Head's blog - February 2024

After a January that seemed to last for at least twice its normal length, with much uncertainty in the news and amid heavy grey skies and short days, I have been reflecting on just how many reasons we have to be cheerful here at Blackheath High School.  

The beginning of Spring term sees the school turn into a hive of bustling activity, with a whole host of wonderful events to focus on. Hopefully, many of you will have joined us at Fashion Show this week: entitled ‘Dazed’. Year 11, 12 & 13 Textiles students and our Fashion Society were joined by students from across the Senior School to dazzle audiences with their stunning and thought-provoking catwalk creations. The talent of our students, and their dedication to producing such an intensely creative showcase is once again mind-blowing. Huge thanks must go to Mrs Gilbert and team for supporting students in bringing their designs to dramatic life, and for always innovating and pushing boundaries. 

Year 5 also brought their creative talents to life, taking part for the first time in the Young Voices choir event at the O2. An unforgettable event, Young Voices invites up to 8,500 children from across the UK to perform song and dance routines alongside well-known performers in front of a huge crowd at one of London’s most iconic venues. Our Year 5 pupils mastered 11 songs, a huge feat. Later in February, Senior music students will also be taking part in the GDST’s very own Sing event, performing a range of songs to peers, friends and families. Music has such a brilliant ability to bring people together and fill their hearts, and I am delighted our students get the opportunity to be part of such dynamic, exciting musical events. 

Inspiration also comes in the form of serious study and exam preparation: our Year 11 and 13s recently completed their mock exams, and are now gearing up for their GCSEs and A-levels. Every year, I feel the same sense of awe and wonder at how incredibly hard our students work, how they push themselves to achieve their absolute best, how they inspire and motivate the rest of the school to dream big. I have genuine optimism for the future when I look at our scientists, our creators, our thinkers, our athletes – and our leaders. 

Innovation, insight and an in-depth understanding of girls’ education remain of paramount importance at the GDST. The powerful report, ‘Why (and how) girls thrive in girls-only schools’, has been updated with new insights which further corroborate the importance of ‘single sex by design’ and the development of key characteristics embodied by GDST girls – spirit, collaboration, challenge and responsibility. You can also read our own insights into our much-loved Forest School and the skills and camaraderie that it engenders amongst the next generation of GDST girls. I highly recommend it to any parent of girls. 

Congratulations too go to all Year 6 pupils on their 11+ examinations and for working so hard and doing brilliantly. The standard of entry and level of competition was incredibly high, so you should all be very proud of your achievements. We can’t wait to welcome you into Year 7 here at Vanbrugh Park.

Next half term promises more fun, excitement and activity for everyone, from the much anticipated ‘9 to 5 Spring musical’ to a whole host of musical events, sporting activities and community initiatives. I cannot overstate how much joy it brings me to head up a school that is so full of talented, intelligent, ambitious, creative young women. 

Wishing you the very best for a restful half term.      

Mrs Natalie Argile  
Head