The Marches School & Technology College

NEWS Spring 2011

Academy Vision

A New Undergraduate Degree

‘It Must be The Marches’

a journey and we may not always get Headlines there, but we do try. As a school, we Contents work with our young people to build on the skills and attitudes they already Headlines 1 have when they join The Marches and

School News 2 to help them prepare for the next phase of their lives. We do value ‘It Must be The 3 parents’ contributions to the development of the school and I would Marches’ like to take this opportunity to remind

parents that we do have a Parents Term Dates 4 Forum. This is a group of parents who Status 5 contribute to the school by giving their PE News 7 thoughts on policies and the general progress of the school. If you would like to join the group please contact Mr Burton: [email protected].

Dates for the Academy Status

Further information detailing our vision Diary if we convert to an Academy is in the ‘ A happy person is not a person in a main body of the Newsletter. May certain set of circumstances, but rather a person with a certain set of attitudes’

Thursday 5th Year 10 Parents Hugh Downs. Year 11 Parents

Evening Students in Year 11 are fast approaching their final GCSE Wednesday 11th Year 11 Celebration Make a difference examinations; the school have Assembly produced a Grade Improvement Thursday 12th North booklet which every student has. The Orienteering Grade Improvement booklet gives a timetable of all the activities subject Wedensday 18th North Shropshire teams are planning for students. I Multi Events cannot stress the importance to you of Wednesday 25th North Shropshire your child attending these sessions. Indoor Athletics We have proven that attendance at these courses can enable students to Friday 27th North Shropshire Golf improve by one to two grades by the The Marches has many young people June time they take their exam. If your child who want to make a difference in many has mislaid their booklet or you would 7th - 10th Year 6 Sample days ways. I am extremely proud of all of like to find out more about this the activities that the students have programme, then please do not Friday 10th North Shropshire Tennis organised independently this year; such hesitate to call Mr O’Brien or as the Spring Fete, Comic Relief day Mr Burton for further information. Wednesday 22nd North Shropshire and coming up is a Mass Aerobics U12/13 Rounders U15 Doubles event. All these events have been Mrs S Longville Tennis organised by the young people because Headteacher Thursday 23rd Normandy Trip they want to give something back to the local community. Our students are We are a Fairtrade School! Friday 24th North Shropshire Athletics active members of the We have been awarded Fairtrade School community, this is exemplified by Jess Status by the Fairtrade Foundation in Wednesday 29th North Shropshire Prince, Megan Mason and Kelly Jansen recognition of the work we do to U14/15 Rounders and U13 Doubles who have participated in the Youth promote Fairtrade and trade justice in Tennis Parliaments and our school choir that the school and Thursday 30th Music Concert won second place in the choir section of wider the Oswestry Music Festival. A community. July marvellous achievement considering The assessors first place went to were Friday 1st Sports Day whose choir consisted of 16-19 year particularly GCSE Art Show olds. impressed to “see so many students Our core aim is achievement through involved” and stated that The Marches caring; the above exemplifies that we School “can be really proud of the great For further details contact Reception are constantly striving to accomplish work they have done and we would like on 01691 664400 or visit the website: this in all aspects of our school life. It is to congratulate you all!” www.marchesschool.co.uk By Miss Walker 1 SCHOOL NEWS

Media Studies Film On the 16th February in London, at the Marks and Spencers’ supplier conference, a film made by the Media Studies students in Year 10 was shown to over 100 delegates. The film was really well-received by delegates and Marks and Spencers alike. The film was made by Rachel McArdle, Jodie Rowlands, Emily Morton, Ryan Stonier, Chloe Ellis and Jack Richards, all from Media Studies, and starred Andy Smith and Kathy Richardson- Howell as Eco-Man and Waste-Girl. The film was shot on location at Uniq Desserts in Minsterley, and was also edited by the students on-site. The film, entitled “Not a Wasted Journey”, was made to show the progress Uniq have made towards sending 0% waste to landfill. The students were professional, creative and hard-working. Staff at Uniq were extremely impressed by their commitment to the project. The completed film can be viewed on the school website – check it out! By Miss Reynolds Rabbits Student Support Services Ian has been a member of the British Student Support Services opened in September 2010. Rabbit Council for five years, he started It combined, refined and built upon the successes of the two Centres it replaced – just showing his rabbits and had the Bridging Centre and the Personalised Learning Centre. moderate success. Two and a half years It is an integral part of the whole ago, he started breeding his own rabbits school behaviour and inclusion and has successfully bred many policy – recently recognised as champions; he has won numerous “Outstanding” by Ofsted - trophies and rosettes showing around designed to meet the needs of the country. Last year he won Best selected pupils in KS3 and KS4 Junior at the West Midlands who may need extra support Championships, this year his big with their learning. challenge will be the London Excel Show It is central to the school’s in October. pastoral and curriculum support Ian said “I have great fun showing them systems, providing an although it is hard work as they have to environment which is quiet, be cleaned up beforehand. I currently calm, orderly, respectful and have baby rabbits for sale, Orange Rex, positive. Blue Rex and Black Rex, they are £15 It offers stability, support and each.” care, where students feel valued and can operate in a culture of mutual regard and By Ian Birch, 8NRG respect. Staff work with students – in an individual or small group setting - either within the SSS classrooms, or in outreach work in subject areas. ICT programmes currently used are: Successmaker, Units of Sound, Wordshark 3L, Tux – Maths, Tux – type. Additional support is provided for Literacy within this area. We provide a safe haven for pupils at break and lunch-time which is supervised by staff. We welcome the opportunity to support individual students whatever their needs are. By Mr Sykes

Oswestry Music Festival Oswestry Musical Theatre The school reached dizzying heights Many thanks to Oswestry Musical Theatre Company who in their performance at the Oswestry generously gave a donation towards the school Music Festival securing a distinction Christmas Tree in December 2010. for their memorable performances of The school always appreciates the huge support that is ‘Amazing Grace’ and ‘Eleanor Rigby’. received from the Community. A whole host of students took part in By Mrs Davies individual categories and a special mention should go to Timothy Doyle, Year 9, who achieved first place in a variety of classes. 2 Training School

The Marches School and Technology College TRAINING SCHOOL Present Learning – Future Change Undergraduate degree course

What is it? This is a modular, undergraduate course in Personal and Social Learning. You will find out more about effective communication and using psychology in the workplace, working effectively with teams and groups, managing stress and emotional intelligence. You can complete 1/3 of a degree with us locally and part time.

Who can join? Anyone who is in some kind of work, part time, full time or voluntary. You don’t need to have a specific entry qualification but you will need to fill in an application form by hand and attend an interview.

Where is it? The Marches Training School in association with Chester University.

When? Each module lasts one term and there are 9 hours of teaching. Module 1 starts in May 2011.

Academic queries: Julie Leoni - [email protected] Admin queries: Kate Aspinall - [email protected] or Helen Lloyd - [email protected] Tel: 01691 664476

In Performing Arts, the students continue to go from Performing Arts strength to strength tackling ever greater challenges and being prepared to really push the boundaries. Watch this space! Must Be the Marches By Mr Coupe This year I wanted to try something new with the school show. The first step was to introduce three classes of Year 9 students to create a large-scale event. We renamed the show from 'The M-Factor' to 'Must Be the Marches'. The classes were divided into teams, some forming the crew, some forming the front of house team and others responsible for the design work. In addition, I was thrilled that some of our students were confident enough to offer to coach some of the acts. Next came the auditions, we saw many students full of talent. Following a busy day of rehearsals on Wednesday 30th March, we were ready to share our performance with the school community. Each night featured different acts and I must thank Sali James and Terry Cripps for their support in preparing the performers, and the staff band for their superb accompaniment of many of the singers. On the night the Year 9 production team were efficient and professional demonstrating that with responsibility they are capable of first class work. The performers were confident, energetic and skilled. We raised money for the Charlotte Hartey Foundation through a special charity raffle and local

businesses were extremely supportive of raising money for this worthy cause. 3 Mrs Richards talks about Training Certificate As part of their prefect duties, Year 11 students participate in The Learning Resource Shropshire Council’s Library Assistants Training Scheme. The aim of this initiative is to give students the opportunity to participate in training which allows knowledge, skills and Centre experience required in the running of a school learning resource centre. Five successful candidates, Jonathan Upton, Taylor Clements, Amelia Harris, Hannah Fell and Megan Vampirates Clowes (not pictured) were awarded Stage 2 Distinction Justin Somper, author of the Vampirates books was at The Certificates by Katherine Smith from the School Library Marches recently. Enthusiastic students enjoyed listening to Service, having completed the six modules. him and asked interesting questions. He also held a workshop in the Learning Resource Centre.

Young apprenticeship Colomendy weekend I would like to say a big thank you to Mr Hall for giving up his weekend to come with us and also Miss Ward. 2011 By Joy Hayward 10LP On our weekend away on the 28th-30th January, Mr Hall took the 14 students in my Y.A group to Colomendy Kingswood residential centre near Mold. We stayed in dormitories in small individual groups of about 3-4 people per room. During our time there we all experienced a range of activities such as abseiling, Jacob’s ladder, and the giant zip wire. We went on a 3G swing and this entailed the team pulling you up as high as they possibly could, the ropes were then secured and a quick release rope was pulled after a count down. The person who was harnessed in the air then dramatically faced a sudden drop until they came to a dizzy halt. I am happy my team mates encouraged me and gave me a huge amount of support. More accounts of this amazing weekend can be viewed on Another activity was caving. A few students really did not the school web site. I am sorry that they could not all be like being in confined spaces but every student managed to included in the Newsletter but they make great reading! at least get into the cave, even if they didn’t stay - that itself Mrs Aspinall is a massive achievement. To end our time at Colomendy the girls played a brilliant session of laser quest. We were in a wood and there were a lot of objects in the way for you to get inside and hide be- Term Dates hind. I had a fantastic time. We worked well as a team. I Summer Term 2011 26th April - 22nd July really got to know my other class mates in a different way to how I would do in our class room. Half Term 30th May - 3rd June We went on the trip because Mr Hall wanted us to become Bank Holiday 29th April more confident as we were starting our work experience on Wednesday 2nd February. We were going to do things that Autumn Term 2011 6th September - 16th December we don’t normally do. He wanted to emphasise team work Half Term 24th October - 28th October and that’s what Kingswood is all about. Now I have started my work experience, I can really understand why we needed Spring Term 2012 4th January - 30th March to broaden our strengths and weaknesses as the skills I Half Term 13th February - 17th February picked up from the weekend have helped.

4 Mrs Longville talks about • Opportunity to continue to provide and build on the Community News The Marches’ vision as an activities that bring learning to Fairtrade News from Academy life; The Marches is a confident, forward • Opportunity to build on our Miss Walker thinking school; we believe in making the sporting achievements by To celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight most of the opportunities that exist in the ensuring we maintain and up- (21/02/11 - 11/03/11), students staged a current times of austerity. As date our facilities; and Fashion Show to model t-shirts designed Headteacher it is my moral purpose to • Opportunity to build on our and made by the students in Year 9 and ensure that we make the most of the creative achievements. 10. The t-shirts were designed to opportunities that exist so that we can It is important at this point for me to promote the importance of provide the best life chances for our stress the things that would not alter: wearing Fairtrade cotton and were young people to learn and develop as • Admissions policy would remain created during MARCC Days. Slogans well-rounded young people. the same. seen on t-shirts ranged from ‘Dare to be We are currently still investigating the Fair’, ‘No More Fashion Victims’ and ‘No possibility of conversion to Academy I have held several meetings for Dirt on My Shirt’. The school hall was Status. I would like to take this parents/guardians to express their overflowing with students who had opportunity to outline our vision of what views and if you would like to discuss come to watch the models proudly walk this would mean if we were to convert Academy status further, then my the catwalk wearing the excellent over the next five years: leadership team and I are available th clothing creations. Josh Hudson in Year • Opportunity for our young people from 4pm on Thursday 7 April. 11 was a particular hit with the audience to achieve their personal best; Alternatively you can ring to make an as the only male model who worked the • Opportunity to create smaller class appointment; I am more than happy catwalk like a true professional! The sizes; to meet with you individually. event was organised by the Fairtrade • Opportunity to sustain and build on The governing body and I intend to th Student Action Group who recently our current resources in the make a decision by 26 April as the contributed to The Marches becoming classroom as well as the general Department for Education have given st a Fairtrade School. Environment; us a conversion date of May 1 2011. • Opportunity to build on the If we do decide to convert, this will technological resources so that not mean any radical changes in what students have the most current you and your child experience at and up to date equipment to aid school. We hope, if we do convert, to their learning; begin to introduce the changes that • Opportunity to provide more One will enable us to fulfil the vision stated to One support; above. • Opportunity to maintain the personalisation in the curriculum by continuing to provide collaborative courses and experiences such as Young Apprenticeships;

MFL The Marches ICT Department is pleased to The MFL after-school club visited Morda Primary School on offer:- Friday 11 March. The 9 students of Year 9 and Year 10 who Microso Office Specialist are preparing the Language Leaders Award successfully Microso Office Expert planned and taught mini Microso Office Master Cerficaon French lessons for the

Primary students. The MICROSOFT OFFICE SPECIALIST 2010 exams award aims to improve The new Microso Office Specialist (MOS) 2010 cerficaon features a series leadership skills and of cerficaon levels, providing a connuum for skills qualificaon and validaon. They include core credenals in any one of the most popular motivate students in Microso Office 2010 products, and Expert and Master learning languages. credenaling for advanced users. It was a very enjoyable As an introducon to these qualificaons we are offering Office afternoon, some specialist exams at £50 per exam with FREE training from our Microso Office students said, "I will Master qualified teachers. definitely use this award on my college Exams are available on Office: Word 2010, Excel® 2010, PowerPoint® 2010, Access® 2010, Outlook® 2010, Word 2010 Expert and Excel® 2010 Expert. application, it has been a great experience", "We got to share For further details please contact the Training School or Sharon Geddes ICT our knowledge, my French vocabulary helped me", "The award Dept. helps me experience lots more fun and interesting activities". .

By Jessica Jones and Holly Jones

5 Mrs Parry talks about International News

Adopted Countries Each form has been asked to research the culture of their adopted countries. The entries included PowerPoint presentations of Paris and Tuvalu, films of Thai food being cooked, wonderful artwork produced by students studying Malawi and artwork showing the animals living on the Galapagos Island. Prizes have been awarded for the best work. 7JAJ won a prize for their booklet on Cameroon.

What do we know about Oswestry? Our next venture is to set up a competition for all of our students to see what they know about their own town. International group ‘Enfys’ have worked with Sue Austin from the Shropshire Star improving their photographic skills by taking unusual shots around the town. The competition will be offered to students over the next few weeks

Comenius Visit to Netherlands On 11th January we visited Roermond in The Netherlands, and stayed with a Dutch family for five days. Throughout the exchange we did many different activities, such as visiting the small city of Roermond and learning about it by taking part in a city game. We also got a chance to visit the capital city, Amsterdam. This was a very inter- esting experience and one which I think we will all re- member. While we were there we got a chance to see historical sights, such as Anne Frank’s house right through to the Red Light District. As well as all that, we got a chance to see the Netherlands through a citizen’s eyes rather than a tourist’s, staying with a Dutch family, eating typical Dutch food, riding a bike on the other side of the road to school and taking part in lessons in a school. Not only did we get the chance to make Dutch friends, but also got to meet people from Germany, Greece, Spain and Italy. We all really enjoyed the trip and hope that others will get a chance to enjoy the same experience. By Hollie Jones, 11HMR

Connecting Classrooms with Sri Lanka A huge thank you to all students involved in the Connecting Classrooms project, linking the Marches with two schools in Sri Lanka. Many students have written pen pal letters and contributed to the 'Culture in a Box' project. Due to the flooding in Sri Lanka, the culture boxes will be delivered in June. Letters are being sent out and we should receive a response after Easter! Look out on 'Today's Notices' for updates. A display of student's work is in the main hall and corridor. Go along and have a look! By Miss Crowson 6 Mr Martin talks about PE News

Netball On Thursday 10th March 2011, The Marches U14 Netball team competed in the North Shropshire Netball Tournament at . The team consisted of Rhianne Lloyd (Captain), Chelsea Davies, Georgia Dixon, Molly Hanson, Savannah Hulme, Lyndsey Jones, Louise Mortlock, Stacey Richards and Ellie Vaughan. The Marches were convincing winners over Thomas Adams, Ellesmere College and Grove in the early stages of competition and then went on to play Rugby Kit Moreton Hall in the final. After a close Special thanks go to school PE kit suppliers Newport Sports who have donated fought contest Moreton Hall edged the a set of playing shirts that will be used by senior sides in the school for years victory by two points, much to the to come. disappointment of the Marches School. Well done girls for reaching the final. Rugby Round up Along with the Year 9 success, all the other Another rugby season is nearly over and The Marches’ teams have played years competed against Thomas Adams and more games than ever. Rhyn Park and convincingly won all of their The Year 8 team have trained in great numbers every Friday afternoon with games. Please see the results below: Head Coach Mr Dilks and they have had a good run of games. They finished 3rd in their County Cup pool with Captain Will Napper featuring as the outstanding player in the side. The Marches v Thomas Adams The Year 9 side have had a mixed season with some encouraging Year 7 11-6 The Marches performances blighted by losing to . Team coach, Mr Jones, v Rhyn Park has nominated Jordan Tsang as the player of the year. Dominic Monroe has Year 8 11-3 been injured and the team severely missed his leadership and ability on the Year 9 16-4 Year 7 10-0 field. The Year 10 side have again been the strongest side in the school. Team Year 10 10-5 Year 8 29-9 Captain Jack Martin has led them well and they have once again reached the Year 11 18-10 Year 10 18-3 semi final stages of the County Cup, undefeated in their group. This team also won a North Shropshire 7’s tournament early in the year. Cross Country Well done also to the boys of Year 7 and Year 11. The Year 7 team have The Shropshire Schools Cross Country trained well this term and should feature in next year’s cup competitions. The competition was jointly year 11 7-a-side team deserve another mention having lost in the final of the hosted by The Marches Army 7s tournament in September. and Oswestry School Well done to all who featured in training and games this year and an this year. It was a foul especially big thanks to the coaches who gave their time after school to day and The Marches support our students. competitors had to brave extreme conditions of gale force winds and driving rain. All of our students did well to finish the courses but the girls from the Year 7 team, who won a Team 3rd overall, should be commended. The team featured Nia Garry, Maya Hughes, Lucy Blomer and Ellie Rogers. The boys competition saw great runs from Year 7, Josh Biggs; Year 9, James Morris; and Year 10, Jimmy Kershaw. These boys all finished 5th in their individual races, quite an achievement considering the weather conditions and the quality of the opposition.

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