This September has been an incredibly busy and positive month at The Observatory School’s Vyner Campus. Pupils have settled back into school routines brilliantly, and it has been fantastic to see classrooms full of learning, creativity, practical activities and pupils taking pride in their achievements.

Across the curriculum, pupils have made a strong start. In English, classes have been developing reading and writing skills through a range of texts, including Pig Heart Boy, poetry and GCSE-style activities. Pupils have explored explicit and implicit information, developed exam-style paragraphs and even created and written about their own monsters. There has also been some excellent work around fiction, non-fiction and developing reading skills.

In Maths, pupils have been working hard on assessments and developing their confidence with topics including equations and brackets. Staff have been particularly impressed by pupils who have challenged themselves, completed additional work and shown a determined attitude towards improving their skills.

Our Science and STEM lessons have certainly been action-packed! Pupils have carried out practical experiments, including growing crystals and investigating combustion, as well as making slime. Our STEM pupils have also begun working with technology supplied by the James Dyson Foundation, exploring the future of farming and using science, design and 3D printing to support growing fruit.

Another exciting STEM project has been the development of our kit car. Pupils have started assembling the chassis and are looking forward to developing the vehicle further. Earlier in the month, Year 10 pupils visited Aintree Racecourse to watch the Greenpower competition, where Carter had the exciting opportunity to race and his team finished in first place. The visit provided plenty of inspiration for our own STEM team as they prepare for future challenges.

There has been lots happening in Computing too, with pupils creating impressive 3D animations using Blender and working towards qualifications including ICDL. It has been wonderful to see pupils developing their technical skills, creativity and confidence.

In Geography, pupils have explored coastlines, population growth, population density, overpopulation, population pyramids, earthquakes and the impact of ageing populations. GCSE pupils have also been developing their exam technique. Meanwhile, pupils studying History and The World Around Us have investigated topics including the role of women in the 1800s, the suffragette Emily Davison and reasons for crime within the local area.

Our PSHE and RSE curriculum has included important discussions around healthy relationships, friendships, equality, freedom, coercion and mutually respectful relationships. Pupils have contributed thoughtfully and maturely to these sessions and demonstrated some excellent discussion skills.

Creativity has also been on show in Art, with pupils producing detailed Zentangle work, while our Food Technology sessions have been equally successful – and delicious! Pupils have made chocolate cake with toffee sauce and cookie dough while developing valuable practical and independent living skills.

One of the highlights of September was undoubtedly our Duke of Edinburgh expedition in North Wales. Pupils spent two days hiking, navigating, camping, cooking and working together in the countryside. There may have been the occasional wrong turn along the way, but pupils demonstrated resilience, teamwork and independence throughout. Completing their Bronze expedition is a fantastic achievement and has created memories that will last for years.

Throughout the month, we have also celebrated individual success through our Athlete of the Week, Scientist of the Week and Geographer of the Week recognition, alongside the many everyday achievements shared by staff. Whether completing an assessment, contributing to a discussion, persevering with challenging work or supporting others, there has been so much to celebrate.

September has been a brilliant start to the new academic year at Vyner. We are extremely proud of the effort, resilience and enthusiasm shown by our pupils and are looking forward to seeing what they achieve as the term continues.

Well done, Vyner! 🌟