OP MAGAZINE NEWSLETTER OF WINTER/SPRING 2011/12 • ISSUE 34 pupils focused onRemembrance, meeting veterans Cooking, Sign Language, and Vietnamese. Year 9 based activities such asLatin,Japanese, Spanish performance. They alsotookpartinlanguages- where they worked withactorsand watched a Year 8pupilstookpartinShakespeare workshops History, RS,PSHCEEand ICT. Year 8withEnglish and Languages and Year 9with subjects. Year 7pupilsworked withMaths and PE, again tookpartinavariety of activities linking For thisyear’sCross-Curricular days pupilsonce   hope youenjoyreading it. curricular days and interviews withnew staff.Ido features reports and photographs from the cross Cross-Curricular Days-October2011 Cross-Curricular From theHeadteacher Ms JLonghurst which wasanamazing day and one of ournew buildbyHenry Winkler, includes articles onthe opening ThisWinter/Spring edition magazine the latestversion of the I wouldlike tocommend toyou to remember. The magazine also . OP COME BACKin50Years !   7 December2061! should beretrieved on indicate thatthe capsules wall tomark the spotand plaque willbemade for the on Wednesday 7December; a buried inthe school grounds The four capsuleswere and amobile phone. postcards, photos, newspaper articles, and even memory cards been giventhe opportunitytoget involved. We received letters, community and parents have members of the school this project, and other We are veryexcited about the next 50years. be buried inatime capsulefor memorabilia of thisdecade to wrote lettersand collected Days inOctober, Year 9pupils As partof ourCross-Curricular Mr PHodgetts   the Year 11science ISA. groups and speakers, and preparation and writing for Army Museum; Enterprise Activity, Study Skills in school; Geography Fieldtrip; HistoryTrip tothe studies –ArtTrip toKew Gardens and ArtWorkshops part inarange of activities tosupporttheir GCSE creating atime capsule. Year 10and 11pupilstook and films for contemporary remembrance and looking atthe lifeof Walter Tull, making symbols from World War II,creating afilmonWorld War I, 6 5 4 3 2 1 IN THISISSUE –School Council activities: OPleaversinthe –New staffinterviewed; Michael Rosenat –OpenDays, Prizegiving, Remembrance Dayand –The new blockgoes up;Ecoevents; MPvisits –Henry ‘The Fonz’Winkleropens the new block –Cross-curricular days; 50-yeartime capsules Ms GNegrotti spotlight Richmond ; Lena Mihic rows for gold Theatre-in-Education visit 1 HENRY WINKLER OBE OPENS NEW DYSLEXIA UNIT AND TEACHING BLOCK ‘It was interesting to see Henry Winkler.Winkler. He was a delight to have and was very entertaining whilst he spokespoke not only about his book, but also his troubles with being dyslexicdyslexic and at school. It was interesting to fi nd out that this award- winning author and actor was in factfact dyslexic.dyslexic. It’It’ss also hard to believe that this was not diagnosed until he was in his late thirties.thirties. He set a ffantasticantastic eexamplexample forfor all pupils and especially ones who have diffi culty with learning, given that he revealed his troubles in school and not knowing what sort ofof proprofessionfession to take.take. It just shows that you can start with so little, and achieve greatness! ‘It was an entertaining performance, On 18 October, we were delighted and I’m sure all ofof the staff and the whole ofof YYearear 7 enjoyed his talk; he to welcome children’s author Henry certainly had everybody laughing.’laughing.’ Winkler OBE, better known to most adults  Katia Anderson 9N as ‘The Fonz’ from TV’s Happy Days, to our school. We had originally asked ‘I enjoyed Henry Winkler’sWinkler’s visit. He if Henry would come to open the New talkedtalked mostly about his eexperiencesxperiences as Teaching Block and Unit for Specifi c a child and being dyslexic,dyslexic, and it was Learning Diffi culties and were really very interesting to hear how he coped at pleased that he not only agreed to school. He then talkedtalked about his bookbooks,s, do that but that we were offered the and read a short passage from one ofof them. The booksbooks were about a dysledyslexicxic opportunity for Henry and Nicky Cox to boy and his problems at school, based deliver their My Way! Campaign schools on his own experiences.experiences. He also told us talk. Nicky Cox MBE is Editor and about his hopes and dreams ofof becoming founder of award-winning newspaper an actor,actor, which he did achieveachieve,, and so First News. concluded that any ofof us could achieve Nicky spoke to pupils about what what we wanted.’wanted.’ makes an interesting news story and  Lily Brand 9S gave them tips on how to write an article for a newspaper. The two pupils ‘I thought Henry Winkler’sWinkler’s visit was really interesting and he was very who volunteered to help her, Hamza Jaid entertaining. He cracked lots of jokes and Louis King, were lucky enough to be (even if they were a bit corny), and given a souvenir copy of a tiny First News told us about his life as he struggled with which appears in the Guinness Book of dyslexia,dyslexia, which was pretty inspirational. Records as the smallest newspaper. He told us that everyone,everyone, no matter Henry was truly inspirational and how much you think you aren’t going talked to pupils about how he overcame to succeed, you should always aim forfor his learning challenges to become a your dreams,dreams, because it workworkeded fforor him. best-selling author telling them: ‘How He said that he had always wanted to be you learn has nothing to do with how an actor when he was little,little, and through smart you are.’ a bit ofof hard work and dedication he managed to achieve his goal. Finally he He also said: ‘School was unbelievably read an extractextract from one ooff his bookbooks,s, hard for me. Teachers didn’t know which was very witty and fun. It was what dyslexia was at the time, so I brilliant to see such a famousfamous person was labelled a trouble-maker. I was the so interested in children, and especially classroom clown. I got a bad grade in those who fi nd school diffi cult.’cult.’ everything but lunch. I was great  Natalie Beecroft 9S at lunch! Just because we learn differently, that does not mean that we are not incredibly smart human beings. That’s something I need every child to understand.’ Henry is known to a generation of children for his series of Hank Zipzer books.books. ThThee books araree about a funnfunnyy anandd adventurousadventurous schschoolool boy whwho,o, liklikee HHenry,enry, suffers from dyslexia.

2 OP MAGAZINE 34  WINTER/SPRING 2011/12 THE NEW TEACHING BLOCK – IN PICTURES

January 2011.... work starts February.... foundations March.... steel frame goes up April.... a concrete staircase

May.... interior takes shape June.... outer cladding July.... furniture and fittings ...... and all ready to move in.

Eco Team Endeavours Visit by Dr Vincent Cable MP This is just a quick update from the Eco Team to let you know what we’ve been up to, as well as what we are planning for the future. Some of you may know that Mr Hodgetts has taken over from Ms McDonald. We will all miss her – but the show must go on, so keep your eyes on the newsletters for future updates and opportunities from us. We are very excited to announce that the solar panels have been installed above the Art and Science classrooms. We were absolutely delighted to welcome We’ve installed a reading meter in the Dr Cable to school on 23 September for canteen area so that pupils can keep an a short visit. We have been keen for him eye on the live feed for the kWhs being to visit us to show him what a fantastic produced. This data could be used in school he has in his constituency after Science, Maths and Geography lessons. being recognised as an ‘Outstanding We’re making a saving of approximately School’ by Ofsted last November. £3000 per year on electricity with the Dr Cable was extremely impressed with the friendly and purposeful atmosphere energy being produced by the panels. in the school and, as he put it, ‘the We have a maximum of 50kWhs for our We would like to also get involved buzz’ in lessons, and how confident and usage so the excess is returned to the articulate our pupils were. After a tour with sharing our good practice with main grid, meaning we’re using less of the school, Dr Cable met members electricity, which is good for everyone. another school in the area; being able of the leadership team for coffee, and There are many environmental to discuss ideas and achievements would was particularly interested in our views initiatives planned for the school centred be amazing. It’s taken two and a half on the place of ICT and the arts in the on how we can reduce our impact on years and a great deal of work, but we’re curriculum. climate change, including planting a almost at our goal. After break he had a ‘question and vegetable garden and creating our own We are currently recruiting new answer’ session with members of the compost. With bronze and silver Eco members, so if you’re interested you School Council and Head Prefects, and then met pupils and staff in our newly Schools awards under our belt, we’re now should see Mr Hodgetts or a member of refurbished SEN area. working for our prestigious Green Flag. the Eco Team to find out about joining and making a difference to your school We are very grateful to Dr Cable for We’ve conducted an audit of the water finding time to visit us in his very busy and your environment. system, and have still to review our schedule. energy usage.  Rebecca Harrington 10A  Ms J Longhurst

OP MAGAZINE 34  WINTER/SPRING 2011/12 3 Shrek the Musical Open Evening and Open Mornings

The evening of 14 December we were The beginning of October saw a very busy and successful Open Evening. The school privileged to be taken to see Shrek the looked bright and welcoming and Ms Longhurst received many compliments from Musical. From train station visitors during the evening, clearly impressed by the positive and vibrant atmosphere we made the short train journey to in the school. Waterloo and then walked to the Drury There were many anxious questions about admissions and clearly we remain a very Lane Theatre for the performance. popular choice for many local parents/carers. This is fantastic and confirms our place The sights on the way looked as one of the two most successful and outstanding secondary schools in the Borough. magnificent: the Eye was lit The upper school pupils who acted as tour guides were fantastic ambassadors for the up in blue neon lights as it was close school, and the lower school pupils helped with activities in classrooms and around to Christmas. The lights were dazzling the school and did an admirable job. everywhere! We were all seated in the stalls and the show began. It opened with Shrek Prizegiving 2011 as his younger self, describing what his childhood was like. The performance Prizegiving took place last term and we were continued just like the film only the delighted to welcome Ms Gill Hines as our Guest actors and actresses cleverly interacted of Honour. Gill is a freelance Education and with the audience and made us laugh. Parenting Consultant, trainer, and author. The music was completely different to Her address on the evening was both what I imagined as they changed the entertaining and thought-provoking with a songs and it was played live. strong message about aspirations, essential life Everyone enjoyed themselves. I skills and striving for success. It was a pleasure look forward to more trips like this in to be able to reflect on the considerable successes of last year and to celebrate the the future. Thanks to everyone who achievements of many of our talented pupils. organised this.  James Parkinson 7E Remembrance Day

Smashed!

On 10 January, Year 8 pupils watched a performance of “Smashed” which is William Thomas and Adam Meyer a new theatre education programme played the Last Post in school on led by Collingwood Learning and Friday 11 November as a respectful and sponsored by Diageo GB (the world’s meaningful addition to the observance of largest producer of spirits and a Remembrance Day at Orleans Park. This major producer of beer and wine) was followed by one minute of silence, The performance was to teach us after which the boys played the short the effects and dangers of alcohol. Reveille music. The story was about a group of William and Adam also played again drinkers who met each other at a this year at the Isleworth Cenotaph park. One time, when the drinking on Sunday 13 November as part of the got out of hand, everything else British Legion Service. went wrong and their performance William has played these pieces on showed us what alcohol can do to numerous occasions for the Cubs as well you. as having the privilege of playing at Everyone learnt something and it was an enjoyable play. After the performance the Thiepval Memorial in France and at there was an interactive workshop to help pupils question, and ultimately understand, the Trenches. William was also asked the effects of alcohol misuse. to return to All Souls Church to play the The actors expressed the reality of alcohol abuse extremely well, and it was Last Post on a World War I bugle which shocking to see what could happen to someone and how friendship and life can be has recently been uncovered in the destroyed beyond repair! Church archives.  Gavin Pham 8O

4 OP MAGAZINE 34  WINTER/SPRING 2011/12 Getting to know the new staff Michael Rosen

Mr Briggs PE Department atmosphere and the excellent Recently, 6 pupils behaviour. from Orleans What do you enjoy teaching most? Park went to see That would have to be Physics. the inspirational Particularly Year 11s because the hard Michael Rosen, work encourages them to do the best author and poet they can, and get better results. of We’re Going on a Bear Hunt Who are your star pupils? and other classics, at Richmond Park That’s a tough question because there’s Academy. The teachers who accompanied too many. The pupils I’ve taught are us were our glamorous chauffeur, Mrs Mr Briggs is one the newest recruits of all trying so hard. Orleans Park School. He teaches PE and McKone and our inspirational English one of his favourite subjects is Rugby. Interview: Lily Brand, Katia Anderson teacher, Mrs Daley. What school did you use to teach at? After a long and tedious wait, Michael I’m a newly qualified teacher and I Ms Tingley RECEPTION Rosen appeared. With all the other qualified at Loughborough University. schools there it was hard to see him, Do you play any sports outside of school? but, as it turned out, we didn’t need I play rugby at Teddington Rugby to see him to appreciate his amazing Football club. poetry. How fast can you run? He talked about his life as a child, I’m like Usain Bolt! which was fascinating. The most Have you ever seen a wild animal? interesting part was when he said he was I’ve seen a wild Haggis in the Scottish ‘apparently’ not allowed to breathe in mountains! (LOL) school. Imagine that – not being able Interview: Harvey Planer, Gavin Pham, to breathe at Orleans Park? Luke Airey Ms Tingley has joined Reception staff. After his extremely amusing life story, Are you enjoying working at Orleans Park? he let us ask any questions we wanted. Mr Carter science DEPartment I love it more and more everyday. He replied to every question with an Is it what you expected? amusing answer and poem. I would say yes, it is what I expected. We enjoyed it greatly and towards the I wasn’t prepared for some of the end offered us organizing involved, such as school cookies to die for! uniform. Then we got our Michael Rosen books signed and we left with massive smiles What did you do before you worked here? on our faces. I had a few other jobs. I worked at London Underground and I worked as  George N White and Faiza Hassan 7O a florist. Have you ever worked in a school before Mr Carter is the new Head of Science. and if not is it very different? How do you find Orleans Park so far? No, I haven’t worked in school before, I think that it’s the best school I have but I really wanted to. The hours are ever taught in so far. There is also good. It is not that different to offices a lovely atmosphere here, with such I have worked in before and the pupils great pupils and teachers! make it more enjoyable. What do you enjoy most about the school? Interview: Luke Airey, Gavin Pham I think that would be the positive LENA STRIKES GOLD

Lena Mihic in Year 8 recently won the regatta rowing race from York House to Eel Pie Island. She was the youngest in her team, at the age of 12, and managed to get gold along with her team. Where did you train? Twickenham Rowing Club. How long have you been training? I think a year now. What did you think when you saw the finish line in reach? I didn’t just think I was going to win, I knew I was going to win! Next thing I knew I was holding a silver pot with glory. Are you thinking of doing any more races? Yes, I’m doing a race from Hampton Court to Teddington. Interview: Harvey Planer, Alex Collier

OP MAGAZINE 34  WINTER/SPRING 2011/12 5 School Council

We’ve been very busy in School on offer to help support the Council this term, and we’d like cause. to mention just some of the We’ve also been given the things going on. School and task of deciding the winners Year Councils are about change; for the Jack Petchey Awards we were elected by our forms as from the many talented pupils representatives for the pupils, nominated monthly: keep a in order to have pupil voices look out – that could be you! heard. At the start of term, a We are also given great training day took place for the Year and opportunities in School Council to travel School Councils, teaching us the skills we outside of school to take part in events. need to perform our duties and benefit On 7 October, a group of us went to our peers. We also had many discussions the Youth Summit to discuss key issues regarding the Academy Consultation for young people in our borough and taking place and helped feed information meet with other students, teachers and back to our form, making sure everyone youth workers. We were also able to quiz knew the situation. our MPs regarding the Heatham House Student Voice Week went well and closure, a chance we eagerly took. On 12 helped students get their views across within October a group of School Council reps activities including questioning Ms Longhurst. went to the Houses of Parliament for a day and There’s also been positive feedback regarding met Zac Goldsmith, had a tour of the Houses of the Yr 11 hot chocolate sales in the Food Tech Parliament, completed a workshop on debating classroom before school, perfect for the icy and got a real insight into how Parliament mornings. Our Children in Need Day was also a works. success, with a total of £1925 raised and many All in all, a very productive term. taking part in the mufti and lunchtime activities  Rebecca Harrington 10A Catching up with the leavers We always like to hear news of our pupils who have moved onto The university is one of the top pastures new and we are delighted to report on what four of our hockey universities in the USA ex-pupils have been up to recently. and last year they worn the NCAA Nic Moore left Orleans Park in July 2006 title with Katie in the winning and following two years at Richmond squad. As a result of that win, College he moved on to Southampton the team were presented to University. Whilst living in Southampton, President Barack Obama. Well Nick developed an interest in body done, Katie! building and has recently become the UK Body Building Fitness Federation 2011 Junior Champion – amazing! Leaving in 2008, Jennifer Mashford Thomas Hine, also a leaver in 2006, is still involved in the hockey was recently spotted on television in the set up. Currently in the U21 squad Christ Church, Oxford, team who reached and playing for premier side Olton & the second round of University Challenge. West Warwicks, she combines this with Katie Ardrey left Orleans Park in 2007 and is now studying her studies at Birmingham University. at the University of North Carolina on a Hockey Scholarship. Although perhaps too soon for the London Games, Jennifer has set her sights on a future Olympics – Good Luck, Jennifer! Orleans Park Press Senior Reporter Rebecca Harrington 10A Reporters/Photographers Luke Airey 8O, Katia Anderson 9N, Natalie Beecroft 9S, Lily Brand 9S, Alexander Collier 8O, Gavin Pham 8O, Harvey Planer 8O Supervising editors Mrs C Brooks, Ms R Crisa, Mrs J Donnelly Consultant designer Peter Moore

Orleans Park School • Richmond Road • Twickenham TW1 3BB 020 8891 0187 • www.orleanspark.richmond.sch.uk • www.opsa.org.uk

6 OP MAGAZINE 34  WINTER/SPRING 2011/12