SOUTH South Bromsgrove High - An Academy Trust Half-Yearly Newsletter Issue 5 2015
www.southbromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk View from Mr Sprouting
What’s your first memory? I remember running around the dining room table which seemed to tower above me, beneath me was a hideous tartan-style carpet and I was trying to escape from the clutches of my parents who were taking me for my first day at school. Times haven’t really changed when it comes to having to go to school!
What is your favourite food? If we are staying in then I always enjoy a Sunday roast; my wife makes great roast potatoes. If we are going out or it’s take away then a curry every time. Has to be fairly spicy though.
When you were 16 what plans did you have for a career? I originally wanted to be a social worker and in my gap year I worked with young offenders. I soon realised that you needed a lot more patience than I have in order to work in that profession.
Who’s your favourite actor/actress? I’m more of a fan of directors than actors as they seem to be the ones with the vision. Too many to mention but if I had to pick a few I would go for Murnau’s Sunrise which is so cinematic, Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner which is full of ideas on what it means to be human, and most films by Danny Boyle who for me is one of the best British directors working today.
What’s your golden rule? Do unto others as you would wish them do unto you.
Tell me something others might not know about you? I write, play snooker and the ukulele left handed but everything else I do with my right hand or foot. I think it’s my dad’s influence.
Who was your favourite teacher? A geography teacher called Mr Marsland who told me I was good at the subject. I originally applied to do a degree in Geography at university but realised it wasn’t really my favourite subject but my teacher’s encouraging words nearly led me in this direction. It’s amazing what positive comments can do.
How do you relax? I like to keep fit by swimming and running, would love to be a decent golfer and enjoy hill walking. I really enjoy nothing more than sitting and watching (with a beer or glass of wine) a really good comedian, my favourites being Ross Noble and Stewart Lee.
Andrew Sprouting
2 Issue 5 2015 : www.southbromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk Welcome
Having written this edition’s ‘View from…’ it got me thinking about my own school days for some of the Contents questions. Having read all the articles for this edition it made me realise just how many opportunities there are for students here at South compared with Department Focus 4-9 the school that I went to. There really is no excuse not to gain a passion for a subject with all the trips that are arranged to place the subject in a real life context, to pursue an artistic skill which was Extra-Curricular 10-13 showcased just recently in our annual Eisteddfod or get involved in a whole array of sports that are available as after school clubs.
House Matters 14-16 There are also so many ways in which positive relationships are forged between staff and students and between students themselves. As well as the opportunities already outlined above the year teams Year Updates 17-21 have systems in place that reward attendance and attitude which are recognised through the house points system and it is great to see so many Yr10s with 100% attendance.
Partnerships 22-23 There are still plenty of opportunities to come this year for our students and I look forward to reading about them in the next edition of South newsletter.
Andrew Sprouting South Editor
Issue 5 2015 : www.southbromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk 3 Department Focus : Design
Future Chef 2015: Carl Helps Us Break Yet Another Record!
All over the country aspiring young chefs have been taking part in school and subsequent heats of Springboard’s, National Future Chef 2015 competition. Each year schools throughout the country battle it out in the hope of going forward to represent their region. Carl Ridsdale was triumphant in securing his place to represent the Midlands at the National Final, and breaks another South Bromsgrove record by being the ninth finalist we have had in the competition in 13 years! Carl’s Menu Main Course Duck breast, sweet potato fondant, red wine and star anise reduction, glazed shallots, parsnip puree, sprout ribbons and duck skin crisp Dessert Vanilla Panna Cotta, Carpaccio of citrus infused pineapple, shortbread thin
Semi-finals National Final Carl, aged 15 faced some fierce Eagerly awaiting the arrival of the mystery list of ingredients that Carl had to competition, but ultimately left the judges in choose from we were keen to get practising. In addition to the 12 ingredients, no doubt who the winner was. The semi- there is also a ‘store cupboard’ of ingredients, a bit like Ready Steady Cook. We final heat of Future Chef 2015 was hosted decided to develop a dessert using mostly store cupboard ingredients so that by the University College Birmingham in we could get a head start. Four weeks before the final the list arrived, the three their prestigious competition kitchen. Carl main ingredients were Guinea Fowl, Lemon Sole or Goats Cheese, we chose moved forward to face an impressive panel the Guinea Fowl. Looking at the ingredients list we were able to keep some of of judges at the London National final on the elements from Carl’s semi-final dish, however he had to learn a lot of new Sunday and Monday 22nd and 23rd March. skills in a short amount of time, along with mock exams, his commitment to Carl was one of 11 contestants from Eisteddfod, as well as his volunteering commitments outside of school Carl around the UK, fighting to take this year’s had to really manage his time. On Sunday 22nd March we left for London. In title of Springboard’s Future Chef 2015. the evening there was a Gala dinner hosted by Brian Turner to celebrate the Having entered the competition previously achievements of the candidates representing their areas throughout the UK. Carl knew the high standard he needed to produce to secure this place. He worked An early start was needed on Monday morning, arriving at Westminster hard through our recipe development Kingsway: all candidates were showing a healthy sign of nerves. After a short and testing stages and then having to briefing the competition started. Two hours to produce three covers of their two perfect his dishes to ensure he was able course meal. Having experienced 9 finals the waiting does not get any easier to reproduce them in an unfamiliar setting, and is actually more nerve racking for the spectators! The dishes started to and of course, under pressure and scrutiny arrive in the viewing gallery, Carl’s meal looked amazing, there were clearly four of the judges! Once again I am amazed candidates that stood out and Carl was one of them. The judges battled and at the talent our young students have, to argued for what seemed like an eternity – results were in and Carl was awarded see the continued passion Carl has for this a respectable fourth place. Carl has secured his place at the University College, subject is a delight, and I am proud to once Birmingham to study food and during the summer will take up a placement at again have had the opportunity to mentor Raymond Blanc’s Le Manoir in Oxfordshire. Carl through to the final; each year the competition gets tougher and tougher as A big thank you to Chef Jim Eaves, Chairman of the British Culinary Federation the skills of the young chefs get stronger of Chefs, and Executive Chef at Banbury House Hotel, who continues to support and stronger. We then awaited the arrival us with industrial input. of the mystery list of ingredients to design a menu for Carl’s final in March. Mrs Gilmour
4 Issue 5 2015 : www.southbromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk Department Focus : Geography
Fairtrade Fortnight Fairtrade Fortnight is an annual event celebrated in March to highlight inequalities in global trade and what we can do to redress this imbalance. This year the Geography department marked this with a week of lessons looking at world trade. Year 9 classes played the world trade game designed to show how global trade patterns benefit the wealthy nations. After many cries of outrage at how unfair it was from the ‘poorer nations’ we discussed the problems and looked at the Fairtrade Foundation and their efforts to make trade fair. Following this we held a competition within year 9 to design a poster to advertise fairtrade. The entries were of an incredibly high standard but the chocolate, fairtrade of course, went to the following students: 1st - Lottie Richardson 2nd - Susan Reston 3rd - Lauren Dakin Well done to all of year 9!
University of Carding Mill Valley – Year 12 Fieldwork
Worcester Visit On Monday 16th March the intrepid year 12 Once again we played host to visitors Geographers ventured from the University of Worcester and to Cardingmill Valley in their Draganflyer drone. Year 12 Shropshire to undertake Geographers spent the afternoon in their AS rivers fieldwork. the hub looking at how remote sensing The day was spent with in used in Geography to monitor and the aid of the returning manage environments. Different scales Mr Clements in the river and resolutions were discussed and collecting an assortment a number of case studies looked at of data. The weather before students got a demonstration conspired against us and in the first half an hour we experienced the joys of the UK in of the Draganflyer drone in the sports spring with sunshine, rain and hail! After the initial drizzle things dried out but at least hall. This is a massive growth area there was some water in the river worth measuring. Students enjoyed the day and within research as well as Geography. collected an excellent array of data that will prove valuable in the summer exams. Hopefully along with supporting future Just fingers crossed for better weather next year! exams the students have been given an insight into up to date research that Miss Lodwick is being conducted at universities.
Museums Trip Enhances Geographers’ Learning Fifty year 9 Geographers journeyed down The students were given the task of South to London on a dreary day in late completing a quiz on the exhibits set by February. Despite the depressing weather, Miss Lodwick with a prize for the winner spirits were high amongst both staff and provided by Mr Booth. Whether it was the students and all were looking forward to hunger for knowledge or hunger for chocolate touring both the Natural History Museum that fuelled many students determination and the Science museum – provided the to succeed, who knows? Nevertheless, all M40 rush hour traffic could be negotiated students engaged with the field trip and within a reasonable time! Whilst a Geography represented the school impeccably. They field trip to a history and science museum even managed to humour Mr Medlicott and might seem misguided to some, visits to his bad jokes! both museums allowed students to enhance their understanding of topics we had covered Thanks to all students and staff for a great recently in the classroom: climate change day out. and natural hazards. Mr Booth
Issue 5 2015 : www.southbromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk 53 Department Focus : Biology/Physics
Animal Behaviour at Twycross Zoo On a glorious day early in the summer term 30 A2 biology students accompanied Ms Payne and Mrs Locke-Wheaton to Twycross Zoo to study social behaviour in primates, particularly the great apes. On arrival the students completed a workshop that compared innate and learned behaviours and their importance. They were then tasked to work in pairs to complete comparative studies of two apes and their exhibited behaviour. Before attending a second workshop where they shared their findings and identified similarities and differences in the observed behaviour. Here is what some of the students had to say about the day:
Maddie – ‘It was a really interesting and a fun day.’
Lydia – ‘It was very interesting and intellectual, I really enjoyed it.’
Hattie – ‘Had a great day at the zoo, learnt about a wide range of primates from monkeys to the great apes, even the greatest of all... Humans.’
Hopefully the students will see the benefit in their own studies as a result of attending the day at Twycross Zoo.
Ms Payne Head of Science
Theatre and the Physicists The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) recently For some of the students it was their first or only the performed Oppenheimer, a play about Robert J second experience of live theatre and none regretted Oppenheimer and his role in developing the allied nuclear it. “Ring-side” seats meant they were almost in touching capability in WWII. Seizing the opportunity to get students distance of the action and could hear the chalk scratching thinking about the wider implications of the subject that when the floor became a giant blackboard for the they study the Physics Department arranged for as many physicist’s calculations. Comments from the students who wished to attend a performance in February. included, “The morality of the play was fascinating” and, “The experience of watching Oppenheimer’s hardship Twenty students and two staff made the journey to growing up has motivated me to apply myself more”. Stratford and were rewarded with a performance that grew in intensity as the play progressed. We met “Oppie” first The original pitch by the playwright to the RSC was for a in opulence as he hosted a fund raising evening for the series of plays about 10 different physicists. They chose to communists fighting facism in Spain and ended with his go for only one but as Oppenheimer was so good we hope emotional ambiguity after the success of the Manhattan that they might change their mind in the future. project and deployment of Little Boy and Fat Man atomic bombs. The play’s strengths were the clarity in which the Steve Clark physics was explained and the portrayal of the conflict the Head of Physics development of a superweapon brought to the physicists. Pure science mixing with a war to be won led naturally to moral dilemma including, in Oppenheimer’s case, family tensions and betrayal of friends.
6 Issue 5 2015 : www.southbromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk Department Focus : Physics
High Tech Racers Get Local Support
A team of budding Jenson Buttons The custom built car races in a series The money given through the sponsors and Lewis Hamiltons from South organised by the Greenpower Trust, will be used to develop the car Bromsgrove High who design and which allows young people to design throughout the rest of the season and construct electric racing cars held a and build electric cars, find their own to fund the ongoing design process for special meeting recently with their key sponsors, resources and the support future models. sponsors. they need to make their designs a reality. The aim of the project is to inspire a new Councillor Anthony Blagg added: “I The team, which competes in the generation of engineers, by teaching was very proud to sponsor this team schools’ F24 Greenpower racing series mechanics and important life skills such as it gives them useful skills for their in electric vehicles, offered sponsors as teamwork and problem solving. future lives and will benefit the whole the opportunity to view this year’s racing community. As the Cabinet Member car and meet the budding engineers. This year’s car is hoping to improve for the Environment at the County on previous seasons as the team has Council I am also encouraging the use Sponsors include Councillor Anthony overcome a series of technical and of electric vehicles and I know the lads Blagg from Worcestershire County mechanical problems. from South Bromsgrove High will be Council, who donated part of his great ambassadors for Worcestershire divisional fund to the project, Jason George Watkins, one of the students when they race at circuits around the Oakley, Managing Director at USN working on the project said: “The country”. Europe and the AA. The school’s opportunity to build our own car, and Governing Body also released funds to fight for the lead is really exciting and we George Watkins support the team. are very grateful to the sponsors.”
Councillor Anthony Blagg with the Greenpower team: George Preston, George Watkins, Jordan Hathaway, Tom Lee, Jordan Pimley.
Issue 5 2015 : www.southbromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk 73 Department Focus : English
Yr12 English Students Visit The Battlefields
On Friday 20th March, Elise Taylor and Holly Blundell, two year twelve English Literature students currently studying literature of and about World War One, embarked on a four day tour of the battlefields in Belgium and France, funded by the Centenary Battlefields Programme.
Centenary Battlefields is a £5.3 million programme designed to provide the opportunity for two students and one teacher from every state funded secondary school in England to visit battlefields on the Western Front between 2014 and 2019.
Three coaches arrived into the Ashford based Kingswood centre for an action-packed overnight stay, which included teambuilding activities for the students on the trip, a pre-tour educational programme for the teachers and a combined teacher/student historical enquiry session with the help of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s records database for local soldiers. Students were also given the chance to handle World War One artefacts and learn more about life in the war.
Then it was across to Ypres the following morning, with three days spent exploring the cemeteries, museums, memorials and battlefield sites of Belgium and The Somme (France). The tour was accompanied by serving soldiers from the British Army, who were able to help students understand what remembrance means today. We had the chance to find out more about the life of Captain Nick Perkins (a soldier on the trip) and how his family played their part in the war. Captain Perkins’ family were local to the area; his grandfather and great uncle were from Bromsgrove.
Our most memorable visit was definitely Tyne Cot Cemetery. The mood was sombre as the group stood and stared at the countless rows of headstones. Nearly 12,000 First World War soldiers are buried at Belgium’s Tyne Cot Cemetery, each grave marked by a simple headstone. The largest British and Commonwealth war cemetery in the world, Tyne Cot also commemorates a further 35,000 soldiers whose bodies were never found. Seeing the graves of men who sacrificed their lives during the Great War, we fell silent, stunned at the conflict’s terrible human cost. “Imagine a person standing by each and every one of them,” one of the battlefield guides accompanying the group said.
We also had the chance to leave a poppy on the grave of Arthur Long of the Royal Engineers, a soldier from Bromsgrove who was killed in battle on the 18th October 1914. On behalf of South, we left a memorial commemorating him. This was an extremely though-provoking and poignant trip that really helped us to understand the horrors and losses of war. We would like to thank the Centenary Battlefields Programme for taking us, as well as Miss Butler for accompanying us on our trip.
Elise and Holly – 12PL
8 Issue 5 2015 : www.southbromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk Department Focus : Exams
Examination Results Information
GCE Results for 6th Form GCSE examination results GCSE examination results Students for Year 11 students for Year 10 students GCE examination results will be GCSE results for Year 11 students As you are already aware Year 10 available for collection on Thursday ONLY will be available for collection students will be sitting GCSE exams 13th August. in School on Thursday 20th this summer in some subjects. Year August. 10 students should not come into • Year 13 students can collect school in August. The results will be these in school from 8:00am • Students can collect these in available through MCAS from 2pm onwards. school from 10:30am onwards onwards on 20th August and will be • Year 12 students can collect • If you are unable to attend given to students at the start of the these in school from 10:00am • someone can attend in your autumn term when they will have the onwards. place if they bring along your opportunity to discuss their results • If you are unable to attend written authorisation with their teacher. • someone can attend in your • give a stamped addressed place if they bring along your envelope to the Exams Office Good luck! written authorisation before Tuesday 21st July • give a stamped addressed • Available on the MCAS site on Chris Smith envelope to the Exams Office Thursday 20th August from Deputy Headteacher before Tuesday 21st July 2pm onwards – parental login • Available on the MCAS site on required Thursday 13th August from 2pm onwards – parental login required
Issue 5 2015 : www.southbromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk 93 Extra Curricular Netball Tour to Barbados
Day 1: Friday morning we went to school and headed to Gatwick Day 4: This was everybody’s favourite day, the Catamaran was at 3:45am. Once we finally arrived, we checked in and made our amazing! We swam with turtles and swam around the famous way to departure lounge where we sat and waited. Eventually we ship wreck. Lunch on the boat was great and we were glad to boarded our plane and the 8 hour flight lay ahead. The time flew have a day off from Netball. Dancer of the day was Erin Wilkes. by because we had refreshments and food. Day 5: We had a morning training session and some free time Once we were in the hotel and settled into our rooms, we started then we headed off to our 2nd game- South vs Deighton Griffiths to get ready for our evening meal at the local Austins Fish Fry High School. Unfortunately we didn’t win all of the games but where we met Julian, our tour guide for the first time. won some. Then had a lovely meal out. Player of the day was Ellie Preece. Day 2: It was an early start in the morning for our very first training session in the 30 degree heat and after we were all very glad to have free time in the pool. After, we went for a meal at Just Grillin which was amazing! Then we all went back to the hotel which we were all very pleased about, and went to bed. Player of the day was Ella Ellis.
Day 6: We went to the Boatyard where there was an amazing beach and there were trampolines in the sea, and swings and jumps off the pier. We then went shopping which was good. The day was finished with an award ceremony and karaoke. The Day 3: Game day had finally arrived - South vs Shottas, even holiday was ended with a great evening had by all. Star of the day though we lost, South played very well. After that, Shottas was Katie Rowe. sponsor a restaurant were we ate which was lovely. Then we headed back to Coconut Court. Player of the day was Clare Sach. Thank you very much to Mrs Billingham and Miss Smith for a trip of a life time that we will never forget.
Ellie Preece, Georgia Rhys-Morris and Katie Rowe
10 Issue 5 2015 : www.southbromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk Extra Curricular
Let the Sun Shine Gold and Silver Practice Expeditions
In mid-March, 83 students from Year The Silver practice took place the first the camp fire. For others, it will be the 13 completed their final practice on the weekend back after Easter, and involved perilous bridge over the River Wye. Some Brecon Beacons before their Qualifying 161 students from Year 11. They enjoyed will remember fondly exploring the depths Gold expedition in Snowdonia this fabulous weather in the Forest of Dean, of the long and dark cave, whilst others summer. They were blessed with superb but tough navigation in the dense will cherish the memory of the stunning weather and even a once-in-a-lifetime woodland. After a hands-on training view from the Symonds Yat viewpoint. But partial solar eclipse on the Friday morning. walk with a member of staff, they set off all will remember the contrast between We were lucky to have Mr Clark, Mr into the forest alone on Days 2 and 3, the freezing cold nights and the warmth Lawrance and Mr Buncle with us to set with the hope of seeing their supervisor of the support from their friends and their up a number of ways to safely view the occasionally through the day for a water supervisors. eclipse! top up and some moral support. All students did brilliantly, learning new As I write this for the editor’s deadline, we All students completed the notorious navigation techniques and picking up are days away from the Bronze Practice Night Nav training, putting new skills to top tips from staff on campcraft as well. expedition, during which approximately the test on the hills, well past midnight! I am confident that we will not see on 250 students from Year 10 will explore Their routes during the day were long and the Qualifying Silver expeditions anyone the Blackwell area near Bromsgrove. I am mountainous: QG8 claimed a new record bringing along a mallet, or strapping an confident that, like their Silver and Gold with 25 km over four mountain summits, unprotected sleeping bag to the outside of counterparts, they will do themselves including Pen y Fan, the highest peak in their rucksack! proud. South Wales. At times they were above the snowline, and made the most of the For some students, the most memorable Neil Dixon opportunity for a snowball fight. part of their three days in the Forest of Director of DofE Dean will be toasting marshmallows on
Issue 5 2015 : www.southbromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk 113 Extra Curricular Rugby Fans..... After the shock of Kristian Thomas appearing in the audience 28th at BRFC. The 9s also have some touch and 7s rugby this on BT Sport’s Rugby Tonight over Easter, I feel just composed term. enough to compile this review of the season, post Xmas. Players of note were…… Y9 have debuted in school rugby and 10s continued with their season, the highlights of which being a win over the Y9-Pullen-who led intelligently, Tom Davies who was ‘all 9s, a semi-final appearance v Malvern Chase in the County action’, Joel Rimell who showed excellent awareness, Billy Plate and some close games in the RGS 7s. Some ‘hardcore’ Stanhope who was hugely committed and finally the ‘man players have regularly attended Monday breakfast training at mountain’ Jack Wilby. 8am and have improved markedly. We have also seen the first student Heads and Assistant Heads of rugby selected Y10-Tom Shaw was who could even evade himself, Joe Mellor with Joe Mellor, Tom Shaw, Z Woolams and Alfie Pullen whose passing created many chances, Rees marshalled the benefitting from strong applications. Their roles will develop in team well, Baxter who, with Moor and Skitt were everywhere due course and they are deserved appointments. as a backrow and Tyler Hodgetts who made many metres.
So, to the action. Y9s had 2 good victories over Arrowvale and A good season and a grand finale to come… NBHS, an expected loss to our 10s and a good experience against some strong teams at the Bromsgrove School 7s. Thanks to all staff and students who have contributed.
Remaining games are Y11 v Bewdley and Y10/9 v NBH in Mr John the Presidents’ Cup. Both of these are to take place on April
The Great Big Dance Off! On Monday 20th April, nine students from South travelled to Birmingham Town Hall for the regional heats of the Great Big Dance Off, the only national dance competition aimed solely at schools.
Hope Warwick and Maria Whitney, two talented Year 11 BTEC dancers and the fantastic Year 10 BTEC dancers were successful in the initial video round and were invited to perform in the regional heats against a wide range of talented local secondary school dance groups. Following their two outstanding performances and some fierce competition, the girls waited anxiously for the results. Following much deliberation and discussion, the judges announced the three performers going through to the finals.
The Year 10 dancers were given second place, narrowly missing first by only 5 points, but securing their place in the finals. They will now go on to compete for the coveted title of ‘National Schools Dance Champion 2015’ at the grand final, taking place at the New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham on Monday 22nd June.
May I take this opportunity to congratulate both the Year 10 and 11 girls on their fantastic performances and to thank Kerry Greaves for her ongoing hard work with the dancers here at South Bromsgrove High.
Miss Gee
12 Issue 5 2015 : www.southbromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk Extra Curricular
Easter Snow Tour 2015 The first week of the Easter break saw 55 The week culminated in a number of students and 7 staff head to St Johann awards and certificates. Alex Grant (Lower Im Pongau in Austria for five days of ski School) and Mark Mortensen (Sixth Form) and snowboard frolic on the slopes. The were the respective legends of the tour for weather was a bit of “four seasons in their contributions during the week. The one week” with it ranging from blizzard first certainly liked a lie in and seemed conditions and ice rain (see me looking horrified at my morning alarm call on a happy!) to clear skies and scorching sun. daily basis and the latter has given me The three ski and three snowboard groups a superb crash course in basic Danish. made excellent progress during the Aimee Taylor was commended by Chris, week, in particular the sixteen beginner the lead ski instructor, regarding the high snowboarders, most of whom had never standard of skiing she had displayed. Alex really put a board on until reaching the Dewdney seemed determined to try and Austrian slopes. go home with the “prat hat” at the end of the week, even going as far as launching Apres ski activities saw us try out an his detached snowboard into the forest outdoor heated pool whilst it was snowing but this title ended up going to Ayden on our heads, Austrian ten pin bowling Copson for his unfortunate second day Simpson, Mr Taylor, Mr Law, Miss Gee (essentially a crazy game of skittles on ankle injury which ruled him off the slopes and Miss Smith for their support and ropes) and a pizza night that involved a prematurely. We did however manage to good humour. Attention now turns to massive order of ribs (by accident) – not commandeer a toboggan to tow Ayden to Easter 2016 where a return to Bansko sure how, as rippen (German for ribs) the wonderful doughnut shack where the in Bulgaria awaits. Contact me if you are sounds nothing like pizza. Maddison group enjoyed the biggest doughnuts I’ve interested. Hands took some time out during the possibly ever seen. skittles to do a bit of impromptu chalk Darren Hill (HL) sketching of the resort – superb effort A great week was enjoyed by all and Snow Tour Organiser (see pic). particular thanks to Miss Nicol, Miss
Issue 5 2015 : www.southbromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk 133 House Matters Talbot
As ever, the basketball tournaments were fiercely fought and the Talbot teams did us proud. It was very tense at times with year 9 and year 11 wining their groups. Their hard work and effort paid off with Talbot bring awarded first place and being awarded the Joshua Hanks Memorial cup.
The standard of the Dance was also exceptional and each and every one of the Talbot dancers gave incredible performances. We achieved first place in the group section as well as securing a win in the solo category giving Talbot an overall win and we were awarded with the Dance Cup. Well done to all dancers who were placed you all gave performances to be proud of. A second place in the Art competition also helped to secure more important points.
Our successes gave us a convincing lead into the Friday night. As ever it was a fantastic evening with an incredible atmosphere and plenty of chanting and cheering. It was a fantastic team effort from all of those involved, in particular all of those students who gave up lunch times and after school to hold additional rehearsals. Skye Hadley and Georgina Streeter did a great job of conducting the 160 students in our choir. The choir gave their best performance ever and I felt it deserved more than the third place it received. Our vocalist Charlotte Moody and instrumentalist Leah Norton gave outstanding solo performances and did the house proud.
I was thrilled that our act from The Wind in the Willows received second place in the drama section and this was had to make some very difficult decisions. I thank all of the due to the excellent leadership of the Drama captains Emily year 12 students who put themselves forward for house Wightman and Hattie Hudson and a stirling performance roles and the effort they put into their applications. from a resolute cast. I would also like to thank Miss Green for the help and guidance she provide throughout the drama The incoming 2015-16 team: rehearsals and performances. House Captains Poppy Diprose, Oliver Mason Vice Captains Kate Starmer, Oliver Ball Although we came third in the choir and second in the Sports Katie Wilson, Oliver Kemp, drama we should definitely not be disheartened as we were Oliver Simpson, Isobel Whiteley placed second in the in the Eisteddfod competition overall, a Sports and Dance Laura Hallett fantastic achievement. Eisteddfod Megan Rea, Leah Norton, Clemmie Parker There was little time to relax following Eisteddfod as the sixth Communication Olivia Baxter form debating competition was to follow. Lewis Hemming and Sam Mitchell gave some convincing performances I will conclude by saying I have thoroughly enjoyed my first against Plymouth and Vernon whilst our year 13 team gave year as Head of Talbot house and have felt privileged to lead a valiant effort in the sixth form common room on some such an amazing and talented group of young people and, contentious issues. Well done to all involved and thank you although at times the results have not reflected our hard for supporting Talbot. work the effort and commitment has always been there.
I would like to thank the house team for all of their hard work Lets Go Talbot, Let’s go! and commitment over the year, without their hard work and commitment the events could not be possible. Mrs Rees Head of Talbot House The Summer term is a time of transition for all house teams, with a very strong field applying for Talbot house positions I
14 Issue 5 2015 : www.southbromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk House Matters Talbot Plymouth
For Plymouth’s drama segment, our extremely hard-working cast and backstage crew gave a faultless performance of Wind in the Willows where we saw Toad getting himself into a spot of bother with his car obsession, leaving him in court; all under the watchful eye of three amazing directors: Elise Taylor, Cam Vipond and Joe McNally. We would like to say a huge thank you to all involved in the drama and we finally got the win that our amazing cast deserve.
This year we had a fantastic competition with dance. Overall we placed second, however the entertainment and talent shown on the night was amazing.
Our soloist Noreen Lennon came second with a flawless, technical and very original Irish dance, even though she had to compete with a slippery floor! We also had a beautiful lyrical performance performed by 4 girls in year 9. Our second group competing was a contemporary piece dancing to Elastic Heart by Sia performed exceptionally well by Amy In the vocalist section, incredibly talented singers, Georgia Timperley, Tash Watson and Erin Wilkes. There choreography Simpson and Eleanor Hudson performed a beautiful Bastille was neat and well-polished, they also had the use of the dog Medley, arranged by Georgia herself, accompanied by the cage as a prop which made the dance very interesting and brilliant Jamie Ali and James Newton on bass and drums. original. The performance was absolutely stunning and the audience was truly wowed, as were the judges. The game, Basketball. The location, South. The colour, GREEN! Year 9s were up first, putting in a huge performance This year’s against both Talbot and Vernon, taking 2nd place overall. instrumentalist was Year 10s also did Plymouth proud with their hunger for the Alex Myttion on the game, also taking 2nd place and giving us the opportunity saxophone. He played his to take 1st. Finally, the year 11s stepped out on to the court own arrangement of Glen knowing a win in both games could leave us in pole position Miller’s In The Mood. He for Eisteddfod basketball title. The year 11s fought hard, faced tough competition and were close to reaching their goal of 1st place, but fell from Ben, Alex and just short and secured 2nd. This resulted in Plymouth house Leah, who we would coming second in the sports cup for Eisteddfod. like to congratulate on their impressive The awaited Friday night finally came around rapidly! As performances. He always, the atmosphere was buzzing throughout the whole of performed incredibly Plymouth choir, and I’m sure throughout Talbot and Vernon well, achieving an too. Our choir performed our set song of I Want You Back amazing second place. by Jackson 5 and our chosen song was a Disney Medley consisting of classic Disney songs. The choir held high spirits On behalf of Plymouth throughout the whole evening, deafening everyone with their house team, we are all wild chanting of ‘Lets go Plymouth, lets go!’ This fantastic very proud of our success this year and hugely thankful for enthusiasm and extreme hard work which was put in not all the hard work every one who participated has put in. We only by teachers and house leaders, but also members of hope this enthusiasm will shine through next year too! Well the choir themselves, enabling us to win Eisteddfod 2015! done Plymouth!!
Issue 5 2015 : www.southbromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk 153 House Matters Vernon
top spot to Plymouth. I particularly enjoyed the R & B Medley that Lauren Fellows and Catherine McCartney had worked so hard on. In the Drama are final scenes fromThe Wind In The Willows saw Toad get the upper hand, performed with real gusto by Jordan Kearn-Brooks and the dance routines were very polished. Many thanks to Katherine Morton, Hannah Nash and Zoe Rimell for all of their hard work behind the scenes. It was one of the closest Eisteddfods ever and the overall third felt harsh on the night but I was really pleased with our passion and performance. Had the choir finished top it would have meant a dead heat across the Houses for the overall Eisteddfod title.
The Summer Term is a time of change for Vernon House with a new team of Year Twelves ready to take on roles within the House Team. It is also a time to reflect on another busy Spring Term where March saw the culmination of Eisteddfod 2015, the Sixth Form Debating Competition and Spring Sports.
Vernon once again contributed brilliantly to two enthralling finals evenings for the Eisteddfod. The Josh Hanks Memorial Trophy (Basketball) pitted 9TL, 10PY and 11MS against the other Houses with mixed fortunes. 9TL defended superbly only conceding one basket from their two games but unfortunately this led to one draw and one narrow defeat. The great thing about the House Championship is there 10PY won both of their matches and showcased the talents isn’t time to put your feet up with the Eisteddfod concluded. of Shayne Robinson. 11MS lost both games but battled hard Vernon came storming back to smash the Debating with great maturity and commitment. In the Dance, Zak Competition and our team of eight – Olly Kay, Amy Albutt, Heitmann secured a deserved second place in the solo and Sam Milne, Emyr Rees, James Downing, Abel McLinden, the House Team were unexpectedly awesome with their mini Shazmeen Khalid and Will Tuffin – won all four debates rendition of High School Musical. convincingly. We also put in a good shift during the Spring Sports to win the Netball and Football overall and a close Alex Williams and second in the Table Tennis. Ben Moseley dazzled the audience with A fond farewell to the outgoing team and in particular I’d their Instrumental like to thank my three House Captains – Katherine Morton, performance of Charlie Munday and Will Tuffin – who have all shown Sam Smith’s “Stay exemplary leadership during their time in office. Sports With Me” and were Day awaits the new House Team and they are keen to get worthy winners. Rory on with the job given we are back in contention for the Douglas and Keren Championship. Broad were second in the Vocal with their C’mon you Blues! version of West Side Story’s “Somewhere”. Darren Hill (HL) I thought our choir was Head of Vernon House outstanding on the night and it must have been a close call to give
16 Issue 5 2015 : www.southbromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk Year Updates
Vernon Year 9 Review
Year 9 continue to do well in their first year here at South. Students have recently chosen their option subjects to begin in year 10 and are preparing for their practice exams. Outside of the class room, a large number of students took part in Eisteddfod before the Easter break which is always a busy and exciting time. Many students represented their houses in the choir, drama and sports and it was great to see so many Year 9s getting involved.
Exams in May will be a good preparation for the demands of the forthcoming GCSE courses, and it is important that students continue to work hard in the summer term, finishing the year on a positive note, looking forward to the new challenges and opportunities that year 10 will bring. Well done to all those students who have had a great first year at South!
Mrs Colley and Mrs James
Attendance House Points There are 32 students in year 9GD are the top tutor group so far earning the highest number of 9 who have achieved 100% house points since September. Within the year group, Jack Gumbley, attendance since starting in Dan Kirby, Becky Gompertz and Jorja Billing are doing particularly September, Well done! well and have over 100 house points each, which is fantastic.
Head’s Commendations Autumn term
Academic achievement: Rebecca Gompert
Leadership: Tom Downing
Commitment to learning: Katie Rowe
Spring term
Academic achievement: Alex Uner
Leadership: Eleanor Hudson
Commitment to learning: Jorja Billing
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Year 10 Review
It is scary to think that students are now over half way through their time here at South. Year 10 have had a fantastic first two terms, with many competing in the annual Eisteddfod competition, also within House Sports and by helping a local charity called the Basement Project. Academically, students so far have been making fantastic progress with their courses and controlled assessments and should now be in ‘revision’ mode for their Religious Studies and Science exams in May. Keep it up Year 10!
Mrs Nicol and Mrs Simpson
Attendance Key Dates All the students below Friday 22nd May Break up for Half Term have achieved 100% Friday 5th June Year 10 Science exam (B2C2P2) attendance so far, keep Friday 12th June Year 10 reports will be issued it up and the rewards will Friday 19th June Battlefields Trip departs show! w/c Monday 22nd June Year 10 Pre-public Exam Week w/c Monday 29th June Duke of Edinburgh and Work Experience week Benjamin Evans Amy Newton Alex Field Becky Fieldhouse Harley Hetherington Head’s Commendations Sophie Smith Dino Buratti Autumn term Thomas Jones Jaeden Woodward Academic achievement: Thomas Bailey Josh Weddell 10RG Henry Bignell Sam Wicks Leadership: Thomas Moor Anabel Lawton 10AT Bethan Newbold Daisy Westwood Commitment to learning: Paige Johnson Ella Mansfield 10LC Sasha Baker Joshua Checkley Isobel Colley Georgia Kidsley Spring term Sophie Macklin Academic achievement: Ella Mansfield Dillon Grace 10GJ Aaron Pattison Josh Smallwood Leadership: Austen Denning Emily Taylor 10GL Jordan Kearn-Brooks Connor Cluley Commitment to learning: Adam Nixon Lauren Robinson 10HN Rosanna Stanley
18 Issue 5 2015 : www.southbromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk Year Updates
Year 10 Review Year 11 Review
It is hard to believe that the Year 11 students will be sitting their exams in a few short weeks. We hope to see many of them returning here to 6th Form in September and to those who are going elsewhere we wish them all the very best. They have been a fabulous group to work with, and they will certainly go on to achieve great things. Good Luck to you all in everything that you do.
Miss Wilkin and Mrs Baker
Attendance House Points The attendance this year has been really The House Point Hero for 2015 is Matthew Mills from good, and this is sure to be reflected in 11LW with 52 points. the brilliant results we are expecting from The tutor group results are: our hard working students. Overall the attendance for Year 11 was over 95%. We 1st 11JO 528 points have 40 students with 100% attendance. 2nd 11LW 526 points Well done to all of you. 3rd 11DY 520 points
Head’s Commendations Autumn and Spring term
Academic achievement: Joe Broad, Ellie Baker & Gabriella Notley Leadership: Carl Ridsdale Commitment to learning: Zoe Webster
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Year 12 & 13 Review
Head’s Commendations Year 12 Academic achievement: Alice Bowles 12HL
Commitment to learning: Lucy Kilgallen 12WB
Leadership: Holly Blundell 12PL
Head’s Commendations Year 13 Academic achievement: Sarah Burdett 13WA
Leadership: James Downing and Lucy Morris 13JEC
Commitment to learning: Tasha Witkowski 13JEC
UCAS Convention Year 12 students visited University of Worcester on Thursday 19th March for the annual UCAS convention. Universities from all over the country have stands and staff at the event, which allows students to gain further information about universities and the courses they may wish to study after Year 13. The trip was a huge success, with students gaining insight from universities directly as to the courses available, the entry requirements they would need and other activities and opportunities that universities can offer. It was also a chance for students to speak with universities they may not have previously considered visiting for an open day.
Year 12 students will be spending more time within PSD sessions looking at ‘life after South’ and considering options regarding Further/Higher Education and also the employment opportunities that may be available for them when they leave next year.
20 Issue 5 2015 : www.southbromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk Year Updates
Year 12 & 13 Review
Debating Competition On Friday 20th March, South hosted Sajid Javid’s Annual Inter- school Debating Competition, the night was a huge success, with representation from, Bromsgrove School, Woodrush, Waseley Hills, Haybridge and of course South.
Many congratulations to the South team of Oli Kay and Henry Spooner who were triumphant and secured a third successive year for South. The quality of your research, argument and delivery was consistently high and delivered in an excellent manner by both team members.
We look forward to another night of high quality debates next year, maybe South can manage four years in a row!
Attendance Key Dates Year 12 overall attendance: 96% Friday 26th June Year 12 Reports Issued Year 13 overall attendance: 94% Tuesday 12th May Whole School Parent Consultation Evening Sixth Form overall attendance: 95% Monday 11th May Friday 8th June: Year 12 Exam Leave 62 students in Sixth Form have 100% attendance for the Spring term. Friday 22nd May Year 13 Leavers Day Monday 29th June Year 12 Job Shadowing - Friday 10th July
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Arusha Update: A Third Exchange Trip Planned!
After another successful bid through the British Council we are delighted to be in the process of planning our third exchange trip to New Life School in Arusha, Tanzania. This July Miss Lodwick and Mr Granados will be following in the footsteps of Miss Green and Ms Scutt by spending a week teaching at our partner school - both teachers are extremely excited about teaching in a vastly different context and sharing teaching ideas.
Plans are already underway for the follow-up visit in October, where we will not only be hosting a teacher but also two students from New Life School! We have always hoped that students will become part of the exchange visit and we are looking forward to hosting two Form 3 students (15 years old) called Johnson and Prince in October. During a recent Year 10 assembly I invited students to sign-up to be involved in the visit and I was overwhelmed by the interest expressed. We have a strong group of students who wish to be involved in some aspect of hosting and if anyone else is interested please see me.
Below are photographs and messages from Johnson and Prince:
‘My name is Johnson Ezekiel Owden and I am aged 15 years. I go to New Life Secondary and I am in form three taking science subjects. I also study English, Kiswahili, history and geography. As a student from a developing country I would like to be an engineer so that I can use my education to help in my country’s developments. I want to encourage you also to study hard so that you use your education to help in the development of you country and the globe.’
‘My name is Prince L J Kiphizi and I am 15 years old. I’m in form three at New Life Secondary. I like science subjects such as mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology. I also study English, geography, history and Kiswahili. I would like to be a scientist so that I can use my education to help my country. Education is the key to success; we must study hard to achieve our goals that will not only help us in the future but also help our people, community and our country’s developments.’
Miss Rachel Green
22 Issue 5 2015 : www.southbromsgrove.worcs.sch.uk Partnerships
Constituency Candidates Get a Grilling at South
The election campaign for the Bromsgrove constituency began The planning of the event was initially prompted by our own in earnest during the afternoon of 20th March 2015, with the sixth form students who wanted to do something to raise first local hustings at South Bromsgrove High. Constituency awareness of the forthcoming General Election and to candidates from the five biggest political parties attended encourage our own students, some of whom will be voting the event that was expertly chaired by Michael Collie (BBC for the first time this year, to engage with politics on a local television and radio broadcaster). The afternoon began with level. We were delighted that the event was such a success each of the candidates giving a one minute ‘elevator pitch’ and the positive feedback from both candidates and audience before facing a series of questions from the audience, which members is testament to the huge amount of planning carried was made up of Sixth Form students from South Bromsgrove out by staff and students at south. We are very grateful to the High, North Bromsgrove High School and Bromsgrove School. school in enabling this event to happen, to North Bromsgrove Questions ranged from local issues, such as the funding for and Bromsgrove School for supporting this event, but most of local schools to issues on the national political agenda such all to the candidates who freely and willingly gave their time to as immigration and continued membership of the European attend. Union. Students had an opportunity to challenge the current MP for Bromsgrove and Minister for Culture, Media and Sport Mrs Taylor on local issues such as funding for the local Artrix centre.
Year 12 Politics students are interviewed by BBC Hereford Mr Topping welcomes constituency candidates and students and Worcester. from North Bromsgrove and Bromsgrove School.
Year 12 Politics students pose for photos with constituency Mr Topping with BBC news broadcaster and journalist, candidates, from left, Tom Ebbutt (Labour), Giovanni Esposito Michael Collie (Green), Bart Ricketts (Lib Dem) Sajid Javid MP (Conservative), Stuart Cross (UKIP)
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