Newsletter July 18

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Blessed Edward

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Newsletter

Oldcorne Catholic

July 2018

Dear Parent, As another school year draws to a close it is an opportune moment to stop and reflect. This year we say goodbye to some of our colleagues and wish them well in the next chapter in their lives. Mrs Klosinska leaves us after a short but effective time as one of our science technicians. Her colleague Mrs Lewis leaves after 31 years of service as our Senior Science Technician. Mrs Lewis is an institution in the Science department and she has been a trusted colleague and friend to many Science staff, myself included, during that time.

Nothing was ever too much trouble for Mrs Lewis and we wish her well in her retirement.

Mr Hornby has been with us for a year and a half and has certainly made his mark in our Creative Arts department. We wish him well as he moves to the Bridge Training and Development centre at Hanley Swan.

We also say farewell to Mr Tota after 13 years of dedicated service to the Catholic Life at our college. Mr Tota embodies many of the virtues which we seek to develop in our students.

His selflessness and commitment to looking out for those less fortunate than ourselves marks him out as a unique member of our college community. His humour and energy will be missed by us all and we wish him well in his retirement.

We also say farewell to Mrs Spiteri after 11 years of service.

Mrs Spiteri is an outstanding English teacher and her positive relationships with students and excellent teaching will be sorely missed. We wish her every success at her new school.

The end of the school year is a time to draw breath and recognise the progress we have made this year and also to cast one eye to the future and the challenges that lie ahead.

School funding is still a major issue for many schools in Worcestershire. Despite the National Funding Formula, we still receive over ÂŁ1000 per pupil less that school sin better funded areas such as Birmingham. If we were funded at the same level as these schools we would receive an additional ÂŁ1 million which we could use for the education of our students each year. In September I will share more information with you on what Worcestershire schools are doing to try and secure fairer funding for your children.

However I remain optimistic that Blessed Edward Oldcorne Catholic College will continue to go from strength to strength.

We have wonderful students, highly skilled and dedicated staff and supportive parents. Thank you for all your support this year, enjoy the summer and I look forward to welcoming you and your children back in September.

Greg McClarey - Headteacher

Safeguarding Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility, it is the action taken to promote the welfare of children and protect them from harm. If you have any concerns about your child or any other student please do not hesitate to contact the school.

Designated Safeguard Lead & LAC Lead - Miss Mason Deputy DSL - Mr McClarey Deputy DSL - Mrs Thomas

Parent Controls As a parent or carer you play a key role in helping your child stay safe online. You don't need to be an expert on the internet to help keep them safe. Use the link to set up parent controls on their devices to ensure they are safe. https://www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/keeping-childrensafe/online-safety/parental-controls/? _t_id=1B2M2Y8AsgTpgAmY7PhCfg%3d% 3d&_t_q=parents&_t_tags=language%3aen%2csiteid% 3a7f1b9313-bf5e-4415-abf6aaf87298c667&_t_ip=90.207.113.207&_t_hit.id=Nspcc_Web_Mod els_Pages_StandardPage/_d916223f-8089-43b1-879dbc95ce6aad2b_en-GB&_t_hit.pos=1 Water Safety Recent statistics show that prevention efforts appear to be working, but please ensure your children are safe over the summer holidays when around water. https://www.rospa.com/leisure-safety/water/advice/parentswater/ CSE Child sexual exploitation can ruin children's lives. It doesn't just impact on the victim, it affects their parent, carers, siblings and the entire family. Look out for the signs and symptoms and if you feel your child is experiencing any of these please report. https://paceuk.info/for-parents/ We have also updated a leaflets section on the website. Go to Parents tab, Safeguarding and Leaflets or click here. This shows available parenting courses both online and in the area.

Miss Mason - DSL and LAC Lead

When term ends on the 20th July, it will mark the end of another fruitful college year.

I saw the new intake of students at their induction evening, on the 26thJune, and can see that another group of enthusiastic and eager to learn children will start their secondary education at this great college. They will be able to participate in all the activities that this college offers; from college performances, Performing Arts nights, fund raising, as well as sports clubs and other education driven activities. This open-option process allows children to try new experiences and embark upon the journey to help define and determine their individual futures.

As you can see from the rest of the newsletter our current children continue to achieve and it shows examples of extracurricular activities. Another true example of our diverse and inclusive college.

On behalf of the Governing body may I thank all the parents and guardians for their support in all activities and events and for helping all our students achieve their potential.

Students; I hope you all enjoy your summer break, you have all worked so hard this year. Well done. See you all back on the 5th September 2018.

Philip Carney - Chair of Governors Key Dates 5th September- Students Return 5th September- Year 7 and 10 Photographs 13th September- Year 11 Parents Seminar 14th September- Welcome Masses All Years 17th September- Year 11 Assessment Week 27th September- Open Evening 28th September- Macmillan Coffee Morning 8th October- Year 10 Assessment Week 18th October- Years 9 and 10 TenTen Theatre 19th October- Years 7 and 8 TenTen Theatre 22nd October- KS3 Assessment Week 23rd October- Year 7 Welcome Mass 26th October- Last Day of Term

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Rheumatoid Arthritis Society 18-24thJune 2018 is National awareness week of the Rheumatoid Arthritis Society. It was therefore an appropriate time for form 7C to invite the voluntary co-ordinator of the Worcester branch of the charity, Donna Saunders, into school to receive a cheque for ÂŁ250. The form have undertaken a variety of fund raising events to raise money and between them decided on which charities to support. Maisie in the form had suggested the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society as her Mum Zoe suffers with this condition. Donna, Zoe and Maisie all explained how their daily lives are affected and the form were able to ask questions to improve their understanding. Form tutor, Mrs McClarey commended Maisie for her bravery and the form for their empathy and efforts in fund raising.

Transition Two very successful Year 5 Taster Days were held at our college on Thursday 21st and Friday 22nd June. Our young visitors experienced a variety of exciting lessons with nearly every departmental area from the college involved. Over 300 students attended across the two days.

A wonderful New Intake Evening also took place on Tuesday 26th June with all of our new cohort meeting their Year 7 form tutors and new classmates for the first time.

Finally, on Friday 6th July an Induction Day was held for all of the Year 6 children who are starting at this college in September. They spent the whole day with their new form tutor and were able to familiarise themselves with many aspects of college life.

Some of the students were a little nervous but also excited and were clearly eagerly anticipating starting Year 7.

All of our staff are looking forward to working with these new students in September.

Mr. McCormack - Deputy Headteacher 2

St Richard’s Hospice cares for Paddle, Plod, Peddle! patients and families in Thank you to everyone who Worcestershire who are living donated, sponsored and with life-limiting illnesses. Each helped us along the way to year we give free care and completing our 45 mile support to around 3,000 patients, challenge on what felt like the loved ones and the bereaved – hottest day of the year! helping them towards the best We managed to raise a quality of life possible. fantastic £2,344! For St Richard’s is an independent St Richards Hospice. registered charity.

It was a tough 12 hour day travelling firstly by paddle, then plodding over a lot of farmers fields and then finally by peddling the last stretch to the finish line.

Team Blessed’s = Mrs Barrett, Miss Ingram, Miss Mason, Mr Long, Mrs Taylor, Mrs Parker, Mrs White , Mrs Morton and Mrs Hanson

Youth SVP Sponsored Walk On Saturday we had our annual Youth SVP sponsored walk in aid of the charity Reaching the Unreached. We set off from school at quarter past eight to arrive at the Hollybush car park on the Malvern Hills. After a few photos we ploughed on our way for the first and hardest part of the walk which involved climbing up many steep hills. The three dogs (Bigsey, Mini and Sparkles) ran ahead. Bigsey, who rather resembled that of a bear, had recently faced the trauma of a trip to the vet but seemed to bound along effortlessly for the majority of the walk.

We kept pace, stopping for regular snack breaks, and even gained some kind donations and support from fellow hikers including some American friends who were more than willing to support the cause. Our friends from the USA were impressed by the wave of excitable children who stood before them. We were also joined by Elvis Presley( AKA Rowick) who found delight in performing renditions of “You ain’t nothin but a hound dog” and “Jail House Rock” on the peaks of various hills.

After 3.5 miles we were half way there and stopped for a lunch break at the Malvern Hills Hotel Part-time Lunchtime where we were Supervisor required greeted by the to start as soon as possible lovely ladies of the SVP. Mon-Fri 1.15pm-3p.m.

We set off again term time only with our minds refreshed and To apply please contact bodies filled with Rosie Delord 01905 361875 food, nothing could stop us now. As we for an application pack .

climbed higher into the hills we were met by broken branches and fallen paths which spread pandemonium though the group due to slippy conditions, but with team work and elbow grease we found our way forwards by following the sheep. At this point the end was in sight and we powered on, maybe a bit too fast as the group was split in three. By the time we crossed the finish line our legs were burning and the heavens opened. It was a very enjoyable day on the Malvern hills.

Once again, the ladies of the senior SVP were there to welcome us with medals and a refreshing drink. We hope to raise at least £1,000 for this charitable cause.

Oliver and Gilbert - Year 8 Youth SVP Members

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Year 9 Guided Tour of the Mosque Mrs Ball, our RE teacher has been teaching us about Islam and she arranged for the class to have a guided tour of the Mosque in Shrub Hill on the 17th May. When we got to the Mosque our guide Hammad, who is training to be an Imam, greeted us and told us to take off our shoes and place them on the shoe rack. Hammad told us he was tired as Ramadan had started meaning he can't eat food or drinks until sunset for the next 29-30 days. We walked through a big door leading to the Prayer Hall with a beautifully decorated green carpet. We discovered that the carpet alone was worth £10,000.

Hammad sat us down for a long and detailed talk about the Islamic religion and in particular the Five Pillars of Islam.

Hammad also spent some time telling us about their plans for building a new Mosque in Worcester. The plans were on the wall of the Prayer room and looked stunning. To build the new Mosque would cost £ 2.8 million which was just incredible. All the money has been raised by the Muslim community over many years.

We stood on the prayer mats and Hammad said that when Muslims pray, they all pray shoulder to shoulder in rows so we all stood like that wearing a hat (known as a “topi”).

After we had finished in the main Mosque room we went downstairs to a place known as a wu’du which is where all Muslims wash their hands, face and feet before praying. There were little cube seats that people would sit on while washing and he told us how Muslims wash and what parts of their bodies they need to wash in accordance with the Qur’an.

Soon after we went into the other downstairs room where there were stacks of water bottles. Hammad said that when the sun sets, hundreds of Muslims come to the Mosque and meet up to pray, share food and drink all together.

There were no statues of Allah (God) in their Mosque as Muslims don't believe in worshipping an idol. When it got near to the end we all sat in a circle and we asked Hammad many questions about his religion.

When our guided tour of the mosque had come to an end we went back upstairs and put our shoes back on. We wondered where Hammad had gone but then he came back with a big box of doughnuts for all of us to have which was really nice of him.

I enjoyed going on our trip to the Mosque it gave us a chance to extend our knowledge and understanding of the Islamic faith.

Aidan – Year 9 Ashley

Worcestershire Literature Festival On Sunday 10th June the Worcestershire Literature Festival was launched at the Angel Centre. It commenced with prizes being awarded to the winners of the Young Writers Competition, presented to them by the Worcester Mayor, Councillor Jabba Riaz.

Young people were invited to write a short 300 word story on the subject of Kings and Queens.

Our Patron of Reading, Kevin Brooke, gave them lots of encouragement by starting off with a writer workshop.

We are delighted that two of our students were invited to attend with their families as Ellie, Year 9, achieved second prize and a £20 book voucher, and Emilia, Year8, came third and received a £10 book voucher.

An anthology will be published by the organisers with all

the winning entries and more included.

Furthermore, four of our students were shortlisted, Eadie Year 7 , Jake Year 8 , Oliver Year 9 and Daniel Year 8 .

Congratulations to you all!

Mrs Bromyard - Librarian

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Living Library - Monday 22nd May 2018 The Library at College literally came alive on Monday 22nd May, as nine local authors and poets created a “Living Library” as part of the National Share A Story Month celebrations. They talked to a total of sixty Year 7 students in groups of 4 for ten minutes each, and then the students moved onto the next author, in “speed dating” style. Students gained an insight into the lives and work of each writer, as well as receiving advice about their own creative writing. Talking to authors is always an inspirational experience, and many of the students said they were encouraged to read and write more. One student commented that she was “mind-blown”.

Nina Lewis, currently the Worcestershire Poet Laureate, said “it was great to hear that so many students have a love for writing and reading. I would have loved this as a child, talking to people who are living the dream.”

Kevin Brooke, the College Patron of Reading, commented “As per my previous visits, the young people were great and we are always made to feel so welcome, which is much appreciated, they were the stars of the day” Polly Stretton, poet, said “The delight is when they ask questions and we have discussions about Tolkien and Shire Ditch, what sort of fantasy creatures and beings they like best, what their favourite books are, such enthusiasm.

One of the boys, who claimed not to read, was wonderfully caught out when we got onto David Walliams!”

Alex Lee Davis, author, said “It was a wonderful event. The students were entertaining and conducted themselves so well, they had me in stitches quite a few times. Many spoke about how much they were enjoying the event and that they had never met an author before. They were well mannered and had bags of humour. This, for me, is a reflection of the staff members who work so hard - GREAT JOB!!”

I would like to say thank you to all the wonderful authors who gave their time freely: Polly Stretton Ann Evans Rod Griffiths Kevin Brooke Chas Eden Alex Lee Davis Chris Horn Suz Winspear Nina Lewis Mrs Bromyard - Librarian

SOLI House Residential On Monday 21st to Wednesday 23rd of May 37 students visited Soli House at Alton. Upon leaving college on our coach there were faces of excitement and anticipation. We arrived at Alton Towers and the sun was shining, which gave all of us the full day to explore and enjoy the theme park. We arrived and had a great meal and got stuck into our group activities, which consisted of either a mental, physical or mystery challenge. On the Tuesday we went to a fantastic ice-cream parlour, before we played football in giant bubble wrap outfits. Later that day we also had a beautiful Mass led by one of our former College chaplains Fr. Michael. We then had a lovely dinner, followed by boys vs girls vs staff quiz game challenge, which the girls won, after which, we were informed they always do ! The Soli House trip was one I shall never forget and will wholly recommend to anyone who asks me, and I will also tell them that I honestly believe, each and every person who went on that trip came back a better person in one way or another.

Connor - Year 9 6

Children's Book Groups Twelve students from college took part in the celebrations for the 50th Anniversary of the Federation of Children's Book Groups. Six schools took part and all students shared a love of reading and books. They took part in several activities, including a Book Blitz and a tour of The Hive. The event also included a talk from local author, Kevin Brooke, prizes were given out to students who excelled in the School led activities, and we were delighted that Ellie and Emilia were chosen and that Emma and Izzy won a prize jointly. The day ended with a joint picnic and cake! It was amazing to see all the students enjoying the day which was entirely about books. All students were invited to choose a book which they could either keep or give to their own school library. Thank you to the Hive for a wonderful day.

Mrs Bromyard - Librarian Creative Writing On 25th June we welcomed Kevin Brooke, our Patron of Reading into college to run a creative writing workshop with some of our most enthusiastic and talented writers in Years 7 and 8. This is the first phase of our summer writing project. The theme is the natural world with a particular focus on forest, mountain and river landscapes. Kevin shared some of his own writing with us and talked about his own drafting processes. He also shared some important tips with students, such as the need for authenticity, considerations of perspective, 360 degree observation, and the different layers of story writing.

Students left the session full of enthusiasm and keen to move on to the next stage.

Over the summer students will complete the next part of the project, which is to compile a story drafting and writing scrapbook. These will then be submitted on Wednesday 5th September with our judges looking for the most creative writing process rather than the most polished story. The final phase will be a nature walk where students will be invited to read aloud extracts from their writing.

Miss Case English Teacher 7

German Exchange 28 pupils from Years 9 and 10, with Mrs Parker and Mrs Pritchard, had a fantastic time in Stuttgart on the annual German exchange.

We baked Bretzels, admired Mercedes cars in the Museum, enjoyed the view from the TV tower and braved a Pater Noster lift amongst other excursions. Fantastisch !

See Mrs Parker for a letter for next years' trip !

Mrs Parker - Head of Department MFL

Bedroom In A Box Kevin Brooke, our Patron of Reading has recently judged the entries for the English Department Bedroom in a Box competition. Students were challenged to design and create a bedroom in a shoe box for a fictional character of their choice, and explain their design. The competition was open to students in Years 7, 8 and 9, who impressed us with the high standard of entries. All shortlisted entries were part of a week long display in the library. With so many excellent entries it was a difficult decision for the judges, but the eventual winners were: Daniel 9P- Tokyo Ghoul Francesca 7C - Tinker Bell Abigail 9A - Very Hungry Carterpillar Jaylen 9A - Alice Daniel 9S- Adrian Mole Rebecca 7A- Arrietty - the Borrowers Emilia 8W - Maze Runner Miss Case - English Teacher Youth SVP visit to Mrs Win Taylor’s home On Tuesday 3rd July, three Youth SVP members were taken by Mr James and Mr Tota to visit Mrs Win Taylor, the founder of the Youth SVP in Blessed Edward Oldcorne Catholic College in 2008.

Unfortunately, in recent years Win has not enjoyed the best of health, so we decided to cheer her up with a surprise visit and entertain her with some of her favourite songs. Win was delighted to see us and was close to tears when we sang to her.

Some of the songs Win sang along to like, ‘We’ll meet again’, ‘I could have danced all night’ and our college hymn, ‘This little light of mine’.

After we sang Win’s husband, Bob, made us drinks and gave us cakes and sweets to eat. We chatted to Win and Bob and they told us that soon they will be celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary, which is marvelous. All the way back to school we talked about Win and about how much she has done for our school.

Charlotte, Ella and Jess - Year 9

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Natural History and the Science Museums On a hot day in June, over 100 Year 9 and 10 students set off to visit the Natural History and the Science Museums in central London. A huge cheer went up when the buses pulled into the services and the students could sample the delights of the fast food outlets. Whilst passing through the London suburbs the mood of the students changed as we passed the Grenfell Tower disaster. Arriving at the Natural History museum drew gasps of amazement from the students. Inside was even better. The students had enough time to see the exhibits at their own pace. Some of the teachers were invited to a behind the scenes look at the wasp collection. Of note was the world famous Sir John Lubbock’s pet wasp. Here we saw this affectionate wasp resting in peace (hatched May 1872 - peacefully passed away-Feb 1873). Sir John described the wasp as, 'A little gentle [wo]man in a brown overcoat, with black and yellow nether garments.' Mr Edmunds is a huge fan of this wasp.

The excitement continued as we raced up to The Science Museum. Here we were amazed by the inventions which humans had made rather than God. Although God made man so some credit must go to him. There were far too many exhibits for us to see, so we will have to make a return trip next year. Back on the buses and into the London traffic.

Another stop at the services and then we learnt the sad news that Belgium had beaten England 1-0. Obviously the best team lost. However we lost no students so this was a far better result.

Mr Robinson - Science Teacher Techniquest 45 Year 7 and 8 students had the opportunity to visit Techniquest, which overlooks the very picturesque Cardiff Bay. They had time to experiment with the hands on science demonstrations including the “shadow camera”, the atlas ball and the vortex maker. Afterward they took on some fiendish mathematical and science based puzzles including trying to work out different calculations whilst wearing prism glasses. Finally, they enjoyed a mathematical lecture about the probability of picking socks and winning game shows.

Mr Taylor - Head of Year 7

Worcester University Year 7 experienced life as Biology students at the University of Worcester. They had fun investigating the affect of light intensity on photosynthesis and the opportunity to wear real lab coats! Many thanks to the University.

Miss Wallace - Science Teacher 9

Year 7 Drayton Manor Visit After a fantastic year, 175 Year 7 students visited Drayton Manor for a rewards trip. The weather was perfect and whilst Mr Jessop and myself enjoyed coffees, students had the opportunity to enjoy the fantastic rides around the park. We still can’t believe the number of stuffed toys that students won including 3 life size husky dogs, 3 giant gorillas and a doughnut! All of the students enjoyed the day and I look forward to organising the next reward trip next year (details to follow!)

Mr Taylor - Head of Year 7

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Basketball England Matthew Cole recently wrote to me pleased that Harry in Year 8 has been selected to represent the West Midlands U13 Boys Team at the National regional tournament.

Matthew’s letter went on to say “The U13 regional tournament is the initial stage of the talent pathway within the Basketball England system. The players will be competing for their region, whilst being evaluated by the Performance coaches within the structure, the players that impress will be invited to continue their personal journey within the Regional Performance Centre, as a continuous step towards the selection for the England National Team squads starting at the U15 age group.

To achieve this selection, each player has demonstrated through trials and continuous assessment at training sessions with the region and local club, a commitment, technical and tactical ability to represent the region at the National tournament. Each of the players deserves praise for their achievement, as over 100 players were considered for selection at the initial stage. “ We are very proud that Harry has been chosen to be a part of such a big tournament. Good luck with the next stage.

Mr McClarey - Headteacher Handball Workshop The GCSE Sport group were lucky enough to be invited to a handball workshop at Worcester University on Wednesday 2nd May. They received a tour of the sports complex, watched the Worcester Wolves training and got to see the strength, conditioning and rehab suites followed by an intensive drills and games session led by ex professional Lidia Radu and Alex Radu. The session was very beneficial for the students who responded to the coaching very well. The students showed great fitness, intelligence and respect throughout. Well done 10C GCSE group.

Miss Ingram & Mr Craig - PE Teachers

Summer Festival This years Year 3 Summer festival took place on Thursday 7th June in which 34 excellent leaders worked their socks off to deliver a Rounders tournament, a Kwik Cricket tournament and an Athletics taster session. The primaries all enjoyed themselves and went home exhausted, much like the leaders, Mr Williams and Mrs Barrett who also led activities. A great day, special mention to Ana, Bex, Bethan (Year 7) Lucy, Lily (Year 8) and Isiah (Year 9) who stood out to the primary teachers for their confidence, patience and energy.

Thanks to all those that were involved!

Miss Ingram - PE Teacher 11

School Games Silver Mark Award We are delighted to announce that we, Blessed Edward Oldcorne Catholic College, have achieved the School Games Silver Mark Award for the 2017/18 academic year. The School Games Mark is a Government led award scheme launched in 2012, facilitated by the Youth Sport Trust to reward schools for their commitment to the development of competition across their school and into the community, and we are delighted to have been recognised for our success.

Boughton Tennis Club Last Thursday, 16 sports leaders from Years 7, 8 and 9 spent the day at Boughton Tennis Club helping to run the primary school tennis tournament.

The tournament organisers were impressed with the maturity and enthusiasm shown by our leaders.

Some of the leaders, Alice and Olivia, were interviewed by Free Radio.

Mr Coward - Head of Department PE

Orienteering Team Earlier this year our Year 8 Orienteering Team qualified for the Summer Games. The games took place on Thursday 14th June at Top Barn Farm. The team did brilliantly, working together to gain as many results as possible. Well Done!

Mrs Barrett - PE Teacher

Leaders for Year 5 OAA On Thursday 28th June we had a lovely sunny morning with the Year 5s from our Catholic feeder schools. They set off at different times with their maps, score cards and armed with energy! Our finals results were: 1st St Joseph's Worcester Oak 2 with a super quick time of 16 minutes and 25 correct answers! St Joseph's Worcester Oak 4 came 2nd with 25 correct answers in 24 minutes. 3rd place Holy Redeemer 4 came in with 25 correct answers in 26 minutes. A lovely morning finished off with some team frisbee rounders organised by our fantastic leaders.

Miss Ingram - PE Teacher 12