DESBOROUGH COLLEGE
SPECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST:
MESSAGE FROM THE VICE PRINCIPAL REGARDING EXAMS
WARNER BROS. STUDIO TRIP
AFRICAN DRUM SESSION
TRIP TO MARS
YEAR 11 MOCKS
YEAR 8 NATIONAL ENTERPRISE CHALLENGE
B.RIGHT YOUNG ENTERPRISE SCHEME
SPORT
POETRY FROM OUR STUDENTS
CREATIVE WRITING FROM STAFF
LIBRARY NEWS
CHESS TOURNAMENT
DRAMA REPORT
DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT NEWS
INFORMATION FOR PARENTS
February 2017 Dear Parents/Carers I hope that you are all well and looking forward to the half-term break. I think that this newsletter tells you something about the type of school that Desborough has become over recent years, thanks to the dedication and professionalism of the staff, the drive and energy of the governing body, the support of parents and the fantastic boys (and, in the sixth-form, girls ) that attend our school. But the contents provide only a snap-shot of what the pupils can expect to experience during their time here and a newsletter could never hope to reflect the high levels of engagement and enjoyment that I see every day in lessons nor the aspirational targets that my teachers set for their classes. Neither does it reflect the outstanding relationships that exist here between staff and pupils nor the exceptional behaviour and politeness of the boys. It can only provide a fleeting glimpse through the pictures of the fun and laughter that boys and staff share every day. It cannot demonstrate the welcoming, happy atmosphere that permeates our school nor the sense of pride and belonging that the boys feel as members of the Desborough College community. Yes, we offer a wide range of extra-curricular activities, performancerelated, creative and sporting. It's true that the programme on offer to our G&T boys through our links with Radley College is unrivalled locally. Our boys do have opportunities to experience trips abroad as well as in the UK. The progress that Desborough boys make at all key stages does exceed that of boys nationally. These are some of the reasons why September will see us oversubscribed for the first time in over a decade. I have data on admissions going back to 2007 and Desborough, in the intervening years, has never received as many parental first and second preferences as we have for September 2017. Since September 2016 we have added a further 21 boys, across Years 8, 9 and 10 and this is overwhelmingly attributable to our increasing reputation as a single-sex school that delivers an outstanding all-round education to boys. Regards,
The following is a transcript of the message that John Sparks, Vice Principal, gave to parents of Year 11 boys at the Parents’ Evening held on Thursday 9 February. The advice that it contains to both boys and parents is of such crucial importance that I felt it should be included in this newsletter.
MESSAGE TO PARENTS OF BOYS SOON TO BE SITTING GCSE EXAMINATIONS The consultations this evening with your sons’ teachers are arguably the most important so far during his time at Desborough. They provide specific guidance towards his revision and preparation ahead of the final push towards his GCSE examinations this summer. Be in no doubt about the importance of these upcoming examinations. They are not only the first formal assessment that your sons will include on any future job application but they are essential for progress into tertiary education. The changes at Key Stage 5 mean that there are no AS exam results available to guide a university’s assessment, they will look directly at GCSE grades to determine the quality of candidates. Their importance, therefore, cannot be over stated. I am sure that some of you have already received some encouraging feedback from your sons’ teachers, but equally many of you will have heard some very clear messages of concern about the current situation and what lies ahead. For those who are receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback, our greatest concern would be about the dangers of complacency setting in. I want, therefore, to begin with some good news. As teachers we have all seen, and I certainly have in over 20 years of teaching, boys who have made incredible progress over the time that still remains. If the remaining time is used effectively your sons can add several grades to those which they have recently posted in their mock examinations. This is something that should be continually stressed to your sons; the hard work now will be worthwhile. Success, however, will require hard work and the responsibility for improvement falls three ways - teachers, students and parents. Where is the school continuing to place its focus? 1. Setting effective and challenging homework. 2. Modelling revision techniques. 3. Testing knowledge and examination technique on a regular basis in all lessons. 4. Quick marking and return of work to give feedback and guidance. 5. Providing after school intervention to support revision and completion of coursework. What is the role of students over the coming weeks? 1. To invest at least three hours each day during half term to focus on and complete the work set by each subject teacher. 2. Prioritise time after school each evening - two hours of revision should be planned each evening. 3. Work in short chunks to maximise focus and remove distractions. 4. Frequent testing of what is learnt by completing practice papers, testing definitions etc. 5. Set high standards in all work completed. What is the role of parents? We are fully aware that this is a stressful time for parents as well and it can be hard to know how best to support your son and what to say. Engaging in the revision process is often the best form of support. 1. Maintain good routines; sensible bed times, breakfast and regular exercise. 2. Help to ensure a quiet and focussed environment in which your son can revise. 3. Testing your son on work covered during his revision. 4. Create a daily revision plan with your son and review it each evening. This combination of support and effort will bring about success. It is not an easy process and we all appreciate that there will be times when motivation will be challenged, yet working together we can sustain momentum and keep your son on track. Please do not hesitate to contact Mr Hall as the Year 11 RAL or any teacher if you have any specific questions relating to your son.
John Sparks—Vice Principal
2
Warner Brothers Studio Trip—12 January The Design & Technology Department organised trips for our Year 9 & 10 students to visit the Warner Bros. Studio in Watford which has been the scene for the filming of the Harry Potter films. We see this as both an exciting reward for our students for their continued hard work and dedication to the subject, as well as providing an eye opening insight into the potential careers that can be achieved within the design and technology focus. The tour began with an array of iconic scenes featured throughout the movies including the Great Hall, the Hogwarts dormitories, Dumbledore’s office and many more. Throughout these iconic scenes the students’ attention is drawn to the level of craftsmanship and volume of work that goes into the creation of each setting. The integration of many of the key woodworking skills that the students use throughout their project work can be seen clearly in each set. It is the manufacturing of these sets and the volume and speed of the work that is created that is most impressive to take in for the visitors.
At the halfway point of the tour there was a chance for the students to have some food and refreshments before beginning the second half of the tour. It is in this part of the tour that some of the most impressive work can be seen and the link to design and technology work is most apparent to the students. It began by showcasing the many special effects characters and electronic props that are littered across the movies. There is an interactive video on display that goes behind the scenes to discuss in further detail exactly what it takes to produce such a high level of special effects. This was an exciting stage of the tour as it showed the highest end of the scale in relation to electronics work and what can be achieved within this area of design technology.
3
Warner Brothers Studio Trip Continued ... Towards the latter end of the tour there was a highly impressive section showcasing the hundreds of technical drawings and models that have been created for the various scene settings. This, once again, links in with what the boys are learning in their design technology lessons and furthermore adds to the fascinating realisation of just what can be achieved at the very highest level in this line of work. It was a nice reminder to the students of the importance we place on planning and designing prior to manufacturing a product.
The best was saved for last however as the tour came to a close with the scale model of Hogwarts Castle. A triumph of design and model making that is used to shoot the exterior scenes of the castle. This enormous model highlights the incredible attention to detail that is put in by the design team and it truly is breath-taking to see the standard of work that has been achieved. It was an enjoyable day out for the students featuring hours of nostalgia and memorabilia from the much loved films. A real treat for lovers of the movie franchise, but also an inspiring insight for passionate design and technology students into the exciting possibilities and careers that can be pursued within the subject area. Mr Fogarty—Technology Teacher
4
African Drum Session—26 January A select bunch of Year 7,8 and 9 students were invited to a specialist African Drumming Workshop recently. Hart Beeps came and taught the boys about African culture and traditions including information on dancing, singing and drumming. The boys enjoyed taking part in the session and were given the opportunity to play actual West African Djembe Drums. They were taught some interesting African rhythms and techniques including the bass, tone and slap sounds. The boys took to the Djembes really well with Alex Lee and Evan Gilio particularly impressing Justine. The boys practiced some complex rhythmic ostinatos and managed to layer them and follow each other’s timing well. Myself and Mrs Redman were very impressed with the attitude, effort and musical skill shown by all involved and look forward to the next workshop! Mrs McFarlane—Head of Music
5
Trip to Mars for Desborough Students The future is calling - and it’s a trip to Mars! There are many activities and events at Desborough that introduce our students to the world beyond school – the world of work and their futures, and one of these events was on the 27th January, when a selection of students from both our Sixth Form and Year 11 attended a morning at the ‘Aspire’ Centre situated in the heart of the huge Slough Industrial Estate that includes the offices and manufacturing complex belonging to Mars. This occasion was for Mars to present to an audience of students who were all actively considering a future in apprenticeships and/or Engineering in particular, the detail behind the life and prospects of an apprentice within their company. Our students met with current Mars apprentices, ranging from those that joined their scheme at 16 and those that were post-degree, and heard first hand of their experiences on the scheme, and the detail of entry requirements and benefits. The atmosphere at the event was kept ‘buzzing’ as the students attending were involved by the Mars’ employees in a series of fun and informative interactive activities that involved, in many cases, practical problem solving and an insight into thinking as an engineer. No surprise to anyone – chocolate was on hand!! Christina Sansom Careers Advisor/Sixth Form Coordinator
6
Year 11 Mock Exam Results Well done to Year 11 students for making it through their Mock Exams during January. Looking forward to seeing the results following the real thing in August 2017! Keep up the good work.
7
Year 8 National Enterprise Challenge—3 February Students’ Downfall proves to be a winner! Look out, Alton Towers, the Desborough boys are launching into space. On Friday, over 140 Year 8 students from Desborough College took part in the National Enterprise Challenge to design and develop a new live event or attraction for Alton Towers based around the theme of the new space-themed roller coaster, Galactica. Run by Rymans National Enterprise Challenge, the day involved developing and demonstrating important enterprise skills and a ‘can-do’ attitude. Students worked hard with facilitators from NEC to define their target market and mind map and generate ideas before coming up with a story to interest the park’s millions of customers. Imagine the noise of 140+ boys all rehearsing their pitch; after that cacophony, in a hushed, intense room it was time to face the judges. The winning team ‘Downfall’ will go to the national finals in London in July where they will undertake heats to have a chance to be one of 8 teams to pitch their idea to Theo Paphitis of Dragons’ Den fame. Warning of Armageddon and warring robots and aliens, they wowed the judges with both ideas and presentation skills. The day was sponsored by local company, Avery whose Director of Marketing & eCommerce, Fiona Mills, dropped in on the boys during the day to see Avery’s support for enterprise and the local community in action. She said she was impressed at the boys’ focus and the creativity of their ideas, “It’s clear the boys are very excited about the prospect of a chance to pitch to Theo Paphitis but they’re also genuinely interested in what they’re learning.” Desborough’s Year 8 Raising Attainment Leader, Matt Snell said, “I’m delighted we ran this with my year group, especially just before they start GCSEs. We encourage boys to revisit ideas and improve their work all the time and this event has helped to develop skills that will support them right across the curriculum.” We won’t stop here – we will be supporting the winners to DIRT their pitch over the coming months and be in it to win at the finals. The facilitators, who visit schools most days expressed surprise at how dedicated the boys were; many wanted to come in and continue working over lunch. They commented on the positive behaviour management ethos in the school, noting the value of our focus on praise and reward. They were stunned by how many hands went up when they asked how many students were planning to study Business Studies for GCSE next year but, equally importantly, at the determination of the boys to come up with and communicate winning ideas.” Desborough is committed to enterprise across the curriculum and welcomes interest from local businesses who can share ideas and experience with our students. If there is anyone in the community who would like to sponsor a similar day with older students, please contact stellaneal@desborough-college.net
Ms Neal—Business Studies Teacher/Enterprise Centre Lead at Desborough
8
B.right— Young Enterprise Scheme One short term: one book and two awards Last term we announced the launch of our Young Enterprise team ‘b.right’, entering the Company competition on behalf of Desborough College for the first time. Well, it turned out the future was bright (don’t groan!). In one short term, they have successfully gathered recipes, produced and published their book ‘Eat right, feel bright’, as well as pulling in awards for their business plan and trade stand. Mr Frazer, while acknowledging his Yorkshire roots, was first to hand over his cash, declaring that he was delighted with the teams’ work. Their YE Advisor, Tracey James from HPS in Marlow, grabbed it hot off the press and sold more than a dozen copies in the first two days as people back at her offices (a multidisciplinary marketing agency) were stunned by how professional it is. ‘Eat right, feel bright’ features photos of many boys cooking with family or friends. Balanced recipes and anecdotes tell the reader why the recipe is important to its ‘owner’. There are also sections on cooking skills and on growing your own veg as well as helpful advice on protein for sports. Copies of the book are now available from any of the YE team in school or from Ms Neal. You can also contact the team on b.right@desborough-college.net. It is priced at rrp £11.99 and for an extra £2 the team will post it within the UK for you, so if you have older children at university you can send them one and be assured that they have no excuse for not eating well. Just email us the message you want to add, or send it in with your son, and we’ll put it on a compliment slip when we post the book.
Editor, Elsie Cairns said “Watch this space for more sales events in school. We can’t use Squid for this so it would be great if parents can send the boys in with cash or cheques made out to b.right but if you’re not sure that younger students will make it in with cash, email us and we’ll send you details for a BACS transfer.” B.right are the only team so far to have won a certificate in each of the two rounds of the competition, taking the first runner up award for their business plan and third place in the Slough Trade Fair. Managing Director of the Young Enterprise company, Philippa Russell said “We learned so much at the trade fair, especially about selling and talking to people about our product. We now know how little time we have to get across the product’s unique selling proposition when busy people are out shopping.” Scan the QR code for an introduction to b.right’s youtube channel. Ms S Neal—Business Studies Teacher 9
B.right—Young Enterprise Students Show Off Their Skills at Slough Trade Fair on 4 February
Congratulations to Ateeq Iqbal—Admin & Logistics Director (Yr 12), Elsie Cairns—Marketing Director (Yr 12), Philippa Russell—Managing Director (Yr 12), Abdullah Ihsan— Finance Director (Yr 13) and former Desborough student Ben Cox, IT Consultant for their success at Slough Trade Fair. Well done.
10
Report from Samuel Hawkes, Year 8 Following a Recent Football Match The Match against Piggott “Today we had a football match representing the school against Piggott School. We left our lessons at 2.30 pm and headed to the gym to get changed into our kit. We got on the bus for our 30 minute drive to Piggott School. We arrived and headed to the AstroTurf. It was freezing! We did some warm-ups and split into two teams and played keep-ball. Afterwards we did some shooting and then it was time to start. We lined up in our formation 4,2,3,1 and got hyped for the match. We were nervous as we had played them last year and lost 3-2 in the Cup. We played very well, but our defense was struggling to handle Piggott’s very fast wingers and striker. Their tall defender scored a header from a corner, and then Ethan scored a free kick. It was 1-1 at half time and we were the better team, but we crumbled in the second half! As they pulled two goals ahead, our heads went down and we didn’t play like we did in the first half. The final result was 5-1. We were all very disappointed, but ready to go again another day.” Samuel Hawkes
7’s Rugby Kicks Off at Desborough The U12 rugby team turned their hand to the fast paced game of 7’s this term. The boys had a specially run training session, organised by Mr Jamieson, with two former Desborough 1st team players, Ollie Malik and Will Lawrence. Will Lawrence is an England Touch rugby player and between the two old boys they imparted a great deal of knowledge to the next generation of Desborough rugby players. The side went over to Leighton Park School on 1 February to play a triangular tournament against the host school and Shiplake College. The tournament started well with the boys playing a strong Shiplake College side who they managed to beat 4 tries to 3. An excellent defensive performance was the bedrock of the win, the next performance showed off the attacking flair of the side. A comprehensive victory over the host school meant that Desborough would play Shiplake College in the final. The final saw Desborough race into a 3 try lead. Ollie Hodgson and LJ Ekendahl led the side well in both attack and defence. However, Shiplake came back strongly in the second half to tie the game at 3 -3. As the final whistle blew the side were ready for a sudden death finish to the game. After a tense 5 minutes LJ Ekendahl burst through and scored the winning try. A great experience was had by all the boys who are now fully prepared for the Berkshire county tournament on 9 March. Well done to all involved. Mr Allen – Head of Sixth Form and PE Teacher
11
Year 7 Rugby
12
Poetry From Our Students The Life of a Caged Creature
The penguin ruffles its feathers, upon the synthesised snow. Surrounded by creatures wearing fur and leathers, the likes of which it will never know, it will never be able to fly. Perhaps this is where it will die, upon synthesised snow.
The wolf scratches its muzzle, upon pristine green grass. Food from another’s kill it guzzles, while others continue to pass. Though it loves its pack, the wild is what it lacks, upon pristine green grass.
by Max Baker and Aidan Melling—Year 8 (written in 25 minutes)
13
English Department Participate in Short Story Competition Footprints “Trouble was like you’ve never seen. Trouble came fast and thick but not out from nowhere. You’d seen it coming on the screens, read about it, joked about it. You told your children not to worry about it. Don’t think about it. Then it was here. It stepped inside your house and drove you out, wild and thirsty. You thought you were safe outside but it was there too in your neighbours’ stare and the things you held close went, dragged away, and you in another direction…” The player’s voice rang out through the ruins on the edge of town. The people gathered there stood in silence. For some of the eldest, it was more memorial than play. Remembering what had been was a relief really; the sharp pain of change was now the dull drone of life that followed. Yakkaton was a scar of a settlement, slowly stretching outward into the wounded city that had stood before it in the times the player spoke of. Thousands of years that city had stood and grown and shifted itself uncomfortably with each new development yet it had withstood till, it seemed, the whole world had turned. “Alarm was there! You did not listen! Alarm for more than a hundred years! You did not listen!” There were many people there. More people had come in from the countryside to hear the stories and some jostled one another now to see the player’s face twist and scowl as she presented more warning to the crowd. People smiled to watch her. She spat fury and where it landed, no one moved. To look her in the eyes and feel the echo of death was the attraction. “You must remember and remind: we are all going to die.” The crowd repeated, eager to continue with the performance. A few of them allowed themselves to break concentration to glance at a group of young men and women who stood apart from the mass of people. There were no guards for them. There was no real need. “Who here does not listen? Who here does not remember? Who here thinks they are without death?” The audience found their legs heavy with fright as the player stepped back and another emerged. This one wore a long blue robe that hung loose and wide with the jagged rhythm of steps they took towards the small group of faces that now wept or gritted their teeth. The head was covered in a mask that gave a sickening height to its stature. Animals’ teeth of different sizes gave the mouth a clumsiness that even so turned the stomach of everyone it passed. The smell of the treated skin that had been pressed onto the mask’s wooden frame rotted the air about it as the player now began to circle the offered men and women. It seemed to stagger now, its robe swaying in jerks. One of the women’s restraints had come loose and she tried to struggle free. A quick hand flew out from the folds and she was soon back with the others, ashamed and terrified. “The earth turns and the sun rises. Who here will not see it?” The crowd had turned by now and was greedily ready for the next act. It was the part that most had come for, the part that kept most of them alive. All but one of the captives quaked. Their moans were wild and guttural but the masked player didn’t hesitate. The monstrous face leant close to the one young man who seemed unfazed, though the closest in the crowd said later that he must have been in shock. “You’ll get what’s coming to you, Adair!” His eyes flickered as the stench from the mask charged up his nostrils and he began to retch. There was a quick flash of metal, not the agonising performance he’d expected. The creature lashed out with the blade again, this time severing the ropes that held the others. A great cheer went up and the crowd waited, ready. The freed captives blinked at each other, unsure. They knew what was supposed to happen but it didn’t seem to be happening. There was hope. They looked about them, some crouching, some weeping. “Please!” begged one, whose own husband had offered her up. The masked player slowly raised their left hand and the clever ones ran, leaving deep and hurried footprints in the mud. The woman stayed where she was, searching for her husband with outstretched arms. “Please, Alum! Please! Can’t you forgive?” The once brave young man was staring sickly down at the blood that was swimming from him. It was thinner than he’d thought but much darker. From beneath the robe, the creature’s right hand thrust towards the sky. At this, the crowd broke rank and surged after the panicked offerings, thundering past and over Alum’s wife. She was gone, trodden into the mud. The players looked at one another across the now quiet ruins, satisfied. The mask was removed and a kind, young face looked down at Adair. “It will heal. Now, get up.”
Compiled by Mr Craig-Wood— Deputy Head of English 14
Short Story Competition Continued ….
Footprints
Only the drowning moon saw the boy leave the riverside cottage that morning. As it sank below the horizon, his footprints were visible in the snow as he made his way down Newell Walk to the canal. At the top of the steps he paused for a second and looked up at the sky; it was still dark and starless and it made him think about his Da. ‘Your father is an absent fish.’ That’s what she’d always told him. ‘And when will he come back, Ma?’ ‘When boats sail freely on frozen canals, son.’ she’d said. He’d thought it a curious idea but, whenever the weather was cold enough, he went down to the canal to wait. This particular morning he found the canal only partially frozen. Ice is ice though, he thought. He squatted down and trailed his fingers through the mossy debris at the edge. From his pack he took out his penny whistle. ‘Sailors can hear a penny whistle on the breeze,’ she’d said, ‘your father left you this one, so that he can always hear you.’ He began to play. There was no breeze that morning, but he blew anyway, tuneless notes that seemed to die right before him and sink to the bottom of the canal. Maybe it’s not frozen enough, he thought, maybe the notes need to skip across unbroken ice. He’d try further up, near the bridge, where the water was slower. As he walked, a lone swan arrived and paddled alongside him. The boy stopped to speak to it. ‘Why are you alone, swan?’ No answer, just an inquisitive look. But each time he stopped, the swan stopped too. It followed him all the way up the canal, past the old factory and Leonard’s Yard, right up until he reached the bridge. There it found a wall of ice, looked once more at him, paddled around in the other direction and left. ‘I hope you find a friend swan,’ he called after it. The water beneath the bridge was almost frozen. Only a small stream trickled through a gap down the middle. The boy took out his whistle and began to play again. This time, more tuneful notes that seemed to bounce off the ice and up into to the roof of the bridge. ‘Can you hear me, Da?’ His words echoed back down to him. Nothing back. And then, a voice came from behind him, ‘that’s a pretty song.’ The boy turned to see a young man sitting on a low wall beneath the arches. He was wearing a shirt that looked like it had once been white, soiled breeches and braces, but old. His face, beneath his flat cap, was dirty, but the boy could see that he was also young and very handsome. Behind his ear he wore a white feather; it was the only clean thing about him and it made the boy think once more about the swan. The boy trusted him and so he spoke. ‘I can’t really play,’ he said, ‘I’m just trying to make my…’ but he didn’t finish the sentence; somehow the words felt stupid, childish, speaking them aloud to a stranger. When he turned around, there was nobody there. He looked back down into the canal and then back around him to the wall…someone had been there. Somewhere here, he thought, there was an answer. He heard her footsteps before he heard her voice. ‘Danny, what are you doing down here again? Ma’s told you; you’re not to come here by yourself.’ It was his sister, Marie. ‘I didn’t…I just…and then…I saw…’ he couldn’t finish his sentence before she took hold of his left ear and with her deaf, sisterly silence, dragged him back along the canal and up the hill towards home. She eventually let go and as they walked, him following and her leading, the boy noticed his own footprints from earlier, footprints that looked like they knew where they were going, footprints that looked like they might find an answer. And as he followed her, he looked backwards, towards the canal and he thought about what he’d seen and he knew then that there would only be one set of footprints back towards home this time tomorrow.
Compiled by Miss Hutchison—Head of English 15
Murder in the Library… This year I wanted us to celebrate the 20 year anniversary of World Book Day with a special event. We have taken the genre of crime fiction, detective novels and mysteries as our theme this year and would like pupils to dress up on World Book day as a character related to this theme. It costs £1 to take part and all proceeds go to the Library.
I have also set them a challenge. Pupils have been asked to prove they can be sleuths and detectives and have 10 challenges around the school to solve. If pupils can figure out the villainous challenges either alone or as part of a group then they will be chosen to solve the ”Murder in the Library.” I have seen a number of boys from Year 7 to Sixth Form and staff already studying the clues and researching to find out the answers and I have made them fiendishly difficult. It is a pleasure to see them enjoying the fun. If you would like to take part there is still time to enter with World Book Day not until March 2nd so get sleuthing!
A Hallissey @DesboroughLRC
16
Chess Tournament 2017
Tom Hodgson in Year 10 has done a fabulous job helping to run the chess tournament again this year. As we had record numbers of entrants we decided, to run it as a knock out tournament. The tournament has been played every day for the last three weeks so far. This year we have three teachers involved and at current writing all are still in the tournament as is last year’s champion. The winner plays Mr Frazer.
Thank you to all the participants, avidly watched by their friends who have enjoyed the competition. Every year we have boys learning to play having been inspired by watching the competition and the library is full every break and lunch-time. If you would like to join in next January make sure you sign up next year. Chess is available to play along with scrabble and snakes and ladders which has made a come-back, in the LRC all year round. A. Hallissey @DesboroughLRC 17
Drama Report KS3 PANTOMIME Prior to the Christmas break, the KS3 Drama Club presented their Christmas pantomime ‘The True Story of Richard Whittington’ as part of the Christmas Celebrations. The cast enjoyed the exaggerated comic style of this play and the opportunities for character development and costume. With a speaking cat, territorial rats, ladies who love to shop, a bankrupt lord of the manor, a bossy housekeeper, an incompetent policeman and an argumentative debt collector, it was no surprise that confusion and chaos reigned over order! There were superb performances from Christian Atkinson, Max Baker, Jose Brito, Charlie Chadwick, Tom Choules, Nick Crossa, Declan Diamond, Kritpac Dzimba, Alex Fairbridge, Mish Ghafadgi, James Hargreaves, Nat Harlow, Rayan Khan and William Pearmain. Also, Aiden Melling did a very professional job compiling and operating the sound and lighting. A big well done and congratulations to all Year 7 and 8 pupils who contributed so wonderfully to the Christmas spirit!
A FLURRY OF ASSESSMENTS The main focus this term is preparation for performance examinations and coursework assessments. Year 10 and 12 Drama students are currently working hard in lessons and after school, preparing for their Devised Theatre assessments. Inspired by challenging subject matter, these performances will explore and question contemporary social and cultural issues, moral values, the changing face of global politics and the power of true personal stories. Year 10’s work, Conflicts of Our Time, explores the Twin Towers attack, the London Bombings and the recent Paris attacks. Creating documentary drama and using techniques such as flashbacks, narration, still images, thought tracking, news reports and abstract physical movement sequences, the students intend to take the audience on a thought provoking journey. Year 12 students are exploring the dangerous journey embarked on by Syrian refugees and the complex social and political issues arising from this exodus. Taking inspiration from Steven Berkoff’s unique performance style, the performers will be using the Chorus as an integral part of their theatre. The ensemble will tell an authentic personal story, comment on the protagonist’s choices, create locations using voice and movement and use physical expressionistic scenes to depict the many tragic elements of the narrative. Year 11 students are currently preparing for their final scripted performance exam, rehearsing extracts from a miscellaneous selection of play scripts, some of which are more light-hearted and comic in style: Accidental Death of an Anarchist, Up ‘n’ Under, The Government Inspector and Lord of the Flies. We hope that parents are able to support the boys with their practical assessment work and we look forward to seeing you for the final performances, as outlined below. Dates for the diary:Tues 21 March Year 10 Assessments in school time, followed by performances to parents at 6.30pm. W/C 1 May Year 11 Performance Exams in school time, followed by performances to parents at 6.30pm. (Date to be confirmed.) Tues 16 May Year 12 Assessment to a live audience at 6.30pm. Mrs Turner Curriculum Leader Drama 18
Drama Report Continued
19
Drama Report Continued KS3 PANTOMIME – THE TRUE STORY OF RICHARD WHITTINGTON
20
Technology News Year 7 and 8 Year 7 and 8 students have continued their Technology studies by learning about the properties of different plastics. They have also explored different plastic forming with some small class projects like phone holders and little turtle moulds. Some classes have been finishing up their pencil cases and photo frames too!
Year 9: Year 9 students have begun their GCSE course and have started a very new topic based on technical and architectural drawing. Our trip to Warner Bros. studios showed the students these drawings in real life and now they are learning how to produce them themselves focusing on Orthographic projection.
21
Technology News Continued …. Year 10: Our Year 10 students have been working extremely hard to design their own product and prepare for manufacture this term. They have all come up with unique final designs and have modelled, adapted and re-modelled their designs ready to be manufactured next term! Very exciting!
Year 11 and 13: Our exam classes have begun manufacture on their coursework pieces… stay tuned for photos to follow in the next term!
To keep up to date with what is going on in Design Technology follow us on Twitter! @DesboroughDT Miss Kelleher—Head of Technology 22
Information for Parents
For further information please see our website at:http://www.desborough.org.uk/Current-Vacancies
23
Information for Parents Continued ... Our mobile App is live on both Apple and Google Play Stores; you can stay in touch with our Events, News and receive free push notifications from us!
To download visit the Apple or Google App Stores and use the Username: Desborough Pin/Password: 6345
24
Information for Parents Continued .. DESBOROUGH LEGACY
DESBOROUGH LEGACY DESBOROUGH COLLEGE EMAIL: legacy@desborough-college.net TEL: 01628 762552
DESBOROUGH STANDING ORDER AUTHORITY 2016 -2017 Please return this form to the school office for the attention of Nuria White STUDENT NAME:____________________________________FORM:_____________________ PLEASE COMPLETE IN BLOCK CAPITALS, SIGN AND RETURN TO MRS NURIA WHITE. I WISH TO ESTABLISH A NEW STANDING ORDER AS FOLLOWS: PARENT/GUARDIAN DETAILS:_________________________________________________________ ACCOUNT IN THE NAME OF :__________________________________________________________ BANK & BRANCH NAME:__________________________________________________________________ BRANCH ADRESS:_________________________________________________________________ SORT CODE:______________________________________________________________________ ACCOUNT NO.:____________________________________________________________________
TO PAY: FRIENDS OF DESBOROUGH HSBC : ACCOUNT 90559261 : SORT CODE 40-31-05 AMOUNT PER MONTH:__________________________________ DATE OF FIRST PAYMENT:________________________________ I AM A UK TAX PAYER AND WOULD LIKE TO GIFT AID MY MONTHLY DONATION
SIGNATURE:___________________________________DATE:___________________________
25
Information for Parents Continued ... Parentview Gives you the chance To tell Ofsted what you think about Desborough It would be helpful if you could share your views of Desborough College with Ofsted. Please visit the website below even if you have done this previously.
http://parentview.ofsted.gov.uk/
School Uniform Desborough College now has a tracksuit available to pupils to buy from Goyals in Maidenhead. This can be used during PE sessions, particularly when the colder weather arrives and as part of the boys’ team kit when they compete. If parents have any second hand uniform, in good condition and would have no objection to donating this to the school, please contact Nuria White in Student Services. Thank you.
Homework Club All students are welcome to attend Homework Club which takes place Monday-Friday from 3.15 until 5.00 pm in Room B10. Maths Sixth Form Tutors attend the session every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday
26
Information for Parents Continued ... Free Hot Meals For Students If you are in receipt of state benefits or you work less than 16 hours per week your son may be entitled to free schools meals. We believe that the FSM is a crucial entitlement to help ensure that all children, independent of their family income should be able to get a nutritious meal in the middle of the day. They also have important health and educational benefits for the children that receive them. All school providers are encouraged to introduce cashless systems so that children in receipt of FSM get this funding automatically. This was one of the reasons to improve our catering service. If you have any further questions, please contact the school on 01628 634505
Cashless Catering for Students Desborough has a cashless catering system in place for all our students and staff. We are working in partnership with Catering Academy to ensure a healthier delivery of food to all its students and staff. Our dining room is open from breakfast onwards and offers hot and cold drinks, snacks, and home cooked meals created by the chef on our site. Samples of the Catering Academy menus can be found on the school website. Once your child is registered for our cashless catering system he/she will be able to buy food in our dining room without the worry of remembering to ensure they have cash with them. The cashless facility has allowed us to provide the students with a quicker service as no money and change is being handled. Please be aware that there is no cash facility at the tills. In addition parents can pay for trips and take advantage of other offers available on-line. Desborough now has a brand new sQuidOnline portal that is quicker and easier to use with a whole host of new features. From 20 October 2016 parents will no longer log in through the old system and will be able to access the website through https://portal.squidcard.com/loginPortal/ To download the sQuid App go to squidcard.com/app. If parents require further information please contact the school.
Next Principal’s Surgery Parents wishing to have a private conversation with me about any issues relating to school are invited to attend my Principal’s surgery. The next one will be held on Friday 10 March 2017 from 8 am to 11 am. These sessions are 10 minute slots. If you wish to have a longer conversation then please book a separate appointment via Nicola Humphries on 01628 762521.
Desborough College Shoppenhangers Road Maidenhead Berkshire SL6 2QB Tel: 01628 634505 Fax: 01628 639263 E-Mail: info@desborough-college.net
27