Palabritas Competition Winners
We are proud to announce the winners of the Year 10 and Year 11 Palabritas competition. This is a Spanish vocabulary challenge where students are tested on their knowledge and recall of key vocabulary.
Congratulations to all our winners on this fantastic achievement!
Jorden
Ella
Katie
Avina
Yael
BFI Cinema Study Day
Our Year 8 Mandarin Excellence Programme (MEP) students enjoyed an enriching study day at the BFI Cinema, exploring the theme of Family, Culture and Modernity in Chinese Cinema.
Designed for KS3 Mandarin learners, the programme helped students deepen their understanding of contemporary China through film. They analysed key scenes from Please Vote for Me and One Bucket, exploring themes such as family, education, and modern life.
In the afternoon, students watched the film The Farewell. They participated confidently in discussions, practised their Mandarin speaking skills, and gained valuable cultural insights to support their language learning.
Ms Y Hong
Teacher of Mandarin
Panathlon Victory for Our Students
We are delighted to share that six of our students recently represented the school at a Panathlon Ten Pin Bowling competition. Panathlon provides inclusive sporting opportunities for young people to take part in competitive events in a supportive and encouraging environment.
Each student received a certificate in recognition of their participation, for representing the school, competing with determination, enjoying the experience, demonstrating excellent team spirit and showing fair play throughout.
We are especially proud to announce that the team won the competition and have now progressed to the finals. Their commitment, teamwork and sportsmanship were outstanding, and they represented the school exceptionally well.
Congratulations to Harley, Kaydon, Kaspar, Peter, Nasim and Kelaijah all in year 8.
Visit from PC Parm
For Safer Internet Day and Children’s Mental Health Week, we were privileged to host PC Parm, who delivered an important and insightful talk to our Year 8 pupils about the risks and challenges associated with social media use.
The session focused on key issues such as the importance of understanding what children share online, how messages can be interpreted differently from what was intended, and the emotional impact this can have on peers. Students listened attentively and engaged well with the discussion. Many were surprised to learn that WhatsApp is not recommended for children under 16 and that a range of apps popular with young people carry age restrictions for safety reasons.
PC Parm also emphasised the importance of open communication between children and adults about online experiences, including what they see, send and receive. Pupils were reminded that being kind and respectful online is just as important as it is in person, and that support is available if they encounter something upsetting or harmful.
To support families further, the following resources offer practical advice and guidance on keeping children safe online:
Support and Guidance for Parents
UK Safer Internet Centre – Parents and Carers – tips on talking to children about staying safe online:
https://www.saferinternet.org.uk/parents-and-carers
NSPCC Online Safety Hub – advice on social media, games and apps:
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/
Childnet Parent Advice – including guides to popular apps and platforms:
https://www.childnet.com/parents-and-carers
Thinkuknow (CEOP) – age-specific guidance and reporting tools:
https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents
We are extremely grateful to PC Dhunjar for delivering such a valuable session, and to PC Parm for their ongoing support in helping our community understand the importance of safe and positive online behaviour.
LGBTQIA+ History Month
This month, the library is proud to celebrate LGBTQIA+ History Month with the theme for 2026 being on Science and Innovation. We’ve curated a display that shines a light on the incredible LGBTQIA+ pioneers who have shaped our world from Barbara Burford, Jemma Redmond, Elke Mackenzie and Charles Frederick Beyer to name a few.
Our goal is to show young readers that the world of STEM is open to everyone and that diversity is often the spark behind the world’s greatest discoveries.
Book Fair at CCF
This week, our school vibrated with literary excitement as we hosted our latest book fair, a special event marking our second fair of this academic year. The timing couldn't be more perfect, as it coincides beautifully with the National Year of Reading, amplifying our mission to put great stories into the hands of every student.
We truly hope this event serves as a catalyst for a genuine passion for reading. We encourage all students to browse the shelves and select something that genuinely appeals to their interests. Whether it’s a gripping mystery, a deep dive into history, or a colourful graphic novel, the goal is for every student to find a book that speaks to them.
Ms Sengul
Librarian
Library Art Competition Winners
To celebrate our recent Book Fair and support the National Year of
Reading, the library held an art competition challenging students to
get creative.
Students were asked to design a poster illustrating the importance of
reading.
The competition was fierce, but we are thrilled to announce
the winners who have each earned a £5 voucher to spend at the
Book Fair!
Fatima
Niya
Evana
Isabelle-Rose &
Eva
Ms Sengul
Librarian
Chinese New Year Celebration at CCF
Chinese New Year falls on 17th February 2026 during half term and marks the Year of the Horse.
Our Year 7 and Year 8 students enjoyed a variety of classroom activities. They delivered presentations about Chinese New Year, learning about its customs and traditions, the Chinese zodiac, and the legend of Nian.
Students practised traditional calligraphy using Chinese brushes and wrote the character 福 (meaning “good fortune” or “good luck”) to take home.
In addition to calligraphy, they also enjoyed making lanterns. They decorated their lanterns with the Chinese characters 新年快乐 (“Happy New Year”) and the zodiac animal, the Horse.
Students enjoyed the cultural enrichment activities while developing their Mandarin language skills.
Ms Y Hong
Teacher of Mandarin
Support Our Teachers:
2026 London Marathon
Please join us in supporting our teachers, Ms Pullan and Mr Rickman, who are taking on the incredible challenge of the 2026 TCS London Marathon!
Ms Pullan is running for SMILES (supporting Cancer Research UK, the Irish Cancer Society, and Alzheimer’s Research UK) in loving memory of her dad, while Mr Rickman is raising vital funds for Children with Cancer UK.
Any contribution to help them reach their goals would be hugely appreciated—you can donate via ParentPay.
Thank you