Oldbury Wells Journal Summertitle 2018 Elcome to Our Summer Journal

Our students celebrating our recent Ofsted outcome with Mrs Godden and Miss Thomas. Oldbury Wells Journal SummerTitle 2018 elcome to our Summer Journal. This at GCSE level over the past few years.” positive validation of our work. Wterm our students have been involved Oldbury Wells has firmly established itself Summer Transition Programme in a wealth of activities which I hope you will amongst the very highest performing Year 5 pupils from primary schools in the enjoy reading about in this edition and as schools in Shropshire over recent years at Bridgnorth area visited Oldbury Wells in you know, Ofsted came! GCSE level. Further to this, in Sixth Form June for a week of taster days. This year’s High Praise from Ofsted league tables publishedS earlier this year, we transition programme is based on a secret Oldbury Wells received a glowing report also enjoyed second place in the A Level agent theme and children were busy in class from Ofsted this term, with the school progress tables for all state Sixth Forms activities such as a ‘Whodunnit’ challenge praised for “ensuring all pupils receive a and Colleges. In fact, Sixth Form progress in Science that involved finger printing high-quality education.” The school was scores at A Level outperformed all of its analysis. inspected on 1st May 2018 as a Section 8 local competitors. Amongst the many Before visiting us the pupils were invited inspection, which is a one day inspection other areas praised in the report was the to enter a competition to create a fictional to revalidate a school which has previously “excellent range of academic and vocational detective. The pupils submitted a wide been judged as ‘Good’ and where Ofsted courses.” Inspectors say that, “As a result, range of clever and imaginative ideas for doesn’t have any new concerns. We have the overwhelming majority of pupils leave a new supersleuth. A winner from each a long-standing reputation for providing a Oldbury Wells very well prepared for their primary school was selected and presented great education, with previous successful next steps.” with children’s mystery novels and Ofsted inspections grading the school Mr Crawford-Thomas, Chair of Governors educational puzzle book prizes. The overall as ‘Good’. The Ofsted inspection team at Oldbury Wells said, “We see our role, as winning creation, to be announced on our recognised the school has “continued to a secondary school, to prepare our young Open Evening on Monday 17th September, improve since the last inspection.” Several people for life after school through an will be turned into a book jacket by Marvel improvements get a special mention, excellent education. It is brilliant to hear artist Mike Fyles. Also on the evening one including the recognition of the continued that inspectors think we are doing so well. family will be the lucky winner of a family steadfast rise in attainment over the past I’d like to thank staff for their hard work and ticket to Bletchley Park. Turn to the back few years. commitment to our young people and for page for more information about our Open Miss Thomas, Deputy Headteacher the positive difference that they make to Evening. You can also find more information explained, “We have worked in a dedicated them for life beyond school.” on our website: www.oldburywells.com and consistent way to make further The lead Ofsted inspector focused part of We hope the pupils enjoyed the workshops improvements at our school. As a result we this report on the school ethos. He wrote, and lessons during their taster days with have very firm foundations now for pupils to “You have placed the needs of pupils at us. For more information, please see our be highly successful. We judge our teaching the centre of the school’s work. As a result Primary Connections magazine on our to be outstanding/good across the school you have created an inclusive, caring and website. and have seen improvements in the league friendly community.” table measures at both Sixth Form and also We are delighted with the report; it’s a very Mrs Godden, Headteacher

1 PRIMARY NEWS Music Department Success Oldbury Wells Remembers ldbury Wells Music department is celebrating a fabulous year (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music) Classical Vocal Oof instrumental examination success with students winning Menin Gate Competition medals at Arts Festivals and musicians succeeding in auditions Sally Barras: Saxophone Tutor (also teaches Clarinet and Piano) o support this term’s centenary study visit to Ypres, Arras and the for various Shropshire Youth Music ensembles. The students who • George Pommells, Year 10: Grade 1 Saxophone Distinction TSomme, students in Year 8 have been designing the centrepiece of the are all listed, many of whom are in the photograph below, are all Oldbury Wells poppy wreath as part of their History studies on the ‘War taught at Oldbury Wells by visiting instrumental and vocal tutors Stella Disney: Brass Tutor to end all wars’. Students, staff and parents were asked to vote for their and this is a great opportunity to say thank you to those teachers • Darcey Hartland, Year 7: Grade 3 Pass, Cornet favourite design. This was laid by our Year 8 students during the Last Post for their expertise and commitment to our students, ensuring their ceremony on Saturday 7th July at the Menin Gate in Ypres. Esme Turner’s wonderful success. Congratulations everyone and we look forward Andrew Jones: Guitar Tutor school logo entwined with poppies won the artist prize, while Gareth to another great year ahead. • Millie Burt, Year 7: Grade 2 Guitar Distinction Saunders’s thoughtful consideration of what the war meant to him was Bev Wightman: Vocal Tutor • Immie Preston, Year 7: Grade 2 Guitar Merit chosen as a fitting label. Nathaniel Hook was also highly commended for • Maisie Freeman, Year 7: Grade 6 Distinction and Grade 8 his personal poetry choice. Distinction Pop Vocal Dave Odart: Drum Tutor The quality of entries was extremely high and we have been very • Alice Haden, Year 7: Grade 4 Distinction and Grade 1 Piano • Darcey Hartland, Year 7: Grade 1 Drumkit Distinction pleased with how far World War I is still an inspiration for students today. Distinction • Chris Peters, Year 8: Grade 1 Drumkit Distinction Congratulations to Esme, Gareth and Nathaniel for your winning and • Thomas Wellings, Year 8: Grade 3 Distinction inspirational work and well done to everyone who entered the competition. • Toby Large, Year 9: Grade 5 Distinction Jane Magee: Cello Tutor World War I Battlefield Visit • Lydia Howarth, Year 9: Grade 5 Distinction • Mia Clement, Year 11: Grade 4 Cello Merit 57 students enjoyed a four-day study visit to Ypres, Arras and the Somme • Maddie Orton, Year 9: Grade 4 Distinction in July. The group visited a range of battlefield sites, trench networks and • Scarlet Barras, Year 10: Grade 6 Distinction and Grade 4 ABRSM war cemeteries. For a full account of the weekend activities, please visit our website: www.oldburywells.com. Special mention must be made of Daniel Billingham, Year 10 and Megan Dempsey, Year 9, who represented the school beautifully at the Menin Gate. Additional images of the visit will be featured in the Autumn newsletter to mark Remembrance Day 2018.

Ensemble Success Mr Grainger, Head of Humanities ongratulations to Year 9 students Huw Morgan, George Frith and CJude Watters who have all passed their auditions and are now playing with the Shropshire Training Youth Orchestra on clarinet, kit and trombone respectively. Jude has also passed an audition to play with the Shropshire Youth Big Band and Huw is playing with ‘Sunflower Saxes’, a local ensemble directed by Sally Barras. Oldbury Wells Orchestra, vocal group ‘Encore’ and our student bands, ‘River Water’ and ‘All Red’ all performed at the Theatre Severn in Shrewsbury on 4th July as part of the Shropshire Music Celebrating their achievements are from left are Alice Haden, Year 7, Chris Peters, Service Gala Week. Well done to all members of our school-based Year 8, Thomas Wellings, Year 8, Maisie Freeman, Year 8, Amy Gilmour, Year 7, Lydia Howarth, Year 9, Immie Preston, Year 7, Toby Large, Year 9, Darcey Hartland, Year 7, ensembles who meet each week during the school year, rehearsing George Frith, Year 9, Millie Burt, Year 7, Huw Morgan, Year 9, Maddie Orton, Year 9, repertoire and developing ensemble skill. I am very proud of you all Scarlet Barras, Year 10 and Jude Watters, Year 9. and thank you for your commitment to and enthusiasm for Music.

Music Theatre Duet (Years 7-9) – Maisie Freeman and Amy Gilmour, Year 7: Gold Much Wenlock Live Arts Music Theatre Duet (Years 10-13) – Scarlet Barras, Year 10 and any of our students were entered into vocal performance Maddie Orton, Year 9: Silver Mcategories by Bev Wightman our Vocal Tutor and there were Solo Music Theatre (Years 7-9) – Maisie Freeman, Year 7: Gold, many medals won. Congratulations to everyone! Lydia Howarth, Year 9: Silver and Toby Large, Year 9: Bronze.

Vocal Solo (Classical, Years 7-9) – Amy Gilmour, Year 7: Gold and Miss Dangerfield, Head of Music Maisie Freeman, Year 7: Silver Vocal Solo (Classical, Years 10-13) – Scarlet Barras, Year 10: Silver Vocal Duet (Classical, Years 7-9) – Maisie Freeman and Amy Gilmour, Year 7: Gold

2 NEWS

Oldbury Wells Remembers (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music) Classical Vocal Menin Gate Competition Sally Barras: Saxophone Tutor (also teaches Clarinet and Piano) o support this term’s centenary study visit to Ypres, Arras and the • George Pommells, Year 10: Grade 1 Saxophone Distinction TSomme, students in Year 8 have been designing the centrepiece of the Oldbury Wells poppy wreath as part of their History studies on the ‘War Stella Disney: Brass Tutor to end all wars’. Students, staff and parents were asked to vote for their • Darcey Hartland, Year 7: Grade 3 Pass, Cornet favourite design. This was laid by our Year 8 students during the Last Post ceremony on Saturday 7th July at the Menin Gate in Ypres. Esme Turner’s Andrew Jones: Guitar Tutor school logo entwined with poppies won the artist prize, while Gareth • Millie Burt, Year 7: Grade 2 Guitar Distinction Saunders’s thoughtful consideration of what the war meant to him was • Immie Preston, Year 7: Grade 2 Guitar Merit chosen as a fitting label. Nathaniel Hook was also highly commended for his personal poetry choice. Dave Odart: Drum Tutor The quality of entries was extremely high and we have been very • Darcey Hartland, Year 7: Grade 1 Drumkit Distinction pleased with how far World War I is still an inspiration for students today. • Chris Peters, Year 8: Grade 1 Drumkit Distinction Congratulations to Esme, Gareth and Nathaniel for your winning and inspirational work and well done to everyone who entered the competition. Jane Magee: Cello Tutor World War I Battlefield Visit • Mia Clement, Year 11: Grade 4 Cello Merit 57 students enjoyed a four-day study visit to Ypres, Arras and the Somme in July. The group visited a range of battlefield sites, trench networks and war cemeteries. For a full account of the weekend activities, please visit our website: www.oldburywells.com. Special mention must be made of Daniel Billingham, Year 10 and Megan Dempsey, Year 9, who represented the school beautifully at the Menin Gate. Additional images of the visit will be featured in the Autumn newsletter to mark Remembrance Day 2018. Pictured with their winning art work at the Bridgnorth Town Park Memorial are Year 8 students Gareth Saunders, Esme Turner and Nathaniel Hook. Ensemble Success Mr Grainger, Head of Humanities ongratulations to Year 9 students Huw Morgan, George Frith and CJude Watters who have all passed their auditions and are now playing with the Shropshire Training Youth Orchestra on clarinet, kit and trombone respectively. Jude has also passed an audition to play with the Shropshire Youth Big Band and Huw is playing with ‘Sunflower Saxes’, a local ensemble directed by Sally Barras. Oldbury Wells Orchestra, vocal group ‘Encore’ and our student bands, ‘River Water’ and ‘All Red’ all performed at the Theatre Severn in Shrewsbury on 4th July as part of the Shropshire Music Service Gala Week. Well done to all members of our school-based ensembles who meet each week during the school year, rehearsing repertoire and developing ensemble skill. I am very proud of you all Students toured the tunnels beneath Arras at Wellington A moment of reflection at the world’s biggest and thank you for your commitment to and enthusiasm for Music. Quarry. British war cemetery at Tyne Cot. Daniel Billingham, Year 10 and Megan Dempsey, Year 9 with Esme Turner’s wreath design and Gareth Saunder’s written piece at the Menin Gate in Ypres.

Music Theatre Duet (Years 7-9) – Maisie Freeman and Amy Gilmour, Year 7: Gold Music Theatre Duet (Years 10-13) – Scarlet Barras, Year 10 and Maddie Orton, Year 9: Silver Solo Music Theatre (Years 7-9) – Maisie Freeman, Year 7: Gold, Lydia Howarth, Year 9: Silver and Toby Large, Year 9: Bronze.

Miss Dangerfield, Head of Music

A war torn landscape at Lochnagar Crater, The memorial to the missing at Thieval, the Somme. Analysing Newfoundland Park, the Somme. the Somme.

3 Year 6 Induction Day ur new Year 7 students started their Oldbury Wells Ojourney in July. There were firsts for everybody: some students came on their own on the bus for the first time and some walked to school with their friends. All were met by current Year 7 students who remember what it was like to be new. The newcomers were guided to the West Hall where they found out which tutor group they will be in and there were lots of thumbs up and even a few hugs as they met their friends. They were encouraged to talk to fellow students in their forms and many will have begun life-long friendships on the day. Students attended taster lessons in a wide variety of subjects. Pictured are students learning to use Bunsen burners safely for the first time in Mr Sawyer’s Science class. All staff hope that the new Year 7s had a lovely time and that their first day has given them lots to look forward to.

Mrs Thomas , Head of Year 7

Charity News ear 7 at Oldbury Wells were involved in a charity event to raise money Yfor chosen charities as part of a group activity at the end of term. Each form designed their own poster, activities and events. 7EJW chose Diabetes UK as their charity and organised a cake, sweet bag sale and ‘Guess the name of the teddy bear’ competition to win the cute cuddly toy. They also planned a ‘Guess how many sweets in the jar’ game and, with World Cup fever at its highest, a’ keepie uppie’ competition to win a world cup football.

44 New Staff WW2 Workshops e are pleased to welcome new teaching staff who will be starting n June Year 8 students were treated to World War II Wat Oldbury Wells in September. They are Mr Garcia, Modern Iworkshops led by enthusiast and collector, Mr Shipley, Foreign Languages Teacher, Miss Ransom, Science Teacher, Miss our Design and Technology Technician. The British and Warner, Psychology Teacher, Mrs Barlow, Director of Learning/Head of American experience of warfare from Dunkirk to D-Day Maths, Miss Thornton, Modern Foreign Languages Teacher and Miss was explored through key artefacts. Students had the Edwards, Science Teacher. opportunity to dress as a World War II soldier, train as a A big thank you to Mr Stocks and Mrs Thomas for their many years of machine gunner, attempt army manoeuvres and try their service to Oldbury Wells, both of whom retire this year. Our thanks hand at morse code as well as seeing a US army jeep in also to Miss Higgins, Miss Faure, Miss Smith and Miss Green who are all action. A big thank you to Mr Shipley for his enthusiasm moving on in their careers. We wish you all the very best. and expertise. Mr Grainger, Head of Humanities

Pictured are new teaching staff Mr D. Garcia, MFL, Miss T. Ransom, Science, Miss S. Warner, Psychology, Mrs K. Barlow, Director of Learning/Head of Maths, Miss L. Thornton, MFL and Miss A. Edwards, Science. Year 8 student Charlie Davies pictured alongside Mr Shipley’s vintage jeep.

Year 11 Leavers’ Prom ur Year 11 leavers’ prom was held in the beautiful setting of OHaughton Hall, Shifnal on Friday 15th June. The students shone in their evening wear and wore a variety of glamorous dresses and sharp suits. The carriages to escort the students to the venue included tractors, lorries and sports cars together with a selection of classic vehicles. It was a sight to behold! Parents, grandparents and well-wishers spent an exciting hour watching everyone arrive. The students walked the red carpet on arrival and enjoyed non- alcoholic cocktails and posing for photos before moving on to the lavishly decorated function room. They were also lucky to have the addition of Feather and Fox who brought their magic mirror booth and glitter and body decorations. The buffet was delicious and the night was spent dancing with the evening finished off with the crowning of our Prom King and Queen. A big thank you to Haughton Hall for hosting such a memorable evening. Haughton Hall commented that our students were the best behaved attendees of a prom.

To view photos of the 2018 Prom, please visit our website: www. oldburywells.com Ms Barlow, Student Support Worker

5 Arthog Adventures LITERACY n March, once again, students and staff upheld electricity or running water. Art & Design 2018 Ithe grand tradition of embarking on an As we all braved the highs and lows, the always adventure of a lifetime to the depths of deepest, excellent Arthog instructors opened students’ darkest Wales, just off the River Mawddach, eyes and minds to the wonders that lie away taking more students than we have ever taken from the lands of Fifa and Fortnite. Summer Exhibition before (89 in total). We were sure to have an Each group undertook slightly different amazing experience and we did just that. challenges on day-to-day activities and will Students were challenged to the very limits of have memories that will last them beyond the their personal comfort zones through activities classroom walls. such as gorge walking (scrambling up and down Great fun was had by all students involved flowing rivers and waterfalls), rock climbing on and hopefully some new skills, thoughts and the Barmouth Slabs, mountain walking on the friendships were formed along the way. challenging slopes of Cader Idris or slumming it for a night in the bothy where there is no Mr Smith, Arthog Coordinator

Year 5 Primary Workshops Escher: Impossible World ear 5 primary students were involved in an Art workshop to study Ythe amazing work of the artist and designer, M. C. Escher. Students studied his mind-boggling optical illusions and his unbelievable tessellating images. They then had the task to create their own tessellating shapes! All of the students were successfully able to tessellate their design and develop their own personal pattern. They worked really hard during the session to ensure the tessallation worked, but also had fun customising their design to create monsters, creatures and dinosaurs. After the workshop, students also went home with their very own acrylic tessallation puzzle based on one of Escher’s most famous puzzles, to amaze their friends with!

Figure Drawing and Portrait Enrichment Work ixth Form Art students and Able and Talented Year 10 and Year 11 Sstudents have been working with local artist Mark Warner over the last two years as part of our enrichment programme. They developed valuable observation drawings for coursework and developed work for exam themes. Congratulations to all those involved in the workshops.

6 Arthog Adventures LITERACYArt showcase Art & Design 2018 Summer Exhibition tudents, family, friends and school governors enjoyed a fantastic Sevening viewing Art and Design work from some of the GCSE and A Level students at Oldbury Wells on a lovely summer’s evening in June. The amazing work of the Years 10, 11, 12 and 13 Art and Design students was celebrated in the annual summer showcase. Art work included GCSE graphics and Year 11 Fine Art, A Level coursework and exam responses from Year 13 on themes such as perspective, political events and insects. GCSE Design work included a globe – an educational fun product by Emma Smith for a child’s bedroom and some garments inspired by themes such as Star Wars. Also some amazing glass, fabric and metal lamps created as a response to the new GCSE requirements where we deliver Textiles and Resistant Materials to all Design students. Many thanks also to Year 11 student Louis Briggs who provided the live music with an amazing set for two hours. Louis is a regular on the local music scene and he recently played at ‘Five for a Fiver’ at Broseley which showcases young talent. Up and coming gigs he will be playing are Vdubs in the Valley and the Warton Music Festival near Birmingham. Many thanks once again to all staff who helped at and supported the summer exhibition. Mrs Wycherley, Head of Art

7 SPORTS DAY

ports day, or what should be known as record breaking day, was closely contested and brilliant to watch between Danny Williams Georgia and Eve’s Visit to San excellent event with amazing sunshine and records being and Fin Bowen. The Triple Jump competition was just as hotly broken on the track all day. The weather was the best it had been all contested with most students producing massive personal bests. A week and the blistering heat meant that the students made use of couple of records came close but not quite broken. the ice creams available to them throughout the day. Back on the track another two records were broken, this time in Auschwitz-Birkenau The day started with the hurdles races which is always an exciting the blue ribbon event of the 100m. Exciting races in all year groups irstly , we attended a seminar in Birmingham to give us a occasion – is someone going to hit the hurdle and crash to the floor produced some excellent results especially in Year 9 as Lucy Wilcox Fsolid grounding ready for the trip itself. Here we were given or are they going to clear them all successfully? There were some and Fin Bowen both broke the Year 9 records in some impressive information about our visit and we also heard a testimony from brilliant races and this was where the first records were broken. times. Susan Pollock, a survivor of the Holocaust. To hear Luca Scott in the Year 7 boys and Beth Morris in the Year 7 girls both Throughout all of this the students who were spectating and the story of someone who had been through so broke their respective records. Fin Bowen then followed that up supporting their houses were brilliant and made sure that the much trauma was truly eye-opening. It really gave with a record in the Year 9 boys. A brilliant start to the day. athletes in their houses felt the support to produce the results they us a solid grounding ready for our visit to Poland. Throughout the day the students performed brilliantly putting in did. When we arrived in Poland, we went to the town some excellent performances. If I asked any of the teachers who The day ultimately was brilliant and produced brilliant results of Oswiecim. By going here we could see the place were officiating each event, they will all say something different as throughout the day. Well done everyone. where so many people who were affected by the some students produced some amazing throws and brilliant jumps. Holocaust lived. This was very important as it really Rajan Banger in Year 7 throwing the discus was a sight to behold as Mr Cowburn, PE Teacher & Sports Day Coordinator made us realise that absolutely everyone was a he threw a massive personal best. The Year 9 discus competition was person, just like us, and this was their home town, just like ours. When we arrived at Auschwitz 1 we looked round the many rooms, each filled with personal possessions of those who were taken there. There were hairbrushes, suitcases, clothing and many other simple everyday items. This really highlighted the fact that the people involved thought they were coming to start a new life; they didn’t realise that their life and human rights were going to be stripped from them. Although the two things that struck me the most were the sheer amount of shoes that there were – there were piles and piles of them. Also the mounds of human hair had a huge impact on me, making me realise that this was not just something that belonged to the prisoners, but was a part of their body that was stripped from them; they were dehumanised. We then looked inside a gas chamber and it was truly awful to think that we were standing inside the very walls that so many families, adults and children were murdered in such an awful way. We could understand this so much more after hearing Susan Pollock’s story as she told us how her brother was forced to remove the bodies from the gas chamber and dispose of them in the furnace. I can’t even begin to imagine the upset he went through, being forced to do such an awful thing. Next we went to Auschwitz-Birkenau. This is a second camp which was built by prisoners who were in Auschwitz 1. This camp struck

8 6th FORM NEWS closely contested and brilliant to watch between Danny Williams Georgia and Eve’s Visit to me so much more; it was so vast and open and the cold weather and Fin Bowen. The Triple Jump competition was just as hotly really highlighted this because, if we were cold wrapped up in contested with most students producing massive personal bests. A plenty of layers and suitable footwear, the prisoners there wore couple of records came close but not quite broken. nothing but thin garments and flimsy shoes, yet were expected Back on the track another two records were broken, this time in Auschwitz-Birkenau to work outside in all weather conditions for 12 hours a day, every the blue ribbon event of the 100m. Exciting races in all year groups irstly , we attended a seminar in Birmingham to give us a day. We saw the places where prisoners had to live and the living produced some excellent results especially in Year 9 as Lucy Wilcox Fsolid grounding ready for the trip itself. Here we were given conditions were awful. Here we had a talk from the leader of the and Fin Bowen both broke the Year 9 records in some impressive information about our visit and we also heard a testimony from organisation who said to us, “Fear isn’t failing an exam or not times. Susan Pollock, a survivor of the Holocaust. To hear getting into Throughout all of this the students who were spectating and the story of someone who had been through so university. supporting their houses were brilliant and made sure that the much trauma was truly eye-opening. It really gave Fear is athletes in their houses felt the support to produce the results they us a solid grounding ready for our visit to Poland. waking up did. When we arrived in Poland, we went to the town not knowing The day ultimately was brilliant and produced brilliant results of Oswiecim. By going here we could see the place if today will throughout the day. Well done everyone. where so many people who were affected by the be your last.” Holocaust lived. This was very important as it really This has Mr Cowburn, PE Teacher & Sports Day Coordinator made us realise that absolutely everyone was a really stuck person, just like us, and this was their home town, with me. We just like ours. then walked When we arrived at Auschwitz 1 we down the looked round the many rooms, each filled centre of the with personal possessions of those who “Fear isn’t failing an track where were taken there. There were hairbrushes, various suitcases, clothing and many other simple poems and readings were recited. We everyday items. This really highlighted exam or not getting into walked around the entire camp. We the fact that the people involved thought saw the room where the prisoners were they were coming to start a new life; they taken upon arrival to the camp; the didn’t realise that their life and human university. Fear is waking place where they were stripped of their rights were going to be stripped from identity, where they had their heads them. Although the two things that struck shaved and a number tattoed onto their me the most were the sheer amount of up not knowing if today skin. Also here, there was a room where shoes that there were – there were piles there were photographs of people taken and piles of them. Also the mounds of before the war. This was emotional as human hair had a huge impact on me, will be your last.” you could see how happy they all looked making me realise – families, children – people with that this was not their whole lives ahead of them, just something that yet their lives were taken from belonged to the them in a horrific way. prisoners, but was To end the day we lighted candles a part of their body and listened to poems and that was stripped speeches at the memorial. This was from them; they were a really touching moment but also dehumanised. a wonderful way to take time to We then looked reflect on the day and remember inside a gas chamber the millions of innocent people and it was truly awful who lost their lives. to think that we were At the follow-up seminar we took standing inside the time to reflect on what we saw and looked at how, still today, hate very walls that so crime is prominent. We planned to do something to make sure the many families, adults and children were murdered in such an awful events of the Holocaust were not forgotten, so we decided to give way. We could understand this so much more after hearing Susan a presentation to a group of Year 7 students. Pollock’s story as she told us how her brother was forced to remove Overall, visiting Auschwitz was a really eye-opening and the bodies from the gas chamber and dispose of them in the worthwhile experience and it is something I will remember for furnace. I can’t even begin to imagine the upset he went through, ever. being forced to do such an awful thing. Next we went to Auschwitz-Birkenau. This is a second camp which Georgia Smith, Year 12 Student was built by prisoners who were in Auschwitz 1. This camp struck

9 OURSPORT TRIPS

County Athletics Successes County Games Success Again! We always have a rich pool of athletics Oldbury Wells celebrated more impressive talent here at Oldbury Wells, in part down sporting successes this year at the School to the hard work done by Bridgnorth Games Festivals as part of the Sainsbury’s Athletics Club, and this year we have had School Games, during which schools from a huge amount of success at county level across all of Shropshire compete against once again. We have entered dozens one another in a series of sports. Regional of students into individual and team qualifiers took place across the county competitions over the past few months, in these sports over the year to select many events taking place at weekends, schools to represent each of the competing Year 8 football stars, Charlie Davies, Daniel Overton, and we have been really proud of the districts: East Shropshire, South Shropshire, Matthew Whitehead and James D’Arcy. performances put in by our students. Our North Shropshire, Shrewsbury, Telford most notable performances have come & Wrekin, Phoenix and Telford & Wrekin from: Burton Borough. Summer is on a High! The East Shropshire Partnership were Year 8 student Summer Evans deserves Boys crowned champions in the games for the massive congratulations on finishing 5th County Athletics Junior Boys Team – 3rd – 9th successive time and Oldbury Wells in the country in her age category in the Jack Cole, Year 8 once again contributed significantly to this British Schools Trampoline Finals in Ireland District Y7/8 Boys Athletics Team – 1st – success in the events they represented East on Saturday 24th March. What a fantastic Jack Cole, Year 8 Shropshire in. achievement! Summer had a fantastic time County Y8 Boys Triple Jump – 1st – Jack Oldbury Wells have some fantastic statistics competing against so many other excellent Cole, Year 8 as the most successful school in the county performers. She said, “There were 489 County Y8 Boys Hurdles – 4th – Jack Cole, at these events over the last number of gymnasts from 160 schools competing in Year 8 years, representing East Shropshire in more the final. Of these there were 209 novices County U15 Boys 1500m – 1st – Daniel teams than any other school and bringing of all ages, including teams as well as Galloway, Year 8 home more gold medals than any other individual competitors.” County U15 Boys 3000m – 1st – Daniel school in the county over the past 5 years. Summer was nervous going into the Galloway, Year 8 We are really proud of the performance competition, having never performed in County Junior Boys Javelin – 1st – Joe of our pupils in these games – well done front of so many people before. Cotham, Year 9 everyone! “During the afternoon there were a few County Junior Boys 200m – 5th – Joe Mr Farish, Head of PE accidents and at one point an ambulance Cotham, Year 9 had to be called as one of the older County Combined Events Intermediate Football News competitors had fallen off the trampoline. Boys Athletics – 4th – George Pommells, Oldbury Wells would like to congratulate This put the competition back by two Year 10 our Year 8 boys footballers who have hours. I was competitor number 26 of 29 County Combined Events Intermediate competed for a spot in the U14 Shropshire in my age and category. I was excited and Boys Athletics – 5th – Oliver Andreae, Year County football team. From our very wanted to get on the trampoline to do my 10 successful boys team, James D’Arcy, Jack routines. It felt an age before it was my turn County Intermediate Boys Triple Jump – Price, Matthew Whitehead, Daniel Overton to perform.” 2nd – Oliver Andreae, Year 10 and Charlie Davies competed against She managed to put all of her nerves aside students from other schools in our district. and pull off two excellent routines to claim Girls Matthew, Daniel, James and Charlie were her 5th spot, only narrowly missing out on Partnership Y7 Indoor Athletics Girls Team – some of the top performers on the night of 4th place! 1st – Aimee Gaff, Year 7 the first trials, making it through to the next “I really enjoyed my two routines and District Y7/8 Girls Athletics Team – 2nd – stage. This included three other districts wanted to do them again when it was all Aimee Gaff, Year 7 from Telford, North Shropshire and South finished. I was really happy when I saw the County U15 Girls 800m – 4th – Frances Shropshire. score sheet and couldn’t believe I had come Callaghan, Year 7 The standard increased and so did the 5th overall.” County Junior Girls 75m Hurdles – 4th – level of our representatives, upping their Miss Joiner, PE Teacher Natalie Rooney, Year 8 game and showing the high abilities that County Junior Girls 300m – 5th – Natalie we know they have. After some very close Rooney, Year 8 games and some fantastic football from County Y8 Girls Javelin – 2nd – Sophie all teams, I am pleased to say that Daniel Kinnersley, Year 8 Overton and Charlie Davies have made it through to the final trials which will be held Mr Farish, Head of PE in September. Well done boys and good luck for the next stage. Summer Evans performing at the trampolining finals. Mr Smith, PE Teacher

10 Rounder! Rounder! Rounder! Ellie for England! Dan was also busy with England Handball, This summer has seen a fantastic number In addition to our own school successes taking part in the futures programme for of rounders successes across all year with a rounders bat, Year 9 student Ellie selected elite handball players – as a result groups. We kicked off the season with the Anderson has also been excelling on the of which he has been invited to participate U16 team winning the District Tournament national stage. She was successful this in the World Games in Paris in July. In May convincingly at William Brookes School led year in the England rounders selection he represented Shropshire Handball in the by Year 11 student Nyah Edwards. This was and has been training and playing with National Cup which they won. immediately followed by the Year 8 team the national squad. Not happy with Dan’s dedication and hard work in these claiming victory and also becoming District being awesome at one striking/fielding two sports has paid off as he has received champions following their tournament game, Ellie is also playing cricket for the two offers for September – a place on the at Bridgnorth Endowed School. The Year Worcester Ladies Rapids team sheet. Ellie AASE Programme with Leicester Tigers 9 team narrowly missed out on the top played division 1 T20 games for Worcester RFU and AASE programme with Midland spot to a very strong Bridgnorth Endowed and they won against Surrey. Ellie had an Hurricanes RFL. The Academic and Sporting Summer is on a High! team, but finished 2nd place overall, only amazing weekend for Alveley seniors and Excellence (AASE) programme aims to Year 8 student Summer Evans deserves dropping two points from their head-to- Worcestershire U15 girls, achieving highest provide an outstanding ruby and academic massive congratulations on finishing 5th head with Bridgnorth Endowed which they batsman in both matches with 33 and 87 development programme for talented in the country in her age category in the won by one rounder! The Year 10s then runs scored. Well done Ellie and long may young players to achieve their potential British Schools Trampoline Finals in Ireland performed absolutely fantastically to win the success continue! both on and off the pitch. on Saturday 24th March. What a fantastic their District tournament, scoring at least This is an amazing achievement and we achievement! Summer had a fantastic time 10 rounders per game and conceding less Miss Joiner, PE Teacher wish Dan the best of luck for the future. competing against so many other excellent than 6 rounders in the whole competition. Well done Dan! performers. She said, “There were 489 Not wanting to be left out, the Year 7s then gymnasts from 160 schools competing in went on to win their District competition to the final. Of these there were 209 novices finish off a fantastic season of girls rounders of all ages, including teams as well as for Oldbury Wells. Well done to all involved! individual competitors.” Summer was nervous going into the Miss Joiner, PE Teacher competition, having never performed in front of so many people before. “During the afternoon there were a few Ellie Anderson in her England rounders kit. accidents and at one point an ambulance had to be called as one of the older competitors had fallen off the trampoline. This put the competition back by two hours. I was competitor number 26 of 29 in my age and category. I was excited and Year 8 rounders team. wanted to get on the trampoline to do my Dan Brough with his trophies and medals. routines. It felt an age before it was my turn to perform.” She managed to put all of her nerves aside Ellie pictured with the England rounders squad. Ellie for England! and pull off two excellent routines to claim Since September students have given her 5th spot, only narrowly missing out on up their time to ensure there are high 4th place! quality competitions for local primary “I really enjoyed my two routines and Dan Brough – Sports Showcase schools. They have helped set up, coach wanted to do them again when it was all Year 11 student, Dan Brough, has and umpire a massive amount of sports finished. I was really happy when I saw the been busy this year with his sporting including orienteering, gymnastics, cross Year 10 rounders team. score sheet and couldn’t believe I had come achievements. In the spring he was in country, tennis, a Disney multi-skills festival 5th overall.” London representing Leicester Tigers and all the typical invasion games. Over Miss Joiner, PE Teacher Rugby Football Union at the annual 140 students volunteered this year in at Wellington Festival where the top 2% of least one primary sports event with some under 16s get to train and play alongside helping out at multiple events. In total the each other. The week-long programme, volunteers at Oldbury Wells have reached held annually at Wellington College, a whopping 1,740 hours. Well done to you Berkshire, aims to develop both academy all! players and coaches on and off the field in a variety of areas. It is the largest academy Miss Massey, PE Teacher festival in English rugby and is seen as a key Year 11 rounders team. experience in a player’s development.

11 NOTICE BOARD Arriva Bus Saver Pass BEAM: Be Kind to your Mind or any students who travel to Oldbury Wells eam is a drop-in service run by The For more information email: AskBeam@ Fon an Arriva bus, Child Saver tickets are now BChildren’s Society with offices in childrenssociety.org.uk available to buy. Telford and Shrewsbury. The service is For less than £1.50 a day, students can have for children and young people aged unlimited access to travel on any bus across all 0-25 and also their parents and carers. routes in Shropshire and the West Midlands. The Their aim is to give advice and support ticket not only offers reduced price bus travel costs with any concerns relating to emotional to and from school – students will also be able to and mental wellbeing. use their bus pass during evenings, weekends and Opening times: Mondays 2-6pm, right through the school holidays. Hollinswood Neighbourhood Centre, Telford TF3 2EW For more information visit www.arriva.co.uk Thursdays 2-6pm, upstairs at Palmer’s Cafe, Claremont Street, Shrewsbury SY1 1QG

Wishing you all a relaxing summer break . We look forward to seeing you in September our and welcoming new s Year7 to Oldbury Wells

Autumn Term 2018 Spring Term 2019 • Starts: Wednesday, 5 September 2018: Y7 • Starts: Monday, 7 January 2019 (& Y12 students who were not present on • Half-term: Monday, 18 – Friday, 22 results day) February 2019 inclusive Thursday, 6 September 2018: Y8, Y9, • Ends: Friday, 12 April 2019 Term Y10, Y11, Y12 and Y13 • PD Days: Monday, 25 February 2019 Half-term: Monday, 29 October – Friday, 2 November 2018 inclusive Summer Term 2019 • Ends: Friday, 21 December 2018 • Starts: Monday, 29 April 2019 • PD Days: Monday, 3 September 2018, • (Bank Holiday: Monday, 6 May 2019) Dates Tuesday 4 September 2018 and Friday, 26 • Half-term: Monday, 27 May – Friday, 31 October 2018 May 2019 inclusive • • Ends: Friday, 19 July 2019 • • PD Days: Monday, 22 July 2019