Important matters
02 May 2025Form 7 have had some important meetings and visits this week.
On Monday, Form 7 travelled to London to visit the Houses of Parliament. As part of their humanities learning, the children were able to go on a tour of both the House of Commons and the House of Lords. During the tour, the children learned about the history and heritage of the buildings, the history of government and how the UK became a democratic country, as well as the impact UK Parliament has on the general public. The trip gave the children a great insight into how the country is run and how decisions are made.
The children were also lucky enough to be visited by former Russell House pupil, Sam McEwan. Sam now works in the team that supports Laura Trott as the MP for Sevenoaks and he has previously visited the school for an assembly. The children were able to ask him questions about UK politics and about his job role.
On Tuesday, 
Form 7 had a visit from the Kent Police (not because we were in trouble!) They were talking to us about moving to secondary school and how to keep ourselves and our belongings safe. They told us that being nervous about moving school is perfectly normal and everyone else is feeling the same. The police then explained that being late to class and getting lost is okay because the teachers will understand. Keeping your belongings safe is really important because there are people who might steal them. Maybe when you go to school, leave your expensive jewellery at home, or something that means a lot to you, to keep it safe. Did you know that e-scooters are illegal? Claire and Tom told us that, on numerous occasions, they have had to take them from people and destroy them. Overall, it was a very interesting presentation and we really enjoyed it. Thank you to Claire and Tom for taking the time to teach us!
By Georgie and Hermione
Form 7 had a visit from the Kent Police (not because we were in trouble!) They were talking to us about moving to secondary school and how to keep ourselves and our belongings safe. They told us that being nervous about moving school is perfectly normal and everyone else is feeling the same. The police then explained that being late to class and getting lost is okay because the teachers will understand. Keeping your belongings safe is really important because there are people who might steal them. Maybe when you go to school, leave your expensive jewellery at home, or something that means a lot to you, to keep it safe. Did you know that e-scooters are illegal? Claire and Tom told us that, on numerous occasions, they have had to take them from people and destroy them. Overall, it was a very interesting presentation and we really enjoyed it. Thank you to Claire and Tom for taking the time to teach us!By Georgie and Hermione
On Thursday, the Form 7 children had another fantastic Leavers’ Programme session, where they were introduced to their own Compass for Life. They were taught about the four cardinals: North Star, Ethos, Strategist and Warrior, which all help to guide them on their journey through life and to set their own goals for the future, thereby giving them a sense of direction and purpose.
Mr Tom spoke to them about their potential and they had to give each other feedback about their super strengths. The children shared some fantastic traits, such as; being honest, friendly, trustworthy, good with younger children, amazing at sport or art and being great bakers.
They were asked where they want to be in the next three or four years and where their Super North Star is. They were asked to think about how they might reach their Super North Star, breaking the journey down into sections and thinking about who they need in their team to help them get there. They watched a series of inspirational videos about men and women who had achieved their own Super North Star.
Mr Tom spoke about the importance of sleep and his own mantra: hydrate before caffeinated, as well as remembering to be kind to ourselves as well as to other people.
