English

Year 9 and 10 have been taking part in the Spoken Word Power Project. Through a series a of workshops run by a visiting poet Des'ree, Students have been using their creative thinking and oracy skills to explore ideas and feelings they can express in their own poetry. The project is building to an in-school Poetry Slam next term and finally a poetry sharing event with other schools in a theatre in the West End at the end of March.

Spanish

Year 8 pupils have been learning how to explain illness and injury in Spanish this term. They have mastered Spanish phrases to explain what hurts with different parts of the body and have demonstrated some excellent skilled speaking and done some highly convincing role play. They have also learnt about the running of the bulls in San Fermin in Spain and how this Finally, they have been creating storyboards of a visit to the doctor in Spanish.

Below are Chriselle and Laura's storyboards.

Year 11 Podcast

Following the launch of the very first SMBS podcast last term, our Year 11 students have continued to build on their success during options lessons by producing Episode 2.

Students worked collaboratively to plan and create the new episode, taking on different roles and developing their teamwork and communication skills. This episode features an interview with the Head of School, a film review, a sports report on the F1 season, a look back at Enterprise Week, a recipe segment, and the return of Wellbeing Corner, which focuses on sleep hygiene.

A particular focus this term has been on improving vocal delivery and presentation skills, and the progress is clear to hear throughout the episode.

Episode 2 was released this week for form groups to enjoy. The podcast has been shared by email with the pupils involved so they can listen again and share it with their families.

We kindly ask that the podcast is not shared beyond pupils’ families and is not posted on any social media.

Stitching and Sewing Club

Year 11 pupil, Aishah has been working hard on making her own tote bag in Stitching and Sewing Club on Monday lunchtimes. She chose the design and has used the sewing machine to sew together the patchwork squares and attach the handles.

Year 11 Food Tech

The Year 11s have been working on practising their assessment recipes. Tom has made fish and chips and has presented it beautifully and professionally.

Y7/8 English

In English Year 7 and 8 have been learning about refugees in their unit Refugee Voices this term. Here is a poem by Kymani (7 Albert) where he imagines what it might feel like to have to leave your home behind. 

I'm in a war and it will never end

I feel unsafe and I have to flee the country

I am walking on a journey out of the country, and I feel tired

  I am scared because I don't have my mother with me on the crowded boat

I am hungry and thirsty, but I have to wait in line

I am upset because I’m missing home

I am living in a camp, and I’m waiting to be resettled

I am happy because I have my friends and my home. I’m feeling hopeful.

Year 11 English

Creative Writing by Elijah

In the grey sky with no stars above, there were the woods. The woods’ trees were completely bare with not a single trace of leaf. No animals bleated, roared or sung. It was utterly, deadly silent. The ground was full of bleached white bones, dead branches and also full of rocks. The only plants in the woods were the spiky ones. They had sharp needles that can slice through an animal’s hide painfully. The woods were full of nothing.

Near a great oak tree that would’ve looked magnificent if it wasn’t dead, footstep tracks showed up. They looked like small feet in shoes like they were scurrying away quickly in a hurry. More footsteps showed up as it delved deeper into the silent woods and it stopped near a great jagged rock that reached up to the heavens. 

There was a crumble of rocks that dropped and broke on the ground. The small sound sounded infinitely loud in the cold air around the woods. A teenager appeared. His eyes were wide with fear and determination. He was wearing a torn shirt and torn jeans. His shoes were filthy, smeared with mud and who knows what else. He climbed down the rock, his movements fluid and quick like a spider monkey, jumped and landed on the hard earth floor. He took a look around his surroundings and he gave a grunt of satisfaction.

He whistled. A signal. At first, there was nothing. Then another teenager showed up, another boy. The next two were another boy and this time a girl. They all looked like they had been in the wild for years since they were born. The leader took a step towards the second boy and put a reassuring hand on his shoulder. 

"I think we can try and hunt for food now,” whispered the leader, narrowing his eyes at the woods. 

The second boy gave a whimper and shook his head. The leader knew why. Because there was a reason why the woods were silent. Deeper and deeper into the woods and into a dark large cave, something stirred. It opened its eyes. Its eyes were red and cruel. Something had been awakened and things were about to get worse.

Taster day at Westminster Kingsway College

Year 10 students had the opportunity to visit Westminster Kingsway College this term and get some hands-on experience of what is on offer at the college and find out more about the courses available.

Westminster Archives sewing projects

This term, Westminster Archives have been working in partnership with our students on an exciting and creative project. Throughout the programme, students have been developing their fashion and textile skills while exploring a range of different fabrics and materials. They have had the opportunity to learn and practise key techniques including weaving, sewing and printing, gaining hands-on experience in traditional craft methods.

Our Year 10 boys, along with a dedicated enrichment group, have taken part in this project with enthusiasm and commitment. The sessions have supported students in building their creativity, fine motor skills and confidence, while also encouraging teamwork and independent learning. It has been a fantastic opportunity for students to engage with practical skills and express their ideas through textile design.

V&A Fashion Project Update

Our students have been taking part in an exciting fashion project with the V&A this year. They have been learning how to use different fabrics. They have practised weaving, printing and sewing.

Students went on a trip to the Westminster Archives. They looked at historical materials to help inspire their designs. The visit helped them understand where ideas can come from.

They have also worked with students from the London College of Fashion. They talked about their designs and shared their ideas. They are learning how to organise and present their work clearly.

In May, the students will take part in an exhibition. They will showcase all the hard work they have done this academic year. We are very proud of their effort and creativity.

For International Lego Day, SMBS did a range of fun and interactive activities. At lunch, we had Lego themed activities including; Lego colouring sheets and mindful colouring, design your own mini figures and Lego bricks, a 20 brick challenge and a freestyle Lego station where students could build whatever they could imagine!

During Form time, each form group was given the challenge of building the tallest tower, with a prize of Dojos for the whole form. Year 9 Chelsea took the win!

National Lego day was enjoyed by all years here at SMBS, and seeing our students' creativity flow was a joy to see!

Cooking Club

Pupils across the year groups have been cooking up a storm at cooking club this term. They have had the opportunity to prepare and cook a variety of healthy recipes and practise their skills in the kitchen with a variety of different equipment.

Mental Health and Wellbeing

Please take a look at the School's Mental Health Bulletin here to find out more about how pupils' mental health and wellbeing are being supported.

Free access to audio books

We would like to highlight to families these sites where children and young people can access audio books free of charge:

https://www.calibreaudio.org.uk/

https://help.libbyapp.com/en-us/6103.htm
Audio books are available for free but membership of a local library is required.