13778 Gryphon - Newsletter

Autumn 2014
What’s going on ...
We Will Rock You
10th/11th/12th December 7pm
Carol Service
Sherborne Abbey Tuesday 16th December 7pm
PTA Meeting
Wednesday 14th January 2015 5pm
Sixth Form Open Evening
Tuesday 27th January 2015 5.30pm – 8pm
Extras! Extras!
Read All About it!
Gryphon Students in Imitation Game
Thirty Gryphon School students can be seen in
one of this year’s most talked about films. Some
of The Imitation Game, starring Benedict
Cumberbatch as Alan Turing, the brilliant Enigma
code breaker, was shot in Sherborne, where
Turing spent his schooldays. Our boys, along
with others from Sherborne School, were extras
in those school scenes. They were filmed over
the Autumn Half Term just over a year ago.
Before that, some of the production team visited
The Gryphon to fit the students for their
personalised costumes. It was a very exciting
time for our students who had enormous fun on
the film set. The filming of their scenes took
four days and was shrouded in secrecy so details
of the film would not leak out. Earlier this term
all those involved were invited to the Bafta
Theatre in London for a preview screening and
were, therefore, among the first to see the film. There is talk of an Oscar for the film and
those that have seen The Imitation Game say it is brilliant, so go if you can, and
remember to try and spot The Gryphon students!
Terry Fisher Photography
The English, Geography and Languages Departments at The Gryphon School have been awarded
the Prince’s Teaching Institute Mark 2013/14. The Prince’s Teaching Institute (PTI) launched the
Schools Programme in 2007 to recognise and reward school departments that develop
inspirational ideas and activities which enhance teaching.
To achieve the PTI Mark, departments have to demonstrate that they have increased the challenge
within their subject curriculum; developed their staff’s own specialist subject knowledge;
developed subject-based links outside school and enthused their pupils through subject-based
activities beyond the curriculum.
Steve Hillier, Headteacher, says ‘We strive to achieve the highest possible standards in all subjects and are delighted to
receive this award recognising the stimulating and innovative work in these departments and the hard work and
commitment of our staff.’
The Gryphon School English Department was first awarded the Mark in 2010. The Languages Department first received
the Mark last year and it is the first time the Geography Department has been recognised with a PTI Mark.
Abbey Celebration
Once again The Gryphon School’s annual Prize Giving in Sherborne Abbey was a
wonderful occasion. This year we were fortunate to be joined by Admiral Sir
George Zambellas KCB DSC ADC DL, First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff. He
presented the prizes and inspired the students with a thought provoking speech.
The ceremony is to celebrate the many achievements of The Gryphon School’s
Years 11 and 13 students after their hard work for GCSEs, BTECs and A levels. It
marks a new stage in their lives as they move on to Sixth Form, College or
University and the world of work.
The Abbey was packed as our prize winners were joined by local community
leaders, governors, parents and staff at this event recognising their successes.
In an inspirational speech Admiral Zambellas urged students never to give up or
impose limitations on themselves. He also told them not to be afraid of making
mistakes, ‘Mistakes’ he said, ‘are real and necessary. They are about learning.
They provide stepping stones to success.’ He encouraged the students to ‘Take
your time, but do what captures your spirit and your imagination…. satisfaction
and pleasure will follow, as night follows day.’
Headteacher, Mr Steve Hillier said, ‘It is an awe inspiring occasion. I always feel
privileged to be in Sherborne Abbey with our students celebrating their
achievements. They are so full of talent, character, spirit and determination.
I am enormously proud of them all. ’
This year The Gryphon students were once again celebrating outstanding A Level
and GCSE results. Mr Hillier said, ‘It was another spectacular year thanks to all
the hard work of the students and their teachers and the support of their
families.’
Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Appeal
The Gryphon School and nursery
were enthusiastic supporters of the
Operation Christmas Child Shoebox
Appeal once again this autumn. Last
year 140 boxes were donated – we
didn’t think we would be able to
match that amount this year but we
have, in fact, beaten it. This year a
staggering 174 boxes were filled
with gifts which will be distributed
to children in Romania. Some pupils
brought in more than one shoebox
and some Tutor Groups worked
together to complete boxes. We also
acted as the collection point for 50
boxes from the Abbey Primary
School and 16 from St Andrew’s
Church and School in Yetminster so a grand total of 240 began their journey to Eastern Europe from The Gryphon School.
The result of all of these efforts means an even greater number of children will receive a box filled with presents and love
this Christmas. Where appropriate they will also be offered a booklet explaining why Christmas is such an important
festival for Christians. Last year shoeboxes from The Gryphon were also taken to Eastern Europe where they made a huge
difference to children who otherwise would have nothing at Christmas.
Thank you once again for your incredible generosity.
Diane Tregale - Chaplain
www.gryphon.dorset.sch.uk
The Year 7 pupils who joined The Gryphon in
September were encouraged to take a picture
of themselves over the summer period, reading
their books in interesting and unusual places.
The response was great with 24 entries ranging
from far flung places like Tunisia, Venice and
India and plenty of entries from people at
various landmarks in the UK including the
River Dart Country Park, the Imperial War
Museum, London and Barwick Tower.
The end result was a really colourful display in
the LRC of all the entries. Sam Downe won the
competition with his entry reading a book
in the bucket of a farm loader. Highly
Commended entries were; Mya Jackson at The
Imperial War Museum, Ben Lye-Forrester in
Tunisia on a camel and Charlie Verrell at the
finish line of Colour Me Red – a 5K run.
Julie Hoskins – LRC Manager
Calling all
parents
and carers!
Future Chef Competition
Earlier this term The Gryphon School was host
to a highly contested school final of the
Future Chef Competition. 14 young chefs
from Years 8, 9 and 10 gained their places
through class heats. Future Chef is a large
countrywide competition run by Springboard,
the education arm of the hospitality industry.
The competition aims to increase the skills of
students and encourage them to look at
careers within the hospitality industry.
The final was overseen by a panel of
distinguished judges. Simon Clewlow, Head
Chef at the Grange in Oborne, Marcus Wilcox
Head Chef at the Rose and Crown in Trent and
Richard Peacocke, Sous Chef at The Green in
Sherborne. The judges commented on the
originality of dishes, the high level of skills
shown and attention to detail reached by
such young cooks. The overall winner was
Catraiona Morris in Year 9 who cooked a lamb
crumble. She will go on to represent the
School at the area final to be held in
Bournemouth later in the year. The dishes
ranged from beetroot risotto to a new take on
spaghetti bolognaise and our congratulations
go out to all the contestants, the standard was
incredible.
Caroline Elsworth and Sally Baxter
Design and Technology (Food)
We would really like to hear more from you
and our PTA provides the ideal opportunity
for you to come into school and meet with
senior staff to discuss developments at
The Gryphon and to raise any issues. Our
PTA is not a fundraising group (although
we do run an annual quiz!) but is a chance
for real dialogue between the school and
parents. Please come to our next meeting
at 5pm on Wednesday 14th January 2015.
If you cannot make the meeting but would
like to know more about our PTA please
contact Mrs Edwards on 01935 810106 or
ew@gryphon.dorset.sch.uk
Our Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme
would really appreciate support from
parents across the school. It could be that
you could help on our expeditions in the
summer or run a group, such as Cubs or
Brownies, that could provide an
opportunity for our students to complete
their volunteering element of the scheme.
If you would like to become involved
please contact Mr Lane via email on
jordan.lane@gryphon.dorset.sch.uk
We are also looking for parents to support
trips and visits. If you think you can help
please email Miss Dodgson on
nicola.dodgson@gryphon.dorset.sch.uk
The Gryphon School runs fortnightly
Maths Challenges inviting students to
show their mathematical abilities in a fun
and interesting way. Details of these
weekly challenges are available on
noticeboards in the Maths and R.E. Foyer
or on the Gryphon School’s Maths Blog at:
http://gryphonmaths.wordpress.com/
maths-challenge/. The students who
enter just give their entry to their Maths
teacher or to the Maths Office.
The challenges have been very successful
at promoting problem-solving with
around twenty different students
entering each week. Every correct entry
receives a commendation. One of the
most prolific students is Rachel Munn in
Year 8, seen here with Jack Goss, Morgan
Osman and Andy Stephenson in Year 7.
Geoff Cooke - Maths
Gryphon Students help
author with new book
Matt Dickinson, film-maker, Everest explorer
and teenage fiction writer, has asked four
Gryphon School students to read the
manuscript of his new book and to give him
feedback. Mr Dickinson was visiting the school
to talk to Years 7 and 8 about his life and his
books, including those based on the Chaos
theory and his new novel ‘The Everest
Files’ which is a thriller full of adventure.
Mr Dickinson had brought the manuscript for
his new book with him and now April Yeatman
and Tasia Ling-Marriott in Year 12 and Ed
Llewellyn and Grace Ryall in Year 11 are reading
it and will be sending him their views on the
novel. It is also being read by our LRC Assistant,
Freddie Jobbins.
Julie Hoskins – LRC Manager
Remembrance Service
Year 8 Student wins BMW Competition
Westerly Yeovil BMW recently launched an
exciting competition in partnership with The
Gryphon School’s Design and Technology
Department on a search for the South West’s
next up and coming designer.
Westerly asked Year 8 DT students to design a
picture that encapsulated their perfect family
day out. And here’s the coolest part, the lucky
winner, Liam MacKay, had his design
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professionally enlarged and printed onto the
side of Westerly Yeovil’s latest family car, the
new 2 Series Active Tourer.
Liam also enjoyed the prize of a family
English Heritage Annual Pass to over 400
historic British sites. The two runners-up,
Isabelle Jones and Joshua Tregale, received
Day Passes.
Jenny Salmon – Design and Technology
Our Annual Remembrance Service was
held on 11th November in partnership
with the Old Fosterians. This year we
were joined by Leading Aircraft
Controller Leah Payne, from RNAS
Yeovilton, who gave a moving address
on service, sacrifice and the
importance of remembrance. The Roll
of Honour was read by Old Fosterian
John House who reminded us that in
1914 there were 60 boys on roll at
Foster’s and that during the First World
War 100 Old Fosterians served in the
Forces, 22 of whom lost their lives.
We will remember them.
Maths Challenges
Year 7 Get Caught Reading Competition 2014
Carey Camp
Election of Parent Governor
Juliana Atyeo has been elected as a Parent Governor. She was one of four people
standing for the vacancy. Our thanks go to her and to Alistair Cox, Stephen Knobbs and
Andy Robinson for putting themselves forward for the position. Thanks, too, to those
parents/carers who cast their votes. The number of votes cast for each candidate can be
found on the website. http://www.gryphon.dorset.sch.uk/parents/staffcontact/governors
Also, Mike Sandy has been appointed as a Co-opted Governor to the Governing Body. His
experience as a Headteacher prior to his retirement will be invaluable.
Sherborne Positive Street
Art Community Mural Project
It has been a great pleasure to welcome our
new Year 7 students who have confidently
settled into life at The Gryphon School. This
has been partly due to one of the highlights of
Year 7, the trip to Carey Camp! Each trip is two
tutor groups, taken with their tutors and other
staff, to the wild open spaces of Wareham.
One night is spent in a scout tent while the
other is spent in the woods nearby in a ‘bivvy’
constructed by the students from a few tent
sheets, pegs and bungee straps. It can be a
real test of team work and construction skills
to make a shelter that is snug and dry over an
October evening, but nearly all succeed!
Daytime activities include kayaking with team
games on the nearby lake culminating in a
launch into the water from one of the islands
and mountain biking with the challenge of the
‘Carey Beast’! Teamwork skills are developed
in orienteering and on the low ropes, with
individual challenges on the climbing wall.
Students also enjoyed a quiz and campfire in
the evenings and returned to school, tired but
happy, with many new friendships as a result
of shared challenges and experiences during
the trip.
Roger Baxter- Head of Year 7
Following a great deal of planning and development, this large-scale mural project is well
underway. 18, eight feet by four feet panels depict Sherborne Town’s history from the 700s
to the present, with dynamic artwork depicting key historical events. Local historian
Katherine Barker provided a wealth of factual information, transformed into drawn imagery
by myself to create a working design which the community, under the guidance of visual
artist Pete Sheridan, is busy painting through a series of workshops organized by ArtsLink.
Lizzie Kingsbury and ArtsLink’s Jennie Loader have been instrumental in bringing this
exciting project to life and the community can look forward to the completed mural panels
being permanently displayed at the Old Market car park, early in the summer of 2015.
Gryphon Students’ Science Success
Four Year 8 students, Kamil Lauko, Emma Kidd, Caspar Barker and Molly James attended the
annual Salters’ Chemistry Festival at Bath University last term. They had to work as a team to
complete two challenges using specialist equipment in the university chemistry laboratory. The
first was to solve a ‘crime’, using forensic techniques and the second involved a practical
investigation to design a coolant for Dr Who’s Tardis.
The students, who are now in Year 9, represented the School brilliantly, showing real talent and
enthusiasm as budding scientists. They competed against twelve other schools and were
awarded second prize in the University Challenge, winning £50 of
specialist science equipment for the school.
The day concluded with a fun ‘pops and
bangs’ chemistry demonstration by two of
the University’s professors. Kamil, Emma,
Caspar and Molly thoroughly enjoyed the
day which gave them a real experience of
studying science at university.
The Salters' Festivals of Chemistry, in
partnership with the Royal Society of
Chemistry, are an initiative of The Salters'
Institute whose aim is to promote the
appreciation of chemistry and related
sciences amongst young people. They also
aim to encourage careers in chemistry
teaching and in the UK chemical and allied
industries.
Teresa Bramley - Science
This term saw our annual Year 6 Open Evening in October which gives students at Primary
School the opportunity to come and see what we have to offer. Over three hundred young
students visited with their parents and carers and were shown around by an army of our
current Year 7s who acted as Tour Guides. Many of our other students helped out in
departments where they, and the staff, were demonstrating their work and inspiring the
potential new recruits. It was a very successful evening and we look forward to welcoming
many of them in 2015.
Nicky Dodgson – Assistant Head
Students of the future
Mike Fenton-Wilkinson - Head of Art & Photography
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Charity
Celebrations
continue for 20
Years of Friendship
20 years of friendship! Our German partner school in Bad Kötzting came
up with this phrase to mark the 20th Anniversary of the school exchange
between our two schools. Fittingly, we had 20 students in our group to
make the trip over to Germany this year. The first part of the celebrations
took place on English soil during the Germans’ stay here in April and we
continued celebrating when we went back at the end of June. Our
exchange school invited Carol Steele, the former Head of Languages who
had set up the very first German Exchange, and our Headteacher, Steve
Hillier, to attend the German celebrations. Mrs Steele flew with us but
Mr Hillier couldn’t arrive until later so we picked him up from Munich
airport, which enabled us to visit an important tourist attraction that
proved very popular with the football fans on the trip.
We can be heroes
We flew to Prague as Bad Kötzting is close to the German-Czech border.
Everyone was rather nervous, wondering what it was going to be like,
staying in a German family’s home. However, our students soon realised
that the host families couldn’t do enough for their English visitors and
they could relax and enjoy their short stay.
Just for one day!
The Gryphon School took to raising money for this year’s Children in Need with gusto. Staff and pupils made a spectacular
effort dressing up in a wide variety of super heroes’ costumes and, because it was a non-uniform day, those that didn’t
dress up gave money to come in mufti. Costumes ranged from the old favourites – Buzz Lightyear (at least two!) – to the
new, a whole army of Minions. Even the very youngest Little Gryphons joined in. The Nursery had a pyjama day and sold
the cakes they had cooked to parents, raising £145. The grand total raised was £1356.15p.
Harvest Appeal 2014
For over 20 years The Lord’s Larder has supplied
emergency food parcels in and around the Yeovil and
Sherborne area. In 2012, 42,000 items of food were given
which helped to ensure that 1986 adults and 1116
children did not go hungry.
A MOST SUCCESSFUL MOVEMBER!
Last year, over 59,000 items of food were given to help
2570 adults and 1409 children.
Once again we were glad to support the Lord’s Larder for
our Harvest Appeal and the response from pupils and
families was incredible. Hundreds more items were
donated this year than ever before and the total number
of items delivered to the Larder from The Gryphon School
was 1101. One tutor group alone (7GIC) donated just over
200 items and it was a privilege to take the whole group
to the Larder to help unload the goods and to see it in
action. We would like to thank the whole school
community, including the Little Gryphons Nursery for its
generous support.
A group of Gryphon School staff took on the challenge of
growing a moustache for Movember. The brave
volunteers were raising money for the Movember charity.
It was set up to raise funds and awareness of men’s
health issues including prostate cancer, testicular cancer
and mental health problems. The group has raised £500
and counting. It has been great fun and has created some
laughs amongst staff and students during a somewhat
dreary and wet November! Thank you to all who took part
and to all who have donated. There is still time to
donate, via: http://moteam.co/joe-s-bros
We packed so much into 5 days! The trip to Munich gave us an exciting
opportunity to visit Bayern-Munich’s home stadium, the Allianz Arena.
We then went for a rainy guided tour around the centre of Munich with a
very entertaining young American, Austin. He became the day’s hero
when he took us to Milka World where you can buy every type of Milka
chocolate substantially cheaper than in the German supermarkets. Then
we headed back to Bad Kötzting for a filling snack of Leberwurst rolls
before the official celebrations of the evening. Mr Hillier bravely delivered
his speech in German, alongside the Head of the German school, the
Mayor of Bad Kötzting and members of the Douzelage.
The next day’s outing took us into the beautiful Bavarian forest in the
sunshine and we were able enjoy a stroll around a mountain lake, a
summer toboggan run and some delicious German specialities at a
picturesque lake-side restaurant. The last day was spent sightseeing in
the beaufiful capital city, Prague, before heading home.
Many thanks to Mr Hillier and Mrs Steele for accompanying us on our trips,
to Hans-Peter Jobst, my counter-part in Germany, to Christoph Halles, the
former Headteacher who organised the first German Exchange and to
Louise Weston whose resilience, enthusiasm and energy kept me going
when I was starting to flag. Last but not least, a big thank you to all those
students who were brave enough to step out of their comfort zone and
take part in this big adventure, and to the parents who supported us.
Sarah Slade - Teacher in charge of German
Diane Tregale - Chaplain
Gryphon students help street children of Mozambique
Gryphon School students have raised £600 for a project to help
street children escape the poverty trap in Mozambique. It’s for
Afrilibrium, the brain child of Paul Williams who set up
Sturminster Newton’s successful Equilibrium Skills Base which
helps young people struggling to engage in academic education,
to gain employment skills and self-confidence. Mr Williams
wants to do a similar thing in Mozambique. Working closely
with the Blandford-based charity Hope in Mozambique, and its
founder, Jill Nuttall, he is raising funds for an Afrilibrium Skills
Base in Matola Rio.
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Mozambique street children beg for a living and are often forced
to scour rubbish tips for food. With no access to education or
skills training, the cycle of poverty is hard to break. By building a
skills centre in the heart of the slum, Paul and Jill plan to provide
children with vocational training in motor mechanics,
construction, cooking, horticulture and needlework, alongside
literacy and numeracy so they will have a means to earn a living.
Students at The Gryphon School took the project to heart and
each Year Group raised money by a variety of means, ranging
from paying to wear a hat to school, to holding an end of term
party. Paul Williams said, ‘We are very grateful to the students
for their hard work and generosity. This cash will go a long way
towards helping build the centre.’ ‘It only takes a small amount
to make a big difference’, he added, ‘For example it’s just 79p to
pay for a breeze block, the mortar and for the worker to lay it.’
To make a donation or find out more about the Afrilibrium
project, contact Paul Williams on 01258 472603 or email
p.williams@eqcic.co.uk, or Jill Nuttall on 01258 453154 or
email jagnuttall@btinternet.com
Geography trips
Year 12 Geographers excelled
themselves on a two day residential
trip to Cornwall, where they
collected data for the geographical
investigations unit. They worked
incredibly hard but still had time for
fun.
We spent the first day at the Eden
Project where we heard a talk about
how this flagship development had
helped to rebrand Cornwall. We
were the first school group to stay
in the Eden Project Pop Up Hostel in
Snooze Boxes. These are bedrooms
made from shipping containers, in
keeping with the Eden Project’s
ethos of sustainability. The
afternoon was spent with the
students conducting their own fieldwork which they had prepared prior to
the trip in St. Austell. Here the students identified reasons why the county
needed rebranding and evaluated the success of a variety of projects.
We also spent a day in Plymouth, considering urban rebranding. In groups
we walked to eight different sites, collecting data on the examples of how
areas of the city had been rebranded and why some parts still need some
attention. Students completed environmental quality surveys and
perception analysis of the various sites.
Before Half Term, Year 12 Geography
students went on a residential trip to the
Dorset and Hampshire coast.
Our first day centred on Barton-on-Sea,
where landslides have left houses
teetering on the cliff. Happily ignoring the
slightly odd glances we got from locals, we
studied the erosion defences and why they
weren’t working.
Our second day was at Boscombe, to cover
the ‘rebranding’ course. We explored the
seafront, then went to the Central Business
District and surrounding residential areas
in Boscombe, to assess the success of the
rebrand in the form of a photo essay.
On the final day, we headed to Studland to
do a sand dune profile. Although
measuring hills, counting plants and
picking up handfuls of mud might not sound like everyone’s idea of fun,
believe me when I say that we enjoyed ourselves and were able to apply
this data to statistical tests on our return to school.
Rome-Sorrento July 2014
Nearly 50 Sixth Form students spent the last week of the summer term exploring the ancient sites of Rome and
Sorrento on a trip with the History Department. We began in Rome exploring the various sites throughout the
ages that make up this most majestic city. Ancient Rome was displayed through a fascinating guided tour of the
Colosseum, Palatine Hill and Romanum Forum, while Mediaeval Rome was shown by a detailed trawl through the
Vatican. Many sites, of course, cover both of these periods. The Mausoleum of the Second Century Emperor
Hadrian was converted over the centuries into a fort, an arsenal and a prison to end up as a private bolt hole for
the Pope from the neighbouring Saint Peter’s Basilica. Today it is known as the Castel Sant’ Angelo recognised
from its ‘Angels and Demons’ or ‘Assassin’s Creed’ fame. For our tour it served as the best viewpoint in Rome,
and a welcome place for a cooling wind and a cold gelato.
While Rome has plenty of experiences and sights for
one trip, sometimes the most interesting places to
visit are outside the city. Therefore we travelled for
an hour or so to clamber over the lost town of Ostia.
solid rock while, despite the bluest of skies, the silent
volcano of Vesuvius was closed due to a brief, yet
intense, succession of lightning strikes. The climax of
the trip was a whole day, though this is never enough,
It was once the busy port for Rome and all trade
passed through its warehouses and custom houses
before being transported by canal to the Empire’s
capital. Today the whole town lies open as one of the
best preserved Roman ruins in the world, yet it
remains strangely quiet and tourists, even a hoard of
Gryphon students, can sometimes feel like they are
the only visitors in the whole site – a truly unique
situation.
ambling along the streets of Pompeii. Despite the
sense of neglect and inertia of the complex, or even
because of it, Pompeii gives the student the
verisimilitude of the ancient world and more than a
hint at what the eruption took. Evenings were spent
digging through the tiny shops in the narrowest alleys
searching for the more affordable souvenirs (a rare
find). In all, a memorable experience and for the Year
13s a rewarding end to their time at the School. May I
personally thank Mrs Oxford, Mrs Beale, Miss Sampson
and Mr Gower for their help in keeping an eye on all
the students, and it always amazes me that no matter
how many times the History Department visits both
Rome and Sorrento each trip is truly amazing and
special – and that is down to the calibre and sense of
wonder our students bring with them.
After three very busy and hectic days of tours, tube
journeys and sore feet, the group drove a few hours
south to the Bay of Naples and Sorrento. Here in the
soft Mediterranean light we stayed at the foot of the
cliff, next to the harbour for a more relaxing and
tranquil rest. It was as if the Barbarians had sacked
Rome and now took the weekend off! The time
capsule of Herculaneum was visited, entombed in
Robert Harris – History Department
Next we headed to Lulworth – the classic Purbeck Beds, crumpled rock and
beautiful cove...and fish and chips! For people who like human geography,
this day was great, with questionnaires for the public and evaluating the
area’s strengths and weaknesses.
Art
Hengistbury Head and Mudeford Sandspit
The students were collecting data on reasons for different characteristics
of a spit and headland. This is a new venue for Year 10 Geographers.
The students visited 6 sites on the headland, along the beach and on the
spit. They drew field sketches of defences, the composition of the
headland and an aerial view of the spit and saltmarsh. Students used the
ranging poles and clinometers to complete beach profiles and measured
pebbles to show evidence of longshore drift. Year 10 are now busily
writing up their controlled assessments.
GEOGRAPHY IS OUT THERE ALL AROUND US, AND WE EXPLORE IT.
Shelley Coombs – Head of Geography
This term the Art Department took 50 GCSE Art students
to visit London Art galleries. It was an exciting trip which
inspired their current unit of coursework and their
upcoming mock exam. Students enjoyed a selection of
artists exhibited in the ‘Pangaea: New Art from Africa’
exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery and enjoyed discussing
the work and sharing ideas with the education
coordinator during their gallery tour. After the Saatchi
Gallery students visited a second exhibition at The Royal
Academy to experience the work of artist Anselm Kiefer
which The Guardian reviewed as “the most exciting show
in Britain this autumn”. Students enjoyed the
extraordinary body of work including painting, sculpture
and installation which was an inspiration for all.
Sarah Redmond-Fareham - Art
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Mindful Matters
Interest in the contribution Mindfulness is
making to schools has been growing
recently. Not long ago the BBC Radio 4 PM
programme highlighted how Mindfulness
was helping to alleviate stress among
students and gave examples of the .b
course provided by the Mindfulness in
Schools Project. The All-Party
Parliamentary Group on Wellbeing
Economics recommended last month
training teachers in Mindfulness to
‘embed a culture of wellbeing in …
education.’
Literary Festival at The Gryphon – Let the Pig Out!
Thanks to the generosity of the Sherborne Literary Society, over 500 pupils from The Gryphon were able to take part in some element of the
Sherborne Literary Festival earlier this term. During the week stand-up poet Chris Redmond provided a performance to all of our Year 10 pupils.
The phrase ‘Let the pig out!’, the inspiring refrain from one of his performance poems, is now the motto of all of Year 10 and we find ourselves
haunted by Chris’ poems, often reciting some of his most entertaining lines. Chris’ incredible performance and audience participation enabled so
many pupils to discover poetry in a way they didn’t realise was possible.
As the interest in Mindfulness grows, so
too, it would seem, do the claims about its
effectiveness. Professor Mark Williams, of
Oxford University, suggested in the above
programme, that for it to continue to grow
and keep its reputation as an efficacious
practice, there will need to be a
corresponding growth in the research to
support those claims.
It is good to know that here at The
Gryphon we have been doing our bit to
build up that research base. We took
part in a research project into the
effectiveness of a Mindfulness in Schools
Project programme for staff in 2013. The
results are still being peer-reviewed but I
can say that they are very positive. As a
result we have expanded the programme
for students as well as staff. All students
from Year 9 upwards can enrol on
Mindfulness courses to help them manage
their mental wellbeing more effectively.
There are also regular courses for staff
after school. The next stage would be to
open the courses out to parents – if
anyone is interested please do not
hesitate to contact me.
Chris then provided three Performance Poetry
Workshops for pupils in Years 12 and 13
which enabled them to create their own ‘9
Minutes’ performance poems. This experience
was superb and strengthened the pupils’
understanding of poetry and their bravery in
sharing their writing.
The Gryphon also hosted Caroline Green,
author of children’s fiction such as ‘Cracks’
and ‘Hold Your Breath’. Caroline gave a
presentation to all of Year 8 and then
provided writing workshops with Year 7 and 8
pupils. Caroline was the Festival’s Children’s
Writing Competition Short Story judge and
chose Year 8 pupil Charis Henry with ‘Race to
the Sea’ as First Prize winner. Third Prize went
to another Year 8 student, Katherine Whitcher,
with ‘The Insanity of the Unforgiven’ and
Antonia Hardcastle in Year 11, was Highly
Commended. We also had several winners for
the poetry category of the Children’s Writing
Competition: Ellie Tulk in Year 8 achieved
Third prize - with ‘Deforestation’ and Alan
Flechon and Ffion Caines, who are also in Year
8, were Highly Commended as was Antonia
Hardcastle – an amazing achievement to be
commended in both categories.
research and then present their arguments for
or against the motion: ‘There are never any
conditions under which the UK Government
should negotiate with terrorists.’ (David
Cameron – Sept 2014 G8 Summit.) This
provoked sophisticated oration and superbly
challenging questioning.
We think this is just the beginning for the
Literary Festival at The Gryphon and look
forward to hosting even more events next
time!
On the last day of the Festival, the English
Department coordinated an Inter-Year Formal
Debate in which pupils had a short time to
See wwwgryphonwriters.co.uk to read some
of the stories and poems created for and
during the Festival.
Penny Fearn - English KS3 Coordinator
Jem Shackleford - Mindfulness Facilitator
Afghan Women in Danger Campaign
The Sixth Form Amnesty Group has been campaigning for the rights of women
in Afghanistan, as part of Amnesty International’s ‘Afghan Women in Danger’
campaign, to protect the rights of women who are being violently attacked and
threatened for going to work. We gathered in the second quad, equipped with
hard hats and fluorescent jackets, to display our Amnesty banner and create a
photo, which will form a part of Amnesty’s ‘photo petition’ and will be sent to
the Home Office, in order to persuade the Government to take action. After
taking our own photo, we asked other Year Groups to take part, creating their
own photos for the petition, which, when combined with photos composed by
other Amnesty groups around the country, will hopefully have a positive impact
on the lives of oppressed women, by raising awareness of their suffering.
Freya Hoppe - Year 12 (Member of the Sixth Form Amnesty Group)
WRITING SUCCESS FOR
FORMER STUDENT OF THE
GRYPHON SCHOOL
A former student of The Gryphon School who
now works part time in the School’s library
was shortlisted this term for Guardian Student
Media Columnist of the Year. Freddie Jobbins,
who left The Gryphon School in 2011, has just
completed his BA in Politics and Philosophy at
the University of Southampton and is now
doing an MA in Creative Writing at the same
university. Around 700 student journalists,
newspapers and news websites entered The
Guardian Student Media Awards this year, with
each category whittled down to just five
entries. Freddie was shortlisted for his work
with the University of Southampton’s Wessex
Scene student newspaper. He was delighted to
have been shortlisted and attended an award
ceremony at The Guardian offices in London in
late November. Even though he did not win
his category Freddie said the awards
ceremony was a fantastic experience.
He also won second prize in the Sherborne
Literary Festival (SLF) short story competition,
for his story ‘The Ministers of Fiction’.
6
Music
Autumn Concert
Our Autumn Concert has just been held. This amazing event
showcases the enormous talents of our many musical
students from the choirs to the Big Band and individual
solos. We are immensely proud of them all. Thanks to
everyone who took part and to all who helped make it such a
success.
Battle of the Bands Winners 2014
Yeovil Hospital Remembrance Service
A big thank you to the 5 members of the Chamber Choir who
sang three items so beautifully as part of this year’s Yeovil
Hospital’s service of Remembrance on Sunday 23th
November. Many members of the congregation commented
on the quality of singing and how the choice of songs
enhanced the service. Our thanks to David Gostick for his
direction and accompaniment and choice of programme.
Battle of the Bands 2014
Congratulations to 'The Drugstore Romeos' (Ali Chester ,
Issac Macpherson, Kat Mcmanus, Duncan O’Brien, Ed Rich,
Matt Ward) for winning Battle of the Bands for the second
year running (the first time a band has achieved this!).
Well done to all six bands for a very high standard, and huge thanks to school staff who supported on the night, to Charlie Main, Rhys Hellyar
and ESP for their technical support and to this year's judge, Mr Paul Chousmer.
Val Mizen (Head of Music)
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Former students
Anne Long
To help students decide on future career paths we run regular careers cafés in the Sixth Form. Recently former
students have returned to school to present to their younger peers. Elly Roberts who left in 2010 gave a
fascinating talk about the International Volunteer Service, having spent 3 months, post degree volunteering in
India. Anne Long who finished her A levels at The Gryphon in 2011 and has recently graduated from Nottingham
Trent University with a First Class Honours degree in Law gave a very informative talk on Law degrees. Anne was
heavily involved in Law based extra-curricular activities including being secretary of the Nottingham Law Society.
Alistair Dolbear
We were delighted to hear that Lawrence Wright, who left the Sixth Form in 2013 to study Medicine at Hull/York
Medical School, has been awarded 'best overall performance of a Year One' across the whole university, some 140
first year students. As recipient, he was invited to a three course meal ceremony, received a medal and certificate
and £200. Lawrence’s parents who informed us of his achievements write ‘we are immensely proud of him and it
is testament to his attitude to learning which has been honed by your teaching. It is especially satisfying that he
is a state educated student who is excelling in all he does.’
Alistair Dolbear, who left us last summer is currently working in Germany. Over the summer he was one of 60
students selected from 2000 who attended the New Narrative for Europe Conference in Bonn, Germany,
organised by the European Commission. Alistair writes ‘We spent the three days in different groups; society,
economy and environment. With a big future ahead of us we discussed how we can shape Europe for our
generation and came up with innovative suggestions. This culminated in a Narrative to present to the Leader of
the European Commission which will be done by representatives from the Conference in Brussels. It was an
inspiring trip, to meet new people and unify so well as friends over three days. The Conference was in fact a
narrative of its own’.
Lawrence Wright
Destinations and careers
The Abbey celebration event in September was a fitting final event for our
Year 13 students as they left us to pursue their various career paths. 119
students went directly to university and a further 21 have deferred places
for 2015. 44% of these students have gained places at Russell Group
universities including one to Oxford and two to Cambridge. Whilst 83% of
students remained in education leaving us for degree courses or specialist
FE college courses such as Art Foundation degrees, 24 students went
directly into employment or training and three are joining the Armed
Forces. We are delighted that for a second year students gained places on
advanced apprenticeships in areas such as graphic design, customer
services and IT.
Senior Maths Challenge
Around 80 students from Years 11 – 13 took part in the Senior Challenge in
November, with around half gaining medals of some type; in total achieving 25
bronze awards, 11 silver awards and 4 gold awards. The four gold awards were
gained by Katie Irwin (Year 13), Henry Straughan, Paul Jennings and Wade Elgee
(all Year 12). Katie and Henry both went on to compete in the second round of
the competition – a fantastic achievement!
Elena Siretanu won a place at Yale University in the USA. She writes ‘The Sutton Trust was the catalyst that gave me
the confidence and resources to accomplish something that was just a dream. Only a year ago the great American
universities were a mystery for me – Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia University etc. seemed an impossible
dream. If you had told me a year before that I would talk to the British Consular about my EPQ in his penthouse in
New York I would not have believed you. The Sutton Trust programme didn’t just provide me with the support to
apply to an American university, but also a life changing experience. It opened new horizons.
The Summer School residential at Yale has been invaluable, providing me with
support, knowledge, experience, advice and encouragement. The friendships and
memories I have made will undoubtedly last me a lifetime, and I know that
thanks to this amazing programme there will be many more to come! And even if
you don’t think seriously of applying to American universities, it is a free trip to
America!’
Charity
Having completed the sponsorship of Shukrami, a
Kenyan boy whom we had sponsored for 10 years,
we are delighted that the Sixth Form has agreed to
sponsor Desteria, a 7 year girl from the same village.
Students raise the £16 per month as well as
regularly sending Desteria cards. Year 12s
MacMillan cake sale raised over £100 for this
worthwhile charity, while in October Mrs Jacklin,
our Head of Year 13 had her hair cut for the Little
Princess Trust. The hair is donated to make wigs for children suffering from hair
loss. Mrs Jacklin also raised over £500 in sponsorship.
Every year several students are selected to take part in Sutton Trust events at
prestigious UK universities. Jordan Pickin writes: ‘The Summer School at UCL
with the Sutton Trust showed me what life at university was like studying the
subject that I wanted to study and allowed me to finally select the course I
wanted to study. The trip meant making new friends from all over the country
and spending a week in one of the most vibrant and busy cities in the world,
seeing both the Shard and Warhorse and visiting laboratories and observatories
at UCL.’
Jane Tutton - Head of Sixth FormJane Tutton – Director of Sixth Form
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Sport
Fencing Competition
On Saturday 15th November a group of four of our students competed in a Fencing competition at
the Oxley Leisure Centre.
The boys involved were Peter Zaborowski, Paul Zaborowski, Josh Whittick and Rob Stevenson. The
boys did brilliantly against national and internationally ranked fencers. Paul and Josh competed in
the Senior Sabre and Epée, with Paul achieving a gold medal and Josh the bronze in the Epée. This
followed up by a 4th for Paul and 9th for Josh in the Sabre. Peter achieved a 6th place in the Cadet
Sabre.
Considering this was their first competition all the boys can be proud of how they fought and they
will be looking to build on this. Well done!
Yeovil Town Girls Football Tournament
On a very wet and windy Thursday in
November the under 13 girls’ football team
took part in their first tournament of the
season. The girls battled the elements and the
opposition to reach the Quarter Finals. In their
group matches they were unbeaten only
conceding one goal along the way. They played
some fantastic football on a pitch that was
basically a mud bath.
The girls were finally knocked out by Kings
College who went on to win the competition.
After all the calculations had been completed
the girls finished 5th out of 19 teams which is
fantastic.
Squad: Rebecca Broom, Lauren Helyar, Emelia
MacDonald, Abigail Foote, Gemma Alford,
Scarlett Paolozzi, Tia Symes and Lauren West
Gryphon Games
Summer 14
Rugby
The Gryphon Games were held in the summer of
2014. Each Tutor Group arrived in their country
colours ready for a day of sport and physical
activity. Each Tutor Group took part in all the
activities on offer to earn points for the ultimate
accolade.... to be crowned The Gryphon Games
Champions of their Year.
There were a host of activities available for
students to compete in including football,
netball, athletics, rounders, volleyball, boccia,
goal ball and many more. Some new activities
were introduced this year, which included the
use of the Skate Park on Blackberry Lane, where
some of the students demonstrated some
fantastic skills to score points towards their
Tutor Group totals. After lunch, when everyone
was re-fuelled and refreshed, we had the
ultimate Gryphon Games races – the 4 x 100m
Year 7 Rugby Team
The Year 7 rugby team has been steadily improving during the last term, and though the team includes
several players that have limited rugby experience they are working hard and the results are clear to see
in their games. A good initial win away to Sexey’s School was then followed by some difficult defeats,
most notably to Gillingham School featuring a high number of North Dorset players. However, following
these tough results, the boys worked exceptionally well to improve their basic skills, and were rewarded
with a fantastic away win against King Arthur’s School to round the season off. A special mention must
go to Captain Tom Beeson who, along with other more experienced players in the group, has really
helped team-mates improve dramatically since the season began.
Year 8 Rugby
The Year 8 rugby team has gone from strength to
strength this year. They started slowly against
Gillingham in their first match which resulted in a loss
due to conceding three early tries. After this the team
began to dominate the scrums, rucks and mauls,
getting themselves back into the match eventually
losing out to Gillingham by 10 points. Since then the
boys have won every game. The matches were against
Dorchester Middle School, Blandford School and King
Arthur’s.
relays. The whole school gathered around the
track to watch their chosen relay teams take
part in the final challenge of the day. Each Year
Group sent forward their winning relay team to
compete against the best in the school in order
to win those final points. This included races
between the staff and Sixth Form which were
highly contested.
The final game was stopped at half time with the boys
winning 49-0. A particular mention must go to the
forwards who have been so dominant in rucks, mauls
and scrums; your hard work has enabled the backs to do their job. However, each and every member of
the squad has played their part in making this an exceptionally successful term. Well done boys!
As a department, we would like to thank all staff
for their help and hard work on the day.
Hockey Report
The Hockey season is now coming to a close, and we are down to the final few fixtures to
determine who makes the Yeovil and District finals.
Year 9 Rugby
The Year 7s have had an excellent start to Hockey at The Gryphon School. They have won all of
their matches, with their greatest win being over Sexey’s at 6 -1.
The Year 9 rugby players have put on a series of
superb performances over the past two months
maintaining an unbeaten run in all their games.
With outstanding performances from Israel
Mason-Williams and Jasper Hodgson in
particular, the whole squad has really pulled
together as a cohesive unit excelling in all areas
of the game. Their most notable win saw them in
the 2nd Round of the Dorset Cup where they
outshone opponents All Saints School with a
42-5 victory. The sportsmanship and
determination of all the players involved was a
sight not to be missed and they conducted
themselves fantastically throughout the game.
Hopefully they will progress through the Cup
Competition with a view to bringing home some
silverware.
Year 8s have had a tough year making the transition from 7 a side to 11 a side. They have played
some excellent games, losing 1 game and drawing the rest 0-0.
Year 9s had a great start to the season, winning their first two games and not conceding any
games. Unfortunately due to the poor weather they have had two matches cancelled, so their
finishing position in the league was based on their final game against Sexey’s. They played
excellently and won 2-0. Unfortunately it was not enough to make the finals this year.
Year 10s have had an amazing season so far. They have only conceded 1 goal in 5 games and
scored a staggering 27 goals, with their best result being against Buckler’s Mead where they
scored 11-0.
Year 11 have had another tough hockey season, losing their first game and having their other
matches cancelled due to the weather.
Editor: Liz Oatts
We wish all the teams who make the finals the best of luck.
The Gryphon School, Bristol Road, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 4EQ
School and Sixth Form – T: 01935 813122 • F: 01935 816992 • E: office@gryphon.dorset.sch.uk
Conference Centre – T: 01935 810103 • F: 01935 816992 • E: conference@gryphon.dorset.sch.uk
Nursery – T: 01935 810112
The Gryphon School is a company limited by guarantee • Registered in England with Company Number 08130468
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F: 01935 816992
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E: nursery@gryphon.dorset.sch.uk