Newsletter SUMMER 2012
Dear Parents Students, Governors, and Staff We are fast approaching the end of another very successful year at Waverley. We have just had our annual fundraising Fun Day. Fortunately it did not rain meaning a fantastic day was had by all. There was a truly a family atmosphere amongst staff, students, parents and community members visiting the school.
Waverley New School Building Work on the new school continues to gather pace: • The first phase of work on the primary school is nearly complete and the decorators are in the building. • The secondary building now has all the walls nearly complete and the glazing is due to go in at the beginning of August. • The planning application for the additional Sixth Form building went to planners on 25th June. On 29th June, Les Lawrence was the keynote speaker at the ‘Topping Out’ ceremony which saw students plant a tree on the school site and bury a time capsule. The building work is on schedule and the school is due to move to the new site in April 2012.
The ‘topping out’ ceremony for our new school took place in June and the building is well under way and ahead of schedule. When we move in April the timings for the school day will change as we will be able to have one lunch and one break in the new building. I will write to you separately with these timings. In September our Reception children start. Please remind older children about conduct around young children. You will see from the newsletter we have had a very busy term with fantastic work and activities. As you are aware we have moved to a new catering contract. If you have any concerns or positive comments then please write to me at the school. Finally I would like to thank the staff for their tremendous efforts this year and support. I wish those staff leaving at the end of this term the very best for the future. As the month of Ramadan approaches I wish those of you fasting the very best and Eid Mubarak for the end of the month. I look forward to seeing our students on exam results days and when they return on September 3rd.
Yours sincerely Mr K Hanif OBE Head Teacher
Visiting Head Teacher As a part of Waverley School’s involvement with the National College of School Leadership’s NPQH Head Teachers’ training programme, Mr Farhan Adam came for a two week placement at the School. He said; ‘I first came to Waverley in February of this year for a visit to see what the School was about. As I came in on a weekly and monthly basis, I have felt nothing but admiration for the commitment shown by the staff and Head Teacher of this wonderful school. With the new build, this school can only grow from strength to strength and the future for this whole area can only be positive. One thing that I have learned after having been part of many schools throughout my career and having spent a full two weeks here as Head Teacher, is the importance of the role of parents and carers. The Head Teacher and staff’s engagement with the school on a regular basis has formed the foundations for success and I would like to stress that this relationship continues to support the School in providing an outstanding education for the children in their care. I was very proud to have been part of Waverley and wish you a very restful summer and peaceful Ramadan, for those of you who will be fasting’. It was a pleasure to have him at the School for the placement and we hope that he will keep in touch.
m r o F Children’s Learning Care h t x i S and Development Well done to the following students who took part in the Level 2 ‘Award in Food Safety’ course: of food safety and how to prepare and serve food in a childcare setting. The Food Safety course allowed the students to develop their existing knowledge and to learn new topics about food safety. The students thoroughly enjoyed the course and successfully passed the exam.
• Norsheen Khalid (CCLD L2) • Afshah Rangzabe (CCLD L2) • Haleema Zulfiqar (CCLD L2), • Salma Mahmood (CCLD L2) • Iqra Javed (CCLD L2) • Asrar Abdo (CCLD L3) • Saima Shafiq (CCLD L3) • Eramh Mehanaz (CCLD L3) The course was delivered by Elizabeth McArthur from ‘Simply & Training Development’. The course required the students to learn about the basics
The trainer was really impressed with the students’ enthusiasm and willingness to learn. She commented on the positive environment at Waverley 6th Form and enjoyed the hospitality. We look forward to working with her next year.
ment’
lop aining Deve ‘Simply & Trudents st cArthur from Elizabeth Mp of Year 12 Childcare with a grou
Miss Bi 6th form teacher - Childcare and Education
University Open Days 2012 Zulfiqar, ah Zulfiqar, Haleema Eramh Menaz, Naim r Abdo, Haider Kochai, Mohammed Ozair, a Mahmood, Asra Saima Shafique, Salm Yasser Ishaque
This year’s Sixth Form students attended an Aston University Open Day on Tuesday 19th June and University College Birmingham on Saturday 7th July, to find out more information about Higher Education. The day included tours around campus, talks on student finance and university life, as well visiting lectures to learn more about specific degree subjects.
All of the students agreed that the visit was an excellent opportunity to experience university life.
Sixth Form Open Evening The courses being offered this year include: Level 2 & 3 Childcare Level 2 & 3 Health & Social Care, and Level 3 ICT Students from Waverley School in both Year 10 and Year 11,
Legacy of the Heritage Lottery Funded Project: ‘Children’s Lives’ A group of Year 8 pupils from Waverley School collaborated with The Birmingham Library Archivist and Education Service, The Heritage Lottery Fund, The Arts Council and Birmingham University to contribute to a national exhibition that took place from 22nd March to 11th June 2012 documenting children’s lives in Birmingham and the Black Country from the 18th Century to the modern day.
Our pupils contributed to the modern day section of the large exhibition. 1000s of member of the public have visited the 2 month exhibition at Birmingham Art Gallery’s Gas Hall Exhibition space and, according to the Curator, it has been highly successful. The legacy of our pupils’ work will be in a permanent collection in the new Birmingham Library Archive and part of an ongoing project of collating evidence of childhood experiences in Birmingham. It is hoped that more schools will contribute to this legacy. All partners involved praised highly the contribution that Waverley School made to this project.
This year’s Sixth Form Open Evening took place on Thursday 5th July 2012 from 3.30pm – 6.00pm. along with students from around Birmingham came along to find out more information about our courses, and we hope that the Sixth Form continues to go from strength to strength. Our next open evening will be in December. The date will be in the next issue of the Newsletter.
MFL Visit to Annexe Restaurant:
‘Making French Real’ On 2nd July, 30 year 10 pupils visited ‘Annexe Bistro’ restaurant. According to critics, this restaurant is the number one in Birmingham at the moment. The aim of the visit was to learn more about French food, eat a typical French breakfast and to have a go at making crêpes (French sweet pancakes). The Head Chef demonstrated how to make crêpes, and the pupils made and successfully tossed them! Pupils spoke in French to order food, give their opinions and to say ‘Please’ and ‘Thank you’. Everyone enjoyed the morning and commented that it made French more real and fun to use in an authentic and real life situation.
oy)
ead B
(H Yusuf Yusuf
Student Leadership programme:
ents
ing with resid
d Miss Hard
Mr Abley an
In June this year, Waverley School began a Student Leadership Programme. The first Student Leadership Working Party will discuss issues around ‘Behaviour for Learning’ to make sure that students understand how important it is to concentrate in lessons and display good behaviour around the School to maximise their learning potential. We hope to expand the programme next school year.
The working party are: Qasim Pervaiz Hassan Tahir Rajan Das Shuma Begum Hamna Iqbal Sabina Yeasmin Sabaa Hanif Saimah Begum Bushra Hussain Sabah Hussain Zara Sheikh Rahima Begum
Miss Harding
gers
and the sin
Music Department: Maple Dene Residential Home Visit On the 2nd July the Music Department took students out on a trip to perform to the residents of Maple Dene residential home in Moseley. The vocal group, guitar group and keyboard group all played for the residents and treated them to performances of ‘I Wanna Be Like You’, ‘Santa Lucia’, ‘Jolly Holiday’, ‘Largo’,’ Lightly Row’, ‘Yello’, ‘Chasing Cars’ and ‘Norwegian Wood’. Miss Harding performed ‘I Could Have Danced All Night’.
Parents Forum: 3rd Meeting on 17th June
The performers then went round and chatted to the residents. Ismael Choudhury (Year 7) said; “I loved it. It was a lot of fun and everyone should get involved with performing”.
The third Parents’ Forum meeting took place on 17th June 2012.
Mavis, 97, a resident at Maple Dene said; “It was wonderful, I really enjoyed it, thank you so much for coming”.
The forum gives parents the opportunity to discuss school matters relating to their child’s education and to offer their opinions and points of view of the School. The next meeting will take place in October and we warmly welcome all parents who wish to join the group.
The students were all excellent and we look forward to returning for the Christmas performance.
Diversity Days: ‘Olympic Values and Countries’: On 12th and 13th July all Waverley School pupils celebrated the Olympics coming to London. On 12th each form researched a country participating in the Olympics and had the opportunity to learn more about its culture, geography, some key historical facts, their Olympic history and current political and social aims. Pupils were creative and inventive and made craft items and food that were sold on their Form’s stall on the following day. On the second Diversity Day, students participated in an interactive festival celebrating what they had learnt about their countries to share skills and knowledge as well as raising money for charity by selling what they had made. Throughout the two days pupils also had the opportunity to learn different skills through a number of workshops facilitated by outside providers to include circus skills, making wooden African masks, learning how to play the didgeridoo and how to play the steel pan drums.
Summer Concert
On Tuesday 3rd July the Music Department held their annual Summer Concert.
Lots of students took part in the Summer Concert. Performers included the Vocal Group, the Year 10 Girl Band, the Keyboard Club, Guitar Club and Dhol Club. Shuma Begum performed brilliantly and stole the show with her rendition of ‘My Heart Will Go On’. Mr Hanif said;
“The performances get better year on year”. Mrs Andersen (Deputy Head Teacher) said that the concert was, “Fantastic”. The audience showed their appreciation with a round of applause for all the performers at the end of the evening. If you would like to get involved with extra-curricular music
Transitional Support Year 8 Peertors This year, trained mentees have supported Mr. Dowe and Mrs. Syed in Transitional Visits to 12 Primary Schools. They have promoted Waverley School and helped to ensure that new students feel welcome and secure as they come from primary to secondary school. Congratulations and thanks go to the following pupils:
Men
th a group
Mrs Syed wi
egu , Rahima B r ie alma Begum From left: S ariyaal Aziz, Hifza Sag Mr Dowe, F
rs Syed,
h Shahid, M
ings, Iqra m, Ryan Gitt
entors.
of Year 8 m
This year, twelve Year 8 Peer Mentors have been working with their mentees during their Form Time. They have mentored 24 pupils providing support with homework and helping with issues such as bullying and building self-esteem. Mrs. Syed (Inclusion Faculty)
Welcome to the Library Corner (July 2012) This is the place to come to for up-to-date information about what’s going on at Waverley School Library. Here’s a quick news flash: This is the place to come to for up-todate information about what’s going on at Waverley School Library. Here’s a quick news flash: The Library is now online. Click on www.eclipse.net and choose ‘library system’ to access our library site on the VLE. Check out the site for latest news about library opening times etc. Also use it to read and write reviews on books, see our top ten books, find out which books have just arrived in the library and see videos related to all your favourite books. Each week we have a ‘book of the week’ and each month an ‘Author of the month’ is highlighted on the site. Log on now and visit the library, wherever you are! Books Galore! Most of the books
ICT 1
8W4 entered into a Photography competition along with other local primary school. Ismail Hamid has won the best photo award. He visited Holy Trinity College to receive his digital camera and certificate.
New Computer game club has been opened by Mr Bashir and Mr Mirza very Friday after school in C11. It has been very popular, and pupils from across Key Stages are developing games during this workshop - watch out for a famous gamer developer from Waverley in the near future.
requested by pupils over the last few months have now been ordered by the library and a number of them are already on the shelves and waiting to be borrowed! The ’Darren Shan’ Series, Rick Riordan’s ‘Percy Jackson’ and ‘Kane Chronicles’, the complete Harry Potter series, many ‘Horrid Henry’ books, and Stephanie Meyer’s ever popular ‘Twilight’ series are all now available. We have introduced a new system at lunchtime. Pupils need to give in their ID cards to the Librarian or Pupil Librarians when they enter, and can get them back when they leave. After school you are required to sign in with your name and form. Make sure you do not play games (other than educational games like those on the
ICT 2
Waverley VLE is now live for staff and students to use. The VLE will be equipped with the latest teaching and learning resources so that students can access the curriculum from anywhere in the world with a computer with internet connectivity. All students have been given a login code. We are looking forward to rolling out access to parents by next year. Frog Star Leader applications have now closed and students are currently being shortlisted to be part of the leadership of the Frog Development Team where they will be able to offer student views and shape the future of the VLE.
Cool Maths website) or use the internet for non-educational use. Also make sure that you do not stand around; you must be seated unless looking for a book on the shelves. Please make sure you follow the rules. Film club will be running every Wednesday, after school between 3pm -5pm. Only fifteen pupils will attend. The Librarian will select the best behaved, helpful and most regular Library users, to watch Hollywood and Bollywood Blockbusters in the library! Well done to our top 3 readers: 1. Mohamed Gaye (D8) 2. Zara Sheikh (P3) 3. Sumaya Dirie (D1) Keep it up guys! Currently, Year 13 students are piloting the use of the VLE to hand work in to teachers with a virtual mark book. This will reduce the need for printing so not only is it helping the environment but preparing students with the new medium of a Cloud based system. To take a look at the new website please visit: www.waverley.bham.sch.uk
Maths
Mr Kaura has just completed his first year at Waverley School and is already going off on his travels;
This summer, for 4 weeks, I am going to teach in Accra, Ghana as part of the ‘Warwick in Africa’ programme, which gives the opportunity for enthusiastic, young students to teach Mathematics or English in local schools in three different countries: South Africa, Ghana and Tanzania. “Two years ago I went to teach in Dar
Geography Field Trip This year, Year 10 visited Happisburgh in Norfolk to undertake their GCSE Geography Fieldwork Focus which is worth 25% of their final grade. The students were answering the question
“Why is there a need to protect an area of coastline in your chosen area?” Much fun was had by all including Miss McAuley, Miss Reddy, Miss Dodd and Mr Khaliq. The students’ behaviour was impeccable and they carried out a range of fieldwork activities to enable them to write a successful Controlled Assessment. These activities included wave counts, a bipolar evaluation of the sea defences, tax disc surveys, land use maps, questionnaires, interviews and eating Cromer’s finest fish and chips! Well done year 10!!
Es Salaam, Tanzania for 6 weeks and it was a great experience that I will cherish for the rest of my life because it was an opportunity for me to meet new people, understand different cultures and to be put me outside of my comfort zone”. Overall this programme is an amazing chance for university students, trainee
students and the members of the Warwick Alumni to make a significant difference to African children’s lives.
“My first year at Waverley has really helped me a lot and I can bring this experience to all of the children in Accra”.
Youth Panel This term the Youth Panel have been continuing their work with Noel and Rachel Blakeman to develop sculptures for the grounds of the new school. Most recently we led a workshop with some of the Reception students who will be starting in September, exploring silhouettes and to photograph them for our sculptures, which was really fun.
Members of
nel.
the Youth Pa
We have also been having meetings with ‘Studio Myerscough’ who are doing the ‘wayfinding’ design for our new school. Some of us went to an important meeting at the new school to discuss ideas for the Waverley logo, wall graphics and interior design. Morag Myerscough, who is leading the design work, also came to school to do a workshop with us and some Year 10 Art students to develop wall graphics based on Arabic patterns and a Dragon, Griffin, Pegasus and Phoenix which will be used to represent our houses throughout the building. It has been an exciting time and now we cannot wait to see the real things up on the walls at the new school. Mrs Joubert (Head of Art)
Miss McAuley (Geography Department)
Transition Also, we have started a Bollywood Visual Literacy project with our main feeder school Starbank (details and pictures to follow in the next issue).
We also held an Induction Event for our new Reception students which included various activities from getting to know the setting of the School to a ‘Teddy Bear’s Picnic’! Reception teachers, children and parents attended. We were lucky with the weather
To ensure children get the best start at Waverley, this term we have heavily invested in a range of programmes. This year, for the Year 7 Induction Day, there was 95.6% turnout of parents and carers.
too, which meant we sat outside and sang all different kinds of teddy bear songs, action rhymes and counting songs. There was also a nurture group programme to support friendship groups through activities such as orienteering and sporting activities. Afterwards, the children had a healthy picnic which the Sixth Formers helped to give out. The children then played outside, whilst teachers got to know children and parents. The Sixth Formers (Child Care) also chatted to the children and parents. Our new Reception intake have also been involved in an art programme with the
Early Years team and Ms Joubert, working towards creating art pieces for the New School site. Another event was the ‘Discovery Trail’ attended by Reception teachers, children and parents. Each family were given a Discovery Trail card which told them which room in the Nursery Building they had to go to and what they had to do in each room. For example; ‘In the studio make a ‘Playdo’ face’. Children loved the activities which also included riding a car, painting a picture, building a body and maths tasks including using polydrons.
Carillion Projects
Two Year 11 Waverley students, Abbas Rafiq G5 & Aajma Nara X6, have been working alongside Carillion Energy Services (CES) taking part in a one week work placement programme (Monday 25th June – Friday 29th June). It involved a project called the “The Green Deal” where students worked with CES to explore the past, present, and future of energy through a range of activities and visits. They learnt about the new ‘Green Deal’ initiative and what funding and benefits are available to local communities. Students gained experience and skills in leadership, team work, management, creativity, communication, and problem solving within a real business environment.
dents. y School stu and Broadwa Abbas Rafiq Ajma Nara,
Our Year 10 students are also benefiting from working with Carillion and will be embarking on an Electricity Project. Their aim is to help reduce the School’s energy consumption and recycle unwanted materials in order to help reduce society’s energy consumption as a whole. Eventually, two teams of seven students will be selected to compete against each other to see whose ideas are the most inventive. Presentations and Awards for the winners of the most sustainable idea were held on Thursday 19th July at Waverley School.
Charity Events and Family Fun Day! r Maya h her daughte Miss Kler wit
Ahmedi z and Amal Sabaa Nawa
Kashif Ali
Waverley’s annual charity fun day took place on Saturday 14th July from 11am – 6pm Activities included, ‘Bring ‘n’ Buy’, air rifles, donkey rides, bouncy castles, inflatable gladiators, air hockey, food and drink, Head Teacher’s cooking, BBQ, henna artists, and much more! A big thank you to Bordesley Green Detached Project for organising and running the 6 a side football tournament to help raise money for Birmingham Children’s Hospital. Keep an eye out for the winners in the next edition. Staff and student volunteers carried out a bucket collection at Asda on Coventry Road, Small Heath on Saturday 7th July. We raised an amazing £335 within a few hours! Staff and students also raised money through tuck shops and selling goods during lunch and break times during a Mini Event Week (9th – 13th July), which included baking and selling cakes and tasty milkshakes! The Waverley Challenge this year is the 10 Mile Coastal Walk in Anglesey in Wales on Saturday 15th September 2012. Both staff and students can take part in this amazing and worthwhile challenge, so get sponsoring! This year all money raised will be donated to Birmingham Children’s Hospital. Look out for the next newsletter in the Autumn for an update on how much we raised in total and some exciting pictures from our Challenge. Miss. Nawaz Work Related Advisor
Stamps for Guide Dogs Mrs Pousson used to work at The Little Bromwich Centre who collect stamps for Guide Dogs for the Blind. This collection is still going on but of course you need a LOT OF STAMPS to (Ba ck row Mohamme from left) Mrs Richards, d Ozair, Mr pay for food for ONE DOG! Norsheen Kh Healey, Sa Yasser Ishaque, Mr ima He alid
ave Sh , Salma Ma Mahidul Ha hmood (Fr afique, Eramh Menazn, ssan,
ont row Haider , Iqrah Javed, Naimah Zu Kochai, Asrar Abdo, from left) She said, ‘It would be great if pupils could bring in old lfiqar, Halee Mo ma Zulfiqar hammed Yasser, stamps and it is a fun and easy way to help others who are less fortunate than us. I am sure we could save enough stamps to help the guide dogs.
If you have any stamps, please save them up and bring them into school so we can send them to The Little Bromwich Centre. Mrs Pousson (Receptionist)
Sixth Form Taster Day This year’s Sixth Form Taster day was held on Friday 29th June 2012. Year 11 students were invited to gain an understanding of studying Childcare and Health & Social Care with us in September 2012. The day included visits and talks from various speakers including professionals from the Childcare and Health & Social Care backgrounds including the Children’s Centre Manager and a midwife. Students benefited from listening to real life working professionals who have studied the field and are now working and progressing in their careers, discussing what the roles entail. Waverley Staff who teach the Sixth Form also introduced their subjects and told students what they could expect to study in September. Students from Coventry University also came in to talk to our students first-hand about what life is like studying at a higher educational level, and what universities look for in a potential student.
RESIDENTIAL 2012
During June, some students from Key Stage 3 got the opportunity to go to High Adventure Outdoor Education Centre in Staffordshire. The students got the chance to try some new activities which included raft building, orienteering, rock climbing, high ropes and archery. All the students who took part lived in a tented village which was situated about half a mile from the activity site. The boys stayed in the village between Monday and Wednesday, and the girls stayed from Wednesday to Friday. The boys experienced relatively good weather for the activities, but the temperatures did drop significantly during the night. However, the girls had terrible weather with torrential rain during the evening. All students were really well behaved throughout the trip, and loved the whole experience. They were able to develop their personal organization, team building and social interaction skills in a different environment. A special mention must go to Ishmail Choudhury , Shyla Choudhury, Farzana Khanum and Asad Ur Rehman who were also given special awards for their outstanding attitude and performance on the visit. Mr. Ebanks, Mr. Abley, Mr. Hinsley and Mr. Haider accompanied the boys on their trip and Ms Kler, Ms Jones and Ms Shaheen accompanied the girls.
Mr Ebanks has been chosen as an official for the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics. He will be an Anti-Doping officer, and will be working with a medical team that conducts drug testing. He will be based at the Medical Centre in the Olympic Stadium. At the Olympics and Paralympics, all athletes could be tested to check that they are not using any illegal substances which might improve their performances. If you win a medal (gold, silver or bronze) you automatically have to have a drug test to check that you haven’t cheated. Mr Ebanks was chosen to do this role because, in his spare time, he works as an official for UK Athletics at athletics competitions across the country.
‘Ubuntu; Conversations for Change’ Archbishop Desmond Tutu gives the following explanation of Ubuntu; “One of the sayings in our country is Ubuntu - the essence of being human… You can’t be human all by yourself, and when you have this quality… you are known for your generosity.”
Pupils from Waverley School, community members and workers, along with experienced ‘Ubuntu’ facilitators attended a free two-day event called ‘Conversations for Change’, which took place at a Ali, ssain, MujtabMr Amin, Birmingham Settlement’s Centre for Aston Family, : Mobeen Hu : Vikhas Ali, - Middle Row from leftdika Mazhar left from n row Ha Back , Miss Shaheeander, Mariya Ahmed, jad Witton Rd, Aston on 27th and 28th June 2012. Mowlid Salaad eeza Am hana Sik Sob Ram in, ar, nw ssa Ma Zayn Hu Left: Ahmed Front row from In conjunction with the Tutu Foundation UK, the ‘Conversations for Change’ programme [C4C] was a community based event, with an “Ubuntu” action-planning workshop. Sessions were dynamic, fun and interactive, and included games for social cohesion and story-telling. Barriers between the young and old were shared along with concerns and visions for the future. Skills were discussed that dealt with anger, conflict and respect for difference. The participants were encouraged to use these skills to identify how they might engage more effectively with different sections of the community. The workshops stimulated thinking about activities and projects they might develop in conjunction with the community that will build bridges within and between diverse groups and increase the awareness of the ‘Ubuntu’ programme.
English Department ‘Home and Away’ The English Department are proud to announce the introduction of a new curriculum. ‘The Home and Away’ scheme is an innovative approach to the teaching and learning of English. Every Year 9 pupil is assigned a ‘Home’ teacher, where they will be taught the skills required for Level 2 Functional English, 3 times a week. These lessons are set according to ability and the exam will take place in the summer of 2013. The other 2 English lessons, which take place on Wednesdays, are ‘Away’ lessons. Here, Year 9 students are in the privileged position of being able to choose their own curriculum by choosing workshops of their choice every half term. There will be a variety of topics to choose from such as: • Drama • Film Making • Poetry • Creative Writing
• Handwriting • Calligraphy • Script Writing
Each pupil will be given an ‘Away’ card to choose their workshop. There will be three options just in case their first choice is taken. (Opportunities to revisit workshops will be given to pupils at a later date). What will happen next? • You will be given an ‘Away’ card • Pick your workshop –check out the English Home and Away board for details – or ask an English teacher • Pick 3 workshops in order of preference • Return your completed card to your ‘Home’ English teacher and a card will be returned to you with your allocated workshop, teacher and classroom.
Tesco Bag Packing for Cancer Research On Tuesday 26th June, 13 Year 12 students took part in a bag packing event at Tesco, Spring Hill in Birmingham. The students (accompanied by Mr Healey, Mrs Richards and Mr Heaven) raised over £150 for the Cancer Research charity. r Kochai ssan, Haide Mahidul Ha
Head Boy’s Message
Next year, we are hoping to repeat the event in other supermarkets in the area to collect more money for other charities. We will update you in the Autumn Newsletter and let you know how we get on.
I have been around school interviewing our fantastic students and asking them how they felt about the different aspects of school life and their expectations from Year 7 all the way through to the new Sixth Form. There are a wide but positive array of opinions and experiences that make up the heart of what are Waverley School and its pupils. Murtaza, a Year 9 student believed that he was not a confident individual at the beginning of the year. He felt more confident as the year has gone by, breaking the ice and making a real effort to socialise with other students. His expectations are high as we have both able pupils and outstanding teachers here. These expectations are correct and he believes that he is closer now to achieving his true potential. Siraaj (a Year 11 Prefect due his outstanding contribution to School life) remembers that, 4 years ago when he first started at the School, he was a shy boy. It took him around a week to familiarise himself with things and he soon made friends and gained confidence. Siraaj thought, (as the new Year 6 and Reception pupils will) that it was a big building with a big dining hall and playground on 4 floors so it would be easy to get lost around the place. Siraaj is looking forward to studying in the new building and finishing his time at Waverley School there. Siraaj has already completed his AS level Religious Studies exam in Year
10 and is putting in a lot of hard work for his A level exam which he will be taking in the summer. Last (but not least) is Asrar in Year 13. She is a wonderful student who has been at Waverley School since Year 7 and decided to join the new Sixth Form last year. Although she says that it was hard to remember what it was like in Year 7, she knows that she was nervous and she was one of the pupils who didn’t know anyone. She, too, made many friends in the first few days and has gained in confidence ever since. Asrar wasn’t expecting there to be so many subjects to study at Waverley, and it seemed like a daunting prospect at first. However, she persevered and now wishes to pursue a career in nursery care or even as a teacher! What Asrar does remember are the days of being in Year 10 and 11 where she gained a wide range of skills which have benefitted her greatly (and, of course, the prestigious Year 11 ‘Prom’ where she had an unforgettable time). There are a wide variety of students at Waverley School. This will get even more diverse with our new Reception students and Year 7 in September. We hope that they too, show the dedication and positive attitude to achieve their aspirations and to contribute their best to Waverley School.
Yusuf Yusuf (Y11 Head Boy)
In April, a group of Year 10 and 11 pupils travelled to London to learn about Arab culture and history. An important aspect of studying languages at Waverley School is to recognise the impact languages have on people and how they influence culture and values. Languages are indeed a major sign of human diversity which Waverley School prides as a basis of our success. Pupils visited a ‘First-of-its-kind’ exhibition to be held in Europe called ‘The Hajj’; an exhibition tracking the history of Muslim pilgrimage over 14 centuries. The exhibition contained historic and modern artefacts describing Arab civilisations, Arab art and calligraphy. The visit was followed by a tour of the Islamic Cultural Centre which holds the largest Arabic library in Europe and a short excursion to the London E ye. I would like to give a big thank you to Waverley students who were a pleasure to spend the day with and exemplary ambassadors of Waverley School whilst in London. The MFL Department would also like to extend our thanks to Mr Khaliq, Mr Amin and Ms Choudhury for accompanying the group and parents for their support. Mr Akthar (MFL Teacher)
Waverley KS3 Cricket Team On Monday 26th March, the PE Department took 36 pupils from Years 8, 9 and 10 to Old Trafford, to watch Manchester United vs Fulham, in a Barclays Premier League football match. We left school at 4.15pm and set off on the M6 arriving at around 7.15pm, 45 minutes before kick-off. A pleasant balmy evening under the floodlights ensued. The match itself was a scrappy affair, with Manchester United sneaking a 1-0 victory, courtesy of a Wayne Rooney goal in the 42nd minute. Fulham were unlucky not to have been awarded a penalty in the dying stages, but United held on – much to the delight of many of ‘glory-hunting’ pupils!! The pupils were very impressed with the stadium, with 75,000 supporters watching the game. Pupils loved the atmosphere and enjoyed the opportunity of witnessing the elite performance of two who are with Premier League’s top clubs.
Birmingham Schools Games Waverley Schools Athletics Team was very successful in the recent Birmingham Schools Athletics Championships, held at Washwood Heath School on 30th May. Hamse Noor was excellent in the 1500 meters, winning despite some stiff competition from pupils from many other schools. Hamse ran a strategic race and finished strongly to win the race. Reece Lynch came second in the 100 meters, despite slipping at the start of the race. Well done to all the pupils who took part. They continue to train at the Athletics Club with Mr Ebanks.
The Waverley KS3 cricket team played their first fixture of the summer against Yardleys School. The team was a mix of Year 7 and Year 8 pupils but despite an excellent effort, they narrowly lost to a talented Yardleys XI. However, all players continue to show improvement and are attending the weekly cricket practice.
Primary Cricket Competition (Years 4 & 5) Waverley hosted a Primary School Cricket Event in May. Pupils from Primary schools including The Holy Family, St Bernadette’s, Hob Moor Primary and Starbank Schools came to compete against each other and improve their skills. The event was well supported by Year 10 Sports Leaders.
Birmingham Schools Athletics Championships On Thursday 17th May we took a team of athletes to the Birmingham Schools Athletics Championships which took place at Norman Green Stadium in Solihull. All the athletes were really well behaved and a credit to the school. Notable performances from the event were; Shahid Zaman (Year 10) who came 2nd in the 1500m and
2nd in the 800m Hamse Nuur (Year 9) who came 1st in the 1500m Reece Lynch (Year 9) who came 1st in the 100m, 1st in the 200m and 2nd in the shot put. Other athletes who took part were, Adil Shakoor (Year 10), Crystal Campbell (Year 10), Masoom Islam (Year 10), Naeem Akram (Year 10), Ahmed Ismail (Year 9), Callum Wilkins (Year 9).
Final league positions for 2011/12 Boys Football Year 7 boys (6 teams in league). Managed by Mr Lloyd: Played 5, won 2, 1 draw, 2 defeats, 7 points – finished in 5th place out of 6 Year 8 boys: (6 teams in league). Managed by Mr Andrews: Played 4, lost 4 – finished in 6th place out of 6 Year 9 boys: (6 teams in league). Managed by Mr Sturmey: Played 6, won 2, lost 4. 10 points – finished 5th place out of 6
Year 10 boys: (6 teams in league). Managed by Mr Ebanks: Played 3, lost 3 – finished in 5th place out of 6 Year 11 boys: (4 teams in league). Managed by Mr Heaven: Played 3, lost 3 – finished 4th place out of 4. We would like to thank all of the boys for taking part and offer a big thank you to all of the Managers who have given up a lot of their time this year for weekly matches and training sessions.
Mr Sturmey (PE Department)
WAVERLEY SCHOOL - THE FIRST PURPOSE BUILT ALL THROUGH SCHOOL IN BIRMINGHAM Hob Moor Road, Small Heath, Birmingham B10 9BT E: enquiry@waverley.bham.sch.uk 0 - 19 ‘Serving Children, Young People and Families’
Tel: 0121 464 1780 www.waverley.bham.sch.uk Designed and produced by WavePrint 0121 454 9441 info@waveprint.co.uk
West Midlands Schools Championships As a result of the their success at the Birmingham Championships, Reece Lynch, Shahid Zaman and Hamse Nuur were all selected to take part in the West Midlands Championships which took place at Tipton Stadium on 16th June. This event allows all the best athletes from Solihull, Dudley, Walsall, Wolverhampton, Coventry, and Sandwell to compete against each other to see who should represent the Midlands at the National Championships. Unfortunately due to injury, Shahid had to withdraw from taking part in the event. At the Championships, Reece qualified from his heats to make the finals of both the 100m and 200m. In the 100m Reece came 3rd in a very close finish, and in the 200m he came 4th. Hamse had to pull out of the final of the 1500m whilst in the lead, with one lap to go with due to a hamstring injury.