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Desborough School Newsletter
DESBOROUGH SCHOOL
SPECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST: •
Meeting the Queen
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Academy Status
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Farewell
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Trips & Drama Productions
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Sports Day & Sports Award Evening
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Star Factor
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Sports Day & Sports Award
Meeting the Queen Desborough was invited to visit Windsor castle on 10th July as the Olympic Torch visited the Queen. We were able to invite a primary school who have also been learning about the Olympics & Paralympics, so we invited Lowbrook Academy. Since one of the activities in the pack was “Have a go at Handball” we thought it would be an excellent idea to demonstrate the effectiveness of the project by performing a session of Handball for the Queen. Five students from Year 7 and five students from Year 8 were chosen to take part. Alex Debradandere and Charlie Fidler (both Year 12) were chosen to teach the
pupils the techniques involved and to organise the session on the day. Understandably there was a lot of waiting around to start with but whilst we waited we were able to chat to some of the other people who had been invited to the Castle. We met the person who designed the London 2012 torch and also those who had carried the torch when the Games came to London in 1948. We also met Lord Sebastian Coe who helped introduce the Queen to Aman Sanga (Year 7) and Charlie Fidler. Whilst the Queen was chatting to everyone the rest of
the party did their best to play handball in one of the famous courtyards of the Castle. Despite the grass being immaculately cared for, a recent heavy shower had rendered the area similar to that of an ice rink. Some of the boys finished the match a little bit muddy. When the Queen had met everyone, we all watched Phillip Wells (Year 7) set off with the torch, running out of Windsor Castle and down to the Long Walk. From inside the Castle we had an amazing view of the crowds lined either side of the long walk almost as far as the eye could see.
Evening •
Important Dates for your Diary
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Star Factor
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Desborough Basketball
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Sixth Form News
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Visits to Primary Schools
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Thanks from the Mayor
Academy Status The School’s application to The move to become an acadachieve academy status was ap- emy supports our vision to beproved by the Department for come an outstanding school by 2015 and to be the school of Education on Wednesday. choice for local families. I’m The Education Fellowship has delighted it is happening, this is a been chosen as the main sponsor new beginning for Desborough of the Academy. They will over- and it is something that is going see the establishment of the new to create a very bright future for academy and impart their exper- the boys who attend. tise to assist the staff in the drive to improve the standard and It is important that we involve our students and parents in our pace of learning. plans for the future and there-
fore at the beginning of the Autumn term 2012 we will post regular updates about our progress on our website and in our newsletters. Our Governors, sponsors and leadership team are very excited about the future of Desborough and would like our parents and community to be involved every step of the way.
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Farewell! I leave Desborough at the end of this term with many happy memories gathered over 23 years’ service. This is an unimagP A for G Eboys 2 inable length of time currently in the school who were many years away from being born when I joined the school as Head of Science in 1989. Indeed it is so long that I increasingly find myself teaching the sons of boys who were in my classes in years gone by. So much has changed in this time: we have been grant maintained, a community school, a language college and now Academy status is looming. ICT, the subject I now teach, didn’t even exist when I started at Desborough and the excitement generated when the first computer arrived in the Science Department reached fever pitch. Some of the teachers we know so well today were in the spring time of their careers when I joined the school: Mr Stewart had hair, Mrs Duncombe won the 100m staff race on sports day and Mrs Turner was only just beginning to develop the skills needed to get drama essays out of reluctant sixth form students. Buildings have come and gone and the school looks very different today compared with the Desborough School I first joined. My first teaching lab was a portakabin located where the Reynolds building now stands. Lessons in winter were survived by keeping overcoats on and lighting all the bunsen burners in order to keep warm. Thankfully, accommodation for teaching has improved beyond measure and I was so pleased to be able to finally oversee the refurbishment of the Science department last year.
Despite a period of almost constant change, what makes our school special has remained intact. I am intensely proud of our pupils and what they achieve, both inside and outside of the classroom. One of my most enjoyable tasks has been to say a few words about boys collecting prizes on speech day. My research always confirms that our school holds a huge reservoir of talent and that the achievements of our pupils are second to none. We are well known for producing great sportsmen, talented actors, artists and musicians and these are traditions that will, I am sure, continue to make Desborough a very special place. Boys should never listen to politicians who say that exams are easier than they used to be. My experience has been that pupils are more determined than ever to succeed and they achieve great results because they deserve them and have worked hard for them. It has been my privilege to work with generations of talented young men whose achievements have been inspirational. Although my responsibilities have resulted in a reduced teaching commitment, I have always enjoyed being in the classroom and I will miss the good humour and enthusiasm of Desborough boys. A number of long serving colleagues are leaving Desborough at the end of this academic year. The fact that so many teachers decide to spend the majority of their professional career in one place is testimony to the fact that we enjoy being part of a great school.
This is a tremendously exciting time for Desborough. Pupils in the school today will notice significant change in the years ahead and will benefit greatly from our new Academy status. I will always follow the fortunes of the school with keen interest and I look forward to hearing of our continued success. I would like to thank parents, staff and governors for their support and, most importantly, thank the boys for making my time at Desborough so enjoyable.
Steve Reed
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Desborough Gets Set for the Olympics with Paralympian Visit As a result of being a Get Set Network School (a status awarded in recognition of the School’s work around the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games) Desborough School was visited by Paralympian swimmer Chris Holmes on Thursday 24 May. The Get Set Programme is the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games official education programme, supporting schools to get involved with the Olympic and Paralympic Games and also achieve the quest to be the first Olympic Games to achieve a participation legacy. Chris visited school to find out more about the work Desborough has been doing around Paralympic sport, the Paralympic Games and the Paralympic Values of Inspiration, courage, de-
termination and equality.
Seoul 1988, to Sydney in 2000.
Prior to the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games, Chris Holmes was Britain’s most successful individual Paralympic swimmer
Chris was met by Michael Spandley & Oliver Johnstone, Desborough’s two Young Ambassadors, whose role in the school is to raise awareness about the Olympic and Paralympic Games and their values plus encourage participation in sport and physical activity. He visited the paralympic displays in the school, and then observed a PE lesson showcasing the inclusive sports of Goalball and Seated Volleyball both to be played at the Paralympic Games. As a visually impaired athlete himself, Chris offered an insight into the challenges faced and the skills set developed to overcome these barriers to participate in this sport and excel within it, before finishing with an inspirational talk about his experiences and journey in sport.
Chris Holmes
winning nine Paralympic gold medels, including six at a single games. He has represented his country at 4 Paralympics from
Desborough U14 Fut5al Team A group of boys in Year 8 and 9 took up Futsal quite recently training over the last three months during lunch times to improve their understanding of the game and their technical ability. The boys have demonstrated a keen interest for the sport and showed some real progression in their technical game play. In March, the boys were entered into a local competition against the likes of Windsor Boys and Prospect. They finished runners up and qualified
for the Regional Competition in Guildford. They went on to represent Berks/Bucks U14 Futsal Squad in the National Competition in Birmingham on the 1 July 2012, and came away National Champions! This was an amazing achievement for all involved. A huge congratulation goes to all the boys who have attended Futsal training and especially to those who took part in the tournaments. Now, lets become National Champions.
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A Level Geologists’ Trip to BP at Sunbury at a macro scale of square kilometers, seismic data is built into 3D models on the computer to help Geologists understand what is going on below the sea bed and where therefore it might be best to drill in order to find oil. At the invitation of one of Desborough’s Governors, Zahid Aziz, ex-Geology student of the school, the A2 Geologists visited the technological headquarters of BP in the UK at their environmentally friendly site in Sunbury in the middle of May. We were shown how,
We also had a presentation on cutting edge micro scale technology using a CT scanner to analyse the way fluids could move through the pores in a rock (a bit like hospitals scan different part of the body), using a 2 mm piece of core sample. This helps Geologists to gain a better understanding of the
extraction potential of a particular site. We ended up in the staff restaurant eating a hearty lunch. We were very impressed and inspired to see Geologists in the world of work. A big “Thank you” to zahid for giving up so much of his time to BP for their hospitality. Mr J Aston
“Desborough Students show their talent and enthusiasm
Year 7 Arts Festival
during Drama and a
A big well done to all Year 7 boys for creating such a fantastic Arts Festival performance that was presented to the Year 6 boys visiting us on Induction Day. Some negotiable moments included Spain’s energetic bull fighting scene, the graceful flamenco dancing and the human flag; Italy’s creative performance of the eruption of Pompeii and the symbolism of people trapped in the ashes:
Kenya’s Massai people and how they built their houses; and finally Britain’s journey of the Olympic torch and the fantastic creation of the London Eye and the Tower of London using physical body prop. A big well done also to Desborough’s one and only Break Dancing Troupe who performed with confidence and precision namely P J Crocombe, Siyanda Khanye, TK Mukahiwa, Thulani Pilime
Mpandiwa and Det Tedsen. And last, but not least, the Bugsy Malone cast who presented a well choreographed boxing scene that was enthusiastic and energetic … the year 6 boys watched in awe and admiration?
Year 11 and 12 Theatre Trips The number of Year 11 boys who have returned to school this term to attend theatre trips with Year 12 has been impressive; this shows dedication and commitment—well done. Our trip to see “Posh” in the West End was exciting and the coach buzzed with discussion about whether wealth determines the right to rule in our society—controversial stuff! Our trip to see “Equus” was less inspir-
ing, apart from the scenes of nudity which the boys felt required an in-depth analysis! Behaviour on both trips was exemplary— fantastic!
Geologists trip”
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Sports Day 2012 Students receiving their awards for achievement Sports Day Although the day was overcast and the ground underfoot muddy in places, the day was an outstanding success. This was my first Desborough Sports Day and I was delighted by the large num-
bers of parents who came to support their boys and the school. Many thanks, your encouragement and attendance are greatly appreciated.
the website. Particular thanks go to the Friends of Desborough who worked tirelessly making plans in the weeks leading up to Sports Day, and then getting to school very eagerly to set things up.
The boys, as ever, gave 100% and there were many outstanding performances, too many to mention in this newsletter. However, there were many photographs taken and I have asked for these to be placed on
“Desborough boys participating in sports events”
Sports Awards Evening 2012
Sports Awards Evening 2012 Thursday 12 July saw the first ever Sports Award Evening, an event designed to “celebrate participation and achievement”. The hall was packed and we were delighted to welcome Thomas Guest and Ollie Kohn, both Harlequins R.U.F.C. players and both very big!!
Thomas Guest The Nick Duncombe Trophy is awarded to the best Key Stage 3 Sportsman every year and this year we have selected a young man who greatly deserves the award. In year 7 he showed he had the potential to be a very talented sportsman. He became an integral part of the U12 Rugby but did not set the world alight in a team of extremely talented rugby players.
The evening was an opportunity to applaud the many outstanding young sportsman who attend Desborough School and at the same time recognise and award the efforts of those boys who are not necessarily excellent sportsman, but who participate enthusiastically and who are good teamplayers. Over 200 boys received Certificates, medals and trophies.
Prize Winners (Front Row): Phillip Wells, Jordan Brown, William Jamieson, Joel Greene, Oliver McGregor, Duncan Brown, Craig Renwick, Sean McCormack, Kai Furnell-Brennan, William Palmer, Peter Coull (Back Row): Shane McKenna, Oliver Malik, Alex Atkinson, James Downey, William Churchward, Thomas Guest (Harlequins RFC), Joseph Beel, Ben Snapes, Thomas Judd
KS3 overall sportsman but was unable to attend because of illness. I thought that I would share with you the citation put together by James Reilly, who organised the event and which speaks volumes for Khalid’s courage and determination.
I would not normally single out boys for a special mention but I will in this newsletter because I think that it is merited. Khalid Omar was nominated for the Nick Duncombe Trophy, awarded for county rugby for Berkshire and was going from strength to strength. It was in this year that this young man did something that maybe will never be repeated again. In one summer he managed to break four school athletics records, some of which had stood for over 20 years.
ing his normal commitment towards the sports he loved. Every week he would turn out to train and play, even when he was clearly not well and would force me to take him from the pitch. His dedication to school sport when being very unwell, is typical of the attitude I have seen over the 3 years I have known him.
It was the end of this summer when health problems completely changed This is why I selected Khalid Omar In year 8 things changed, he really be- the life of this extremely talented ath- as Nick Duncomb Trophy winner gan to show the potential we knew he lete. In the face of extreme ill health at for 2012. had. He had been selected to play no point did this stop him from show-
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Important Dates for Your Diary 4th September 2012 INSET Day
15 February 2013 INSET Day End of Term
5 September 2012 INSET Day
25 February 2013 Start of Term
6 September 2012 Start of Term
28 March 2013 End of Term
26 October 2012 INSET Day End of Term
15 April 2013 Start of Term
5 November 2012 Start of Term
24 May 2013 End of Term
7 December 2012 INSET Day
3 June 2013 Start of Term
21 December 2012 End of Term
24 July 2013 End of Term
7 January 2013 Start of Term
Star Factor Hits a High Note!! Last Tuesday saw a magnificent celebration of talent from our boys in the form of the annual “Star Factor” Evening. Singers, groups, instrumentalists and dancers competed for vouchers, prizes and instruments in a festival of fun!! The three judges, Mrs Sansom, Mrs Hughes and Mr Thompson all provided constructive comments to all the participants who included Sam Hoxley (guitar), singer Ripudaman Singh, drummer Josh Bowry and our new star, Thulani Pilme Mpandiwa. Det Tedsen and Warrick Heath gave outstanding performances in that first half with Mr Torrent and Ms Lewis duetting with “The Trumpet Shall Sound!” A brilliant performance with Andrew Hockey and Miss Smith-Phelps started the second half, followed by Warrick, Dominic Langley and Tom Judd’s rendition of “We will Rock You!”. Laurence Eaves with both Richard Russell and Sam were not to be outdone, and the evening was rounded off with Det’s dance act team and Bugsy Malone numbers from the work done in Drama with Mrs Hoyoake. Of course, the Staff Choir (Mrs Leedale, Mrs Pickett and Mrs Hughes) must be mentioned which frankly “stole the show”!!! The evening would not have been possible without the full support from Nat Pickett and Andy King, and the wonderful interval refreshments provided by the Friends of Desborough. Many of the boys left with prizes galore including Warrick Heath and Andrew Hockey, and for Mr Torrent, it was a great way to round off the term, and his 20 teaching years at Desborough!!
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Basketball is back at Desborough
A successful grant application will see the Olympic sport of Basketball on the map for boys in the community. The school have been awarded £7,000 from Sport England. The sport has been growing in
popularity at the school and this year has seen the school field a Year 10 team in local Berkshire Schools competitions for the first time in a number of years. This team won through to the County Final against Langley Grammar School. What is even more impressive is that this team actually entered into the U16 competition although they are all under 15 years of age! The new Sport England Programme at Desborough will see the school establish a new Basketball Academy in Maidenhead this
Autumn through a club link with Windsor Warriors Basketball Club. This will provide opportunities for adults and pupils in primary and secondary schools. Everyone will be welcome, and the provision for basketball at Desborough itself will be greatly enhanced! In the Autumn taster sessions and a mini basketball competition are also planned for local primary schools. Desborough pupils (and staff) will also be helped to become Leaders in Sport through new coaching and umpiring train-
Sixth Form News The week beginning the 25 June was busy for the Sixth Form. On Tuesday 26 June, the second Desborough Leavers Dinner was held at Maidenhead Golf Club. This was attended by a large group of Year 13 students and an equally large number of staff. They enjoyed a delicious three course meal and it was a memorable celebration for all those who are leaving.
On Thursday 28 June the UCAS Evening was held for parents and Ms Barry and Mrs Duncombe would like to thank those who attended. We all enjoyed an entertaining and informative talk by Rosin Hurst from Queen Mary University, London. This was followed by a Careers Day for Year 12 students and again we are grateful for the support we received from past pupil Peter Mar-
fleet, PE teacher Mr Reilly, Laura Poplett from Reading University, PC Slater and Alex McNeillie from BA. Some Year 12 boys have also been introduced to cooking to assist them whilst they are living away from home. A cooking demonstration took place by Kate Leonard from Waitrose and some Year 9 and 10 boys joined in.
Year 7 boys Visit Ellington School and Courthouse School Mrs Holyoake-Lloyd took four Year 7 boys to Ellington and Courthouse to demonstrate their physical work on Commedia del’ Arte. A lively and energetic time was had by all as the Year 5 and 6 pupils were put through their paces exploring comic characters such as Pantalone and Zanni. A big thank you to the Desborough boys who made these events a success—Josh Bosher, Will
Palmer, Arsalaan Rashid and Aman Sangha.
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I would like to thank everybody for the tremendous support that I have received over the last three months, particularly those parents who have taken the time and trouble to send the messages of encouragement and thanks.
Desborough School
The last three months have been amongst the busiest of my professional life, but also amongst the most rewarding. Desborough boys are special and deserve to attend an “outstanding� school. We will make that happen. I hope that you enjoy a restful and sunny summer holiday and I am looking forward to seeing you all in September.
Shoppenhangers Road Maidenhead Berkshire SL6 2QB Phone: 01628 634505 Fax: 01628 639263 E-mail: info@desborough.org.uk
Paul Frazer Headteacher
Thanks from the Mayor We recently held our Junior Presentation in school which was a great success. Junior Presentation is the celebration of achievements for our students in the lower school and prizes were awarded for those students who excelled. Please see below the letter of thanks from the Mayor Cllr Colin Rayner