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  • CELEBRATIONS EVENING

    Published 06/11/24

    Celebrations evening was a divine way to manifest the School’s recognition of the remarkable work-ethic of its students, congregate the community in spirit and propagate aspirations for the future. Upon entering, I was greeted by a wealth of smiles from the dedicated Senior Team members welcoming attendees into the school, and a jovial atmosphere as they were served a multitude of appetisers.

    Subsequently, everyone became seated in the Hall as Mr Berdesha commenced the presentation, followed by current Year 13 student speeches. Students straddling across Years 8-11 were nominated for their varied achievements in each academic discipline.  In turn, each student’s name was called, they euphorically ascended the stage and received their certificate from the Leader of the Council, Cllr Shantanu Rajawat, who was our guest speaker this year.

    Celebration Evening itself deserves a celebration for its success!

    Alisha Rizwan [13A]

      

     

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  • Open Evening

    Published 06/11/24

    The School hosted its annual Open Day on 01 October for potential Year 6 students joining Heston’s Year 7 in September 2025. After a short presentation in the Main Hall from the Headteacher and students, approximately 40 parents and Year 6 students toured the School with Year 9s acting as guides, while lessons were taking place. Parents and students gave some lovely feedback to Senior staff during the question and answer session that took place in the library before they left our site.

    In the evening, the Main Hall was filled with parents and Year 6 students to hear presentations, followed by a tour with student guides from Years 8-11. The experience allowed families to see Heston at its best with lots of positive praise for students, staff and our site.

    We look forward to welcoming the new Year 7 students on their Induction Day on 04 July 2025.

      

     

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  • Author Visit and Year 7 Scholars Club

    Published 05/11/24

    In the LRC, we met the author of The Bike shed Bully Hunter series, Nathanial Thomlinson. During this remarkable experience, we got to learn about this amazing author, what inspired him and asked questions related to reading and writing. We created a scenery from our own imagination, as the setting is one of the most important parts of a book, and transformed it into a short story. Mine was about the four elemental nations working together until the fire nation attacked. We discussed our favourite genres too. Mine was the Gothic genre. I enjoyed learning how a setting from your own imagination can create a beautiful image in your mind and that writing needs to flow and link together. I have to admit, I also really enjoyed the snacks too. These factors can support me in my studies because now I will be able to more easily do creative writing and will freely use my imagination. With a variety of genres, I will be able to use different perspectives for each piece of writing. Thanks to Mr Thomlinson, I have fixed one of the things that was missing in my writing. 

    Tanek Madan [7W]

     

    Start of my story 

    Mako stared at the ceiling of his hut, it was snowing outside, again. He wished he belonged to any of the other nations, life was so monotonous in the water tribe. Wake up, eat breakfast, have a nap, stare at his ceiling, sleep, eat and then repeat. There was no action. Mako wanted to boast his awesome water bending.  

    "Lunch is ready!" his mother said loudly. It wasn't a shout, more like the sweet call of a mother. He already knew what was for lunch; squid stew, again. Mako took a step outside and his feet instantly sunk into the snow. But that's not what got his attention. The snow was black? All of the tribe's people froze and there was absolute silence. 

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  • World Mental Health Day

    Published 05/11/24

    Drop Everything And Read [DEAR]

    At School, from Year 7 through Year 9 all students read for a minimum of 20 minutes a day through Drop Everything And Read. Our Learning Coordinators check our book choices every assembly when we go into assembly with our DEAR books for a very orderly and calm start.  

    I like DEAR because we get to read about what we enjoy and engage our thoughts about books.

    Also, we don’t have to think about anything stressful for 20 minutes and it is great to reduce stress and increase wellbeing. We get to read any book we like, no matter if it’s our own personal book or the library's. It's important because it helps us increase our vocabulary. 

    My current book is ‘The Climbers’ because I like how adventurous it is. It allows me to escape once a day.  

    Jannat Siddique [7Y]

    DEAR: One word. Four letters. Eternal consequences. DEAR is the structure of your journey to the GCSEs, so you can call it one of the most important parts of your time in school. Who knew that just 30 minutes, just 30, can help your English and literature so much. My writing skills have developed exponentially over time, giving me more and more confidence. During World Mental Health Day, teachers showed their commitment to their mental health and reading via partaking in DEAR too! It was inspiring to see.  

    Zayd Rahman 8G 

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  • Amazon and Taylor Wessing Law Insight Day ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

    Published 05/11/24

    Brentford FC: Amazon and Taylor Wessing Law Insight Day 24 October

    I recently participated in the Amazon and Taylor Wessing Insight Law event at the Brentford FC Community Hub, and it was a fantastic experience. I met a varied group of professionals who work in different fields from Amazon and Taylor Wessing.  We took part in different activities that enhanced my skills in communication, debate, problem-solving, and teamwork. Engaging in discussions, tasks, and presentations allowed us to learn extensively while being part of a lively and cooperative atmosphere. Overall, we found the event immensely enjoyable, insightful, and inspiring. Thank you to Mr. Green and Mr. Naqvi for giving us the opportunity to have such a wonderful experience! 

    Jaidev Chahal [12C]

      

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  • Ben's Work Experience Visit to BYD

    Published 05/11/24

    Hello, I am Ben, currently in Year 12 at Heston Community School. While on work experience placement with the London Borough of Hounslow 14-19 Service, I had the amazing opportunity to visit BYD.

    BYD is an exciting, rapidly expanding company that is revolutionising the electric vehicle world. BYD are the manufacturer for the brand-new electric buses that are being launched to replace the existing diesel fleet, with one of their sites [responsible for admin and engineering] being based in the Borough of Hounslow. BYD buses already account for roughly 20% of the Transport for London fleet through a previous joint venture with ADL. They are committed to giving opportunities to young people in a vastly developing industry with new technology with the support of the Borough of Hounslow. BYD do not just work with buses, they also have a line of cars and motors which are some of the safest in the industry.

    BYD has a number of exciting opportunities in the pipeline and our Employment and Skills Team will be working with them as they continue to grow. Watch this space for further details. 

    Head to the BYD website to find out more about their battery technology and their mission to change the world by creating a complete, clean-energy ecosystem that reduces the world’s reliance on fossil fuels and how they are dedicated to making public transport emission-free by clicking on the button below.  

    Ben Rixon [12A]

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  • SPORTS NEWS

    Published 25/10/24

    Cross Country Report

    Heston had a team of 13 students who competed in cross country in Osterley Park on Wednesday from Year 8s up to year 10s. Each student did their very best. It was a bright sunny day, but a tough course with some hills in parts.

    Sonia Arora finished a commendable 8th place, with Raayan Badar finishing in 9th place in their year 8 race of 3,200m, both receiving a letter to go and represent Heston at the Middlesex competition.

    Some great performance also by Khalid Abdirehman and Migle Berankyte finishing in the top 15, also Emelia Kudhail and Angela Khan placing in the top 20.

    Congratulations to all who took part and we wish Sonia and Raayan the best of luck in their next round of county cross country which takes place in February.

    Y9 Football Match Heston V Reach

    The match ended in a 1-1 draw, with the defence standing tall from start to finish. The defenders played a pivotal role, repeatedly shutting down attacks and keeping their cool under pressure. Younger players also made a mark, combining energy and creativity in the midfield to drive the team forward. Their contributions added balance and flair to the performance, showcasing the squad's depth and potential while securing a hard-fought point.  Waliullah Said [9O]

    Y8 Football Match Heston V Reach

    The Year 8 boys’ football team had an outstanding game against Reach Academy winning 5 goals to 2. Heston dominated the game with good possession of the ball in the midfield and numerous attacks on goals. If the team was better at finishing their chances there could easily have been more goals for Heston.

    Heston defence was good, Oliver Kuter and Enver Daci linked up well in as central defenders reading the game well to stop a number of chances. The two goals from Reach came as a result of a couple of lapses in concentration. Reach were quick to pounce on these chances and scored two goals. Andrei Mirea [8Y]

    Scorer: 2x Andrei Mirea, Enver Daci, Ahmed Grama, Zak Vohra

    Player of the Match: Andrei Mirea & Oliver Kuter

    Girls’ Junior Football Match Heston V St Marks

    The match ended with a 5-3 win to Heston, with the midfields and attack on fire. The defenders played a pivotal role, in particular Sumaya Ahmed not letting a goal past her.

    Younger players also made a mark Laara Bussunt and Aliyah Connolly, combining energy and creativity in the forwards to drive the Team on. Their contributions added to their performance, showcasing the squad's depth and potential while securing the hard-fought goals.

    With some great team play, Hafsa and Aariya worked incredibly well together, finding each other to set up the goals. Angela Khan and Ashwini Fernandes made excellent team managers, helping referee the game and providing vital feedback to players. Ashwini Fernandes [10P]

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  • Flu Vaccinations

    Published 24/10/24

    Nurses from Vaccinations UK attended school on Friday, 18 October to administer the  Flu nasal spray, OR the non-gelatine IM Flu vaccin to KS3 and KS4 students.

    Flu can be a very unpleasant illness causing fever, stuffy nose, dry cough, sore throat, aching muscles and joints, and extreme tiredness. This can last several days or more. Vaccines help protect children from what can be very nasty illnesses. They can help avoid disruption to education and having to miss out on the things children enjoy. They also reduce the spread of flu to others, and in turn help to protect families.

    The recommendation is for an annual flu vaccination as the virus changes every year. The vaccine is administered as a nasal spray and is absorbed quickly in the nose. There are minimal side effects of the vaccine such as runny or blocked nose, headache, general tiredness, which are much better than developing full-blown flu and its complications.

    The next session is planned for Tuesday, 26 November for a 'mop up' session.

        

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  • Senior Team 2024 ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

    Published 24/10/24

    Being a member of the Senior Team is an incredible opportunity that I am grateful for. I am confident that it will provide me with capacity to lead and to make a positive impact on our school community in the hope of leaving it in a better place than when I entered.

    I applied for the position of Head Boy as I wanted to create a supportive and inclusive environment where students feel heard and empowered as stakeholders of our school.

    Being Head Boy to me, means being a role model and a voice for my peers, as well as closely working with staff and students to address the issues that matter to us all. I look forward to and am especially excited to initiate projects that encourage community engagement, such as Cultural Fusion and volunteering projects with local charities, like the annual Food Drive.  I am confident that initiatives such as these will help to strengthen our community here at Heston. I intend to carry out my tenure as Head Boy dutifully and am enthusiastic about the future ahead.

    Solanus Viegas [12A] Head Boy

    Being a part of the senior team is a privilege and an exciting opportunity to contribute to our school in many meaningful ways by helping shape its future. The senior team will allow me to leave my own mark on the school by participating in a variety of school events as well as the student council.  This will mean that I will be able to refine my leadership and communication skills. Being Head Girl will be an incredibly rewarding experience and I want to lead by example and work on a variety of initiatives that will help make a difference to my school. I look forward to helping with many upcoming projects which celebrate the diversity of our school, such as Cultural Fusion and other events that highlight the sense of community at Heston. These initiatives will help me with making a lasting contribution to the school and I am thrilled about working with the rest of the Senior Team to continue to create a welcoming school environment.

    Solanus and I take great pleasure in introducing the Senior Team and their responsibilities for this academic year.

    Neda Noorazi [12D] Head Girl

    Name

    Responsibility

    Neda Noorzai

    Head Girl

    Solanus Viegas

    Head Boy

    Syed Naqui

    Deputy Head Boy

    Ilhan Abdullahi

    Deputy Head Girl

    Ben Rixon

    Enrichment

    Jasmin Bhogal

    Enrichment

    Kimpreet Bal

    Events and Media

    Zainab Razvi

    Events and Media

    Anika Vasudeva

    Events and Media

    Hanaya Singh

    Student Governor

    Angelina Tihhomirova

    Student Governor

    Vajahat Hussain

    Student Governor

    Mariam Siddiqui

     

    Renaya Singh

     

    Nathir Noor

     

    Evelina Ciucasu

     

     

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  • Puneet Bansal - Borgen Project Ambassador

    Published 24/10/24

    On Monday, 21 October our year 12s had the privilege of hearing from one of our alumni, Puneet Bansal, who is currently in her final year studying Economic at Bristol University. 

    Puneet Bansal: “After I published my research paper on period poverty, I was selected to present the research at the Institute of Development Studies conference entitled 'Poverty Reduction: Rethinking Policy and Practice.' This was such a fantastic opportunity because I was the youngest presenter and I think they were surprised to find out that I was an undergraduate! There was a Development Economics professor from Bristol who got in touch with me later as he was impressed. We met for coffee and discussed careers and his research.

    I interned in Bali for all of June working on an incredible consultancy project! I helped support local businesses in Bali, from issues related to reducing plastic usage in Indonesia to devising strategies to work with local schools and universities. I lived with a homestay family who were so lovely and I had such a culturally immersive experience.”

    I am now heading into my final year of my undergraduate studies and I am thinking of applying for a Masters; my possible choices include:

    1) LSE: MSc Development Management

    2) LSE: MSc Health and International Development

    3) King's College London: MSc Emerging Economies and International Development

    It was a pleasure to visit my old school and see the familiar faces of the teachers who supported my education.  It was also nice to spend time with the Year 12 and 13 students as I remember very well my own time in school and the benefits I earned from hearing the stories of alumni.

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  • OXFORD - SOMERVILLE COLLEGE TRIP OCTOBER 2024

    Published 24/10/24

    It was very interesting to learn that the Oxford application process takes place across several months for all the colleges.  It was nice to meet undergraduates and learn more about the interview and selection process.  They were keen to emphasise that they are searching for applicants who demonstrate not just academic success but who also have extensive super-curricular, as well as extracurricular activities and passions that they can use to support their application. After lunch, we were taken on a tour of the Somerville College grounds, which included the library, café, gardens and chapel.

    I’m confident as always that my peers and I have a good chance of being selected to study at a prestigious university such as Oxford.

    Sianna Punn [12G]

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  • Post 18 Transition Day

    Published 24/10/24

    On Friday, 04 of October, Year 13 students spent the entire day preparing for their Post 18 destinations by focusing on university and apprenticeship applications.

    This involved receiving some in-depth feedback on their personal statements and fine-tuning their university choices to ensure they are in line with predicted grades.

    The School is thrilled to continue its long-standing relationship with Peter Rawling, a PiXL Club expert who uses his years of experience to offer bespoke advice and interview preparation to early applicants for Medicine, Veterinary Science, Dentistry and Oxbridge.  This year, Peter was particularly impressed by the calibre of our students and the progress they had made with their personal statements and wider reading.

    All students finished the day feeling positive and optimistic about their future prospects, reporting they now felt more confident as university applicants. One student said “On behalf of the Year 13s, thank you for your support during AMD. We truly appreciate the advice and time you dedicated to us.”

    H Naqvi [Head of Sixth Form]

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