A Message from the Head Teacher, Ms Scott
As we come to the end of this extraordinary year, it has been wonderful to see the students back in for their assemblies this week. We have congratulated them on how well they and the staff have coped with rapid and unprecedented change amidst global events that have been challenging, and at times, incomprehensible.
As a school community, nearly 60 students and staff members and their families have experienced bereavement, and all of us have experienced loss for what 2020 might have held for us. It will take us all time to process the events of the last 5 months but as I have been trying to explain to the students, change for the better often emerges from adversity. This is little comfort at the time but as we look to the future, we have to see the possibilities.
This time has been particularly hard for young people, because social interaction is so vital to their development into young adults. Maybe they will emerge more appreciate of times they are able to spend with friends and family. Being able to appreciate what you have is of benefit for long term mental health and well-being; again being hopeful, I know. What is for sure is that they have witnessed that rapid and dramatic government action to protect the most vulnerable is possible, providing the political will is there; some regard the NHS to be safer because of the reminder we have all had about how important it is. Also, the global reaction to the murder of George Floyd will also have made an impression about how righteous anger can be channelled into creating change, even when the status quo is protected by those with vested interests.
When we return in September we will be grateful to be back together again but it will be different, and I’m sure at times, frustrating. All the changes are listed in the parent letter of 17th July 2020. Thanks in advance for supporting your son / daughter in coping with the arrangement that they will have to navigate on a daily basis.
As young people face a more uncertain economic future, we at LPGS are more determined than ever to ensure they achieve their academic potential. However we also recognise that the development of the 6 LPGS characteristics of leadership; determination; teamwork; creativity; problem solving and & global citizenship has never been more relevant as we truly turn today’s learners into tomorrow’s leaders.
A Message from the Chair of Governors, Sir Robin Bosher
As we move towards the end of this academic year and reflect on the past year, most of us will conclude that it has been one of the most challenging times for as long as we can remember. The Covid 19 lockdown has needed everyone to determine flexible ways of working and communicating in the work place, family environment and community context.
The governing body is proud of the way students and their families have managed home education during this difficult time. The vast majority of students have engaged with the school and their teachers to complete their work; students have been supported by parents to ensure regular, timely and consistent engagement and this has ensured students’ progress through the curriculum has been good. We would particularly like to congratulate Year 11 and 13 students for the way they have shown a flexible and mature approach to their examination courses, this has been a hard year for them and governors would like to wish them well for the future.
Overall, the governing body would like to sincerely thank parents and students for their commitment to home education during this difficult time.
The staff at Langley Park Girls School have risen to the challenge of a completely new way of working. Their diligence and hard work to make online learning the new normal is praiseworthy and governors would like to thank them for their dedication to the students and their families. Governors would specifically like to cite Ms Scott and other school leaders for their outstanding leadership during this academic year. They have shown initiative and drive to make education the best and safest it can be for the students in difficult circumstances. The quality of communication from our school leaders to families and the local community is some of the best I have seen across the country.
So, we look forward to the new academic year knowing that we will need to continue to be resilient and flexible in our approach.
The governing body would like to wish students, families and staff a successful summer break.
VISUAL ARTS VIRTUAL EXHIBITION 2020
This is a showcase of all the Y11 and Y13 Visual Arts students at Langley Park School for Girls 2020, who have worked so hard during their two year courses in Fine Art, Textiles and Photography. All staff at LPGS are very proud of our students' achievements. Their dedication and commitment to their work is clear and evident through the work that you can see via this Virtual Visual Arts Exhibition 2020.
Good luck to all our students in their rich, exciting and creative careers ahead of them... but first relax and enjoy the summer!!
Virtual Sports Day 2020
Wednesday 24th June should have been the best day of the whole school year – Sports Day! But with lockdown ruining our plans to takeover Norman Park, dressed from head to toe in our house colours, ready to fight to bring home the ultimate trophy - the PE department couldn’t allow it to be cancelled completely! So instead we hosted LPGS’ inaugural Virtual Sports Day, and what a success it was!
After a spectacular warm up led by LPGS staff, students from all year groups were tasked to compete in as many activities as possible, to win house points. Categories included; balance, flexibility, endurance, teamwork, dance, inspire us, community and many more. There were some outstanding performances in the fitness challenges and incredible blog submissions for the community and inspire us categories; showing how our students are not only talented but also kind and supportive.
A huge well done and congratulations to all who took part! But before the overall winners of Virtual Sports Day 2020 are revealed, here are the year group winners from each category and some highlights from the day!
LPGS Stonewall Champion School & Pride Society
We are very proud that LPGS was awarded Stonewall Champion status after Student Support worker Dr Warner completed training with the equality charity Stonewall in September 2019. The training focused on tackling homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying and language in secondary schools. Homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying and language can affect any young person or adult. The training was subsequently shared with staff in a Continuing Professional Development session during the spring term and enhances our support structures for LGBT young people at LPGS and links in with the school’s existing policy on anti-bullying, equality and welfare. During lockdown we have used the opportunity that the daily briefings have provided to ensure that our virtual daily assemblies have continued to be inclusive.
LPGS Pride Society was founded last academic year by a group of Y9 students. It is co-ordinated by Dr Warner but is largely student-led. It meets weekly in Student Support on Friday lunchtimes, and sometimes also informally on Monday lunchtimes if the discussion hasn’t finished! It has continued to meet remotely using MS Teams during lockdown. It welcomes anyone who identifies as LGBTQ+ and all our allies and advocates. Everyone is welcome provided they are respectful and considerate of all identities and orientations, opinions and experiences. We aim to create a safe space for our members to learn about themselves, meet new friends and mentor others. We work to become informed on LGBTQ+ issues at school, nationally and internationally. We plan events to raise awareness of LGBTQ+ issues and people, and in celebration of the LGBTQ+ community. We continue to fortify within the school a culture of acceptance without exception of LGBTQ+ people which is integral to a sense of equality and inclusion for all members of the wider school community, and in line with both the Education and Inspections Act 2006 and the Equality Act 2010. We continue to be supported in this by Stonewall.
We have worked throughout the year to raise the profile of LGBTQ+ people in school and beyond by sharing our LGBTQ+ heroes in tutor time, and in Daily Briefings during June, which is Pride Month. Student members shared their experiences of lockdown and how they were celebrating Pride Month virtually. We ran a fundraising campaign in January (Come Out Active Month) to raise awareness for LGBTQ+ equality in sport and sold Rainbow Laces outside school, donating the proceeds to Stonewall.
In September 2020 the Department for Education will introduce compulsory relationships and sex education for secondary schools which includes LGBT content. The aim of this education is to give young people the information they need to help them develop healthy, nurturing relationships of all kinds (not just intimate relationships). It is required to meet the needs of all pupils, whatever their developing sexuality or identity, and must include age-appropriate teaching about different types of relationships in the context of the law. LPGS has been an early adopter by including some information on LBGT issues and people in PHSCE sessions already this year.
Dr Warner’s plan to undertake further Stonewall training in creating a transinclusive setting, and in gender in the classroom, have been temporarily put on hold by lockdown.
LPGS - Emergency Eye Protection Aid
In early April, LPGS responded to the emergency services in need of eye protection via Lucy Gillett of @gilletttrainingservices who is a first aid trainer and a nurse in A&E. Emergency workers were in need of plastic armed goggles to help with the Covid-19 crisis. LPGS donated over 100 pairs. We were one of the first schools to respond to Lucy and this then led to more schools and local businesses offering donations of goggles/masks/cakes/care packages for NHS workers that Lucy distributed to hospitals and care homes.
Lucy Gillett took part in a LPGS Q&A Instagram session and also spoke to Y10 health and social care students via microsoft teams about her work in nursing and being on the front line during this pandemic. We would like to thank Lucy for her time and inspiring so many of the students.
Ellie in 10KC took part in the Q&A and wanted to help. Via the power of zoom, she and her friends created a video of singing 'When I grow up' from the musical Matilda and raised over £700 that went to NHS charities. Well done Ellie, we are so proud of you!
Mrs H Williams
Lock down Cakes!!
Year 8 have been taking advantage of practicing their baking skills during lockdown.
Annabel A has made a range of delicious delights, each one even more impressive then the last. However, not all has gone according to plan – an attempt at an orange sponge almost ended in disaster! When Annabel took her cake out of the oven after testing with a skewer, the whole thing collapsed into a mass of raw mixture in the middle. She guessed she had nothing to loose so mixed it all back up and added a little milk then popped it back into the oven. Hey presto! It turned out to be an amazing birthday cake that her Nanny thoroughly enjoyed!
Amber J has also been busy in the kitchen. She made a batch of chocolatey cupcakes, beautifully decorated in aid of Alzheimer’s Society Cupcake Day on 13th June.
Well done girls – can’t wait to sample some of your tasty treats!
2020/2021 Senior Prefects
Throughout June, our Year 12 pupils have been busy applying to become the 2020/2021 Senior Prefects.
We aim to support the development of our most senior students to become forward-thinking young adults prepared for the challenges and demands of leadership in the wider world. Our Sixth Form motto ‘Todays Learners, Tomorrows Leaders’ underpins all that we do and as such, it is our priority to recognise the individual strengths of our students and consider them as key contributors to both our Sixth Form and the wider school community.
Our Sixth Form Prefects undertake a wide variety of responsibilities including:
• Supporting Year 7 with transition by undertaking mentoring training in wellbeing and learning
• Acting as ambassadors at whole school events
• Developing oracy and confidence through public speaking
• Organising large events such as fundraising endeavours and the Sixth Form Prom
• Leading academic societies
• Undertaking prestigious leadership positions such as Head Girl, Head Boy, House Captains and Team Leaders including Social Action, Enrichment and Website
Year 13 Senior Prefect selection process is rigorous. All candidates are put through their paces by undertaking an industry interview process:
• Logged evidence of contribution to the school and wider community
• Application in writing whilst showing exemplary record of commitment to student leadership, learning, attendance and punctuality
• Submission of a video presentation for hustings
• Completion of an in-tray exercise
• Panel interview with the AHT: Sixth Form and Head Of Year
• Shortlisting and appointment of Senior Prefects
• Candidates for the position of Head Girl/ Head Boy will also undertake:
o Student panel interview
o Headteacher interview
Our interviews took place on Thursday the 2nd July. The final appointments were made following much deliberation as we have had incredibly strong field. Please join us in wholeheartedly congratulating:
Maths News - Mrs Harper
On the whole it has been very encouraging to see how the majority of students have been engaging in online learning in a very positive and proactive manner. The Maths team have been able to keep in daily contact with the students in their sets through Firefly, email and above all Microsoft Teams. The latter has been pivotal for a number of essential tasks including questions and answers, voice-over Powerpoints and live lessons. It has also been encouraging to be able to hear so many of your voices and we hope that you have enjoyed being in contact with your teachers and hearing them too!
We have taken advantage of a whole selection of learning platforms to enhance teaching and learning including GCSEPod, UK Mathematics Trust, Brilliant.org, MathsSnacks, Mathsbox.org, nrich.maths.org, to name just some, along with the Edexcel GCSE textbooks and Active Learn. Miss Lonergan has also provided a maths puzzle as part of daily briefings which have even kept the Maths teachers on their toes. We have also been keeping in touch via Twitter @LPGSMaths Department where a further selection of numerical and logical challenges have been posted regularly.
However, Mathswatch has prorbably been the most effective learning tool and the one that most students have preferred. Amie P in Year 10 commented ‘Mathswatch really helps me to undertand my work as the videos explain everything so thoroughly, and I can also control the pace at which I’m learning, so in spite of the lockdown I feel that my learning has progressed’.
Furthermore teachers are able to track each student’s progress and provide feedback to help to further explain and consolidate their learning. Mathswatch has also been instrumental in setting both unit and end of term tests, even if we initially had a few hiccups from too many students logging on at the same time!
Many students have commented on how important it is to keep to a regular schedule to remain on task and avoid falling behind. Sienna B in Year 8 commented that she has managed her Maths by keeping to her regular timetable which has helped with her pace and understanding. Year 7 have embraced working from home and some have even been getting a bit of help from their pets as can be seen from the photos.
Despite nationwide school closures the Junior Maths Challenge (JMC) 2020 still went ahead but was taken online for the first time in history. On Friday 26 June some of our more able mathematicians from Years 7 and 8 all logged in and took the test at the same time. The test lasted for an hour and once the time had expired it was impossible to log back in and amend any answers.
The JMC is a multiple-choice competition that encourages mathematical reasoning, precision of thought and fluency in using basic mathematical techniques to solve interesting problems. Above all these problems are designed to challenge students and make them think out of the box. The top scorers are able to achieve Bronze, Silver and Gold awards and last year over 50 students received a selection of all three awards.
Three students from Year 7 passed on their thoughts about how the paper went. Daisy A remarked that it had challenged her to think to finish against the clock. Lily S added that she found that the JMC had exercised her brain allowing her to think about the questions in different ways, which she had really enjoyed. Knowing that she was competing against different students from across the country, at the same time, made Mia M want to try even harder to figure out the answers that she was really struggling on. The results will hopefully be published before the end of term so we wish all our students the best of luck.
It has also been really beneficial to finally welcome the majority of Year 10 students back into school and actually teach them face-to-face in socially distanced groups of 15 or less. We have planned a timetable combining both home and school lessons to introduce some new topics to cover the last weeks of term and to make the most of this invaluable period.
The Maths department has also been running a competition where we have asked students to create mathematical geometric patterns and designs, and we have been overcome with the number of entries. A selection of some of the best ones received so far have been included and the best three will be chosen and announced at the beginning of the next term and prizes will be awarded. We hope that you appreciate the fantastic artistic skills and dedication that the students have shown in creating their masterpieces.
This week LPGS was chosen to take part in the fantastic Beacon School Programme for Holocaust Education alongside University College London centre for Holocaust Education. This is a real success in itself as only around 15 schools are chosen every year. At LPGS, we already work with the Holocaust Educational Trust as part of their Lessons from Auschwitz Programme to provide Year 12 and 13 students with the opportunity to visit Auschwitz and become Holocaust Education Ambassadors within the school. Alongside this, 2 Year 12 students were also given the opportunity to go to Bergen-Belsen death camp in Germany as part of the 75th Anniversary of the liberation of the camp. The yearlong Beacon School Programme will provide CPD for teachers in Holocaust Education and ultimately allow students access to world renowned Holocaust Education. This is an opportunity for LPGS teachers to partner with the world’s top-rated university for education, to raise the quality of learning and expectations in LPGS, and to help students to become more engaged in their own learning and become more independent, critical thinkers. This is an excellent opportunity for both teachers and students and we will keep you updated as we go.
You can find more information about the programme by clicking on the links below:
A Message from Music
Hello all, we hope you are still managing to stay safe and well. Not being able to make music together as a school community has been really hard. Music is an incredibly important tool in boosting mental well-being, especially in the current circumstances, and although I am sure you have all been listening to possibly more music at home than usual, it is not quite the same experience as practising, composing, performing or analysing it together at school.
To boost morale and keep everyone busy whilst at home, we have held the Music bingo challenge, sent students on virtual tours of concert halls and other live performance venues, encouraged entries to the BBC Young Composer competition, sent join up instructions for Gareth Malone's nationwide virtual choir, held our own LPGS Lock down Lyrical performance competition, introduced Key Stage 3 students to brand new composition apps, and that’s just a few of the extra-curricular opportunities that have been on offer so far!
Congratulations to Sophia C who won our Lock down Lyrical competition. She is in Year 9 and composed her own original piece from scratch that expressed the different stages of emotion felt in lock down. If you haven’t had a chance to listen to her entry, here is the link:
Another endeavour in keeping music alive during isolation has been the LPGS Lock down Blues which is a virtual multi-screen performance of a piece our very own Mr. Sizer has composed. Students practiced hard during their exam fortnight down-time to learn and record their own part which will then be combined with everyone else’s in the first LPGS virtual ensemble performance. Watch this space for its release which is coming soon!
If you want to use this time away from school to learn a new skill and start playing an instrument, then email me at ges@lpgs.bromley.sch.uk because a wealth of live instrumental lessons delivered by top BYMT musicians have been taking place weekly and it is not too late to get involved.
We look forward to seeing you all again soon and getting back to ‘normal’ whatever that may be!
Miss. Sheppard
Young Reporter Success for LPGS
CONGRATULATIONS to Ivy in Year 10 for winning one of the categories in the Young Reporter Scheme 2020. Since the launch of this year's project at LPGS in the Autumn Term, Ivy has written and submitted 8 articles to NewsQuest, and her articles have been published in their online magazine. In Ivy’s own words:
“There were times when the words just flowed from my fingertips to the screen, and there were times when I had to look at the blank screen a little longer to figure out what to write, but no matter how I started my articles, I always finished them with a rewarding feeling and the satisfaction of having done something that would improve my skills and help me in later life.”
Especially in light of the recent events we have faced, this is a demanding project to get through, but it is a very worthwhile one - so huge congratulations Ivy!
Mr. T. Green
PE - 5K Challenge
In May, Miss Cejer and Miss McGovern nominated students and staff to either run, walk or cycle 5k in support of national campaign, aiming to raise money for NHS charities and those frontline staff who are still working incredibly hard during this challenging time.
The aim was to log a run, walk or cycle, donate up to £5 and then nominate 5 others to do the same.
We were aware how tough things were, especially at that moment and giving the community a focus on this challenge was a brilliant way to boost physical and mental wellbeing, whilst giving back to our fantastic NHS.
There were some incredible efforts by all and some of the top entries from:
• The English department, Computer Science, the Sixth Form, the SEND department
• Mrs Hall, Mrs Cordingley, Mrs Rice, Mrs Parry
• The other fantastic ladies in our PE department (Bush, Kenyon, Williams).
• The Y10 and 11 GCSE PE girls smashing it with some seriously speedy times!
• Megan B in Y7 was the fastest entry – with a time of 20.58!!!
The total miles logged came to 358Km and raising £330!!
Well done to all involved. If you haven’t taken part in this challenge yet, there is still time to get those trainers on and log the 5KM donating to NHS charities and tagging @lpgs_PE on Instagram or Twitter.
Year 7 – First Year Reflection
Miss Cejer - Well Year 7, it has certainly been a different first year to normal. I can’t believe it was now over a year ago we were meeting you as Year 6 students, most of you anxious and worried about what September would bring. However the camping trip certainly encouraged you to get stuck into Langley life. Those few days at Blacklands Farm were a challenge for us all, particularly at 3am on the first night! But we all got through it and made lasting friendships and memories that have continued to grow over this year. You have exceeded my expectations in learning remotely and have taken on this challenge with the same resilience and determination you showed in school. I am incredibly proud of you all and the work you have continued to do during lockdown. We are looking forward to welcoming you back into LPGS and although I will not be your Head of Year in September, I will still be working closely with you in my role as Head of Key Stage 3. I hope you have a restful summer break, who knows what it will bring. Stay safe and stay connected.
Mrs Polson - Year 7, I would like to congratulate you on your first year at LPGS. It has been so lovely welcoming you to the school this year and you have already achieved so much. Here are just a few examples: Camping, Year 7 Concert, Beat the Flood PSHCE Day, Breakfast of Champions, assembly contributions, many sport fixtures and lots of other fantastic events/activities completed throughout the year. As a school we have been so proud of the ease in which you have settled in to life at LPGS and how well you have adjusted during this unsettling time. Your resilience, enthusiasm, creativity and determination is commendable. It is just such a shame and we are incredibly sad that we haven’t been able to finish your first year in the normal LPGS way. I have really enjoyed being part of your year team this year. It has been great to get to know so many of you. I am so pleased that I will continue working with you again in Year 8. Wishing you all a lovely, safe and restful summer holiday.
Ms Keeble - A wonderful group of Year 7 students have been participating in ceramics club during Friday form time. Students have been learning ceramics techniques and processes to create pinch pots and fluted bowls. Students created a range of beautiful outcomes which await firing and glazing. I look forward to working with the students to complete their ceramics outcomes when we return to school.
7GA – Ms Monks - It has been an incredible journey will all you little ones; from meeting you all our very first day, to going camping together, to playing form games and quizzes, to learning about the world and having insightful discussions and many more. I wouldn't have it any other way. You have exceeded my expectations of what an outstanding form should be. You have radiated the classroom with your personalities and laughter and shown remarkable care through the friendships you have formed. All of you have supported each other through the laughter and tears that were brought from your primary to secondary transition and I can't thank you enough for being the most uplifting energy in every school day morning. Keep up the good work during this home learning experience and care for one another - can't wait to meet you all again during form but, for now, I will hear from you all in our next Microsoft Teams meeting!
7GB -Mrs Christie - I think back to your first week in the school and I cannot help but smile. I remember you lot bumbling around, not knowing where anything was and asking me so many questions that I had to pray for patience. And look at you now. In one short year you have become more discerning, more empathetic and more passionate about the causes you believe in - you are certainly a force to be reckoned with. One of my favourite movies from when I was a child is 'The King and I'. This is a line from one of the songs I hold quite dear - 'There's a very ancient saying, and a true and honest thought, that if you become a teacher, by your pupils you'll be taught'. And by Jove you have taught me a thing or two (and no, I'm not talking about Tik Tok!). You have taught me to seize the day with zest and to embrace new experiences with excitement. I have really enjoyed our conversations about everything under the sun, from climate change to the new recipes you have tried out, to the projects that you want to get off the ground. Never lose this love of life and always keep that little bit of sunshine in your heart. It has been such a pleasure to have known you - I am looking forward to the next great adventure!
7KC – Dr Jennings
We are finally coming to the end of one of the most challenging school years that any one has experienced, other than in times of war. I certainly never foresaw it turning out this way when I received you as my tutor group last September, and know how tremendously brave you have all been under the circumstances, as none of us have been able to be perfect! You have all demonstrated such diverse, distinctive, delightful and in some cases cheeky, humorous and edgy personalities, that make you all so unique. I would like to say that it has been a pleasure being your form tutor and teaching you science. I have looked on with pride as you all enthusiastically engaged in my lessons, which made it such a pleasure teaching you all. In particular, I liked our form time discussions, where you expressed such intelligent and delightful ideas. You all demonstrated yourselves to be well-rounded, polite and respectful young girls, and have been so delighted to watch many of you support each other during difficult times. I have great expectations for all of you to go out and achieve your full potential, whatever that may be and know that there may even be a potential doctor or 2 in the class! I am looking forward to meeting you all again next year! Take care, be safe and enjoy your summer!
7KD - Mr Wright - The academic year is almost over and haven’t we packed in so much in our time together. From meeting each other in year 6 induction day, shivering in tents and problem solving up trees, in-depth form discussions and briefing about the ever changing world, seeing you play new musical instruments and singing as a choir, the list almost seems endless. You are a form of hidden talent, gaining in confidence to show the world. From bake off finalists, netball players, artists and musicians as well as actors, to reciting pi. I look forward to nurturing these talents and encouraging you to shine even more brightly, as I see your posters down corridors and your exemplary work displayed in classrooms all-round the school. We may have our form room hidden away but you are the stars of the future and by working effectively together, supporting each other and by being tolerant of our differences, we will succeed. Work to the best of your ability during these remote learning times and be charitable and kind whenever you can.
7LE – Mrs Travers - What a memorable year we have had! It has definitely been one I will keep with me forever, the highs and lows which we have shared and supported each other through. I met you in July, my first evening at LPGS as I was working at a different school at the time! It was immediately obvious that there was something special about you, your warmth and fun characters shone through. I was excited to begin our journey together at Langley, learning and becoming a part of the amazing community. There have been many highlights this year, the camping trip was our first chance to bond and boy did we have fun together! Those shy ones came out of their shells when clambering through the tunnels and canoeing on the lake. I couldn’t get a word in edgeways, you chatted happily together and forged lifelong friendships. Another wonderful time for me was watching and listening to you rehearse ‘Dancing Queen’, you simply went for it! You lost your inhibitions and had fun which was so uplifting for me and I hope for you too. We have had so many seating plans! With all the changes to the room layout which have kept us on our toes. What has been really impressive is the way you have been a team together, sitting next to someone different hasn’t phased you and in fact your support for one another has shown your kindness and maturity. These last few months have been very strange for us all, but I want to thank you for gradually becoming more brave by chatting to me for longer in our phone calls. I have loved your stories and the way you have remained so positive and cheerful throughout this time. Our tutor meetings have been fun and I have looked forward to our Friday mornings together, they really have set a positive vibe for the day. 7LE you epitomise my motto ‘Kind of word, thought and deed’, and I am so proud to be your tutor.
7LF - Miss Arulappu - Well done for your having successfully completed your first year as Year 7. What an incredible journey it has been so far! I have enjoyed every single moment of being your form tutor and having every single one of you has made this form very special. You have set the standard very high with exemplary behaviour and care towards each other. I hope you can cherish all the memories made this year. I am looking forward to the next academic year and I cannot wait to see you all in September. In the meantime, keep safe, keep being kind, keep being awesome.
7SG - Ms Keeble - I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know all the amazing students in 7SG. I continue to be impressed with how each one of you have dealt with the challenges of the current situation. You have shown tremendous resilience and dedication to your education. I have looked forward to weekly conversations and TEAMS form time quizzes. Continue to be amazing, and I look forward to seeing you all in form time.
7SH – Ms Banks - We have nearly done it! We have nearly reached the end of our first year together at LPGS and what a rollercoaster it has been! We have had an incredible journey and I cannot thank you enough for all of the laughter, tears, drama, stress and fun we have shared this year. Reflecting on our first day, looking out across M102 at all of your innocent, shy, angelic faces, my how you have grown! You have become confident, intelligent, kind, mature, inquisitive young ladies who I am proud to have in my tutor group. All of you have supported each other through your primary to secondary transition and have made such strong and loving friendships that I know will keep growing as you progress through to Year 11. We have created memories that you and I will never forget – I definitely won’t forget camping in a while! Thank you for always brightening up the form room with your radiant smiles and your bundles of energy every weekday morning at 8.30am! Keep up your hard work during this home learning experience, I am so very proud of you. Stay in touch with each other, stay safe and I can’t wait to see you all again in school!
Welcome from your Head of Year 8 for September 2020
Dear Year 7 Students, My name is Miss Davis and I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself as your new Head of Year in Year 8. I am thrilled to be working with such a fantastic year group, about whom I have heard wonderful things from Miss Cejer and your tutors.
Just to tell you a little about myself, I have been Head of Dance at Langley for two years. Dance is my greatest love which I have been studying for as long as I can remember which led me to study Dance Culture at the University of Surrey. This I found my passion for African and Caribbean dance styles. When I am not dancing, I am practicing theatre makeup, reading, cooking and all things outdoors (especially travelling to the beach).
I look forward to getting to know each and every one of you over the coming weeks and supporting you in achieving your personal goals and succeeding in your education as Langley students.
Next year will be full of adventures, progress and discoveries; let’s make it incredible!
See you soon, Miss Davis
Garden and Wildlife News
The last few months have been challenging for us all with our ‘normal’ school lives being turned upside down! For the Langley technician team it has been a chance to catch up on many tasks which are difficult to fulfil during a busy school day delivering science practicals. As well as the more mundane, but essential technician tasks, we have been working hard to improve and create the school garden and wildlife area. Langley PTA generously bought us three raised beds a year ago and we have finally painted them and filled them with topsoil and compost. In addition our physics technician has built an extra raised bed from left over decking. This will be a valuable resource for our thriving garden enrichment group who meet every other Wednesday afternoon to learn about growing plants and vegetables, garden wildlife and garden design. The group has also been involved in restoring and improving the school grounds including the memorial garden.
We have also created a woodland walkway and have been helping to maintain the school pond which is alive with wildlife including tadpoles, frogs, newts, toads, dragonflys and of course mosquitos! We have spotted several stag beetles, whose larvae benefit from the dead wood left in this area.
This wildlife area is used by pupils in Year 7, who study lichen on trees as a pollution indicator, as well enjoying pond dipping to look at water quality!
The area will be a fantastic resource for Langley primary school and for primary school taster sessions in the future. We hope that it will not be too long before pupils can once again enjoy some of these enrichment activities!
Inspire Us Challenge
We asked you to share your proudest sporting moment and we were so impressed by your entries that we didn't feel right picking a winner; they are all so worthy in their own right.
Your entries ranged from winning medals at sports day to climbing Mount Snowdown, being crowned International Champion to travelling abroad to compete for Team GB. The range of sporting activities is also hugely impressive we had entries in football, taekwondo, horse riding, Park Runs, school teams, cheerleading, trampoline, gymnastics, dance, badminton, biathlon, athletics, cross country skiing, rock climbing, rugby, cycling and hiking.
This just goes to show the wide variety of activities out there to challenge you, give you a sense of achievement and ultimately keep you fit and healthy.
A massive WELL DONE to all who entered and earned points for their house. You have absolutely INSPIRED US by sharing your achievements.
The role of the church in the local community
Our work on Food Banks, has been the most active and fulfilling topic so far of our Christianity chapter. In GCSE Religious Studies, we have been able to explore many different aspects of the Christian religion regarding their beliefs and practices. We looked into the Trussell Trust and Oasis Project during this chapter and we were inspired to donate! We donated food to the City Gate Church Beckenham as we were inspired by the happiness, love and help the Trussell Trust and Oasis Project had brought to so many people across the UK. Taking an active part in helping our local community this year, has definitely been one of the highlights of our religious GCSE journey!
Tashan D 10SG on behalf of Y10 Religious Studies class
Year 9 events!
Tabitha B has promoted Kindness in Year 9 and across the school by preparing Form Time activities and by setting up a Kindness Tree in school.
Sophia C in Year 9 is the LPGS Lock down Lyrical winner. Sophia wrote this piece herself to reflect her feelings throughout each stage of the lock down. We may well have our very own future film composer!
Tabitha B, has won the Final of the Year 9 ‘Speak Up, Speak Out’ Competition! This is a great achievement for Tabitha. Her speech could not have been better delivered, and it was an absolute pleasure to watch Tabitha, and our other Year 9 finalist, Abigail C, take to the stage and represent the school with such confidence, flair, presence and erudition. Tabitha has won a smart trophy, framed certificate, and cash! This was a high standard competition and there were 17 finalists. The judging was very close, and it is very hard to get placed in the top three. This is the second year running of such success for LPGS, having gained Second Place last year. Huge congratulations to Tabitha B and to Abigail C.
Sarita D Pier M in 9GS have promoted Fairtrade across the school with a cake sale, Form Time activities and delivering an Assembly.
Credits:
Created with images by Aleksandr Eremin - "Sunflowers field" • Steve Johnson - "42 x 30 inch painting on gallery wrap canvas. I do sell the original paintings that these photographs are based on. This one is still waiting for a buyer :) The painting itself is a simple celebration of inclusivity." • Kelly Sikkema - "Recording Space" • Giorgio Trovato - "untitled image"