On Monday 18 March, the music department students came together for our annual Spring concert.
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 | 27 Mar 2024 On Monday 18 March, the music department students came together for our annual Spring concert. Many of you will remember last year’s epic ‘Out of this World’, and this year our theme was ‘BGS in Technicolour’. The whole concert was themed around pieces linked to colour... |
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Bexley Music Festival ~ 25th March 2024
Congratulations to all our students (some who were blocked by instruments, so I couldn't get a good photo!) who performed as part of the Bexley Music Festival on Monday 25th March at Fairfield Halls in Croydon. Daniel, Aaron, Eve, Krish, Yannis, Zara, James and Max. Max Jansen performed an outstanding solo and our students were in ensembles including the concert orchestra, little big band and many others including the house band for the evening. For Max and Eve, this marked the end of their time with Bexley Music before they leave for university. Well done all; a thoroughly enjoyable concert.
Click on the link here to view the Bexley Music Festival 2024 Photo Gallery.
The Music Department
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Well done James!
 Following the advertisement placed in one of the school newsletters, I saw an opportunity to apply for the overture day with the London Philharmonic Orchestra. About 70 young musicians came together (including me on trumpet!) to rehearse in St Luke's, Old Street, London, and perform a range of challenging musical pieces. Overall, I really enjoyed this opportunity and I would recommend it to anyone who gets the chance.
James Boyd, Year 10
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18th - 24th March 2024
BGS Celebrates Neurodiversity!
Last week, BGS celebrated neurodiversity within the school, with various students having volunteered to take part in a number of ways, including writing for the newsletter, making notices for the monitors and talking to students. We held assemblies with Years 7-9 and students spoke confidently, highlighting the importance of respect and inclusivity, seeing the strengths and talents of neurodiverse people and the things we can all do to make others’ lives a little easier. The students were absolutely brilliant ambassadors and made us quite emotional with pride, such was the confidence and clarity with which they spoke.
This was the first year that BGS has participated in Neurodiversity Celebration week, and we are looking forward to continuing to do so and making it even bigger and better in the years to come. Watch this space!
Please read on to hear more from some of the students themselves.
Mrs Meyer, Assistant Headteacher and SENCo
Mrs Sitch, Higher Level Teaching Assistant (SEND department) 
I was diagnosed with autism when I was in Year 9, aged 13. Unfortunately, autism is often diagnosed a lot later in girls, if diagnosed at all, when compared to boys, because we are more prone to doing something called masking, which is hiding symptoms whether that’s intentional or subconscious. For me, the main symptoms I face are sensory difficulties, especially regarding food and noises, anxiety, “black and white” thinking, and thriving with a strict routine. Since being diagnosed, I’ve learnt more about my condition, allowing me to better manage things that I would have previously struggled with. The best way to support those around you that may be neurodiverse is to treat them like any other person, but acknowledge any difficulties they may have, and help accommodate them to the best of your ability, without shaming them or condescending them. In a school environment, it’s helpful for teachers to know anything that could be a struggle for me, so that they will be better equipped to help me should any problems arise. In my personal life, it’s also been helpful to reach out to other neurodivergent people, so I can have conversations with people who understand me very well. Whilst being autistic can make life challenging for me, I also love how I’m able to see the world in a completely unique way, and how I’m able to appreciate little details that neurotypical people may not pay attention to in the same way, and I know many other neurodivergent people feel similarly, and so I believe it’s really important to celebrate neurodiversity. Happy neurodiversity celebration week!
Lois, Year 12
I would like to speak about my diagnosis.
I was put forward for a screening for dyslexia in Year 4 due to the lack of consistency in written work. My written work wasn't living up to the standards of other areas of my work. My spoken communication was very good, but it wasn’t transferring on a page. Also, my reading wasn’t as fluent as it should be. Subjects like maths were always my strong point. I finally had a full diagnosis in Year 5 and found out I had dyslexia. Straight after, I was also diagnosed with Irlens Syndrome which meant I needed coloured glasses. Mine were green. Irlens is when you cannot read things right. For me, I saw rivers down the page and words that were all jumbled up. I thought it was normal when I was younger until I tried my Irlens glasses on. That was like magic. Everything stopped moving around, and no rivers were seen. After that, I started to work on my reading and writing skills, and it led me here. My diagnosis helps me identify areas that I find difficult and why I find them difficult.
Things that I find difficult are if people make fun of my glasses and say stuff like “you’re cheating” in tests because I have extra time. When people say mean things, it makes me not want to wear my glasses, but I need to because it will affect my learning. My glasses are stuck with me for life, so making comments on them makes me feel really bad about myself. Just because I wear green glasses doesn’t mean I’m stupid or slow, it just means I process things differently.
If you think there is something wrong with your learning, or you feel that you might need a screening or a test, don’t be quiet about it, speak to a parent and doctor so that you don’t have to go through learning difficulties alone.
Florence, Year 7
I wanted to participate in Neurodiversity Week to not only help inform more people about neurodiverse conditions but also learn about some things myself, as I personally was diagnosed with Autism when I was very young, but I never properly knew what that meant for me, so I was mostly in the dark on what being neurodiverse actually meant.
A Year 10 student
I feel as though, in our society, people with neurodiversity are underrepresented and underappreciated, so I wanted to help spread the message about the strengths of these differences and the importance of respecting and celebrating them.
It was a pleasure to speak to different year groups in assembly to spread this message and hopefully make other people think about the topic and about their actions.
I would really encourage everyone to do some further research into neurodiversity as it is a topic that can broaden your perspective of the world and strengthen your empathy for others. It is a topic that is often overlooked and not discussed enough, but if everyone puts in a small effort, we can change that.
Louis, Year 10
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What is the challenge?
The Bexley Grammar School’s University challenge is a competition between our school and the other 3 grammar schools in the Bexley borough: Beths Grammar School for Boys, Chislehurst and Sidcup Grammar school and Townley Grammar for Girls. It’s organised similarly to the real life University Challenge quiz show in which teams of 4 students and 1 substitute from universities around the UK battle to find the most intellectual team. As a team, you must be the first to answer a ‘starter question’ for 10 points before the other teams and if answered correctly, your whole team gets the opportunity to answer 3 separate 5 point questions that are loosely tied to the original starter question. After 50 starter questions, the team with the most points is the winner.
Starting in 2022, the Bexley version works very similarly, but instead of 1 team vs another, it’s a single best of 4 teams to find the winners. After Beths won the initial 2022 Challenge, our Year 13 team of Akeel, Harry, Daniel, Pamela and Ross won the 2023 edition, which left our team of Leo, Zoe, Anqui and Imogen and I to retain the title, which we did after a tight battle with Chis and Sid that lasted all the way to the final 3 starter questions.
The Selection Process
Over the last two months, many of us in Year 12 attended the in-school selection rounds hosted by our previous team and the Head of Sixth Form, Mr Martin, to find the best combination of us for the team. Each Monday after school we had fun and enjoyable questions taken from the actual quiz show fired at us to find our team. Every week was an enjoyable experience with a less formal attitude than the final, and we all enjoyed swapping round our teams to see who we paired with best until Monday 13th March, when we found out our team. After a brief discussion with Mr Martin, Zoe and I were chosen as captain and vice captain, with Anqui and Leo filling out the rest of the starting line up, with Imogen as our substitute.
The Final
On Wednesday 20th March the final came. Despite all the preparation and planning, my nerves still ran high, which was not helped by the fact that in the audience we had around 30 teachers, headmasters, parents and students from the various schools with special guests of the former Mayor and current Vice-Mayor of Bexley Nigel Betts along with former Prime minister Liz Truss, who had come to support her daughter on the Townley team. After an early lead by us, Chis & Sid took a massive lead of 75 points which us, Beths and Townley slowly picked away at for the first half. In the second half, we moved ahead of the pack, leading to us and Chis and Sid being neck & neck on 235 points with 3 questions to go.
“ I was very nervous at the start and for most of it, but as I answered more questions and got more into the rhythm of it, it got easier and less stressful. I enjoyed all the bits of it but particularly discussing answers to bonus questions with my teammates, as they did not fail to make me laugh. The intense fight for first between us and Chis and Sid made the whole experience even more thrilling as it was very close the whole time".
Zoe Handscombe, Vice Captain
I can confidently say that my heart rate hasn't been so high for so long, and it still continued to rise going into this ‘play-off-esque’ moment. So when I answered the 2nd to last question to confirm the win, I felt as if the heaviest weight in the world had been lifted off my chest. This led to the final question of “What East Asian art style was the late Akira Toriyama known for?” being a sort of victory lap after we answered correctly with ”Manga” and the follow-up questions were a great end to the competition with us jokingly answering Liz Truss as an answer to a question on Prime Minister’s ages. In the end, the results finished as:
1st: Bexley 285 points
2nd: Chis & Sid 235 points
3rd: Townley 180 points
4th: Beths 150 points
Zoe and I were presented with the trophy by the Vice-mayor. Afterwards, we were able to celebrate with Mr Gilmore, Mr Martin, last year's team and our friends and family before taking a quick picture with ex-Prime Minister Liz Truss to top off the night.
The Future
After the amazing help from last year's team, without which none of this would have been possible, Mr Martin has asked us to help choose next year's team, which we happily said yes to, but we also have had other ideas that we would like to make possible. These included a possible continuation of the in-school practices as a club run by the team and also the possibility of making a house event out of the challenge.
Once again, I’d like to thank everyone who was involved with the team from last year's winners for coaching us, Mr Martin for selecting us and trusting me to be captain, the wonderful team from the borough that ran the event and the many people that came to support us and their respective schools. Finally, I’d like to thank the rest of the team who made this a brilliant experience that I’d recommend to any and everyone who believes they have the ability.
Ashton Seager, Year 12
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Year 9 success at the Mock Magistrates Trial
On Saturday 23rd March, a small group of Year 9 students headed to Bromley Magistrates Court for the inter-schools regional competition.
Click on the story below to read the full report.
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 | 27 Mar 2024 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 u... |
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Year 9 Through Our Eyes Project
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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 STEM News 2024
British Science Week
British Science Week is always a busy and fun-packed time at BGS. Over the few weeks surrounding this event we have squeezed in four trips, a number of special science week lessons, form-time science quizzes, a STEMFest collaboration project with Charlton Athletic and even a Rocket Show! And we are not finished yet. The legacy project this year is to put together a time capsule. Keep an eye out for more information next term about what the students have selected to go into the capsule.
 Furthermore, as part of our Outreach work in the local community, six of our Year 12 science leaders will be visiting Danson Primary this week to deliver a special science week workshop based on the theme of time.
In previous issues you have heard from our students already about some of these events, but here are a few photos of what they have been up to.
Ms Lusted, STEM Coordinator
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Geography News
Year 8 geographers have been very busy showcasing their creativity and research skills by creating projects on one of the following rivers: Nile, Colorado, Yangtze or the Ganges. Whilst there was so much knock-out work, each teacher selected 2/3 projects from their classes.
Read on to see the highlights!
The Geography Department
A truly comprehensive and professional looking project which showcases all of her hard work - go Marla!
Marla Truong, 8FIM
Click on the link here to see the amazing work created by our Year 8 geographers!
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Culture Day 2024 (Part 2)
As part of our BGS Culture Day on Friday 15th March, our ACS and SEAS students organised a hugely successful and very well attended parade and celebration. The event took place after school and began with students visiting food stalls where they were able to purchase a variety of delicious hot and cold food. Following this, students went to the drama theatre where there was a parade - students were invited to participate or spectate. The atmosphere was electric! There was music and dancing and Ify did a super job as the compère introducing the different countries participating. Some students had prepared a special dance which showcased their amazing talent and was very well received by the audience. Nobody wanted the afternoon to end! Well done to the ACS and SEAS and to our Prefect Team who helped with setting up and clearing away. It looks like next year, we'll need a bigger venue!
Mrs Savage, MFL Department
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PE News
Year 7 & 8 Netball
It’s a wrap! A good friendly game against Townley to end the season for the Year 7s and 8s. Well done ladies; player of the match was awarded to Latika (Year 7) and Shriya (Year 8). Now for the summer activities and warmer weather - we hope!
Mrs Kemp
Badminton Tournament
 We were lucky to secure a triangular fixture at Dartford Girls along with Townley. What a lovely group representing BGS with pride; great company and smiles all round. It was enjoyable seeing them all play friendly yet competitive games. Some wins, a draw and a couple of losses.
There were outstanding performances from the following:
Yiyi, Lucia, Latika, Kendra, Kimran, Shriya, Shreya, Arelys, Lisa, Yu Xuan, Adebola, Yi Xin, Angela, Akyaka, Darina, Diep Anh and Anshika.
Well done to everyone! A rematch is definitely due…
Mrs Kemp, PE Department
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Bexley Football Tournament
The Year 7 Girls’ Football team attended a Bexley Tournament at Goals on Wednesday. The team played 10 games against local schools in an intense afternoon of football. The team went from strength to strength as the afternoon went on and played some great football. We managed to secure four wins and two draws, whilst 4 teams managed to take the win over us. A huge well done to all the players for their determination and fantastic attitude. A special mention to Vania and Elodie for being our top goalscorers on the day!
Ms Leffen, PE Department
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Summer Term Activies
Our summer activities begin after the Easter break. Anyone is welcome to come along, regardless of experience. We'd particularly like to see those of you that have not made it along to a sports club so far this year. All activities are best suited to your indoor kit, but you might want to wear your warmer rugby top if the weather doesn't improve. If you have any questions, please ask your PE teacher.
Mr Lines
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Year 7 Power Day
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
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 A Message from the Examinations Office
GCSE Examination Timetable Summer 2024
The GCSE timetable for examinations to be taken in 2024 is now available on the school website or by clicking on the link here.
GCSE Contingency Days Summer 2024
Please note, contingency days are timetabled for the afternoons of 6th and 13th June, as well as Wednesday 26th June 2024. These contingency days are designed to be used in the event of national or significant local disruption to examinations.
This means that all exam candidates must be available to sit exams from the date of their first exam until Wednesday 26 June 2024.
This decision is not a school decision and does apply to all candidates in all schools.
Mrs Bono, Examinations Office
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Year 11 Preparing for Revision
The booklet can be viewed on the school website under the header Teaching and Learning/ Year 11 or by clicking on the link here.
Thank you
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 Please click on the link here to access all our Safeguarding Updates
Safe Travel
Our local police support officers have advised that students take care when travelling to and from school. It's always best to travel with friends if possible, stick to well-lit and well-used roads, and keep any valuables out of sight.
 Vaping
Local police have also advised us on the recent prevalence of vapes containing illegal drugs such as THC and spice, which can be incredibly harmful. A reminder to all that any vaping product is illegal for under 18s.
Stay Healthy in Exam Season
Young Minds have put together some excellent resources for children and their families during the exam season. Please see the links below:
Best wishes,
Mr S Auckland
Deputy Head and Designated Safeguarding Lead
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News items you may have missed
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Jack Petchey Survey
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Greenwich
If your child attends a school in another borough, you will need to apply to the relevant council or school directly. APPLY TO BEXLEY.
Tower Hamlets
Children whose parents live in the borough but who attend schools outside the borough. Parents should apply to the authority where the school is located. APPLY TO BEXLEY.
Medway
Does not specify the location of the school and just has a link to applications.
https://www.medway.gov.uk/info/200164/school_information/354/free_school_meals. You may need to go via Bexley after this process.
Bromley
If your child attends a non-Bromley school, you must apply to the local authority where the school is situated. APPLY TO BEXLEY.
Dartford
If your child attends a non-Dartford school, you must apply to the local authority where the school is situated. APPLY TO BEXLEY.
When these applications are completed, a notification should be sent to the school for us to update records accordingly, but it may be worth the parents sending in the email confirmation to us too.
Bexley Application Link
https://www.bexley.gov.uk/services/schools-and-education/free-school-meals/how-apply-free-school-meals/free-school-meals-form
Don't delay, apply today!
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Lost Property
We kindly remind parents/carers to please write your child's name wherever possible on their items so that the Reception Team can return property to the correct student.
Please click on the link here to report lost property or email us directly via
reception@bexleygs.co.uk.
Reception Team
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GCSE Advance Notice (Summer 2024) | |
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