TERM 1 October 2016—Issue No 1

WELCOME BACK! I hope that all our students, their families that used to have an AS exam at the end All too frequently we, at GGS, see youngsters and all the staff had a restful Summer. of Year 12) continue, we can expect in- who struggle to overcome illness or misfor- The outcomes for students taking public creased confusion! We are sure we are tune. One such young man is Jack Howard in exams were very good, so the tension on top of the Year 8 who is fighting against a particularly unpleasant form of childhood cancer, Refrac- felt amongst families in Years 11 and 13 situation but tory Anaplastic Wilms Tumour. He is cur- was worth it in the end. if anyone rently in the United States receiving some would like to innovative treatment but since the US has no know more there is a link on our website to the Ofqual information booklet.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ qualifications-reform-resources-for-teachers As usual things were not quiet at school over the Summer break. The Hall has Our A level results were very pleasing been transformed from an almost sepia with very nearly 30% of the grades being environment to nearly full daylight by A* or A. The “pass rate” was excellent new lighting and a similar impact has with only three entries from 385 not been achieved in the Sports Hall as well. being a “pass”. More than 21% of stu- Classrooms in the older part of the build- dents gained AAB or ing have had new curtains and the whole better in facilitating sub- school has had updated projectors with jects and 22 individuals some new desktops to run them. National Health Service, this is very expen- got three A grades or Many of you will have heard some of the sive. The family are trying to raise money to better. This meant that discussion around the government pro- fund the treatment and his friends at school almost everybody who posal to expand the provision offered by and in the community are doing their best to wanted one was able to selective education. Whilst it is not as help. Groups of students are riding bikes, get a suitable place in simple as allowing new grammar schools playing football and raising money in a variety of different ways. As a school anything raised Higher Education or get onto a pro- to be created (there are a number of on our non-uniform day on Thursday 20th gramme with good “on the job” training. conditions that will apply to current October is going to help fund the treatment At GCSE 99% of boys reached the gov- schools wanting to expand), the require- Jack is getting. Our PTA are also going to ernment standard of five GCSEs A*-C, ment to work with existing schools that donate all the proceeds from the School Dis- including English and Maths and the per- would benefit from support; or—for co on Friday 21st October. Our Finance Office centage of top grades was over 45%. brand new schools opening—being able are happy to take any contributions from 75% of students attained the EBacc to prove there is local demand and be in anyone and we will guarantee they get direct- measure. The Progress 8 measure, an area of social deprivation, for exam- ly to the family. which judges the progress made by boys ple, anyone does have the opportunity GSW from their individual starting points, was to contribute to the consultation. You up from last year as was the average will find a link to the consultation docu- point score for each student. ment at http://gsha.org.uk/images/ Disappointingly this year also saw some newsletters/ examples of very poor practice on the GSHA_Newsletter_AUTUMN_2016_1.pdf part of some exam boards and some of and if you want to look at it, there is a their markers. Largely these were con- document from the Grammar Schools cerns that were identified nationally ra- Heads Association which offers some ther than just impacting on our students. “model” an- As new grading systems arrive at GCSE swers! next year and the transition to more two year A level courses (as opposed to those Page 2

STAFF NEWS HEAD STUDENT REPORT

Martin Fielder-White, our Finance I would like to welcome all new ing the money we raise will be Officer, retired on 30th September and returning students of the enough to get him back the way 2016 after nearly 15 years’ service. school to start another year he was. For his treatment he re- We wish him a long and happy retire- stronger than the last. quires £250,000 and around half ment. The Open Mornings and Evening of that has been raised allowing He will be replaced by Mrs Louise are happening this week with a Jack to fly out and place the de- Brandon, who joined us on 3rd Octo- lot of interest shown in the posit. The non-uniform day and ber. We also welcome Sta Alba various fund raising events have Mena, who has joined the Spanish school. The prefect team have done a fantastic job taking care been a great success so far and Department and Mr Calum Cook, who we hoping to keep the going. joins our DT department for a year as of the visitors, whilst the new With the likes West Ham FC be- a Design Assistant. students show off the school. ing involved and making half CONGRATULATIONS to Mr Deamer In terms of the extracurricular time announcements for him it is and his partner on the side of things, there has already a very achievable feat. I would birth of their son dur- has been a national cross coun- like to wish Jack the best of luck ing the Summer holi- try event and there have been and remind him that we are day. Duke of Edinburgh activities thinking of him. We hope to see CONGRATULATIONS to among many other clubs him back at school soon. Mr Lennox, who is starting. getting married during Also the USA trip is to take place the October break. The fund raising for Jack Howard in the October half term. I want has been a great success and we to wish those on the trip a safe RICK BURROWS are looking to get other busi- journey. nesses involved to spread the This year has had a very strong We are sad to report the death of Rick word. Young Jack has had to go start from all areas, let’s make it Burrows, a former Geography and PE to America as he is battling kid- the one of the best! teacher at Gravesend Grammar ney cancer for the second time School (1990—1997) on Thursday, in under two years. Despite his 13th October. Since his retirement, condition he managed to keep Ashraf Ali he would occasionally help us out high spirits in general. Having Head Student with some teaching but his real pas- spoken to him during PSHE he sion was cricket—and he was often seemed like an ordinary 12 year found maintaining the pitch of Hartley old crazy for sports. We are hop- Cricket Club. Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.

SHINGLES

May we remind you that is essential Some medical conditions make chil Children with shingles are allowed to to notify the school if your son/ dren/adults vulnerable to infections attend school as long as the rash is daughter is diagnosed with chicken- that would rarely be serious in most covered. However, they should stay pox, shingles, measles, slapped cheek children/adults, including those be- at home if the rash is weeping and or influenza, as it is the School’s duty ing treated for leukaemia or other cannot be covered. The virus is to inform the parents/carers of vul- cancers, on high doses of steroids spread by very close contact and nerable children and vulnerable and with conditions that seriously touch. members of staff who may have reduce immunity. These individuals been in contact with them promptly. are particularly vulnerable to chick- enpox or measles. GGS Newsletter Opportunity and Challenge in a Caring Environment October 2016 Page 3 Careers News

The Careers department is off to a flying dents are aspiring to work in medicine Careers Infor- start as always with the major focus be- and other healthcare professions and mation – The ing on preparing and sending the UCAS found the meeting very useful. A number careers library, applications for all the students applying of them have since applied for the hos- careers re- to Oxford, Cambridge, Medicine, Dentis- pice work experience programme. sources on Real try and Veterinary Science. As always, Smart Cloud, and visiting speakers. Careers education is an area that is al- there were many hours spent with the ways adapting and developing as it bridg- Careers Advice & Guidance – Small applicants to ensure that they were pre- es the changing landscapes of education group guidance for all and individual sented at their best and we look forward and the labour market. Through im- interviews for many, provided by a quali- to hearing of their successes in the provements our careers programme in fied careers guidance practitioner. months to come. the light of these changes, we endeavor These are just a few highlights of the Students have al- to meet the needs of our students as programme. We are continuing to invest ready benefitted individuals. We aim to support them in in providing access to independent im- this term from vis- their transitions during their time with partial career guidance and in training iting speakers. The us, but also to prepare them with the staff. This will enable us to provide even whole 6th form re- skills to manage their careers in the fu- greater access to quality careers guid- ceived up to date information from the ture. ance in the future, supporting all our Student Finance Tour in preparation for Our Careers programme includes the students into positive destinations such year 13 applications this year and for following elements: as University and Higher (degree level) year 12 to inform their future choices. A Apprenticeships. smaller group of year 12 students met Careers Education – PSHE lessons on with a representative from the Ellenor career topics e.g. the world of work and Jenny Douse Hospice, to gain insight into working in decision making. Careers activities em- Careers palliative care and to hear about work bedded in the curriculum and through ([email protected] ) experience opportunities. These stu- off-timetable events. TERM 1—CHARITY REPORT

This term, we were shocked and sad- too have Bluebird Care and Meopham The PTA are holding a school disco for dened to learn Fitness and Tennis Centre. However, Years 7, 8 and 9 on Friday 21st October, about a Year 8 despite all of this, the money still hasn’t all proceeds will go to student, Jack How- been fully raised yet, and that’s where fundraising for Jack. The ard, who is serious- we come in. At Gravesend Grammar Finance Office has also ly ill. Jack has a School, one of the first things we learn is set up a donation box ‘Wilms Tumour’, that we take care of our own, no matter for this campaign, so if which is a type of what, and never in my 7 years here have anyone has any money cancer that starts I seen that to be more relevant than it is that they would like to in the kidneys. It is now. Whilst we may not be able to raise give as a single dona- the most common hundreds of thousands of pounds, as a tion, we would be so type of kidney can- School we can still raise a significant grateful if they could cer in children. We amount. head down to the Fi- are born with two kidneys but Jack has That is why over this last term, the chari- nance Office. It doesn’t have to be in an already lost one kidney to cancer when ty team has and will continue to do our envelope, it doesn’t even have to be a he was at primary school. Jack’s family utmost to raise as much money as possi- large amount: every penny counts now, and friends are trying to raise £250,000 ble for this young man. I have personally because every penny donated towards to pay for pioneering treatment in the been to every year groups’ assemblies this campaign is one step closer to rais- USA, treatment which is not available in over the last week and talked about the ing the £250,000 needed to get Jack this the UK: treatment that could save his importance of this campaign, though I’m treatment he needs. The treatment that life. sure that the vast majority of our stu- could save his life. A lot of money has been raised recently dents were already aware of it. On behalf of Gravesend Grammar by individuals and organisations across There will be a non-uniform day on School’s staff and students, the charity the area. West Ham United Football Thursday 20th October for this cam- team thanks you for your kindness, and Club raised a large amount for Jack, a paign exclusively; we would truly appre- let us all hope that this very bright young huge fan of theirs, with their co- ciate the help of parents and students man will have a very bright future. chairman, David Sullivan, himself do- alike to make this the most successful nating £5,000 towards the campaign. So non-uniform day yet. Alex Walker 13UD3

GGS Newsletter Opportunity and Challenge in a Caring Environment October 2016 Page 4

CHINA 2016—WHAT A JOURNEY!

China 2016 - What a journey er side to combine it with pine nee- Mr Gill, one of the biggest motivators dles to use it for the walls. Although on our team, with his pulled ham- easy to read, these tasks were very string from months before making challenging in practice. Everyone him unable to summit. worked tirelessly, hacking away at the rocky ground to clear the chan- After making it down the mountain nels. we had a week of tourism, which we were all ready for. From visiting the With our itinerary expecting us to pandas in the research centre in climb to 5276m by the end of the 11 day trek, we were all expecting a tir- ing and rough 11 days. The first two Truly life changing, a month spent in days of the trek involved acclimatis- China, over 4800 miles away, no- ing to the high altitudes trekking in where near home; we left as stu- the valleys surrounding the mountain dents and came back newly made at altitudes of 2600-3400 m. Nine- adults. days in the same outfit without a shower Twelve thousand steps to the monas- is consid- tery was one of the hardest goals ered un- that we agreed on as a team. We hygienic seemed to endlessly climb up a set of in the Chengdu, to visiting the terracotta steps to stay at a monastery in the west but army in Xian. After making it to Bei- peaks of Emei Shan, a holy Buddhist on this jing, we spent our last three nights in mountain, but were afforded the op- trek it China in the Grand Millennium hotel, portunity to witness the morning rit- was con- a 5* hotel which we managed to uals of the monks (very early) the sidered afford due to our strict budgeting next day. After our journey back to normal, throughout the trip, and because the hostel we had a hard week of and hotels are much cheaper in China. work ahead of us where we were smart These three nights created some determined to repair a watermill for not to lasting memories for the trip, espe- local villagers in the village of Layue- waste clean clothes. At 5076m, it was cially when celebrating Mr Pallant’s shansan. The ‘village in the moun- breathtaking, literally. The altitude birthday (colloquially known as Pal- tains’, we called it, with these fami- seemed to make you feel like you lant’s Birthday Bonanza) on the trip, lies living at altitudes of over 2300m. were working 10 times harder when walking around for hours to find res- The locals always wanted to share you were just walking. We all agreed taurants that we didn’t know if they their stories with us. Although we that we were going to summit and existed and bargaining the ‘real’ might not have been amazed at our walk all the way down the mountain items in the markets of China. Mem- own stories, these local people were on the final day (the desire for a ories have been made that will never intrigued to know more about our shower being so great), 38 km in to- be forgotten, or is that just ‘bungle own lives when we were sharing our tal. Summiting the second peak was mate’? stories of life back in England. one of the toughest things I have Starting our charity project in this done in my life, not did it make you Ben Oram UH3 village involved three main key jobs. work, only physically but mentally; The first job involved clearing the many people thought we might not “A special thank you to all the teachers, two channels leading to the water- be able to make it with a steep rocky Mr Pallant, Mr Gill, Miss Lewis, Mr Pol- mills from the river and back into the and snowy face where we had to use lard, Mr Poon and Mr Ward who spent river. The second involved removing ascenders to get up. The ascent start- the whole 30 days in China with us mak- all of the mud/dirt underneath the ed at 3am in the pitch black, as if we ing sure we wouldn’t do anything too second watermill to allow the ma- needed yet another challenge! We stupid but making sure not to interfere chinery to be installed, with the final unfortunately lost Nick (year 13) with our independence onthe trip.” task being to take mud from one side when he was unable to breath of the river and moving it to the oth- properly due to a chest infection and

GGS Newsletter Opportunity and Challenge in a Caring Environment October 2016 Page 5

RVC SUMMER SCHOOL

What did you do over the summer holiday? Amber Cordice (13UH1) spent a week at the RVS Summer School. Amber says: “My ambition is to become a veterinary surgeon and here is a brief documentation of one of my experiences for the progres- sion towards my veterinary calling.”.

and motion lab. All of these sessions were memorable and ones that I shall hold dear to my heart. There was a wide-range of evening activities including dodge ball against the RVC Student Ambassadors, a bake off and other ice breakers. It was a brilliant way to get students to interact and I thoroughly enjoyed them. The RVC and my peers helped to create a great sense of community and belong- ing. Something I shall never forget is giving a presentation! I was a bag of nerves and quite worried, however the Summer “Congratulations, you are a successful systems. Indeed, the posters and work- School gave me the courage and confi- applicant to the Sutton Trust Summer sheets given throughout the week were dence to speak to a broad group of peo- School at the Royal Veterinary Col- fantastic resources for our veterinary ple. It is a skill I have now developed for lege! At this stage, please could you re- learning, and of course, vital and the future, wherever in the veterinary ply to this email to confirm you are able key preparation for university applica- profession that may lead. to attend.” tions and interview. There are only positives that I can de- This was the opening sentence that I laid The next morning we had a tour of the scribe about this Summer School. It has my eyes on as I opened the email from Hawkshead campus, followed by an in- given me a sneak-peak into student life the RVC, a leading university for Veteri- spiring talk from Isi Adeola. He explained as well as providing a chance to live in a nary Medicine that offers state-of-the- how he came to study at the RVC and scientific environment. A grand applause art facilities. Plastered with a stupid grin completed his Master’s degree in Wild goes to the staff who made it possible. on my face, it did not take me more than Animal Biology. The days unfolded with a Words cannot describe how invalua- a few seconds to swiftly reply to the variety of captivating lectures that made ble this opportunity was and the RVC email to confirm that I could attend. me feel like I was a part of something Student Ambassadors and staff were On Monday, I was greeted by an RVC extraordinary. These lectures were led lovely. I’m still on a high, and utterly over Student Ambassador with much warmth by RVC specialists within their field. the moon at how the week transpired. at St. Pancras Station. This made me feel Some of them were actual veterinary I am so grateful for the Sutton Trust for secure knowing someone had been there surgeons, providing us a great opportuni- organising the Summer School with the waiting for my arrival. I began to feel at ty to learn about their practical experi- RVC. They have really outdone them- ease and reassured, since I had been ences. They set us an example of how we selves with providing such an enriching quite nervous. We walked to the Cam- could become innovative vets ourselves. week filled with a plethora of veterinary den campus. We took a tour of the one-and-only lectures, led by world class lecturers who We went straight to the lecture theatre Queen Mother Hospital, one of Europe’s might possibly be teaching me one day! for brief introductions from Outreach largest small animal referrals hospitals. Thank you so much to the Sutton Trust. I Development Manager, Dr Grace Sim, This was, yet again, another mind- have now gained confidence, knowledge, and the Student Ambassadors. I was blowing experience. and an extended family formed from beaming from the talk because of their Following on from that visit, we walked friendships made during the week. It has contagious enthusiasm. They explained to the clinical skills centre on site; allow- been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that we were staying at the Hawkshead ing us to practice vital surgical tech- that I had the privilege to be a part of! campus in Hertfordshire for the rest the niques: gloving and gowning, suturing, week. and bandaging on life sized horse mod- Amber Cordice Shortly afterwards, we were given our els! 13UH1 timetables. I was overwhelmed at how On Wednesday, we went to RVC’s Bol- packed the days were. The first activity tons Park Farm, where we saw an unfor- was going to the dissecting room and gettable demonstration lead by RVC conducting postmortems on a variety of leaders who work in the food production specimens. Around us were posters filled industry. Others sessions included a Clin- with information relating to each spe- ical case studies session, horse anatomy cies, and their cardiac and respiratory practical with live horses and a structure

GGS Newsletter Opportunity and Challenge in a Caring Environment October 2016 Page 6

THE CENTRE FOR COMPUTING HISTORY Recently a group of Y13 and Y10 students visited the Centre of Computing History in Cambridge. Here’s what they had to say.

Nestled within an industrial compound in bot. After writing commands to control industry, not just the journey from pixel- Cambridge lies an electronic heaven that each wheel of the machine, there were paradise 8-bit games to the super-sharp the Computer Science students of soon vehicles racing across the table high definition worlds we see today, but Gravesend Grammar School thoroughly before turning around and racing all the also the steady acceptance and integra- enjoyed. Though the journey there was way back. Everyone seemed to succeed tion of gaming into societal norms. The long, most would agree that it was defi- and enjoyed writing code to control the tour guide provoked thought by showing nitely worth the effort. devices, with some of the more ad- the group how games have evolved into vanced of the group managing to use a viable business world from a perhaps Groups engaged in a coding workshop typed phrases to control what the robot more maverick, creative medium. that saw them using a minuscule Rasp- did. berry Pi computer to control a set of plug Overall, the excursion was a success, -in gizmos, all in a programming lan- The rest of the day was spent on a guid- using the interests of modern youth to guage most had previously never experi- ed tour that spanned the entirety of vid- expand their knowledge of computing enced. Within minutes, students could eo-game history, including its origins as a history both inside and outside the cur- make LEDs blink, which aided their un- side project for computer developers. riculum. derstanding for the meat and bones of The younger students especially enjoyed the session: controlling a motorised ro- experiencing the rapid morphing of the Ifthikar Chowdhury 13UH1

Year 10 viewed the trip by comparing current day coding with that done in the ‘early’ days!

In the workshop we coded to get exter- thing external for a change was really old technology company. I was surprised nal results. We used the program Python worth while. as I thought the Wii was the first console to code for a two-wheeled robotic car. made by them (my Mum purchased this We used the Rasberry Pi system where During the tour with our guide, we console for me). there are 26 pins grouped in two rows of learned that there was a device that was thirteen pins. Collectively they are called used as USB of our days by punching Further on we talked about how technol- the General Purpose Input Output hundreds of dots into a paper roll. These ogy today is going to look funny to the (GPIO). These are a mix of four power dots were actually binary and gave peo- future generations. For example the PS pins, five ground pins and seventeen ple the right information to enter docu- VirtualReality that has currently been data pins. We entered the correct code; ments etc. Even though this is out-of- unleashed looks like a massive rectangu- to test it out, we used an LED light with date now, back it would have cost lar box that you put on your face; in the success being demonstrate with it flash- around £25,000, £200,000 today! This future, they might become slick thin ing on and off repeatedly. shocked me as the machine was just a glasses. We were then granted some large hole-puncher but helped me un- free time on the consoles and the ar- Aftewards we used banana plugs to wire derstand how people got on without the cade. My friends and I played each other the robot car to the Rasberry Pi, which extreme resources of technology we on a car racer and I remained undefeat- was ultimately linked to our piece of have today. ed. The arcades were tricky as some of code. When wired, we were able to see my friends knew tricks to winning the desired results as the car had movement We then went to see consoles from the game that they refused to reveal. I really depending on the code written in Py- 1980s all the way to early 2000s. The enjoyed myself in this particular point of thon. It was quite interesting; however it first one we visited was the Atari and this the activity and it provided a talking was a bit challenging and disappointing brought back memories which I shared point on the coach all the way home. as we weren't able to control the move- with my friends. When I was 5 years old ments of the vehicle wirelessley i.e: how my Dad bought for me an Atari (not as Emmanuel Olodude 10F far it went forward. It was still very bene- old as the 1980s one we saw but it was ficial for me to see this as we just write quite old) and I enjoyed playing Space code and normally don't have any physi- Invaders on the old console. We then cal output to show for it; seeing some- progressed and came to Nintendo, a very

GGS Newsletter Opportunity and Challenge in a Caring Environment October 2016 Page 7

THE SCARLET ROOM—IN THE STYLE OF SHERLOCK HOLMES

Year 9 students had to create their own chapter from an untitled Sherlock Holmes story—here is one of their pieces.

entered the room. “By God!” I ex- claimed in a hoarse voice. My com- panion, who seemed to have re- gained his composure, bent down and examined the horrible scene. Taking out a short metal pole from his pocket, he began to lift up each individual piece of charred corpse and take some sort of careful note that was completely alien to me. Lestrade—forgotten by the both of us— chose this moment to pipe up saying, “Well, what do you see?”. Sherlock continued with his investiga- tion as if he had not heard. However, after about five minutes of silent in- quiry, he sprang up excitedly with an Chapter 4- The Scarlet room for you to know that I am, in fact, answer to the question: “In answer already very deep into my investiga- to your question; yes, I see some- The first thing that I noticed upon tions and I have probably deduced— thing quite intriguing. You see, after entering the room was the strange in these five minutes— more than examining the corpse and taking way in which the room had been dec- your entire legion of bloodhounds careful measurements of the room I orated. The entire room was scarlet. have worked out in these past twen- have determined this poor fellow’s Every surface, the walls, floor and ty-four hours.”. This seemed to seal cause of death and can safely say even the ceiling, was decorated in Lestrade's lips as he looked down at that he has been murdered. Further- some shade of rouge ranging from his shoes, embarrassed. more, by taking careful note and wine red to bright scarlet. measurement of the layout of the After a few minutes of Holmes taking room, I can also determine that there If my companion was equally startled measurements which were meaning- is no way the assailant could have by this visual overload then he did less to us but clearly vital to him, he escaped before the police arrived. not show it; preferring to walk rolled up his tape and turned around What this means, gentlemen, is that straight over to the vibrant walls and with satisfaction. “I have taken all of the murderer is still in this very take measurements with his tape. my measurements now, Lestrade. Let room…” This seemed to infuriate the Detec- us proceed to the corpse.” tive Inspector Lestrade; “By God, “Well, you see Mr Holmes” said Oscar Wooding 10H man, there is a dead body lying in Lestrade, clearly unnerved, “The this very room, can you please pro- thing is—we're standing right next to ceed with the investigation,” he ejac- it.” Then, suddenly, I noticed that the ulated. strange, blackened objects which I Contrary to the vehement outburst dismissed as logs in the fireplace had that I had expected in return, Holmes fingers and peeling skin. Even my turned calmly on his heel and said friend Holmes seemed taken aback “My dear Lestrade, it may be helpful as if he had not noticed it when he

MATHS CHALLENGE

What’s the smallest positive integer which contains the five vowels in alphabetical order?

*Note: it can contain other vowels elsewhere in the word. (Answer on back page)

GGS Newsletter Opportunity and Challenge in a Caring Environment October 2016 Page 8 ROBOT WARS be our robot: it didn’t also had a similar idea with spikes on the look like much to be edge. The second the battle started, I honest - just a piece of turned around and hit the opposition. They wood with some wires spun out of control and drove straight into on. What we didn’t the pit (a hole designed to trap robots). know was that we That should have been enough to advance were going to finish it, in the competition, but there were two so we all felt very excit- other professional featherweight robots in ed when we were told the arena. They seemed to be attacking that we could make it each other, and we were safe, until the look unique - as I’m house robot “Matilda” came out. Her devas- sure you can imagine! tating appearance struck fear into our First we had to tighten hearts - Matilda had a flipper on one end and add some long and a hammer on the other. She charged at sharp spikes to the Glitch, ramming it into a corner. Barely outer shell. Next, escaping, we then fell right onto one of the we needed to screw featherweights. It completely tossed us the shell on - which into the air, we fell down onto it with a thud Creating the design- Luke was cool - but there was better coming our – and it was obliterated. We waited for the In September 2015, Mr Thatcher, my Year 6 way. judge to announce the winner - he called Teacher at Cecil Road School, talked to our Dr Anna showed us the controls and what the out Glitch as we celebrated. class about a competition that the University switches did on the remote control. After We were then into the finals on Sunday. of Greenwich was running – we had to design that, we did probably one of the best things This time, we were in the arena with the a Robot to take part in a special School’s ses- so far; we got to drive it around! We all had three other semi-finalists! Glitch was com- sion of Robot Wars to be held at the Universi- a turn controlling Glitch. It could go for- peting against three school robots and a ty in 2016. I set to work on my design – we wards/backwards and upside down if we got featherweight robot called Explosion. had to explain what materials we would use, hit too hard and flipped. To be honest, on The battle started and I directly drove into what the process would be to construct it, our first drive we were absolutely terrible- we the robot next to me and soon enough we and what weapons it would have to win the crashed loads of times, and we nearly were all clustered in the middle. Attack battle of the Robots! My aim was to make it crashed it straight into a wall, but we averted after attack, the game was very fast-paced small and powerful, but so it could pack a danger by quickly swerving it out of the way. and even Explosion was getting in the mix. punch! Some of our weapons that were on either The countdown started and every team I completed my design and, along with over side became seemed to be equal in the battle. 350 other primary school children’s entries, it lose and was sent away to be judged. I then forgot all were hang- The End – but what an experience about, not thinking I would ever win. ing on by a Unfortunately, Glitch’s victory was not to In May, during an ICT lesson, Mr Thatcher thread! be, as the Judge announced the winner – a said that he had pretty big news …. and an- After the robot called Featherby Flame. We were all nounced that my design and been one of 11 practice we very disappointed to not be chosen as the winners across Kent, chosen by the judging made some overall winners, but the fact that we had panel. I couldn’t believe it, and didn’t realise slight adjust- come this far was amazing. One of the best what it would lead to! ments – such things was that we all got to work together Mr Thatcher selected a team of boys to work as tightening as a team, shared our ideas, and above all with me on turning my design into a working all the bolts! one of the most amazing experiences! robot – Rajan, Armaan, Jeevan and Luc. In Finally, after We’re currently working on our design for July 2016, the University of Greenwich sent nearly de- next year’s competition! Dr Anna to our school to talk to us about stroying our what we needed to do, and the school held creation, we painted it. Now, you may think Luke, Armaan, Jeevan, Luc and Rajan – an assembly to tell all the pupils about our it took ages but we didn’t use that kind of the Glitch Team team and to present me with a winning cer- paint (oh no!) we used spray paint. Before tificate and trophy – it still has pride of place long our robot was looking amazing and was at home. ready for battle with its long sharp drill and Mr Thatcher spoke to Mr Rapley and ex- spikes. plained about the project and how far we had When it came to the actual battle in the Ro- come. We were really excited when Mr bot Wars, Luke and Armaan were going to be Rapley agreed that we could carry on with the main drivers – right at the forefront of the competition at our new school in Septem- the attack with the remote control by their ber. side. Making the design a reality – Jeevan and Luc We named our robot Glitch. Dr Anna came The Controlling - Armaan in to the school several times to assist us with I was lucky enough to be driving Glitch at the design and modification of the robot and the semi- finals of the competition, and then we went down to the Greenwich Univer- there were 11 entries. Glitch was dropped sity Campus in Medway by taxi with Mr into the arena with its opponent from the Thatcher. other school. With the spikes and the drill, Dr Anna showed us the way to what was to Glitch looked fairly ferocious! The other

GGS Newsletter Opportunity and Challenge in a Caring Environment October 2016 Page 9 YOUNG WRITERS Young Writers have been busy this term. Students could write about anything they wanted to. They work on their own pro- jects and use Google classroom to share their work and offer suggestions for improvements. They have been working on varie- ties of description and sentence structures to enhance their writing. Young Writers’ Club is on Wednesday, after school, in Room 201. All welcome. This War Must End Soon Sweetest Violet You Are Never Alone

When the fierce wind blows, Violets, from Backroad Wood. You never are alone; don’t keep silent. The barbed wire tumbles down like the Sweet ice, and tranquillity. Be bold. dying soldiers, It is bizarre that they should be blue, You aren’t the only one who’s suffering. My stained eyes desperately watch the When the dismay of blood drips red. There are people just like you. spilling blood, For they grew around his head, It is never your fault. I frantically try to cower among the Kissing him where his mother’s love lingers, You can tell someone. corpses, It is strange they should be blue. People can help you. Digging deeper in the pile, Like a rabbit hiding in silence, Violets, from Backroad Wood, Whether it’s once or it’s twice, This war must end soon… Think of their love, ice and sorrow- You have rights. Life and hope and you; Don’t be afraid to tell somebody! When the piercing bullets rain, With blood, vehemence and fury. It is never your fault, I can watch my brothers die, That person is a shallow human being, Each bullet is like a hunter aiming ruth- For you did not see them grow, You should be treated with respect- lessly at its defenceless pray, Where his mangled corpse lay. No matter who you are. How I am still alive? Hiding horror from the day. My peace is constantly broken, Sweetest, it was better so… Know that there are people that can help And I cry in this torture, you, As I hold my friends blood and gore, Rays of bullets, flutter overhead, Get the courage to pack up and leave! Trying to speak words of sympathy to Shells of the enemies crocked smile- It is never your fault. him, Hail from the grey cage above. This war must end soon… I scream inside as red covers my face, Subomi Kekere-Ekun 8H His pure intent washed over my skin. When I hear the enemy charge, But the pure nature present in my hands, I drop my rifle into the mountain of Soothes me calm. Give a Favour Black corpses, Some people walk the streets, I shake the knee–deep blood away, I think of your hands pacifying my face, Treated like dirt from whoever they meet, And watched it pour into the red But the horrors I witness linger in my brain. Skin colour doesn’t matter, stream like a fountain of geyser of clar- My experience of these lands, Doesn’t change who you are, ets, Bring me to my knees praying. All these white people sitting at a bar, My emotions aren’t functioning, I know I am to fall to the enemy, They don’t let us in but we’re not allowed All I can do is sit there, Praying for my death. out, Waiting to join my fellow friends like a But this violet is my only piece of serenity.

sheep waiting for the fox, We feel gutted just like a salmon, I wait there, my hands behind my head, Violence from this corrupted front, Who made it to the top, This war must end soon… Travels long and far, to you Of the rapids of water, In your far-distant land, But take in the grasp of a great mouth of When I stand in front of the firing These I send to you, with the comfort they hair, range, have given me, A good day to a bad day. The miserable memories haunt my Knowing you will understand,

thoughts, Send me your love, hope and relief for I will We’re nice to them but they don’t care, I am blinded by the gruesome image of need it so. Some people walk the streets, the dead, Violets, from Backroad Wood. Treated like dirt from whoever they meet, The bodies seem to haunt me still – Harvey Duffy 10S There’s the niceties that some people lack, They are alive, torturing me mercilessly So please give a favour black… – I think I deserve it, Luc Jordan 7F I shut my eyes, thanking God I wouldn’t see those bodies anymore… Cold Rose down, And when to my eyes you And this war of mine did end after all… Please remember that I have turned red, Trickle, trickle, trickle down, found, You’re friend the sun decided David Amura 8D O, little rain drop that I’ve A best friend in you, to, found, But even I knew, In order to remember you, Use your best friend's sun- Our relationship was through, Made me see the spectrum

light, And even when you hit that again, To make sure that I might, woeful ground, A tear dropped from my Gaze upon your spectrum, I knew I had found, eyes, Under the midday sun, My best friend, And I remembered you, And even when you were My best friend; he’s ace! At the end of your journey dead, Joseph Oyinlola 7F GGS Newsletter Opportunity and Challenge in a Caring Environment October 2016 Page 10

GEOGRAPHY LECTURES WEIGHING TREES WITH LASERS AND THE CARBON CYCLE This was our second trip to the Judd based on allometry, based on statisti- creased CO2, increasing photosyn- School for a series of lectures aimed cal analysis of tree circumferences thesis and as such plant growth. The at stretching our Geographical think- and their weights linked to this varia- analysis of LIDAR scans at various ing and listening to University Lectur- ble. However Dr Disney has proven intervals through the course of the ers who are experts in their field. The that much of this data is between 20- study could reveal some of the im- majority are from London based Uni- 25% over estimating these rates pacts linked to increased emis- versities and aim to give an idea of through his use of GIS and laser tech- sions. The lecture concluded with what a Geography degree might offer nology. questions asked to the audience, and and the style of teaching at this level. Gravesend Grammar School students Dr Disney's team use LIDAR scans, had Dr Disney on the backfoot when The lecture itself was presented by LIDAR standing for Light Detection raising the issue of carbon stores in Mat Disney from University College and Ranging. From this we were the roots systems of all these trees, London, and as you would expect a shown various 3D images of land- which has not been the focus of any cheesy joke was made, bringing out scapes that he had visited and how of his reasons due to the difficulty of some sighs but many laughs. The lec- he had proven other scientists and collecting this data without damaging ture itself was very interesting. We ecologists wrong through a more ac- the tree itself. Perhaps a problem for got an insight into the life of Dr Dis- curate representation of tree mass. our students to consider in the fu- ney and his experiences in places Of particular interest was an experi- ture! such as Ghana and French Guiana, ment in Brazil, where the impact of studying the ecosystems with a par- increased CO2 emissions on the rain- Michael Mulheran ticular focus on levels of carbon with- forest is being conducted by the Bra- 12UT2 in certain areas. The previous meth- zilian government and exploring the ods of carbon estimations were feedback loop involved with in-

MIGRATION UNDER ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE

The lecture of human migration under environmental lecture and Helen even commented that the questions change was certainly eye opening, Dr Helen Adams from asked were "very good" and had her stalling for time to Kings College has a background working at OECD as part construct a suitable retort. Overall the lecture was a of climate change expert group in Paris as well as a focus good experience and hopefully the other three in the on disaster reduction and human health. There weren’t series will be just as enlightening. any new or radical concepts, instead someone with Adam Hedgecock 12UT2 more knowledge and a different perspective on the sub- ject sharing their views which were backed up by statis- tics. In this instance, the lecture was very critical about why people move, the fact the people don’t just move for a singular factor, showing the patterns of movement and why places do suffer from climate change therefore showing how that affects the populace. This multi facet- ed approach to understanding the movement of people was explored, especially the notion that it is generally CONGRATULATIONS TO .. those upwardly mobile groups that are able to move Sonny Adshead (11C) who has been nominated for a initially due to the cost implications and examples were Try Angle Award in the category of Sport or Outdoor drawn from New Orleans as to groups that were able to move and those that chose not to. Viewing the news on Activities, which recognises the exceptional achieve- a regular basis can give a brief synopsis and overview of ments and good work of young people in Kent and the subjects covered, however, the lecture shared a new Medway. The Awards are about young people who perspective and deepened my knowledge in this area of really put the effort into TRY and make a different to Geography further. In addition, GGS students went fur- themselves, the community and others. ther and discussed with the speaker some of the state- ments and topics that had been debated throughout the

GGS Newsletter Opportunity and Challenge in a Caring Environment October 2016 Page 11

HOLIDAYS IN TERM TIME MOBILE PHONES, IPODS CARS School is in session for 190 out of 365 A great deal of time is wasted by mem- Access to and from school at both en- days. bers of staff sorting out problems with trances is particularly hazardous at the mobile phones and other items such as beginning and end of the day when Holidays where students are taken out MP3s, IPODs, CD players etc. The School students are being dropped off and of school during term time are strong- will not be responsible for these items. picked up. If they are confiscated from the same ly discouraged. This is not a parental Please help us to avoid congestion at student more than once, they will not be these times by not coming up Church right and authorisation will be very returned until collected by a parent. limited. Time spent catching up with Walk to drop off or pick up students: it Any type of mobile device is absolutely is only a short walk to Rochester Road missed work is never the same as time forbidden in the examination room, both where there are convenient lay-bys to spent in the classroom. Your support for public exams and internal exams, meet students. If you must drop off at for the School in this is welcomed and across all years. We are obliged to re- school, please use the Turning Circle we would ask you to avoid planning port any instances of finding mobile and not in front of the main entrance holidays during term time, wherever phones to the examining boards as mal- or in the top car park. If you do use the practice (cheating). The School will en- Turning Circle, please note the road possible although we recognise that, force this rigorously. Spot checks will be markins for the safety of all at the exit very occasionally, this is unavoidable. carried out in examination rooms. when turning into Church Walk. Similarly in Pine Avenue, we urge par- PRIVACY NOTICE ents to consider our neighbours and RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCE Data Protection Act 1998 reduce their speed when in Pine Ave- If you plan to take your son or daugh- We, Gravesend Grammar School, are the nue. Please do not block the road. ter out of education for the purpose of Data Controller for the purposes of the 6th formers should drive through the religious observance, it is vital that you Data Protection Act. We collect infor- Turning Circle and park to the left of notify the School of your intention in mation from you and may receive infor- the Sanderson Sports Centre. They the normal way by contacting us mation about you from your previous should not park in Pine Avenue, which through the Absence line, by email or school and the Learning Records Service. can cause problems and inconvenience via a note to your son or daughter’s Full details are available on our website: for our neighbours. Parking permit form tutor. www.gravesendgrammar.eu application forms are available from USE OF PHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGES OF STUDENTS the School Office. It is our custom to use photos of pupils To comply with the Data Protection Act MOVED? in school publications, such as the pro- 1998, if you do not wish photographs of spectus or other printed publications. your son(s)/daughter(s) to be used in CHANGED YOUR MOBILE? We may also make video or webcam this way, you should notify the School in recordings for school-to-school confer- writing accordingly. Please discuss this Easily forgotten in the throes of moving ences, monitoring or other educational with your son/daughter so that they can house but if you have changed your use. We may be visited by the media withdraw from photos/filming in line address, your telephone number, your who will take photographs or film foot- with your wishes. mobile number, your place of employ- age of a visiting dignitary or other high ment, please do not forget to let the profile events. School Office know so that we can up- date our contact records. PAYMENTS FOR TRIPS AND OTHER ITEMS When making payments for trips and Osborne on the following emails: fos- SCHOOL FUND other items the Finance Office would like [email protected] or os- Thank you to all parents who have to encourage parents to use ParentPay, [email protected]. already contributed to the School the secure online payment scheme. It is Fund. Your donations are used Cash payments (where necessary) must quick and easy and you do not have to to support a variety of student activi- be brought to Finance Office before rely on your son or daughter to actually ties throughout the year and to fi- school or at morning break when they deliver the payment or reply slip. You nance many of the school clubs and will need to be signed for. will have been given login details when societies. This year we are asking for your child started at the school but if you payments of £20.00 for the first stu- need to be reminded of these please do dent and £15.00 for the second and not hesitate to contact Mrs Foster/Mrs subsequent students.

GGS Newsletter Opportunity and Challenge in a Caring Environment October 2016 Page 12 LOST PROPERTY Please label or mark your child’s er of an item of lost property, an  Good quality uniform will be clothes and property whenever pos- email will be sent to the owner; passed to the PTA; sible!  At the end of each term the care-  Other good quality clothing will be  Any uniform, PE kit and bags takers will display all unclaimed taken to a clothes recycling bank; found will be held by the caretak- items of clothing .The date, place  Everything else will be thrown ers; and time of this will be notified. away.  Any valuable items will be held by Valuables will be kept by the Office the School Office; Any items not claimed will be treat- for one term before being disposed  If it is possible to identify the own- ed as follows: of. APPEARANCE We would like to take this opportuni-  Hair should be clean, tidy, its nat- cannot object to this practice, ty to remind you of the School’s ex- ural colour and of conventional please make sure that it is done pectations on appearance, in addi- style. Please do not come to early enough in the holiday so tion to wearing the correct school school, especially after a School that the hole has healed and you uniform. The rules and expectations holiday, having just had your hair can come to School without the for appearance at School are quite coloured or cut into a style which earring in. You will be asked to clear. is not considered to be suitable. remove it if you arrive in School with it in, regardless of how long  No jewellery of any kind, other  The same applies to those stu- the ear has been pierced. Plasters than a wristwatch, should be dents who have their ears pierced to cover earrings are not per- worn. during holidays. Whilst the School mitted. INCLEMENT WEATHER As winter approaches, a timely re- announcements will be made as to School via email where possible via minder about School closure in the whether the School is open. KMFM, [email protected]. We event of snow (or for any other rea- BBC Radio Kent and Heart FM will be advise parents to discuss contingen- son). notified by the School if it shuts or cy arrangements with students if intends to shut. Firstly—please assume the School is OPEN. You can also log on to www.kent.gov.uk/winter for updates Secondly—check our website, as to school closures across Kent. www.gravesendgrammar.eu for any announcements. Our website will be PLEASE do not attempt to phone the updated frequently in the event of School. As you will appreciate, the uncertainty. switchboard can become very busy they need to get home earlier than during this time. Please contact the Thirdly—listen to local radio, where usual. EPIPENS If your son or daughter carries an [email protected] as a matter of urgen- Epipen and the School has not yet cy. been made aware of this, please Please also ensure that where we hold students’ spare contact Mrs Janet Carmody, the Epipens they are regularly replaced before their expiry School Office Manager, either by dates. telephone (01474 331893) or email her on:

GGS Newsletter Opportunity and Challenge in a Caring Environment October 2016 Page 13

Our second game of the season came in been pushing for first the winning goal MATCH REPORTS the National Cup against Hurstmere and then the equaliser. Stand out per- school. It was quite clear from early on former was Daniel Haggar (11S) who will RUGBY that it would not be an easy match. have been very disappointed to end on U14 RUGBY However ultimately our collective expe- the losing side. After a delayed start to our season as a rience started to shine through, with Results: result of cancellations, the U14s hosted overlap errors being made by the oppo- Tuesday 27th September 2016- Kent Judd in a very physical contest led by sition and us generally taking our chanc- Cup Round 1: captain, Henry Bowler. Due to injuries es. The final score was 47 - 0 to us with Gravesend Grammar School 4- 6 Simon and depleted numbers, we only had two 2 tires a piece for Feran Abraham and Langton players on the bench against a strong Harvey Emery (10F) and 1 try each for Next fixture: National Cup Match V The Judd side with several substitutes which Luke Trigg, Kyran Pender (10T) and Joe Roding School (Essex)- Away our defence could not hold back later in Miller (10H). Oliver Perkins knocked Sixth Form: the game. Denis Piralic’s pace down the over six conversions!!! Whilst we were For the first time in a many years, the right wing was rewarded with a try with playing against a weaker opposition it Sixth Form will have a 1st XI and 2nd XI two more opportunities begging after was clear to see the improvements that teams for the 2016/17 season. The 1st XI being guided into touch. Valentino we have made and I hope we can con- team won their opening two fixtures in Crentsil earned himself Man of the tinue this success into the next round style conceding only once against St Match with his high tackle rate and ball against St Dunstan’s Man of the Match John’s; details can be found at the be- steals. was awarded to Kyran Pender. low with Shergill and Nurudeen domi- At Robert Clack away, we arrived with SAB nating the scoresheets. However, they 14 men due to injuries and some no SENIOR RUGBY lost their next two matches against shows. The opposition offered us a Senior rugby so far in the 2016-2017 Hayes School (Bromley) and Tunbridge spare player from their large bench who season has been a very positive experi- Wells Grammar School. In both cases gave us great support. The wet weather ence, the squad has gelled as a stronger the match official and opposition coach did not allow us to have an expansive unit than in previous years. This in part commenting on just how close the game and keeping the ball tight earned is due to the pre-season training camp games were, something not reflected by us the most yards with Arjun Johal we went on, players from the three year the score lines. Personally, I was proud earning himself Man of the Match for groups were tasked with team building of the manner in which our boys took his aggressive and effective ball carry- exercises, such as pitching the tent and the two defeats and their determination ing. As a team, we are developing confi- team relay races, along with rugby train- to try and get back into both matches dence and our game play so the more ing and skill development. This helped right up until the final whistle. nd training and players we have available is us to form new bonds and strengthen Next month will see the start of the 2 crucial to our success. our squad into one unit. This has conse- XI fixtures. WBB quently lead to our performances this U15 RUGBY season being much stronger than in Results: th The start of the season has been hit by previous years, particularly against Wednesday 14 September- Friendly cancellations due to the extremely hot schools like Judd and St Olave’s. As a St John’s 0- 4 Gravesend Grammar weather we have experienced through result of these strong bonds, discipline School (Nurudeen x 1, Shergill x 2, September. This has resulted in us only and skill development, through training, O. G x 1) st playing two fixtures, one Kent Cup and we have managed to progress through Wednesday 21 September- North one National Cup. We have also suffered the National Cup, by beating St Olaves Kent Premier Division a number of injuries which has cut our School, a school we lost to 3 times last Gravesend Grammar School 4- 1 Wil- squad significantly. year. Finally, due to our commitment in mington Grammar School In the Kent Cup we faced a very strong games and our continually developing (Nurudeen x 3, Shergill x 1) th Skinners team who were very well team spirit and skills, senior rugby is Wednesday 28 September- North drilled. We did not let this phase us and going from strength to strength at GGS. Kent Premier Division after 20 minutes were 7 - 5 up after a try George Bowler (Senior Squad Member) Hayes School 4- 1 Gravesend Grammar by Feran Abraham (10C) was converted School (Shergill) th by OliverPerkins (10F). From that point FOOTBALL Friday 30 September- English School’s we started to tire and Skinners took a September has been a busy month for Cup stronger hold on the game. Despite this the school football teams in Year 11 and Tunbridge Wells Grammar School 4- 0 we kept going to the final whistle and the Sixth Form. Gravesend Grammar School we were rewarded by a try for Lewis Year 11: Pitchell and a conversion by the unlike- The Year 11s season started with a Kent MXW ly source of Luke Trigg (10F), after a Cup fixture against Simon Langton great line cut straight through the heart School. Both teams playing very well of the Skinners defence. The final score and GGS losing a close match 6-4, two was 43 - 14 which I don't feel did us any goals being conceded in the final justice. Man of the match was awarded minutes of the game when GGS had to Lewis Pitchell.

GGS Newsletter Opportunity and Challenge in a Caring Environment October 2016 Page 14

CROSS-COUNTRY

ESAA—(English Schools’ Athletics Association) National Cup 1st round On 3rd October Gravesend Grammar Schools cross country team set off to com- pete in the highly prestigious ESAA event in Tonbridge. The GGS team was select- ed from pupils in Years 7 to 10 who had attended the Cross Country Club during after school sessions and were selected based on their impressive trial-times. In these sessions, we were trained by Mr Bayliss-Brown for the National competi- tion. As many were already aware, the competition was to be fierce, with many of those attending the event being in the National team. However, in an event with over 100 runners per class, every runner on the team stood a chance at earning a respectable position. Team Gravesend was to compete in two age clas- ses: a combined team of Year 7 and Year 8 stu- dents and another team of Year 9 and Year 10 stu- dents. The younger group running 2940 meters and the older boys 4320 meters. Considering the magnitude of these distances and the hilly track made the race challenging for all the competitors but it was made more enjoyable by the beautiful wooded scenery of the course. Ethan Cruise-Smith (10T) SHOOTING Mason Rickard (10S) is competing at an Mason had qualified for the team and then had a shoot off for the overall third international level with Team GB for had the opportunity to shoot for his place. The Egyptian Grand Prix saw him shooting. In June he won Gold with the country again. finish 6th. Team GB finished second (in team in Rome and Team GB Juniors are Silver position) after a mammoth shoot now European champions. The week in Cairo comprised four off for Gold. Individually, Mason finished Since then Mason has participated in events: The President’s Cup, The Egyp- 6th in the World Championships and all several qualifying events such as the tian Grand Prix, the Team competition this goes towards his ranking in the British Championships, where he won and The World Championships, and for Beretta World Cup, where he is now Silver. These competitions are also quali- the world rankings, the Beretta World ranked third in the Juniors. fiers for the World Championships held Cup. Mason finished third in the junior in Cairo during October. category for the President’s Cup and

TRANSPLANT GAMES

On Friday 14th October 2016 Rhys The World Transplant Games which ported by the International Olympic Bonnell (10F) attended the Ward & are held every two years and Rhys Committee. It represents the largest Partners Annual Children Awards for has recently been informed that he organ donor awareness event in the courageous children. Rhys received has again been selected for the Great world, featuring a week of 17 the award for Going for Gold for his Britain Team to compete in Malaga sporting events. Team Great Britain achievements at the World Trans- Spain in 2017— a great honour and and NI will join over 1,000 other plant Games in Argentina in August achievement for Rhys since his heart transplant athletes from 70 countries 2015, where he competed in six transplant. across the globe. swimming events resulting in six Gold The World Transplant Games, take medals and two world records—a place every two years, and are sup- remarkable achievement for Rhys.

GGS Newsletter Opportunity and Challenge in a Caring Environment October 2016 Page 15

PTA NEWS

The PTA started the new school year consistently deliver by purchasing kind donations have included; a lap- welcoming two new committee the draw tickets but at this time we top, games consoles, full set of new members and you'll be pleased to would like parents to come forward car tyres, holiday vouchers, meals at know there is still plenty of room for with prize donations we can include local restaurants and many others. anyone else who is thinking of volun- in the draw. You may own your own Large or small, the PTA will accept teering. Just get in touch and come company or work for a generous em- them all and use them as draw prizes along to one of our meetings. ployer who might like to give some- which you could hopefully win on the thing to the PTA (which is a regis- night of the Year 7 Carol Concert at With the school year still in its infan- tered charity). All contributing com- St George’s Church, Gravesend. cy, the PTA's attentions turn to the panies are acknowledged on the Christmas Draw. It is the event that Please get in touch at night of the draw with our thank raises the most funds and we need [email protected] you/advertising display. Previous your help as always. As parents you 250 CLUB

The winners for June 2016 were: The winners for July 2016 were:

1st - £177.37 - No 168 - Member since 2014, who added 1st - £172.56 - No 90 - Member since before 2005. an extra 2 numbers in June, first win. 2nd - £94.13 - No 151 - Member since 2012, and PTA mem- 2nd - £96.75 - No 227 - Member since 2014, second win. ber. 3rd - £47.81 - No 290 - Member since 2004, with previous 3rd - £47.06 - No 200 - Member since 2009. wins All July's winners appear to have had one previous win each.

The winners for August 2016 were: 1st - £180.12 - No 33 - Member since 2012, no previous wins. 2nd - £99.25 - No 130 - Member since 2012, one previous win. 3rd - £49.13 - No 95 - Me! I've been a member since 2012 too, although my first son started in 2010. I've never won before!

Interestingly, the prize fund increased for June's winners due to families adding extra numbers during the month for siblings starting this September. Traditionally the prize fund usually decreases at this time of year!

During the holiday I have made a payment of £1,945.00 to the School, which represents half of funds raised via the 250 Club from January to July 2016 inclusive. The other half has been split between 18 different winners over the same period of time. Just as a reminder the prize fund part of all your £2.50 contributions is split with the 1st prize receiving 55%, the 2nd re- ceiving 30% and 3rd receives 15%.

The prize fund should increase for August's draw and again for September as new year 7 families join. If your son or daughter has left or moved on from GGS at this point, please drop me an email to let me know. Although I will usually note it from bank statements, it’s just helpful to know for various administrative purposes. Equally if you wish to continue as a member, please do. Also, just a reminder please to keep me up to date with any changes of addresses or contact details in case you are a win- ner. I need to ask for help again in locating our July's first prize winner from whom I've had no response as yet. The family name is Amos and they joined sometime before 2005. When a winner has joined that long ago, and at a time when only very basic de- tails were taken from members, I have to become a bit of a detective and I checked out their address on Zoopla! The address I have on record sold earlier this year and despite hoping there may be a forwarding address set up I have yet to receive a reply to my letter. So if anyone know of a family with the surname Amos that had a Sevenoaks address until recently please ask them to contact with me at this email address.

Claire Holmes GGS 250 Club Coordinator

GGS Newsletter Opportunity and Challenge in a Caring Environment October 2016 Page 16

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Friday, 21st October LAST DAY OF TERM 1 Monday, 31st October START OF TERM 2 (WEEK 2) Monday, 21st November Year 11 Chances and Choices (C/D) Monday, 28th November Year 11 Chances and Choices (H/F) Thursday, 1st December Colours Awards Monday, 5th December Year 11 Chances and Choices (S/T) Wednesday, 7th December - Friday, 9th December Christmas Production—Elf Jr Tuesday, 13th December Carol Service at St George’s Church Wednesday, 21st December LAST DAY OF TERM 2

2017 Tuesday, 3rd January START OF TERM 3 (WEEK 2) Year 13 Trial Exams start Friday, 6th— Saturday, 7th January Year 13 trip to Cern Monday, 9th January Year 12 Consultation Thursday, 12th January Year 11 6th form Information Evening Tuesday, 24th January Y12 Higher Education Evening Saturday, 28th January OR Saturday, 4th February (TBC) House Rugby Monday, 30th January Year 13 Trial Exam grades Wednesday, 1st February Year 11 consultation Thursday, 9th February LAST DAY OF TERM 3 Ski trip to USA—9th February—17th February Berlin trip—9th February—13th February

TERM DATES FOR ACADEMIC YEAR 2016—2017

Term 1 Starts: Monday, 5th September 2016 Year 7 Familiarisation Day Tuesday, 6th September 2016 – Teaching starts for whole School Finishes: Friday, 21st October 2016

Term 2 Starts: Monday, 31st October 2016 Finishes: Wednesday, 21st December 2016

Term 3 Starts: Tuesday, 3rd January 2017 Finishes: Thursday, 9th February 2017

Term 4 Starts: Monday, 20th February 2017 Finishes: Tuesday, 4th April 2017

Term 5 Starts: Tuesday, 18th April 2017 Finishes: Friday, 26th May 2017

Term 6 Starts: Monday, 5th June 2017

Finishes: Friday, 14th July 2017

Challenge: Maths to Solution

GGS Newsletter Opportunity and Challenge in a Caring Environment October 2016