BIDEFORD BULLETIN

Week commencing- 22/02/16 Our weekly newsletter for parents and carers

Dear Parents and Carers

I can’t believe that we are already at the end of the first half term of 2016! The weeks are flying past so quickly, as we start the count down for the beginning of the exam season for both GCSE and A Levels. In just less than 12 weeks’ time on the 3 May, the first GCSE English exam will happen and at the end of that same month, the first GCSE Maths exam will take place – that’s not to mention all of the other option subject exams which take place in between and afterwards. (A full exam timetable will be out shortly). Time is ticking away – and students should now be in the process of producing revision timetables and commencing their preparations for the exams. This is a critical time for all students to ensure that they are in the strongest possible position to be successful in their exams- to secure the next step in their future. Our young people are not only competing against their friends and peers in the exam hall – but against every other young person – who is also sitting those same exams in school halls up and down the country.

The college will be holding revision and intervention sessions in the run-up to the exams and these will be communicated to you via the website and the bulletin. Please encourage your child to attend these sessions, as this is another way of supporting their learning and securing their future success.

At the end of my first 6 weeks as Principal at College, I have been really impressed by the way the vast majority of the students have responded positively to the increase in our expectations of them – both in behaviour around the school, interactions with one another and their attitude towards their learning. We have focussed extremely hard on emphasising the importance of being well prepared, wearing the uniform correctly, using appropriate language and treating each other with respect. It is so very important to ensure that our young people are able to speak in an appropriate fashion when applying for college places or jobs and that they can talk with empathy and understanding with people from all different walks of life.

The staff have also embraced the changes and are working extremely hard to ensure that the young people who attend the college are being challenged, enthused and given every opportunity to be successful, responsible and happy. We are all determined that will become the outstanding college, we know it should be. With the continued support of the parents and community of Bideford – the journey has begun and I very much look forward to reporting to you the progress we are making and the significant improvements which are already beginning to reflect progress. Becoming part of the Multi-Academy Trust with Launceston College is a major positive influence and in the next term we have staff who will be undertaking Senior and Middle Leadership Training courses, as part of the Trust and also some will be participating in the Outstanding Teacher Programme. This professional development will underpin the improvements in leadership and teaching and learning, which will ultimately contribute to improved outcomes for the college and the students. There have been many exciting events at the college this term – again showcasing the talents of both the staff and students and I wanted to take the opportunity to remind you of these. Bideford College is full of talented, committed and caring people. Whilst the academic is of paramount importance, so are the extra-curricular achievements which make up the fabric of the college.

Bridge Day 27 January

Year 7 Students in Year 7 completed a carousel of activities around the theme of ‘Communication’. This included a British Sign Language lesson, a theatre performance on social media, team building activities with Skern Lodge, a lesson expressing yourself and a brief insight into Bideford History.

Year 8 All of Year 8 visited “@Bristol” for the day to participate in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) activities. Students were able to take part in a workshop, a science show and a 3D visit to the planetarium as well as exploring all the hands on exhibits “@Bristol” has to offer.

Year 9 Year 9 students enjoyed a visit from the Army who delivered a Leadership and Communication Challenge Day. Students participated in a number of activities inspired by army principles to explore effective communication, leadership and teamwork, trust and problem solving.

Year 10 Year 10 students participated in trips to help explore careers and their future plans. A group visited Exeter University and took part in workshops on progression routes and student life as well as a campus tour and a Q&A session with current students. A second group visited College for a vocational taster day designed to give them an insight into what studying vocational post-16 courses is like.

Year 11 Year 11 made the most of the time available in dedicated departmental catch-up time and subject intervention. This targeted revision is vital as they enter the last remaining months before their exams in the summer term.

Harry Potter Night

The first Harry Potter “A Night of Spells” Book Night celebration was a huge success! We had around 120 students, parents and siblings attend as well as students from other schools. There was potion making with Sciencedipity, music, weird and wonderful food, fancy dress as well as riding the broomstick in the green room!

Anti-Bullying Ambassadors

Last year volunteer students from Year 7, 8, 9 and 10 took part in a one-day training pro- gramme run by The Dianna Award to become our Anti-Bullying Ambassadors. They have now been involved in a number of events and now have drop-in sessions to support students.

Ski Trip

A group of Bideford College students will be going to Austria for their Skiing trip in February half term. “Schools Will Rock You”

After months of hard work Bideford College performed an outstanding 2 nights of “Schools Will Rock You”. Students from all year groups were involved and it was a great showcase for all of the talented students we have at Bideford College.

NHS Work Experience Interviews

A number of students were invited to interview for an NHS Work Experience Placement They asked intelligent and relevant questions and really showcased how hard they work both in school and out of school. Despite only having 2 available places, the NHS actually accepted 4 of our students after finding it impossible to choose between them. Congratulations to; Caitlin Mitchell, Charlie Woodward, Molly Pennington and Hannah Colley.

Staff 3 Peak Challenge

In less than four months, a team of solid, tough and resilient Bideford College staff members will have completed the 3 Peaks Challenge. On Friday 3 June, they will climb Ben Nevis, shimmy up Scafell Pike and crawl their way to the top of Snowdon - all within 24 hours. As you know, this challenge is excruciatingly hard and much ascent/descent will happen shrouded in darkness so will test their physical capabilities to the limit. We wish them lots of luck as they train to achieve this.

North Indoor Cricket (Girls)

The under 15 Girls Cricket team retained the North Devon Championship for the 4th year running.

We entered two teams, both teams won all their group matches which resulted in them facing off against each other in a very tense final. The favourites prevailed and will now go on to represent North Devon down at the County Finals in Exeter on 14 March. Very well done!

Ten Tors Training Walk

We battled through the floods to reach Exmoor, determined to walk before the arrival of Storm Imogen. We would like to congratulate those students who walked in horrible conditions of high winds and hail on a totally waterlogged Exmoor from Brendon’s Two Gates on a 20k loop. They all did really well completing the walk by 2.30 as per Mr Day’s instructions. Very well done to Charlie Crocker, Beth Gibb, Matt McKenzie, Caitlin Mitchell, Molly Pennington, James Seaman, Toby Evans, Harry Gale, Josh Masters, Tom Picillo, Caitlin Shaddick, Sam Walkey, Miran Weir, Erin Horrell, Alice Guymer, Seth Moore, Amy Seaman, Izzy Shaddick, Cameron Hillman, and ex-student Kayley Tanner. It was also lovely to have former student Cameron Weir join us on home on leave from the Army.

Our thanks go to our volunteer leaders Rob Shaddick, Malcolm and Libby Lee and Jackie Toon as always.

Youth Speaks Competition

Bideford College students showed off their public speaking skills in the first round of this year’s Rotary Youth Speaks Competition. (See article below) Camps International Ecuador Fundraising

Students who are fundraising to go to Ecuador with Camps International spent Saturday 23rd Jan at Bideford ASDA bag packing for customers. They raised £475.39. Students plan to visit Ecuador to help communities improve conservation and education in disadvantaged areas.

Rotary Club Young Chef Competition

2 Bideford College students, Ayla Moule and Jamie Squire gained places at the Devon and Cornwall district final of the Rotary Club Young Chef Competition at Exeter College. They each produced a fantastic 3 course meal. Jamie came 3rd and Jamie is now through to the South West regional final on Saturday 12 March. Lots of luck!

“Learn Chemistry Partnership”

Bideford College is now part of the “Learn Chemistry Partnership” in association with the Royal Society of Chemistry. This means that we are part of a network supporting chemistry education.

Torridge Annual Schools Exhibition

The Annual Torridge Schools Exhibition started at the Burton Art Gallery on 6 February and continues through to Saturday 12 March. All year groups are represented and it show cases some of our best students work. It’s open all through half term, so if you are in Bideford please drop in and have a look.

Art

Appledore Primary Year 6 came in to do an Art session on Monday (8 February) to make clay pieces based on magic and wizardry. The Year 6 students loved this and this will be repeated next term.

Tarka Students

The students in Tarka are raising money for the Harbour Drop-in Shelter in Bideford which supports the homeless and other people in need in Bideford. Some of them have already been to visit the shelter to help sort food and wrap Easter presents. We will be visiting again this Friday 12 February. They will be making cakes for a cake sale on Friday 26 February. They are also working with Matt Biggs (Artaura, Film Production Company) to make a short film to highlight homelessness in Bideford.

French

Some Year 7 classes have a pen pal link with a school, in Monistrol sur Loire and are writing let- ters this week about life at school in England. This project is involving about 70 students. They are very excited to have received a real letter from a real French person and are working hard to respond in French!

Music

Lottie Price (in Year 13) has gained a scholarship to the Royal Welsh College of Music. Very well done! GCSE Music Recital Evening

Students chose a piece of their own choice (some duets, some acoustic solos) and they performed with real conviction and flair. This is the first year that we’ve extended this invitation to GCSE students and they took it really seriously and the hard work and effort they put into improving on their instruments and voices was evident to everyone who came to watch. Congratulations go to: George Bennett, Shannon Blackmore, Joshua Clarke, Hettie Cook, Benjamin Emery, Bethany Francis, Charlotte Juniper, Bryony Lisle, Charlie Priscott, Sharley Rowe, Megan Underwood, Megan Walsh and Sarah Williams.

Maths Challenge

75 of our top mathematicians participated in the National Maths Challenge at Bideford College. These were Year 9, 10 and 11 students who were identified by their teachers as high achievers in Maths. We await the results in March.

Wow! And that was only 6 weeks!

During the next term, we will be reviewing some of the systems in operation currently at Bideford College to look at ways of improving our effectiveness. The areas we will be focussing on are:

1. Assessment Procedures – Dr Ankers 2. Awards, Rewards and sanctions – Mrs Jewell 3. House system vs Year system – Mrs Vowles 4. Uniform – Mr Ruddick 5. Extra-curricular activities and residential experiences – Mr Munro 6. Applied Learning Models – Mrs French

The main aim is to identify schools and colleges around the country who excel in these areas, look at their systems and procedures and then look to how we can apply these successfully to the Bideford College context – always with the eye to improving what we currently do. Staff and students will be fully involved in the process and parents will also be given the opportunity to voice their opinions as part of the consultation process.

Already, we have received calls from parents regarding the uniform and what it will look like in the future. We will ensure that the developments in this area are communicated to you fully. Parents will be given the opportunity to voice any opinions they have regarding the new uniform as part of the consultation process. I will keep you informed of this via the bulletin and the website.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your support this term. I believe we have started to build the solid foundations upon which we will achieve success.

Have a wonderful half term break.

Lyndsey Public Exam Information: As our Year 11 rapidly move towards the all-important exam season, students will be receiving key information about the exams they will be taking in the summer. This information will be produced by Mr Bolton (your Exam Officer) and distributed by tutors at the following times:

•Week beginning 22 February - Students will be issued with their provisional exam timetable. This lists the dates and approximate timings for each of the exams. The dates of these exams will not change at this stage.

•Week beginning 25 April - Students will be issued with a personalised and detailed timetable. This will contain specific start times, locations of exams and if necessary any clash arrangements.

If at any time there are any concerns about exam entries, please contact tutors in the first instance. It should also be noted that if students fail to attend any public exam they will be charged for the cost of entry unless medical evidence can be provided.

Rugby

Our Year 7 students played against Pilton beating them 55-0 in their first league game in their new shirts. The Harry Potter Book Night celebration was a huge success! We had around 120 students, parents and siblings attend as well as students from other schools

Here’s to the next event! (World Book Night coming in April...)

Adam Leworthy (Year 7) ran in the Southwest Schools Cross Country Championships in Cheltenham on Saturday (6 February). Adam came 46 out of 65 over a tough 2750 meter course which was made even tougher due to the weather conditions of driving rain and wind which made the course into a mud bath!!

The Devon minor boys (Year 7) scored 70 points which made them Southwest Champions.

On returning home Adam said “he enjoyed the experience of running with the best Cross Country Runners in the Southwest, and felt proud, not only being selected to represent Devon, but also Bideford College, and was proud to wear his Bideford College Physical Education hoodie until he was presented with his Devon one”.

The following day Adam ran in the Gliddon and Squires North Devon Cross Country League, finishing 5th on the day, and 4th overall. Two college teams excel in public speaking competition

Bideford College students showed off their public speaking skills at the first round of this year’s Rotary Youth Speaks Competition.

Students from Hollsworthy, and Bideford College met to test themselves linguistically in the competition which is designed to support and encourage the development of effective communication skills.

The teams of three take turns to perform the public speaking roles of chairperson, speaker, and vote of thanks as well as answer a question on the presented topic.

Supported by their teacher Mrs Bea Farris both teams emerged victorious and will now progress to the North Devon finals.

Mrs Farris said:

“It was a fantastic evening with a very high standard from all the schools.

We are grateful to the Rotary for organising the event and Shebbear College for hosting it this year. I am delighted to be returning with both teams having performed so well.

They are truly talented individuals and we are very proud of them.”

Intermediate team: Chair: Sami Gillett / Main speaker: Connor Stevenson / Proposer of the vote of thanks: Harry Lowden - Their speech title was “Happy Accidents” and they spoke about accidental scientific discoveries that have changed our lives (such as penicillin).

Senior team: Chair: Josh Garrad / Main speaker: Jack Burnett / Proposer of the vote of thanks: Craig Huxtable - their speech title was “What is left to explore?” and they spoke about how little we know about our oceans. DIARY- WEEK COMMENCING: Monday 22 February 2016 Week A

AM LUNCH TIME PM MONDAY 8.45 - 9.00am- Year 9 1.20 - 2.00pm- Textiles Club 3.00 - 4.15pm - Football - assembly (C3.2). Year 8

2.00 -2.20pm 1.20 - 2.00pm -Boys Cricket 3.00 - 4.00pm GCSE Drop (Sports Hall) Year 7/8 Graphics Sessions (D21) Everything and Read (Years 7& 8) 1.20 - 2.00pm - Touch Rugby for boys and girls - all years (Astro)

TUESDAY 8.45 - 9.00am - Year 11 1.20 - 2.00pm - Football 3.00 - 4.00pm - Maths assembly (Sports Hall) - Year 9 Club (The Void - G4)

1.20 - 2.00pm - Gym 3.00 - 4.00pm - Philosophy 2.00 -2.20pm vaulting for competition and Ethics revision session Drop for Year 10 Everything gymnasts (Gym) and Read (Years 7& 8) 1.20 - 2.00pm - Fitness 3.00 - 4.00pm - Spanish (Fitness Suite) Revision and catch up (B33) 1.20 - 2.00pm Quiet revision in the library for Years 11,12 3.00 - 4.15pm - Netball & 13... bring your lunch! Years 7 to 11 (Muga) Until July 3.00 - 4.15pm - Boys Rugby - Year 7

3.00 - 4.15pm - Football (Astro) - Year 11

WEDNESDAY 8.45 - 9.00am - Year 10 1.20 - 2.00pm - Fitness 3.00 - 4.30pm - Library Club assembly (Fitness Suite) The Library will be closed after school today. 8.45 - 9.00am - Sixth Form 1.20 - 2.00pm - Badminton Apologies for any 2.00 -2.20pm assembly (Sports Hall) inconvenience, back to Drop normal on Thursday. Everything 1.20 - 2.00pm - Year 8 and Read Basketball (Gym) 3.00 - 4.00pm - Health and (Years 7& 8) Social Care Coursework 1.30 - 2.00pm - Revision for Catch up Time for Year 12 A Level Psychology resits & 13 units 1 and 2 with the option of continuing into P5. 3.00 - 4.00pm - Philosophy and Ethics revision session 1.30 - 2.00pm - Sketchbook for Year 10 (B16) Circle for selected Year 7&8 in D33 (Week B only) 3.00 - 4.15pm - Badminton - all years (Sports Hall) AM LUNCH TIME PM 3.00 - 4.15pm - Table WEDNESDAY The Library will be closed at lunchtime today. Apologies Tennis Coaching starting for any inconvenience, 3 February. Letters back to normal on available from PE or Thursday. Student Reception

3.15 - 4.15pm - BideBAND (E210) 1.20 - 2.00pm - History Club 3.15 - 4.15pm - English THURSDAY 8.45 - 9.00am - Year 8 assembly (B15) Classes 3,4 and 5 revision with Mrs Tillier (A3.3) - 1.20 - 2.00pm - GCSE Art Year 11 2.00 -2.20pm Drop Catch up (D33) Everything 3.00 - 4.15pm - Boys and Read 1.20 - 2.00pm- Tennis (Tennis Rugby (Astro/Moreton (Years 7& 8) Courts) Park) - Year 8 - 10

1.20 - 2.00pm - Football 3.00 - 4.15pm - (Sports Hall) - Year 7 Competition practice for selected Gymnasts (Gym)

3.00 - 4.15pm- Hockey (Astro) - Year 7&8

3.00 - 4.15pm - Girls Indoor Cricket - Year 8-10

3.00 - 4.00pm Maths Club With Mr Poole (The Void - G4)

3.00 - 4.00pm - Health and Social Care coursework catch up with Ms Thurley (G35) - Year 11

3.00 - 4.00pm - Spanish Revision and catch up (B33)

3.15 – 4.15pm - Music - Transition Troupe (E210) AM LUNCH TIME PM

FRIDAY 8.45 - 9.00am - Year 7 1.20 - 2.00pm - Lunchtime 3.00 - 4.30pm - Film Club assembly catch up for Health for Year 7 and 8 (Library). and Social Care GCSE This includes free 2.00 -2.20pm Coursework (G35 and G36) popcorn and a soft drink! Drop Please see the Library for Everything 1.20 - 2.00pm - Netball a letter! and Read (Sports Hall) Year 7 (Years 7& 8) 3.00 - 4.15pm - Senior 1.20 - 2.00pm - Basketball Hockey (Y9+) (Astro) (Gym) - Year 10 3.00 - 4.00pm - BIDEbelles 1.20 - 2.00pm Tennis (Tennis E210 Courts)

1.20 - 2.00pm - GCSE Graphics Session (D21)

REMINDERS Annual Schools Exhibition at the Burton Gallery Between Saturday 6 February and 16 March is this year’s Schools exhibition, please go along and see the amazing artwork which has been produced by the students from Bideford College.

Sainsbury’s Active Kids Vouchers We are collecting Sainsbury’s Active Kids vouchers again this year. If you have any please bring them into college and give them to the PE Department or Reception.

Library The Library will be closed at lunchtime and after school on Wednesday 24 February. Apologies for any inconvenience, back to normal on Thursday.

GCSE and A Level Textiles Workshop Year 11 GCSE and A-Level Textiles students have been invited to a coursework workshop during half term on Thursday 18 February in C31 and C32 from 10.00-4.00pm. Please bring snacks and lunch. GCSE and A Level Graphics Workshop Year 11 GCSE and A-Level Textiles students have been invited to a coursework workshop during half term on Thursday 18 February in D21 from 10.00-4.00pm. Please bring snacks and lunch.

WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK Tuesday Monitor duty: STUDENT NOTICES Netball League (Y7-11) Monday Ethan Jeffery 8T4, Charlotte Bailey 8T9 Thursday Tuesday Josh Jordan 8T4, Josie Blake 8T9 Athletics Finals - Plymouth Wednesday Tahlia Kalsi 8T4, Laura Blake 8T9 Thursday Lucas Lee 8T4, Holly Bromell 8T9 Drama Dept Yr 10 Bristol Friday Harlee Spearman 8T4, Caitlin Cloke 8T9 Old Vic (after school) MENU MONDAY

Beef Bolognaise Quorn Bolognaise TUESDAY Pasta/Jacket Potato Peas/Carrots/Salad Bacon and Tomato Quiche Chocolate Cookie & Custard Cheese and Tomato Quiche Hash Browns/Jacket Potato Broccoli/Cauliflower/Salad Vanilla and Strawberry Cream Cake

WEDNESDAY

Roast Turkey Leek & Cheese Pastry Roast Potatoes/Jacket Potato Peas/Carrots/Salad Chocolate Fudge Cake & Ice Cream THURSDAY

Chicken Tikka Vegetable Tikka Rice/Jacket Potato Sweetcorn/Peas/Salad FRIDAY Banoffee Sponge & Custard

Pork Sausages Fish Goujons with Tomato Dip Chips/Jacket Potato Peas/Cauliflower/Salad Apple Crumble & Custard AVAILABLE DAILY Pizza, Pasta Pots, Subs Sandwiches, Baguettes, Panini, Wraps, Rolls Jacket Potatoes with various fillings

Selection of salads, fruit pots, cakes and snacks. Selection of hot and cold drinks.