newsletter Winter 2019
Young garden designers collect top RHS award Brune Park Community School’s artistic students have won the top prize at the Royal Horticultural Society’s garden design competition. The Year 9 students, handpicked for their creative talents, scooped the best overall design prize after impressing judges at the Green Plan It showcase. They won praise for their green space plan, which considered environmental and wildlife impact plus the wellbeing of the school and local community. Entitled The Park, the design plans were described as “full of creativity, spirit and enthusiasm” by Chelsea Flower Show gold medal winner and judge Jilyane Rickards. She said: “The creativity washed through their words and knowledge. They have a wonderful spirit and enthusiasm that was unmatched in this room today. “They are just great kids. The sensitivity was immense.” The competition win was the result of ten weeks of the planning and development stage following a visit to RHS Wisley at the beginning of term. Students who took part were Melody, Stan, Freyja, Amber, Kayleigh, Blake and Sam, with support from teacher Mr Walker and RHS mentor Emma Dunne. Year 9 student Kayleigh said: “I had an amazing time at RHS Wisley Gardens, meeting the assessors and learning new skills, it was a five out of five experience. Fellow student Melody added: “It was eye opening as I never thought I would enjoy something other than sketching. “I enjoyed my time at RHS Gardens Wisley and would love to go and do it all again. It was beneficial to us as individuals and as a team.” The students are keen to bring their design ideas to life and may have access to funding and support from RHS. Art teacher Mr Walker, who helped to coordinate the project, said: “I cannot speak highly enough about the creative talents and enthusiasm of our students. “The wonderful praise they received from the judges was richly deserved. After winning the award the students are very keen to get this project off the ground. “They want to see this project through and have gained so much in confidence over the last few months.”
Proud: The winning students show off their RHS design award and below, listening to advice from a member of staff at the RHS Gardens at Wisley.
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Top student Bella leads winners at awards night STUDENT Bella Winter won the Brune Park Headship Award at the second annual Gosport and Fareham Multi Academy Trust (GFM) awards evening. The other two nominees were Charlotte Hankin and Daniel Walker, who were presented with certificates at the ceremony held at Bay House School in October. The other Brune Park students honoured were Kaiya Thomas, for the thinking skills prize, Phoebe Tunmore, for best ambassador, and Troy Wingfield, for independence and resilience. Former pupil and Portsmouth footballer Jack Whatmough and Mayor, Cllr Kathleen Jones, were among a host of dignitaries invited to present awards. Students from across the community of schools were presented with awards in different categories, including for contribution to the community, being a good ambassador and going above and beyond. Bella said: “I feel truly honoured to win this award. To be recognised means so much. There are so many amazing students at our school so to win is a really great feeling. “I have put a lot of hard work into my studies and being a good ambassador and role model in school, so it is nice to feel that you have been recognised for that.” Headteacher Mrs Andrew-Power said: “We are extremely proud of all of the students who have been nominated and won awards this evening. “Bella is an exceptional student and role model at Brune Park and is always the first to put her name forward to be an ambassador for the school. “Being a part of a community of schools,
above all, is about being able to come together and celebrate the success of all of our students.” GFM Chief Executive Ian Potter said: “The most pleasing aspect of this evening was that so many of those presenting awards were former students at GFM schools. “They had walked along the same path, the same corridors and learnt in the same classrooms as the young people they were helping to celebrate. “That is an incredible powerful message to give to the young people of this town; that if you work hard and have the right attitude, there are no limits to what you can achieve.” Right: Portsmouth player Jack Whatmough handed over the Sporting Achievement award to Jessica AdophoPugh
Towns come together for an inspiring dance festival
THE Mayors of Gosport and Fareham were guests of honour as students wowed crowds with dance performances at an annual festival. Kathleen Jones of Gosport and Pamela Bryant of Fareham were among a rapt audience of staff, parents and students at the Gosport and Fareham Dance Festival. The celebration, held in November, saw children aged from 11 to 18 from across the two towns brought together for an evening of performance. Year 8 student Chloe said: “We were rehearsing every day. We put so much into it and were determined to put on a really good show. “It was really fun. I was in two dances. It
was about plastic and how it changes our earth. The mayors were there and they said that our piece was really exceptional. It was great fun and after we put all that effort into it, to hear that was really nice.” Head of performing arts Ms Bintley said: “It’s a great way to bring schools and communities together through a shared love of dance. “It’s a celebration – it’s not competitive so it’s a chance for students to work together and be inspired by one another. “We are extremely proud of our students, who represented the school fantastically and put on a wonderful show for our guests.”
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Working together can bring greater benefits Assistant Headteacher Chris Willis looks at the collaborations that are aimed at building a brighter future for the students.
conferences on subjects as diverse as money management, anti-bullying and employment opportunities. On average, we have had between 25-30 parents attending these events, with many more planned over the next year. These sessions are not only useful forums for sharing knowledge and expertise but are
also creating a bond of trust between our schools and parents. Many studies have shown that the higher the levels of engagement between school and parents, the greater outcomes children achieve. There are many things we share as residents of this town but perhaps the most important is the common goal of wanting the very best for the children. We work best when we work together. I truly hope to see you at our next parent conference in the new year.
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From the outset, the ambition of the Gosport and Fareham Multi Academy Trust was to be much more than schools working together. We wanted to work collaboratively not just as teachers on behalf of our students but to raise the profile and aspirations of our town. Our work has led to developing strong partnerships with local businesses, charities and government organisations but perhaps more importantly, we are creating positive relationships with our parents. We have already held a series of parent
Labrador Nigel brings a little joy to everyone FOR both students and staff Fridays are a very special day for everyone at the school. That’s because it’s the day Nigel the dog reports for duty, on call for anyone who needs a little extra love and attention. Nigel, a therapy dog, works with students who need extra support helping them feel more comfortable and confident in school and with their work. He sits in on group reading sessions or also one-to-one literacy sessions alongside handler and teacher Ms Rawlinson. The school works with charity Pets As Therapy, which trains dogs to enable them to enhance health and wellbeing in the community. As well as visiting schools, they also visit hospitals, hospices and care homes. Ms Rawlinson says the yellow labrador has made a big impact on the culture at the school. She said: “You can see by the
staff walking past that every single one of them looks down and smiles. He brings a bit of joy to people. People stop and smile. “It’s good for the wellbeing of the staff and the students. He gives a massive lift to the whole place; it is a small thing that makes a big difference.” She added: “He makes a huge difference to students when they are reading. We say to them that it doesn’t matter if they get it wrong because Nigel doesn’t mind – he just loves hearing the story. “Then we do group work where they will read with others and Nigel will visit them. “Just Nigel being there reduces blood pressure and it relieves symptoms of anxiety. It’s good to build their confidence.” As well as spending time at Brune Park, Nigel also visits a local care home several times a month, which gives a boost to residents and staff at the home.
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Artistic students step up for their Oscars STUDENTS were rewarded for their achievements in the arts at the annual Pupil Oscars. They were celebrated for hard work in arts, music, drama and performing arts, picking up certificates in front of their proud peers, parents and teachers. There were also dance and drama performances to entertain the crowd, who dressed in their best frocks and suits to add a touch of Hollywood glitz to the occasion. Last year’s Year 11 students returned to the school to collect their awards and
perform alongside younger peers. Deano Pickering from Arts University Bournemouth was in attendance to talentspot the next generation of artists, as well as give a speech. Year 10 pupil Coral said: “I won a certificate for my dance performances and I was really proud. “It was nice how they organised it and presented it. It meant a lot to me because I have never won anything like that before.” Head of Performing Arts Ms Bintley said:
“We try to make it as much like the Oscars as possible, with everyone dressing up and with nominations read out – it really is a big occasion at the school. “It’s very important because it raises the profile of performing arts and it celebrates the wonderful achievements of our students. “We had some truly wonderful performances to keep the crowd entertained and it made us all very proud. “It was great that the parents and families could see how brilliant their children are.”
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YEAR 9 took their learning beyond the classroom with a trip to the Groundlings Theatre to watch A Christmas Carol.
Taking action to beat bullies STAFF and students donned odds socks as part of a series of events held at the school to mark Anti-Bullying Week. There were also assemblies, a new worry box in the library and a wellbeing questionnaire as the school community united against bullying. The school also held an open workshop with families looking at ways of tackling bullying, as part of our series of Parent Forums. Year 10 Tamzin said: “We came in with odd socks on. I just thought it was a good idea. It’s good to get awareness out there and to show that we support the school. “There is bullying in every part of society but at this school they are determined to put it at the top of the agenda and try to get rid of it.” Teacher Mr Paul Candy said: “We want to raise the profile of bullying and get both adults and students to have an understanding of the different forms bullying can take. “It is about getting people talking and creating awareness of this very important issue. Not just for students but across the school community.”
YEAR 11 drama students took part in a workshop with professional actors from the Splendid Theatre Workshop.
Author’s visit helps to inspire young readers WHAT better way to inspire a love of literacy and reading in students than to invite a celebrated writer to the school? That was the logic behind inviting Chris Bradford, author of the Young Samurai and Bodyguard series of children’s books, to the school to give a speech and host a workshop. He talked to the children about what makes a good bodyguard and explained to them how he does research for his books. He also hosted a book signing and questionand-answer session with students in the library. Year 7 student Jacob said: “It was really interesting. I hadn’t heard of him before but I have started reading his books now. “Learning about how an author researches their books really helps you understand what goes into writing it. It was a brilliant learning experience.” Library manager Ms Hawksworth said: “The students were inspired and really enjoyed the talk from Chris. It has had a noticeable impact on reading levels. “His books have flown out of the library since the talk so it has clearly had a major impact on them.”
Impact: Chris signs books in the library
Special events mark Remembrance Day STUDENTS marked the sacrifices made by soldiers in conflict by holding a special service in the playground on Remembrance Day. Assemblies were held in the week prior to November 11 to help students gain an understanding of the importance of the occasion. This year marked exactly 100 years since the first Remembrance Day service took place in 1919, a year after the end of the First World
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War. On the day itself, students and staff went outside to mark the two minutes’ silence and to observe a parade where local military were involved.
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Year 10 student Coral said: “We had an assembly where we talked about Remembrance Day. “They talked about the two minutes’ silence, when we should take our time and think about all the people who lost their lives. “There was a parade around the school as well. It’s really important because it shows that the school cares.”
Students learn valuable lesson in helping others KIND-hearted Brune Park students are spreading festive cheer by sending gifts to underprivileged children in Eastern Europe. Year 8s created shoeboxes packed full of small presents in tutor group, as part of their personal development lessons. They were supported by Year 11 prefects. Simon Mason and Ray Drake from the Gosport Rotary Club visited the school to collect the shoeboxes, which they will then pass on to the children before Christmas. Year 10 student Tamzin said: “We either brought in stuff from home that we didn’t want or we went shopping and bought small things and put it in the shoeboxes. “It’s good for the children to have a Christmas present. Some of us can be quite spoilt at Christmas but others are not so lucky, so this is a nice thing to do.” Drama teacher Ms Hiseman said the students enjoyed being able to spread some festive cheer to children who needed it most. She said: “We hope that the children in Eastern Europe enjoy their gifts this Christmas. We have learnt some valuable lessons in giving to others as well. “Helping students understand the importance of helping others is crucial to their emotional development. This has been an excellent project in that respect.”
Disneyland trip was a real education LUCKY students made friends with Mickey, Donald and Pluto on a trip to Disneyland Paris with the school. The Year 9s took part in an education programme tailored to the UK school curriculum during a three-day trip in November. They were tasked with designing their own rollercoaster ride after spending a day in the park getting inspired, before presenting their ideas. Student Thomas said: “It was fun. I have never been there before. It was better than I thought it would be. I went on all the rides. “Then we had to design a rollercoaster. Having been on the rides, I wanted to make it as good as them so it was a really fun and educational experience. Student Faith added: “It was the best experience. I never really thought I would get to go to Disneyland. The fact that I got to do it with all my friends made it all the more special.” “The school gave us the freedom and the trust to go on the rides on our own. We got to learn how rollercoasters were made. “It was a bit surreal. It’s just such a magical place to be. To have that opportunity was really, really amazing.” Maths teacher Ms Ballard, who attended
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the trip, said: “This is an experience that they will never forget, something they may never experience again. “While of course it was a fun trip because they spent time in the park, it was also
highly educational. What they learned covers so many different subject areas. “The fact it was combined with the experience made it all the more stimulating for students because they were very engaged with the subject matter. She added: “They represented the school with great pride and maturity. “They were a polite, well-mannered and lovely bunch of students and a credit to our school.”
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Students given an insight into the finance industry STUDENTS got an insight into a career in finance from an associate at the world’s largest accountancy firm PricewaterhouseCoopers. Amy MacRobbie discussed university pathways, CV writing, interview techniques and work experience with Year 11 pupils. Aspirational Pathways lead Ms Barwick said: “It was a real privilege to welcome Amy MacRobbie from PwC, who talked to the students who have shown an interest in working in the finance industry. “Amy talked the students through alternative routes into this area as well as university and then illustrated what a day in this industry looks like. “The students really engaged with Amy and seemed to take a lot from the talk.”
School’s eco-warriors fight for a better world STUDENTS have been doing their bit for the planet to help create a cleaner and greener world for future generations. Year 7s worked towards the Eco School bronze award by creating a student-led club, conducting an internal environmental review and producing a green action plan. Earlier in the year, students took part in the Fridays for the Future international day of protest, inspired by 16-year-old Swedish activist Greta Thunberg and held at the Guildhall Square in Portsmouth. Students Tyla-Jade, Coral, Tamzin and Courtney, who were unable to join the march, spent the day collecting litter around Gosport. Year 10 Chelsey said: “The eco club is trying to help change the school to become more eco-friendly. We are looking at different methods such as litter picking. “It is such a huge issue for the entire planet, so we have to do all we can to help. You cannot rely on politicians – you have to make a change yourself. Fellow Year 10 Tyla-Jade said: “We are trying to get our Eco School bronze award. We have all been assigned different tasks to do for our school. “Because we live by the water, a lot of our focus is going on marine life. We have such an important role to play in protecting our planet. “Everyone is involved and everyone has got their own part to play. It gives you responsibility. It’s our own world and we’ve got to look after it.” English teacher Mr Andrew-Power said: “We came up with an action plan. Our first campaign is to tackle litter. We had an eco-group last year as a small group of kids wanted to do something. “One girl wasn’t allowed to go on the
Winning the battle: Tyla-Jade, Coral, Tamzin and Courtney picked up litter while Year 7 eco-champions (below) enjoyed an ice cream after cleaning up the beach.
demonstration so she spent the whole day collecting litter around Gosport with some of her friends. “She wanted to do something. That shows the passion that the students have. They are very inspiring. There have been plenty of tears
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as well when we looked at the effects of plastic on our oceans.” Meanwhile, the Year 7 eco-champions rewarded themselves with an ice cream after spending the afternoon cleaning up Lee-onSolent beach.
Partnership challenges students to aim higher GOSPORT’s three secondary schools are working in partnership on a historic project to help boost GCSE grades for pupils. Students from Brune Park, Bridgemary and Bay House attended the first of three Stretch and Challenge activities this term. During the university-style lectures and seminars, pupils got tips on how to achieve the top grades in their English literature and language exams. This included learning about the Victorian period via concepts such as art, politics and social science. Key texts included Thomas Hardy’s Plena Timoris, Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre and Robert Louis Stevenson’s Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. Brune Park headteacher Kirstie Andrew-Power said: “This was a truly historic collaboration, allowing Gosport secondary schools to come together with the common aim of improving
the lives and life chances of our young people. “Working collectively with our partners in the Gosport and Fareham Trust and with other local organisations allows us to pool our collective knowledge and experience for the benefit and betterment of the town and its students. “We hope this seminar has helped our students have a deeper understanding and an intellectual confidence of the subject matter, as well as transferable skills which can be used across the English examinations.” Mrs Andrew-Power said she hopes there will be further collaboration between schools in the future. She added: “We are very excited about this historic collaboration between the three schools and are confident that it will set a strong precedent for future projects and mutual support within the family of the GFM.”
It’s the pod to success YEAR 11 students will get a boost to their GCSE exam revision thanks to a series of new videos made available by the school. They are being encouraged to log in and explore the GCSE Pod app, featuring three-to-five minute videos covering 27 GCSE subjects. GCSE Pod can be accessed at www.GCSEPod.com or via the GCSE Pod App, which can be downloaded from app stores on tablets and mobile phones.
Clubs give students a chance to take a break BRUNE PARK is inspiring students by allowing them to spend every school day pursuing areas of study they are passionate about. The new rearranged timetable means each pupil will spend at least 30 minutes in the middle of the day at a club or society of their choosing. In October, the school held a university-style fresher’s fair with staff showcasing their different study offers to inquisitive students. Clubs on offer ranged from the traditional sports and academic clubs such as football and STEM to alternative offerings including chess club, Irish dancing and Gothic art. Year 9 student Thomas said: “I think this is an absolutely brilliant idea. “School can get into a bit of a routine and there will be some classes you don’t enjoy as much as others. “With this you know every day you will get to do something that you really, really enjoy. It breaks the day
up and gives you something to look forward to.” Fellow Year 9 Mckenzie said: “The fact that the school gave us the opportunity to do what we wanted to do during the school day is great. “It takes our minds off the school work and we are able to relax, which then helps you in other classes. “It feels like the teachers are thinking about us when they plan for school.” The school also had a Samba band playing at the same time to create an exciting atmosphere for the staff and the students. Head of clubs and societies Ms Cannon said: “We really want our students to be engaged with their learning and to be passionate about what they study. “The response has been incredible. We had students literally queueing to get in, it was packed. The fair had a huge buzz with students really wanting to get involved.”
There are a range of activities on offer (above) while (below), students at the freshers fair
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Camping trip wound up award efforts STUDENTS volunteered at the school, took part in sport and went on a camping expedition to complete their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award this term. They had to put in 50 hours of volunteering, three months of physical activity and practise a skill to receive the prize. They completed the award with a two-day camping and orienteering expedition to South Downs National Park. Assistant headteacher Mr Osbourne said: “This amazing group of students took everything in their stride, learning new skills while dealing with some very windy and wet conditions.” n STUDENTS got cut-price deals on books and stationery at our Scholastic Half-Price Book Fair. n FIELDWORK club heard from guest speakers and carried out independent research to discover the levels of pollution in the school.
Drama students become ghouls YEAR 10 drama students helped create a ghostly world at Hampshire Museum’s Search by Torchlight event. The students dressed up and spooked visitors in the dark with their ghostly apparitions. Wendy, from the Hampshire Cultural Trust, said: “The students were amazing and really helped to bring our building to life through the characters they became. “We received lots of praise and positive feedback from the visitors to the event. “The young people were a credit to your school and should all be very proud of themselves. “We really appreciate the students and teachers giving up their time in the half term to make our event a success.”
n THE library hosted a week celebrating horror books with decorations, activities, readings and competitions, all with a spooky theme.
PICTURE GALLERY
n DRAMA students chatted to undergraduates and watched performances during visits to the Arts University Bournemouth.
Logical thinking: Students Alice, Shannon, Joel, Katie, Tom, Aimee and Jo took on a jigsaw map of Great Britain in Puzzle Club.
Meet The Teacher: Mr Candy leads Brune Park’s Secondary Readiness Provision. Look at his collection of tiny camper vans.
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Creepy: Year 9 students spent lunchtime getting creative with cadaverous drawings during Gothic Art Club.
There was a record breaking 900 visitors for the school’s Open Evening. Big thanks to Head girl Phoebe and Head boy Andrew (left) who talked passionately about our wonderful school.