As we approach the end of another busy half term, this week brings with it a particularly special moment in our school calendar – Year 11 Leavers’ Day on Friday 23rd May.

This day is always one of mixed emotions: a celebration of all that our students have achieved, and a heartfelt farewell as they take their next steps beyond school. We are immensely proud of the dedication, growth, and resilience our Year 11 students have shown, particularly during what can be a challenging time. Their hard work, character, and contributions to school life have left a lasting mark on our community.

We hope Leavers’ Day will be a joyful and memorable occasion, filled with laughter, reflection, and a strong sense of pride. It is a moment to honour their journey so far – and to look ahead with excitement to the opportunities that lie ahead.

To all our Year 11s: you carry with you not just qualifications, but the values, friendships, and experiences that will shape your future. We believe in you, and we can’t wait to see the incredible things you will go on to achieve.

Friday 23rd May - Year 11 Leavers' Day and last day of the Half term

Monday 2nd June - Start of Summer term 2

Thursday 12th June - Year 10 Parents' Evening

Wednesday 18th June - Year 6 Parents' Welcome Evening

The Year 12 mock exams will start the week beginning the 16th June 2025

The following examinations will be taking place this week in the Sports Hall for GCSE (unless stated). Good luck to all the students.

Year 11

• Monday 19th May: Chemistry, Combined Science ad Triple Science
• Tuesday 20th May: English Literature, Computer Science and Child Development
• Wednesday 21st May: French Reading and Listening, Religious Studies
• Thursday 22nd May Physics, Combined Science and Triple Science, Media Studies, IT
• Friday 23rd May: English Language

We would like to thank all our parents and carers for your continued support in helping us maintain high standards at school, including our uniform expectations. A smart, consistent uniform helps promote a sense of belonging, pride in our school community and discipline.

Recently, we have noticed some variations in uniform that we would like to address. In particular, students should only wear black or white headscarves, in line with our school policy. We have also seen some students wearing black leggings or flares, which are not part of the approved uniform. Please note that only FBA black trousers are permitted.

We understand there may be individual circumstances, and we are here to support you. If you have any concerns or need assistance regarding uniform, please speak with your daughter’s form tutor in the first instance so we can work together to find a solution.

Thank you for helping us ensure that all students are ready to learn and represent the school positively.

You can find our uniform policy below

Last week, we hosted the Routes into Languages Translation Bee Regional Final event at our school, our school finalists did really well and should be very proud of themselves and the fact that they were part of the last 63 out of the 3834 students who started the competition in London:

• Muskan K
• Livia V
• Dhiksha G
• Alina Q

We are pleased to announce that Dhiksha came 2nd in French, and is going through to the National Final at Cambridge University on Monday 30th June!

Huge thanks to our dream team of Year 12 prefects as well as two previous Translation Bee participants (Carys H and Lilia W in Year 11), who helped with the organisation:

• Diya P
• Chloe W
• Shaan D
• Farah B
• Alexia A
• Ramisha C
• Jenika M
• Sophie P

And to our staff from the Language Department for organizing this very successful event. It did reminded us that learning a new language is like unlocking a door to a world of new experiences, perspectives, and connections. As Federico Fellini once said, "A different language is a different vision of life."

Please see some photos below from the Eco Committee who have been planting different vegetables and some herbs in the new planters.

A message from our Deputy Head Girl Farah

Hi, my name is Farah and I have been elected as one of your new Deputy Heads. I am very excited to be working with the Leadership Team and overseeing all the new and exciting projects. My aim is to be a supportive, reliable, and approachable leader who truly represents the student voice.

I want to help create a positive, inclusive environment where every student feels heard, valued, and confident to grow.

Exams are now in full swing for year 13. In their last year group briefing we gifted our hardworking Year 13s with a ‘You’ve got this!’ goody bag to support their wellbeing. They contained a small congratulatory note written from our Year 12s, a matching highlighter and stress ball, alongside stationary. We wish the Year 13s the best of luck in their A Level Exams.

Year 9 and Year 10 form time are focusing on understanding, identifying and combatting misogyny in society.

These sessions have been created by VotesforSchools in conjunction with the Met Police.

They are delivered with sensitivity but we feel very stringy as a school that we need to equip our students to navigate such a important topic.

We are encouraging you as parents and carers to also carry on the conversation at home with your daughters.

On Friday 9th May, a group of our Student Voice members from the Studious and Articulate committees (photographed below) attended the EurVoice London 2025 event, run by the European Youth Parliament UK. Held at the Limehouse Town Hall, the event gave our students the opportunity to collaborate with peers from across London and deepen their understanding of youth-led diplomacy.

Throughout the event, students participated in interactive sessions with peers across London to explore real-world topics affecting their generation, including:

· Vaping and social responsibility

· Managing finances as young people

· The role of art in society

· Hacking and cybertechnology

· Politics in everyday life

Our students shared thoughtful reflections on the impact of the day:

· “It made me more confident to talk to new people I haven’t met before”

· “The Tesla debate really made all of us feel included – we all had to contribute and justify our decisions.”

· “It helped me articulately voice concerns or even deepen my public speaking skills.”

· “I now know my voice can actually influence how others think.”

Events like EurVoice are a powerful reminder that your voice matters. Thank you to everyone who represented FBA so thoughtfully and confidently!

Volunteer for Havering Public Libraries Summer Reading Challenge – great for your CV!

This will involve listening to children aged 4-11 talk about the books they have read for the Summer Reading Challenge run nationwide in public libraries during the summer holiday. It starts on 5th July and this year’s theme is ‘Story Garden’, based around the connection between storytelling and nature, including nature and environment, gardening, crafting, reading, fantasy and the imagination. Last year 3,000 Havering children took part.

You can volunteer if you are aged 13 or older. For information and to apply: www.havering.gov.uk/volunteer

As well as talking to the children about books they’ve read you will also record their progress and give out stickers, etc. You’ll gain valuable experience of interacting with children. As volunteers you can give as much or as little time as you want, you can choose the days and times you volunteer and it doesn't matter if you’re going away on holiday. The Summer Reading Challenge sessions are usually during the morning, afternoon and evenings and the volunteering will be for around two hours each time.

Welcome to another week of the summer term! The long awaited results for the KRacers posters are here!

Congratulations to the following girls and their House's for their amazing work...

Eshal S in 8W for her poster on Resilience!

Lily S in 7S for her poster on Knowledge!

Isimemen J in 7W for her poster on Creative!

Alice S in 8O for her poster on Studious!

Each student has received 800 points each!

Have a look at the leaderboard on the side and their beautiful work below!

Year 8 Sports Captains recommend: Eating more Iron rich foods!
Did you know that iron is vital for your energy levels, focus in class, and especially for teenage girls during their periods. Without enough iron, you might feel tired, dizzy, or struggle to concentrate. If you often feel dizzy, tired, or weak, it's a good idea to check with your GP, who can arrange a blood test to check your iron levels.

Why Iron matters:

• Iron helps carry oxygen around your body
• Iron supports healthy muscles and brain function
• Low iron can lead to anaemia (making you feel weak, cold, or out of breath)
• 
  

6 Easy Iron-Rich Foods to add to Your Day:

1. Spinach
2. Lentils
3. Chickpeas
4. Red meat
5. Pumpkin seeds
6. Dark chocolate (85%)
7. 
   

✨ Top tip: Eat your iron-rich foods with something high in vitamin C (like oranges, kiwi or a squeeze of lemon) to help your body absorb the iron better!

Our inspirational woman of the week is Valarie Allman as nominated by Jessica in 8F. Allman is a two-time Olympic gold medallist in the discus throw, having won at both the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Games. Originally a competitive dancer, she transitioned to track and field in high school, where her dance background contributed to her unique blend of grace and power in the discus circle. Allman's journey from dance to athletics exemplifies how diverse skills can intersect to create excellence in unexpected arenas. Her advocacy for mental wellness and her emphasis on discipline and adaptability make her a compelling role model for young women. She overcame the stereotypes of a 'typical discus thrower' as people argued that she didn't look the part. Nevertheless, she reigned victorious.

Year 10 students should now be actively looking for work experience for their week of work experience in June (23rd – 27th). They need to see Miss Woods in the Careers Office in Sixth Form if they need any help – especially if they are unsure about logging your placement on Unifrog, by the 23rd May. A list of contact details for previous placements has been shared on Show My Homework.

It has been another busy and productive week at the FBA farm, with lots of students visiting to help care for our animals and birds during the warmer weather.

Students have been pruning our ash and willow trees that grow at the farm, which our rabbits and guinea-pigs love to eat. For good digestive health, a varied diet that includes plenty of fresh leafy greens is vital for our small animals. It needs to be varied so that all nutrition needs are met. Spinach in particular provides several vital nutrients that guinea-pigs need, including potassium, calcium and vitamin A.

It also has high quantities of vitamin C, which is critical for cavies (guinea-pigs) as they cannot manufacture their own. Ash leaves and bark are good for our rabbits teeth, and provide a good amount of fibre and crude protein, as well as supporting good bladder health. Fresh dandelion leaves and willow also provides excellent nutrition for rabbits and guinea-pigs, so if you keep any as pets, try to ensure they are getting plenty of fresh green leaves.

You are welcome to come and help feed and care for or animals; we are open on Mondays to Thursdays during every break, lunch and after school until 4pm, and before school at 7.50-8.25am on Fridays.

As we come to the end of this half term, we want to take a moment to express my sincere thanks and gratitude to our entire school community.

To our staff, thank you for your unwavering commitment, care, and professionalism.

To our students, thank you for your hard work, enthusiasm, and the kindness you show one another each day.

To our parents and carers, thank you for your continued support, partnership, and trust.

And to our governors, thank you for your guidance, dedication, and the vital role you play in shaping the direction of our school.

It is through our shared efforts that we create a strong, nurturing, and ambitious environment where our students can thrive. We hope you all have a restful and enjoyable break, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed and ready for the final half term of the year.