© The Cherwell School Summer Newsletter, July 2012 Page

Year 12—Year 12 have returned after their exams, and Term 6 has been very busy for them as they prepare fornext year and life after Cherwell.The first week of term was spent on work experience. The feedback is still coming in but what we have seen so farindicates that most of the year had a very positive experience and did themselves credit at their placement.There have been two main opportunities for the year group to demonstrate their commitment to things beyond theclassroom. The peer support programme has continued for another year and there were enough volunteers toensure that the programme will get off to a good start on Transfer Day for the new Year 6. The extended projectqualification has proved to be very popular, with a record 50+ students starting their research now and continuingover the summer. Some of the topics chosen for study show a really good level of interest in things beyond thesyllabus, which is very encouraging.Finally, the higher education programme is in full swing. The first event was the Oxbridge afternoon in June,where students listened to the experiences of three of their teachers, followed by a presentation from staff from theadmissions offices at Trinity College, Oxford and Peterhouse, Cambridge, our link colleges. The programme continueson Friday mornings with sessions on choosing courses and universities, writing personal statements andfilling in the UCAS form. We have also organised two open day visits, with 31 students braving the rain at the Birminghamuniversity open day and 23 students spending a day in sunny Cambridge.We are looking to celebrating their success with good exam results on 16 th August.Year 13—The focus of the year group since Easter has clearly been on preparation for their A2 examinations. Weare proud to say they did themselves justice and they all responded to the challenge with dedication and focus. Wereally hope the outcomes are all that the students need and deserve following two years of dedicated hard work.Our fingers are firmly crossed for Results Day on 16 th August and we look forward to celebrating the students’achievements.We also spent time celebrating with Year 13 as they came to the end of their time at the Cherwell School. The firstopportunity was 11th May when Year 13 had their Leavers’ Ball at the Randolph Hotel. It was a truly grand affairand a wonderful venue. A good timewas had by all and a huge thank youmust go to Ms Bragg and the BallCommittee for organising such afabulous event. The photo booth waspacked all night and everyoneseemed to dance their socks off. Thefood was also well received as wellas the endless supply of iced water!Photo’s below – The Photo Boothand on the Dance floorThe other celebratory event wasthe Leavers’ Assembly that tookplace on 1 st June. This was theYear 13’s last day of school beforetheir study leave began. It was atrue celebration of the last twoyears and everyone was invited tocome in fancy dress with thetheme of fictional characters fromTV, films or books. It was a memorableway to say goodbye withsome very interesting costume. Mostdisturbing was David Taylor and AndrewBarker dressed in drag; however, TheTitanic outfit by Ellie Shorrock was awork of genius.Clark Lawfull–Head of SixthFormPage 30 Summer Newsletter, July 2012 © The Cherwell School