FBA Update

It is hard to ignore the different events taking place across the world which promote division and display hatred towards others. We are acutely aware that our students are witnessing this. They may be personally impacted by the words and messages being spoken, or being influenced by the negativity and pessimism.

The LIFE Education Trust has three key values: Courageous Optimism, Boundless Creativity and Heartfelt Compassion. At this time, we all need to be optimistic and show compassion to one another. To demonstrate to our students and each other that there is hope, that there is more to gain from unity and togetherness, and to show compassion towards one another.

Schools are perfect places for students to learn and live in diverse communities and we will continue to champion and celebrate our diversity; and we hope all in our school will join us in this too.

Wednesday 5th February - Personal Development Day 2

Friday 14th February - End of Spring half term 1

Sunday 16th February- Ski trip departs

Monday 24th February - Year 11 mock examinations start

Wednesday 26th February - Year 9 Parents' Evening

Monday 3rd March - International Women's Week (International Women's Day 8th March)

Thursday 6th March - World Book Day

Wednesday 12th March & Thursday 13th March - Matilda, The Musical

Safer Internet Day in held every February in over 170 different countries. The goal of Safer Internet Day is to call on people across the world to work together to make the internet safer and a better place for all, especially for young people. This Year's theme is ‘Too good to be true? Protecting yourself and others from scams online‘

Students will have assemblies on the theme and we will remind them on to protect their accounts and on how to report any concerns.

She is Studious, is our 6 weeks Form Time Programme. During that time, students are learning different study techniques. This week, Year 10 are exploring flashcards with the Leitner Box System.

The Leitner Box system is a spaced repetition technique for learning with flashcards. Cards are sorted into boxes based on how well the material is known. Correctly answered cards progress to boxes that you don't need to review as often, while incorrect ones are moved back to the first box for more frequent review. It turns the learning process into a kind of game where the aim is to have your flashcards as far along the chain of boxes as possible.

Social Media: Thank you so much for the parents and carers who responded to the questionnaire related to social media platforms. This information will be really useful in our decision making about our use of X (Twitter) and alternative platforms.

Bromcom: Last week, we mention that we are moving to a different Management Information System called Bromcom. This means that we will be phasing out the SIMS app and moving towards an app and website called MyChildatSchool. We will be sending out information about how to access this and user guides after half term.

Our Inspirational Woman of the Week is Judith Heumann as nominated by Isabella Pike. Heumann was a pioneering disability rights activist who played a key role in advancing legislation like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act. She fought against discrimination after being denied a teaching job due to her wheelchair use, leading to groundbreaking legal victories. Heumann was instrumental in the 504 Sit-in, the longest non-violent occupation of a federal building in U.S. history, which led to stronger disability rights protections. Her advocacy work extended globally, influencing policies for inclusive education and accessibility. She inspired women and young girls by demonstrating resilience, leadership, and the power of activism in the face of systemic barriers. Heumann’s legacy continues to empower people to challenge inequality and demand a more inclusive world.

Tip of the Week: What’s Hiding in Your Snacks?

This week, our students have suggested looking at E129 (Red 40 or Allura red dye), a chemical food dye often found in Energy Drinks like Monster and Mogu Mogu and many processed red/orange coloured snacks. While these foods might look more appealing with their bright colours, the effects on our health are not as pleasant.

The UK Food Standards Agency warns that regular consumption of Red 40: "may have adverse (negative) effects on activity and attention in children”. It may increase hyperactivity and make it harder to focus.

This food dye is banned in 8 European countries and has no known nutritional benefits. You can learn more about which products in the UK contain Red 40 here: https://uk.openfoodfacts.org/additive/en:e129-allura-red.

Challenge of the Week: Become a Label Detective!

This week, ours students have been challenged to read the ingredient labels of your drinks and snacks. If you see E129 or Red 40, consider skipping it or swapping it for a healthier option.

E.g. Coconut Water, Natural Juices, Generation Juice (available in the canteen), Homemade Smoothies or Homemade fruit gummies.

Small changes = big impact. Start by reading those labels!

Congratulations to Shaniya, Lilia and Carys who have successfully made it through the regional finals of the competition after winning the second heat at Campion on Wednesday.

Earlier in the week, Year 12 students: Diya, Clove and Jemima, also competed in the second round of the ESU Mace Competition at Westcliff High School for Boys. Although they did not progress to the regional final, they took away valuable feedback and found the experience very rewarding

The Riot Act led a young drivers and passenger safety event with Year 10&11 students this afternoon. The purpose was to think about their conduct as a passenger and a driver including how to avoid peer pressure in a car.

Our amazing students recently took part in the Havering Swimming Gala. The students all performed brilliantly with some stand out results.

• The Year 7 team won a silver in the medley relay and a bronze in the freestyle relay.

• Emily Woolston won a gold in the freestyle race
• Iman Jardine won a silver in the butterfly race
• The Year 9 team won bronze in the medley relay.
• Amelia Fenner won the butterfly
• Alexksia Kosovice gained a bronze in the breast stroke.
• The Year 11 team won a silver in the medley relay.
• Poppy Tomlin won the back stroke

Well done to all the students that took part

Congratulations to the Under 13 team did really well in the Havering Borough tournament and achieved runners up spot in a close final with Sanders Draper.

As part of the House competition, the students were challenged to write a letter to an inspirational woman. As ever, it was difficult to judge the winners. We are very pleased to announce the four winners who were:

• Sadaf Khan in B
• Aliza Ali in F
• Gracelynn Sarfo in S
• Mahi Basra in R

Well done on your excellent letters!

Eaten since the Middle Ages, it is thought that carrot cake came about because of the high prices and rarity of sugar. To get around this problem, inventive bakers and cooks used sweet vegetables to sweeten their cakes and voila, the humble, but oh, so delicious carrot cake was born.

Did you know... that according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation, almost half of the carrots meant for human consumption come form China?