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International Summit Florida
International Summit Florida
Eight students attended the Pompano Beach High School International Summit in Florida U.S. from January 23 to February 1.
The summit brings together administrators, teachers, and students from 17 countries, including Australia, China, Egypt, France, Germany, Ireland, Mexico, Nepal, Peru, Poland, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Yilan City, and Zimbabwe. Focused on cultural awareness in education, language acquisition and technology, the event provides opportunities for participants to collaborate with Pompano Beach High School educators, visit a local university, and engage in cultural exchanges within the community.
Our students had a wonderful time staying with host families in Florida. They visited the Everglades Holiday Park, watched a Miami Heat game, and made friends from around the world. Our students are grateful for the opportunity to attend this summit. Here is what they wrote:
The summit changed my life and opened my eyes to so many different cultures. I have friends from almost every continent in the world who taught me basic means of communication. I grew a meaningful relationship with my host and cadre group and was moved to tears when the week was over. I was shocked at how quickly we became friends and how soon we were separated. Time truly flies by when you’re having fun with the people you care about. I recommend this trip to anyone who’s interested in growing in knowledge, understanding and respect. Respect for those who come from other countries, respect for those who organised the trip and for our teachers who took us. I will never forget the summit to Pompano Beach High School and will forever keep my friends in my heart and memory.
-Teni A
This trip was absolutely phenomenal! I’ve created so many memories that will forever be cherished! I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to explore Florida and forge friendships with people from all around the world. I’m especially grateful to my host who was nothing but welcoming. During the summit we explored the Everglades and had the chance to watch the Miami heat game! I never imagined I would be in Florida creating friendships that will be everlasting and was in tears when I left. Experiencing different cultures and interacting with students from across the globe was truly the experience of a lifetime!
-Marina S
The summit was truly an unforgettable experience. From the inspiring speakers to the incredible conversations, every moment felt like a chance to learn, grow and connect. I met so many like-minded individuals who shared their passions and insights, making it a space of genuine collaboration and inspiration. The energy of individuals was wonderful, and the sense of community was so powerful—it felt like being surrounded by a group of people all striving for the same meaningful goals. I left feeling more motivated than ever, with new ideas, friendships, and a renewed sense of purpose. It was a time of reflection, excitement, and endless possibilities. The places we went to where amazing, the Miami Heats was a moment which was one in a lifetime - being able to watch talented people play and show their passion was truly an inspiration for me to reach for my goals and dreams. However, the ones who I truly want to thank for ever is my host family. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t have been able to have this amazing experience and have a second family.
-Rafailia T
Going to America through the Florida International Summit was a great opportunity which I am very grateful for. I was able to learn how to use a camera through participating in the film production and gained the confidence to perform on stage. I've made so many friends from different countries that I didn’t think I could ever do. Trying new things and forging a great relationship with my host family is something I will be forever grateful for. I'm grateful for an amazing host family that have taken care of me, for the time I have spent with them and hope for even more time with them. This trip was an amazing experience and I hope for many more.
-Isabelle B
This whole trip has been an experience of a lifetime. I made many friends from all around the world that I know for a fact will be lifelong. The different cultures that we saw and experienced was truly a life lesson that I will keep forever, something I will never forget. I will forever cherish all the memories I collected in these few days amazing days. The whole summit was so well put together everything we did was so incredibly fun and entertaining, I didn’t catch a second of boredom. I’m so beyond grateful for every part of this trip.
-Amelie S
During my school trip to Pompano Beach, Florida, I had an unforgettable experience exploring new places and meeting incredible people. The trip was filled with excitement, starting with a thrilling basketball game where I cheered alongside my classmates, feeling the energy of the crowd. One of the highlights was our visit to the Everglades, where we took an airboat ride through the vast wetlands, spotting alligators and learning about the unique ecosystem. What made the trip even more special was meeting international students from different backgrounds, sharing stories, and making new friendships. I truly enjoyed every moment, from the beautiful beaches to the unforgettable adventures with my peers.
-Hayder N
For all future MFL students, take this opportunity and cherish it. I was able to build amazing connections with people from across the globe such as Egypt, Nepal, Germany, America and Mexico. Everyone at Pompano Beach high school is so unbelievably kind allowing you to cherish every single moment. The host families that will likely be assigned to you are absolutely amazing and can give you an amazing and unpredictable experience. For example, my host family took me jet skiing which is something that I will never forget. The places that the summit takes you are phenomenal such as the Everglades, a Miami heat basketball game, and a theme park. Trust me when I say that you should take it while you still can and that you won't regret it.
-Lucas U-G
Arriving in America for the first time and attending Pompano Beach High School was both exciting and nerve-wracking. Everything felt new—the streets, the people, and even the way school worked. Staying with a host family was a big adjustment, but they were kind and helped me feel at home. At school, I met students from different backgrounds, and although it took time to get used to the new environment, I slowly became more comfortable. The classes were different from what I was used to, and I had to adapt to new teaching styles and expectations. Over time, I made friends, explored the area, and gained confidence in my new surroundings. The experience taught me independence, cultural understanding, and the value of stepping outside my comfort zone.
-Ilyan M
Please see some links below with further information in addition to news articles from the US:
You can view our school's cultural performance here, Ms Spiers from the English department has guided them with poems and Ms Highton has supported them with the Macbeth play.
https://pbhstv.eduvision.tv/play.aspx?qev=X3Y5NcZVhaBS7Vvmz3Ij7g%253d%253d&t=2530
https://wsvn.com/news/local/broward/pompano-beach-high-hosts-international-summit/, this is from the local news.
Preparing for culture day
South Florida Fair
Ready for the Opening Ceremony
Seeing Miami Heat Play
Talking about UK culture
Musical performance & Macbeth
Oxford Horizons Programme
Oxford Horizons Programme
Congratulations to the following students successfully gained a place on the Oxford Horizons programme:
Tymon
Bakalarz
Adam
Kis
Suhaan
Shaik
Gabby
Gzowski
Annys
Spector
Nathan
Kwok
The Christ Church Horizons Programme
The programme aims to support students in exploring beyond the curriculum and in developing key skills required to make competitive applications to university and to Oxford. Students have the opportunity to engage in discussion with Oxford academics through a series of workshops, on topics in the humanities, sciences and social sciences. Through their interactive format, the workshops encourage reflection, flexibility of thought, scientific reasoning and critical thinking.
The academic sessions are complemented by information, advice, and guidance sessions, from ‘How to explore beyond the curriculum’, to ‘Finance at University’, personal statements and essay writing workshops.
The participants celebrate completing the programme with a 'graduation day' in Christ Church, where they attend taster lectures, discuss their interests in subject-specific groups, and meet current undergraduates.
University Applications and Offers for Year 13
It is an exciting time in the 6th form, especially for Year 13 students, all pupils in Y13 have completed their university applications and are slowly receiving offers. Not all offers are in, not all universities have responded but all but one student have at least one reply and one offer. Again CCF students have surprised and impressed us with their chosen courses and potential destinations. Our Y13 are an ambitious bunch and that ambition is being rewarded by offers from prestigious institutions in a huge variety of subjects.
At least 3 students are applying for Computer Science (this includes an application for Cyber Security.) Rachel and Deborah wish to go to Bristol, Durham or Leeds whilst Lukasz might do Cyber Security at Newcastle. Economics and related subjects are also well represented with Toch on Nottingham's Economics shortlist, Lian might be SOAS or Nottingham bound and Omar might attend Bristol. Yaw will be flying the CCF Economics flag at Kent or UAE as well. Engineering of various sorts is always popular at CCF and this year is no exception: Amir wants to do Aeronautical engineering and Oxford or Warwick might welcome him in September. Vinayak might be doing Electrical Engineering at Bath or Bristol. We have some budding Chemistry students as well - Otis favours Manchester or Glasgow at the moment, Nazanin hopes Durham or UCL will be her future destination.
Psychology is the chosen specialist subject for Isobella g and Riona and they might end up at Manchester, Bristol, Kings or Queen Mary. Two students aim to complete a Sports Science degree: Kojo and Pablo might pursue this dream at Exeter, Leeds, Durham or Surrey. Jennifer is hoping to do a combined degree in English, Politics and American Studies and she might settle for Nottingham, Manchester or Sussex. We have one student aiming to do architecture at Kent and a potential Neuro-scientist, in Miran, bound for Leeds or Bristol. Elizabeth is aiming high with a possible place at Exeter to do Biology. Lastly, for the time being we have one physiotherapist in the making with Louie going to pursue this dream at Southampton or Birmingham.
This impressive year group deserves every success and we wish them well as the process goes forward. Only with the support of the 6th form team, their form tutors, subject teachers and their own focus and efforts has this ambitious set of goals been achieved.
Mr Bratt
The Book Fair is coming to CCF on Monday 10th February 2025
The Book Fair is coming to CCF on Monday 10th February 2025
If you would like to purchase any of the books and want to avoid sending cash into school, you can pay online at www.bookfairs.schastic.co.uk/pay or by purchasing Book Fair gift vouchers at bookfairs.scholastic.co.uk/parents.
There will also card payments allowed on the day.
You can find out more about the books available and confirm prices at bookfairs.scholastic.co.uk/bookcases.
Ms Sengul
Librarian
LGBTQ+ Month
At CCF, we are proudly celebrating UK LGBTQ+ History Month by showcasing influential LGBTQ+ figures and literature in our library. Our vibrant display highlights key historical and contemporary LGBTQ+ icons, including Freddie Mercury, RuPaul, Nicola Adams, and more, to educate and inspire our school community. Alongside these biographies, we have carefully curated a selection of books that explore LGBTQ+ themes, stories, and experiences, encouraging students to engage with diverse perspectives.
Through this display, we aim to foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels seen and valued. By celebrating LGBTQ+ history and literature, we hope to spark meaningful conversations and promote a culture of understanding, acceptance, and pride.
CCF Showcased at UCL Institute of Education
CCF Showcased at UCL Institute of Education
Ms Woo, our Head of Mandarin, was recently invited to speak at UCL Institute of Education as part of the Master’s module Intercultural Communication in Language Classrooms. She shared insights on fostering intercultural sensitivity through modern Chinese poetry in the foreign language classroom.
Her session highlighted a project run a couple of years ago with CCF’s Year 9 Mandarin Excellence Programme (MEP) students. This initiative encouraged creative language learning through modern Chinese poetry, including calligrams and other literary forms. CCF students’ impressive work, along with their reflections and perspectives on learning Chinese as a foreign language, was showcased during the session, demonstrating how poetry can serve as a powerful tool for cultural exploration and self-expression.
The impact of this project extends beyond the classroom. Ms Woo is the lead author of a forthcoming book chapter, Intercultural Sensitivity in Young People: Perspectives from Diverse Chinese as a Foreign Language (CFL) Learners in an English Secondary School Classroom, which will be published soon by Routledge in Diversity and Inclusiveness in Chinese as a Second Language Education.
We are proud to see Christ’s College Finchley students’ work recognised at a prestigious institution and contributing to wider conversations about innovative language teaching. Below, we showcase some of CCF students’ work to celebrate their creativity and achievements.
The Chinese character “water” (水 shuǐ), written in the shape of a water drop, inspired by the poetry lesson “Calligram: Let the picture speak”
A poem entitled “Chicken”, written in the shape of a little chick, inspired by the poetry lessons “Calligram” (as above) and “Learning poetry through animals and metaphor”
A student’s poem about their favourite food, utilising the opening phrases from the poem “Nostalgia” by Yu GuangZhong
We would like to congratulate the following pupils on receiving excellent results on the Intermediate Maths Challenge:
Gold Certificate:
Nella Macejka (Best in the school) - Y9
Jacob Spalter - Y9
Silver Certificate:
Maximilian Barker - Y9
Kritika Bashyal - Y9
Anil Das - Y9
Stylianos Kafas - Y9
Benjamin Leigh - Y9
Avina Roumina - Y9
Alexander Rubenstein - Y9
Ola Sorinmade - Y9
Yip Ka Lau - Y10
Suraya Frost - Y11
Hannah Leigh - Y11
Gilad Okrent - Y11
Bronze Certificate:
Adelio Cika - Y9
Lucas Chu - Y10
Ruben Leibowitz - Y10
Shayan Nikbakht - Y10
Haran Pillai - Y10
Dino Saric - Y10
Chun Hei Wong - Y10
Congratulations!
Mr. Hussain.
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