Parent Newsletter October 2014

THE KING JOHN SCHOOL

NEWSLETTER NO: 58 - OCTOBER 2014

DUKE OF EDINBURGH gold TRIP TO MOROCCO In the last week of summer term 2014 a group of 20 Sixth Form students travelled to Morocco to complete their Gold assessment expedition. On arrival the group travelled to the hillside village of Imlil and settled in to the hostel.

The group undertook a four day expedition, only the toughest would survive.

The expedition involved each group carrying all their food, equipment and shelter for the four days; this made for some very heavy bags.

As part of the expedition the group climbed Mt Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa at a height of 4,167 meters. The group did fantastically well dealing with the heat, altitude sickness as well as those heavy bags!

The trip ended with a day of rest and relaxation in Marrakech. The group were able to spend time bargaining in the souks and sun bathing by the pool.

I would like to commend the group for their excellent attitude and spirit on the trip. It was truly unforgettable! Well done and congratulations to all 20 that have now completed their gold expedition sections of the awards.

MRS DENNEY, P.E TEACHER

Note to parents In order to continue our efforts on going green, please can you send your home email address to slg@thekjs.com to receive future correspondence.

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CONTENTS

MESSAGE BOARD

Duke of Edinburgh Gold.............................pg 1

From Dr Margaret Wilson, Headteacher

Message Board...............................................pg 2 Year 7 & 8.......................................................pg 3 Year 9 & 10....................................................pg 4 Year 1 1...................................................................pg 5 Parent Information........................................pg 5 Sixth Form.........................................................pg 6 Parent/Carer Guide For Emploability For Life Award.....................................................pg 7

School News.....................................................pg 7 Charity News..................................................pg 7 Important Dates.............................................pg 8 Modern Foreign Language...........pg 8 - 9 Performing Arts................................pg 1 0 - 1 1 Sports....................................................................pg 12

Welcome back to the new school year and a very warm welcome to our new students and staff. I hope you have settled in well and enjoyed your first half term with us. I assure you it will get even better!

I was very pleased overall with the school’s results. At GCSE 72% of students achieved 5+A*-C grades including English and Maths. Full details of all the results are available to view on our website. Added to this, the new Sixth Form building opened this term giving us more learning space and amazing facilities for our older students. There is still some cosmetic work being undertaken but this will be completed during October half term.

Work on the old Youth Centre building has started and the Humanities faculty will move there next term. I am delighted to let you know that a planning application has been submitted for an Assembly Hall. We hope this will be open early next year, to enable us to more comfortably accommodate our year group assemblies. This will be sited close to the existing building at the rear of the main school.

Already this term we have hosted two very successful Presentation Evenings as well as our Open Day for Year 6 parents and students. Our Open Evening for the Sixth Form will take place before half term.

On Thursday, 13 November the school will be holding an Open Forum for parents from 4pm to 6pm in the Theatre. This is your opportunity to speak to members of the school’s Senior Leadership Team and Governors about what you feel the school is doing well and what we could do to improve. It will not be an opportunity to speak specifically about your child; if you have any concerns these should be directed to the school as they arise. I hope to see you there.

The school’s current method of communication with you is mainly through email and up to date information is posted on our website. If you do not have access to email please let us know so that we can make alternative arrangements.

I would also like you to know that there is one Parent Governor vacancy on the Board of Governors and letters will shortly be sent home with your child inviting nominations. If you feel that you can make a contribution then please apply.

As always we will continue to strive to improve, and with your continued support, I look forward to another highly successful and rewarding year.

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YEAR 7

YEAR 8

Well done elle-mai

well done to mia sheedy

Elle-Mai Whieldon of tutor 8-11 gave up her spare time during the weekend to raise money for Macmillan nurses.

A total of £28 was made through the sale of brownies, shortbread biscuits and fairy cakes. She made them all herself and started baking them at 8am! She chose Macmillan because they’re helping look after her great grandma at the moment as she has terminal cancer.

Congratulations to Mia Sheedy of 7-01, who has been made a first dan black belt in karate after four years of rigorous training. Mia has been practising karate since age seven and has made it her passion ever since.

Her instructor, Cheri Stokes knows first-hand how hard Mia has worked to achieve her black belt, especially at such a young age. Mia was graded by sensei McLusky sixth dan and sensei Cheri Stokes fifth dan after a weekend training course at Phoenix Dojo.

future football star

Danny Confrey, a talented goal keeper, has been training every Monday evening at Pro-1 Goal Keeping Academy for 4 months and has earned himself a place at Southend United F.C’s academy for the next 6 weeks. Danny is a superb goal keeper and we hope to see him on the TV in the next few years. We wish him lots of luck to achieve his dream!

pyjama party film night fun!

THAT’S JAZZ! In October half term I am doing my first jazz/contemporary competition in the Townsgate Theatre, Laindon.

I’m also performing in some dance shows in November, where I will be dancing in 8 numbers rather than 3 which is how many I’m usually in. I have been dancing since I was 3 years old and now perform with a school called Wiggles Spin Studio.

RACHEL BYRNE

Our first Year 7 event at the King John School was the amazing

Pyjama Party/Film Night. As soon as the party started it was full of fun, there were so many people in onesies! The film that was on was Home Alone; everybody loved it. It was a good fundraiser for the chosen charity because the school raised an amazing amount of £80!

Thomas, from tutor group 7.09 won the competition of the best onesie in an amazing Santa Claus suit. These are some quotes from students: Ethan, from tutor group 7.11 said it was a nice movie and he liked it as well because he got to hang out with his friends. Liam, from tutor group 7.11 said the refreshments were very nice. India, from tutor group 7.03 said it was great, so many pyjamas and it was so much fun!

GOOD SPORTS Rory and I play rugby for Westcliff Rugby Club. We really enjoy it. On Sunday 5th October we played 4 games against some very strong oppositions – one of the teams were the county champions! After some tough games, we came in third place.

RORY KEMP AND ALFIE CAMERON

It’s definitely something I’d do again if I got the chance. Even some of the teachers joined in and were in pyjamas as well!

NBA CHAMPS

THOMAS SHAW 7.09, INDIA MASON 7.03, LOUIS READER 7.03

On Saturday 4th October we played with our team, Southend Scorpions, against a national league basketball game. The opposition’s manager turned out to be an NBA professional! Best of all, we won the game!

OLI THORN AND BRENDAN WEAVING

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YEAR 9

YEAR 10

good luck hannah!

Year 10 prizegiving awards

Year 9 student, Hannah Temperton is making her way to her dream job through successfully auditioning for the Open Mic UK Competition, which is cited the UK’s biggest nationwide search for unsigned acts. Hannah’s passion for performing led her to audition on 14th September where she sang songs by Christina Aguilera, Demi Lovato and Marilyn Monroe.

The Year 10 Prize Giving evening celebrated academic success across all subjects, and with fewer awards than in the Year 7 and 8 Prize Givings, it was even more impressive for the students being honoured with the awards.

Her talents impressed the judges and they sent her through to the regional finals; these take place on 2nd November at Marconi Social Club in Chelmsford. A surprise star guest will be there alongside celebrity industry judges from major music labels.

Maisie Elliott, in particular, earned not one but two awards on the night! She was awarded the Academic Catering award as well as the Community Service Award.

There was a special sporting mention to Adam Liddell, Joe Belcher, Albert Wilton and Callum Liasi for their roles in the National Athletic Team.

Hannah is currently studying Music and Drama for GCSE, and has dreams to become a singer or an actress. Having decided this and by showing her commitment to her chosen career we know that she will not only have the appetite needed to carry her through but depth through education. The King John School is proud to support Hannah and her quest to reach the grand final, and with a little help from others we are sure that our local star will go far.

After the awards had been distributed Lucas Ives had played a beautifully haunting piece on the piano. We then gathered in the dining room for some informal cheese and biscuits and a chance to congratulate fellow students on their awards, whilst parents had a glass (or two) of wine.

To see Hannah perform live at the regional finals in Chelmsford, email Hannah on hannah.temperton@icloud.com Show your support and keep up to date with how she is doing in the competition by checking out Hannah’s Instagram page: hannahtempertonpage or ‘like’ her on Facebook: Hannah Temperton.

Overall it was an incredible night for sharing achievements and talent; it’ll definitely look good on those prefect applications!

AMELIA COOK, 10-03

dancing at disney

street dancer champ Well done to Isabelle Beesley, who came first place with her team, Elite, at the World Championship U18 Street Dance competition on Sunday 5th October.

My sister, Hannah (in Year 11) and I danced at Disneyland Paris this year with our dance school, Santoy.

Hannah has been with Santoy for a few years, whereas I joined earlier this year. To be able to take part in this amazing opportunity, our principal sent in a video of one of the dances we were going to do in a show and a parade. Disneyland must have liked what we did as we have been invited to return in 2015!

DANIEL CANHAM

Pro Kart Racer Jordan Brown-Nutley has been kart racing every weekend since he was 9 years old! His dedication has paid off as he came third at a recent race with his Trent Valley Kart Club.

singing star Congratulations to Allegra Webb, who has passed her Grade 2 singing exam with a Distinction!

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YEAR 1 1 heptathlon championships Year 11 student Kiera Tippett has been building on her sporting talents by representing the Essex Schools and King John at the English Schools Heptathlon Championships on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st September. The Intermediate Girls Team competed in all seven events - hurdles, shot put, 200m sprint, javelin, high jump, long jump and 800m run. Considering the team was one athlete down owing to an injury, they excelled further than was expected.

Kiera had an amazing two days, especially since she is a long distance runner and doesn’t train in six of the events. She came out strong with a plethora of personal bests including an overall heptathlon PB. Her talents didn’t stop there, coming first out of 20 athletes in the 200m sprint, the javelin and her favourite, the 800m run.

The team were the only team over the two days that had only three athletes, which added considerable pressure.

The girls were up against 40 of the country’s best heptathletes – many of whom were a year older than Kiera and her team mates. Kiera being the youngest in this age group held her own as did the rest of the team and they were proudly crowned second English Schools Team.

Parent/Carer Guide to: Employability For Life Award What is it ?

dancing at Disney

On the 1st of August we went to dance in Disneyland Paris with our dance squad, Santoy. While we were out there, we performed in the school showcase where dance schools from Europe performed on the Videopolise stage in the centre of Disneyland. We performed three dances including ‘Proud Marry’; ‘Sing, Sing, Sing’, ‘Joyful, Joyful’ and Transformers.

We also had the opportunity to take part in a Disney parade for the Mardi Gras section along with some of the characters. Our school was placed at the front of the parade, leading the dance and holding the banner. Daniel and I were both placed in the front lines as “dance leaders”.

Local businesses and employers in collaboration with local schools have established a new award that recognises and promotes students ‘employability skills’.

Students can receive a gold, silver or bronze Employability for Life certificate that is recognised by over 80 local businesses and employers in Essex.

Students started work on their EFL during their Enrichment ‘Futures Day’ in June 2014 and will continue in year 11. All students will be given guidance by Mrs Jeffery and their tutor. A designated tutor period has also been allocated every Friday until Easter (March2015).

Students can receive a gold, silver or bronze ‘Employability For Life certificate’ at the end of Yr11, following assessment in the following categories: Attendance and Punctuality Appearance Motivation Communication Professional Conduct Attendance and Punctuality will be assessed at the end of each year using school data. They will receive a gold, silver or bronze EFL merit mark depending on their performance:

Attendance Punctuality Gold 98% or more no lates Silver 94% or more 1/2 lates Bronze 90% or more 3 lates At the end of year 10 all students received an attendance certificate, which is in their EFL folder.

Appearance will also be assessed at the end of year by using the student school uniform card: GOLD clean uniform card SILVER 1-2 signatures on uniform card BRONZE 3 signatures on uniform card Students will be given a gold, silver or bronze EFL merit mark at the end of the Key Stage by their tutor.

Our whole school has been invited back to perform in the next two years and we have also been asked to take part in performances in both America and Spain.

HANNAH CANHAM, 11-03

house of commons work experience As part of his work experience, Jack Duffield has been at the House of Commons in London! From 13th – 17th October, Jack was assisting MP Rebecca Harris. Watch this space to see how he got on…

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Motivation , communication and professional conduct These 3 categories will be assessed throughout KS4 and involve students accruing evidence which students collate on the relevant sheets with attached documentation (evidence such as certificates, letters, photographic evidence or staff signatures).

Mrs Jeffery is also available every Tuesday and Wednesday lunch time in UD8 to give support and guidance. Computers are available for students to use.

Please ask your son/daughter about their EFL folders.

Completed folders are an excellent source of evidence to show at an interview. It gives the employer or Sixth Form a good indication of what has been achieved.

the book club

SIXTH FORM

As part of your enrichment, why not join us every Wednesday period 5, UA8 for the Sixth Form Book Club. We will be reading our way through some of the books nominated in the 2014 Carnegie Award. Check out some of the interesting and exciting titles on the link below: http://www.carnegiegreenaway. org.uk/pressdesk/press.php?release=pres_2014_nom_announce_carnegie.html To get us started, we’re reading The Bunker Diary by Kevin Brooks. The story follows Linus Weems, a teenager who is captured and imprisoned in a mysterious concrete bunker. Each week we will read, discuss and strengthen our love of reading.

congratulations...

The Food Department would like to congratulate Elizabeth Gary, Nicola Brown and Rachel Roberts on their fantastic A Level Food Technology results this summer; we wish them well as they move on to study Food at The University of Reading and Sheffield Hallam University.

There are over 40 universities currently offering degrees in Food related courses, these included Food Product Design, Journalism and Nutrition; degrees in these subjects open many interesting career routes in areas which are currently experiencing shortages for graduates. Past King John students have gone on to become food buyers for large supermarket chains, dieticians in hospitals and food designers for leading food companies.

King John Sixth Form is one of the only sixth forms in the local area to offer this A Level; if any current year 11 students are interested in finding out more about the course they should speak to their Food teachers.

MRS WOODHOUSE (HEAD OF FOOD)

The Book Club, Wednesday P5 UA8

Year 12 The learner profile The aim of the learner profile is to develop key qualities in our students during their time at the KJS Sixth Form to help prepare them for further education and/ or employment.

Each half term, the tutor time and learning and teaching focus will be on developing one of these qualities to help them develop as a successful learner. This half term students have been looking at being organised and discussed ways in which they can develop this key skill.

For further information see http://thekjstudent.wikispaces.com.

Teachers have been nominating students within their classes and the most organised student from each tutor group will be announced in the next newsletter.

FUTURE CHAMPION Matthew Hamilton is a student at the Sixth Form, currently in Year 13. Over the past year he has become more and more involved in sport, in particular cycling and running. Matthew has a disability called Erb’s Palsy which affects movement in his right arm.

Matthew says he sees this as a blessing in some ways as it has enabled him to have many opportunities; including running for Team GB at the World Juniors and winning the National Paracycling series. These are both massive achievements.

“I

n the future I would love nothing more than to become a Paralympic champion and hopefully attend Rio, which would be a massive step in the right direction.”

MATT HAMILTON

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Well done Ryan FoX Earlier this year I attended the Referees Conference at St Georges Park (England National Team training ground). We went through some fitness sessions with some of the top referees in the country; including Simon Brevic who is the fitness coach for UEFA. We then did some drills on assistant refereeing. One of the drills was on concentration and the next was where a defender and attacker crossed each other and the ball was played through. We had to flag for offside or not. This was being filmed with the camera in line where it was then analysed frame by frame by the heads of Assistant Refereeing in the country, Neil Barry and David Elleray who showed us whether we were correct or not – luckily I was.

In March, I started my first promotion season, looking to start moving up the refereeing ladder towards the Premier League. Towards the end of last season I had my first of three assessments. I received really good feedback from the assessor who thinks I am capable of progressing. This was one of the influential factors in my selection for the Northern Ireland Trip.

At the end of last season I was appointed to three cup finals: one as the Referee; one as an Assistant Referee and one as the Fourth Official.

All of these were a huge honour. One of my cup finals was an Essex FA county cup final which was only given to 84 referees in the whole of the county. This put the selected officials in the top 5% of referees in the County. During preseason I had an email from the referee’s representative to Essex FA; he asked if I was available to be an assistant referee for a match between two senior women’s teams. This was a fantastic appointment and one of the biggest games I have done so far. Not only was it a massive game, it was my first game using the microphone set. This enabled all three officials to talk to each other during the game making the decisions easier.

Two weeks later I got a call from the representative saying I had been selected to go over to Northern Ireland to officiate in a Northern Irish Football League match. I was very honoured as out of all the officials in Essex I am one of three people to be selected. For this match we have had to go through International Clearance by the Football Association. When officiating in the match we will have a UEFA style assessment during the game. Post-match we will be invited into the boardroom to meet officials. Furthermore we will be meeting a FIFA assistant referee who will be hosting us for the evening and the following day.

RYAN FOX

Uniform Shop Opening Times Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday For Parents: 09.30am-11am For Students: 2pm-2.20pm Term time only

reminder to all parents

SCHOOL NEWS

gifted and talanted, september 2014

When your child is absent from school we would appreciate you calling Student Support to report their absence, but would like to remind you we still require you to send in a letter of explanation for the absence with your child on their return.

Without this in writing, the absence will be recorded as unauthorised and may result in the involvement of the Education Welfare Officer.

MRS J COPELAND STUDENT SUPPORT MANAGER

lost property LOST YOUR PE KIT, COAT, KING JOHN HOODIE, SHOES OR BAGS? Lost property for students to view will be on display at morning break by the main staircase on Thursday 23 October 2014 Please be aware that any property unclaimed will be donated to a local charity.

PLEASE MAKE SURE YOUR NAME IS IN ALL OF YOUR BELONGINGS.

borrowing money Student Support lend small amounts of money to students in emergencies only. A phone call home will be made to parents to confirm this is allowed. We would like to remind parents that if your child borrows money from Student Support it should be repaid the next day as we only have a small float to lend students.

NB. This facility will be withdrawn from a student who has money outstanding.

Incidents Outside School Please be aware that any incidents which occur out of school hours, that you deem to be of a serious nature/or may jeopardise the safety of your child, should be reported to the police who will make a report. The school cannot be responsible for incidents which happen outside of school hours.

If you require the Police Liaison Officer you should contact Rayleigh Police Station on 01268 775533

parents vle

The VLE provides you with access to the students’ area, which enables you to see the work being uploaded and used by your child.

All letters sent home are available to view on the parent’s area on the VLE together with the Parent Newsletters, Extra Curricular Activities Booklets and KS3 Newsletters.

Please feel free to have a look.

Username: kjsparent Password: parent

RAFFLE The LRC are hosting a raffle to raise enough money to buy at least 5 Kindles to be used for the Sixth Form enrichment book review club and the after school reading club.

RAFFLE TICKET PRIZES

Each year at the KJS we celebrate outstanding achievement from some of our most able and gifted students. The Gifted and Talented awards evening is a showcase of some of the fantastic work that is produced across the course of the year, as well as an opportunity for students to be rewarded for going above and beyond in specific subjects.

The evening itself is run and organised by the gifted and talented student council as well as handing out the rewards and hosting the evening. We feel that it’s really important to have our students play a key role in congratulating and celebrating the work of gifted fellow students. We pride ourselves on the sense of community that the students feel with one another and this celebration of achievement is a fantastic example of this.

The students also put on a show with performances from Lucas Ives and Mia Well on piano, Harry Bygrave and Callum Saunders on guitar, India Covey and Jasmine Armfield singing and guitar and Hanna Campan and Maddie Norris who performed a dance piece.

Student voice: who will the next tutor reps be? the vote is up to you...

1ST PRIZE: £30.00 gift voucher 2ND PRIZE: £15.00 gift voucher 3RD PRIZE: Box of chocolates Tickets will be 10p each or a strip of 5 for 40p. Maddie Garrett (8-07) and Hannah Murphy (8-07) will be coming around at tutor time to collect donations, starting 3rd November 2014.

The raffle will be drawn on 12th December 2014.

If you need any further information please contact me, Sue Cole.

Many thanks!

CHARITY NEWS Macmillan Coffee Morning 26th September The Learning Support Department, aided and assisted by enthusiastic students, made and sold cakes and coffee to raise funds for this excellent charity on the morning of 26th September. The event was well attended by both staff and students and we were able to raise a grand total of £50.

Students also had the idea of supporting the school’s policy of healthy eating by making fruit kebabs, which were bought and consumed with equal enthusiasm to the cakes!

The week beginning the 15th September saw the entire school (including Sixth Form) vote for their tutor representatives for Student Voice. There were many applicants for the poA good time was had by all and we look sition but only 2 from each group were voted forward to our next charity event. in by their peers.

The first Student Voice meeting took place on the 25th September with Mrs Jones where all the representatives had a chance to apply to become Year Representatives and/or become a member of the respected Executive Committee.

Decisions about the new Year Representatives and members of the Executive Committee will be announced before the end of October.

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MRS J MARCHANT AND MS J PALMER LSA’S

IMPORTANT DATES

English Club

Creative Writing

Terms (inclusive dates) Autumn 2014 Tues 2 Sept - Fri 19 Dec Spring 2015

Mon 5 Jan - Fri 27 Mar What does the Creative Writing Club Summer 2015 have to offer you?

Mon 13 Apr - Tues 21 Jul General Holidays The chance to use and improve your (inclusive dates) writing skills Christmas 2014/15 Mon 22 Dec - Fri 2 Jan The opportunity to enter Spring 2015

competitions and possibly even see Mon 30 Mar - Fri 10 Apr your writing published Summer 2015 Weds 22 Jul - To be confirmed The prospect of making new friends

with similar interests as Half Term Holidays you (inclusive dates) Autumn 2014 Mon 27 Oct - Fri 31 Oct Spring 2015 Mon 16 Feb - Fri 20 Feb Summer 2015 Mon 25 May - Fri 29 May

If you love putting your creative talents to the test, then come along to our Creative Writing Club.

The KJS English Every Tuesday from Department

Non-Student Days Monday 13 April 2015 Monday 20 July 2015 Tuesday 21 July 2015

Come along to UD3 on a Tuesday afternoon to see if this is the club for you.

3:15-4:15 in UD3.

For further details, speak to either Mrs Murray, Mr Salkeld or Miss Graham.

The KJS Reading Club offers you the opportunity to read a variety of texts, share your opinions with others, recommend and take recommendations for reading material and write your own blogs on the KJS website.

New: parents welcome, Love reading? Like sharing too! We will now meet your opinions? Interested once a half term to discuss in making some new the book of the half term. friends? Then join our Next half term: Northern club!

Lights by Philip Pullman.

Next meeting in the LRC: Thursday 27th November to discuss Northern Lights.

The KJS Reading Club

For further details, speak to either Mrs Murray, Ms Cole or Mrs Davis in the LRC or your English teacher.

MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGE Student successes!

Congratulations to the following students for being nominated by their peers or teachers as the student of the month in their class and year.

Year

French

Spanish

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Florence May

Shannon Codrai

8

India-Rose Barge

Alexandra Johnson

9

Charlotte George

James Kennison

10

Timothy Elliott

Macy Phillips

11

Aaron Marshall

Hannah Canham

12

Sam Fogg

Grace Radley

13

Charlotte Brown

Ellis Faulkner

vocab express

All students studying French or Spanish at GCSE or A level have a unique log in to this brilliant site for learning vocabulary. Homework is set and independent learning activities can be completed while competing against other members of their class.

From the 25th September to the 1st October, French and Spanish GCSE students competed against other schools in the country through The Vocab Express Challenge. Particular congratulations should go to Baily Aston in Year 11 for gaining the accolade of French genius, closely followed by Mohammed Davis in Year 9. Allegra Webb in Year 9 was the Spanish genius with Aimee Macdonald taking second place.

We are very proud of the hard work and commitment our students have shown during this event. They certainly made The King John school a very strong contender!!

We encourage all our students studying Spanish or French to take part in the next League of Champions which will take place in spring 2015.

MR DEL ROSARIO. KS4 CO-ORDINATOR

new mfl teachers Welcome to Samuel Verdu and Agata Gonzales who have joined the MFL faculty this year. Signor Verdu is a keen Barcelona FC supporter from the East coast of Spain and Agata is our Spanish foreign language assistant this year, supporting the speaking work of Spanish students.

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MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGE Dates to remember

The MFL department shares some ICT tools to help you learn in French and Spanish but also to help revision in all subjects

February 2015

TO LEARN CHUNKS OF TEXT FOR THE CONTROLLED SPEAKING AND WRITING ASSESSMENTS http://text-to-speech.imtranslator.net/ - you can type text into the box, select the language you would like, then click “say it”. The text below will be highlighted karaoke-style word by word as it is read out.

This speaks with a very good accent and you can change the speed it reads at - use it to help you crack your pronunciation!

http://www.memorizenow.com/ - paste paragraphs of text in and label them with the title of the paragraph (item name). Use the arrow buttons above to reveal/conceal more or less words. Hover over the blanks to see the first letter of the missing word. Select the ‘letters’ tab to just see the first letter of each word.

KS3 trip to Salamanca

March 2015

KS4 Trip to Paris.

April 2015

KS4 trip to the Barcelona region.

June 2015

A KS3 French and history trip to Normandy For letters and details about trips, see the school website.

www.cueprompter.com – paste in paragraphs and read them through from an autocue. http://popplet.com/ / http://bubbl.us - create a mindmap with pictures/keywords/colour coding to help you once you have started practicing your paragraph. Use it to jog your memory and help you when you get stuck.

TO LEARN INDIVIDUAL WORDS www.memrise.com – create your own vocab list to learn (import words from excel or by typing them into the website directly). Useful for inputting whole CA text to familiarise yourself or topic-related words for learning and revision purposes. The site tests you in a variety of different ways. Useful for spelling, meaning and pronunciation.

There is also an app to download!

www.zondle.com – create games using words or phrases to help you practice, review, revise and memorise vocabulary.

European day of languages The final week in September saw the KJS celebrating the European Day of Languages with a week of European themed activities. There are over 6000 languages spoken in the world, and behind each and every one of them lies a rich and diverse culture. That’s what the European Day of Languages (EDL) aims to celebrate - by showing people across Europe how important languages are, and what fun can be had learning them.

In tutor time, students read inspirational quotes about languages and wrote their own, here are two favourites:

“A

language is a path that takes you on an adventure around the world.”

SIMBIAT MUSTAPHA

“Life without languages is like chips without www.quizlet.com – create flashcards with words/short phrases.

Download the app and practice wherever you go!

WEBSITES WITH PRE-MADE ACTIVITIES FOR YOU TO PRACTICE YOUR FRENCH/SPANISH

salt and vinegar!”

RACHEL BICKNELL

NEED EXTRA HELP WITH YOUR FRENCH OR SPANISH HOMEWORK? WANT TO PRACTICE SOME SPEAKING?

www.languagesonline.org.uk – select Spanish/French on the left hand toolbar and explore the topics available.

JUST WANT TO CHECK SOMETHING QUICKLY?

www.linguascope.com – (ask your MFL teacher for log in details) Look in the linguastars (intermediate) section for dialogues and texts to challenge you, or linguascope (beginner) for basic vocabulary items.

Our Spanish and French assistants are available to help you each Tuesday. Drop in if you need any support with homework, coursework or just to find out about something French (UC3) or Spanish(UC10)

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The Jam: Music

Art Skills

- Ideal for: 10-18 years old - Develops use of instruments, teamwork and rhythm

- Ideal for: 10- 18 years old - Develops drawing skills

Wednesdays- 5.30pm

Wednesdays- 5.30pm

The Jam are workshops designed for students who want to come along and ‘Jam’ using a variety of instruments including guitar, drums and keyboard. No prior experience is required.

John Acad ing em K e of Ar ts y h T

In this class real life objects and models will be drawn developing line, shading, texture and size skills and techniques.

Are you interested in Drama, Dance, Music & Art? Beginners Ashtanga Yoga: Relaxation and Well-being Tuesdays 5.30pm - Ideal for: Adults - Excellent for fitness - Develops a clear and relaxed mind

12 w for eeks £7 8!

Yoga is an amazing way of relaxing after a hard day as well as increasing your cardio fitness and a healing your body. The Ashtanga style of yoga is dynamic and encourages weight loss as well as building strength and flexibility through specific movements. We finish each class with blissful relaxation.

Potential new classes next term: - Arts & Crafts - Public Speaking - Jewellery Making If you are interested in any current or new classes please register your interest now!

All courses start w/c 22nd September Cost: £65 per 10 week term (excluding half term)

Pay before the first class and you will recieve a 5% discount Pay for the entire year and recieve 10% discount!

Contact us to reserve your place: 01702 558284 e 6726

All ages and fitness levels are welcome.

(between 12pm-4.30pm)

or katek@thekjs.com carolinea@thekjs.com Please note all classes have limited availability so book today!

The King John Arts Academy started in January 2012 and has gone from strength to strength. It is an Academy that focuses on meeting the needs and developing key artisitc skills for the local community. Any profits made go directly into Arts provisions at The King John Academy.

Vision

- To provide an exciting, varied and Creative Arts programme - To provide engaging, inspiring and inclusive Arts based workshops - To create a fun and safe environment to enable every child to develop confidence, potential and life skills - To provide high quality Arts tuition from professional practitioners

Performance Masterclass:Little

Stars

Mondays- 5.30pm - Ideal for: 7-12 years old - Develop in:

Dance- Co-ordination, motor skills Music- Rhythm, timing and sounds Drama- Storytelling, roleplay and confidence

Little Stars is for primary and young secondary students who want to develop Dance, Music and Drama skills in a fun and safe environment. The Arts based skills that will be developed are all aimed at enhancing confidence, poise and self- esteem.

LAMDA Drama

Do you want to work with qualified practitioners of outstanding reputation?

See what we have to offer!

ZUMBA

Wednesdays: Juniors- 5.30pm Intermediate- 5.30pm Advanced- 6.30pm

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Do you want to develop your artistic and social skills in a fun and safe environment?

Thursdays- 5.30pm - Ideal for: 14 years old- Adults - Develops rhythm, co-ordination and fitness

Ideal for: 10-18 years old A LAMDA qualification is achieved Develop acting skills Develop confidence

This is a latin dance class that will improve students fitness, rhythm and co-ordination. This class is ideal for those who enjoy Dance and are looking for a fun way to keep fit!

Following on from the huge success of last year’s exam- June 2014: 100% pass rate 90% Merit/Distinction we are proud to offer LAMDA examination classes again. We have a class for everyone, from beginner to advanced.

Performance Masterclass:Megastars Mondays- 6.30pm - Ideal for: 13-18 years old - Develop acting skills - Develop confidence and teamwork skills - Public performance every term

Performance Masterclass: Megastars! is a 10 week workshop that culminates in a performance evening every term. Students develop acting skills including voice, body, movement and mime. Students will develop confidence and risk taking skills in order to prepare for a termly performance.

- Performance Term 1: An Evening of Comedy

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Glee: Regional Choir

Wednesdays- 5.30pm - Ideal for: 10-18 years old - Develop singing skills - Develop confidence and teamwork skills Glee Regional Choir is for students who enjoy singing and want to be part of a team that will perform at regional competitions and other external events.

PERFORMING ARTS NEWS Year 10 theatre trip: the woman in black

“T

he independent said that the play was “a marvellous exercise in spine tingling tension, spun from perfectly paced storytelling and stage craft”.

SUCCESS FOR LAMDA STUDENTS The King John Academy of Arts are delighted to congratulate their students on passing their LAMDA public examinations this year.

2014 was a tremendous year with all of the 34 students passing successfully many with additions merit, and plenty with the highest applause of distinctions. All levels were achieved from Levels 2 and 3 “speaking verse and prose”, up to Levels 4 and 5 for “Acting”, and our biggest pleasure was success with the top band of medals.

We are keen to use this success to encourage new members to join – you do not have to be a King John student! EVERYONE IS WELCOME. We already have 3 busy classes catering for a variety of mixed ability, starting with year 6 beginners right up to 16+.

Please call 01702 – 558284 ext 6726 if you are interested in any further information.

“He’s behind you!”

2014 christmas panto

Here’s what some of the students thought of the stage production of The Woman In Black...

“I

think it is by far one of the best adapted plays I've seen. It was completely different from what I expected it to be, which was a large cast with exaggerated costume and a set full of props. The strength of the show was the way the two actors managed to keep the audience scared and intrigued throughout the whole performance. The lighting was simple yet crucial in creating the atmosphere and how the portrayal of each character was strong, aided by their vocal qualities. Even though the two actors had to snap into a different character within moments, the "Gestus" was solid and defined.’’

REGAN BEDFORD

“Overall, I thought the play was fan-

On 16th December 2014 The Drama Department has arranged a trip to see a performance of the well-loved pantomime Peter Pan at the Cliffs Pavilion. 100 pupils and 10 members of staff will be preparing their loudest boo and hiss as they watch Pater Pan try to overcome David Hasselhoff as Captain Hook and Christopher Biggins as Smee, Captain Hook’s hapless first mate, in a sing song interactive extravaganza. Spaces filled up very quickly for this amazing opportunity, I dare say staff are just as excited as the pupils!

Pupils will leave school at 1pm and arrive back approximately 5.30 pm.

tastic. The atmosphere created by the actors and the director’s choices could never be recreated by any horror film on a screen. The fact that the ghost story was happening all around you made it much more believable, and most importantly, more scary! I was quite surprised because the play of “The Woman in Black” was actually better than I thought it would be. Before seeing it, I could not understand how a play with only two actors and very little props on set could be so interesting and entertaining.”

NATASHA CHUBB

We look forward to showing some wonderful photos in future Newsletter editions.

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“I agree that it was extremely spine tingling and that it had perfectly paced storytelling and stagecraft. Spine tingling because it kept you on edge, perfectly paced story telling as the plot line was very original and the tempo definitely sped up and dropped suddenly throughout the play. Also, of course, the stage craft was excellent due to the vast use of multi rolling and a very minimalistic set that evolved throughout the performance.”

NICK JONES

Joe Greenwood and Stuart Fox - Arthur Kipps

Joe Greenwood and Gwynfor Jones - The Actor

SPORTS NEWS

texas scramble golf day fundraiser

texas football tour donation

Back in July, Waitrose in Leigh-on-Sea pledged to help us raise funds towards the Texas football trip this October half term.

You may be familiar with how they do this but if not, when people shop in Waitrose they are given a green token to put into the box for the local community cause of their choice.

It’s nearly time for the annual King John School football trip to Texas, USA. This will take place over the October half term and in true King John fashion we aim to challenge the best that the U.S has to offer. As a fundraiser Mr Edwards arranged a 'Texas Scramble Texas Golf Day' at Three Rivers Golf Course, Chelmsford on the 22nd September.

The fundraiser was open to staff, parents and pupils, of which there were 32 players in total. The day started with an 11am tee off after a bacon roll breakfast for champions.

18 holes were played by all with Jay Taylor and Mr Taylor winning the Team Prize with a score of +1. Other awards that were received were ‘nearest to the pin’ – Henry Taylor, Year 8 and ‘longest drive’ – Albert Wilton, Year 10.

People have been extremely generous, as have Waitrose and a cheque of £332 was awarded to the school to put towards the trip.

Mr Lewis, the Waitrose Leigh-on-Sea manager presented the cheque to Dr Wilson earlier in the week.

Congratulations to both the U14 and U16 netball teams who have both qualified to represent Castle Point, Rochford and Southend Districts in the County Rally in November. Both finished as runners up in the competition, the U14’s just missing out on winning on goal difference!

There was some fantastic netball played by the King John teams. Good luck in the next round!

U16 squad

Jordan Castle Frankie Roast Imogen Taylor Briony Taylor Poppy Douglas Maddie Dickson Adele Barratt Elle Howell

U14 squad

Charlotte Clubb Katie Rawlings Gemma Purser Elizabeth McGlynn Victoria Tarr Gina Dickson Amelia Douglas Nicole Cooksley

sports updates The Year 10 boys football team are through to the 4th Round of National Cup after defeating Erith School 4-1 this week, with all four goals coming from Albert Wilton.

Well done to the the Year 8 rugby team who beat Castle View 37-0!

girl power!

To finish off a fabulous day, everyone was treated to a hearty dinner of ham, egg and chips. A total of £800 was raised towards the upcoming Texas trip.

netball news

Congratualtion to the Sixth Form girls’ football team who won their first National Cup game. It was a tense win on penalties against Laytamer School. The away game at Laytamer School’s grounds in Enfield saw the KJS girls win 4-1!

National Schools Cup Cross Country Well done to all of the runners who represented the school in the first round of the Schools Cup. It was a very tough competition held in Shipwrights Woods.

Schools travelled from across London and Essex to compete. The junior and inter girls teams along with the inter boys finished 3rd and are now waiting to see if they have qualified for the Regional final in November. We will keep our fingers crossed!

King John had the responsibility of organising this event and the sixth formers that came out to help were fantastic and a real credit to the school. Thank you to Kiera Tippett, George Elliott and Simon Tippett for ‘hareing’ the races!

MRS CANN

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