Q News Issue 9
Autumn 2020
Les Quennevais School Learning to be your best through excellence and enjoyment
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Q News | Issue 9 | Autumn 2020
HEADTEACHER’S REVIEW 2020 has been a defining year for our entire school community. Defining moments come and go, some happen unexpectedly and other are years in the making. I think you will all agree with me when I say it has been a truly unforgettable year full of some extraordinary highs and some lows. September was a one such defining moment. We have secured a lasting legacy for families in the west of the Island that will serve generations for years to come. Those of us here will remember this incredible event for the rest of our lives and our students will be able to say “we were the first students in that magnificent building!” Our staff are able to teach in ways that we have been yearning to do and our curriculum offer is rich and full of memorable experiences in surroundings and facilities that make education come alive and really inspire. Moving to a brand new school has been a colossal achievement given the events of this year and now we are really settled in, our fabulous new building feels very much like home. We finally have a school environment that befits the incredible work that goes on each day. It is truly world class and very much what our students and staff deserve – how lucky we are!
HEADTEACHER’S REVIEW
The events that engulf our community as I write have affected each and every one of us. Covid-19 has been a defining moment in all our lives. The way our Les Quennevais community has responded has been truly remarkable. They say events shape communities and as tough as it has been for families and for our school, we remain a strong, tight, united and supportive community. I know I speak for all our staff when I say the support we have had throughout last year and now more keenly in the final weeks of term, has kept us going. It has become very clear that schools are the 4th emergency service. The emergency services play a vital role in protecting us in times of need. Their role is to be there when things get difficult, to restore order, heal what is hurting and use their training to find the best way to deal with a situation. Schools are doing this too! We are trying to bring order where there is chaos, finding systems and solutions, bringing hope and humour and using our training working with young people to help them navigate through the change and confusion to a new normal.
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We are not just there in times of emergency, we are there every day not just trying to fix a crisis, we are in it for the long haul. In a period of rapid change and whilst often facing the unknown, our staff, students and parents have demonstrated what can be achieved when we are all driven by the same moral purpose, to do our best for each other, keep each other safe, trust in each other and respect one and another. When you read this edition of Q News I hope you will be able to appreciate how many opportunities our staff have worked hard to create for students in the face of great challenge and the restrictions of Covid-19.
At Christmas in particular, it is good to stop and look back on our own defining moments and as we reflect it will make us optimistic about what each of us is doing to create defining moments and precious moments in the lives of others. We may be providing these moments unwittingly and as teachers we are often forgetful of the impact that we have on each other, on students and parents and that we can define moments and fundamentally change lives for the better. It is often said that the 2 greatest moments in your life are the day you are born and the day you discover “why”! I feel privileged in knowing that my “why” is having this fantastic opportunity to lead our community through such momentous change.
My final mention is for our students. Their resilience, adaptability and pride in our new school, inspires us each day to go beyond our best. They are the most exceptional group of your people and I am beyond proud of the term they have had. Immersing themselves in so much change and opportunity and making the most of every moment we can give them. It is wonderful to see in this edition of Q News that school life at Les Quennevais has continued to be full and rich and challenging to bring out the best in our young people. I look forward to being with them again in 2021, they are our purpose, our “why” that drives us forward as a community. On behalf of all our staff I wish all our students and parents a very Happy Christmas – stay safe and well and we will see you again in the New Year! Yours sincerely Sarah Hague Headteacher
HEADTEACHER’S REVIEW
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Q News | Issue 9 | Autumn 2020
Year 8 get their best result yet in Du Putron Challenge Year 8 and Year 6 students from Jersey and Guernsey schools and colleges have competed this November in the De Putron Challenge - virtual edition. The De Putron Challenge is a fun, friendly and educational quiz. The vision of the challenge being: “Academic prowess is something that should be celebrated at any age and we want to show that it is cool to be clever. We really hope that this vision is achieved and that all of the teams enjoy and learn from the experience. It is fantastic to see how smart young Channel Islanders are.”
This year’s first challenge was a virtual quiz where the Les Quennevais quiz team came in 2nd place - narrowly missing out on first place. Challenge two was based on a coding task and the third and final challenge was a creative writing challenge asking students to pitch a futuristic product to improve the Channel Islands or solve a local issue. Our submission for this was written by Year 8 student Jack who came 3rd overall, leading the way for Jersey schools.
Thank you to all of the Year 8 students who took part in this challenge. We set the bar high for next year! Mrs Goodchild Head of Year 8
Due to the coronavirus, this year the challenge was formatted differently and was held virtually. Students were asked questions on the theme ‘Dear Future’.
Jack (above, front left) came 3rd overall for his written submission and was 1st for all Jersey schools
Jack’s one-man mission to get us all to grow our own to help combat climate change is both simple and achievable. You clearly set out the reason the UN goal mattered and helped me understand the issue, before presenting your own personal experience to really help me care. Your solution, combining social media, an app and video to help people get involved is a great idea. Judge - Gary Burgess’ comments on Jack’s submission
YEAR 8 DU PUTRON CHALLENGE
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Q News | Issue 9 | Autumn 2020
Year 10’s complete their DoE Bronze Award Yet again, Les Quennevais students have shown desire, ambition and resilience as 48 students completed their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh assessed expedition. Totalling over 25 miles over the two days, students embarked on their expeditions from different starting points from Gorey Common to St Catherine’s breakwater. Although this was not a competition, every group was determined to be the first to arrive at Crabbe.
Rozel Harbour was the first check-point where groups were able to stop and refill their water bottles. Some groups took the more traditional route of following the road, whilst one group suddenly emerged and trekked across the beach to reach the staff. By the time they had reached Les Platons on the North coast, tiredness was beginning to kick in for some, but with the support of their friends and a helping hand, they were back on their feet and continued the trek. All groups had arrived at Crabbe by 4:00pm (a new DofE record) and tents were pitched and cooking on the Trangia stoves was underway with varying degrees of success! For staff, it was simply nice to watch them interact and communicate as a team without the use of any technology.
Day two began and an early start as the first group set off at 8:30am, with the aim to head out to the racecourse and then down to the Five Mile road where they faced the unremitting task of reaching Corbiere before following the railway track back to the new school. This whole group of students were like any other that had come before them; yes they were tired, yes their feet were hurting, but they all had a steely determination to finish and complete the challenge. Every year, we are amazed at our young people and how they tackle this challenge, but their determination, friendship and overwhelming positivity always gets them through. A big thank you to all the staff who made this happen in these difficult times – a real example of our Les Quennevais community working together to create an unforgettable experience. We look forward to the next expedition with 65 new Year 9 students in 2021. Mr Harris Assistant Headteacher, Staff Development & Student Leadership
DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARD
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Q News | Issue 9 | Autumn 2020
The link from the old Les Quennevais to the new is officially laid in stone The newly laid Alumni Pathway was opened at the end of the summer break and has created a lot of interest from both current and past students. It has not been unusual to find whole families coming into the car park at the front of the school to see the bricks that they purchased. Alumni have told us that they feel strangely comforted to know that their name will always be present at the new school and that they will always be a part of Les Quennevais School. Les Quennevais School has helped form the character and experience of so many across Jersey and their time here remains a part of them throughout their lives. We really appreciate the continued support they have shown for their old school and the funds raised from the bricks have already allowed us to add some of the ‘bells and whistles’ to an already outstanding environment for the current students.
ALUMNI PATHWAY
The alumni pathway funds have gone towards adding extra intelligent lighting to the main hall, increasing our social space furniture for all year groups and purchasing new display units for our exhibitions. It was particularly appreciated that past teachers, Headteachers, Governors and community supporters also wanted to buy a brick to allow the school to make such additional purchases.
It is always lovely to see ex students and staff as they pop into the front car park and visit their brick and their link to our school. Why not visit our website today and place your order before we lay another section of the pathway in the New Year. As we like to say #alwaysquennevais. Mr Letch Deputy Headteacher
We plan to continue to add bricks to the pathway every year. The opportunity to buy the bricks will be offered to Year 11 students as they leave us but any alumni (both students and staff) or supporters can place an order for a brick by downloading the order form that can be found on our website and sending it in.
www.lesquennevais.sch.je/alumni
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ADD YOUR NAME TO THE NEW LES QUENNEVAIS ALUMNI PATH
Q News | Issue 9 | Autumn 2020
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Q News | Issue 9 | Autumn 2020
CALLING ALL EX LES QUENNEVAIS SCHOOL STUDENTS AND STAFF! DO YOU WANT TO BE PART OF THE NEW LES QUENNEVAIS SCHOOL BUILDING? Support the next Les Quennevais students that will be attending your old school by purchasing a brick to be laid in the new alumni path. Have your name and the years of your attendance forever displayed in our alumni path to be located at the front of the new building. Experiences and memories of time spent at Les Quennevais School define who we are. Les Quennevais students are a distinctive group of people who are often commended for having become well-rounded, hardworking, caring adults who are an asset to any community they have settled in. We are regularly visited by ex-students who want to share their memories and recognise the place the school has played in their lives. To recognise this and the move to a new building we are creating an opportunity for all our ex-students and staff to remain a part of the school, whilst helping to ensure the students of today have access to the most cutting-edge learning and facilities. Simply complete the order form attached and return it to the school in the post (or why not drop it into your old school and say hello) with the required payment. All money raised through the sale of alumni bricks will be put towards enhancing the experience and facilities of Les Quennevais students in the new building. #alwaysquennevais
LINKING LES QUENNEVAIS SCHOOL’S PAST TO ITS FUTURE - #ALWAYSQUENNEVAIS ALUMNI PATHWAY
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Q News | Issue 9 | Autumn 2020
Fashion and Textiles
An alchemy of tradition and new technologies It is exciting and interesting to research future jobs in the fashion and textiles industry. ‘3-D Printing Engineer’, ‘Consumer Psychologist’, ‘Sustainability Expert’, ‘Fabric Researcher and Developer’ feature alongside many other career paths and the more traditional roles as fashion and textiles designers. Ours is an industry changing and adapting continuously in light of new technologies, sustainability and environmental pressures and we need to equip our young people to have the skills to join this future workforce, one that cannot rely on creativity alone. When we think of Textiles we can easily pigeon hole it into the traditional hand stitching, hand knitted craft that has existed for hundreds of years. However, the digital era has evoked a renaissance in the industry. Digital design, digital embroidery and digital printing methods have progressed to such an extent that, with the right training and education, our students will be able to access many future jobs in this industry which is still the largest creative industry in the United Kingdom.
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We have gone from having no facilities and very minimal equipment to a bespoke Textiles Department, equipped with the latest facilities and machinery.
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FASHION AND TEXTILES
The physical placement of the Textiles facilities in the new school is an interesting one. Opposite the Science Department, along from Maths, opposite Digital Photography and next to Art. Textiles is an embodiment of all of these curriculum areas, from chemical fabric dying and bespoke fabric creation to mathematical pattern cutting. It also develops a range of transferrable skills which can be used in many future roles and careers. Communication skills, organisation skills, technological skills, social and emotional intelligence, creativity and collaboration. The top ‘soft skills’ most companies value in 2020. We are so fortunate that the investment in our new school facilities can enable and empower our young people to be a part of this future technological development. We have gone from having no facilities and very minimal equipment in our old school to a bespoke Textiles Department, equipped with the latest facilities and machinery. The possibilities for the creative leaps we want our students to make as outlined in our departmental vision are endless and we are incredibly excited to see how this will look when our students showcase their first fashion garments next year.
Our first GCSE project ‘Print into Fashion’ takes students on a journey from traditional printing methods to contemporary ones. Commencing with Anna Atkins cyanotype printing method of 1830, to William Morris’ block printing methods in the Victorian era, to Alexander McQueens’ screen printing processes of the start of this century, to the Dutch innovator Iris Van Herpen’s contemporary sublimation prints and laser cut creations. Finally arriving at digital printing and learning how to use the latest computer software to produce digital prints, our students have the opportunity to learn from Kyle Moody, Jersey’s top fashion designer, whose work has been photographed by Vogue and who is working in our Creative Arts Department this year. From this journey of the traditional to the contemporary digital, our students will be empowered with the knowledge and understanding required to select the printing method they desire for their first fashion garment, giving them greater creative choice and confidence to make informed decisions about their work and whether they wish to select the traditional or technological route.
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We look forward to showcasing this work and welcoming you in the near future to see these new creations, to celebrate our students ambitious projects in a fashion show at our new school, to showing you that our students, with their skills both traditional and encompassing new technologies, are prepared for where their career paths may take them whether in Textiles or other areas.
With the cultural, technological and creative capital to get them there, secure that the new Les Quennevais School has the facilites to support them and the values and ethos of the old Les Quennevais School to guide them, our students now finally have the school they deserve and the future with limitless opportunities for them to flourish and be successful.
Les Quennevais Creative Arts Department is kindly sponsored by
I would like to thank Pat Robson at The Harbour Gallery for supporting our students in lockdown by providing packs of art equipment at discounted prices to enable our students to have the equipment they need to work from home, and for providing a great venue for our last two fashion shows. I would also like to thank Rachel Concannon at Rachel’s Textile Studio for sponsoring a piece of equipment for GCSE Textiles, and for giving our students discounts on textiles materials. Mrs Croke Head of Creative Arts
Work by Chelsea, Romanyi & Poppy
FASHION AND TEXTILES
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Q News | Issue 9 | Autumn 2020
ONE GIANT LEAP SCIENCE
Science Department takes ‘one giant leap’ in the new school The Superlab’s extraction chamber has been put to good use this term with an explosive celebration of fireworks night with Year 7 and the joining of classes for the school’s annual World Space Week House competition. There is still hot debate on a suitable name for 2 Superlabs joined together; a Super Superlab? A Megalab?! More to follow with this amazing educational resource. Science’s Curiosity Club began with a bang and a squelch with thanks to La Rocque Fisheries for providing us with cuttlefish for an incredible dissection opportunity. Students will be working towards their CREST award qualification over the coming months, providing great extra-curricular STEM learning opportunities for Year 7 and 8.
Students have been enjoying the 9 screen media wall outside the Science Department, where we’ve had live streams from the International Space Station and watched interviews with astronauts at NASA. Walking past we regularly hear the songs of Orcas in British Columbia and the sounds of the watering hole at the Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa; all through live streams into our main corridor. More recently, supporting Year 11’s Ecology unit, we’ve had the soothing tones of David Attenborough and his latest documentaries to engage student (and staff!) curiosity between lessons. The learning never stops at Les Quennevais! We look forward to installing our bird box cameras on the Science balcony areas in the Spring Term and hope to capture some amazing footage of feathered residents to be shared on the big screen. Perhaps even some baby birds too!
FOR SCIENCE
Q News | Issue 9 | Autumn 2020
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Our brand new 4K overhead camera was put to great use in the Year 10 heart dissection in the second half of this term. Allowing intricate views and insight into the delicate details of the organ’s anatomy. A great learning experience for our students. Biology can’t wait to get the super-camera attached to a microscope to get students exploring the invisible world all around them. We look forward to the wildlife area coming into its own in the Spring Term. Staff have been trained up and equipment readied for pond dipping, ecological sampling and plant identification. We look forward to inviting some local wildlife experts share a fantastic learning space. Throughout the Spring Term, we will see the development and installation of equipment into our Science balconies, including our weather station, telescope and climate-controlled biodome. We will keep you updated with the installations as they arrive via our Twitter feed @LesQScience. Miss O’Connell Teacher of Science
SCIENCE
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Alumni Interview Philip Ashley I’m Phil Ashley, the eldest and, almost certainly, favourite son of Mrs Ashley. After leaving Les Quennevais in 2003, I took the characteristically bold move of choosing Highlands over Hautlieu as a precursor to my inevitable rise to fame as an all-star movie director. Then, having realised I maybe wasn’t Spielberg material, I took the more conventional choice to study International Relations and American Studies at the University of Sussex, before ultimately becoming a Chartered Accountant. I started my career with KPMG, before joining the Government of Jersey to work as a pseudo diplomat with Jersey’s External Relations Team (our miniforeign office), after time as a digital policy advisor, I’m now the Head of Investment Appraisal for the Government of Jersey. I lead the team that evaluates new requests for government spending and makes recommendations to the Treasurer of the States.
ALUMNI INTERVIEW
Which years were you at Les Quennevais? 1998-2003 What was your greatest achievement at school? People probably have more interesting answers to this question, but if I can be honest and boring then it’s that I got GCSE results I’m genuinely still really proud of. I did pretty well after Les Quennevais, but they remain the strongest part of my academic record and I put that down to be to having some excellent teachers who helped to motivate me to excel. Song/band/album that defined your school years? It’s hard to pick a single one, it was maybe more a genre of music. Don’t know what you would call it, but whenever I hear the likes of Blink 182, Sum 41, New Found Glory it transports me back to school days. It’s amazing how music has the power to do that.
What was your biggest challenge at school? This is easy. Remembering my PE kit. If there is one thing I did not learn at school it was to leave the house with everything I need for the day. Lovely as my mum (Mrs Ashley) is she would bail me out time after time by dashing home to get it for me at lunch. I still routinely forget my pass for the office. You can be too good a parent. Oh, and telling my mum that I had got my first (and only) detention. She took it well to be fair as she was the one who gave it to me in the first place… Apparently she’s not too keen on you throwing paper aeroplanes in class.
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Which aspects of life at Les Quennevais helped you become the person you are today? Les Quennevais was a nurturing place, staffed by teachers who cared about their students and wanted to help them become better people. It provided a wider social education as well as an academic one. Interactions with teachers who believe in the power of community and, crucially, were just fundamentally good people helped shape my outlook on the world and inspired me to want to spend my days doing something that, even in a very modest way, helps to make our Island a slightly better place. Favourite memory of Les Quennevais? I struggle to think of a single thing that stands out enough to call it my favourite memory, I just remember school as a happy place and time in my life. When I talk to some of my peers from others schools, they don’t always have the same fond memories of their school days so I feel very fortunate to have been given such an excellent start in life.
Favourite lesson or activity?
Favourite aspect of your job?
This is a tough one, History was generally my favourite subject and I loved classes with Ms Ferrari, but my favourite lessons were GCSE Religious Studies with Mrs Hague. They were about more than just religion, they were about expanding our moral, ethical and philosophical horizons, and I found that fascinating.
The ability to help influence our society for the better. Working for government doesn’t always have the great reputation it deserves. It offers a career of unrivalled impact. I spend my days helping to shape projects that will transform the lives of people in our community. This year I was one of the lead officials behind the Government Co-Funded Payroll Scheme that, at its peak, helped to protect the livelihoods of more than 16,000 people – one third of Jersey’s workforce. It is easy to feel motivated when that many people are counting on you. There isn’t an organisation in Jersey that can offer work that’s more inspiring.
After 9/11, I remember spending lessons examining newspaper coverage and the issues that it raised. It was incredibly engaging and that sparked an interest in politics that is a large part of why I work for Government today. As Headteacher, she’s probably very serious today, but back then she was one of the cool teachers.
What path did you take and who inspired you along the way to get you where you are today?
As you can tell from the introduction, I have taken a meandering path as I’ve helped to refine what it is I want to do and determine what I’m best suited to. It’s been filled with adventures and I’m sure there are more to come. It’s been slightly unconventional, but who wants to be average? My parents have been a key inspiration in my life, I’m naturally a little lazy but they instilled in me a relentless drive to succeed. I wouldn’t be where I am today without their support.
What advice would you give to students looking at their career options? It’s great to have a plan. If you know exactly what you want to do, I envy you – I never did. It’s definitely worth thinking about because if you want to be a doctor or an engineer you’ve got take the right subjects at A-Level. However, if you’re like me and you’re not sure where you see yourself don’t worry. You can take your time to figure it out and still be successful. Your working life lasts a long time and diversity of experience is a strength. Ultimately, take comfort from the fact that hard work is a most important contributor to success. … think twice before deciding on the basis of producing a video yearbook that your future lies in movie directing. Just saying…
ALUMNI INTERVIEW
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Year 7’s are flourishing in their new school Well, I am not quite sure where this first term has gone! It doesn’t seem some 15 weeks ago that we were welcoming all of our new and extremely eager Year 7 students into the Hall in our incredible new school building, for the very first day of their secondary education. Having endured a Lockdown which lasted months and only returning to primary schools shortly before the end of the academic year, I am so proud and delighted by how the students have integrated into our school community. It was during that first assembly that we laid the foundations of what our Year Group is about and I have to say (and I may be a little biased!) that I have been so impressed with the way all of our Year 7 students have aimed to be the best they can be in everything that they do.
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The passion they have already built for their individual houses is infectious and motivating to other Year Groups.
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YEAR 7 REPORT
This most definitely began with the outstanding creations which students worked so hard on for their Transition Project over the summer holiday. As staff we were blown away by the level of excellence , consideration and care which had gone into each piece of work, really demonstrating our Core Values of Ambition, Resilience and Respect. Add to this the wonderful and thoughtful comments which students added to their peers’ work when critiquing what had been produced, I knew that the tone had been set. Extra-curricular activities are a huge part of Les Quennevais School and our House competition is one that is keenly fought every year. I have been delighted with the way that the students in Year 7 have really bought into this and the passion that they have already built for their individual Houses is infectious and motivating to other Year Groups as well. The House Tug of War was really something to behold and everyone who took part gave their all for the success of their House.
We have also seen healthy competition between the Tutor Groups in our Year 7 Tutor Championship. So far the majority of the points have been made up from the results of our Friday general knowledge quiz, but are also being awarded for smartness of uniform, punctuality and there will be some exciting forthcoming challenges. When visiting the Tutor Groups in morning registration it is wonderful to see the enthusiasm, happiness and engagement of the students. Students are being asked to carry out ‘Mini Lectures’ during morning registration, talking to the rest of their Tutor Group for three to five minutes on a topic of their choice, before answering questions about their chosen topic. The range of themes so far has been unbelievable; from the History of the Electric Car to My favourite Chef! The students’ dedication and application to this is testament to their desire to succeed and go the extra mile to achieve the high standards we set.
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During our virtual assemblies, we have also started Marvellous Monday Mentions where students who have gone above and beyond during the course of the week are nominated by staff and have their name and reason for nomination mentioned at the end of the assembly. This has created a real buzz amongst the Year Group and is already a sought after reward. Being Head of Year to such a fantastic group of young people is the most rewarding job, but I must make a special mention to our amazing Group Tutors who have done an incredible job over the last few months of helping students to settle in, guide and motivate them. They have been nothing short of outstanding.
I must not forget our wonderful parents too, who have been so supportive. We are very grateful for all you do to encourage and motivate our Year 7 students and we are really looking forward to meeting you all in person when the chance finally arrives. As we head into the Christmas holiday, I know that we are looking to enjoy a restful break, recharge the batteries and get ready for an extremely exciting Spring Term, but for now all that remains is for me to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Mr Morris Head of Year 7
YEAR 7 REPORT
Tranter end the year in front but the House competition is closer than ever McKeon As you may already know I am the new and extremely proud Head of McKeon House. At the start of this term and new academic year I created a motivational video for the House featuring a number of McKeon students from across all year groups. The over-riding message of the video was ‘”We are McKeon”. But what does that actually mean? It means a number of things. It means we are a family who support each other. It means when we get knocked down, we get back up and keep moving forward. And most importantly, it means we NEVER give up. I’ve already had many proud moments as HOH but one that really struck a chord has to be when this resilience and resoluteness not to concede I am trying to instil in our students was typified by the Year 7B football team in their 3-2 win over Watts coming back from being 2-0 down (in a 10 minute match!). The grit and determination to chase the win right up to the final whistle was exemplary and the Captain Ozzy reminded me of Roy Keane’s performance against Juventus in the 1999 Champions League semi-final. Simply epic. It is these moments that will live long in the memory for our students.
HOUSE REPORT
Mr Morris mentions in his report the gusto as to which this Year 7 cohort have embraced the school’s House system but I have to say (and I know I’m biased, but it’s fact) the McKeon Year 7’s have absolutely led the way on this front. Their attitude this term has been nothing short of first class. Their ruthless pursuit of victory is frightening, in the aforementioned video I said that the other Houses will learn to fear us. Well they certainly fear Year 7! No wonder both the boys AND girls have won everything they have put their hand to this term; tug of war, science week, table tennis, football and the Santa Dash! The older McKeon year groups have been inspired by the standard-setting Year 7’s and nothing pleases me more than seeing Year 11’s – the leaders of the school congratulating and celebrating the success of McKeon’s youngest. That being said, we’ve had mixed results this term – coming 3rd on the last pull of the Tug Of War which was truly gut wrenching, winning the table tennis (thanks to a great performance from the Year 10 girls), to see the red flag flying in front of the school was a thing of beauty and coming 2nd overall in the football.
The McKeon boys won their side of the tournament which was an achievement in itself given how many Island players reside in Tranter. A great performance from Year 10 against a very talented Tranter side saw Evan link up with Captain Billy for a fantastic goal, it was results and performances like this that helped the boys overall. Great stuff. I’m extremely grateful for the continued support from our House and Sports Captains – Kadie, Alex, Jay and Wilma. I know they will continue to be a tremendous asset to the House. The competition is close, closer than ever so next term promises to be an exciting one for the House Competition and McKeon will be back stronger I’m sure. But until then I would like to wish the students and staff of McKeon, Tranter and Watts a very Merry Christmas! And remember… “We are McKeon!” Mr Richardson Head of McKeon
Tranter Welcome to all of you in Tranter House, particularly our new Year 7s, who I am sure after this first term realise how important the Les Quennevais House system is and what it means to be a member of Tranter House. In September, I spoke in our virtual assembly about the importance of collaboration and involvement. I am delighted that there have been so many students that have taken part in not only House events, but other extra-curricular events across the school.
Some particular highlights for me have been the enthusiasm shown by Year 7s to demonstrate how much they believe that they are members of the best House in the school. The Year 8 girls who have learnt from their competition last year and are now a force to be reckoned with, whilst Year 8 boys continue to fight to the very end of every competition. Year 9 boys are again leading by example and have dominated their House competitions this year, whilst Year 9 girls are proving themselves to have a steely determination and passion.
Year 11 boys and girls continue to lead the way and our House captains are there to support all year groups along the way. A special mention has to go Year 10 – it is indeed exciting times to watch them become our future young leaders. They have entered every competition with a can-do attitude and know that second place is never good enough. With this hunger and determination, there will be no stopping us. The future’s bright. The future’s Tranter!
This will require true grit, determination and vigour from all our members but we possess that in bucket loads. You embrace every House competition with willingness and always volunteer to put your skills and talents forward for the sake of the House. It is a true testament to our House Leaders Jess, Harry, Daisy and Ethan and all of you that we field outstanding teams across the board and that even in defeat we remain strong and focused to ensure that we gain crucial points. Always remember that you have to be in it to win it!
This term I have enjoyed meeting the new Year 7 members of the team, your positivity and enthusiasm for Watts is a delight. I am confident that we will be able to rely upon you to gain valuable points for the House in years to come. I am reluctant to single out any one year group for their dedication to the House as you have all played a part this term either on the Sports Field, in lessons gaining behaviour and effort points or engaging in subject specific challenges. Well done everyone and for so many reasons bring on 2021!
Mr Harris Head of Tranter
Watts Watts House, What can I say you are amongst the most competitive and loyal students that a Head of House could ever wish for! Myself and your Tutors are so proud of you. Traditionally we are used to being in prime position on the score board but at this stage in proceedings we find ourselves in the unfamiliar position of second place. The competition between all three Houses is fierce this year and very close to call. I am certain that this is something that you are keen to remedy and that you will return in the New Year strong with the true Watts spirit, striving for pole position.
Mrs Ashley Head of Watts
HOUSE REPORT
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Q News | Issue 9 | Autumn 2020
Head Boy & Head Girl Reflections To be the first Head Boy in our new school is an honour and I feel like I can make a real difference. The new school is phenomenal and spending my lessons and break time in the new, clean, campus-like facilities makes me feel like an adult. It is certainly a professional environment and one that makes us aspire to be our very best in all that we do. Although Year 10 feels like some time ago, I knew I wanted to go for the role of Head Boy and spoke with previous Head Boy, Joel Turner and 2020’s Head Boy, Cole Graham. I was good friends with both, but I looked up to them when I was a younger student, both in school and our amazing productions.
I have always wanted to be Head Girl since I was a student in Year 7. I remember watching them with fascination and admiration when they delivered speeches at events. This inspired me throughout my own Les Quennevais journey. To be the first Head Girl at such a time in the school’s history as we begin our life in the new building is quite surreal. I remember taking part in student voice experiences as a younger student so we could have our say on the new building, so to now be learning in it is simply amazing!
I found them supportive and helpful so I wanted to be like them. Les Quennevais has always felt like home to me so I applied as soon as I could. The new school and facilities feel comfortable, welcoming, clean and helpful for our school lives. Personally I believe the new Les Quennevais is the building we have always wanted. We always had outstanding teaching and learning; now we have a building that reflects that too!
My favourite part of being a member of this school is the fact that we have maintained the LQ spirit from the old building to the new. There is still a family environment in the sense that everyone looks out for each other which motivates students to do well. After coming back from lockdown, students (especially in the older years of the school) have had to be resilient and ambitious in order to prepare for mock exams and GCSE’s. This is also thanks to the teachers for providing the support and going the extra mile for their students within their subjects and beyond.
HEAD BOY & HEAD GIRL REFLECTIONS
I believe the best part of Les Quennevais is the House system. When you are told your House in Year 7, you suddenly feel you are a part of a huge collective of brilliant people and minds, so you fight for your team and make a difference. Whether it’s McKeon, Tranter or Watts, every student feels proud and happy about their house. Alex Head Boy 2020-21
I love the fact that our teachers push us to do our very best both academically, but shape us with so many extra-curricular activities. Previous Head Girls, like Katie Doyle were such a presence, which gives me inspiration to do my very best for not only my year group, but the whole school. Les Quennevais is such a special place; I cannot believe the journey I have been on, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. This truly is a second home and family for me. Kadie Head Girl 2020-21
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Q News | Issue 9 | Autumn 2020
The Show Must Go On! Moving into our new incredible Drama and Dance Studios, equipped with professional lighting rigs and sound systems was a momentous occasion for the Drama and Dance departments. It has been a huge step up from the facilities we had before, but our students’ awe for the magic of theatre and performing has travelled to the new school with us to make our Drama and Dance curriculum come alive. Seeing our students immersed in their performances in lessons, accompanied by our new technology, has been so special to us. But with this excitement and wonder came a small twinge of disappointment – the annual LQS production looked like an impossible feat with the current restrictions. We wouldn’t be feeling the nervous excitement of auditions, the fun and merriment of Rock’n’Roll Bingo evening, and even the stressful rehearsals where we try to teach five part harmony and two minutes of choreography in just an hour.
But, ever the problem solvers, the undeterrable Drama department have pulled together to create an exciting extra-curricular programme for our students. Mrs Cartant harnessed her professional acting credentials, and has been leading a Year 9 Drama club, with the aim of aiding our students in performing texts in monologues and duologues. Miss Milman’s hugely over-subscribed Year 7 Drama club even had a waiting list of 15 students wishing to join in the fun of performing. They have been creating movie trailers around the school and working on their improvisation skills. Year 7’s amazing theatrical ability has us very excited about the roles that they may take on when we can resume our productions at the Opera House - there is so much up and coming talent! Miss Le Quesne has had the wonderful opportunity to lead a Year 9 Dance club, where students have already learnt routines in hip-hop and contemporary styles as well as developing their choreography. Year 11 students have also spent countless evenings at school until 5pm to rehearse and perform extracts from modern plays and solo dance performances.
We have also had a visit from two special people who have made our LQS Productions so successful over the years; Paddy Crawley from the Jersey Opera House and Fin Ormsby (former LQS star on-stage and backstage hero!) came to see our new lighting systems in both the Drama Studio and the Hall and offer us advice on how to best utilise our equipment. They were both so impressed with the new facilities! We are always looking for new ways to share our performances with you all, and hopefully 2021 will bring some more theatrical wonders to audiences. You never know what the Drama department might have up their sleeves… Miss Le Quesne Head of Dance, Teacher of Drama
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Q News | Issue 9 | Autumn 2020
HALF TERM HEROES So many of our students do extraordinary things. This year Mrs Hague has decided we need to recognise this more formally and allow our heroes to shine and receive the recognition they deserve. Their nominations are an inspiration to others – that the goodness we sometimes take for granted will be rewarded. Our first half term hero was Ethan, Year 7 McKeon House, nominated for courage and respect. Each half term 3 heroes will be unmasked and each one receives 5 House points this year for their House and Amazon vouchers. Heads of Year have been working with Form Tutors to select and identify the heroes among us! The nominations for this half term are… Year 7: Mylie 7V (Respect), Rebecca 7T (Respect), Liam 7L (Ambition), Mat 7L (Ambition & Respect) Year 8: Mel 8Q (Respect) Year 9: Gracie 9S (Resilience), Eden 9E Ambition & Resilience), Shaymus 9N (Respect) Year 10 :Sylvia 10V (Resilience), Lucy 10E (Respect), Jolie 10S (Respect) Year 11: Annabelle 11Q (Respect), Amy 11V (Respect & Resilience), Katie 11S (Ambition & Resilience)
THE WINNERS Mel 8Q: Watts House Nominated by Mr Heaven & Mrs Goodchild School Value: Respect “Mel used all of her £100 States Gift Card to purchase items for the Mustard Seed Box Appeal, which Year 8 students supported. Mel put those less fortunate above herself. This demonstrates enormous kindness and respect for others.” - Mrs Goodchild “This is one of the loveliest acts of kindness I have ever heard! We are so proud that we have heroes like Mel in our school community that stand out and make us all stop and think. Congratulations Mel we are so proud of you! What a hero!” - Mrs Hague
Mylie 7V & Rebecca 7T: McKeon House Nominated by Mr Morris School Value: Ambition “I would like to nominate Mylie and Rebecca who have been selected to represent the Island in football. This is a huge achievement given the fierce competition to secure a place in the Island team. Mylie and Rebecca are committed and talented and deserve to be congratulated.” - Mr Morris “That is a remarkable achievement Mylie and Rebecca – congratulations! To be singled out to represent our Island is a huge honour and to play at this level takes a lot of commitment and dedication. Well done, I’m sure you are both an inspiration to so many of our students and we are incredibly proud to have you representing the Island.” - Mrs Hague
HALF TERM HEROES
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Q News | Issue 9 | Autumn 2020
Annabelle 11Q: Watts House Nominated by Miss Farnham School Value: Respect “Annabelle went above and beyond to ensure another student was ok. She was concerned about him after issues on social media. She raised these concerns with a member of staff and spent the morning making sure this younger student had been given support by an adult in school – rather than letting things ‘spiral’ for them. This was whilst she herself had her mock exams. Annabelle always puts others before herself.” - Miss Farnham “Congratulations Annabelle – you are a hero in every sense of the word and a great example of how we can all use the power we have to look after each other! We are so proud of you and the very sensible way you approached this to secure the right outcome for this younger student. Thank you Annabelle – I hope another students read this and feel inspired to do the same!” - Mrs Hague
Amy 11V: McKeon House Nominated by Miss Le Quesne School Value: Respect & Resilience “Amy has acted selflessly and with real kindness and compassion towards another student in her class. Amy supported them in her Drama class filming their scripted piece of drama. The other student was late with their work and Amy stayed behind for numerous after school sessions to rehearse and perform with this student to help them get it right, despite having her own commitments and studying to complete. I was so grateful to Amy and I believe she displayed our school values amazingly.” - Miss Le Quesne “What fantastic support you provided Amy – going over and above to help your friend be as successful as they could be. On top of all the other commitments you have, you made time to prioritise someone else. I hope they appreciated your kindness and effort. It just goes to show how much we can all achieve if we have help from our friends and peers. I’m sure you made a huge difference to this student and I hope they don’t take your generosity and respect for them for granted. Congratulations Amy and thank you!” - Mrs Hague
Tom 10V: McKeon House Nominated by Mrs Hague School Value: Ambition “Tom has bravely fought and won his battle with cancer. To have returned to school on a full timetable and have hardly missed a day is an incredible achievement. You are a true hero Tom. We are in awe of your resilience, courage and determination. I know you continue to be an inspiration to us all.” - Mrs Hague
I know there are many heroes in our school and the thing that about heroes is they often keep the great things they do to themselves – because they don’t do it for themselves – they do it for others. So I hope students feel inspired to recognise good deeds in others and let staff know if they have been helped by a hero! - Mrs Hague
HALF TERM HEROES
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Q News | Issue 9 | Autumn 2020
Q News | Issue 9 | Autumn 2020
Year 7’s wow in the Transition Exhibition In a year where everything has been a bit different, the Transition Days we should have had in July are a good example of just how different the school year has been. Without those two days to excite and inspire our new Year 7 cohort, how on earth would we be able to have our legendary transition exhibition in September? On visiting all the feeder primary schools with Mrs Hague and Mr Morris, it was abundantly clear what an enthusiastic and lovely year group we were going to have on our hands come September. Moving the entire learning experience online was something we were very unsure about, but the lessons provided gave our students a good idea of some of the fascinating curriculum experiences that would unfold as they entered Les Quennevais in Year 7. The one thing we really had no idea about was would Year 6 take up the challenge? Would they take on the challenge of creating a piece of work inspired by the online lessons?
YEAR 7 TRANSITION EXHIBITION
Well… They did! The work that came in was so varied and beautiful. From cookbooks which spoke eloquently about the provenance of the food and traditional family recipes from across Europe, to wonderous historical explorations of Jersey’s heritage and history; from Dolmens to Devil’s Hole, the research and presentation skills on display were incredible. We had an entire wall of art; paintings, collage, print and drawings of the local environment. Cows, sunsets, waves and lighthouses and sculptures of puffer fish to name but a few. The talent on show was inspiring. There were also some wonderful photographic explorations of water and the local environment, with really clever ideas for displaying their work. We had dresses, drama and sand racer designs. We had a powerful display of the effects of plastic pollution on our ocean. There were a number of students who combined almost every lesson into their work displayed which was so impressive. It was clear that everyone had engaged with a variety of the lessons we had provided.
I say this every year to our staff, but we must never forget the sheer love of learning and commitment to excellence our students arrive with in Year 7. We hope that this exhibition did justice to the wonderful efforts of our students and I hope gave them the recognition that their work really matters. A week or so later, we had the Headteachers Awards tea party. It was so lovely to hear from each student about the pride they had in their work and the extraordinary effort each student had gone to. As my educational hero Ron Berger states in his book, An Ethic of Excellence; “Work of excellence is transformational. Once a student sees that he or she is capable of excellence, that student is never quite the same.” Mr Jones Assistant Headteacher, Teaching & Learning
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Q News | Issue 9 | Autumn 2020
THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE PARTNERS We would like to thank our corporate partners for their generous financial support this year. We are proud to have these companies associated as Corporate Partners of Les Quennevais School, working with us to make a difference and invest in our young people. If you’d like to become one of our partners, please get in touch with our Business Manager Mr Richardson.
CORPORATE PARTNERS
PROUD TO SUPPORT LES QUENNEVAIS SCHOOL 24
Q News | Issue 9 | Autumn 2020
JERSEY’S PREMIER PRINTER Mailmate Signage Barette Commercial Centre, Unit 7a St John Tel: 01534 495 837 e-mail: gareth@mailmateprint.com CONTENTS www.mailmateprint.com
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