NORLINGTON SCHOOL n Winter newsletter nWisdom is strength Volunteer Ishaq’s leading the way Our pupil takes top trophy at borough sports awards

One of our students has won a prestigious developing leadership skills. It is a big borough sports leadership and volunteer- focus here. ing award. I have learned so much from the teachers Norlington School pupil Ishaq Muham- about leadership, particularly from the PE de- mad caught the eyes of the judges for his partment and Mr Hobbs and Mr Bygott. work mentoring younger pupils during It is only when you have been at the school sports days across Waltham Forest. a few years that you understand how impor- He also led a team of Norlington stu- tant these qualities they teach you are for the dents in a summer cricket coaching tour of rest of your life.” Spain in March this year. Associate Assistant Headteacher Paul Ishaq was handed the Young Leader and Hobbs said: “Developing leadership skills is Volunteer award at the Waltham Forest one of the key aims of Norlington. Council Feel Good Sports Awards cere- “We have an extensive leadership pro- mony at Walthamstow Assembly Hall in gramme with a number of our young men November. performing leadership roles but Ishaq stands He said he was “in complete shock” out as a real role model. when his name was called. We are very proud of Ishaq and the He said: “I was lost for words, I really impact he has had on other young people in Winner: didn’t expect to win. Much of it is down to the school, the local community and interna- Ishaq the school that I go to. tionally. with his Right from when you start in Year 7, We hope he is an inspiration for all our award Norlington stresses the importance of leaders.”

Camping trip highlights leadership and teamwork

YEAR 7 students learned leadership and Head of Lower School Renske Meiring teamwork skills during a camping trip. said: “Students were encouraged to be inde- Activities included tent building, tackling pendent thinkers and problem solve. assault courses and a forest nature walk to The boys had to work collaboratively to en- collect fire wood at the SunTrap in Epping sure they could put up a tent that would keep Forest. them warm and dry through the night. In the evening, students sat around the The trip was definitely one to remember camp fire enjoying barbecued food, singing and will be something to talk about through- songs and drinking hot chocolate. out each boy’s time at Norlington.”

Norlington School newsletter g Winter 2016 Jumping for joy: Students celebrating their exam success in the summer Top marks in GCSEs again OUR school celebrated another year of GCSE when we were recognised by the Minister of success as pupils once again scored top marks State for Schools as in the top 100 schools in their exams nationally. We achieved a 0.45 on the new Progress Principal Guya Persaud said: “Our aim is to 8 measures – the equivalent of half an extra be the best school in the country. This is what grade per pupil above expected progress. our students deserve. Progress 8, introduced this year, measures We work towards achieving this by having progress from the start of to and maintaining very high expectations of our the end of GCSEs and is the new Government students and our staff. benchmark for school attainment. Our unique family ethos promotes care and The national average for schools is zero. respect, but demands everyone relentlessly The grades are similar to last year’s results works hard in order to be successful.”

SMART Ahmad Hossen will stay on at Norlington 6th Form after scoring top BRILLIANT Stiofan Folan-Hasici scored marks in his GCSEs among the best results in the country by Ahmad got 6 As, 1 A* and 1 B in his ex- achieving straight As in his GCSEs. ams and will now study computer science, He said the “never give up attitude” at maths and further maths at A-level. Norlington was the secret to his success. He said: “I feel great. It was a really good He said: “When you think you have done feeling to have this done and out of the way enough the teachers will keep pushing you for before I look forward to A-levels. more. Why would I leave Norlington? The I was over the moon to get these results. teachers are great. They have really unique They really drum into you here how important relationships with pupils. it is to do well in your exams. It sets you up for The classes are small which suits me.” A-levels, university, then your whole career.”

Page 2 Norlington School newsletter g Winter 2016 An insight into politics PUPILS got a taste of British democracy Barack Obama once spoke and ended on a visit to the House of Parliament. with a question and answer session with They found out how the country is run Mr Cryer. and our political history during a trip in Head of student leadership Brendan November. Isaac said: “Students were impressed to Pupils were introduced to the House discover many politicians initially didn’t of Lords and House of Commons by our want a career in politics, but were drawn guide, and Wanstead MP John to it by a desire to influence the world. Cryer. They left inspired and are appreciative Students also visited the Grand Hall of the opportunity to be introduced to our where Nelson Mandela and US President political system.”

A MESSAGE FROM YOUR PRINCIPAL Building On Success Starting a new academic year is a great Year 7 have enjoyed getting to know 12 and 13 students opportunity to further improve on our each other at camp and the whole school to help them revise previous successes. was able to celebrate each other’s perfor- and prepare for the Our summer exam results showed mances at the annual Celebration Evening fast-approaching we again have supported our students to at Walthamstow Assembly Hall. mini GCSE and achieve significantly above the nationally The whole school is committed to mock exams. These expected performance at GCSE. collecting food every half term for a local are significant step- It is a fitting testimony to the hard work of food bank. ping stones towards their success in the the students and the dedication of the staff. Year 8 form classes are raising money actual exams. We firmly believe that student progress for charity and making cards and presents Christmas is a special time for everyone will continue to improve as a result of the for residents at a local care home for the to reflect on those in less fortunate circum- intensive staff training on Teaching and elderly. stances and to think about how we can plan Learning taking place every other Friday The whole school is attempting to raise for a new year where we all can support afternoon throughout the year. £1,500 this term for the charity ‘Shelter, at each other and improve ourselves. Already in 2016-17 we have had success Christmas’ by taking part in a variety of ac- We at Norlington wish all our families a in many areas, from winning the Borough tivities, including wearing Christmas jump- peaceful and restful holiday. Young Leadership Award to representations ers on the last day of term! at debating and speak out challenges. I would urge all families of Year 9, 11, GUYA PERSAUD

Page 3 Norlington School newsletter g Winter 2016 Following his cricket heroes

YEAR 8 student Jamal Richards has followed sent Jamal to Norlington in Leyton because I in the footsteps of his cricketing heroes after knew they would help him develop – not just being named Essex County Cricket’s player of as a cricketer, but as a young man. the season. Jamal, who captains our Year 8 cricket team, Jamal was given the honour in the U12s said: “When I found out I had won the award I category after a season that saw him excel for was really proud. club, school and county. Alistair Cook and Brian Lara are my heroes. The cricketing all rounder has joined an I also like James Foster and Nick Brown.” illustrious group of recipients of the award, Jamal honed is skills playing with his grand- including his hero Essex star Nick Brown dad Franklin Dickson, 62. Jamal is on the Emerging Players Pro- He said: “I love cricket so Jamal started off gramme at Essex and is hoping to join the watching it with me when he was very young. county’s in just over a years time. He was playing when he was four so he has Alongside match winning performances for had a natural passion for the game at a very his school, Jamal has also starred for local club young age.” side South Woodford. Associate assistant headteacher Paul Hobbs Inspiration: Jamal Richards His mother Natasha Dickson, 40, chose said: “At Norlington we strive for excellence Norlington after taking advice from Essex in all areas of the curriculum; our sporting as- best they can be. County Cricket Club pirations are the same as our academic aspira- We are now looking to Jamal to be an She said: “Despite living in Walthamstow I tions, we want our pupils to aim to be the very inspiration to the other pupils at the school.”

Qualifiers: Jon and Muhammad Trip inspires those seeking career in law OUR budding legal eagles visited Barclay’s headquarters in Canary Wharf as part of an Inspiration Day. Students interested in a career in law visited in October as part of our partnership with the education charity the BLD Foundation.

Students collect Cross-country runners triumph tins for food bank KIND-HEARTED students collected tinned THREE Norlington students will represent all categories from Year 7 to sixth-form.” goods for the food bank in the Waltham Forest at the Essex Cross Country The event is a qualifying competition for the run-up to Christmas. Championships. Essex Championships. Student council members delivered the food Year 13 student Abudulshakoor Suleman, He added: “We are delighted three students to the centre and met some of the volunteers and Year 8s Mohammed Faras and Jon Munt will now represent Waltham Forest. Jon was who run it. qualified after impressive performances in the the highest finisher of the Norlington boys. They discovered who uses the centre, how borough trials at Jubilee Park in October. We wish all three luck in the county many families it has helped, how it is funded Mr Hobbs said: “The boys competed well in championships.” and who else donates food.

Page 4 Norlington School newsletter g Winter 2016 Celebrating another year of pupil success

WE marked another year of success for our students at our annual Celebration Evening in September. The ceremony, now in its sixth year, saw pupils recognised for achievements across a range of subjects, as well as for qualities in- cluding leadership and gentlemanly behav- iour. MP John Cryer took a break from the Labour party conference to attend the event held at Walthamstow Assembly Hall. Waltham Forest Mayor Councillor Peter Herrington was also on hand to give a speech and hand out awards. Abdushshakoor Suleman, 18, won the Chair of Governors award. He said: “These evenings are very impor- part of a big family here.” Norlington students when I visit workplaces, tant. At Norlington they strike a very good Norlington principal Guya Persaud said: community organisations, religious organisa- balance between academic achievement and “This year showcased excellence in perfor- tions and sports clubs. teaching you leadership skills. mance in all subject areas and the vast range That is a mark of what the school is like. Most importantly at Norlington they of- of enrichment and extra-curricular activities The fact that it reaches out into the commu- fer you opportunities that give you the best participated in by the boys’. nity and that former students play a vital role chance of achieving your goals in life.” The event highlights the strong ties between in their communities.” Dilan Bhatti, 17, said: “I am very proud to the local community and the school reinforc- Ishaq Muhammad won the Nabil Alam have won this award. Like everything you ing the belief, ‘We learn together, achieve to- Cricketer of the Year award, given in memory achieve at Norlington it is down to hard work gether and enjoy together’.” of the former student. and determination. MP John Cryer said: “I’d like to congrat- Others pupils to scoop awards included This is a very welcoming school. In the ulate all the students who have won awards Kiem Nguyen, 17, Ahmed Hossen, 16, and sixth-form we are small, but that gives it a tonight for their hard work and determination. Urslan Malik, 17, who were all recipients of more friendly atmosphere. It feels like being I often meet Norlington students and former the Headteacher’s award.

Pupils reach new heights

OUR year 10 GCSE leaders led climbing sessions with Year 6 pupils from neigh- bouring primary schools.

Page 5 Norlington School newsletter g Winter 2016 Heart professor provides advice PUPILS got advice on a career in the medical inclined to choose medicine.” profession from a top heart surgeon. Pupil Zain Hussain said: “This is exactly Year 11, 12, and 13 pupils listened to a talk the sort of thing the school is really good at – from cardiology professor Adam Timmis, who getting people like professor Timmis to come Good sports: Theo and Kate works at St Bart’s Heart Centre. in and speak to us. During the talk in December, professor It showed you how competitive a career in Timmis gave advice on writing personal state- medicine can be. I want to do law, which is ments, how to get work experience and areas also very competitive, so the advice he gave Athletes visit of study. was transferable for me.” After the talk, he said: “It was a very enjoya- Pupil Peter Kanyike said: “I want to do bio- PUPILS learned life lessons with top athletes ble afternoon. The students were very engaged chemistry so this was really interesting for me. Theo Spalding-Macintosh and Kate Grey and seemed genuinely interested in a career in It can feel quite daunting trying to set out during a visit in December. medicine. your path to the career you want. The pair talked about the skills you need There are clearly a lot of bright pupils at This was very helpful because there was to succeed in sport and life, including mental this school who are destined to achieve great lots of practical advice on the steps you need toughness, hunger and people skills. things. I hope this talk has made them more to take.” The Year 7, 8 and 9 pupils also took part in role play tasks and a question and answer session at the end. Theo, a former Commonwealth Judo cham- pion, said: “A lot of what we discussed is ap- plicable in both sport and other areas of life. It is helpful for pupils to learn these lesson in a way that engages them.” Kate, a Paralympic swimmer, said: “It was clearly a very academic bunch of pupils because they grasped the concept we were dis- cussing very quickly.” The visit was part of our six-week Sky Sports’ Living for Sport programme.

Museum art OUR year 11 art students spent the day drawing, taking photos and collecting information at the Professor: Dr Adam Timmis spoke to students in Years 11, 12 and 13 British Museum for their GCSE coursework. They were inspired by the collection of diverse and beautiful masks, ceramics, textiles, furniture and other art from Africa. Pupils inspired by trip to zoo The boys also visited the Egypt exhibition fea- turing objects and sculptures from the country. OUR Year 8 scientists heard from a top solution to a current conservation issue. Student Usama Moin said: “The variety of professor from the Zoological Society Our students proposed harnessing solar en- artefacts was extraordinary and the brightly when they attended a STEM conference at ergy from the Sahara to power a water trans- coloured car at the entrance, painted in Ndebele Zoo. port pipeline from the groundwater reserves tribe patterns, was bright and eye-catching.” Pupils learned about the study of animals in the desert. and how it applies to disciplines such as sci- They added scooping motors and surface ence, technology, engineering and mathemat- purification system could be used to boil ics during the trip in November. and condense the water using solar energy – This included real-time mapping of bird providing fresh water human and conservation flight paths using GPS technology and the areas. effect of human expansion and disease on wild The conference was run by TeenTech, an dogs in Africa. industry-led initiative that helps pupils get into The students were also tasked with finding a careers in STEM subjects.

Page 6 Norlington School newsletter g Winter 2016 ‘It has been really easy to settle here’ ON transition day last July, we spoke to four pupils about their expecta- tions of life at Norlington. We caught up with Karim, Shayaan, Ibrahim and Xiao to ask them about their first term at the school. Here is what they had to say: Karim said: “This is the school I wanted to go to because I knew I would be challenged the most at this school. I really enjoy all the new subjects I am getting to learn ,but my favourite by far is maths. I am really looking forward to the next term. Shayaan: “The thing I have noticed the most at the school is the emphasis the school place on developing leadership skills. Ibrahim Karim I really like it because they help you un- derstand why it is important to be a leader so you have confidence to do really important things with your life.” Xiao said: “It has been really easy to settle in at school. The teachers make you feel really at home and comfortable. You expect it to be quite difficult going to a new school but that has not happened to me here at Norlington. I have made loads of friends.” Ibrahim said: “This is a really nice school. I found it really easy to settle in because everyone is so helpful and nice. The lessons are really fun because the teachers teach you in a way that makes you interested in the subject.” Shayaan Xiao

Geographers enjoy field trip

YEAR 11 students gathered data at the Epping Forest Field Centre data for their GCSE geography controlled assessment. They investigated geo-morphic process- es along Debden Brook during the trip in October. Geography teacher Mr Halligan, who accompanied the students on the trip, said: “The trip was a major success and the students enjoyed the hands-on experience.”

Page 7 Norlington School newsletter g Winter 2016 Olympic hero OUR students got a taekwondo master- class from Rio 2016 silver medallist Lutalo Muhammad during a visit in November. The Olympian showed pupils some moves and took part in a question and answer session. Walthamstow-born Lutalo came within one second of a gold medal in his final defeat to Cheick Sallah Junior Cisse of the Ivory Coast.

Star inspires Concert is an evening of note OUR GCSE music students took part in work- for a concert to year 7 pupils in December. shops run by staff and students at Leyton Sixth Our very own John McLarty joined the Yr 10 writers Form. older students on vocals for the 40-minute They also helped college students rehearse performance. LEYTON Orient star Nigel Atangana provided the inspiration for our Year 10 story writing competition. The striker told students about his difficult life growing up in the Paris suburbs before mov- ing to to play professional football. He then took questions from students, who used his life story as the source for their stories. Pupil William Kyaw’s piece was deemed the most impressive by the judg- es, with Adnam Moghal finishing as run- ner-up. Both pupils will receive a signed photo from Mr Atangana. Mr Collins, who organised the visit, said: “We had some wonder- ful pieces written and the session was useful and engaging for all in- volved. Pupils produced some fantastic descriptive writing and a well-earned chance to spend some time with a player with such an inspirational back-story.” Mr Atangana also spent time in French class helping pupils with their language skills. Fellow Orient player Yvan Erichot supported Ms Labarbe’s more able French class during the visit.

Eye on the ball

OUR ball boys with Rio 2016 wheelchair tennis Paralympics bronze medallist Lucy Shuker at the NEC Wheelchair Masters in November

Page 8 Norlington School newsletter g Winter 2016