DESBOROUGH COLLEGE DESBOROUGH COLLEGE
SPECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST:
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PARENT SURVEYS
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WORLD BOOK
Dear Parents/Guardian No doubt a number of you will have read the article published in the Maidenhead Advertiser recently which highlighted RBWM’s offer to “support” three local academies, including Desborough, because they were worried about examination results.
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VISIT FROM AN AUTHOR
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GOSLAR GROUP
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DESBOROUGH WELCOMES AN OLYMPIC MEDALIST
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SCHOOL VISITS TO LEGOLAND AND RUTHERFORD APPLETON LABORATORY
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RED NOSE DAY
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FREE SCHOOL MEALS
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RADLEY CONNECTION
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EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES AND SCHOOL EVENTS
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ROWING
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EX STUDENT JOINS THE PARAS
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TRIAL BUS SERVICE
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VISIT FROM LOWBROOK PRIMARY
Well, I would like to take this opportunity to make my reply. Firstly, the GCSE examination results referred to were last year’s (Summer 2012), when Desborough was still a school controlled by RBWM. These were the most disappointing results in the school’s history and were achieved under the watch of the RBWM. This year’s examination results will be the best in the school’s history and will be achieved without the support of RBWM! 71% of our year 11 boys have already achieved an A*-C grade in maths and 65% have done the same in English. These have been achieved through early entries and following the summer examinations these figures will rise significantly further. We will break all existing records. These achievements will be the result of the sheer hard work of the boys and the teaching staff and with the support of parents. In the eleven months that I have been at Desborough, of which for 5 months we were maintained by RBWM, I cannot recollect one single contribution from RBWM that would have enabled one single boy to achieve one single GCSE. As a school we have introduced a new Behaviour for Learning Policy, a new data-tracking system, successful intervention strategies, a new approach to Teaching and Learning and a focus on accountability. We, as a school, have raised aspirations and expectations. These are the initiatives that are driving up standards. RBWM has contributed to none of them. They should have done, of course, when Desborough school was controlled by RBWM, but they didn’t. I am extremely proud of the progress that Desborough College has made over the last eleven months and very optimistic for our future. Desborough is on the march, but the message, it seems, hasn’t yet reached RBWM.
Parent Surveys: Year 9 and Year 11 Below is the result of the Parent Survey which took place for Year 9 and Year 11 recently. You will recall in the last Newsletter that Parents Surveys were produced following meetings with parents of Year 7 and 8 boys. 56 boys were represented at the parents' evening out of a total year group of 81 boys, a 69% turnout 100% of the people surveyed said they would recommend this school to another parent.
Desborough College: Year 9
% Strongly Agree
% Agree
% Disagree
% Strongly % Not Applicable Disagree
1. We feel happy with the options process and options available for our son.
26
71
3
0
0
2. My son is happy at this school.
41
56
0
0
3
3. My son feels safe at this school.
44
53
0
0
0
4. My son is well looked after at this school.
42
58
0
0
0
5. My son is taught well at this school.
36
64
0
0
0
6. This school makes sure its pupils are well behaved.
22
69
9
0
0
7. This school deals effectively with bullying.
30
61
3
6
0
8. This school is well led and managed.
39
58
3
0
0
9. This school responds well to any concerns I raise.
42
58
0
0
0
10. I am happy with the amount of homework my son receives.
35
51
11
0
3
11. I feel my son has great opportunities at Desborough to try new things.
24
70
6
0
0
12. I am regularly informed of my son’s working level.
41
56
3
0
0
13. I feel confident that any issue which may arise will be dealt with effectively.
33
67
0
0
0
Parental Survey from Year 11 Parents Desborough College:Year 11 Survey From Parents
Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Agree Disagree 1. My son is happy at this school 23% 64% 10% 2% 2. My son feels safe at this school 38% 56% 2% 2% 3. My son is well looked after at this school 26% 69% 5% 0 4. My son is taught well at this school 18% 72% 10% 0 5. This school makes sure its pupils are well behaved 15% 69% 15% 0 6. This school deals effectively with bullying 23% 60% 17% 0 7. This school is well led and managed 28% 67% 5% 0 8. This school responds well to any concerns I raise 21% 79% 0 0 9. I found the recent Year 11 Information Evening helpful 31% 66% 3% 0 for finding out about the recent school developments and how I might support my son more effectively at home 2
World Book Day World Book Day
Student Photos
2013
Thursday 7 March was World Book Day and Desborough College staff and students celebrated by dressing up as book characters. There were a variety of costumes ranging from The Enormous Crocodile to Mary Poppins, Cruella De Vil and Captain Hook. It made for a very colourful, fun day. Money raised was for Book Aid International and the LRC. A competition took place in the LRC to win a copy of the Guinness World Records 2013 book. It was a quiz made up of 46 questions on books and general knowledge. I was delighted with the response from students from every year group. There were four boys who answered every question correctly so a name was chosen out of the Mad Hatter’s Hat. Curtis Stevens, from Year 12 was the lucky winner. Well done to all those who took part in the World Book Day events and do not forget to spend your £1 book vouchers! Let’s make next year’s event even bigger!
Staff Photos
Mrs Hallissey School Librarian
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Visit from an Author Local Author, Andy Robb Students from Year 7 and 8 gathered together in the hall on Wednesday 13 March to listen to local author Andy Robb talk about writing and his new novel: Geekhood – Close encounters of the girl kind. Mr Robb’s teenage book has been nominated for the Waterstone’s Children’s Book Prize 2013. The boys were very excited to hear that Mr Robb is also an actor and had been in Coronation Street and the film Woman in Black with Daniel Radcliffe. He was happy to answer the many questions fired at him such as “whether he would like his book made into a film?” and “Who is the most famous person you have met?” Mr Robb spoke animatedly about his inspiration for his book, the main character “Archie” being loosely based on his own teenage life and all the difficulties growing up involved particularly when it comes to talking to girls. One pupil commented “he was very helpful because he gave us good adviceG” and “he uses his own life to add a personal twist to his stories.” Mr Robb was helpful too, when asked about how easy it is to become an actor or have a book published, giving many suggestions for them to try. One boy who likes to write horror stories said, “he has inspired me to continue writing and not give up.” Students described the event as “Awesome!” and “Very funny.” It was a delightful session and the boys were able to purchase signed books at the end. Mr Robb also said how much he enjoyed his visit and how polite and enthusiastic they all were. The following website has useful tips from children’s authors for budding storytellers! http://www.worldbookday.com/storycraft/ Mrs Hallissey School Librarian
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Goslar Group Meeting In July 2012, four Maidenhead students travelled to a historic town called Goslar in the Harz Mountains of Northern Germany. Students from other European countries joined together to participate in a youth event “New Energies for European Partners”. The theme was to encourage us to be involved in our own future. Please see report below. 50 of us stayed in the local Youth Hostel. To begin the week we were welcomed to Goslar by the Mayor, Dr Oliver Junk. There were daily workshops to explore the renewable energy strategies that each country was utilising, such as the Sun, Wind and Tides. We were taken to the Energy Research Centre of Harzer Energie and each delegation presented what their country was doing to help protect the environment and how more use could be made of renewable energy sources. During the week, there were opportunities to socialise with the other groups. There was a trip around Goslar Harbour and town. We visited the Medieval Palace. We enjoyed, sport, swimming and barbeques. At the renewable energy centre there was a chance to ride an electric bicycle - by pedalling less, you could travel further! All of us enjoyed the trip, as it was enlightening and granted us a better insight into how we all need to be aware of the need to use alternative energy sources.
Desborough Welcomes Olympic Medalist Hannah MacLeod, Team GB Women’s Hockey bronze medal winner visited Desborough College on Friday 15 March as part of the ‘Olympic Inspiration Programme’ organised by Emma Fitzgerald of the Ascot & Maidenhead School Sport Partnership. Designed to inspire and motivate students about the achievements of Team GB at the London 2012 Games, and being your very best.
At the 2012 Olympics in London, Hannah McLeod won Bronze as part of the Team GB women’s hockey. Hannah currently plays hockey for Leicester has played a key role in Leicester’s domestic and European success in recent years and has enjoyed international success with England and Great Britain, winning medals at the World Cup, Champions Trophy, European Championships and Commonwealth Games. A fan of most sports, Hannah was inspired at the age of eight by the performances of Linford Christie and Sally Gunnell at the 1992 Olympic Games.
The programme for Hannah at Desborough comprised of an informative assembly with Year 7 boys followed by an inspirational talk with Gifted & Talented students from the upper school plus a separate practical hockey sessions with the Year 7 boys where Hannah was able to put them through their paces.
Hannah studied Sport and Exercise Science at Loughborough University before completing a PhD in environmental physiology, hydration and elite performance at Nottingham Trent University.
Emma said, “Hannah was great with the boys who were very enthusiastic during the practice sessions. It was a great honour to have Hannah here at Desborough. Thanks to the students for all working so hard as always.”
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Apprenticeship Adventure to Legoland On Thursday 14 March 10 students from Year 9 attended the Berkshire Apprenticeship Day at Legoland Hotel, Windsor. During the day there were a number of presentations from Virgin, British Airways and BMW, who described the diverse range of apprenticeships on offer to all students. Hairdressing, nailcare, child care and cooking were some of the more interesting activities that the boys enjoyed! All students behaved extremely well and were a true credit to Desborough College. The following boys should be congratulated for attending: Charlie Wood, Ryan Khan, Daniel Wallis-Banbury, PJ Crocombe, William Noble, Adam Hamoudi, Thulani Pilime-Mpandiwa, Sufian Iftikhar and
Visit to Rutherford Appleton Laboratory On Tuesday 26 February nineteen Year 12 students, accompanied by Miss Graham and Mrs Duncombe attended a Particle Physics Masterclass. The programme for the day included a series of lectures , a computer workshop analysing data from CERN and a tour of ISIS , the world’s leading centre for research in the physical and life sciences. The final event was a quiz on the events of the day. Out of more than 100 students present, Jack Page was one of five winners – well done !
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Red Nose Day 15 March The Sixth Form embraced fully the spirit of Red Nose Day! Motivated by Matt Mault in Year 12. A number of events were organised including a non uniform day for the whole school, a sponsored silence, the shaving of Jack Nichols head (with his permission!) and a “dance off” in the Sixth Form Common Room to include fine performances from Mr Bate and Mr Budge. Mrs Duncombe—one of the Judges, was also invited onto the dance floor!
A super human effort from Mr Ravetta dressing up as his alter ego today! Also a special mention to Mr Reilly for making a big effort and coming in a BLUE onesie, on RED Nose Day! I would like to thank all of the pupils for participating in this event, I’m over the moon with the amount of boys and girls who participated and made this a truly great Red Nose Day. Thank you ever so much for your fantastic support today.” Matt Mault Sixth Form Student
The statement below is from Matt Mault:“I would like to thank all staff for helping to make today a success. I would like to thank all those that took an active part in making today special. A special thanks must go to: Mr Budge, Mr Bate and guest appearance from Mrs Duncombe – in the Dance off, held in the Sixth Form Common Room at break time. We charged £1 entrance and are in the process of counting the moneyG (video footage is a must watchG any donations when viewed greatly received). Mr Stephens for supplying some excellent cakes in the staff room. (Mrs Hughes particularly enjoyed them this morning!)
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Free School Meals Apply For Free School Meals
Is your child eligible for free school meals? If so, make sure you apply! How to apply If you want to register for free school meals for your child, we can help you to apply in confidence – just ask at the office.
Alternatively, you can apply online in complete confidentiality via http://www.direct.gov.uk
Registering for free school meals - extra benefits Registering for free school meals doesn’t mean your child will have to eat the school lunch - there are other benefits. Some schools and local authorities offer extra support to children who are registered - for instance, help with the cost of school trips or music lessons.
Schools also receive a payment, Pupil Premium, for each child who is registered for free school meals. This money (£623 per child which will be rising to £900 from 1 September 2013) helps us to provide extra support like 1 to 1 tuition, learning assistants or extra-curricular activities. In England, children are eligible to receive free school meals (FSM) if their parents are in receipt of any of the following benefits:
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Income Support
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income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
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income-related Employment and Support Allowance
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support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
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the Guarantee element of State Pension Credit
Child Tax Credit, provided they are not entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual income of £16,190 or less
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Working Tax Credit 'run-on' - the payment someone may receive for a further four weeks after they stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit. You may need to provide a letter to prove that you’re receiving one of these benefits - your local Job Centre Plus should be able to help with this.
Don’t delay – apply today!! 8
The Radley Connection Students attend Radley College on a regular basis. Below is a report from a Year 11 student who attended the College recently:-
The Radley Connection
“I was really surprised to be asked to attend one of the first, new learning schemes organised by Desborough College, in association with Radley College. The programme is aimed at Year 11 pupils working on their Maths, Biology, Chemistry and Physics GCSE grades. For the past few Tuesdays we have been collected, by a 5 star coach, (normally used by rock bands) for the hour long journey to Radley. On arrival we are greeted by one of the senior Radley masters. After this, we normally start with a Science lesson, where we are given challenging practical tasks, from feeding a 10 ft long boa constrictor; to identifying a mystery chemical solution using titration. Next, we are refuelled with a packed lunch and then have a Maths lesson, where we are always pushed to our limits to test our capabilities, and bring out the best in us. My favourite experience so far though, was “Radley’s Petting Zoo” where we handled several of the different species, from scorpions to bearded dragons and tarantulas. However, some of the Desborough staff demonstrated that they weren’t as tough as thought to be when faced with a small snake. Although we have a two hour round journey, two hours of extra classes on top of a full day at school, we all think that its worth it! James Cox Year 11
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Extra-Curricular Activities: Hockey Early Promise Tails Off - Reports by Duncan Brown “On Monday 4 March the Year 9 Desborough hockey team played John Hampden School at the Braywick astro-turf. The side started off well with scoring early on through Sean McCormack, but after that it was a poor performance to say the least. Four goals put John Hampden 4-1 ahead. A late individual goal from Captain Duncan Brown only proved a consolation as the game went on to finish 4-2. A weak performance in the end against a not very strong John Hampden side. The team will be hoping to brush that aside as an early season blip.2 By Duncan Brown Year 9
A Tale of Missed Chances “On Thursday 7 March, Desborough’s Year 9 hockey side faced Windsor Boys away. The boys were missing key defenders leading up to the game and the majority were Year 8 students, which I think took its toll. A very disappointing result in the end, considering we dominated the game for a large majority of it. Good individual performances came from Sean McCormack and Duncan Brown (who ended up Man of the Match), but came to nothing due to a few major defensive mistakes, ending in a 5-0 loss to a very amateur Windsor boys side who probably wouldn’t put up a good game against John Hampdon! In the end another disappointing result, but we can draw some positives that hopefully we can carry on to our forthcoming games and get a positive result.” By Duncan Brown Year 9
Drama : Invite to Year 11 GCSE Performance Evening YEAR 11 CGSE PERFORMANCE EVENING Parents/carers are warmly invited to attend the above event on Thursday 2 May at 6.30pm in the Drama Studio. Year 11 Drama students will be presenting their examination pieces.
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GCSE Music Concert The GCSE live concert took place on Thursday 14 March and was a chance for the GCSE pupils to showcase their musical talents. The concert showed a variety of musical styles and genres from Rock to Jazz to Classical. The entire concert was organised with the help of the Year 10 GCSE pupils. They were responsible for promotion, rehearsal and equipment and made sure that the concert ran smoothly. The evening was hosted by Warrick who successfully introduced each act with humour and professionalism. Sam and Ezekial were in charge of the sound and did a great job with making sure there were no technical hitches! The Jazz band kicked open the evening with some improvisation highlighting the talents of Frazer and Lawrence with help from technician Mr Wood on drums.
The boys closed the evening with rocking performances of Muse and Eric Clapton that showed their true creative talents. Well done to all involved for a thoroughly enjoyable showcase of your musical skills.
Performers Lawrence Eaves, Conor Giangreco, Warrick Heath, Sam Hoxley, Thomas Judd. Dominic Langley, Frazer Marchant-North, Takudzwa Mukahiwa, Ezekial Quaye, Richard Russell, Detdamrong Tedsen, Alexander Thame, Harry Hood, Liam Haines, Thulani Pilime Mpandiwa, Will Palmer, Austen Heath, Joseph Moore, Ross Macrae, Richard Anderson, Matt Davis, Mr Noel Wood N Smith-Phelps—Curriculum Leader of Music
Following on from this was some acoustic Greenday courtesy of Alexander, an original composition from TK, acoustic duo from Harry and Liam playing their own versions of some classic pop songs and there were some memorable piano solos from Thulani, Will, Det and Lawrence. Particular highlights of the evening came from the two rock bands consisting of Sam, Lawrence, Conor and Richard and Thomas, Warrick and Dominic.
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German Exchange: 25th Anniversary
25 years of German Exchanges – the party goes with a swing! On Friday 8 March past, present and, hopefully, future staff, parents and pupils got together to celebrate 25 years of the Duisburg – Maidenhead Exchange – a real landmark in school exchanges, and, for Desborough School, now College, we were able to reminisce about the great times since the Exchange was started in 1987 with Jeremy Newton, then Head of Languages at Desborough, as part of the Comenius project, and Peter Moritz and Jochen Ferber, both teachers of English at DuisburgSüdGesamtschule in Duisburg. The theme of the evening was “Von der SteinzeitbiszurGegenwart” – from the Stone Ages to the Present, and we were pleased to welcome not only the co-founders, both Peter and Jochen (still organising and accompanying the exchange today), but also Jeremy, Maggie Urwin (from the “Mittelalter” – Middle Ages), Erika Hayward, Matthew Henshaw and Andy Lennon, all previous staff members who did their bit to keep the Exchange – and the teaching of German, alive at Desborough. One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of honorary membership of the Old Maidonians to Peter and Jochen by Colin Cutler, President of the Association. Colin acknowledged that it was unique for such an award to be made to non-Desborough staff, but that Peter and Jochen uniquely deserved the accolade – and the tie that goes with it! Another highlight was the excellent tribute speech sent in his absence by RBWM Mayor, Councillor Colin Rayner, recorded and delivered in perfect German. Current Head of Languages, Mary Watson welcomed all the “hard-working” parents with an invitation to “put their feet up for at least five minutes” (hosting extra young people can be an exhausting business, especially if you happen to have more than one guest!), and displayed a slideshow of the photographs through the ages, a copy of which was presented to the German teachers. The “German Duo” of Moritz and Ferber followed with a witty and anecdotal speech which left seasoned exchangers with smiles on their faces and concluded by presenting framed prints of Duisburg to Mary Watson and Nina Smith from Newlands, current co-leaders from the Maidenhead side. German A Level pupil, Kieran Patel concluded the speeches with a vote of thanks to parents and staff in impeccable German, after which the assembly was entertained by excellent music, both classical and rock from Desborough and Newlands pupils. The list for 26th German Exchange to Duisburg in September 2013 is now open – first come, first served! Mary Watson, 13 March 2013 12
Programme
Duisburg – Maidenhead 25 years of the German Exchange 8th March 2013, 7-9pm Welcome/ Wilkommen - Von der Steinzeit bis zur Gege wart – a brief walk down memory lane – Mary Watson Die Steinzeit – the early years – Jeremy Newton
Die Mittelalter – the middle years – Maggie Urwin
A Tribute from Cllr Rayner, Mayor of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead
Die Deutsche Lehrer - Herr Ferber und Herr Moritz
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Rowing Report from Sam Hoxley:“On the 8 March myself and crew of 4 took part in a National Sculling Rowing Head Race which took part at Dorney Lake. All the clubs from Great Britain took part. The course was over 3,600 metres which is roughly two lengths of Dorney Lake. One member of our team was taken ill beforehand and we had to substitute that person for a reserve, who had never practised with us until a couple of days before the event, so it was quite unsettling. We set off well, three quarters into the race we caught up with two slower moving boats and were boxed in and had to row into a lane which another boat was already in to try and push past the boat that was in front of us. We managed to do this which put us at an advantage. We won the race in 12 minutes 51 seconds which was 45 seconds quicker than Henley Rowing Club who are considered our main rivals. It was a wet day, we were all very tired but a great result in all. We have more national events coming up which are taking place in Nottingham and we are looking forward to taking part in those.� Sam Hoxley Year 10
Ex-Student Joins the Paras Congratulations to James Parkinson who is an ex-pupil of Desborough College who has just been accepted on a training course with the paras in Catterick
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Trial Bus Service We are planning on running a trial bus service for our students. The trial shall run for half a term to assess the interest and whether parents consider this service to be good value. The route we are planning to start with shall be Slough, Langley, Burnham and Taplow. We shall be e-mailing parents in due course and would be grateful if parents could look at the information when sent.
Visit from Lowbrook Primary Students On 20 February, Mrs Brewer and Mr Tanner attended Lowbrook Primary School to complete the glazing of ceramic pots the students had made earlier in the term when they attended Desborough for an Art and Sports Day. The students were inspired by seed pods and created pinch pot sculptures during their visit. The visit was a great success and the students enjoyed painting their creations with glaze. The pots were taken back to Desborough to be fired and then returned to the students at Lowbrook Primary where they are on display. We welcomed another group of Lowbrook students to Desborough on the 27 March for a painting event. Please see below some pictures of the students’ pot sculptures.
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With Easter almost upon us I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a restful and enjoyable holiday. This half term has been a short one, slightly less than five weeks, but it has been actionpacked. A number of the events and activities that have taken place are outlined elsewhere in this newsletter, so I thought that I would use my space to draw your attention to the exploits and qualities of some individuals that have gone the extra mile for Desborough this term. Firstly, Matt Mault a boy in Year 12 who organised the Red-Nose Day fund-raising activities in school. This month was the 25th Anniversary of German Exchange Trips and the celebrations were organised by Mary Watson, our Head of Modern Foreign Languages. I have to give a huge thank-you to Alison Hallissey who became our full-time librarian quite recently and who has already made a huge impact by organising visits from authors, supervising chess tournaments, celebrating World Book Day, introducing the Renaissance Accelerated Reading Scheme into school, opening the library at lunch-times and participating in a successful world-record attempt for the most people writing a story at multiple venues to support National Libraries Day. Rower Sam Hoxley deserves my congratulations. He recently completed in a national U15 rowing event at Dorney Lake, competing against the best crews in Great Britain over a 3,600 meter course. Sam’s crew won, beating Henley in the process by an amazing 45 seconds. Is Sam highly-motivated? Well, he trains 7 times per week and explained to me the effort that he puts into his hobby: “If you aren’t feeling fit to vomit or collapse at the end of the race, then you haven’t tried hard enough!” A remarkable young man with a very supportive family behind him.
Desborough College Shoppenhangers Road Maidenhead Berkshire SL6 2QB Tel: 01628 634505 Fax: 01628 639263 E-Mail: info@desborough-college.net
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