SUMMER THEN BILLERICAYewsle SCHOOLtter 2012 New Building - We’re In A Message from Mrs. Hammond

Dear Parents and Guardians Rewards assemblies for years 7-10 will be held at collect a packed lunch at break. We return to the end of the term where we recognise the school on Tuesday 4 September for Years 7, 12 & As we near the end of another academic year, I achievements of the students over the past year. 13 and Wednesday 5 September for all other years. would like to wish everyone a restful and happy holiday and give my best wishes to our Year 11 and Students will receive subject certificates and a Year 13 leavers and their parents. range of other awards including the 'Jack Barren I would like to thank everyone for all their support Award' for outstanding contribution to the school and hard work during this term and we look forward As you will be aware, the move into the first phase and the 'James Dorrington Award' for contribution to to hearing the results of the A levels and GCSEs in of our new building went successfully and students sport. August. are now enjoying the new Science labs and classrooms and our new English base. We will be Mrs Hammond, Headteacher having an official opening of the new build at the School will end on FRIDAY 20 July at 12.10pm and beginning of the next academic year. bus services will be altered to collect students at this time. Students requiring lunch will be able to

Farewell to Robert Orr - Our Chair of Governors Mr Robert Orr has been the chairman of our As a leaving gift to the students of this school Mr Orr Governing Body for the past 14 years. Having been has donated a new shield, which will be a presented a governor since 1972, he took on the chairmanship each year to the student who gives the "sporting in 1998 to coincide with Mrs Hammond's performance of the year." I am sure parents will appointment as headteacher. Mr Orr has led the want to join staff and students in thanking him for governing body through many changes and this generous gift, but even more for the way he has initiatives over all these years, not least of which supported this school, its staff and students so was the sale of our surplus to requirement farm land and the planning of our building programme. He is loyally and steadfastly by the giving of his time, particularly gratified that at long last we can see the energy and commitment. fruits of all the hard work in our new building. He has decided that now is the right time to hand In the interests of the school the governing body over the chairmanship, so will relinquish that role at was keen to ensure a smooth transition to a new the end of this academic year. He will, however, chairman, so has therefore decided to elect a remain with us as a governor and will continue to chairman designate, Mr Colin Breathwick, who will chair the Development Committee, which is formally take over the chairmanship from 1st overseeing the remainder of the building September. programme. School Road, , , CM12 9LH www.billericay.essex.sch.uk Tel: 01277 655191 Fax: 01277 314414 E-mail: [email protected] The Chinese New Year assembly consisted of three Cultural Diversity and students Nicholas Johnston, William Cummings, Opening of Banner Year 10 Gifted and Jack Bater and Alex Becalick dressed up as a Homes Chinese Dragon. Great hilarity ensued as five other Talented students presented posters and gave out "red Following the successful sale of the school farm, envelopes", known as Lai Sze to the audience which enabled us to embark on our building wishing them prosperity. The posters displayed the programme, Mrs Hammond, Mr Orr (Chair of Chinese Zodiac created by one of the newest members of our Gifted and Talented group, Phoebe Governors) and 3 of our students were invited along Smith. to the opening of the site. They were given a tour The aim was to make Chinese New Year a special of the properties available and joined the marketing event for the rest of the school, informing them team for afternoon tea. about Chinese culture. The students involved were Hannah Tjandra, Phoebe Smith, James Ilesley, Alex Becalick, Nicholas Johnston, William Cummings, Molly Chapman, Becky Leverett, Lauren Slade and Zachary Pallier.

Last January, Year 10 Gifted and Talented students The launch of the Interact Club of Billericay School undertook a project to inform students about At the time of going to print, the Year 10 Gifted & Cultural Diversity, specifically Chinese New Year. Talented students will have recently formed the This took the form of an assembly to the Year 7 Interact Club of Billericay in association with the students and the creation of a cultural diversity Billericay Rotary Club and look forward to working menu with the help of our kitchen staff, highlighting on community projects both in the UK and different cultures, everything from Italian to Chinese overseas. Students will have attended an inaugural food. In addition there was a dragon designing lunch in June with Billericay Rotary Club and look competition to mark the year was the Year of the forward to the exciting times ahead. Dragon 2012. The competition winners were Connie and Hannah Morgan. By Nicholas Johnston Year 10

Gifted, talented and more able residential trip to Overstrand Norfolk. Kingswood is an activity and education centre in and Mr Murnane talked to us about the geography Overstrand, Norfolk, designed for young people. of the area. The educational project was to create The Billericay School has visited it many times. an animated story with a moral theme. This allowed Here we are given an insight into the experience us to experience new software, learn new computer from 2 students who went on this year's visit, skills and allowed us to discuss the morals we Bradley Rees & Kieran Barbero: should live by. The physical and mental activities varied from ascending the climbing wall to problem "On arrival we had a pit stop tour of Overstrand Hall solving. The aims of these activities were to boost and were then assigned to our dorms. The rooms people's teamwork, confidence, communication and slept 6 and although quite basic, they were thinking skills which will help everyone throughout comfortable and we had plenty of room. We slept their lives. The activities made us feel more on bunk beds. That evening, we were given confident and we made new friends. different activities and split into mixed groups of year 7 and 8 students. We did a range of different The food was great and the Kingswood staff were outdoor activities which began with crate stacking amazing and friendly and helped us with all the (with one of our group on top of the stack!) climbing, tasks. Everyone enjoyed themselves, but we must areoball and a blindfold assault course. After dinner remember we could not have done this without the we all took part in a murder mystery; everyone help of the great teachers who organised it - Mr enjoyed it immensely. Murnane, Mrs Clare, Mrs Taylor and Miss Johnson. Thank you." The next day there was a mixture of physical, mental and educational activities. We were woken Bertie Morley Year 8 up at 6.30am to walk down to Overstrand beach

The Jack Petchey award continues to be a great outstanding young people have nominated their Jack Petchey success at the Billericay School. This award £200 grants to a number of different areas of the celebrates the achievements of students who make school including more social seating outside the Award Success an outstanding contribution to the school and or new C block building, resources for gifted and wider community. It highlights the outstanding talented activities and new rugby equipment for PE. calibre of our student body and choosing who Students can nominate for the remaining two should get the award can be a difficult task; often awards this year by placing signed nomination our student House reward officers help to decide forms (available from the RBLC), counter-signed by who should get the award, which is very much part a member of staff, into a Jack Petchey box which of the Jack Petchey ethos of student involvement in can be found at reception or in the RBLC. running this scheme in school. Below are some of last year's winners at the Jack The winners so far in this academic year have been Petchey award ceremony at the Towngate Zach Pallier (Year 10 Edison), Brandon Philpott theatre, accompanied by the Deputy Mayor. From (Year 11 Scott), Ben Carr (Year 10 Newton), Kristy left to right they are, Richard Hall, Alice Santry, Waker (Year 10 Keller), Rebecca Leverett (Year 10 Layla Withers, Rebecca Adams, James Ford and Newton), Joseph Breedon (Year 7 Scott) and Victoria Sprackling. Georgia Chandler (Year 9 Keller). These Enterprise Celebration Meal Following the successful Enterprise Day in The Catering class, for some reason re-christened November 2011, the team which won the 'Design a 'Ms Matten's Munchkins' worked off timetable all Meal' competition (NMUA) were able to take part in day, creating their own menus from scratch. Apart the celebration of having their meal cooked and from the minor hiccup when Tesco forgot to deliver served to them. the chicken (slightly important!), the morning went smoothly. The teams were each headed by a chef, with a sous chef and two commis working like well- oiled machines! Prior to lunch, one of the commis peeled off to become the front of house - table design, meet and greet and wait on the 'customers'. At 12.45pm the guests arrived and were shown to their tables. Orders were taken from the menu - exactly as in a real restaurant - and the kitchen swung into action! Calum Gray was expediting, and The decadent desserts the pass was constantly busy as the orders became Chocolate fondant with strawberries and cream ready for service. Three layer Chocolate cake Triple chocolate gateau The final menu gave each diner a choice of four Milk chocolate fondant with home-made vanilla ice starters. entrées and desserts - fashioned by each cream of the four teams, and 'loosely' based on the original meal. The menu as follows, was 'worthy of any Everyone eventually left content and happy, and the restaurant' (quoted from one of the Bank guests): team once again swung into action, having the kitchen cleaned completely by 4pm, whereupon Soup course they all collapsed in total exhaustion!! Tomato and pesto soup Mr Beckett, fully supported by the guests, Tomato soup with garlic dough balls recommended the issue of letters of commendation Chilled tomato and chilli soup to ALL the class - a very unusual occurrence, as this Tomato soup and home made bread is reserved for top performing students in the year. Entrées The next day Ms Matten gave them a rest from The team of chefs who undertook this task was the Caribbean chicken, potato medallions and petit cooking - again, a very unusual occurrence!! They Year 10 Catering class. Working in 4 teams of four, poi's all did amazingly well, and along the way they they took the menu of tomato soup, chicken, chips Creamy tarragon chicken learned a lot about what it is really like to work in a and peas and chocolate pudding, and in their (including vegetarian option) busy kitchen cooking for 30 people! Ms Matten is inimitable fashion, made it entirely their own! Honey and herb chicken with wedges and pea very proud of this group, who incidentally have all The result was that the class who won, two guests purée just taken their GCSE Catering exam a year early! from NatWest bank, Mr Beckett and a few invited Spicy Chicken Kiev, fat chips and minted pea Well done to them all. teachers were able to come to the 'E5' restaurant on crush. Monday March 12th for lunch.

Choir visits to South Green, Sunnymede and END OF TERM Quilters Junior Schools SUMMER MUSIC CONCERT Wednesday 11th July - 7pm Main School Hall Tickets available from main school office priced £3 for adults and £2 for As part of the school's primary / secondary liaison work, members of the school choir, along with the Heads of House, have been visiting local primary students and concessions. schools to give year 6 students a taster of what to expect when they arrive at The Billericay School. Used Stamps Appeal The choir performed three songs: An arrangement of Bob Dylan's Make You Feel My Love, Adele's Chasing Pavements, and The Hoosiers' Goodbye Just a reminder that we are still collecting used stamps for the RNIB. Remember that every stamp that you Mr A. Congratulations and thank you to all send us will help to benefit blind and partially sighted children and adults with the sixty plus services that the members of the choir and the band on another Royal National Institute of Blind People provide. Stamps can be left at the main school reception. fantastic set of performances. Rotary Club of Great Britain Young Chef of The Year 2012 This year the Billericay School hosted this competition run by the Rotary club of Great Britain. We have entered the competition for the last 4 years, and have had 2 second places so far. This year saw a strong team of four Catering Students; Hannah Morphew, Tomas Henton, Freddie Theobold and Catherine Bean. Two more students, Martin Chitauro and Daniella Weaver were the runners. Their job entailed carrying the food to the judges, making sure the judges had all they needed and looking after the guests. They did a sterling job and were congratulated by the judges, celebrity Chef Mark Baumann (Baumann's Brasserie, Coggeshall), Darren Bennett (Magic Mushroom Billericay) and Trevor Draper (Billericay hone his skills and up the levels of his menu. Tom We are all very proud of Tom for his work, and he Cook shop). leapt at the chance, and entered the District heats has told me that this has spurred him on to want to on February 25th with a more refined menu. go into catering as a career. He has been offered a To our delight, Tomas Henton romped away with the I met Tom's parents at College on the job at the Magic Mushroom, and has also been first place! His amazing menu had a starter of big day, and we were left chewing our nails while given the chance to do some work experience at Salmon Tartare with dill sauce which 'blew the taste- Tom and five other young chefs battled it out in the Canary Wharf with the executive chef of Reuters, buds' of the judges (to the point there were none catering kitchen. no less, whose Sous chef was trained by Michele left!!), a lamb cutlet with mint jus, rosemary and mint Roux Junior. Way to go Tom!!! (Networking really mash and vegetables, followed by a peach mousse It seemed to take forever for the judges to reach a pays!). and a tuille biscuit (very hard to do!). very close run conclusion. Tom did not make it Darren was really taken with Tom's work, and through to the Regional finals, but came in a very offered him a whole day at the Magic Mushroom to close third place. H.Matten World Challenge Expedition to the Indian Himalayas 2011 could play cricket; the answer being not very well! Walking at altitude was hard, things which seem We were amazed to see the value and focus on easy at sea level become impossible at 5000 education, especially their ability to speak English. metres, this includes walking and talking at the Whilst we were at the school we were shocked to same time! see what was essentially a building site being used The month culminated in five days rest and as a classroom with piles of rubble on the floor, no relaxation. We visited the Red Fort in Delhi as well windows and holes in the roof. On our last day the as the markets in Old Delhi for a spot of haggling. It team left a donation of £1500, taken from funds appears that all prices are negotiable, even hotel raised by the team in the UK. This would allow the rooms with supposedly fixed prices! Finally the building work in the classrooms upstairs to be team visited the Taj Mahal in Agra. Even at 5am, completed along with electricity, lighting and fully before the sun had risen, the temperature around plastered and painted walls. Some of us were able the Taj Mahal was 30 degrees and exceptionally to return and check on the progress achieved after humid and the air not a little polluted! two weeks. After four weeks the team was saddened to return The team then trekked for two weeks in the home, however a dinner without lentils was readily A team from The Billericay School have recently Himachal Pradesh region of the Indian Himalaya. accepted. returned from an expedition of a lifetime to the Initially we planned to trek through two passes up to We would like to thank everyone who donated Indian Himalayas. The team of 15 sixth form an altitude of 5250m. On day 6 of the trek we began money to allow us to go on this expedition of a students and two teachers spent four weeks in our ascent to 5050 metres towards the Shilgo La lifetime and we would like to wish the next World India, of which five days were spent in a primary Pass which is surrounded by prayer flags, placed Challenge team the best of luck in their expedition school in a village near Manali, with the task to paint here by Buddhist monks, who believe that the wind to Uzbekistan in the summer of 2013. classrooms, which were grey shells. After four days blows the prayers down the valley to bring luck to The group consisted of: Ben Bezuidenhout, Emily the school had been transformed, with light people in the area. That night the rain set in and Ballard, Emma Brighton, Georgina Barwell, Nick colourful rooms decorated with colourful paintings overnight turned to snow. The snow, which was the Burdett, Beth Deacon, Vikram Footring, Tim Fulton, of fruit and vegetables, shapes, days of the week heaviest for fifty years, resulted in us being Joe Kudyk, Lauren Monk, Connor Sansom, Jenna and patriotic symbols. For many of us, we will redirected north to Padum, the nearest , 5 days Smith, William Sweeney, George Thrower, Jazmine always have fond memories of the children who walk away. From here we hired a bus and Willsher, with teachers Miss Roberts and Mr were always around, wanting to know what we were undertook a 26 hour bus journey through the Murnane. doing, what life in the UK was like and whether we mountains to Leh, with a return flight to Delhi. 2012 Art Exhibition A visual feast

The Sixth Form common room was once again transformed into an eye catching exhibition space, as 'A' level students put on an exhibition of their work just before half term. Students displayed coursework and exam pieces that they had produced over the last school year.

The exhibition was held in conjunction with a series of catwalk shows by the Textiles Department, and was greeted with great acclaim by those who saw it. Family and friends were invited to view the exhibition and were clearly impressed by the work on show. Year 13 student Alex Kyte played acoustic guitar adding to the evening's great atmosphere. The Head of Art, Miss Gosling, was delighted with the show "Our students always produce such diverse and exciting work. This exhibition gives them a brilliant opportunity to display their talents in a professional way."

The show is a long standing tradition at the school and is a fantastic way for students, staff and friends to see and appreciate the variety of work that goes on throughout the year.

Everyone in the Art Department would like to express their thanks to all who were involved in making the 2012 Exhibition a success.

Rachel Suett, Year 12 Reward Lunch Danielle Summerton, Year 12 Rachel Suett, Year 12 Visit to University Applicants Win Auschwitz Awards

Saisha Uddin and George Masters in year 12 were selected by the Holocaust Educational Trust to represent the school on a visit to Auschwitz, Poland in March. Saisha commented that the trip had given her a greater insight into the genocide, opening her eyes to much she had not known before. George felt he had also learnt a great deal, contrasting the kind of life we are used to in Billericay with that lived by the inmates of the camp. Both students felt the Following the Spring Term Academic Monitoring, experience had made them consider important the top 5 students in each House, from each Year, contemporary issues too, such as the effect of Jack Davie was given an Award of Merit and an unconditional offer (i.e. a university place that is not were invited to a Celebration Lunch on Thursday stereotyping on people. subject to A level results) after successfully sitting 4 3rd May. hours of exams to test his proficiency in Physical We are grateful to MP John Baron's Fun Walk Geography at Aberystwyth University. In addition This meeting of School Governors, Senior Teachers Committee for contributing to the costs of the he was given a monetary sum towards either his students' visit. accommodation or course trips. and students is a reward for all their considerable achievements during the recent Spring Term and After a very competitive application procedure, provides the school with the opportunity to offer Stephanie Beams has been conditionally offered a congratulations for all their efforts. scholarship to study Law at the University of Westminster, entitling her to a partial fee waiver for each year of her 3 year undergraduate course. Congratulations to both students.

…. And it's always good news to hear of the continuing success of past Billericay School students. We received news in January that Ben Mackrow (1999-2006), after first gaining a BSc at Brunel University, went on to win a scholarship at University College London in Synthetic Biology, where he gained a Research Masters Degree with distinction. He is currently in a temporary PhD post seeking funding for his own PhD which he hopes to begin in September at either UCL or Imperial College London. Duke of Edinburgh Athletics Gifted and Talented

Award District Athletics took place on 9th May for Year Saturday Schools Congratulations to the following students on 10/11 at Gloucester Park, Basildon. Students have enjoyed a range of Saturday school completing their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award: Congratulations to Jake Cook (Year 10) who broke the school record for 1500m by 6 seconds in a activities which have included Philosophy for Lucy Franks, Hannah Quinn, Lian Wilkinson, time of 4min 29 sec. Children, Mad Science and the science of Courtney St-Clair-Miller aerodynamics. Last November students were also Congratulations to Tim Brown (Year 10) for involved in a media master class with Mr Murnane breaking the High Jump record by 1cm by jumping A Bronze DofE Award has 4 sections, Volunteering, and Mr Coleman. Physical, Skills and Education. The students 1metre 74 cm. completed a minimum of 3 months activity for each The following students were selected for the Freddie Heppall of Year 7 writes: of the Volunteering, Physical and Skills sections, County athletics to represent Basildon District on The Gifted and Talented film day was great. We all and planned, trained for and did a 2 day (1 night) Saturday 16th June at Melbourne Park, got to plan, storyboard and film our own short Expedition. The students also had to spend an Chelmsford; movie. Then we got to edit it in high-end software in extra three months on one of the Volunteering, the Mac suite. Once we'd finished filming, the Physical or Skills sections of their choice. Year 7Boy High Jump JED BOWMAN movie was uploaded to the Macs and we edited it in Junior Boy 800m JAMES NEALE Also a big well done to Robyn Feaver who has just Final Cut. We added sound effects, titles and music Junior Boy High Jump WILLIAM HOLLAND achieved her Silver Award. to our production and then watched it all at the end. Inter Boy 1500m JAKE COOK Inter Boy High Jump TIM BROWN Why do your DofE? Junior Girl 800m DAISY POINTING Everybody came away from the day with new skills You will enjoy new experiences, discover talents Junior Girl 1500M LEANNE JUDGE in shooting and editing movies. The event was you never thought you had, challenge yourself and Inter Girl 1500M NICOLA JUDGE really enjoyable. meet lots of people just like you. Plus you will do Inter Girl 80M HURDLES LUCY WARD things you love and get a kick out of. Then there is Inter Girl JAVELIN RICKI JOHN all the other stuff …. & Achieving an Award will give you skills, confidence and a view on life that employers, colleges and universities are looking for. & You will get recognition for doing things you want to do (and may even be doing already). Fencing Club News & You will make a difference to other people's On Saturday 10 March 4 of our fencers competed in the British Schools team Championships at Brunel lives and your community, be fitter and healthier, University Uxbridge. Billericay school was represented in the under 13 category by James Birkett, Joseph make new friends and have memories to last you a Breeden, Lucas McManus, and Sebastian Pallier. An incredible performance by every member of the team lifetime. resulted in them winning the silver medal. If any students in Year 10 or above are interested in participating in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Many of our fencers attended the Eastern Region Championships in March with the following excellent programme, please see Miss Merrick. results:-

As Lian Wilkinson said: "Doing the DofE was a Sebastian Pallier: Under 14 foil gold medal & under 14 Epee gold medal great experience. It recognises the activities and Sebastian is the Eastern Region Double Champion volunteering I do and since I had never gone James Burkett: Under 14 foil - gained ninth place camping before, the expedition was certainly Savannah Chittick: Under 14 sabre -bronze medal something memorable!" Reece Clarke: Under 14 sabre - bronze medal Alex Swann: Under 16 épée - silver medal

These excellent results meant that our fencers qualified to represent the eastern region at the finals of the British Youth Championships, which were held at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield from May 5th to the 7th. This is one of the largest competitions in the UK. Everyone fenced very well. All our competitors won U19 Boys Gymnastics bouts in their poules and reached the direct elimination rounds of their competitions.

Final results at the British Youth Championships were:- Sebastian Pallier Boys under 14 foil 10th James Birkett Boys under 14 foil 66th Savannah Chittick Girls under 14 sabre 22nd Reece Clarke Boys under 14 sabre 41st Alex Swan Boys under 16 épée 37th

It is worthy of note that Alex Swan defeated an international in his pool round. Also that Sebastian Pallier fought three rounds of direct elimination before retiring On 13 May, 5 of our students took part in the with cramp. National Finals of the Schools Floor & Vault competition after winning the Counties in March. Pictured are: Sebastian Pallier, James They did brilliantly and came 3rd overall. An excellent achievement. Birkett, Lucas McManus and Joseph Breedon Congratulations to: Jack Millham, Mike Paoletti, Bradley Pearman, Lee Luderman and Curtis Butler. Board Breaking EXAMS INFORMATION

Arrangements for collection of Exam Results

Thursday 16th August 2012 9.00am - 11.00am: Year 13s to collect A2 and AS exam results 11.00am - 1.00pm: Year 12s to collect AS exam results

Thursday 23rd August 2012 11.00am - 1.00pm: Year 11s to collect GCSE exam results (Year 10 results for English Lit, Maths, Science, PE and Catering will not be given out on this A select group of Year 12 students experienced a fun filled morning learning motivational techniques day but will be given out in class upon return to school in September) with an NLP trainer (Neuro linguistic programming). Results slips are available to students on the day of issue. Any uncollected results will be posted by 1st class post at 2.00pm. This aimed at focusing the group on goal -setting (PLEASE NOTE: Results are never given out by phone.) and positive thinking skills, life changing practices and greater self-belief. The climax of the morning If students are unable to collect their results in person, they may nominate someone to collect them on involved breaking wooden boards with their bare their behalf but only if they sign a letter giving permission and the nominated person must bring I.D. - hands! THIS ARRANGEMENT INCLUDES PARENTS/CARERS.

In the afternoon, a group of year 9 girls involved in Students who will be away on holiday, may provide us with a letter permitting us to send their results the Role Model Project did the same! to a different address or we can email their results with their permission.

PROVISIONAL exam dates for 2012/2013 (please note these dates are subject to change):

November 2012 window: 6th November: GCSE Maths module + linear: Year 11-13 resits 8th November: GCSE Maths module + linear: Year 11-13 resits 13th November: GCSE Maths module: Year 11 resits 13th December: Internal Science SATS Year 9

January 2013 window: 7th January - 1st February: GCE modules: Years 12/13 9th January: GCSE English Lit modules: Year 11 resits 9th, 14th & 17th January: GCSE Science: Year 11 (resits only) 10th January: GCSE English module: Year 11 (selected students only) U15 Basketball 22nd, 24th & 25th January: GCSE Science: Year 11 (triple students only) 28th January: GCSE PE module: Year 11 (selected students The Under 15 Boys team did extremely only) well at the National Finals, achieving a 4th 29th January: GCSE History module: Year 11 (selected students placed finish. Under some very difficult only) circumstances, they all did themselves proud as this was the youngest squad at February 2013 window: the tournament. Hopefully, they will come 6th - 15th February: GCSE mock exams week: Year 11 back stronger next year! Well done to everyone involved. March 2013 window: 27th February: GCSE Maths module + linear: Year 11-13 resits Squad: Tim Brown, George Head, Ellis Curren, Charlie Withers, Jake Cook, 4th March: GCSE Maths module + linear: Year 11-13 resits Busayo Adeniran, David Jackson, Patrick 6th March: GCSE Maths module: Year 11 resits King, Tom Lazarus, Marcus Judd, Pierce Maslen. Summer 2013 window: 13th May - 25th June: GCE, GCSE, Asset Languages & Internal SATS exams : Years 9 - 13

The above dates are provisional at this stage and must be checked again nearer the time on forthcoming newsletters or the school website.

We would like to remind you that we do not normally authorise holiday absence, other than in exceptional circumstances, at any time of year but it is vital that students in Years 9-13 are not absent during the exam period and that, with modular exams, this now stretches across much of the year. If you have any concerns please contact the Exams Office in the first instance.

More detailed list of 2013 examinations to follow in the Autumn 2012 newsletter. UNIFORM SHOP Student Services Summer Opening Times News Please can all students be reminded that they should use the underpass at the back gates when The Billericay School Uniform Shop, which is near the main school reception, will close at 9.30am for the coming to and from school and not cross the road summer break on Friday 20 July. between traffic, to avoid accidents.

Extra summer opening times will be as follows: We have been asked by Rev Carr of Emmanuel Church to remind parents that they are not Tuesday 28 August permitted to use the church car park to drop off and Wednesday 29 August pick up their children. The church runs a permit Thursday 30 August 9.00am - 12 noon system which allows use of their car park for Friday 31 August reception age children during their first year of Monday 3 September school. They are, however, experiencing congestion problems with unauthorised parking The shop will re-open at 8.15am on Tuesday 4 September with normal opening times. which not only causes a backlog of traffic onto the main road but also prevents access to both the Please note that all students should return to school after the summer break in full school uniform, with shirts nursing homes on site. It the situation continues to & ties. deteriorate then the church will be forced to close the site to all. Please can we ask for your support in not using this car park.

As those who currently use the NIBS bus service Term Dates: 2012 - 2013 are aware, the pick-up and drop-off points are now both located in the layby by the back gates, near the Autumn: junction with Bell Hill. Training Day Monday 3rd September 2012 Term begins Tuesday 4th September 2012 (Yrs 7, 12 & 13) Wednesday 5th September 2012 (all Years) Training Day Wednesday 3rd October 2012 Half Term Monday 29th October to Friday 2nd November 2012 "Thank you" to Year 8 Term ends Friday 21st December 2012 Monitors

Spring: We would like to say a big "Thank you" to all of our Term begins Monday 7th January 2013 Year 8 monitors, for all their help and hard work Half Term Monday 18th to Friday 22nd February 2013 when assisting in Student Services, the School Term ends Wednesday 27th March 2013 Office and the Library. Being a monitor is an Training Day Thursday 28th March 2013 important part of a Year 8 student's community year Easter holiday Friday 29th March to Friday 12th April 2013 and students find it an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Students are asked to help with a wide Summer: range of tasks which enable them to gain a valuable Term begins Monday 15th April 2013 insight into working in an office environment. May Day Bank Holiday Monday 6th May 2013 Half Term Monday 27th May to Friday 31st May 2013 Term ends Friday 19th July 2013 Training Days Monday 22nd and Tuesday 23rd July 2013 Coffee & Craft Morning

A big 'Thank You' to everyone who turned up to support the Coffee and Craft morning on Saturday Do you speak another language? 21st April 2012. There were a variety of stalls We have been very impressed with the number of like to discuss this possibility with you. We have selling everything from homemade jewellery and cards to cupcakes. We raised around £800 for the students in our school who speak another language sample examination papers which include all 4 charity Plan UK; this will help us develop our links at home. skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. with students and schools in Africa. World Challenge students also raised £150 towards their Some of these students have been able to take a If you are interested in knowing more, please trek through central Asia. GCSE/IGCSE/A-Level in their languages. They contact Ms E McDonald (C10) or Mrs V Bellers We are hoping to hold another craft event before have been successful in achieving good grades. (Modern Languages office). Christmas, details of which will be in the next newsletter. If you feel you have the interest and ability to take a If you would like to have a stall please contact Miss GSCE/IGCSE in your home language, we would Merrick in September for further details.