Newsletters

Summer Term - 22nd May 2026

 

Welcome to our latest news update, including inspirational careers visits to Google HQ, preparation for summer performing arts events, and support for Year 13 students over the half term break. We would like to say a huge well done to all students in Years 11 and 13, and some in Years 10 and 12, who have prepared for and sat a set of intense public exams in the last few weeks.

In case you missed it, some of our Year 10s were featured on BBC London News last Friday, discussing an upcoming podcast project, From The Boys, that they will be co-producing with Middlesex University. You can find the clip here https://youtu.be/rMf4B1uV2MM

HT/General Message

Text

Sixth Formers' Exploration of AI

Year 12 students have been taking part in events exploring the present and future of AI

Dr Smith writes:

Build a Brain Presentation

Year 12 students took part in the Build a Brain Presentation of Learning at the London AI Campus, where our students presented their work over the past term building robots that can move, see and hear using AI. This is a significant event for the students, with a distinguished audience that includes two Camden Councillors, Jon Rowney CEO of Camden Council, senior representatives from Google, the Knowledge Quarter and the DfE.

Student Henry wrote: 'On Wednesday, I attended the Build a Brain end-of-term presentation, where we showcased the work we had done throughout the project. What began as a complicated box filled with unfamiliar components gradually transformed into a fully controllable robot. Over the course of the project, we developed a deep understanding of key electronics concepts including voltage dividers, transistors, and servos, exploring their architecture in detail down to a molecular level. Towards the end of the project, we had the opportunity to present our work to family members, representatives from Camden Council, and employees from companies such as Google, which was a fantastic experience.'

Google HQ The Future of Work Event

Henry also writes: 'On Friday, we attended a symposium hosted by Working Options at Google's HQ in St Pancras, centred around The Future of Work: Driving the AI Opportunity. Across multiple sessions, we heard from a wide range of speakers, including Alistair Brownlee OBE and Xavier Collins from Wonder Studios, covering topics such as the impact of AI on careers, cross-sector industry panels, and how employers can better prepare young people for a technology-driven world. Halfway through, there was a networking session where we had the chance to speak directly with speakers and other attendees, which was a great opportunity to make connections outside of a classroom setting.' 

More information about opportunities for students at the London AI Campus can be found here: London AI Campus Opportunity Centre - Camden Learning

Rather Use Than Fame:

Developing Respect, Responsibility and Resilience at William Ellis

Mr Chogah writes:

At William Ellis School, our Deep Learning Activities (DLA) continue to bring our motto, “Rather Use Than Fame,” to life by focusing on the development of character, values and meaningful behaviours that shape our students beyond the classroom.

As part of our PSHE programme, Year 8 students recently completed a series of sessions exploring misogyny, respect and relationships. These sessions challenged students to think critically about the impact of language, attitudes and behaviours, while encouraging them to take responsibility for how they treat others. A key focus has been supporting our boys in understanding what positive masculinity looks like — not through dominance or status, but through respect, integrity and self-control. Students demonstrated maturity in recognising the importance of being respectful and responsible, as well as the confidence to challenge harmful stereotypes and behaviours within their peer groups.

Alongside this, Year 7 students have been engaging in the “Working on Being Okay and Being Better” (WoBoB) wellbeing programme, delivered in partnership with Camden Mental Health Support Team. These sessions help students to better understand their emotions and develop the tools to manage them effectively. Through practical activities, students build resilience and reflection, learning how to regulate their responses and show compassion towards themselves and others. This early focus on emotional awareness is key in supporting young people to make positive choices and build strong, healthy relationships.

Together, these initiatives reflect our commitment to nurturing students who are not only academically capable, but who embody the values of being respectful, responsible and resilient. By embedding these principles, we continue to support our students in becoming thoughtful individuals who contribute positively to both the school and the wider community.

 

Year 11 Writers' Picnic

Ms Damms writes:

On April 24th, which turned out to be a perfect spring day, the Year 11 English team arranged a writers' picnic for Year 11. Here are some photos of what we hope was a happy afternoon in a beautiful place we are lucky to have so close by.

  

 

St Martin in the Fields Concert Preparations Begin

Mr Hansom writes:

On Tuesday 4th May, a group of Year 9 and Year 10 students took part in the first rehearsal to prepare for a concert at St Martin In The Fields in July. They sounded amazing, and it was such a treat for me to see the boys singing together with such gusto!

Looking forward to seeing how they develop the pieces over the next few weeks.

 

Homegrown Shakespearean Scholars

Ms Guzy-Sprague writes:

My 7C2 English Class was treated to a visit by some expert Shakespeare scholars in lesson on Friday, May 15th.

Seba, William, and Philip (of Y11) joined the lesson to bring Hamlet to life and impart their creative writing wisdom to the Year 7s.

 

May Half Term Cooking Sessions at WES - Special Offer for WES families

Ms Koumi, a member of staff at William Ellis, will be running her own small, hands-on, cooking sessions this half term in the Food Tech room.

Sessions run from 9:30am-3:00 pm. While these sessions are run by Ms Koumi independently of the school, there a special discount is available for William Ellis students and their siblings.

For further information please see Elena’s Table 

The Kids Network: Supporting Local Children Beyond the Classroom

The Kids Network is an early intervention charity, supporting children to build their confidence, resilience, and social and emotional development. They work in partnership with primary schools across the borough, who refer the children they feel would benefit most from having a consistent, supportive adult in their life outside of the classroom. By providing that additional layer of support, our programme helps to take some of the pressure off teachers, giving children a dedicated space to grow and thrive beyond the school environment.

The network are currently looking for volunteer mentors across Camden. People who work with or are passionate about children bring something truly special to the role, and in turn, our programme offers something unique in return. It's a chance to work with a child one-to-one, outside of a professional setting, in a way that many people in education or childcare rarely get to experience, building a real, lasting relationship over the course of a year.

What mentoring looks like:

• 1–3 hours a week of 1:1 mentoring sessions over 12 months
• Child-led, fun activities, from exploring new places to playing games and having meaningful conversations

What mentors gain in return:

• Up to 15 hours of free, certified training in Child-led Mentoring (Open Awards)
• Ongoing support from a dedicated Programme Manager
• A community of like-minded volunteers and regular social events
• A chance to apply their skills and experience in a meaningful, new context
• The lasting reward of knowing they've made a real difference in a child's life.

Contact The Kids Network to find out more.

 

My SEND Space: Virtual Drop in Sessions for Young People (16-25)

Camden's SEND Information, Advice and Support Service have organised sessions for young People aged 16-25 to book a private 30 min 1:1 session with a SENDIASS officer, alone or with their parent/ carer. They can join via WhatsApp, Zoom or MS Teams (or just have a telephone appointment). They can receive information and advice about their education, EHCP, or next steps. Or just talk about any SEN-related concerns.

When: 2nd Wednesday of the month, from February to July 2026, on 11 February, 11 March, 8 April, 13 May, 10 June, 8 July. Time slots: 4pm, 4:30pm, 5pm, 5:30pm
To book a slot, click here. For more information, please contact Traysi Matthew at traysi.matthew@camden.gov.uk.

 

Youth Safety Multi-Media Competition 

Children and young people aged 10 to 18 are invited to take part in Camden’s annual Youth Safety Multi-Media Competition. 

This year’s theme is 'A Safer Camden: On and Offline'. Entrants are invited to share what safety means to them in everyday life, from streets, schools and youth spaces to social media, gaming and online communities.

We welcome entries from all children and young people, including those with different abilities, needs, backgrounds and experiences. Entries can be from individuals or groups. Find out more and enter your project. If you have any questions, please email youthsafety@camden.gov.uk.

Yours faithfully,

Izzy Jones

Headteacher