News@com spring 11

Ne ws@Com The News Magazine of Comberton Village College

ISSUE 26, SPRING 2011

TRAILBLAZERS! YEAR 11 pupils from Comberton and beyond are flocking to be part of the first intake to the college's new Sixth Form.

All first round interviews have now taken place and Comberton's Head of Sixth Form, Phil Evans, is confident that they will easily reach their target of 185 pupils to join the lower sixth in September.

More than 170 pupils from more than 20 different secondary schools made Comberton their first choice and more applications are still arriving, keeping Mr Evans and his deputies, Lorna Conroy and Hannah Powell, very busy.

Around 100 pupils from Comberton are expected to stay on.

While the Sixth Form Leadership Team are focusing on the students and their programmes of study, work on the actual structure is also forging ahead.

Better weather since Christmas has seen accelerated progress and the removal of the scaffolding allows a fuller appreciation of the scale and design of the new accommodation — most admiring glances are being directed at the cedar-clad, domed, lecture theatre which will have multipurpose roles as a teaching space, lecture auditorium, assembly venue and cinema. With finishing tradesmen now hard at work, the inside spaces are becoming more apparent and both students and staff are eagerly awaiting the chance to go on a guided tour after the Easter holidays.

The completion date is set for June 12, with the opening ceremony taking place on June 14.

Lord Hill of Oareford CBE, the Parliamentary UnderSecretary of State for Schools, accompanied by David Bell, Permanent Secretary at the Department for Education, will perform the official opening in the morning. The first formal use of the building will take place in the afternoon with a regional conference for leaders in education.

Meanwhile, the first of the new buildings, the new gym, is due to be finished during the Easter break and should be available for use next term.

MAKING PROGRESS: The new gym (left) is almost finished, while (below) the main entrance and reception take shape.

CVC moving forward in partnership — Pages 8 and 9

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Olympic fever ON Tuesday 15 March, the 500-day countdown to the start of the Olympic Games began.

After six years of build up from Singapore 2005 things are really starting to ‘kick off’ with ticket scheduling and applications in the ‘wings’ and the aspiration to take all pupils from CVC to the Paralympics centre stage.

Initial assemblies have taken place; the countdown clock is now on the plasma screens and the Olympic and Paralympic Logo can now be seen on our website.

The Logo, worth millions to multi-national corporations, was free to Comberton.

That is because CVC applied to be part of the Olympic

Get Set Network 18 months ago, based on the work that had taken place and for our vision of where we wanted to go.

We were successful and joined fewer than 300 schools given the right to the logo, free tickets and potentially the opportunity to carry the Olympic torch, for one relay leg, on its journey to the Olympic Stadium.

With the Comberton eXtra rewards system based on the Olympic and Paralympic Values now up and running and an Olympic Development Plan written and agreed by staff, the next 15 months promise huge opportunities for PRIVILEGED FEW: Comberton is one of all pupils to maximise the ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ experience fewer than 300 schools allowed to use the Nigel Carrick, Director of Sport Olympic logos. of London 2012.

Lottery winners!

COMBERTON has just been awarded a generous Lottery grant.

The five-figure Heritage Lottery grant (Young Roots) will enable a group of Comberton students to learn about our natural heritage, especially local natural habitats.

Comberton’s partner will be Cambridge Wildlife Trust, who will deliver a 14-week programme after school next term, culminating in the renovation of an overgrown wildlife area in the college grounds in Activities Week and the production of an interpretation board.

This is great news and students will get a chance to develop a range of conservation skills, including making bird boxes and mini beast hotels, conducting bat and newt surveys and taking part in woodland conservation work.

The programme is open to Year 9 and 10 students and anyone interested should urgently see Ms Cook.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE The Magic of Copa — Page 3 Saving Best until Last — Page 4 Tough Act to Follow — Page 4 Improving Teaching and

Green Light for Energy — Page 11 Brave Teachers get a Real Soaking — Page 11

Learning — Page 4

Skiing — Page 12

Antarctica Insight — Page 5 Science Round-up — Page 5

Charity Marathon — Page 13

Film Star Drops In — Page 6 Amazing Evening — Page 6 Horror Event wows Pupils— Page 7

Quick with Sticks — Page 13

Festival Update — Page 13 CVC Out-bounce Rivals — Page 14

Tips on Writing — Page 7 CVC Moving Forward Through

Girls Clinch Title — Page 14

Partnership — Pages 8 & 9

Rowing — Page 14

Win-Win Situation — Page 9

Netball — Page 14

Gold Stars — Page 10 Disaster Relief — Page 10

Applied Learning Update — Pages 15 & 16

Pupils get Cooking — Page 10

Boys Edged Out — Page 14

Designed and edited by Judy Czylok.

Contact: publicity@comberton.cambs.sch.uk

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WORK TO BE DONE: Diana Cook and two pupils who will work on the Conservation project in Activities Week survey the remains of the pond that will be renovated.

Teachers are hard at work outside classrooms YOU may or may not know this but there a number of CVC teachers who are actively carrying out research in order to find evidence to better improve teaching and learning.

Here is a small sample of some things that are going on at the moment. As part of their Masters’ degrees Miss Jones is looking at how personally relevant and useful pupils find Geography, Mr Willder is researching aspects of STEM Nrich and cross-curricular links and work between Maths and Science and Miss Halter is investigating what strategies students use to help them develop their speaking skills and confidence in Spanish.

Mr Dawes and Miss Slusar are both examining the effectiveness of the Maths Intervention Network, Mr

Southcoat is working with the University of Cambridge to see how the reading habits of groups of students differ and, finally, Mr Bigg is investigating the impact of emerging technology on extending learning outside the classroom. As part of this he has created a blog which follows his teaching topics in RPE. Go to: http://mdbigg.me.uk/cvc/ to look for yourself.

We would also like to congratulate Mr Dawes who has had an article published and several more due to be published in Maths journals related to his work on practitioner-led CPD. Mr Freeman is working with Mr Dawes towards establishing the GeoGebra Institute of Cambridge Rebecca Gale here at CVC.

3

The magic of Copa AFTER months of rehearsals and much work behind the scenes, this year’s school production, Barry Manilow’s musical Copacabana, came to fruition on 16-19 March with a series of explosive, energetic performances.

Playing to packed audiences and featuring swinging music and powerful acting with some comic moments, Copacabana tells the story of Stephen, a songwriter who is trying to compose a musical based around the Copacabana nightclub in New York.

Stephen dreams up an array of colourful characters including his alter-ego Tony Forte (played by David Snelling and Joe Dickens), would-be showgirl Lola La Mar (Kirsty Rider and Alice Thomson), Copacabana owner Sam Silver (Nick Lee) and his wife Gladys Murphy (Abbi Chiswell-White and Catherine Spencer).

In the first act Tony and Lola fall in love, and their romance develops until Italian gangster and rival nightclub owner Rico Costelli (Peter Sayer and Phil Chapman) kidnaps Lola and takes her to Havana.

Desperate to rescue Lola, Tony and Sam travel to Cuba and are helped by Conchita Alvarez (Victoria Aujla and Annie Heslop), Rico’s long-suffering girlfriend and an ageing star at his nightclub, the Tropicana.

In a dramatic climax Conchita shoots Rico just as he is about to kill Tony, and Tony and Lola return happily together to New York.

The show featured a cast of around 50 students drawn from all five school years, with a backstage crew and technical team comprised mostly of students and a live nightclub band including Mr Page, Mr Parker and several other members of staff and students. Behind the scenes the cast and crew became great friends, and it was no surprise that, come the final night, all those involved were sorry that the

show had to come to a close.

Romances bloomed both on-stage and off, and despite the stresses of rehearsals, everyone was thoroughly pleased that they had taken part in the show.

The Friday night performance was, according to Mr Page, the first complete sell-out show at CVC in his memory. There was a considerably shorter wait for the second sell-out, however, which followed immediately on the Saturday!

For Year 11 cast members it was the perfect show to mark the end of their GCSE year (and provide a welcome antidote to mock exams), and for everyone involved it was an exciting, unforgettable experience that leaves them eager to participate in Joe Dickens more productions in the future.

AT THE COPA: Scenes from the shows, which included a cast of Pictures: Zac Des-Ruisseaux (7B) and Larry Churchman. pupils from all years.

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Saving best until last THIS year saw the passing through of another four Head Prefects, Head and Deputy Head Boy Peter Sayer and Danny McNamee, and Head and Deputy Head Girl Abigail White and Vicky Aujla.

OUT WITH THE OLD: The current prefect team are coming to the end of their term in office.

All four of them have had a year packed full of hard work, on top of coping with monumental amounts of homework, coursework, their mock exams and the start of their real exams.

However, despite this, Danny still claims that he would “definitely recommend the Head Prefect role to younger students because, although it certainly isn't all fun and games, the benefits are endless.”

They have sampled everything from speaking to guests to the college to giving presentations once a term in the assemblies of each year group.

“We’ve spent hours bouncing absurd and hilarious ideas off of each other,” said Danny, “and we hope that the energy we have when creating the assemblies has transferred as we present them.”

So far, these presentations have been on: the ‘Random Acts of Kindness’ campaign, National Baking Week and Valentine’s Day and they are still hoping that they have saved the best until last!

However, “We aren’t going to reveal any details of the final assembly that we have planned,” said Abigail. “Except,” Peter added, “that there may be a slight musical theme.” “I’m sorry”, said Vicky, “But you’ll just have to wait and see.”

Only one thing is for certain; you’d have to be mad to miss it!

Joe Dickens

New team have a tough act to follow THE imminent end of the term of office of the previous head prefects brings the coming of four more and this year will be the turn of Peter Atkin, Aneesh Sharma, Deanna Woosey and Laura Tregidgo.

This year the head prefect system has changed, and instead of a Head Boy and Girl, and a Deputy Head Boy and Girl, all four will have equal responsibilities as head prefects.

The role is one that Aneesh is “avidly waiting to accept,” and was described

by Peter as a “prestigious responsibility” that he was “grateful to hold.”

All four of them had to work extremely hard to get through the meticulous interview process and did extremely well to emerge with their roles.

They have all displayed excellent skills, especially teamwork, something that will, of course, be essential for them throughout their year as head prefects.

Of course, the four know that taking on the role of head prefects is a responsibility more important than they have ever held before at CVC. Deanna admits that she is slightly “anxious about living up to the standards of the current head prefects.”

However, all of them insist that they are extremely excited about the possibilities of taking on the roles and IN WITH THE NEW: The next team of head prefects are ready to being able to help the school to run Joe Dickens take up their roles. effectively.

Next prefects are given top tips for handling the year ahead THE newly-chosen Year 10 prefects recently attended a training course at Anglia Ruskin University.

Laura, the event coordinator, had previously met us on a PD day and immediately took us to the university canteen for lunch.

Having eaten, the prefect team was split into three groups for a tour around the campus from our ‘student ambassadors’ — we were shown around a few of the university’s many departments, including Forensic Sciences, Art and Physical Education.

Additionally, we were shown the Anglia Ruskin Eye Clinic, one of a very few clinics based inside a university nationwide. Overall the tour was an eye opener to

the university way of life!

We reassembled in a classroom for a variety of activities, starting with opening up regarding our thoughts and potential worries about becoming a prefect and then analysing a rather exaggerated situation acted out by Laura and the student ambassadors.

In our various teams we then created and acted out some group scenarios that were both self and peer assessed. There were some very amusing role plays, the prominent examples coming from the Parents’ Evening team, the Year 8 team and the Senior (plus the Publicity and People) Prefects.

Asking Laura and her team of Student Ambassadors

what they thought of the CVC prefects, their thoughts were extremely positive.

“A really engaged prefect team with some brilliant acting skills — whilst you had fun you still took it seriously” — Laura. “A generally really enthusiastic group! “ — Student Ambassador.

We had a brilliant time at the university and the course was thoroughly informative and all those who attended agreed it was very useful in reassuring them about prefect responsibilities as well as making sure we’re able to handle ourselves in situations we might find ourselves in — a great day’s training for the year ahead!

Matt Clark (10R)

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Insider’s guide . . .

EVERY Wednesday lunchtime since October a group of Year 7s from the forms L and E have been getting together as the Antarctica Group.

We have been tracking the journey of Derren Fox, a scientist from the British Antarctic Survey, as he journeys to the Antarctic to carry out his research.

We have been emailing Derren and learning about the journey he has taken and what life is like at the research station in Antarctica.

He has answered all the questions we have asked him which has helped us complete our Antarctica project in Geography and find out so much about this amazing place.

We have loved this because we have come to learn

END OF THE EARTH: Antarctica

what it is really like in Antarctica and how difficult it is to get to from someone who is actually there. It has also been exciting receiving photos and emails and trying to imagine what it is like on the ship or research station they are being sent from.

Becky Lillicrap and Rachael Mellor (7L)

Pupils have fun with science

OOH: Pupils create sparklers in science week.

COMBERTON Village College held its annual science week from March 21-25.

It was a week of exciting experiments held at lunchtimes. They involved making sparklers, coffee cooling with cream (right), fire writing, and tallest tower and taste tests.

So there were explosions, bright colours and funny smells.

The week was successful with many people turning up each lunchtime to take part and was described as “awesome and cool” by those who attended.

University challenge

Talk is a help

FOUR lucky students from Years 7 and 8 — Melchior Chui , Rebecca Clarke, Ella Black and Roman Godfrey — were chosen to represent CVC in an amazing science challenge at the University of Cambridge, Chemistry Department.

They carried out two practicals in University of Chemistry labs and then watched a lecture by Peter Wothers. The lecture was called "Wothers’ guide to the Periodic Table — Group 1 The alkali metals".

It was an amazing experience and packed full of chemi- TAKING UP A CHALLENGE: Comberton pupils at the cal reactions and explosions.

Department of Chemistry.

DR Lata Sahonta from the Department of Materials at the University of Cambridge gave a lecture on “Humans and Future Technology”.

She talked about technological development in: scientific materials, medicines, energy and exploration.

She explained the history of how the periodic table came about. It was really helpful to have someone from outside school talk about research and the development of new technologies.

This increased our knowledge of the topic and improved our understanding of the new technologies so we can use it in our lessons.

Ninette Quinton (10V)

Appliance of science

INSIGHT: For pupils at the schools’ science day.

LAST month Year 10 pupils, who study triple Science, were lucky enough to be invited to attend the schools’ science day at the Babraham Institute.

There was also a talk by various scientists at Babraham about how they had ended up working there. This gave valuable insight into the various academic routes that are available to students who may want to seek a career in science. The activities ranged from dissecting mice to extracting DNA and the ethics of science.

All pupils enjoyed the day and got a lot out of it. If you get the opportunity to go next year it is definitely worth it.

Jacob Cook (10T)

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Amazing evening as Year 8 pull out all the stops SPARKLES, glitter, bow ties, neck ties — the Year 8 Ties and Tiaras Dinner was amazing!

Everyone turned up in all kinds of formal clothes, some more formal than others, but with everyone looking very smart.

As we entered the Performance Hall, tables and chairs were dotted around the room and each table was numbered — mine was number 6.

There was a choice of starters — garlic bread or tomato soup. For the main course we chose between Spaghetti Bolognese, Vegetable Stir Fry or Chicken Korma and for dessert there was strawberry cheesecake or chocolate fudge cake.

After we had all eaten, some of the tables were pushed back and the music began.

It took a good couple of minutes to get everybody on to the dance floor, but after a few minutes of persuasion, almost the entire year group was up and dancing!

We all enjoyed seeing Mr Southcoat in his tiara and thought he looked very ‘pretty’ in it!

A huge thank you to the Yr 11s who helped on the evening — it would not have been the same without them! Thanks also to the Year 8 tutor team for letting us ALL DRESSED UP: Year 8 pupils Cecily Hitchcock (8O) in ties and tiaras. have such a brilliant night.

Film star drops in DRAMA Studio 1 was transformed into a cinematic experience with the arrival of national organisation, FILMCLUB, complete with lights, cameras — and the star of ‘Africa United’.

Year 10 and Year 9 students were treated to a private viewing of this energetic and uplifting film, which was celebrating its DVD release and its links with Comic Relief. The charity receives donations from every copy sold.

The local press were in hot pursuit of the story and pictures soon appeared in The Cambridge News and Cambridge First, featuring CVC pupils with Norfolk-based star of the film, Roger Nsengiyumva.

After the screening, Roger, who was born in Rwanda but moved to England when still a baby, entertained the audience with anecdotes of life on a film set.

He was happy to answer questions on a wide range of topics, from the problems of keeping in character with an African accent to how to handle Paparazzi pressures!

Afterwards, pupils were unanimous in their positive responses to him, which are perhaps summed up by Toby Hart’s comment, “He was a good bloke, really down to earth.”

Responses to the film were slightly more mixed, with some pupils feeling its plot was slightly predictable, while most found it thought-provoking because it dealt with some of Africa’s serious issues (such as AIDS) as well as offering a lively portrayal of the teenagers’ adventures on their 3,000 mile journey to be part of South Africa’s World Cup event.

All agreed though, that it was well worth watching.

MEET THE STAR: Comberton pupils with the star of Members of CVC’s Senior Film Club have posted their reviews online on the FILMCLUB website Picture: Cambridge First Africa United, Roger Nsengiyumva. (www.filmclub.org) where the Q&A session with Roger is Years 10 and 11, in DR1. New members are always welcome. also available.

Further details are available from Mrs Blackford in the English Senior Film Club runs every Thursday at CVC, from 3–5pm for department.

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Leading the way THE dramatic year for us began very productively with regular team meetings with the Head of Drama, Mr Sharpe.

We discussed future plans for drama activities and trips for Year 11 GCSE drama students, as well as younger year groups.

We also successfully planned a Year 7 and 8 drama club that took place every Monday after school.

This was extremely popular, especially with the girls but we were very glad to see at least a few males turn up!

As leaders we took each session and began work on 'The Thwarting of Baron Bolligrew' — a riveting tale full of comedy, swordfighting and dragons!

Under the supervision of Mr Sharpe, we held some exciting auditions for principal roles.

It was a fantastic experience for everyone and they all learnt a lot about audition techniques and gained confidence quickly.

As drama leaders, we also feel we benefited, learning how to deal with a class and we obtained some very valuable skills.

Philip Chapman, Yr 11 Drama Leader

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Horror event wows pupils PUPILS were kept on the edge of their seats as they were treated to tales of historical horrors, when ‘the new master of dark fiction’, William Hussey visited.

That’s not all they got either! Year 7 pupil, Megan Caw, won a rare proof copy for getting her order for one of his books in early.

Later, Year 8s Aiden Townsend and Adam Granczakowski each won copies of Mr Hussey’s latest novel in the Witchfinder series, for coming up with the best questions in the Q&A sessions — for which there was strong competition.

And, as the accounts of the day offered by Adam and by Sam Hall suggest, they weren’t the only winners that day!

RARE PROOF COPY: Author William Hussey donated a unique prize when he visited Comberton earlier this term.

Bringing a witch hunt to life!

AUTOGRAPH: William Hussey signs a copy of his latest Witchfinder book.

DOUBLE English for Year 8 was coming up, but rather then the usual written work and long periods of silent reading, something unusual to look forward to was about to occur.

A recently released book in the series Witchfinder (a horror series based upon the ideas of witches in the seventeenth century) had come out, and the author himself, William Hussey, had come to Comberton to answer our questions about the newest instalment to the series. After being shepherded to the Performance Hall, it all started.

We were read an extract from the first Witchfinder book, during which Mr Hussey probably gave several people heart attacks after deciding to scream in the middle of the text!

Much fun was had; several people were called up to take part in a regreeted by a sea of hands as we all wanted enactment of what a witch hunt would have been like in the seventeenth century, the time the second Witchfinder book took place, and many to participate. laughs were had at the expense of the “witch”.

Consequently, when I was awarded a Mr. Hussey’s talk concluded with a question and answer section and signed copy of the second instalment of his trilogy for my question, I was absolute- many people found out what they wanted, about the book itself, the author or the time period the book was set in. With some clever words and ly thrilled.

Mr Hussey’s visit was a memorable experi- thought, some even won a free copy of the new book! ence and gave us an insight into the prodi- It’s almost certain that many in Year 8 are now hoping to purchase or read a copy of the new Witchfinder book and the previous one in the series, gious world of an author.

Adam Ganczakowski (8C) thanks to interest sparked by Mr Hussey’s visit.

Sam Hall (8C)

Thrilled to ask a winning question . . .

WILLIAM Hussey visited Comberton earlier this term and talked to us about his ominous trilogy. He described his love of horror, explaining that inspiration for his spine-chilling novels came from horror annuals, given to him as a child.

After a quick role-play on a historically accurate trial held in the 1600s, Mr Hussey gave our year a challenge — to word a question which would ‘wow’ him. He was

Tips on writing IN our English lesson on World Book Day, a writer called Glenn Dakin came to talk to us about his new book, Candleman.

He told us about the plot, and the mystery wound up in the book. His inspiration ranged from Sherlock Holmes to a simple walk in the graveyard next to his house.

We heard a snippet of the first chapter, and when he finished reading, we were all wondering what happens next.

Glenn taught us lots of the “tricks of the trade” such as taking ideas and twisting them until they didn’t resemble what they had originally been. He used this trick to create his monsters: Smogladites.

We also learned how much effect the cover has on the reader.

This was demonstrated by the American version of the book with the boy’s eyes staring out at you.

Glenn Dakin definitely inspired us to write more for fun. After the talk we were all really eager to read the book.

Mary White (7E) PERSONALISED FOR PUPILS: Glenn Dakin signs copies of his Candleman novel.

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CVC moving forward AS the educational world changes and moves on, so does Comberton Village College.

Our most immediate and exciting challenge is reported on the front page: to open our new Sixth Form in September 2011.

As reported, we are delighted both with the wonderful facilities and with the fantastic response from prospective students.

It is quite something to be heading to be full to our allocated numbers in the very first year of existence.

We are greatly looking forward to the official opening ceremony on June 14th when Lord Hill will speak and David Bell, permanent secretary at the Department for Education, will also attend.

However, this is by no means the only significant development for Comberton Village College in coming months and years. Given our own circumstances and how much the educational landscape has changed and is changing, we must move in these ways. The crucial thing is that we do so in effective partnership with others so that we all gain. Developments include: Comberton Village College becoming an Academy in February this year Continuing to pursue with both local and central government the development of a sister secondary school in Cambourne Being set to sponsor a school in Peterborough as it is set to convert to Academy status in the coming school year. This will involve some significant partnership work between the two schools.

Strengthening our local partnership work and co-operation, perhaps more formally, with our two most local Village Colleges: Melbourn and Bassingbourn Working ever more strongly with all our partner feeder primary schools: the 'Network 11' (Comberton Village College and our 10 partner feeder primary schools) Continuing to support the development of the newest Cambourne primary school, Jeavons Wood, through our educational trust Discussing with at least one other partner school in Norfolk how they might work more closely with us, perhaps through our Academy trust The diagram (right) attempts to picture these emerging developments.

These are interesting times indeed!

We are moving in these ways because they seem absolutely the right ways to move in the world as it now presents itself to Comberton Village College.

We want to help to shape that emerging world.

Above all, these things are pursued because they can preserve, help and strengthen what Comberton Village College is all about: providing the very highest of standards of education to young people of all types in a community-based school environment while working in partnership for the benefit of all.

Whilst so much may change, that over-arching principle cannot.

Stephen Munday, Executive Principal

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through partnership

TEAMWORK: With Jeavons Wood (left) and Comberton’s other feeder primary schools as well as secondary schools in the locality.

It’s a win-win situation SINCE 2008, Comberton Village College has been designated as a ‘National Support School’ by the National College for School Leadership. Executive Principal, Stephen Munday, has similarly been designated as a ‘National Leader of Education’, the designation for the headteacher of a National Support School.

There are strict criteria required for schools to receive this designation. These centre around the school’s own outstanding performance and its track record of effective partnership work with other schools in order to secure improvement. Comberton has been clearly deemed fully satisfactory in both of these areas.

The designation of National Support School means that Comberton needs to be ready to work in support of another school facing difficulties to help to secure desired improvements.

Comberton is paid to do this to compensate for the time spent by staff involved in such work. So, when Suffolk Local Authority asked last Autumn if Comberton would be prepared to work with Kirkley High School in Lowestoft, the answer was ‘Yes’.

This term, staff from Comberton have been working in some of the following ways to help to secure important developments for Kirkley, a school placed in ‘Special Measures’ by Ofsted.

Stephen Munday has worked for up to two days each week alongside the Head of Kirkley, helping to confirm ways that Comberton staff can support key developments and making suggestions that will help to secure improvement.

Intensive support has been provided by Comberton staff in English, Science and Languages to support new staff in those areas.

New systems of target grades and monitoring the progress of all pupils have been introduced.

A middle leadership training programme has been run for identified middle leaders.

Advice has been given on how to set up alternative provision for a group of particularly challenging pupils.

Through all this, it is hoped that important improvements in the quality of teaching and learning at the school may be secured and that the school may have an improved chance of being taken out of ‘Special Measures’.

To help with Comberton’s commitment to this work, the lead Deputy Head from Kirkley, John Shanahan, has been seconded to Comberton for two terms. He has taken on several significant senior responsibilities at Comberton and is playing a significant senior role in the life of the school.

Executive Principal, Stephen Munday, said: “We are really pleased to have the opportunity to be involved in this sort of work. It is challenging, but it is the right thing to do. Our school system needs schools to work powerfully together to improve the overall quality of education. Even though it is Comberton that is asked to come in to support another school, there is no doubt that all staff learn a great deal from doing this and that then benefits Comberton. In addition, we are very fortunate to have Mr Shanahan working for us and providing his perspective on matters at Comberton. In short, everyone wins.”

10

Gold stars!

RESULTS for the Intermediate Maths Challenge are in!

TASTY: Green Room pupils organised a cake sale to staff to raise money for Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami victims.

Sale aids disaster relief THE Green Room is, in reality, a small bungalow on the edge of the school premises. It caters for some of the trickiest students in the school — those for whom difficult home circumstances make learning difficult, or those whose particular emotional and social difficulties have a detrimental impact on their ability to succeed in school.

A couple of Green Room students — Levi O’Neill and Jacob Brown — were especially upset by the recent tragedy in Japan.The images of boats being swept away by the Tsunami waves had a real effect on these two who proceeded to show the devastating images to the rest of the Green Room students and staff.

As a result, the Green Room decided to organise a cake sale to raise some money to send to Japan. Joel Saul, Stefano Ciciriello and Cameran Townsend all baked cakes, muffins and biscuits to sell to CVC staff.

We were also fortunate enough to be donated some cakes by ‘The Wicked Cake Company’. Cherie Scarff, Lizzie Taylor and Hakeem Jeewoth organised transporting and distributing cakes and Levi O’Neill made a poster to advertise the cake sale (although Mr Purcell’s wife, who is Japanese, also made us a poster with Japanese writing on!)

In total the Green Room raised a staggering £300 and still had cakes to sell!

The money will go directly to a disaster fund dealing particularly with the after-effects of the earthquake and tsunami on children and young people.

Antoinette Lyons, Assistant Principal

More than 90 Comberton pupils took part in the UKMT Intermediate Challenge earlier in the term and between them gained an impressive number of certificates.

From Year 11, gold certificates went to Joe Dickens, Joshua Oosterhuis, Lisa Jiang, Joanna Raymond, Genevieve Hirsz, Jack Gale and Abigail White.

Gold certificates for Year 10 went to Cheng Sun, Linden Ralph, David Ward, Emma Bithell, Toby Shaw, Harrison Kirby and Kymran Sabnis Thomas.

Finally, gold certificates for Year 9 were awarded to Kartik Vira, Clare Essex and Bethan Cadwalladr.

As well as these 17 pupils gaining gold certificates, there were a further 25 silver and 23 bronze certificates awarded — an impressive tally!

Twelve of the pupils who achieved gold have been invited to take part in the next Olympiad or Kangaroo round, so good luck to them all.

CHEFS IN ACTION: At the CommEd cookery classes.

Pupils opt for cookery classes TWENTY-TWO students from Years 7-11 have been learning to cook after school on Mondays and Thursdays under the expert guidance of Mrs Osborne and Mrs Beesley.

This year’s recipes have included food for celebrations such as Chocolate Cheesecake for Halloween and Gingerbread Hearts for Valentine’s Day. Students have also made a lot of delicious and nutritious main meals to take home

including Salmon Parcels, Spicy Prawns and Rice and Pork and Lemon Meatballs.

To enrol for one of the courses next term please contact the Community Education office, but don’t leave it too late because places are already being booked.

Please e-mail: commed@comberton. cambs.sch.uk or phone (01223) 264721.

Diana Cook

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Brave teachers get a real soaking FRIDAY March 18 and Comic Relief’s Red Nose Day rolled around again, with this one proving to be better than ever with additional fun and fundrais-

TAKE AIM: A pupil prepares to launch a sponge at staff.

ing coming from events involving both teachers and students.

Green Costumes were aplenty in a non-uniform day, with Ms Allen running a competition for the best dressed green girls and guys.

Everyone who made the effort looked brilliant but the overall respective winners were Julian Semerene (7I) in first place, Tom Hedges (10O) in second place and Adam Roberts-Taira (10O) in third place, all of whom were chosen for the prizes by Ms Allen and the RECO group. Furthermore, the hard work from the Geography and Science leaders and the RECO group throughout ‘Green Week’ ensured badge sales raised a fantastic total of £50.

‘Sponge the Teacher’ was a resounding success, with more than £100 being taken from the students eager to see their teachers getting a liberal soaking — teachers taking part included Mrs Harden, Mr Southcoat, Mr Love, Mr Pollock, Mrs Mallett, Mrs Hurrell and Mrs Fisher, with Mrs Harden, Mr Southcoat, Mr Love and Mr Pollock taking the majority of the punishment. Mr Southcoat, proving a prime target, was unlucky enough to have two rowdy members of Year 10 accidentally hit him with a bucket!

A brilliant day for all with fun activities, all of which raised lots of money that will go to a good cause!

Matt Clark (10R)

Green light for energy THE focus of Green Week earlier this term was ‘Energy’.

The RECO group wanted to raise awareness and funds to support the installation of a wind turbine at CVC. This will not be a large turbine, but something that will fit in with the surroundings and not disturb local residents.

The CVC site has good winds and the school is keen to reduce its carbon footprint. The turbine will also be a valuable educational tool. By holding a badge sale, we managed to raise a creditable £50.

The badges were very popular as they were designed and manufactured by pupils, so that they would be in keeping with the ‘Green’ theme.

We also held a non-school uniform day on Friday March 18. We decided to donate half of the total raised to Comic

Relief as it co-incided with Red Nose Day. The other half is going towards CVC’s wind turAT the beginning of 2009, Comberton bine and the day raised an Renewable Energy Group (CREG) disincredible £1,189.35. tributed leaflets to all homes in After the success of our ‘Green Comberton, with details of the proposed Day’ last year, pupils were wind turbine for CVC. encouraged to wear as much If we are successful in raising sufficient green as possible, with prizes funds, we will then have to apply for for the best outfits. This includ- planning permission. We are hopeful ed a £15 iTunes voucher (kind- that this will be straightforward, given ly donated by Donarbon), and that the turbine will be a couple of hunlots of other green goodies. dred metres from the nearest house.

First prize went to Julian The benefits will be enormous, not least Semerene (7I), for his unique and eye-catching home-made outfit. Tom Hedges (10O) got second prize for supporting the green theme wholeheartedly; by painting himself green and Adam Roberts-Taira (10O) came third with a very original selection of green props!

Making the case for a wind turbine electricity savings of £2,000 or more each year.

Advantages of small wind turbines: Free electricity for local consumption Good ‘payback’ period of less than eight years Fits in easily with the surroundings (height to approximately match existing floodlights) Very quiet running No effect on TV signals Educational impact for school sites

THE GREENEST OF THEM ALL: Comberton’s Green Nose Day Pictures: Zac Des-Ruisseaux (7B) prize winners.

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12

Recycling uniform is Bliss DON’T throw away your unwanted school uniform as it can be recycled for charity.

For the past year Sarah Wenham, who works in the Sports College office, has been organising the sale and collection of secondhand CVC uniform, which last year raised £1,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support, after a sale was held in the gallery of Comberton Leisure during the summer holidays.

Another sale is planned for early in the summer holidays after the success of last year’s which saw parents queueing up to snap up the bargains. Sarah is already building up a stock

of items for sale but still needs more so if you have any good quality unwanted uniform, please leave it at Comberton Leisure reception for her.

Her chosen charity this year is Bliss, which provides support for premature babies and their families — and she hopes to top the amount raised in 2010.

Meanwhile, if you need to buy uniform more urgently, you can contact Sarah at cvc_secondhand_uniform@live.co.uk and she might be WASTE NOT, WANT NOT: CVC’s secondhand uniform sale is a huge success. able to help.

Novice is new ‘king’!

THIS year 90 pupils, parents and staff travelled again to Klausberg, St Johan in the Arhntal valley, Northern Italy.

After a little ‘detour’ between Germany and Austria we arrived to sunshine and blue skies. We were warmly welcomed back to the Park Hotel Shachen and quickly settled in to our comfortable surroundings during Saturday evening.

On Sunday morning we set off to the ski school, a short drive away through the village by coach. Here we donned boots, skies and snowboards and headed up the mountain to meet our instructors. The skiing/boarding conditions at the top were perfect, which was how it stayed all week.

The beginner groups quickly put skills learnt at Bassingbourn to good use; it really is so much easier on the white fluffy stuff — and a much softer landing.

Having taken a number of years to get going on skis, I am always staggered at how quickly CVC pupils pick up the skills.

Of particular note was that for the first time in the 23-year history of the Comberton ski trip, a novice won the slalom race at the end of the week.

Congratulations to John Dowman ,‘King of the Mountain’ after his first week on snow. It was truly an outstanding achievement.

GROUP POSE: Comberton’s pupils, staff and parents with their instructors.

We enjoyed a variety of social events. The fancy dress disco saw some outproved to be a huge success and enabled parents to keep up to date with our daily standing costumes hitting the dance floor. Several well known celebrities made guest activities.Apologies for those who didn’t get pictures on there, but you are all on the appearances including Cheryl Cole, Denis the Menace,Where’s Wally and Jordan disc. (aka Katie Price) — and that was just from the staff. Top marks for effort to the pupils whose costumes included Wolverine, Superman, a jockey, fairies, a bumble We would like to thank Miss Driver for her hard work every night chasing staff for picbee, a onesie party and a leprechaun to name but a few. tures to upload and having a nightly battle with the patchy internet connection in the This year we trialled a blog and judging by the feedback we have received this Annette Downie hotel.

Chance to improve skills

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT: Pupils learning to ski (above) and (right) the fastest snowboarder, fastest boy and fastest girl on the slalom.

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WE went on the Development Snowsports trip, designed for those students wishing to further their skills in skiing and snowboarding.

The trip’s main focus is to achieve the nationally-recognised ‘Snow Life Award’.

There was a group of nine snowboarders on the trip including Mrs. Fisher. Our group was the smallest but we definitely made up for it in awesomeness and the fun we had.

The trip is a lot more flexible than the foundation trip and after telling our instructor we enjoyed off-piste, he quickly accommodated our request and we were soon racing through the powder and trees. We spent the afternoons in the Risoul snow park and boardercross with some brilliant tricks from everyone. We all had an amazing week that we’ll never forget and would recommend it to anyone eager to improve.

Pete Atkin (10T) and Rob Armitage (10V)

13

Charity marathon ON Sunday 17 April 2011 at approximately 10am I will be starting the London Marathon and, hopefully, between four and five hours later I will be at the finish line!!

I decided to run the marathon two years ago following the 2009 event — I got caught up in the excitement of the challenge while watching it on the TV from the comfort of my living room sofa!

It looked like fun and I wanted to give it a go!

Nearly two years on and several pairs of trainers later, there are only a few weeks to go until I will be pounding the streets of London in a quest to complete this challenge with thousands of other people. An exciting but scary prospect!

Training has not been as smooth as I’d hoped either, with a dislocated shoulder following a

canoe rescue practice session just a month before the run the latest setback.

As well as running the marathon, I am hoping to raise money for a charity so that my 26.2 miles of pain will benefit others! I have decided to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support — a charity that does a great deal of work for people suffering from cancer, as well as the supporting their family and friends.

To donate/sponsor my marathon attempt please use the following website: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/bigglybog2011 Alternatively, cash or cheque donations will be sent directly to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge to support the work they do with cancer patients. Cheques need to be made payable to ‘Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust’.

Please hand these in to Miss Dawson in the PE Office.

Jo Dawson

TRAINING: Jo Dawson prepares for the London Marathon next month.

Youngsters quick with sticks

JUMP TO IT: Festival organisers need help to make the tenth anniversary event the best yet.

Festival countdown is under way again

TWENTY-EIGHT teams from 16 schools entered the South Cambs Year 5 and 6 Quicksticks Tournament at Comberton Village College.

Quicksticks is the England Hockey Board's introductory game designed specifically for 7-11 year olds.

Quicksticks is fast, safe and exciting and it can be played on any surface, and uses a larger, lighter and safer ball.

Despite the dull and grey weather some very good and colourful hockey was ON THE BALL: Action from the Quicksticks event. played.

Carolyn Jupp, Competition Manager for We would like to thank the Comberton Village South Cambs School Sports Partnership, said: “It College and Cambridge Regional College Sports was great to see so many children playing Leaders for their help in organising the tournament Quicksticks hockey competitively while having fun.” and all the parents and teachers who came along Thriplow beat Histon and Impington Junior School and supported the teams.

1-0 in the final to win the event.

South Cambs School Sports Partnership

CVC out bounce their rivals

IT’S that time of year again…

Summer is coming and the preparation for the Year 6 Sports Festival is under way.

With only a few months until the event on June 24, the sports leaders are busy and working hard to get everything ready with the added pressure of making this one the best one yet as it’s the Tenth Anniversary!

We need your help…there are going to be some fundraising events which we need YOU to attend. Look out for more information in tutor time and around the school for: Non-uniform day Crossbar challenges Teacher sporting events So come along, have some fun and raise some money for one of the school’s best-known events.

ON THE BOUNCE: Comberton’s team at the Next Thanks from the Sports Leaders Team Steps trampolining competition.

COMBERTON scooped all the major honours at the Next Steps Trampolining Competition, organised by the Witchford School Sports Partnership.

Pupils competed at three different skills levels and Comberton pupils took top spot in all of them through Rebecca Thomas (9B) at Level 2, Amber Cooper (10R) at Level 3 and Becca Shaw (10E) at Level 4.

There were also runners-up places for Mehr Hammad (10E) at Level 2 — like Rebecca competing for the first time — and Hannah Bradshaw (10R) at Level 4.

Keely McLean (9N) was third at Level 2.

14

Girls clinch the title COMBERTON are the Cambs FA under-13 girls’ Schools League champions.

They took the Grand Prix title by just a point from Swavesey after an exciting final round of matches at St Bede’s earlier this month.

The CVC team of Year 8 and Year 7 pupils went into the finale topping the league by a point and fully aware that they could not afford any slip-ups in their title quest.

And they remained unbeaten in the final round — beating LInton Blues, Witchford Reds and St Bede’s Blues and drawing with St Bede’s Yellows

and Parkside, who finished third despite missing one of the rounds.

They also drew 0-0 with Swavesey in the final match of the afternoon — and that point was the one that clinched the title.

Comberton’s record after 24 matches was 17 wins, four draws and three defeats and a goal difference of plus 47. That put them on 63 points with Swavesey on 62 and Parkside on 44.

Squad: Maddy Molloy, Georgina Harnwell, Molly Funge, Emma Littlewood, Katie Reynolds, Kate Czylok, Lucy Clarkson, Izzy Broadbent, Vitto Zaina, Emily Dowd, Emily Snelling, Fiona Hughes, Emily Lattimore.

Boys edged out by champs

GRAND FINALE: The CVC squad at the last round of matches, where they secured the league title.

Second place

COMBERTON had more Year 10s playing than Year 11s, but equalise. Voyager came back and regained their lead later on in THE defending champions ended Comberton's fantastic run in the still managed to finish as runYear 9 County Cup football competition. the half with a good bit of skill and a precise finish. Comberton cre- ners- up in the Cambridge and The Voyager School, from Peterborough — champions for the past ated quite a few chances but sadly couldn't score again.

District Under-16 netball tourtwo years — won their semi-final clash 2-1 after a closely-fought nament at Netherhall.

In the quarter-finals, Comberton had battled back from 2-0 down contest.

The team played fantastically against another Peterborough school, Jack Hunt, to win 4-2.

Both the teams started the game very well, Voyager held on to posand was the only one to win all session well and looked menacing from throws - the thrower could Although both goals were controversial, the score did reflect how their preliminary games. launch the ball all the way to the back post - but Comberton did badly Comberton had started.

They then had a convincing well to defend these and Ryan Fairley was forced into making The second half was much better Comberton decided they would win against Bassingbourn in some great reflex saves. the semi-final before meeting compete for the ball and won a few headers, with Jake Simpson In attack Comberton battled hard and Jerome Hunter hassled the the Leys school in the final Voyager defence and looked to create a few chances for CVC. scoring a hat-trick and Kris Francombe scoring one. Two of the four showdown. It was a very close Although Voyager had more opportunities, the teams were level goals were set up by Adam Mellor who put two great balls through. game but Comberton narrowly until the last five minutes of the first half voyager scored from a lost 12-7.

Jack Hunt could have scored again in the second half but forced long throw which was headed in at the back post.

Congratulations to all the girls Ryan Fairley to make a good save.

The score at half time was 1-0, although the game was fairly even. who played such a high level Squad: Ryan Fairley, Luca Williams, Alex Clark, Ollie Day, Harry Gardner, Early in the second half Comberton were the better team, Jerome of netball.

Kris Francombe, Adam Mellor, Jerome Hunter, Luke Day, Jake Simpson, floated a free kick to back post which Jake Simpson just headed Unfortunately the Year 10s over the bar, before Kris Francombe set the ball up for Jake to Josh Jordan, Adam Hubbard, Jamie Smith, Jonny Virgo, Jake Seagrave. were unable to attempt to go one better in their own age group. The tournament was strangely scheduled to clash ON Friday 4th March, 12 CVC pupils went to NJIRC 2011. NJIRC with county netball training, stands for National Junior Indoor Rowing Championship, and this year leaving the majority of the was CVC's fourth year entering the competition. The star of the show Comberton squad unavailable. this year was Ben Campbell who came 5th, out of 131 boys, in the Under-16s: Laura Starace, year 7 boys' race. Ben's position is the highest the school has ever Millie Turner, Emma Harvey, come. Year 9 pupil Amy Bland was Comberton's leading girl as she Gina Hurry, Catriona Hughes, also managed a top-10 finish, coming eighth. She was closely folRuby Dickenson, Ruth Smith, lowed by Year 8's Naomi Butterfield in 11th.

Jess Hurry, and Chloe Newell.

Comberton's other results were: Year 9: Dima Tupikov — 19, Kartik Comberton also had more Vira — 109; David Papworth — 112; Year 8: Louise Shorten — 25; Year 8s than 9s playing in the Year 7: Charlie Rayner — 55; Matthew Davison 107, Jack Barker — under-14 event, but they didn't 111, Steven Levett — 113; James Gibson — 126 fare quite so well. The A team All in all we had a great day. Not only did we watch the races but we did not qualify from the group participated in a number of other activities put on for us by the organstages of the tournament at isers, including a climbing wall and an assault course. We would like NEW EXPERIENCE: Comberton’s Year 7 boys at the CVC, but the B team did finish to thank Miss Jones and Mr Rogers for taking us and also Miss Hurrell who helped organise the trip. fourth in their competition.

Amy Bland (9M) National Indoor Rowing Championships.

Top-5 finish for Ben

A Specialism of Comberton Vi l l a g e College

APPLIED LEARNING

Good just got even better IN common with all BTEC qualifications the Construction course for Year 10 pupils is based on a new specification this year.

While we genuinely thought the old version of the course was excellent, the changes made by the exam board are exactly those we would have suggested had we been asked for our evaluation.

An increase in the range of craft skills studied has been the most noticeable development with pupils now completing 12 Units of Study; previously they completed six.

Therefore alongside carpentry, plumbing and electrical installations pupils are trying their hand at tiling, bricklaying and paper hanging; including ceilings!

As can be seen in the photograph, a good start has been made to setting out, cutting and fixing a range of tiles.

Our sincere thanks to Ceramic Tile Distributors at Norman Park in Bar Hill, who kindly donated several hundred tiles in a variety of form and size on which CUTTING EDGE: A Year 10 pupil at work in we can hone our skills.

DT Department the new tiling unit of BTEC Construction.

Top tips for hot shots

INSIGHT: Glenn Dakin shares his experiences as an author and comic book writer.

‘There’s cash to be made from comics’

Funny money ON Thursday 3rd March, World Book Day, we were given an insight into the mind of author and comic book writer, Glenn Dakin.

Glenn has written for film and TV, with credits in Shaun the Sheep, Pirates of the Caribbean, Toy Story 3 and Bob the Builder.

He was in school to promote his latest novel, Candleman, but first, he spent time in Art 3 leading a comic workshop for BTEC Art students.

Glenn explained that a well-loved character doesn't just happen — it develops from lots of different ideas where the good ones are kept and developed and the less interesting ones discarded.

His workshop attempted to illustrate the process of designing a cartoon character, working firstly on emotion and how to convey something like sadness or anger on the face.

We then went on to develop our own cartoon characters, refining and swapping ideas across the

LOCAL media production company, Cambridge Pro Video took time out of its busy commercial schedule to visit CVC and bring the BTEC Creative Media Production course to life with Year 11 pupils.

Armed with an impressive array of technical equipment MD, Colin Miles and his colleague James Symonds explained camera tips and editing techniques for shooting videos — on both small and larger scale budgets.

Students offered their own ideas on the many effects being demonstrated onscreen in a range of short films and were able to make lots of helpful suggestions too.

They learned about some of the skills an individual needs to work as part of a film production team.

They discovered that, while not every role is a glamorous one, there are clearly a wide range of skills needed in the media industry — almost enough to suit everyone present!

group until a satisfactory "group character" was created. "Splatman" looks like becoming the official logo for Art 3 — watch this space for future splats!

As Glenn explained, there is money to be made in comics. His career took off when he printed 10 copies of his first comic and gave it out at a book fair.

Somebody saw something in it that they liked, called him and commissioned a follow up strip cartoon in a magazine — and it took off from there.

The most difficult aspect of any creative endeavour is coming up with an original idea.

By encouraging sharing and editing across the group, egos are forced to take on others’ ideas and mix them with their own, leading to inventiveness and a lack of complacency. A good experiFILM CREW: BTEC Media pupils get top tips from ence all round!

Nicola Powys, Head of BTEC Art and Design Cambridge Pro Video.

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16

APPLIED LEARNING

BTECs’ rave reviews WE are pleased to announce that following our annual Quality Review from the exam board, Edexcel, BTEC courses at Comberton received a huge 'thumbs-up' for the standards of our quality assurance policies and procedures in place.

This demonstrates the BTEC staff's on-going commit-

ment to extremely high standards towards assessment procedures and is an excellent reflection of the standards of practice which BTEC students are able to benefit from in achieving their BTEC qualifications.

The inspection was conducted by an EdExcel Quality Reviewer and consisted of a review of all Comberton BTEC Quality procedure and processes, including all relevant documentation. The reviewer also spent time with each BTEC programme leader: Ms Powys (Art),

Mr Warrington (Business), Miss Hodgson (Science), Mr Evans (Construction), Mrs Blackford (Media) and Mr Pollock (Sport). Consequently, all of our internal verification procedures were deemed to be of a very high standard and demonstrated an excellent approach to fair and consistent assessment of students' work.

Chris Warrington, Head of Business Education

Pupils getting a-head . . .

A GROUP of Year 10 students are halfway through their first year studying a BTEC Level 2 Hairdressing Course at Swavesey Village College.

They have been given a fantastic opportunity to attend and work in Swavesey's purpose-built hairdressing salon 'Reflections', attending every Thursday morning for two hours.

The course offers the students an introduction to hairdressing, with a balance of theoretical study and practical experience.

They learn skills such as customer service excellence and reception duties as well as the important technical skills like shampooing, styling, perming, and colouring which form key parts of their studies.

As in any busy workplace, Health and Safety is critical, and all students get to understand the fundamentals. As their tutor, I can see the students particularly enjoy the practical side of the course and are already showing great aptitude for the subject.

It's not all hard work, as they will get the opportunity to visit 'Salon International' later in the year in London. This will give them a unique insight into the next generation of hairdressers as some of the industry’s top stylists, demonstrate their skills. With more than 250 exhibitors to visit, latest products to sample and cat-walk shows to see, it is truly a day out to remember.

JUMP TO IT: Comberton’s ‘jockeys’ walk the course at Huntingdon.

The students are developing skills and techniques that could lead them to a successful and rewarding career in hairdressing or related areas, as well as giving them a head start at FE College. I envisage that every student, with continued hard work, will achieve a good grade at the end of Year 11.

THE Business Diploma students spent a day at Huntingdon Race Course, where I would like to thank the students for all their hard work and the level of commitment they were able to experience the excitement of a full race day and learn about and focus they show on a weekly basis. They are a credit to the college and a pleathe business operation, thanks to a behind-the-scenes tour and marketing pre- sure to teach.

Judith Clarke-Hassell sentation.

Lead Hairdressing Tutor, Swavesey Village College Students were given an exclusive tour of the course, which included the jockeys' changing room and weigh-in area.

They were even given the opportunity to weigh themselves on the jockeys' scales!

It was then on to the extensive catering and hospitality facilities before taking some time to walk along the racetrack and finishing line.

The business's Marketing Manager gave a very interesting presentation into what her role entailed and demonstrated existing marketing methods used by the race course to attract customers.

Student teams were then given the tricky task of coming up with a marketing campaign to aim towards a particular target market and some very interesting ideas were submitted.

After proving themselves as keen marketeers, the students were then treated to the first race of the day and were able to observe the race horses and jockeys in the paddock before moving track-side to watch events unfold.

It really was an exciting day and gave the students a real insight into a live business operation and the importance of its different functions, despite the rain and HEAD START: Comberton pupils learn hairdressing skills in the salon Chris Warrington at Swavesey Village College. cold weather!

A day at the races

Designed by Judy Czylok, CVC. publicity@comberton.cambs.sch.uk

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