in touch - Kingsdown School

IN TOUCHThe whole of KingsdownSchool took part in a Russianenrichment day on Tuesday25th of June. The lessonswere: art, languages andmaths as well as making abooklet for some pen pals inRussia.International schoolsThroughout the languages lesson we learntthe basics of the Russian language such asnumbers 1-11 and greetings like hello,goodbye, what is your name? and myname is… we played games to help uslearn the language e.g. heads downthumbs up and the people who werechosen had to guess the person by sayingthe phrases in Russian that they had on thesheets in front of them. Also we played 11down so that the whole class couldmemorise the numbers 1-11 in Russian. Weenjoyed learning a new language and wefound it very interesting.In the Russian art lesson welooked at some famousRussian paintings and had ago at one ourselves. We hada huge copy of a well-knownpainting that was divided into34 sections. Each person inthe class had a section of thepicture that we had to colourin with oil pastels and at theend we stuck all the piecestogether to create one hugeRussian picture. We alsoenjoyed the art because itwas different and fun.In the Russian maths lesson we played aquiz involving the Russian currency anddifficult maths problems. We learnt aboutfamous Russian mathematicians. It was veryinteresting and competitive but easy toenjoy!Article written by Macy Sanghara and Darby Tylertutor 71.Russian Art

IN TOUCHJUNIOR GOOD CITIZEN CAMPAIGNA logo designed by Daisy Priestly is to be the mainsymbol of the Junior Good Citizen campaign.Daisy was presented with a certificate and aspecial mug with her logo on. The final designwas selected by organisers with the help of Honda.The Junior Good Citizen Programme seeks to teachyoungsters to be safe and aware through a numberof lessons, such as fire safety and first aid.YOUNG ENTERPRISEThe Young Enterprise Group made a presentation as part of the Enterprise Buzz Challenge. Thisinvolved the group looking into enterprising ways of marketing and selling honey. They came upwith making and selling cakes, honey flavoured lip balm that they made and manufacturedthemselves, and selling jars of different flavour honey (the group designed and made their ownlabelling and marketed the different flavours of honey).The group won the “best team award” at thepresentation at the Royal Agricultural College atCirencester.The group making the presentation was (L-R) DanSmith, Keira Beardsell, Will Clarke, JordanBradbury-Newton, the other students involved wereRyan Wildern, Daisy Faulkner, Kamya Gopal andJoe Guyatt.Well done to them all.TD Days 2013/142nd September 201327th September 201320th January 201422nd April 20144th July 2014Kingsdown School Friends AssociationChristmas FayreBook your stall space NOWSaturday 23rd November 2013At the Kingsdown Sports CentreSpaces £10 plus small gift donation

IN TOUCHThe Carter brothers joined staff and students for lunch to reminisce about their time at school hereat Kingsdown. It was the brothers first experience of school dinners and for some it was their firsttime back since leaving.“Please pass on our thanks to everyone else we met, especially to the two pupil ambassadors,who were a credit to the school.We were hugely impressed with everything we saw. There's a really nice atmosphere, which is ofcourse created by the staff and the pupils, rather than just the bricks and mortar. We're proud tobe associated with such a great school.”ASC Centre Celebrate 10 Year Anniversary!On 17th July 2013 Kingsdown Schools ASC (Autistic SpectrumCondition) Centre will be celebrating it’s 10th yearanniversary. The Centre is a specially resourced provisionthat helps support students on the autistic spectrum withsocial and anxiety issues to join in around 95% of the schoolday; accessing mainstream teaching with support of anexperienced and skilled staff force.So far 16 students have successfully finished school with thesupport of the ASC Centre, gaining GCSE’s and places atlocal and residential colleges. Staff, students past and presentalong with their families will be at Roves Farm on Wednesday 17th July to celebrate thisanniversary.George Morland a student has benefited under the umbrella of the ASC Centre said “Thestaff have helped me understand the benefits of support such as: teaching assistants inlessons, talking about any issues I had and use the centre as a place I could go to if I feltnervous or stressed.” “Another thing I have achieved with the support of the Centre is therole of Deputy Head Boy.”Will Rosier ASC Centre Teacher quoted “It is a pleasure to work with such inspiring students.The students all have their own starting point and we work to help them achieve theirpotential in school while increasing opportunities to develop their social skills in and out of theschool setting.”

IN TOUCHSchool UniformTROUSERS :SKIRT :SHIRT :POLO SHIRT:TIE :JUMPER :SHOES :SOCKS :TIGHTS :OUTDOOR COAT :Plain black trousers, normal cloth, full ankle length and standard fittingPlain, black, knee lengthPlain white, short or long sleeved with collar attached. (To be tucked in at alltimes)For the summer term only - official polo shirt bearing Kingsdown School logoand house colourSchool tie, red and black striped, worn conventionally. (Available from schooloffice)Official School Jumper with Kingsdown logoPlain, black, low heeled sensible designPlain white, black or dark greyPlain, black, dark grey or neutralPlain, sensible coat, raincoat or anorakThe following are not allowed : • Sweatshirts • Sports shirts• Tracksuit tops • Boots (including ankle boots)• Denim• Trainers• High heeled shoesJEWELLERY :HAIR:Limited to one earring in each ear (plain stud or sleeper), one signet ring, onecharity bracelet and watch.Only natural hair colours are acceptable. Shaven patterns should not be worn.The following are not allowed : • Make-up • Nail varnish• Nose studs or • Braceletsother body piercingPE KITBOYSBoys fully reversible rugby shirtPlain white polo T-ShirtBlack football shortsWhite shortsSchool football socksFootball bootsWhite socksTrainers that provide good foot supportTowel for showersShin padsGum shieldGIRLSGirls tracksuit jacketPlain white polo T-ShirtBlack football or cycling shortsSchool football socksFootball or hockey bootsTrainers that provide good foot supportWhite socksTowel for showersShin padsGum shield****ALL ITEMS OF CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT SHOULD BE NAMED****UNIFORM SUPPLIERS1. TrutexUnit 1B Plaza 21Sanford StreetSwindonSN1 1HE Tel: 01793 520843 www.info@trutexuniforms.co.uk2. www.yourschooluniform.comA REMINDER THAT WINTER UNIFORM MUST BE WORN IN SEPTEMBER

IN TOUCHFairtrade School StatusKingsdown School has achieved Fairtrade School status!To complete this we needed to meet the criteria toaccomplish 5 goals and embed Fairtrade practice within ourschool.This included setting up a steering group of students who metfortnightly and also for three sessions after school with ourschool Fairtrade mentor, Roya Shahrokni from People & Planet. Group members were:Becky Binning 73, Lenina Childs 72, Aishwarya Sriraman 86, Bernie Broomhall 105, DaisyFaulkner 102, Kamya Gopal 105, Becky Miles 102, Rosie Mundy 103 and Kate Stickley 106.As a school, we have also adopted a Fairtrade policy which ensures that Fairtrade is taught inthe curriculum and that we sell Fairtrade products (this is supported by Pabulum in our school).Finally, we need to take action for Fairtrade and this year we ran a Fairtrade fashion show!Models for the show were:Ciara Gammon 109, Megan Gibbs 109, Alfie Learoyd-Smith 109, Daniel Smith103.Technicians who supported the event were:Oliver March 86, Jake Martin 88, Ben Scanlan 88, Matthew Elliott 104.With also a mention for Demi Miles 71 and Premal Gopal 87 who helped on the evening.Many thanks to all students and parents/carers who support Fairtrade and as a school, wehope you will continue to do so.YEAR 10 ‘COOKING CROCODILE’ EVENTThe aim of this was to provide our Year 10GCSE Food Technology students with anopportunity to see how different ingredientscan be used creatively to develop recipes.They are about to start the developmentpart of their coursework and as this is suchan important part of their practical work, itwas an excellent opportunity to watchunusual ingredients being prepared andcooked, taste them and learn some ‘tips ofthe trade’ from local chefs.One of the chefs used to come to Kingsdown and left 4 years ago. He has now completedtwo years at Swindon College studying catering and is working at The Rat Trap pub as a chef,alongside the remainder of his training. Our students enjoyed the opportunity to ask himabout the course and find out about college life, first hand, as they are also started toconsider their options once they leave next year.Most students tasted the dishes prepared and were very interested in the different sensoryqualities of the meats and how cooking methods and preparation could alter these.

IN TOUCHDear Parents/CarersMeasles situation in EnglandYou may be aware that there has been an increase in the number of measles cases inEngland with some local outbreaks. This note is to advise you how to protect your childand others. Although there has not been to date a measles outbreak in Swindon, westrongly recommend that all children who are unvaccinated receive the MMR vaccine toprotect them.Measles can cause very serious illnessMeasles usually causes a runny nose, red eyes, cough, high temperature and rash. It canalso cause complications including ear infections, diarrhoea, pneumonia and convulsions.It is more likely to be serious in pregnant women, people whose immunity is not workingproperly and babies under a year of age. Very serious complications, such asinflammation of the brain (encephalitis) are rare, but can be fatal.Measles spreads very easilyMeasles is one of the most infectious diseases known. You can catch measles if you spend15 minutes with someone who has the disease. The measles virus is spread through the airand in tiny droplets that come out of the nose and mouth of an infected person.MMR vaccine provides safe and effective protection against measles, mumps and rubellaMMR vaccine has been shown across the world to be a safe and effective way ofpreventing measles. It can protect your child and others against measles infection and itsserious consequences.What should you doWe strongly recommend that if you know your child has not had the MMR vaccine thatyou arrange for your child to have the first dose of MMR vaccine now and the seconddose one month later. Two doses of MMR vaccine offer the best way to protect your childagainst measles, mumps and rubella. If you do not know whether your child has beenvaccinated with both doses of MMR vaccine, then please contact your GP surgery tocheck their vaccination status. To make an appointment for your child to have thevaccine or to answer any queries please contact your GP surgery.There is more information on measles on the NHS Choices website. This information canbe accessed via the link below:http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/pages/measles-outbreak-advice.aspxWe do hope you will take this opportunity to ensure your child is fully protected.Cherry JonesActing Director of Public HealthSwindon Borough Council

IN TOUCHA Gifted and Talented OpportunityOn 20th June 2013, a group of Year 7 Gifted and Talented students went in search of solving, TheRiddle of the Mummies Curse.‘The Riddle of the Mummies Curse’ By Daisy PriestlyIn June we spent the day at Kingshill School in Cirencester on a Gifted andTalented trip, and were informed about the mystery of a young Pharaohfrom long ago, Sihathor.We had to work out where a jewel was, which was lost thousands of yearsago in ancient Egypt and how Sihathor died!There was an assortment of activities to do, and my favourite wasdeciphering the hieroglyphs. Hieroglyphs are an ancient Egyptianlanguage which consisted of many different images relating to words andletters. We were given scrolls and using our deciphering skills, we had to work out what theymeant, so we could piece together Sihathor’s life and death and where the jewel was now.I learnt quite a few things about the life of the Egyptians, how to create an embalmed corpsepop up card, how to piece together clues to solve a mystery and how to decipherhieroglyphics.In was incredibly interesting to visit another school, (Kingshill). The students on my table, Jake,Jack and Keeley, were very curious about our school compared to theirs. I had to explainwhy some Kingsdown students wore a shirt and tie and why some wore different colouredpolo shirts. At Kingshill School, they have five/ten minutes to get from one lesson, comparedto the time here. They also have an electronic siren telling them when it’s time to go to nextlesson and only get registered at the very first and last lessons of each day by their tutor.Overall, I had an extremely informative day which I thoroughly enjoyed.We visited Kingshill School in Cirencester to solve ‘The Riddle of theMummy’s Curse,’ in groups of 5 or 6. Each group was a mix ofKingsdown and Kingshill students. In these groups we had to completevarious tasks, for example, translating hieroglyphics which gave us cluesto where the stone of power was hidden.I liked translating the hieroglyphics best as it made me feel like a realEgyptologist.I learnt what an Egyptologist/Archaeologist would haveto go through when collecting and categorising items.It was interesting to visit a different secondary schoolduring normal school times as it was good to compare ourschool to theirs. It was also great to work with other giftedand talented pupils from a different school as we couldcombine all of our abilities to work out the riddle as ateam. We each clearly had different strengths.By Rebecca Pinnock.A very interesting and challenging day was had by all who participated. Well done for greatteamwork.Mrs Sedgwick

IN TOUCHPE DEPARTMENTROLE OF HONOURKingsdown School’s Physical Education Department would like to commend andcongratulate the following students for their commitment to sporting activity outside of school.These students have been competing at Wiltshire standard and beyond! The PhysicalEducation Department are very proud of these efforts and would like to thank tutors forcollecting this information.Year 7Frankie Allen (Cricket for Swindon)Hannah Bailey (County Swimming)Rebecca Pinnock (Satellite Netball)Jessica Williams (Qualified for All England Finals in Dance)Year 8Katy Coleman (Rhythmic Gymnastics at national standard)Oliver Rejek (Football for Swindon)Charlotte Brooker (Netball for Wiltshire Adult’s team)Abbie Starsmeare (Roller-skating at National standard)Year 9Kirsty Harris (Netball at Regional Level)Jordan Simpson (Football for Swindon Town National League)Luke Child (Rugby for Swindon)Jake Lewis (Swimming at Regional Level)Jake Neighbour (Cycle Speedway)Jordan Smith (Football for Wiltshire)James Johnson (Rugby at County Level)Lisa Cowley (Swimming at Regional Level)Sophie Bull (Netball at Regional Level)Joey Toogood (Captain for Swindon Rugby Club)Mya Bell (Swimming at County Level)Abbie Hawkins (Swimming at Regional Level)Year 10Jesse Outlaw (Rugby at Regional and District Level)Stephanie Walker (Judo at National Level)Ryan Wood (Football for Swindon Town)Kieran Andrews (Football at County Level)Eleanor Barnett (Netball at Regional Level)Adam Coleman (Swimming at Regional Level)Jack Graham (Football at County Level and Level 8 Football Refereeing)Danielle Lewis (Swimming at Regional Level)Elizabeth Walecki (Gymnastics for the South West)Ashleigh West (Gymnastics for the South West)Jake Goodwin (Cricket for Swindon and Hampshire)Shannon Harte (Rugby at County Level)Ellie Hussey (Netball at Regional Level)The Physical Education Department would welcome any updates from students, parents orcarers. For further information and news please use the following web link for our PE blog:http://kingsdownpe.wordpress.com/

IN TOUCH2013 Kingsdown School Sports DayDue to building work currently taking place on the School field for the new 3G pitch, this yearthe PE department hosted our annual Sports day at the Swindon County Ground Athleticstrack on Friday 12th July.Staff and students arrived early to help set up and with the weather set to hit 28 degrees wewere all confident the day would be a huge success.The atmosphere at the track was electrifying. Anopening ceremony by the Kingsdown SchoolCheerleading squad kick started the morning with afantastic performance and motivational chant. Tutorgroups were proud to represent individual Olympiccountries and designed flags in support of these. Teamcaptains motivated their teams and made last minutechanges which helped encourage participation in allevents. The PE department would like to thank all teamcaptains as participation levels in all events was one ofthe highest we have ever seen.Students competed to the best of their ability and support and encouragement by allspectators was outstanding. This created a great competitive vibe between all three housescompeting to become this year’s sports day champion. Tutor groups selected their ownwinning anthems and these were played throughout the morning during the awardsceremony on the podium.By 11.00am brother Jamie Pinnock (Y9) and sister Rebecca Pinnock (Y7)both achieved a new sports day record. Rebecca beat the current Y7Girls Javelin record achieved by Z Hawkins in 2004 and threw 21.4m.Jamie beat the current Y9 Boys long jump record achieved by N Dooleyin 1975 and jumped 5m 60. This is a fantastic achievement by thePinnock family!Mr Wilson did a fantastic job throughout themorning ensuring all were kept up to date with theoverall house scores. At one point Stanton were inthird position with 654 points and Coate were confidently leading with736 points. At the end of the day results took a turn and the final houseresults were as follows:1st - Stanton (2302 points)2nd - Coate (2123 points)3rd - Lydiard (2084 points)A huge congratulations to Stanton. The winning tutor group overall was 94 with 142 points.The PE Department would like to thank all staff and studentswho helped prepare for the day and would like thank allstudents in attendance for their impeccable behaviour. Youwere all great ambassadors for Kingsdown School. We nowhave the challenge of trying to top Friday’s success but we arealready making bigger and better plans for next year!

IN TOUCHNEWS FROM THE LEARNING RESOURCE CENTREMeeting the ‘Queen ofTeen Fiction’,Cathy Cassidy!A group of our Year 7 girlswere thrilled to meet wellknown, successful andpopular author, CathyCassidy, when shestopped off in Swindonduring her tour of the UKrecently.The girls had a fantastictime listening to Cathy’sentertaining tales abouther childhood and abouthow she gets herinspiration for her bestsellingseries of books.Riveting Readathon 2013! 15 of our Year 9 students havejust completed this year’s Readathon and met up withstudents from Dorcan and Warneford schools to decidewhich title of the five books read, should be awardedRiveting Read 2013. The winning title was ‘Divergent’ byVeronica Roth.English teacher, Mr. Cook,had this to say…“The Riveting Readathon continuesto be a pleasure cruise through the mostup-to-date children’s literature. It sails far awayfrom Thomas Gradgrind’s need and love of‘Facts!’ (in Charles Dickens’ Hard Times).Indeed, this year, the students were able to swimthrough dystopian societies; traverse the meanstreets of London; and row through the troubledwaters of chaos theory.Moreover, in order to undertake all of thesebounteous experiences, the students had tobecome the captains of their own ships oflearning: in terms of reading the books anddiscussing their findings with students from otherschools. Judging by the cannon fire of thedebate, it was the intrinsic rewards of such anexperience this June that the students trulytreasure.“Competitions!Do you like creative writing or enjoyart? Why not have a go at ourinter-school competitions?Short Story CompetitionWrite up to 500 words based on anillustration. English teachers and LRCstaff have the details if you’reinterested, or look for the link on theschool intranet.Illustration CompetitionIllustrate an extract from awardwinning book ‘Maggot Moon’ bySally Gardner. Head of Art, Mr. Gill,and LRC staff have all the details.Forthcoming Events! We are alreadyplanning more visits and trips for studentsto work with authors, poets, illustratorsand storytellers next academic year.Look out for further details in September…to all our fantastic StudentLibrarians for their help thisacademic year.