O c t o b e r 2016 CONYERS SCHOOL

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Dear Parents, Students and Friends, You will see from our first newsletter of the new term how busy we have been with much to celebrate. Our Celebration of Achievement evening was a fantastic event celebrating the successes of students across the school. The final award of the evening ‘The John Morgan Special Award’ is a closely guarded secret each year and recognises an exceptional contribution or performance. This year we were honoured to welcome Dr Richard Beadnall, Headteacher of Levendale Primary School, to present the award to one of his former students Nathaniel Cornforth. Nathaniel impresses everyone he meets at Conyers and beyond with his maturity and humility that go well beyond his years. He is a genuinely outstanding student - 11 A* at GCSE and a Distinction * in Further Maths. He excels across the curriculum from his scientific expertise to his encyclopaedic knowledge of history and his outstanding ability. However, music is his passion and here, this young man has a very special talent. When he arrived in Year 7 he brought with him a full symphony composed and scored by himself, last year he passed his diploma on Piano: things most students wouldn't attempt until University. He performs as part of the school band and jazz band as well as a soloist and is a fantastic role model for younger students. Nathaniel is a student leader in every sense of the word, and deserving of every accolade that is bestowed upon this humble young man. Primary Headteachers also visited for our ‘Sparking the Gap’ assembly. They presented prizes to those in Year 7 who had produced outstanding projects and had the opportunity to catch up with former students and check that they were continuing to work hard and complete their homework! Next half term is a busy one with two particular highlights for families to enjoy. The first is the school production ‘Seussical’ showcasing the talents of actors, singers and musicians from across the school. Tickets are selling quickly so please contact the Creative Arts office to avoid disappointment. The next Conyers tradition is the ‘Friends of Conyers’ Christmas Market which takes place on Friday 25 November. There will be the usual mix of stalls and refreshments as well as a visit from Santa, the lighting of the tree and a chance to hear our wonderful musicians perform popular festive favourites. The Conyers School Presents ‘Friends of Conyers’ team work tirelessly to provide fantastic opportunities for students and raise funds to support events such as the school show. Have a lovely half term break. We look forward to welcoming students back on Monday 31 October, at 8.55a.m. Thursday 17 & Friday 19 November Sixth Form Open Evening 7.00 p.m. Forum Theatre, Billingham Tuesday 10 January 2017 Tickets £9 and are available from Mrs Pattison in the 7.00 - 9.00 p.m. Creative Arts Office Celebrating Achievement Headteacher’s Commendations Were awarded to: Ross Jenney, Ben Morgan, Joe Robinson, Daniel Scott, Charlotte Verrill 7AW, Lily Hampson, Izzy Scott 7ES, Lucy Brown, Adam Sumner 7JW, Josh Brown 7KC, Ellie Stolweather, Ted Young 7LO, Freya Bartholemew, Anna Cook, Anna Kindleysides 7MN, Daniel Baker, Thomas Haggas, Sophie Hill, James Whaley, Emily Valentine 7MT, Charlotte Harland and Jonathan Mudd 7PY, for helping with the Year 6 transition visits. You were an excellent role model sharing your experiences of Conyers. Kari Roberts 10AB, Alfie Allison, Tegan Downes, Alex McQuillan, Jennifer Szulc 10BA, Sibabalwe Tekile, Olivia Callaghan, Jade Woodall 10CB, Emily McGee 10GP, Isobelle Allen-Scarth, Charlotte Barber and Abbie Nolan 10GS for your contribution to the Richmond trip. You demonstrated outstanding interpersonal skills working with Year 7 Students. Well done. Erin McDowall 6NH, Chris Carling 6HC, Faye Edemenson, Emma Langley 6HL, Scott Marshall, Charles Taylor 6JM, Megan Allport, Beth Dennis 6JT, Jess Hugill 6JW, Beth Cooper, Olivia Jackson and Laura McCann 6RH, for your contribution to our magnificent debating victory over . Well done. Emily White 10AB for your fantastic contribution to the Layfield Summer Fayre. A great ambassador for Conyers. Harvey Bartley , Millie Todd 7AW, Bradley Swales 7ES, Sam McGee, Max Steel 7JW, Erin Yule 7KC, Shaun Ferguson 7LO, Harry Smith 7MN, Charlie Watt 7MT, Charlotte Smith 7PY, for taking part in ‘A Midsummer Nights Dream’ and your lovely display of work. Be very proud! Sana Hassanzadeh, Charles Julian 7AW, Erin Dale, James Parker, Ryan Richardson 7ES, Jack Annis, Sarah Evans 7JW, Kate Baker, Jamie Brown 7KC, Musa Fatty, Elli Stolweather 7LO, Annabelle Hall, Charlie Smith 7MN, Grace Brown, Leah Hutcheon 7MT, Faheem Arshid, Kate Clark 7PY, for your wonderful work helping staff with the Year 6 Induction Day. Renee Garbutt, Charlotte Johnson, Hollie Nevitt, Jessica Parkinson, Toni Sullivan, Amritpal Singh, Ellie Tatters 11AB, Samuel Brown, Tegan Downes, Nikita Josan, Alexander McQuillan, Yasmin Said, Tippi Shannon, Lucy Smyth 11BA, Kelsey Alderson, Maiya Grieff, Annabel Jupp, Benjamin Rooney, Mea Walton, Jade Woodall 11CB, Curtis Bartholomew, Emily Brown, Amelia Busby, Lucy Chesney, Emily Green, Ted Jemison 11GS, Hannah Begley, Archie Drummond, Thea Emmerson, Emily Hamill, Robert Hillier, Daniel Kell, Daniel Magnone, Christopher Uzomah 11JH, Jak Bartley, Jasmine Clark, Jack Colley, Millie Cooper, Sophie Donnelly, Caitlin Gray, Fezaan Hussain, Thomas Magnone, Jordan Manning, Lewis Nixon 11JT, Mohammad Abid, Amber Bradley, Georgia Donaldson, Georgia Gibson, Charlie Hughes, Cameron Joseph, Jack Simpson 11KA, Alfie Allison, Holly Smith 11LD, Amelia Burns, Sandeep Kaur Bhandal, Joe Clark, Matthew Douglas, Abbie Nolan, Sree Shankarganesh, Abbas Wajid 11RC, Haniyyha Abid 11WA, Katie Best, Lois Carling-Keeley, Charlotte Easton and Yekta Heidari Haratomeh 11WA for helping out on Open Evening. You were a wonderful ambassador for Conyers and showed great leadership. Olivia Evans 70, Robyn Harper 70, George Ollier 70, Chantelle Vandirai 7O, Shehryaar Zaidi 7S, Ellie Slater 7T, Beth Harris-Honneyman 7Y, Lottie Watson 8C, James Parker 8E, Ben Beals 8S, Courtney Bellerby 8N, Harvey Bartley 8S, Georgia Bruce, Katie Parkes 9DP, Fenella Coleman, Rachel Morris, Ellie Smith 10EM, Eve Baines 10KD, Nicole Bassett, Hannah Gamesby 10LM, Harry Savory 10TB, Jess Brownless 6AR, Joe McLean 6JT and Alex O’Leary 6RH for giving up your time to help out on Open Evening. You were a wonderful ambassador for Conyers. Hollie Evans, Izma Khaliq, Emily Valentine, Lottie Watson 8C, Izzy Scott, Holly Tingle 8E, Sophie Barnes, Izzy Collier, Elise Hughes, Emma McGeehan, Niharica Suri Kannan 8N, Freya Bartholomew, Emily Brown, Sofia Couso, Holli-Mae Lamb 8O, Anna Casson, Ellie Stolweather 8R, Niamh Prior 8T, Katie Dawes 8Y, Joshua Bailey 9AH, Sophie Valentine, Charlotte Evans 9CR, Abi Cooper, Ellis Farndale, Katie Simpson 9DP, Oliver Tranter 9DY, Eden Tyerman, Kelsi Lees 9ER, Charlie Adamson, Jamaal Glanville, Emily Rose 9JK, Zain Ahmed, Nathan Campling, Zoe Ingledew, Eve Hewett 9KG, Matthew Drake 9SP, Isabel Beauchamp 10CG, Alick Brownlee 10JM, Erin Bowkett, Nicole Bassett, Lauren Hubbert, Harriet Marshall 10KD, Kate Owen and Lewis Wormald 10PS for being wonderful Language ambassadors. Worthee Ikah 7T, Max Steel 8N, Liberty Grace Foulger 8T for excellent work and effort in English. You really have gone above and beyond this term. Toni Sullivan 11AB, Tegan Downes, Myles Murray 11BA, Curtis Bartholomew, Amelia Busby, Ted Jemison 11GS and Lucy Bell 11JH for: delivering e-safety skills to students at Kirklevington Primary School. Your contribution was outstanding. Conyers Students take to Durham for Another Impressive Future Scholars Programme Conyers School are delighted to announce that 10 of our most able students in Year 10 have successfully completed a programme of intense study as part of the Future Scholars Programme, a partnership between Conyers School, Durham University and the Brilliant Club. The students have recently submitted a theses titled ‘How important is it to offer all victims of crime in England and Wales the option of restorative justice?’ and passed with flying colours. The Future Scholars Programme is a continued initiative to stretch our very brightest students, and involved them studying a super- curricular subject, which is not covered in the key stage the students are in because of its academic and intellectual complexity. The students rose to the challenge of writing a 1500 word essay with determination and thrive for success. One student commented, “My favourite part of the programme was learning about completely new topics… The programme as a whole was pretty well explained as to what we would be doing, and the large network of support staff ranging from associated teachers at Conyers to Tutors from The Brilliant Club gave us the support when needed”. Mr Pickering, Lead Teacher for the programme commented, “It is astonishing to see the quality of work completed by our students. The academic flair demonstrated by the students is reassurance that at Conyers we are ensuring our most able are stretched to their full potential. This has been another testament to the determination and ability of our students and I cannot wait to start working with our next cohort!” Students celebrated their achievements at a graduation ceremony at Durham University on Friday 23 September, where the students did us proud in both their incredibly smart uniforms and beaming smiles of pride. Sparking the Gap Awards Celebration Year 7 students celebrated the successful conclusion of Sparking the Gap, Conyers School's transition programme that began in primary schools back in July. We welcomed headteachers from our primary school partners to Conyers to see their former students shine in their new environment. Each Year 7 tutor had selected students to receive prizes for effort, excellence, creativity and presentation in their completion of the Sparking the Gap booklet. The judging of the overall winners for the entire Year 7 proved long and difficult for the panel of Mrs Spellman, Headteacher, Mrs Guy, Year 7 Manager and Mr Skerry, Director of Progress. The standard of the work produced was exceptional and demonstrated that there are many talented and dedicated students in Year 7. Congratulations to all the finalists and overall winners. A great start to your Conyers career. Celebration of Achievement Awards The D H Hird Curriculum Awards Angel Maggs Year 11 Curriculum Awards Katie Parkes Art Charlotte Burgess Jamaal Glanville Business Studies Ella Hunter Year 9 Isabel Beauchamp Drama Benjamin Oloman Sydney Belton Engineering Kieran McElwee Ellen Robson English Language Megan Maloney Zahra Tasneem Lewis Wormald

Year 10 Isobelle Allen-Scarth English Literature Matthew Brown Maisy Best Food Technology Sophie Shore Thomas Eglinton French Harry Roberts Daniel Kell Geography Ryan Plews Lucy Trainer German Keaton Hold Year 9 Special Awards Alick Brownlee Health & Social Erin Sylvester for Key Stage 3 Scott Brownlee History Connor Stephenson James English Information Technology Andrew Garvey Robyn Lewis Mathematics Matthew Covell Kate Owen Music Nathaniel Cornforth Year 11 Special Awards Daniel Brown Physical Education Lauren Perley for Key Stage 4 Rachel Hinley Religious Education Caitlin Palmer Sophie Thompson Resistant Materials Will Spencer Chloe Walker Science - Additional Lauren Wilkinson Kai Wilson Science - Applied Amelia Clamp Special Commendation 10+ A*/A grades at GCSE Science - Triple Nathan Evans Mohammed Azribi Amal Al-Afifi Textiles Safiyyah Ammash Kyi Aye Daniel Brown Travel & Tourism Ikrah Ali School Achievement Awards Year 7 Ben Beals Joshua Brown Sophie Hill Sadia Hossain Niharica Suri Kannan Year 8 Charlie Adamson Rosie Adamson Benjamin Campbell Erin Clarkson Football Finn Cousin-Dawson Nathaniel Cornforth Natasha Cousin Brandon Morrison Anna Covell Nathan Evans Nathan Wood-Gordon Sophie Huggins Ella Hunter Tennis Nathaniel Cornforth Holly Ingledew Arya Kamyab Arya Kamyab Alex Large Amy Laroche Cleveland and Durham Representative Holly Lewis Lauren Perley Golf Ellen Robson Harry Roberts Sophie Shore Durham Representative Sophie Thompson Kai Wilson Hockey Kate Murphy 100% Attendance Samuel Bailey Durham and Northumberland Sophie Huggins Archery Tilley Blanchard Linguist Award Year 10 Durham and Yorkshire Representation Thomas Magnone Rugby Joe Sawdon Linguist Award Year 12 Regional Representative Christopher Carling Athletics Luke Pettit Maths Challenge – Best in School Swimming Charles Julian Junior Oliver Tranter Simon Littlefair-Dryden Intermediate Alastair Eales Faye McDonagh Senior Chunfang Pang Joseph Micklewright Michael Woollett Award for Excellence Leah Robinson Mathematics Nathaniel Cornforth Victor Ludorum for Athletics Nathan Evans Preliminary Christopher Matthews ICT Sophie Shore Junior Daniel Payne Sports Awards Intermediate Cameron Spence National Level Victrix Ludorum for Athletics Clay Shooting Charlie Harker-Nunns Preliminary Kate Murphy English Schools Judo Jake McKenna Junior Lucie Stephenson Championships Intermediate Jasmine Clark Karate Lauren Perley Swimming Niamh McDonagh UK Schools Athletics Jasmine Clark Championships Cleveland Representation Athletics Finn Cousin-Dawson Emily McGee Daniel Payne Myles Murray Cameron Spence Nathan Wood-Gordon Ben Beales Findlay Montgomery New School Athletics Records Daniel Payne 80M & 300M Hurdles, Cross Country Joshua Bailey 100 Metres Jasmine Clark Daniel Payne 1500M Daniel Payne Luke Pettit Ruth Grainge Trophy for a girl’s outstanding Cameron Spence contribution to sport Emily Robson Rod Neilson Trophy for a boy’s outstanding Student Leadership Programme - Outstanding contribution to sport Student Leader Oliver Ketteringham Lucy Adams Romana Asghar Team Awards Samuel Bailey Sophie Huggins Year 7 Boys Winners Indoor Athletics Bethany Pickering Year 7 Boys Winners Stockton Schools Football League Member of Youth Parliament Year 7 Boys Winners Stockton Schools Football District Jessica Hugill Cup Yarm Lions Award Year 7 Boys Winners Cleveland County Football Cup Katie Williams Year 8 Boys Winners Indoor Athletics Sir Maurice Sutherland Award for Endeavour Year 11 Boys Football Winners Stockton Schools Rebecca Best District Cup Head Boy Scott Marshall Year 11 Boys Winners Cleveland Football League Head Girl Emma Langley Under 13s Winners Stockton Schools Cricket Shield John Morgan Special Award School Achievement Awards Nathaniel Cornforth Short Story Competition Alick Brownlee

Beau Hutchinson

Reverend David Smith Award for Outstanding

Contribution to Creative Arts Caitlin Palmer

Friends of Conyers 100 Club Winners October 1st prize (£25) - No. 31 - K Oseland 2nd prize - (£15) - No. 11 - J Belton 3rd prize - (£10) - No. 49 - L Fatty

September 1st prize - (£25) - No. 14 - P Kindleysides 2nd prize - (£15) - No. 25 - R Carling 3rd prize - (£10) - No. 10 - M Williams

August 16 1st prize (£25) - No 13 - L Grant 2nd prize (£15) - No 12 - L Brownlee 3rd prize (£10) - No 8 - C Thomas

July 16 1st prize (£25) - No 25 - R Carling 2nd prize (£15) - No 45 - L Spellman 3rd prize (£10) - No 44 - P Payne Maths Year 7 and 8 are in for a treat on Tuesday 1 November when Kjartan Poskitt, the crazy author of the Murderous Maths books will be in school for a visit. He will be talking to them about some of his favourite aspects of the subject, including some brain bending puzzles, some savage shapes and some awesome arithma-tricks! There will be opportunities to buy books that Kjartan will be happy to sign.

Open Evening Maths Competition Winner Congratulations to Mikey Heaviside from Myton Park Primary School on winning a Casio scientific calculator from the Maths department at the Year 6 Open Evening on 27 September. Mikey won the "Lowest positive whole number" competition with the number 5 as nobody else picked that number, despite several people choosing both 4 and 6! Student Leaders Deliver E-safety Training Conyers ICT and Kirklevington Primary School collaborated to offer the opportunity for our Student Leaders to deliver e-safety training to students in Year 5 and 6. The event was a success and gave our students an insight in to possible future career paths as well as key life lessons for the younger students of Kirklevington. One student in particular wanted to give her recollection of the afternoon. “On 5 October, I and seven other Year 11 student leaders went to Kirklevington Primary School. Eight of us delivered an internet safety workshop to Year 5 and 6 pupils. During the workshop, we each had a small group of between 5 - 7 children, and we talked them through a case study before creating a poster, slogan and video/animation based on what we had just spoken through and learned. Throughout the afternoon, each of us began to form closer relations with the children in our group. They began to trust us more. By the end of the afternoon, my group were more than happy to share ideas with me and their peers and even began to give each other feedback. They were comfortable enough around us to act during the videos that were created. I thoroughly enjoyed the day, both teaching the children basic skills on how to stay safe online and getting a chance to go out of school and do something new and different. Reflecting back on the afternoon, I can say that the workshop we did gave me an insight into a possible career path. It also gave me a chance to use skills I will be expected to use in future. We had to be patient, polite and confident with public speaking. All the skills I used during the afternoon will be taken forward into new situations I may face.” Tegan Downes, 11BA I would like to thank Kirklevington Primary School and their pupils for the opportunities they have helped offer our Student Leaders and look forward in continuing to build relationships with the school.

Student and Parent Helpline There is an option on the main telephone line and an email address [email protected] for you to contact our Student and Parent helpline if you have any concerns. European Languages Week European Language Week in September saw students embracing different languages in a number of ways. Language ambassadors from Year 8, 9 and 10 learned the basics of a new language and taught taster sessions to Year 7 and 8 groups. We saw a fantastic mix of new languages including Welsh, Turkish, German, Spanish, Italian, Korean, Japanese and Swedish and Year 7 and 8 students were extremely enthusiastic about this opportunity. Also during the week Bernado Espinosa, a Colombian Footballer from Middlesbrough Football Club, paid a visit to Year 9 and 10 students to speak about how languages have helped him in his career to date. He described about how he moved from Colombia to Spain at a young age and learned both English and French at school. His fluent English and anecdotal tales of a successful footballing career inspired our students and he even delivered prizes to our Year 6 students taking part in a sports festival. We look forward to welcoming him back in the future. Car Parking and Access to the School – Enforcement Action A reminder to all parents. The Green Lane entrance to the school is extremely busy and subject to congestion around 8.30 - 9.00 a.m. and 3.30 - 4.00 p.m. We have had a series of complaints from parents and local residents about inconsiderate or dangerous parking in and around the entrance to the school. As a result Stockton Council parking enforcement team have informed us they will be carrying out a series of spot checks and will issue fines to cars illegally parked. Can we remind all parents and sixth formers • the bus bay is closed to all cars between 8.30 - 9.00 a.m. and 3.20 - 4.00 p.m., to allow the buses taking students to and from the school safe access • no vehicle is allowed onto the school site for collecting or dropping off students, without prior agreement • the disabled parking bays at the school are strictly reserved for the use of families with disabled students or with injuries, again with prior agreement • parking in the vicinity of the school should be done with due consideration for other users of the pavements and road and local residents. The bus bays are empty after 4.00 p.m. and Green Lane is considerably quieter. Parents may wish to consider arranging to collect their children from this time and so avoid the traffic and parking problems. These restrictions on parking and access are there to protect the students, parents, visitors and staff. Can we please count on your cooperation with this to help ensure the safety of all concerned.

Storage Racks outside Big Cook Please could you remind your child that the storage racks are only for daytime use by students and not for students to leave bags overnight or for longer periods. Students have been requested to remove their property (coats, PE kit, miscellaneous bags etc.) at the end of each day. These are becoming a hazard, an eyesore and there is a risk of items going astray. All unclaimed items at the end of the day will be removed by the Facilities Team. Thank you for your help with this matter. Conyers Uniform Collection At the start of the new school year a call went out to all Conyers students to bring in their old Conyers uniform so that it could be sent away to a charity. The charity in question collects uniforms and distributes them to children in Chernobyl and the uniform is worn by school children of a similar age to our own students who, for various reasons, are unable to afford their own uniform. Needless to say the response from our students and parents was fast and positive and bag loads of clothes began to arrive on a daily basis filled to the brim with trousers, polo shirts and jumpers. There were so many bags at one point that we had to relocate them to the Staff Room, which was a pleasant reminder of the community spirit of Conyers School. When the charity organisers arrived to pick up the uniform they were, to use their own words ‘overwhelmed’ by the response. They were impressed further by our Student Leaders assisted in collecting and loading the uniforms into their van. I would like to thank all students and staff that made this charitable drive possible as it surely has benefited many families in Chernobyl. Of special note Conyers Student Leaders Amelia Busby, Abbas Wajid, Jennifer Sculz, Emily Brown, Eve Springhall, Josh Finegan, Leah Robinson and Kelsey Alderson for helping out.

Go Music continues to grow and expand with over 200 students now having peripatetic lessons in Conyers School and local primaries. In addition, Go Music staff are delivering classroom music lessons in Bader, Barleyfields, Kirklevington, Layfield and St Therese primary schools. Please note that payments for Go Music lessons this academic year are £37 per half term and invoices are sent via email. If you have any inquiries please email [email protected].

Upcoming performance featuring Go Music Students "Seussical the Musical" at Billingham Forum Theatre, Thursday 17 and Friday 18 November. Tickets cost £9 and are available from Mrs Pattison in the Creative Arts Office.

Reading for Pleasure Have you ever wanted to wander through the looking glass? Perhaps your perfect school trip would be to visit a chocolate factory! Even better…maybe you’d like to go on an adventure in a galaxy far, far away. Those are probably the thoughts going through the minds of some of our Year 7’s as they are assisted by Conyers Year 10 and 11 Student Leaders with their reading. Every Year 7 tutor group has been allocated a selection of our finest students to enhance their enjoyment of reading and to develop reading strategies. Thus far, the scheme has been an absolute success with many of the students engaged and either discovering or rediscovering the joys of reading a book and letting your imagination fly. Perhaps you’d like to read a book too…unfortunately our Student Leaders will not be there to aid you. Politics Conference Three of Conyers finest Sixth Form students, Megan Allport, Holly Alderton and Head Boy Scott Marshall were involved in a conference relating to the upcoming US Presidential Election hosted by Yarm School. Conyers was also joined by King’s Academy and Egglescliffe School in presenting papers on a wide variety of subjects spread across three panels. Megan presented a paper on how the current election campaign is alienating wide sections of the American public; Holly debated whether or not the race for the US Presidency was a ‘rich man’s game’ and Scott challenged the view as to whether or not a vote for Trump is a vote against the status quo. Needless to say Conyers students did us proud, as did all the students from their respective schools. The conference was very well attended and feedback has been great. We would like to thank Yarm School for hosting the event as Conyers look forward to hosting the next one. It is great to see schools in the local community come together for the benefit of their students and long may it continue!

Sixth Form Macmillan Coffee Morning Our annual Sixth Form Macmillan Coffee Morning took place in the sixth form room on Wednesday 5 October and was overrun with eager sixth form students ready to fill their boots with cakes and cookies! Thank you to all students and parents who got involved baking; we couldn't have done it without you! After all staff and sixth form students gave generously, we managed to raise an amazing £175! Huge well done to the Head Girl Emma Langley for organising the event.

Friends of Conyers We would like to offer the opportunity to any parents who would like to join our team. Being a member of Friends of Conyers allows parents to have a direct impact on their child’s experience of Conyers School and as previous members will say is a privilege to do so. Anyone who would like to join friends of Conyers can do so by expressing their interest by emailing us at [email protected]. We would also like to offer any parents who run local businesses the opportunity to promote their business via our business directory page. This is to promote local businesses ran by parents of students and has two options £10 to be listed for a year or £25 to be a business of the month on the front of the webpage with listing included. Please view our webpage at www.conyers.org.uk/index.php/our-school/friends-of-conyers for more information. School Payments

When you are making payments for school lunches, school visits, revision guide books etc please could you use our online payment system www.parentpay.com and if possible, use your debit card rather than a credit card as the charges for school are less if debit cards are used. If you have misplaced your login details, passwords or have a problem paying by either of these methods, please contact the Finance Office, on [email protected] or ring school on 01642 792418. Alternatively make cheques payable to Conyers School.

Schoolcomms Medication There may be times throughout the school year when we need to contact parents via Schoolcomms text messages. Please note that medication cannot under any The Schoolcomms mobile text service only allows us to circumstances be given to students without use 160 characters per text message, therefore some written permission from a parent, due to abbreviations such as ufn (until further notice) will be Health and Safety regulations. If you intend to used. Please could parents save the school’s send your child to school with medication, due Schoolcomms telephone number to their phones, so to the Department for Education’s standard when future messages are received from the school they guidelines, all student medication must be in know that the school has sent them. The Schoolcomms its original packaging bearing the prescribers telephone number is 01642 688114. instructions. This includes antihistamines, paracetamol and all generic painkillers. If you wish to be sent messages, please ensure that we have your correct email and mobile telephone details. Also, please add the Schoolcomms email address, [email protected] to your ‘safe senders’ list.

Notifiable Illnesses If your child is diagnosed with chickenpox, shingles or measles please could you inform the school as soon as possible.

Smartphone App for Parents Want to spend less on text messages? The free School Gateway Smartphone App for parents is unique to Schoolcomms Parents  Receive instant notification of messages  Receive messages using Wi-Fi even when there is no mobile signal  No charge for sending replies back to the school  Easy to download, use and send messages to school  Secure and reliable  Store and receive messages all in one place, even if children are at different schools (providing the schools are using Schoolcomms) The App uses your mobile phone number and email address that we have on file for verification. Please email [email protected] if you have recently changed either of these, so that we can update our records. Search for “School Gateway” in the Apple App Store/Google Play or on your phone go to www.schoolgateway.com/apple (Apple) or www.schoolgateway.com/android (Android). Install the App and if you are asked then say “yes” to “Allow Push Notifications”. Focus Day 1 Year 7 spent an enjoyable day at Beamish, discovering what life was like in North East England during the 1820s, 1900s & 1940s. They were able to explore the town, farm, pit village, colliery, travel on a tram and sample traditional food and sweets. As part of the day students took part in a number of activities including a murder mystery challenge which involved visiting different parts of the town to solve the clues, in groups they uncovered aspects of the crime, the name of the victim, the murderer and the motive for the crime. They also completed the James White Enquiry which investigated the cause of death of a 12 year old boy in the colliery 100 years ago and made suggestions for the future safety to prevent such tragedies happening. The Creative Arts had a fabulous focus day with Year 9 students. The students rotated around four workshops to develop their Creative skills. In food the students made a Seussical green quiche which students did working in pairs and the results were soon eaten! Drama developed stage combat, showing students the skills used in the theatre and music did competitive drumming sessions. Art looked at Graffiti work and students developed this through a name plate and Design Technology made copper bracelets and bangles which every student was proudly wearing. A group of 30 selected artists worked with the art department on the set for the Dr Seuss school show, producing the forest trees and Whoville buildings. They were outstanding and showed focus all day, working together to meet a deadline. All of the Year 9 students embraced the day and took part, showing focus and working really well. Year 11 Focus Day centred on learning the skills necessary to be a successful employee. Students spent one session speed networking with a range of different employers from senior leaders at Greggs, Engineers at EDF and leading research scientists. Students were engaged in conversations with the range of employers about what is required to be successful in their industry and how they got to where they are. Alongside this ran a CV workshop with students looking at how they tailor their CV for a specific job, local employers were also present in some of these sessions looking over student’s CVs and identifying strengths and weaknesses. Lastly our Year 11 students witnessed first-hand what it would be like buying and selling shares in a stock market challenge, eight students won gold slips for their efforts in “the pit” coping incredibly well under the pressure. A whole range of skills for employment were demonstrated including time management, decision making and working to deadline.

Perseverando ● Through Perseverance ● Perseverando ● Through Perseverance ● Perseverando ● Through Perseverance Calendar Dates

Wednesday 19 October, 3.40 p.m. Students finish for half term holidays Thursday 20 and Friday 21 October Staff Development Days Monday 31 October, 8.55 a.m. Students return after the holidays Tuesday 8 November Year 9 and 10 tutor evening Thursday 17 and Friday 18 November, 7.00 p.m. School show, Seussical the Musical at the Forum Theatre, Billingham Friday 18 November Focus Day 2 Tuesday 22 November Year 11 parents ‘How to help your child prepare for exams’ evening Friday 25 November, 5.30 - 8.00 p.m. Friends of Conyers Christmas Market Tuesday 13 December, 7.30 p.m. Carol Service, St Mary Magdalene Church, Yarm Friday 16 December, 2.30 p.m. School closes for Christmas holidays, buses early 2017 Wednesday 4 January, 8.55 a.m. Students return after the holidays Tuesday 10 January, 7.00 – 9.00 p.m. Sixth Form Open Evening Friday 10 February, 3.40 p.m. School closes for half term holidays Monday 20 February, 8.55 a.m. Students return after the holidays Friday 7 April, 3.40 p.m. School closes for Easter holidays Monday 24 April, 8.55 a.m. Students return after the holidays Monday 1 May Bank Holiday – school closed Friday 26 May, 3.40 p.m. School closes for half term holidays Monday 5 June, 8.55 a.m. Students return after the holidays Thursday 20 July, 2.30 p.m. School closes for summer holidays, buses early Tuesday 5 September, 8.55 a.m. Students return after the holidays PE Department Football Year 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 boys along with Under 14 and 16 girls are playing in the English Schools FA National Competition, Stockton Schools League and District Cup and Cleveland Schools knock-out competition. The Sixth Form A and B teams are playing in the Cleveland Schools League and Cup competitions. During the excitement of starting a new school and the thought of representing the school in their football team meant the attendance at the first Year 7 boys practice was overwhelming. After the first trials, the fixtures have been coming in thick and fast. The team’s first game was a league game against local rivals All-Saints, to which they won 16-0. Tyrone Dhliwayo was Man of the Match and led from the front in a convincing first match. After a few player changes, Year 7 boys played Bishopsgarth in another league game and won 10-0. A strong performance from the team against an inexperienced Bishopsgarth team. Jack Williams and Jimmy Locker provided Conyers with a dangerous threat from both wings and both earned a joint Man of the Match award. The team then carried this momentum against Grangefield by winning 7-0. Archie Robson was Man of the Match who scored a

Perseverando ● Through Perseverance ● Perseverando ● Through Perseverance ● Perseverando ● Through Perseverance first half hat-trick which was followed by two goals for Dylan Marapira and goals for Jimmy Locker and Sam Hunton. Year 8 boys have picked up from where they left off last season with another very strong start to the year. Unbeaten in all competitions and fantastic team and individual performances have resulted in wins over some strong teams including a battling 3-1 win over Laurence Jackson in the National Cup. Year 9 boys have had a fantastic start to the season and the boys remain unbeaten in all competitions progressing to round 3 of the National Cup and the quarter finals of the County Cup. Year 10 boys have made a winning start to the season and have adapted well to a new formation. We are currently hopeful of winning some silverware this year and the team continue to train hard as they are involved in four competitions this season. Year 11 boys team started the year with an impressive 6-1 win in the Country Cup against UCA with goals from Tom Eglinton and Dylan Barker. Unfortunately they were knocked out of the National Cup in an 11 goal thriller losing 6-5 despite a spirited comeback after being 3-0 down after 5 minutes. The Sixth Form have had a great start to the football season with a convincing 7-3 win over Redcar and a draw against Prior Pursglove. The team are on the way to their first away game this week to Trinity, so more goals please. Netball practices have been taking place since the start of the year. Years 7, 8 and 9 have all been well attended and their league matches are due to start after half term. Year 10 and 11 have been taking part in Central League matches at Egglescliffe School with mixed results, having some very close matches against All Saints and Ian Ramsey. Here’s looking for some more success after half term. Rugby The rugby season kicks-off with a series of festivals for Years 7, 8, 9 10 and 11 which are played through until March at Allens West, . Year 7 played their first ever rugby competition competing in the Stockton 10-a-side. We played four games winning two on the night which was a good performance against some strong opposition. Conyers beat Carmel 10-0, Harewood 15-0, losing to High Tunstall 10-5 and Hummersknott 10-5. There were notable performances including Finlay Robinson at scrum half, Rafael McNicholas in the forwards and Joe Fixter in the backs. The team play on the 1st Tuesday back, 1 November 2016, away at Nunthorpe in the cup. The Year 8 team competed in the Stockton 10-a-side playing four games and winning two on the night a good performance against strong teams. The team beat High Tunstall 10-5, Nunthorpe 20-0, losing to Carmel and Egglescliffe 10-5. Notable performances from the ever aggressive Harry Smith and Harvey Tyler and great performances too from Christopher Matthews and Adam Davies on their debut. ‘Wacky Wednesday’ ‘Wacky Wednesday’ is a great addition to the PE extra-curricular calendar; ensuring students have an extra outlet for their energy and sporting talents. , and have been well attended, though it would be great to see even more students getting involved. Year 11 GCSE PE Year 11 students went to Preston Park for the first part of their orienteering moderation. A superb effort from the students on a rainy cold Tuesday morning. Students excelled on the challenging course with the majority completing in an extremely fast time. Well done to all who completed the course Keep up to date with all of the teams’ fixtures and results via Twitter @ConyersPE.

Perseverando ● Through Perseverance ● Perseverando ● Through Perseverance ● Perseverando ● Through Perseverance Activities for all - G o S p o r t C o n y e r s Please note classes marked with * must be pre-booked before first lesson Please note classes marked with ** must be paid for in advance per half term Weekly Course Day & Time Age Location Coach / Contact cost

*Badminton Coaching Tuesday 5-5.45pm Y3 Gym £3 Sheila Boyes

*Badminton Coaching Tuesday 5.45-6.30pm Y4 Gym £3 Sheila Boyes

Badminton Coaching Tuesday 7-8pm Y5-Y9 Sports Hall £3 Sheila Boyes

Badminton Coaching Tuesday 8-9pm 14 years - Adult Sports Hall £3 Sheila Boyes

Dyspraxia Sports Saturday Ennalisa All Sports Hall £3.50 Sessions 10.15 – 11.15pm 01642 723818 *Pre school Fundamentals Wednesday 4.15-5pm 3 – 5 years Gym **£4 Terri Lambert Gymnastics

*Rising Stars Wednesday 5 years Gym **£4 Terri Lambert Proficiency Gymnastics 5.15-6pm

Monday *Beginners Gymnastics 5+ Gym **£4 Glenn Smith 5-5.45pm

*Beginners M Monday 5+ Gym **£4 Glenn Smith

Gymnastics 5.50-6.35pm

*Gymnastics Bridging Monday Age dependant Gym **£4 Glenn Smith Class 6.40-7.25pm On ability Thursday *Beginners Gymnastics 5+ Gym **£4 Jo Swash 4.15-5pm *Intermediate Thursday 5–6pm Intermediate Gym **£4 Glenn Smith & Lisa Bosomworth Gymnastics Thursday *Advanced Gymnastics Advanced Gym **£4 Glenn Smith & Lisa Bosomworth 6-7pm Amanda Waller FitSteps Monday 7.30-8.30pm Adult Gym £4 07858589235

Contact Dan Fowler Footytots Saturday 9-10am 2 ½ -5 years Sports Hall Coach 07947740136

Contact Dan Fowler DF Soccer School Saturday 10-11am 6-8 years Gym Coach 07947740136

Contact Andrew Knox – 07867944110 Tai Chi Tuesday 7-8.30pm 16 years + Gym Coach Chris Scaife – 07990763529 Friday *Trampoline Coaching 3-7 years Gym **£4.50 Jan Leonard & Hannah Hornby 4.30-5.30pm Friday *Trampoline Coaching 8-16 years Gym **£4.50 Jan Leonard & Hannah Hornby 5.30-6.30pm Monday *Walking Football Age 18+ Sports Hall £1.50 Go Sport Conyers 7.15 -8.15pm

Go Sport is a trading name of Conyers School, a company limited by guarantee (company no. 08366005) and exempt charity registered in England and Wales at Green Lane, Yarm, TS15 9ET Telephone: 01642 790296 Mobile: 07779903215 (out of hours) Email: [email protected] Web Site: gosport.conyers.org.uk Follow us on twitter: @GoSportConyers

Primary Badminton Badminton T’AI CHI Coaching Coaching For Health

Tuesday Tuesday Yarm T’ai Chi teaches Conyers Gymnasium Conyers Sports Hall traditional Yang Style T’ai Chi Year 3: 5 - 5.45pm Year 4: 5.45 - 6.30pm Year 5 – Year 9: 7 - 8pm Tuesday 7 - 8.30pm

£3 per week Year 10 – Adult: 8 - 9pm Conyers School Gym

For further details Club Level Coach Beginners and Improvers please contact: Sheila Boyes Andrew Knox – £3 per session 07867944110 or

No equipment needed Chris Scaife – No equipment needed Shorts and laced trainers 07990763529 essential Shorts and laced trainers essential FREE TASTER Limited Places. Booking essential through Club Level Coach SESSION WITH Go Sport Office Sheila Boyes THIS ADVERT

Half Term Fun DF coaching Gymnastics Camp Halloween Kids Club With Glenn Smith Sports - Disco Fun - Crafts Holiday Let the kids have some Sports Clubs Fun day of gymnastics for all spooky fun and stay active abilities over the half term Football and 24 & 25 October 2016 26, 27 & 28 October 2016 9am - 3pm Multi-Sports 9am - 2pm Ages 4 - 11 years

Monday 24 - Friday 28 Go Sport Conyers School Conyers School Gym October 2016 Gym 9.30am - 3pm £12 per day - snacks and Age 5 years + refreshments included Age 4 - 13 years *Optional lunch box on request £15 per day (packed lunch for £3 contact for details £15 per day or required) LIMITED PLACES £50 for whole Booking essential Call 07515 681663 All children MUST week To book a place please be booked and paid for in Sibling rate available contact advance

To book a place contact Fully qualified and DBS Dan Fowler – 07947740136 or Glenn Smith - 07988895618 checked staff [email protected]

Go Sport is a trading name of Conyers School, a company limited by guarantee (company no. 08366005) and exempt charity registered in England and Wales at Green Lane, Yarm, TS15 9ET