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By James Saunders

EXCELLENCE

This week I would like to focus on challenge, aspiration and excellence. On Wednesday I had the pleasure of accompanying 14 of our learners to Essex University Business School to graduate from the Brilliant Club. These learners have spent the last couple of months studying alongside a PhD tutor. They have developed their research skills and independent study techniques as well as expanding their knowledge about a topic they would not normally study.

Our learners completed the programme by writing an extended essay about the voting habits of different hispanic groups in America. In reading their essays it is clear that they have learnt a lot. I myself have also learnt about social and economic voting theories - a topic of much relevance in the UK currently. Countries that learners have been researching include Cuba, Dominica, Mexico, Salvador and Panama.

At the graduation event I was asked if any of them would like to volunteer to speak during the ceremony. I asked the group and immediately five of them volunteered. They then bravely stood up at the front of the auditorium and spoke about the programme in front of peers from ten other schools.

They all did a great job. However, one of our learners in particular inspired me through her honest and reflective account of the struggles she had through engaging with the programme. Why? Because it is challenging. After the first session she wanted to give up as the challenge appeared to be insurmountable. After a pep talk from Mr Williams she decided to keep on pushing and was delighted to come out the other end and explained how she really enjoyed the experience.

All our learners now have a clearer idea of what university is like. The experience has helped to shape their aspirations.

We offer the Brilliant Club every year. I am looking forward to working alongside our next crop of aspiring scholars next year.

Please join me in congratulating our newly crowned Brilliant Club Scholars:

C10: Ola Arowosegbe; Laila Arkell; Lizzy Buscombe; Joseph Byers; Cerys Godfrey; Miles Ramsay; and Daniel Taylor

C9: Jonathan Hardington; Soha Malek; Karis Newman; Vasille Rusu; Aaron Shrimpton; Daisy Taylor and Tama Ujfalusi

CONGRATULATIONS

Last week Caleb Gilbert in C8 attended a Karate tournament in Coruna, Spain; a very prestigious event, with nearly 2000 athletes attending. It is the highest level that Caleb can currently compete at in his age group.

We are pleased to say that he came away with a bronze medal, which was a massive achievement!! He lost his first round fight, but was able to get repechage which meant he could get back into the tournament and he had 3 other fights back to back, which he won, meaning he was awarded the bronze medal. Well done Caleb!

Well done to Jemima (C8) who won a writing competition which she entered recently for the Essex Year of Reading. Fantastic work!

U15s DISTRICT CUP SEMI FINAL Honywood

3 Helena Romanes 1

With a place in the U15s District Final at stake, the game started at a fast pace with Honywood setting an early high standard for the game with some outstanding passing, crossing and skills from all the players. Although Honywood had the majority of chances, they went into the break level at 1-1.

Honywood started the second half on the front foot, determined to capitalise on their domination of the game. Our defence held firm limiting the amount of chances Helena Romanes had on goal. The second half saw Honywood establish their lead with a further two goals. A fantastic team performance! Final date and venue to be confirmed.

Goalscorers: Theo McQuillan (1) and Logan Humphreys (2) Assists: Zach Thorogood and Khaled Sherif

We are seeing an increasing number of learners coming into school with an insufficient amount of charge on their iPad and asking to put their iPad on charge in the IT office. It is the learner’s responsibility to ensure that their iPad is fully charged each evening ready for learning sessions the following day. This is outlined in the iPad Acceptable Use Policy at point 27. Not being able to use their iPad during the learning session impacts their full involvement in the session whether it be resources on Google Classroom, using bespoke educational apps or the ability to research via the internet.