KING JAMES'S SCHOOL, KNARESBOROUGH

HEAD’S NEWSLETTER

Dear Parents …. Easter 2014 As we reflect on another busy and fulfilling term at King James’s you will find this letter packed with news of the activities and successes of our students and staff. There are so many highlights but I would like to make a special mention of the German exchange trip to Bebra.

You will probably be aware that Knaresborough and Bebra are twinned and that we have a regular exchange with the Brüder Grimm Schule. 2014 is the 40th anniversary of this exchange and this is quite a milestone; we cannot find a school in the country with a longer running languages exchange trip. It is so special that it has made the national news both in the UK and in Germany. Mr Hemsworth, who retired in 2010 but started the exchange in 1974, is joining us for the trip. I am Inside this issue: also very much looking forward to joining the group to celebrate 40 years at a party in Bebra on Friday 4th April.  Introduction  Exams news Much of my own energy this term, along with that of the Governors, has been  Photographs permissions given over to recruiting for a number of senior positions. As a parent of a student  Contact updates in such a large school it is the individual teachers which matter the most. These are  Reception the people that you meet at parents’ evenings and have the most direct influence  Lost property  Design News over the learning, welfare and progress of our young people. To help me to run  Knaresborough Fun Run the school, however, I rely heavily on a senior leadership team of deputy and Gala headteachers, assistant headteachers and a business manager.  Sport Relief  Asdan News After having had pretty much the same team of senior staff for the last 6 years all  Music News the changes seem to have come at once. After an intense period of recruitment  PE Highlights and interviews there will be four new senior leaders in school by September 2014.  Trips and Visits  Library News These are:

 Art News  Drama News  Deputy Headteacher: Hannah Millett, currently Assistant Headteacher at  Young Enterprise Thirsk School.  Amp Award Director of Sixth Form: Clair Foden, currently Assistant Headteacher at Thirsk  Volunteering in Philippines   Languages News School.  Tour de France  Assistant Headteacher, Support and Progress: Helen Handley, currently  Year 9 Maths & Engineer- ing Challenge Assistant Headteacher at Ryedale School.  Business Manager: Justin Waters, currently Business Manager at Outwood Academy Ripon.

Remember to check Mr Wood, Mr Giles, Dr Walton (until Christmas 2014) and Mr Issatt will remain on our website for latest the team and we are all looking forward to working with our new colleagues. Mr news, pictures, calendar and events Waters will be taking up his post in early June. It is purely coincidental that we have recruited two staff from Thirsk School. There will be time to say goodbye to www.king-james.co.uk the senior staff that are leaving in the summer but Mr Laycock’s departure will be in May. Mr Laycock was the first Business Manager that we appointed. In the 9 years in his role Mr Laycock has been responsible for developing the impressive range of facilities that the school enjoys today. Far from being behind the scenes in a purely financial role, Mr Laycock has always kept the students as his first priority, even coaching the hockey teams as part of his extra curricular contribution.

May I wish you all a good Easter, I know that the GCSE and A Level students have to begin stepping up their revision but I hope that there is some quality family time for everyone too. Carl Sugden, Headteacher

►►► Easter Holidays: school closes 3.25 p.m. Friday 4th April Start of Summer Term: Tuesday 22nd April ◄◄◄

Exam Timetables

Two copies of final exam timetables will be issued to all students in May. One copy is for students to bring to each exam session the other is to display in a prominent place at home where others can see it. These copies will

show any re-sit entries and changes to tiers made since the issue of the first version.

The final timetables also contain a copy of the student photo and are used as a means for invigilators to identify students and these too should be taken to all exam sessions. Once issued, this version can also be viewed and/or printed by students and parents via e-Portal.

Reminder of results days: Thursday 14th August (A/AS levels) Thursday 21st August GCSE Photographs of Students for Publicity Purposes

Throughout the school year we regularly take photographs of students participating in lessons, trips and other activities, e.g. sport, music, art and drama. Largely these photo- graphs are used internally but on occasions we publish photographs on the website and use them for other purposes. We would never name a student on a photograph without the express permission of parents and only in very limited situations, e.g. articles in the Knaresborough Post. If you do not wish your child to be in any photographs or articles, please inform your child’s Head of Year, in writing, at the start of the Summer Term.

CONTACT DETAILS

A reminder please to keep the school informed of changes of address, e-mail, home and mobile telephone numbers, emergency contacts and medical details, etc.

Just drop us an email with details of any changes as and when they happen so that we can keep our records bang up to date. [email protected]

RECEPTION Can we respectfully ask parents to avoid dropping off non-essential items and/or asking us to pass non-urgent messages to their children during the school day?

If you receive a request from your child during the school day and agree to drop some- thing off, please ask them to collect it from reception. Whilst we endeavour to deliver messages and items (it would be helpful to have the child’s name clearly marked), this cannot always be guaranteed.

LOST PROPERTY

We thought it might be helpful to remind parents of the arrangements for dealing with lost property.

The amount of lost property in school frequently reaches mammoth proportions (over 30 black sacks of lost property are regularly donated to charity) and in an attempt to tackle this problem students are regularly reminded of the arrangements for collecting lost items.

Students are encouraged to take their possessions home every Friday as, after school on a Friday, the locker areas are cleared of lost property and ALL items left by students, including bags, coats, footwear, etc. and even items on pegs, are placed in the lost property bins provided.

Items remain in the bins until 2 days before the end of each half term when they are sorted and bagged and removed to the Chaloner Hall. Students have the opportunity at break and lunch times to collect lost items.

For seven school days after each half term students have a final chance to check for their belongings by making a request, via their Heads of Year, to inspect the property displayed in the Chaloner Hall. After this time all remaining items are donated to charity.

We hope you agree that by this stage students will have had sufficient opportunity to claim their belongings.

►►► Easter Holidays: school closes 3.25 p.m. Friday 4th April Start of Summer Term: Tuesday 22nd April ◄◄◄ DESIGN NEWS Literacy Week In Food Technology Mrs Garbutt ran a series of KS3 lessons: "Roald Dahl’s Revolting Recipes". Students focussed on Bruce Bogtrotters experiences with cake and Miss Trunchball; making mini chocolate Brucey cakes and learning about the imagery used by Roald Dahl within Matilda.

Year 9 Hospitality Visit to The Majestic Hotel and The CELEBRATION CAKES PROJECT Cairn Hotel, Harrogate "Rachel Capstick Cakes"(www.capstickcakes.co.uk) Year 9 Hospitality students visited two very well-known came in to school to do a presentation to year 9 Hotels in Harrogate to get a feel for how they operate hospitality students. behind the scenes. They are doing a celebration cakes project, so Rachel At the Majestic the focus was more general looking at all showed students some techniques and ideas that they departments of the hotel whereas the visit to the Cairn are looking forward to trying out on their own designs. was looking specifically at job roles in kitchen. The visits gave students a realistic view of life working at a busy hotel and we got to find out the hotel’s plans for the forthcoming Tour de Yorkshire! GREENPOWER CAR We have entered races at Croft in June and Aintree in September and we are hoping to have both our cars completed to race at both events. The bodyshell has arrived in school for the new car. This was made in our old mould by Martek in Huddersfield and looks fantastic. We do need to do a bit of work to the shell and chassis to get them to fit together and a big thanks to Mike Craig who has offered to do this for us. This should happen shortly and we can then start position steering components etc.

The club are involved in other activities as well as Greenpower. Students are currently completing prototype clockwork powered dragsters. This format developed by DT teacher Steve Hutchinson will hopefully feature in the Engineer- ing Inspirations event in June with schools across North Yorkshire involved. Students are also start- ing the building of solar powered boats with a competition at Engineering Inspirations as well. Hopefully we will build on last year’s success where we were awarded best designed boat. Club members will also be attending the ImechE organised lecture by Ian Millards of Aston Martin. This event held at JCT600 in Leeds will feature the design and build of the new Aston Martin Vantage S as well as giving students the chance to have a look at the Ferraris, Porsches, Lotus’s, and Lamborghini’s in the JCT 600 showroom.

►►► Easter Holidays: school closes 3.25 p.m. Friday 4th April Start of Summer Term: Tuesday 22nd April ◄◄◄ Knaresborough Fun Run and Gala — Sunday 11th May

The 2014 Fun Run and Gala, now in it's 32nd year, promises to our most exciting yet. The date is Sunday 11th May which falls nicely within the 100 day cultural festival leading up to the Tour De France and we have taken the opportunity to tie in with this fantastic global sporting event.

Ben Slinger, GB Cycling team Trials Rider, will be doing 3 x 25 minute trials bike display shows and the Smoothie Bike company will be allowing visitors to make music and smoothies on one of their 5 special bikes.

Hamster Balls, Body Zorbs, Go Karts, Climbing Wall, Bouncy Castle, Mobile Cave, a Dance Troupe and Space Hopper Races with prizes for children and adults alike and even a Spitfire flypast (weather permitting) will ensure that there is something for everyone.

The 2.5 Mile Fun Run is great for all ages and many decide to run as a family or group. The 7 Mile Trail Race is an enjoyable run for those more 'serious' runners. Both races are now available to book online at http:// bookitzone.com/knaresboroughfunrun/ef2FFX (or you could just use www.BookitZone.com, there's also a Facebook link https://www.facebook.com/KnaresboroughFunRun and a link from the King James's Website) or you can book in as a late entry on the day for a slight premium.

Programmes, £1 each, will be available from the school reception after the Easter holidays (all non–runners will need a programme to enter the field on the day). Programmes on the day—£1.50

Please come and join us at this great community event, all proceeds go to the King James's School fund.

KJS celebrated Sport Relief with a look ahead to the Tour, with students and staff kitted out in cycling gear or Tour colours.

Lunchtime saw an exciting Staff v Students Cycle Challenge, with teachers (including the Head) outpacing pupils to clock up the furthest distance on exercise bikes in S1.

The day as a whole raised £1,500 for Sport Relief.

ASDAN NEWS On 17th March the Year 11 Asdan group held a cake sale to raise funds for Cancer Research and The Dogs Trust. Students planned and advertised the event by going into assemblies and designing posters and baked all the cakes themselves. The delicious items for sale included Victoria Sponge, cornflake cakes, chocolate chip cookies, chocolate brownies, white chocolate ‘brownies’, shortbread, chocolate cookies and Malteser Cake. Every cake had been sold in less than 20 minutes and a total of £60 raised on the day. The work completed by students will be used for their Working With Others skill assessment. Well done to Jojo Waller, Jake Taylor, Anna Whitely, Eren Benecke, Tom Crabb, James Horbury, Chloe McCann, Dominica Szulc, Andrew Fell, William Lake, Nathan Graham, Steffan Turner.

On March 6th eight Year 10 Asdan students visited Aspin Park Primary School to work with year 5 students. The students from King James have been designing and writing their own story book for younger readers. Sam- my The Sloth was not only a story about an animal living in the rainforest but also covered environmental con- cerns such as rainforest destruction, logging companies, the work of CITES and how we, in the UK, can do our bit to help save the rainforests. Although nervous at first the year 10 students read with confidence, received really positive feedback from the Aspin Park students and left saying, “Can we do that again sometime?”

Well done to Tom Harrison, Ben Stevenson, Eleanor Brown, Bryony Lawman, Matthew Whitely, Simon McLaren, Elliot Robshaw and Charlie Addyman.

►►► Easter Holidays: school closes 3.25 p.m. Friday 4th April Start of Summer Term: Tuesday 22nd April ◄◄◄

PE Highlights Spring Term 2014

KJS Sporting successes

Football Football has been as popular as ever at King James’s, with some notable successes achieved across the school. Hockey Year 7 girls are really beginning to gel as a team and Year 7 boys have got off to a great start, with large have been working really hard in training. The A team numbers attending practice and making good progress. came 5th and the B team won their tournament. Unfortunately, after a great 7-0 victory against Year 8 girls did really well in the Area Tournament, Boroughbridge High School in the quarter finals of the defeating Ashville and Queen Ethelburga’s before losing Area Cup, the boys were knocked out by St. Aidan’s at to Ripon Grammar and St. Aidan’s. They finished joint the semi-final stage in a tight game which finished 2-1. third with Harrogate Grammar School.

This team is showing great potential for the future and Year 9 and Year 10 girls both did brilliantly in their many of the boys are already representing the area. Area Tournaments, finishing in second place. The Year 9s The Year 8 boys’ team has gone one better than Year won their matches against Harrogate Grammar, Rossett, 7, reaching the final of the Area Cup after fantastic 6-2 Ashville and Queen Ethelburga’s, eventually losing 1-0 in and 5-1 victories over Harrogate Grammar School and the final to Ripon Grammar. The Year 10s beat St. St. Aidan’s. In the final they played brilliantly and were Aidan’s and drew their matches against Rossett, Ashville the better team but unfortunately they were beaten on and Ripon Grammar, eventually missing out on winning penalties in the final against St John Fisher’s. by just a few points.

The Year 10 boys got through to the quarter finals of Sports Leadership the Area Cup but unfortunately lost 3-1 to Borough- Sports leadership is promoted throughout the curriculum bridge High. and across all year groups at King James’s. As well as

The Year 11s have been our most successful boys’ gaining experience through leading their peers, the football team so far this year. They managed to reach students support primary children in a range of activities. the last 32 in the National Cup, where they were beaten This term’s events have included a Primary Sportshall 4-2 by a very strong team from Sunderland. They have Athletics competition and a High 5 Netball Tournament reached the semi-final of the County Cup after beating for six primary schools in the area. There was a fantas- St. John Fisher’s and are hoping to retain the trophy they tic atmosphere at both events, with primary and second- won last year. ary students benefiting from encouraging and supporting each other. Girls’ football is also thriving. Year 7 girls have made a fantastic start, coming joint first in the Area 6-a-side Student Sports Council Reporters Competition alongside St. John Fisher’s. Year 9 girls Our Student Sports Council is made up of sports enthusi- reached the last 64 schools in the National Cup and also asts from each year group who meet once a week to had a good run in the County Cup. Our top-performing discuss PE and sport-related issues. This term they have team this year has been the U16 girls’ team, which become reporters, writing match reports for the King reached the last 32 of the National Cup and are now James’s website. playing Northallerton College in the final of the County To read their match reports and for regular updates on Cup this Thursday at the Knaresborough Town ground. all the latest sporting news from the school, visit the school sport pages of the website. Netball Attendance at netball has been superb across the school It’s time to collect those vouchers again! and students who have already played their Area Tournaments have performed very well. Particular It is a real bonus to be able to get free sports kit for the congratulations to our Year 10 teams – the B team school and your support is greatly appreciated. Please retained its area title while the A team did very well to can you send the vouchers into school? The two collection finish fourth in their tournament. points are at Main Reception and the PE Office.

Cross Country King James’s always puts in a strong performance in cross country and this year has been no exception. The following students were selected to represent the area at the County Cross Country Championships in January: James Jeal, Ben Brennan, Henry Gardner, Jess Head, Hollie Wells, Amy Warrington (Year 7); Laura Jeal, Olivia Haveron, Seb Christie (Year 8); Rebecca Wood, Jack Brennan (Year 9); Millie Howard, Anna Jeal, Mark Taylor (Year 11); and Molly Webster, Lewis Bramley (Sixth Form).

Laura Jeal, Millie Howard and Lewis Bramley went on to represent North Yorkshire at the English Schools Cross Coun- try Championships in Leicestershire on 15th March. In tough races against the best cross country runners in the country, all three ran well to finish in the top half of the field in races with up to 350 runners.

►►► Easter Holidays: school closes 3.25 p.m. Friday 4th April Start of Summer Term: Tuesday 22nd April ◄◄◄

West Side Story As I am sure you are aware, on Wednesday 5th February - Saturday 8th February, King James staged the hit musical West Side Story. We had sell-out audiences on every night and standing ovations!! Few schools dare to put on such a challenging and hard hitting musical but we were not deterred. The students worked so hard both on stage and off to make this happen. From a music point of view I would like to say a huge thank you to all those musicians (23 in total) who formed the orchestra for the production and even though weren't on stage (well, not in front of the curtain anyway...), were the most integral part of the show.

The music is probably the hardest we and they have ever played and it is a testament to their hard work, rehearsal and dedication that we pulled it off with such professionalism. A big thank you also must to go to Mrs Derbyshire, Mrs MacCallum and Ms. Bowley for their time to rehearse on top of the demanding jobs they already do. Well done to all!

Riverside Jazz As always, Riverside have been asked to play for a number of engagements in and about the community including a joint concert with Woodlands Church. Look out for us and support us where you can!! And THANK YOU Riverside musicians - you are superb as always.

Keynote Conference The Year 12 and Year 13 Music and Music Technology students enjoyed a trip out to London in February to attend a Keynote conference for their A levels. Although threatened by underground strikes we managed to get there on time and had lots of students compared to many other schools. The conference was informative and we were able to bring back lots of ideas to use for our coursework.

Clarinet players—we need you! We need more clarinet players in lower school and they have some of the best parts in our wind bands! Have you ever played the clarinet and would be inter- esting in coming along or would you like to take it up?! Come and see a member of the music staff for more information - we can even lend you an instrument and help you get started! :)

Christmas Concert It seems a long time ago now but if you missed our Christmas Music Concert this year it was a rip roaring success. We hosted in the Chaloner Hall to a big audience of family, friends and fans. We heard a huge variety of music from our traditional bands, groups and choirs to members of our 6th form led School of Rock. Minced pies and mulled wine steadied nerves… and we finished with a good old Christmas sing along accompanied by all the members of our music groups.

Summer concert Our summer concert is coming up! Keep your diaries free. See the attached poster and tell your friends! Come and support the musicians of King James's in what will be great night of music making from our students.

►►► Easter Holidays: school closes 3.25 p.m. Friday 4th April Start of Summer Term: Tuesday 22nd April ◄◄◄ TRIPS AND VISITS BEWERLEY PARK—2014 YEAR 9 SKI-ING TRIP

A couple of weeks ago some of our Year 8 students During half-term, a group of Year 9 students made the enjoyed an activity break at Bewerley Park. As you most of a fantastic opportunity to spend a week skiing can see from the photos there were lots of activities, in Flachau, Austria. Students of all abilities made vast including mountain biking, abseiling and rock-climbing. amounts of progress throughout the week and a great Thankfully the weather was brilliant, but the water was time was had by all.! still cold! Brrrr!

YEAR 11 SKI TRIP

Mr Bradshaw led a party of excited Year 11 students on a trip to Falcade in Italy. The conditions were superb and students got chance to enjoy all the winter sports on offer.

YEAR 13 TRIP TO KRAKOW In sharp contrast to the fun visits above, 23 History, Politics and Philosophy students had the opportunity to visit the beautiful city of Krakow to learn more about its rich but troubled history.

The Year 13s took in many significant historical sites: Kazimierz, the old Jewish quarter of Krakow, with its old synagogue and the site of the Jewish cemetery; the Krakow ghetto created by the Nazi occupation; Schindler’s factory, now a history exhibition detailing the experience of Krakow through the occupation and the Plaszow work camp, depicted in the film Schindler’s List, and a visit to the spectacular salt mines.

Needless to say it was the visit to Auschwitz that was the core reason for the visit and will remain the foremost memory of our students’ time in Krakow for a long time to come.

►►► Easter Holidays: school closes 3.25 p.m. Friday 4th April Start of Summer Term: Tuesday 22nd April ◄◄◄ LIBRARY NEWS This month, in response to figures from the Department for Education which show that standards of literacy amongst Yorkshire pupils are lagging behind the rest of the country, the Yorkshire Post have launched the Turning the Page campaign. It aims not only to examine why the region is behind the rest of the country in national literacy tests but also to encourage and promote the importance of getting young people reading and writing.

Acclaimed author, Joanne Harris who is backing the campaign said ‘the most important step to raising literacy standards in the county’s schools would be to ensure that all children develop a love of stories’. Whilst authors are mentioned throughout the campaign, sadly, there is no mention of the importance of access to libraries and librarians both of which I believe are fundamental in inspiring a love of literature.

At King James’s the library is at the forefront of introducing many new literary initiatives. Frequently identified as a ‘vibrant hub of learning’ we are very fortunate that our students and staff have access to a first class resource and a Chartered Librarian. I’m delighted that the library continues to be highly valued by staff and students alike and is recognised by the Leadership Team as an integral part in raising standards of literacy.

This term, King James’s has become a Renaissance ‘Champion School’ for the Library and English Department’s collaborative developmental work within the Accelerated Reader programme. All Year 7 students are enrolled on the scheme and have one timetabled lesson a week, held in the library and delivered by an English teacher, focusing purely on their reading.

Every child is expected to read their chosen book for at least 20 minutes a day, often in school but also at home. Parents are encouraged to support their children by listening to them read.

The reading accomplishments of the whole year group, who between them have now read 3,104 books, a total of 92,879,107 words, are acknowledged in the ‘Celebration of Reading’ assemblies. Reading Millionaires (students who have read a million words in one Learning Cycle) and one Star Reader from each class are rewarded with reading trophies, books and vouchers. In addition, a 100 % Prize Draw is staged for all those students who have achieved top marks in their quizzes.

Head of English, Mark Birch sums up the progress made so far: “Accelerated Reader is certainly beneficial in terms of fostering an interest in a breadth of reading and many students approach their reading with greater confidence. It's great to see students enjoying new imaginative worlds through their reading choices."

BATTLE OF THE BOOKS As last year’s winner of the Battle of the Books inter- ture. However, after six rounds of challenging questions, school literature competition, King James’s had the Ripon Grammar School won the competition by a honour of organising and hosting the 2014 event. narrow margin. Scotton Lingerfield Primary School Riverside Jazz, whose reputation for outstanding music- triumphed to win the Junior School Trophy for demon- making is widely acclaimed across the county, opened strating an enthusiastic involvement in the competition. the competition and created a jovial atmosphere as the Battle of the Books is now in its sixth year and offers a contestants from 10 schools across the region were wonderful opportunity for schools to come together to shown to their seats by a team of Library Apprentices celebrate literature. The breadth of students’ literary and Student Ambassadors. Alan Gibbons was the knowledge never ceases to amaze me and this year quizmaster for the evening and delighted an invited was no exception. audience of parents, teachers, students, KJS Governors, librarians, and Year 6 students from King James’s primary partners. YEAR 7 WARNER BROS TRIP For a coachload of Year 7 students, the highlight of the Whilst facing strong opposition, King James’s talented festival was the library excursion to the Warner Bros team of four - Daisy Ella 10N2, Charlotte Robson Studios in London. After experiencing the magic and ex- 10W3, Rowena Lloyd 10W2 and Kane Jones 9N2 citement of the wizarding world of Harry Potter, our stu- ably demonstrated their in-depth knowledge of litera dents went on to explore and absorb the processes in- volved in the making of the films.

►►► Easter Holidays: school closes 3.25 p.m. Friday 4th April Start of Summer Term: Tuesday 22nd April ◄◄◄ LIBRARY NEWS continued

‘Be Inspired, Be Creative, Be involved!’ was the stimulus behind our second whole school literary festival, Fully Booked: A Celebration of Literacy. We wanted our students to take full advantage of the opportunities open to them. As well as an award-winning author, we welcomed a professional writer and actor, the founder and organiser of the ‘Stan Lee Excelsior Award’ and the editor of ‘The Day’.

Celebrated children’s author and school libraries campaigner, Alan Gibbons, kick-started the festival with an en- ergetic lunchtime session in the library in which he introduced King James’s newly resurrected ‘Wall of Creativity’ – a creative writing platform on which any student can add a few sentences at a time to the King James’s story. It begins:

“He was there, the lone figure on the hill. Silhouetted against the setting sun, he watched…he watched me”.

The festival culminated on World Book Day when Chaloner was transformed into a storyland arena as Year 7 students and some of their Form teach- ers paraded in their book-inspired costumes in an attempt to win the coveted title of ‘best-dressed’ Form. At lunchtime, the Food Court invited all students to a ‘literary lunch’ to experience Terry Pratchett’s original Discworld recipes.

Throughout the day, Joe Standerline, an experienced writer and actor, worked with Year 8 students throughout the day showing them how every film, play and book is constructed.

English teacher Mr Barrett adds: “‘Joe revealed the secrets of the twelve storylines that lie behind all fiction and drama by taking Jack and Jill – the simplest nursery rhyme imaginable – and turning it into the plot of a Holly- wood blockbuster…. At the start of the session, Joe jokingly suggested he’d spoil every film Year 8 ever saw. He didn’t do that, but he certainly did im- prove their understanding of the film process with a witty, enjoyable and lively performance”.

It was very encouraging to witness the enthusiasm, energy and creativity with which the students and staff participat- ed in the week-long festival. Proof, if further proof were needed, that litera- cy is at the forefront of learning at King James’s.

►►► Easter Holidays: school closes 3.25 p.m. Friday 4th April Start of Summer Term: Tuesday 22nd April ◄◄◄ ART NEWS

ART SCHOOL SUCCESS YEAR 10 ARTS TRIP TO LONDON All the twelve Art students who went for a place at Art This trip is running again this year (the 10th year we college secured their places either at Leeds college of have taken this trip). Art or York to do the Foundation course. They have to take a portfolio of their work and have an interview This time we are taking 54 students to London going about this portfolio at each college. The Art Department to see Tate Britain, a production of ‘Charlie and the is really pleased as this is a record number of entries to Chocolate Factory’, a flight on the London Eye, a visit art school. In addition to this Shannon Mason has to the Harry Potter studios at warner Brothers, secured a place at University to study Photography at Leavesdon, visits to the Victoria and Albert Museums degree level. and shopping!

A/S LEVEL PHOTOGRAPHY RESEARCH DAY Thursday 13th March saw 26 AS level photographers go up to Redcar for a photo shoot on the beach with the giant steel works behind as a backdrop. The students were contrasting figures and fashion photography with the exciting industrial landscape and the elements. They then went on to Whitby to explore the photographic possibilities of the pier and seaside structures and the movement of the sea, as well as using typical seaside architecture as a backdrop.

Year 7 Art Club

In Year 7 Art Club this term students have been exploring the use of Portraiture within Art and Photography. In particular students have been working collaboratively to recreate a piece of work by the artist Chuck Close, which involved students taking sections to recreate then putting them back together like a giant jigsaw piece. It’s a lot of work but they are nearly there!

Year 8 and 9 Art club

It has been a busy term in art club. We started the term looking at German expressionist prints, and took some photos of each other which we then traced and added detail to before making lino prints from the designs.

We used the printing press for printing which we have never used before, we thought this gave really good results as it pressed down all the print evenly.

We have also been working on large scale mixed media pieces which we are making in groups, each person in the group working on a different part then putting it together. It is really good to have time every week to make things and see everybody.

►►► Easter Holidays: school closes 3.25 p.m. Friday 4th April Start of Summer Term: Tuesday 22nd April ◄◄◄

SCHOOL PRODUCTION 2014 - ‘WEST SIDE STORY’: Only one question remains, how on earth can we ‘top’ it next year?!?!? These were the words uttered after last year’s stand out production, Les Miserables. Well - we did it. Packed audiences enjoyed the school´s amazing production of West Side Story. The musical, a heart-breaking tale of young love and gangland tensions in 1950’s New York wowed audiences with four nights of high drama and emotion, bringing the rivalries of the Jets and Sharks to S1. The show was a true team performance, highlighting the fantastic range of talent we have at KJS across all year groups, from the on-stage actors, singers and dancers and the 22-strong group of musicians to the technical crew.

Here we go again …. Top that next year!

THEATRE STUDIES – YEAR 12 & 13: The Theatre Studies AS students performed their interpretation of the play ‘Teechers’ and ‘Antigone’ on Tues 1st April. This was their practical exam for the TECHNICAL CLUB course and both proved to be a theatrical experience with varying stage sets The KJS technical crew continues to and style. Year 13 students also performed their exam on this day which was meet each Thursday lunch to organise based on a Devised creative adaptation of the novel ‘Dr Jekyll & Mr Hide’. technical support for GCSE, AS/A2 and BTEC performances. Matt Turnbull and This Unit was significantly challenging and we were delighted to see the A2 Matt Carnazza remain strong in leading this tech group forward. students apply their skills in such a creative manner. Inspiration was taken from ‘Big Matt’ leaves us this year to begin the theatre company ‘Complicite’ and incorporated powerful lighting, storytelling his Further Educational study and skills and shadow puppetry. Their final performance, and a group who will be career of lighting and stage manage- ment. sorely missed by the department. BTEC NATIONAL DIPLOMA PERFORMING ARTS (ACTING) YEAR 12 & 13: These two cohorts have been busy since the start of term. Year 12 have stormed through this year, wowing us with their talent. Recent assessments have included physical theatre pieces titled ‘Dreams’ and ‘Snow’ (we’ll not mention the flour!) Year 13 have also performed their final Devised piece; a creative adaptation of a poem drawing on their physical theatre skills. We will also miss the Yr 13 BTEC class and wish them success in their futures. GCSE DRAMA EXAM: GCSE students perform their exam pieces on Thursday 3rd April. A range of devised pieces drawing on non-naturalistic with elements of realistic techniques. Students have devoted many hours in order to be ready for their final performances of the year. Good luck to them all!

DRAMA CLUBS: Year 7, 8, 9/10 Drama club have met regularly each week to play and create spontaneous and prepared improvisation. It is great to see so many students commit to their extra-curricular time. Keep turning up and reap your rewards.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS: Two years ago, Mr Haughton started the KJS Studio Productions. They are an opportunity for all students in Years 10, 11 and 12 to be involved in an intense Studio Theatre Performance. Previous performances have included moments of side splitting humour, heightened tension and tearful stories that have left the audience asking one question... what will happen next year?

If you are a keen performer and enjoy the challenge of performing to an audience at school, this is perfect for you. Auditions will be held in April 2014 so keep your eyes open!

►►► Easter Holidays: school closes 3.25 p.m. Friday 4th April Start of Summer Term: Tuesday 22nd April ◄◄◄ Young Enterprise Y8 Enterprise day took place 19th March 2014. Pupils worked in groups to form a small company based in the Knaresborough area. Pupils were challenged to create a product or service that would make the most of the fact that the Tour De France is happening both very soon and very near! Feedback from the pupils indicated that they felt that they had developed their enterprise skills and had gained a greater awareness of the Grand Depart. Hopefully they have now been encouraged, like thousands of others, to make the most of the opportunity to see it!

Triumph at the AMP Awards

KJS Business team Forte took first prize for their organisation of VIP management and sponsorship while The Shades, winners of the KJS heat, were cheered on by KJS supporters at the Royal Hall and came third in the battle of the bands event.

Forte impressed the judges with their zombie-themed movie presentation, dramatically enhanced by two gorily made-up zombies delivering information packs to the panel.

The team was responsible for providing 300 goody bags for VIPs and guests and had secured support from national and local companies, with Lego provid- ing the bags and businesses including P&G, Piccadilly, Piccalilli, The Coach House, Guinot, Mixd and Zombie Face donating cosmetics, vouchers and other treats.

Forte’s £300 prize money, plus proceeds from sponsorship and the KJS heat, is going to Pump Aid, the nominated AMP charity which provides clean water and sanitation for African villages.

Former Student Eloise Bonney Plans Volunteer Work in Typhoon Stricken Philippines

When Typhoon Haiyan decimated larger areas of the Philippines in November 2013 the whole world pulled together, with aid and donations helping devastated communities. Months later and life has regained some normality, especially in the cities, but there is still a lot to do. Many families are living in tents and temporary bunkhouses, and more than four million people are still homeless. The Government and aid agencies have a long term plan to rebuild houses, schools, as well as basic amenities like water and sanitation. Getting children back to school has been a priority, as schools can provide stability and safety, as well as an education.

Hearing stories of children learning under leaking roofs with mud dried school books sounds a long way from my own school days at King James’s. Since leaving school three years ago I have travelled around South East Asia, which has been a very different education, learning about amazing cultures and people.

Now I would like to give something back to a community in need. In May I will be travelling to the Philippines to volunteer in a small community near Tacloban City, to help rebuild homes and community buildings. I will also be doing some teaching, helping to get children back to school, and putting my TEFL qualification to use.

I have started a fundraising campaign to help fund my program fees that pay for the cost of building materials, administration costs, money for the family that I will live with, and the cost of importing food, water and medi- cine for locals and volunteers. Any help given would be gratefully received as I hope to make a small differ- ence in such a vital recovery project.

If you would like to make a donation, please visit: www.fundmytravel.com and type my name ‘Eloise Bonney’ into the search box, to take you to my fundraising page. Thank you.

►►► Easter Holidays: school closes 3.25 p.m. Friday 4th April Start of Summer Term: Tuesday 22nd April ◄◄◄ LANGUAGES NEWS

GERMAN EXCHANGE 2014 As you may have seen in the local press recently and on our website, we are pleased to announce the 40th anniversary of the Cultural and Language exchange between King James’s School and Brüder Grimm Schule in Bebra.

To celebrate this occasion, 16 students and three staff will be setting off from school on 31st March to spend a week with our hosts in Germany. Visits to Bebra, Erfurt and time in lessons in school will be hot on the agenda. The 4th April marks the actual celebration evening which is bound to be an exciting and memo- rable event for all.

We will report more on our visit after the event.

FRENCH COOKING MASTER CLASS

We were so fortunate to be able to invite Monsieur Quemerais, a parent of students at KJS, into school to demonstrate to Year 8 Fr1 how to make actual French recipe ‘crèpes’.

Students came armed with their farine (flour), lait (milk), beurre (butter) and oeufs (eggs) ready to work with M. Quemerais, attempting to replicate a true French chef! All instructions were provided in French, bien sûr!

And students had to try and put the French they had learnt in class to be able to under- stand the guidance and ask M. Quemerais questions.

Much fun was had by all, putting the French used in class to good use in real situations!

FRENCH EXCHANGE

It is not only the Tour de France which will be visiting our town this year as French Exchange students from our partner school, the Lycée Vincent D'Indy in Privas, will be spending a week with us.

The French Exchange celebrates its fifteenth birthday this year having started back in 1999 so is still relatively young next to the Bebra Exchange. During their action packed week the French youngsters will be staying with our students' families and savouring the delights of Knaresborough and its surrounding villages. They will be wearing our dis- tinctive school uniform which is often a memorable experience, and also very strange for them as there is no uniform in French schools.

Many activities and visits have been planned for them over the week by their host partners. The French students will be attending lessons with their hosts and sampling the delights on offer in the school canteen. They will be visiting Whitby on a joint trip, York, the city walls and its museums, Leeds Armouries and Knaresborough market amongst other things. There will also be plenty of time for shopping, of course.

One evening they will experience a spine chilling Ghost Walk around town with the Count himself, Brian Forshaw. The final evening will see a Farewell Party for host families and students before the tears flow in a fond farewell at Knaresborough train station before the French party set off on their long journey home to the Ardeche region of France.

We will be visiting them on the second part of the Exchange in October 2014 so new friendships will be able to be quickly rekindled and the linguistic and cultural adventure will continue. Who knows, some of them may even be back in July for Le Grand Départ!

►►► Easter Holidays: school closes 3.25 p.m. Friday 4th April Start of Summer Term: Tuesday 22nd April ◄◄◄

TOUR DE FRANCE As part of the celebrations for the Tour de France coming to Knaresborough, King James's is oiling its wheels and gearing up to be part of this once in a life time historic event.

The 100 days to Le Grand Départ began last weekend in Knaresborough market place with many of our students involved in music and dance activities. This also coincided with the school's French Exchange with the town of Privas so many of the French stu- dents supported their English partners who danced the CanCan and other French dances.

Meanwhile, back in school, Year 8 artists are designing and producing Tour De France themed, decorated T Shirts as part of the Great Knaresborough T Shirt Challenge involving all schools in Knaresborough with a total of 2000 plus t- shirts, which will be displayed in the Market Place in the run up to and during the weekend of the tour.

Year 8 pupils were also involved in a whole day's Enterprise Event, run by NYBEP, centred around the theme of the Tour, in which they had to create a local company which would make the most of the fact that the Tour is coming to Knaresborough in July.

School musicians will be busking throughout the weekend of 5th-6th July which will add to the whole celebratory nature and ambiance of the events. Other departments in school will be gearing their lessons to the history, culture, language and traditions of the Tour in the coming weeks and months. Some of our language students will be looking to create a French Town audio tour to help the many French-speaking tourists who are expected to visit in July. To also accommodate the massive influx of tourists to the town for the tour, Sixth form students will be acting as guides and ambassadors during the first weekend in July, in the same way as the Games Makers did during the London Olympics.

You will have seen earlier in this newsletter that students donned their Lycra and cycling helmets to raise money and have fun during Sport Relief and there was even a race off at lunch between students and staff in S1 on exercise bikes from the school gym. The staff team of Mr Sugden, Mr Smith, Mrs Tarr, Mr Keogh, Miss Ramplin, Mrs Stark, Mrs Ostreicher and Mrs Ingham just managed to beat a team of sixth formers and other students from all years in a keenly fought contest supported by a packed audience.

These are just a few of the exciting things happening at King James's in the build up to the greatest sporting event on earth which is coming to your High Street in July. it is just a flavour of what's to come at King James's so watch this space!

Year 9 Maths & Engineering Challenge Students thought it was great fun—here are some of The whole of Year 9 took part in a Maths in Engineering their comments: challenge early in March. Using only A4 paper, a hole The geodome day was a I liked it because it good way to show maths punch, a roll of sellotape and a handful of split pins they helped build up my out of the classroom. created geodomes. team skills and I enjoy constructing things. Each member of the team had a role to play - site It was fun foreman, supplies officer, engineer, quality controller or because we don’t architect. usually do that sort I feel that I have of thing. They recognised isosceles triangles, pentagons and gained team- building skills from hexagons in the framework of the resulting structure. the challenge. The teamwork made us feel On each of the two mornings 25 domes were created! more involved in maths.

►►► Easter Holidays: school closes 3.25 p.m. Friday 4th April Start of Summer Term: Tuesday 22nd April ◄◄◄