autumn 2011 newsletter - Ashfield School

AUTUMN 2011 NEWSLETTER
ACADEMY STATUS
The consultation stage on the governors‟ proposal to convert to academy status started on Monday 7
November and runs through to Friday 15 December. A formal consultation letter was sent out to all parents on
Monday 7 November. If you did not receive a copy via your child then copies can be downloaded from the
school web site or alternatively you can contact the school office who will provide a hard copy in the post.
CAPITAL BUILD WORKS
We have experienced problems with the completion of the new Performing Arts block which should have been
handed over to the school at half term. Unfortunately due to issues with various sub-contractors this date has
been moved back to the start of December. This has caused great inconvenience to both staff and students in
Drama / Dance but hopefully once we move into these brand new facilities these issues will be quickly
forgotten.
SCHOOL SHOW – HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL
Due to the delayed building work to the new Performing Arts block we have had to re-schedule the annual
school show. Instead of being in December the show will now take place between Monday, February 6th 2012
and Friday, February 10th 2012. It is our intention to formally open the new Performing Arts block on the
Friday of the school show.
POSSIBLE INDUSTRIAL ACTION
Many parents will be aware from the media that there is the potential of industrial action being taken by a
number of public sector unions on Wednesday 30 November. At the time of writing I have no idea what impact
this will have on Ashfield School but I am just alerting parents to the possibility that there might be a school
closure / partial closure on that date. Once I know the outcome of local ballots and have carried out the
necessary risk assessments I will inform parents of what the situation is at Ashfield School on 30 November.
FREE SCHOOL MEALS
We have a large number of families that are entitled to free school meals who are not claiming their
entitlement. If you are on Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker‟s Allowance, Income related Employment
and Support Allowance or receive Child Tax Credit and your annual income does not exceed £16,040 then
you are entitled to claim free school meals. This entitlement equates to nearly £350 per year per child, and due
to the finger print identification system in school, no child is identified as taking free school meals.
I would urge any eligible parent to ask for a FSM1 form which can be obtained from school. The forms need to
be completed and returned to the Idlewells Centre in Sutton in Ashfield.
YEAR 11 MOCK EXAMS
Will start on Wednesday 7th December 2011 and will end on Friday 16th December. A timetable will be
distributed via tutors shortly. A copy will also be available on the school website.
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BYRON HOUSE
Well done to all those who took part in the indoor rowing championships and the year 8 and 10 winter games
during the first half term of the school year. It was great to see such fantastic levels of teamwork and effort
from all participants. Particular thanks to the Byron house captains Sam Creak, Natalie Jones, Thomas
Hardwick and Keisha Ward for their assistance in the organisation of the winter games teams.
Winning Byron teams came from the Y8 Boys Football, Y8 Girls Basketball, Y7 Rowing and Y10 Rowing.
Fantastic levels of effort and participation also led to Byron being crowned overall House Championship
Winners for the Indoor Rowing Championships.
Individual tutor group successes came in the indoor rowing championships from Byron teams that
demonstrated great performances in beating 17 other tutor groups to win their individual races. Tutor group
winners came from: -
7BY3 Girls
Danielle Gambin
Kelly Thompson
Sadie-Rae Lakin
Hannah Young
Beth Young
Chloe Melvin
A special mention to the following year 7 pupils who have made a great start to Ashfield life being nominated
for various successes by their tutors: Millie Coope, Charlie Draycott and Harry Flinton.
Well done to all those mentioned above and also all of the other Byron pupils who have taken part in many
events representing their house with pride. The great levels of enthusiasm and effort from so many pupils have
lead to such a fantastic start to the school year. Long may it continue...
Mr. Wall
Byron House Co-ordinator
8BY1 Girls
Jess Jubbie
Eleanor Morley
Emily Bradshaw
Alana Armstrong
Rebekah Spence
9BY1 Boys
Lewis Murdoch
Tyrone Yates
George Holoway
Luke Hutchinson
10BY2 Girls
Charlotte
Wakefield
Natalie Jones
Megan Astill
Alex Tomlinson
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COATES HOUSE
The change from the House system to the Horizontal
Year system has brought an exciting start to the new
year. Having been a member of Coates House for 14
years I was delighted to become their new House
Coordinator.
Our activities so far have been diverse and offered
different opportunities for all. I have been pleased by
the positive response from the students when taking
part in such activities from rowing to design, not
forgetting Winter Games. In indoor rowing Coates
came 3rd with years 7, 10 and 11 distinguishing
themselves by coming in the top 3. Other noteworthy
performances include 7CO2 girls who came 2nd,
10CO3 boys who came 1st and 11CO2 and 11CO3
who came 2nd and 3rd respectively. In year 8 Winter
Games the girls‟ football and netball teams came first. However, despite our
best efforts, our overall position was 6th – the only way now is up! In year 10
Winter Games things were different – we came 2nd to Trent by 1 point.
Teams worthy of praise include the boy‟s basketball team who absolutely
annihilated the opposition and the girls‟ football and netball teams who came
2nd. No matter what the results all participants in all events tried really hard
and were a credit to Coates.
The year 7 Logo competition used different skills but the results were equally
pleasing, particularly from CO2 where every member of the group entered.
7CO1 and 7CO3 also made valuable contributions.
Our plans for the future include Winter Games for years 7, 9 and 11 and the
highly anticipated Chess competition. I am very proud of the start we have
made and look forward to cheering them on in the future. Go Coates Go!!
Mrs. F Ball
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CHESTERFIELD HOUSE
My name is Mrs. Hinett-Barker and I am the House
Coordinator for Chesterfield House. We have certainly had a
very busy few months and there has been lots of fun events
recently. One of the highlights for me has to be the rowing
competition. It was incredible to see Chesterfield working
together as a team, encouraging each other to keep going.
We had full teams for every tutor group in every year. This is
what gave us the edge against some of the other houses.
We won the year 8 rowing competition, came second in the
year 7 and 11 games and third in the year 9 and 10 match.
We came second overall which was absolutely fantastic!
Again we had great participation in the year 10 and 8 winter
games, the year 10 girls came 1st in football and in the year
8s won the winter games over all!
We have the rest of the years winter games coming this half
term so lets continue this winning streak and everyone get
involved!
your names.
*** CALLING ALL CHESS PLAYERS***
We have a House chess competition on Tuesday 29th
November, we need a team from every year group. It doesn‟t
matter if you are a beginner or an advanced player, it‟s the
taking part that counts! Please ask your tutors to email me
WELL DONE!
Year 11 CH1 Tutor group had a great day in the rowing with the
girls winning and the boys coming second.
Louis Devonshire (10CH1) is part of the Great Britain Taekwondo
team - he is currently abroad representing us. Good luck Louis,
we‟re all rooting for you!
Well done to Alex Palmer 8CH3 for winning the Chesterfield logo
competition!
Thanks to all the tutors and students for their hard work last half
term, lets keep it going !
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HARGREAVES HOUSE
Hello, I am Mrs Bainbridge and I am very proud to be the House
Coordinator for Hargreaves House. Having never worked with
Hargreaves House before I was very pleased to see the high levels of
participation and effort that the Hargreaves pupils put in to the last three
House events. Over the past half term we have had full teams in the Year
10 and Year 8 Winter Games, something I think all pupils who
participated should be very proud of. Some notable performances came
from the Year 10 boys Rugby team and Year 10 Girls Basketball team
who both won overall. Last half term we also had a whole school Rowing
event and although we did not have full teams in all year groups, it was
lovely to see pupils working together and supporting other Hargreaves
teams who were low on numbers. Overall Hargreaves came 5 th and I
think that all the pupils who contributed to this valiant effort should be
congratulated.
We have the rest of the years winter games coming this half term so lets
continue to have full participation!
*** CALLING ALL CHESS PLAYERS***
We have a House chess competition on Tuesday 29 th November,
we need a team from every year group. It doesn‟t matter if you are
a beginner or an advanced player, it‟s the taking part that counts!
Please ask your tutors to email me your names.
WELL DONE!
I would like to say well done to all Hargreaves pupils who have
contributed to the House Championship in any way, big or small,
your support and participation does not go unnoticed!
Also a huge well done to all Hargreaves pupils who have
succeeded outside of school in any event, either sporting or
otherwise.
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THOROTON HOUSE
Thoroton have displayed an amazing team spirit in the start of
the House Championship and a level of participation they
should all be proud of.
So far they have enjoyed great success in Year 8 and Year 10
Winter Games and the Rowing Competition where both teams
and individuals have shone.
Special congratulations go to the Year 8 boys rugby team who
won the competition and the year 8 girls water polo who also
won. The year 10 boys football team also excelled in their
heats showing the wide range of talent we have in Thoroton.
Individual mentions go to Ryan Bradley and Ty Durose who led
the 8TH2 boys to victory in the Year 8 boys Rowing Heats. Everyone who took part in these activities should
be proud of their achievements.
Attendance figures also contribute to the House
Championship trophy this year and Thoroton are
currently in second place with 94.6% attendance
overall. Special congratulations should go to the 164
students in Thoroton who have 100% attendance so far
this academic year – too many to mention here but I
hope they keep it up throughout the rest of the year.
Every term students are chosen by their tutors and
Achievement Leaders to attend a special lunch where
they will be rewarded for their efforts and achievements
in school. Thoroton students who will be going to the
lunch this term are Lauren Foster, Courtney Jay
Cantrill, Ryan Bradley and Jade Daft. Well done to them
all.
We now have the Chess Championship and Year 7, 9 and 11 Winter Games to look forward to where I hope
we will be as successful. Go Team Thoroton!
Miss Lee
Thoroton House Coordinator
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TRENT HOUSE
My name is Miss Frith and I am the new House Coordinator for
Trent House. The students in Trent have already had an
incredibly exciting start to this year, with some excellent results in
the Winter Games and the Rowing Competition. We began the
year with a victory in the Year 10 Winter Games, Trent house won
overall with a fantastic score of 24 points. Particular
congratulations needs to be said to the Girls Netball team as they
came first in their tournament, but a massive well done to all Trent
students who took part, it was a fantastic effort. Year 8 have also
maintained this high level of participation and team work, with full
teams for every event and a brilliant win for the Girls Water polo
team; the Boys rugby team also did an exceptionally good job,
missing out on first place to Thoroton by only the slightest margin.
Fingers crossed this brilliant start will be kept up by Years 7, 9
and 11 in their Games later this half term.
The other major event that has already taken place this year is the inter-house rowing competition. All of the
Trent students that took part put 100% effort into the competition and it was a privilege to see them working so
well as a team. Trent House overall came fourth in the competition, and there were some outstanding wins by
the Year 9 and 11 rowers. I would like to congratulate and thank in particular Shannon Hamilton, Katie Gillott,
Leanne Crichton, Rebecca Pembleton and Georgia
Maltby for their efforts. These five were the only Trent
competitors in the Year 10 girls‟ race, but they did
such an incredible job and came second out of
sixteen teams, well done girls!
In Trent we also have many „silent star‟ students that
are continually doing great things either in or out of
school. Just three of these are Regan Hubbard who
has been asked to play rugby for county, Ashley
Wagstaff who has achieved a number of victories in
Boccia and wheelchair basketball competitions, and
Marc Woodhouse who cycled 95 miles to Skegness
over half term.
Already this year, many Trent students have set an
excellent example by their willingness to participate,
their ability to work as a team, their competitive edge and desire to succeed. For this they should be incredibly
proud of themselves. Over the next few months, there are going to be many more events, competitions and
challenges for all Trent students to get involved with, and hopefully maintain this excellent standard throughout
the rest of the year. Watch out for the Chess tournament coming soon!
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KINGSWOOD TRIP
On the 31st October, 158 year 7‟s went on a residential trip to the
Kingswood Centre, Staffordshire.
What followed were 2 days of adventure and fun ! From battles in the
Lazar zone to thrills on the zipwire, the students (and staff!) had a
fantastic time!
it was an excellent opportunity for tutors to get to know students in
their tutor group better and for the students to make new friends
early on in Year 7. Some students also conquered their fear of
heights or the dark!
Whilst on the trip, we did a blog. Here are some of the quotes from students about the trip.
”ARCHERY was epic it was so fun and the instructor was very very very nice”
“Kingswood is the best trip I‟ve ever been on!! It is packed full of fun things to do. My best thing that I have
done is going on the quad bikes”
“Quadbiking, It‟s a lot harder than Mario Cart”
“I thought kings wood was great and there was lots to do there like quad bikes, archery, night line, and much
more. My personal favourite was the abseiling it was really scary at first but then I got used to hanging in the
air”
“it was great and I loved it. Want to do it all again”
ANNUAL STROKEPLAY GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP
The Championship was played out at The Nottinghamshire Golf & Country Club on Tuesday 25th October
2011 in wonderful weather conditions and on a golf course in prime condition.
The Champion Ashfield Team from earlier this year played well, but the water hazards proved to be the
deciding factor this time and the team missed out on the prizes.
In the individual competition, Jack Worley came fourth with a fantastic net 70 and has qualified for the Midland
Finals on Friday 8th June 2012 at Matlock Golf Club.
Congratulations to Jack Worley, Joseph Brown and Lewis Burton Williams who represented the school in this
event.
The next Annual Strokeplay Championship will take place on Tuesday 23rd October 2012 at Wollaton Park
Golf Club.
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HONDURAS TRIP
During the summer a group of then year 12 and 13
Ashfield students went on an adventure to carry
out a scientific survey in the exotic country of
Honduras.
Here is what one of them wrote about their
experience:
“On our trip to Honduras we spent one week
camping in Cusuco National Park and one week
staying on a small Carribean island called Cayos
Cochinos. Whilst in the rainforests of Cusuco
National Park we took part in daily hikes up into
the cloud forest to carry out mist netting, habitat
surveys and investigating the arthropods species
evident in the park. We all saw some unforgettable
things, my favourite was catching small humming
birds and examining them, they were amazing.
In the second week we travelled to a small village called Rio Esteban and stayed for one night with different
local families. The locals cooked us a meal and then invited us along to a cultural event where many of us got
involved with the traditional dancing. The following day we travelled on speed boats to a small island of Cayos
Cochinos, where we stayed in bunk houses for the week. While on Cayos we spent our time scuba diving on
the beautiful coral reefs, snorkeling on the surface to see the wildlife, and hiking through the islands forest to
see a variety of lizards only found on that tiny island and to also see the native pink boa constrictors. At night
on the island, we could sit on the dock and watch the sting rays swimming around on the surface of the sea or
walk along the beach at the waters edge where you could see glow in the dark krill.
Overall the trip was an inspiring, and life changing, experience from start to finish.”
PARENT PORTAL
Parents of pupils in Years 7 and 12 have now been provided with access to the new Parent Portal, which gives
parents access to information about their children's attendance, progress, behaviour and achievement as well
as other important school information. Feedback about the system has been overwhelmingly positive.
This half-term we will be emailing parents of pupils in Years 10 and 11 with detailed information about the
parent portal and instructions for obtaining login details. Parent Portal demonstrations and login information
will be available to parents of pupils in Years 8 and 9 at their respective parents' consultations in the Spring
term.
If any parents would like to arrange access to the parent portal before these dates or require any further
information please email portalsupport@ashfield.notts.sch.uk.
Mr. B Riggott
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FACEBOOK SUCCESS
Ashfield Comprehensive School is using Facebook and
Twitter to communicate with pupils and parents and
celebrate achievements. The school began using the
social networking sites six weeks ago and has
highlighted a wide range of news from the school‟s
Post 16 Centre. It is thought to be the only school in
Nottinghamshire - and one of very few in the country -
with its own Facebook page. Over 400 people already
follow the page, which has been viewed over 42,000
times by people as far afield as Italy, Hong Kong and
the United States. Videos, photographs and news have
been uploaded to the page regularly since it was
launched.
Pupils from Post 16 have been heavily involved with
the running of the page and have produced much of
the material that appears online. Among the news uploaded so far includes extra-curricular activities like
school rugby match reports and pictures, charity fundraisers and school trips abroad. Several features about
gifted and talented pupils have also featured on the page, including an article written by a pupil about the
hopes and fears of three students who hope to go to Oxford and Cambridge Universities next year.
It is hoped that sharing the school‟s good news will also encourage other youngsters to enrol at the school and
increase numbers. School Head Teacher Richard Vasey said utilising new methods of communication is vital
when engaging with students. He said: “The popularity of social networking sites has soared in the last few
years and everyone now seems to have smart phones and laptops, and our pupils are no exception. “But it
does not just stop there. Parents are following us on Facebook and Twitter, as well as grandparents, other
members of the community and people who live thousands of miles away. “We are keen to show people the
day-to-day life and achievements of pupils in Ashfield School. Academic work is naturally our key priority but
Post 16 involves many other aspects which are both fun and enjoyable and we want as many people to know
about the wide variety of events taking place here.”“Our aim is to celebrate pupil‟s accomplishments and to
encourage other young people to come and see what Ashfield School is about.”
The sites also act as way of communicating important information to pupils, parents and staff - including exam
dates, revision tips and school closure announcements. The school‟s Twitter site has 33 followers and
continues to grow in popularity. If the online venture continues to be a success, the school is considering
running „enrichment lessons‟ for Post 16 pupils about social media, where a Community Volunteer
Qualification would be gained. This would contribute towards university entry requirements.
Matthew Hall, Head of Post 16, manages the two sites. He said: “Most successful companies and
organisations use social networking to publicise their businesses these days. “So it‟s highly likely our students
will at some point in the future need an understanding of why sites like Facebook and Twitter can be vitally
important in the work place. “Millions of people are now logging on to social networking sites and this figure is
increasing every single day, so businesses are tapping into this as an excellent source of communication.
“Pupils are closely involved in the running of the sites, as well as sourcing and producing news. “This would
give our pupils a fantastic opportunity to showcase their talents in writing, photography and video filming and
editing - something which would undoubtedly be attractive to future employers.”
Follow Ashfield School on Facebook by visiting http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ashfield-
School/277103198975513 and on Twitter by following @AshfieldSchool.
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SCIENCE
This year has got off to a flying start in science. Some year 10‟s in preparation for their upcoming exams
visited London to watch a lecture at the Royal Institution entitled DJ physics. This was enjoyed immensely.
This week some year 11‟s visited Nottingham University to see a demonstration entitled thunder and lightning.
I have been told it was fantastic, but very loud!
Science club has also got off to a flying start and the year 7 students attending have been fantastic innovators
and we are looking forward to some more challenges soon. Next year science club will be entering the
president‟s challenge at the county show, so we are hoping they will do us proud and we will be lucky enough
to exhibit at Newark showground. Also we will be having some lectures from the Deep in Hull. Lots to look
forward to!
UNIFORMED SERVICES
Pictured below are Ashfield Uniformed Services students participating in Command Tasks with the Royal
Marines Visibility Team (left), and visiting Beth Shalom Holocaust Centre, Laxton, to consider the present and
historical role and impact of the uniformed services throughout the world (right).
DRAMA EVENTS
The Ashfield School Choir under the direction of Mrs Guy are appearing by special request in the BBC Annual
Carol Service at St Nicolas Church, Nottingham on Thursday 15th December at 7.30pm, which will be
broadcasted live on the BBC.
The Annual School Carol Service is to be held on Monday December 19th at St Wilfrid's Church, Kirkby in
Ashfield, doors open at 7.00pm and the service starts at 7.30pm, we have a fantastic array of Christmas
Readings, Carols, Bible Readings all performed by Ashfield Students. Also the Ashfield School Choir will be
appearing fresh from their BBC appearance. Also please join us at the end for mince pies and coffee to get us
firmly in the Christmas spirit.
High School Musical show dates have changed to celebrate the grand opening of the new Performing Arts
block they are now Monday, February 6th to Friday, 10th February 2012 Starting at 7.30pm.
Tickets:
£7 adult
£5 concessions
£20 a family ticket
Tickets will be on sale soon from Mrs Statham.
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YEAR 8 LOGO COMPETITION
In Year 8 everyone had the opportunity to create a new logo to represent year 8. We had lots of wonderful
entries and we chose the following winning pieces:
Winning Entries From Left:
Runner Up Anna Barnes, Runner Up Joshua Newby and Winner Michaela Loria
Mrs Chambers and Mrs Hinett-Barker
Y11 MOCK EXAMINATION TIMETABLE
Mock examinations will be taking place for all Year 11 students starting on Tuesday 6 December and finishing
on Monday 19 December. A copy of the timetable is available on the school website and attendance for all
students during this period is critical. When students do not have an exam they will be in normal lessons. All
students will be in full uniform for all exams.
As part of our Christmas celebrations and activities Year 11 will be expected to attend on the 19th and
participate in activities and an end of year celebratory assembly. A trip will be organised for the afternoon
(further details to follow) and we hope all will be involved. For those who choose not to be they will break up at
12pm. Year 11 do not have to attend school on Tuesday 20 December except for those students who have
failed to meet coursework deadlines or are behind in any coursework. These students will be identified by the
time of the mock exams and parents will be informed who we expect to be in school on Tuesday 20
December.
CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES
Following the successful Christmas activities arranged last year we plan to run something similar for the end of
term this year. There will be trips and in school activities organised on Monday 19th December and various
year group activities organised for Tuesday 20 December. Full details of these trips and activities will be given
to students in the near future. End of term will commence for Year 7 to 10 on Tuesday 20 th December at
1.30pm. School buses have been organised. The Spring Term starts for all students on Wednesday 4th
January 2012.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish all parents a very happy and peaceful Christmas.
Dick Vasey
Headteacher
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ASHFIELD SCHOOL
CONSTRUCTION ACADEMY
Leaving School? Which Career?
INDUSTRY RECOGNISED APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING
COURSES START
SEPTEMBER 2012
Bricklaying Diploma Levels 1 and 2
Carpentry Diploma Levels 1 and 2
Plus BTEC taster courses including:
Plumbing
Plastering
Roofing
Painting
Joinery
Bricklaying
Health and Safety
Building
For
Your
Future
2012
Call the Construction Academy on 01623 448864
www.ashfieldpost16.com
email: p16@ashfield.notts.sch.uk
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