Contents May 2012 Aspire A Dramatic Time! Connected! Volume 12 | Issue 3 Page 3 Page 6 Page 11

A world of Challenge, Inspiration and Achievement

Celebrating Excellence Recently we have had much good news about the achievements of a number of students and ex-students at national and regional levels. These serve to remind us that success in school is not an end in itself but is to prepare our young people for success throughout their lives. Judith Potts, Headteacher Courtesy of the Daily Echo Bournemouth

Congratulations to Aaron Page for reaching the to stand and speak in a very intimidating court The build up to the Olympics has been an 2012 Academy Excellence Awards shortlist. room whilst taking on the roles of Lawyers, exciting time for Coral who is one of thirty His essay has been selected as one of only five Witnesses, Magistrates, Legal Advisors, Ushers young people to be chosen to sing in Parliament. finalists in the Chemistry category. It will be and Defendants. As the youngest members of Most excitingly she has been involved in the read by Dr Chris Smith, presenter of BBC science the competition, the students spoke recording of the official Olympic single, with radio programme ‘The Naked Scientists’. The with real confidence and clarity under very Kimberley Walsh and Alfie Boe and as we go to title is, ‘Chemical conundrums’ - making life difficult circumstances. press will be performing at the launch event on better on a global scale: how can chemistry May 11. This is at the Royal Albert Hall with the contribute to human well-being? As we move ever closer to the Olympic Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attending and celebrations there is the great news that ex- features a host of stars including Gary Barlow, On Saturday 10th March 14 students from Year students Dan Davies and Jackie Seymour (now a Brian May, Will Young and many others. 8 met at Bournemouth Crown Court to take teacher at Highcliffe St Mark) have been chosen part in the Citizenship Foundation’s Mock Trial as torch bearers for the Olympic Flame on its In addition to these, we are proud to note the Competition. The competition, which took journey. This news follows on from the selection achievements of our Modern Foreign Language place in a real Magistrates’ Court, was incredibly of Coral Norton to be a member of the National students that you will read about in detail later tough. The students involved were expected Choir to sing at the opening ceremony. in this newsletter.

www.highcliffeschool.com Always Driving Forward Aspire – Work - Achieve Continues on... Page 12

The strength of school support for the ambitions of our students is resolute and comprehensive. Below are four pieces from different stages of the Oxbridge journey. Including one from an ex-student reporting back on her first year at Oxford and a sixth former daring to dream and working hard to achieve an Oxbridge place.

News from Oxford…

‘My first (and second) term at Oxford was I’m really grateful for everything Highcliffe has amazing. I am kept busy with a lot of work, but done for me. Throughout the (daunting) Oxbridge it’s all really interesting and I’m finding Physics application process I found the sixth form staff fascinating. Everyone in college is really friendly, and the gifted and talented team very helpful and even the tutors (most of the time) and there is knowledgeable about the application process. always someone around to help. At first tutorials They were also highly supportive of my Oxford seem very intimidating because the tutors are application in terms of giving me guidance with my personal statement and interview preparation.’ …and about to Blindness Awareness Day so clever, but I soon realised that as long as I put take flight Making Links in some effort in they are happy to help and often Shane Caulkett of Tutor Group 11.6 was last seen in enjoy teaching, or seem to at least. Heidi Barnett| Physics, Exeter College Mathematics In this year’s Year 12 cohort HU2 as a result of achieving the Gold Chief Scouts the process has already The A Level Further Mathematicians Award. Shane has also been invited to join the started. Michael Smith has recently took part in the Maths Challenge, a Hampshire Youth Council who meet to discuss issues …and from St Martin’s… …and on the cusp… been fortunate enough to competition organised by Leeds University. relevant to the various different ages within the be able to take up the offer This competition is designed to really scouting organisation, and try to guide the adults I began my Highcliffe experience in ‘Hello, my name is Jack Field and I am in of a place on a shadowing stretch the students, testing their ability towards their way of thinking , as the young people September 2003, when naturally my Year 13. I’ve been at Highcliffe since Year scheme set up by both to solve complex mathematical problems are the future of the organisation. He recently took purple jumper was far too big for me, 7 and I have been asked to write an article Oxford and Cambridge in areas above and beyond their A-Level part in a ‘Vision Awareness’ Day which involved my favourite parts of the school day about my time here. When I was asked I universities. course syllabus. Of special mention were leading (and then being led by) blindfolded people were break, lunch and then home was more than happy to oblige, after all, performances by Eleanor Kelly and David through a busy local high street to better understand time, and the best thing about going Highcliffe has done a lot to help me. The scheme offered the Penson. David achieved a Kangaroo, (one the everyday issues vision-impaired people have. to school was my friends. Back then opportunity to observe better than a Gold award!), whilst Eleanor ‘school was school’ and if I’d been I had originally wanted to be a doctor and and participate in a normal achieved the special accolade of British Maths asked to write a ‘biog’ I think that’s study medicine. I went to an event called day in the life of an Oxford Olympiad, a title reserved for only a handful pretty much what I would have said. Medlink at Nottingham University, which student, his Oxford day was of the top scoring competitors in the country. However, I can now see that Highcliffe had been introduced to me by Mrs Karanja, on Monday 6th February. was much more than that. I remember Director of Sixth Form, who knew I was reaching Year 12 and being told by interested in medicine. I went, expecting to He shadowed a 3rd year Mr O Connor, “You never do things come back dead set on studying medicine undergraduate called Sean Esme Dances her the conventional way do you?” with and eventually becoming the world’s finest doctor. I came back from Balliol College, who Way to the Top! regard to the numerous changes to knowing one thing: I DEFINITELY did not want to be a doctor. That is was really friendly and helpful. Michael had the my GCSE and sixth form timetables. an important point. If you have good GCSEs and do not know what Esme Killick in Year 8 has returned Rather than being discouraged the you want to do, do not jump straight into medicine. Think carefully opportunity of sitting in with some of the lectures to listen from the Winter Gardens in staff at Highcliffe helped me to achieve because medicine is very different to any other course. Blackpool as a champion. these aims and ensure that I was to expert professors sharing their passion and knowledge. happy with my choices. In the seven I went on more Oxbridge trips during Year 12, including a trip to Esme and her dance partner Tilly, years I was there I discovered no one the Emirates stadium (which held mixed emotions for me, being a The final visit of the day was were crowned British Champions would force me to work harder than Spurs fan), which is where I realised that the subject I really wanted out of 60 qualifiers in the I was willing to, but if and when I to study at university was Biology. In the summer term of Year 12 to Keble which is known for its sciences and so as Under-13 Rock Pairs. The previous decided I wanted to put my mind to I went on an amazing trip to Oxford and Cambridge and I realised weekend, also at Blackpool, Esme something, be it completing GCSE Fine that I wanted to apply to Oxford University. Looking back now, a maths student it was particularly important to danced her way to the finals Art in one year or taking up A-level I really have come a long way. and was awarded fifth place in photography a term late, Highcliffe Michael. A full account of Michael’s day in Oxford has the Under-12 Social Ballroom was 100% behind me. Had I not been In Year 13 I applied to do Biology at University and was offered an category. In the same competition supported in these choices I wouldn’t interview at Oxford University. I was pleased with the help given by been posted on the school website. Caitlin Heasman of Year 7 be doing BA Fine Art at Central Saint the school. I couldn’t have asked for better advice about my personal gained seventh place. This is Martins, as I am now. If I ever become statement and a practice interview with a professor at Bournemouth an amazing achievement, a successful artist I’ll be sure to refer University was very valuable. I was offered a conditional place at especially to have done this at to Highcliffe as being fundamental to Oxford University in December. As you can imagine I was ecstatic and I Blackpool, the mecca of the my career. cannot thank the school enough for everything they have done for me ballroom world! Well done girls. since day one. I am proud to be Deputy Head Boy of Highcliffe School, Strictly Come Dancing had better Laura Fisher | First year, BA (Hons) which has given me so much.’ (These are excerpts from Jack’s article, watch out! Fine Art, Central Saint Martins the full text of which is on the school website and is well worth a read.)

2 highcliffe school newsletTer Volume 12 | Issue 3 | May 2012 3 MFL: Expanding Horizons ADT Getting Better Every Year!

Over the past few years the Highcliffe School Art show has been hosted at . Its popularity and size has grown significantly as it has celebrated the best in students’ work from Years 7 to 13.

This year has seen further expansion of the event to include work from Years 7 and 8 in Design Technology. Work from the subjects of Textiles, Catering, Graphics, Electronics and Product Design has joined the Art exhibition for the first time. This has meant a significant increase in material to present but has also enriched and diversified the work on display.

Many thanks go to the students of Highcliffe School for the superb work produced for exhibition. Thanks also go to my colleagues who put an enormous amount of effort and energy into bringing out the best from their classes both in outcomes and through display. The Healing Art

Year 13 student Alex Eatough, Mr O’Connor and Mr Elliott attended the official opening, by Sir Bruce Keough (Medical Director of the NHS),of Take us to your Artsway! • Poached egg and pancetta salad with fig the new Stroke Unit at the Royal Bournemouth balsamic dressing with pumpkin and sage Hospital. Our reason for being invited was that Our students currently studying AS and A2 Art rustic loaf In addition to it being the Speaking We have our fingers crossed for Highcliffe Congratulations also to all of the students a long panoramic image Alex had created last Textiles were recently invited by Artsway to • Rich steak & venison pie with celeriac Examination season for MFL students, many students who have made significant progress who took part in the South West MFL year had been selected to provide a stimulating take over the gallery for a week. This is a really dauphinoise and spring greens have been involved in activities expanding in external competitions and have final stages Speaking Competition. All students performed and sympathetic entrance to the Unit. prestigious invitation and an event that both • Vanilla creams with rhubarb & their horizons and putting their language looming. With 30,000 contestants nationwide exceptionally well. A particular well done is excited the students and made them nervous. raspberry dressing. skills to the test. and over 2,000 in the South West Region, due Camila Humphries and Jacob Brennan for The Art and Photography team worked with Highcliffe School’s Year 7 students gave a winning their categories. Dr Damian Jenkinson at the Unit to display the For the display each student designed a The day was brilliant and Sam left with a bag phenomenal performance at the Regional impressive photograph. The original picture garment within which is reflected their own of goodies including Lesley’s new cook book ‘A Finals of the Foreign Language Spelling Bee (hanging in the entrance to Da Vinci) is made personal interests, and what garments! What Year at Abbots Hill’. Competition in Bath, gaining places in the up of 47 separate photographs of exhibition could boast the Snow Queen forthcoming National Finals in all three Marsh, all stitched together to create a 2 metre and a walk in tent? The students visited the Annual KS5 Art, languages! After a nail-biting sudden death long panorama. To create the piece for the gallery and each garment was designed with a Design and Technology play-off, Alexandra gained 4th place in French, hospital the original was enlarged to nearly 7 ½ particular gallery space in mind, not all of the trip to London. amidst fierce competition Megan achieved metres’ length and printed directly onto acrylic. garments are functional (at least, not for the 2nd place in German and Jessica brought To create the final masterpiece we worked weekly shop) but instead they look to the world A group of 45 Art, Design Technology Sixth home the trophy for 1st place in Spanish! All with the specialist printers Visual Impulse of of sculpture. The students have taken influence Form students set off for London to visit various three will now learn the final 50 Olympic- Wallisdown. from both the gallery itself and various artists exhibitions to support their A level courses. related words to add to the 150 words they have been studying. Art and Photography students visited Tate The link with the Spanish school IES Hermanos they can already spell at break-neck speed. The hospital is delighted with the final result Modern then walked along the south bank of Revilla Medina is now firmly established and Congratulations to all and Bonne chance/viel saying “The new Unit was about rehabilitating Sam enjoys the prize! the Thames to take in the graffiti and skate in February the latest group of Highcliffe Glück/¡buena suerte! for the National Finals to In a musical vein, Kathryn Moses and Sam patients back to their homes and the area under Denys Lasdun’s National Theatre. students paid our partners there a visit. This be held in Cambridge on 6th July. Jackson (with Sam Nailor) not content with photograph is a great reminder for them of the Sam Herbert was lucky enough to win a day They then went to the National Portrait Gallery was an opportunity for them to continue the merely reaching their respective finals for world outside the hospital”. The photograph at Abbotts Hill, the Lesley Waters Cookery before being collected by coach. Graphics and links forged by the visit to Highcliffe of the the RiL South West Region MFL pop video combines the panoramic views of the local School, after competing in the Christchurch Product Design students visited the V & A to Spanish students earlier in the year. As well competition both went and won, Katherine in coastline with careful attention to detail and Food Festival junior chef competition. Abbots work from illustration resources and to view the as spending time interacting with their host the 11-14 category and the two Sams in the some quite moving colours. Hill is Lesley’s home and cooking school and fantastic ‘Power of Making’ exhibition. Product families, the Highcliffe students undertook 15-18 category. For a while you should still is situated high up on a hill with panoramic Designers went on to the Science Museum a packed programme of activities including be able to visit: http://www.surveymonkey. Alex is studying A Levels in Art & Design, views approximately seven miles outside Yeovil. before heading off to a brief visit to Harrods. visits to Cordoba Cathedral and the Alhambra, com/s/BZLTZXV to see the videos they have Graphics and Photography. He is hoping to gain During the day Sam was challenged to prepare flamenco lessons and were interviewed for created for the songs they have written. very high grades and plans to progress to study the following dishes, and then to fulfill the the local radio station. Kathryn’s song is called “Volvere” and Sam for his degree at the prestigious Arts University easier task of eating them: and Sam’s song is “J’ai découvert”. College Bournemouth next year.

4 highcliffe school newsletTer Volume 12 | Issue 3 | May 2012 5 A Dramatic Time! Another Great Year in progress

for the School’s rugby teams. 2012 at Kings Park. Over 600 The Year 7s really built on their students took part in the event. All performances at the & Highcliffe students ran to the best Wilts Festival the week before by of their ability and all completed beating St Peter’s, The Grange and their races. Some noteable Winton in the group stages. The successes were from Years 10 Year 8s played some fast paced, and 11 - Corrie Norton (8th), Joe fluent and attractive rugby once Mondino (11th ), Brendon Kirkton again – but were slow out of the (17th ), Sam Baker (23rd ) and also blocks, losing their first game of in Year 9 - Joseph Swain (16th ). All the day which resulted in them students who finished inside the coming runners up. The Year 9s top 20 were invited to represent finished of their season in style Dorset in the forthcoming South the team showing great team West England Championships on every account. They were an spirit and determination to win It has proved to be just the final convincingly 10-0, simply Most of all we must congratulate about the most successful absolute pleasure to be in charge of and a real credit to the school outstanding. The week finished the intermediate boys team(Year season yet for the school’s with the Year 10 team, who won 10/11) which went on to win the sports teams. The latest both on and off the pitch. The Year 7 team have had an excellent their group beating Portchester, County Team Competition (Corey successes coming in Rugby season, undefeated locally and Thomas Hardye and Winton, Norton, Joe Mondino, Brendon and Cross Country. have really developed as a side scoring 59 points against 15 in the Kirkton, Sam Baker). This really is over the course of their first season process showing what a talented a major achievement, especially Dorset & Wilts at Highcliffe School. The Year 8 group of players the team is. given the quality of the opposition, Schools Rugby team continues to play some of the The semi final was lost against St as can be seen from the top five Festivals 2012 best rugby, not only at Highcliffe Peter’s, but the team can take a placings listed below. Well done, School, but also in the county. lot out of their performance in the boys! A fantastic performance! Highcliffe once again competed in morning and can build on this in Theatre in Education the Dorset & Wilts Rugby Schools Bournemouth Year 11. 1st 60 Highcliffe on the Road! Festival in 2012. This year the Rugby Sevens RFU shifted the emphasis from Teamwork makes 2nd 73 Bournemouth Theatre in Education has been a popular and winning/importance of results Highcliffe County Highcliffe School once gain 3rd 89 Thomas Hardye successful style of live performance since Improvise! towards their code of conduct - competed in the Bournemouth Champions the 1960s which incorporates elements of Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Rugby Sevens, a very fitting way 4th 147 St Peter’s education and entertainment and is mostly As part of the BTEC Acting course, Year 12 and Discipline & Sportsmanship. In that in which to celebrate the end Well done to all the students who performed in schools and colleges. As part 13 students are introduced to an improvisation regard, the Year 7 and 8 students of yet another strong season took part in the County Cross 5th 219 Bryanston of the BTEC Acting course Year 12 students module in which they explore spontaneous who represented the school won Country on Thursday 19th January formed their own Theatre in Education and polished improvisation. Peter Courtney company and devised a programme which was an actor/director from Direct Theatre worked Arts Award Success performed at Budmouth College for Year 9 students as part of their PSE curriculum. with all our Acting students recently. The Recently, over 30 students Year 11 Expressive students responded with great energy and Arts students were awarded the prestigious imagination and the workshop was great fun, WINNERS! Arts Award. The scheme, which recognises very inspiring and extremely educational - a students’ development through the arts, is great springboard for the students’ subsequent run in partnership with Trinity College, London work in this area. The efforts of the entire PE Subject area staff, students Year 12 Bournemouth and Christchurch School Rugby Winners and the Arts Council and as such is a fully and parents seem to produce better and better rewards Years 10/11 Dorset Schools Cross-Country Champions accredited qualification. To achieve the Bronze Drama Workshops each year embedding success into the DNA of the Years 9/10 County Cup Finalists Girls Football level all students had to take part in an arts curriculum area. activity, go to a live arts event, research their Recently Year 7 and 8 Drama students took Years 9/10 Last 16 in National Schools Cup girls Football arts heroes and heroines and complete an arts part in drama workshops delivered by Susana Year 9 Area Schools Olympic Girls Football Tournament Winners apprenticeship. All these experiences were from the Helen O’Grady Drama Academy. Year 9 Bournemouth and Girls Football Champions recorded and evidenced and our students Susana introduced the students to a number produced a variety of creative responses to this of creative activities including vocal warm ups, Year 9 Bournemouth and District School Rugby Champions task. Some of the arts activities undertaken As with a professional TIE company, improvisation and script work. Students were Year 8 Bournemouth and District Town Football Cup Winners included film making, theatre performances, considerations such as target audience, expected to learn a short comedy piece based Year 8 Area Schools Rugby 7s tournament Runners-Up musical composition, dance, photography, suitability of subject matter, health and safety, on a humorous incident at a vet’s surgery. The Year 8 Bournemouth and District Schools Rugby Champions cheer-leading, martial arts, web- site design transport, organising the show and managing students then had the opportunity to perform Year 8 Christchurch Schools Basketball Champions and even origami! All work was rigorously the programme schedule had to be taken for an audience. The sessions were great fun examined and the visiting moderator was very into account. Students also had to create and many of the final performances were Year 7 Area Schools Rugby 7s Tournament Winners impressed by the individualism and creativity and produce a teachers’ pack which could be superb! Susana runs several local classes in Year 7 Bournemouth and District Schools Rugby Champions demonstrated by our students and the range used by the staff at Budmouth College in their the evenings and at weekends and if you Year 7 Dorset Schools Netball Finalists of arts skills presented and quality of the subsequent lessons. The Highcliffe students would like more information you can contact Year 7 Bournemouth and Christchurch Town Girls Football Champions students’ evidence. had a really rewarding time. www.helenogrady.co.uk Year 7 Area Schools Olympic Girls Football Tournament Winners

6 highcliffe school newsletTer Volume 12 | Issue 3 | May 2012 7 Windows on the World: ICT, Computing and Business – Humanities definitely not boring!

Busy Geographers Recently there have been several announcements in the press regarding the teaching of ICT within schools. At Highcliffe we are very proud of how we continue to innovate within the ICT and Business Department. Outlined Proving that Geography isn’t just about writing, Year 9 Geography students have recently been below are some recent activities which prove that life isn’t boring in ICT@Highcliffe. enjoying the opportunity to get creative with their learning. They are currently studying the process of weathering and were challenged to produce an annotated model to depict mechanical, Mr Gove announced that schools should look at new courses such as GCSE Computing (which we are already offering) and also at several pieces biological or physical weathering. Students have produced a stunning array of models, with one of software to help students learn to program. We are pleased to say we are using much of the software mentioned in his speech. We are also student even conducting his own scientific experiment to see the process in action! one of very few schools that offer A-Level Computing in the Sixth Form with a growing number of students choosing to take this subject.

Year 10 Field Trip Business Is Booming Information on the Move A freezing cold Tuesday saw Year 10 GCSE Geography students departing for fieldwork to the honeypot town of Lyndhurst in the heart of the New Forest. The students’ task was to The Years 12 & 13 Business students have been Highcliffe School is pleased to announce collect data to respond to GCSE coursework examining the “Impact of Tourism on Lyndhurst”. busy recently with local visits to Subway, New that the ‘MyHighcliffeApp’ has recently Various activities including traffic surveys, people counts and litter surveys were carried out Milton and Waitrose, Christchurch. Jonnie been launched on the Windows Phone and a at different points in the town. Staff who accompanied the students were impressed at the the Subway franchisee gave the students prototype is already written for the yet-to-be- mature and diligent manner with which the groups approached the fieldwork and comments a fantastic insight into both the franchise released Windows 8 ‘Metro’ platform. from members of the public were extremely complimentary. model and marketing techniques used. More importantly the students were also treated This now means MyHighcliffe is across all by Jonnie to free sandwiches and drinks in major smartphone platforms: preparation for their talk. Ali Deeble, Personnel Hindu Experience Day Key Stage 4 Manager at Waitrose, prepared an interactive • iOS Hengistbury Head session for the students that gave them • Blackberry “The Hindu day was unforgettable. It was fun and exciting. Da Vinci smelled sweet with Fieldtrip GCSE ICT students are busy planning a trip for a first-hand experience of a group interview in • Android incense and had calming music playing. We had to take off our shoes. We learnt about the teacher from Oxfordshire who in his sabbatical addition to explaining the key processes of the • Windows Mobile Hindu gods and what they represented. We all dressed in traditional Indian clothing. Some partnership’s recruitment policy. This visit will • Mobile HTML5 web portal At Hengistbury Head the Year 9 year is travelling through Thailand, Australia, of the boys dressed up like gods. We learnt a dance of respect. It was a day to remember.” provide a valuable case study for their final geographers along with 6 intrepid staff New Zealand and South Africa. As part of the business studies unit. On behalf of the school We are continuing to port MyHighcliffe to as members braved the freezing cold to carry planning process the class participated in a 1 I would like to express my gratitude to both many platforms as possible to make accessing out some physical and human geography. hour video link with Mr Wade to ask questions Jonnie and Ali for giving up their valuable time the service device agnostic. Ranging poles, clinometers and clipboards and give ideas about where he should visit to support the students’ studies. were at the ready as students collected before he left for his travels. Throughout the The award winning service allows students primary data to help them assess the unit students will continue to plan events and and parents to view their school information impact which that the rock groynes have they will have the opportunity to speak to Mr such as: had on long-shore drift. The students were Wade again via a video link whilst he is on his a credit to Highcliffe and worked diligently travels and hopefully get to see the places • Accessing the Home Studies set in real time to collect all of the data which they needed. they planned for him to visit. GCSE Computing • Attendance Team work and collaboration was needed students have been involved in a range of • Timetable to make sure that despite the weather practical and theoretical activities this term • Profile targets conditions (described on the news as ‘mild’ based around dismantling computers in their • Last progress checkdata – a point all who attended would argue lessons with Mr Mortell. On the programming • How many Merits they have against strongly!) good quality data could side with Mr Downs they have been learning to • What ‘Achievements’ they have. be recorded. This information will now be use ‘Proganimate’. This is an online, block-based used by Year 9s to create a detailed report programming tool that creates real live Java, They can also view other information and into the effects of erosion and tourism on Javascript and Visual Basic Code. resources including: Year 7 were privileged to have Mr the headland and beach. A great day was The Year 12 group was also recently treated Dhiransanta Das come to Highcliffe to had by all – well done Year 9! ‘SCRATCH’-ing in Key Stage 3 help them learn and experience more to a marketing seminar delivered by visitor • The ‘student bulletin’ (published weekly) about Hinduism. The day began with SCRATCH is a game-making program which Mr Ogborn making use of his studies through • School map the whole of Year 7 in the hall where Mr students must program using code blocks. his business degree and his time spent on • Birchfield Mobile Das talked to them about Hinduism and Students in Years 7 and 8 are often found at placement with Intel. (Online learning application) what it is like being a Hindu. Afterwards break and lunchtime solving problems. In Year • Highcliffe School’s Video Library there were workshops held in Da Vinci. 7 students are learning how to use the software (with over 1000 videos and growing) The students really seemed to enjoy using online videos which provide examples themselves and we have been able to link and instructions which teach the students how To access: the things they have learnt from the day to design and create given games in class. Year with the things they are learning about 8 students then take this one stage further, Download the app, click the link corresponding in class. The respect workshop really was designing and creating their own games, to your device below and then once installed thought provoking – hopefully Year 7 will having to think about how they will program find your own personal Feed ID by visiting: remember that in Hinduism teachers are all the different characters. There is presently regarded like gods as they have valuable a competition open for all Year 8 students to http://pond.highcliffe.dorset.sch.uk/index. information to share! create the best game with a user manual, CD phtml?d=116576 case cover and testing table.

8 highcliffe school newsletTer Volume 12 | Issue 3 | May 2012 9 Science Links with Connected! Southampton University

The University looks to be fast becoming the second home of the science Curriculum Area at Highcliffe! In addition to the Spanish exchange there have been two other exchange trips with global partner schools recently. As you can see the Johoku High School boys had a real highspot when they were able to meet one of their national sporting heroes, Tadanari Lee, on a visit to Southampton FC that we were able to organize for them. Visiting Southampton University Following this was a fascinating lecture on the history of the quantum revolution. For anyone who has ever wondered about the origins of The Biology department took some Year 12 students to Southampton the universe, quantum mechanics provides the blueprint for reality Full reports on both trips will be online shortly and in the next newsletter. For now here are a few photos. A group of Hospital for a tour around the Histology Department and to the itself, the fundamentals for the workings of the world we inhabit. All students and staff made our first visit to St Patrick’s in Kenya during the easter holidays and just before the break we Biomedical Imaging Unit to observe various types of electron students lucky enough to be involved left the university inspired and welcomed students from Johoku School in Hiroshima. microscopes. Students visited different areas of the hospital and were determined to continue with their scientific studies, to search and able to see the ‘cut-up room’ where they observed a lung, placenta and seek out the unknown. To quote one of the Year 12 students – ‘As we brain dissection. made our way home, we were totally enthralled by all we had seen and heard throughout the day and would certainly encourage any potential Here are some comments about the students’ experiences: Katie Powell budding scientist to attend any future lectures. You never know what - ‘I really enjoyed the trip and found it was a very valuable experience you might learn.’ which has allowed me to gain knowledge that a textbook wouldn’t. It was also a very fun day viewing the histology unit and has helped me Salters’ Festival of Chemistry greatly.’ Calum Wright - ‘It was a brilliant trip. It gave me a real insight into the medical side of Biology. It’s something a small amount of people On Wednesday 21st March four Year 8 students represented Highcliffe get to experience. I’m so glad I took the opportunity.’ School at a Chemistry Festival at Southampton University. Bethany Jenkinson sums up a great day:-‘I enjoyed the Salters’ Festival in Quantum Physics at TEA Time Southampton University a lot. I think it was a very educational and fun experience which has made me feel even more interested in science As part of a group of enthusiastic science students from Year 11 and and chemistry. The trip has shown me all the possibilities you can use Year 12 we had a unique opportunity to attend the TEA Time lectures science in throughout your life. Also, the activities and competitions we run by Southampton University on Nanoscience and Quantum Physics. participated in were fun and inspiring. The lectures were very helpful The lectures proved to be a very interesting glimpse into the technology and interesting as they were performing all of the common reactions of the future. Some of the information supplied proved to be not only and experiments used in chemistry. I think the staff and helpers were interesting but fun as well, as students discovered a range of possible supportive and taught us new things about science. I very much enjoyed uses for nano technology, including the totally unbelievable nano- this opportunity!’ snowman, which had been specially designed as a Christmas gift.

10 highcliffe school newsletTer Volume 12 | Issue 3 | May 2012 11 Aspire – Work - Achieve

Continued from... Page 3

Highcliffe and Ballard Spring Lectures

At the start of the lecture series for this year the schools welcomed Bob Watts, Managing Director of Dorset Orthopaedic, Ringwood, to open our fourth series of lectures for the friends and families of our students. This is part of our continuing collaborative work between the two schools where we aim to raise the expectations and aspirations of our youngsters in their career choices.

He enlightened us all with his inspirational stories of the children and adults who live ‘life without limits’ and who have succeeded against all the odds to live a full and valued life. Bob spoke of how he has assisted athletes, war veterans and models along with the average person in the street.

The other lectures in the series were: ‘The National Trust’ by Tom Stockwell, ‘The Life of an Air Traffic Controller’ by Mark Lande, ‘Atlantic Rower’ by Mark Stubbs and ‘Careers in Medicine’ by Doctors Karen and Damian Jenkinson.

Lily Waltham wins top prize!

Lily Waltham (Year 10) recently received her prize for her outstanding art and literary entry into a competition run by Roche Court Educational Trust. The competition required entrants to submit a poem of no more than 16 lines inspired by a piece of art. There were over 250 entrants from all over the country and Lily achieved first place in the Senior Category, receiving a cheque for £100!! Her work entitled ‘King of Elements’ was judged by two poets, Lemn Sissay and Kate Daudy who thought Lily’s writing showed much potential. In addition, Leanne Falla and Alfie Alderson, also from Year 10, were awarded ‘highly commended’.

Sixth Form Website

The website has been designed to be Key features include: used by parents, students and teachers • On-Line Prospectus allowing access to a wide range of • Admissions and application forms information about Highcliffe Sixth Form. • Course Information • Student Life / Gallery • Financial Support Information www.highcliffe6thform.com

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