NEWSLETTER - Cherwell School

the cherwell school
NEWSLETTER
from school to home
keeping you informed
SUMMER 2010
The Cherwell School –
A Centre of Opportunity
I hope you find this newsletter both
an interesting and enjoyable read. The
school continues to be a very busy and
successful place and I have no doubt
that it is a ‘Centre of Opportunity’. This
phrase has been part of The Cherwell
ethos for a number of years and the
range of opportunities which exist for
students both inside and outside the
classroom is impressive. Having talked
at year group assemblies since taking
on the role of Acting Headteacher I
have referred to us being a ‘Centre of
Opportunity’ and what this means for
them as individuals and importantly for
others too. We encourage students
to make the most of the opportunities
they have as individuals, but being part
of the Cherwell community also means
helping to create opportunities for others
so that everyone has the best chance of
success. This culture of opportunities
extends to staff also and as the Training
School continues to grow it is having a
very positive role to play in this area.
You will also see on this page the
Cherwell Competencies which have
been introduced in Years 7, 8 & 9 this
year; these skills and characteristics
underpin the work of the school and we
are looking to see them develop further
in all our students. With this in mind we
have been considering the areas in the
school which are going well and those
which could be improved. Current
areas that are likely to be a focus next
academic year include the culture of
learning in the Sixth Form, how we are
helping our SEN students make the
best possible progress, how we use
assessment to help all students make
the best possible progress and other
community related issues (developing
communication with, and involvement
of, parents and carers and the local
community, for example). Whilst we
have identified these areas already, as
you read this, you will either have had
or are about to receive information
about how parents and carers can
contribute to the way in which the school
develops in the future. Please do take
the opportunity to share your thoughts
with us and help us to make what is a
fantastic school even better.
Finally I would like to thank all the
students and staff for their hard work
and commitment, and thank parents
and carers for their support for the
school over the year; I wish everyone an
enjoyable summer holiday.
Paul James
Acting Headteacher
Knowledge &
Understanding
Questioning
Resourcefulness
Making Links
Problem Solving
Decision Making
Developing Life Skills
My Learning
Independence
Organisational Skills
Knowing How to Learn
Trying New Things
Reflection
Using Initiative
Lessons
The Cherwell
School
Enterprise
Debate
A Centre of
Opportunity
Residentials
In & Beyond
the school
Charitable
Work
Partnership
Schools
Clubs &
Societies
Represent
the school
World of Work
Performing
Arts
Sport
Assemblies
Trips &
Activities
Culture
Social Events
Science
Our enrichment calendar has been
full of all sorts of exciting events for
all years and abilities. One of the
many highlights was the science
fair in March which was a brilliant
success with fantastic entries and a
record number of visitors. Full details
of this and much more news on our
specialism related activities will be
published in a supplement newsletter
being sent out to all parents at the
end of the year.
Science
Specialism
Part of a Community
Collaborating & Team Work
Learning from Others
Communication Skills
Making a Positive Contribution
Supporting and Valuing Others
Empathising & Listening
Enthusiasm & Focus
Involvement
Commitment to Success
Perseverance
Humour
Self-control
Attendance and Punctuality

Faculty
News
Art is “Outstanding”
Ofsted 2010
Despite the mixture of feelings we felt when we heard that Ofsted
were knocking on the door of the Art department, it was fantastic
that the inspector recognised the unique abilities of the students
we have here at Cherwell School and in our department. So
amazingly articulate and creative are the students that every
challenge we present them they grasp with both hands and run
with it - and usually do an extension task to boot... often from
cheese or an old Punch magazine they found rolled up in the loo!
All this, it seems, became abundantly clear to Ms Mercer our
OFSTED inspector. She interviewed them, scrutinized their work,
and found few wanting. Her focus was primarily on drawing, a
passion of ours which every project incorporates; clearly she had
come to the right place. Our students are strong and creatively
opinionated individuals, and she saw this reflected in the array of
sketchbooks, paintings, sculptures, installations and cheese we
offered her.
We are a blessed department with an extremely hardworking staff
and a continually evolving scheme of work. She acknowledged
our contemporary style with emphasis on the practising artist and
seemed greatly impressed with our variety of final pieces.
In addition to this, all our efforts are supported by a sympathetic
senior leadership team that listens to our plans and supports them
whenever possible, and it is this cooperation which cements the
standards which we so fervently wish to maintain. So after an
outstanding accreditation, and indeed an outstanding year, we are
ready to reshuffle again and with great sadness we say goodbye
to Mrs Mary Hardy, a dear friend and a tower in the department,
and welcome John McKay who will be joining us in September.
Rachel McLaughlin, Subject Leader for Art
Languages
It has been a very busy term for the Languages Faculty. At the
time of writing this newsletter, some students are on their way to
Germany for what promises to be another successful exchange
with Augsburg.
Thirty four Year 7 and 8 students will be taking part in the Key
Stage 3 Spanish trip to Cantabria for the third year running. All
students and staff are very excited and it promises to be an
enriching and rewarding trip.
We have been very lucky to work with some fantastic interns
this year in MFL. They have contributed to the faculty in many
ways, including providing a Gifted & Talented German
club, helping with the development of new Qwizdom
technology, creating fantastic activities for all year
groups and working with small groups of Key Stage 4
students.
The video clip project on Cherwell School filmed in
French by 8SMy and directed by Madame Sherrington
has been great fun. Such a project is an excellent way
to motivate students and to encourage cross curricular
links. We are hoping that some of the projects will be put
on the Cherwell Website for all to enjoy!

Maths
Maths Challenge
Key stage 3 Mathematicians continued to enjoy success in the individual
national Maths Challenge competition arranged by the UK Mathematics
Trust. Students performed well in the Junior competition in May where
Cherwell had an impressive haul of 24 gold, 26 silver and 41 bronze
certificates with particular congratulations going to Bohan Yu, Fillip
Lavrentiev, Lok Hin Wong and Charlie Pressdee who qualified for the
highly competitive Junior Mathematical Olympiad. We look forward to
receiving the results of this well respected competition.
Maths Team Challenge – Success in National Finals
This year the school achieved its best result in the UK Mathematics
Trust Team Challenge. Our team of two Year 8 and two Year 9 students
came second in the regional heat and were invited to the national final
in London. Of 1500 schools that entered, only 80 made it to the finals.
Our team (John Hotson, Akuan Lui , Noah Porcelli and Bohan Yu) put in
a tremendous effort and were delighted to come in 9th place overall (and
equal third in the country for state schools).
Base Alternative Curriculum
This year saw the further development of our very successful Alternative
Curriculum Course for students in Years 7 to 9. Congratulations to them
all for maintaining such a high standard of work throughout the year,
both in practical tasks and through their portfolio work.
Practical work included knife skills, bush crafts, canoeing, archery and
an overnight camp. The highlight of the year was when Darren Veitch
(Year 10) led the dissection of a deer. Also included in the course were
carpentry and bricklaying which saw the production of skilfully crafted
small tables/stools and planters.
A new element of the course this year was a bike project, which involved
students making their own DVDs to demonstrate bike polo skills; a new
sport to which they had been introduced.
There were also several opportunities for a day out fishing, working
alongside experienced fishermen, in either fly fishing or coarse fishing –
beautiful trout were taken home.
Within the alternative curriculum we are very keen to engage in cross
curricular activities and this year we did this through a building project
where students became property developers. Here they gained
experience in real life costs around buying, refurbishing and selling
houses and made 3D models of their own kitchen designs.
Sport
Students have been very busy in a whole range
of sports and activities, with some fantastic
results recently. Some are listed below, but lots
more information is available on the website
• The Under 13 Girls and Boys Basketball
Teams both won at the Oxfordshire Youth
games held at Iffley Road on 27th June.
• Our U19 Mixed Tag Rugby Team were
runners-up to Wallingford School, just failing
to retain their title from last year.
• Sixty students participated in leadership
courses offered by the School Sports
Partnership.
• National Sports Week was held from the 28th
June-2nd July, during which students were
provided with the opportunity to take part
in lunch time activities and complete daily
quizzes, while during PE lessons the students
competed in inter-form Handball and Ultimate
Frisbee competitions. The week was a huge
success and the students had loads of fun.
• Sixteen students took part in a Gifted &
Talented workshop at Brookes University.
• On 23rd June, 150 students and staff
gathered in Gym 1 on South Site to watch
England beat Slovenia 1-0. The ‘Chicken
Team’ managed to raise over £50 for the
Chicken Project selling refreshments to fans.
City Golf Champions
The following boys brushed aside Lord
Williams School and Oxford Academy in the
annual County qualifying 9 hole Stableford golf
competition at Studley Wood Golf course last
Tuesday 22nd June:-
Yr 8 Boys: Max Horwood, James
Gilham, Matthew Henderson,
Wills Taylor
Yr 10 Boys: Tom Moore,
Charlie Warland
The winning Cherwell team will go on
to represent the City in the county open
final to be held on Monday 12th July at
Studley Wood Golf course.

Year Group News
Year 7
Year 7 will soon be Year 8 and that first day at secondary school seems
an awful long time ago. They have continued their fantastic start to their
Cherwell School careers. The number of class teachers that regularly take
time out to comment on how enthusiastic, hard working and committed
the tutor groups are is unbelievable.
Since taking over the temporary leadership reins from Miss Harris
just before the Easter break, I have been taken aback by the effort,
determination and fantastic team spirit within each and every tutor group.
Whenever I have a chance to walk through the year group’s lessons, I
am truly amazed by the quality, and the pride that each student takes in
completing their best work possible; from Science to Art to English, in
every classroom Year 7s are producing some outstanding work.
There have been many individual and collective achievements; far too
many to mention but I will attempt to list a few that spring to my mind.
Sporting achievements have come thick and fast with successful boys
and girls football teams, and individual success in the County Athletics
Championships. We have also had the first batch of future GB rowers go
through a five week training programme with Hinksey Sculing School; it
was just great to see the progress from unbalanced and uncoordinated to
students racing each other in their boats.
Singing and performing have also been at the forefront of many students’
minds with some fantastic CGT prize winners, all of which did the year
group proud. As well as these achievements members of the year group
were key players in the successful Gospel Choir.
Lots of students have had a whole host of opportunities that they have
snapped up with both hands including both coarse and fly fishing trips
which were just superb.
Time should be spent this summer reflecting upon what has been a great
1st year at The Cherwell School but also looking forward to what I am
sure will be an even better Year 8. Well done!
Year 8
Neil Busby & Fiona Boland
This has been an excellent time for Year 8. On an almost daily basis we
are receiving emails from staff informing us of excellent behaviour and
learning in lessons.
During the last two terms the year group have been inundated with
opportunities and the vast majority have taken advantage of these. Several
students were dance leaders for Year 6 pupils at a recent festival, a large
number of Year 8s are in the Gospel Choir and another group of students
are hard at work rehearsing for the Singer of the Year competition. Our
Base students are currently preparing an exhibition and open day for
their parents. Arts Evening saw Year 8s involved both through music and
performances from the Year 8 Commedia drama club.
In addition to this, a large number have excelled in numerous sporting
events. They are a brilliant year group and we have thoroughly enjoyed
working with them.
Year 9
Year 9 have had a busy time over the past two terms. In May they sat their
end of Key Stage 3 Exams in Maths, English and Science. These exams
replaced the old SATs papers and were of the same style, providing
a good indication of progress over the Key Stage. Students received
their results in a ‘results day’ type format – a very exciting foretaste of
the GCSE results in the years to come. Other subjects have completed
assessments in lessons and a full report is being produced for the start of
July.
We have, once again, had great success in sport, most notably in football
where our boys and girls teams both won the County Final. Students
have shown a huge amount of commitment to competing for the school
in cricket, basketball, cycling, athletics, and many other sports, and we
congratulate them all on their successes.
Forty-two students were selected for their consistently excellent effort
to go away on a weekend of adventure activities in Wales: climbing,
kayaking, archery and the zip wire were all fantastic, but a real highlight
was the hike through the Welsh hills with Mr Davies! We are proud of all
our students who try hard consistently in school, and it was great to be
able to reward some of them in this way.
The end of term will continue to be busy, with our end of Key Stage trip
to Thorpe Park for the whole year group, drama workshops in PSHE, and
GCSE courses which have already started in some subjects. We are really
proud of the way Year 9 have conducted themselves this year and look
forward to taking them over to North Site in September.
Key Stage 4
Martha Hawes and Kim Young
Despite the relentless examination process that is now Key Stage 4 we
have been impressed with our students’ ability to cope with the stresses
of examinations and yet still be enthusiastic participants in a myriad
of events both in and outside of school. This flies in the face of the
stereotypical image of disaffected ‘hoodies’ reported by the press. So,
congratulations to all our Key Stage 4 students, you are a credit to the
school and should be justifiably proud of all your achievements this year.
Year 10
The year has flown by for Year 10 in a flash – busy, busy, busy! The
emphasis has definitely been on exams this year and they have now
successfully completed many GCSE exams, including ISAs in Science,
modules in Maths and Short Course Citizenship to mention but a few.
Students have behaved sensibly and maturely through this busy year
and it has been a pleasure to see them blossom and thrive, despite the
pressures and stresses exams can bring. We look forward to their results
in August.
We have had many individual and group successes throughout the year,
both in and out of school. For example, Endurance, our male dance group
were joint winners of our CGT back in March; many congratulations to
them. We have had the pleasure of watching them perform in assembly
Jacqui Cheetham and Jacqui Wells

and hope to see them pursue their talents further. The girls’ Marston
Saints Football Team, for which a large number of our students play,
has been very successful and is worthy of mention. Gabriel Lawton has
performed in Cinderella with the Royal Ballet Company, Lewis Darke was
on the winning team in the BBC Jump Nation Competition and Harry
Hudson has made an entry for the Anne Frank Poetry Competition for
which we have great hopes.
As we speak, we have five year group finalists for The Cherwell Singer of
the Year Competition, and wait the final with bated breath!
Alongside Year 11, we took a group of students to Kilvrough Outwards
Bounds centre for the weekend to reward students who had made a
fabulous start to Year 10. The students took part in some challenging
activities, including rock climbing, body boarding and orienteering. It gave
them a fabulous opportunity to push themselves individually and to work
as a team. The students were fantastic and we are hoping to take a similar
group away again next year.
There is a lot of talent in the year group and we hope that this will carry on
being reflected both in terms of their creativity and also their exam results
over the next two years.
Well done Year 10.
Jane Archer and Michelle McCann
Year 11
Year 11 Prom
To celebrate the end of compulsory education for Year 11 we held a
magnificent Prom at Freud’s. The Year 11 student committee worked
with enthusiasm with Mrs Knight to help organise the event. Freud’s was
brilliantly decked out and the partygoers made a fantastic effort to dress
for the occasion. The atmosphere was fantastic and everyone had a great
time. Thanks to all who helped support such a great evening.
Celebration Assembly
At last … the final compulsory assembly at School! To wish the Year 11
leavers luck for their exams the school provided the traditional fare – after
‘dining’ on crisps, nuts and sugary, fizzy drinks the main event of the
afternoon began, which involved embarrassing a number of students who
had been voted by their peers for a range of eleven categories such as
‘Most Likely to be Prime Minister’, ‘Legend of the Year Group’ and ‘Best
Couple’. We were also treated to video highlights of the Prom courtesy of
Mr Slater. We enjoyed some beautiful music as well. The staff performance
was awesome.
I would like to take the opportunity to thank all tutors and teachers, TA’s
and admin staff who have worked so hard to prepare this cohort for their
exams over the last five years. A particular mention needs to be made to
Mrs Knight who has given tremendous support to me and many students
over this time.
Bob Hield and Sherry Knight
Sixth Form
Year 12
Since returning from study leave, Year 12s have been focusing
on preparing for university with the Higher Education programme
swinging into operation. Parents were briefed at a Higher
Education evening and potential Oxbridge students were invited
to an Oxbridge tea with members of the University. School staff
who attended Oxford or Cambridge came along to offer an insight
into what University life is like and prospective medical students
will have a similar chance to find out what life is like studying
medicine. The first of two university visits took place on the 25th
June to Birmingham University. The trip was well received leaving
a good impression on students. The second of the trips will be
to Cambridge and is a joint consortium event, including students
from our partnership schools. This term is very much about what
happens after sixth form and students are encouraged to prepare
for the UCAS application process.
In addition students are using the time to help the wider school
community, including taking part in the extensive training for the
peer support programme in order to be able to help the transition
of the new Year 7s into school. Their first task will be to provide
a additional friendly face at the Year 6 induction day. Similarly,
through the science faculty students are working with primary
students on the Health and Science days.
Elaine Paling
Year 13
We bade farewell to our Year 13 with the Leaver’s Celebration on
Friday 28th May. They will never be able to hear the Beyoncé song
Single Ladies again without a smile on their faces …
They have worked really hard this year and as many of them had
offers to study at University they have been increasingly focused
on achieving the best possible grades they can. It is always sad
to see a year group leave and it has been a real pleasure to see
them mature and develop into a fine group of young adults ready to
take their first steps into the big wide world. We wish them all the
very best and look forward to hearing about their successes in the
future.
Clark Lawfull
Sixth Form Induction
At the end of June we held a very successful Induction Programme
for students who will be joining the Cherwell Sixth Form in
September. During the 3 days students were able to meet their new
tutor group and form tutor and attend a series of taster Sixth Form
lessons in their chosen AS level subjects. From past experience,
we have found that this Induction Programme enables students to
try out their subject choices and make important decisions about
whether their choices are the right ones for them. Spending a few
days getting to know the layout of the school, meeting new friends
and teachers also helps the new external students settle in quickly
at the start of the academic year and also makes the transition to a
new school a little less scary in September.
This year students experienced two lessons in their chosen
subjects and a General Studies lesson, plus 3 tutor periods. Sixth
form is seen as an exciting “fresh start” for all those who join us,
working in new tutor groups and for some, taking new subjects and
meeting new teachers. This year we were delighted to meet a lively,
enthusiastic group of students who were keen to learn about their
A- level subjects and we look forward to welcoming them as new
Year 12s in September.
Sarah Arkle

out & about
Languages
and Business
Conference
On Monday 8 March Year 10 Language students attended
a languages conference held at the Holiday Inn, Oxford. The
Conference stressed the importance of learning a language,
perhaps at A-level or even a degree in university, particularly for
future work where there are many uses for a foreign language.
All in all, everyone really enjoyed the day and it was a very
positive experience. We all learnt a lot about how a language
could be used in a work environment, especially in business.
Cherwell Envision
Team Success
As part of the ‘Envision’ charity initiative, a group of eight Cherwell
Sixth-Formers have been working on a project to create a restful
garden space for heart patients at the John Radcliffe Hospital. On
December 9 they travelled to London in order to pitch their idea
in a ‘Dragon’s Den’-style presentation before a group of potential
charity sponsors. The Cherwell team were aiming to get a grant
of £500 to help with their project, competing against schools and
youth groups from all over the country. Only four of the Cherwell
team were allowed to make the pitch, but all contributed to the
plans, and they were exceptionally well presented—even wearing
t-shirts that they had made with a logo of the ‘Secret Garden
Project’, created by talented artist Helen Waters.
Even after intensive rehearsal, the team found it slightly aweinspiring
to go to Canary Wharf for the event, and find themselves
presenting in front of a huge audience. Despite this, they made an
impressive presentation, convinced the charity ‘dragons’ and were
given all the money that they had asked for. They returned to the
school triumphant, ready to begin the spring planting!
Many congratulations to all members of the team; to Mariam
Alshahib Lami, Thea Hawlin, Caroline Ivimey-Parr, Becca Powell,
Catherine Salvini, Ria Roque, Helen Waters and Zoe Wilson, and
particular congratulations to Thea, Caroline, Helen and Zoe, who
gave the winning presentation.
Dr McCarthy
Weiyao Li and Harry Hudson, Year 10
Creative Arts Evening, 25th June
In our annual celebration of creative talent at Cherwell we had
a spectacular showcase of the school’s performers and artists.
The performances ranged from the Key Stage 3 Drama Club to
Year 10 dancers, from an open rehearsal by the String Orchestra
to the Gospel Choir. The Year 10 Music students also held a
recital with some stunning performances being given in the Music
rooms, while Year 12 took turns to play in the Main Hall.
An exhibition of GCSE and A-level Art and Design was also open
for viewing, amazing visitors with the students’ skill and creativity
in painting, sculpture, photography and film-making to name a
few media. The strawberries and refreshments being served were
much appreciated in the fantastic summer weather. Thanks to
everyone who came to support the school and students.
Rosemary O’Reilly
Students Attending Oxford & Cherwell Valley
College on day release
It has been another fantastic year for all of our Year 10 and 11
students who attend college one day a week to do vocational
courses. The Year 11 students successfully completed their
final year in their course – Construction, Plumbing, Engineering,
Childcare Catering and Hair & Beauty. We were immensely
proud of Luke Pearce who received the High Sherriff’s Award for
his work on the Young Apprenticeship in Engineering.
Year 10s began their courses in September, including some
starting the new Diplomas in Catering & Hospitality and in Hair &
Beauty. We had two very pleasant mornings visiting the college
to see our students at work and attended a Celebration Evening
where some of our students received awards.

The Chicken Project
in South Africa
The Chicken Team attended the 6th International iNet Conference
in Cape Town, South Africa. iNet is the international arm of the
Specialist Schools and Academies Trust, and is concerned with
improving global education, the title of the conference being
‘Excellence and Equity’. Schools from across the world were
asked to attend and present their methods of improving global
education, and The Chicken Project represented The Cherwell
School. We were joined by the Headteacher and Deputy Head
of The Gcato School, which provided an excellent opportunity to
gain feedback on The Chicken Project so far. You can contact
The Chicken Project at: chickenproject@cherwell.oxon.sch.uk.
During the visit we met representatives from many other schools
and learnt about their methods of improving education through
a partnership. We heard speeches from the Premier of the
Western Cape, Helen ZIlle, and both the heads of education
of South Africa and Mauritius. This has helped the project gain
international recognition, and we are hoping to expand The
Chicken Project as other schools carry out the project with
their links around the globe. We also gained a new honorary life
president, Professor Yong Zhao of Michigan State University.
He is a distinguished professor in the field of education and
globalisation. He is helping with the development of the future
of the project; please see his online blog for his Chicken Project
updates. (http//:zhao.educ.msu.edu).
At the beginning of the conference the chicken team greeted
the international delegates, helped at the iNet desk, recorded
keynote speeches, and held interviews with those who attended.
On the last day, our presentation was well received, further
investment gained and the partnership with The Gcato School
strengthened. We would really like to thank all those people who
made the trip possible by sponsoring the team, in particular the
Mary Luis Trust and Cherwell’s PTA.
What’s in store
for the Chicken
Project?
This term we have
recruited 18 team
members to carry out
the next stages of our
work. We will start to
raise funds for the
second phase of the
project, which we hope
to implement at the start of next academic
year. We have several Chicken Project events and fundraisers before
the end of term! We have been asked to produce an article for the iNet
newsletter, The Financial Times and to speak at a Specialist Schools
and Academies Trust training day and an Oxford event called “Every
Chicken Matters”. We are working with a charity called Siren which
may publish the project to use with Ugandan schools. Exciting times
for the project are ahead – thank you so much for supporting this work.
Julie Stuart-Thompson
Gospel Choir
Appearance on BBC Radio
On Sunday May 9 th , the Cherwell School Gospel Choir achieved
world-wide fame! We were honoured to be the special guests on
The Urban Gospel Experience with DJ G on BBC Radio Oxford, a
weekly show which reaches all corners of the globe. Nicknamed
‘the biggest praise party in town’, it was a fantastic opportunity to
show off our skills as we appeared on the radio for the very first
time, singing four of our songs live on air.
The studio was quite small, but we had enough room to get
clapping/clicking and get into the songs. A few people were
interviewed by DJ G about the choir and singing in general. We all
had an amazing time and I think I can say for everyone that it was
well worth doing. Lucy Britton, Year 8
New fund-raising CD
Since the radio show the Gospel Choir have been
busy preparing to record a CD. A BBC sound
engineer came in for a day to record the choir,
which was hard work in a sweltering room with
windows closed to keep out noise from the
road and the birds! The result is a CD of five
fantastic sounding songs.
The CD is on sale now, priced £4, from
reception (south site) or the school office (north
site). All the profits will be split equally between Gcato School and
ROSY (Respite nursing for Oxfordshire’s Sick Youngsters)
Mr Ireland
African Drumming
A group of Year 9 students, accompanied by two Year 10
students, took a quick bus ride and stroll to the Pitt Rivers
Museum, where we met with Isabel, a professional musician who
gave us an impeccable presentation on African percussion. We
were shown many interesting instruments like the thumb piano,
wooden xylophone and Kura. We were also taught two African
pieces containing African elements such as call and response,
syncopation and polyrhythmic patterns. The pieces were
performed well, with a Cherwell twist! It was impressive to see
some of the Year 9s take up the challenge of leading the complex
rhythms. We swapped halfway, so we got a different aspect
of the music as well as improving
our range of drumming and
playing techniques. It was very
enjoyable and informative, and I
am sure it helped thoroughly for
the African music unit. We hope
this trip will continue for the years
to come.
Anna Czepiel & Leo Balknill
(Year 10)
Cherwell Gospel Choir
Sold in aid of Gcato School in South Africa and ROSY
(Respite nursing for Oxfordshire’s Sick Youngsters)

Cherwell online – Communication
with Parents & Carers
We are keen to continue to develop our online methods of
communication. This newsletter is an example, although for those who
prefer we have produced a number of hard copies which are available
for collection from the school receptions and libraries. In the future,
not only will newsletters, other letters and information about the school
continue to be available online; we will be developing a system where
parents can access specific information about their child, such as
attendance and assessment information. More details to follow next
term.
We also intend to look at the design of our website and should any
parents or carers have an interest and willingness to help in this area, we
would encourage them to contact the school.
If you have not provided the school with a valid email address
at this point and if you are able to do so, please email
schoolcomms@cherwell.oxon.sch.uk with your, and your child’s
details, as we will continue to use this method of communication
in the terms ahead. Should you not be able, or not wish, to
receive emails from the school we will always provide hard
copies of relevant information via your child.
Reporting Student Progress
From September 2010 we will be making a few changes to the way in
which we report students’ progress.
At the moment parents receive three reports per year: a Progress
Review showing Teacher Assessment and Effort in all subjects, a
Parents’ Evening report showing Teacher Assessment and Effort in all
subjects and a Full Report showing Teacher Assessment and Effort in
all subjects with a comment from Subject Teachers, Tutors and Head of
Year.
From September 2010 we will be sending home reports six
times a year (four for Years 11 and 13). The Reports will be similar
to the current Parents’ Evening reports and for Years 10 - 13 will
include Teacher Assessment and Effort grades along with Attendance
percentage since the start of the year. For Years 7 to 9 the reports will
include Effort grades on all six reports but Teacher Assessment on
just three as at present because National Curriculum levels tend not to
change significantly in a short time. One of the reports, towards the end
of the school year will contain full written comments from the Tutor and
Head of Year which will cover a range of areas including attendance,
behaviour, attitude and contribution to school life. Subject teachers
will continue to give classroom based individual feedback to students,
setting targets for improvement, and Parents’ Evenings will continue as
at present.
We feel that the benefits of moving to a system of assessing and
reporting more frequently are that we can track students more closely
and take action more quickly if they appear to be falling behind. We
hope that parents will also feel the benefits of being informed more
frequently of their child’s progress.
We will be reviewing this new system at the end of the next academic
year but in the meantime if you have any queries please contact Karen
Magrath, Assistant Headteacher
notices
Staff Leavers & Joiners
This is always a busy time of year with staff changes and we
wish all the colleagues who are leaving us all the very best in
the future. We do of course offer a warm welcome to those
who will be joining us in September.
Teaching Staff who will be leaving us at the end of term
6: Veronique Davis, Matthew Dolan, Claire Doran, Richard
Hook, Jermaine Jarvis (1 year leave of absence), Jake
Jones, Stephanie Grafe, Mary Hardy, Mike Keenlyside, Rene
Koglbauer (1 year leave of absence), Michaela Marden, Meryl
Matthews, Wenna Price, Nicholas Richmond, Howard Shaw,
Kate Thirlwall, Paul Whelan.
Support Staff who will be leaving us at the end of term
6: Liam Robbins, Robbie Wilson, Alice Street Soden, Joan
Keenan, Laura O’Sullivan.
Teaching staff who will be joining us in September: Alan
Bills (Physics), Joel Brisk (History), Katrina Bragg (Sociology),
Ben Bradford (PE), Cate Burdett (Chemistry), Lindsey Caldwell
(English), Sarah Champion (Music), Claire Davies (Geography),
Matt Gray (Faculty Leader for English & Media), Joanne Green
(Biology), Cecile Hughes (MFL), Eva Holloway (MFL), Louise
Johnston (Maths), Jon Mackay (Art/DT), Laura Malloy (MFL),
Sarah Read (Lead teacher for Business Studies), Elizabeth
Seller (Biology), Anna Simpson (Art), James Stainton Gurung
(Maths), Karl Sullivan (Drama), Joanna Williamson (Maths),
Stephanie Murrell (ADT).
Calling any
Heinemann employees!
We would like to know if any of our parents work
at Heinemann. If so, the school may be entitled
to a 50% discount on all book orders from the
publisher. If you can help, please contact Janet
Kidd, Finance Officer, on 01865 518205
or e-mail jkidd@cherwell.oxon.sch.uk
If you are happy to receive information via email,
please provide your name and email address,
Note that the schoolcomms@cherwell.oxon.
sch.uk email address should only ever be used
to inform the school about changes in email
address and for no other reasons.
If you change your email address, please do
remember to let us know.