We’re incredibly proud to share that 9Y have taken the top spot in this year’s Sky Up The Edit Fiction competition!

Sky Up The Edit is a free digital storytelling challenge powered by Sky and Adobe, giving young creators aged 8–18 the tools to craft their own narratives. Students choose between Fact or Fiction and use exclusive Sky footage alongside cutting-edge editing platforms - unlocking the full potential of their imagination.

As part of the challenge, students developed storyboards, filmed short trailers using school iPads, and brought their visions to life with Adobe Express, designing logos and a full webpage to promote their creations.

Huge congratulations to the brilliant team:

Nava, Victoria, Vienna, Naomi, Sema, Sherlyn, Hana A, Nusaiba A, Safa A, Aren, and Lamees.

Judges’ feedback: "We were drawn to the work’s originality, its depth of thought, and its ability to truly capture the heart of what this competition represents - imagination and creative expression."

Your creativity, dedication, and teamwork have made us all proud. 

It’s hard to believe a whole week has already flown by since our unforgettable Year 11 Shirt Signing event! It was an afternoon filled with laughter, hugs, and even a few happy tears, as students and staff came together to mark the end of an incredible chapter. This treasured tradition is more than just signatures on fabric - it’s a creative send-off, a wearable memory book, and a beautiful tribute to friendships, shared journeys, and personal growth.

We have captured all the colour, creativity, and emotion in a short video now live on our YouTube channel. From heartfelt messages to some truly artistic designs, it’s a moment worth reliving.

Congratulations again to our amazing Year 11s - you’ve left your mark in style!

Over the past few weeks, we’ve had the pleasure of welcoming parents and carers into our school to share their heartfelt experiences on camera. These stories offer a genuine glimpse into what makes our school community so special - from the first day nerves to proud milestones and everything in between.

In the second video of our series, we asked parents/carers from both schools the same powerful question: “How would you describe your child’s journey at our school?” Their answers are honest, moving, and a true reflection of the care, support, and opportunities we strive to provide every day.

We’ll be releasing a new video each week in the lead-up to the summer holidays, so make sure to follow our page and subscribe to our channel to catch every inspiring story.

It’s an exciting time for our Gardening Club — our first tomatoes, strawberries, and courgettes are starting to grow! We’re hoping to harvest the first few next week!

Since our first garden photos on May 14th, the transformation has been incredible. The garden is bursting with colour, and we’re so proud of the dedication and teamwork from our students and staff.

Here’s what some of our amazing members had to say:

• Ayat: “Instead of going home and getting obsessed with your phone, you can come here and plant different things and watch them grow!”
• Shabiha: “We get to look after all the plants we’ve started - I’m looking forward to eating the food we grow!”
• Rachel: “I like planting and growing things and watching them grow.”
• Trinity: “I like Green Club because we learn about plants and get to make new friends.”
• Carrie: “I like to water the plants - that’s my favourite part!”

The club meets every Friday after school from 3:00 to 4:15 PM.

Check out our video to see the amazing growth and vibrant life in our garden over the past few weeks!

Celebrating Pride Month 2025!

At Polymat, we believe in fostering a community where every student, teacher, and staff member feels safe, valued, and proud of who they are. This June, we stand together to celebrate Pride Month, honouring the LGBTQ+ community and the ongoing fight for equality. Whether you're learning, supporting, or celebrating, there’s a place for everyone in this movement.

Diversity is at the heart of what makes our community strong, and we celebrate the voices, experiences, and contributions of our LGBTQ+ members - not just this month, but every day. Let’s come together to uplift voices, share stories, and continue building a world of acceptance and love.

Pride Month 2025 is a time to celebrate, support, and learn about LGBTQ+ identity, history, and rights! For teenagers, it’s an opportunity to explore what Pride means - whether that’s standing up for equality, discovering LGBTQ+ role models, or simply expressing yourself freely. It's also a great chance to connect with inclusive communities, find support, and embrace diversity in schools and social spaces.

How Can Teens Get Involved?

• Attend Pride events and meet others in LGBTQ+ spaces.
• Read books, listen to podcasts, or watch films that explore LGBTQ+ stories.
• Share posts or support initiatives that uplift LGBTQ+ voices.
• Educate friends and family about inclusivity and acceptance.

Pride Month is all about being proud, being informed, and being yourself!

Here are some great LGBTQ+ spaces and resources for young people in South East London:

• The BeYou Project – A safe, welcoming space where LGBTQ+ young people can meet, socialise, and find support. They offer weekly meet-ups and a resource centre with helpful information. Learn more here. The BeYou Project - Porchlight
• South London Gallery’s LGBTQIA+ Friendly Spaces – A curated list of queer-owned and queer-friendly organisations in South London, including historical and current spaces. Check it out here. LGBTQIA+ friendly spaces in south London - South London Gallery
• Barnardo’s LGBT+ Young People Support – Provides direct support for LGBTQ+ children and young people, including guidance on gender and sexual identities. Find out more here. LGBT+ young people | Barnardo's
• The Proud Trust – LGBT+ Youth Groups – Helps young LGBTQ+ people find local youth groups where they can meet, socialise, and access support. LGBT+ Youth Groups - The Proud Trust
• South East London Mind – Young People’s Mental Health Support – Offers mental health resources and support for young people, including LGBTQ+ individuals. Find out more Young people’s mental health support | South East London Mind
• Pride in London Parade – The main event takes place on Saturday, July 5, 2025. It's a vibrant celebration of LGBTQ+ identity, bringing together diverse communities in a joyful march through the city. Find out more here. Pride in London Parade Registration