In May, the MFL Department ran their very first MFL trip to Oxford University with a selection of our Year 10 and Year 12 linguists. The focus of the trip was to give our most enthusiastic linguists a glimpse of the opportunities that studying languages at university could open, especially when combined with another subject in joint degrees. On the day, students had the chance to attend some very informative sessions led by Nicola Brown, School Liaison Officer at the Faculty of Medieval and Modern Languages, and Sarah Large, Outreach Program Coordinator at Mansfield College. After a taster lecture in literature, our group met two BGS alumni, Lucas and Harry, for a private tour of Hertford College.

Our students were not only inspired by the academic sessions but also by the personal stories and experiences shared by the student ambassadors and our BGS alumni. The opportunity to explore the beautiful and historic campus of Oxford University was an unforgettable experience that has sparked a newfound motivation and curiosity in our linguists. Witnessing their excitement and engagement throughout the day was incredibly rewarding.

Ms Giglione and Dr Symons
MFL Department

On the 17th May, I, along with 24 other Year 10 language leaders and Year 12s, visited Mansfield College (Oxford University). When we arrived at the college, after a brief walk through the beautiful grounds, we were offered biscuits and refreshments, which we enjoyed outside under the shade of parasols in the warm sun. Afterwards, we attended a lecture where we learnt about the process of applying to university and the various opportunities and jobs that having a language degree offered, which included careers in law, advertising and education. Shortly after, there was a Q&A with three Oxford students, which I found immensely interesting and learnt that studying languages involves a lot of culture as well as literature, which made me more eager to continue to learn languages in the future.

After the lectures, we were taken around the college for a tour, where we saw the beautiful library as well as the impressive artwork of some Oxford students which were decorated around the corridors, some of which were celebrating the anniversary of when women were first admitted into the university. We then attended a seminar, where we analysed an 18th Century text, which gave us a fascinating insight into the literature segment of studying languages at university, which was shortly followed by a tour of Hertford College led by two BGS alumni; Harry and Lucas.

The trip was an excellent opportunity for me to understand the experience and enjoyment which comes with studying languages at university, as well as providing a general overview of the application process of university - I definitely recommend this to anyone who is given the opportunity to go on this trip!

Hana Ostrowski, Year 10

It was incredibly interesting to have an early look at how Modern Foreign Languages are studied at Oxford University and what daily life for students is like throughout its different colleges. A highlight for me was the academic taster session, where we were split into different groups and given a text translated from French. From there, we then had to find and use specific details from it in order to gather inferences about its origin, context and story. Listening to different interpretations from different groups shows us how diverse our individual understanding of linguistics can be.

Berad Musov, Year 10

The trip to Oxford University was an amazing experience. Visiting Mansfield College was extremely inspirational. We got to learn about the courses they offered, student life and even had a taster lesson. We then visited Hertford college. There we also saw the dorms, dining hall and its chapel. It was altogether a great experience. Thank you to Dr Symons and Miss Giglione for taking the time to put this trip together.

Caitlyn Osei-Tutu

Please click on the link here to view the MFL Trip to Oxford University. 

Year 10 Business Studies students are currently engaged in the 10X Challenge. Each team of around 5 students are pledged £10 for four weeks to get their business idea off the ground. The challenge allows students to put theory into practice, develop their entrepreneurial skills and give them some experience of what it is like to run a business. Students have set up businesses selling goods ranging from bouncy balls to home-made bracelets and services from car washing to garden maintenance (see pictures). We wish them the very best of luck and look forward to hearing all about their experiences after half-term!

Mrs Harris, Head of Business & Economics

Before and after:

BGS Cheerleading Club entered the Future Cheer Schools Out Competition on Sunday 5th May in Milton Keynes.

They placed 6th overall in their division, which is an amazing result for their debut performance against many well-established teams.

Well done!

Miss Mani 

Huge congratulations to Alice Black and her netball team. Alice went to Sunderland to compete last weekend and came an impressive 7th in England!  Alice plays for Kent County Netball Club. Following an initial qualifying regional tournament and 14 matches throughout the season, they gained a place at the U16 National Finals. The 18 best teams in England played over 2 days, in Sunderland, at the Beacon of Light Stadium. Their team, KCNC, won 5 of their 7 matches in the Finals, only losing to the eventual winners and another top team. Congratulations to Alice, an excellent GD circle defender who played every match, blocking out the opposition, defending shots and making interceptions to turn the play over. She is part of an amazing team, who worked brilliantly together to beat tough opponents, and we can proudly say they came 7th in the country.

Teamwork at its best!

The PE department is proud of your success, Alice. Well done!

Mrs Kemp, PE Department

On Thursday 25th April 2024, we went to the TSBA ceremony at Latymer Upper School. To get there, we got the train to Victoria and then the tube to the school. When we got there, there was a lovely ceremony where all the student winners were announced for the creative responses and the book review competitions. Then the author winners of TSBA and the Trinity+ were awarded (Rebel Skies by Ann Sei Lin for TSBA and Lies like Wildfires by Jennifer Lynn Alvarez for Trinity+). After that, there were 'elemental' themed snacks, and we could get our books signed by the authors that were there and take pictures with them too. After that, we got the tube and train back to school. Of course, this wouldn’t have been possible without the amazing Mrs Carey. So thank you for everything you do for us, Mrs Carey.

Liv, Year 8

The book trip was great fun! - just like last year! We got books signed and had some nice snacks too. We found out who won the TSBA awards (Rebel Skies) which I would recommend reading as it’s very good.

Overall, it was an excellent trip with the best librarian, Mrs Carey. I hope to do it again next year!

Grace, Year 8

In the autumn term, my two book groups read 14 books as part of the Trinity Schools Book Awards, voted on their favourites and eagerly awaited the awards ceremony where we found out which authors would take the trophies.

I was lucky enough to take nine students from Years 7-10 to Latymer Upper School to watch the ceremony, see their competition submissions displayed and meet the authors. We spent a lot of time with Teri Terry, author of Dark Blue Rising, quizzing her on how she comes up with ideas for her books, and discovering that sometimes she dreams them! 

Thank you to the generous PTA who paid for the books and our participation in the awards ceremony. The students loved it and have already asked to take part again next year!

Mrs Carey, School Librarian

Click on the link here to view the TSBA Ceremony Photo Gallery

The Year 13 students were introduced to a new award this year, the Student Recognition Award, which allows the students to vote for a member of their year who they believe deserves to be recognised for their impact on the Sixth Form and the school community.

The students voted for many people in the year group and for a variety of reasons, including engagement with House events, having a kind and caring personality, commitment to extracurricular activities and support for various school events. However, there was an overwhelming voice to recognise James Spatz as the winner.

James is described by his peers as being friendly, helpful, incredibly dedicated, always willing to speak up, joyful, passionate and the light of our school.

In the words of the year group, he also has a genuine enthusiasm for improvement within the school and beyond, which inspires those around him. He has made a huge contribution to the school community and listens to what the students' wants and needs are, yet he is constantly modest. He is a positive role model in the school. He is always available for a conversation and takes time out of his day for others. He is admired by many of the year. He is described several times over as an eco-warrior and an absolute legend.

James has had a significant impact on the school as he has introduced new recycling bins and taught us all how to use them correctly. He has ensured that there is a sanitary bin in every girls’ toilet cubicle in the school. James is a frequent litter-picker, and he has organised a rota to ensure that there will be toast for breakfast for the Year 13s every day over their exams. Even down to the smaller but important activities, James has been responsible for changing the Week A/B sign in SFC, he has organised public transport on trips, and he has helped several Year 13s book their holidays.

This quote from a Year 13 sums James up perfectly:

“I think that James deserves this award because of his constant hard work and dedication to our school community. He has made a significant impact on improving the environment and recycling and is such an inspirational figure who fully deserves to be recognised for his presence.”

On behalf of your peers as well as the staff in this school, thank you, James and well-done!

The award will be presented every year to a Year 13 student. In the book there is a picture of the Year 13 cohort, a timeline of news events from the year, and the reasons why the students voted for the winner. Many thanks to Ms Smith for donating the book and to Emily Hoang in 11EAB for the beautiful writing on the front page. We look forward to seeing the book develop year to year. Might you win it when you’re in Year 13?

Miss Roberts, Director of Studies, Year 13