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Key Stage 3 Newsletter Articles

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  • Checkmate! Year 7 Chess Challenge

    Published 23/07/24

    On the afternoon of 14th July, a team of seven Year 7 boys took on seven girls from Newstead Wood School, brought over by Dr Beaven, who recently taught some maths at BGS. This was the first inter-school chess competition that has happened at the school in more than eighteen years. It was initiated by Dr Beaven for our students to compete for the Asker-Beaven Cup (sadly more notional than real). Across four hard-fought rounds, the boys had to deal with the ebb and flow of emotions that come with sometimes winning, sometimes losing, but they ended the day as champions, with captain Enzo undefeated in all his games.

    The players were: Enzo, Chaitanya and Rantimi (7JR), Rassim, Matty and William (7TMR), and Soham (7LC).

    The team did brilliantly to keep themselves calm and focused as they faced strangers across the boards. At the halfway stage, it was neck-and-neck, before the BGS team stretched ahead. Credit to every player, each of whom won at least one of their games, contributing to a final score of 17-11.

    My thanks to Dr Beaven for giving us the opportunity to venture into the brutal world of competitive chess! Here's to many more matches in the future.

    Mr Asker, Chess Club Coordinator

     

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  • Year 9 trip to PGL, Barton Hall

    Published 26/06/24
    We came, we had an amazing time, we loved PGL!

    Year 9 had an incredible trip to PGL at Barton Hall, Devon. Despite rain and wind, all the 145 students took part in a diverse range of adventure and team-building activities. All the staff and students had a fabulous couple of days together. We even got to see Stonehenge on our journey, which was a great-added bonus!

    Some of our activities included: Survivor, which saw dens built and campfires lit with a flint and steel.

    We climbed up and abseiled down as well and completed the vertical challenge. Nothing would stop us reaching the top.

    Student comments

    A fun experience with a variety of activities and games as well as there always being something to do during free time.

    Roshan Jinse, 9MPM

    I loved PGL, it was one of my best experiences.

    I was scared to go at first, but I'm so glad I went because I got to try so many new things and activities I would never have done otherwise. I would definitely go again!

    Sophie Allen, 9FTM

    It was great fun. I enjoyed participating in the activities with my friends.

    Luke Martin, 9MPM

    A very nice experience. Many exciting activities, such as climbing, shooting and swimming. There were decent options for food, especially for Vegetarians and Vegans, which was very good for me personally. The people treated us very well and were very helpful. The rooms included bathrooms as well. Overall, it was a great experience and kept us away from our phones. I would definitely recommend it.

    Bhavin Mulchandani, 9STA

    PGL was a fun and memory-creating experience that we were all very lucky to go to. The activities were engaging, including archery, swimming, rifle shooting and abseiling, with my favourite one being the vertical challenge. The afternoon activities were great, with the disco getting all of us up and onto the dance floor having a fun time with our friends. Unfortunately, the campfire was cancelled due to the rain but the teachers and PGL leaders came through with a knowledge-testing quiz to end the second day. We left for school early afternoon the next day; all of us gutted to leave an experience behind that we'll talk about for years to come. On the way back, we drove past Stonehenge, just to top it off. Overall, this trip is not one I'll forget in a while.

    Dhylan Bracken, 9JMP

    Click on the link here to view the PGL, Barton Hall Photo Gallery

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  • Year 8 Maths Diploma

    Published 08/05/24

    For their Maths Diploma, Year 8 students were tasked with a statistical investigation of data which they had researched and/or collected themselves. Our hardworking students came up with some intriguing ideas - from asking their friends to identify their favourite food, to looking at the numbers associated with their favourite sports team or video game, to measuring how many kick-ups students of different ages can perform on the football pitch!

     They then used the statistical techniques they’ve been learning in lessons - including pie charts, bar charts, stem and leaf diagrams, box plots, cumulative frequency graphs, scatter graphs, linear correlation and regression, statistical summary calculations, and more - to study their data and to produce a report or poster of their analysis. Some of their excellent work can be seen below.

    Good job, Year 8!

    Mr Male, KS3 Maths Coordinator

    Click on the link here to view the Maths Diploma Photo Gallery

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  • MFL Diploma 2024

    Published 07/05/24

    For their MFL Diploma Year 7, students created a piece of work about themselves using the vocabulary they have learnt in lessons so far this year. Diplomas were judged on the quality of language and presentation.

    This year we had some absolutely wonderful projects with examples of outstanding language and creativity. The award for Best French Diploma goes to Suriya (7JR) and the Best German Diploma to Aysu (7LC).

     

    Well done to all our Year 7 students for completing this project on time and to such a high standard.

    Click on the link here to view the Year 7 MFL Diploma Photo Gallery

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  • Year 9 Through Our Eyes Project

    Published 27/03/24

    As you'll know, BGS students recently worked with End2End TV and 3 other local schools to research the history of our schools. Their work has continued to gain publicity, such as featuring on the BBC London news. Now they are also featured in the children's newspaper, First News. Well done to Mr Husbands, Mrs Goddard and our Year 9 students who took part.

    Mr Gilmore, Headteacher

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  • Year 7 Power Day Challenge, £1 for 1k

    Published 27/03/24

    Year 7 did brilliantly on Power Day, completing their £1 for 1k challenge, with some runners covering more than 15k! Thank you to the students for their hard work, and to everyone who sponsored them. Prizes will be announced soon.

    Mr Lines, Head of PE

    Click on the link here to view the Power Day, £1 for 1k Challenge Photo Gallery.

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  • Year 7 Media Correspondents Science Week Report

    Published 24/03/24

    Rocket Science

    Science has always been amazing but on Wednesday last week we had an extremely amazing show: The rocket show that we’re writing about today. The show consisted of multiple experiments and a lot of fire. But don’t worry, it was very safe.

    Charlotte’s favourite part of the show was when the balloon exploded due to the mixture of helium and a type of acid.

    Lakshi’s favourite part of the show was when we lit plastic bottles on fire, and they flung them in different directions.

    Another good part of the show was when Nathan demonstrated that, in fact, jetpacks will not be invented until a scientist can figure out how to balance human weight and the fuel used to fly.

    In conclusion, the show was a blast, and it was very entertaining, and we enjoyed it so much. We are so glad Nathan had time to show us the wonders of science, because with science, humans can achieve anything.

    Lakshi & Charlotte, Year 7 Correspondents

    Last Wednesday, KS3 had the pleasure of watching a live show of 'Wonderstruck' that was all about rocket science. It had absolutely everything, from jumping Rice Krispies to mind-blowing demolitions (amongst so much more). The show was interesting, exciting and really funny - it even had the participation of staff and peers.

    My favourite part, by far, was when we put together our very own homemade rocket engine. This was 2 litres, which we later found out was enough to propel a student (shout out to Jeeya) in a 'car' all the way across the hall. I thought this was especially cool because something so important to the field of science was right in front of us, so simple and easy to put together.

    Something else that confused me was when we set fire to a cotton wool ball and, while alight, could be picked up and tossed from one hand to the other. This proved how heat rises, so by bouncing it on a flat palm, you could avoid a nasty burn.

    The last thing I would like to talk about is one of those mind-blowing demolitions I mentioned previously. To do this, a huge balloon was filled with nitrogen, which I learnt at room temperature is a gas. Then finally, we set light to the balloon engulfing itself and the space around it in flames. To top it all off, it created a mighty bang that, even with my ears covered, was immensely loud.

    Overall, I really enjoyed this show. I learnt so much without even realising it; what an opportunity to watch first hand. Oh and, of course, I will not forget, as they kept telling us: do not try this at home!

    Ayla, Year 7 Correspondent

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  • Year 9 success at the Mock Magistrates Trial

    Published 22/03/24

    On Saturday 23rd March, a small group of Year 9 students headed to Bromley Magistrates Court for the inter-schools regional competition. The students had been working with Mrs Belton Owen and Mrs Ellis to prepare over the last half-term. This had been a big commitment from students, as they had to understand the case, take responsibility for preparing how to question witnesses as well as understand the role that they had to play in the trial. Students had the opportunity to play all the key roles, including magistrates, lawyers, witnesses, legal advisers and ushers. I was lucky enough to go into the first competition and witness them in action. I was hugely impressed with their ability to perform under pressure and respond to the witnesses' responses. The judges commented that Bexley Grammar students were well-prepared and asked very good and clear questions. Judges commented that our three magistrates were very attentive and able to speak and justify their opinions, which helped make decisions about the case.

    After working very hard on our case, Kartikeya and I went up against Harris School for Girls. Their prosecution team put up a good case, but ultimately we won.

    Overall, it was nerve-racking, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. As the 2nd defence lawyer, I questioned the witness on the stand. I have loved this experience overall, working with my friends and learning how to prepare a case. I am so glad I took part in this opportunity.

    Yasmin Mofakham, Year 9 

    Being in court the room felt surreal; being cross-examined by the opposing school prosecution was certainly more pressure than I had anticipated. When the magistrates came back in, I was sure that I would be found guilty, but we won. I would definitely do this again.

    Emily Chan, Year 9

    Overall, we came second against the other local schools in the competition. Feedback from the competition judges quoted

    “Bexley Grammar School prosecution were excellent and presented good arguments that showed knowledge of the case”.  Also, that “the defendant was natural and confident and the court usher was clear, precise and accurate”.

    My congratulations go to all the students that took part in this opportunity.

    Well done, they are definitely future lawyers in the making.

    Mrs Belton Owen
    Director of Studies, Year 9

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  • Year 9 Through Our Eyes Project

    Published 22/03/24

    As you'll know, BGS students recently worked with End2End TV and 3 other local schools to research the history of our schools. Their work has continued to gain publicity, such as featuring on the BBC London news. Now they are also featured in the children's newspaper, First News. Well done to Mr Husbands, Mrs Goddard and our Year 9 students who took part.

    Mr Gilmore, Headteacher

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  • Year 8 First Give Final

    Published 19/03/24

    During their PSHCE sessions last term, Year 8 students took part in the First Give social action programme where they raised money and awareness for their classes’ chosen charity. Following this, one group from each form was voted to attend a public speaking workshop and present their charity and social action to their parents, peers and five judges. The Year 8 tutor team would like to congratulate all pupils for their hard work and dedication during this programme - every single pupil played a role! We want to give a special well done to all the groups who took part in the final and, in particular Teniola Adeosun, Ethan Hoang, Annabelle Oliver-Kingful and Krisha Shrestha from 8NEQ who won the event and £1000 for their charity Bexley SNAP. 

    The extracts below are reflections written by the winning pupils about their experience:

    I had the great opportunity to participate in the wonderful charity programme First Give. It taught me many skills when it comes to presenting, working in a group and to have confidence in front of a big crowd. We had the opportunity to understand more about working with charities, creating social actions and learning more about social issues. But there was a lot of work being put into the whole experience!

    First, our class had to collectively decide on a social issue to focus on, allowing us to identify global problems around the world. We all decided on Mental Health as our class social issue and decided to support the local charity Bexley SNAP. Not only do they focus on Mental Health, but also strive to support young children with SEND and their families.

    To support our charity, we chose to do a charity football match and a handprint mural. They were great fun to participate in and were chosen for all individuals to enjoy. In total, we were able to raise £129 for our chosen charity.

    Then, we were put into groups of 4 to create presentations, which were later put into a vote for the class to decide who represents our form in the final. My group was picked to participate in the finals!

    But that wasn’t the end!

    We were then invited to a First Give workshop, which included the winning groups from each form. We were greeted by a volunteer at First Give, Luke, and he was able to assist us with our presentations. He gave us great tips and pointers to make our presentation the best it could be. A week later, and the competition began!

    Before our group was going to perform, I was indeed feeling nervous! Presenting in front of a crowd was scary but worth it as we were doing this for the hardworking volunteers at Bexley SNAP. Luckily, after the huge sigh of relief, the judges came to their final decision and our group won! It was a rollercoaster of emotions when me, Teniola, Krisha and Ethan got up to hold the big cheque! Suddenly, all our hard work paid off, and it turned out to be a great experience.

    Annabelle Oliver-Kingful, Year 8

    The final was very nerve-wracking, but in the end we were able to get through it and all the presentations were amazing - as was winning the £1000! Our charity is hoping to use this money to fund trips, board games and improve facilities to further support children and their families.

    Overall, this programme helped me learn to work with peers who I would usually never work with and taught me how to care for and support our community.

    Krisha Shrestha, Year 8

    There was a very high level of presentations at the final which resulted in 8NEQ winning the event and the £1000 for their charity. In addition, the students in 8ERR were awarded a judges' commendation for their fantastic presentation, which included contemporary dance and poetry, in aid of their charity Woolwich Service Users Project. The poem is below.

    Thank you to all the students and tutors for their hard work over the course of the programme. Additional thanks go to the judges who attended the evening and to parents and guardians for their continued support.

    Year 8 team

    The First Give program was a really fun process for me as it helped build my leadership skills and helped me improve my ability to work in a team, particularly with people I do not usually work with. This programme helped build my confidence and resilience when working on a shared task amongst a group. Once we started the whole programme, I wasn’t really confident about the task and was reluctant to do it every week. However, that improved over time and I started to contribute more and practise my lines for the presentation.

    In the final, we were the penultimate group to perform. The nerves were on, but I still managed to stay cool and once it was time to perform, all of a sudden, every single bit of doubt that I had leading up to that moment went away swiftly as I remembered all the preparation that I had put into this. I gave it my best and my best was more than enough as I was greeted with great joy and relief to find out at the end that our presentation had won 1,000 pounds for our charity. This whole experience was one that I will never forget as it was a new experience for me, working with charity and all the hard work had finally paid off!

    Teniola Adeosun, Year 8

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  • Year 7 Media Correspondents Culture Day Report

    Published 14/03/24

    On Friday 15th March, Culture Day was run by the SEAS and ACS which was lots of fun for everyone, with many activities throughout the day including biscuit decorating, a challenge to find country flags around the school, an international parade and food stalls!

    As well as this, many students wore clothes from their home countries, showing classmates all about where they come from. We are all individuals in a big supportive group, and we respect everyone, and take the opportunity when given to learn about other cultures.

    Culture day gives pupils the opportunity to celebrate and represent their cultures as well as a chance for everybody to embrace the customs, traditions and languages that make each culture unique.

    Lily, Year 7, said “It was a great opportunity to learn about other people's cultures and heritages.”

    Paige, Year 7, said “I really enjoyed culture day as it was a chance to celebrate other people's cultures and traditions.”

    Aysu, Tanvi and Kendra, Year 7 Media Correspondents

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  • Year 8 Literacy News

    Published 01/03/24

    Well done to all entrants for the 'This is Me' Poetry competition earlier in the year. All poems were anonymised and judged by a panel of staff and Sixth Form English Prefects. They are incredibly impressed by the quality of work and found it very difficult to decide on an overall winner. 

    Congratulations to Nibodh Shrestha (8GTG). Princess Otto (8ERR) and Nifemi Abimbola (8ERR) won the top awards! Please see Nibodh's winning poem below. 

    Ripples of Me

    Looking into a pond, a reflection you will see
    The ripples of water, consisting of me.
    Appearing calm, with elegance bestowed
    A piece of art, precisely composed

    Full of aid, the guiding light,
    Shining ever so bright,
    Showing the way, 
    Among the excellence of my rays

    Upon the gaze of a mirror, you will see
    My soul’s reflection, still and free
    Appearing calm, with elegance bestowed
    A piece of art, precisely composed

    Thoughtfully orchestrated, a euphonious tune
    From all dissonance, it is immune
    The thoughtful composition is of such fashion
    My harmonies showing much compassion

    Through a window, you will see
    The echoed essence of me
    Appearing calm, with elegance bestowed
    A piece of art, precisely composed

    A tree all full of ripe fruits
    For only giving it pursuits
    All the nourishment it shall provide
    Every fruit eaten comes a bounteous tide

    In my reflections I discover my core
    As the world continues more and more
    Guided by light, seen through art
    I shall have presented myself by my heart.

    Our next Young Writers Competition is 'Fright Club'.  A ghost story is a timeless classic style of creative writing, and we're inviting Year 8 to write their own short story inspired by things that go bump in the night! They could be inspired by a real place that is rumoured to be haunted, choose a supernatural being to be the star of their story or even be a ghost hunter telling us of their experiences. We encourage them to use atmosphere, tension and suspense to create their own hair-raising tale. Please note that there is a 250-word limit with prizes being awarded at the end of Spring term assembly. The deadline for entries to be sent to Mrs Boulden is Friday 22nd March. 

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