Shaftesbury School Newsletter Winter 2023

WINTER 2023

Shaftesbury

Great Oracy Exhibition Ghana Project Black History Month 1718

Shaftesbury School

2.

WELCOME As we approach the end of Autumn Term 2023, I’d like to spend some time reflecting on what has been a wonderful term for our young people and our staff in the school.

Our students and staff continue to show dedication and passion for so many different events, from sporting fixtures and visits to cultural excursions and performances. Of course, there was also Storm Babet, which put a stop to our trip up the Spinnaker Tower, however the dedicated Geography Department were not to be defeated and they continued with many other trips, including their Year 11 Bristol trips.

During the term, we have been fortunate enough to welcome a team of employers from the Dorset community into our school to carry out mock-interviews to Sixth Form and Year 11 students. The feedback from these sessions reflected the sheer brilliance of our young people, with comments such as, “such mature and smartly presented young people of the next generation” and “I would employ any of these bright young stars”. Continued thanks to Miss Brown for her annual work and commitment to this cause.

This term we have also welcomed a team of Lithuanian staff from another school, who were bowled over by the work being done in our Future Classroom with Mr Sweetenham and his class of programming students.

They loved the Learning Journey Maps that the school use to help students understand where they are on their learning journey and took some away to develop for their own school. This visit came a month after being visited by the Kyiv City Ballet, (who gifted a beautiful portrait to the school, displayed in our Main Reception). This visit was organised by the PE Department and gave all students an opportunity to meet and chat to these wonderful dancers.

Bath Spa University opened their doors to our Year 11 GCSE Physical Education students where they were able to conduct fitness tests on each other and attend University sports lectures, giving them an insight into what Bath Spa University is like for sport.

The department have also continued their Primary Sports Festivals here at the school, despite the cold and wet weather.

Shaftesbury School students have embarked on a new Peer Mentoring scheme and AntiBullying Ambassador Award - The Diana Award. Students attended training to become Peer Mentors and Anti-Bullying Ambassadors and are keen to strengthen an already vibrant part of our school community - student voice.

We are particularly proud of this work, as it supports and underpins the values that are at the heart of our school vision - Belonging, Empathy, Service and Thrive. Thanks to Mrs Savage, Miss Karai, Mrs Barham-Wingrove and Mrs Smith who supported our young people at these events.

This term has also seen a move towards a new interim executive leadership model across Shaftesbury School and Sturminster Newton High School. Mrs London-Hill sits as Interim Executive Headteacher across both schools and to support this new model, I have stepped into the Interim Head of School role here at Shaftesbury School. I am proud to be leading a school of such talented and inspiring students and staff. We are lucky to have such a breadth of knowledge, experience and expertise in our school

and around our local community, some of which can be seen at our next TEDx Youth Shaftesbury Event. This event is poised to be one of pure magic, with international speakers from Ghana, Finland, India, USA and Taiwan joining our student community in a public speaking event like no other.

The future looks exciting and bright, and as we continue our journey together into 2024, may I take this opportunity to wish a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to one and all.

Mrs S Bowen Interim Head of School

YEAR 7 HAVE NOW GOT OVER 10,000 ACHIEVEMENT POINTS WHICH IS AN INCREDIBLE EFFORT!

MISS KARAI YEAR 7 PROGRESS LEADER

Christmas Celebration Service for Year 7 Once again Year 7 attended their Christmas Celebration Service at St Peters Church. The students were exemplary in the walk up through Shaftesbury to St Peters Church. The students arrived at the church where Mrs Karai and Donna Gibbs (Team Rector for Shaftesbury) welcomed the students.

The service kicked off with a Christmas song beautifully sung by Esme C. Students from Years 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 gave readings from the Christmas story, the New testament and a selection of poems.

This year the students from Drama Club performed ‘The Alternative Nativity’, written by Liv P in year 11.

This gave a different take on the Christmas Nativity story and a funny and lighthearted alternative to the story. This was performed by students on the stage.

The Year 7s enjoyed their time at the Church watching some of our wonderful performances.

Thank you to Miss Karai and Miss Fiddik for working hard in putting the celebration together, the Year 7 tutors for accompanying the students to the church, and a big thank you to St Peters Church for welcoming us.

Merry Christmas

.3 Ethan performs at the Great Oracy Exhibition in Manchester Sixth Form student Ethan S was a guest speaker at the Great Oracy Exhibition in Manchester, hosted by Voice 21. Joining other speakers from SAST schools, he gave a compelling rendition of a poem in front of a packed audience.

Ethan, known for his quiet nature, exploded into character to deliver a flawless rendition of ‘Beast in the Space’

by W.S Graham. His performance left the audience speechless as he brought the poem’s character to life and related it to a classroom setting. Ethan, a national Poetry by Heart winner, even performed it a second time as part of a workshop delivered by Julie Blake, the CEO of Poetry by Heart.

Our School Vision At Shaftesbury School, our vision is to inspire and empower each individual to become the best version of themselves. Our guiding principle, “Being the Best You Can Be,” is deeply rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ, particularly his second commandment,

“Love thy neighbour as thyself” (Matthew 22:39) This biblical wisdom illuminates our commitment to nurturing a community of compassionate, inclusive, and empathetic individuals.

The Good Samaritan exemplifies the school’s Christian values, of Belonging, Empathy, Service, and Thrive, through his actions in the Parable of the Good Samaritan.

(Luke 10:25-37) Our students can demonstrate the best they can be in a variety of ways

BELONGING

EMPATHY

SERVICE

THRIVE

Being Part of a team

Peer Mentors

Charity

Achievement Points

House System

Being a Good Samaritan

Call to Action

BEST Awards

Prefects

Kindness

Clubs

Attendance

Working Together

Understanding Others

Prefect System

Results/Outcomes

SLANT/STEPS

PHSE Program

Student Council

Golden Tickets

Tutor Group

Arts Evening

Relationships

Joining Clubs

Christmas Service

Mock Interviews

Positive Behaviour

Anti Bullying Groups

Trips and Visits

Collective Worship

Sixth Form Head Students

Careers and IIAG

Assembly

Yr 7 Disco

PHSE Program

Awards Evening

Shows and Musical Events

Awards Evening

Xmas Shoe Box Appeal Food Banks Tutor Group Service

Maths Enterprise Challenge The Maths Enterprise Challenge was a real success! Thirty Year 7 students had to use their maths, teamwork and presentation skills to plan and design a music concert. Feedback from the facilitator was that our students were all really engaged, participated well and were a credit to themselves and the school. The winning team had done effective market research to consider all aspects of their concert which was going to be held in space. Well done to all the students who took part!

Year 10 Mock Interviews All students in Year 10 experienced a mock interview with a local employer at the end of July. They prepared for this by writing a personal statement and practising interview questions, as they would for a real interview.

The employers then asked a range of questions to encourage the students to think about their skills and experience and how these can be applied to different situations. Students are now more confident and prepared for real interviews which they will experience when applying for further education, apprenticeships and part time work. Feedback from the employers was really positive and we are so grateful to everyone who gave up their morning to support our students.

Peer Mentoring - Taken beyond Shaftesbury School

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

4.

October was Black History Month and assemblies during the first week were about marking this event. As a white History teacher, I did not want to stand at the front of the hall instructing children on what Black History was, so I invited a group of wonderful students to help me create and deliver the assemblies. The message that emerged was that Black History Month was a chance to celebrate Black success, but that Black History should not be limited to just one month; it should be marked alongside a diverse curriculum which is taught throughout the year. The History department at Shaftesbury School considers very carefully the topics we teach in the KS3 curriculum and try to include a diverse curriculum throughout the year, including units on Black British History, the British Empire and enslavement to civil rights.

Although at first the group were understandably hesitant about speaking in front of entire year groups of up to 180 pupils, they agreed to see how Year 7 went, and I am delighted to say that most of them presented every assembly across the week. Pictured are Talia, Shantelle, Ben and Nya, plus, other speakers not shown were, Summer, Jo and Aleah.

Our Peer mentors in Year 11 took the Peer Mentoring beyond Shaftesbury School this term. Along with Miss Karai, eight Year 11 students, went to The Gryphon School to train some of their students to become Peer Mentors.

The Shaftesbury Peer mentors ran the two- and half-hour training session with it focussed on ‘How to be a good Peer Mentor’, ‘Peer mentor qualities’ and ‘How to deal with the different issues that may come up as a Peer Mentor.’ Shaftesbury Peer Mentors have personalised the training to make it more relevant for young people, through making the training into role play.

This enables the trainee peer mentors to live out the situations that may arise with their mentees.

The training which was written and led by our students, has set The Gryphon School up with its first set of Peer Mentors.

.5 Kyiv City Ballet Shaftesbury School students and staff were delighted to welcome members of the Kyiv City Ballet into school on 5th October, as part of the company’s tour to build an understanding of Ukrainian culture and the world of performance art.

The event began with a presentation to 150 students, which gave them an insight into the performing arts industry and the challenges the Ballet is facing due to the war in Ukraine.

Students also heard a thought-provoking talk by Stuart Twiss and Carolyn Godfrey, of the Shaftesbury Refugee Group, about the plight faced by the many refugees throughout the world.

Following the presentation, 30 students, including Ukrainians and others with a passion for performing arts, participated in a dance workshop led by the Director, Choreographer and four dancers from the Kyiv City Ballet. Students worked with the dancers to create their pieces and were delighted to receive individual feedback from them.

Shaftesbury School teachers, Mrs Batchelor and Miss Karai also attended the ‘Bread and Salt’ event hosted by Shaftesbury Refugee Group, where they met representative of local community groups and were fascinated to learn more about Ukranian culture.

A number of students from Shaftesbury School performed again with the Kyiv City Ballet at events hosted by TLW Dance and The Exchange, Sturminster Newton.

The Ghana Project - New Cohort Despite being divided by 8,000km, an ocean and a continent - there is only a one hour time difference between the UK and Ghana. With a little imagination, the world has become our classroom, and it is a fascinating place to learn.

Why Ghana?

Africa is a place of huge contrasts and easy headlines. A few years ago, a teacher in Ghana reached out to me via the Hundred.org. Daniel had seen our Future Classroom and was intrigued about the technology and how we organised the learning. After a few initial Zoom calls, we decided to try a live lesson. Post-Covid, live lessons, or ‘hybrid’ as they are now known were not uncommon.

However, connecting learners between countries is rare but, it doesn’t have to be.

The first live lesson was a failure. I quickly learned that Daniel was working with limited resources (he joined the lesson via a single cell phone). The class were huddled around a device and the sound was poor. Every now and then the connection would drop and we would lose the flow of the lesson. Regular storms make internet accessibility hard in the Battor Dugame region of Ghana where is the school is based. Daniel was relying on a generator to maintain power connection. Despite this, his class were attentive and keen to learn.

For the children in Ghana, the lure of technology was irresistible and at the time, out of reach. They wanted to know about VR (Virtual Reality), AI (Artificial Intelligence) and robotics. Lessons started to focus more on technological solutions and the science of the future.

One lesson on the topic of VR and immersive technologies stands out as it changed everything. A young lady called Beatrice said‘Hey, Mr. Alex - we want to try VR in Ghana, that is my dream.’

That comment alone lit a fire. Shaftesbury School students started to fund raise. We started a Crowd Funding page and reached out to our Future Classroom sponsors. Within months we had raised enough funds to create a Future Classroom in Tema, just outside of Accra in Ghana. One of our students was born in Ghana and travelled there every summer with her family. They kindly offered to transport all the technology to save on huge import taxes. It worked.

Daniel found a suitable space and Future Classroom Ghana was born.

The latest cohort of learners meet once a week and learner together, studying a 12-week program.

By Mr More

6.

Royal Logistic Corps All Year 10 catering students took part in a challenge from the Royal Logistic Corps. They had to cook and present a main course or dessert using army ration packs. Dishes included peach crumble, egg fried rice, spicy pasta sauce and ham and vegetables. Everyone gained an insight into a lesser-known area of the army as well as developing their catering skills.

LIBRARY Book Buzz books given to every student in Year 7!

Just like in previous years we gifted a book from the Book Buzz selection to every student in Year 7. The library would like to thank the Lush Trust for helping to ensure that this happens every year. It’s so important for students to feel a sense of ownership over their reading and having a book that they have chosen themselves (big thanks to all the Year 7 tutors for helping with this) is a great way for them to engage with their reading journey at Shaftesbury School.

We hope that everyone has been enjoying reading their choices!

Alex Foulkes Author Visit Just before half term we were treated to an author visit from Alex Foulkes, who has written the brilliantly funny ‘Rules for Being a Vampire’ series. She was such a fun and interesting author to listen to, and all students in Year 8 got to see her speak, as well as a lot of the Year 7 classes too. We particularly enjoyed her quiz competition at the end of her talks to test our vampire and spooky knowledge. It was the perfect way to end half term and get us in the mood for Halloween. Thank you to Alex for coming in and thank you to everyone who purchased a book for her to sign. We now have a couple of copies of book 2 available to borrow from the library too!

Book Club Update Our KS3 book club continues to meet in the library during Wednesday lunchtimes – do come along if you’re a keen reader who wants to chat with other book lovers about things you’ve read and enjoyed, or even books that you haven’t enjoyed. So far this term we have helped to choose the shortlist for the local book award, Wessex Amazing Book Award, and we’ll be starting to read these books over the next few months. Hopefully we will then be ready to attend the awards ceremony at Talbot Heath School in February. Here’s the shortlist for this year’s award – our choice was ‘Five Survive’ by Holly Jackson, which we highly recommend to fans of YA thrillers!

GREASED LIGHTNING! Shaftesbury School students (and staff) lit up the stage (both on it and behind the scenes) in Shaftesbury Arts Centre’s recent high-profile production of the classic musical ‘Grease’.

Slick, energetic, funny and brilliantly performed, the production was a total sell-out for its two-week run and showed our students total commitment to the Performing Arts. It’s another example of just how important Drama and Music are to both our school and the local community. Long may it continue. The cast of Grease contained Ethan S (Danny Zuko), Martha D (Sonny), Ruby H, Issy H, Isobelle H, Lottie M, Adam D + ex-student Katy M (Frenchie). The backstage crew contained Roisin M, Jake C (lighting and sound) and Peter H. Well done to everyone, it was a dazzling show!

• Five Survive by Holly Jackson • Away with Words by Sophie Cameron • The Lighthouse by Alex Bell • This Book Kills by Ravena Guron • Unraveller by Francis Hardinge • The Wall Between Us by Dan Smith

Library Pupil Assistants We have new library assistants this term – please welcome Jude, Jake, James and Szymon. A massive thank you to them for all their help during break and lunchtimes. They have also been great at helping to set up new book displays too – this month we are celebrating Movember with some fab moustache covered books.

.7 Robo Rangers The Design and Technology Department proudly present Robo Rangers!

A group of students from Years 10 –13 have entered the First Tech Challenge UK, a robotics competition designed to test the skills and initiative of young teams from all over the country. They will go head-tohead in a series of games from getting their robot to hang from a bar, to throwing an aeroplane.

At the moment our team is working extremely hard to design, code and develop the robot. We have a small group of people in charge of fundraising, so we have money for materials and parts for the robot, merchandise, and to lower trip cost as well as providing snacks for the team. A part of the FTC competition is that it covers a wide range of subjects from science, product design, computing, media and graphics.

For example: some of the coders in our team take the computing A-level course; we also had a graphics design student design the logo for the team as well as art students help come up with the concept for what the result might look like. So, there are many elements and factors we must take into consideration.

TWIN SCIENCE Every Thursday, our Head of Computing Mr. Sweetenham takes STEAM Ambassadors out on the road to visit local primary schools and run fun coding sessions.

We often get asked if we can take the Future Classroom on a road trip and now we are!

Twin Science is a company that brings the skill of coding into contact with sustainable projects such as building and racing EV cars and creating solar farms for light capture. We are proud to be working with Twin Science whp are leading in the field of AI and Robotics.

We also had to find a mentor for our team and this year it is the Robert College from Turkey. They are renowned for their designing and engineering courses, and are happy to help us along the journey. We currently have an Instagram set up in order to track the progress of the team and post any updates for current events it’s @robo.rangers2023

SHAFTESBURY SCHOOL TEDX 2024 TEDx Shaftesbury Youth returns on Saturday 9th of March 2024. At the time of writing, applications are live and Shaftesbury School students are applying to speak on the big stage.

To speak, students have to submit an idea worth sharing.

Once selected, they will receive expert coaching in preparation for the big day. Last year, four Shaftesbury School students spoke: James, Mya, Gwen, and Kimberly.

The talks were accepted by TED and uploaded to their global platform. In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organised events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TED Talks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection. These local, self-organised events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organised TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organised. (Subject to certain rules and regulations.)

To find out more on this event and book tickets, click on the official event website: About TEDx • TEDxShaftesbury

8.

P.E. Netball

Rugby

We took 43 students from Years 7,8,9 & 11 to The Gryphon to play 5 netball games. Two Sixth Form students also came as leaders to help officiate (Molly & Dolly). Amazing team spirit and lots of potential for future matches.

This autumn term, we have fully embraced the rugby season at Shaftesbury School.

With the installation of new posts, we’ve had the privilege of hosting visiting teams from various schools. Notably, we welcomed our sports rivals from Gillingham School, as well as representatives from Salisbury. Additionally, our Year 7 students showcased their skills at a Friday night rugby tournament.

Player of the Match for Each Team.

Year 7 - Delilah W Year 8 - Sophie-Louise F Year 9 - Charlotte G Year 11 - Rose G Year 11 - Izzy C We took 2 Year 11 teams to Blandford School, showing passion and commitment, more matches to follow.

Handball First Handball match of the year was U15 boys and U15 girls vs Gillingham School and The Gryphon School. The boys team won against Gillingham and then lost against The Gryphon School. The girls lost against Gillingham but won against The Gryphon School.

Football Despite a 5-3 defeat in the County Cup, our Year 7 boys’ team can hold their heads high after delivering a brilliant second half performance. While luck may not have been on their side in the end, their resilience and skill signal a promising future for the team. Facing a tough opponent, the team showcased incredible determination and teamwork, scoring some good goals towards the end and having 3 shots cleared off the line. Even the score didn’t tip in their favour, the way they rallied in the second half has earned them well deserved praise. The loss is just a stepping stone for the team with the Gillingham Astro tournament round the corner. The experience will help them grow as a team, as they continue to improve as a group the future holds great promise.

INTER-HOUSE COMPETITION RESULTS A range of boys and girls participated in the inter-house dodgeball tournament this year. 450 students played across a whole week, competing at dodgeball in the sports hall. All students playing with smiles on their faces across Years 7-11. Inter-house assemblies built up the excitement to represent their house and collect points.

Duncliffe and Melbury were close throughout the week, however Duncliffe pulled away with some fantastic tactics to beat Melbury in the last game for Year 7. This final game decided Duncliffe as ‘Interhouse Dodgeball Champions 2023’ for the whole school.

It’s been inspiring to witness the growth of rugby within our school community.

Students are actively engaging in the sport during lunch breaks, evident in the thriving rugby club. We’ve successfully formed teams spanning from Year 7 to 10, indicating the widespread enthusiasm for rugby among students. The development of our rugby ethos is becoming increasingly evident throughout the school.

Exciting prospects lie ahead in the PE department’s rugby agenda. In the upcoming year, we are fortunate to have the Bath Rugby Foundation joining us for a five-week coaching program, targeting all year groups.

This initiative aims to instil the fundamental principles of rugby and amplify the enthusiasm for the sport within our school community.

Moreover, we’re seizing this opportunity to promote girls’ rugby, particularly with the notable achievements of two of our students, Autumn T and Lydia W, who have earned a place in the Bath Academy DPP. Their success serves as inspiration, fostering a supportive environment for the growth of girls’ rugby at Shaftesbury School.

Shaftesbury School, Salisbury Road, Shaftesbury SP7 8ER • 01747 854498 • shaftesburyschool.co.uk

Leadership

A big shout out to our incredible Sports Leaders of 2023!

Forty leaders have completed their Young Sports Leaders training and are ready to put their skills into practice in the upcoming primary school festivals! Some of the festivals taking place this year include rugby, netball, football, dance and athletics. The days training covered communication, teamwork, safety and organisation skills.

Some of these students also attended the Dorset Leadership Academy at Bryanston School, continuing their leadership journey.