Newsletter - July 2019

A Year in Reflection from the Headteacher At Gillingham, we are determined to open minds, broaden horizons, to encourage our students to be inquisitive and to always be the best they can. We are rightly proud of not only the superb teaching and learning that takes place within the classroom, but also the array of the wider curriculum opportunities that our students benefit from. Just glancing through previous newsletters are an example of that; they provide a wealth of examples of how we prepare our students for a dynamic and diverse world and therefore, illustrating perfectly the breadth and scope of our curriculum. The Ian Murray Memorial Match was a celebration of our community. It reminded ourselves of the importance of surrounding yourself with positive, can-do people. The event was an incredible team effort - both on and off the pitch. Staff and students worked tirelessly together to provide an incredible event which will last forever in our memory. As a result of everyone’s generosity, Ian’s legacy will live on when we celebrate the opening of the new Media Suite next term. Our recent Art Exhibition was not only a celebration of our students’ incredible creativity but also a powerful reminder of the importance of the Creative Arts in our curriculum and its unique qualities of allowing us to share our emotions. During the exhibition, I was mesmerised by the skill and technical ability on show, the quality of work was fantastic. Ethan Goodfellow and George Crosfield from our Sixth Form wrote an extremely personal and emotional account of their visit to Auschwitz One and Auschwitz-Birkenau. Their writing reminds us of the importance to never forget the mistakes of our ancestors and to learn from them, to recognise the importance and privilege of living and working in a multicultural society and to always treat other people both equally regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation. The Sports Awards evening was again a massive success. Hundreds of people attended and it was a delight to recognise the many sporting achievements of all our students. The size of the celebration is a spectacular reminder of the power and importance of sport and recreation. Some of our students may go onto sporting greatness but all participants will learn and benefit from leading an active, healthy and fulfilling lifestyle. We are proud that we encourage all our students to make such positive choices and recognise its importance if they are to thrive in the 21st century. In March, students were heavily involved in our World Book Day Crimefest! Whilst pleasing to note that there wasn’t actually a murder in the library, Ms Vallender and her team put on a super day and really opened the students’ eyes in terms of careers pathways associated with police work and forensics. It was also great to welcome PC Craig into our school who gave a fabulous insight into the possibilities available – I know talking to a number of our students that they found this particularly inspiring. I could go on ... the list is literally endless. Gillingham School is so much more than an exam factory: we will continue to provide the richest experience for all our students so that they are able to take their place in 21st century Britain and to be a positive influence. I wish all of the students, staff and parents of Gillingham School a restful and enjoyable summer holiday and I look forward to welcoming you back in September.

Mr Paul Nicholson Headteacher 1 Ten Tors Challenge As part of the Duke of Edinburgh, Joe Cooke in Year 10 took on the Ten Tors Challenge in May! ‘I have walked on Dartmoor several times but as Gillingham School doesn’t enter teams, there was no way that I could attempt the Ten Tors Challenge but as my dad is the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Manager for another school, I now had the chance to do it! The Ten Tors Challenge is the largest youth event of its kind in the country. The army runs the event every year on Dartmoor with teams of 6 students trying to complete either 35 miles, 45 miles or a 55 mile challenge in just a little under 48 hours. The Challenge itself isn’t a race, it is a mental and physical challenge - the individual and the team against the wilderness that is Dartmoor. I spent 7 months with students from Gryphon, Leweston and Gillingham walking across Dartmoor in all weather conditions whilst also walking over the New Forest and Exmoor for my Silver Award. If you want a challenge, I recommend the Ten Tors!’

Joe Cooke Year 10 Student Year 12 PE ‘Real Tennis’ Trip No more fake tennis, only Real Tennis!

On Friday 7th June, sixteen Lower crafted and modified every 5 weeks To repay ourselves for our hard Sixth Form PE students got on the to achieve the desired shape. This, in work, we took a short trip to West minibuses to Bridport’s Hyde Tennis fact, proved to be a very challenging Bay for some fish and chips alongside Club. Firstly, we were greeted by task. some unwelcome seagulls. one of their esteemed coaches and subsequently we were given a brief Approaching this trip, everyone was Overall, speaking on behalf of history of Real Tennis. This helped quietly confident regarding their everyone on the trip, we hugely to reinforce our previous study of sporting abilities - however, Real appreciated the opportunity we were the sport and how it has progressed Tennis is a sport like no other! The kindly presented with and would like to modern day and linking into our amount of complex rules in the game to thank Miss Burt and Mr Yeo for A Level PE course. After finding out is almost imcomprehensible! Just in making it happen. that there are only 50 surviving Real case you were wondering, there were Tennis courts in the world, it’s safe to chase points, bell shots and even a Lucy Dodd and Niamh Carey say that we all felt privileged to have boomerang serve if you’re feeling Year 12 Students had this opportunity. adventurous. At the start, many of us were struggling to hit the ball, bearing We got the chance to not only have in mind that the racket replicates the private tuition on the game but size of a hand. However, by the end furthermore, we had a go at making of the session, we were all able to our own Real Tennis balls, later achieve legal serves and even a rally discovering that since the sport was of seven (it’s not as bad as it sounds!). created, the balls have been hand- 2 Quintet Charity Performance South Western Railway Educational Scholars Season Tickets Huge congratulations to the School String Quintet, with support from their If you would like to know about coach (Janet Coles) , for their wonderful performance on Sunday 9th June at the scheme for Educational Season the Fonthill Estate for their graden party in aid of charity, Secondary1st. tickets for train travel to school, please email Mrs Clayton on The students did a fantastic job and it was pleasing to hear lovely comments mclayton@gillingham-. from those attending about how much they enjoyed their playing. Thank you co.uk for details. to the family and friends who attended to support and for the students who gave up their time at the weekend to help support this good cause. Season tickets for the September term will be ordered during the Mr Carey week beginning 8th July. Head of Music Founders Day 2019

On Monday 1st July, our annual Founders Day awards took place, where students from Years 7, 8 and 9 collected prestigious awards and prizes for their achievement, progress and commitment to their studies including Most Promising Linguists, the Murray Hawkins Science Cup, the History Cup, the Don Marlow Shield for Musicianship and several more. The parents, teachers, students and Governors were treated to brilliant musical performances from Isla Cousins, Sophie Rippin and April Stratton along with an Ancient Greek debate from Year 7 English students, Jack Persu, Nigella Fuller, Liam Emery and Alisha Monaghan-James. Led by Mr Lavis, we heard from several teachers including Mr Nicholson who gave an inspiring address with highlights from the year. Congratulations to all of the students who received nominations and collected awards. You should be very proud!

3 Can Do Watersports On Tuesday 11th June, seven of us festival. Every school was entered from the Graduation Group travelled into a team kayak racing event which to Poole to take part in the Can Do started after lunch. We all had to race water festival. We had to meet at out around the island and then back 7:45am in order to get to Rockley over the finish line, there were five Park Watersports by 9am in Poole. races and all of the positions were Mrs Stockley drove the mini bus and turned into points. It was so amazing was accompanied by Mrs Manville when our school received second and Mr Stone. place in the secondary school event; we all then had to go up, shake hands There were 152 students attending and receive a silver medal! the festival and as we were nice and early, we got first pick of the wet 7GD suits! We all had a go at Pico Sailing; we learnt how to steer and to duck when the sail swung over our heads everytime we changed direction. Once we had our life jackets on, we were all taken out to the sail boats by speed boat! It was quite difficult to use the wind but only one of us fell in! After a short break, we were taught how to kayak. We had to work with our partners to paddle at the same time and learn how to move right and left. It was really fun and we all got very good at it. During lunch, we were allowed to play the sports which had been provided by Decathlon, who sponsored the A Level Art Exhibition

The A Level Exhibition is always a highlight for the Art Department and this year’s exhibition was no exception. The exhibition, held in the School Gallery, showcased the work from Fine Art and Photography which students created during Year 13. Media ranged from painting, drawing, digital work, printing, textile techniques, film and sculpture and installation pieces. These independent projects showed our students to be highly creative, independent and curious about the world around them. Students investigated contemporary as well as historical sources and numerous galleries and exhibitions around the country. These sources gave students invaluable insight into artists’ ideas and methods of working. Many projects dealt with personal and challenging experiences students themselves had experienced, while others investigated more abstract concepts. The majority of students are continuing with their artistic studies in the form of apprenticeships, foundation courses or degree courses - with students gaining places at prestigious art colleges across the country. We wish all of the students the very best of luck and very much look forward to seeing how their work develops.

Mrs Jenkins Head of Art 4 Twisted Fairy Tales - Cricket Lower School Production News On 27th June, our school drama club, including me, performed an exciting U15s array of self-devised twisted fairy tales which incorporated completely new The U15s Girls Cricket team did inventions and horrifying variations on previous happy and joyful stories that extraordinarily well at the chance would make your spine tingle! to compete in the U15 Dorset Cricket Finals. The day started 4 Children and It was devised by a group of excited Year 7s who dipped well with victories over Lytchett their toes into the stressful world of devised theatre. They created a Minster and a strong QE side lovely image of a happy family going through wartime and discovering the but losing narrowly to BSG and mysterious sand fairy who put on a hilarious show of her disgust to humans. Parkstone meant no progression The children went through some hard times hiding the sand fairy from their to regionals this year but a very mother and Hilary, the baby, didn’t help in the slightest. The audience were promising future. then shocked by the hard-hitting twist of their sister’s attempt to become the fairy which ultimately resulted in her death! A very successful piece which created connection and empathy with the audience whilst still being a very funny adaptation.

The Elves and the Shoemaker - Previously thought to be a happy tale, this tale has been warped into a real-time horror performed by a group of very talented Year 8s. It started with children hating their orphanage life but then their carer cruelly sells them to an evil businessman who is evil but also comedic. The children are then treated awfully but resiliently stay strong - this creates a huge amount of empathy with the audience, providing many emotional moments. After a time of torture, the evil Guilia comes in and cruelly murders everyone and seizes control of the factory, leaving quite an excessive mess of blood all over the floor. It cuts when a toddler is left abandoned on the streets, a small girl is murdered and another is at gunpoint - this creates a very hard-hitting piece of horror theatre.

Anna’s Nightmare - Performed by all Year 9s, all of whom are studying GCSE Drama so very experienced and professional, including myself. It started with a car crash putting a young girl into a coma and then her U13s evil mother tells her fairytale and then creeps into her dreams and makes We have regularly had around horrible things happen to the girl; leading her to madness. It starts with the 40 girls out at Year 7 & 8 jolly Humpty Dumpty jumping off the wall but Anna, the protagonist, saves cricket practice. Initially, the him and this infuriates an evil puppeteer into controlling Anna to murder weather meant many fixtures him using physical theatre. After, Jack and Jill play happy games together until were cancelled so not as many a puppeteer warps Jill into murdering her brother. Finally, Anna goes to Mary girls as we would have liked to Mary Quite Contrary for a simple piece of fruit but then as Mary is dragged experience match play. The team away and put into jail for growing dodgy herbs that the puppeteer plants in had a successful season making her garden. At the end, Anna fights the puppeteer and all of the people that two county finals. In the Chance the puppeteer killed come to Anna’s aid and the puppeteer is defeated. A to Shine Softball event, we beat scary but exciting and warped version of some innocent happy stories. Twynham and Sir John Colfox but were beaten in the final by Peter Pan - Performed by a group of Year 7s with some outstanding Glenmoor and Winton previous talent in Dance - they created a hugely funny play with many in a match full of controversy. In successful comedic elements. For example, Tinkerbell is a very sassy the Hardball final a week later, we character and in the end, turns out to be evil and plans to murder Peter’s lost to a very strong Parkstone new girlfriend and to win his love. Another comedic element is Tinkerbell’s Grammar but gained support from time bell which she uses to freeze time at any moment and she uses it for a lovely cat! many comedic aspects. In the end, Captain Hook is killed and they all live happily ever after except three people are killed by Tinkerbell, followed by her own death. A very impressive performance which was funny and enjoyable. The groups faced many challenges throughout production, for example, finding props and working with IT and lighting. It was at times, quite stressful, but equally rewarding. All of the drama club put in lots of teamwork and collaboration and as expected, there was some drama between groups but we all resiliently came through and created a brilliant performance.

Kieran Ayre Year 9 Student 5 Recipe of the Month - Black Forest Cake As I am retiring this year, after 41 years at Gillingham School, I have selected a recipe favourite. For Black Forest Gateau was very popular when I started teaching in 1978; it has been in our Food Curriculum on and off over the years and it is now part of the Year 9 GCSE curriculum, much to my delight and that of our students who love making it. It is now part of my legacy to the Food department! Enjoy!

Mrs McGeoch

Ingredients Filling and decoration 250ml double cream Sponge 1 can of black cherry pie filling 4 eggs 150g dark chocolate 100g caster sugar Optional 2-3 tbps kirsch 75g self-raising flour 25g cocoa powder Method 1. Preheat oven to 190°C. Line and grease 2 sponge tins. 2. Sieve flour and cocoa powder onto a plate. 3. Whisk eggs and sugar in your small bowl until thick and holds a trail. 4. Gently fold in flour and cocoa powder with a metal spoon - DO NOT OVER FOLD. 5. Immediately bake for 20 mins until the centre is springy. 6. Remove from the oven. Leave for 1-2 minutes. Loosen edge carefully and turnout, remove greaseproof and keep to put between later. Put to cool. 7. Put together with greaseproof inbetween, wrap in cling film and freeze. 8. Carefully whisk cream until it is holding its shape. 9. Put about half in a piping bag. 10. Take out 6 cherries and rinse for later. 11. Melt about 50g of chocolate in the microwave for 20 seconds, take it out and stir. Then another 20 seconds, take it out and stir. 12. Melt the remaining chocolate. 13. Spread half the cherry mix on the base layer and 1/3rd of the cream onto the top layer(internal surface). Turn cream layer onto base. Spread 1/3 cream on the sides of the cake and then roll in chocolate. Place on your tin lid or some greaseproof. 14. Spread the remaining cream on the top, pipe with 12 swirls. Place a cherry on alternate swirls. 15. Cut set chocolate into triangles and use to decorate alternate swirls. 16. Sprinkle with some leftover chocolate.

Here are a few variations on the recipe from our Year 9 group!

6 Year 11 Prom at the Larmer Tree Gardens

Year 13 Leavers Ball at the Coppleridge Inn

7 Spotlight on the new Sixth Form Committee Frankie Jane Head Boy Why did you want to be a part transition from Year 11 to 12 less of the Sixth Form Committee? stressful and more comfortable for I wanted to be a part of the everyone who chooses that path. I’m committee so that I could take part also very keen on asking all students in as many events as possible in at the school what they would like to order to make my final two years at see in school and trying my hardest the school as memorable as possible. to get what they believe it needs. I also wanted to be a part of the committee so that I could leave a What has been your most positive contribution on the school. memorable experience at Gillingham so far? What subjects are you studying As I have been part of Gillingham now? from Year 7, there are so many things I am studying English Language, Media that I could choose from but I think Studies and Government and Politics. the main thing that will stay with me is scoring the winning try against What are you looking forward in Year 9 during the final minutes of the game and all of to in your new role? we all got on and were able to have a I am most looking forward to getting my fellow teammates sprinting over laugh during the exercise rather than and jumping on me! I remember that involved with the sixth form and the feeling like we were competing. school as a whole; trying my best to I had got my braces the day before bring the upper years together. I’m and my only thought during that What would you like to do when process was ‘Don’t break my braces, also looking forward to bringing back you leave Gillingham School? the Extravaganza alongside my fellow guys!’ Looking back though, it was When I leave Gillingham, I would definitely worth the risk! committee members and the sixth like to go to university and study form. Journalism and Spanish so that I can Apart from your studies, what go on to be a foreign correspondent do you like to do in your free How did you find the interview in South America. process? time? I really enjoyed the interview process Whenever I get some time to myself, What ideas do you have to I love to exercise! I mainly find myself as it was something I’d never really improve the Sixth Form and done before, especially as the going on 10k runs around Gillingham contribute to the overall school? and swimming regularly at the local interviews progressively got more I am very keen on bridging the gaps challenging throughout. I especially leisure centre. Besides that, there is between the upper school and the always something on Netflix... enjoyed our first team interview as sixth form in order to make the Olivia Grindon Committee Member Why did you want to be a part of the Sixth Form Committee? I wanted to be a part of the committee as I was new to Gillingham so I wanted an insight on the opportunities the school offers and to help organise them. I also wanted to join in the community of the school and hopefully give a new perspective on task and issues that arrive.

What subjects are you studying now? Geography, Theatre Studies and English Literature.

What are you looking forward to in your new role? I am most looking forward to seeing the students enjoy the changes that this committee will make, and the events that we put on, such as the extravaganza. I am also enjoying meeting new students and teachers along the way. Especially as I have only been here a year, it is nice to not only be involved, but to have my opinion valued and taken into account.

How did you find the interview process? Going into the process, I was nervous, which is sometimes detrimental and I tend to talk more (than I already do) when I’m nervous which I feel can be quite off-putting at points. However, Mrs Cross and Mr Godfrey made it comfortable and I quickly relaxed; it was really enjoyable talking through the problems that we faced and compromising to solutions that fitted everybody’s needs.

What would you like to do when you leave Gillingham Sixth Form? I know that I would like to go to university, hopefully to Bristol as there are lots of theatres to audition for. However, at the moment, I am having trouble deciding whether to pursue acting by doing Film, Theatre & Media or by doing English instead.

8 What ideas do you have to improve the Sixth Form and contribute to the overall school? My main concern at the moment is the recycling facilities at the school as there is only paper or general waste which doesn’t leave options for bottles or cans which the sixth formers are provided with in the canteen. I know that a green committee is already in motion so I look forward to joining when it’s open to students. I also want to make bonds between students in Year 11 who are transitioning to the sixth form and to create a more connected sixth form as I know how hard it can be coming in and not knowing anyone. It can be a difficult transition and to have some support from a student who has already had one year of experience might make new students feel less anxious or alone.

What has been your most memorable experience so far? I auditioned for the school musical, Legally Blonde, which was an unreal experience. I made so many friends so quickly whilst doing something I really enjoy. I was made to feel welcome immediately and I will never forget the memories I made.

Apart from your studies, what do you like to do in your free time? If I’m not working as a waitress, I enjoy watching films, particularly science fiction or thrillers with my favourites probably being ‘The Nice Guys’ or ‘The Shining.’ I also like going to concerts as music is a big part of my life - this is why you’d also probably find me practising my bass!

Maisy Hicks Deputy Head Girl and Head of School Council Why did you want to be a part of the Sixth Form Committee? I was interested in becoming part of the Sixth Form Committee because I felt that it would give me a chance to aid in the improvement of our school, especially from an environmental standpoint but at the same time, to give contributions and appreciation to the school I love.

What subjects are you studying now? French, English Literature and Philosophy A Level.

What are you looking forward to in your new role? Personally, I am most excited about developing a school-wide Eco-Committee that will, hopefully, last long afer I leave. Also, I am looking forward to working closely with younger years to develop elements of the school that affect every year group.

How did you find the interview process? For me, the interview process was a little nerve-wracking but I did enjoy it! Not only did it feel like good practice for future interviews but I also really enjoyed the group session. I found it quite inspiring to hear all of the ideas that everybody had as well as the enthusiasm for the school.

What would you like to do when you leave Gillingham Sixth Form? After I leave, I plan on going to university to do a degree in Modern Foreign Languages & Cultures after which I hope to do a lot of travelling and exploring all over the globe. My passion for language learning and culture, I hope, will take me everywhere.

What ideas do you have to improve the Sixth Form and to contribute to the overall school? For the Sixth Form, I think the introduction of school ‘parents’ would be fun. Year 13s would be given Year 12s to help navigate the lower sixth whenever (or if ever) needed. I think a closer link between the upper and lower sixth would be greatly beneficial. My biggest plan is more general, however, as it involves the whole school. I am hoping, with help from some friends and other passionate peers, to start an Eco-Committee in our school. This means we will have a group of enthusiastic students from every year group to help improve our school’s sustainability in terms of our environment. This is a project I am excited about.

What has been your most memorable experience of Gillingham so far? My most memorable experience at Gillingham School would have to be the summer term of Year 11. Not just because we have exams, but also because everyone was in the same boat. It felt like a big community and the weather was so lovely!

Apart from your studies, what do you like to do in your free time? I love music and have quite an eclectic range downloaded on my phone but I also love going to concerts. I also enjoy reading books about a wide range of stuff that I find interesting, for example, I am currently reading a book about voodoo in New Orleans. I also enjoy writing short stories. Other than that, I’d have to say my favourite thing to do in my free time is spend time with my friends.

9 Rebecca Nolan Deputy Head Girl deserving charities in the local area; the local community, which could allowing us to give back to the wider definitely have a better rapport. I community as well as the school. think a good way to do this would be for sixth form students to have How did you find the interview one or two mandatory hours process? of community service on their I really enjoyed the interview process. timetables per week, in which I am quite an extroverted person, they could visit nursing homes or so I relished the opportunity to talk volunteer at charity organisations. to and work with some new faces, Another thing I feel strongly about while trying to maintain a balance of is the parking situation for sixth putting forward my own ideas while formers, which we are keen to also listening to those of others. The drastically improve. Last year, I was group task focused on a scenario part of a smaller subsection of the involving being stranded at sea, and committee which took solutions and having to rank the objects given to proposals for the issue of the lack us in order of utility for our survival. of student parking spaces to various Why did you want to be a part of Despite a heavy defeat for the girls’ local councils; I have remained part the Sixth Form Committee? team (turns out a transistor radio of it this year, and finally begun to At risk of repeating what sounds isn’t a communications device!), our see some breakthroughs after an like an overused cliché, my main interviewers were mainly interested inordinate number of setbacks. motivation stemmed from wanting in a display of team spirit and a to give back to the school which has problem-solving attitude, which many What has been your most given me so much over the past six of us showed throughout. Next memorable experience at years. I am extremely grateful for came the individual interviews, in Gillingham so far? the fantastic teaching, facilities and which we had the chance to discuss The Year 10 Med Trip to the south leadership I have experienced during with Mr. Godfrey and Mrs. Cross of France genuinely has to go down my time here, without which I would some of our ideas for how we would as one of the best times of my life, definitely not have become who I am aim to improve the sixth form next not just of school. There wasn’t an today. It was for this reason I joined year if we were to make it onto the activity that particularly stood out for the committee in Year 12, a time committee. I liked this part because me as the cause of this; it was more which pushed me out of my comfort it made me feel as though I was the combination of hilarious activities, zone and left me with no doubt I already getting the chance to have breath-taking scenery, relaxing wanted to pursue a more active role a say in issues close to my heart. atmosphere and formation of long- in Year 13 – a position I am lucky Finally, a few of us were called back lasting friendships that did it for me. enough to have been entrusted with. the next day for further individual interviews, which were very similar Apart from your studies, what What subjects are you studying to the previous ones. The only do you like to do in your free now? difference was that they were led by time? Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics. Mr. Nicholson as well as the heads of Primarily, sport is my passion: I have I was also studying Further Maths sixth form, which made them slightly played seven different sports for until late in Year 12, when I realised more nerve-wracking! the school, four for my county and I would need to drop it to give am also part of my regional netball appropriate focus to my other What would you like to do when team. This leaves precious little time subjects; a vital decision if I am to you leave Gillingham Sixth for anything else, but when I’m not attain the grades required for me to Form? travelling up and down the country achieve my goal of becoming a doctor. As I previously touched on, my for various fixtures, I find music helps ultimate dream is to go to medical me clear my head. I am currently What are you most looking school at a top university and practising for my Grade 8 piano, and forward to in your new role? become a doctor. From here, I I played the clarinet on my school’s I am looking forward to the blend would like to go through training and incredible music tour to Prague. of leadership and teamwork that become an Armed Forces doctor. I In addition, I recently travelled the role of deputy will offer. Every think this would be the perfect path to Buckingham Palace to receive member of the new committee for me because I work best under my Gold DofE award, which I am has fantastic qualities to bring to pressure and am good at thinking exceptionally proud of. the team, so I am very excited to on my feet. I also love interacting work with some people I haven’t with and helping people – and what Any other comments? particularly done so with before, better way to do this than to save If you know you are likely to want and come together to make some lives while simultaneously serving my to be part of it in Year 13, I would big decisions. These will include the country? highly recommend joining the sixth details of the revival of the Christmas form committee a year early in year Extravaganza, which is an old school What ideas do you have to 12. For me, it was the perfect way of tradition that has not been around improve the Sixth Form and getting used to the feeling of working for the past few years, but which we contribute to the overall school? as a team and making things happen are planning to bring back and make I have several ideas which I discussed within the school, which made me the best yet. The proceeds from during my interviews. My biggest feel much more at home when we this, and many other similar events ambition is to build some better were left to fend for ourselves and throughout the year, will go to highly bridges between the school and make our own decisions as the Year 13s left. 10 Faye Tatchell Committee Member Why did you want to be a part of the Sixth Form Committee? I wanted to join the committee to improve my social skills while also making new friends and giving back to Gillingham School.

What subjects are you studying now? Philosophy, Media Studies and English Literature

What are you most looking forward to in your new role? I can’t wait to hold some fun events around school! Things like charity days and bake sales, exciting!

How did you find the interview process? It was actually really nice, I wasn’t anxious or anything. The teachers were very easy going and didn’t ask intimidating questions at all, and now they both know where I want to go on holiday! What would you like to do when you leave Gillingham Sixth Form? I want to get into a film school and learn how to be an editor and producer for TV shows.

What ideas do you have to improve the Sixth Form and contribute to the overall school? Rubbish and recycling is a huge problem at school. I think we need to put some more things in place to not just clean up the school but also contribute to the student movement against global warming.

What has been your most memorable experience at Gillingham so far? It happened recently, but all of the committee members had a meal at Nandos and it was such a great time the whole evening!

Apart from your studies, what do you like to do in your free time? I enjoy watching films and TV, recently I watched ‘The Godfather’ and all of ‘Game of Thrones’.

Year 9 students studying Textile Year 9 Upcycling Materials have been busy investigating the effects of Fast Fashion on society and the environment. As part of their project, they were tasked in ‘upcycling’ an existing product into something new and unique. Some students chose to radically alter their products, and some applied their knowledge of shaping and decoration to completely transform their items! What a fantastic range of outcomes! A chic clutch bag using denim jeans From t-shirt to cushion cover by by Charlotte Rose. Helen Lawrence. Mrs Custard

Funky flares by Elysia Tarling completely A skirt made from old jeans Lemoni Hoogewerf. changed the look of a polo and scrap fabric by Isobel Abstract art trousers by shirt. Jones. Tiegan Ferrari. 11 Chalke Valley History Festival Grandslam On Wednesday 26th June, Year 10 and 12 students visited the Chalke Valley History Festival to support their Champion! GCSE and A Level History studies. They attended talks and presentations by renowned historians on a range of subjects including World War 2, Witchcraft, the Vietnam War, Henry VIII and the Importance of History. They also took part in a reconstruction of an attack on a heavily defended German position above the Normandy beaches following the D-Day landings.

Mr Godfrey

Congratulations to Lilly Whale in Year 10 who became Double Kwon Grandslam Champion at Wolverhampton Racecourse on 16th June. Lilly beat top athletes from across England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland - being awarded not one, but two title belts! This is an amazing achievement that proves how hard Lilly has worked and how much effort she has put into her training. She has trained alongside her school studies and recent mocks. Lilly trains at the Dorset Lau Gar School of Martial Arts. Equestrian News Gillingham sent a squad of riders to the Dorset Games on Wednesday 26th June at Bryanston School, an NSEA show jumping competition against many other schools. The squad consisted of Molly Risley, Lilia Brunn, Elspeth Hedderwick and Alice Upshall.

In the 75cm class, Molly went clear coming individual 2nd place, with Lilia also going clear and Elspeth having a refusal and a pole. Their combined performances gained the team 4th! In the 85cm class, Molly did a fast clear, achieving the elusive win! Elspeth knocked the last jump and Alice had a pole, the team coming third against 9 other schools, which is a fantastic result! They did so well over a challenging course; there were several eliminations and some racked up 24 faults. The team received rosettes for the 75 and rosettes and medals for the 85, doing Gillingham School proud! If you are interested in joining the Gillingham School Equestrian squad for future competitions, please get in touch with Hannah Fowler ([email protected]) or Carlie Broomfield at the school [email protected]. They are competitions and training opportunities, coming up over the summer.

12  at Shaftesbury & Warminster 7 Windmill Close, Shaftesbury, Dorset, SP7 8DU Tel: 01747 852705 or 07727061077 E-mail: [email protected] www.griffintennisacademy.co.uk Participation Summer Holiday Camps 2019 @ Shaftesbury Community Tennis Club People located at Shaftesbury Secondary School Would you like to be a Student Rep for The Participation People? Would

you like to have your voice heard? 1) Tennis Specific Camps

Will run from 9am-3pm and will consist of tennis coaching. We will be learning the technique of the shots, Gillingham School need Student the tactical side of the game, and play fun drills and competitions. Cost = £25 / 9-3pm day / non-member £20 / 9-3pm day / Shaftesbury Community Tennis Club members Representatives to be student voices for the Participation 2) Multi Sports Camps People - a youth participation Will run from 9am-3pm and will involve playing lots of different sports such as football, netball, tennis, SPECIALIST organisation! They badminton, cricket, rounder’s, basketball, athletics, etc. deliver and manage local, national Cost = £15 / 9-3pm day / non-member £12 / 9-3pm day / Shaftesbury Community Tennis Club members and international youth participation 3) Combined Camps programmes, projects and training. Will run from 9-3pm and will consist of half a day of tennis specific coaching and half a day of playing multi sports. Students are invited to a JTAI Cost = £20 / 9-3pm day / non-member £16 / 9-3pm day / Shaftesbury Community Tennis Club members DESIGN WORKSHOP! INFORMATION

Offers Each workshop is 2 hours, with

Do ½ a day 9am-12midday for ½ price (suitable for 8&unders) plenty of breaks + pizza + voucher

Get 20% off when you do every day in 1 week incentive + short reference + certificate of attendance!

Please bring a pack lunch and drinks for your child for all the camps. There, young people will create

a “product” to help other young people: Summer Holiday Dates • Know how to keep themselves

Monday 22nd July 2019 - Friday 26th July 2019 = Multi sport camps safe Monday 29th July 2019 - Friday 2nd August 2019 = Tennis specific camps • Spot the signs of child exploitation Monday 5th August 2019 - Friday 9 th August 2019 = Combined camps • Know where to go for help Monday 12th August 2019 - Friday 16 th August 2019 = Multi sports Camps th th This “product” could be anything Monday 19 August 2019 - Friday 24 August 2019 = Tennis specific camp Tuesday 27th August 2019 - Friday 3 0th August 2019 = Combined camp from a cartoon storyboard, short film, bus stop poster site campaign

or Snapchat campaign!

To book a place contact us by; either telephone (01747 852705 or 07727061077), or email ([email protected] ), and send payment to 7 Windmill Close, Shaftesbury , Dorset, SP78DU. LOGISTICS To encourage as many young people to attend as possible, we are hosting 3 workshops:

•Workshop 1 - Weymouth, 5pm - 7pm •Workshop 2 - Sturminster Newton/ Sherborne, 5pm - 7pm •Workshop 3 - Poole, 5pm - 7pm Year 12 Activities Day We have confirmed sessions that young people can access for this FAB opportunity: •Tuesday 23rd in Dorchester, 5-7pm - open session •Thursday 25th in Weymouth, 5-7pm - open session You will have the opportunity to create a COUNTYWIDE social media campaign, that Dorset Council will launch this autumn! And get pizza and a voucher for your time! Contact Mrs Mack or email [email protected] for A group of our Year 12s had a fantastic day doing watersports at Poole Park more details. Visit their website at: last week for their Activities Day! https://participationpeople. com/ 13 North Dorset Rounders Through success at the North Dorset To Infinity! Rounders Tournament, the Year 9 Girls qualified for the Dorset School Games. During Join James Price this summer in Gillingham library to help create an the day they faced opposition from Ferndown, animated film about space and the things you might find out there. Twynham and Purbeck. Creating the Story Saturday 20 & 27 July

Sound effects and Music Tuesday 20 & Saturday 24 August

Drawing, Sketching & Designing Tuesday 30 July, 6 & 13 August, Thursday 1 & 15 August Saturday 10 August The above dates will run sessions As a result of some amazing fielding and batting, they qualified for the semi-final where 10.00am - 12.00pm & 1.00pm - 3.00pm they met SJC. A very close game of 4 - 4 1/2 saw them through to the final where they were Grand finale film screening Wednesday 14 September eventual runners up to Thomas Hardye. Well done girls!

Mrs Warren www.dorsetforyou.gov.uk/librariesasculturalhubs.aspx

Protractors & rulers School Library Shop Book covers - A4 & A5 Art sketch books - various sizes FORGOTTEN SOMETHING? PEN RUN Art portfolios OUT? Photography books (black pages) NO PROBLEM - COME AND SEE US AT Memory sticks THE LIBRARY SHOP! Pocket dictionaries

WE STOCK: ALSO AVAILABLE: Stationery - including pens, pencils, rubbers, School ties, School blazer badges, Sports socks glue sticks Geometry sets and calculators- a must for Exam Clear Pencil Cases maths! ONLY £1.00 including a compass, pencil, ruler, rubber and protractor.

Headteacher P Nicholson BEd Deputy Headteachers K Barker BSc, M Lavis BSc, S Turnbull MA Hardings Lane, Gillingham, Dorset, SP8 4QP Tel: 01747 822222 Email: [email protected] Fax: 01747 825263 Gillingham School www.gillingham-dorset.co.uk 1516-2016 14