Celebrating Black History Month in the Science Department

As part of the school's Black History Month celebrations, the Science Department has been actively engaging students with a range of activities to honour the contributions of Black scientists and highlight their lasting impact on the world.

This year, we organised the Black History Month Science Trail, where Year 7 students took part in a school-wide competition. Using their research skills, they discovered the remarkable achievements of Black scientists. Huge congratulations to 7EAB, who won the competition with their outstanding participation!

Throughout the month, students from Years 7-10 were introduced to notable Black scientists through a series of lesson starters and activities. Some of the remarkable figures highlighted included:

  • Charles Henry Turner, a pioneering African American zoologist, best known for his studies on insect behaviour, particularly the ability of ants and bees to learn and solve problems.
  • Henrietta Lacks, whose cells, known as HeLa cells, have been used in countless medical breakthroughs, including the development of vaccines and cancer treatments.
  • Percy Lavon Julian, a trailblazing chemist who made groundbreaking advancements in synthesising medicinal drugs from plants, including the development of cortisone and synthetic hormones.
  • Katherine Johnson, a brilliant mathematician whose calculations were critical to the success of NASA's space missions, including the Apollo moon landings.

Additionally, we offered extended learning tasks focused on Henrietta Lacks, whose life and legacy have prompted deep conversations about ethics and recognition in science.

While Black History Month provides a special opportunity to celebrate these important figures, our commitment to decolonising the curriculum continues throughout the year. We are dedicated to ensuring that our science lessons reflect the diverse contributions that have shaped scientific discovery.

Thank you to all students and staff for their enthusiastic involvement in these events, and once again, congratulations to 7EAB for their fantastic performance in the BHM Science Trail!

Mrs Moore (Head of Science)

Charles Henry Turner

Henrietta Lacks

Katherine Johnson

 Percy Lavon Julian

23 Oct 2024
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Is this your run-of-the-mill pantomime? 'Oh no, it isn't!'

What if the kingdom was struggling with the cost of living crisis, and the King had to marry the Evil Queen to save it? 

What if Snow White was the hero who had to rescue him? 

And what if this hilarious twist to the classic tale took place in a secondary school, where instead of her usual seven companions, Snow White teams up with seven social outcasts?

Join us for this fun-filled, modern reimagining of a pantomime classic that’s full of surprises, laughter, and heart! With two casts and over 120 students bringing the story to life, it’s a must-see production for all ages.

All the lighting, sound, and projection design is done by our talented students, showcasing their creativity and hard work behind the scenes.

Don't miss the magic of Snow White and The Seven Dorks! Tickets will be on sale in the next newsletter!

Annual Tutor Photographs

Year 10 Students

It has been a busy first term and the year group have settled well into their new GCSE lessons and subjects. Earlier in the term, I took the annual tutor photograph. I love these photos and look forward to seeing these all together next year when we start putting the Year Book together. It will be a delight to see how much they have changed since Year 7 and starting at BGS.

Mrs Belton-Owen
Director of Studies, Year 10

10 JMP

I know myself and the year 10 tutor  team have also been impressed  with how well they have started their GCSE courses, driving their future success by challenging themselves to be the best they can be right from the start.

 10CED

So far this year we have also welcomed the German exchange students and enjoyed hosting our visitors here at school. I know the students that have taken part in this wider school opportunity have loved this.

10FTM

The whole school photo that was taken to celebrate the 70th Platinum anniversary of the school, is now available for purchase. Details have been shared with you.

10MPM

There are a wider range of opportunities this term for students to get involved in, including the Year 10 Student Council and a range of House activities, including House Music.  So I look forward to seeing many Year 10 students showcasing their talents, skills and ideas.

 10IAB

Finally, a quick reminder to ensure that names are in blazers, on PE kits and in winter coats. A large number of items are lost each term. While we work hard to get these back to students, it is, of course, easier when items are named.

10STA 

School Photographs

BEXLEY GRAMMAR SCHOOL
Upper & Lower School

Tempest Photography are pleased to report your whole school group photograph is available to view and order via the following weblink:

https://htmp.st/BE1021-59BEXLEYGRAMM

 Your order will be sent direct to an address of your choice.

 For assistance, please call 01736 752411
Option 3 - Place an order (P&P applies)
Option 5 - Customer Services

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Reminder ~ Years 7, 10 & 12 Photograph Pret-a-Portrait order(s)

If you haven't had an opportunity to order your child's photograph, please head to their website https://www.pret-a-portrait.net/ and enter your sitting ID.

If you have misplaced your sitting ID, Please contact Pret-a-Portrait directly on 0800 021 7626 or customerservices@pret-a-portrait.net.

Thank you 

Year 13 IB Mock Examination Time Update!

Please note the timetable below is an update and replaces the one previously published.

Mrs Bono, Examinations Officer

Year 11 Preparing for Revision

The Revision Booklet has recently been issued to Year 11 students. It can be viewed on the school website under the header Teaching and Learning/ KS4 or by clicking on the link here.

Thank you 

PA News 

16 Oct 2024
Discounted Nordmann Fir Trees
Read more
09 Oct 2024
BGS PA Christmas Shop Donations
Read more
02 Oct 2024
BGS PA ~ An Invitation to all Parents
Read more

PA Dates for your Diary

BGS PA Annual General Meeting ~ All Welcome!
7:00pm – 9:00pm
07
November
Nordmann Fir Tree ~ Order Deadline
All Day
17
November

Please click on the link here to access all our Safeguarding Updates

FREE SCHOOL MEALS

Greenwich

If your child attends a school in another borough, you will need to apply to the relevant council or school directly. APPLY TO BEXLEY.

Tower Hamlets 

Children whose parents live in the borough but who attend schools outside the borough. Parents should apply to the authority where the school is located. APPLY TO BEXLEY.

Medway

Does not specify the location of the school and just has a link to applications. 

https://www.medway.gov.uk/info/200164/school_information/354/free_school_meals.

You may need to go via Bexley after this process. 

Bromley 

If your child attends a non-Bromley school, you must apply to the local authority where the school is situated. APPLY TO BEXLEY.

Dartford 

If your child attends a non-Dartford school, you must apply to the local authority where the school is situated. APPLY TO BEXLEY.

When these applications are completed, a notification should be sent to the school for us to update records accordingly, but it may be worth the parents sending in the email confirmation to us too.

Bexley Application Link

https://www.bexley.gov.uk/services/schools-and-education/free-school-meals/how-apply-free-school-meals/free-school-meals-form

Don't delay, apply today!

News items you may have missed!

The Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal

We are selling paper poppies, metal pin poppy badges and various other items related to the appeal.

These items range in price from 50p to £2.00 an item (cash only please) and will all be available from Reception.

Reception Team

 

Lost Property

We kindly remind parents/carers to please write your child's name wherever possible on their items so that the Reception Team can return property to the correct student.

Please click on the link here to report lost property or email us directly via reception@bexleygs.co.uk.

Reception Team

Dates for your Diary

October

Last full day before half term
All Day
24
October

November

Half Term ~ School closed to students
All Day
From 25 Oct until 04 Nov
25
October
Year 13 IB Mock Examinations
8:30am – 3:15pm
From 05 Nov until 13 Nov
05
November
First school day following half term
8:30am – 3:10pm
05
November
Sixth Form Open Evening
All Day
12
November
Year 11 Progress Review Evening
4:00pm – 6:30pm
19
November

December

BGS Christmas Concert ~ Save the date (time TBC)
All Day
04
December
Save the date ~ Snow White & the 7 Dorks Pantomime (see notice)
All Day
From 10 Dec until 13 Dec
10
December