A Fond Farewell to a Fantastic Bunch!

A World of challenge, inspiration and achievement.

With the passing on of yet an- -the Gifted and Talented Acad- students in finding the best path other Year 13 cohort it is always emy, sporting bursaries and for them and equipping them time to take stock and review other forms of support for stu- with the skills to seize the op- the achievements and the dents aiming to achieve both portunities that their hard work growth of the Sixth Form here within and outside the school. brings them. at Highcliffe over recent years. There can be no doubt that this Academically results continue to On the careers side just in the has been the most successful 12 improve year on year both in last 12 months there have been months for 16+ provision at the average points per student and careers mornings, future path- school: per examination. This year in ways days, visits to Higher Edu- -the improvement in academic the January round of examina- cation conferences, targeted performance and range of sub- tions over 60 students were work experience (both in the UK ject choice offered, awarded special certificates for and abroad), the Connexions – the continuing growth in the achieving marks of over 90% in interviews programme and size of the student body with its their AS/A2 examination papers. mock interviews. ever widening appeal to en- trants new to the school at Key This feeds Stage 5, through to -the continuing development of greater op- university and careers support portunities -the ballooning of the social and for the stu- enrichment programmes, dents when -the involvement of the Sixth they move Form students supporting oth- on and the ers throughout and beyond the school makes school sure that all -a more confident student necessary voice helping to set the direc- support is in tion for Highcliffe, place to aid

“I believe in using what you have, instead of mourning for that which you do not. In thirty years time, I want to be able to look back at my youth and know that I used my talents fully: that I wasted nothing” A former Highcliffe Sixth Former

Volume 9 Issue 5, July 2010 For those going through the uni- at times organise a range of mu- and Italy the Sixth Form have versity application process there sical and drama events. Others always been at the forefront. has been one-to-one support have been able to extend their given throughout the process. knowledge by being able to As a team we continue to look For those study sub- at how we can improve the ex- undertaking jects for perience for students in the the process sheer en- Sixth Form whether that be via of Oxbridge joyment, the support and activities given applications whether a above or even by such a simple consider- language thing as support with transport, able extra via the Twi- books and suchlike. support has light Lan- been given guages pro- We are proud of what we have - visits to gramme so far achieved in partnership confer- (Japanese, with the students, particularly in ences at Latin, Man- the cohort that we must now the Emir- darin, and bid farewell to with real expec- ates Stadium, a residential trip conversational European lan- tation of another record- to Oxford and Cambridge (the guages), Astronomy, Classical breaking year of examination current Year 12 cohort have Civilisation also proving popular. results for the Highcliffe Sixth been on this trip in the last Form. week), help with preparation for This year group in particular has the full range of admissions really grabbed the social side of We hope you enjoy looking in- tests. Additionally subject men- life, throwing themselves with side at just some of the activi- tors offering one-to-one sup- gusto into the activities offered ties and achievements of the port and detailed mock inter- by the Sixth Form and individual group this year. For the Year 13 views. This has proved success- subject areas. students we hope that you have ful in a number of cases as the enjoyed your experience in the school builds a strong Oxbridge Whether it be activity trips to Sixth Form and look back on it, tradition and former students Calshot/Rockley Park, social and and us with fondness in the way are being pulled in to give cur- charity events, ski/ that we will you. rent students the benefit of snowboarding in America, ex- their experience. change programmes and visit Mrs Karanja & the opportunities in India, Japan, Sixth Form LeadershipTeam Life at Highcliffe for the Sixth France, Poland, Spain, Prague Form students is about more than their main academic study. This year’s students have been able to pursue a range of other interests through the enrichment programme. In the physi- cal area this is via the development of a sporting interest via the Water Sports Academy, bringing that into the community as part of the Dance and Sports Community Leaders Award programmes or simply partaking in organised sporting activities.

Creative types have been able to not only take part in but also

Supporting Oxbridge Aspirants

In a previous issue we have Way back in April 2009 we went to brought you the news of the suc- the Thomas Hardye School in Dor- Earlier this year we went on a trip cessful university applications and chester for an Oxbridge conference. to the United Emirates Stadium, actual experiences of past stu- Representatives from both Oxford this event was considerably bigger dents, not least of which be- and as a result we had a lot ing that of Emma Fisher (who more freedom, there were a has promised to send us an variety of sessions from gen- update of her first year of eral application sessions to medical school at Oxford individual subject sessions and University as soon as she gets from these we could pick and those pesky end of year ex- choose so as to get the most ams out of the way.) out of the day. The day was very useful and we all left Lon- As the Sixth Form team we don filled to the eyeballs with have been using the feedback information. we have been getting from past students to improve the The last trip out for Oxbridge support we can give to cur- applicants is, at the time of rent students embarking writing, yet to come. We are upon the application process. The and Cambridge and in many ways it travelling up to Oxford, Staying at report below from a Year 12 stu- was the first taster of the ordeal we Keble College, Visiting the Oxford dent shows this in action. were in for. Before going we had no open day and then travelling to idea of all the little added extras Cambridge, staying at Churchill ‘Applying to Oxbridge is a shock- that you have to do to apply to the college and visiting the Cambridge ingly daunting task. Everything is Oxbridge colleges. This first trip open day. This trip should be infor- different, different closing dates, was in many ways very useful for mative as well as a fun trip out. different requirements, different that exact reason; it gave us an After that its “Let the Personal exams the list goes on. Thankfully idea of what we were in for, so Statement tweaking begin”. however we have had support, ad- that, when the time came it didn’t vice and trips along the way. catch us completely unaware. Report by Steven Hutt’

Developing an Oxbridge Tradition

Exceptional news recently in is that two of the Year 13 cohort have been successful in their Oxbridge applications.

Ryan Flanagan will be reading Mathematics at Balliol College Oxford.

Beth Waters will be reading English at New College Oxford.

Well done to both of them, as well as the staff who supported them both with their applications and with their subject studies.

Year 13 Leavers’ Book Quotes: How was it for you?

‘My time at Highcliffe was simply some of the best years of my life, and the thought of continuing without it makes me really, really sad.’

‘Highcliffe Sixth Form has been amazing…the trips have made it a phenomenal experience. I would like to thank all the teachers for their support over the last two years.’

‘Over these two years Highcliffe Sixth Form has given me everything I could have wanted from an educational establishment. I have travelled across continents to Chennai and Prague, I have experienced the world’s greatest universities, I have been challenged to my limit in lessons, debate club and meeting some of the best people in the world.’

‘If Sixth Form has taught me anything, it has taught me that working hard has a pay-off.’

‘I must say I have really enjoyed my time at Highcliffe Sixth Form, great bunch of people and the support given to me was really helpful.’

‘My two years at Highcliffe Sixth Form have been intense, tiring and stressful. But would I do it again? In a flash! I learnt so much, outside the classroom as well as in. I’ve learnt just how difficult A-Levels are, but that they, like pretty much anything in life can be conquered with good friends beside you.’

‘I’ve come to realize how lucky we are to be given opportunities like those Highcliffe offers and that you have to seize those opportunities with both hands before they pass you by.’

‘I will always look back at my time here at Highcliffe and smile…’

‘I am very grateful to Highcliffe for all the opportunities and experiences. I have made so many friends and will be sad to leave. However I look forward to the future and am confident in the knowledge that Highcliffe provided me with the best start I could have asked for.’

‘Spending 2 years at Highcliffe Sixth Form is probably going to be ranked, in the coming years, as one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.’

‘Although I have moaned a great deal over the last two years, I can safely say that I have really enjoyed my time in the Sixth Form.’

‘I guess I have a lot to thank Highcliffe for. First for letting me come back to earn some more grades and giving me a year to work out what I really wanted to do in life. Secondly, and probably the most important is how Highcliffe has taught me who my real friends are and who I am. It has taken me 7 years to build up the confidence to step out on my own and I have all of my teachers and friends to thank for it.’

‘The memories will remain with me forever and in my head I will always be Head Girl.’

… and what a time it was...

It is always a bittersweet moment when the time comes for our young adults to pass on from Highcliffe to the next stage of their lives. We are filled with pride, tinged with a little bit of sadness as we realise, like you parents, that we have to know when to let go. Over the next 2 pages we give you the text of the speech made at the Year 13 Leavers’ Assembly by Sammy Joynson (Head Boy), illustrated with photographs from the event.

So here we are. After 7 years for most of us, and 2 years for some of us, we stand today in the safety of Highcliffe School with life before us. It seems strange to think that after today, we will no longer be gently chatting in the study room about too much work and too little time, but instead, in the real world, talking about dauntingly real issues. Whether we like it or not, this appears to be a real moment of change in our lives.

Almost seven years ago, when we were just children, Ms Potts stood at the front of our assembly, with the in- toxicating smell of new purple jumpers filling our nostrils, telling us that our Highcliffe journey would be over before we know it. It seems, contrary to the opinion at the time, that she was completely correct.

Those years have flurried away like petals drifting from the rich- est purple rose and today, it seems that the last one is floating to the floor. Those petals have included people, moments and relationships which have shaped our teenage years, even our lives. For example, we experienced the feeling of rebellion against authority on the notorious Snow Day in Year 7, the ex- citement of stepping from a plane onto foreign soil on school trips which have encompassed the globe – Japan, USA, India, Auschwitz, the list could go on - the sensation of success, real success, when we have received academic results, and, perhaps most importantly, the feeling of friendship, trust and even first love. We will always remember those timid introductions we gave on our first day to the people who we now describe as our best of friends, we will remember that time where you trusted a class mate with the biggest secret in the world, and of course, that time when you first kissed that girl which you will remember for the rest of your life. That is growing up, that will forever be growing up, and our adolescence will always be synonymous with that open book, spread across that simple river, mounted on that unforgettable purple background. Indeed, we have all grown up individually, but I believe that we have

Farewell to Year 13

also matured into a unified, cohesive year group which we each contribute to in our own special way. We have the world’s loudest, chattiest girl, Miss Kennedy over there; the guy who has the ability to create truly magical, as- tounding literature - thank you David; the one man show – Joel Nazar; and those couples who have been together seemingly forever, who proved to us, when we were young and naïve, that love is not only true in fairytales – Sarah and Josh, Aimee and James, Charli and David and many more. It is clear that everyone here today has shaped one another’s lives in their own special way, and everyone has contributed, knowingly or unknowingly, to our Class of 2010.

However, we must not forget the teachers who have pushed us along our way. Those tutors who have pushed us through the monotony of UCAS and towards our dreams, those subject teachers who have slogged away for hours to ensure that we achieve our best and those school leaders, who guarantee that this school runs so efficiently. These teachers - these friends - have moulded our Class of 2010 into an en- gine for success, happiness and prosperity and have subsequently reaped the benefits, like us, of our grades, aspirations and happiness. We are so lucky to have had companions such as these on our journey, and I would like to take this moment, on behalf of the Sixth Form to thank them all. Can I have a huge round of ap- plause for the staff?

And, now I must bring my words to a conclusion and accept the reality that the world awaits us. This afternoon, we will no longer be students, but men and women ready to take on the trials and tribulations of the real world, a world without a purple jumper, a world without that chatty study room and a world, I solemnly say, without many of our special Highcliffe relationships. But this should not be a time for remorse; this is a time for dreams to be realised, aspirations to flourish and optimism to devour our tears. We sit on the spearhead of humanity, with youth, intuitive and a fine education giving us the qualities to mount a challenge, a successful challenge, on the world which lies beyond those old school gates.

Today, use these qualities and all those happy memories to go forth and live a successful life, a prosperous life, and above all, a happy life; but never forget who you are, your background, or your friends, and never let that purple blood leave you.

Thank you Highcliffe for shaping my life,

Alumni—’Once Highcliffe, Always Highcliffe’

Martha Lanham Highcliffe 6th Form –2006-2009

Since leaving school I have been „back in school‟ or more correctly in training. On May 28th, having successfully completed my course I passed out of Royal Navy Training at HMS Raleigh Torpoint, Cornwall. During the ceremony the band of the HM Royal Marines played and the inspec- tion was taken by a Second Sea Lord.

I am now based at HMS Collingwood in Fareham, continuing my specialist training in Communication and Informa- tion systems.

Once I fully qualify in December I look forward to joining my allocated ship in the new year and beginning a long, fruitful and exciting career in the Royal Navy.

Sophie Allin Highcliffe 6th Form -1998-2000

I was in the Highcliffe 6th Form in its first year. I remember having the novelty of having a coffee machine in the common room and the debate as to whether we should get a micro- wave! I also remember the supportive staff and their time and dedication towards us.

In 2003 I completed a degree in occupational therapy. Until 2005 I worked as an occupational therapist in the department of psychiatry in Southampton working with people with depression and anxiety disorders. I then worked as an occupational therapist at Wood- haven psychiatric hospital.

In 2007 I worked for 9 weeks as a volunteer occupational therapist at a hospital in a remote village in the Indian Himalayas. I was working with children with disabilities and teaching women about healthcare, disability and nutrition.

Currently I am working as a specialist occupational therapist in a community team based in Fareham with adults with learning disabilities.

In February 2010 I am going to Malawi in Africa to work for Voluntary Services Overseas. I‟m going to be working as an occupational therapist in a psychiatric hospital in Mzuzu a town in the north of the country. I will be providing occupational therapy treatment to children and adults with psychiatric conditions and learning disabilities and teaching / training skills for working in psychiatry to local staff. Bryn Kewley Highcliffe 6th Form 2004-2006

My memories of Highcliffe 6th Form include glorious sunny days out on the field and participating in the community sports leadership award which I thoroughly enjoyed.

After the 6th Form I went to Swansea Uni- versity to study Geography. During my time I made many friends, learned long words (the longest possibly being hydrological- geothermodynamics) and earned myself a 2.1. My favourite courses were Plate Tec- tonics and Global Geophysics and Geogra- phies of Forced Migration and Asylum. I wrote my dissertation on the Practicalities of Small to Medium Wind Turbines in Public and Private Spaces of Dorset.

In the summer of 2008 I interailed around Europe for a month, and since graduating I raced across the Atlantic as a Watchleader for charity. I am currently planning my next big adventure which is to ride a motorbike to Singapore.

Matt Baker Highcliffe 6th Form –2003-2005

I have great memories of being in the Highcliffe 6th Form. The things I remember the most are playing for most of the sports teams in the 6th Form and the Spanish trip to Barce- lona.

In October of 2005 I went to study a BSc (Hons) Sports Psy- chology and Coaching Sciences degree at Bournemouth Uni- versity for 4 years and I graduated in November 2009. My third year at university involved being on placement and during this time I worked at the Village Bournemouth Hotel and Leisure Club as a Leisure Attendant and a Membership Sales Consultant.

I was later offered a part-time position during my final year of university and then offered a full-time position once I completed my degree. I enjoy keeping fit and have been a keen weightlifter for the last 12 months at the Village where I train 3-4 times a week.

In January 2010 I took a few weeks off and went travelling around the Caribbean Islands of Barbados, St Lucia, Grenada, Curacao, Aruba, Tortola, St Maarten, Antigua, St Kitts and St Vincent which all were a fantastic experience. I am now searching for a more sports psychology specific role.

Alumni—’Once Highcliffe, Always Highcliffe’ Calling all Alumni!

Are you a former student of the school? Do you know one to whom you could pass this message?

Please get in touch and let us know what you have been up to since those happy days at Highcliffe.

If you could include a photograph or photographs, either recent or from school days that would be wonderful.

We would love to hear from you and share your news. Curriculum the valve erosion in a frigate en- gine.

The whole process has consisted of s c ien e a launch day back in October at the University of Southampton, a 3-day c residential in December at the university and culminated in the assessment day in April. Engineering in Education At the CAD the team were required to make a 15 minute presentation to naval personnel, including engi- nd On April 22 , Heidi neers, about their project and final Barnett, Natalie product. After this they were re- Martin, Josh Harris, quired to prepare a display stand Jack Kelly and so that people (including naval James O’Callaghan, commanders!) could come and quiz represented High- them about the project. cliffe at HMS Collingwood for The whole day was a real success the 2010 Engineer- and will hopefully result in gaining ing in Education Gold CREST awards and a place at Scheme, Celebra- the regional final of the Big Bang tion and Assess- event at Bath University. Watch ment Day (CAD). this space!

The team had spent the past 6 the Royal Navy to design and Report by Miss Berkeley months working on a project for manufacture a device to measure

wireless electronics , but also looks and locomotion. This has been STEMNET aesthetically pleasing and is able to linked to a CAD exercise to produce generate sufficient lift to move the a chassis that is light, able to gener- craft efficiently. The task has there- ate sufficient lift and still has room Wednesday afternoons have been fore been bro- design and engineering afternoons ken down into with the STEMNET group in our two main areas mission to design and build our of activity; skirt own hovercraft. What seemed to design and be a fairly straightforward design chassis design. brief has proven to be a demanding We have tested task. It has required an in-depth several differ- understanding of the mechanics of ent types of hovercraft propulsion, practical skirt with a vari- skills to assemble components and ety of propel- computer know-how to guide the lers to generate This skirt works…but what will happen when it CAD process of producing a hover- the air pressure has to support the weight of a proper chassis?!! craft hull that not only houses mo- needed for tor units, propellers, batteries and proper inflation to house the components needed for locomotion and wireless con- trol.

As you can see from the photos, we have a chassis design that is ready, and we can now proceed to making vacuum formed hulls. We are also confident that we have sufficient power and a skirt design that will allow the craft to move properly across land and...possible the pond if we are really lucky..!

The Highcliffe MK I looks set to The current chassis design ready for vacuum forming. Two propeller make a maiden voyage in the next attachments, a central air intake and a nice big battery and electronics couple of weeks, will we sink or compartment. Alloys and go-faster stripes are optional extras…. swim??!!

Report by Miss Berkeley

Here are 2 students pleased that the school was prepared to Getting a sponsor them in the Headstart programme. The Clingan Trust is also to be thanked for its kindness in supporting us with Headstart! the financial costs of providing this opportunity

Hello, my name’s Natalie and I am Flight Simulator in fixed wing, heli- allowed us to resolve our desires to in Year 12, taking AS Maths, Phys- copter or tilt rotor mode and I can’t mix stuff with acid and burn stuff ics, Chemistry and Art. wait. with Bunsen burners! I have always actively enjoyed my lessons and I am really interested in I am also staying on related extra-curricular pursuits engineering and wanted to for an extra module and hence, at the start of year find out what it would be just for girls called twelve I decided to take physics, like to study this subject at ‘Dragonfly’ which is chemistry, maths and further university before making my sponsored by the RAF maths A-level with a plan to follow UCAS application this au- where I hope to act as a career in Engineering. tumn. There are lots of dif- a mentor and role ferent types of engineering model for local, I heard about the Headstart and with so many courses younger students. scheme through my physics available I was worried I teacher Miss Berkeley who gave us might make the wrong I’m really looking for- all a list of courses encompassing choice. ward to this amazing opportunity areas of science such as: engineer- to try university life and will let you ing, physics, chemistry, materials Then I learned about a scheme know how I get on. science and computer science. called ‘Headstart’ which offers Naturally it was hard wading taster courses at some universities Report by Natalie Martin, through the mass of dif- during the summer term of Year 12 ferent and yet equally so you can ‘try before you buy’. I’m Thomas Smith and I’m desirable courses, trying You can apply to up to five universi- in the Year 12 at Highcliffe to decide which one was ties in the scheme and I was lucky School studying for my AS the best, most enjoyable enough to get my 1st choice of levels. Since a young age I and most relevant, but Aerospace Engineering at Liverpool have been interested in eventually after a few University. I’ll stay in student halls and enthralled by the sci- evenings of frustration of residence for five nights in July entific world. I took part in with a lengthy applica- and will take part in projects, lec- science and engineering tion form, personal state- tures and seminars as well as sam- competitions from Year 7 ment and quadruple pling the social life of a student! and have always loved science, checking of the calendar for Apparently, we get to fly the on the mainly because the experiments clashes, I eventually decided on a ‘broad based’ engineering course, ics and Mechanical Engineering. ling of oscillations and receive lec- which encompassed many different Each day will bring a new engineer- tures on structures in machines. areas of engineering which was ing challenge, some lectures and perfect for me. lessons and of course an eventful The course I chose will be an inter- evening. esting and enjoyable and will ulti- I applied, and a month and a pre mately help me choose which paid envelope later I was allocated I will build a model turbine, design course is right for me at university. a place on a course at Bristol Uni- an earthquake resistant building, Beyond this, I plan to continue with versity. There I will spend a week use computerised multi touch ta- my A levels, apply to University, studying Aerospace Engineering, bles, design an efficient electrical and to keep enjoying the Highcliffe Civil Engineering , Computer Sci- car using theoretical analysis and Sixth Form experience. ence, Electronic and Electrical En- practical experimentation, learn gineering, Engineering Mathemat- more about mathematical model- Report by Thomas Smith

are therefore much better placed A Unique Opportunity for Biologists to answer the A level questions in their first examination in January.

Highcliffe Sixth Form Biologists are During the visit the students are The success of the visit has also the only Sixth Form students to be fortunate enough to be able to allowed us to visit the Pathology invited to visit the prestigious Bio- experience both transmission and lab during the day. Our aspiring medical Imaging Unit at Southamp- scanning electron microscopes in Medics get first hand experience of ton University Hospital. The Unit is action. human tissues and organs that normally open only to Medical Stu- have been removed in the operat- dents, Research Graduates and The transmission electron micro- ing theatre at the hospital. They employees at the University Hospi- scope can magnify up to 600,000 then get to see them being pre- tal. We have developed this part- times, which is the same as being pared for analysis. This procedure nership with the University over able to see a grain of sand on the is normally to look for cancer cell the past 7 years for our students. Sahara desert from the moon! This growth. means that it is almost possible to The visit is also an excellent oppor- see an atom down a microscope. If you are considering a career in tunity to experience University life the Medical or Biology areas then on Medical and Biomedical degree As well as being a unique opportu- this is a rare and fantastic opportu- courses as well as post graduate nity, the visit also links in well with nity not to be missed! research. the first module on Cell Biology on the A level course. Our students Report by Mr O’Connor

Quotes from students

“I was surprised to find that I was the only student on my Medicine degree course at University who had gained this experience. It helped me confirm my interest in a Medical career” Anthony Wynn Hebden, currently a Medical degree undergraduate.

“I really enjoyed the visit. It made me feel like a University student and it really helped my A level studies at Highcliffe” Cerys Silverwood, First Class Honours Degree in Medical Psychology at Cardiff University 2009.

“The visit to the Pathology Lab was a great experience as well. We saw human intestines being sectioned in the Pathology lab. I used this as part of my personal statement in my application to University.” Jenny Herrod, current Year 13

Biology/Geography Joint Field Trip: Leeson House

Just before half term in October, the Year 13 A level Biology group and some Year 12 Geographers went to Leeson House for a 3 day residential field course.

They worked hard, the sampling techniques which they learnt on the first day being used to study zonation on a rocky shore and suc- cession on Studland beach on sub- sequent days.

Even though the weather could have been better, they did not let it spoil their “fun” and they soon became very competent in identifying the plants and animals in their habitats.

Great Success in Biology Challenge 2010

A number of ‘Bio- elite’ Year 9 and Craig Lord, Maddie Morgan, Year 10 students this spring took All students who took part came Silver: Nathen Dreifuss, Alex Field, part in a national biology competi- away with a certificate and several Conor Forrest, tion. outstanding students were Bronze: Jack Case, Shane Caulkett, awarded a further accolade when Emily Paines They went up against 25,000 other ranked against students taking part students from schools all over the from the rest of the UK. Highly Commended: James Bon- UK to battle it out with their knowl- ney, Warwick Bray- Nicholls, Joshua edge of the living world around Highcliffe School awards to: Mann, Chris Slade, Alex Styles. them. 1st place- Johnny Cann Year 10 2nd place – Maddie Morgan Year 9 Commended: Phillip Haddow Questions were set to test the stu- Joint 3rd place – Zoe Gilham Year dents on biology learnt in school 9 and Tomas Ibarguen-Burrows Congratulations to all of you that and biology know- how gained by Year 10 took part you have been a real as- reading books and magazines. 4th place –Jacob Brennan Year 9 set to the school and I hope that Watching natural history pro- you continue to excel in Biology grammes was also a strong benefit National competition awards to: and consider applying for the Inter- as well as taking notice of the news Gold Award: Maddy Bell, national Biology Olympiad in the media for items of biological inter- Jacob Brennan, Johnny Cann, Sixth Form! Well done! est, including students who are Laura Clifford, Zoe Gilham, generally aware of our natural flora Tomas Ibarguen- Burrows, Report by Miss Taylor. and fauna. m a thematics/ict

Key Stage 4 ICT - 100% A-C! Excellent Year 12/13 The ICT Department would like to take the January Modular Results opportunity to congratulate all Year 11 students on their fantastic ICT results. The students were After an outstanding set of results at KS5 entered for the OCR Nationals First Award (ALPs national indicators), an excellent set of - a qualification worth 1 GCSE. results have been achieved by Year 12 and 13 students in their January After a huge amount of effort by the students and modular examinations. staff during lessons and lunchtime/after-school support sessions the students’ work was submitted

for moderation. Highcliffe School was visited by a Thirteen candidates achieved 100/100 UMS Senior Moderator from the OCR exam board who marks on their respective papers. spent a day scrutinising the students’ work All students that achieved these results and ICT teachers’ marking. have received Head Teacher certificates. In Year 13, 72% of all students are At the end of this visit the moderator was pleased currently on C grade or above, to be able to confirm that he agreed with the ICT with 42% on an A or A*. teachers’ marking and from the 212 students entered, all 212 had passed at grade C or above An incredible achievement, giving us our best ever results: 100% A*-C.

Well Done! Report by Mr Smith

ties had the chance to put forward their views. The debates are e glish fiercely contested and points of n view are put forwards with passion and conviction. Nevertheless, de- Debating Skills run. They have taken the initiative spite the important adversarial of publicising debates on social nature of the debates, the process networking sites and drumming up is always good-humoured and en- Highcliffe School has had a Debat- interest in assemblies. Further- joyable. ing Society for a number of years more, they have efficiently organ- now. However, after a short period ised debate topics and chaired de- As David Levesley, Year 13, said: of dormancy, it has once again bates when necessary. “The Debate Club has proved itself erupted into life thanks to the ef- in the years we've been members forts of a number of students, in Topics debated have ranged from and leaders to not just be about particular, Head Boy, Sammy Joyn- the heavy to the light-hearted. stuffy, hackneyed ethical discus- son, and David Levesley. It is now a They have dealt with topics of di- sion, but also about light-hearted highly-active, thriving society, rect concern to students, such as humour and serious, topical discus- meeting every Thursday lunchtime the Educational Maintenance Al- sions that affect us as students.” At and attended regularly by about lowance (EMA) or have been ad- the end of each debate, there is a 20 students. dressing more intellectual themes, vote to see which side has been such as whether the arts and sci- most successful in persuading the Sammy and David - along with help ences have been more beneficial to assembled students. from Beth Waters, Rachael Smith society. They have dealt with par- and Michael Worrall and others - ticular issues such as immigration Debating is a skill that is highly have created a model of how a and on election day supporters of sought after by universities. Stu- student-organised society should the Liberal and Conservative par- dents have to spend time preparing their ideas and speeches. It devel- an intimidating experience. You are It is fantastic to see such a group of ops the skills of being able to ar- putting your beliefs on the line in highly-motivated and articulate ticulate ideas with clarity and preci- front of your peers. It has been students making the most of the sion. It also forces students think great to see therefore not only opportunity to pit their wits against on their feet, too – all skills highly Year 13s leading debates, but also each other students of a similar valued by employers and universi- some Year 12s, such as Tom Smith, calibre. Let’s keep the spirit alive ties. and a couple of Year 11s, Eleanor next year! Kelly and David Penson. Presenting in a debate can be quite Report by Mr Bryden e x pressive arts

Initiative! tieth century and lost childhoods. Well done to all the students who The pieces were also varied stylisti- took part in producing such a pro- cally and included comedic ele- fessional performance and good Recently a group of A level Drama ments such as work by Alan Ben- luck to Joel for his African experi- students and Year 11 Expressive nett and the hilarious extract from ence! Arts students pooled their talents the play ‘Once a Catholic’. Report by Mrs McGrath and produced a varied evening’s entertainment showcasing their work.

The evening was organised by Joel Nazar-Zadeh of Year 13 in order to raise funds for voluntary work and Dance At The Quay. training he will be undertaking in Five exciting Site-specific South Africa after leaving High- cliffe School. This experience will Dance Pieces created by offer Joel theological training and Year 12 Btec dance students will involve him living with a South African family and working with from Highcliffe School. young people in their local community. The performances were of an outstanding standard and included The performances took place both devised and scripted work, at 4:30pm on Tuesday 29th June showcasing a range of dramatic forms including monologues, duo- Starting at the Mayors Mead end of logues and group pieces. Christchurch Quay and ending in the gardens of the Priory. The topics presented ranged in con- tent and explored issues such as memory, iconic images of the twen-

diately transported into the shad- created a sense of quiet menace Macbeth owy world of witchcraft and im- through her excellent characterisa- pending doom. tion.

Former Highcliffe students, Jabez The use of traverse staging was Both Jabez and Carla were sup- Smith and Carla Zienkovicz took very effective and the lighting and ported by a very talented cast, part recently in an outstanding special effects were superb. Jabez many of whom will now be going performance of Shakespeare’s trag- who was playing the role of Ban- on to university to study Drama. edy ‘Macbeth’ at the Jellicoe Thea- quo, one of the key roles within the tre in Poole. As the audience en- play, gave an outstanding perform- Report by Mrs McGrath tered the theatre, they were imme- ance and Carla, one of the witches,

Rock Challenge

Year 11, 12 and 13 students re- hearsed together to produce their own Rock Challenge piece which was choreographed by the students themselves who also made and de- signed the set, costumes and props.

Based on the idea of children who ‘disappear’, this piece was awarded Best Original Concept and the team also won the Rock Challenge Health and Fitness Quiz. Well done to all students who took part!

Report by the Expressive Arts Team

ArtSway Links Growing!

Following the successful exhibition by Laura Fisher at ArtSway reported in an earlier issue the link has strengthened with the Sixth Form students taking part in two workshops recently.

Film & Photography Workshop On Tuesday 23rd March the Sixth- Form were invited for a free workshop with Charlotte Knox-Williams at ArtSway near Lymington.

The exhibition included two films one of which was filmed locally, and the other was in Newport Wales. These films were particularly interesting because they were projected onto two walls, one of which always featured the artist Dave Lewis. The viewer was able to interact with the surroundings and Painting Workshop make a connection with the artist view point.

Photographs were exhibited in the main gallery; they were particularly thought-provoking as they individually captured the analytical second when you first meet and sub- consciously judge someone.

A discussion then took place which was uncomfortable at times, but subsequently quite positively chal- lenging. The group were then asked to make a visual note book to record our response to the immedi- ate habitat using different medi- ums such as photography, drawing, An exciting workshop was offered to Highcliffe School at ArtSway, organ- ized by the Education Officer Emma Purchase and led by artist Hannah and text. th Maybank. On Monday 13 June, 24 Students arrived at ArtSway at 10am to view the current exhibition by Christopher Orr and respond with paint, Overall it was definitely an interest- creating an original ‘landscape’ art piece. It was a wonderful sunny day ing and motivating experience. and a picnic was enjoyed by all in the grounds of the gallery. The students returned to complete their artwork adding detail to the fore- Report by Emily Marsh ground and finished with a discussion inspired by their creators.

Dorset Arts Week

Highcliffe School was invited to share the venue of Winton Arts and Media College to exhibit Art, Photography and Art Textiles for the Dorset Arts Week. ‘Evolving Images’ was a very successful exhibition showing a wide range of arts from students and adults from all over Dorset. We were very grateful to be offered this window of opportunity for our very talented students.

A Final Farewell at Hot Rocks

Da Vinci Exhibition

The Art, Design & Technology staff of Da Vinci would like to thank everyone involved that attended the private viewing of our exhibition on Tuesday 22nd June. It was a very successful evening with many fa- vorable comments. We would welcome you to view this exhibition during the next few weeks.

Design Museum Visit Deco Brasserie

Sixth Form Graphics group relax at top Art Deco Brasserie On Wednesday 21st October, a group of Sixth Form Graphics students spent a relaxing morning at Bournemouth’s exclusive Brasserie - The Print Room. Lattés, Es- presso’s, Cappuccino’s, green tea, pastries and pancakes were enjoyed.

However, there was a serious ele- ment to the visit. This involved recording primary research evi- dence on the Art Deco style sources to support their studies. Students took the opportunity to Earlier this year we ran the trip as a They were looking for a variety of record observations through pho- joint Art and Design trip with a full images for inspiration and the tography and sketches. coach leaving school at 7.15 am. Natural History Museum provides a The Product Design students were huge range of organic forms that Experiencing the forms and culture dropped off at the Science museum are ideal for developing jewellery of this period were essential to before the Art and Graphic stu- designs. These can be found in a appreciate the finer details. dents carried on to Trafalgar diverse range of areas from skeletal Square. structures to geological forms. Their current AS coursework project is to design a menu for An- Within the Science Museum the We returned to school through gelo’s, a Bistro with an Art Deco students had a worksheet of ques- Friday evening traffic ready for the interior. Already the experience tions to complete by searching out students to utilise the experience has enriched the designs and qual- the answers within different exhibi- in the next part of their course. ity of the students ongoing design tion halls. They also had to look for folios. shapes and forms that could influ- Report by Mr Nicholls ence their ‘blue sky thinking’ design Report by Mr. Simmons module that is approaching in Janu- ary. Within this project they will need to design a piece of jewellery that could also fulfil another use, such as a combined MP3 player. The Science Museum also provides an ideal venue for seeing clear evi- dence of how product design de- velops as Technology moves forward. It is fascinating to see ob- serve how the humble vacuum cleaner has developed as advances have been made. After lunch in the Science Museum we moved on to the Natural His- tory Museum where the students had time to walk around all the exhibitions and photograph specific shapes and 3 dimensional forms.

Royal Bournemouth Hospital Art Project

nate the spread of infection. tients department] and her team for all their encourage- We are extremely proud of ment and support over the our students and hope this past year. This project is just the beginning of a would of course not have partnership for other stu- been possible if the funds of dents to £1500 had not been pro- be given vided by the Hospital Char- a similar ity. Our thanks also go to Highcliffe School opportu- Forest Photos of Ringwood would like to thank nity. for their help and support. the Royal Bourne- What a wonderful, enlight- mouth Hospital for Special ening welcome for the visi- allowing us the op- thanks tors and patients of the portunity to exhibit Royal Bournemouth students‟ work on a Hospital! permanent bases. This artwork has been cap- go to This has been a spe- tured on film and trans- Sue cial honour for our ferred onto acrylic boards Rendell school and a great and then displayed in the [Senior opportunity to entrance hall of the Outpa- Clinical strengthen commu- tients Department. This is a Leader nity links. new way forward to display of the art work helping to elimi- Outpa- Report by Mrs Bullas

Sam Goes to Marwell

lot of hard work they have now created and produced the first book in the series entitled ‘Sam goes to Marwell Wildlife’ in which the main character visits Marwell Wildlife along with his father and mother and trusty companion The Adventures of Sam is an excit- teddy. ing new book series created by 6th Form students from Highcliffe The book has a captivating story School for primary school children. suitable for older children to read The idea was started as part of the and for younger children to have 2009 Make Your Mark Challenge read to them. The colourful pic- organised by Enterprise UK. The tures enhance the story creating a students came third in the South book that children will want to read West Regional Finals which encour- over and over again. aged them to continue with their idea and make it a reality. After a It has an environmental theme throughout; it is printed on FSC approved paper, and the story itself encourages the 3 R’s - Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.

All the books in the series will aim to teach children about local at- tractions and to be a lasting souve- nir, encouraging children to explore their local area. Sam goes to Marwell is available to buy from July 5th through the website www.theadventuresofsam.co.uk. For more information please visit the website or email: theadventuresof- [email protected]

Report by Mrs Finch & Mr Callear

ing environment. ple but effective presentation and Young Biz were given Young Biz key rings as The final activity involved the consolation prizes. groups having to decide on a strat- With fresh minds after the May egy for marketing a new business But there were no losers in the Bank holiday, Year 10 Business idea based around the theme of workshop as each student got a Studies students at Highcliffe were ‘healthy living’. Still working in certificate of achievement and they on fine form as they took part in their teams, the students had to left the day with invaluable advice the annual ‘Young Biz’ Smart Start think of an original business idea, a about how to run their own busi- to Business and Enterprise work- company name, a slogan, a logo ness and make business ideas hap- shop with Ballard students once and an advert to promote their pen. Also they can see how they again our welcome guests. Tim Hall idea. They were given a short time could apply the knowledge they from Young Biz opened the work- to prepare their pitch before they acquire from their Business Studies shop by getting students to think were up against the judges lessons to real life situations that about their own business idea and ‘Dragon’s Den’ style. could help them be successful en- creating a relevant business card. trepreneurs in the future. Peter With these thoughts in mind Tim There was certainly some original- Jones and the rest of the Dragons – suggested what it would need to ity in the business ideas as well as look out! take their ideas a stage further. the advertising techniques but most groups found that it was Credit to all the Year 10 students The students then gained an appre- preparation that was the key factor involved in the day and a big thank ciation of the advantages and dis- to the success of their pitches. In- you to the Ballard students and advantages of working for yourself deed it was the polished and confi- their teacher Mrs Glover for taking against working for someone as an dent presentation from the ‘Fit for time to travel to Highcliffe to par- employee. After break the students Life’ team that resulted in them ticipate in the event which has be- were put into teams and took part winning the competition and being come a regular collaboration. Also in a trading game where sweets the proud owners of not only an a big thank you to Mrs Karanja and th were traded in an attempt to exclusive Young Biz drinks bottle the 6 formers for allowing us to amass the most points. This activity but a book called ‘Fast Cash For have use of the Sixth Form Study allowed the students to see how it Kids’. This was packed with useful area as this proved to be an ideal is necessary for businesses to re- advice about business and enter- venue and was much appreciated spond quickly to changes in the prise ideas for young people, a toby all involved. market demand for their products tally appropriate prize for the if they are going to be successful event. In second place were the Mr Callear and Mrs Finch and survive in a harsh and challeng- ‘Fat Caf’ team who delivered a sim- Business Studies and Enterprise h u manities

Humanities Trip to Prague

We had seen the pictures of Prague at the information evening, some of us had seen footage of the city from the INXS music vid- eos, some of us had even heard of the Czech Republic. We had heard it was going to be cold. Very cold! So ski jackets and thermals were packed along with plenty of the local currency.

We were ready for the unsociable flight times knowing that it allowed us the maxi- mum time at our destination. As seasoned Humanities travellers, we were ready for the Prague trip being mostly about history, religion and citizenship, plus the obligatory tour to a former Nazi concentration camp and a little bit about sticking to the infamous risk assessment.

We were delighted to find Prague under a blanket of ‘proper’ snow, and yet the airport and public transport were still running! Our accommodation was pleasing and very con- veniently situated for tram and metro access. Mr Turner confidently used his prior knowledge to successfully lead us to the city centre for an informal tour of the main sights to help us get our bearings for the duration of our trip.

All the students were impeccably behaved – as expected, and an enormous credit to themselves and the school. We will miss the students in Year 13 who have accompanied us on nearly an annual basis around Eastern Europe and look forward to a new genera- tion of students ready to take on the adventures of the Humanities team abroad – where ever the next trip will be! m dern languages

France: England MFL/Business Exchange

On Sunday the 28th of February a success for many reasons. Firstly, it during the first session the stu- group of French business students was nice to see students from dif- dents analysed in their groups the from Le lycée agricole de Tourville ferent nationalities working to- customer questionnaire and the (BTS technico-commercial de l’a- gether towards a common goal, results of their sales and shared groalimentaire) in Normandy trav- and for their findings with the elled to Dorset and took part in many stu- rest of the class. running a market stall selling prod- dents it ucts from France. reiterated In the second session the impor- the students worked One of the missions of the French tance of on a marketing activ- business students was to get sam- language ity; for the third the ples of food from different compa- for business Year 12/13 Highcliffe nies. In total the French business purposes. business students pre- students collected more that thirty Secondly, sented the marketing different products which would be there was a work they did for the sold on the market and these infor- real communion between the stu- project and in the fourth session mation would then be analysed by dents and the community who the Tourville business students our students. really enjoyed the opportunity to presented the different activities talk with the students about the they had done (dealing with the This was being done in conjunction origin of the French products and customs, gathering food products, with Year 12 and 13 Highcliffe busi- their plan for the future. Finally it financing their trip by doing differ- ness students who assisted in mar- was also a way for the students to ent activities). keting the venture and collectively realize that there are real opportu- taking part in cross curricular busi- nities for cooperation between our All in all it was a very successful ness enterprise activity. two countries as some of the prod- project which hopefully will get The stall ran in Christchurch on ucts sold very well. students to think about the differ- Monday 1st March and the Year 12 ent business opportunities that Highcliffe French students helped The following day the students all exist between France and England. with any break down in communi- met at Highcliffe School. The day cation between the students them- was divided into different sessions: Report by Mr Maurice selves and the students and the customers.

All through the morning of Monday A group of Year 12 students is currently working towards the 1st March the students had a rota- Foreign Language Leaders Award. They are learning teaching tion of activities to do; a customer techniques and how best to plan a language lesson. questionnaire provided informa- They recently started teaching their first-ever lessons tion on people’s taste for French to groups of Year 7 students in Spanish, French, German food, selling the different goods and Italian. One student, Tom Towers, also taught and filling a worksheet comparing a class of primary students at the marketing approach of four Highcliffe St Mark Primary School. different supermarkets. To do these tasks the students were di- They are all making excellent progress to achieving their awards, so vided into small groups including well done to Jade Southwell, Amy Gilbert, Claire Kendall, Year 12/13 Highcliffe business stu- Jenny Higson, Lauren Evans, Fenella Courage, Asya Zuyeva, dents, Tourville business students Adam Horwich, Jenna Lloyd, Lauren Cooper, Reece Lopez, and Year 12/13 Highcliffe French Emily Keith, Hannah Leary and Sarah Hemming. students. Report by Mr Wayth

The day on the market was a real

Extended Project Qualification

Thirteen students from Years 12 out their research. At times the face problems because of their and 13 have successfully com- challenge of being an independent religion? (Hannah Leary) pleted an EPQ this year. The aims learner proved frustrating; for ex- Should there be harsher punish- of the qualification are to extend a ample, Jenna ments for student’s learning and skills beyond Lloyd, whilst sporting inju- their usual programme of study to carrying out ries? (Conor an area they are personally inter- her research Verrall) ested in researching. into the im- Will artificial pact of men- intelligence Topics this year have been far rang- tal health make humans ing from the practical to the purely support in redundant? academic, and some projects man- schools, (Stephen Hutt) aged to encompass both! For ex- came up How does the ample, Laura Fisher asked the against issues heart of a choir question ‘is fashion ever consid- of ethics and affect the heart ered an art form?’ She searched for confidential- of a commu- the answer by exhibiting her own ity. Despite this she produced an nity? (Sarah Huggens) work at ArtSway and surveyed visi- extremely thoughtful and credit- Am I beautiful? An analysis of what tors to find out their views. Asya able project analysing how schools beauty means today (Becky Jack- Zuyeva can maxi- son) Does advertising have a nega- completed mise the tive effect on society? (Rachael the ex- opportunity Smith) tremely to support ambitious the well Each student presented their pro- musical being of ject to an audience of governors, project their stu- teachers, parents and fellow stu- ‘Once dents. Simi- dents in March and then submitted Upon a larly, an- their work in late April. Song’ other stu- drawing on dent who If you are going into Year 12 or 13 talents of engaged next Year and are interested in students with the undertaking an Extended Project from idea of well Qualification please let Mrs O’Con- across the school to sing and dance being in schools was that of Emily nor know. In the meantime, well to audiences on two consecutive Keith who created a photographic done and thank you to all the EPQ nights. Josh Askew undertook an project based on the diary of a 6th students 2010, you are all stars! incredibly individual piece of work former. This project involved the by composing and recording his creation of a rag doll and an inter- Report by Mrs O’Connor own drumming track showing the view with influence of key musicians from professional different genres and generations. photogra- pher, Paul Other practical projects included: Angel. the manufacture of a menu board to assess the effectiveness of pro- Other pro- motional graphics (Adam Howard) jects went Pixie Tutu Designs; the creation of down a a tutu manufacture business (Alex purely aca- Pulfer) demic route, analysing The spirit of the EPQ is to place the questions learner at the centre, to allow them such as; to be creative, make decisions and Do young embrace new skills in order to carry Christians

Another great Cholet trip! - Online Diary Excerpts

Sunday 20th June 2010 lake - a chorus of Nous sommes allés à Poupet et Yesterday and a nous avons joué au cricket. Je me game of rounders suis régalé Ev Hill and 18 kilometers Je suis allée à un pique-nique. covered! C'était super-choutte et j'ai joué au cricket. Nous avons perdu la balle Tuesday 22nd June dans la rivière! Marie Norley 2010 Au pique-nique nous avons joué au Day Trip to Paris Jungle Speed et au jeu de foulard. Voyage à Paris J'ai beaucoup aimé. Jorja Bell Il faisait très chaud Today, after our first night with our à Paris. C'est très new families, we all met at a local fatiguant d'avoir beauty spot for a massive family escaladé la tour picnic - 20 families, 48 participants Eiffel parce qu'il y a of the exchange and all the siblings. beaucoup de Very soon we were playing football marches. Tara Pe- and shortly afterwards we were ters rescuing the ball from the river Nous sommes after an over enthusiastic shot! allés à Paris. Il a fait Thank goodness there were fisher- du soleil et il faisait men with nets there! The picnic très chaud. J'ai visité was great and there was a variety la tour Eiffel, l'Arc of food and drink on offer. Most de Triomphe et important- everyone got to know Notre Dame. Joe all the penfriends. Games of Bull "mouchoir" a game of chase There was a very started by dropping a handkerchief early start today as secretly behind a player's back and parents and teach- a really quite serious game of ers took us in a con- cricket was played. The cricket voy of cars and mini- even attracted random passers- buses to Angers by who were amazed by this com- station. plex English game. A very comfortable Monday 21st June 2010 and extremely fast Tour of the school TGV ride later and Bike ride to the Lac de Ribou we were in the Gare Fête de la Musique Montparnasse at 9.40, ready for our Je suis allé en vélo à Ribou. Après full day in Paris. First stop? It had to Thursday 24th June 2010 l'arrivée nous avons mangé un be the Eiffel Tower! Off to "Le Puy du Fou" with our pique-nique avec tout le monde. penfriends for the day Shannon Jeavons After the fabulous view from the Aujourd'hui j'ai visité le parc du Puy We all met at school for a quick Trocadero we passed the giant Fifa du Fou. J'ai mangé un pique-nique. tour with the Headteacher. M. screen on which the Parisians were J'ai bu beaucoup d'eau parce qu'il Houdebine. Then we were all off on later going to watch their team get faisait très chaud. J'ai bien aimé les a 55 person bike ride. Nearly the knocked out of the World Cup. gladiateurs! William Nurse Tour de France! A picnic at a local

Highcliffe and Ballard Schools Partnership

Over the past decade Highcliffe Sports Ballard pupils attend the Highcliffe School and Ballard School have Highcliffe Sports Elite Sixth Form Careers’ convention annually. been forging an students Sharing of courses, most recently Independent/ help younger on learning styles State School pupils at Ballard pupils join our students in partnership. Ballard Young Enterprise Week Ballard is a 3-16 School as Design Technology/Art Independent Community Ballard pupils have had access to School and is Sports Lead- the Da Vinci Centre at Highcliffe located in the ers and work alongside our students to town of New Mutual fix- gain an experience of Sixth Form Milton, about tures studies 15 minutes Expressive Sixth Form drive from Arts Initial discussions of collaborative Highcliffe. Bal- Combined work in the Sixth Form lard has many concert for specialist facili- students The Highcliffe vision statement ties and the taking GCSEs affirms the positive nature of this school has a in Expressive very positive relationship: similar ethos Arts “I believe in using what you have, and ‘feel’ to Highcliffe instead of mourning for that which ours in many provide you do not. In Thirty years time, I respects. There Drama mas- want to be able to look back at my is a very close ter classes youth and know that I used my tal- relationship for Years 8 & ents fully, that I wasted nothing” between their Leadership Team 9 pupils at Ballard School and ours and in many ways the two Exchange of staff judges for Talent Judith Potts, school communities have quite shows. Headteacher, extensive links. Careers Highcliffe School.

The following are examples of our current Link:- Modern Foreign Languages Stop Press Shared revision clinics Shared French Exchanges We continue to build partnerships for the benefit of our students. Recent Professional development for MFL discussions with Bournemouth Collegiate School Headteacher Stephen staff Duckett reaffirmed our desire to work together. Next academic year will see Gifted and Talented a number of BCS Sixth Formers in Highcliffe studying on A Level courses. For Our common Lecture Series in the their part BCS are very keen to offer Highcliffe students the opportunity to Spring term (hosted at Ballard Per- join in their programmes and be given access to their excellent sports forming Arts Centre) fdacilities. Mr O’Connor (the ‘Timetable Maestro’) is already working hard Sixth Form residential activities e.g. in conjunction with his counterpart at BCS to ensure that access to courses World Challenge and Space Camp, is possible. This is a first step in what we both hope will become a flourish- Alabama, USA ing programme of shared activities. Consideration of shared residential Judith Potts courses across the school Head Teacher

Songwriter in our midst

Congratulations to Samantha Ox- style of their choice. There were in young writers’ work. A copy of the borrow (Yr 10) who has won a na- excess of 1,500 entries from poets book is kept in the British Library tional song writers competition. across the UK. The judges were and further libraries across the UK People were invited to send in their looking for creativity, imagination, and Republic of Ireland. lyrical creations which could take expression and originality. Saman- the form of raps, ballads, pop songs tha submitted her poem entitled This is a tremendous achievement and formal poetry. ‘Flying High’ and it has been chosen for Samantha and we hope this is for publication in ‘Looking for Lyrics the start of many more successes It was a unique opportunity for – Turn Up The Volume’, an anthol- for her. Well done! writers to compose a lyric in the ogy showcasing the best of the Report by Mrs Dedman

Sixth Former wins National Competition

We were overjoyed to hear of the recent success of Sixth Form student Samantha Millard in a national essay competition organised by the Parlia- mentary Press Gallery. As you can see from the pictures Sam was one of the winners of the national competition. She enjoyed an exciting day at the Houses of Parliament meeting both the Prime Minister, and the Speaker of the House. Hundreds of students from schools throughout the country took part in the competition.

HOST UK Would your family enjoy introducing someone from another country to your way of life? There are international students from all over the world at universities in the UK: they speak English and most are in their 20's.They would love to spend a weekend sharing your family life in order to understand more about the UK. You could have fun introducing them to British food, customs, your local community and area; and you could learn about their country and culture. This is an opportunity to make friends across international boundaries. Geography comes alive, and afterwards, any news bulletin about your guest's country will have much more meaning.

HOST is a national charity, backed by the Foreign Office, which has been linking students with volunteer hosts for many years. See www.hostuk.org or call Margaret Astridge, the voluntary organiser in Dorset, on 01458 251699.

Highcliffe Sixth Formers teach at Thomas Hardye School

At the end of last year, liver workshops in other lo- involve two Iranian asylum Highcliffe Sixth Formers en- cal schools. A group of Year seekers in some of their ac- joyed their first Interna- 12 students (now Year 13) tivities. They also managed tional Day with various was very keen to get in- to intelligently field a whole guest speak- volved range of questions from stu- ers, includ- and was dents. Both the Red Cross ing the local quickly and Thomas Hardye staff MEP and a trained on were very impressed with transatlantic rower. The Red how to deliver interactive the Highcliffe Sixth Formers‟ Cross also delivered two workshops on issues sur- ability to lead the sessions workshops on refugees and rounding asylum seekers. and we should be im- international conflict. Seven students then had mensely proud of them. the daunting task of spend- They were all presented The visitors from this or- ing two days at Thomas with Red Cross certificates. ganisation were so im- Hardye School in Dorches- pressed with our Sixth ter, delivering a series of Well done to: Alex Pulfer, Formers‟ maturity and inter- lessons to Year 9 students. Becci Salter, Charlotte Bar- est in these subject areas rington, Sarah Morley, Lizzie that they approached me to They delivered thought- Madley, Alex Lane, Lili ask if some students would provoking, stimulating and Gilbertson be willing to become Red interactive workshops on Cross volunteers to help de- their own and were able to Report by Mr Wayth

activities for small Year 12 CSLA groups.

Yr 12 Leadership at Sports Leadership Highcliffe St Mark The Level 2 Award in Com- 18 students had their munity Sports Leadership is leadership skills tested a qualification for people during a mulitskills aged 16 or over, who wish event at Highcliffe St to gain experience in deliv- Marks in November. ering sporting activities They led students from within Yrs 1-4 Yr 12 CSLA – 1st Aid school through a se- Course. and the ries of mulit- As part of the CSLA course wider skill activities, 13 Yr12 students took part commu- showing them in a First Aid workshop on nity. The what to do and Wednesday 11th November qualifi- keeping their and all gained their First Aid cation score. Their Qualification. They covered provides confidence various elements of First Aid the key grew through- from resuscitation and ban- skills out the day daging to spinal injuries and required and at the end how to deal with open to plan of the session wounds and fractures. This and de- they felt both rewarded and has prepared them well for liver community sports ac- exhausted. There are many any injuries that they might tivities and aims to prepare more forthcoming events encounter when they go into responsible, motivated and like this one where leaders junior schools and the local confident people who can will be planning and leading community to deliver coach- independently lead safe, activities for the local pri- ing sessions. purposeful and enjoyable mary schools. sporting and recreational

U18 Girls’ Football

Sixth Form girls‟ football was new to the school this year and quickly became a strength, the team reached the last 32 in the country in the ESFA National Cup. Not only did the girls train and play as part of the U18 squad but a number of them have been given the respon- sibility of training and or- ganising fixtures for the girls‟ teams lower down in the school. Well done to all concerned..

Report by Miss Fellingham

World Champion Sailor

You will remember that in being disqualified from race upwind and got to the wind- the summer term we four of the series they‟ve ward mark in first with a bit brought you the news that been virtually faultless for of a gap.” From there only Phil Sparks, the second half the Kiwis ever came close to currently in of the champi- threatening, but by the final Year 12, had onship. run the Brits had victory se- qualified to rep- “We knew we cure and cruised across the resent Great were quick in line to take gold.‟ Britain in the this wind so we Volvo World were quite con- Congratulations to Phil and Youth Sailing servative on the Ben from all the school. We Championships. start and just look forward to bringing the The event took went for the community news of their place in mid- space,” Sparks continued success, who July in Brazil, explains, “We knows even in 2012! just as term speeded off the ended. We were delighted to line and just went full speed Report by Mrs Webber receive the news that Phil and his team-mate Ben Gratton were crowned champions in their class. Below is a section of an offi- cial announcement of the final day‟s results.

„On the 420 course, today‟s breezy conditions were again just about perfect for the British Boy‟s pairing of Phil Sparks and Ben Grat- ton, who clinched the title with another dominant race win in today‟s decider. After

Sixth Form Careers Mornings

What started in 2006 as an eral careers questions as more closely at careful ca- informal event held in the were the Highcliffe Sixth reer management. Sixth Form study room, the Form team. Highcliffe Careers Morning The Sixth Form students has grown to the extent that The Careers Morning has came down to the Hall dur- this year it was held in the proved to be so worthwhile ing PHSE and were given main Hall in order to accom- for the 6th formers that all the freedom to ask more modate the increasing specific questions to the number of represen- representatives about tatives willing to come particular career ambi- and discuss career tions, regarding suitable routes and opportuni- university courses, en- ties with Highcliffe try requirements, and students. Additionally work experience and we were pleased to salary details. Others welcome a number of had more general que- Ballard students who ries about the opportu- took up the opportunities within the differ- nity. ent professions, for example, learning that These included: BAe Health and Social Care Systems, CSI Forensics, Year 11 students have also was more than just nursing PWC Accountancy, Bath been given the opportunity and offer careers in mental Travel, Frettens Solicitors, to attend the event as they health, midwifery, and occu- Carey‟s Manor, Priory Vets, focus on career pathways pational therapy too. NatWest Bank, Archeology, and plan important decisions Anglo-European Chiroprac- in the next stage of their The representatives were tor Clinic, the RAF, Dorset education. We were also pleased to help the students Police and the Army. Also delighted to invite the Year with their enquiries and we had a variety of universi- 11 students from Ballard many came laden with free- ties in attendance including, School to benefit from the bies. They reported that the Bournemouth University – gathering of career repre- all the students had shown Faculty of Health and Social sentatives. maturity in their questions Care, Winchester University and clearly had made the – Faculty of Primary Educa- The Year 11 students were most of the opportunity to tion, Southampton Univer- given a worksheet to act as talk to people from the sity – a prompt to world of work. School interview 3 dif- of ferent repre- The feedback from the stu- Chemis- sentatives in dents was also positive, with try and the Hall to find the 6th formers requesting the out what each that even more professions Bourne- job entailed, to be represented in the fu- mouth qualifications ture. Arts In- and skills re- stitute. quired and pro- All efforts will be made to motion oppor- meet this demand and we Our tunities. may see a further expansion Connex- to the Careers Morning, in ions ad- This informa- what has become an estab- visors tion provided lished part of careers educa- Dave the base for tion and guidance in High- and Ker- the PHSE les- cliffe School. rie were son that fol- also present to answer gen- lowed where they looked Report by Mrs Finch

Friends of Mudeford Wood

All readers will be aware of the issues surrounding the continued existence of the Mudeford Wood Community Centre. We have had forwarded to us the first newsletter of the Friends of Mudeford Wood, from which we are pleased to pass on extracts on this page.

Please join the recently-formed Friends of Mudeford Wood (FoMW) to; • Show support for the users and residents who don’t want the centre to close because they believe that it offers valuable amenities for the local community • Demonstrate that Sport is important for our health so the synthetic pitches should not be closed and the land used for alternative purposes (whatever they might be!) • Receive updates on progress of the campaign to keep the centre open • Join in events, gatherings and activities at the centre to help improve its usage and finance campaign costs like posters, banners etc. Contact: Debbie Stephens, FoMW Treasurer, 35 Comet Way, Mudeford BH23 4JF

Tackling important issues: Connecting with the World

Will the real peacemakers please none, particu- stand up? larly amongst On Tuesday 2nd February 30 post the young. 16 students from across Dorset Seminars have took part in an exciting and unique been run by inter faith project at the Lighthouse Peacethread in Poole: Peacethread: ‘Will the facilitators in real peacemakers please stand up?’ the schools and Delegates from Lytchett Minster college in order School, Highcliffe School and Poole to develop and Bourne- greater mouth Col- under- lege entered standing into dialogue of the with repre- complex sentatives situation in the Middle East. which peace can be encouraged from Bourne- Using images painted by not just in the local community but mouth cutting edge graffiti artist, in the global community also’. Mosque, Banksy, students were Bournemouth asked to consider themes to The Peacethread team are hoping Reform Syna- do with war and peace. to run the project with other gogue, Poole schools and colleges across the Quakers and Helen O’Connor, region. Ecumenical Peacethread coordinator Accompani- and facilitator said ‘The stu- If you are interested in getting ers. dents were amazing, crea- involved please contact tive, reflective and imagina- Helen O’Connor at: The innovative conference focused tive. We hope they will take the [email protected] on peace and reconciliation in Is- themes of the conference back to or visit our blog at: rael/Palestine. The emphasis was their schools and colleges to con- www.peacethread.blogspot.com. on students leading the proceed- tinue threading together ways in ings. Having attended workshops by representatives from the local faith communities, students threaded together strategies for peace under their brief ‘Operation Peacethread’. The day culminated with the young people making very creative, interactive presentations in the dynamic setting of the Light- house studio.

Peacethread is supported with funding from the LSIS Post 16 Citi- zenship Support Programme and GLEAN (the Global Learning Net- work).The project aims to develop understanding and tolerance between people of all faiths and 100% attendance

Year 7:Alicia Adams, Bethany Amos, Rosie Ashley-East, Oliver Baker-Clipston, Lewis Barry, Heather Baugh, Katie Baughan, , Oliver Bennett, Xavier Bernhardt, Thomas Bonney, Eleanor Brad, Hannah Brennan, Charles Brewis, Kieran Brown, Rees Bullman, Jake Bunting, Donatella Butt, Jonathan Carr, Cristina Cassella-Hall, Harrison Cassidy, George Cavanagh, Kerry Chandler, Mathew Clark-Wheeler, Alice Clifford, Charlotte Colehan, Thomas Comer, Flynn Cooper, Ryan Cutler, Natasha Dempster, Luis Dibdin, Shannon Duffy, Jonathan Dymond, Charlotte Edney, Catherine Elenis, Chloe Ferriggi, Samuel Field, Morgan Foakes, Cayton Francis, Jordan Franklin, Hannah Gilbert, Luke Gilham, Toby Gill, Harry Glyde, Daniel Green, Scott Harburn, Emily Hawes, Alex Hawkett-Smith, James Hawtrey-Coombs, Paco Hepbir, Chloe Higgins-Smith, Georgia Hilliard, Seth Horton, Louise James, Maddison Johnson, Lucy Keats, Rosie Kitcher, Jessica Kydd-Coutts, James Langdown, Katie Lean, Thomas Lean, Natalie Livsey, James Lopez, Carolyn Mahy, Edward Maidment, Kristian Maidment, Alan Manning, Daniel Martin, Lauren Martin, Samuel Maskery, Joseph McCombe, Lucy McWilliam, Michael McWilliam, Alexander Mills, Cameron Morgan, Ryan Morris, Kathryn Moses, Molly Munday, Lewis Napier, Christopher Norris, Saskia Ormrod, Daniel Parker, El- lena Paskins, Kaine Petty, Jack Pluckrose, Jessica Pollard, Toni Prior, Cerys Pumphrey, Elise Rey-Cambre, Hannah Rice, Isabel Riding, Francesca Riggs, Jordan Rogers, Chloe Roxburgh, Mollie Russell, Bonnie Russell-Uriarte, Amy Sanchez-Price, Alastair Scott, Stanley Sephton, Ben Shutler, Jenna Slade, Felice Southwell, Thomas Spencer Jones, Joseph Swaine, Faith Tabor, Ben Taylor, Ella Taylor, Grace Tebbutt, Isabelle Thompson, Joshua Thompson, Matthew Thomson, Heather Tomkins, Joshua Upton, Daniel Ursell, Lauren Warne, Elizabeth Watson, Candice Weaver, Ross Webb, Connor Whitcher, Jack Whiteley, Jake Wilkins, Jamie Williams, Luis Williams, Dominic Woodfine, Emily Worrall. Year 8: Eleanor Adams, Lloyd Alexander-Chard, MatthewAnderson, Rebecca Arnold, Anthony Bailey, Samuel Baker, Zak Barrett, Kate Barry, Jackson Barton, Reece Beasley, Emily Bidwell, Grace Blakeney, Samuel Blick, Jack Bradley, Emma-Louise Brangan, Mary Brown, Xanthe Bush-Hipwood, Keira Clark, Sam Clarke, Fletcher Clay, Elliot Coates, Eric Collie, Georgina Collins, Eleanor Cooper, Jake Cummings, Naomi Davidson, Olivia Dodd, Tom Drewett, Leanne Falla, Thomas Fear, Morgan Fereday, Timothy Finch, Joe Franklin, Eva Galla- gher, Matthew Goddard, Noah Gurden, Jack Harrison-Jeive, Sean Hillyar, Fallon Holiday, Jake Honeybun, Tom Jackson, Guy Janes, Georgia Kilford, Amy Langdown, Georgia Law, Jack Leakey, David Leatherbarrow, Ryan Leyland, Charlotte Lockley, Charlie Long, Harry Long, Eleanor Mantle, Madeline McKay, Georgia McWilliam, Tayler Mead, Beren Miles, Oliver Mitchell, Eleanor Moore, Giorgi Murdock, Hannah Murphy, Max Nailor, Leila Nazar, Corrie Norton, India Paskins, Elisa Peroni, Lilee Potter, William Richardson, Connor Rizza, Gemma Rogers, Chloe Russell, Lauren Scott, Eleanor Sheekey, Kitty Sherwood, Alexandra-Eve Shield, Alicia Smith, Harry Smith, Jack Smith, Connor Spackman, Chloe Sparks, Danielle Speed, Matthew Speed, Ryan Spooner, Theodore Swift, Rebecca Symons, Joshua Tenn, Benjamin Tilley, Hannah Tomkins, Rebecca Tooze, William Van Wingerden, Alana Wade, Anthony Waters, Charlotte Whitlock, Alexander Wiggins, Harry Young. Year 9: Chloe Adams, Sherrie Barrett, Max Barth, Hannah Bennett, Sophie Bentall, Joshua Bird, George Boulton, Warwick Bray-Nicholls, Jacob Brennan, Talisker Broadhurst, Joseph Bull, Katrina Campbell-Morrison, Bradley Chaffey, Dominic Chapman, Holly Charlwood, Stephanie Colclough, James Cooper, Michael Cross, Julia Donald, Thomas Dow, Thomas Dymond, Tyrone Ed- wards, Aaron Ellison, Bethany Evans, Courtney Fereday, Jake Ferrett, Alexander Field, Amelia Finlay, Holly Finlay, Chloe Franks, Zoe Gilham, Art Gosling, Joe Hamblion, Jack Hardman, Alexander Harris, Craig Henderson, Samuel Herbert, Joel Hernon, Elanor Hill, Matthew Hillyar, Daniel Howting, Daniel Jeffs, Ashley Jenkins, Jayde Jenner, Isobel Jolliffe, Nicholas Jones, Brendan Kirkton, Zenita Li, Holly Lillington, Craig Lord, Robert Maidment, Joshua Mann, Sarah Martin, Connor Ma- son, Benjamin Moore, Madeline Morgan, Nicholas Mortimer, Kirsty Munnik, Chloe Nethercott, Freya Norley, Kimberley Oakley, Samuel Orford, Charles Page, Emily Paines, Lewis Prosser, Daniella Sawyer, Gemma Sloane, Oliver Smart, Jake Southcombe, Bethan Spencer Jones, Luke Stevens, Rachel Taylor, Matthew Vincent, Liam Walls, Chelsea Wells, Louise Westbury, Gabriel Williams, Benjamin Zeneli, Year 10: Luke Adams, Oliver Anderson, Alana Andrews, Colin Barr, Olivia Barrington, Emma Barry, Maxwell Baybut, Madeleine Bell, Emily Bix, Mia Blakeney, Eleanor Boddy, James Bonney, Harry Boyle, Holly Bratcher, Fay Bunn, Jazmine Burton, Emily-Rose Caine, Johnathon Cann, Maria Carlo, Jack Carter, Katy Charge, Charlotte Coleman, Alexander Collins, Ben Crane, Francesca Crisante, Kirsty Cunningham, Sophie Curl, Hugh Dathan, Jose- phine Dear, Emily Dore, Eleanor Drewett, Cory Eccleston, Alexander Errington, Christopher Footner, Letitia Fowgies, Teegan Frampton, Niall Gallagher, Barnaby Gibbins, Daniel Gilbert, Ella Gilchrist, Callum Gillard, Lucy Grisdale, Phillip Haddow, Rachael Harris, Erin Hill, Logan Holiday, Jessica Jones, Rebecca Jones, Shaun Kendall, Ellie Keyworth, Matthew King, Alice Kingham, Abigail Leakey, Maisie Leigh, Sophie Lockley, Christopher Lockyer, Benjamin Maglio, James Marsh, Zoe Martin, Joanne McIntosh, Marcus McKenzie, Joshua Muir, Samantha Oxborrow, William Parkes, Morwenna Phillips-Jones, Martin Pink, Aimee Pluckrose, Katie Powell, Jack Radford, Matthew Runnalls, Jesse Scurry, Jessica Shaw, Patrick Sheekey, Lewis Smith, Nicole Smith, Michelle Stanbury, Alexander Stewart, Charlotte Stone, Alex Styles, Alice Tabor, Katherine Taylor, Ryan Taylor, Laurence Thayne, Robin Tindill, Stefan Townsend, Theodor Turner, James Underwood, Alexander Watson, Jamie Whitcher, Calum Wright. Year 11:Harry Aston, James Bailey, Joshua Bailey, Madison Baker, Elaine Bell, Georgiana Bern- hardt, Lee Black, Francine Boot, Charlotte Boulton, Haydn Bower, Rosanna Bradford, Holly Briggs, William Budd, Olivia Bull, Daniel Calder, James Cornford, Madeleine Daley-Brown, Thomas Denley, Steven Dow, Hannah Elkins, Alexandra Ellis, Aimee Falla, Jack Field, Jason Foord, Lewis Francis, Luke Gates, Joshua Guerrini, Brandon Handley, Holly-Beth Hassall, Cameron Hayward, Richard Hocking, Joseph Hodges, William Holyhead, Dean Honeybun, Jack Husband, Samuel Jackson, Marcus Jenkins, Kathryn Johnston, Eleanor Kelly, Chloe Kitcher, Alfie Kybert, Matthew Langdown, Emma Langley, Samuel Langley, Jennifer Lee, Alec Leftwich, Ranald McAlester, Rebecca Meyrick, Jacob Moore, Thomas Orford, David Penson, Megan Per- oni, Lucy Perry, Grace Potter, Benjamin Price, Georgia Pulfer, Jessica Rajska, Katy Renault, Samuel Richards, Charles Selby, Margaret Sheekey, Harry Smith, James Sowden, Zachary Tebbutt, Rebecca Tilley, Christopher Tubb, Megan Way, Samuel Wells, Jack Wilkins, William Woodfine, Can we take this opportunity to thank all parents who have taken advantage of the these achievement slips to inform us of the activities and successes of our young people. As ever we wish to celebrate all the achievements of the students, in and out of school. We are unable to do this without your support.

Please use this slip to inform us of any achievement, whether in or out of school, of which you are proud and would like celebrated in the school newsletter.

Name of Student : TG:

Nature of Achievement :

Please use this slip to inform us of any achievement, whether in or out of school, of which you are proud and would like celebrated in the school newsletter.

Name of Student : TG:

Nature of Achievement :

Highcliffe School, Parkside, Highcliffe, Christchurch, BH23 4QD [email protected]