SJWMS Newsletter
July 2023
Year 7 Prize Giving
Congratulations to the following students
The following students have been awarded Subject Awards
Subject Achievement Name Form Endeavour Name Form
Art Jiayi Huang 7 Th Samuel Bliss 7 Br
Computing Reece McAvoy 7 Pi Lewis Sutton 7 Pi
Drama Hayden Nehra 7 Br Jordan Acquah 7 Ca
DT Max Swaisland 7 Br Eddie Stelmokas 7 Ri
English Dylan Brooks 7 Pi Abdullah Savul 7 Th
French Soham Deb 7 Ca Callum Reilly 7 Ca
Geography Hamem Sikder 7 Go Henry Gardiner 7 Ca
History Adam Kirrabira 7 Br Emmanuel Ashade 7 Ri
Latin Rayan Manzoor 7 To Xavier Jones 7 Pi
Life Skills Arthur Drumm 7 Th Harry Onwuka 7 Br
Maths Othniel Apanisile 7 Ca Ethan Cairns 7 Th
Music Rory Atkinson 7 Th Harry Foster 7 Go
PE Patrick Moriarty 7 Ri Jordan Hutchins 7 Th
Science Sreecharan Thirugnana Sambandam Quinn Brooks 7 Ri
Spanish Malachi Doyle 7 Pitt Harrison Chapman 7 Ri
Attendance Awards
The following students have 100% attendance from 1st September 2022 until 25th April, congratulations to them:
Daniel Akinlaja 7 Ri
Othniel Apanisile 7 Ca
Rory Atkinson 7 Th
Ireoluwa Babalola 7 Th
Ethan Cairns 7 Th
Harrison Cook 7 Pi
Luke Davidson 7 Ri
Arthur Drumm 7 Th
Charlie Dunn 7 Pi
David Ekundayo 7 Th
Harry Foster Go
Samuel Gold 7 Ca
Erik Hertogs-Vilalta 7 Br
Jordan Hutchins 7 Th
Kobimtouchukwu Iloh 7 Br
Conway Jones 7 Ri
Adam Kirabira 7 Br
Damian Magege 7 To
Nes-Junior Magoua Siewe 7 Ca
Patrick Moriarty 7 Ri
Sean Nibo 7 Go
Harry Onwuka 7 Br
Swithun Owusu-Mensah 7 Go
Luke Phillips 7 Go
Logan Smith 7 Ri
Zhenlok Song 7 Ca
Eddie Stelmokas 7 Ri
Yashvin Thamilchelvan 7 Th
Sreecharaan Thirugnana Sambandam 7 Go
Luca Todoran 7 Pi
Shawn Uwaomah 7 Ri
Lachezar Varbanov 7 Go
Achievement Awards
The Following students are the top performers overall in the Year Group by Average Point Score:
Samuel Bliss 7 Br
Dylan Brooks 7 Pi
Ethan Dudu 7 Ca
Khush Gopal 7 Pi
Alfie Howard 7 Br
Jiayi Huang 7 Th
Adam Kirabira 7 Br
Rayan Manzoor 7 To
Kavidu Rammandala 7 Th
Sreecharan Thirugnana Sambandam 7 Go
Ching Yin Lo 7 Pi
Character Awards
The majority of merits are issued for academic prowess, but we also value pupils' character enormously. Our aim is to equip pupils with first-class skills fit for the ever-evolving world of work whilst training them to contribute positively to society and lead a healthy and happy life when they leave us. Merits are also issued for, Acceptance, Cooperation, Courtesy, Creativity, Determination, Empathy, Leadership, Politeness, Resilience, Respect, Self-discipline, Teamwork.
And the pupils who stand out for the number of merits they have gained in recognition of their attitude are:
Harry Bonnar 7 Ri
Jesiah Ghartey-Reindorf 7 Pi
Kody Ghinn 7 Ri
Ayann Girach 7 Ca
Damain Magege 7 To
Patrick Moriarty 7 Ri
Shecaniah Oyawoye 7 Ca
Kavidu Rammandala 7 Th
Eddie Stelmokas 7 Ri
Konrad Zolnowski-Bull 7 Ri
Form Tutor Awards
Adam Kirabira 7Br
Nes-Junior Magoua Siewe 7 Ca
Sean Nibo 7 Go
Jesiah Ghartey-Reindorf 7 Pi
Daniel Akinlaja 7 Ri
Arthur Drumm 7Th
Damian Magege 7 To
Head of Year Awards
Harry Horn-Gates 7 To
Sreecharan Thirugnana 7 Go
Malachi Doyle 7 Pi
Head of Lower School Award
Henry Gardiner 7 Ca
Headteacher Award
Patrick Moriarty 7 Ri
Junior Prize Giving July 2023
Congratulations to all students who were awarded at Prize Giving.
Subject Award Winners
English: Year 8 Will Maher
Year 9 Jamie Asiedu-Ansah
Mathematics: Year 8 Folu Oguntola
Year 9 Arishan Narenthirathev
Science: Year 8 Daniel El Eid
Year 9 Chukwudi Nwoha
Computing: Year 8 Teo Rashkov
Year 9 Tymoteusz Paulinski
French: Year 8 Reid Hughes
Year 9 Harry Norris
Spanish: Year 8 Gianfranco Luciani
Year 9 Mack Milton
Latin: Year 8 Hassan Mirza
Year 9 Charlie Coaker
History: Year 8 Alex Daniels
Year 9 Winston Simpeh
Geography: Year 8 Teo Rashkov
Year 9 Daniel Gubala & Alex Douroumis
Art: Year 8 William Wu
Year 9 Zishan Karim
Music: Year 8 Frank Smith
Year 9 Newton Kayode
Drama: Year 8 Louis Hobson
Year 9 Will Jarvis
Design & Technology:
Year 8 Samuel Candy
Year 9 Alfie Parker
Physical Education:
Year 8 Akshay Mohandas
Year 9 Tom Foster
Life Skills: Year 8 Jamie Syder
Year 9 Olatoye Lawal
Attainment Awards Effort Awards
8 Bridge Daniel El Eid 8 Bridge Tristian Rickett
8 Castle Teo Rashkov 8 Castle Daryan Moshtael
8 Gordon Nasif Uddin 8 Gordon Sanuell Hallatt
8 Pitt Samuel Candy 8 Pitt Tyler Chen Ricardo
8 River Hassan Mirza 8 River Harry Hearn
8 Thetford Bukunmi Edun 8 Thetford Audri Rukun
8 Tower Anthony Biyi 8 Tower Joshau Peake
Overall Year 8 Attainment Award Teo Rashkov
Overall Year 8 Effort Award Tyler Chen Ricardo & Samuel Hallatt
9 Bridge Protyoy Chanda 9 Bridge Oliver Sartain
9 Castle Hemanta Rai 9 Castle Charlie Coaker
9 Gordon Alex Wood 9 Gordon Sam Crosby
9 Pitt Winston Simpeh 9 Pitt Thomas Edwards
9 River Arishan Narenthirathev
9 River James Bennet
9 Thetford Daniel Gubala 9 Thetford Jason Kadungure
9 Tower Cristian Bereczki 9 Tower Alex Douroumis
Overall Year 9 Attainment Award
Arishan Narenthirathev
Overall Year 9 Efford Award
Thomas Edwards
Character Awards
8 Bridge Chikwesirito Ezeugwu
9 Bridge Harrison Andrews
8 Castle Zachary De Oliveira
9 Castle Socrates Tsatsaklas
8 Gordon Jake Mitchell
9 Gordon Seth Shaw
8 Pitt Adam Killick
9 Pitt Jack Corper
8 River Nathan Azike Musa
9 River Alfie Cameron
8 Thetford Alex Guerin Hassett
9 Thetford T J Penfield
8 Tower Joshua Peake
9 Tower Archie Blundell
Individual Awards
Year 8 Service Prize: Bukunmi Edun
Year 9 Service Prize: Sri Thirungnana Sanbandam
Recognition for Junior Prefect Role: Michael Cooper
Year 8 Sportman of the year: Luca Basso
Year 9 Sportsman of the year: Eli Lloyd
Year 8 Progress award: Alex Daniels
Year 9 Progress award: Kai Kloppers
Form Tutor Awards
8 Bridge Luca Basso
9 Bridge Stanley Bucknall
8 Castle Jacob Terrell
9 Castle Louis Godden
8 Gordon Brandon Herrero Llinas
9 Gordon Sam Crosby
8 Pitt Oscar Crump
9 Pitt Thomas Edwards
8 River Nathan Emrit
9 River Alfie Cameron
8 Thetford Cass Doyle Farrell
9 Thetford Daniel Gubala
8 Tower Ronnie Roberts
9 Tower Archie Blundell
Year 8 Head of Year award; Shivashan Bains
Year 9 Head of Year award: Winston Simpeh
Senior Prize Giving July 2023
Congratulations to all students who were awarded at Prize Giving.
Senior Prize Giving award winners:
Year 10 Br Academic Ability Prize Kanz Shibu 10BR
Year 10 Br Effort Prize Sobikan Sivavarathan 10BR
Year 10 Br Character Prize James Topping 10Br
Year 10 Ca Academic Ability Prize Sonny Richards 10Ca
Year 10 Ca Effort Prize Erik Thaci 10 Ca
Year 10 Ca Character Prize Joshua Harrison 10Ca
Year 10 Go Academic Ability Prize Honore Nubi 10GO
Year 10 Go Effort Prize Joel Chacko 10GO
Year 10 Go Character Prize Diego Naclerio-Pantoja 10GO
Year 10 Pi Academic Ability Prize Nikola Yordanov 10PI
Year 10 Pi Effort Prize Dylan Dimelow 10PI
Year 10 Pi Character Prize Daniel James 10PI
Year 10 Ri Academic Ability Prize Alexander Rising 10RI
Year 10 Ri Effort Prize Abeiku Yamoah 10RI
Year 10 Ri Character Prize Peter O'Connell 10RI
Year 10 Th Academic Ability Prize Laurence Donkor10TH
Year 10 Th Effort Prize Toby Bonner 10TH
Year 10 Th Character Prize Bailey Rowson 10TH
Year 10 To Academic Ability Prize Henry Williams 10TO
Year 10 To Effort Prize Ben Cahill 10TO
Year 10 To Character Prize Melvin Erifevieme 10TO
Year 10 Student of the Year Benedict Hope 10TH
Year 10 Service Prize Eddie Scudder 10PI
Year 10 Progress Tawhid Mumin 10PI
Year 10 Sportsman of the Year Ben Bucknall 10RI
Year 12 Student of the Year Neah Haque 12TH
Year 12 Service Prize Marvellous Akintola 12 Ri
Trustees Prize for Biology Neah Haque 12Th
Trustees Prize for Classics Amoreena Wells 12TH
Trustees Prize for Drama Lucas Carylon 12BR
Trustees Prize for English Lauren Ellis 12RI
Trustees Prize for Geography Isabel Parker 12Br
Trustees Prize for Government & Politics George Snedden 12Pi
Trustees Prize for History Joseph Cornelius 12Th
Trustees Prize for Mathematics Kenneth Oni-Edigin 12Th
Trustees Prize for Further Mathematics George Newton 12Th
Trustees Prize for Physical Education Tim Viding12GO
Trustees Prize for Psychology Ella Willis 12Th
Trustees Prize for Spanish Inigo Beltran
Trustees Prize for Statistics Chun Lo 12Th
Bow Prize for Music Frankie Finch 12Ca
The Bayliss Prize for Economics Jasper Greening 12Pi
Cheeseman Exhibition for Pure Mathematics Snehaa Banerjee 12TH
Christopher Meade Prize for Applied Mathematics Jonathan Niranjan 12CA
Bessent Prize for Physics Oliver Bennett 12Th
Taylor Prize for French Earl Asare 12 Ca
Jenkinson Prize for Chemistry Toby Lewis 12TO
Music Prize Alan Williams 10TH
Music Prize Tawhid Mumin 10PI
Computer Science Prize Irfan Wasway 12CA
Art Prize Daniel James 10PI
Graham Bequest Prize for RE Maksymilian Krzyzanowski 10TO
The Ted Baker Prize (for public speaking) Rajan Sandhu 12BR
Library Prize Ryan Hymas 12TH
The Matthews Prize Amendaniel Ayodeji-Ogunsanya 12PI
The Key Stage 4 Progress Award Devan Virdi 11CA
The John Nixon Award Alexandra Ellis 12PI
The Harry Thomas Knowles Prize Darragh Skerritt 12 Ca
The Alan Skinner Shield (for Hockey) Sam Wardle-Young 12PI
The George Fenton Medal (for Cricket) Lewis Allan 12TH
The Christopher Joyce Memorial Prize Marvellous Akintola 12RI
The Davis Prize for Musical Performance Charlotte Watson 12TO
The Jack Maddams Award for Sporting Excellence Amendaniel Ayodeji-Ogunsanya 12PI
The Jack Maddams Award for Art Daniel Burge 12RI
The Bernard Argent Art Award Hikmah Okeowo 12TO
The Ronald Martin Prize for Technology Henry Williams 10TO
The Old Williamsonian Citizenship Prize Dajaun Magege 12TO
The Old Williamsonian Citizenship Prize Ritchie Ajuzie 12CA
The Chamberlain Prize for Science Michelle Okeke 12PI
The Sharad Gandhi Prize Daniel Sanmuganathan
The Richard Watts Charities Award (for a Community spirited student) Alexandra Ellis 12PI
The Watts Exhibition (Oxford) Jai Aggarwal
The Watts Exhibition (Oxford) Jack Howden
The Watts Exhibition (Oxford) Janae Hoyte
The Watts Exhibition (Oxford) Chloe Fisher
The Watts Exhibition (Oxford) Isaac Melamud
The Watts Exhibition (Oxford) Leah Mount
The Watts Exhibition (Oxford) Noah Saunders
The Watts Exhibition (Cambridge) Annabel Beniston
The Watts Exhibition (Cambridge) Max Pullinger
Old Williamsonian Cricketer of the Year Matthew Angel 10TO
The Leonard England Oakeshott Prize Benjamin Hayes 12PI
The Leonard England Oakeshott Prize Rafiah Kounougous-Siewe 12TO
The Leonard England Oakeshott Prize Matthew Morah 12CA
The Leonard England Oakeshott Prize Ayomide Onamade 12GO
The Leonard England Oakeshott Prize Kamdi Spiropoulos 12CA
The Gordon Prize Tomiwa Adesuyi 12BR
The Gordon Prize Bailey Bunker 12BR
The Gordon Prize Kofi Hayford 12BR
Old Williamsonian Memorial Exhibition Darragh Skerritt 12CA
Governors Staff Prize Miss S Halls
Page 2.pdfpage 3.pdfpage 4.pdfSJWMS Sport's News
The main sport in the summer term is Cricket and the U12’s have made considerable strides this year with over 50 boys representing the school in a competitive fixture in either the A,B,C and D teams. The numbers of boys at training has been excellent to see and the attitude has been exemplary. Whilst results may not have always gone the way the side would have hoped for, the boys can be incredibly proud of the way they have conducted themselves.
The U13's have had an excellent season this year. Both A and B teams have had successful cup runs. The U13B team went well in the cup where they played against strong A teams from other schools and were never out of their depth. Their appetite for hard work is encouraging and very pleasing.
The U14A Cricket team had an encouraging year, their development over the last couple of years has been excellent.
The U15’s have had a solid year, the boys have been a good side to work with, the camaraderie and commitment to Cricket has been superb. After 4 years of age group Cricket the boys will now leave junior Cricket and we look forward to seeing how they settle into senior Cricket.
The 1st XI competed well in their fixtures prior to the summer exams. A number of boys from years 9 & 10 made their 1st XI debuts this season and looked at home in senior Cricket. We look forward to watching their careers progress over the next couple of years.
Following the success of the girl’s Rugby team this year. We fielded our 1st ever Girl’s Cricket side and I pass on my thanks to Mr Pepper for making this possible, we look forward to seeing how they develop in the coming years.
The District Athletics was for the 10th consecutive year won by our boys in comprehensive style, with all the Year groups winning their individual competitions. There are too many individuals to name but overall the standard was superb 2 district records were broken by 2, Yr 7 students - Chukwunomunso Okocha-Eseka in the 100m and Touchi Oneyauna in the Discuss.
All 4 of the age group teams won their individual competitions and the result was a comprehensive win in the overall competition.
The Athletic team also produced a dominant display at the Leigh Academy Sports Day, with the team winning another trophy.
At Easter the school took its prestigious Cricket tour to Dubai this year and it certainly did not disappoint. With 45 students on the tour and 9 Cricket games being played, the experience of all students was one to remember. The facilities that students got to play Cricket in were exceptional as was the hospitality at each game.
The school won 4 out of the 9 games with a highlight being a 8 wicket win vs a Dubai district side for the U18's squad. The standard of cricket in the UAE was excellent with outstanding Cricket played in all 9 games. The students got to play Cricket across 3 different regions of the UAE, Dubai, Al-Ain and Sharjah.
The non-Cricketing highlight of the tour was a day trip to Atlantis Waterpark which is located at the 5 Star Atlantis hotel. Students had access to the waterpark all day which hosts some of the world's biggest and longest water slides, including a fume that goes through a shark lagoon tank.
Staff and students got to experience the famous Dubai Mall, the largest shopping centre in the world. One that has an aquarium and ski slope inside. This was located next to the world's tallest building, The Burj Khalifa which students got to experience as well.
The trip was topped off with an end of tour dinner down at the sights of the Dubai marina.
Overall the trip was a huge success, one that will remain in the memories of staff and students for a long period of time.
Mr S N Downes.
Sport's News
The PE department set up the first Senior Girls cricket team this year. Training started in Term 6 with approximately 16 girls trying the sport for the first time. We hosted a Girls softball pairs game on Wednesday 28th June during the school's cricket week. The fixture was a huge success, with girls experiencing a cricket game for the first time. Everybody contributed and played incredibly well, with some excellent bowling, batting and fielding.
Mr S Pepper
British Film Institute
On 24th April KS4 pupils visited the British Film Institute in London. They took part in an educational workshop, exploring Francophone identity and culture through short film, which was delivered almost entirely in French. Although this was a little daunting at first, pupils were delighted with how much French they understood - several pupils even plucked up the courage to volunteer answers in French in front of a big auditorium of pupils from many different schools!
Pupils watched and analysed short films from various Francophone countries (Dubois' Madagascar: Carnet de Voyage, Chadha's Quais de Seine and Corre & Phung's Les lèvres gercées) and watched the feature length film Les intouchables by Nakache & Toledano. The pupils loved the comedy-drama Les intouchables in particular thanks to its humor, excellent writing and fantastic acting. Their listening, speaking and analytical skills were truly put to the test, the pupils certainly rose to the challenge and did themselves proud.
Miss K Cook
Sir Keir Starmer
After we exited the taxi's we witnessed the vast number of journalists from all news broadcasting platforms, BBC, Sky news, The independent, Channel 4, ITV, etc.
We all stood outside the college in the queue, peering through the doors to see what awaited. Then, after the security let us through we followed Dr Bidmead to collect our visitor passes which enabled us to gain entry to the speech. We all sat down and watched all the journalists and photographers setting up their equipment, we started guessing where Keir would appear from, sliding down the spiral staircase, or ordinarily through the double doors. Forty minutes passed, until he emerged through the doors, the crowd got out their phones to record, stood up and clapped their hands for Keir Starmer's entrance. After his assistant took the podium, she briefly spoke about Labour's 5 new missions for a better Britain for the education of children in schools, until she introduced Sir Keir Starmer to the podium. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer pledged to improve children's speaking skills, as part of a drive to break down class barriers to opportunity. He also promised to give vocational and academic learning equal status, in a speech on education policy. Touching on his own background, he said people from working class backgrounds were now less able to advance in life.
But his speech was interrupted by protesters, unveiling a banner saying: "No more u-turns, Green new deal." The two young people who were protesting were standing right behind Sir Keir on the podium. Later, climate group Green New Deal Rising claimed responsibility for the disruption. The Labour leader's speech unveiled details of the fifth and final "mission" the party is focused on ahead of the general election, expected next year. The missions are expected to form the backbone of the party's election offer to voters, and shape its priorities in government if it wins power. In his speech, Sir Keir promised a goal of half a million more children reaching early learning targets by 2030, as well as a review of the curriculum from the beginning of primary school through to the end of compulsory education.
After the speech ended, a sea of journalists and partners surrounded him, asking questions and taking pictures. After asking Dr Bidmead, me and one other pupil ran to attempt to try and get a picture and meet him. We tried our best and luckily funneled through the journalists to both get our picture with the labour leader Sir Keir Starmer. I shook his hand and returned to Dr Bidmead to show him the pictures. Our school regrouped and we all left to go to the taxi's.
Many thanks,
Nathan Corthorn (10 pitt)
Keir Starmer Addresses Education at Mid Kent College
On Thursday 6th July a group of GCSE citizenship students visited Mid Kent College to watch Keir Starmer deliver a speech focusing on the topic of education. During his speech, Starmer emphasised the importance of creating equal opportunities for students from all social backgrounds and dismantling barriers to upward mobility.
The speech highlighted Starmer's vision for an inclusive education system that ensures every young person has access to high-quality education, regardless of their economic or social background. He expressed his commitment to bridging the gap between different social classes and ensuring that no student is held back due to their circumstances.
Starmer discussed the need for comprehensive reforms to address educational inequalities, including improving access to resources, providing targeted support for disadvantaged students, and fostering a supportive learning environment. He underscored the role of educators, policymakers, and communities in working together to create a fairer and more equitable education system.
It would also be important to mention the significant interruption from young climate protesters who interrupted his speech, asking Kier to “Stop making U-turns”. An irritated Keir, who was speaking about education reforms, told the protesters: "Will you just let me please get on with this”, adding: "There's lots of people who want to hear this, please don't drown them out”. When one of the protesters asked "Which side are the Labour Party on?" Sir Keir replied: "We're on the side of economic growth".
The trip was informative and educational for all students who attended regardless of their political views. The event informed me of not just the Labour party’s educational reforms we could expect to see, but what some young people are passionate about and the climate issues that Labour are potentially not dealing with.
Many thanks to Dr Bidmead for the opportunity and organisation of the trip.
Written by Archie Rouse - 10GO - GCSE Citizenship student
Downing Street Visit
On Friday 14th July, myself and a number of the Maths best, were fortunate enough to be graced with the opportunity of a lifetime; visiting 10 Downing Street. The day started off early with a 7:32 train to London Victoria, aiming for an early arrival in case of train delays. Despite the clear lack of sleep and breakfast, morale was exceedingly high as we set off from Rochester station. After a leisurely stroll through Westminster, we arrived at our destination. As we stood at the mighty iron gates, anticipation among us heightened. After a short wait and security check, we were finally granted access to this treasure trove of democracy.
Upon entrance, we were first directed through a side entrance and up to the official 10 Downing Street press room. The room was set out with an audience, where we were sat, and a stage, where the esteemed guests were to be seated. Immediately we were met with large British and USA flags on stage and among the audience; the topic of discussion of the event became abundantly clear. Following a wait that seemed like an eternity, the guests finally appeared and took their seats on stage. What occurred next could only be described as an eruption of knowledge and experience being poured onto the audience. Mrs. Akshata Murty Sunak, he highly accomplished businesswoman and spouse of the eminent Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, as well as Mr. Ralph Schlosstein, the distinguished proprietor of BlackRock and spouse of current US ambassador to the UK Mrs. Jane Hartley, kindly spoke to us on a number of topics. Ranging from the importance of the UK-USA ‘special relationship’ through shared values, to the ambition and hard-work that drove them both from humble beginnings to the pinnacle of success in their respective careers, this initial talk was insightful and engaging, with a short period for Q&A following. This first section alone would have been sufficient for a grand experience, little did I know what was to come.
Following on from this initial event, we were swiftly led out the same way we entered and toward the highly regarded Number 10. After a quick photo with the door and the guests, the interior was revealed and we were directed through the grand entrance. We were guided through the corridors of history, waltzing past cabinet offices and rooms where historic deals have been orchestrated. Eventually we reached the foot of the esteemed staircase containing the portraits of close to all British prime ministers in history, and climbed the feet; awestruck by the luxurious architecture and historic artefacts surrounding us. Upon reaching Theresa May, the latest portrait (portraits are positioned in ascending order as you go up the stairs), we were led into a grand dining hall where a tasteful breakfast buffet was presented to us. Those of us who had gone without breakfast due to the early nature of the event, were especially elated at this kind gesture. Subsequently, we were directed through to a connected drawing room where enthusiastic civil servants greeted us and engaged in avid conversation with us. This allowed many of us to explore the possibilities of a job in the civil service, and perhaps more importantly find out who their favourite prime minister to work under had been.
Suddenly there was a commotion in the room, and I quickly looked up from across the room to see what it was about. Both Mrs. Murty and Mr. Schlosstein had entered the room and had begun engaging in conversation with peers and teachers. This was an immense opportunity and my peers and I knew we had to capitalise on it. Firstly I spoke to Mr. Schlosstein, co-founder and 20-year CEO of the largest asset management firm in the world. Inevitably, my exchange with Mr. Schlosstein revolved around matters pertaining to the realm of finance, a domain in which his expertise shines remarkably bright. I had the unique opportunity to pose pertinent inquiries, tapping into his profound understanding of the intricate nuances of the global financial field. These discussions were enlightening, allowing for a deeper comprehension of the strategic decision-making processes and risk management methodologies that underpin BlackRock's unrivalled success. Additionally, we spoke on the state of US politics and his opinions on the divisiveness and polarisation, in which his answers brought hope but also reality and the necessity for change. This is a subject he is well-versed in, having served in Carter’s government in ‘77. Secondly, I conversated with Mrs. Murty, who was noticeably personable and charismatic. In contrast to my discussions with Mr. Schlosstein, I questioned Mrs. Murty on her journey through life more generally, specifically on her path to discovering her passion. This was met with an array of expertise and stories, elaborating on a number of careers and interests she pursued before attaining success and getting to where she is today. Furthermore, I inquired about the innovative policies her husband aspires to enact, which hold the potential to shape the economic landscape of our nation. I sought to understand the strategic initiatives that Mr. Sunak envisions, discerning the pivotal role they may play in propelling our nation toward greater prosperity and stability. After consuming excesses of croissants, engaging in plentiful stimulating conversations and a side tour of Margaret Thatcher’s study; the event had sadly drawn to a close. Back through the grand entrance, and out onto Whitehall- the experience of a life-time was over.
Overall, the event was a profound experience that will likely never be replicated in its unique and informative nature. All civil servants were extremely welcoming and a special thank you must be given to the chefs. My peers and I are hugely grateful for the privilege of participating in such an occasion, which will undoubtedly serve as a beacon of inspiration and motivation in our further pursuits. All this wouldn’t have been possible without the noble persistence of Dr. Bidmead who consistently organises events and overall makes politics a more enjoyable subject.
-Jasper Greening 12Pi & Izzat Kourbeh 12Ca
UK Maths Challenge
It has been another year of success in the UKMT competition. In the individual challenges, 59 of our students achieved outstanding results which put them in the top 5000 nationally in each of their respective age groups. The best in each year group were Abayomi Amusa in Year 13, Toby Iloh in Year 12 and Elliott Wilson in Year 11. In Year 9, Arishan Narenthirathev achieved a Bronze medal in the Cayley Olympiad round which places him in the top 100 in the country in his age group. Over 400 students achieved certificates this year in our school including 72 gold certificates which are awarded to students in the top 10% nationally. Well done to all of our students for their hard work in Mathematics.
Mr Daniels
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SIR JOSEPH WILLIAMSON'S MATHEMATICAL SCHOOL.
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Attendance - Update
Dear Parent
As you will know, our current attendance policy requires you to provide a written explanation as to why your son/daughter was absent. This can either be completed via an email or a note the day of your son’s/daughter's return to school.
From the 5th January this process is changing, and to make things easier, we are going to be using a feature via the ‘My Child At School’ app which enables you to notify us of any absence by a form of text message. This means communications of any absences for your son/daughter will be easier for you and the school. The absence telephone number will no longer be in operation to report absences in January. Reporting absences can only be done by the My Child at School App or by emailing - absence@sjwms.org.uk.
In order for this system to operate efficiently can you please make sure that your MCAS app is working. If it is not please email MCAS@sjwms.org.uk for any administrative problems.
Below are instructions on how to report your son/daughter's absence via the MCAS app.
From your MCAS app go to:
Or to send a text via My Child At School:
Menu
Messages
‘+’ next to messages
Click School Name
Write a message as to why your son/daughter is absent.
When the school sends a text parents reply to the virtual number - 07860054468
Kind regards
The School Office
Term Dates 2023-24
Term 1
Start: Thursday 31st August 2023 - Only new Year 7 students to attend for Induction and Year 12 for registration (INSET DAY)
Friday 1st September 2023 - First day back for all students.
Finish: Friday 20th October 2023
Term 2
Start: Monday 6th November 2023
Finish: Friday 15th December 2023
Term 3
Start: Wednesday 3rd January 2024
Finish: 9th February 2024
Term 4
Start: Monday 19th February 2024
Finish: Friday 24th May 2024
Term 5
Start: Monday 15th April 2024
Finish: Friday 24th May 2024
Term 6
Start: Monday 3rd June 2024
Saturday 6th July 2024 (Foundation Day - compulsory day of attendance)
Monday 8th July 2024 (Occasional Day off in Lieu of Foundation Day)
Finish: Friday 19th July 2024
INSET DAYS AND BANK HOLIDAYS
Wednesday 30th August 2023 (INSET Day - staff attend)
Thursday 31st August 2023 (INSET Day - staff attend)
Monday 1st January 2024 (Bank Holiday)
Tuesday 2nd January 2024 (Inset Day - staff attend)
Friday 29th March 2024 (Bank Holiday)
Monday 1st April 2024 (Bank Holiday)
Monday 6th May 2024 (Bank Holiday)
Monday 27th May 2024 (Bank Holiday)
Monday 26th August 2024 (Bank Holiday)
Term Dates 2024 - 25
Term 1
Start: Friday 30th August 2024 - Only New Year 7 students to attend for Induction day and Year 12s for registration (INSET Day)
Monday 2nd September 2024 - First day back for all students
Finish: Thursday 17th October 2024
Term 2
Start: Monday 4th November 2024
Finish: Friday 20th December 2024
Term 3
Start: Tuesday 7th January 2025
Finish: Thursday 13th February 2023
Term 4
Start: Monday 24th February 2025
Finish: Friday 4th April 2025
Term 5
Start: Tuesday 22nd April 2025
Finish: Friday 23rd May 2025
Term 6
Start: Saturday 5th July 2025 (Foundation Day - compulsory day of attendance)
Monday 7th July 2025 (Occasional Day off in Lieu of Foundation Day)
Finish: 22nd July 2025
INSET DAYS AND BANK HOLIDAYS
Thursday 29th August 2024 (INSET Day - staff attend)
Friday 30th August 2024 (INSET Day - staff Attend)
Friday 18th October 2024 (INSET Day - staff attend)
Wednesday 1st January 2025 (Bank Holiday)
Monday 6th January 2025 (INSET Day - staff attend)
Friday 14th February 2025 (INSET Day - staff attend)
Friday 18th April 2025 (Bank Holiday)
Monday 21st April 2025 ( Bank Holiday)
Monday 5th May 2025 ( Bank Holiday)
Monday 26th May 2025 (Bank Holiday)
Monday 25th August 2025 (Bank Holiday)
Dates for your Diary
21st September 2023
Year 13 Parents' Evening - 4.00pm - 8.00pm (School Cloud)
5th & 6th October 2023
Flu Vaccinations - (Year Groups to be confirmed)
5th October 2023
Year 11 Parents' Evening - 4.00pm - 8.00pm (School Cloud)
9th October 2023
Music A-Level & GCSE performance - 7.00pm - 9.00pm
10th October 2023
Year 11 Next Steps - 7.00pm - 8.00pm
6th - 10th November 2023
Year 12 Exams (In class)
7th November 2023
Year 7 Parents' Evening - 4.00pm - 8.00pm (School Cloud)
13th - 17th November 2023
Year 11 GCSE Mocks
16th November 2023
Year 7 Music and Drama Celebration - 7.00pm - 8.30pm
5th December 2023
Year 12 Parents' Evening - 4.00pm - 8.00pm - (School Cloud)
11th December 2023
Carol Service (Doors Open at 6.45pm) Rochester Cathedral
15th December 2023
Term Ends