SWRHS School News ASPIRE. Sir William Robertson High School. A Language Specialist School

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1 Sir William Robertson High School A Language Specialist School July 2012 ASPIRE I knew at the time I shouldn t have said it. In the May edition of the newsletter I made the fateful mistake of saying, as soon as the GCSE exams begin, the sun shines and the temperature starts to climb. How wrong I was! SWRHS School News Fortunately, the bad weather has not dampened anybody s spirits within school. Year 11 demonstrated this to great effect at their Prom held at Kelham Hall. All of the pupils looked fantastic and there were some inspired transport choices as the pupils arrived in style cardboard cars, London buses, limousines and classic VW Camper vans to name but a few. Many staff reflected during the course of the evening on their memories of the year group as they had progressed through the school. All shared the view that they have been a wonderful group of pupils and we look forward to welcoming many of them back into our Sixth Form next year. As one year group leaves, another always begins and it has been a pleasure to welcome our new Year 7s who shall be joining us in September. The Induction Day was a lively and exciting occasion. All of the pupils and parents I spoke to told me how enjoyable the day had been and we all look forward to officially welcoming our newest pupils when they join us full-time after the Summer holidays. The primary schools have been regular visitors to the school over the last few weeks. Our Design and Technology days have been a huge success, with the pupils from Caythorpe, Navenby, Coddington and Coleby Primary Schools involved in a range of activities including designing and making pizzas and fruit salads, designing Olympic-themed postage stamps and manufacturing union jack pencil cases from recycled fabrics. In addition, our Primary Languages Festival which is now a firmly established and highly anticipated event during the Summer Term calendar was once again an extremely lively and highly enjoyable occasion. Our thanks are due to the primary schools involved Claypole, St John s Bracebridge Heath, Welbourn, Long Bennington and Cranwell and also to our external judges, Anne Rudge (Lincolnshire s Primary School Languages Consultant) and Marianne Overton (County and District Councillor). As you will know from my recent letter to all parents, we are saying goodbye this Summer to three members of the teaching staff who have amassed over 66 years of loyal and devoted service to Sir William Robertson High School. In their different roles, Mrs Hardy, Mr Palmer and Mrs Greetham have helped to shape the identity of this school and their commitment to the education and welfare of your children has been unstinting. I m sure you will join me in wishing them all every good wish. Finally, best wishes for a relaxing and safe Summer. Your support as always is greatly appreciated by all of the staff in the school. Mark Guest Headteacher

2 SWRHS School News Page 2 Night of the Prom 2012 Over 180 pupils and staff attended the annual school prom at Kelham Hall in June. Methods of transport are always the first highlight of the evening. It is amazing to see the different forms of transport; this year pupils arrived in stretch limousines, a fire engine, a pony and carriage, a handmade cardboard car etc. Someone always manages to think up a new idea! Every year the girls look stunning; we know lots of them spend all day getting ready and it is certainly worth the effort. Not one of the boys had his top button undone or tie loose as is the fashion when in school uniform; what handsome young men! The three course meal that was served was excellent: soup, tomato and mozzarella tartlet, beef, chicken, goats cheese parcels, Eton Mess and apple pie were included in the menu. Next the Awards; pupils were nominated for the Best Excuse Maker Award, the Most Talkative Award etc. This provided some light-hearted amusement before the disco got under way. Pupils and staff spent the remainder of the evening dancing, chatting and having photographs taken. There were also a couple of casino tables where pupils could have a flutter at Blackjack or Roulette. All in all a superb way to celebrate the years spent at school! Next Question: Do they get another prom if they stay on in the Sixth Form??? Mrs Hardy

3 SWRHS School News Page 3 Year 8 Trip to Leicester The day began on the William Robertson courts, the Year 8 s had a swift register in silence and afterwards they travelled to the buses. Everyone was rushing to the back seats but still in an orderly manner. After Mr Roberts had finished the register, we were off to Leicester with everyone chatting away. Eventually we arrived at the Sikh Temple, lining up again in an army structure. Hats on for the boys and head scarves for the girls. As the girls entered the temple first, the boys stood quietly but excitedly. After a few minutes the girls took off their shoes and were welcomed into the temple, not long after the boys did the same. As the pupils concentrated they were welcomed by a prayer and then a Sikh hymn. There were many hymns to pick from as Sikhs have over 5000 hymns! After this pupils were told the Guru Nanak story, with many of the pupils listening well as they knew how important Guru Nanak was to the Sikhs. The leader also talked about the Golden Temple, the holiest temple in Sikhism as they described it. The five K s were also mentioned; the uncut hair, the Kesh, the Khara, the Kirpan, and the Kachs, all of which are very important to the Sikhs. The religion came after Buddhism and Hinduism with Guru Nanak being the founder of Sikhism; he was the main person discussed. After the pupils were dismissed from the temple they were invited to try some food, they seemed to like it and took a great interest with everyone trying some. The langar included a delicious chickpea curry, rice and rice pudding. The Sikhs also gave us some sweets which was very kind. Generally people were happy and felt it was very educational. Written by a happy year 8 pupil! SWRHS Sweeps up Citizens Awards Jake Beaty, in Year 10, has won the Lincolnshire s Young Citizen Award for 2012 and was presented with a special certificate at the Lincolnshire Show by Councillor Palmer. Jake is a member of his local wildlife club and a volunteer leader. Jake joined West Kesteven Wildlife Watch and RSPB Explorers seven years ago and has inspired children with a range of conservation projects over the years. He also gives his time to Welbourn Forge, a local Victorian heritage centre, spending time with visitors and various activities. Whilst working towards his bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award, he helped out at a local care home talking and reading to the residents as well as helping out in the garden. At the same presentation, a former pupil, James Vickers, was awarded the Citizen of the Year title for his volunteer work within the local community. He takes an active role in many organisations and in particular with Frampton Community Playgroup, being a Beaver Scout Colony Leader and coaches young children at Boston Rugby Club. James attended SWRHS during He moved to the High School a year early to save him being in a class of one at Leadenham Primary School. After his time at SWRHS, he had to move to the sixth form at Sleaford to study A-Levels and was pleased to hear there would be A Level courses at Will Rob from this September. Apparently, it was talked about but not achieved in his time. James had vivid memories of his school days and one being his experience of cross country runs where pupils would miss out at the runs and just cross the road to wait for conscientious runners passing through the under pass at Leadenham Bridge, jumping up to join the run on the home straight! Our own Mr Palmer dismissed this as an urban myth.

4 SWRHS School News Page 4 Primary Languages Festival - July 2012 Over 130 young linguists attended our festival this year, with presentations from Long Bennington, Cranwell, Claypole, Bracebridge St.Johns and Welbourn Primary Schools. It was a pleasure to welcome both children and teachers and to watch the excellent stage performances. The set pieces included Old MacDonald had a Farm, an Olympic drama, Goldilocks (in both French and Spanish!) and a very active Touche la Tête. Without exception all were extremely professional and beautifully executed. Madame Dover and her Year 9 assistants had prepared a quiz and teaching session for the break, and there were drinks and croissants all round you had to order in the target language though! Our judges were impressed with the high standard achieved by all the schools, with awards being given for a variety of categories including linguistic ability and dramatic impact. We would like to extend our thanks to the judges: Councillor Marianne Overton, Mrs Anne Rudge - CfBT Primary Languages, Mr Guest - Headteacher, Miss Bennett Expressive Arts and Mr Palmer Director of Language College. And to the Year 9 pupils involved: Rachel Litherland, Kieran Wilson, Sophie Ferguson, Andrew Tinker, Shona Finnie, Mark Farr, Sian Lorenti, Matthew Rayworth, Dale Soar and Steven Cross. We look forward to next year! MFL Dept Shakespeare School Festival The school s rendition for the Shakespeare festival is coming on in leaps and bounds as our first performances were shown to staff and Students. Miss Siriwardena and Mr Swan, along with a cohort of students from across the year groups have been rehearsing a version of The Tempest to perform at The Drill Hall in Lincoln. The students gave two advanced previews in our drama department and many gave up some of their lunch to come and support us. They gave donations to help us fund the performance taking us closer

5 SWRHS School News Page 5 London Theatre Trip 2012 Thirty-two Year 10 and 11 Performing Art students met at Newark North Gate at 8.30 am on Friday 6 th July, all armed with cameras, ready to hit London Town! Day One After arriving at London Kings Cross, we dragged the bags in the sunshine to our hostel in Wilesden Green. The first stop for the group were the shops of Oxford Street. Students spent lots of money in places like Topshop and Urban Outfitters. Next we ducked out of the rain, wanting the students to experience something new and different with good old McDonalds! We then headed to Buckingham Palace where we looked for the Queen through the windows. The tour then went to Leicester Square and Trafalgar Square. A rickshaw journey later and we were at Victoria Theatre to watch Billy Elliot. It was a fantastic show and the students were stunned by the songs, acting and of course dancing. A tube ride later, and we were back at the hostel ready for bed! Day Two Down for breakfast at 8am and ready for another jam packed day of sight seeing, shopping and entertainment! The day started with a visit to the food market Borough Market. Students bought fresh strawberries and we walked down the Themes towards The Globe Theatre and St Paul s Cathedral. After lots of photo opportunities, we moved on to Camden Market. The rain had begun; but this did not stop the students lapping up the Camden atmosphere, visiting the little shops and stalls, eating Bang Bang Chicken in doorways and under umbrellas! After many students bartered down prices of bags, jumpers and dresses, we headed back on the tube to Haymarket Theatre to see One Man Two Guvnors; running a bit late, as a WorldPride parade was going across in front of the theatre! Finally in our seats, I do not think that many of our students knew what to expect with this performance; a minimalistic stage and not a jazz hand in sight! This show was without a doubt, one of the best pieces of comedy dramas I have ever seen. The Commedia Dell'arte, over exaggerated, slapstick style had the whole audience in fits of laughter. Even though we did have the fortune of seeing James Corden play this role, the lead character had brilliant comic timing and had our students laughing out loud. This was a fantastic opportunity for the students to compare the two shows we had seen. We then headed to Covent Garden for a hot chocolate. Tummy s rumbling we sat down to eat in Plant Hollywood, Piccadilly Circus to eat burgers! After a long day, we finally returned to the hostel. Day Three After another breakfast we ventured to the Embankment! The students took lots of pictures of the sights before heading onto The London Eye. One 30 minute rotation later, we took a casual walk past Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. Back to the hostel to collect the bags and off to the train station; one ridiculous shower storm later and we were on the train home. Miss Bennett and Mrs Lomax

6 SWRHS School News Page 6 PRIMARY LINKS D&T WORKSHOPS Over the past couple of months the Design & Technology department have been working closely with a number of primary schools in the area, to deliver a series of workshops in Food, Graphics, Textiles and Resistant Materials to Year 4 and 5 pupils. Mrs Bromley s Year 10 Hospitality group supported children taking part in the Food workshop in a Big Cook, Little Cook style and they really did look the part. Each Year 10 pupil worked closely with 2 juniors, to teach them the skills necessary to successfully produce a two course meal of pizza and fruit salad. Primary and secondary pupils were then able to enjoy their hard-earned meal together in the Food room at the end of the workshop. In Graphics, the children learnt about the Design Process and links between the different areas of Design & Technology, before embarking on a mini-project with a very topical theme. The young designers were challenged to come up with ideas for a set of four postage stamps to commemorate the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. They learnt how to work in a variety of different graphic techniques and used these to produce a final presentation drawing for their favourite stamp design. The results were superb and the children s artwork looked very professional. The Textiles workshop coupled the patriotic theme of the Union Jack with sustainability, reusing denim and other fabrics to design and make a pencil case. Primary school pupils worked with Mrs Parsons, Mrs Bond and Mrs Brewer to learn how to use a sewing machine and complete their sewing machine driving test; they also developed their cutting and sewing skills and discovered how to work with bondaweb to applique their work and to create an interesting and colourful pencil case of their very own in just two hours. All of the children produced some fabulous work and thoroughly enjoyed the activities set out for them. A big thank you to all involved.

7 SWRHS School News Page 7 Miss Dickson s Resistant Materials workshop also taught the primary school pupils about the importance of sustainable design, this time through making a personalised desk tidy with a variety of desirable features: including a note pad holder and photograph clip. The children enjoyed the opportunity to develop practical skills and knowledge of working with a range of materials - including wood, metal and plastic. Primary school pupils also gained insight into industrial processes such as the use of moulds and vacuum forming, before using them to make their own products. The children personalised their work with their initials, and used a variety of pre-manufactured components to enhance and decorate their designer desk tidy; they couldn t wait to take them home and put them to use! All of the primary school children had a great time taking part in the Design & Technology workshops and left us with valuable knowledge and skills, as well as some fantastic work that they were very proud of having achieved. The children really enjoyed spending time at Sir William Robertson High School and we have received some wonderful feedback and comments about the staff and pupils that made their day so rewarding. A big thank you to all involved. Primary and secondary pupils were then able to enjoy their hard-earned meal together in the Food room at the end of the workshop. D & T Department Year 9 History Trip Recently Year 9 History GCSE optees went on a visit to Duxford in Cambridgeshire. The trip was very educational and gave us the chance to see some of the equipment used in both World Wars as well as more recently the Gulf War and Falklands. We saw many fighter air crafts, tanks, boats and weapons which was very interesting as well as a unique opportunity. During the afternoon we took part in a workshop about the Cold War and were able to see artefacts from the Vietnam War as well as what the Vietnamese and American Soldiers would have worn. The speech was very informative and interesting. Overall the museum was a great day out and all the pupils enjoyed the trip. Ellie Reynolds Year 9

8 SWRHS School News Page 8 UCAS Convention Sheffield 20 June 2012 It was a pleasure to accompany Year 11 pupils on a Grand Day Out to the Sheffield Arena. Pupils completed some optional research beforehand to familiarise themselves with aspects of university life. They spoke to representatives from over 125 universities and institutions about university life, student finance, gap years, volunteering, the armed services and other opportunities open to post year 13 pupils. Pupils investigated courses in Law, Hairdressing and Football Business. They enquired about universities both near to home and further away. Pupils and staff enjoyed the experience and we returned to school full of enthusiasm for the sixth form years ahead. Mr Mann and Mrs Brewer Music and Acting Performances On Thursday, 5th July, Jayne Lindgren (Senior examiner from the London College of Music) visited the school to hold examinations in Music Theatre Singing and Acting. Ten pupils took part and performed pieces that had been taught to them by Mr Norton (singing teacher) and Mr Ganderton (acting teacher). Mrs Lindgren praised the school for its excellent resources and organisation. The pupils involved found it a really enjoyable experience and we are currently awaiting the results. Six pupils took exam grades 6-8 (a Level 3 qualification) and will earn UCAS points if successful. Mr C Norton NEW CHESS CLUB AT SWRHS The new chess club has been running since Easter and has gone from strength to strength. Thirty-six students have attended altogether, with around 25 attending each and every week. It has welcomed experienced players through to complete beginners and students have formed a chess league. Next year it hopes to run competitions for the students and to enter players into the UK Schools Chess Challenge. Thank you to Miss Kerrigan for helping it get off the ground and to the small band of Year 10 students who help to run it. Mr Henshaw From September - Chess Club Friday Lunchtime in O5 Years 7, 8 and 9

9 SWRHS School News Page 9 SWRA Forthcoming Events! 100 CLUB In September, the 100 Club will start again so look out for the letter sent home or on the school website at the beginning of next term for details with the chance to win some money prizes! FASHION SHOW On Friday 16 th November the SWRA will be staging a fashion Show in conjunction with Mrs Lawson and the Art Department. There will be a competition for the best outfit made out of garments bought from a charity shop and also models will be showing off garments available to hire from local shops for proms and parties. There will also be lots of stalls selling accessories, beauty products and Christmas items. Please watch this space for more details nearer the date after the summer break. MEETINGS Please come along and join us at the next meeting which is on Thursday, 13th September at school in the Dixon Suite at 7pm. Everyone welcome! Performance Poet Entertains Year 8 Performance Poet, David Mason, visited our school on Thursday, 5th July and entertained our Year 8 pupils in the library. His performances were very inspiring and all the pupils were engaged with his wonderful sense of humour. He sang some of his poetry using a huge variety of rhythm, characters and voices. In addition, a small group of twenty-three pupils took part in a creative writing workshop led by Mr Mason. Pupils had to come up with ideas to write a poem on their chosen topic and the end products were brilliant! Mrs Morton The SWRA Summer Draw has now taken place and the prizes will be distributed before the end of this term. Mr Guest along with two members of the Association and pupils from the School Council made the draws in the school library on Tuesday, 17th July. A grand total of 958 has been raised through the generosity of parents selling tickets and local businesses and parents donating some fantastic prizes. A prize was awarded to the pupil who sold the most tickets and this has gone to Aiden Hardy in Year 7 who, between himself and his family, sold an amazing 250 tickets. This has been a very good money earner for the Association which will enable items to be purchased for the school which will benefit our pupils.

10 SWRHS School News Page 10 SCHOOLS LINK PROJECT Earlier this month, 16 members of our House Council took part in a Schools Link Project with Quarrydale Academy in Nottinghamshire. The link is about two schools from different areas meeting to share experiences and work together. Quarrydale visited Will Rob for a day on Monday 2 nd July and we spent the next day at their school in Sutton-on-Trent. During the link, pupils got to know each other by playing ice-breaker and team-building activities. For example, in mixed groups there was a competition to build the tallest tower from spaghetti and marshmallow. There were sticky fingers and smiley faces all round, so we judged it a big success! We also worked with pupils from Quarrydale to create mini-movies about the similarities and differences between our schools. On the return visit to Quarrydale, we worked in small groups to discuss human rights, making newspaper models and choosing songs to show human rights. Why do we have a School Link? It helps us to extend our horizons beyond the school and local community that we know well; It fits with our aim to ASPIRE! Finding out about a different school helps us to understand what is special about SWRHS; Pupils who go to school in the middle of a town opened our eyes to the unique setting we have here, with our countryside, farms and village communities. Did we extend our horizons? All our pupils agreed that the Schools Link showed them what everyday experiences were like in a different school. 93% of pupils said that the Link helped them to understand the identity of their own school. 79% of pupils felt that knew more about a community that was different from their own than they did before the schools link. 93% of pupils understood more about what makes their own local community special than they did before the schools link. Did we develop empathy and show respect for others? 93% of pupils felt more confident about meeting new people. 79% said it helped them build new friendships. 100% agreed that all pupils showed respect for each other during the Link. 100% understood what it would feel like to be a pupil in a different place, in a different school. What skills did we learn? 100% of pupils said that they had developed their communication skills. 100% judged that they had worked well with others. 93% agreed that they had used their thinking skills to be creative. 79% agreed that they had used their thinking skills for problem-solving and decision-making. It was nice to mix with people from other schools, as often our friendship groups are within the same school community. Also it was interesting to hear about another school and its similarities and differences to our own school. I am looking forward to visiting Quarrydale as it will be a different experience to learn and be in a different school.

11 SWRHS School News Page 11 What skills did we learn? 100% of pupils said that they had developed their communication skills. 100% judged that they had worked well with others. 93% agreed that they had used their thinking skills to be creative. 79% agreed that they had used their thinking skills for problem-solving and decision-making. SWRHS pupils opinions They were nice, friendly and they gave a lot of good comments about our school. We are so fortunate to have what we have Sam, Year 7. It was nice to mix with people from other schools, as often our friendship groups are within the same school community. Also it was interesting to hear about another school and its similarities and differences to our own school. I am looking forward to visiting Quarrydale as it will be a different experience to learn and be in a different school community. Alex, Year 10. It built our confidence Hannah, Year 10. I think it has built my confidence and has helped my communications skills Rohan, Year 7. Today has helped us to build upon our speaking skills, especially with new unfamiliar people. It has given us an insightful opinion of our own school from the perspective of students from another school Josh, Year 8. I think the link is a great idea as it allows us to get in touch with different school life. This is good because most people go through their whole school lives without that chance Nick, Year 7. Mrs Ackland Year 10 BTEC hospitality and catering group prepared the buffet lunch for the occasion which was enjoyed by all. MIDDAY SUPERVISOR REQUIRED at Sir William Robertson High School, Welbourn September 2012 We are seeking to recruit a hardworking, reliable individual to join our friendly team 7 ½ hours per week (1 ½ hours per day 1.15pm 2.45pm) Please telephone Miss Gill for an application form

12 SWRHS School News Page 12 Summer Arts Celebration This was held on Tuesday, 10 th July and was a combined event between the Music, Drama, Art and Hospitality and Catering departments of the school. About 40 students took part on the night with many others represented through their art work. The audience enjoyed a variety of performances from students of all ages and our guest performer, Miss Siri. There was something for everyone, music of all kinds, dance, drama and the opportunity to spend some time viewing the fantastic art work on display. Refreshments were made and served brilliantly by the Year 10 hospitality and catering group. All in all, a lovely evening which showed just how many talented students we have at our school. the raffle. Mrs Lomax and Miss Bennett ECO WARRIORS TAKE ON THE SCHOOLS CHALLENGE 2012 The 128 th Lincolnshire Show took place on Wednesday, June 20th and Thursday, June 21 st 2012 and each year, schools are invited to take on the Schools Challenge. A range of challenges related to the countryside, environment and agriculture were available for us to choose from; pupils in SWRHS Eco Warriors club chose Improving my School Grounds as the focus for their very first year of entry. Each school participating in the challenge was required to produce a verbal presentation and display for the judging panel, to support their entry. Our display looked very professional and we received a lot of positive feedback from other schools and visitors to the show. There were three categories Primary, Secondary and Special Schools with winners in each; thirty-seven different schools took part in the event. Although our pupils did not secure a winning place, as new their enthusiasm and effort put in to the challenge was second to none - all were a real credit to the school. Throughout the two-day event there was plenty for everyone to see, do, take part in and eat! All of the pupils enjoyed their time at the show, which provided a real insight into the farming community. Thank you to all staff and pupils who were involved in supporting the school at the event, and special thanks to our Year 10 Eco Warriors who remained committed to the project from start to end but were unable to be present at the showground due to their exams. Mrs Davie

13 SWRHS School News Page 13 GCSE Results Day Thursday 23 rd August 2012 Year 11 pupils are invited to collect their GCSE results from the school hall between am and 3.00 pm on Thursday 23rd August. Year 10 pupils wishing to collect results can do so between pm and 3.00 pm. Pupils who are unable to attend in person and wish to make alternative arrangements for receiving results should contact Mrs Williams in the school office as soon as possible, as they cannot be issued to family members or friends unless prior written permission has been received. Results will not be given over the phone. Examination certificates are usually received in school at the end of the October, and details for their collection will be sent out in the autumn term. Mrs Williams School Bus Park As all parents will be well aware, the school Bus Park is extremely busy at the end of the school day and our first priority must always be the safety and welfare of our pupils. We try to get our pupils on to their respective buses as quickly as possible so that school transport can leave promptly at 3.45pm. Parents can greatly assist with this if they are collecting their children by waiting in the public lay-by on the A607 rather than trying to access the Bus Park before 3.45pm or parking on the grass verges near to the school. With such a large number of school buses arriving in quick succession, parents attempting to manoeuvre between buses, or trying to find suitable parking spaces, can cause congestion and increases the possibility of accidents. Although teaching staff do their best to marshal the traffic, anything we can do to limit the number of vehicles moving in a confined area at the end of the day is beneficial for our pupils. Thank you for your support with this matter. Mark Guest Headteacher Dates for Your Diary! Start of Term 1 Wednesday, 5th September Years 7 and 12 Thursday, 6th September All Years End of Term 1 Thursday 25th October Term 2 Term 3 Term 4 Term 5 Bank Holiday Term 6 Monday, 5th November- Friday, 21st December Monday, 7th January - Friday, 15th February Monday, 25th February - Thursday, 28th March Monday, 15th April - Friday, 24th May Monday, 6th May Monday, 3rd June - Friday, 19th July