Newsletters

Spring Term - 4th July 2025

Welcome to our latest news update, including highlights from our International Evening, Year 7 Induction Day and Year 8 camp. We also hosted workshops with architect firms looking at the possibilities that we might have for improving our outdoor and eating spaces, including the playground - more details below!

Induction Day for our New Year 7

We had the pleasure yesterday of welcoming our new Year 7 into school for their first taste of life as William Ellis students. The boys took part in science experiments and sporting activities and all designed and produced a tote bag to take away with them.

Most importantly, they met their Form Tutor for next year and spent time in their Tutor Groups, beginning the process of forming new friendships.

We can't wait to meet our new students again at Summer School and in September.

Year 8 Camp

Next week it's 8B's and 8K's turn to go to the Mill. 

Families who have not yet returned a consent form must please do so as soon as possible. Please click here for the online consent form.

Year 8 camp is a key part of the outdoor education curriculum and all students are expected to attend.

Students who do not attend camp for any reason must still attend school every day for an alternative educational provision.

International Evening

On Tuesday 1st July we hosted our annual International Evening. Thank you to all the parents, carers, students and staff who volunteered their time to help with this event, and special thanks to WESPA for all of the behind the scenes organisation of the last few weeks.

The evening was another memorable celebration of the different cultures represented at our school and we are happy that so many families braved the 34 degree heat to gather in the Quad for delicious food and captivating perfomances.

More photos from International Evening can be seen here.

We look forward to doing it all again next Summer!

Somali Achievement Evening

Tuesday also saw the annual SYDRC Achievement Awards ceremony, celebrating the academic achievements of young people from the Somali community in Camden.

Students, parents, teachers, community leaders, and stakeholders came together to recognise the hard work, resilience, and potential of Somali youth in the borough.

William Ellis students receiving awards were:

 Adam Abbas, 12JLA

 Abdullahi Abdi, 12OBL

Ridwaan Fahiye and Bilal Mohamoud in 12PDU.

Former WES students Waleed Abdillahi, Zuheyb Aden, Imran Ali, Ibrahim Taher and Sakirya Noor were also recognised at this event.

Meet The Parents - Representing William Ellis at London primary schools

Meet the Parents (MTP) is a pioneering education project funded by Camden council, which aims to give primary school parents ‘the inside story’ on their local secondary schools when they are thinking about where to send their children after Year 6. It is a chance for them to meet families from the local secondaries and get first-hand, up-to-date information on what they are like. 

MTP runs events at primary schools in Camden and neighbouring boroughs. Events take place mainly during the autumn term, with a friendly panel of secondary school families speaking about their experiences and taking questions for around 45 minutes, with a chance to chat informally to primary school families afterwards. MTP also hold online events and offers free advice on the secondary application process.

To find out more about Meet The Parents, please see www.meettheparents.info .

If you would be interested in representing our school at events next term please complete this short form so that we can put you in touch with MTP.

Outdoor Spaces Planning

Ms Fraser, writes:

As part of our ongoing commitment to enhancing the school environment, we were delighted to host a collaborative workshop this week involving both students and staff alongside a team of professional architects.

The session marked an important first step in the early design process for reimagining and improving our outdoor and dining spaces as well as our current SEND spaces. The aim is to create areas that better support learning, wellbeing, and social interaction – spaces that reflect the needs and aspirations of our school community.

During the workshop, students from across year groups shared their experiences and ideas about how these areas are currently used and what they would like to see in the future. Staff contributed their insights from a teaching and pastoral perspective. Together, they explored themes such as outdoor learning, sustainability, inclusive design, and spaces for quiet reflection or active play.

The architects facilitated interactive activities and design thinking exercises, encouraging everyone to think creatively while considering practical challenges. Their feedback will directly inform the development of concept plans as we move forward in the planning stages.

We’re incredibly proud of the thoughtful input from our school community and look forward to sharing further updates as the project progresses.

Visitor to the MFL Department

Last week the MFL department hosted a Spanish Year 10 student from Córdoba, Spain, who was here for work experience. He did a presentation on his hometown to KS3, KS4 and KS5 students, and even though the Year 7s have only learnt French so far, he engaged them all in an interactive Spanish quiz via the international language of football!

London Boroughs Track and Field Championships

Mr Lee writes:

Last week in athletics saw Year 7 and 8 athletes from 12 different London boroughs competing against one another in the inner London borough Track and Field Championships. Several WES students qualified to represent Camden, having performed so well in the Camden Schools earlier this season. For Year 8, Evan raced in the 100m heats narrowly missing out on qualification for the final later that day. Noar in Year 7 competed in a difficult 800m race on what was the hottest day of the year. Despite this, he still managed to kick home with a sprint finish, overtaking several athletes in what was a straight final.

Duke of Edinburgh Award Achievement

Mr Levitt writes:

Congratulations to the LaSWAP students who completed their Duke of Edinburgh Sliver award this week. They completed their 3 day independent hike in the North Yorkshire Moors, battling blistering heat and wild thunderstorms. Well done!

Lords Cricket Disability Inclusion Day

Mr Levitt also writes:

The PE department took a group of cricketers to the annual Lord's Disability Cricket Day on the 25th June. Students from schools all over London attended the event and were put through their paces by the coaching team at Lord's. The boys then got the very special opportunity to go onto the pitch before watching an international match between England and India, the first ever disability international to be played at Lord's.

The sun was shining, the boys were smiling a wonderful day for all the students involved.

We would like to extend a big thank you to Al Mobbs (WESPA) for facilitating our involvement in the day.

Art and Graphics End of Year Show

Ms Kendall writes:

On Wednesday 25th June, Year 11 & 13 Art & Graphics students came to see their incredible work displayed in our annual exhibition. It was a wonderful event with many parents, carers & staff also attending to celebrate the students' hard work and dedication. Many students are now going on to continue their education on a creative pathway.

This is a quote by Year 11 parent: "A big thank you to you and the whole art department for supporting Elijah’s progress and for his amazing award!! As you know Art is one of his great passions and I’m certain it will be a significant influence in his future life/work."
 

Year 10 'Cabinet of Curiosities' Project

Ms Kendall also writes:

Year 10 Art & Graphics students have been lucky enough to take part in a creative project at Lauderdale House this year. The students worked with renowned artist and educator Alison Lam.

The project was about experimenting with natural materials to create a range of outcomes. The students worked with Indian inks, clay, porcelain & wax. Their incredible work is currently on display in the gallery at Lauderdale House as well as on the front lawn and in the exotic sunken garden.

Huge congratulations to our Food Technology teacher, Ms Sinnott (pictured, centre) who was invited to the National Fish Hero Teacher Awards on 20 June! Our school has been recognised for inspiring pupils to cook, taste & enjoy fish through the Fish Heroes programme. We are proud to be part of this movement, which is supported by the Fishmongers’ Company’s Fisheries Charitable Trust, aiming to ensure that every child has the chance to cook fish and learn about sustainability, health & food skills for life.

Free period products now available at your local Camden library

Camden have asked us to share news of this initiative allowing women and girls in Camden to access free period products at all local libraries, thanks to a partnership with Flow Happy.

Camden Holiday Activities and Food Programme - bookings now open 

The Camden Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) summer programme is open for 5 to 16 year-olds who live in Camden and are eligible for benefits-related free school meals. Bookings are now open. The programme, which runs from 23 July to 29 August, offers free, fun activities and nutritional education - from learning to make healthy meals, to creative activities, including photography, drama, arts and crafts, and sports such as football and basketball.

A free hot meal is included as part of each day’s activities.

The Camden HAF programme is co-ordinated by Young Camden Foundation on behalf of the Council, with funding from the Department for Education. Find out more and book places here: Youngcamdenfoundation.org.uk/haf. If you have any questions, please email Info@youngcamdenfoundation.org.uk.

Yours faithfully,

Izzy Jones

Headteacher