DESBOROUGH
DESBOROUGH COLLEGE
COLLEGE SPECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST:
SUCCESSFUL BID FOR FUNDING
February 2014
Mocksted are coming! VISIT TO RADLEY COLLEGE FOR MFL DEPARTMENT TWIST IN THE TALE COMPETITION ROTARY AWARD FOR DESBOROUGHSTUDENT VISIT TO RADLEY COLLEGE FOR YEAR 11 YEAR 7 POETRY
FOOTBALL RE-
I am referring, of course, to a Mock Ofsted and the governors have commissioned one for the two days immediately following the half-term break, Monday 24th and Tuesday 25th February. The Mocksted team (6 in total) will be led by Keith Worrell, Lead Advisor for North Yorkshire and an experienced Ofsted Inspector. They will carry out a full inspection that is almost identical to those carried out by Ofsted and will make judgements on the Quality of Teaching, Leadership and Management, Achievement, and Behaviour and Safety. The governors quite correctly want an objective view of how far we have travelled towards our destination of being an outstanding school, and this “Mocksted” will provide them with one. It will be a very rigorous process involving close scrutiny of the progress that Desborough boys are making against all schools nationally, the observation of dozens of lessons, examination of our attendance and exclusion figures and interviews with many stakeholders, including parents and pupils.
SULTS SCHOOL SPORTS PARTNERSHIP PRIMARY ATHLETICS CHESS TOURNAMENT SCHOOL PLACES IN THE BOROUGH BIKEABILITY
FREE SCHOOL
What will be the outcome? I cannot say with any certainty, but I do know that as a school we are improving rapidly and I would be astonished if we did not achieve at least a “Good” judgement. Why do I say that ? Because of the growing impact of the changes that have been made over the last 20 months. Because of the staff, the vast majority of whom are working extremely hard on behalf of the boys and because of the governing body who challenge me on a weekly basis to ensure that standards continue to improve in all areas. We are not perfect yet by any means but I am pleased with our progress which has been both rapid and is sustainable and I believe that “Mocksted” will confirm that this is the case!
MEALS PRINCIPAL’S SURGERY DATE
On a different note I am delighted to report that there has been a huge surge in the number of parents who have identified Desborough College as the first-choice school for their boys. As a result I am expecting the biggest Year 7 cohort in the last five years to start their secondary education at Desborough College in September. They will certainly have a lot to live up to because the present Year 7 and Year 8 cohorts have an Average Points Score of over 29. This is an indication of how academically able they are based on their End of KS2 SATs. The national average is around 27 and my teachers are telling me on a regular basis that these year groups are exceptionally bright and hard-working.
Important Notice for Parents Please note we are having an INSET day for staff training on Monday 17 March, therefore the school will be closed on this date.
Successful Bid for Funding for Desborough The Governors of Desborough College have recently submitted a bid to The Lord’s Taverners charity via the ECB for a new 30m Match pitch, and a mobile New Cage. We learnt this week that the bid has been successful and the Lord’s Taverners has recommended Desborough College for an award. The total project Cost is £12,295 and we have been awarded £5,722. The school are now busy raising the balance of the project funds in the hope that we can install the new cricket pitch this summer. Our current pitch is many years old and is literally falling apart, therefore this will be a real boost to the PE department and will enhance our cricket facilities enormously, something that we also hope will be attractive to the wider community and attract local clubs to the Desborough site.
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Visit to Radley College for the Modern Foreign Languages Department Good News! The Radley-Desborough- MFL collaboration has started (French and German). Our most promising linguists have packed their bags and hopped onto the coach for extension lessons at Radley’s MFL department. The boys are extending their knowledge on current topics, delving into further AS extension work and enjoying it all with contemporary German Rap music in the background. The boys have represented Desborough impeccably and Radley, in turn, have been really impressed with our boys and complimented them unreservedly. This is the start of a Linguistic partnership and we will keep you updated of any further projects or events. Mrs H Gerber Head of Modern Foreign Languages
Twist in the Tale Competition Congratulations to our talented Desborough College boys who recently took part in the national writing competition, ‘A Twist In the Tale.’ The boys from Key Stages 3 and 4 had to write imaginatively and produce a short story of 100 words. Selected boys will be having their work published this year. Watch this space for more details! Miss Storey, The English Department.’ Mrs H Storey English Department
Rotary Award for Desborough Student Congratulations to Peter Pretty who was awarded the Rotary “Service Above Self” Award on the 10 February at The Holiday Inn. Peter works tremendously hard and is a great ambassador for Desborough College.
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Revision Sessions at Radley College for Year 11 As part of our continuing partnership with Radley College, 22 Year 11 boys have been having revision sessions with their Science department. These have been very engaging for the boys and have given them additional insight and motivation for their revision! Please see the photos below.
Collaboration with Radley College: Discussing adaptations using the live animals
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Year 7 Poetry The Tale of Asdurius By Griffin Martin (7EA) Oh great inspirational muse, sing me a tale A tale of emotions, woven and spun through the loom of Aphrodite The cloth was a man, a man named Asdurius A magic-fighter he was, fearless in battle against enemies of Athens One day, as the setting sun turned the sky blood-red A great beast was released by spiteful Hades Angry at Athena, the power-daemon let loose his wrath And Eristagev walked the earth once more The fight-men of Athens fell before the giant beast Their swords and spears useless against tough hide and razor sharp whip A lone shadow rose in the light of the moon Asdurius had come Their battle shall long be remembered in the book-tales of the gods Whip-sharp and power-staff clashing on the rocks of Dasos Kesarianis As the moon met with the trees on the horizon Asdurius finally prevailed, leaving whip-slasher hung under a great-trunk Alas, the death-bringer was no match for a young Athenian maiden She had hair that shimmered like a golden waterfall Blue eyes as deep as the whale-path Asdurius had lost this battle before it even started He met her as he came to Athens, wading through the cheering crowds A gem-clear shining out of the rough Tightly clasped hands, one blood-stained, another smooth Came to the rest-place of Asdurius Two shining rings, made of the finest gold Crafted in the metal-rivers of Mount Etna, Were fitted upon entwined fingers In the worship-space of Athena Then arose another beast, a mighty flesh-ripper And the man-strong left his palace to battle this behemoth As enchantments strong and scimitar sharp met in the lands barren Asdurius proved his worth once again As crowds welcomed him home again The gem-clear did not shine out of the rough He saw only a ring crafted of Etnan gold lying on the stone-path Fallen off the finger of a love-betrayer holding hands with his friend Osterthrain
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Poetry Continued ‌.. Great was his rage that night While pillars smashed and roofs crumbled Similarly to his heart, beating now so faint While the sky-shield was hidden by clouds The trees shook and the ground rumbled As the lava-mountain woke once more All cowered in fear in their rest-places And Asdurius was summoning the fire Oh, how it woke! The great flame-beast Shrouded in deadly black smoke, lava-light glinting off of polished horns A great red scythe glittered demonically in one hand The great-fire found its master’s eyes and needed no spoken command Yet again, the villagers saw Asdurius and a monster Afraid as magic-power and death-weapon met This time joined by ropes of hate, pulsing with destruction And Athens was no more Their power spent, the allies scoured The world for a place to rest and build strength At last they found the Vale of Death, with river Gharatin flowing through Rage-beast and mage-warrior together resting, gaining energy With their red-water running warm through their veins The destructive duo ruled all With enchantments great and blade sharp none dared oppose them Brave and bold, all-powerful and yet not content In the dark-palace, Osterthorn walked Up to the black throne where Asdurius lazed The death-bringer unknowing that his son approached Created by the woman he so hated and loved Yet again was Asdurius in a battle long told by Apollo This time on the polished black floors of Mul-Karum Dark magic and gleaming broadsword met The windows of the temple glowed with black light meeting white light Their fighting lasted nigh on a day As they knew each other far too well At long last, a dead body was heaped on the ruler-seat And Asdurius was no more.
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Football Results for Desborough Desborough School - Football Results 2013.2014
Date
Team
Opponents W/L
Individual Performances
MOM
1-2
L.Hollow
A.Atkinson
2-4
L.Rainford, G. Elliott
H.Combe
Result
20.09.13
U16
27.09.13
U12
Hampton School [cup] L Tomlinscote School [cup] L
10.12.13
U13
Altwood [league] D
3-3
M.Worsfold 2, L.Osborne
L.Osborne
11.12.13
U12
1-1
H.Combe
A.Moursy
12.12.13
U13
16.12.13
U15
Altwood [league] D Garth Hill [league] L Sandhurst [friendly] D
2-2
W.Cook, J.Ampong
D.Brown
17.12.13
U14
Altwood [league] L
2-4
R.Hall, J.Johnstone
R.Hall
18.12.13
1st XI
Bulmershe [friendly]
W
7-0
L.Hollow x3, S.Ford, O.Blackmore, A.Bis'Hia
J.Brown
10.01.14
U12
L
0-5
15.01.14
U13
W
1-0
I.Suleiman
E.Jones/E.Cook
15.01.14
1st XI
Cox Green [friendly] Bulmershe [league] Furze Platt [friendly]
L
1-6
A. Bis'Hia
L.Hollow
16.01.14
U15
Forest [friendly] D
3-3
P.Hull x2, W.Cook
P. Hull
21.01.14
U16
1-0
J.Worsfold
J.Worsfold
22.01.14
U15
2-0
W.Cook, P.Hull
W.Cook
23.01.14
U14
Forest [league] W Bulmershe [friendly] W Garth Hill [league] L
24.01.14
U12
Forest [friendly] D
1-1
C.Slattery
G.Elliott
24.01.14
U12
0-0
30.01.14
U16
Forest [friendly] D St Crispins [league]
0-4
R.Llido
J.Dirkin
1-5
Congratulations to the following boys for getting through the Berkshire County Rugby Trials on week commencing 27th January 2014
A.Tandon
Sean McCormack - Yr 10 - Has joined the U15 Berkshire Squad Alex Atkinson - Yr 11 - Remains part of Luton FC Development Squad
Yr 11 - Scott Prince Yr 11 - Shane McKenna Yr 11 - Oliver Malik Yr 12 - Chris Gill
Jordan Brown- Yr 11 - Has recently joined AFC Wimbledon Development Squad
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Athletics Competition for Primary Schools Desborough brings Sportshall Athletics to Maidenhead Primary Schools 9 primary schools from across Maidenhead took part in these exciting, high energy athletics competitions at Desborough College on Wednesday 29th January, with different age groups competing in the morning and afternoon. Over 250 young people, aged between 7 and 11 years of age, from the following list of schools took part, competing for a place to represent their School Sport Partnership at the Berkshire School Games event in March at Thames Valley Athletics Centre. WESSEX, MANOR GREEN, ELLINGTON, ST EDMUND CAMPION, HOLYPORT,COOKHAM DEAN, COURTHOUSE, ST LUKES & COOKHAM RISE The competition is being held as part of the exciting national School Games initiative, delivered by Ascot & Maidenhead School Sport Partnership, which is based at Desborough College.. It gives young people the opportunity to get involved, have fun, challenge themselves, progress and ultimately compete against the very best talent in the area at the Berkshire School Games. Year3 / 4 competition was won by St Edmund Campion, just pipping Holyport, and the afternoon saw a reverse of fortunes as Holyport became Y5/6 champions narrowly edging out St Edmund Campion! Sportshall Athletics has been designed as a modified version of athletics for the winter season – so it is indoors, and consists of a set of adapted activities including individual events & relays. Running races take place up & down the length of the sports hall, and field events are adapted so that they can take place safely in a smaller space – i.e standing long jump, foam javelin etc. It is also designed to be fun, fully inclusive and to get as many children participating as possible. We are extremely pleased to welcome Manor Green Special School to the competition again this year. The competition was organised by Alex Ravetta, Head of Year 7 & PE teacher at Desborough College, who was supported by a team of excellent young leaders from Desborough who took on the roles of officials & team leaders. Alex said “This competition has been a great project for our Sports Leadership group at Desborough to get their teeth into. It’s always a fun packed day, and as it’s a team event every performance counts. All the children love being involved in the competition. There’s a great atmosphere!” Ascot & Maidenhead School Sport Partnership Development Manager, Emma Fitzgerald, said “I would like to thank Desborough College for hosting this Sportshall Athletics competition, and for doing such a great job. They are always so generous with the use of their sportshall & the amazing range of equipment required to run this type of competition. We rely on secondary schools like Desborough to open up their facilities to Primary schools to enable these types of competitions to happen. I am really pleased to see Manor Green taking part, and that the Partnership is able to provide them local opportunities for their students to get involved. I am really looking forward to seeing the winning school teams in each age group take on the best in the County at Berkshire School Games”
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Chess Tournament January 2014 saw the start of our second chess tournament following on from last year’s success. It has been wonderful to see the enthusiasm and camaraderie between the year groups from 7 – 13. This year we have been lucky to have some assistance from our Cover Supervisor Mr Breeze most lunch times to help organise the tournament and keep track of winners and losers through each round. At the time of writing we are down to the last four players hoping to win the title of Desborough College Chess Champion! Chess is played every day in the library, even on those infrequent sunny days. I am very proud that Desborough boys are all certainly up for the challenge! Mrs Hallissey School Librarian
School Places in the Borough Consultation - secondary, upper and middle school places in Ascot, Maidenhead and Windsor The local authority – the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead – has asked us to let you know about a new consultation that they are carrying out. This short questionnaire asks for your ideas on how best to provide more places for secondary school age children in the borough. As you may know, the number of children needing primary school places has been growing, and these children will eventually need places in secondary schools (or in middle and upper schools in Windsor). Please take a moment, therefore, to fill out the questionnaire, which can be found online at: http://www.rbwm.gov.uk/web/ed_consultations.htm
If you have any questions, please contact the borough direct. The contact is Ben Wright, Education Planning Officer, 01628 796572, ben.wright@rbwm.gov.uk
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BIKEABILITY at Furze Platt Senior School 17-20 February 2014 (half term) Bikeability will be holding their next Level 1 and Level 2 courses for all RBWM students currently in Years 5, 6, 7 or 8. Each course costs £5 and all participants will receive a hi visibility rucksack plus a badge and a certificate. Please note, there are limited spaces available. Please email johnc248@rbwm.org for full details or call Catherine Johnstone on 01628 625308.
If you are in receipt of state benefits, your son may be entitled to free schools meals. By registering whether or not your son takes up the meal, this will generate valuable income for Desborough College in the form of Pupil Premium. This additional income provides your son with a variety of extra curriculum resources. It is our duty to record how the Pupil Premium is used to improve the attendance and attainment of the pupils receiving FSM’s. This information can be obtained from the School website. So please ask on reception for a form or contact the Accounts department for assistance on 01628 762526/540
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 the 7 March from 8.30 am until 11.00 am. These sessions are 10 minute slots. If you wish to have a longer conversation then please book a separate appointment with Nicola Humphries on 01628 762521. Mr P Frazer 10
Desborough College Shoppenhangers Road Maidenhead Berkshire SL6 2QB Tel: 01628 634505 Fax: 01628 639263 E-Mail: info@desborough-college.net