n n It all adds up for James l Student among maths best - as quartet take gold BRIGHT Year 8 James Minnett was said to take part in the challenge. “We have a really excellent maths ranked in the top 2,000 students in James, said: “It was tough, really teacher who helps us a lot. the country in a worldwide maths tough. It wasn’t really the type of test “I am pretty good at maths but this challenge. you could study for because a lot of really pushed my abilities to the limit. James was awarded a merit on top it was testing your logic rather than I’m proud of what I have achieved.” of a gold certifi cate in the prestig- maths knowledge. Eight Norlington students achieved ious UKMT challenge, marking him “To have scored the best results in Silver certifi cates, placing them in out as among the country’s best the school and among the best in the the top 20 per cent in the country, performers. country is really a great feeling. while 13 scored Bronze certifi cates. Fellow Year 8 students There are lots of very smart Maths teacher Mr Goldspink Aadam Kharva, Mo- pupils at this school so it is said: “I am really proud of the hammad Nawaz and a big honour. boys’ achievements in the UK Maths Salman Farhat also “I think the reason the Challenge. achieved gold. results are so good at this “It is down to their hard work and The test was sat in school is because they re- desire to be school under normal ally push you to the limits the best that exam conditions. of your abilities.” led to such An estimated seven Salman said: “I really f a n t a s t i c million students from didn’t expect to do so well outcomes.” across the globe are so to get a gold certif- icate is really fantastic.

James Minnett and Salman Farhat Stop press... OUR cricket teams were due to play in don Championship Finals for the sec- working closely with Essex CCC and three fi nals as this newsletter went to ond year in a row. Chance to Shine. Our PE staff put in a press. Head of PE Mr Bygott said: “As a lot of time all year round to ensure the Our Under 12 and Under 15 teams school we have put a lot of investment boys deliver success.” were primed for a borough fi nal, while in cricket and it is bearing fruit through To fi nd out the results of the fi nals the Under 15s have reached the Lon- the year groups. We are proud to be please check our social media pages.

n Norlington School & 6th Form n Summer 2018 1 Talking politics

OUR students got the chance to grill wonderful students.” each of the parties plans to do for the politicians on local issues at a special Candidates fi rst spoke to students borough. hustings event held at the school. about why local democracy is impor- “As young people, we need our voic- Students from all years heard from tant, the roles and responsibilities of es to be heard. There have been prob- candidates standing to represent Grove councils and the values of their respec- lems with violent crime in Green Ward on Waltham Forest Coun- tive parties. recently and we need something to be cil in the May elections. The fl oor was then opened to ques- done.” In total, four candidates fi elded ques- tions from the boys, who asked how to Local elections took place across tions from students, Liberal Demo- make the borough more attractive for London on Thursday, May 3, with all crat Bob Sullivan, Conservative Thor businesses. 60 seats on Waltham Forest Council Halland, the Green Party’s Deanna Rayyan Akkhtar said: “It was such contested. Donovan and current Labour council- an important event as we were able Mr Hobbs, Assistant Principal, said: lor, Khevyn Limbajee. to get our points across to local politi- “We organised this event because we Cllr Limbajee said: “I thought the cians and they gave us answers to our want to actively engage students in the questions the children asked were spot questions. democratic process. on. They are so engaged, they are all “We are very lucky to get this op- “It gives them a platform to voice thinking about incredibly important portunity; every school should do this their concerns about issues that mat- issues such as street crime and youth because it gives us an insight into what ter to them and they asked considered provision. can be done to change our local com- questions with a level of maturity. “It is brilliant that Norlington have munity for the better.” “Democracy is a fundamental British done this, this is a really communi- Atif Bashir added: “It was an impor- value and that is at the core of what we ty-based school that produces some tant day because now we know what do at Norlington.” University visits help students think Outside the Box YEAR 10 students learned about to make things clearer. education and career pathways “For example, I didn’t really know during visits to top universities and what subject or course I would do but City fi rms. I really got a good insight into what is Students took it in turns to visit off ered.” London Metropolitan University, Umar Hussain said: “When you South Bank University, UCL, pictured, think about jobs you don’t really know insurers Beazley and investment fi rm what you have to do to get there, what T Rowe Price, throughout this term. Year 10 Zakarya Khan said: “The the pathway is. The Learning Outside the Box sessions were very informative, “During the sessions you realised session saw pupils take part in particularly at the universities. that the choice you make in education workshops, sit in on lectures and “There are a lot of misconceptions will aff ect where you end up. That career advice sessions. about university and that really helped was really insightful.” n Norlington School & 6th Form n Summer 2018 2 Count on Us third place

OUR students have narrowly missed we performed on the day. out on being crowned Jack Petchey “There were some really strong Count on Us Secondary Challenge teams in the competition so to come winners for the second year in a third was a very good effort, but we row. were after the title.” This year’s team came close to Yasin said: “Our maths depart- emulating their peers’ success by ment at this school is so strong storming through two regional that we knew if we listened to the heats to make the London grand teachers and stayed calm we could final in July. do well. But the five-strong team came up “It is a great feeling to compete as just short, finishing with a bronze The team took bronze part of a team. for third after facing off against the “It was a real team effort between capital’s finest mathematicians. Muhammed said: “Last year’s us all and to get third was a good The Year 8 and 9 pupils had al- team were winners so we knew feeling, though first would have ready beaten rival schools at two there was pressure to do well for been better.” heats in May and June, scoring the Norlington. It comes just 12 months after Year most points of all participants. “We did not mind that because we 10 students Adam Sukky, Hasheer The team consisted of Muhammed knew we had prepared and knew Peeroo, Rafsan Rahman, Muham- Mukadam, Yasin Khan, Ismail Ir- we were one of the best teams. It mad Ta-Seen and Zakariyya Jameal fan, Anas Vorajee and Jon Munt. was just a question of making sure were crowned champions. Coach inspires Rayan to take table tennis title A NORLINGTON student has beaten top competition from across London to be crowned table tennis champion. Year 7 Rayan Ansari won six match- es along the way to winning the Ellen- borough U14 junior singles title. He says he was inspired by his sports teacher Ms McPortland, a Table Tennis coach. Rayan, pictured, who trains twice a week at the school and Table Tennis club, said: “I played a lot when I was very young but gave it up. “When I joined Norlington School I saw Ms McPortland play and saw how good she was, I knew I had to start playing again. “Winning the tournament was just an amazing feeling. The players I had to beat were a very good standard so to be able to win was great.” Rayan hopes to test his skills against London’s fi nest at the London Youth Games. He added: “I think I can win it, I think I am good enough. At this school they say to you, always think you are the best but never say it out land said: “Rayan has taken his skills on the correct skills and attitude. loud. Be a leader, a winner but a to a new level, through hard work and It’s not just practice that makes per- gentleman.” dedication. fect it’s perfect practice that makes Norlington PE teacher Ms McPort- “It’s really important to work hard perfect.”

n Norlington School & 6th Form n Summer 2018 3 Students dig in to prove they know their onions OUR students planted, grew and then knowing where it comes from and how sold their own organic vegetables as it gets there gives you a greater knowl- part of a community project. edge.” Students got mud under their Shabaz Hussain, who has sold goods fi ngers when tending potatoes, lettuc- at Walthamstow Market for 16 years, es, beetroot and carrots in the school said: “The students had a great sales garden as part of the Know your On- technique – good voices and an excel- ions project. lent manner.” The programme is linked to our Year The day at the market was the cul- 9 GCSE study of sustainability, food mination of weeks of work by the stu- production and environmental and dents who were paid a visit by chef ecological issues. Quinlan to learn about cooking healthy During sessions they learned about meals. leadership, cooked produce and were Dela Foster, project manager at given tips on healthy eating by profes- School Food Matters, said: “This pro- sional chef Ruth Quinlan. ject is about reconnecting young people Their hard work paid off when their with a fundamental part of life - where produce proved a hit with locals at food comes from, how it is grown and Walthamstow market in July. how it is cooked.” Year 9 Hamza Mian said: “I have re- Mayor of Waltham Forest, Cllr Sally ally got a lot out of this project for so Littlejohn, praised the students for the many diff erent reasons. commitment they demonstrated on the “Learning is always more interesting long-term programme. when you can see how it works in real She said: “I’m very impressed with life so it has really made geography the interest of the students and that class more exciting. they have managed to grow and sell “It is also a really amazing feeling their own produce. to plant something yourself and see it “We all need to know where grow. When you look at the vegetables our food comes from for good health.” you know that it was you that made The project ran in partnership with that happen. Lea Valley-based food co-operative “You learn how much you take the Lea Organic and School Food Matters. food you eat for granted. The project was led in school by de- “It just appears on the plate but sign and technology teacher Ms Ingles.

Creating a documentary on wartime artillery STUDENTS were tasked with cre- its impact during the war. impact it had all had on me until I ating their own mini-documentary They got tips from professional got back to class. on World War Two artillery during documentary fi lmmakers at SMASH “When we got back to the school a trip to the Imperial War Muse- TV, before creating their own fi lms and we were shown the actual sites um – and then they learned how it to reveal hidden stories behind the where the bombs had landed around aff ected our area. Blitz. our school, it all came alive to me. Year 8 pupils researched the social After the trip in April, they learned “History is one of my favour- and human cost of war, focusing on in history class how the area around ite subjects because if you live in the London Blitz. the school had been badly damaged an area like East London, it is all The interactive project saw them by German bombs in 1940. around you. evaluate and debate historical sourc- Year 8 Maalik Shofolahan said: “It is good to know about the past es on military machinery to discover “I did not realise just how big an of your country.”

n Norlington School & 6th Form n Summer 2018 4 Left, right, left: Year 12s put through their paces STUDENTS got a taste of life in the joining the army. When we were uniformed services during a week- doing the drills they were put into real long work experience assignment life scenarios. with the British Army. “The army is not a career I had Year 12 students took part in drills thought about before but it really and manoeuvres to learn military opened my eyes to the possibility of it skills such as intelligence gathering becoming a career.” and surveillance. Ahmed Patel said: “There is no They were also put through their holding back when you are there, they paces on assault courses and learned really put you to the test and test your survival skills during the seven-day limits. placement at Crowborough Training Luqmann Ali said: “It was really en- “That is good because then you Camp, Sussex. joyable because being there made you know if you did join the army that is The boys slept in barracks and feel like a real life solider. what it would be like. I particularly worked to the schedule of new “Everything there was set up to enjoyed the assault course because I recruits. be exactly like it would be for those want to be physically fi t.” The strength to achieve STRONGMAN and motivation- my size doing the strongman stuff but Strongman Jon Pritkin al speaker Jon Pritkin wowed stu- then talking about being picked on at dents with incredible acts of strength school, they listen. It is about getting before sharing heartfelt stories from students to talk and open up about his youth. what is happening for them. It is about The American, who holds two Guin- helping them understand that words ness World Records, rolled up a frying can hurt.” pan with his hands and broke a base- He added: “It is a diff erent reaction ball bat over his back. certainly; English students are more But it was his personal story of over- reserved but teenagers are teenagers coming bullying, illness, insecurities, wherever you go. It is good that you and loneliness which had the biggest have forward thinking schools in Lon- impact on pupils. don who want to make sure students Jon, who has given inspirational are fully prepared for all the situations talks to students all over the world, told they fi nd themselves in as teenagers.” how his learning disability led to being Year 7 student Kyle Finlay- taunted at school. ter-Lynch said: “I liked the stuff He said: “The strong man stuff , if I like rolling up a frying pan, it was am honest, is just a bit of a gimmick; it amazing, but it was the story he told is a way of getting the students to pay after which was the most interesting. attention to the real message. He talked to us about stuff we could “Being bullied carries with it a stig- relate to like being in school and ma of being weak and vulnerable. being young and how we deal with When school children see a guy of situations.” Visit to Chelsea’s training HQ ‘an amazing experience’ PUPILS got a once in a lifetime oppor- rooms, treatment centre and boot room. tunity to spend a day at Chelsea Foot- The trip was organised by Assistant ball Club’s training facilities. Principal Mr Hobbs, who accompanied Year 7 and 8 students took part in the students to the training ground in training sessions with professional Surrey. coaches during the visit to the club’s Year 7 Rayan Ansari said: “It was an headquarters in Cobham in June. amazing experience to play on the same They also took a tour of the state-of- training pitches as some of the biggest the-art facility, visiting the changing players in the world.”

n Norlington School & 6th Form n Summer 2018 5 Architect’s inspirational talk on skills shortage

ARCHITECT Russ Edwards spoke to important they are aware of what students about his career as part of the companies are looking for.” Speakers for Schools programme. Speakers for Schools provides free Russ, who is Design and Technical talks in state schools by industry Director for Landlease, talked about leaders. skills shortage in the construction Year 10 Larry Dagado said: “It was industry. a really inspirational talk. You learn He also discussed his work to help so much when you hear from people solve the housing crisis in London who have achieved lots in their lives. during the visit in June. Student Andy He said: “I was par- He gave students tips on career ticularly inspired by the work he had pathways and the changing face of the “As I discussed with students, there done to address housing problems in industry before taking part in a Ques- is a skills shortage in the construction London. tion and Answer session. industry so this is as much a recruit- “It shows you can be successful He said: “I was really impressed ment drive as anything else. in business and have a social aware- with the quality and depth of the ques- “These young people will be the ness, which is something I want to tions posed by students. job seekers for the future so it is emulate.” Faiths together STUDENTS from neighbouring Catholic school Holy Family joined Norlington pupils at an inter-faiths forum held at the school. Year 8 students from the two schools took part in workshops to promote religious freedom and tolerance in Waltham Forest. They worked in groups to think and discuss how different faiths are connected through their beliefs during the sessions in June. Head of Religious Studies Mr Olufula said: “The students from both schools have really enjoyed the session and find them informative. “They have really been energised by working together to celebrate and promote diversity and col- laboration between schools in the OUR boys cricket team joined forces in supporting them.” borough. with Walthamstow School for Girls to PE teacher Mr Bidder said: “The Year 8 Abrar said: “I am a win the mixed Essex Eagles Tape Ball boys showcased all of the qualities we Muslim but I rarely get to talk tournament. strive for at Norlington School. about my religion with others who The Year 7 team, nicknamed “They were gentlemen, they showed have different beliefs. Nomstow, remained unbeaten through- great leadership and they worked well “It is so important in the world out the competition. in a team setting.” we live in that we become closer to Year 7 Haroon Ahmed said: “It was The school now plans to hold other our neighbours and friends even if really good to work in a team with cross school sports events with a focus they do not share all of our beliefs. students from other schools. The girls on tennis, Mr Bidder said. “I have learned so much already hadn’t played much cricket so it was The cricket tournament was held at in the faith forum and still feel good to be able to take on a leadership role Leyton Orient’s ground in May. there is much more to learn.” n Norlington School & 6th Form n Summer 2018 6 In brief l OUR year 10s visited the Borough’s best Emirates to watch the FA Youth Cup fi nal between Arsenal and Chelsea.

l OUR budding cricketers got tips from England’s Jos Buttler as part of the NatWest No Boundaries initiative, pictured below.

l OUR year 8 students showed off their leadership skills while supporting a cricket tournament in May. l YEAR 8 got in the spirit for Wimbledon in June with some tennis as part of our School of Tennis project, pictured below.

l OUR student council marked Mental Health Awareness week by attending an educational conference. YEAR 10 student Ibadullah Lughmani “I feel sure I would have won last The leadership opportunity saw has set his sights on the London Youth year if it were not for a back inju- students participate in Poet Hussain Games after winning the borough ry but that has made me even more Manawer’s mental health youth javelin title for the fourth year in a row. determined to do well this year.” festival. Topics covered at the Ibadullah, pictured, has remained Ibadullah was among a number of event, held at the Hackney Empire unbeaten in borough athletics since Norlington students to shine at the in July, included self-care, self- joining the school, breaking a 30-year Waltham Forest Athletics Champion- esteem, wellbeing and anxiety. record in the event in Year 8. ships in June. Head of PSHE Mrs Esen said: He narrowly missed out on becom- Jerimiah Adjabeng took gold in “The event was both educational ing London champion last year due to discus for the second year, while there and engaging for our pupils.” a back injury but said this year he is were silver medals for Year 7 and 8 “Mental health is just like any ready to take the title. in the 1,500m and 800m, plus further other health problem. It is impor- He said: “Being the best in the medals in the shot putt. tant young people learn to be open borough is a great feeling because I PE teacher Mr Bidder said: “I am and talk about it.” know other schools are now thinking delighted with the boys’ performances. Students were given advice on the javelin is Norlington’s event. We competed strongly in the league resources to access if they have “I now have to win on a bigger stage meets and this has translated into a a mental health issue which they and the London Youth Games is my successful medal haul both on the track will share back at school. next big ambition. and in the fi eld.” n Norlington School & 6th Form n Summer 2018 7 STUDENTS left the stage with applause ringing in their ears after a fi ne performance of Grimm in front of family and friends at Redbridge Arts Centre.

Advice and skills for the job market STUDENTS got top tips on interview techniques and careers in diff erent professions at our Aim to Achieve Day. Professionals from industries as diverse as journalism, law enforcement, the civil service, business and fi nance spent the day coaching year 10 pupils. The groups of between eight and ten students held mock job interviews taking on the role of both candidate and employer across two sessions. At the end of the day, the industry professional was asked to pick one student who they would off er a job to. Ms McPortland, who organ- ised the day, said: “Students were fully engaged in this pro- cess and as a result picked up a lot of skills that will be of huge We salute you benefi t when they enter the job market. “I would like to say a big YEAR 8 students dressed as Queen’s confl ict across historical battles thank you to all the volunteers Guards in signature red jacket and during the trip in April. from the diff erent industries Busby during a trip to the National They also learned about the role of who gave up their time to work Army Museum. other cultures and countries in British with our students.” Students learned about mili- military history during a question and tary uniforms and their uses during answer tour of the museum.

l Norlington School & 6th Form l Wisdom is strength n Norlington School & 6th Form n Summer 2018 8