MVC News March 2018

MVC NEWS www.melbournvc.org

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Spring 2018

The News Magazine of Melbourn Village College, an Academy of The Cam Academy Trust

Snow,Glorious Snow — Page 9

Governor is honoured MELBOURN VILLAGE COLLEGE

Melbourn Village College governor with the first cohort of Year 7 students Katharine Carruthers has spoken of receiving four taught hours of Chinese per her delight at receiving an OBE in the week and four hours of self-study.

New Year’s Honours for her services to “The introduction of Chinese in the school education. would not have been possible without the “I am thrilled with the award,” she said. “It strong support of the Head, the is an official recognition of the work to Languages Department, the Chair of develop Chinese teaching in schools in Governors (Sue Williamson), Professor which I and my team have been involved van de Ven and other governors. over a number of years.

Mrs Carruthers, who previously taught “I have had messages of congratulations Chinese in the Cambridge area and has and support from all over the world, which written books on the subject, said there is brightened up the beginning of January an increasing need for English people to considerably.” be able to speak the language as China’s Mrs Carruthers is the Director of world influence grows.

University College London’s Confucius “When I first embarked on learning FACT-FINDING: Governor Katharine Carruthers OBE, Institute of Education and a driving force Chinese myself at the age of 18 (it wasn’t Principal Simon Holmes and Mandarin teacher Frank Fan behind the teaching of Chinese in schools ask Year 8 students what they like about studying the possible to learn in school in those days), in England. This includes Melbourn, which Chinese language.

I had no background in the Far East and became the first school in Cambridgeshire no idea where the study of this language to include Mandarin as part of the curriculum two years ago. The school has since might take me. been invited to join the national Mandarin Excellence Programme and she is very “Interaction with China and Chinese people has been a constant source of pleased with the on-going work. interest and stimulation throughout my career; learning Chinese was the starting “As a governor at MVC, I have been delighted to be able to help the school with point of a lifelong adventure!

“It’s important that we’re able to speak Chinese, as well as Chinese people the introduction of Mandarin. I am proud that the school’s first teacher of Chinese, speaking English. It’s not yet taught in every school, so we still have a long way to Frank Fan, was one of my PGCE Mandarin students at the UCL Institute of go.”

Education, before taking up his role at MVC. Chair of governors Mrs Williamson said: “This is a very well deserved honour — I “Over the past 18 months, I have come in to see Mr Fan teach at MVC every term cannot think of anyone who has done more to promote the teaching of Mandarin and have been very impressed by the progress and motivation of the students in schools and trained high-quality teachers.” and the high expectations of the teacher.

“It is encouraging to see the school joining the Mandarin Excellence Programme

Making news

Melbourn Village College has been highlighted nationally as great example of a school where a Chinese language has been successfully introduced into the curriculum.

In September 2016 the college became the first school in Cambridgeshire to have Mandarin as part of its Year 7 curriculum and now their efforts are the subject of an in-depth on-line article from the respected Institute of Education at University College, London.

The article – which can be read in full at the link below – outlines the rationale behind Melbourn’s decision to roll out Mandarin, the immediate success and the continuing growth which has seen them to this year becoming part of the IOE’s Mandarin Excellence Progamme.

It also includes tips from Melbourn Principal Simon Holmes for other schools thinking of introducing the language and an interview with the college’s popular specialist Mandarin teacher Frank Fan. To read the report in full go POPULAR SPECIALIST: Frank Fan. to https://ciforschools.files.wordpress.com/2018/02/melbourn-village-college-report3.pdf

q Trust Update — Page 3 q Just Imagine — Page 4 q Mental Health in Focus — Page 4 q Trio’s Stories Chosen — Page 4 q Poetry in Motion — Page 5 q MP Visits — Page 5 q Road to Redemption — Page 5 q Shaping Future Leaders — Page 6 q Exam Boost — Page 6 2

More become part of success story

Melbourn is a school firmly on the road to expansion. With the school consistently achieving excellent results it seems that more students and parents are wanting to be a part of the success story, with intake numbers continuing to increase.

After a steady intake of around 90 for a number of years, the school welcomed in just over 100 students in 2016 and 110 in 2017.

With in-year transfers, these two year groups have continued to grow and the college re-wrote the timetable at Christmas to expand Year 7 into five classes from four.

“We always put students first and so this was a nonnegotiable; we had to make it work” said Principal Simon Holmes.

Figures just released for September 2018 indicate that the incoming Year 7 will also be five classes and the largest year group in the school. “This is a great recognition of what we are doing at the college,” added Mr Holmes.

“Planning is well under way for these additional students and we look forward to welcoming them into our community in September.”

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

q Scientists Inspire — Page 6 q Passion for Perfection — Page 7 q Year 4’s day at MVC — Page 7 q Students United — Page 8 q Dancer takes Centre Stage — Page 8 q Countdown to ‘Secret’ — Page 8 q Snow, Glorious Snow — Page 9 q SCSSP Round-Up — Pages 10 & 11 q Melbourn Sports Centre — Page 12

Forging new friendships THE CAM ACADEMY TRUST NEWS

In January I was fortunate to have a brief visit to Beijing with two colleagues.

The main purpose of the trip with Rachel Hawkes, the Trust’s Director of International Education, and Peter Law, Head of School at Comberton, was to establish a future exchange programme for pupils from some of our secondary schools with a named school in Beijing. The hope is to establish an ongoing annual exchange which can enrich greatly the educational experience of many young people here and in China.

The whole programme, including the initial visit, is supported by funding from the Beijing Education Authority.

Of course, this builds on the great work going on at Melbourn Village College where learning Mandarin is now part of the curriculum. This work is now developing a national role and reputation.

China is a fascinating place. It is absolutely true that the food is significantly different from much of any standard western diet (it was at breakfast that I found this most challenging) and there is so much to see and to learn.

As well as historical sites such as the Forbidden City and the Great Wall, the whole history of the country is extremely interesting. The section on the modern history of China in the vast official National Museum next to Tiananmen Square should not be missed. We hope many students in our Trust schools will be able to benefit from these excellent educational opportunities.

In addition to seeking to establish a school-based exchange programme, we also engaged with teacher training institutions in Beijing. It was interesting to compare notes and approaches between our countries.

We attended (and contributed to) a conference being held for over 1000 teachers from various parts of China where the key theme - and much of the professional development for teachers in Beijing (and perhaps China more generally) - was the need to introduce creativity into the teaching and learning process.

There was a recognition that Chinese pupils are very effective at certain styles of

learning and memorising but not so good at thinking creatively. The same might be said of the approaches to teaching.

It followed from this that there was strong interest in learning how to develop creativity in the education process and how this is done effectively in British schools.

In this, there is some irony. There has been recent interest in learning from Chinese schools about how to perform better in certain educational outcomes (such as in international measurements of Maths tests). Teachers visit Chinese schools to learn the techniques and then apply them in our schools.

This has been an important aspect of the work of the Maths Hub that we lead in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. Now we are being asked to help Chinese teachers become more creative.

All these things are part of the key international theme of the educational experience that we consider so important for all our pupils. They are also good examples of how our staff can work with and learn from others to enrich and strengthen the education provided in all our schools.

Stephen Munday, CEO

Pilot for new IT strategy gets under way

IN DISCUSSION: The Trust delegation meet their opposite numbers in Beijing.

At the heart of everything we seek to do with all schools in The Cam Sean Sumner, Deputy Principal at Cambourne Village College, now spends Academy Trust is to ensure that every pupil gets a truly excellent education. two days a week helping to oversee the development and roll out of this In this pursuit, we will look to take on new developments when we are clear strategy. that there is potential to improve the Mr Sumner has strong experience of educational experience of our pupils. leading IT strategies and of using IT to This is the starting point for the Trust IT strengthen teaching and learning.

Strategy that we are seeking to A programme is being developed that develop. We believe that embracing will see a series of pilots in each school more fully the potential of the use of IT before the potential introduction of the in the education process can help to: approach with one year group at a time.

At Cambourne, 80 Year 7 pupils and 25 l Learn powerfully staff are working through a pilot phase l Learn for life to confirm the possibilities of using l Learn from each other personal devices effectively. Staff in At its heart is an intention to enable other schools have also been using personal devices to be used by our devices to find out what is possible (as pupils in ways that support the well as discovering potential pitfalls). education process both inside and We hope soon to be able to outside of school.

TESTING: Cambourne Year 7 students use iPads in lessons. communicate further with families and Coupled with this is looking to enable pupils across our schools about how and what we may be able to do to all our staff to share educational resources effectively, regardless of the enable pupils to benefit from this approach.

Stephen Munday school in which they are based.

Playing a leading role in training teachers

In addition to teaching students, The Cam Academy Trust is also involved in educating teachers, as part of the Cambridge Teaching Schools’ Network.

Teaching Schools give outstanding schools a leading role in the training and professional development of teachers, and support staff, as well as contributing to the raising of standards through school-to-school support.

The Trust works with a network of other Teaching Schools that includes, in addition to Cambourne and Comberton Village Colleges, Saffron Walden County High School, Swavesey Village College and Histon and Impington Junior School.

Different schools lead on different aspects of the key roles of the teaching school, such as professional development, or research and development.

Comberton leads the School Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) programme.

A SCITT training route provides a school-based approach to teacher training that is led by local schools, and is particularly geared to training the teachers needed in the local schools involved.

We offer both primary and secondary courses, currently training 50 teachers. Past experience suggests that the majority of these trainees will find jobs in local schools.

A key feature of the SCITT is that the senior tutor team are all experienced teachers, drawn from the lead schools involved, which means that the training programme is grounded in authentic professional practice, although trainees are also grateful for the depth of understanding of the theoretical aspects of

teaching taught through the Professional Studies strand of their training, including the opportunity for Master’s level qualification.

We are developing a strong partnership with Anglia Ruskin University, helping to teach the Primary Education Studies degree course, and looking to develop further collaboration in both undergraduate and postgraduate study.

We have submitted an expression of interest to be involved in the development of new Teaching Apprenticeships, which will enable more trainees to be paid while they are in training.

If you know any one who might be thinking of a career in teaching, then get in touch via email COMITTINFO@catrust.co.uk Martin Lee, Director of Teacher Education

For job vacancies across the Trust, visit the CAT website at www.catrust.co.uk

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Just imagine!

MELBOURN VILLAGE COLLEGE

At the start of half term it was through the wardrobe, down the rabbit hole and straight on to Hogwarts and the Shire for two Year 10 students.

Stephanie Davidson and Faith Crockford (along with hundreds of others) descended on Cheney School, Headington, Oxford, for the first Iris Festival of Imagined Worlds, which celebrated the spellbinding works of fantasy authors.

The school was decorated to represent four main worlds based on the creations of JRR Tolkien, CS Lewis, Lewis Carroll and JK Rowling.

Visitors could explore the different fictional worlds following the yellow brick road that connected them across the site, each one containing decorations, workshops, stalls and activities themed on the novels and their authors.

More than 30 organisations took part, running activities and stalls with visitors able to do everything from try on costumes from Lord of the Rings and handle museum artefacts connected to magic and myth, to operating a robot Greek monster. Outside, there were beautiful owls and other birds of prey, brought by Millets Farm, as well as Quidditch, which visitors could take part in and test their seeking skills!

Characters from well-known fantasy novels mingled with the crowds, and there was even a Mad Hatters’ Tea Party cafe, where visitors could try Wonderland-inspired food and drink.

The event also explored how ancient myths and histories have often inspired more modern novels and several award-winning authors and illustrators discussed their own inspirations.

They included Alice Broadway, Alan Gibbons, Steve Voake, and Angie Sage, Melinda Salisbury, author of The Sin Eater’s Daughter, which was the best-selling Young Adult debut novel of 2015, as well as prolific illustrator Danny Flynn, who has created hundreds of science fiction, fantasy and horror covers including for the works of Arthur C Clarke and Isaac Asimov.

Both girls entered the costume competition with Stephanie dressed as Queen Lucy from The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe and Faith dressed as The White Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland. All in all they had a fantastic time.

Mental health in focus

DRESSED TO IMPRESS: THe MVC girls in Oxford and a festival artist at work.

More than 200 youngsters from seven primary schools in South Cambridgeshire attended a Mental health and Wellbeing Conference at St John’s College in Cambridge.

The Year 5 and 6 delegates included youngsters from Melbourn’s partner schools — Harston & Newton, Barrington, Foxton, Hauxton and Meldreth — as the conference was organised by members of, allyance, an in-school counselling service supporting 13 primary schools in the Melbourn and Bassingbourn area and based at Melbourn Village College.

Each child was provided with a work booklet ‘Caring for your Wellbeing’, before the event to put the topic of mental health and wellbeing in context.

The day began with opening remarks from Heidi Allen MP and Ben Slade, the CEO of Skillforce.

Afterwards the children attended four workshops on Skillforce, mindfulness, body image and participated in musical activities led by Resilience, St John’s College School, Cambridgeshire PSHE Service and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra respectively.

After lunch Dr Helen Watson, from St. John’s College, told the children about the collegiate system within Cambridge University.

On the way back to their coaches the children walked through the college grounds, where the children learnt about and were inspired by the many features of historical interest.

Afterwards Gill Davies, the headteacher at Barrington Primary School, told the Cambridge Independent: “I spoke to some of our parents to find out how much the children had spoken about it when they went home because it doesn’t strike you as a very exciting trip. But with this particular trip every HEADING FOR PRINT: Sagas by three Melbourn students. parent that I spoke with said their child was absolutely full of what they had done that day and they told them a lot about the activities. One of our children who has particularly high anxiety levels for coming into school was already using the breathing techniques that he had learned there to calm down as he comes to school in the mornings.”

Three Melbourn students recently entered a national creative writing competition and all three have been asked for permission to publicise their mini sagas in the CARING: Stranger Sagas – Hertfordshire anthology, which is to be published in May. Organisers Skye Pearson, Remy Harrow and Millie Coventon, all in Year 8, were given a Jenny choice of titles and they were required to write a complete story using only 100 Jones and Ann Jones, words. This was extremely challenging and required a great deal of imagination, either side thought and creativity. Therefore, it is a huge achievement to be asked for their of MP sagas to be publicised.

Heidi Head of English Kate King said: “I have been informed that there were over 20,000 Allen, and entries and the competition was high!

Ben Slade “First, second and third prizes are to be announced anytime now and I am sure from you will all join me in wishing Remy, Millie and Skye the best of luck. Nevertheless, Skillforce. they should be proud of their achievement so far. Congratulations and well done.”

Trio’s stories chosen

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MELBOURN VILLAGE COLLEGE

Poetry in motion . . .

The staff at Melbourn were once again treated to a superb Poetry Festival by our Key Stage 3 students.

The courage, dedication and enthusiasm shown by our students never fails to surprise us, year after year.

This year, just before Christmas, our students didn’t just recite poetry on stage in front of hundreds of their peers, which still would’ve been impressive, but they also thought carefully about how they could deliver a whole and polished performance.

The competition was extremely high and the English Team found it challenging to select awards. Nevertheless, the students named below were recognised for their performances and received a positive referral and a certificate.

All the students involved should be as proud of themselves as the staff at Melbourn are of them. Well done everyone!

Congratulations to: Best Individual Performance: Josh Pettit Most Innovative Performance: Rosie Butcher and Kelvin Ribeiro Best Group Performance: Evie Lester, Lucy Oatey and Rosie Elliott Best Composition: Jennifer WeightBurton Best Class Presentation: 7-2 Best Class Performance: 92A Best Overall Class: 91A Kate King, Head of English, Media and Drama

Local MP visits college

Melbourn Village College hosted South Large Hadron Collider at CERN in Switzerland later Cambridgeshire MP Heidi Allen as she wanted to find in the year. out more about the work the college’s Science Heidi, who has a degree in astrophysics, also department is doing discussed the with the money college’s donated by leading involvement in the technology and Government’s product development Mandarin Excellence consultancy TTP. Programme, school The Melbourn-based funding and mental technology company health support. have pledged Principal Simon £100,000 over two Holmes said: “It was years to the college good to meet Heidi and Melbourn’s again and update second in science Dr her on college VISIT: Heidi Allen with David Wilson, Year 10 David Wilson developments. students and Principal Simon Holmes. explained some of “It was clear that she the plans. takes a genuine As well as giving all Year 10 students revision guides interest in the work we are doing; she had read our paid for by the donation, Dr Wilson told the MP that latest Ofsted report and had kept herself up to date he is taking some Year 9 and 10 scientists to the with college developments.”

SPEAKING OUT: Students at the Poetry Festival did themselves proud.

The road to

redemption . . .

GCSE English students were treated to an exciting performance of Charles Dickens’ famous festive tale: ‘A Christmas Carol’ just before they broke up for the festive season.

Visiting company, Quantum Theatre, put on the impressive performance. Telling the story of Ebenezer Scrooge’s miserly and coldhearted ways, the actors took the students on a theatrical journey, embodying the roles of the various Christmas spirits that eventually lead Scrooge to his redemption.

Dickens’ novella is a 19th century text of which our students are currently studying in preparation for their English Literature GCSE exam and the performance was a great way for them to appreciate and understand the story.

The students were very well behaved and very much enjoyed the performance.

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Shaping future leaders MELBOURN VILLAGE COLLEGE

Earlier this term Melbourn hosted two participants in the SSAT Leadership Legacy Project.

Emily Robinson, from Simon Balle Academy in Hertford, and Dorothy Smith from Davenant Foundation School, in Loughton, Essex, are two of 125 high-potential future leaders taking part in an exclusive year-long initiative run by the highlyregarded national Schools, Students and Teachers network (SSAT).

This opportunity is open to qualified teachers at SSAT secondary member schools in their first four years of teaching, who have been identified by their Headteacher, Head of School, Executive Head or Chief Executive as having high potential to become an outstanding leader.

The project offers teachers the chance to develop their skills through regular

attendance at a range of SSAT events and conferences, school visits, shadowing opportunities, resources and networking.

The visit to MVC involved shadowing the Senior Leadership team to help understand how high-quality teams work in successful schools. MVC was chosen as it is one of the Leading Edge group of schools.

Melbourn Principal Simon Holmes said: “As a Leading Edge school we were delighted to be asked to participate in this project and share what we have learned with the next generation of school leaders.

“Both Emily and Dorothy found the days very interesting and thought-provoking.

Having someone external ask questions about school ethos, procedures and processes also helps you reflect on your own beliefs and priorities.”

Guides give Year 10 an exam boost READING MATTER: Year 10 students with their new revision guides.

GCSE students at Melbourn have been given a boost with free revision guides.

They are usually asked to purchase these but this year some of the £100,000 over two years donated to the science department by local technology firm TTP has funded these.

Those currently in Year 10 studying triple science were given three CGP guides, one each for physics, chemistry and biology, while those studying combined science received one book covering the whole course.

Each one has a bookplate in the front marking TTP’s contribution.

Head of Science Simon Callow said: “I am really pleased to be able to use some of the money gifted to the college to provide revision guides to all students studying science.

“When I first learned about TTP’s generous donation I wanted to make sure that we used it to support teaching and learning within the department in a

Scientists inspire GCSE students Last month 30 Year 10 and 11 students and three teachers visited GCSE Science Live in London.

They arrived at the Victoria Apollo theatre and waited for the first speaker, Professor Jim Al-Khalili, who spoke about time travel and if it was possible.

They then saw Professor Robert Winston, who spoke about fertility, Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock MBE, whose message was Reach for the Stars, Professor Steve Jones, who spoke about genetics, and Professor Andrea Sella, who inspired the students with inorganic chemistry and the magic of water.

In between each speaker a chief examiner spoke to the

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students about top tips to pass their GCSEs. Charlie Arbon, one of the students, commented how inspiring the speakers were and added: “Maggie AderinPocock was my favourite and she spoke about space which I am interested in.”

Mrs Mayhead, who organised the trip, said: “The students that we took on the trip were exceptional. They were focussed on the speakers and engaged the whole way through, even being able to ask a question of Jim Al-Kahlili about time travel and black holes.

“They were so well behaved and a pleasure to be with. It was a fantastic day.”

multitude of different ways.

“One area in particular was the idea that it would be nice to do something that directly benefitted students and families within our local community and we felt that the purchasing of revision guides for families rather than by them could be one such gesture.

“It may be a small saving for each family but it is nice to see a supporting link between local businesses, schools and the surrounding community, especially within the backdrop of tough economic times for many.

“Of course, the second, and perhaps more important benefit, is that all students in Year 10 have a guaranteed revision resource.

“TTP’s donation now means that all students have another resource to support their educational journey and I hope that this is one that ends in success for as many of our students as possible.”

SCIENCE IN ACTION: Prof. Robert Winston (top left) and Prof Andrea Sella were among those who spoke to students at Science Live!

MELBOURN VILLAGE COLLEGE

A passion for perfection

ART ATTACK: Melbourn GCSE artists visited the Degas exhibition at the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge as part of the course.

Melbourn’s GCSE Year 10 art students visited the Degas: A Passion for Perfection exhibition at the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge.

They experienced some of the most iconic and influential Impressionist Art in the world today.

They started by viewing the work that influenced Frenchman Edgar Degas (18341917) and listening to a talk by the Education Officer about the life and work of the great Impressionist artist.

They were then shown how to really look at how art is made, consider composition, tone, scale and the range of ideas that Degas developed. A large selection of Degas’ work on display was from private collectors and has not been on show to the public before.

Students then went on to view and research Degas’ actual work, discussing individual artworks with the education officer and spending time drawing details from the work of this amazing artist.

They will be using their research to enrich their GCSE sketchbook. Students commented that the work was ‘like capturing a moment in time’ and that ‘he

draws as if they are unaware of his presence, as if he is spying on a private moment’.

The Education Officer really enlightened students about the role of women and the social restraint that was often forced upon them and how Degas captured them in a remarkable, modern way. He ‘makes you think’. ‘His women are real, they are engaged with life, gossip, dance; not just staged puppets.’

The students gained an insight into how art can effectively comment on society by depicting people, mainly women, outside a staged setting; showing them talking, dancing — spontaneous and alive. They also saw how art techniques can be used in very creative and spontaneous ways to add energy to their work.

The Education Officer at the Fitzwilliam commented on how focused and talented the Melbourn students were.

Head of Art Sarah Heeks added: “They produced sketches of Degas’ art work, showing skills and flair, in a very, very busy exhibition space, with confidence and a maturity that was inspiring.”

New experience for primary youngsters

HELPING HANDS: Year 7 students assisted with the Year 4 Mandarin lesson, while (right) Laura Mullaly led the music sessions.

Melbourn welcomed 120 primary school pupils for a fun day of activities and learning earlier this term.

The Year 4 eight and nine-year-olds from six of Melbourn’s partner primary schools — Melbourn, Meldreth, Fowlmere, Foxton, Harston & Newton and Hauxton — experienced a range of different subjects.

They had a taste of Mandarin at the first school in Cambridgeshire to offer the subject as part of

the curriculum — and it was a popular experience with students reporting they really enjoyed the lessons with teacher Frank Fan and his now-famous inflatable microphone.

He was helped by Melbourn Year 7 students who only started studying the language in September.

The other sessions were PE, where the pupils participated in problem-solving, dodgeball and badminton, music, where drumming was the order of the day, and English.

Primary liaison and PE teacher Kelly Coghlan said: “It was great to see so many Year 4 pupils enjoying themselves at the college. They produced some excellent work throughout the four sessions and were a credit to their primary schools.

“Staff said they had a great day and it was lovely to see the pupils working with children from other schools and doing new subjects.”

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Students are United in a new challenge MELBOURN VILLAGE COLLEGE

This February saw the launch of an exciting new, Cam Academy Trust-wide, business and enterprise challenge which involves a dynamic team of Year 8 Melbourn students.

The purpose of the competition is to raise as much money as possible for the Cambridge Utd Community Trust, which helps people across Cambridgeshire, from youngsters in primary schools, to senior citizens in lunch clubs, from Cerebral Palsy Football to Walking Football.

The students have been given the challenge to work as a team to market and promote discounted match day tickets for a number of selected Cambridge Utd home games, with the help and support of business mentors from Grant Thornton, one of the world’s

INDUCTION EVENT: At Cambridge United.

largest accountancy and consulting firms.

The team will be competing against Year 8 teams from Comberton Village College and St Peter’s School, Huntingdon — and comprises Martha Taylor, Erin Pevley, Kayla Dudley, Millie Coventon, Rosie Butcher, Maisie O’Flanagan, Daniel Webb and Brennan Scholes.

Last month, the team attended an induction event at the Abbey Stadium, where they were introduced to the competition and given a history of the football club. This was followed by a brief tour of the stadium (the pitch was under cover because of the cold weather) and a question and answer session with the interim Assistant Head Coach, Mark Bonner.

The students then worked together to establish team

Dancer takes centre stage

Ella Carolan has just performed in front of her biggest audience yet after landing a place on the main stage at ‘Move It’ at the Excel in London.

‘Move It’ is the UK’s biggest dance and performing arts event and took place earlier this month.

Ella, from Year 9, was selected to dance on the main stage on the opening day of the three-day spectacular after successfully auditioning for a place in Ryan Jenkins ID Company, which involves travelling to Covent Garden on a weekly basis.

The ‘Move It’ appearance was the latest — and greatest — achievement so far for Ella, who since joining the Ryan Jenkins group, has also taken part in workshop classes he teaches in Denmark.

Last autumn she and two friends from her other dance school — Stage Right in Royston — also auditioned for Britain’s Got Talent. They were thrilled to get through two rounds with a specially choreographed dance designed to raise awareness of young people’s mental health and have been told to audition again for the next series.

Ella, who started dancing aged six and now trains five times a week in a range of dance styles, has also twice qualified for the All England National Dance Finals in London.

roles, an initial communication plan and a pricing strategy. As the competition progresses, the students will need to think creatively and commercially by developing their marketing strategies and financial skills, in response to customer demand and external influences.

The group then worked towards their first match day campaign, which was against Swindon Town on Saturday March 17th. Keep an eye out for future marketing campaigns — the students are anticipating tickets to sell out quickly!

More information can be found about the Cambridge Utd Community Trust can be found at www.cuctrust.co.uk

STAGE PRESENCE: Made up and good to go at the ‘Move It’ show.

Countdown to ‘secret’

CRAFTED WITH CARE: Pottery by Young Carers.

Young Carers group continues to thrive and lots of fun is always had at meetings on the second Monday of each month.

In January we had a games session where two teams pitched against each other and so much fun and laughter was had that it drew Mr Holmes into the room wanting to join in!

The prize was won by team A, who generously shared with the other team.

In February we had no group due to half term, but March’s meeting saw students unleash their creative skills on Easter egg domes and decorations and the students were very excited about our “Slime-making” session — something they have requested to do for some time. The students plan the activities, which are always fun and filled creative ideas.

A trip has been promised for the summer term — but the destination is currently a secret!

ADULT EDUCATION DAY SCHOOLS - MELBOURN VILLAGE COLLEGE SATURDAY 9th JUNE 2018 Beaded Jewellery, 10am-2pm £23 Life Drawing ʹ mixed ability, 10am-3.30pm £33 Clay Sculpture, 10am-4pm £35 Stained Glass, 10am-4pm £35 DIY Bricklaying, 10amʹ4pm £35 Website Design in a Day, 10am-4pm £30 Indian Street Food, 10am-4pm £30 Wired Sugar Flowers, Exotic Orchids, 10am-4pm £35 Ring the Adult Education office to enrol on 01223 264721 or email commed@combertonvc.org Further info: www.combertonadulted.org 8

Snow, glorious snow!

MELBOURN VILLAGE COLLEGE

Over February half-term 42 students and five staff set off for a snowbound adventure to the picturesque town of Flattach in the south west of Austria.

This tiny town, home to just over a thousand people, regularly welcomes tens of thousands of winter sports enthusiasts every year, filling the great white mountains with skiers, snowboarders and excitement.

Students enjoyed six days of professional instruction on the slopes and whatever

their ability students were able to hone their skills and grow in confidence over the week.

Remy Harrow, in Year 8 said: “I was a bit nervous at first but soon I was doing really well.”

Each day invovled at least five hours of skiing, a hot meal at the hotel followed by some excellent evening activities. Students were able to access starter slopes, blue and red runs, according to their ability levels, with seasoned staff like ours tackling black runs. We were fortunate to have Mrs Humphrey join us from Thomas Alleyne School in Stevenage as she is not only an excellent PE teacher and good friend of the College, but also represents Great Britain in the American Football league.

The environment was certainly challenging at times, our second day saw a white-out, skiing in the very snowy conditions and reduced visibility was both exhilarating and hard work but under the watchful eye of their instructors everyone had a safe and enjoyable time.

Most days saw clear skies and good conditions, although temperatures remained around -10 to 15 degress Celsius and the windchill was up to 27 on one ride up the mountain on the chair lift.

The evening activities included traditional Austrian bowing, which is best experienced rather than described, our popular quiz night, sledging, curling, ice skating and a disco, then it was off to bed for a decent night’s sleep to be fresh on the slopes the next morning.

Our final day saw a timed race — all groups took part — we saw some amazing progress among our students with several older ones having their runs filmed as part of their GCSE PE course.

Cameron King, in Year 10, said: “It was hard work, but very exciting, I’d like to thank all the staff for their support over the trip.”

Notable mentions go to Olly Jones as fastest skier, Elliot Montgomery for the fastest progress, Libby Mott as best snowboarder, Dr Wilson, the fastest teacher, Will Jones as second fastest skier and Ellie Osbourne as most fearless tobogganer. Well done MVC students and thank you MVC staff. n If you would be interested in attending our next Winter Sports Adventure we will be looking for a keen group of students for February halfterm of 2020, beginners to advanced welcome.

Letters will go out at the start of the next academic year.

THE FULL EXPERIENCE: Students spent at least five hours a day on the slopes as well Cat Nicholls, Winter Sports Leader as enjoying a full programme of après ski, which included curling.

Plans to offer more!

After another successful term of enrichment we are looking at ways to expand the Enrichment opportunities we offer. All enrichment activities are currently accessible to all students at the end of the school day.

We are now going to identify areas that we have not yet developed e.g. accessing a wider range of external providers so students are able to participate in activities that we as teachers are not able to provide. To make this successful we have asked students what they would like and have asked them to identify target enrichment areas to incorporate/expand the programme that is currently in place.

Now that our enrichment programme is fully up and running we are now going to look at our core academic goals, student needs, and improvement priorities based on individual curriculum areas and the school as a whole.

Some of this already takes place in subject areas, however we would like to offer additional opportunities for all students and create partnerships with local businesses, universities and venue operators.

One popular enrichment area is art where Year 9 students have been learning advanced brush work and texture techniques in preparation for GCSE Fine Arts next year. Year 7 enrichment has seen students making Valentine trinket boxes, while there is also a pottery option available to all

POTTERS AT WORK: Year 7 enrichment.

students.

Our enrichment activities for activities week have been finalised and will allow students to take part in various school trips and challenge themselves in team-building activities. Watch out for more details.

John Barnes

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Regional date for team Round-up of the latest news from the South Cambs SSP

Meldreth Primary School will be flying the flag for Cambridgeshire after winning the ESFA Small Schools County finals.

The small schools final was held at Impington Village College, and had seven teams taking part in the round-robin competition, for which teams had qualified from their district events.

Harston & Newton and Meldreth represented South Cambs School Sports Partnership, flying the flag for Cambridge were St Alban’s and William Westley, Upwood and Great Paxton were from the Huntingdon region and Little Thetford carried the Fenland colours.

Meldreth won five of their six games, drawing against St Alban’s, and that was enough to give them the

crown ahead of Harston & Newton, who lost to

Meldreth and drew with Great Paxton but won their

GOING THROUGH:

The Meldreth team.

other matches.

Meldreth went forward to represent Cambridgeshire in the small schools regional finals in March.

“They played some really good football,” said Claire McDonnell, the South Cambs SSP manager. “They only conceded one goal in six matches and scored eight; Meldreth also had a girl in their team, which was great to see.

“There were some really competitive matches but played in really good spirit.

“Cambridge United scholars from Cambridge Regional College refereed all the matches for us so they were really good and looked the part, which helped them establish their authority.”

She added: “It was a good standard of competition played in a really good spirit and we will see how Meldreth get on at the regional finals.”

Youngsters showcase best moves

Teams of Year 3 and 4 gymnasts from 12 South Cambs primary schools took part in the annual School Games Gymnastics Competition at Comberton Village College.

The gymnasium was silent and the atmosphere concentrated while the children demonstrated their skills on the vault and floor in front of the judges and spectators.

At stake was the chance to represent South Cambs SSP at the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough School Games Spring Festival, with the top two schools qualifying to take on the best from across the county.

After a welcome and warm-up led by the partnerships sports leaders the competition started. The mixed teams of six children from Great Abington, Castle Camps, Thriplow, Cottenham, Coton, Linton Heights, Harston & Newton, Haslingfield, Meridian and Barnabas Oley schools all had to perform a vault and then either a floor or body management routine with each performance judged and given a score out of 10. Each child’s individual scores were then combined to give an overall team score.

The competition was fierce and fewer than two points separated the top 4 teams! Previous winners Linton Heights Junior School claimed the title, with defending champions Castle Camps close behind. Both teams went forward to Spring Festival finals at Huntingdon Gymnastics Club.

Qualified young judges from Comberton, Cambourne and Linton Village Colleges did an excellent job in scoring the performances, keeping the competition running smoothly and encouraging and supporting the young gymnasts.

The ‘Spirit of the Games’ award, which recognises the team that has best demonstrated the sporting values of respect, determination, teamwork,

honesty, passion and self-belief, was awarded to Coton Primary School, who showed great selfbelief and passion throughout the afternoon. Individual Spirit of the Games awards were also presented to Maisy and Bryony, from Haslingfield Primary, for showing great determination in their performances and displaying positive attitudes while competing with big smiles on their faces.

SCENE IS SET: Judges and Claire McDonnell, South Cambs School Games Organiser, said: “It competitors at the gymnastics. was another great competition. It’s nice to offer children the opportunity to represent their school and compete in a more artistic type of event such as gymnastics. It always amazes me how well the children perform under quite intense pressure, it is so quiet in the gym and there are lots of other children, staff and parents watching on. All of the children did exceptionally well and should be proud of themselves.

“The young judges also did an exceptional job, we couldn’t have run the competition without them; they were focused and efficient throughout.”

The South Cambs School Sports Partnership recently hosted its first ever New Age Kurling competition and the event was a great success.

Teams of children from eight schools took part in the event at Bassingbourn Village College and organised on the day by an excellent group of sports leaders from the college.

New Age Kurling is an exciting target game with teams playing a tactical game of position with the stones.

Adapted from the original curling game played on ice, the sport is play indoors on a smooth flat surface, such as a sports hall, making it perfect for able-bodied and disabled people of all ages.

School Games Organiser, Claire McDonnell, said: “We decided to offer this competition for 2017-18 with the aim of introducing a new fully inclusive sport which would be suitable for children with SEND or additional needs, but also, hopefully, appeal to a group of young people who might not like your more traditional sports and therefore perhaps don’t get an opportunity to represent their school in sporting competition.”

Teams of 2 players from Bassingbourn, Histon & Impington Juniors, Fen Drayton, Waterbeach, Bar Hill, Caldecote, Petersfield (Orwell) and Swavesey Primary School took part in the event which was played over eight courts.

Teams played in a round robin format and took on the other schools in their group. Players took it in turns to push their stones along the ground towards the target with the idea being to get as many stones closer to the centre of the target than their opponents.

Winners on the day were presented with medals and included teams from Fen Drayton, Swavesey, Caldecote, Bar Hill and Bassingbourn.

‘Spirit of the Games’ awards were also given out, with one of the recipients being Alex from Fen Drayton who was nominated for ‘showing respect towards his opponents, giving his teammate helpful advice and encouragement and trying his very best throughout the competition.

Final results: 1 Linton Heights, 2 Castle Camps, 3 Gt Abington, 4 Harston & Newton A, 5 Coton, 6 Harston & Newton B, 7 Meridian, 8 Cottenham, 9 Barnabas Oley, 10 Haslingfield A, 11 Thriplow, 12, Haslingfield B.

And now for something completely different . . .

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FIRST EVENT: Students compete at New Age Kurling.

Quick march to finals!

Round-up of the latest news from the South Cambs SSP

It was an action-packed day of hockey as the South Cambs School Sports Partnership welcomed a record 45 teams to their annual Year 5/6 Quicksticks Hockey competition.

To accommodate all the entries, the competition, which took place at Comberton Village College, was split into a morning and afternoon event.

Teams from the 27 schools taking part were organised with their A teams playing in a Cup competition and schools B, C and D teams playing in a Plate competition. Teams then played in a round robin format, playing all the other schools in their pool in quick seven-minute matches.

The event was part of the county-wide School Games programme with the top four schools qualifying to represent South Cambs SSP at the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough School Games Spring where they took on the winning schools from Cambridge, East Cambs & Fenland, Huntingdonshire and Peterborough.

There were plenty of competitive matches and close-scoring games across the six pitches and at the end it was Swavesey, Harston & Newton, Elsworth and

STICKING AT IT: Meldreth players tackle the targetshooting challenge.

Meldreth who booked their county final places.

In the plate competitions it was the B teams from Linton Heights, Harston & Newton and Steeple Morden that came out on top and were delighted to receive their winners’ medals.

Claire McDonnell, South Cambs SSP Partnership Development Manager said: “It was great to see so many children playing and enjoying the game of hockey and it was nice to see a number of new schools taking part for the first time.

“Quicksticks is a great introductory version of the sport with children playing in foura-side mixed teams. There are no goalkeepers and the game uses a slightly bigger and lighter ball, all of which makes the game more accessible to primary schools and much more fun and enjoyable for the children with lots of end to end action and generally plenty of goals.”

The ‘Spirit of the Games’ award that recognises the team that has shown good sportsmanship and best demonstrated one or more of the sporting values of respect, determination, teamwork, honesty, passion and self-belief was awarded to the teams from Bar Hill, Coton, Fen Drayton and Steeple Morden.

GOING PLATINUM: Recognition for Harston & Newton Primary School’s commitment to sport.

Students take on new challenges

The annual Adapted Multi Sport Competition for secondary school pupils took place on at Impington Village College with pupils from across the Cambridge & South Cambs School Sports Partnerships taking part.

More than 60 youngsters with additional needs, which could be physical, learning, sensory, or a combination of these took part in the event and included youngsters from the Trust schools of Cambourne, Melbourn and Comberton Village Colleges.

The morning was full of energy and activity as pupils competed in pairs in four different sports: Polybat, Boccia, Table Cricket and New Age Kurling. In each sport youngsters competed in matches against pairs

from other schools with their scores from each event added together to give each pair an overall total score.

Although Melbourn’s competitors, Ewan Walpole, John O’Sullivan, Keeley Thomas and Tom Fenhiggins were not among the winners, a great day was had by all.

Partnership Manager, Claire McDonnell said, “It was great to see so many youngsters taking part in this event, we had a record number of entries this year and it was nice to see some schools taking part for the first time. It’s important we provide opportunities for all young people to take part in physical activity and sport so that they can experience the enjoyment and benefits it can bring and this event certainly helped to do that.”

BOCCIA ACTION: At the multi-sport event.

BEST BAT FORWARD: The polybat event

Sporting accolade

Harston & Newton Primary School are celebrating after being one of only 104 schools nationally to receive a School Games Mark Platinum Award.

The School Games Mark is a government led awards scheme launched in 2012, facilitated by the Youth Sport Trust, to reward schools for their commitment to the development of Physical Education and sport across their school and into the community.

There are three levels of award bronze, silver and gold and Harston & Newton had achieved five successive gold awards up until this year when the Platinum Award was launched.

The Platinum Award rewards schools who have maintained consistently high standards with their school sport provision. To achieve the award a school must meet certain criteria, which includes engaging a high percentage of young people in both curricular and extra-curricular activities, participating in a minimum number of competitions across different sports, reaching out to target groups including young leaders, volunteers, and those previously identified as the school’s least-active pupils as well as forming strong partnerships with community groups.

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MELBOURN VILLAGE COLLEGE

MELBOURN

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A state of the art fitness suite offering a variety of membership schemes A 20 metre swimming pool (kept ever so slightly warmer than most!)

A comprehensive swimming lesson programme, catering for all ages and abilities Upgraded multisports courts for hire including tennis, football and squash courts Water sports courses and activities Traditional and modern exercise classes Access to Melbourn Village College sports hall and gymnasium for activities such as trampolining, badminton and basketball Supervised sports and pool parties

CENTRE NEWS

,WÂśV EHHQ D EXV\ FRXSOH RI \HDUV IRU 0HOERXUQ 6SRUWV &HQWUH 7KH SRRO FHOHEUDWHG its 25-year anniversary in 2016 and thanks to the efforts of local fundraising events plus the generous support of local companies including TTP 7HVFRÂśV +RWHO &KRFRODW +LOO View Farm, Cam Valley Orchards and Fieldgate Nurseries, we were able to perform some vital upgrades to the facility.

The fundraising events included a Marathon Swimming Challenge, an Aqua Fit Marathon and Ironman Challenges as well as Christmas and Easter raffles. They were not only lots of fun, but were well attended and supported by the local community, both young and old, helping us to keep our centre functioning properly for current and future generations to enjoy, keep fit, play sport and to learn to swim in.

7KLV \HDU ZHÂśYH JRW SOHQW\ RI DFWLYLWLHV SODQQHG IRU VSULQJ DQG VXPPHU 7KH QDWLRQDO FKDULW\ HYHQW WKH DQQXDO 6ZLPDWKRQ Zill be taking place at the pool in April. We are also continuing to work closely with South Cambridgeshire District Council and local GPÂśV in providing the Active and Healthy 4 Life SFKHPH :HÂśOO DOVR EH ZHOFRPLQJ EDFN ORFDO SULPDU\ VFKRROV DQG WKH 6FKRRO 6SRUWV Partnership for top-up swimming and of course, the outdoor courts become more popular thanks to lighter nights and (hopefully) warmer days!

We have our popular PlaySchemes and sports camps/pentathlon courses throughout the spring and summer holidays, with plans IRU D UHWXUQ RI ODVW \HDUÂśV VXFFHVVIXO 6FRRWDWKORQ %LNHDWKORQ DQG 2SHQ 'D\ HYHQWV LQ HDUO\ DXWXPQ Holiday activities include trampoline tasters and snorkelling courses along with the more mainstream sports. These events are always well attended and enjoyed by participants and MSC personnel alike, so please be sure to book your place in time to be one of them this year.

OUR SWIMMING POOL

06&ÂśV -metre swimming pool is the perfect place to get fit for an affordable price! Swimming is one of the healthiest activities \RX FDQ HQJDJH LQ KDYLQJ D SRVLWLYH HIIHFW RQ \RXU ILWQHVV DQG ILJXUH ZLWK OLWWOH LPSDFW WR \RXU MRLQWV DQG ERQHV 7KHUHÂśV also swimming fitness classes to enjoy, too, such as Aqua Fit. Not too confident in the water? No problem. We have a comprehensive programme of swimming sessions and lessons that cater for all ages and abilities.

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As well as our indoor facilities like the swimming pool, squash courts and sports hall, we have loads of classes to keep you fit and healthy, including Swim Clinic, Boot Camp, Aqua Fit, Pilates and Body Workout. We also offer table tennis alongside our other racket sports of tennis, Badminton and Squash.

Or why not take advantage of one of our great membership schemes to our fitness suite, which houses the latest in gymnasium equipment, including C.V machines fitted with audio visual technology, an ideal location in keeping fit and healthy!

PARTY TIME

$UH \RX ORRNLQJ IRU WKH SHUIHFW YHQXH WR KROG \RXU FKLOGUHQÂśV ELUWKGD\ SDUW\ WKLV \HDU? Then your search is over! At MSC, we have all the facilities for a fun-packed event with a variety of activities for your guests to enjoy, including trampolining, football and traditional pool parties.

For further details on these or any other activities, please drop in, call 01763 263313 or go online at www.mc-sport.co.uk. We look forward to seeing you this season! ƒ

Graham Johnson-Mack / Melbourn Sports Centre Manager

Melbourn Sports Centre, The Village College, The Moor, Melbourn, Royston, Hertfordshire, SG8 6EF 01763 263313 / www.mc-sport.co.uk / info@mc-sport.co.uk

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