As we enter the final two weeks of the school year, we are wondering when the summer weather will arrive, we welcome in a new government and commiserate that another football trophy was so nearly ours!
The weather forecast for next week is more positive which will be just in time for our Sports Day and Rewards Trips!
I was incredibly proud when members of the student council visited our Senior and Middle Leaders meeting to present the outcomes of the student survey. They spoke with such maturity and confidence, we were all blown away! Many of their ideas will be taken into the new academic year, including the request to review the current school uniform as there was a resounding vote for ‘No blazers’! The students will be presenting to the Full Governing Body tonight too - we will keep you posted on the outcomes.
I am very much looking forward to watching many of our talented young people at this week’s showings of ‘School of Rock’. The students are tired today after a busy day rehearsing yesterday. The show is preceded by the wonderful Art Private View. I am very invested in this as my Y11 Photography students will be showing their work too... can't wait to see it all!
You will hear about many more wonderful opportunities our students have enjoyed in the rest of this newsletter, including the Y10 Business Studies & IT reward trip to Chessington which was almost a wash-out due to the torrential rain, alongside information about the campaigns from the school captain candidates. Staff will be making the difficult decision of whom to vote for during the process later this week. We also held our own Mock Election which was such a great opportunity for our students to experience.
Another reminder is that it is vital your child has strong attendance right up until the last day of term. I have received numerous holiday requests which I have not been able to authorise as this can only be agreed in truly exceptional circumstances. Teachers will continue to deliver high quality lessons right up until the end of term and your child needs to be present in order to maximise their academic progress.
Thank you as ever for your continued support, which is always greatly appreciated, and I hope to see as many as possible of you at this week's shows.
Emma Thurston
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY:
Monday 15th July - Summer Production Students all off timetable for rehearsals etc
Tuesday 16th July - Rehearsals/Matinee performances of School of Rock - students involved off timetable
Tuesday 16th July - Art Showcase 4-6pm - FODG providing refreshments
Tuesday 16th July - School of Rock - Doors open 5.30pm for a 6pm start
Wednesday 17th July - School of Rock Matinee & evening performance doors open 5.30 for a 6pm start
Friday 19th July - Y10 PE Trip
Tuesday 23rd July - Y10 PPE Breakfast
Wednesday 24th July - Sports Day
Thursday 25th July - Rewards Trips
Friday 26th July - Half Day only - Summer term ends
Monday 2nd September - Inset Day (Staff only)
Tuesday 3rd September - Y7 & Y11 only
Wednesday 4th September - All students back in school
DG X FEED
Click HERE to see our AMAZING X account that truly gives you a broad perspective of things going on all across our school!
Thank you Ms Heiser
WHAT'S COMING UP @ DG
FINAL SHOUT OUT FOR THE SUMMER PERFORMANCE
PLEASE NOTE THE AMENDED TIMES OF DOORS OPENING!
Also on the Tuesday at this event will be an Arts, Textiles and Photography exhibit of the Y11 GCSE coursework from 4-6pm where the FODG will be hosting a Bar & Refreshments stand so please do come along and enjoy a drink whilst looking at all the amazing creative DG talent on show!
Just a gentle reminder that the Friends Of Deptford Green are always needing volunteers at the events we are supporting school with and that the monies raised always go back into enhancing the opportunities, both academic and extra-curricular for all our students, so please let us know if you want to join us or just to help occasionally.
Xavier, Maurice, Jasmine, Zac, Ms Nembhard, Ms Thurston, Olive & Anna
We are proud of our Y8 students who achieved their Bronze Industrial Cadets. We had a great day at UCL showcasing their project, celebrating, and meeting the engineering students and were totally in awe of ALL the Bronze and Gold projects we saw there.
This outstanding group of students are truly GREAT DG students every day - reading for pleasure, engaging in reading activities and being an excellent addition to the life of our school library. We couldn't be more proud of them! Well done to all for taking part in the Lewisham Book Quiz and the Carnegie Shadowing Scheme. Simply WOW!
YEAR 11 YEARBOOK NOW ON SALE!
The Class of 2024, Year 11 Yearbook is now available for purchase via Y11 parents ParentPay account.
It is a 52-page booklet full of messages from students and staff plus lots of photos, including those from Prom.
There are two pricing options:
1. £2.20 - Yearbook collection, during school hours from school reception
2. £4.00 - Yearbook + 2nd class postage
This really is a lovely keepsake for your child to remember their time at Deptford Green, full of lots of memories (and nonsense!).
We've put a video snippet of it on X/Twitter (@deptfordgreen) for you to visualise it.
As you may be aware, as part of our parent support group – Friends of Deptford Green - we sell Pre-Loved uniform and the proceeds go toward activities and enrichment opportunities for students in our school community. However, we are increasingly trying to help parents/carers with uniform as the cost-of-living crisis continues, putting added financial strain on families, so this is not just about making money, but being supportive where we can.
In the same vein, if we can pass on no longer needed revision guides to our new GCSE students, we will do so.
Likewise, If you have a Scientific Calculator (as these are very expensive as you know) and you are not going to use them at college or sixth from, we would be grateful for these in order to sell to the younger years at a discounted price.
If you can help with any of the above, please hand them in to reception and let them know it is for Ms Walker. Your help is very much appreciated and thank you so much to those who have already donated. We appreciate you!
WHAT'S BEEN HAPPENING AT SCHOOL?
ALONGSIDE THE RECENT GENERAL ELECTION...
Deptford Green School Hosts 'Mock' Election!
In a bid to promote political literacy and civic engagement amongst students, Deptford Green recently conducted a mock election that mirrored the general election. This educational initiative was designed to give students a practical understanding of the democratic process and the various political parties involved.
Leading up to the mock election, students participated in Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education lessons focused on the different political parties and their manifestos. These lessons aimed to equip students with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions, emphasising the importance of political awareness and active participation in the democratic process.
The mock election allowed students to experience the electoral process first hand, as they cast their votes for candidates representing the constituency of Lewisham North. The exercise was designed to simulate the real-world voting experience, fostering a sense of involvement and responsibility.
When the votes were tallied, Vicky Foxcroft (Labour) emerged as the winner, securing over half of the total votes cast. This outcome reflected the students' engagement and understanding of the candidates' manifestos and the electoral process.
Deptford Green's initiative not only provided students with a practical lesson in democracy but also encouraged them to think critically about political issues and the impact of their votes. By giving students the chance to have their say in a mock election, the school has taken a significant step towards nurturing informed, active citizens of the future.
Thank you Ms Joauvel
EDT Industrial Cadets
We had a brilliant day at UCL for the Industrial Cadets Celebration Event!
Anna, Jasmine, Olive, Maurice, and Zac doing DG proud!
Ms Nembhard said: 'These wonderful Y8's received their Bronze Industrial Cadets award, and I couldn't be prouder of their teamwork and enthusiasm.
We loved showcasing their project alongside other schools, celebrating all their successes and meeting some exceptional engineering students. Witnessing the creativity and the focus on sustainability in all the Bronze and Gold projects exhibited by Y8, Y9 and Sixth Form students from different London boroughs was truly awe-inspiring!
We were welcomed by UCL Engineering Department academics and undergraduate students and we gained some insights into how they teach engineering at the university, how to prepare for applying and some of the projects students can take part in as part of their degree, such as Formula 1 racing and rovers EDT Industrial Cadets.
Y9 HORNIMAN CAREERS DAY
Y9 students attended the Horniman Museum & Gardens Careers Day and found out what it's like to work as the CEO, what the Audience Insight and Marketing manager does every day, what work the Community Engagement and Learning and Volunteering teams get involved in, or what the security and IT staff jobs involve every day, plus many other roles. It truly was very enlightening. Students got to see behind the scenes at the aquarium where corals and jelly fish are bred and in the conservation lab and the Mount Maker workshop. We also visited the Tea Exhibition with the curator who actually put the exhibition together and found out about his journey into his role as well as the process involved in curating such an exhibition. Well done to all our students and thanks to everyone at The Horniman for such an informative day.
Another group of Y9 students visited Karakusevic Carson Architects where they worked with architects on ideas to improve Fordham Park and make it usable all year round for young people and the whole community. Students generated fantastic ideas and designs and presented them professionally. We look forward to visiting again and KCA has kindly offered to host some work experience placements, so if you are going into Y10 and want to secure a placement at KCA, please let Ms Nembhard know: cnembhard@deptfordgreen.co.uk
Y9 TRIP TO THE HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL @ THE WAR MUSEUM
In June, Ms Daswani and her team of fantastic Y9 historians visited the Holocaust Memorial the week celebrating D-DAY. It was a wonderfully enriching experience for the students who were able to engage with real life materials they have studied for weeks in the classroom. The students found the exhibition poignant and thought-provoking. What was even better was the sunshine was out!
Thomas said: 'It was one of the best experiences in school as I felt I could really empathise with the peoples struggles”
Kayla said: “It was really fun to be out and about and reflect on our learning in school. The trip was interactive which was great and we worked in teams, I loved it”
Thank you Ms Daswani and to Thomas & Kayla for contributing.
Y10 BUILD YOUR FUTURES
Y10 Build Your Future students had their last meeting of the academic year. They participated in a ‘Guess my job’ networking session and demonstrated excellent communication skills, asking the right questions and listening actively, before guessing all the roles correctly and presenting to each volunteer in a very professional manner. We are looking forward to the programme continuing next year.
During the Y10 May work experience, employers working with our students on the Build Your Future project noticed and commended Eden’s enthusiasm for Engineering as well as her focus, work ethic, communication skills and leadership.Consequently, Eden was offered a placement at WSP, one of the world’s leading engineering firms where she is currently working with engineers and other young people on a museum project, particularly looking at sustainability. We are delighted that she is taking the opportunity to network with young people with similar aspirations and professionals at all levels of the company and learning more about qualifying as an engineer through an apprenticeship or university.
Eden's amazing Sketch Design!
Eden has also secured a place on the Imperial University Engineering Residential Summer School. Working with the university’s academics and students, Eden and other selected budding engineers will explore different engineering disciplines and new technology and live in students’ accommodation for a few days. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain insights into a subject she is passionate about, look at roles for the future and what university life could be like, with many social events organised for young people taking part.
Well done Eden! We are immensely proud of you!
Y10 Annual visit to Oxford University
“It was fun and I think the university is pretty cool.”
“I learnt that the university is made up of 36 colleges and that it does not actually cost more to study here. It could actually even work out cheaper!
“I was surprised that their summer break is so long.”
Earlier this term, Y10 visited Oxford University, taking part in an academic taster and meeting current undergraduate students.
We toured St Catz, our partner college at the University of Oxford, although we were not able to fully appreciate the beautiful modern architecture as some of the buildings designed by Danish architect Arne Jacobsen were closed due to building work. We also explored Magdalen College, one of the oldest colleges in Oxford, founded in 1456 and with its own beautiful deer park!
“I liked the contrast between the newer college and the really old buildings.”
“Finding out how to apply and how we can prepare now was useful. I think the way students learn at Oxford with the tutorial system was interesting. I am more likely to apply now.”
“Finding out about all the extracurricular activities available and seeing the historic buildings that are still used as classrooms and accomodation was very enjoyable.”
“I feel more confident about applications and interviews. It was more diverse than I thought it would be.”
Students were encouraged to explore ideas and subjects they are interested in, beyond the curriculum, by joining in enrichment activities at school, reading, listening to podcasts, visiting museums and entering writing competitions, for example. Get started and explore big ideas HERE
You can also look at Magdelen College HERE - and find out more about St Catz HERE. Well done to all the students who attended and made us proud!
Y10 Business & IT Rewards Trip to Chessington
This trip was aimed at Y10 GCSE Business and Computer Science Students. Students spent the first part of the day in a workshop learning about marketing, advertising on different platforms and overall business operations, which directly links back to the curriculum. For the second part of the day, students had an opportunity to explore what Chessington World of Adventures has to offer!
STUDENT CAPTAIN ELECTIONS @ DEPTFORD GREEN
This week, Deptford Green is abuzz with excitement as the student captain elections take place, giving our students another chance to participate in democracy. The Student Captain candidates have been campaigning energetically to secure votes from their peers, employing a variety of creative strategies to capture attention and support.
In the lead-up to the election, we saw a flurry of campaign activity around the school. Candidates made videos, posters, stickers, and even organised a popular "Free Cake Wednesday" event to engage with the student body and share their visions.
The role of student captains is a significant one as they will represent the wider school body and take on leadership responsibilities within the school. Their tasks will include voicing student concerns, organising events, and enhancing a positive school environment.
As the election draws closer, anticipation builds! Who will emerge victorious? The candidates for this year’s student captain elections are:
Upper row: Josh, Wahab, Lucia and Deborah
Lower row: Milo, Asosa, Carlota and Sheetal
WATCH THIS SPACE TO SEE WHAT THE OUTCOME IS...
Firstly, we just want to say that Y11 students are very much missed and not forgotten! We are looking forward to seeing them at results day and hoping that it will be a happy and successful day for them all.
GCSE RESULTS AND DESTINATIONS REMINDERS
From Ms Nembhard:
I am writing, along with the Y11 team, to remind you that Deptford Green (like all schools and Local Authorities) have a duty to keep in touch with students when they leave school and to ensure they all have a destination for the next phase of their education.
You and your child might be planning to stay in touch with individual teachers, but we ask you all to also complete this quick form with your child to confirm contact details and intended destinations.
For anyone who might be worried about affording school uniforms or who may be supporting residents in that position, Rehoboth Community Outreach Club will be holding a Back to School event on 26 August at the Hazel Grove Estate in Sydenham. Uniforms will be available for children as well as free school essentials like stationery, water bottles and lunch boxes. Further event info is in the image below and you can find out more about the Rehoboth Community Outreach Club (which LBL directly supports) via this link - click HEREYou can refer a resident via this Google Form: click HEREWant to donate money or uniforms? Please email communityrelations@lewisham.gov.uk to find out how this can be arranged.
Residential Summer School. Working with the university’s academics and students, Eden and other selected budding engineers will explore different engineering disciplines and new technology and live in students’ accommodation for a few days. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain insights into a subject she is passionate about, look at roles for the future and what university life could be like, with many social events organised for young people taking part.
