February-Newsletter-20-Full-Copy.Pdf

Pride ● Passion ● Positivity

February Half Term | Edition 27

Welcome from the Headteacher

I was lucky enough to watch two performances of ‘Billy Elliot’ yesterday – it was absolutely tremendous! I thoroughly enjoyed the production, story, the acting, music, and the scenery was simply superb. My thanks go to all the students and staff who supported it, with a special thanks to Laura Bryce, Claire Foreman, Andy Day, the Art Dept and our Campus Services team.

You may have seen rather a lot about Wymondham College in the press over the last week. A story about the College and state boarding featured on the front page of the Sunday Times and subsequently in the Telegraph, Metro, Mirror and Daily Mail. I am passionate about all things Wymondham College, but also the wider transformative nature of state boarding and was delighted to see this even discussed by Phil and Holly on ITV’s ‘This Morning’. The state boarding sector is small (only 36 schools nationally), so the more people know about our work, the better.

In 2021 we will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of Wymondham College. As part of the programme of events to mark this milestone, we have been working with Norfolk Museum Service to design a permanent heritage centre that will be sited in the College Chapel, the last remaining Nissen hut. The heritage centre will celebrate the history of the College and be a lasting memorial to the vital role of the 231st USAAF hospital played in the dark days of the Second World War, the discovery of the ‘Morley Hoard’ (the largest collection of silver Anglo-Saxon coins found in the UK) and the Roman settlement, remains of which were discovered between Fry and Cavell Halls.

We are aiming to raise £100,000 to make this vision a reality. The completed Heritage Centre will be used as a teaching resource as well as a focal point for our alumni when they visit us.

Full details of the Chapel Project can be found on our website or pick up a booklet from Reception or the Chapel.

To make a donation, click here: https://donatemyschool.com/wymondhamcollege

All donors who give over £10 will have their name included in the ‘Wall of Supporters’ in the Chapel.

February Half Term | Edition 27

Help us to secure the future of this important building.

Please use this hashtag to help spread the word on social media - #WyColChapelProject

Thank you for your continued support

Mr Dan Browning – Headteacher @mrdbrowning

Revision Guidelines for Parents

As we come to the end of the first half term of 2020, I am reminded of how quickly time flies when you are busy at college. Before we realise it, the exam season will be upon us. Sometimes as parents or carers, we are not quite sure how best to support students in preparing for their exams. However, the holidays are a good time to establish routines around revision and staying healthy and so the information below offers some guidance about how best to do this.

Here are a few pointers and things to consider when trying to support students.

1. Develop a strategy for supporting studying that works for both of you.

This needs to help them to develop habits of studying effectively on their own; and to enable you to stay abreast of their work and provide help if necessary. This may be from your own knowledge, or advice about research, or even a note to College to explain where a problem lies. You can read some advice on the College website in the YEAR 11 REVISION tab and encourage them to do so too. This will give you both some helpful ideas about good practice for revision. You will also be invited to attend an evening at the College, later in the term, where we offer further advice and guidance.

2. Ask them what support, if any, they would like from you during their exams.

For example, would they like you to be available for discussions, or to ferry them to College for some extra classes, or provide any additional resources, or even to help them draw up a realistic revision plan? It is a good idea to choose your moment for this discussion, and make sure that they do not see it as you ‘nagging’ them to revise, but rather an opportunity for them to say what they need from you.

February Half Term | Edition 27

3. Make sure that you provide a suitable environment for study.

Nobody is suggesting that you should turn your house into a library, with ‘Silence’ rules for large chunks of the time. However, you may need to ensure that noisy younger siblings are out of the way, or at least kept busy and quiet at times.

4. Make sure that they are looking after themselves.

It is all too easy, when you’re studying, to forget to eat. With parents/carers working, many teenagers may be accustomed to feeding themselves, but revision periods may be the time to break this habit. Try to make sure that have a good cooked meal each day, and that they are eating a healthy, balanced diet. It is also important to make sure that they are getting enough sleep, and plenty of exercise. You may wish to lead by example here and take them out for a walk or a bike ride, or to the swimming pool, to give them a break from studying.

I hope that you find this information helpful and that you have a good half term break.

Preparing for the return to College

Having the correct equipment for lessons is an important part of the learning experience. Without the necessary equipment, students find it hard to complete some tasks and struggle to access parts of the curriculum. Over the half term please can we ensure that all students have a full set of classroom equipment: black/blue pen, green pen, ruler, pencil, rubber and most importantly, a calculator. These can also be purchased from the maths department. It is also necessary to have a suitable school bag so that books and equipment are kept clean, dry and tidy throughout the school day, particularly when the weather is wet.

Have a lovely break.

Mrs J Edmunds-Grezio – Deputy Headteacher

From the Bursar

We are pleased to say that planned work across the College Campus continues at a pace.

Recently there has been an important meeting in the Main School Refectory with architects to look at the complete interior refurbishment following the extension work this Summer. The meeting went very well, and the architects watched a full lunch period to observe the challenges of getting both pupils and staff through mealtime. We are looking forward to seeing the output of their visit and planning for a really great refreshed Main Refectory for the Autumn Term. The conversion of the Tom Eaton Centre into the home of the Music Department is going very well. The work has sought the outside expertise of Sound Engineers who have advised on construction details to deliver acoustic requirements. The work is on track to deliver a World Class facility for the Summer Term.

February Half Term | Edition 27

You will be aware that we successfully bid for a minibus, kindly supported by the PSA, from the sadly liquidated assets of Hethersett Old Hall School. We have successfully bid for a further range of excellent quality items ranging from replacement Drama equipment, sports equipment and Art and Technology equipment (a pottery kiln and all the supporting equipment!).

It is also part of our refurbishment programme to continue to upgrade the Boarding Houses. We have placed an order to completely replace all Year 13 beds with the new style cabin beds and wardrobes. I’m not sure the Campus Services team are looking forward to the heavy lifting over the Easter holiday, but the result will be really worth it! Our next projects in the Boarding Houses will start a rolling programme of complete refurbishment of all the bathroom areas but this will take a couple of years to complete. Finally, we are currently devising a new rolling programme for the refresh of all the teaching areas involving decorating, carpets and where necessary new LED lighting.

Mr P Cox – Bursar & Operations Manager

Design Technology – Recycling

In the D&T department, in a bid to be more sustainable, we are collecting empty/ broken pens, markers, highlighters and correction fluid containers. There is a collection point outside T4 in the Atrium currently, and more will be popping up in departments around the school. The pens will be sent to Terracycle, in conjunction with one of our Trust schools - Ghost Hill Infants School, who will benefit from any donations made. The pens will be recycled, rather than being sent to landfill.

Please support us in trying to make the world a slightly better place.

Calling all budding designers…

The D & T department want a new logo that can be used on letter heads, badges and all promotional material within the department.

We need YOU to design a logo that will represent the department and can be easily replicated. This is open to all year groups.

Design Criteria

• The design must represent the D&T department • It should be easily recognizable, as for the D&T department • It should use no more than 2 colours (of your choice) • It must be able to work at both at 25mm x 25mm and 250mm x 250mm in size

February Half Term | Edition 27

• It should be able to work as an image on a badge, stamp, letter head or poster • It should not be a copy of anyone else’s design

Logo design submissions should be on A4 paper with a quick explanation of your design, your name, house and Year group. handed in to Ms Lloyd (T5) by Friday 13 March at 15:45. The winner will receive their work replicated and used as the department’s logo and a £10 gift voucher. Runners up prizes include MP3 players, gift vouchers and D&T badges with the new logo.

Get designing!

Ms Lloyd - Head of Design Technology

Duke of Edinburgh Expedition Dates 2020

Silver Practice: 08:00 Thursday 19 to 16:00 Saturday 21 March (Suffolk coastline) Bronze Assessed 1:08:00 Friday 15 to 16:00 Saturday 16 May (Wymondham area) Bronze Assessed 2: 08:00 Wednesday 24 to 16:00 Thursday 25 June (Wymondham area) Silver Assessed: 08:00 Saturday 4 to 16:00 Monday 6 July (Bury St Edmunds area) Gold Practice:08:00 Wednesday 8 to 18:00 Sunday 12 July (Yorkshire Dales) Gold Assessed: 08:00 Wednesday 7 to 18:00 Sunday 11 October (Peak District)

Mr McGovern

Yolo App

The following information has been taken from Internet Matters:

The Yolo app is the latest popular teen app to hit the headlines following fears that its anonymity feature could put young people at risk of cyberbullying and online abuse. Yolo, which stands for ‘you only live once’, is an anonymous question and answer app that is used within Snapchat. Users can post anonymous questions and comments on a Snapchat story and also attach an image. Responses to questions are only seen by the person who asked the question rather than other users on the platform. As the app has changed its age rating to 18 and over, we’d advise parents to consider the implication of allowing children to use the app as it may not be age appropriate.

Also, the anonymous feature on Yolo could encourage teen users to send malicious messages or create incidents of cyberbullying which parents should be aware of. As there is total anonymity, teens may feel more able to send these messages as there is less fear of being caught, even though it goes against Yolo app policy. Users can report bullying and harassment on Yolo through Snapchat reporting tools.

The minimum age of use in the App store for the app has changed to be 17+. At launch it was set at 12+. On Google Play star it has been given a rating of PEGI 18.

February Half Term | Edition 27

A summary of Yolo app from Online Safety Expert Wayne Denner can be found at the link below: https://www.internetmatters.org/hub/guidance/parents-guide-what-is-yolo-app-and-is-it-safe/

Mrs J Marsh – Safeguarding Lead

Easter Sports Camp

See the information and sign up form for the Easter Sports Camp attached to the back of this newsletter.

If interested, please complete the form and return to Mr R Grove in the PE Department or scan and return via email. Any enquiries regarding the camp please email Mr Grove on [email protected]

Mr Grove – PE Department

College Office

Everyone is keen to start the half term break but for some of us, the break means our tasks or roles change slightly. Staff from the College Office look after the reception during the holiday periods as our term time Reception ladies take a well-earned break. During the holidays, we look after reception and the normal day to day activities that take place, including operating the switchboard. Should you need to ring or contact the College during the break, please be aware that the majority of staff will also be on their break. We endeavour to answer all enquiries but may have to take messages and send emails for staff to action on their return.

We have recently issued a message regarding the amount of lost property that remains with us. Any lost property not collected will be donated to the PSA to raise funds as we are not able to store items indefinitely.

Below I have listed a few of the things we look after at the College Office:

• First Point of Contact for Parents and Students • Student Absences/Appointments • Attendance Checks • Updating details (please let us know if you change any contact details) • Leave of Absence Forms (available in hard copy or electronically) • Support for Senior Leadership and Teaching • Sixth Form Lunch Tickets • Sixth Form Transport • Scopay Enquiries • Lost Property • Print Credits for Students

February Half Term | Edition 27

• Collection of Passports/documents for trips • Support and correspondence for Consultation Evenings/Options Evenings/Open Mornings • Collating feedback from events • General correspondence and procedure updates

We wish you a very relaxing Half Term.

College Office is open between 08:00 and 16:30 Monday to Thursday, and 08:00 to 16:00 Friday. We can be contacted on 01953 609075 or via email [email protected]

Ms S Flint – Administration Manager

Schoolbase Details – Are they up to date?

Please check that we have your current contact details

Please log into SchoolBaseOnline (today.wymondhamcollege.org), select Personal Details from the menu on the left and then review and edit where necessary the details shown on the Your Details and Contact Information tabs.

The “Forgot login details?” link on SchoolBaseOnline webpage is not working correctly so if you are having difficulty logging on please email [email protected] CLEARLY STATING THE NAME OF THE STUDENT CONCERNED.

You can also email [email protected] if you wish to add, update or remove the contact details for another person we should (or should no longer) contact in an emergency if we are unable to contact yourself.

Mrs Lawson and Miss Levitt

Wymondham College Primary Prep School – Planning Update

I am delighted to be able to inform that the Wymondham College Prep School project was approved by the South Norfolk District Planning Committee this morning.

After half term we will be meeting to discuss in detail project timelines etc. Once I have further details, they will be shared with you.

The school has generated substantial local and national interest and I can confirm that we are heavily over-subscribed for reception places for September 2020. This community confidence is the result of the excellent work College staff do day in day out.

Best wishes,

Jonathan Taylor – CEO, Sapientia Education Trust

February Half Term | Edition 27

The Chapel Project

Project Vision

To create a world class heritage centre in the College Chapel that celebrates the history and development of the College campus from the Roman and Anglo-Saxon periods, through the Second World War and from 1951 when Wymondham College was established.

Purpose

To celebrate the heritage of the campus from the discovery of the Anglo-Saxon Morley Hoard, the Roman settlement, 1920s Golf Course, 231st USAAF Hospital, Teacher Training College and the establishment of Wymondham College.

To create a special focus on the 231st USAAF Hospital (1941 – 1945) and the founding of Wymondham College in 1951; with information, photographic displays and physical recreations of the USAF Executive Officers office (Lt Col Warriner - desk, chair, uniform etc) and the first College dormitory from 1951 (metal framed bunk bed, locker, school uniform etc).

The Heritage centre will be used as a teaching resource to inspire our students and act as a focal point for visits and events with alumni.

Fund raising target

To fully internally and externally refurbish the building and create the heritage centre, we need to raise £100,000.

To make a donation please visit www.donatemyschool.com/wymondhamcollege or send a cheque to Wymondham College payable to Wymondham College, Golf Links Road, Wymondham, Norfolk, NR18 9SZ

We also have 5 different sponsorship packages which you can find more information about on https://www.wymondhamcollege.org/1559/the-chapel-project

February Half Term | Edition 27

Dates for your Diaries

Date Event

23/02/2020 Early House – Kett Hall

27/02/2020 Year 10 Art Exhibition

“Tea and a Tour” with the Headteacher 29/02/2020 (please book a place by emailing [email protected])

01/03/2020 Big Weekender

05/03/2020 Year 7 Parents/Carers Consultation Evening

06/03/2020 World Book Day

06/03/2020 PSA Chilli & Quiz

07/03/2020 Day Parents Forum

07/03/2020 Genius Hour Fair – Year 8

12/03/2020 Whole College Charity Run/Walk

13/03/2020 Boarder Parents Forum

February Half Term | Edition 27

Chilli & Quiz

Come and have a fun evening in the warm with teams of up to 8 people. Enjoy Bob’s delicious chill and see if you can be crowned the winner for 2020. This year we are running a licensed bar with all proceeds going to benefit the students. We would appreciate your support, as always.

19:30 6 March 2020 at the Refectory, Wymondham College.

Tickets are available from reception and via www.jumblebee.co.uk/chilliquiz

200 Club Lottery

The 200 Club Lottery is limited to 200 places and has a monthly draw with guaranteed cash prizes of £75 and £30 and a chance to win up to £2,000 and £1,000 in the September Jackpot! (current prize levels).

By joining our lottery for £5 a month you are supporting the Wymondham College Bursary Fund which assists students with the cost of educational trips which they otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford and educational projects such as buying new library computers. [email protected].

Bags to School

We are collecting your unwanted (non Wymondham College) clothing items via Bags to School which can be left in the school bus stop on the evening of Sunday 15 March or the morning of 16 March. Bags will be available at the Chilli & Quiz night or on Friday 13 March at school pick up time. Alternatively, normal black bin bags are fine.

Volunteering

Do you have an hour a year to help us? We have a rota of volunteers who help with PSA social events, serving refreshments at College events such as parent consultation evenings, concerts (the Catering Team do all the baking and the washing up!) and helping in the PSA Shop. Please email Ellen Leary PSA Secretary, [email protected]

February Half Term | Edition 27

Keep in Touch To find out what the Wymondham College Parent Staff Association have been up to, for upcoming or recent events, and how our funds are being spent, or if there’s anything you would like to raise please follow us on: • Facebook WYMONDHAMCOLLEGEPSA • Twitter @WYMONDHAMCOLPSA • Email [email protected] • Come along to a committee meeting.

Our Committee Meeting Minutes are published on the Wymondham College VLE.

Mrs Katy Lavington Woods - Vice Chair and Publicity Officer Parent Staff Association www.facebook/WymondhamCollegePSA

February Half Term | Edition 27

NEWSLETTER OW

Welcome to this edition to The Lion.

Firstly, last Friday we launched The Chapel Project. This will create a permanent Heritage Centre at the College and preserve the last Nissen Hut on the site which is used as the Chapel. I have had a steady stream of Alumni getting in touch about this and welcome all contact, please use my email address below.

Secondly, when I became involved with the College again some 5 years ago, I was amazed at how little Heritage and artefacts had been persevered or organised into curated material and we are trying to put this right. Many have done sterling work over the years in preserving material, making Heritage trails of the site and we are trying to put this all together in a Heritage Centre so everyone can enjoy the benefit of the history, the artefacts and documents relating to the College in its near 70 years and beyond in its pre College History .

There is also at the College, some space where we would like to display pictures of notable Alumni who might inspire the current students, and lockable cabinets where we can display more artefacts of the College, These could be on a rotational basis, so along with the Heritage Centre we also have some space around the College to display items etc.

I would really appreciate if you could drop me an email of suggestions of who you would like to see displayed and the reason why. I look forward to presenting your suggestions to our committee.

So please if you would like to donate please click this link for the fundraising page www.donatemyschool.com/wymondhamcollege or if you would like to donate material for our Heritage Centre please do not hesitate to email me on [email protected] and don’t forget to like our Facebook page.

My very best wishes

John Mewse - Chairman Old Wymondhamians Boarder Cavell 77-82

A World Class State Boarding and Day School

Wymondham College Easter Sports Camp 2020

Multi-Sports Camp – non-residential 1 and 2 April 2020 9.00am – 15.00pm • For boys and girls from Years 7 and 8. • Enjoy playing Football, Cricket, Basketball, Badminton, Tennis, Swimming and many other sports. • To be part of this Easter camp simply tick the boxes of the days that you wish to attend and complete the registration details below. • All participants must bring their own packed lunch and drinks and wear suitable sports kit. • The cost is £25 per day. • Please pay via your scopay account – they are listed as: Easter Sports Camps Wednesday and Thursday. • Payment via scopay will confirm their place and will be followed up with a confirmation email from Mr R Grove.

Please complete the attached form and return to Mr R Grove in the PE Department or scan and return via email. (For all enquiries, please email [email protected]) Name: Health Year Group: Considerations: Email address

(for confirmation): Emergency

Contact No.

Wednesday 1 April £25 9.00-3pm (please tick) Thursday 2 April £25 9.00-3pm (please tick)

Parental Consent (please sign)

______

A World Class State Boarding and Day School

Headteacher: Mr D Browning BA (Hons), PGCE, NPQH, PCPS

3 February 2020

Dear Parent/Carer

I write to update and assure you about the precautions our College community is taking to prevent against the Novel Coronavirus outbreak. We continue to monitor the situation regularly and are taking a dynamic approach to this complex and changing picture, following the advice of Public Health England (PHE) and the Boarding Schools Association (BSA) to ensure the health of our whole community is protected.

We are mindful that there will be a number of parents who are concerned about the health of their children and would like to assure you that we are assessing any potential risks on a daily basis. The advice we are following is regularly updated and I would encourage you to follow these updates on the PHE website which offers sensible and unbiased information to anyone who may be worried. Based on the current evidence from WHO (World Health Organisation) and PHE there is no immediate cause for concern, however we are taking the following precautions:

• Checking that no pupil, member of staff or visitor to the College has been in China, particularly the Wuhan region, since the outbreak.

• We are accepting no pupils or visitors from China and affected regions until the outbreak is contained.

• We would ask that parents from regions that have been significantly affected do not travel to meet their children in the UK unless they are able and are prepared to have them in isolation.

• All staff and pupils, particularly medical centre and boarding staff, are being briefed on the signs and symptoms of the Novel Coronavirus.

The latest update from the NHS can be found here (www.nhs.uk/conditions/wuhan-novel- coronavirus). I have also enclosed a ‘Mythbuster’ sheet for your information.

As half-term approaches, we ask that any pupil or family who intends to travel to, or have direct contact with anyone from a Novel Coronavirus affected area (especially China), to inform us immediately (Susan Flint, College Office on 01953 609000 or [email protected]).

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has advised against all but essential travel to China. As a result, the College strongly advises against pupils travelling to, or receiving visits from affected countries at half-term. Anyone choosing not to follow this advice will be required to self-isolate in the UK for a period of 14 days before being allowed back into College. I have also placed restrictions on all other visits to and from affected areas for the time being, including those by staff.

Golf Links Road, Wymondham, Norfolk, NR18 9SZ

01953 609000 01953 603313

[email protected] www.wymondhamcollege.org

Wymondham College is a member of the Sapientia Education Trust, a charitable company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales with company number 7466353.

Please note:

• It is highly likely that restrictions will still be in place at Easter, and everyone must now plan for that eventuality. All those who were planning to travel overseas at Easter must confirm their arrangements with Ms Flint, College Office (01953 609000 or [email protected]), and this includes travel to areas not currently at risk, as the outbreak continues to spread. Any pupil travelling to or receiving visitors from an area which is currently at risk or becomes so before the start of the summer term will be required to self-isolate in the UK for a period of 14 days before being readmitted to College. Therefore, those who have been with parents in the UK for the whole Easter break will be outside the incubation period and able to return to College unless they have been in contact with other potentially infected persons. Should the virus begin to spread within the UK, this guidance will be updated in accordance with the Chief Medical Officers' requirements.

• We ask our international community to speak with their UK guardian to check that emergency cover is made available and I would remind you that under the terms of the boarding agreement (6c): “Parents residing abroad must nominate a guardian in the UK who may be contacted, and to whom the pupil may be sent, in an emergency” and 6(f) “You are responsible for keeping the College informed of all up-to-date contact details for yourselves and nominated guardian and any other emergency contact details.”

• There is no necessity for pupils to wear face masks in College as they are thought to be ineffective and often cause alarm.

The whole College community is being fully supportive of those with friends and family in affected areas and we are well aware of the significant burden of any restrictions the College makes. Please be assured however that the health and welfare of each and every member of the College community is our primary concern. I am extremely grateful to everyone for your ongoing support and engagement at this difficult time. I shall continue to update you as the situation develops.

Should you wish to discuss any of the above, please do not hesitate to contact the College.

Yours sincerely

Dan Browning Headteacher

A World Class State Boarding and Day School

Headteacher: Mr D Browning BA (Hons), PGCE, NPQH, PCPS

7 February 2020

Dear Parent/Carer

I wrote to all parents on 3 February with guidance regarding Coronavirus and our contingencies at the College. The College has continued to take advice from the NHS, Public Health England, the Boarding School Association and the FCO. As I am sure you are aware, there is a rapidly changing national and international picture and as such the advice from HM Government is frequently updated. The most up-to-date advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) is:

If you have travelled from Wuhan or Hubei Province to the UK in the last 14 days you should immediately:

• stay indoors and avoid contact with other people as you would with the flu • call NHS 111 to inform them of your recent travel to the area • If you are in Northern Ireland, call 0300 200 7885

Please follow this advice even if you do not have symptoms of the virus.

Travellers from other parts of China and other specified areas This advice applies to travellers who have returned to the UK from the following areas:

• China • Thailand • Japan • Republic of Korea • Hong Kong • Taiwan • Singapore • Malaysia • Macau

If you have returned to the UK from any of these areas in the last 14 days and develop symptoms of cough or fever or shortness of breath, you should immediately:

• stay indoors and avoid contact with other people as you would with the flu • call NHS 111 to inform them of your recent travel to the country In Scotland phone your GP or NHS 24 on 111 out of hours If you are in Northern Ireland, call 0300 200 7885. • Please follow this advice even if your symptoms are minor.

It is vitally important for the continued safety of our community that if you or your child/ren plan to travel to or from any of the countries on the list above, you will need to stay away from the College for 14 days, and be symptom free before you return to College. If you have any travel

Golf Links Road, Wymondham, Norfolk, NR18 9SZ

01953 609000 01953 603313

[email protected] www.wymondhamcollege.org

Wymondham College is a member of the Sapientia Education Trust, a charitable company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales with company number 7466353. plans to or from one of the affected areas above, please inform Susan Flint, College Office on 01953 609000 or [email protected].

This is a challenging time and our watchwords remain; calm, considerate and informed. I will keep you updated if there are further relevant developments.

Yours sincerely

Dan Browning Headteacher