July 2013 - Heanor Gate Science College

Heanor Gate Science College
MAGAZINE
July 2013 - Issue 17
Sixth form beauty and
photography students recently
visited Photo Nottingham for a
fashion make-up course and
studio lighting workshop.
The beauty students were given the
opportunity to develop make-up designs
which were then photographed by our own
photography students. These students had
been able to work with award winning
photographer, Stuart McIntyre.
He talked to them about careers in
photography and they took part in a studio
lighting workshop. After this he helped
students use the studio lighting to develop
their coursework ideas and experiment with
the studio equipment.
www.heanorgate.org.uk
01773 716396
Contents
Headteacher’s message and China
3
F Block
4
House news and Fun run
5
Saving Abbey
6&7
Star students
8
Year 10 Public Services
9
Year 9 Bushcraft
10 & 11
Where are they now?
12
Year 7 Humanities at Newark
13
Dedicated and determined students
14
News in brief
15
Parent and community news
16
School Council
The school council have worked hard this year
and looked at a variety of key issues for students
including a review of the rewards system, health
and safety around the site and school catering.
They have represented the school in a recent
Derbyshire School Council event which involved
working with students from other schools on a
range of activities. Suggestions that the school
council have come up with have been
implemented by the school, so student voice
does have an impact!
In April 2012 our school
community was shocked and
saddened by the sudden death
of Hannah Meakin.
Hannah was a student in our sixth form about to take her
A-levels when she suddenly died from heart failure on 13th
April 2012.
Her parents, Mr and Mrs Meakin, donated over a £1,000 to
school from funds raised by the local community in
memory of Hannah,
and we have invested in
a defibrillator which is
permanently in the sixth
form block. The
commemoration plaque
was kindly donated by
Mr Stuart Lee, our PE
uniform supplier.
2
www.heanorgate.org.uk
July 2013 - Issue 17
Headteacher’s Message
This is our bumper summer edition and final
newsletter of the year. There are over sixteen
pages of photos and articles for you to enjoy.
We are at that time of the year when students in
Year 11 and the sixth form are taking their final
exams. They have worked hard with the
support of staff who have given up their time
after school and during the holidays to ensure
students achieve the best results they possibly
can. Fingers crossed that there are lots of
happy faces on results days in August!
We have recently been successful in securing
capital funding for two building projects. The
first will hopefully be ready for September and
involves an expansion and refurbishment of the
sixth form centre. The second will be a brand
new Inclusion and Special Needs block
programmed to be completed by next
February. Both will significantly enhance the
facilities for our students.
It is so good to see so many students getting
involved in a wide range of activities on offer.
Year 7 recently visited the Pioneer Centre where
many students were pushed to their physical
and emotional limits. There were a range of
activities available such as abseiling, raft
building and the climbing wall.
A group of Year 9 students had the experience
of a lifetime on a Bushcraft outdoor experience
which included rough camping, cooking fish
and skinning rabbits.
Year 10 Public Services students had to plan
and successfully lead a 10 mile expedition in
the Peak District.
Charity and fund raising work has continued
throughout the year, with our most noticeable
success being the raising of over £6,000 for the
Saving Abbey appeal. The PTFA have also
supported many events including the recent
Fun Day involving primary schools. The
proceeds from these events have been shared
with departments to help fund specific projects.
I would like to thank parents, governors, staff
and students for all their support during the
year and wish you all an enjoyable and restful
summer break.
Best wishes,
Rob Howard
The road to China
opportunities. This year
we participated in
workshops that involved
mask making, T-shirt
painting, playing
authentic Chinese musical instruments, learning to
speak Chinese, a Chinese tea ceremony as well as a
master class in martial arts.
March 2013 saw our sixth visit to China, when we visited
our partner school in Shanghai.
We toured so many wonderful places and saw some
truly amazing sights. The city of Beijing, the Olympic
stadium and the Great Wall were enjoyed by all.
Once again we were greeted with incredible hospitality
and we were treated to an array of wonderful
Who would like to join us in 2014?
www.heanorgate.org.uk
3
Before
After
During
F Block
In June this year we were all
delighted when the £1.2 million
refurbishment of the science
block was finally completed.
In terms of improvements, two aims have been
accomplished. Firstly the roof, has been replaced and the
whole block has been insulated, which will be very much
appreciated by staff and students in winter time.
Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, we now have six brand new, state of the art laboratories, in
addition to six other laboratories which have either been partially or totally refurbished. All the rooms have
been designed and arranged so that they share a fume cupboard and a computer cluster. This, along with a
host of other new facilities and equipment will enable staff to teach in new and imaginative ways, to inspire
the students and hopefully enable science at Heanor Gate to go from strength to strength.
4
www.heanorgate.org.uk
July 2013 - Issue 17
House Report
What an exciting year we have
had so far. Haddon have led the
field, with the other houses chasing
hard and exchanging positions as
the events have taken place.
One of the major activities this term has been the
cheerleading, which, after several weeks of rehearsals,
ended up being a close run race between Chatsworth
and Kedleston. On this occasion Chatsworth proved
too polished a team and took the points.
The next big event, which was watched by a large and
very appreciative audience, was the house one act play
festival. At the end of a very enjoyable evening, the
victorious group was Hardwick.
The rowing half marathon was won by Haddon, by a
distance of well over 800m at the finish. This was truly a
great team effort.
During the final half term we have to look forward to
sports day, tag rugby, girls 5 a-side football and tug of
war. A large number of points are still available and the
overall trophy is still in the balance.
Overall Standing
Position
Points
CHATSWORTH
5th
55
HADDON
1st
96
HARDWICK
3rd
80
KEDLESTON
4th
76
SUDBURY
2nd
90
Fun Run
At the end of May we were blessed with reasonably dry
weather when we held our first Sports Fun afternoon. Our
aim was to share our open air sports facilities with local
junior schools and provide a mixture of sporting, but fun,
activities.
We are hoping that each year this collaboration will grow
into a bigger and bigger carnival atmosphere, with more
variety of sporting activities and challenges which will
appeal to more and more students.
The PTFA (Parents, Teachers
and Friends Association) is a
team of volunteers who
want to support the school
in a variety of ways. Here
are two helpers who served
refreshments for our young
visitors during our Fun
afternoon.
If you are able to help
in any way, please
contact Sue
Reynolds, Assistant
Head and Chair of
the PTFA at school
(01773 716396).
www.heanorgate.org.uk
5
Once upon a time,
in a little place called Heanor, news had spread that one of its very young people
was in need of help. Abbey Fenton, a 3 year old, was in a terrible situation fighting
for her life against a cancerous brain tumour. Abbey’s mum, Jules, along with close
friend Miss Harris from Heanor Gate Science College, set up the ‘Saving Abbey
Fund’. Now let the story begin:
e as much money as
Miss Harris was determined to rais
wrist bands and hold
possible and started to sell charity
her school students to
fundraising activities. She challenged
a to raise money, and she
come up with one really special ide
happen.
promised them she would make it
rs heard
Sports Leade
te
a
g
n
e
p
O
e
a
h
T
began forming
ly
k
ic
u
q
d
n
a
the news
viously
nted to use pre
plan. They wa
ns in
nd qualificatio
gained skills a
e a 24
g and organis
Ozbox trainin
.
OXERTHON
HOUR OZB
me the
In next to no ti
ere
local media w
e coming
reporting on th
as to take
event which w
n Friday
place betwee
morning .
and Saturday
s covered
The news wa
, newspaper
by local radio
and television
6
A committee was quickly
selected in
the form of Delenn Morris
, Lucy
Slade, Dale Wood, Jord
an Clark,
Katie Watson, Becky Sl
oman,
Niamh Anderson, Rachel
Wilson
and Sheng Lim. These pe
ople were
responsible for organising
the nonstop activity which would
take place
somewhere in the commun
ity at one
given time for the 24hour
period.
The day was formally opened by the High Sheriff of
Derbyshire, and at 9.20am the activity started.
During the day the Ozbox sessions took place in
P.E lessons and in the local primary schools. The
sessions were led by Heanor Gate Sports Leaders.
www.heanorgate.org.uk
July 2013 - Issue 17
As the hours went
by and the light
faded, it was over
to the 70 Sports
Leaders to keep
the activity going.
hich raised
The Oxbox event, w
t sponsorship
funds through studen
greatly to the
forms, contributed
58.
final total of £6,742.
At 9.20am on
Saturday mo
rning,
Heanor Gate
Science Colle
ge
and the local
community of
schools had c
ompleted the
24
HOUR OZB
OXERTHO
N.
The money has
been used to buy
essential bathing
facilities for
children at the
hospital.
m Jules are
Abbey and mu ll the
ra
very grateful fo ess that the
indn
support and k y has shown,
unit
Heanor comm that Abbey
ted
and are deligh n in a similar
dre
and young chil g better care
vin
position are ha st cancer.
ain
in their fight ag
www.heanorgate.org.uk
7
Star Students
Will Marler
Sixth form
competition
winner.
Well done Will
on achieving
first place in
the University
of Derby, ‘New
Creatives’
award, for your
short film warning about the perils of identity theft.
A gold medal and
£250 prize money
is just reward for
your hard work
and obvious talent.
We wish you luck
next year at
Birmingham
University when
you go on to
study visual
communication
and animation.
Fearn Middleton Year 8
Congratulations goes to Fearn who as well as
swimming regularly for Ripley Rascals is now a
member of Derventio Excel, which is the Derbyshire
elite swimming club. In June this year Fearn will be
swimming at Coventry in her third Midlands
Championship, and we obviously wish her well.
Elise West
Year 9
Year 7
Calculator
Champions
Matthew Cross
and Jason
Lockwood
beat off stiff
competition
from the rest of
the year group
to eventually
emerge
victorious as
champions.
8
Elise may only be 13
years old, but she is
already a martial arts
junior black belt. As
well as training
regularly herself
throughout the week,
she also finds time to
coach younger
student classes and
hopes one day to
become a
professional
instructor.
www.heanorgate.org.uk
July 2013 - Issue 17
Year 10 Public
Services Expedition:
Two nights camping in the Peak District.
Public Services is a BTEC course aimed at students who may have an interest in a career in the uniformed public
services. These include police, fire, ambulance, customs, prison service, army, navy and air force. Because of the
focus on developing teamwork and leadership skills, self-confidence and command and control skills some students
choose the subject to enhance their prospects in other careers.
In Year 10 and 11, students investigate the skills needed for working in public services, citizenship, adventurous
activities and expedition skills. They also learn how public services deal with emergency situations and develop fitness
programmes that match entry requirements for various public services.
All the planning for the expedition, including an 11 mile walk from Carsington water to the campsite, was completed
by the students and developing navigation skills was an essential part of this exercise.
They also had to plan their own menus, shop for the food, cook the meals and eat the results.
www.heanorgate.org.uk
9
Wild Adventure
for Year 9
No one knew quite what to expect when we made our
way cross-country to Cholmondeley Castle. What was
a bushcraft experience and what dangers lay ahead?
Within minutes of arriving, students had been sorted into tribes and were busy cooking
their own trout for lunch and building shelters to sleep in for the evening. All credit to
our "hardy" bushmen and women who lasted two cold nights out in the wilderness.
During the day there were experiences of lake swimming, bush first aid and even rabbit
butchery. Our students were fantastic and they faced all challenges with enthusiasm
and determination.
As one student loudly proclaimed, "I can't believe I've just done that."
One parent said, "My daughter came back as a country girl."
I think that sums it up. A brilliant time had by all and once again our
students were a credit to the school.
We are already booked for 2014! Who in Year 8 now, fancies going
WILD in Year 9?
10
www.heanorgate.org.uk
July 2013 - Issue 17
www.heanorgate.org.uk
11
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12
www.heanorgate.org.uk
July 2013 - Issue 17
Year 7 Newark
Year 7 students have once again
participated in the annual
Humanities field trip to Newark
upon Trent. The response from
students was, as always, very
positive and we firmly believe that
bringing humanities alive through
outdoor field trips is still a very
worthwhile educational experience.
The field trip itself involves our students examining the castle and
church in Newark as well as carrying out a geographical study into the
shopping habits of people in the town.
The visit is spread over two days, with the year group being split
between the two. Both days were really successful with students
engaging well with the activities and enjoying the experience.
This work will form the basis of their last Humanities homework project
of the year and we look forward to reading the finished products.
www.heanorgate.org.uk
13
Sports Leaders
During February half term break this year, thirty of our students
volunteered to spend two days to receive additional
qualifications relating to sports and activity leadership in
football, netball, disability awareness and dance.
In the past these courses have been run in school time, but in
an effort not to impede the normal curriculum this year, we
have had to call upon our students’ dedication and willingness
to go that extra mile.
You can view the students in action. www.avssp.co.uk
Some of those involved this year include:
Freya Wood
Chenai Nduru
Annie Raynor
Edward Watts
Georgina Oliver
NETBALL LEADERSHIP
DANCE LEADERSHIP
DISABILITY SPORT AWARENESS
FOOTBALL FUTURES
RUGBY LEADERSHIP
Kenan Smith
Kenan continues to pursue his interest in stage
lighting as a career and he has contacted
theatres, made himself available to help, and
got involved with the professional teams. Kenan
has now worked at Derby Theatre, Nottingham
Playhouse and Sheffield Crucible.
All of these experiences have been on
professional shows using professional
computerised lighting control boards. As an
example, he assisted with the lighting at the
Crucible Theatre’s production of ‘My Fair Lady’
and was asked to operate the follow spot on at
least one occasion. This is a very trusted role to
be given - and a scary one, too!
Obviously, he said he would! This is a very big
responsibility and a wonderful experience and
we wish Kenan well in this. The school also
hopes to organise a visit to see the show one
night and ‘experience’ Kenan’s lighting!
Kenan’s story is indeed one of
aspiration and determination,
and we are all proud of
the example he sets
for other students
to follow.
Earlier this year, Kenan was informed that ‘War
Horse’ will be completing its run in the West End
and starts its tour of regional theatres in
June/July, 2013. The show will be going to the
Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre in the
October half-term week and Kenan has
been asked to run the lighting for the show!
14
www.heanorgate.org.uk
July 2013 - Issue 17
News in brief
Chess success
Congratulations to Tom and James in Year 10 who
have both qualified for the North of Britain chess
tournament following the
county final. Tom scored
an excellent win over the
county U18 champion.
The team as a whole
finished in an
impressive second
place - their best result
for many years.
Revision workshops with
Nottingham University
In preparation for
maths examinations
this summer, we sent
an elite squad of our
Year 11 students to
participate in an
exciting learning
experience provided
by Nottingham
University. During
the day there were workshops on the key areas of
maths, including algebra, numbers, shape and space
as well as trigonometry. All
the students thoroughly
enjoyed the day and we
must thank Nottingham
university for providing
such a stimulating
opportunity.
The world of engineering
Year 12 physics students took part in an engineering
education programme working with Rolls-Royce and the
National Grid to create engineering design solutions to
real life problems. They completed the project by
presenting their designs to a panel of industry experts.
Year 8 & 9 Maths
Team challenge
Four students from Year 8 and Year 9 were
chosen to participate in the regional final of
a maths team challenge. Twenty six other
schools were taking part and after a day of
physical and mental challenges our students
did us proud by
coming a creditable
seventh place.
Congratulations go to
Helen Barnes, Eloise
Cooper, Alisha
Cooper and Oliver
Grainger.
Tranquility in the community
Our students in the Hair and Beauty salon
take every opportunity they can to work with groups in the
local community. Recently our Year 11 beauty therapy students
visited Cotmanhay Junior school to work with Year 5. The workshop
explained and demonstrated the need for personal hygiene; the
importance of washing hands properly and how easily germs are
passed on. The Beauty students also taught Year 5 how to do a
mini hand and arm massage!
www.heanorgate.org.uk
15
July 2013 - Issue 17
Parent & Community news
We are happy to announce that Tranquility is running a City
& Guilds Level 2 qualification in Beauty Therapy for adult
learners from September 2013.
This is a part-time course, which will take one year to complete.
Learners will need to attend classes on two evenings a week,
here in the salon at Heanor Gate Science College.
Students will learn waxing, facials, pedicures, manicures,
nail art, eye treatments, make-up application and spray
tanning. So whether it's a new career, or just something to
do for family and friends, the course will give students the
skills in all aspects of the beauty industry.
If you are interested please contact Gemma or Laura on
01773 716396 Ext 290 or email
tranquility@heanorgate.derbyshire.sch.uk
School Term Holiday Dates
2013 - 14
Autumn 2013
Wed 4 September to Fri 25 October
Mon 4 November to Fri 20 December
Spring 2014
Mon 6 January to Fri 14 February
Mon 24 February to Fri 11 April
Summer 2014
Mon 28 April - Fri 23 May
Mon 2 June to Wed 23 July
Mon 5 May Bank Holiday
INSET DAYS
Fri 27 September 2013
Thurs 5 December 2013
Fri 6 December 2013
Start of term in September:
Wednesday 4th Staff INSET
(school closed to students)
Thursday 5th Year 7, and Year 12 only
Friday 6th School open to all
Transport
Parents into School
September – December 2013
Do you live in the Ilkeston area?
In addition to any scheduled Trent Barton services there is another alternative from Ilkeston,
Cotmanhay, Granby and Shipley View. These areas are also served by an independent mini
bus provided by “To & Fro” (01159 304430)
Do you live in the Derby, Chaddesden, Oakwood,
Breadsall Village, Morley area?
These areas are serviced by the Notts-Derby HG1. This is a
commercial pay as you travel route. Full details are on the
school web site. (Two trip ticket is £2.20 with B-Line card,
single trip is £1.20) Tel: 01332 204568
Do you live in the Ilkeston, West Hallam,
Stanley, Horsley Woodhouse, Smalley area?
These areas are served by Little transport ltd. This is
a commercial, pay as you travel service. Full details
are on the school web site. (Daily fares range from
£1.00 – 60p single)
Thurs 19 Sept - 6.00 - 8.00pm
Year 7 Parents Welcome Evening
Thurs 26 Sept - 6.00 - 9.00pm
HGSC Open Evening
Wed 9 Oct - 6.00 - 8.00pm
HGSC Post 16 Options Advice Evening
Wed 16 Oct - 6.00 - 8.00pm
Year 10 Work Experience Evening
Thurs 7 Nov - 6.00 - 8.00pm
Sixth Form Recruitment Evening
Thurs 14 Nov - 3.00 - 7.30pm
Year 10 -13 Target Setting and
Year 7 Pastoral Evening
Thurs 21 Nov - 7.00 - 8.30pm
KS4 Celebration Evening
Thurs 28 Nov - 4.00 - 7.00pm
Year 9 Consultation Evening
Thurs 12 Dec - 4.00 - 7.00pm
Year 12 Consultation Evening
Mon 16 Dec - 7.00 - 8.30pm
KS5 Celebration Evening
SAFETY ALERT: Parent parking in the local
area and using the school drive.
Please be aware that we have had a number of
incidents this term involving parent cars on the school
drive causing a health and safety issue for both
students and the school buses. Please do not drive
onto school premises to drop off or collect your child.
At the same time we are receiving complaints from local
residents about parents parking their cars in an
inconsiderate manner. May we please ask parents to
16
be aware of the inconvenience and distress caused
by blocking driveways on Peatburn Avenue,
Barnscroft, Twyford Close and Kirkley Drive.
Wed 18 Dec - 7.00 - 9.30pm
Christmas Concert
Parents should also have seen the
letter sent by Mr Blatchly and Mrs
Reynolds on 10th June, attached
to which was a letter of concern from
Derbyshire Police about parental parking issues.
Please do support the school and local community by
parking considerately at all times. A copy of both letters
can be found on the school website.
Uniform sale and collection dates
during the summer holidays.
10.00am - 2.30pm
Mon 29 - Tues 30 July
Mon 5 - Tues 6 August
Mon 19 - Tues 20 August
www.heanorgate.org.uk