954 - 10.02.12 - Yarm School

Newsletter
No: 954 www.yarmschool.org 10th February 2012
Director of Music
Mr Keith Brown, our Director of Music, has been appointed to be Director of Music at
the John Lyon School, London with effect from next school year. We congratulate Mr
Brown on his appointment to this prestigious school. Since joining us in 2005 Mr Brown
has presided over the growth and development of music making at Yarm. He oversaw the
creation of new ensembles, the Choral Society and led many memorable performances,
such as Les Misérables, the Messiah and Carmina Burana. Many pupils and parents have
cherished memories of performances in Durham, York and Ripon Cathedrals. He has
been a great person to work with, a loyal and diligent colleague and is a fantastic
Mrs Katie Staggs
musician. We wish Mr Brown every success for his exciting move to the capital.
Interviews were held recently for our Director of Music position. Our enhanced musical reputation, together
with the wonderful new auditorium, led to a very large and strong field applying for the post. Indeed, many
existing Directors of Music from state and independent schools nationally applied for the post and the shortlist
included five such candidates. From an exceptionally strong field we are delighted to announce the
appointment of Mrs Katie Staggs. Mrs Staggs, 42, was educated at Edgbaston High School for Girls and
Magdalen College, Oxford. She taught briefly in the state sector before becoming Director of Music at Leeds
Girls’ High School. When that school merged with Leeds Grammar, Mrs Staggs became Director of Music at
the Grammar School at Leeds before taking maternity leave. She has now returned to GSAL on a part-time
basis, but is very much looking forward to taking up the reins at Yarm. A very talented musician and highly
regarded Head of Department, Mrs Staggs is also a strong choral leader. Amongst her many talents is her
unique claim to fame of being the first woman permitted to attend the Magdalen College 1 st X1 cricket dinner,
having represented England for cricket at U19 level and Oxford University! We look forward to welcoming
Katie, her husband and children to Yarm School.
The forthcoming concert by the Choir and Choral Society, Music for a Royal Occasion, takes place at Stockton
Parish Church on Friday 24th February. Tickets priced at £5.
Option Choices for Academic Year 2012/13
It is the time of year when we plan the timetable for next academic year. As part of this process several year
groups choose their option subjects for the coming year.
Second Year pupils have been given their option choice forms. Mr Ferstenberg gave a brief presentation to
this year group yesterday to help them with their option choices for Third Year. Option choice forms are due
for return by 1 st March
The Third Year pupils and their parents have also attended talks on GCSE options. The due date for return
of the option choice forms was Wednesday 8 th February. If any forms are still outstanding, please return them
to Mrs Mills in the School Office by Wednesday 15 th February.
Fifth Year pupils have been given their A Level option forms - the due date for return was Monday 6 th
February – again, please do send Mrs Mills any forms that have not been returned by Wednesday 15 th
February.
If you need another copy of any of this information or you have questions about the process or events do not
hesitate to contact your child’s Tutor, Head of Year or Mr Ferstenberg.
INSET Day—Monday 20th February
Return from half-term break—
Tuesday 21st February
Changes to Summer Half Term:
School term ends: Friday 1st June (after 4pm)
INSET day—Monday 11th June
Return from half-term break—Tuesday 12th June

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NEWS
10th Feb 2012 |Yarm School Newsletter
Pastoral Care - making punctuality a good habit
A lot happens in the registration period each morning at school.
As well as the statutory register being taken to record who is on the school site for the
day, there are many important notices given out to inform pupils about arrangements for
that day. There are often specific notes for individual pupils and, of course, it is an
opportunity for pupils and their tutors to talk through any concerns or issues they have.
Being punctual is therefore essential.
In ‘educating pupils for life’ it is important that we develop punctuality as a habit for life. We all know how
important punctuality is in securing the job that we want and keeping it when we get it! Punctuality shows
you are serious about your studies or your job, are dedicated and reliable and is a discipline that is expected
in all professions.
Morning registration begins at 8.35am and pupils are requested to be in their registration rooms
promptly at this time. Punctuality to school and individual lessons is extremely important and is the
responsibility of each pupil. The majority of pupils are very well organised (with some assistance from
parents) and are punctual to school each morning. It is important however that we make sure all
pupils develop the good habit of being punctual.
BEING PUNCTUAL AT THE START OF THE DAY
When we return after half-term all staff are going to assist pupils in making punctuality a habit. If pupils
arrive late to school tutors will be following up with pupils the reasons behind this and assisting them in
preventing a recurrence. If pupils are repeatedly late then tutors or Heads of Year will contact home and
pupils will be given a sanction. Of course there are emergencies which may mean there is an odd occasion
when a pupil is late, but the expectation is that all pupils arrive at school in advance of the bell for
registration. If a bus is late the teacher on duty will note the time it arrives and if it is not feasible for pupils
to get to registration from that time pupils will not be marked in late.
We would welcome the support of parents in making sure all pupils arrive to school in good time
so that they are punctual to morning registration. Parents are also reminded that they need to
contact the school office on 01642 786023 if their son/daughter is not going to attend that day
because of illness. This will mean that the office staff will not have to make a follow-up call home
later that day.
BEING PUNCTUAL DURING THE SCHOOL DAY
Pupils are reminded that they should take books for lesson one and two to registration so that they do not
need to return to their lockers in between lessons. Thereafter they should only return to their lockers at
break and lunch time. Pupils will not be allowed to return to lockers in between lessons and may find that
they have to copy up from paper notes if they do not take the appropriate books to lessons at the right
time.
We would welcome the support of parents as we assist pupils in being punctual to lessons.
Pupils are aware of these expectations regarding punctuality and have been reminded again in
Assembly this week. Their punctuality will be mentioned by tutors in the full summer report and
we hope to be able to congratulate all pupils in making punctuality a good habit.
Mrs Kath Gratton
Head of Middle School
Inspection report. The School’s inspection report will be sent out to every family
over half-term. Look out for your copy, it makes great reading!

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2012 |Yarm School Newsletter
NEWS
Frankenstein
The SecondYear production of ‘Frankenstein’ will take
place on 7 th and 8 th March 2012 in the Dance Studio.
The performance will start at 7pm and is suitable for
all of secondary school age. Tickets are priced £5 for
adults and £2 for students. More details to follow after
half term!
Maths Problem
Find all the solutions to the equation
Solutions to Mr Rye by 2 nd March
Debating
Well done to Ahmed Maiter and Matthew Cant.
Having previously won in the local round of the ESU
Mace Debating Competition, they competed on
Monday in the North East Regional Round. The
students won their debate, which was against King
Edward VI School of Morpeth, former regional
winner and a very strong team. Overall, they finished
the round as runner’s up, narrowly losing to Whitley
Bay High School, another previous winner of both
the Regional and Northern rounds. It was a fantastic
achievement for the boys, both of whom are brand
new to debating. Debating Society meets every
Thursday afternoon during Activities. Please see Mr
Ferstenberg, Mrs Harrison or Mr Edwards for more
details. All are welcome.
Mr J Ferstenberg
24 TH APRIL 2012
+ SOLO ARTISTS
CALLING FOR CONTESTANTS
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Please hand completed forms to Mitali Agarwal, Hannah
Crosbie, Steph Dixon, Jake Godwin, Saba Shan or email:
ventureyoungenterprise@hotmail.co.uk
GOOD LUCK!

4 |
NEWS
10th Feb 2012 |Yarm School Newsletter
Eco Competition
Designers gather inspiration from a number of sources. Use the 2012
Olympics to inspire you! Use unwanted items or rubbish to make a new
household or garden product!
Household products:
Look around your home and garden, what type of product could
you make You can make anything from a new toy to a useful
container or fabulous new ornament!
Judging criteria:
Use of the Olympic theme
Quality of the product
Originality of the design
Products will be judged and displayed at the:
Technology Product and Fashion Show
30 th April 2012, Senior School, 4:45pm – 8:30pm
Ticket details to follow.
Down in the Forest
by The Creative Writing Club
The Creative Writing Club is currently working on a project called “To Be Continued” in which one member of the club begins
writing a story, another takes it up after a few paragraphs, a third continues – and so on, until one writer chooses to bring the story
to an end. One recently completed short story is entitled “Down in the Forest.”
Down in the forest, something was stirring...just a slight movement at first, a faint rumble under the ground, the twitch of
a leaf on a twig. You could have easily missed it, if you were just passing by. But something was stirring, all right; and
soon, very soon, it was going to emerge from its underground lair, and nothing in the forest would ever be quite the same
again....
I grasped the nearest trunk of the thin trees around me. The instability of my clumsy build couldn’t bear to stand there
with no security or guard. I could not catch the slightest clue of my surroundings and I didn’t know whether I should run,
whether I should hide, whether I should just stand still! Overhead, the constellation of Orion had pinned itself up in the
clear night sky. Suddenly, the ground beneath my miserably-old shoes shook; I did not know what I should do. Painfully,
my ears tolerated the grave and dramatic shriek of an animal being hurt ... being tortured.
I heard the sound again. I couldn’t just stand there, listening to this horrible screeching. I needed to find out what was
happening. I ambled through the cold darkness, tripping often. Then the sound became louder. I had found what I was
looking for ... it was a GIGANTIC HOUND.
It half-stood in the depths of the forest, a pair of eyes visible through the darkness – eyes full of fear, agony and total
desperation. A deep red pool of blood had formed a puddle on the forest floor and the wretched creature’s mangled paw
lay in the centre of it. This magnificent, gigantic hound was a predator – reduced to the status of vermin.
I did the kindest thing I could; I took my rifle and, with one shot, ended the suffering.
A simple snare had cost this beast its freedom, its leg and its life. This hound was no monster; only the cruellest would kill
like that, making death long and painful for the price of a fur coat.
Humans were the monsters, and I was one of them.
A poacher.
Writers: Arunima, Ella, Elly.
The Creative Writing Club meets on Thursday lunchtimes in E1 and is open to interested pupils in the 2 nd Year. Please speak to
Mr Booth if you would like to join us.

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10th Feb 2012 |Yarm School Newsletter
NEWS
Teams of 8. We will arrange teams on the evening if you are not in a group of 8
Name __________________________
Child’s Name______________________
Number of Tickets Required____________
Tutor Group________________
Number of Vegetarian Meals (if required)___________
I enclose £________ (£15 per ticket includes meal) - Please make cheques payable to YSA.

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SPORT
Netball
Netball v Royal Grammar School
1 st VII
RGS took an early lead against the 1st team even though
the sides were matched equally in ability. Keeping our
heads held high we played excellent defence work to
prevent the deficit from becoming unmanageable.
Unfortunately it wasn’t to be, but some excellent
performances from the likes of Sarah Bradley, Jess Blakey
and our Player of the Match: Alice Hughes.
Final Score was 8-23 to RGS.
2 nd VII
The 2 nd team showed excellent attacking pace, tight defence
and scintillating transitional play across the centre court.
Harriet Atkinson, our centre and captain, orchestrated and
exemplified this skilled performance! The final score
reflected the hard work and an impressive score rate led by
Player of the Match: Alice Galt.
Yarm won by 23 goals to 8.
3 rd VII
The Dragons were raring to go as usual, despite the cold
weather! Yarm started well with Daisy Caterall (Ginger
Dragon) playing strongly in centre court, getting the ball
into the D for Helen Elston (Shooter Dragon), allowing her
to display her great shooting skills. Yarm were in the lead 7-
0 at the end of the first quarter.
After a motivational team talk, we were ready to get back
onto the court and play the second quarter. Yarm got off to
a great start, again, with Kate Desmond (Mummy Dragon)
shooting well and increasing Yarm's lead. RGS were also
attacking and getting the ball into their D, but Rebecca
Duggleby defended brilliantly and we managed to win the
ball back and regain the possession.
In the third quarter the Dragons were on fire, and were
playing some good netball. Ellie Montgomery (Punctual
Dragon) and Grace Hadlow (Blonde Dragon) were working
hard in centre court and again Kate Desmond was making
some excellent shots. End of third quarter we were up 19-3.
Our defence excelled and Natalie Grundmann (Happy
Dragon) worked hard throughout.
Final Score was 21-7 to Yarm.
Overall it was a great team performance but Kate
Desmond and Ellie Montgomery are joint Players of
the Match. As a team tradition, we all enjoyed cakes baked
by Molly Bean (Baking Dragon) and Alex Metcalfe (Leader
Dragon). A very big thanks to Miss Redhead (Grandma
Dragon) who umpired brilliantly and coached our team to
victory! WELL DONE DRAGONS!
Sat 4 th Feb: Netball v Giggleswick
1 st VII- Home
The 1st's played against Giggleswick, which in the past has
been a close match, but not this season!. We dominated in
a convincing win, in shortened quarters to fit the winter
weather, giving us confidence that an even bigger lead
could have been possible. Our Player of the Match was
Roisin due to her excellent play out of her usual position
showing off her versatility. Final Score 24-8 to Yarm.
10th Feb 2012 |Yarm School Newsletter
2 nd VII-Home
The girls’ first half was fast and furious. Harriet Atkinson
was up and down the court like a Yo-Yo, bringing the ball
out of the defence area and providing the shooters with
some quality passes. Becky Scott and Karishma were
fantastic in defence, stopping Giggleswick from scoring
any in the first half. Player of the Match goes to Harriet
Atkinson.
Final Score 15-2 to Yarm.
4 th VII v Giggleswick 3 rd ’s-Home
Shooting was on form right form the start with Annabelle
and Katherine working well together in the circle. Centre
court and the defence were strong and the girls did not
give Giggleswick any chance to play well. Player of the
Match: Annabelle Kime.
Final Score 23-4 to Yarm.
Away-Thank you to all girls, parents and staff who
made this journey to Giggleswick in what turned out
to be very challenging conditions. We do appreciate
your support and playing 4 matches back to back was
not ideal. Thank you.
U15’A’-Away
The U15’s enjoyed a very competitive game and battled
hard throughout the match. Abi Tombling defended
strongly and caused problems for their shooters. Emma
Horner-Harker and Hannah Sunley worked very well
together in the centre of the court but the girls were
unlucky to lose 17-11. Player of Match: Lilly Downs.
U14’A’-Away
This was a very closely contested match ending in 18-18
but could have easily gone either way. Kathryn Jackson
fought hard in centre court to ensure that we kept
possession on our centre passes and Sam Hutchinson was
back on form with some excellent shooting. Well done
girls, a great effort from all of you. Player of the Match:
Kathryn Jackson. Final Score drew 18-18.
U13’A’-Away
Drew 9-9. Player of the Match: Faye McCullagh
U12’A’-Away
Won 9-1. Player of the Match: Natasha Grylls
Mon 6 th Feb-Netball v Egglescliffe
U15’A’
After a challenging start to the season the girls were
focused and determined to control the game from the first
whistle. Movement and passing were quick and accurate
and everyone played well together. We dominated the
whole game with a final score of 24-2 to Yarm. Player of
the Match goes to Sophie Allick.
U14’A’
The girls played a high tempo game from the start.
Working well together with organised movement and
marking. Centre court was dominated by Holly, Kathryn,
Imogen and Serena. The shooting was on form and in the
final quarter the team was mixed up and the girls played
out of their normal positions. A great final score of 28-3
to Yarm. Player of the Match goes to Imogen Kench.
U14’B’
In a hard fought game by the end of the first half, Yarm
had a lead of 3-0. This boosted the girls’ confidence and in
the second half, with some controlled play, they extended
their lead to a final score of 6-1. Player of the Match
goes to Elle Lancaster.

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NEWS
Hockey & Cross Country
Indoor Hockey
Sadly all three teams lost on Wednesday to Teesside
High. What is the saying, ‘practice makes perfect’
Well with no practice since November due to the
Sports Hall being an exam room, I guess we should
not be surprised by these results The U12 lost 4-1,
Player of the Match: Hattie McInnes, U13’s lost 3
-1 and Player of the Match: Izzy Sizer, U14 lost 4-
1, Player of the Match: Kath Jackson.
X-Country-Sat 4 th Feb
Inter Counties cross country event. A number of
pupils ran for Cleveland in this Inter Counties event
in Kirby Stephen. Sam Reed qualified for Nationals,
finishing 7 th , Beth Brown 2 nd. , Alice McInnes came
9 th , Flora Leith Ross 10 th . Alisha Richardson and
Alice Rigby also ran well and are waiting for any girls
unable to go to the Nationals to secure their places.
Well done to all Yarm runners.
U13 X-Country
Invitation at Billingham
Beck -Monday-6 th Feb
We took a team of boys
and girls to this event.
Both teams secured 2 nd
place overall, a fine result
given the standard of
opposition. In the girls
team, Alice McInnes came
2 nd , Flora Leith-Ross 3 rd ,
Frankie Caswell 9 th , Hattie
McInnes 11 th , Jess Dodds 13 th , Alina Bayley 21 st ,
Libby Henderson 23 rd , Hannah Spencer 25 th . Again
in cold conditions the girls performed really well
beating Red House, Teesside High, Polam, but sadly
losing by 10 places to a very strong St Martin’s team.
Rowing
When I first started rowing I never thought that I
would be quite so dedicated so as to get out of bed
on a Saturday morning to go rowing in temperatures
well below freezing and with heavy snow forecast.
Sure enough, just as we were waiting at the start line
the first few snowflakes began to fall and we were
soon covered in snow. Despite the cold weather we
all rowed well and enjoyed every second of it,
although we were all freezing by the time we had
finished. With it being our first major race we were
all quite anxious to get through it without anything
Football
10th Feb 2012 |Yarm School Newsletter
too bad happening, especially passing through the
multiple bridges on the course. With some great
coxing from Alex Metcalfe we cleared all of the
bridges without any crashes.
I really enjoyed being able to participate in the event
and I cannot wait until the next one comes along—
hopefully bringing a bit better weather along with it.
Callum Banks
Football – 1 st XI in Opening Match
On Wednesday 1 st February, Yarm School’s 1 st X1
football team opened their season with a tight game
when they came up against a confident Barnard Castle
side. With the disadvantage of playing against the
wind, slope and sun, Yarm started off very much on
the back foot. This continued throughout the first
half, with Yarm being forced to play deep inside their
own half and only very rarely pushing up the pitch
into opposition territory. Barnard Castle kept striving
forward but the Yarm defence remained strong,
allowing only a few decent shots on goal. Yarm had
only one chance in the form of a free-kick, just
outside the area, but were not able to convert it.
As the half-time whistle blew, Yarm were satisfied at
keeping a clean sheet and going into the break 0-0;
knowing that throughout the next 35 minutes of play
Barnard Castle would have to deal with the slope and
wind. Yarm opened brightly; stringing lots of passes
together and keeping the ball on the ground. Mozi
Khan did an excellent job at breaking down the
opposition’s play from centre midfield, while the
defence, with the help of an inspired performance by
Stephen Alexander, allowed very little past them. As
the second half progressed Yarm looked more and
more comfortable on the ball, with substitute Yousaf
Majid scoring a well-deserved goal after some great
off-the-ball runs. The match finished with a corner
for Barnard Castle which was well defended to leave
the final result at 1-0 to Yarm!
Let’s hope this form continues throughout the rest of
the season. Thanks to Mr Connery for leading us to
the win. Well played lads!
By Connor Graham

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SPORT
Boys’ Hockey
1 st XI vs. Ampleforth (1-1 draw)
The match started poorly for Yarm as Ampleforth
took an early lead through some direct attacking play.
As is often the case in the first match of the season,
Yarm struggled to pass the ball fluidly and frequently
lost possession of the ball in the midfield. However,
the high level of effort from each Yarm player and the
speed at which Yarm counter-attacked meant that
Ampleforth did not dominate. Yarm were rewarded
for their hard work when Nick Thomas scored a
valuable equaliser that resulted from sustained
pressure on the Ampleforth defence. A final score of
1-1 is probably fair, with neither team having played
exceptionally. Man of the Match goes to Nick
Thomas for his industry in leading the attacking line.
2 nd XI vs. Ampleforth (2-3 defeat)
Yarm struggled in the opening minutes as the midfield
gave away possession and were punished by an
Ampleforth goal. Yet Yarm worked hard and put the
Ampleforth defence under sufficient pressure to force
a penalty flick, which Ahmed Maiter scored from to
equalise. Yarm were beginning to play better, with
more accurate passing and better off-the-ball
movement, but possession was once again given away
cheaply in the midfield and Ampleforth scored twice
in quick succession from counter-attacks to put Yarm
on the back foot. Yarm chased the game well in the
second half, and increasing pressure on the
Ampleforth defence resulted in a goal for Yarm – a
fine finish from striker Connor Graham. Yarm grew
in confidence and looked certain to equalise, but
Ampleforth defended well in the final few minutes
and managed to see out a win. Yarm lost the match
on the first half performance, but the attacking
pressure exhibited in the second half shows promise
for the rest of the season. Man of the Match goes to
Will Guthrie for a solid defensive performance.
1 st XI vs The Grammar School at Leeds (6-3 win)
Yarm started the match strongly and immediately
dominated possession of the ball, yet despite applying
high pressure on the Leeds defence, Yarm conceded
in the opening minutes from an excellent individual
goal scored by a Leeds central-midfielder. But Yarm
kept pressing forward and the Leeds defence soon
gave way as Nick Thomas finished a strong attacking
move and equalised. Yarm continued to control the
game with accurate short passing in the opposition’s
half and a series of fluid, swift and decisive attacking
moves led to three successive goals – all excellent
finishes – from Luke Hunter, Ahmed Maiter and Rafe
10th Feb 2012 |Yarm School Newsletter
Skippings (who had a highly promising 1 st XI debut).
Leeds clawed back two successive goals from counter
-attacks, but Yarm were always the dominant force
and the midfield – especially Ben Tombling, Nick
Theos and Adam Edmondson – produced some
exquisite passing that typified Yarm’s attacking flair.
However, Nick Thomas once again stole the
limelight in the final minutes by scoring twice in
quick succession and completing a well-deserved hattrick
– as usual, his skill on the ball, clinical finishing
and high work rate were patent throughout the
match. Yarm played impressively as a team and
deserved the convincing 6-3 win, but perhaps should
be more careful to avoid counter-attack situations in
the future. Man of the Match goes to Andrew
Brennan for consistently effective attacking and
defensive play.
Ahmed Maiter
U14’s
In a battle to get a game in before the arctic
conditions arrived, the U14s travelled to the sunny
seaside resort of Scarborough. In the first half we
played with a great deal of passion, but found it
difficult with the Scarborough players camped with
all their team in the D. We finally managed to score a
couple of minutes before half-time with Oli
Grundmann finishing form close range. In the
second half we changed tactics, instead of attacking
the top of the D we moved the ball to the flanks. The
results were dramatic. Goals came form Josh Dang,
AJ Shears and four from Mark Phellas. An excellent
team performance driven form midfield by captain
Eddie Medley and Charlie Guthrie.
Rugby
Yarm U12s progressed in the county cup with a
superb win over Emmanuel College last week. The
Yarm boys hadn’t played rugby in a while, and in
boggy conditions, it was a potential banana skin.
However, the Yarm boys played some superb stuff
and weren’t afraid to spin the ball wide. Thomas Allen
made a superb A team debut, making some very
important tackles. Antun Wilson continued his
impressive season by grabbing a brace of tries. It was
a superb all round team performance, and captain
Finlay Mullen led from the front. Joe Andrew at
scrum half showed his passing skills with great service
to the backline. The centres, Darshan Viswanath and
Eddie Anderson, were solid in the midfield. The team
is gelling nicely, and there’s no reason that Yarm can’t
go all the way and win this competition. Egglescliffe
in the next round will be a tough test, so watch this
space.