Chew Valley School Newsletter April 2019

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Newsletter April 2019

From the Headteacher This newsletter will testify to all of the wonderful things that have been happening at Chew Valley over the past months. February brought with it a really successful Dance Festival where students from around the Valley including many of our primary feeder schools took part. The school production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream followed this straight after half term which was carried out with style from the team of students involved.

As the days lengthen, students have been increasingly using the outdoors with preparation well underway for Ten Tors and Duke of Edinburgh with the Ski Trip due to depart at the start of the Easter holiday. A group of students have the opportunity to visit Nepal in the summer and they have also been spending time together as part of their training. School sport continues with some tremendous team and individual success in areas such as badminton, swimming and judo alongside our traditional games. We continue to welcome our feeder schools regularly on site to take part in competitions and use our facilities.

A group of students got together and co-ordinated a really appropriate response to the climate change awareness that many young people throughout the country got behind with lessons being tailored and assemblies given. We were very proud of them.

In the classroom students have been working hard with visitors to the school commenting how impressed they have been when they tour the school. Chew Valley is very oversubscribed for Year 7 next year and a number of our tours have been with these prospective students and parents. Year 11 are fast approaching the examination period with confidence as staff are talking very positively about the preparation that they are doing. Many will be taking part in the Easter revision camp to really focus their work ahead. We wish all the students in both Years 11 and 13 all the very best over the coming months.

None of the above could happen without the support of the dedicated staff that we are so fortunate to have here at Chew. My thanks go to all of them.

Gareth Beynon

Diary Dates

Mon 17th - Friday 21st June - Enrichment Week Wed 3rd July 7pm - Summer Concert Thurs 4th July - Year 6 Induction and Parents’ Evening Tues 23rd July - Term 6 ends Thurs 15th August - GCE Results Day Thurs 22nd August - GCSE Results Day

Thurs 4th April - Year 7 Parents’ Evening Thurs 4th April - Term 4 ends Fri 5th April - Inset Day Tues 23rd April - Term 5 begins Tues 30th April 7pm - Wellbeing Evening Fri 24th May - Term 5 ends Mon 3rd June - Term 6 begins Thurs 6th June - Year 8 Parents’ Evening Sun 9th June - Chew Valley 10K

Chew Valley School Chew Magna Bristol BS40 8QB Telephone: 01275 332272 Email: enquiries@chewvalleyschool.co.uk

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Centurion Award Shortlist Winner Over the last few months a group of students have been steadily reading their way through a shortlist of recently published teen books for the Centurion Award. The Centurion Award run by school librarians, involves students from across Bath and NE Somerset reading the six books in groups in their schools before voting on the book that they thought was best. After an exhilarating and enthusiastic discussion, the students from Chew Valley voted for Sunflowers In February by Phyllida Shrimpton as their favourite book although it was a very close run contest. Spellslinger (Sebastien de Castell) took second place, followed by The Truth About Lies by local writer Tracy Danton. The votes from Chew Valley will be added to those of students from other participating schools throughout the county and an overall winner will be declared at the Centurion Award Ceremony at Downside School on 30th April.

Congratulations to all those students who took part!

GET INVOLVED! Run the Chew Valley 10K 9.30am on Sunday 9th June at Bishop Sutton AFC

raise money for Chew Valley School & other local charities

Enter at www.chewvalley10k.co.uk

Mrs Hillis

FREE Tech T-shirt & bespoke medal for all entrants!

Main sponsor License No. 2019 - 36869

World Down Syndrome Awareness Day Q. What did the hat say to the sock? A. I’ll go on ahead, you go on foot!

On 21st March, Chew Valley celebrated World Down Syndome Awareness Day with students and staff wearing odd socks and lots of socks. A dedicated team of helpers helped run a break time cake sale for the hungry masses, raising a terrific £86. A special thank you to our ‘Star Baker’ Spencer Hext, Year 8, for his fabulous themed cakes which sold like…..erm..hot cakes. Well done to all involved who helped raise money for the fantastic charity ‘Ups and Downs South West’.

Miss Hellier

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Expedition Training for Nepal, The Forest of Dean and The River Wye On Friday 15th March, the Nepal team travelled to Ross-onWye and into The Forest of Dean. In driving winds and torrential rain, they trudged through the forest and over the foot bridge at Symonds Yat, to their campsite beside The River Wye. Participants divided into teams, sharing out tasks. Tents were quickly erected and hot food prepared.

After a rousing dawn chorus and breakfast, daypacks on backs, walking poles in hands, everyone navigated their way up into the forest. They learnt about pacing themselves and looking out for each other, whilst observing wildlife and constantly checking maps against the surroundings. As the wind gathered strength, the team decided to descend out of the woods by the shortest (but steepest) route available.

An extremely steep and slippery descent made for great training for the actual expedition! Taking a rest half way down, possible scenarios which could be faced in Nepal and how to avoid or manage them safely were discussed or acted out.

The weather deteriorated further so a spacious wooden hut made a great place to shelter from the high winds and rain, especially because it had a wood burner. Participants gathered soaking wet wood, sawn up logs and managed to get a welcome fire going. Whilst some cooked, others prepared activities for the evening ahead.

This included learning some Nepalese and about Nepalese culture.

After another night under canvas, it was time to decamp and head back to Chew Valley School. Departure was delayed because a large tree had fallen across the road. Carrying kit, an additional hike was required to join the coach!

Mr Grogono-Thomas

Chew Valley 10k t-shirt design Chew Valley School Year 10 student Grace Churton has won this year’s competition to design a technical T-shirt for the upcoming Chew Valley 10k on Sunday 9th June at 9.30am. This year’s T-shirt is a striking black and green design and was created by Grace as part of her Design and Technology GCSE course.

The Chew Valley 10k is now open for entry and organisers are hoping for another successful year for the race, which is now in its 7th year. A potential 1000 runners will receive the free technical T-shirt when they run this year, making it the largest race to date.

This year the 10k will support Bloodbikes NICU Support, plus local schools Bishop Sutton Primary School Society and Chew Valley School Society. In addition, the event will raise money for A Life for a Cure charity to help the Bristol charity increase awareness of the Meningitis B vaccine and promote it to local schools and families after Ryan Bresnahan, aged 16, lost his life suddenly to the disease. Left untreated, a Meningitis B bacterial infection can be fatal. While freely offered to babies and young children on the NHS, the vaccine is not presently available free of charge to teenagers or young adults - the second most ‘at risk’ group for the life-threatening infection. Chew Pharmacy and other pharmacies do provide the vaccine and can offer more advice to anyone interested.

Debbie Fortune Estate Agents will again be the main sponsor for this year’s event and George Worle, Assistant Branch Manager and former Chew Valley School student, said “We are delighted with the T-shirt design which incorporates the Chew Valley 10k, our brand and the lake brilliantly. We are really excited about this year’s race which promises to be bigger and better than ever. Our Chew Magna branch has now celebrated its five-year anniversary of selling and letting local property; we are constantly amazed as to how supportive the local community is to us - as a result we are always looking for ways to give back!”

Enter now to avoid missing out on your place as every year since it began, the race has sold out. Visit www.chewvalley10k. co.uk or see Facebook and Twitter: @chewvalley10k for further details.

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Salamanca trip 2019 This past February half term, our Year 12 Spanish class had an amazing trip to Salamanca in the West of Spain (accompanied by our 2 great teachers) in order to experience the culture and improve our language skills.

Our 6 day trip was spent doing a variety of things from Spanish lessons with a native, whole day excursions to beautiful neighbouring cities, bike rides around the city, to energetic dance lessons. The final day of the trip was spent in the capital city of Madrid where we explored the architecture and my highlight of the trip came when we rowed adorable boats around a small lake in El Retiro Park in the glorious sunshine. іLo pasamos bomba!

Hannah Gardner Year 12

World Book Day 2019

School Society (PTA) - Match Funding

To celebrate World Book Day, the Library Team decided to organise a book sale to encourage people to pick up a new read and to help raise funds for the school library. Using donations from students, staff and parents, students created colourful posters to promote the event and then helped to sort and display the books for sale. There was a relaxed, happy atmosphere with staff and students exchanging notes on favourite books and old classics, passing on recommendations and tips.

Turnout was good and a reasonable number of books were sold, allowing the school to raise funds to purchase some of the latest book titles.

‘I work for a big company and approached my HR department to ask if they match fundraising for charities. I explained I had helped at the Santa Run to raise money for the school PTA. I completed the form, they contacted the Treasurer of Chew Valley School Society (PTA) to ask for some information on the charity and they matched the money raised. It really was worth the effort and I have helped a very deserving cause.’ Parent - January 2019 Many companies throughout the UK offer employees the chance to boost their fundraising efforts by ‘matching’ the money they raise. It really is money for nothing and you could double the amount of cash you raise with very little effort.

For the first time this year, students were also able to exchange their World Book Day tokens in school for one of the £1 World Book Day books. This was a great success with nearly all of the books being given out to students by the end of break. As one student said “It’s almost like Christmas!”.

What is match funding?

Match giving or match funding is a simple way of maximising the fundraising efforts of your individual volunteers. It is an informal arrangement between a company and their employee.

Not all companies offer match funding but those that do will pledge a sum of money relating to the amount their employee has raised or donated to the charity of their choice. Some organisations will match fund on a £ for £ basis, others will stipulate what they are prepared to give.

Mrs Hillis

For further info www.pta.co.uk/funding/faqs-matchfunding or email cvschoolsociety@outlook.com 4

The Women’s Rights Team The Women’s Rights Team is a very small team made up of 4 Year 7s and our wonderful helper Miss Brown.

As you may know, on the 8th March it was International Women’s Day and because of this we organised 4 assemblies, a workshop and a badge sale. We ran these assemblies every day (apart from Monday) to raise awareness of equality for women.

The first assembly was on Tuesday and we arranged for Claudia Hartley from Langford Vets to come in. Claudia is head of ophthalmology and joined Langford Vets in 2017, however she worked previously in many places including the Animal Health Trust. Claudia also works with many charities worldwide assisting with welfare and zoological ophthalmology cases.

Claudia delivered a truly inspirational assembly to Hauteville. She talked all about her amazing occupation and all the walls she’s managed to climb. We were very thankful for her coming in.

The next assembly was on Wednesday, to Moreton. Kathy Williams who is the director of Gardeners’ World, sent us a video of her talking about her job and what she did. It was a really interesting talk all about her different experiences in the television industries. We would also like to say a thank you to Mrs Shuttleworth and Mrs Pope for covering that assembly, when the original Head of House was unfortunately ill.

On Thursday we manged to get a speaker to come in from the lifeboat crew in Portishead. She brought with her Helen who took some pictures. Louise Shepard, who came to talk to us, is now a fully trained lifeboat crew member. Louise started off as the education officer for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), before moving on to shore crew. After being on the shore crew for around a year, Louise decided she wanted to actually be out at sea. So, she started training and is now a fully trained lifeboat crew member.

After the assembly Louise and Helen ran a workshop for some of the Equality team members and the Women’s Rights Team. They showed us a video and talked about Grace Darling, who was famous for rescuing survivors of a shipwreck in 1838. We were all really engrossed and enjoyed it thoroughly, afterwards they gave us all badges and let students try on their outfits.

RNLI Portishead also visited on Friday where they repeated the same assembly but to Rodney.

Finally, Miss Brown also helped us to sell our inspirational women’s badges. We sold them in Charlie’s shelter and managed to raise about £15. After that we raised a further £15 by selling more badges at someone’s work.

Thank you to everyone who kindly gave a donation. The money is going towards a charity called The Red Box. The Red Box Project quietly ensures that no young person misses school because they have their period.

Working as a nationwide community, The Red Box Project seeks to provide free products for the young people in our local schools. We are planning to raise more money in the near future, so that we can fund our very own Red Box. The Women’s Rights Team

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A Midsummer Night’s Dream This year’s Chew Valley School production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, involving just over 100 students and staff, was performed for four nights at the end of February.

On stage there were some beautiful moments with the live band and young cast coping well with the complex language, character and plot, bringing the story to life with a real sense of fun, energy and clarity. As ever, there were also a number of students supporting behind the scenes.

Leading this group was Year 12 student Elizabeth Stuckey, who Stage-Managed the production.

So just what does a Stage Manager do? Elizabeth comments, “As Stage Manager of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, I take responsibility for everything that the audience sees and hears. During rehearsals, I took notes for all of the action happening onstage from what was blocked and developed from Mr Conway’s original concept notes, offering input to ensure an effective performance both visually for the audience and practically for the performers. During the show I was on the platform at the back of the hall cueing all of the entrances, exits and technical elements of the show. I have loved being able to take a different approach to a production and seeing aspects of it that I may previously have not. I now understand the hard work and effort that all the performers must put in, but also everything the crew does that is not necessarily seen by all. I have also been able to work with students from all different year groups, forming friendships that I would never have imagined. Being able to see how the performers have grown in confidence, as well as ability has been a highlight for me. Theatre is all about collaboration and an equal amount of hard work goes into stage production and management as it does into performing. Everybody has a natural preference over how they like to engage with the theatre but everyone involved is working toward the same goal - to create the best piece of theatre they can. I think the opportunities that Chew Valley provides for students to be so hands on and 100% involved is why the work produced is of such high quality.”

For Steve Conway, the school’s Head of Performing Arts, this marks one of the real strengths of the school production. He comments, “By working together, overcoming challenges, pushing themselves in order to achieve something others thought might not be possible, the young people involved in A Midsummer Night’s Dream proved, once again, just how incredible they are. In addition, a number of staff were also present each evening, working hard behind the scenes to support those taking part. Families altered routines and, in some cases, even holidays to allow students to attend rehearsals. We have also had companies, charities and organisations with no connection to Chew Valley School putting themselves out to allow this production to take place. For all of this incredible support I am hugely grateful.”

Mr Conway

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Easter Ski Trip to Les Menuires The snow conditions in the French Alps sound amazing this year and currently there is about a metre of snow on the lower slopes in Les Menuires with 31/33 lifts open as I write.

Last Easter we were blessed with some of the best snow conditions ever and we all had a wonderful time, let’s hope for more of the same this year.

During our stay we will have ski lessons every day and also managing to pack in as many other activities as possible, such as: sledging, bumboarding, table tennis, pool, quiz/film night, swimming and eating a few crepes!

We do always receive really positive comments from our ski instructors and I’m hoping that this year will be no exception. I’m sure that everyone is looking forward to learning new skills and developing the qualities needed to achieve things that may seem out of reach. Teamwork and tenacity usually ensure that everyone makes super progress and has a great time.

I’m sure that all our students are busy doing their ski exercises and gearing up to win the prestigious ‘skier of the day’ award. I’m sure that once again we will have some brilliant tales of exploits and mishaps on the slopes!

Previous winners of the prestigious award have included: Scarlett Rogers, Joe Gracie, Jenny Heath, Peter Booker, Todd Morgan, Fergus Blythe and Tilda Hawken.

Next year’s trip is to La Plagne in the French Alps. We are just about fully booked (we could possibly take two more people at the most), please email dkenny@chewvalleyschool.co.uk if you are interested (students only!).

Mr Kenny

Youth Strike 4 Climate Change On Friday the 15th March, several Chew Valley School students from Years 7 to 12 went to represent the school at the Youth Strike 4 Climate Change march in Bristol. We went with Mrs Taylor and carried the school banner with us to demonstrate Chew Valley’s eco-friendly stance. The Youth Climate Strikers are demanding that the government declares a climate emergency and informs the public about the seriousness of the situation; that the national curriculum is reformed to include educating young people about the ecological crisis; and that the age of voting should be lowered to 16 so that younger people can be involved in decision-making around environmental issues. The students who attended the march made placards to demonstrate their support, and are long-standing members of the Plastic Change and Create Team, which successfully campaigned last year to have plastic bottles banned on the school site.

The march started at 11 o’clock with a speech from one of the event organisers, who told us why the event was going on and what was expected of the protesters. There were chants of ‘Climate justice now!’ outside the City Hall from the several thousand students in attendance. Back at school, a petition was organised to be sent to the government demanding that more is done about the climate crisis. A recent UN report stated that we have 12 years to reduce our carbon emissions by 45%, if we want to prevent climate change to +1.5°C. Bearing this in mind, a new change and create team focused solely on the issue of climate change has been set up at Chew Valley School, with the aim of reducing the school’s carbon footprint and encouraging students to do more to reduce their carbon emissions. Everyone who attended the march was encouraged by the numbers of children, students and even adults there, proving that this is an issue which people care about deeply, and giving us hope that we will be able to change before it’s too late.

Jenny Heath Year 11 7

Chew Valley Linguists shine Last week Mr Cordle took five students to the South West MFL Speaking Competition. There was Sukie Laing and Freya Taylor from Year 8, Sam Maddison from Year 11 and Danielle Chorley and Livvy Coombs from Year 12. Each had to do a speech in their chosen language to an audience of around 80 people and five judges from local universities. The competition was fierce and a large number of students from state and private schools from across the South West entered. Every student performed brilliantly, enthralling the audience with speeches ranging from free time to crazy dreams. Although the experience itself was invaluable for the confidence and motivation of our students, 3 of them came away with prizes. Sukie Laing and Sam Maddison were runners up in their categories and Danielle Chorley scooped first prize in hers. It was a fantastic day out and all those involved should be incredibly proud of themselves. ¡Enhorabuena a todos!

Mr Cordle

Sky Portrait Artist of the Year contestant Sixth Form student Tasha Davey from Dundry has appeared as a contestant in heat 8 of Sky Portrait Artist of the Year televised on Sky Arts, April 2nd at 8pm. Tasha was the youngest contestant in this year’s series which pitches professional artists against amateurs. She was persuaded to enter the competition by her Chew Valley art teacher Miss Donna Beachgood, who also attended the filming. To enter, Tasha had to submit a self portrait which she painted whilst 16 years old having only been using oil paints for just over a year.

The contest is run over 8 heats, each with 9 artists painting 1 of 3 celebrity sitters within a time limit of 4 hours. In Tasha’s heat she had to paint actress Jodie Comer of Killing Eve and Dr Foster fame. “It was such a crazy filming experience,” said Tasha. “It was amazing meeting and having the opportunity to paint Jodie Comer; she is so gorgeous and friendly... having known her from watching her tough characters on the tv, I didn’t expect that.” “I thought I would be more fazed by the beady eyes of the public and the cameras, but once I was in the painting zone, it was like nobody was there.” Tasha said when she entered the competition she had not imagined she would reach the heat stages. “I wouldn’t have entered without the encouragement of my art teacher Miss Beachgood who believed that I could do it.” Miss Beachgood told the Gazette she knew Tasha had ‘incredible talent’ when she taught her during her GCSEs. “She just continued to progress and is a phenomenal painter. When I saw the opportunity for the show I thought of her immediately. She doesn’t realise how great she is so this gave her a platform to showcase her talent. Attending the show and watching her paint in such stressful and intimidating conditions whilst maintaining her calm and focus was an absolute pleasure, I have never been so proud of a student, it was the highlight of my career.”

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Young Star of the Year for Innovation Year 7 student Hannah Wienburg has been named the inaugural winner of the Bath and North East Somerset Our Young Stars Award for Innovation.

The Stanton Drew girl was one of sixteen extraordinary young people from across the county recognised at the awards organised by B&NES Council to celebrate the inspirational achievements of local young people.

All the winners were treated as celebrities, with a red carpet laid out for them at the ‘Our Young Stars Gala Awards Dinner’ held at the Apex Hotel in Bath on Saturday 9th March. More than 300 guests, including the winner’s parents, guardians, friends and nominators, were moved by the inspirational stories revealed at the ceremony; from the courage of six-year-year old Bobby Lee Warman who, despite enduring a series of heart operations and living with hearing difficulties and the pain of arthritis, pursues his love of sport by taking part in rugby and gymnastics and raises money for charity, to 14-year-old Hermione Tubbs who cares for her grandmother and younger brother while studying.

Council leader Tim Warren, who hosted the evening, said he was moved and humbled to hear such inspirational local stories. “We heard tales of triumph over adversity, examples of bravery, determination, self-sacrifice, kindness and compassion,” said Councillor Warren. “These young people are quite remarkable and wonderful role-models for their generation. I am delighted we’ve been able to publicly recognise their achievements. Of course we had to select eventual category winners, but in my mind all our nominees are winners. I’m incredibly grateful to the sponsors and supporters of our five categories. I’d also like to thank Bath BID, Southgate Bath and St John’s Foundation for providing ‘The Bath Gift Card’ vouchers for all our winners, the support from local businesses has been truly overwhelming.”

More than 70 young people were nominated for the Our Young Stars Awards. Hannah won the Innovation category, supported by The James Dyson Foundation, for her national Fiver Challenge. The Chew Valley School Year 7 student took part in the challenge whilst still a pupil at Marksbury Primary School. She developed a clear business plan to produce and sell macaroons. She costed her product, predicted the uptake and delivery and turned her £5 investment into £80. Hannah made the shortlist of the national finals of the Fiver Challenge for the most inspirational individual and it was her business acumen and success that won over the judges of the Our Young Stars Awards.

Clifton Suspension Bridge

Term Dates for academic year 2019/2020

Year 11 History students were taken to the Clifton Suspension Bridge on 14th and 15th March. One of their History GCSE papers requires them to study a local history site, to discover how the bridge and its uses have changed over time.

Much fun was had in building their own bridges.

TERM 1 Start: Finish:

Monday 2nd September 2019 Friday 25th October 2019

TERM 2 Start: Finish:

Monday 4th November 2019 Friday 20th December 2019

TERM 3 Start: Finish:

Monday 6th January 2020 Friday 14th February 2020

TERM 4 Start: Finish:

Monday 24th February 2020 Friday 3rd April 2020

TERM 5 Start: Finish:

Monday 20th April 2020 Friday 22nd May 2020

TERM 6 Start: Finish:

Monday 1st June 2020 Monday 20th July 2020

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House Activities Results for Term 4

1st

Bilbie

2nd Moreton 3rd Hauteville 4th Rodney

1st

Rodney

2nd Bilbie

BAKE OFF

3rd Moreton 4th Hauteville

1st

Moreton

2nd Hauteville 3rd Bilbie 4th Rodney

1st

Rodney

2nd Moreton 3rd Hauteville 4th Bilbie

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House Activities Results for Term 4 continued

1st Hauteville & Moreton 3rd Rodney 4th Bilbie

Term 4 House Champions

Overall current House Point Total (03/04/2019)

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