah says: 'PARENTS, PLEASE ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILD/CHILDREN TO VOTE FOR DEBORAH FOR SCHOOL CAPTAIN 2024!

Hello everyone, my name is Deborah, and I am running for one of the School Captain 2024 positions.

I am an extremely hard-working, respectful student regardless of the situation. I value a community which consists of equality, acceptance, togetherness and growth. I believe that everyone should learn and develop in a space suitable for them.

Why should your child vote for me?

My teachers and pastoral leaders would describe me as a role model and an influential person, who diligently works towards tackling obstacles in terms of learning and always jumps at an opportunity to participate in helping others or being involved in extracurricular activities. Furthermore, I am passionate about making everyone feel included in tasks, especially students who feel unheard. I want to be a voice and advocate for the ones who do not have the confidence to speak up. I would like to implement a green wall and introduce having classes outside.

What can I provide for the Deptford Green?

I am overly ambitious and not afraid to take up a challenge. This is shown through my campaign in the young mayoral elections in which I obtained the role of young advisor. In this role, I work with many key people such as the mayor of Lewisham, to discuss improving Deptford Green and Fordham Park. This is something that less than 5% of Lewisham youths ever do and additionally I believe, this shows my bravery and honour. Thank you. Deborah.

Well done Deborah. Good luck with your application! We will feature the outcome when the election has been held.

On Friday 14th June, Media Club visited Ravensbourne University to see an exhibition of the work they had been doing in school with Hattie who has worked closely with Ms Nembhard and been an absolute delight to work with along with several of her colleagues.

Our students got to see all the different types of courses students are on at the univertsity including Fashion, Filmaking, Architechture and various other Media degrees and courses. The university building itself is beautiful, built right next to the O2, and it was fascinating to see the outside through massive circular windows! Have a look at some of the photographs from the day and read a couple of the student reports on the trip.

Michael in Y8 said:

'My favourite part about going to Ravensbourne University was the conversations I had with the students studying fashion design and advertising, as they showed me their work and I got to have in-depth conversations with them about the project they were involved with and how they made it all come together.

I really enjoyed my time at Ravensbourne as the tour guides where very nice and the university had many engaging displays'.

The students were split into groups and got to watch a film shot and edited by a student on the film course all about chocolate! Students had to answer a few questions about what they watched, so still, a bit like school!

Elliot and Jasmine wrote:

'Previously, in Media Club we had a go at some animation, photography, and film. At the university, we were given the opportunity to see our work exhibited alongside the undergraduates' work too.

After a bit of a walk and a bus journey from school, we finally arrived at the bizarre yet very cool, building. We were split into two groups and led by tour guides, to see most of the floors. Some of the most popular floors were photography, which showed many of the students' photos. Each photographer had their own unique style, which many of us enjoyed. Another popular floor was the Product Design area, which contained dozens of cleverly designed products for all types of people and their needs. Finally, the most popular floor was the games design floor, which had lots of computers containing fun games designed by the undergraduates.

Media Club really enjoyed this trip and we would love to go again!'

Thanks Ms Nembhard for organising this very successful and creative after-school club! There will be a display of student photographs for you to see in the library corridor next week, but here are a couple of shots from disposable cameras our students took. Some of the shots not displayed contained fingers and hair and lots of learning mistakes, but I think you will agree, some of these below look like professionals have taken them! The composition of the photographs are excellent! Well done Media Club!