Each term there are regular opportunities that remind us of the girls’ many achievements, but also importantly the ambition, creativity and possibility that thrives here. This term has been rich in exactly those moments.
At Junior School, our recent Mighty Girls Celebration Assembly was a powerful highlight. We were delighted to welcome double Olympian Montell Douglas, whose story of determination, adaptability and courage clearly resonated with our students. Her journey – from athletics to bobsleigh, and beyond into new arenas – captured perfectly what it means to be ambitious, brave and curious. The pride with which our students shared their own Mighty Girls achievements, and the thoughtful reflections that accompanied them, spoke volumes about the confidence and character they are developing. These are not simply activities, but experiences that shape mindset, resilience and self‑belief.
Beyond classroom learning, we have had a number of enrichment trips outside of school. From the Reception trip to High Elms, the Year 1 trip to Mountfitchet Castle and a Year 6 workshop at Shakespeare’s Globe, to trips further afield – to Copenhagen with the Art department and to Paris with our Modern Foreign Languages team. We have also had lots of active events with Duke of Edinburgh expeditions, mini marathons and GDST Sports Rallies. At Blackheath High, we place a great deal of importance on providing enriching experiences alongside the curriculum to bring learning to life and reinforce something fundamental: that education is not confined to the classroom, but expanded through exploration, creativity and cultural understanding. Do read Miss Hickman’s spotlight on The Quiet Curriculum.
Back at school, we see that same adventurous spirit reflected at Junior School, where art and design have been especially prominent this term. Our annual Art Exhibition showcased not only technical skill and experimentation, but also imagination, individuality and thoughtful engagement with the world around us. To further enhance their skills, we continue to push the envelope in Design and Technology, encouraging our pupils to think like engineers – to embrace constraints, test ideas, iterate and improve. There is something profoundly important in this process: learning that progress is rarely linear, that solutions often emerge through persistence, and that creativity thrives within boundaries. I see this frequently when I wonder into the studios at Senior School and I love how brilliantly it is cultivated by our teachers – engendering the perfect mindset and a quiet, but powerful growth of confidence.
This half-term will be particularly welcomed by many of our Senior School students who have been working hard on their exams, some internal and some public exams. For Years 11 & 13, they will be back for more after the break, but hopefully it will allow them to slow down a little. I hope you can make the most of the lovely weather and that you are all able to take some time out to spend some of the break together.
I look forward to seeing you again in the final stretch of the Summer term.
Best wishes,
Mrs Natalie Argile
Head
