Senior School Newsletter - May 3 2019

SENIOR SCHOOL

 NEWSLETTER Friday 3rd May 2019

Half Term Equestrian Success

The Equestrian team had a fantastic weekend to finish their Easter holidays . They competed in Show Jumping at Allen's Hill on a very windy Saturday with our 90cm team finishing third and our 100cm team finishing fourth. India had a superb round and won the entire 90cm class. Jack also did well finishing 2nd in his class. The next day they turned their hand to One Day Eventing at the Sibford School School Equestrian Games at Swalcliffe. There was a great atmosphere all day at this extremely busy Sibford sponsored event, with all of our riders performing well. Emma secured an impressive dressage score which when combined with two clear rounds in the show jumping and cross country resulted in her winning the 80cm class. Henry also did brilliantly to finish 8th in his class.

County Swimming Champions On Monday the Year 8/9 Boys Swimming team travelled to Oxford Leys to compete in the School Games County Finals. They all swam brilliantly in their individual races against very strong competition, however, when they competed together in their relay team they were unbeatable. Mila in particular was outstanding and managed to catch up over half a length in the last leg of the 4 x 50 medley relay to secure a crucial win in the last race of the day. I am delighted that they won the event overall and were crowned County Champions . Well done boys! (Claire Ferley, Director of Sport)

Relationship and Sex Education (RSE) – for Year 8, 9 and 10 pupils Relationship and Sex Education is learning about the emotional, social and physical aspects of growing up, relationships, sex, human sexuality and sexual health. To support us with our RSE programme we have invited Lynette Smith from ‘Big Talk’ to come to school on Monday, 13th May 2019 to talk to all pupils in Years 8, 9 and 10 about ‘safe ways to access information about growing up, relationships and sex’. The talks will take place during the school day and will be invaluable for our pupils, furthering their understanding of how real life differs from some of the material available on the internet.

Young people have a natural curiosity regarding their bodies, its changes, their friendships, relationships and later sex. In the past access to information was quite limited but with internet access the sources are endless with not only websites but also social networking and media streams. Below is an outline of the information that will be delivered to pupils by ‘BigTalk Education’; it reflects the SEF (the National Children’s Bureau’s Sex Education Forum) recommendations.

Year 8 and Year 9 - Building on The Basics. We will address core themes within RSE, myth busting common misconceptions of young people around sex, risky behaviour, pregnancy, rights and responsibilities, as well as the law. We will work to clarify definitions of terms pupils may have heard but do not understand, as well as answer any questions in a safe and confidential environment.

Year 10 - Sex: Your Decisions. Building on the themes of consent and contraception, this session introduces more of the choices that young people need to consider before entering into a relationship which may become sexual. Covering the most up to date contraception information with details on efficacy, it is critical to help young people make informed decisions. To underline the consequences of decision making, we highlight the effects of unplanned parenthood on potential mothers and fathers.

Parents from any year group will have the opportunity to attend a talk in our Library at 4.30pm until 5.15pm when Lynette from ‘Bigtalk’ will go through what has been discussed with our pupils and will be able to answer any questions you may have. If you would like to attend the talk at 4.30pm please email Caroline Cartwright at ccartwright@sibfordschool.co.uk (If you would like your son/daughter to attend prep whilst you are at the talk please let Caroline know in your email.)

Horticulture In the Horticulture Department Key Stage 3 groups had very productive first lessons back following the Easter break. In the photographs 9DS are harvesting carrots and preparing ground for planting out salads, beetroot, peas and herbs. (Harry Wragg, Horticulture Department)

Support for Learning - parent conversation afternoons.

Parent conversation afternoons take place on Friday afternoons and are an opportunity for parents/carers to make an appointment to see thier child’s SFL teacher(s) for a 15minute discussion about your child’s progress and any concerns you may have.

Forthcoming dates for the Summer term are: 3rd May 17th May 7th June Please contact Frances Claydon on 01295 781200 or francesclaydon@sibfordschool.co.uk to book an appointment.

We look forward to seeing you!

SAVE THE DATE – ANNUAL OPEN DAY ON JUNE 15!

Please save the date for our annual open day on June 15. This is a compulsory school day for all pupils and families are encouraged to join and experience the wide array of presentations and displays put on by pupils, staff and parents. More details to follow.