Ousedale School Magazine December 2017 When 'Honk' was initially suggested as an idea for the next school production it was an unknown musical to many students. As soon as we started rehearsals, the cast grew into their characters and we loved it! The ‘Honk’ cast were extremely talented and gave their all throughout the process, producing a hilarious show that the audience really enjoyed. We wouldn't have been able to perform this show without all the teachers who worked so hard to make sure that it would be an outstanding production, not to mention the hard work and effort of the sound, lighting and backstage crew who were essential to the success of the show. I will always remember this show and all the great times I had with the wonderful people involved. Elka Pinny – 11JOM I have really enjoyed my HONK experience as I have made lots of new friends that will be my friends forever. This is the first time I have had a main role in a production and it is an experience I will never forget. Thank you to all the staff and students that made this show possible. It has taken a long time to get to this point but it was all worth it. Olivia Brandon-Graham – 11GD Message from Sue Carbert, Headteacher Dear all As we approach the end of term we look back at what has been a very full term with so many activities going on within the school day and beyond. It was with great sadness I had to miss this year’s Carol Service for personal reasons; my own family had to come first. I hear it was a fantastic evening and I enjoyed watching the videos which are on our Facebook page. We have enjoyed every evening and after school event this term. The school production Honk was certainly a highlight. We were not sure what to expect, but I thought the students and staff produced a wonderful show - with great acting and singing. We have been very pleased with the quality of teaching observed at each campus this term and the quality of marking. We operate quite a rigorous approach to monitoring the school to ensure standards are maintained. Where they slip we do address these quickly. All staff attend CPD events to learn about new things and to revisit approaches to teaching. Students at each campus have embraced the many leadership opportunities we have presented to them. While some areas will take time to fully embed, I am particularly pleased with the way in which main school council is operating and how the 6th form leadership have really worked together as a team to support me and the 6th form management team. They really are a credit to their families. Charities week was a great week and I am sure you have seen some of the wonderful hampers your sons and daughters put together. These go to local people and the Food Bank. We will let you know after Christmas how much has been raised from the non-uniform day and stalls for our two charities, Willen Hospice and Save the Children. We say goodbye to the following staff at the end of this year: Claire Mason: Teacher of English - she is going to work in a special school in MK; Gavin Whyman: Teacher of Chemistry - he is going to do supply before embarking on a trip of a lifetime to Australia; Carol Salkeld: associate member of staff - Carol has worked at Ousedale for 19 years in various roles; for the last 11 years she has been Clerk to the Governors and for the full 19 years she has organised the awards evenings. We wish her a very relaxing and fulfilling retirement. I wish you and your family a Happy Christmas - enjoy your time with friends and family. Kind regards, Sue Carbert | Headteacher Ousedale Library Michael Grant Visit Michael Grant, bestselling American teen author, visited Ousedale school on Tuesday, 10th October. Ousedale was delighted to welcome him and, being a sharing school, we invited friends from Oakgrove and Kettering Buccleuch Academy. Michael spoke to an audience of 450 students about his career, inspiration and writing techniques. Many of the students are fans of Michael and were thrilled with the opportunity to meet him in the library for a book signing following the talk. Ousedale is still buzzing after this exciting event and queues are forming in the library of children waiting to read his most famous series ‘Gone’. Before he left, Mr Grant was heard to say that Ousedale was definitely a school he would like to visit again! and we must say we would be very happy to have him back. Photographs by our very talented Sixth Former Matthew Valdmanis (12CM). Insulting behaviour in Ousedale Libraries A plague of Shakespearean insults occurred in both school libraries this term contaminating all of year seven. Appalling abuse was found throughout library English lessons as pupils hurled put downs and impudence at each other. “You nutty Hob-Nob”, “Thou art as sweet as a lemon” and “Fat, Old Blob fish” were some of the pithiest retorts. Others evoked metaphors for example, “Thou art like a cave, dark and dull” and the scathing “Thou art a didactic parsnip, a turkey headed potato peeler”. Particularly shocking was the attitude of the librarians who abetted and encouraged this dreadful behaviour! That upstart crow Shakespeare would be proud of us all. Book Groups Olney book groups are back up and running; KS3 students will be focussing on reading through the recommended list of titles for next June’s Big Book Quiz. We have monthly meetings during lunchtime in the library to check our progress and enter book competitions. This year, KS4 students are each recommending a book for the group to read, some of the titles include The Hobbit by J R R Tolkien, Temeraire by Naomi Novik and The Help by Kathryn Stockett. Newport Pagnell campus book groups are coming in the spring term - see Mrs McCaffrey for more details. Dr Michael Leach Visit Wildlife photographer and zoologist Dr Michael Leach visited Ousedale school this term. Mike entertained the whole of years 7 and 8 with his experiences and the trials and tribulations of being a zoologist; not least how to deal with a silver back gorilla should one suddenly appear in the playground. He was keen for us to remember the gentleness of most animals and how most would do anything rather than attack. As he said, man is the most dangerous animal on Earth. Mike spent the whole day with us talking, first at Newport Pagnell then Olney. He delivered a workshop at each campus where children tried their hand at writing a non-fiction report. It was the third time he has visited Ousedale and before he left said how impressed he was with our students. Students (and staff) thoroughly enjoyed the day and we look forward to having Dr Leach back for another talk in the future. “I have the best job in the world” was Dr Leach’s opening statement. By the end of the presentation, including awesome close up pictures and amusing anecdotes, we were all inclined to agree! We have copies of Dr Leach’s latest book “Nature Explorer Guide for Kids” available in the library. Mrs Campion | Librarian Olney Campus Mrs McCaffrey | Librarian Newport Pagnell Campus Chemistry Quiz Questions 1. Which of the following is a liquid at room temperature? (a) Tungsten; (b) Gallium; (c) Germanium; (d) Hafnium. 2. Which best describes a liquid? A liquid has: (a) neither a definite shape nor a definite volume; (b) a definite volume but no definite shape; (c) a definite shape but no definite volume; (d) a definite shape and a definite volume. 3. Dissolving one material into another creates a: (a) compound; (b) solid; (c) solution; (d) element. 4. Alkali metals like sodium (Na) are: (a) unreactive; (b) soft enough to cut with a knife; (c) are stored under water; (d) unable to melt. 5. Chemical reactions that are slow, may be speeded up by adding: (a) a solution; (b) an element; (c) a chemical; (d) a catalyst. 6. Gases dissolve in water – (fishes have to breathe, right?). As you increase the temperature the solubility of oxygen in water: (a) increases; (b) decreases; (c) remains constant; (d) impossible to say unless you know the pressure. 7. If you pour liquid nitrogen into a container at 298K, it will: (a) explode; (b) solidify; (c) evaporate; (d) fill the container. 8. There is a lot of space between the gas particles that make up air. It is this property that allows air particles to be: (a) boiled; (b) compressed; (c) liquefied; (d) crystallised. 9. Xenon is an example of which of the following? (a) phosphorescent gases; (b) basic gases; (c) reactive gases; (d) noble gases. 10. An element : (a) is chemically inert; (b) contains only one type of atom; (c) contains only protons and neutrons; (d) can neither be created nor destroyed. Music The Christmas Carol Service was held at St Peter and St Paul Church in Olney on Wednesday, 13th December. This event featured the school’s choirs, instrumental ensembles and Christmas readings. Reverend Thelma Shacklady gave a Christmas address and congregational singing of Christmas Carols such as ‘O Come all ye Faithful’ and ‘Hark The Herald’, accompanied by the school orchestra, led to a truly festive atmosphere. This lovely evening was rounded off with mulled wine and mince pies. Thanks must go to St Peter and St Paul Church who made us feel so welcome, and to all students who worked so hard to make the evening such a success.