DESBOROUGH COLLEGE
INDEX:-
DESBOROUGH LEGACY
PRIMARY DANCE
March 2017
FESTIVAL
ON THE PATH TO THE
FUTURE
VISITOR TO 6TH FORM & READING UNIVERSITY
REUBENS FIGHT CAKE SALE
SIXTH FORM OPEN EVENING
MAIDENHEAD’S GOT TALENT & POLICE CADETS
WORLD BOOK DAY
WRITING CONFERENCE
MATHS COMPETITION
RADLEY COLLEGE LINKS
PIXL EDGE
SPORT
PEER PRODUCTIONS
TRIP TO HITACHI
BRAYWICK COURT SCHOOL EVENT
VISIT FROM ROB BARKER
LRC NEWS
ROCK FOR REUBEN
LEAVERS MEAL
LEGOLAND TRIP
REPORTS FROM
Dear Parents/Carers, I can confidently say that developments over the last six weeks have been the most momentous since I arrived at Desborough five years ago. Firstly, one of the targets that I set for myself was reached when the local education authority informed me that Desborough College has a waiting-list of pupils hoping to gain a place here in September, 2017. We are officially over-subscribed! Our PAN (planned admission number) of 189 has been surpassed by a considerable margin. Although this was a target that I set for myself it has only been realised through the efforts and talent of the staff and the support of the Governing Body and Radley College. Their determination to raise standards and gain an "Outstanding" Ofsted judgement has been relentless and continues to be so and this in turn has given parents the confidence to send their sons here. We won't let you down. Those of you that read the local newspapers will know that our sponsors, The Education Fellowship Trust, have had to hand all of the twelve schools in their multi-academy trust back to the Department for Education for re-brokering (being assigned to a different multi-academy trust). This presents Desborough College with some very exciting opportunities to work closely with a like-minded, local school whose pupils consistently achieve outstanding examination results. We will, I am confident, not have membership of a MAT imposed upon us and, indeed, the governors are working on a list of criteria that serves the best interests of Desborough boys and the local community. We would, for example, want to be close enough geographically to allow our sixth-formers to attend courses without difficulty (and vice-versa) and, of course, it would make sense to work closely with a school that has the same age-range and complements our status as a boys' school. I'm certain that an announcement will be made in the coming months. Finally, most of you will now be aware of the plans that were jointly submitted to RBWM by Desborough and Newlands to relocate to purpose-built, world class accommodation together with a primary school and joint sixth-form on the land currently used by Maidenhead Golf Club. It makes sense for all sorts of reasons, including the choice that it offers to parents (single-sex schooling; all-through 3-18 education; a mixed sixth-form offering a wide choice of options; 20% selection etc). It makes practical sense to parents of boys and girls of different ages because it removes the difficulties created by the "school run" and it will facilitate economies of scale and reduce costs. It allows outstanding teachers to share their expertise more readily and this will improve standards still further. Fingers crossed that the vision becomes a reality. The term has passed quickly and the exam season is just around the corner. I know that you will provide the support that your sons and daughters will need over the coming months. It's a tough, stressful time for them and, although they don't always show it, they will appreciate your encouragement. Have a wonderful Easter break.
DEPARTMENS: DRAMA, TECHNOLOGY & ART
INFORMATION FOR PARENTS
Paul Frazer
Primary Dance Festival—February 2017 Year 12 student, Victory Mabungu, was invited to narrate Ascot & Maidenhead School Sport Partnership’s Primary Dance Festival on 8th & 9th February. The School Sport Partnership is based at Desborough College, and works across all of the primary and secondary schools in Ascot & Maidenhead, supporting PE and school sport. This Dance Festival is the Partnership’s single biggest participation event, with 26 primary schools, and almost 850 young people taking part in this unique Dance Event across the 2 days. Unique in the sense that they are all full class size dances – not just smaller groups from dance clubs. It is a true celebration of what can be achieved in the curriculum! This year’s event was called the THOMSON, RODDICK & LAURIE Primary Dance Festival – “Changes” and featured a diverse variety of themes from changes in political landscapes, changes in technology, changes in dance styles, changes in history, you get the picture! And featured children as young as 5 years of age. Weaving the dances together into one performance on each day is the job of the narrator, and it takes a very distinctive type of character to carry out this duty. They are the front man of the event – the face of the Festival, and this year the School Sport Partnership turned to Desborough to help find our narrator. Victory was nominated by the Drama Department at Desborough College, and he was the perfect man for the job. It takes a lot of courage to front a 600 seat auditorium, in full blackout and under a spotlight, and lead the audience through their very varied journey of dance. Victory didn’t disappoint! He was eloquent, confident, charismatic, and even successfully adlibbed a few jokes!! He did a fantastic job and was even celebrated by the Deputy Mayor of the Royal Borough who sent a congratulations card to Mr Frazer about his performance. Victory did himself and Desborough College proud and the Partnership would welcome him back again in a heart beat! It’s fantastic to have a schools’ celebration event like this fronted by young people themselves. SCHOOLS TAKING PART: WEDS – Holy Trinity Cookham, Alwyn Infant, St Edmund Campion, Bisham, South Ascot Village School, Wessex, Cookham Dean, St Lukes, Cookham Rise, Lowbrook, Oldfield, Courthouse THURS – All Saints Junior, Manor Green Special, Riverside, Waltham St Lawrence, Woodlands Park, Braywick Court, Boyne Hill Infant, Holy Trinity Suuningdale, Furze Platt Infant, Furze Platt Junior, St Michaels Sunningdale, St Marys, St Francis, Ascot,
Emma Fitzgerald—Partnership Development Manager Ascot & Maidenhead School Sport Partnership
2
DESBOROUGH LEGACY DESBOROUGH COLLEGE EMAIL: legacy@desborough-college.net TEL: 01628 762552
Desborough Legacy
3
On The Path To The Future ………. It has been a very busy term full of activities and presentations that have, in some form or other, set our students, from Year 7s to Year 13s and all the year groups in between, thinking about the future ALL OF OUR YEAR 12 STUDENTS GOT A TASTE OF UNIVERSITY LIFE - AND RETURNED HOME SMILING Our Year 12s took time to go to Reading University to get as authentic a ‘feel’ of university life that they could. They toured the campus, taking in lecture rooms, libraries, sports facilities, campus accommodation and the various campus restaurant and shop outlets. They spoke in depth with current students, ranging from those who have just started their university life and those just about to finish. They heard about the advantages that can come from obtaining a degree, and also the unexpected pathways to a career the degree can sometimes open up. UCAS EXHIBITION 2017 Year 12 also attended the annual UCAS exhibition – this year held in the South East region at Brunel University, on 15th March, where they all got an opportunity to see representatives of a vast array of universities and educational facilities and to collect brochures and specific information on courses at the Universities and the many opportunities on offer. Of course – let’s not forget the free pens! Always useful when embarking on Uni life……. ‘OLD BOYS’ RETURN AND WOW YEAR 11s AND 12s Ex-pupil, Sean McCormack, made his second visit to Desborough since leaving us at the end of Year 11 in 2015. He handled with apparent ease the situation where the presentation that had been prepared for this occasion was not compatible with our system, but proceeded to retrieve the situation by doing an ‘off the cuff’ presentation that never faltered! During both visits he spoke to the Year 11 and 12 students, who listened attentively to his description of his life as an apprentice, where he is developing his sales and marketing techniques (which he certainly appears to be acquiring!) for the company he works for. From a teacher’s perspective it is always a thrill to see a past student develop into such a confident and self-assured young man! GSK COME TO CALL We have also had the good fortune to have a visit from three apprentices working for the pharmaceutical giant, Glaxo Smith Kline, who again spoke in detail of their lives as apprentices. They also spoke of the huge range of, at times, unexpected roles that need filling within such a huge company. Amongst our apprentices – and at the time of organising this I was unaware – was a science graduate who was working within the Biomed/Pharmaceutical departments, a Business graduate working in the marketing department and – surprise, surprise – Kieran! who left us four years ago in Year 11 and is now an engineering apprentice, and enjoying every minute of it. Mrs Sansom—Sixth Form Co-Ordinator and Careers Adviser
4
A Memorable Visitor to Sixth Form On the 23rd February we had a spellbound sixth form assembled in their Common Room for a presentation with a difference. Rejecting all the usual ‘mod cons’ that I would have available for a speaker, Paul Spencer assured me that he was totally happy just talking, not to, but with, the students – and this he did! Paul laid out the details of an unexpected path to his current position of top Hotel Executive, working for a world renown hotel company. His experiences of travel and Cordon Bleu courses taken in Paris in his twenties, to the current years travelling in his capacity running a top hotel for his company, fascinated his audience. He spoke with disarming honesty and passion, emphasising the point that the greatest success and happiness came invariably with being able to pursue something one was passionate about. After he left us there was an animated burst of conversation between the students as they shared their overwhelmingly positive response to our speaker, and they still refer to it!
Reading University Comes to Visit Desborough started to become ‘home from home’ for Ms Debi Linton from Reading University, who visited us on five difference occasions to deliver age appropriate presentations ranging from ‘what is higher education’ for the Year 7s, to those vital option choices now needed to be made for Year 8s and how those choices will affect their future education, to the Year 11s and what will be on offer for them in university and the route to higher learning. All year groups: 7s,8s,9s,10s,11s and Sixth Form were included in these insights into what university education offers, how it could be accessed and how a degree may impact lives after university.
Lots of interest from the students and lots learned!
Mrs Sansom—Sixth Form Co-Ordinator and Careers Adviser 5
Cake Sale for Reubens Fight A cake sale took place on Thursday 23 February for Reubens Fight which raised the grand sum of:-
ÂŁ725.11
Reubens Fight is a fundraising campaign to support the fight of a little boy who has been diagnosed with Stage 4 Metastic Neuroblastoma. He is a local to Maidenhead and his mum attended Newlands Girls’ School and his uncle, Richard Watson, came to Desborough.
6
Sixth-Form Open Evening 23 February
Another very successful Open Evening for our Sixth Form. The Jacoby Studio was packed with parents and students who listened to a variety of speeches including the impressions of our Head Girl, Roma Kahlon who shared her positive experiences having joined our Sixth Form as an external student. During the evening all the teachers and the details of the courses on offer were accessible and our Sixth Form Prefect team, as well as many other Sixth Form students joined forces with the staff to make it such a successful occasion. Mrs Sansom—Sixth Form Co-Ordinator and Careers Adviser
7
Maidenhead’s Got Talent 3 March 2017 I was very proud to put forward 5 of our talented Desborough boys for the Maidenhead’s Got Talent Evening. Each year there is a concert showcasing the talents we have in the local area held at Taplow Court, a great local venue with a stage and theatre seats. Other local schools participate by showing musical items, dancing and acting throughout the evening. Mrs Redman invited the Year 7 Arts Award pupils to watch and support the performers. We have great performers take part each year and this year was no exception. Dylan Allaway practised his piano solo of The Entertainer and Thomas Cannon played a jazz solo study on piano also. From Year 8 Charlie Chadwick showcased an original composition showing his creative skills. Luke Chester in Year 9 arranged his own film music medley, including the main themes from Jurassic Park and La La Land. Representing Year 10, Prabhjot Singh played his tabla drums as a soloist and in an ensemble with other pupils from other schools.
Police Cadets March 2017 Congratulations to Louis Rainford, Year 10 and Thomas Humphries, Year 9 who received their Attestation Certificate on 1 March for being part of the Thames Valley Police Cadets. The Windsor and Maidenhead LPA Commander’s Commendation Awards Ceremony took place at Fredericks Hotel and was attended by members of the Thames Valley Police. Awards were presented by Superintendent Rai and Victoria Fishburn and The High Sheriff of the Royal County of Berkshire also gave a speech. During the evening the audience heard of some examples of outstanding service, bravery and dedication from people working within the Thames Valley Police Service and the Cadets were able to hear about how they help in the community too.
The boys rehearsed and prepared for months for this event and they did Desborough College, the Music Department and themselves proud. Well done boys! Mrs McFarlane—Head of Music
Well done boys!
8
World Book Day 2017 March 2nd saw our annual celebration of World Book Day where we all dress up as literary characters to celebrate our love of literature and fiction. This year was the 20 th Anniversary of World Book Day and we took the opportunity to celebrate the genre of mystery, crime and thrillers. As a result we had a number of Sherlock Holmes roaming the school, magnifying glasses in hand. Boys were also invited to solve a number of puzzles to help solve a crime in the library. This will take place after Easter. Thank you all for your support for World Book Day as we raised £120 which will be spent on new purchases for the library. Mr Frazer delighted us with his “Judge” costume which he has kindly donated to the library to raffle to raise more funds. Tickets will be on sale after Easter for 50p a ticket to win the outfit. Also, as part of the World Book Day celebrations and with collaboration from RBWM we were delighted to host the Author Matt Dickinson. Matt showed us videos of his adventures up Mount Everest and in the Antarctic and scared us with his tale of frostbite and damage to his fingers from the extreme cold. Matt has written a number of gripping books for teenagers; a number of which were purchased and signed. We always see an increase in excitement and reading after a visit from an Author. Mrs A Hallissey—Librarian
9
World Book Day 2017
10
Teenage Writing Conference—3 March 2017 The LRC took some boys who enjoy reading and creative writing to the annual Teenage Writing Conference at Leighton Park School. We were treated to an array of talks and workshops with some young adult Authors.
11
Teenage Writing Conference Continued ... “I had a magnificent time meeting four different authors and children. I also had the experience of going on a trip with students not from my year, this made it really fun as I made new friends along the way. We drove there and as soon as we parked I realised how big the school was, it was like a mansion. The people there were really helpful and guiding us on where to go. I got to experience being taught by an Author (Nicky Singer) for an hour and also getting to know stories from the other students participating in the classroom. I bought two books and had one signed by the Author. The food there was amazing as there were so many different selections. On the way home, we all realised that the library needs a mascot. So we have plans to make this into a competition. This trip has also helped me improve my English as it has helped me structure my stories. I would love to go next year again because it was delight going and it has pushed me to read more.” Luis De Freitas Year 9 “On Friday I went to Leighton Park School to go to a workshop. I personally enjoyed the day as we learned about how we, as a community, could be environmentally disturbing the way of life for others. I also enjoyed the workshop I went to as we turned a real life experience into something more exciting. I found the first talk amazing as the book that Nicky Singer wrote had a character living in the Arctic talking to someone like us and asking for help. Her grandma turns into a polar bear to scare the boy linking mythology to the real world problem.” William Pocock-Stillman Year 8 “Hello. My name is Alexander Scott. I am the grandfather of Max Baker who attends Desborough College. I never got to meet him as I passed away before he was born but as one goes, another one comes. I was born in Myanmar but my family were Glaswegian and I joined the navy at the age of 15.” This is a piece I have written imagining I’m my grandfather. Unfortunately, I never got to meet him however, using the techniques that Sita Bramachari taught us when we went to Leighton Park in Reading, I have attempted to breathe life into my character. Our time at Leighton was amazing and I learnt so much about writing and particularly, human rights upon which the day was focused on. We were allowed to choose a workshop and I chose “Giving your character a voice” taught by Sita Bramachari. We used a technique of writing down simple words that were the first thing we thought of when we imagined our character (e.g. a toy ship, red, friendly, etc.). This has helped me in my writing and in drama. I am very grateful for being invited to go to Leighton Park and will apply the techniques I learnt in my future English lessons.” Max Baker Year 8 I went to the workshop given by Vanessa Altin, the Author of The Pomegranate Tree, a book of inspired stories told by refugees from the war in Syria. The Author spent time with a group of children who had fled to Turkey, leaving their families behind to fight. Tackling issues of freedom of speech, gender equality, religious and racial discrimination, as well as the vested interests of the press, the workshop was interesting and inspiring for the children who attended. Jo Baker, Library Volunteer “Today we were heading up to Leighton Park (private) School in Reading with Miss Baker and Mrs Hallissey. We set off in Mrs Hallissey’s 7-seater car (which I must admit was very clean). When we arrived unfortunately someone had taken our parking space so we had to park in the parking space next to ours! When we arrived inside the reception area we were all filled with awe by how impressive it looked. We all agreed about how it was more like a mansion than a reception. We were all given name tags and sent to a hall where at nine am sharp the talk began with Nicky Singer telling us how she came about writing her book called “Island.” She told us she visited her friend in Morocco and she told about this Island in Canada called Hershel and she listened to the stories her friend told her and turned it into story about urban teenager, Cameron who arrives on an uninhabited Arctic island. He is prepared for ice and storms and (stripped of his smart technology) possibly boredom. He is not prepared for 24 hour daylight and erupting graves. At first, Cameron believes the explanations of his research scientist mother. But – as the island reveals itself to him – he begins to see (and hear) things which push him towards a very different reality. One of them is an Inuit girl. The other is a large white bear. Next we had a talk from Jon Walter who was the Author for “My name’s not Friday.” It is based on the subject of slavery and he studied deep into slavery history when writing this book. It is about a well-mannered Samuel and his mischievous younger brother Joshua. They are black boys living in an orphanage during the end of the Civil War. Samuel takes the blame for Joshua's latest prank, and the consequence are worse than he could ever imagine. He's taken from the orphanage to the South, given a new name -- Friday -- and sold into slavery. What follows is a heart-breaking but hopeful account of Samuel's journey from freedom, to captivity, and back again. Then we had a break with some squash and biscuits. Then another talk about human rights from a school Librarian called Barbara Band. Then we had lunch in their canteen and goodness me was it scrumptious. Then we got split into different groups and I was in How to make fiction from your own life. We looked at the story when William’s brother nearly shot him in the foot. After that, we made a story from it. Then we went in for the last talk from Sita Brahmachari telling us about her life with her Dad. We were also given our Human Rights Passport. Then after that they dismissed us and we went back to school. Overall, it was a truly exciting day and I can’t wait to go next year.” Proudly presented by Kickie Dzimba
12
Desborough Maths Team Win Local Competition
The Further Maths Support Programme is an organisation designed to promote the teaching of mathematics up to and beyond Year 13, in order to meet the country's needs in terms of mathematicians. Every year, they organise a series of friendly maths competitions where teams of 4 Year 10 students are challenged to unusual problems. This year, for the first time, Desborough entered a team into the event hosted by a neighbouring grammar school near Slough. After a lot of fun and fast thinking, they finished in first position, ahead of the other 14 schools that were taking part, including the hosting team and several private schools. Very well done team Tom, Fionan, Joseph and Daire! Mrs Morgan Deputy Curriculum Leader for Maths
13
Radley Lecture—7 March
Many thanks again to Michael Noone, Head of Biology at Radley College for providing another innovative talk to some of our lucky students. Much enjoyment was had by all.
14
“Fizz”
On the 8th of March 2017, Mr Teddy Watson (Associate Fellow of the Said Business School, Oxford University) graced the halls of the Desborough Sixth Form block to share his advice with Desborough students, and visiting Radley College students, about the trials and tribulations of making a university application standout. Mr Watson explained and highlighted the point that your university application must have a desire for ‘fizz’ (as he described it), something that sets you apart from all the other applicants bidding for the same university place. He gave the example of a young Cameroon boy who was recognised within his village as being an intelligent child. When he reached the age of 10 they came together and paid for him to go to school. Mr Watson told us how this young boy ended up achieving an interview and place at Oxford University due the determination and ‘fizz’ that singled him out from the crowd. For his whole university placement he worked night shifts at a local hospital as a porter while revising and going to lectures in the day. The story highlighted to the Desborough and Radley students that no amount of money or power can buy you the necessary grit to succeed and accomplish your goals. In addition to his position at The Said Business School, Mr Watson is also heading up a major innovative project to extend the teaching of Chinese language across the whole of the UK for the Swire Group. We all greatly benefitted from Mr Watson’s experience in his roles with the British Exploring Society, Radley College Council and as a member of the Advisory Council of Crédito y Riesgos, based in Madrid. Mr Watson is also the founder of the prestigious Wallace Watson Award at St Catherine's College, Oxford. I would like to thank Mr Sparks, Radley College students and Mr Watson for coming down and helping to set up the talk. Philip Wells (Year 12)
15
PiXL Edge Success for Year 7 Students
The Race To
Completed The Apprentice Level Ubhay Ashraq Patrick Sutton Charles Lawrence Archie Moore Samuel Bartman Talha Khan Andersen Alton
16
Hockey
The hockey term has been extremely exciting this year, we’ve had a growth in the sport lower down the school and we should hopefully see that begin to filter through as the years go by at Desborough, allowing us to begin the process of fielding a competitive 1st XI higher up the school. All boys who have taken part from Years 7-10 have played against a host of fee paying schools as well as grammar schools with a strong hockey tradition. On the whole the results have been positive but the most important aspect is that the boys are getting better and better through each training session and game played. We recently have made a link with Marlow HC, who are famed for producing high level players consistently and we are also looking at a future link with Maidenhead HC. We, in the school, believe firmly that if the boys play outside of school it can only benefit themselves and also the school in turn. Some of the Years 7 and 8 group will be invited to an ‘elite performance programme’ aimed at giving the boys more exposure to hockey and fine tuning skills. All the PE team are extremely excited about the future of the sport at school and are hopeful that the glory days are returning back! Well done to all boys who represented the school, you have been outstanding in every aspect! Mr Brar—Raising Achievement Leader for Year 10 and PE Teacher
17
Desborough Football
This season has been very successful for Desborough College. In particular, the Year 7 football team was unbeaten in the East Berkshire Schools League and have progressed to the semi-finals where they play St Crispins. They have beaten Furze Platt 4-2, Holyport College 7-0 and Altwood 9-0. They also did very well in the English Schools National Cup and made it into the 3rd round. The Year 8 football team are currently on a fantastic run in the County Cup and have made it to the quarter finals. They have beaten Parkhouse 6-4 and Littleheath 3-1 to reach that stage. Finally, the Year 10 team also went on an excellent run and reached the quarter finals in the County Cup. They beat Downs 5-2 and then St Crispins 3-2. Unfortunately, they came up against a very good Littleheath side and were knocked out in the quarter finals. With the Year 7 and Year 8 teams still in competitions there is still a chance for some silverware this year. Good luck to both sides. Mr Furmage—Deputy Curriculum Leader of PE
18
A Hard Hitting Performance That Made An Impact on Year 9 On 15th March, Peer Productions, an excellent Theatre in Education Company presented a performance of ‘High’, which proved to be a moving, emotional and at times a hard hitting tale of the potential abuses of drugs that can challenge the lives of so many, and the avoidance of the dangerous behaviours that can surround young people. The Year 9s were very attentive and it was plain by the direct response of the boys that the message was understood, respected and absorbed. As one young man said, ‘Seeing a play is definitely the best way to understand things like this. I think it had quite an impact on us all’ Mrs Sansom—Sixth Form Co-Ordinator and Careers Adviser
19
Trip to Hitachi—15 March 2017 Our Year 12 BTEC Business students were offered a fantastic opportunity to attend a working lunch at Hitachi, a multinational conglomerate with their European HQ here in Maidenhead, and our students gladly accepted! This group of business enthusiasts are currently basing their business environment study on Hitachi, looking at issues such as Brexit and Corporate Social Responsibility, as well as carrying out an in-depth PEST and SWOT analysis of the company. Our hosts were well prepared, covering a range of important and contemporary issues such as exchange rate fluctuations, big data, artificial intelligence, and creating shared value. This was a great networking opportunity for our students, with some of them keen to return to Hitachi on work experience later this year – all dependent upon the quality of their Hitachi reports of course! Thank you to our hosts Hansm and Abbie for their invaluable insights and hospitality. We are always looking for opportunities for our students to engage with the local business community, so please get in touch if you can help, at danielclawson@desborough-college.net Mr D Clawson Curriculum Leader of Business Studies
20
Braywick Court School Students Visit Report by Mrs Eaves—Senior Assistant Principal Children from Braywick Court School visited Desborough College on Friday 17 March to spend time with their Year 7 “reading buddies” in the library. The 6 and 7 year olds are currently in temporary accommodation, and relished the opportunity to spend time reading with their Desborough partner, and exchanging information. Each child was able to choose a book to keep and a personalised book mark. The afternoon ended with lively story telling by Mr Gleeson, English teacher at Desborough College. The children said they had a “fantastic” time, commenting on the refreshments and making friends with their “reading buddies”. The Year 7 Desborough boys will be going to Braywick Court later next term to support their partners in preparing for their SATs. Mrs Eaves—Senior Assistant Principal
21
Braywick Court School Visit Report by Mrs Hallissey—Librarian We were delighted to welcome over 30 6/7 year olds to our school last week on a visit from Braywick Court Primary School arranged by Mrs Eaves and Mrs Donnelly. Our class of year 7’s were paired up as “Reading Buddies” with the Year 2’s who escorted them on a short tour of Desborough. They were overawed with the size of the site and all the older boys. We shared biscuits and squash and handed out our handmade bookmarks with each child’s name on. The children were taken to a table to view a selection of books we were gifting to the primary school pupils and were able to choose one to keep. They and their buddy also completed a nameplate to stick in their book as a memory of the day. The pairs had a lovely session of reading to each other and the Year 2’s wrote us some stories and drew some pictures. We were then lucky enough to be treated to Story time with Mr Gleeson. A fabulous time was had by all and we look forward to going to Braywick Court for a return visit. I was very impressed by the patience of our Year 7’s and the Year 2’s told me that they really enjoyed meeting their buddies. To end the day we donated a number of boxes of books to Braywick to continue with the reading culture both schools share.
Alison Hallissey @DesboroughLRC School Librarian
22
A Truly Inspirational Talk Uncle and Nephew Proud of Each other Year 7 student, Louis Barker, shared the limelight with his uncle, when Rob Barker, currently living and working in Seattle, USA, and President of a huge sports equipment and services company, dealing worldwide, jetted in to see family for a few short days and agreed to speak to our senior students of Years 11,12 & 13 and our Year 7s on 20 March. To say he and his inspiring words made an impact on all is an understatement! Mr Barker commenced his addresses to various year groups with tales of his time as a pupil at Desborough - many of the reminiscences causing lots of laughter…..and he was even brave enough to share his Year 7 school photograph, and produced his old Desborough blazer badge, which he had fondly kept for so many years. Not only did Rob Barker’s words interest and often amuse his audience, most importantly they inspired. Many students, from Year 7 to Year 13 commented on the uplifting, positive and motivating nature of the talks, many of who quoted his words – one Year 7, reporting to Mrs Barros, Head of Year 7, that he was now inspired to ‘be the best version of himself that he could be’- what a wonderful sentiment! Mrs Sansom—Sixth Form Co-Ordinator and Careers Adviser
23
Library News Chess Tournament—22 March 2017 This year’s chess tournament culminated in the most anticipated final yet: Last year’s victor, Maxim Wenninger against newcomer Nicholas Vallis in Year 7. In an extremely tense best of 3 match, it was Nicholas that came out on top 2-0. As our new Chess Champion, Nicholas had the honour of playing Mr Frazer. Nicholas had an advantage early on when he took his first knight. It was a tense match but Nicholas kept his advantage through a 40 minute match which resulted in Mr Frazer forfeiting. Not a totally unexpected result as Nicholas does play chess for England! A fantastic few months of chess was had by all entrants and as I write this we have nine chess matches being played this lunch-time. A truly popular game! Mrs Hallissey—Librarian
24
Rock for Reuben Students took part in a concert to raise money for Reuben on Friday 24 March in the hall. There were a large number of staff and students who turned up to watch the concert performed by Connor Lee, Alex Lee, Thulani Pilime Mpandiwa and Arthur Rodriguez. Thank you to all those who took part and donated for such a great cause, in particular Connor, Alex, Thulani and Arthur. A great performance!
25
The Boys Are Back in Town ... Friday 24 March Desborough Sixth Form Reunion of last year’s Year 13 leavers was, as ever, a delightful event where staff eagerly heard all the news of life at university and work from our boys and girls. Good conversation , good company and good food, who could want more… but they got more …. After a reception in our Library, where our “Class of 2016” received alumni ties, they joined the Old Maidonians annual dinner held across the road from the school at Maidenhead Golf Club. All have become members of the “Old Maidonians Associations”, founded in 1924, which means they are now part of a wide network of ex-pupils of the school who support each other. We look forward to keeping in touch with them and see them return next year! Mrs Eaves—Senior Assistant Principal and Mrs Sansom— Sixth Form Co-Ordinator and Careers Advisor
26
Year 9 Desborough Boys: A Breath of Fresh Air Monday morning, 27 March. A chilly start had me digging out a coat to take Year 9 to Legoland for the day and hoping they'd had the sense to dress for the weather too; the first big trip I'd organised at Desborough and I didn't want anyone with hypothermia! 75 excited boys boarded coaches for the short drive and then queued patiently while tickets were collected and timings confirmed. I'm delighted to say that all three groups took in where they needed to be and when to be there and the day ran like clockwork. Boys participated in a seminar on the business of Lego, learning about how products are differentiated by length of time spent at the facility and how the Merlin brand has been created. They had already completed research for homework and were able to answer questions on ideas such as segmentation and target markets as well as, inevitably, being up with the play on the latest trends. This proved useful when they are asked to design a mascot for a new themed area of their choosing; cheap research for Legoland, I thought! By late morning the sun had come out and the boys were clearly enjoying their own primary research ... "Miss, I went on that Dragon thing three times" ... "Miss, we got wet on Pirate Falls but went on the rocker to dry off" (great use of physics there, boys!) Staff kept a watchful eye but, once again the degree of anticipating, planning and mitigating that goes into organising visits paid off and we had time to chat with the boys about their experience, ask thought-provoking questions and give our sunglasses an airing. The boys did Desborough and their parents proud. There is much discussion in education about the value of learning outside the classroom. Every time I take students out, I not only see them embed the concepts we are discussing in class, but I also get to know more of their passions and goals. It helps me to tailor the examples I use in my teaching and general my interactions with them to open up a wider world relevant to their path. Thanks to parents for supporting this aspect of your child's learning. Mrs Neal Teacher of Business Studies and Enterprise Centre Lead
27
Drama Report—
YEAR 10 – CONFLICTS OF OUR TIME
Year 10 Drama students presented their devised theatre pieces to an audience of parents on 21 st March. Responding to the theme of ‘Conflicts of our Time’, the students created thought provoking and challenging theatre that was both informative and emotive. The students responded maturely and sensitively to the challenging issue of global terrorism thorough their 15 minute pieces that they devised and scripted themselves. Two performance groups explored the tragic events of London Bombings in 2005. The actors aimed to educate the audience about the catastrophic events of that day and explore the violence of the attacks through expressionistic movement. They also examined the physical, emotional and psychological impact on victims by focusing on personal stories and how the tragedy changed lives. The themes of grief, fear, confusion and shock were evident throughout. A massive well done to all the Year 10 performers. This was no easy assessment but everyone rose to the challenge and achieved their creative potential. Huge thanks must go to Sam Cox, an ex-Desborough student, for organising and operating the sound and lighting for the assessments. Also to Ms Robinson (Learning Support Department) and Pippa Russell (Year 12) for helping out with direction, motivation, confidence building and prompting. Both went above and beyond their call of duty! THEATRE TRIPS Year 12 travelled to the Progress Theatre in Reading to see an accomplished amateur production of ‘Accidental Death of an Anarchist’. This trip helped the students to visualise Dario Fo’s comic satire and understand the complex plot of mistaken identity! A fun and productive evening was had by all. Year 10 students visited the Playhouse Theatre in the West End recently; we were lucky enough to get the final few remaining tickets for the London run of ‘An Inspector Calls’. The students found the production a very useful introduction to their GCSE set text, as well as being a highly creative intelligent piece of theatre in its own right. Mrs Turner Curriculum Leader for Drama
28
Drama Report Continued The Day London Went Quiet
Trapped in Time
29
Drama Report Continued Other theatre makers based their performance on the Paris Attacks of 14th November, 2015. The actors explored one father’s story of how he lost his son in the attack, alongside the themes of radicalisation, fear, grief and guilt by exposing characters’ vulnerability. The devised pieces also communicated the political and social context of contemporary global terrorism.
30
Drama Report Continued The Eagle of Death The final group based their theatre on the Twin Towers attack in New York 2001 – 9/11. The actors explored the horror and huge loss of human life, focusing on personal stories and the themes of entrapment, shock and violence. They included political and social reactions and used an expressionistic style to show elements of the horror.
31
Art Department News
32
Art Department News Continued ...
33
Art Department News Continued ...
34
Technology News Year 7 Year 7 students have continued their Technology studies by learning about the properties of different plastics and woods. They are now designing a toy airplane and are beginning manufacture on these projects. Year 8: Year 8 students are having their first try at circuits with a steady hand buzzer game they have designed.
Year 9: Year 9 students have taken inspiration from GCSE coursework and designed their own passive speakers. They are currently in the manufacture stages and are making some really exciting products! The boys are also getting involved with James Dysons Design competition, so we have an exciting couple of terms ahead of us! Year 10: Our Year 10 students have been working extremely on the manufacture stages of their design and make challenge. It has been a really exciting term and the products are really coming together. Well done boys!
We also have a really exciting trip sponsored by Shell to a design festival in London on the 26 th of May! Exciting summer term ahead! Year 11 and 13: Our exam classes have almost finished manufacture on their exam coursework pieces. Products range from speakers, tables, desks and shoe storage solutions! Here are some of the speakers which we will also be entering in Deloittes competition for young designers.
To keep up to date with what is going on in Design Technology follow us on Twitter! @DesboroughDT Miss Kelleher— Curriculum Leader of Design Technology 35
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
36
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
37
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 19 May 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
38