Carswell’s Cool

Christmas

Cracker

By Anjash, Max, Trish, Bethany, Kelsey and Abbey. They have been interviewing students and teachers from secondary .

A note about Hello Abingdon

Moving into a new area can be difficult. You need to find your way around, make new friends and start new topics at . That’s why we thought it would be good for the children of forces’ families based at Dalton Barracks to work with local children on a newsletter about Abingdon. This newsletter has been put together by six pupils from Carswell Community Primary School. From content to format and printing, the group have made all the decisions and done all the work – in just six two-hour sessions. In the course of this, they’ve used classroom skills, including literacy and I.T., life-skills like team-work, responsibility and working to deadlines, and learnt a lot about their community. We hope you’ll enjoy reading the results.

This project has been organised by TrinityLearning, an initiative of Trinity Church in Abingdon, and is one of a series of projects aimed at helping to improve the quality of life in Abingdon schools. For more information on TrinityLearning and its activities, contact: TrinityLearning The Conduit Centre Conduit Road Abingdon OX14 1DB e-mail: [email protected]

Thanks to an award from The Armed Forces Community Covenant Grant Scheme, 500 copies of this magazine will be distributed free in Abingdon and at Dalton Barracks.

On Thursday 15th November, Josh from John Mason said he thought he Bethany, Kelsey, Anjash, Max, Trish might get lost in such a big school but he and Abbey from Carswell School soon found his way around the school. He interviewed students and teachers was worrying about being late but the first from secondary schools. The schools couple of times, the teachers wouldn’t were Larkmead, John Mason and mind if he was a bit late but if he was half . an hour late then the teacher would tell him off. We interviewed two students from John Mason, and their teacher Miss Wakefield, James from Fitzharrys was worried about four students from Fitzharrys and their older kids but they’re not as big and scary headteacher Mr Dennett, and three as he thought. students from Larkmead, with cover supervisor Mrs Midwinter. Katharine from Larkmead said she was worried about the older kids and the The afternoon was really good and we got crowds in corridors but there are lots of some fantastic answers from the students teachers and sixth formers to see if you are and staff. all right.

We asked what were the biggest differences between primary schools and secondary schools for them and their parents.

George from John Mason said the schools are much bigger but he got used to the layout really quickly. He thought that the canteen is great and they are a lot more independent and they have to organise themselves a lot more.

Olivia from Fitzharrys thought it was like being babies because in secondary school she felt really small whereas in primary schools she was a lot taller than all the younger children. She told us that there was lots of homework and lots of different teachers.

Fraser from said that when he changed schools he was the We asked the students how they would oldest but suddenly the youngest, but improve their school. sometimes he mixes up with the grown Fitzharrys School said students are ups. At the end of each lesson he has to represented on the governing body. They pack up and move to a different area of the had lots of suggestions and over the school which is much bigger. The summer a lot of work had been done and corridors can be a bit crazy and a bit nearly all of their requests have been rough. worked on. There are new toilets, a new

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canteen and a new minibus. Mr Dennett added that we should try our best and try said if it’s affordable it’s done. Two of the something new. students we interviewed are student governors. A Larkmead student told us that starting school was never as bad as you imagined said they have student it. She told us to tell somebody quickly if governors too. The student council work there’s something wrong. To avoid on all aspects of the school. They thought a peanutting (pulling a tie until it strangles new technology department would be the person) people tuck a two pence piece good. The students said more open into their tie. Mrs Midwinter said that any classrooms when it is raining would be an problems can be solved so speak to essential improvement. somebody if you have a problem. Come to the school looking forward to it as there is Larkmead said they have student council lots to learn, see and enjoy. It’s really not and they are looking at three different scary. The students also told us if we things 1 teaching 2 the canteen 3 facilities. wanted a computer be there early.

They said they wanted to make the The students from Fitzharrys said that we learning more exciting and interactive. don’t have to panic because the teachers The school council are doing this by don’t yell and it’s fine. They told us that to observing the lessons and telling the carry the equipment round with us isn’t teachers what they liked and what they that bad. They also suggested that we didn’t really understand. should wear a clip on tie so that we wouldn’t waste time putting on a real tie. On the canteen, they said they wanted a They told us that we would not have salad bar and more space. They also problems making new friends and wanted to make the queuing situation eventually our friends would not be from better. our old school. Mr Dennett told us to get On facilities they wanted a whole school stuck in and take every opportunity common room where they could socialize because there are things we don’t even with other years. know we are good at yet.

We asked if the students prefer secondary school or primary school and what was the We asked what advice they would give to best thing about being at their school. any new person at their school. They all told us that they preferred A John Mason student said not to get in secondary school. with the wrong crowd just because you want to look cool. He also said try to make A student from Larkmead said they liked a good first impression. He told us not to being able to get on with things on their worry about learning names because you own. There was too much help and learn them really quickly and easily. Going supervision at primary school. They liked round in a group to start with makes you the fact they can use computers at break feel secure. Two really important things they can do their homework at breaks and were to pack our bags the night before and lunchtime if they want and there are some to be very organized. Miss Wakefield fantastic clubs.

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A student from Fitzharrys said they like John Mason answered that there were being independent and they liked the very little problems but they had many of chance of a fresh start and making lots of same things in place as the other schools new friends. they also said its important that the students tells the teachers if there was a John Mason students agreed and said problem they have peer mentors in their every day was different which was cool. 6th form who are allocated to a different form group every morning. We asked if they wanted to tell us anything else. Fitzharrys agreed with John Mason and they also dealt with the bullying quickly John Mason students told us it was a when they knew about it. They monitor really good school to be at and the staff are the situation to check that it doesn’t cool and so is the equipment happen again. They have a buddy system Mr Dennett told us to go and look round and also have peer mentors. The teachers the schools. They are all brilliant and they and the school council support the work closely together. students. Mr Dennett also said the important thing is that the teachers need Mrs Midwinter told us to look at each to know about all the bullying. school and we might find we prefer the atmosphere and learning style at one suits us personally better than the others. We asked the students what they would do Reported by Abbey and Trish if they got bullied.

All the students felt that bullying was dealt with in their school and they didn’t see it We asked the teachers whether there was as a big problem. bullying in their school and what did they do about it. We also wondered if they had Josh from John Mason said he would go a friendship bench. to a teacher or Students Services.

Lily from Fitz told us that she would see the teachers because they are always there Larkmead said that bullying does happen for her and makes the school a happier but there is very little. In any area in life place. there is someone who is nasty and unkind. They deal with it straight away when they Katharine from Larkmead said she would knew about it. They talk to the bullies and go to her tutor or her head of year or head this most often puts a stop to it. Mrs of key stage. Midwinter also said if it’s serious they might keep them out of the lessons and breaks and will contact their parents. They We asked the students if they break the have a mentoring group in Learning school rules what happens. Support and also they help vulnerable students to learn the skills which will reduce the likelihood of being bullied. Fitz said that the 1st time they break the rules they get a warning, the 2nd time they get detention and if they do it a 3rd time

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they get an Incident Report. The teacher Larkmead said they have Chinese club, and the student write about the incident guitar club and also have tennis and dance and it is investigated at a higher level. and drama clubs.

John Mason said that it is very similar to We asked them what they do at break. Fitzharrys but sometimes they are parked Also whether there is anything provided to another teacher and they get a phone for them to play on or with. call home. John Mason said they play football on the Larkmead also said their system is similar field they also sit around and talk or go to to the other schools. There are levels of clubs then they said that they don’t need sanctions starting with the talking to and anything extra to play on. moving on to detentions and being removed from lessons. Fitz said there’s always something they can do. Sometimes there are inter form competitions in their sports and that there was a new house system where they can We asked them if the secondary school win points for their house by winning gets more holidays than primary schools. these lunchtime competition. They also can play on tennis courts or on the field in the summer plus all-weather pitch. They told us definitely not! Sometimes inset days are on different days and we Larkmead said that there is all the same might get the impression that holidays are sort of things as the others. They go to the different. library or the computer room.

We asked them what sort of school clubs they had and were there some for adults. We asked them if the work is hard in their school. They all have lots of different clubs but parents weren’t able to join in although sometimes teachers could. If their children John Mason said that their work is harder were playing matches then they could go than primary school and some teachers and watch them play. We think this is a help them though if they’re in top set they smart idea and having lots of school clubs can be challenged whilst the lower set so they are not bored. moves at a pace which is better for them. Also they have year 10 and 11 language John Mason has lots of music clubs and mentors. sports clubs. They also have a book club which is for 6th formers and teachers. Fitz said obviously their work gets harder every minute: there would be no point in it Fitz has lots of sports clubs. They toured getting easier otherwise nobody would Spain with their football and their best learn anything. Olivia said the teachers ever netball club. They also have lots of knew lots of different ideas to explain to music clubs they also have science club the students. and media club were they learn animation. Larkmead said that the work does get harder, but the teachers always started

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with what the students know. They use hundred and sixty students) this means their planners so they can get organised. everyone is well known. There are a lot of They can use their traffic lights in their opportunities for Fitzharrys students as planners so that the teachers know how they are a college of technology. they are getting on with their work. Red means that they are stuck, amber means Fraser, from Larkmead said the that they need a little bit of help and green atmosphere was warm and homey and means that they can do their work. Mrs Midwinter said she enjoyed working there because there is a nice community Reported by Bethany and Kelsey feel and lots of great things happened there in and out of school time.

We asked what kind of food is served, was it tasty and how was it healthy. Also we asked how much they spent.

John Mason said there was a huge variety. It costs two pounds for a Pasta King .You can get meal deals which are a sandwich, biscuit and a drink. Hot meals chips, salad, rolls and pizza are available. He said there is a fingerprint recognition system so that they can pay in advance at break and then the queues move much faster. We asked why they would recommend their school to their friends and family. Fitzharrys said the food was really nice. They said they have a big choice of food. Panini’s are only £1.60. They said there From John Mason, Josh said everyone was food available at break time and lunch wants him to do well and succeed. time. A full 2 course hot meal is £2.35. Walking through the courtyard is great. The mini canteen has less choice but is much quicker. They said KS3 has a Miss Wakefield said she has worked there separate dining hall. for six years and has always enjoyed working there because colleagues are Larkmead said they can take their packed friends and are fun and hardworking. lunch. They said there is a lot of choice like There is also lots going on in and out of pasta, baguettes, Yazoo lemonade and school. fizzy apple juice as drinks as well as water.

James, from Fitzharrys said all the It was healthy and you can only get chips teachers were nice. On the first day of on Friday. school they welcomed him at the front gate. He said buddies were helpful and it’s a great place to be. Mr Dennett said people felt safe and cared for. As they are smaller than the other two schools (only six

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We asked the teachers why they chose to The other two schools said they had much work at their school. the same procedures as Fitzharrys and they monitor students. Mr Dennett said that it was his local school and he wanted to make a difference We asked why they became teachers when in the community. the children could behave so badly.

Miss Wakefield said the school looked good on their website. She teaches Mr Dennett said children can be lively and geography and there seemed to be lots of sparkly. Mrs Midwinter said that she loves opportunities for trips. They also have working with children. Miss Wakefield their own field centre in Wales. said she loves telling children about geography. Anyways children aren’t that Mrs. Midwinter said she wanted to work bad. in Abingdon and when she visited the school the people were nice and friendly. We asked if children get detention. When it is and why they get detention. We asked how they knew if the children are happy at their school and how they Miss Wakefield said they get detention if communicate with parents. they have broken school rules. It can be break time or after school. Mr Dennett said he talks to the kids and does surveys. All the feedback tells him The other two schools said they have the they are happy. The school sends post same procedures as John Mason. cards home when children have done well. They have meetings and interviews. There are big Parents’ Evenings when they can Reported by Anjash and Max exchange views Thanks to our interviewees:

George, Josh, Lily, Olivia, James, James, Fraser, Katharine, Cluny, Miss Wakefield, Mr Dennett and Mrs Midwinter.

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Christmas songs quiz By Abbey and Trish

1. Which hymn’s second verse begins with “Christ by highest Heav’n adored?” a) What child is this? b) O Holy Night c) Silver Bells d) Hark the Herald Angels Sing

2. Which song begins with “Joy to the World the Saviour reigns”? a) Sleigh Ride b) O Come O Come Emmanuel c) Joy to the World d) Mary’s Boy Child

3. Which Christmas song’s second verse begins with “Still through the cloven skies they come”? a) It Came Upon the Midnight Clear b) I heard the Bells on Christmas Day c) The 12 Days of Christmas d) O Christmas Tree

4. Which Christmas song’s second verse begins with “The Cattle are Lowing”? a) The Greatest Gift of All b) O Little Town of Bethlehem c) Away in a Manger d) Jingle Bell Rock

5. Which Christmas hymn’s second verse begins “For Christ is born of Mary”? a) O Little Town of Bethlehem b) In Excelsis Gloria c) Home for the Holidays d) Santa Claus is Coming to Town

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Christmas game.

Find matching 3 to win!. By max

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Christmas song Anagrams

1. ywaa ni a genamr = 2. liehw hspreheds tawechd = 3. rdlhupo het erd nosed ieendrer =

By Anjash

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WORD SEARCH FOR CHRISTMAS

T Y J J S H R J L T J U P G S R J I T H R D U Q K Y A J A N G E L S B C T E N M Y V W O Y P L H N K N H N G R T K M R D B D U A O N Q E E R T L U K N J Y I U L A A R L O Q L K U O T L A M O N A P D P G R T N C K R T D E I N H Y C N C S T A R L E K K E B K P U H Y C M A A L O E L I R E H H L M E A Z E Y M N K L R H A P E L V R I G D J V I Y T L R B B H O Y G U Q R E I E N Y G M B E T C M J S A L K J S S R F B T T D U F Y N R S V N K T U G J K L G S U A Y H E I U N G H V K O L S B P H L E J T I S O J E K K H T K U H J D G L N H N B H U Y T P K R C B K F J L Q P O O E P R E S E N T S S H E P H E R D P M Q N G S

Tree Elves Presents

Santa Claus Bells Baubles

Nativity Turkey Cracker

Reindeer Donkey

Carol Angels

Star Shepherd

By Bethany

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Abingdon Events Calendar

10/12/2012 Santa's sleigh tours town this fortnight throughout Abingdon

10/12/2012 Apply for Primary School places if your children are 3 or 4

11/12/2012 Coach trip to Winchester Christmas Market

11/12/2012 Pratchett's Wyrd Sisters at Abingdon campus of Abingdon and Witney College

12/12/2012 ADFAS talk on Beau Brummell at Abingdon Guildhall 14:00

12/12/2012 Christmas Concert - County Music Service in partnership with Oxford Rotary Club

13/12/2012 Pilgrims' Way - www.folkattheunicorn.com at the Unicorn Theatre

13/12/2012 Film: Meet me in St Louis at Abingdon campus of Abingdon and Witney College

13/12/2012 Talk and music with the Curator of the Bate collection of old musical instruments Northcourt Centre 19.45

14/12/2012 Mayor's party for Abingdon seniors (admission by ticket in advance) at the Guildhall

15/12/2012 Santa with his reindeer in the Market Place 10:00 - 15:00

15/12/2012 St Helen's Baby and Toddler Group Christmas Celebration at St Helen's Church 10:30

15/12/2012 Seasonal lunch, festive music, “Abingdon history around you” at the Guildhall 12:00- 15:00

15/12/2012 Charity Christmas Concert – ADMS at Trinity Church, Conduit Road 19:30

16/12/2012 Viennese Christmas concert with the Pavlova Quintet at St Nicolas Church 15:00

17/12/2012 Santa's Grotto until 22nd December at the Guildhall 11:30 - 16:30

17/12/2012 Swingtime Christmas Party at The Broad Face, Bridge Street, Abingdon 20:00

20/12/2012 Classical theatre in beautiful places - today and 22nd at the Guildhall

20/12/2012 Carol singers - hospital friends Abingdon Hospital Day Centre 15:00 - 17:00

21/12/2012 Christmas Dinner with Jack FM at the Guildhall 19:00

22/12/2012 Christmas giftwrapping service in the Market Place 10:00 - 15:00

22/12/2012 Christmas with an owl encounter in the Market Place 11:00

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22/12/2012 Abingdon Town FC v Cheltenham Saracens at Abingdon Town Football Club, Culham Road 15:00

23/12/2012 Carols by Candlelight at St Helen's Church 17:30

24/12/2012 Christingle Service with a collection for The Children's Society at St Helen's Church 16:30

29/12/2012 Abingdon Town FC v Thame Utd at Abingdon Town Football Club Culham Road 15:00

31/12/2012 New Year’s Eve Party “Dress to Impress” at the Guildhall 20:30 -01:00

31/12/2012 New Year's Eve with Hype 2 at the Guildhall 21:00

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An initiative of

TRINITY CHURCH – ABINGDON Methodist/United Reformed & Member of the Church in Abingdon

Minister: Education & Development Officer: Revd Richard Bittleston Rosemary Perrow The Conduit Centre Abingdon OX14 1DB 01235 835724 01235 520282 [email protected] [email protected]

With the help of…….

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