BHSA Spring Bids 2025 - Round 2!

This year, we are having a second round of bids, offering teachers a further chance to propose examples of how the money raised by the BHSA could be spent. As the value of the bids exceeds that of the funds available, we will rank the options based on the number of parent votes received. This time round, we have a further £20k available to spend.

A reminder that the parents of the BHSA community decide how the money raised is spent. The funds are typically used to enhance the experience of the students of Blackheath High School (Juniors and Seniors) beyond the curriculum and what we would expect the school to provide.

For example, in previous years, the BHSA has funded large projects, such as the fantastic new climbing wall at the Senior school and smaller projects, such as the 3D printers enjoyed by Junior School students.

Below, you will find the current options put forward by the teachers for 2025. In this instance, as the sum requested is somewhat less than the money available, we are simply asking you to vote yes or no. As only the top bids will be successful, please actively choose the items you wish to see selected.

Please cast your vote by 1 pm on Wednesday, 9th July.

The Bids

1. Junior Library Diversity Collection

Proposed for Juniors

https://www.booksfortopics.com/booklists/topics/diversity-inclusion/

Cost: £900

'In 2020, thanks to the BHSA, we were able to create a collection of books to celebrate Diversity and Inclusion for use in the library and classrooms. This collection has been used for Welcome Club activities, as part of our Diversity and Inclusion monthly focus, and also for everyday use in class. I would now like to update this collection to build on the work we have achieved so far and to ensure that every pupil feels valued and represented in the literature we provide in the library and classrooms.'

2. Drama - Performance Blocks

Proposed for Seniors

https://www.dramablocks.co.uk/contact

Cost: £920

'The Ks3 students use our current Drama Blocks every lesson as set pieces and levels. For our GCSE and Alevel, they are indispensable. In order to support our increase at GCSE and allow all Ks3 classes to have access to blocks, gaining more for the department would have a significantly positive impact on our students creative ability.'

3. Junior Music

Proposed for Juniors

https://www.knockonwood.co.uk/Izzo-30-Player-Nesting-Samba-Pack

Cost: £4,208

'I hope that a refreshed and diverse percussion instruments will enrich and diversify the provision for the whole school community. I am keen that girls are given full opportunities for sound play in the younger years and access to different musical cultures in the elder years. I would be really exciting to broaden our supplies with these instruments. Whole class Samba band – initially to offer as a co-curricular option, but also, during the summer term, to teach to whole classes, with potential for community music at the BHSA Camp Night/Summer Fayre. £379 group cahon for use in Nursery and Reception – collaborative and attractive instrument for small hands. Schlagwerk log drum for use in Nursery and Reception – collaborative and attractive sound making opportunities. EYFS classroom percussion for sound making opportunities in NB, NH, RB, RH and one additional set for the BHSA coffee shop and for use in toddler and baby music workshops. Afroton Shruti Box for use throughout the whole school to create drones, particular when composing music inspired by global cultures'

4. Storage Tray Cupboard

Proposed for Breakfast Club

https://www.tts-group.co.uk/storage-tray-cupboard-unit-h1800mm/1041245.html

Cost: £702

'Will allow for the storage and easy access to the resources for girls that attend breakfast club.'

5. Junior School Playground Equipment

Proposed for Juniors

www.tts-group.co.uk

Cost: £850

A selection of playground equipment for the Junior School years Reception-6. For coordination- Training skipping ropes, ankle skips, French skipping ropes, hula hoops. To encourage teamwork- soft cricket set and balls, limbo play set, beanbag toss game, colourful soft balls, airflow balls.

6. Small Block Resource Collection

Proposed for Juniors

https://shop.earlyexcellence.com/early-years-indoor-resources/small-world-play-and-blocks/small-play-building-blocks/small-block-resource-collection-5-7yrs

Cost: £594

Girls are often underrepresented in STEM subjects; giving them equal access to construction play helps build early confidence and competence in these areas.

7. Crumble Class Pack - Design Technology

Proposed for Juniors

https://www.designtechnology.org.uk/resource-shop/primary/crumble-class-pack/

Cost: £582

A Crumble class pack is beneficial for girls in Design Technology because it provides a hands-on, creative way to explore coding, electronics, and engineering in an accessible, engaging format. It helps build confidence in STEM by allowing girls to design, program, and control real-world projects—showing them that technology is for everyone.

8. VEX GO Classroom Bundle + VEX GO Classroom Cart + VEX GO Competition Field Kit

Proposed for Juniors

https://www.vexrobotics.com/go-bundles.html

Cost: £3,359.95

The VEX GO Classroom Bundle supports girls in Design Technology by making STEM learning hands-on, collaborative, and fun. With easy-to-use components and guided challenges, it helps girls develop problem-solving, engineering, and coding skills while building confidence in a subject where they are often underrepresented. Taking part in VEX GO competitions further raises the profile of our girls, giving them opportunities to showcase their talents, represent the school, and be recognised as leaders in STEM.

9. Lego Spike Prime Set

Proposed for Juniors

https://raisingrobots.com/product/lego-education-spike-prime-set/

Cost: £412.80

LEGO Education SPIKE Prime is the go-to STEAM learning tool for students in KS2 and beyond! It combines colourful LEGO building elements, easy-to-use hardware and an intuitive drag-and-drop coding language based on Scratch, SPIKE Prime continuously engages students through impactful, playful learning activities! SPIKE Prime will give the girls a fantastic opportunity to think critically and solve complex problem. The engaging, themed units and activities are adaptable to support all learners’ needs.

10. New cage and holiday carrier cage for our guinea pig

Proposed for Seniors

https://www.petsathome.com/product/ferplast-indoor-rabbit-and-guinea-pig-2-storey-home-grey-240/7152301P?productId=7152301&purchaseType=one-time&size=size240

Cost: £200

The cage we have at the moment is 5 years old and quite dirty (despite cleaning 2 times a week) and the travel one doesn't close properly anymore. The smaller travel one would cost about £40 without accessories like water bottles etc

11. Scanning pens set(s) of 10 pens

Proposed for Seniors

https://www.scanningpens.co.uk/c-pen_lingo_3_class_pack

Cost: £3,000

With support for 40+ world languages, built-in dictionaries, customisable playback and everything they need right at their fingertips, a class pack of Lingo 3s is perfect for fostering classrooms that celebrate independence, inclusion, and global thinking. Each pen is supplied with earphones and a charging cable.

12. Vex Robotics Education kits

Proposed for Seniors

https://www.vexrobotics.com/228-8899.html

Cost: £912

We are often asked if we have a robotics club and although students still use and enjoy the Lego robots, these Vex kits would allow them to program the robots in Python and enter competitions. They could be used in a Robotics club to extend students' learning of Python and even C++ and would make robotics much more accessible to older students.

13. 3D Printer

Proposed for Seniors

https://uk.flashforge.com/products/adventurer-5m-pro-3d-printer

Cost: £424

Cutting edge technology and also cross curricular links with Science as ES and AB are running a Crest award project.

14. 15 Puzzles

Proposed for Seniors

http://bit.ly/44fp0tg

Cost: £300

Understanding of cultural references and graphic design through the medium of classic albums, musicians and stories, links, influences such as Robert Johnson, The Beatles, Aretha Franklin, The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, David Bowie, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Nick Drake, Nirvana, Neil Young, Portishead, Radiohead etc

15. Juniors Climbing Wall

Proposed for Juniors

Cost: £15,000

The existing climbing wall at Juniors, originally donated by the BHSA in 2019, has been a popular and well-used feature among students. Over time, however, the wall has sustained significant wear and damage, and it is now beyond repair.

We propose to allocate BHSA funds to replace the current structure with a new, durable climbing wall that is suitable for all Junior students. This new installation will be designed to withstand regular use over many years and continue to offer a fun, challenging, and unique physical activity that supports our students’ development and enjoyment.

16. Heat Press

Proposed for Seniors

https://www.inkexperts.co.uk/product/ink-experts-standard-heat-press-machine-flat-bed-clam-shell-50-x-40cm/?attribute_include-protection-sheet-50x40cm=No+Thanks+(%2B£0.00)&utm_source=gads&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19897547230&gbraid=0AAAAACyB6Vy9D4SiJWBXS2dghqsam6nri&gclid=CjwKCAjw6s7CBhACEiwAuHQcksPH8d1jFGVDGLrNLMhUnbVQJuTjIdOY-Vcs1VLJoyfIcRC2qNLOwBoC6WgQAvD_BwE

Cost £339

A new heat press for the Art and Textiles department would greatly benefit students across all year groups. It is frequently used for sublimation printing, foil printing, and a range of experimental processes, such as fusing materials together. We also use it for heat transfer printing onto fabric. It would provide opportunities for curriculum classes plus Fashion Show Society and other clubs to create more advanced and sophisticated outcomes.