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Autumn 2019 NEWS EVENTS FUND RAISING COUNCIL SIXTH FORM

Letter from the Headteacher:

Dear Parents/Guardians

Can it really be……Christmas already? The number of trips the school runs, locally, Where does the time go? nationally and internationally. Opening up so many new horizon and opportunities. At it goes quickly through action packed weeks of lessons and out of The range of careers activities where students lessons opportunities. When I ask students are planning their futures from Key Stage 3, what they most enjoy about Bitterne Park the with the work of Nancy Austwick, our new most frequent reply is the opportunities on careers adviser and the pastoral teams. offer to them. The huge numbers of special quests we This term alongside the lessons we have welcome. engaged in a huge range of activities and opportunities as you will see and feel as The work of the Saints Foundation and our you read through this newspaper. We are new recruit Fraser who has used the resources all really proud of the wide range of extra- of the Saints Football Club and his own curricular activities that happen weekly at programmes to inspire students. the School. What is really inspiring is my role as In particular I have been really impressed Headteacher is the 250 dedicated staff the with the amount of sporting activities our school has who all work as a team to provide students have access to and the number of these extra opportunities, building amazing successful teams they have built this term. relationships with awesome students along The number of performing arts events, the the way. What a privilege it is to be the clubs, the individual lessons, bands, choir Headteacher at BPS. As the term draws to POLITE REQUEST PLEASE and the most impressive school show, a close and the pace drops for a couple of PARK that I have ever had the privilege weeks, may I take this opportunity to wish CONSIDERATELY & LEGALLY AROUND of attending, this term. everyone a happy and restful Christmas and a OUR SCHOOL. WE NEED TO WORK WITH OUR fabulous 2020. NEIGHBOURS AND BE AWARE OF VERY BUSY AND DISRUPTIVE TRAFFIC AT ALL TIMES MR GRAHAM WILSON - Headteacher OF THE DAY. The trip of a lifetime... Start spreading the news - New York New York!

orty two students arrived at the school at 4.00am on a dark morning in October Fand eleven hours later we were standing in Times Square like seasoned New Yorkers. We got to see this incredible city in its full glory taking in the incredible atmosphere and visiting famous landmarks. We were in New York for five days but it felt like we were there for much longer. We visited Times Square, walked across the Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, Empire State Building, Rockafella Centre, Grand Central Station, Ground Zero Memorial, 9:11 Museum, Central Park, 5th Avenue. We even got to watch the most exciting NBA game of the season for the New York Knicks who beat Chicago Bulls with seconds to go. This was truly a trip of a lifetime that students will never forget. We cannot wait to visit New York again! 2 Performing Arts BPSNEWS Hairspray...

As we draw the curtains on Sellwood and Ellis Brett - entertainment gold at its best. another fantastic production, Then the hard work really began, with a I continue to be amazed by lengthy rehearsal schedule which began in May, the hours put into designing and the outstanding quality of building set, sourcing costumes creating musical theatre produced by lighting designs, designing promotional material and organising the box office. So the Performing Arts team. much work goes into all of these elements behind the scenes that often gets forgotten during the final performances, but is a By Miss Moore, Head of Performing Arts fundamental part of bringing the script to life and creating the magic of the show. ur production of Hairspray was Year 9 certainly no exception, and I’m left I say it every year, but it never ceases to Owondering yet again how on earth we amaze me that we can raise that bar just a Musical Theatre are going to top it with our next production. little bit higher and produce something of There are so many things that make school such an outstanding quality. Each year I think productions special at . that we won’t be able to do any better, and he students have been very busy We have buckets full of talent, in not only each year we manage to surpass my preparing and auditioning for our amazing students, but also our staff. expectations, and this year was no exception. TGREASE! All parts are now cast and Talent by itself isn’t enough though. It takes Not only were the lead characters portrayed rehearsals are well under way, putting the hard work, commitment, enthusiasm and a by truly exceptional students (some of whom students through their paces across all three lot of energy. It also needs a true sense of have never had a lead role before), but the Performing Arts disciplines, acting, dancing community spirit from Year 8 up to Year chorus were absolutely outstanding - the wall and singing. Their performance of this much 13 to make such a special show, and that of sound they consistently produced blew me loved musical is on it’s way to the theatre is something that makes what we do very away, as did the outstanding choreography, in the Spring Term so look out for Greased unique. What was evident during which was polished and professional Lightning... it’s pulling up soon! performance week was the level of respect throughout. From the cast to the band, from students showed for their peers and staff, the the technical crew to the set design, this feeling of achievement and pride written on really was a West End standard performance! their faces, and the clear enjoyment gained by I was very sad not to be involved in each individual when vision became reality. rehearsals from September to the final Hairspray has always been one of my performance, and it was a poignant favourite shows. Not only does it have an experience for me to watch the show as an amazing soundtrack, but it tells a wonderful audience member. My heart was filled with story of love, diversity, positive change and so much love and pride for the quality of the acceptance - values that are represented in performance on all levels, and I want to thank the interactions of our school community on each and every person involved in this a daily basis. From the moment we released amazing performance – students and staff the decision in ‘Big Reveal’, the reactions of alike. There were tears from our Year 11 the students told me how special this show and 13 students for whom it was their last would be, and this was further affirmed in performance. They have made such an the outstanding auditions which made our incredible contribution to Performing Arts casting decisions much more difficult than I at Bitterne Park School, and in some cases had anticipated. There were too many good proven how valuable our selection process is performances to mention them all, but the for students with an aptitude. As usual plans ones that I have not forgotten to this day were for the next show are well underway, and I Emmy Irvine, Chloe Somerville, Chandler look forward to another ‘Big Reveal’ soon! AUTUMN 2019 BPSNEWS www.bitterneparkschool.org.uk 3 Drama Music MTC is back!

fter a little break, Musical Theatre Company is back and running In other news, we were lucky enough to Aevery Wednesday after school, Still on host Andrew Nicholson in the Music 3:15-4:15pm in the Assembly Hall with Department in November. Andrew is the Mrs Cutting. Every week students from all principal flautist for the West Australia year groups, can enjoy working on acting, cloud nine... Symphony Orchestra and has played for singing and choreography from the top West the Harry Potter Soundtracks as well as End and Broadway Musical Theatre shows. the Doctor Who music. A selection of our By Mrs Fowler, Music Co-ordinator This extra-curricular Performing Arts club woodwind pupils spent the day in workshops offers students the chance to develop their with Andrew, developing their performance he Autumn term is one of the performance skills, make new friends, have technique in what was a most valuable longest, and busiest terms for the fun and experience what it is like to be a experience for all involved. TMusic Department. We are all still part of this thriving industry! Join up and on cloud nine following possibly one of the Once the festive season is over, we will be be offered an automatic place in Night At most amazing and colourful productions we gearing up for our contribution to the The Musicals coming up in the Spring Term have ever staged, Hairspray! I was lucky ‘Mayflower 400’ celebration and one-to-one audition technique with Mrs enough to work with the singers in the show, commemorating the 400th anniversary of the Cutting in preparation for the next School and I have to say they were some of the most Mayflower’s pioneering voyage. A selection Production! No experience required, just dedicated and hardworking pupils I have of our instrumentalists and vocalists will be bags of energy and the gumption to try ever had the pleasure of working with. They preparing performances to be played at the something new! did themselves proud and I am very much in March – details to looking forward to the next show. However, follow in the New Year. we cannot rest up just yet as preparations are Drama Trips I do hope you will be able to join us for well underway for our school Christmas our Christmas Concert on Tuesday 17th Concert as well as our annual contribution December at 6.30pm in the School Atrium. e started the term with two visits to the SSMA Christmas Concert at the Tickets are free and will be available from to the Nuffield Theatre to see Guildhall. The Christmas Season will also the Music Department. I hope you all have a Woman in Black and, two weeks see many of our pupils performing in and W very Merry Christmas and a restful later, One Man, Two Guvnors. The two around the city, including carol singing at New Year. pieces could not be a bigger contrast, one various locations throughout . being a psychological horror and the other being a comedy with more than a little feel of the Italian Commedia dell’ Arte. Isaac Smith thought that Woman in Black was: “Enjoyable and it made me jump. The acting was perfect the entire way through. However, I think it would have been better Dance if she was a prop/costume that the audience never fully saw.” Eshan Azad said that One Man, Two Guvnors was “Amazing.” Talia Moccia thought it was “Really hilarious.” Tommy De Kerckhove mused that it was KS3 Dance Dance “Absolutely smashing.” It is certainly one of the funniest plays that we have ran a trip for. Company e have been really impressed with the work that our Year 7 students have produced this term S3 Dance Company have been W whist studying two different schemes of enjoying learning new dances work. As a result we have seen some really Kusing a variety of styles and have creative pieces based on Superheroes and a been working hard at creating a piece in a professional work called Swansong based Contemporary style, which will be performed on characters; a prisoner and prison guards. this year at the Christmas Concert. Thank This scheme of work raises awareness of you to all the Year 7 and 8 students who have bullying as the prisoner character is falsely participated in the club every Tuesday and imprisoned. Year 8s have done a great job a big thank you to Miss Taulbut and Miss of exploring contact work whilst studying Grindey for their enthusiasm and teaching the A Level Dance Motionhouse’s Broken and have really lovely dancers. had the opportunity to build upon their performance ability during the Ghost Dances Drama ur A Level students in Year 13 have scheme of work. There have been many and been busily preparing for their varied choreographic pieces created by our OPerformance Quartet, Solos based Year 9 and 10 GCSE students whilst studying Academies GCSE Dance on a specific practitioner as well as their final the Anthology Works; A Linha Curva and Group choreographies. Lots of research, Within Her Eyes. discussion and creative decisions have taken he Drama Academies have been busy he GCSE Year 11 have been working place and we are now seeing their work rehearsing and experimenting prior extremely hard in preparation for developing well. Also, our Year 12 students Tto performances next term. Three Tthe practical examination pieces. have made a fantastic start to their A Level students are working hard on a shortened One of these pieces, the Performance in a course. Thank you for your engagement and performance of Teechers. Mora Fallet Duet/ Trio was performed at our after school enthusiasm towards what we are studying. said “I really like playing the role, Gail, Showcase on Thursday 21st November in the They also participated in an invaluable trip Thank You because I’m allowed to mess around and push Theatre. This was a positive experience for to the University of Chichester for the Dance Salty.” Julia Kisielewska is really enjoying the dancers and gave them a chance to show Insight Day in November and experienced Teechers “Not only because the plot is their wonderful work to family and friends what it is like to study Dance at university would like to take this opportunity to thank extraordinarily funny, but because it’s a good as well as have a practice for their exam in whilst participating in a practical technique all my past and present amazing students play to start getting imaginative and practice the New Year. The students have also worked class, a tour of the campus and watched a Iof Dance as I embark on the new role of acting with many different personalities/ hard at learning the Set Phrase ‘Shift’ during performance. Good luck to both year groups Trainee SENCO in January and to welcome characters.” The third actor, Christopher the practical mock workshops alongside their as you prepare for your mock exams after Miss Richards who will become the new Richards loves “Practising Teechers, it allows theory mock paper. Well done to you all. Christmas. Dance Coordinator. me and the other actors to improve our drama skills while having a bit of a laugh in the process.” 4 Year 7 BPSNEWS Rising to the Challenge... Well what a term it has been! We have seen so many successes and I am so proud of how well Year 7 have settled in to life at BPS. There are lots of students ‘rising to the challenge’ and demonstrating the School Values throughout their time in School. The Girls and Boys Football teams have been excelling this term and have had some great wins! Extra-curricular has been attended amazingly well by our students and the feedback from staff has been outstanding. It was so nice to meet parents on IAG Day and tutors really enjoyed celebrating the successes of our students’ attitude towards their learning. I hope you enjoy reading about just a few of the amazing things Year 7 have been up to below. I wish all of our students and their parents and carers a very Merry Christmas and hope you enjoy this special time together. Mr Hellyer, Head of Year 7

Back on Day 1 Reppin’ the PSHE Fun!

t seems so long ago that our students School ver the last few weeks, Year 7 have began their journey with us in September. been taking part in a team building I remember so vividly how amazing the project where they have been tasked I ur reps have been very busy this half O children were on that day and the buzz and with lots of activities, which require them to term with helping me to run the year excitement that was happening around the work together to overcome these challenges. Ogroup! Our Tutor Reps have been school. The students were so keen to get From Scavenger hunts to event planning, the having to plan inter-tutor challenges that we stuck in to their new lessons and get to grips buzz around the school and the relationships will run over the rest of the year and now we with life at BPS. I continue to look forward to being developed, has been so nice to see and have agreed the challenges they will have the next 5 years with our students and can’t I would love to see these skills continue to be to organize the fantastic events they have wait to share some of these photos with them applied throughout their time at School. decided upon. ECO Reps have been working in June 2024. closely with Miss Mercer, our ECO teacher warrior in helping the school to recycle more and also helping to make the school more ECO friendly. They even planted trees this week! Charity Reps will be running events across the year for our charity of the year which we are currently in the process of selecting. They have been presenting in assembly about who they would like us to support and as a year group we will soon be deciding on who to choose.

Year 7 Football

here is much to celebrate this term, especially the current league success Tfor our Year 7 boys’ team. Having won all four of their league games to date and a goal difference of +19, BPS currently sit top of Division 1. There are two games left to play after Christmas, with the last game likely to be a title decider at home to Upper Shirley. The Cup campaign began brightly for the Year 7s, sweeping aside Brune Park 13-1 in round 1. Setting such a high standard in the first fixture, it then created an enormous shock when the Year 7s unfortunately lost in Round 2 during an extremely difficult away fixture to Westgate. Representatives in Year 7 this half term who Having valiantly come from behind 3 times, Attendance work with their individual tutor groups. the team drew 3-3 at full time, going on to They have not only launched the Christmas lose 9-8 on penalties. Bake it Red day film reward this half term but work closely I am proud of all players in the squad who By Mrs Lewington, Assistant Head of Year 7 with their tutor in order to encourage high have each given 100% but a special mention attendance in their own tutor groups. They to a number of players who have provided a s well as our non-school uniform verall Year 7 have made a really as a group came up with the idea of a weekly solid backbone for the team, including; Tayo with a red theme, Year 7 Charity positive start to their time at raffle that they hold in their groups whereby Singerr, Hubert Cegielka, Zac Whitelock, AReps and their friends came and OBitterne Park School and this those with high attendance and improved Blake Butler, Anthoni Korpikiewiz and Finn helped bake lots of lovely goodies to sell includes their attendance last half term. We attendance can enter and receive a sweet Lennon. and raise extra money for the Ruth Strauss are always trying to think of ways to treat as a reward on a Friday (I am rapidly Foundation. It was so good to see around encourage high attendance and at the end of running out of Mars Bars!). We will continue Looking ahead, we will continue to train on 40 children helping to bake after the rest of last half term we awarded the tutor group to promote attendance and encourage a Wednesday evenings after school and the year group helped to source all of the with the highest attendance a bacon and resilient attitude where illness is concerned as upcoming fixtures include; the Southampton ingredients. I was more than happy to help sausage bap breakfast in the atrium, which we know that the more a child is present the Schools 5-a-side Competition on the 4th finish off the melted chocolate left over at the they heartily enjoyed. We will be doing the more beneficial this is for them in so many December before a busy post-Christmas end! We raised over £85 towards the ‘Wear it same this half term and also be awarding the ways. Hopefully everyone will have a happy period with the start of the Southampton Red’ day and I was overwhelmed by the team tutor group with the most improved and healthy Christmas break and come back League Cup and continuation of Division 1 effort and support the year group showed attendance a similar incentive. I have also had fighting fit for their second term in Year 7. league fixtures. towards this amazing event. the pleasure of working with Attendance AUTUMN 2019 Year 8 BPSNEWS www.bitterneparkschool.org.uk 5 A successful start to Year 8 It seems like only yesterday we embarked on the journey of Year 8 and now we are almost a term in! I have been delighted by the year group’s attitude to learning and enthusiasm and I look forward to celebrating with them over the festive period. Mr Robertson, Head of Year 8

to the Year Group and also Mr Jeffery who Year 8 Year 8 options Pastoral we are looking forward to seeing when he comes back to the Year Group in January. I Celebrations will really miss working with Miss Snoddon e are currently very busy behind Support Worker however, who has covered the Assistant Head the scenes looking at the options of Year job for Mr Jeffery. She has done a he year group have accumulated process for Year 8 and I know W ello my name is Elaine and I am the fantastic job and her joy, enthusiasm and an exceptional amount of STAR students will be excited about selecting their Pastoral Support Worker for Year 8. sense of fun will really be missed in the Year Points as they have been recognised options in 2020. Much more information to T HI have had the absolute pleasure to Office. I am really looking forward to being by teachers for demonstrating our School follow soon. work with quite a few students since a small part in their journey at Bitterne Park Values. Below you can see the tremendous September and have found them to be a School and cannot wait to see them grow and achievement to date: wonderful and inspiring Year Group to mature into the exceptional young people that I know they are. Enjoyment - 1279, Achievement - 3093 support. It has been so lovely to work with Community - 49, Respect - 766 the amazing Head of Year 8, Mr Robertson, Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and Relationships – 375 who has been so supportive and encouraging a Happy New Year to me and gives so much time and energy In 2020, we will be focusing on the values of Relationships and Community with a number of year group initiatives with the aim of improving the number of STAR points given for these. Winchester Christmas Market

look forward to taking 200 Year 8 students for a fun and festive day out at Winchester IChristmas Market, exploring the many Mindfulness different craft huts and a session ice-skating. I will be observing this one as opposed to participating – the term ‘Bambi on ice’ comes Mondays Attendance Reward taking place where we to mind! We have also planned a film reward What a start to will celebrate with our best school attenders morning and a Christmas Celebration by watching a Christmas movie, we have an Assembly to further recognise and reward the s part of our tutor time programme Attendance competition currently running year group for their hard work. we have introduced Mindfulness the year! with a prize at the end for all that complete it, AMondays which involves students a cake decorating competition, a tutor board having some meaningful quiet time for By Miss Snoddon decorating competition, a tutor group themselves to prepare for the week through Christmas song writing competition and, as Grow a fiver a variety of activities. Huge thanks to Mrs his term has been especially busy, if these weren’t enough, a Christmas/school Chilcott-Coombes for supporting with the as always! We have seen some themed elf on the shelf photography have recently launched our Year 8 charity development of this and raising awareness of Tamazing things from our students who competition! How will we fit it all in? project which involves each tutor group how importent mindfulness is with the year have got involved with various incentives group in assembly. As this will be my first and last newsletter I Ibeen given a £5 investment which led by and competitions around school including the have a few things that I would like to say. It Tutor Reps, they have been tasked to wrong’uns inter-tutor challenge and our substantially grow through reinvestment and photography competition launched by has been an unbelievable privilege to work with the students in Year 8 as their Acting seeing opportunity. Five years ago, one of my Mr Jeffery. We had lots of amazing entries old tutor groups managed to turn the initial Social Media and it was hard to choose just one winner. Assistant Head of Year for this last half of term. The students have taken me under their investment into £556 – I hope we can beat I was really privileged to choose the images this incredible return! The tutor groups are by Abigail Tompkins and Amelie wing and made me feel welcome and part of e have dealt with a number of the family. The job itself has been amazing. currently preparing to present for the charity issues this year including students Singaravaloo as the winners of the autumn that they would like the money to be donated photography competition! It is hard to explain all the work that happens Wusing social media inappropriately. behind the scenes in such a big school but to - charities include Blue Cross Southamp- Please continue to support us by monitoring Attendance overall for the year group is rest assured that the pastoral team continually ton, Team Trees, Papyrus and Save The your child’s social media usage to ensure this currently at 95% this is a small decrease from go above and beyond what the student’s Children to name but a few. I look forward is used correctly. the first half of term which was at 96%. As desire and need in order to make sure that to updating the next newsletter with our year always attendance in school is extremely they are taken care of, safe and happy in group charity and total amount raised. Thank important. Not only is it where we learn and school. you for your involvement and contributions grow academically but socially as well. We Mr Robertson, I want to thank you for the to this. A big thank you can learn to build positive relationships and opportunity you have given me and for behaviours with staff and students and make believing that I was the right person for the a real difference in our community. This job. You have been a true inspiration to me uge thanks to Miss Snoddon for being said, we do understand that there can and it has been my privilege to work for you. Tutor Rep stepping into Mr Jeffery’s place as be exceptional circumstances that may cause Thank you for your patience, understanding HAssistant Head of Year for the half a barrier to being able to attend school. If and for teaching me all I needed to know term. Her hard work and determination has this is the case please can I remind you that and more. Your love for the school and the Training been very much appreciated. you will need to contact the school each students you care for is enviable and you morning of your child’s absence. Attendance have been a real inspiration to me. Elaine, e took the Year 8 Tutor Reps for has never been so important especially as we what can I say, you have been, and are, a a great morning at Woodmill approach the time of year where students will beacon of light for so many in this school. WActivity Centre in October for Merry be asked to pick there GCSE options. This The staff and students all adore you and I am team building events. The students had to is an exciting and yet daunting task and well aware of all the reasons why. Thank you challenge themselves working together on Christmas ensuring that your child is in school and for your support and unending advice as I Jacobs Ladder or even completing the vertical doing everything they can to better prepare took in this role. You are such a fundamental challenge blindfolded! Teams then showed themselves for the challenges ahead is more part of the team and you always put others their skills by building rafts before testing an I take this opportunity to thank you important now than ever. above yourself, a trait that will now stick with them out with variable and comical results! for your continued support and on As we approach Christmas there are lots me always. Thank you for such a wonderful I look forward to working closely with this Cbehalf of the entire Year Team wish of fun incentives that the students are term and I wish you and your families a very team throughout the year to make effective you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy looking forward to. We have a Christmas Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. change for the year group. New Year. 6 Year 9 BPSNEWS Busy first term as KS4... Our first term as KS4 has been a very busy one with the year group really rising to the challenges that KS4 brings with it. Mrs Stokes, Head of Year 9 Reward trip Tutor reps e were lucky once again to organise a reward trip to the ur newly appointed Tutor Reps are: cinema this term - in fact we had 2 Callum Ronnie, Alistair Higgins, W trips. Each trip invited key pupils, one group OErin Nicholson, Harjot Shari, was those pupils with the greatest number of Shannon McAuley, Izzy Rickard Foxley, conduct points from our first half term of the Lewis Wills, Mia Davis, Amelie Burton, year. Well done to... Maya Falco Pitt, Charlotte Woolgar, Ava Davies, Millicent Brimmell, Faith Jefferis Katie Clothier, Ava Davies, Lucy Gowans, Laird, Kayc Freeland, Norbert Cholewa, Louis Miller, Scarlett Mitchell, Katie Gall, George Jones, Amelie Pilloud Hyne, Harry Zora Droniou-Bordy, Katie Reid, Ella Sinton- Wright, Ellis Brett and Erin Birch. their commitment, teamwork and effort is Young, Alexander Jones, Kat Parker and Eryn Nicholson They are taking to this role well and are Girls Football awesome and I extremely proud of all of currently involved in organising charity them all. (including those from year 7&8 The second group consisted of those pupils events to help raise money for our chosen too.) Well done to... who had achieved 100% attendance since charity for this term – Cystic Fibrosis, a ur Girl’s Football Team have had an joining Bitterne Park as Year 7 pupils – a charity close to the hearts of the year group. outstanding season. I wanted to put Kaitlyn Cousens, Amy Eggleton, Eleanor fantastic achievement. Well done to... Monies raised will go towards further Oa mention in here for them despite Fitzgerald, Sophie Woolgar, Bessie Walcroft, Rhys Abul, Joseph Avery, Robin Crane, research into the causes of and treatments knowing they would also get a mention in the Nakai Kwengawa, Ellie Roles, Seren Jarvis Imogen Dunlop, Lucy Gowans, Nakai for this condition. As part of their role PE section of the newsletter. (GK), Pola Kweik, Brooke Sommerville- Kuwengwa, Chloe Meddings, Margaux they created and delivered an informative Hewitt, Bethany Bowen, Mollie Cousens, Every single girl has given their all to the Prince, Ella Sinton-Young, Jake Smith, assembly to the year group and also promoted Chloe Wyett, Ella Cockle, Katie Gall and matches they have played and as a result Wiktoria Wierzba and Charlotte Woolgar. their charity events in the assemblies of Years won far more games than they have lost - Eleanor Knight. 7 and 8 – for some of the team this was a Both trips were extremely enjoyable with all real challenge – it is not easy talking in front pupils conducting themselves impeccably and of over 300 people ! However they should hopefully really enjoying themselves. be proud of themselves as they displayed some awesome confidence, team work and organisational skills. Saints Foundation

e are extremely fortunate to have Fraser Ford from the Saints WFoundation working with some of our pupils. This led to two of the pupils Kris Kapend and Josh Ngombi being selected to attend an important event at Saints ground. Both were really proud of their efforts which led to their selection and enjoyed their time at Saints. Raising Tis the season awareness of Anti Bullying to be jolly Ambassadors Cyber Bullying s this newsletter goes to publication we are busy finalising plans for ebecca Day has been working hard Aour annual Christmas trip and this our students - Cara Twinberrow, Sam in selecting and training our Anti year Tutor Reps suggested another trip to Clarke, Bailey Thomas and Ellen Sear RBullying Ambassadors. Well done to... Winchester Christmas Market and ice skating. Fwent to the Saints Stadium working I am really looking forward to enjoying alongside the Saints Foundation, to continue Liam Webber, Daisy Griffiths, Bartek Frank, some fun and festivities with the year group. the message and raise awareness of Cyber Ellen Sear, Sam Smaili, Mia Wardle, Cara Fingers crossed we return free of injuries! Bullying. They did this via presentations and Twinberrow, Bailey Thomas, Sam Clarke and Sophia Paige In addition, we are also creating our talking about their own experiences to over Christmas Celebration Assembly this will 160 children!!!!! Amazing! These ambassadors have been extremely busy give us a platform to really celebrate our “When I went to the stadium it was really and achieved a great deal already including: achievements from this first term as KS4, good experience for me. I spoke to 160 Introduced themselves in Year 8 assembly, achievements such as 98% of the year group primary school students about cyber bullying and have arranged to introduce themselves in achieving average behaviour and effort scores and I think it really helped them to speak up Year 7 assembly too. of 3.5+ WOW. Well done to all of those about their experiences after I had shared Completed a slideshow presentation to be pupils a key indicator that you are trying hard my information with them. I also think they shown to Years 9, 10, 11 during tutor time. in your lessons. took in all the information we gave to them. They have launched an email that students can contact them directly for support. This I sincerely hope that I am not left alone to At first for me it was overwhelming but by singalong to the festive Karaoke’s and that the end of the day I was really proud of my can be found on the BPS website under Anti- Bullying Ambassadors and displayed on the everyone participates and really throws achievements – they learned something from themselves into the festive spirit. me and I learned something about myself. I screens in the Atrium and posters around the school. At that point I would like to wish say a just really enjoyed it.” Cara Twinberrow huge thank you to the year team - students “I wish that I had received this information They have displayed posters highlighting the tutors, pastoral team and parents for their when I was in primary school. I really think Princess Diana Anti-Bullying message and contribution in making term one as KS4 the that the messages I gave to the children will Crisis line for students who prefer to access great success that it has been. support outside of school. really help them with keeping safe online and Best wishes to you all for a fun filled healthy, more aware of cyber bullying.” Ellen Sear happy and rewarding 2020. AUTUMN 2019 Year 10 BPSNEWS www.bitterneparkschool.org.uk 7 Exceptional attitude Year 10! Well done the Class of 2021 in what’s been a busy but very successful first term. Students have come back to BPS in a great frame of mind, ready to take on new experiences and challenges that face them. Year 10 is a crucial year in order to appropriately prepare yourself for the exams and assessments the year group will face over the next year and a half. There are 4 terms remaining before we begin our exams and I feel confident that if the Class of 2021 continue as they have started they will be delighted with their success. Keep up the great work and be proud of your efforts. Mr Joiner, Head of Year 10

Big Interview Fright Night Attendance ongratulations to the Class of 2021 in completing the Big Interview Cprocess. Careers is something that Reward we have significantly pushed with the year group as a way to raise aspirations. The his year we ran our first reward trip to pupils spent a number of weeks preparing for Thorpe Park Fright Night. This was this experience which included writing CV’s Ta reward voted for by the pupils last and looking at the skills required during the year as part of our Pupil Voice. This reward interview process. All pupils should be very was an attendance incentive over a 6 week proud with their achievement. Being part of period to drive up the attendance of the year an interview is a daunting process however group. Numerous studies have shown the they all showed great maturity and resilience link between attendance and attainment and throughout. We believe this experience will how poor attendance can negatively impact be invaluable moving forward and give pupils a pupils achievement in school. It was great the confidence to be successful. Well done to to see so many pupils attend the trip due to you all. having positive attendance. Unfortunately the weather wasn’t on our side with a number of rides not being available. The good news is all the pupils who attended will get a free ticket for the summer end of year award. Work Experience

s part of our Careers drive, you will be aware of the work experience Aprovision we run at Bitterne Park School. This will be for two weeks in the final half term of the summer. At present we are really pushing for pupils to find their own placements for work experience. The reason for this is because previous work experience placements have showed that pupils have had better and more valuable experiences when they have had a part to play in where they have gone. We have provided support for pupils in how to go about finding placements and what they need to do once a placement has been secures. As an incentive, we have said that the first 150 pupils to secure an own placement and the first three tutor groups in full will receive a reward. IAG 1 Year 9 Football BPS Rugby would like to congratulate the class of t has been a privilege so far this year to Year 10 Football 2021 for their recent IAG 1 scores. As a take on the Year 9 football team. This is year team we set an aspirational target for the first time I have coached this team and ugby has been developing year on I I he Year 10 boys have recently been year at Bitterne Park with a large all pupils to achieve an average behaviour have thoroughly enjoyed the season so far. and classwork score of 4 or above. This is The boy’s quality of football has improved promoted back to Division 1 and Rnumber of pupils playing for the first because we strongly believe that by adopting game on game with them now looking like Thave completed five matches winning time when joining who are our School Values and having a positive a force to be reckoned with having scored three and suffering two defeats. The boys now playing competitively for both school attitude towards learning, pupils will achieve the most goals in the league. At present we have secured a second place position in the and out of school clubs. On the back of the to their full potential. In this first term, 72% are top of Division 1 with some games to league. The stand out performance was the recent Rugby World Cup we want to push of the year group managed to achieve this play. We are still in with a chance of winning home 3-2 win vs Oasis Sholing who won the participation even further. At present we enter target which is absolutely fantastic, well the league, depending on a crucial game Southampton School Boys Cup last year, in into the Hampshire Development Festivals done to all who did. A further 20% of pupils between two rival schools. As long as we win this match Indy Clarke scored a superb and the Southampton Schools league. scored between 3.5 to 4, meaning that they our final game of the season we have every hat-trick, other exceptional performances Training has started in half term 2 with some were significantly close to achieving this chance of winning the league this year. After have been George McCubbin at centre back fantastic numbers so far however we want aspirational target and only a couple of scores Christmas we will have the Southampton and Liam Webber in centre midfield. The more. Year 7 and 8 training is on a Thursday away from doing so. Off the back of IAG 1, Cup, something we as a squad have targeted Year 10 boys are also enjoying a Hampshire after school on the 3G. Year 9 and 10 training the 92% of pupils who scored 3.5 or above as wanting to win for the first time. Training Cup run, where in the 2nd round they is on a Wednesday after school on the 3G. We have been invited to go on the West Quay ice for the Year 9 team is every Wednesday on knocked out 6-2 a team that would love for every pupils who has enjoyed skating trip. We want to reward pupils for the 3G. All Year 9 pupils are invited to come knocked them out when they played back in rugby in their lesson to come along to the their positive behaviour towards learning in to training. It has been a great season so far, Year 8. It was a great performance watched club to enjoy themselves and learn. There is school and hope they thoroughly enjoy their let’s make sure that after Christmas we finish by many Bitterne Park staff and students. The no pressure to play, we want pupils to learn to time with friends. the season with a trophy. Notable players boys are now looking forward to playing in love rugby whether competing competitively so far this season have been Alex Wilkie both the Southampton and Hampshire Cup or not. Any questions about rugby at BPS, (Captain), Archie Knight, Liam Roles and after Christmas where they will do their very please come and see Mr Joiner. Keep up the Luke Collins-Smith. best to win some silverware. great work. 8 Year 11 BPSNEWS Mature & focused attitude... Year 11 have been exceptionally busy with their mock exams preparing them for the GCSE exams. I have been delighted with how the year group have demonstrated a mature, focused and determined attitude and hope that they can be very proud of the mock exam results they achieve, come mock results day on the 10th January. The mocks will have provided students with the opportunities to hone exam technique including productive revision tools, time management and organisation to name but a few. Following this there is a Year 11 Parents Evening to discuss any concerns you or your child may have on 22nd January. Students now need to critically evaluate current successes and address areas of concern using their time effectively to maximise academic progress. Mr Powell, Head of Year 11

Southampton Year 11 Average Effort Scores Dec 2019 Cenotaph

embers of the Senior Prefect Team, Head Boy and Head Girl Mwere invited to lay a wreath at Southampton Cenotaph. The donated wreath

4.5 has been made by members of Southampton 82% Day Services at a workshop led by Sweet Pea Florists in Woolston. The students conducted themselves impeccably and were 4+ a true credit to the school, well done to Jacob Parker, Lydia McCarthy, Charlie Cramer, Lily Waghorn and William McLachlan. 3.5 18% IAG Day 3+

e are incredibly proud that in the most recent IAG Day the year >3 0% Wgroup achieved some excellent attitude indicators with 82% of the year group achieving a 4+ and only 18% of the year group in the amber group with 3-3.99. This is a fantastic start and really demonstrates how hard students are working in lessons. With 18 school weeks to go until the first exam, now Year 11 is the time to ensure the amber group convert into 4+, to ensure they are well prepared for Attendance and their exams. Pastoral Punctuality Support Worker Year 11 Prom By Miss Baldwin, Assistant Head of Year e are aware that Year 11 can be By Miss Baldwin, Assistant Head of Year he Class of 2020 have made a an overwhelming year for many strong start to Year 11 with regards Wstudents and the Pastoral Team to attendance, which is above 3 rom preparations are now underway T will and do support any students who are and the theme of New York has been out of the last four Year 11 cohorts, struggling. Please contact the Year Team if retrospective to the same point in the year Prevealed. Miss Baldwin is going on you have any concerns regarding your child a pre-visit at Christmas to source ideas, to (95.18%). Congratulations to the following so we can provide guidance and intervention. tutor groups who have all exceeded 96%, bring the theme to life. The Year 11 Prom We are very fortunate to have a Pastoral date is confirmed for 24th June at the Hilton 11SAC, 11CRJ, 11OAM, 11SEU, 11SIW, Support Worker; Louise Drever who has 11AAW and 11AMR. Ageas Bowl. Unfortunately due to a booking already been supporting a number of students error on the hotels behalf the date did have thus far. It is crucial that students, with to change from its original date. All tutors The students have worked hard to ensure they parental support, achieve the right balance are in their timetabled lessons as frequently have been consciously raising their targeted between school work and leisure time to £100 for Prom to ensure they have the most as they can be, which will pay dividends ensure they are well-rounded individuals. when they receive both their mock results memorable night. There have been penalty I hope that over the Christmas holiday the shootouts with Southampton FC’s goalkeeper, and final exam results in August 2020. There students recharge, relax and unwind before is still one student who has maintained cake sales, raffles, plaiting of hair, football the challenges of 2020. predictions, you name it they have tried it! 100% attendance since Year 7 and rightly A special mention must go to the FERNS deserves a commendation for his resilience tutor group who set up a hot chocolate café and perseverance; so a special mention goes and with only 6 students in the tutor group to Dominic Andre. With less than 95 school managed to fundraise the full £100. The days now remaining, the students need to current total stands at £397.80, so we have Christmas ensure they are maintaining their drive to be made an excellent effort towards our target punctual, positive, and proactive if they are to of £1100. achieve the exceptional results they are more celebrations than capable of.

e are looking forward to a Our very variety of Christmas celebrations Wwhich will include a Year 11 Christmas Dinner and an ice skating trip best wishes... and walk round the Christmas market at Winchester, recognising students that an I take this opportunity to thank you have shown outstanding effort/classwork all for your continued support and and attendance. Cwish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy, Healthy New Year. AUTUMN 2019 Sixth Form BPSNEWS www.bitterneparkschool.org.uk 9 Hard work leads to success! What another incredible year at Bitterne Park Sixth Form College culminating in 23% achieving A*- A grades and over 50% achieving A*- B grades. In Vocational courses over 35% achieved Distinction grades and 83% Merit+. Hard work really does lead to success with our students achieving the best ever set of results since the college opened 8 years ago. Our students have secured places on a range of university and apprenticeship courses including Business Management, Geography, Biology, Fashion, Marine Photography, Theatre Arts, Maths, Biomedical Science and many more. Paul Overton, Head of Sixth Form Notable Sixth Form Achievers Election Year 11 Open

ongratulations to all students who Evening Holly Peterson – Geography A*, Biology A, were elected for key roles this year Psychology A, Extended Project A Con the student committee. Some he Sixth Form hosted its first Open Cameron Galbreith – Photography A*, Art A, fantastic, passionate speeches. Evening of the year. A fantastic turn Religious Studies A Tout by Year 11 students and parents President – Lottie Cooke from Bitterne Park and all over the city. Byron Kellett – English A*, Business A Vice President – Hannah Austin and Charlotte Over 100 interviews have already taken Allen Willis - Mathematics A*, Physics A*, Foreman Film Trip place for 2020 courses. Apply now at www. Economics B, Religious Studies B RAG Officer – Laura Ray bitternesixthform.org.uk Student Engagement Officer – Lissie Sophie Trodd – Performing Arts Distinction*, Hickman and Rosie Buckley ilm students attended the BFI London Production Arts Distinction, Business Studies Film Festival. It was a privilege for the B Fstudents to watch a film screening in a UCAS festival environment. Melissa Newlove – History A, Sociology B, Performing Arts Distinction, Health & Social Applications Distinction

Natasha Doble – Textiles A*, Production Arts ell done to all the Year 13 students Distinction*, Dance C who have applied to University Kirsty Woods – Travel and Tourism Diploma Wthrough UCAS. Exciting times Distinction*, Dance C for lots of students hoping to go onto Universities all the across the UK. Already Lana Black - Travel and Tourism Diploma lots of fantastic university offers have been Distinction*, Psychology B, Sociology C Art Trip coming in. Daniel Waghorn – Travel and Tourism Distinction*, Business - Distinction, Media Studies – Merit. ixth Form artists went on a trip around London to see some world famous Photography cannot fault the hard work and Sgalleries with world famous art. We commitment of the students achieving visited The National Gallery, V and A, The Iresults this year, and I know they will all National Portrait Gallery, as well as The Trip Royal Academy. We were able to see works go on to incredible achievements on the next stage of their journey. I would like to wish by Velasquez, Frink, Van Gogh and many ear 12 Photography students visited them all the best of luck in whatever the others. It was a full but fun day. London in order to gain inspiration future brings! Team Building Yfor their photography work. start of term Hairspray Body Worlds activities ongratulations to all the Sixth Form Performers who took part in Exhibition CHairspray. The show would not have his day marked Bitterne Park Sixth been such a huge success without the hard ear 12 PE students visited the Body Form’s warm welcome to the new work and commitment of the Sixth Form Worlds exhibition in London. It was Tstudent body. The afternoon was a lot Production Arts Team. Well done! Yan eye opening opportunity, bringing of fun and it was a great opportunity for Year the subject content to life. 12 and 13 to get to know each other in a fun, Marwell Zoo comfortable environment. Thorpe Park Trip Fright night

ear 12 and 13 A Level Biologists he Sixth Form entered into the spent the day at Marwell Zoo learning Halloween spirit with a terrifying trip Yabout the zoo’s role in conservation. Tto Thorpe Park Fright Night. Lots of It was a really inspiring day for the students. fun had by all, trying to stay clear of all the zombies throughout the park. Guildhall Chichester

ell done to all the musicians who Travel and performed at the annual SSMA A Level Music University WChristmas Concert at Southampton Tourism Guildhall. A truly amazing collective Workshop Dance Insight performance. Day ravel and Tourism students were BP6 Remember ear 12 were lucky enough to take part invited to a Cruise Management Open in a music workshop with Andrew TDay hosted by Plymouth University. YNicholson, Principle Flautist at ear 12 Dancers got to experience Students spent the day on the Queen ncredible to be part of the whole school Western Australia Symphony Orchestra. what it would be like to study Dance Elizabeth and experienced life of a cruise Remembrance Event paying our respects to Andrew helped support the A Level students Yat University by taking part in the ship. Ithose that have fallen in the war. on developing their composition techniques. Chichester University Dance Insight Day. 10 BPSNEWS Business Enterprise Year 9 Year 10 Year 8 Options BP6

n Year 9 Business Enterprise, students have n Year 10 Business Enterprise, students Evening in the ecruitment to A Level Business, A been developing a number of key skills have just fully completed their first Level Economics and Level 3 CTEC Isuch as leadership, team work, research, Icoursework unit on investigating local RVocational Business Studies has been creativity and ICT. Since September they businesses (30% of the overall grade). Now spring term brilliant this year with a record number of have been completing a number of enterprise and until April students are understanding students studying a business related subject focused projects such as creating a monopoly how businesses promote themselves as well he department are pleased to at Sixth Form. Results as ever have been business board consisting of local businesses as under business financial management, announce that we will be offering fantastic and all groups are preparing for in the area, designing their own chocolate which is assessed via an exam (worth 40% of TGCSE Economics as well as BTEC their mock exams in January 2020. brand and an investigating into politics and the overall grade) in May 2020. Business Enterprise for students in Year 8 Expecting another fantastic year with results economics and the impact they have on that might be interested in selecting one of that established the department as one of the business. After February the Year 9s will be the subjects for Year 9. best nationally in this subject area. starting their first part of their coursework, Year 11 investigating, reporting on and evaluating the activities of local businesses. n year 11 business enterprise, students completed their first coursework unit in Iyear 10 and now are preparing to sit their promotion and finance exam on February 3rd 2020. After this they will be continuing to plan and present their own money making business idea in order to complete the second and final coursework component of the course. Religious Studies

and were given an opportunity to ask One City: these representatives questions and find out more about their religious and cultural backgrounds. The students then produced No Barriers posters and campaigns using the information they collected to promote the theme “One City: No Barriers”. They had to give a n Wednesday 20th November, presentation to the other groups about some of our Year 8 and Sixth Form promoting tolerance and respect within Ostudents attended the event One City: the community of Southampton. The Sixth No Barriers, which was hosted by Richard Form students acted as teaching support Taunton Sixth Form College. Eight of our and helped the different groups plan and Year 8 students attended the event which prepare their presentations. Student included students from other schools across evaluations demonstrated profound the city. They were given the opportunity to comments about the common moral work in teams with the students from other principles across all religions, promoting schools. They met with community leaders tolerance, understanding and equality across and faith representatives from Southampton a range of communities and contexts. Maths English Year 7 visit from Magic of Maths local author

his has been a busy term for his term Year 7 were lucky enough to mathematics at Bitterne Park School. be visited by a local author, TA group of Year 10 students went TEle Fountain. This was particularly to a ‘Magic of Maths’ event in Portsmouth, exciting for students as they are currently Here they had the opportunity to look at the studying her novel, Boy 87, in their English mathematics involved in juggling and bridge lessons. Ele started her visit with a building as well as other activities presentation to the year group on her highlighting the beauty and power of experiences as an author and her inspiration mathematics in the real world. 15 Year 9 for writing the novel. Our students were students went to Bletchley Park to learn the first to see the front cover of Ele’s up about the mathematics behind codes and code and coming new book and were given some breaking as well as discovering some of the hints to the storyline. Following this excit- history of the team of mathematicians and ing presentation, Ele then went on to run two puzzle solvers who worked in secret during Creative Writing workshops with budding the Second World War. Next term we look future authors from across the year group. forward to the Junior and Intermediate Maths The day was a tremendous success and Challenges as well as preparing for the team further nurtured a love of reading and writing maths challenge later in the year. in our students. AUTUMN 2019 BPSNEWS www.bitterneparkschool.org.uk 11 Art Tate Modern Sixth Form & The National Art Trip

Gallery n Monday 21st November, the Sixth Form Art students went on a trip Oaround London to visit some popular n Friday 15th November the Art galleries with world famous art. We drove Department took 50 students to Tate up to Richmond and then went by train into OModern and The National Gallery. central London visiting The National Gallery, These were students from Years 9 and 10. V&A, The National Portrait Gallery, as well We were able to see a vast array of work as The Royal Academy. We were able to see from Picasso to Turner, as well as taking in works by Artists Velasquez, Frink, Van Gogh the sites of London. This journey took us and many others. It was a busy but fun day. past landmarks such as Trafalgar Square, The Millennium Bridge and The Globe Theatre. Students enjoyed their time discussing the artwork that they saw in the galleries and making studies for future reference, as well as taking in all of the sites of London.

Product Design Design & Technology

n Design and Technology this Term I am very pleased to see our pupils taking such Ipride in their work and they have produced some fabulous final pieces. Year 7 have been inspired by biomimicry in producing picture frames for their loved ones. Year 8 have been looking at the Memphis design movement but were allowed to produce some unique pieces for their own target market. I am looking forward to hopefully seeing our pupils take up Design and Technology / Product Design as an option for GCSE as there has been some strong pieces this year so far. It has been a pleasure. Miss Harrison. 12 BPSNEWS School Council

The School Council has got off to a good start this year with many volunteers keen to get involved!

ith councillors from all year groups represented, the School WCouncil are kicking off the academic year looking at amongst many things the local Airport Expansion and the possible introduction of new school ties including (fingers crossed!) possibly an Eco- friendly version. We look forward to bringing you regular updates as to what we are doing.

Outdoor Education Alternative Learning Programs

ince September we have been very busy going out and about engaging Sstudents in various activities as part of Year 8 & 9s John Muir Award. We are lucky enough to have had dry weather to be able to go off site on a weekly basis where groups have been able to explore local areas including; Lakeside, Weston Shore, Itchen Valley Country Park and Holly Hill just to name a few. Students have taken part in den building, orienteering, photography and even a litter pick along the shore where we managed find over 20kg of rubbish. #doing their bit for the environment. As part of the Into film festival, we were fortunate to be able to attend a free viewing of Johnny English Strikes Again which everyone seemed to enjoy. Staff endured a rigorous 2 day Mountain Bike Leaders course and are now full qualified. In the New Year we will be able to start taking students mountain biking with our fleet of bikes, along with many other exciting opportunities that we have planned for the year ahead. You can see what we are up to on Instagram Follow @BPSALPS. AUTUMN 2019 BPSNEWS www.bitterneparkschool.org.uk 13 Geography Year 13 Eco - Team Year 11 Mock Year 8 -

power through he BPS Eco-Leaders have been Exams Understanding working hard behind the scenes to the units Tensure that our school and local Our most senior GCSE the weather community are as environmentally friendly as possible. They are just about to start a Geographers have ur elite Geographers have now new project called ‘Secrets of the Solent’ their mock exams fast ur Year 8 Geographers have been completed their independent which is a four-year project, funded by The developing their fieldwork skills Ofieldwork investigation worth 20% National Lottery Heritage Fund. This project approaching. Oby exploring microclimates around of their final grade. They are group of involves schools, residents and businesses school and collecting data on temperature self-motivated, high aspiring and very that surround the Solent to raise awareness of and wind speed at various sites. They are talented students. They are now learning the threats to our waters and activate positive ood luck to all involved and a key now writing up their findings and assessing about global systems and global governance change. Our fantastic group of students are message to students: ‘Don’t get which site is the best place to spend break to understand the ways in which our world is motivated to protect our oceans and educate Gstressed; get organised!’ We have time. Students will soon be learning about deeply interconnected at many levels. others about the importance of the flora and been offering after school revision sessions the complex atmospheric systems which They are also studying people and their fauna that inhabit the Solent. They will soon to all students with the added bonus of duck create weather hazards such as hurricanes environment to appreciate complex be attending a trip to points for attendance! The department have and snow storms. interactions and issues that our global in Portsmouth where they will have the also created revision work booklets for each population may face in the future. Their mock opportunity to network with other topic which they should be independently exams are fast approaching and we are sure like-minded students and share ideas about working through. We are confident that they are going to excel! safeguarding the future of our Solent! our Year 11s will put in the hard work and achieve the fantastic grades they deserve. Year 12 tackle Year 10 students Iceland trip learn about water, carbon ur biennial trip to Iceland will be cycles and resource taking place next October and we Ohave 20 places secured on the trip! These lucky students will be standing in hazards management between two continents, walking underneath waterfalls and exploring volcanic craters! ur newest KS5 Geographers have ur Year 10 students are currently impressed us with their phenomenal learning about resource management Oorganisation, commitment and Oand unequal access to resources such engagement. They are currently learning as food, water and energy across the world. about the fine balance between water and They are exploring the issues associated with carbon cycles on our planet and the impact providing the UK population with secure of human intervention. They are also learn- access to a range of foods, clean water and ing about a wide variety of natural hazards sustainable energy. We hope that this unit and exploring the ways in which countries will make them consider the impact their respond to these and recover in varying ways. daily lives have on our planet and simple They will soon be completing their fieldwork changes they can make to help. There are a at Hengistbury Head, so we are looking range of fascinating documentaries which forward to wrapping up warm and seeing link perfectly to this topic, especially BBC1s Geography at its best! most recent program: Meat - A Threat to Our Planet?

Year 9 look at Year 7 learn overcrowding, Interesting Geographical fact new skills and population of the term Continents shift at about the same rate as your fingernails grow! ur youngest Geographers have ur newest GCSE Geographers have just finished a unit on map skills been learning about urban issues Oand have developed their ability to Oand challenges in one of the most describe routes using grid references, exciting cities in the world – Rio de Janeiro. compass points, distances and points of With the help of Google Earth, fascinating interest. 100 students in the year group took images and gripping videos, students have part in an orienteering and exploration day been experiencing what life is like in this fast Have a at Itchen Valley Country Park this October. paced city. They are understanding how Activities involved making fires, pond difficult it is to manage the rapid growth fantastic dipping and navigating a complex route and also the opportunities that rapid growth around the park. Year 7s are now learning provides. Our Year 9 students have really about the causes, effects and responses to impressed us with their mature attitude and Christmas! deadly natural hazards such as earthquakes, commitment to learning. Keep it up Year 9! Mr. P. Smallman volcanoes and tsunamis. Acting Head of Geography 14 BPSNEWS Leisure Travel & Tourism

Year 11 Travel and Tourism Year 12 Travel ear 11 can see the end in sight, and Tourism they have been working hard on a YCustomer Service Unit which has included using their findings from their trips he Year 12 students were invited to last year. The Customer Service Unit has an event on board the cruise ship opened their eyes into all of the different TQueen Victoria whilst docked in elements of business, and that everyone Southampton. They were able to experience within the company has to be singing from all that a cruise has to offer and were even the same hymn sheet for the business to be given a meal to sample. This has resulted a success. They were also able to bring their in a number of students being interested in own knowledge from their Year 10 work this particular sector of Travel and Tourism. experience to help them. There are also a number of Year 13 students undertaking an Air Cabin Crew course where they are experiencing all that is involved in becoming successful Air Cabin Crew. We are really fortunate that we have a mock up plane within the Sixth Form for them to practice in… BPS airways!

Marwell & Stonehenge trip

Marwell & Travel and By Mrs Chilcott - Coombes ear 10 Examination Prep reviewing Stonehenge Tourism trips different types of tourist attractions, Yproducts and services facilities, approach to customer service and the Travel and his term has been yet another busy organisational structure. We also explored time for Travel and Tourism trips. different uses of technology being used at Tourism trip TIn September the Year 9 pupils were each attraction as well as understanding the taken to the annual Southampton Boat Show. aims of each organisation. Whilst there they completed questionnaires he annual trip to Marwell Zoo and and spoke to vendors to gain an insight in the Stonehenge was attended by the Year boat shows importance to the Southampton T10 students. They spent the morning area. More excitingly they were taken out on discovering the wonders and mysteries to the water in a RIB (Rigid-hulled inflatable Year 12 Cruise surrounding Stonehenge, and then to Marwell boat)! After the trip they worked towards Zoo where they had a lecture from the producing presentations and marketing education team. They learnt about how the materials to promote next year’s boat show. Ship visit on organisations are run and how they provide The Year 9s are currently working on a unit customer service for different groups of based around educational trips. They have board the people. The lecture was brilliant at outlining been planning their own trips investigating Marwell’s organisational structure and how all of the components needed for a trip to run; a voluntary organisation relies heavily on from risk assessments to letters to parents. Queen Victoria footfall and donations from the public to keep The quality of their work has been fantastic the zoo operating. All the information they and there have been some interesting ideas! gained from the day will be useful for their Later on in the year they will be researching By Mrs Chilcott - Coombes exam in January. They will be able to use the exciting opportunities that space tourism their experiences to add real life examples to can offer. xploring all the different roles and their answers. We wish the Year 10 GOOD responsibilities on board a world class LUCK for their January 2020 Unit 1 Exam – Ecruise liner. We were able to chat to plenty of revising over Christmas for them! many staff to find out routes into the industry. AUTUMN 2019 BPSNEWS www.bitterneparkschool.org.uk 15 Learning Support Year 9 Health Trailblazers! Busy across and Fitness his term has been very exciting for Years 8 and 9 as they started TTrailblazers at Victoria Country the board! hanks to a donation from the Friends Park. They have been learning outdoor skills of Bitterne Park, Year 9 have been to like learning all about mealworms and he 2019-20 school year has been very Ta wide variety of physical activities making bird feeders. They will also be active up in Learning Support. With a out of school for their Health and Fitness learning all about their environment and what Tnew class of Year 7s arriving and Year studies. We would like to thank the Friends makes it important. From pond dipping, den 11 getting prepared for their exams and of Bitterne Park as this would not have been building, moulding animal footprints, crafting college it is really busy across the board! possible without them. bows and arrows, cooking on fire pits, there is a lot more for them still to learn and they are excited each week about what will happen next!

Funky Fit Boxing

his term a mixture of Year 8, 9, and 10 got the exciting opportunity to trial Year 11 Art TFunkyFit Boxing and make history as it was the first time that boxing had been taught in school as a P.E. lesson since 1962! ear 11 recently went to St. Cinema Trips Funkyfit Boxing is the latest fun, energetic Catherine’s Hill as part of their and most versatile fitness boxing concept to YGCSE Art research. Whilst there they s part of our ongoing rewards ever hit the fitness world right now and it is discovered that the top of the hill was ringed systems, students across Learning suitable for everyone. It is the brainchild of by the ramparts of an Iron Age hill fort, Support got to spend the morning on Motivator, Personal Trainer, Life Coach, and which is an ancient monument. In the centre A cinema reward trips. Some got to see Dora Fitness Writer, Frank Mangna aka Mr. they found a copse of beech trees which was and the Lost City of Gold whilst others went Funkyfit and our students loved every minute the site of the 12th-century chapel of St. to see Spiderman: Far From Home. Whilst of it. We ever turned up on the local news! Catherine. There is also a mizmaze, probably the films were very different the one thing You can find out more at funkyfitboxing.com cut between 1647 and 1710. They took in all for certain was that everyone enjoyed their these features and got the time to produce morning out! various sketches that they could develop back in the classroom. First Aid

Diary Dates Asthma

th Mon 6 Jan Spring term begins f your child suffers with asthma please ensure Wed 22nd Jan Year 11 Parents’ Evening, 4.00pm – 7.00pm they have their inhaler with them at all times. IThey need their inhalers especially before/ th Thu 13 Feb Year 9 Parents’ Evening, 4.00 – 8.00pm during exercise e.g. Sports Day, P.E. lessons and Mon 17th - Fri 21st Feb Spring half-term any other physical activity /event.

Tue 25th Feb Year 10 Parents’ Work Experience Launch General 5.00 – 7.00pm

Thu 12th Mar Year 8 Parents’ Evening, 4.00pm – 8.00pm e do not keep any other medicines Thu 26th Mar Year 8 Options Evening, 6.00pm – 8.30pm apart from paracetamol. Any other

st Wmedication can be kept in the Medical Tue 31 Mar Year 11 Parents’ Evening, 4.00pm – 7.00pm Emotional Room. Please make sure it is clearly marked with Mon 6th - Fri 17th Apr Easter holiday your child’s name and in the original packaging. Also, please keep the Medical Room updated with Tue 21st Apr Year 7 Parents’ Evening, 4.00pm – 8.00pm support any medical conditions so that the relevant form Wed 29th Apr Year 10 Parents’ Evening, 4.00 – 7.00pm can be completed.

throughout Fri 8th May Bank holiday Please could you encourage your child to bring Mon 25th - Fri 29th May Summer half-term their own water bottle which they can refill at the holidays breaktime or lunchtime. It is very important that Fri 17th July Last day of summer term for students. Students will leave at 12.20pm they drink plenty of fluids. t BPS we constantly support pupils who may require Finally, please keep us up to date with your Aemotional support on a day to day latest telephone numbers. It is important that we basis. Over the holidays we signpost can contact you if your child is feeling unwell, students to No Limits drop in service at and when you do receive a call asking you to their offices within the city. Please see the collect your child it is essential you collect them details to the right. immediately so that we can control and reduce the likeliness of further injury or illness. Mrs Z Brown, Family Inclusion Support Officer AUTUMN 2019 Sport BPSNEWS www.bitterneparkschool.org.uk 16 BPS Sport

Year 7/8 Girls’ Rugby Year 9/10 Girls’ Rugby t has been really lovely to see lots of new, eager Year 7s giving rugby a try for the hat a fantastic start the Year 9 and Ifirst time and really excelling quite quickly, years. It was a huge achievement and the girls 10 girls had at the most recent as well as the committed Year 8s showcasing Netball thoroughly enjoyed themselves. tournament, where they managed their leadership skills. They put in a valiant W to secure 3 convincing wins, a draw and 3 Training continues on a Thursday after effort in the recent triad tournament organised losses, notably scoring in excess of 20 tries. school for all year groups in preparation for at . Although it didn’t result he Netball Teams have had a A special mention must go to the Captain, the Year 7 and 8 leagues to start when we in a win, they scored 1 try in the first match successful term so far with both the Brandi Daunou and Vice Captain, Ellie-Mae return from the Christmas break. We were and managed to secure 3 in the last match, TU14s and U16s competing in their Kerr for their leadership skills. They guided lucky enough to have England and Surrey so came on leaps and bounds. Player of leagues at the Sports Centre. The U14s the team through the day with real success Storm netballer Yasmin Parsons come in the tournament went to Lydia Sim who finished 3rd in their league out of 7 teams and also proved their ability to work as a recently to deliver a session to the girls. This managed to score a try whilst being tackled. with some competitive games against local team and embed both the school’s and rugby was a great opportunity and the girls felt Not only did she have to stretch out for the rivals Upper Shirley High, Redbridge and St core values. They supported one another and extremely privileged to have been coached line, she had to make sure she grounded the Anne’s. A special mention to Anna Jenkin were always the first team to show by someone of such high level. ball with pressure, so it didn’t fall out of her who has been sensational this season and sportsmanship by shaking hands and praising hands. I am looking forward to organising made a huge improvement, so much that U16 the other team! I am eagerly excited to see more tournaments, so they can continue to other schools have commented on her Most Improved Player, Year 10 - Lauren the club and successes grow even further. grow as a team. Well done and keep up the talent! The U16 team started the league with Williams. Year 11 - Izzy Hedges great work! a great win against St Georges of 14 -4. This Most Valuable Player, Year 10 - Ruby Laight. was a great achievement as some of the girls Year 11 - Saya McCloud hadn’t played with each other before but Year 11 Football they showed great adaptability from the start. U14 Throughout the season they have worked Most Improved Player - Anna Jenkins hard and improved so much, having nearly Most Valuable Player - Amber Stipic he Year 11 team has had a great start Badminton beaten their revivals St Anne’s and Upper Trips in both Division 1 and the Hampshire Shirley High, but in both games where beaten In November, we were lucky enough to TCup. The team currently sit on top & Table Tennis by just two goals. They have finished the take 30 children to Wembley to see a record of League 1 having beat St Georges, Oasis league in 4th which is something to be proud breaking football game. England Lionesses Mayfield and Oasis Sholing. There have been of. Finally good luck to the Year 11 team who played against Germany in England’s home some great individual performances from Club played there last league fixture, these girls ground. With 77,768 fans going to watch the Byron Goodhine, Louis Cox, Joe Hampton, have always shown great commitment to the game it made history being the most attended team and the school. I wish you every success women’s game to date and our girls were Matt Millmore and Kevin Ngombi. ednesday’s after school in the in the future. fortunate to be a part of this. With the success The League Cup will start in March but the sports hall have been extremely of this trip, we are looking on planning more team are in the Quarter Finals of the Wfun and busy since September, We entered three teams into the Netball Cup like this including a trip to a Women’s Netball Hampshire Cup having beaten Court Moor on with students from year’s seven to eleven in December which allowed all three year Super League game… watch this space! penalties and St Georges 5-1. With this being participating in badminton and table groups (9, 10 and 11) a chance to play in their the final year the boys are hoping to collect tennis. It has been great to see so many some silverware before they leave and have a different students enjoy playing different great squad to do just that. racket sports. What has been pleasing to see is so many GCSE students participating and try to improve their P.E practical grades in Cross Country these sports? The badminton team have made a successful start in the Hampshire’s schools key stage he school Cross Country Team have three leagues. The Boys A team have won made an excellent start to the season their opening two matches with exceptional Twith some pupils placing in the top performances from Jenson Bishop, Ben spots in various races. A particular well Meehan and Joe Avery. The boys B team and done to Alistair Higgins for placing 2nd in Girls team have won one and lost one in one race and 1st in another! The dedication their first matches and have enjoyed the and commitment from the Bitterne Park competition and challenge against playing Cross Country runners has been fantastic, age groups have competed in leagues, different schools. particularly the hard work of Joe Avery, Girls Football Hampshire Cup and for the first time at Elliott Waghorn and Talullah Sim. Pola Bitterne park school have hosted the Bitterne Park the National Cup. Kwiek has also had a very successful start to Hampshire schools under 13 and 16 table irls’ Football has hit the ground Bitterne Park were selected to take part in a the cross country season, placing in the top 3 tennis leagues over the recent weeks. Bitterne running this term with the highest girls’ football event by the Saints Foundation, for her age group in most races. Great start! park have entered and A and B team in each numbers Bitterne Park has ever seen. which was specifically tailored to them, due The PE Department are particularly excited G age categories with both A teams playing five The 40+ girls have been competing on to the quality of the provision this season. about our new Year 7 Girls Team consisting matches and winning four and drawing one. multiple fronts with various levels of success. The event was a massive success with 50+ of Elliot Hitchcoe, Romaya Stitson, Lydia Both B teams also played five won two drew girls in attendance and enjoying playing Sim, Millie Cowdrey and Emily Avery who one and lost two. The Bitterne park table Within an eight-day spell at the start of football. have all shown a real talent for long distance tennis players are now looking forward to October, four cup games were played and running. Good luck for the rest of the season participating in the individual events over the won with 23 goals scored and only 2 The dedication shown by the girls so far this when the league starts again in March. next couple of weeks which will be a good conceded, which showed the strength and season has been exceptional and long may challenge for the students. determination of this squad of players. All this continue until the end of the season … where hopefully silverware awaits!