Encouraging Ambition Uncovering Talent Delivering Excellence

Highlights:Transition at Bow

Leading LadiesThe Prince’s Trust

BOW VOICEThe magazine for Bow School | Summer 2018

Headteacher’s WelcomeCath Smith has been leading the school for the last seven years, and it is with sadness that I must share the news that she will be leaving us at the end of term. We are indebted to her for overseeing the school’s transformation into a hugely successful co-educational school, complete with purpose-built, state-of-the-art facilities. She has undoubtedly had a lasting impact on the lives of thousands of students and staff.

I am honoured that Governors have asked me to become Headteacher from September 2018. I first started working at Bow School in 2011, and for the last two years I have worked alongside Mrs Smith as the Associate Headteacher, ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of the school. I will seek to build on her legacy and continue the ongoing development of our superb school.

As the end of term fast approaches it is a good opportunity to reflect on what an excellent time this is to be a part of Bow School. Our students continue to excel academically; we are proud that every university applicant has been offered a place and early signs suggest a strong set of GCSE results.

Ofsted visited us earlier this year and it was with a great sense of pride that I read all of the positive comments that inspectors made about the school. They recognised the quality of education being provided to students and the multitude of opportunities that each and every one receives.

This edition of Bow Voice will shine a spotlight on some of the fantastic work taking place across the school, but I also want to look forward to a bright future at Bow. We have an incredibly strong team in place, students who take pride in their school and a diverse curriculum and enrichment programme that offers our young people the chance to experience the world, fulfil their potential and reach their targets.

There are a lot of chances to come and find out more about us. Whether it’s our coffee mornings or Open Event in September, please join us so you can meet the special students and staff that make Bow School what it is, and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @BowSchool1.

Danny Lye, Associate Headteacher

44 Twelvetrees Crescent, London E3 3QW

T: 020 7536 5525 F: 020 7987 4504

W: bow-school.org.ukE: bs@bow-school.org.uk

With 2018 marking 100 years since the first women were given the right to vote, International Women’s Day took on even greater significance this year. We celebrated the achievements of women in all aspects of life, emphasising the importance of non-discrimination in modern society.

At Bow it is our aim to ensure that gender equality is not just celebrated on this one day, but that this ethos is weaved into everything we do by encouraging all students and staff to use their voice to help raise awareness and pave a way for others that doesn’t include barriers. Here are just some of this term’s activities dedicated to gender equality.

#PressforProgressThursday 8th March was International Women’s Day and thousands of events took place around the world to discuss, debate and celebrate women’s achievements. It aims to accelerate progress for a more inclusive and equal world, whilst recognising the developments already made.

This year’s campaign was #PressforProgress, encouraging people to demonstrate behaviours that will bring about change. At Bow we were no different, with students and staff uniting to pledge their commitment.

Drop the Mic Drop Day coincided with International Women’s Day this year, and our Year 7 and 8 students were joined by inspirational women from leading organisations Merrill Lynch, City University and Construction Youth Trust.

Our visitors spoke about their careers, university and apprenticeship experiences, individual backgrounds and the challenges that they had to overcome to be where they are today. Students asked impressive questions, thoughtfully participated in discussion and enthusiastically joined in activities.

BOW’S LEADING LADIES

Engineering successful careersAt Bow, we encourage girls from the very start to explore their interest in the STEM subjects. We partner with a number of companies in the technology and engineering sectors to provide opportunities for our students to experience the working world first-hand and be successful in these fields.

In March our Year 9 girls were invited to AKT II, a London-based structural engineering firm, to understand more about what engineering entails and that careers exist for everyone, regardless of gender.

Students were treated to an interactive workshop that saw them design and build bridges and heard from industry leaders about how to pursue a career in engineering. It was fantastic to see so many of our young women enthusiastically talking about studying design, engineering and construction.

WOWStudents from across the school were invited to this year’s Women of the World (WOW) Festival at the Southbank Centre. This celebrated women and girls, and examined the obstacles that stop them from achieving their potential.

Students participated in an array of engaging and empowering activities, learning about the history of the Suffragette movement and current affairs. The Mayor of London attended, supporting being a feminist.

PREPARING SUCCESSFUL STUDENTSWe know that an education goes beyond getting students to pass exams. This is the minimum requirement that we want for our young people. Through our enrichment programme and BowExtra! – out of hours learning, interventions and clubs – we create more effective learners through activities that enrich, enhance and extend the curriculum. Here we look at a few examples, blending the academic and extra-curricular, which highlight the student experience at Bow.

PREPARATION, PREPARATION, PREPARATION

Congratulations to all of our GCSE and A Level students who are celebrating the end of their exams after years of hard work and dedication to their studies.

We ensure they are well prepared for their examinations by providing tailored and extra support in each subject area. From booster sessions to extra study resources, one-to-one sessions to Question Level Analysis (QLA), we make sure their revision is focused.

“The school has been extremely supportive in the lead up to my exams. I am feeling more confident after the booster sessions, practicing past papers and making the most of online videos.” Student

IMPRESSING OFSTEDIn March, Ofsted visited the school to inspect our progress since their last report in 2013. We are delighted that they have found the school to be Good.

Inspectors were impressed with the school’s leadership, students’ progress and achievements, the quality of teaching, our blossoming Sixth Form and the provision for both disadvantaged students and those with special educational needs.

It is testament to our ethos that inspectors recognised that “pupils of all abilities have opportunities to succeed”. We pride ourselves on ensuring that each and every person in our care is provided with the resources they need to achieve excellence.

They were particularly complimentary of our approach to providing a rounded education; highlights included:

• The variety of approaches to prepare pupils for life in modern Britain

• A wide range of opportunities for pupils to develop their leadership skills

• Highly effective, impartial careers advice and guidance

• Excellent partnerships with businesses

Inspectors were convinced that students “are prepared well for their next steps when they leave school”. We are confident that Bow remains the best place to provide students with the opportunities to broaden horizons, raise ambitions and provide the perfect platform for everyone to excel.

IMPRESSING EMPLOYERS

Year 10 students have taken part in work experience, not only gaining valuable life skills and insights into possible careers, but also building their portfolio to boost CVs and university applications.

We were proud that all of our students were exceptional ambassadors for the school. They demonstrated ‘The Bow Way’ impeccably. Employers were impressed by their determination to make the most of their time, and feedback included:

“We wanted to pass on what a credit he is to Bow School; he was an incredibly mature, kind and intelligent student.” Year 6 Teacher at Olga Primary School

Through our partnerships, students could choose from a variety of options, ranging from computing to finance, and from media to teaching. Our network allows us to offer placements across a wide spectrum, ensuring students have an opportunity to suit them.

SPOTLIGHT ON SIXTH FORMGoing for GoldIn April, students visited Goldsmiths University thanks to our partnership with IntoUniversity. They learnt about student finance, explored the campus and spoke to current undergraduates about their courses and university life. Other activities included presenting to their peers about the advantages and disadvantages of different locations to study.

We are proud of our relationship with IntoUniverstity. As well as trips like these, it has provided students with workshops on revision skills, future careers and making the right choices.

Students catching London’s EyeThrough our rewards system we acknowledge and celebrate students’ achievements, both inside and outside the classroom. In May, Year 12 students with excellent attendance and attainment visited the London Eye where they had the chance to travel in their own private capsule! The experience was generously donated by one of our mentors at Rothschild.

Developing life skills for the futureYear 12 students participated in a communication and presentation skills workshop. They received advice from Tower Hamlets Education Business Partnership on how to conduct themselves in interviews and communicate their ideas clearly and effectively.

The workshop was a great success; students enjoyed practicing different styles of body language and discussing the impression that different stances give. The motivation, independence and confidence of students was noted by all involved.

STARTING LIFE AT BOW SCHOOL The summer term is special for numerous reasons, but one of the highlights is welcoming our new students to the school. Year 6 pupils receive an offer to join us in March and are then invited to join our transition programme so that they spend as much time with us as possible before they start in September.

Every new student and their parents join us at the Bow Friendship Afternoon, where they get the chance to meet their new friends for the first time. This kicks off a series of events that introduces everyone to the school so they feel not just comfortable, but excited about joining Bow.

This term, new starters have taken part in taster lessons, including English, Art, Science, Drama and Maths, to experience learning in secondary school. They also have a ‘Day in the Life’ induction to get a good feel for their new surroundings. Parents and carers join us at a showcase event to see the work their children have produced while they have been with us.

X MARKS THE SPOT AT BOW’S FRIENDSHIP AFTERNOONFriendship Afternoon is one of our favourite events at Bow School. It’s a fantastic opportunity for our new joiners to meet their peers and get to know their new school.

This year, Year 6 pupils were treated to a treasure hunt, exploring the building as they looked for the clues that would lead them to the buried booty.

Meanwhile, parents took this opportunity to hear from a number of senior people from across the school who will help to shape their children’s education in the coming years. They were also treated to an African drumming session from our extremely talented Bow musicians.

Meeting the next cohort of Bow students was a pleasure and we can’t wait for them all to become full time members of our community in September.

GETTING YOUR FEET UNDER THE DESK

We know that getting used to a new secondary school can be overwhelming. This is why our transition programme does not end when students arrive on their first day; it continues until each young person is comfortable at our school.

Induction Day: The day before the start of term all Year 7s come in to meet their new classmates, form tutors and subject teachers, and get used to their new surroundings without the older students.

Celebrating Success Day: Students present their favourite work from their first term to their parents and a teacher. They then collectively talk about their ambitions and aspirations; this information is used to make sure their experience at Bow is shaped bespoke to them.

Dancing through the decades: Our Year 7 Christmas showcase this year involved music, dance and drama to tell a story about how dance evolved towards the end of the 20th century.

Trips and activities: Based on our knowledge of the individual, we plan trips throughout the year that will engage and excite them, ranging from the Houses of Parliament to the World Taekwondo Championships at the Olympic Park.

Be Bow-led over at our open eveningIn September we are hosting our first evening since we moved into our new building. This is an incredible opportunity to come and find out everything you need to know about Bow.

Our Headteacher, Danny Lye, will be hosting parents at different points throughout the event where you will have your chance to ask any questions you may have.

Students will be taking guests on guided tours around various departments so that they can see first-hand the depth and variety of the student experience across the school.

Come and join us on 24th September, 4.30-6.30pm.

YEAR 7 STUDENTHow has your school helped you to settle in?The school really encourages you to attend after school clubs, called Bow Extra, and they have so many different things on offer! As only a few people came from my primary school I was nervous about meeting new people, but Bow Extra helped me to make lots of friends.

What have you enjoyed about Bow School so far?I ran for House Captain and I had to deliver a speech in front of a quarter of the school. This opportunity allowed me to develop my presentation skills and boosted my confidence. The other students had to vote and I won! I was really proud of this achievement.

What are your ambitions for the future?I really want to go to Cambridge University to study Science or Maths. I think I would like to be a science researcher. I would recommend my school because there are so many learning opportunities to experience different things.

44 Twelvetrees Crescent, London E3 3QW

T: 020 7536 5525 F: 020 7987 4504

W: www.bow-school.org.ukE: bs@bow-school.org.uk@BowSchool1

Autumn Term: Monday 3 September – Friday 21 December

INSET Day: 3 September

INSET Day: 4 September

Year 7 return: 5 September

Year 12 return: 5 September

All other students return: 6 September

Half Term: 22 October – 26 October

Christmas Holidays: 22 December – 6 January

Spring Term: Monday 7 January – Friday 5 April

Half Term: 18 February – 22 February

Easter Holidays: 6 April – 22 April

Summer Term: Tuesday 23 April – Friday 19 July

Early May Bank Holiday: 6 May

Half Term: 27 May – 31 May

Eid-Al-Fitr (provisional)

5 June (date to be confirmed)

Dates for the diary

ACHIEVING TOGETHER WITH THE PRINCE’S TRUSTBow School are extremely proud of their partnership with The Prince’s Trust. Through this partnership, we are able to provide students with unique and exciting enrichment opportunities by offering the chance to take part in The Prince’s Trust Achieve Programme.

The Achieve programme provides an opportunity for our students to try out new activities, gain valuable skills, boost their confidence and gain a recognised Prince’s Trust qualification which can lead into a range of potential career pathways such as Health and Fitness, Science and Technology, Engineering and Maths, and Business.

As part of the programme, students explore the following:

• Personal and social development

• Life skills – learning how to manage money, be healthy and stay safe through fun and interactive sessions

• Active citizenship – making a difference to the local community

• Enterprise project – taking part in a Dragons’ Den style challenge

• Preparation for work – practicing for interviews, developing a CV and exploring skills and talents

“I wasn’t sure what to expect from The Prince’s Trust Achieve Programme. We have had so much fun learning new skills.” Student