As the school year draws to a close, we find ourselves reflecting on the incredible journey we've all been on. This end-of-year blog is a celebration of our achievements, the challenges we've overcome, and the unforgettable moments we've shared. From the highs of our successes to the lessons learnt from our setbacks. So, get comfy grab some snacks as we recap this incredible year!

 

This year we have been so lucky to have welcomed a some of new teachers, which have been nothing but brilliant for the past 11 months. It has been an honour to welcome these new staff and they have been nothing but spectacular! 

 

It has been such a pleasure to welcome Mr Mazaleem this year, he has been an amazing part of our school community not only providing us with the knowledge about the fantastic subject of physics but also teaching us about his own background and the religion of Islam. Mr Mazaleem is truly a dedicated teacher and we are so lucky to have him! So, we asked him how he has found his first year at Eddies and this was his response “ The students are really, really good and staff are very supportive, and behaviour overall is very good.” He also mentioned how the highlights of his year was sports day and the year 11 shirt signing, which I would have to agree are truly some of the most magical times during the school year.

 

This year the computing department have been so lucky to have had a new member join. Mr Lane is not only a committed and caring computer science teacher but also a very much-loved year 8 form tutor. His presence within the department has truly been wonderful and we very much appreciate all his hard work and dedication! I interviewed Mr Lane to see how he has found this academic year and this was his words “The school has been a lovely environment to teach in and the staff have been incredibly supportive” On behalf of the school and the pupils I can say Mr Lane is genuinely a brilliant teacher!

 

I couldn’t write an end of year blog if I didn’t mention the lovely                         Mrs Furlong. She is a breath of fresh air to be around, and is so beyond kind and generous. Loved my students and staff, she has transformed her classroom into an environment where her students can thrive and grow without judgement. She has described her time here as “ wonderful and an unwavering amount of support from staff, SLT and students” We are so excited to see Mrs Furlong back in September after her well-deserved 6 week break!

 

The English department have been blessed this year with the most wonderful new teachers! Miss Challoner is an amazing teacher inside and out, she brings a light to any room she walks in! Her kind and caring nature makes her so loveable! She has described her experience at Eddies as a “joyous time, it has been a privilege to teach here and the english team is amazing!” It saddens me to say that Miss Challoner is leaving us this year, and I know that she will be incredibly missed by me especially and other students and staff as well. We wish her the best in her new school and I’m sure that her compassionate spirit and her love for teaching will guide her through every path in life she takes. Good Luck! 

 

Within school we are so lucky to have so many different departments and spaces that  are intertwined and act like organs in a body to work together to ensure that students are supported in all aspects of school life. The school wouldn’t run smoothly if it wasn’t for the well organised staff that we have within the spaces at school.

 

This year has been the first year within the hub so it only felt right that we went in and got an exclusive interview with the lovely ladies in there! The hub has been described as “the heart of the school” which truly does summarise the key importance of the space, many students accessing it on a daily basis. The elegant Mrs Collin mentioned that “It is never dull and no minute is ever the same”!

 

Personally, I admire the commitment the staff within the hub bring and everyone within school is incredibly grateful for their hard work! Our final question for the hub was their highlights of the year, and their response did not disappoint “truly the amount of incidents of bird poo” which made the room burst into laughter. 

 

An area in school that is sometimes forgotten about but does deserve the biggest shoutout ever is the careers office. Working hard every single day ranging from seeing pupils in meetings to help the make future decisions to planning trips to university. Their work sometimes goes unseen but I wanted to extend a thank you to them. I interviewed the lovely Mrs O’Shaughnessy, she described her jobs as “brilliant even though I have been doing it for thirty years, each day feels like I’ve only just started and I enjoy working alongside such aspirational students” We are so lucky to have a space where students can find guidance in making their next steps in the future!

 

Sports is an incredibly important aspect of school, even myself I too have been on the school netball team. Sports day is one of the best days for the P.E department, and this years sports day did not disappoint in the slightest! Quoted by Mr Taylor “one of the most successful sports days in years due to the year 10s and the staff” So a massive shoutout goes to everyone who helped the day run as smoothly as possible. The true highlight of the day was a 40 year old record being beaten by Harry Miller in form 10A, a massive well done from me and the p.e department!

 

 

It has been amazing hearing from the staff, and I think that it is just as important to hear from other fellow students in our school. Spoiler alert: the responses were overwhelmingly positive! The students shared their experiences and thoughts with such enthusiasm, highlighting the supportive and vibrant community we have here. From their favourite projects and events to the friendships they've formed, their stories paint a picture of a school that fosters growth, learning, and a sense of belonging. It's truly heartwarming to see how much everyone values being a part of this incredible environment. 

 

We were delighted to get to interview the kind Olivia Simm in 10S. She was so pleased with herself and her peers as they were able to create a girls' school football team, which is a brilliant accomplishment. The excitement and pride in her voice were palpable, and it's clear that this team means a lot to her and the other girls involved. I am convinced that with Olivia’s enthusiasm and leadership, the girls' football team will do exceptionally well in the next academic year. Their dedication and teamwork are sure to lead them to great success on the field. Good luck, girlies! Keep shining and making us proud!

 

We were able to interview a group of friendly year 9s. One of the girls mentioned, “The summer showcase was great, it got us involved out of lessons.” Another said, “I helped choreograph one of the GCSE dances, I felt honoured and it was a very rewarding experience!” Their accomplishments were incredible this year and they should be so proud of their successes! The enthusiasm and dedication shown by these students are truly inspiring. From participating in the summer showcase to contributing to the choreography of GCSE dances, their involvement has not only enriched their own experiences but also brought a sense of community and creativity to the school. It's amazing to see how these opportunities outside the classroom have allowed them to grow, build confidence, and showcase their talents. Their hard work and achievements are a testament to their commitment and passion, and they have every reason to celebrate their successes!

 

We also asked some year sevens on how their first year in Eddies has been. It's truly remarkable to see how the once worried faces in September have transformed into confident, beaming smiles by the end of the year. It fills me with so much pride to witness the incredible progress our students have made. One student shared, "Teachers helped me ease into school, they helped me gain more friends," which filled my heart with so much happiness! The journey from apprehension to assurance is a testament to the supportive and nurturing environment at Eddies. Seeing our students flourish and grow, both academically and socially, is the most rewarding part of our work. The dedication of our teachers and the resilience of our students have created a community where everyone can thrive and succeed.

 

In conclusion, I would like to say a massive thank you to all the parents, staff and students your hard work does not go unseen. Your patience and understanding have made my journey on becoming head girl an unforgettable one, and for that, I am  eternally grateful. I wish everyone a happy and restful summer and I’m excited to welcome you all back in September!

 

 

Mihaela Kirova 10S 

Head Girl