OPMAGAZINE35

Orleans Park Summer 2012

ORLEANS PARK SCHOOL PROM Stadium 29 June 2012 From the Press Team Accelerated Reading

This latest magazine might just be the best 40 Year 9 pupils took part in an exciting ever. It’s packed with articles, reports and new reading scheme this year called photos that capture all the latest goings-on Accelerated Reading. They had to read in and around Orleans Park. This summer books at exactly the right level for them edition splashes the fantastic Prom at the and then take an online quiz to determine Rugby Ground, features articles on the how well they had read the book. Alice in Wonderland Cross-Curricular day Romancia in May – immense fun and a real day to Browne was cherish, the Fun Run, the school’s 31st The Orleans Park Press Team 2012 is: this year’s success at the Borough Sports, the China Gavin Pham, Luke Airey, Jamie Mackie- winner reading Trip, a round-up of Gifted & Talented Elia, Harvey Planer, Richard Johns, 1,260,007 words activities, Work Experience, Trips and Alex Collier (not pictured) and 15 books. success stories. Supervising editors Ms R Crisa, Her efforts were We hope you enjoy reading this as much Mrs C Brooks & Mrs J Donnelly rewarded with as we have enjoyed compiling it for you. Consultant designer Peter Moore the prize of a Kindle! Other prize winners are: ‘Battle of Nature’ Farshad Fourgh, Barnaby Wing, Isaac Wing, Katja Biddles, Emma Uren, Ella “Have you seen them, Naruko?” Francis, Ethan Maddison. Lewis Jones won the 500- bellowed the King. It was a very successful scheme and one word English Department “Yes, father,” muttered Naruko. that will continue for another lucky 40 competition with this Her father turned to a large man next to pupils in Year 9! him, clad in golden armour. composition. l Mrs J Best “Alert the warriors; have them make peace. We have a great battle ahead.” Fiery embers floated down from the sky “Yes, my Lord,” replied the General. like burning snowflakes. The anguished “Naruko,” her father grabbed her, cry of an eagle could be heard as the wind “I know I have not been the best father swept through the trees in the mighty I could have been, focusing on being forest. your tutor rather than your father,” his ‘Nature is crying’, thought Naruko as she glimmering eyes showing a hint of regret, gazed down at the valley. “I am sorry.” Naruko was a quiet girl of 14 who had Naruko turned to her father, “It’s ok, dark brown hair, tanned skin and usually I love you too,” she ran off, the warning wore a gentle smile. Her brown eyes, signal chasing after her. normally soft, were scrunched up in a Naruko scampered up the archers’ hill, frown. She was ready. the enemy storming the valley. “Ready, She continued scanning the horizon, aim, FIRE!” – hundreds of arrows turned as did the vigilant warriors below. They the sky as black as raven wings. Down were waiting, just like her. Watching and below men were falling everywhere as waiting. Ready. arrows pierced their ragged armour. Wow. What a fantastic show! We Will Then she heard a rumble, sending “NARUKO!” exclaimed a soldier “We birds soaring away, and a constant Rock You has been a year in the making. need you down here!” What started out as a big idea resulted wave of shouting. They were coming, The girl tore down the hill like a in an even bigger performance! From nature’s enemy, the Demise Clan – ritual cheetah, knocking aside anyone in her the outset I was so impressed with the slaughterers. way. She saw animals charging brutally at commitment of all of the pupils involved. Naruko slid down from her hiding spot the masses of soldiers. on the rock, as nimble as a monkey, to ‘Nature is fighting,’ thought Naruko. Everyone seemed set on creating the best alert the watchmen. As she approached There she saw the Slaughter King, looming show we possibly could. Staff from across them she could hear the shouts getting over her father’s injured body. the school pooled their skills together in closer. “FATHER!” With instinct honed through a variety of areas to really make this a ‘Nature is scared’ thought Naruko, still training, she put an arrow through the whole school effort. The production itself running. King’s face; his blood gushed out like a involved over 100 pupils in some way, She bounded up to the grand village gates, river. from set design to stage hands, make-up a drift of squealing pigs raced past her, “Your King is dead, now leave this to performers and band. I would like to followed by a pack of frightened dogs. place!” hollered Naruko, before rushing to take this opportunity to thank everyone ‘Nature is running’ thought Naruko as her father’s aid. for their support with the musical and to she slowed to a walk. Deflated, wave by wave the soldiers all of the parents, carers, staff and friends She could hear the clatter of hooves as left the valley like the tide going out. The who came along to the show to support the King drew near, mounted on a Persian enemy retreated. our very talented performers. It really has warhorse. The man was old, but strong They had won. Nature had won. been the highlight of the year for me and for his age. He had broad shoulders, The new Queen, Naruko, had lost her I hope it has provided an exciting and a long ponytail that shimmered like a father. enriching opportunity for all involved. silvery stream and shining brown eyes that glistened with hope. l Lewis Jones 8O l Ms H Smith 2 OP MAGAZINE 35 l SUMMER 2012 Year 10 Work Experience Year 10 completed their work experience during the two weeks before the May half term. This year the majority of pupils secured their own placements. This led to some very interesting and exciting ones including: English Industry of Sport, Bisham Abbey; Shepperton Studios; Ritz Music, ; Emirates Airlines; Queen Mary Sailing Club, Ashford; Swiss Re, The Gherkin, Central London; Royal Observatory; House of Commons; Clerkenwell Films Ltd, working on the set of The Misfits; ; American Institute for Foreign Study; Port Lympne Wild Animal Park, Kent. We also had pupils working in primary schools, local vets, solicitors’ offices and many other interesting occupations. The majority of pupils really enjoyed the experience while some others felt the jobs they were doing were mundane and boring at times. Work Experience can either secure in a pupil’s mind what they want to do in the future or confirm what they definitely don’t want to do. Clockwise from top left: I continue to receive some very positive comments from Georgina Smith at the National Gallery; Luke Hunter employers as our pupils are such good ambassadors for the at Trowlock Island; Daniel Aparicio at Shepperton school. Studios; Jack Dear at Richmond Boathouses with the royal barge Gloriana; Tom Chowings at Queen Well done all of you! Mary’s Sailing Club; and Isaac Williamson at l Mrs F Offord Lasermeasured, Richmond.

CONGRATULATIONS! What a fantastic production the kids put ‘on. The standard of performance, singing, music, costumes, set, makeup was all superb. They all performed so well, with challenging parts, lots of solos and not very easy music, and in such a tight space too. It was very obvious not only did they all really enjoy what they were doing but were very proud also of what they achieved. What an amazing experience!

I just wanted to’ congratulate you on a fantastic show. We‘ watched the performance on Thursday and thought it greatly entertaining and professional.

We went to see We Will Rock You ’ last‘ night and it was just fabulous. A really amazing production. What incredibly talented children and staff to have pulled something so tricky off so brilliantly.

We just wanted to say congratulations’ on‘ a fantastic production of We Will Rock You. We thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. We thought it was absolutely fantastic! Well done.

I just wanted to say how absolutely’ fabulous WWRY was ‘ last night. It was simply awesome. ’

OP MAGAZINE 35 l SUMMER 2012 3 Press Team interviews with last September’s new entrants

Jake Stayt and Claudia Lee interviewed by Have you noticed anything that could be Harvey Planer interviewed Faiza Hassan Gavin Pham and Luke Airey. improved around the school? and Max Davies. CL: The chewing gum on the floor is appalling! JS: The wobbly tables need to be improved. What do you think of the reward system and planner? CL/JS: I think it’s really good as your parents can see how you are Have you been involved in any clubs? If so progressing. Good for competition. which ones? Do you find the school intimidating in any What do you think of the school so far? CL: I am currently in football and rugby. way? A: The lessons are fun and there is a lot JS: Tennis. CL/JS: We don’t find anything or anyone more here than primary. Have you made any interesting friends? intimidating. How does OP compare to primary school? Why do you find them cool? Do you have any positive feedback? A: It’s a lot more involved and CL: I already knew people from CL: I think that this school is really good. interactive. St Stephen’s. We liked the same JS: I think that all the clubs are very Have you got involved with any clubs? sports. good. A: Hockey club. JS: There is a boy from St Stephen’s and Have the higher years been friendly or A: Brass band and also drama group. we both like the same things and helpful? Any new subjects that you like? sports. CL: Yes I have a sister in the higher years A: I used to dislike geography but now I Which subjects have surprised you? Have and she knows a lot and helps me. really like it. you taken a new interest? Also she has a lot of friends who are When I came into the school I noticed that CL: Science because back in primary helpful too. you lose contact with the other side of the school we didn’t do any practical. JS: Yes, if we got lost in the first few year, did you notice that? JS: PSHCEE as I didn’t have a clue about weeks, they gave us directions. A: Yes,it’s weird because you just don’t it in primary school. Now I know see them; you have the same lunch there is more to it. and break but they just disappear!

BBC News School Report ICT Lessons for St Mary’s

On Thursday 15 March Recently our Press Team a group of talented have interviewed pupils Year 10 pupils, led from St Mary’s School, and inspired by including George Airey, Ms Kavanagh, produced brother of our reporter, and recorded a School Luke, about their ICT course Report for the BBC with Mr Falleiro. Here are News School Report at just some of the questions . we asked them: It was a hectic and pressured day and the group did What are you learning? exceptionally well, producing a very professional news report. Our ‘To use PowerPoint with report can be viewed in the Pupils’ area of the school website. lots of functions and also about programming. Also we are learning about how to make animations on a programme called Scratch. It was designed by someone in America and is for younger people to use as it is not as sophisticated as other programming. I was also learning how to make a Scratch diary. BBC News School Also we were making an instruction manual for a robot and Report: to make it move.’ opening sequence; the presenters; Do you have lots of computers at your school? a report from ‘Not as much as your school’, most of them said. Twickenham Film Are you having fun? Studios ‘Yes I am’, they all said very enthusiastically.

4 OP MAGAZINE 35 l SUMMER 2012 Olympic Torch Zimbe

On Monday 25 June Orleans Park School took part Orleans Park in an Olympic torch relay. The torch bearing team pupils join consisted of two pupils each from Years 7 to 10 led by a cast of Ms Longhurst and Mr Brown. 200 to take Ms Smith in the technology department made us an part in an excellent torch that we presented to , African music and Duncan, Eoin, Catherine and Sunita made a torch celebration. during the thematic fortnight that we also carried. After breaktime we assembled on the school field and waited for School to arrive with their torch. When Teddington arrived we watched a dance Music Partnership Day was organised performance which our Year 9 gifted and talented by , to bring together dancers had choreographed with pupils from St Mary’s talented musicians from state and School. The dance was really good and it included independent schools in the local area. actions of all of the Olympic and Paralympics values. This year children from two After this we were off. We left primary schools and six secondary through the school gates and up schools joined forces to perform a choral Twickenham High Street, past work celebrating African music. The the Green and on to Waldegrave piece, called Zimbe, was written by former School where we were greeted by Hampton School teacher, Alexander a guard of honour and a speech L’Estrange. about the event. The Music Partnership Day is part It was a fantastic experience of ‘The Independent and State Schools and has made us all excited about Partnership’ initiative aimed at raising the forthcoming Olympics. educational standards and promoting positive links between the state and l 9E Hannah Novakovic independent sectors.

Charlie Higson visit Diamond Jubilee visit to

After the Easter On 15 May, pupils from Orleans Park were break, pupils invited to Richmond Park for the Wild from Years London event, and a chance to see Her 8 and 9 got Majesty The Queen, who was visiting as the fantastic part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations. opportunity Many pupils from the Art Club went to meet one along as they had decorated some of the of Britain’s trees that lined the route, as well as other most popular pupils and the Press Club Reporters. authors, Before the Queen arrived, we had an Charlie Higson. opportunity to look around the event, win Mr Higson, who some stuff from the St Margaret’s stand, is also a well-known actor and comedian, and meet Henry VIII at the Hampton visited the school on Thursday 26 April to stand! Then a roaring voice came from the give a talk about how he started off as a loudspeakers announcing Her Majesty and writer and to tell us more about his latest company’s arrival. For most of us it was book The Fear, which is part of the Zombie the first chance to see the royals up close. Thriller Action series, The Enemy. When hailstones started falling from the Mr Higson told us about how he wrote sky the Queen was able to take advantage his first book,King of the Ants, which of the luxurious tent at the bottom of was published in 1992. Then he told us Roehampton Gate. Most people ran into about the Young Bond series, about his the Vineyard coffee-&-cakes tent. writing experiences and how he wrote Then we heard that the his first book inThe Enemy series, scaring royal party were departing; his youngest child! After the talk, pupils it was a moment to had the opportunity to buy some of his remember for the rest of books, which he was happy to sign before our lives. leaving. He even signed planners! So thanks to all the staff We have to thank Mr Cornwall for who came along with us making this happen! and made this happen. l Jamie Mackie-Elia 8E l Jamie Mackie-Elia 8E

OP MAGAZINE 35 l SUMMER 2012 5 Celebrating Gifted

Gifted and Talented A Midsummer Night’s Dream Maths Another excellent year full of exciting Shakespeare’s Globe, Bankside enrichment opportunities for pupils at Orleans Park. Thank you again to all the Lead Teachers for Gifted and Talented from each department who have organised and run additional clubs and activities, planned trips and events and ensured that there continues to be outstanding All tops sets in Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 provision for all of our pupils in the participate in the UK Maths Challenges. classroom. Here are just a few highlights This year saw the first pupils at OPS from the enrichment activities which have being invited to write the Intermediate taken place throughout the year. We look Maths Olympiad. Igor Timofeev and 58 Year 9 pupils attended an exclusive Michael Talent, Year 9, achieved such forward to another exciting year ahead full ‘schools only’ performance of of possibilities and opportunities. outstanding results in the annual Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Challenge that they were invited to the l Miss Gibb Dream on Wednesday 7 March. The Intermediate Olympiad. This meant performance was both charming and that they had to write detailed answers Philosophy Club energetic. The striking make-up and to maths questions over two hours. Igor costume design made for a particularly A short introduction to Philosophy ran achieved a Distinction and Michael a dynamic performance that was able to for 8 weeks in the Autumn/Summer Merit. fend off the effects of rainclouds and Terms. Pupils enjoyed creative thinking, downpours! We were lucky enough to philosophising and debating a variety of acquire Upper Gallery seating so were ideas; including mind-boggling questions not standing in the unsheltered pit as the such as ‘How do we know what’s real?’ heavens opened! ‘Is honesty really always the best policy?’ Pupils very ‘What makes us human?’ and other much enjoyed the ultimate questions. If you are interested dynamic and modern in joining this club please see Miss Gibb production featuring (Head of RS). mortals, mechanicals l Miss Gibb and fairies. It was a real treat to share an Michael Talent and Igor Timofeev. Year 7 World War Two authentic re-imagining Alex Knight, Year 9, was invited to Propaganda Workshop of the Elizabethan write the Intermediate Grey Kangaroo and theatre experience Mattea Goalen in Year 7 was invited to The National Archives, May 2012 with Year 9 pupils who will no doubt put write the Junior Olympiad. 24 Year 7 Historians went to the Archives this knowledge and understanding to good The Years 8 and 9 group team had an to take part in a workshop where they had use in their study of the Bard himself. A enjoyable day at City of London School the opportunity to analyse original World great success and a lovely trip! with Ms Lennard supervising and held War Two British Government propaganda l Miss Brown and Mr Knight their own against the many schools posters. participating. Mock United Nations Debate Year 9 had the chance to work with members of the Richmond and Twickenham UN Association in creating a mock debate. They had to research their particular country and debate from its perspective about the future of the Olympics. This made for some charged discussion! The pupils were commended for the maturity and dedication they had shown. The Chess Club has continued to flourish and has grown with the dedication of Leon Lane in Year 8 and the reliable assistance of Theo Juriansz. The weekly newsletter maths puzzle has proved popular with a £5 voucher given out as the prize for the first correct answer. l Ms Kosch

6 OP MAGAZINE 35 l SUMMER 2012 & Talented 2011-2012 Drama Cross-Curricular Days – Alice in Wonderland (Year 8) Gifted and Talented Youth Theatre A group of Year 8 pupils was selected Company in association with Bounce to devise an interpretation of Alice in Theatre (Years 8&9) Wonderland over two days with Bounce Will Hart has been running a new Youth Theatre. I was very impressed with Theatre company alongside Louise Pendry the creativity of the group and their from Bounce Theatre this term. Pupils confidence in their performance at the tea were invited to join the company for the party was outstanding. term and have been working on a play called The Beauty Manifesto. The aim of the project is to enable pupils to have the opportunity to work with a professional in the industry and to hone their skills as performers. We hope to expand this project into the next academic year.

Year 8 Gifted and Talented workshop with The Orange Tree Earlier this year we were able to offer We Will Rock You (Years 7-10) a group of pupils the chance to work We are very lucky to have very creative with Henry Bell from our local Orange and talented pupils here at Orleans Park Tree Theatre to develop their skills in School and are very excited to be putting performing and creating an interesting together our own version of the musical character. I was extremely impressed with We Will Rock You. Both actors and the standard of work produced and the musicians are working incredibly hard to effort put in by all pupils who attended create a show to be proud of! (See separate the workshop. It has definitely improved report, pages 2-3) their work in lessons. l Ms Smith

Harry Potter their final edited animation. They were working towards winning a During the Summer Term some prize to visit the Warner Brothers Year 9 classes worked on a Stop Studio to see the Harry Potter Frame Animation Project. Pupils Tour. The winning pupils were: worked in teams to produce an Ibrahim Gharib, Emily McCarthy, animation based on a fairytale. Each Lewis Healy, Emma Uren, Isabel week the teams were assessed on Collins, Katie Lee, Max Browning, various tasks, such as collaborating Lalita Intrabal, Molly Cole, Echo as a group, fulfilling individual roles Dyer, Keinan Rayat, Jason Hester, such as Director and Editor, and Sophie Lipsey, Georgia Lacey, Suzi completing high quality homework Webster-Bell, James Gatehouse. tasks. Pupils were also judged on a l Ms S Cotton presentation about their project and

STEM Club Textiles Extension Day Now in its second year and with a new In January, Ms Reardon ran another successful Textiles cohort of enthusiastic scientists and Extension Day with individual work inspired by Art engineers, the STEM Club has evolved….. Deco. we are now working on different tasks Natalie Beecroft, Abbie Gibbons 9S; Katja Biddles, Lily each week which will culminate in the Henman 9A; Romancia Browne, Alice Martin 9R; Issie construction of a kinetic sculpture based Collins, Rosie Johnson, Katie Lee, Emma Uren 9E; Elise on the scientific principles of conservation Forster-Browne 9L; and of energy. Sophie Lipsey 9N had We also get to enjoy a special club day the opportunity to at the Science Museum to explore and develop their skills and take part in activities! extend their knowledge Next year we will be recruiting new whilst producing some members again, so if you are currently beautiful pieces of in Years 7 or 8 and interested in Science, work which you can Technology, Engineering and Maths, see on display in the please see Ms McDonald and Mr Treharne. main staircase. OP MAGAZINE 35 l SUMMER 2012 7 Celebrating Gifted & Talented 2011-2012 London Docklands Sailing On Monday 9 July a group of Gifted and Talented Year 9 Geographers toured London Docklands. We used the Tube and DLR as our main forms of transport as well as walking. We saw the Shard, and heard about its £50 million apartments, and even saw the newly displayed Olympic rings on Tower Bridge. We ended the tour in Europe’s most important financial district, Canary Wharf, visiting a ‘canstruction’ exhibition at No1 Canary Wharf. We really noticed the high In the last few weeks of the summer profile security because of the Games and term a few lucky pupils were selected for the terrorism scare following 9/11. the chance to go on a 10-week sailing All in all it was a great trip; the thing and kayaking course at that I enjoyed the most was the Emirates Boathouse. It was great fun and everyone cable car ride at the end of the day. It who took part really enjoyed the went all the way across the experience. The instructors were friendly and you could see everything in London and very patient. Overall it was great fun, including the O2 Arena, Olympic Park and and everyone learnt so much about sailing stadium and Olympic Orbit sculpture. and kayaking. l Joshua Ayling 9A l Alfie Cain8E

Animation Club Performing Arts Festival Journalist in the making

One of the many clubs available for pupils Three Orleans Park pupils played in the Harvey Planer 8O made a mock newspaper is Animation Club which is run by Mr Mole instrumental section of the Richmond after he was inspired by an English lesson on Friday lunchtimes in Room 44. Pupils Performing Arts Festival which took place about selling news. Harvey’s newspaper learn how to use the Flash animation suite, in recently. expresses, in a tongue in cheek way, the as well as other programmes such as Scratch Sapphire Brass, Richmond Music Trust’s allegations of corruption in the media and Anim8tor. I interviewed two Year 7’s, Max Chamber Ensemble, included Elijah today. Lonsdale and Daniel Joseph, about the club. Lewis on tuba, Adam Meyer and William Asked why he did this, Harvey said: Thomas on trumpet. Sapphire Brass was ‘Well I was thinking about the English JM: So, what are you doing at Animation competing in two different categories, lesson in the morning, and I was at home Club? playing two pieces in each category. Elijah and bored so I just made a fake newspaper DJ: Well, I’m trying to make an animation! was especially commended for his tuba showing, in my opinion, the power of But most of the time when I’m here, I solo in the performance of The Elephant Rupert Murdoch.’ play around with Scratch. by Saint-Saens. They won in both classes JM: Do you enjoy Animation Club? taking home silverware for both. DJ: Yeah, I really enjoy it, I love it! William was also in a Brass Quartet ML: Yeah; it’s really fun too! and two Solo classes and winning these brought the total pieces of silverware JM: Nothing else, just Flash and Scratch? they collected between them for the day DJ: Yeah, pretty much! to five! William won the 12-and-under JM: What do you like about it? Recital class performing Film Music for ML: Well, you get to draw animations, and Brass using both trumpet and flugel horn. let your imagination go wild – and eat Well done to them! your lunch at the same time! l Mr A Wells JM: Do you ever share your animations, for example, on YouTube, Form Time? ML: No, not yet, but I should do that soon. JM: Do you like Art? ML: Yes, I love Art. JM: So do you think that people who like Art will like Animation Club? ML: Yeah, and people who like ICT should come along as well! l Jamie Mackie-Elia 8E

8 OP MAGAZINE 35 l SUMMER 2012 China 2012 On Monday, 2 April 2012, our group of 40 pupils and accompanying staff met at Heathrow, bright and early for our flight to Shanghai. There was tangible excitement and smiles all round as we boarded our flight and set off on our adventure in the East. Our trip was split into three parts; first to the modern Shanghai, then to the rather smaller, by comparison, Suzhou, and finally, bustling Beijing. No rest for us on arrival, it was all action as we set off to visit the Pearl TV Tower, accompanied by our lovely local in China and all the magnificent country tour guides. The wonderful, if slightly has to offer. terrifying glass floor amazed us all as we I believe I speak on behalf of all the watched the lively city below our feet. pupils who attended when I say a massive We spent the next day sightseeing and thank you to the staff who attended shopping in Shanghai’s centre, haggling and our amazing Miss Williams for her for goods and enjoying interesting food organisation and hard work to make the and culture as every tourist should. On the trip enjoyable for us. Thursday, we were taken on a canal cruise l Rebecca Harrington 10A in Suzhou, the beautifully old buildings lining our journey with friendly locals smiling at us in fascination as we passed on our little boat, followed by a visit to the extraordinary silk factory. Definitely the highlight for me was our high speed train trip to Beijing on Friday, allowing us to experience a major part of modern Chinese life. Saturday marked something memorable for everyone; Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City where we got our taste of true Chinese history and their unique culture as we admired the incredible architecture, followed by an amusing rickshaw ride tour of the local hutongs, narrow streets and alleys full of the life of Beijing. None were surprised to see the monumental Great Wall on our itinerary for Sunday, an impressive feat for everyone, as well as the Summer Palace where we wandered through clearly ancient landscape garden designs and pavilions, temples and bridges which formed a remarkable ensemble of Dragon Boat Racing great aesthetic value. On 16 June, 17 of our finest staff braved the weather and the terrible river conditions to Monday brought our visit to the small represent our school in a Dragon Boat race as part of Twickenham Festival. eco town of Liumingying Village in Beijing The team of 16 rowers and one drum beater took part in three races, winning one where we had a delicious dumpling and narrowly losing the lunch, which made a nice change to the other two (we were robbed!). enormous amount of brilliant, traditional Mr Phillips, Captain of the Chinese cuisine we’d been enjoying every OPS Boat, said ‘We all had night. And of course, our well-awaited visit a fantastic day. We had to Silk Alley, which will be remembered borrowed the Year 11 rugby mainly for the ridiculous amount of kit so we looked like a proper ‘quality designer’ goods purchased and team and worked hard to probably the biggest drain of Yuan for develop a real team spirit. the whole trip, certainly one of the most However, that evaporated amusing. All in all, an unforgettable trip quickly on being beaten by was had by all and I for one have had my a dragon boat filled with eyes opened to the astonishing way of life children!’

OP MAGAZINE 35 l SUMMER 2012 9 Shoe Mufti

As part of the Year 9 charity work, 9A came up with the concept of a ‘mufti shoes’ day where students would wear their ordinary uniform but pay 50p per shoe to wear shoes of their choice. Crazy footwear was encouraged and we managed to raise around £450 for SOS Children’s Villages in Zambia. The charity provides children who have been orphaned, or who cannot be adequately cared for, with a supportive family including a ‘mother’ who lives with the children and cares for them and ‘brothers’ and ‘sisters’ (the other young children brought to the villages). The charity believes that by setting up family units living together in small houses, the young people are given the best opportunity to feel safe and secure and so to succeed in life and develop their potential. We’re so pleased that our money is going to help to build families and networks of support for disadvantaged children in Africa. If you would like to find out more about the charity or to donate please go to http://www.soscvzambia.org.zm/ l Ms R Kavanagh

Fun Run & Balloon Release

Wednesday, 30 May was the day of the School Fun Run. Pupils Once the balloons had disappeared from view we went over in Years 7, 8 and 9 got changed into their form theme, ate their to and got in line ready for Ms Longhurst to say lunch and then made their way to the school field for a balloon “GO!”. The large array of costume themes was amazing, and as release. The balloons were released in celebration of Mr Carter’s people crossed the line, they were relieved and in need of a big life, and we were pleased that Mrs Carter had come along to see glass of water! All the money that was raised on the day went to the event. NSPCC and The Alzheimer’s Society. l Luke Airey and Jamie Mackie-Elia 8O/8E

10 OP MAGAZINE 35 l SUMMER 2012 Cross-Curricular Days At the end of May pupils took part in activities arranged as part of Cross- Curricular Days. Year 7 had a Science and Environment Day; Year 8 had an Alice in Wonderland-themed day which culminated in a Mad Hatters Tea Party; and Year 9 learnt first aid skills from the Red Cross on the first day and went to Guildford Spectrum on day two.

The Jack Petchey Tiles

This was an initiative that Lucy Whitear piece of artwork. chose as her Jack Petchey award. 20 pupils Lucy Whitear, who leaves this term, has and five staff from the Learning Support volunteered much of her personal time department created these stunning tiles to to aid and assist the Learning Support create a panel of 42 tiles to be put up in Department, particularly with her lunch Learning Support. The pupils readily turned break nearly every day, helping our more up after school and were justly proud of vulnerable pupils and in assisting with the their achievements. project. Each tile had to be rolled out, cut and This will be a lovely addition to Learning prepared prior to the design being placed on it. After biscuit Support and a true reflection of the contribution that Lucy has made baking, each tile was glazed with three coats prior to being during her time at Orleans Park School. baked in the kiln. Specialist glazes were brought in to create a We are hoping that these tiles will be made into a panel and put two-tone effect. Careful planning meant that words and animals up very soon. were interspersed with a range of colours to create a lasting l Ms A Russell News of past pupils

Congratulations to Alex Taylor who has been selected as a young ambassador for disability by the NSPCC. He graduated last summer with 2:1 in History and Law from Warwick University. Alex left Orleans Park in 2006.

OP MAGAZINE 35 l SUMMER 2012 11 31 Years Borough Athletics Champions National Schools Aquathlon Champions

After winning the Years 7 & 8 and Years 9 &10 categories at the West London A lot of hard work, huge commitment to How to be Borough Champions! training and pure determination from our Schools Aquathlon Championships back in pupils has resulted in victory once again As you may May, the Orleans Park School Aquathlon in the Borough Athletics Championship. know, our teams progressed to the National Schools Holding the title of Borough Champions athletes are Championships on Saturday 16 June for 31 years comes with huge pressure, training at Pingles Leisure Centre, Nuneaton, with other schools trying incredibly hard consistently hard Warwickshire. Two teams of four pupils to defeat us each year. Staff and pupils in order to keep (two boys and two girls) competed against had put a lot of effort into preparation for the borough schools from all over the UK and did the event and it paid off. athletics trophy. remarkably well. Nearly 100 pupils represented Orleans Ms Kemp After Park School at Kingsmeadow, Kingston, exclaimed, ‘In travelling up on Tuesday 19 June. The Boys’ team my opinion, early in the achieved a well-deserved second place Orleans Park morning the helped by a great performance from James is strongest at middle distance – 800 and teams had time Wright, Year 9 shot putter, who threw 1500m. However, we still need to train to inspect the 12.43m, beating the previous record hard throughout until the big day.’ running course held since 1994. Noah Amissah is also a Large numbers of pupils attend athletics then prepare borough record holder equalling the Year training. I interviewed three pupils from for the swim. 9 high jump record of 1.73m. The Girls’ different years: Weather was performances were also outstanding. Q: Why do you enjoy athletics training? kind at first with Performances by A: Year 7 pupil: There are so many events some light rain Heather Cowell, Year to choose from, every one should give later on, but that didn’t dampen the spirits 11, Georgia Lacey, Year it a go! of the competitors or those of the large 9, and several other A: Year 8 pupil: I really enjoy it; it relaxes travelling support. The event was a relay 1st placings resulted in and relieves tension in me. format with each individual completing us winning the Girls’ A: Year 9 pupil: great way to exercise. a 200m swim, followed by a 1500m run. team trophy. The Athletics training allows you to train The picturesque run took competitors past combined success of for other events as well as Borough Nuneaton Cathedral, through a local park, both teams brought us competitions such as cross country and under a tunnel and finished on a running the overall title. the bleep test! Get involved and keep fit track where the changeover took place. and healthy. The Years 9 &10 team (although all four l Ms C Kemp l Richard Johns 8E pupils were Year 9s) exited the pool in 5th place, had a great run taking the lead on the 3rd leg and kept the lead finishing in 1st place. Team members were; Emma Uren, Hollie Hindley, Oliver Wood and Paddy Goffey. The Years 7 & 8 team nearly matched the Years 9 & 10 success, exiting the swim in 4th and chasing the field to finish the run in 2nd place. Team members were; James Petchey, Harriet Johnson, Greg Atkins and Anna Uren. l Mr S Brown

Orleans Park School • Richmond Road • Twickenham TW1 3BB 020 8891 0187 • www.orleanspark.richmond.sch.uk • www.opsa.org.uk

12 OP MAGAZINE 35 l SUMMER 2012