February 2009 - Ulverston Victoria High School

Ulverston Victoria High School
NEWS SPLASH - FEBRUARY 2009
Ulverston Victoria Students Produce Delicious Dishes!
Mr Fay writes
As this is my first opportunity of 2009 to do so I must wish
you all a belated “Happy New Year!”
2009 has started well for Ulverston Victoria! We have had
a very successful Local Authority Review on 21st January.
Phrases such as “Pupils continue to report that lessons are
more interesting, relationships between teachers and
pupils improved and the
general ethos of the school
is one in which they feel
they are achieving more”
and that “they appreciate
and value highly the
leadership of this school
and the improvements that
have been made” This
reflects the general flavour of the review (the full review is
available on our website). Indeed, the report provides vital
evidence for Ofsted on our improvement and there were
some very positive informal comments made as well!
Further evidence of our improving provision is, of course, our
new merit system which is explained elsewhere in the
Newsplash and you will be able to see just how your child
can get a merit certificate. Although it is an expense, we are
sending the certificates home by post at the suggestion of
the Parents’ Advisory Group, so then everyone at home can
join in the celebrations of the achievement.
I hope you will really like the quality of the certificates as they
are produced by CGP, the country’s leading publisher of
revision guides, free of charge. It is a fantastic sponsorship
gesture in the era of the credit crunch and symbolises the
commitment of the company to education and their
recognition of the improvements we have made at
Ulverston Victoria. I hope the “welcome mat” doesn’t
become too snowed under with merits dropping through
the letter box. Actually though, I do!
We are continually seeking to further improve our provision
in all aspects. The Local Authority was, for instance, very
complementary about all the new aspects of assessment the calendar, yellow stickers, progress reviews, new reports
etc. We are doing lots more, including how we find out your
thoughts and feelings about the school. There will be more
developments in the parent and student voice. Watch this
space!
However, I would still like to know how you feel about our
progress at the moment. If you feel pleased about things in
general or specific aspects (or indeed constructive criticism)
please write to me, as soon as possible, via the school
office, in an envelope marked “Newsplash Response”.
I look forward to hearing from you.
The ever-popular Year 9 Food Competition took place this year
on Thursday 29th January. Our young and talented celebritychefs-of-the-future focused their imaginative powers and
culinary skills on this year’s challenge: Give Leftovers a
Makeover!
Mrs Greenway, Development Co-ordinator for Food Technology,
was highly impressed by the standard attained by the students.
Their efforts were subject to
stern scrutiny by the panel of
judges, comprising Chef Mr
John Murray; Mrs Mavis Hall
from Inner Wheel; and Mr
Cubiss, Head of Year 9.
Prizes were awarded to
the following students
by Mr John Greenwood,
President of The Rotary Club of Ulverston:
1st Prize (Ice-Cream Maker) was
won by Anna for her Thai Curry.
2nd Prize (Digital Scales) was
awarded to Alice for Chicken
Wrapped in Bacon with a Cheese
and Chilli Sauce.
3rd Prize (Toasted Sandwich
Maker) went to George for
Roman Pan-Fried Lamb. 4th
Prize (Chocolate Cook Book and
Hot Chocolate Set) was won by
Connor for his Dark-side
Spaghetti.
5th Prize (Tins of Chocolate Biscuits and a Hand-Blender) was
awarded to Harriet for her Turkey and Stilton Pie.
Jack was awarded 6th Prize
(Mediterranean Cookery Book
and Pasta Set) for his Venison
with Caramelised Carrots.
The Master-class section was
won by Abigail for her Chicken
Vegetable Stew and mouthwatering
Chocolate
Desert
flavoured with Baileys Cream.
Brondesbury Linking and Visit of MP John Hutton
John Hutton our local MP and Defence Minister visited the school on January 23rd to hear about our linking with Brondesbury
College, a muslim faith school in London. He met 15 of our students who have been involved in the project to hear more about
this unique linking. Each student presented their view of the link and this piece was written by Nathan in year 11, our Head
Boy. Nathan was also interviewed live on BBC Radio Cumbria about the project on January 26th. The students from Brondesbury
will be visiting the school for 3 days in July and we are actively seeking sponsorship for their visit.
The linking with Brondesbury College for Boys (BCB) has changed my
view on the world around me. It has allowed me to be able to
understand the human mind a bit more, and allows me to create
more balanced conclusions about the way in which people believe,
and why they do things.
When we became aware of a linking with an Islamic school from
London, there was apprehension on both sides. The students of UVHS
even though we are not racist in anyway shape or form, were
unconsciously prejudiced against Muslims. The reason for this
prejudiced view of Muslims is because of the negative
press that the Islamic faith receives, many terrorist attacks
were linked to the Islamic faith. 9/11, Gaza, and the
London bombings, these events killed hundreds of
innocent people and in our community and
understanding were told that it was the Muslims, the
minority that participated in terrorist activities, yet give
negative press to the majority.
Ulverston and the Furness peninsula are composed
mainly of white atheists or Christians with hardly any
other ethnic group, with the exception of visiting Buddhists coming to the Priory. Therefore schools in this area require a large
selection of various religious text books. These textbooks give a good understanding of the Islamic faith, with a high level of
detail. From a personal view, the text book gives a biased interpretation of the faith and gives the impression of the Muslim as
being a “Collective” that thinks, believes and does the same things.
Meeting with the Muslim students, was an amazing experience. It allowed us to exchange questions about each other and
gave us a greater understanding of each others faith then it would have been possible, within the restraints of a text book. My
first impression of them was that they were human; they believed different things to each other and had their own opinions on
their faith. What surprised me most though was how dissimilar each of them were, they were all from different backgrounds
some coming from different parts of the world; Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Morocco and London.
Their own experiences allowed them to have a personalised view on the faith itself, those that came from Egypt had a slightly
different view from those that came from London but still had the same principals. There was one aspect that was supported
within the group that came from Brondesbury, they worked together as a team, as a “collective” and supported each other in
this way. We are all still in contact with each other, and hopefully the friendship created by the link will last for a long time to
come.
The linking itself is very important as it allows you to create our own conclusions not those set out by the news. It is because
of think linking that many of us have been able to participate more in lessons, not only BPE but other subjects. In BPE it allows
us to be able to consider things from an Islamic perspective and be able to compare this with other religions perspectives.
Other subjects have also benefited from the linking, as it has allowed us to open our minds and perceive the world slightly
differently allowing our creative side to be open. Allowing ourselves a better understanding of one culture and how other
cultures can perceive our own culture.
Every school should have a link with another cultural school to allow students to maximise their potential in life and give them
a better understanding of other cultures. As one day, shortly, the young people will eventually become the adult population
and run the world, and if by any chance at all they are misguided about other cultures or do not have the correct education
about the world in which we live, we may all be living a different life.
Year 10 Excel in Science Exams
Results are out for the first year 10 module exams taken
in November and they show that the Science students at
UVHS continue to go from strength to strength.
Over 70% of results were between A* and C grades, an
improvement on last year’s results and in excess of the
targets set for the department at this level.
63 students achieved A* or A grades and this is just the
beginning – as more progress is made throughout the
year and the students complete more module exams we
are sure that this year group will achieve the best Science
results at UVHS ever.
Well done to all students, staff and parents for these
fantastic results.
School Coats and Shoes (and Whiskers
on Kittens!)
We have reminded parents in two newsletters that the school
uniform that they agreed to when their children joined the school
included a plain school coat.
After half term we will be moving towards a much stricter regime in
this aspect of school uniform and we would be really grateful for
parental support.
The simple rule of thumb is that the coat should not be patterned,
checked, etc. Neither should it be leather or denim.
Can we also include a plea from the Pastoral Leaders that you
make sure that your child has proper school shoes and not trainers
(even if they are mainly black!)
UVHS Science Gets Wikid
Year 6 Pennington Visit to DT
In this 2008/9 academic year Ulverston Victoria High School
Science faculty has introduced a new course for students in year
7. It has been designed by the Association for Science Education
and is called UPD8 Wikid. Parents and carers can keep up to
date with the new course our students are following at this
website: http://www.upd8.org.uk/upd8-wikid.php
Upd8 wikid has been designed from first principles to:
• Make all science relevant and contemporary.
• Turn out students confident with ‘How Science Works’ skills.
• Raise students' achievement and understanding.
• Equip students for the Assessment of Pupil Performance.
• Fit the National Strategy Framework for Secondary Science.
Science teaching staff at UVHS were looking for a new Science
course which could deliver on student engagement,
understanding and skills, rather than just cramming for a test.
With UPD8 Wikid, every science lesson gets students motivated
to learn, whatever the topic. Themed units set science in dozens
of relevant contexts, and carefully crafted teaching sequences
promote deep learning. Teachers learning priorities are to
establish clear student understanding of the 'Big Ideas' of
science, and 'How Science Works' (concepts and skills). The units
are constructed around themes and missions, so students see
more purpose to learning. Ideally they will experience each unit
as a kind of an adventure story, not as a 'difficult or dull' topic.
Each module is enquiry based so that students learn as much
from their own research as they do by direct instruction; we
believe this gives our students ownership of their own Science
learning. Assessment for each module is performance basedwe are aiming to test whether students can transfer what they
have learned in their Science lessons and use it in the real world,
to allow them to develop a lasting understanding of scientific
concepts, apply previous knowledge and to assess counter
intuitive ideas.
Finally we want our students to care deeply about the way the
world they live in works and to understand how human activities
can affect that world.
The stories behind our six year seven units are:
Forensics: students take on the part of a trainee forensic scientist
and use Science to solve a difficult case.
Cook!: students become trainee chefs and learn the Scientific
ideas that allow us to cook perfect recipes!
Extinction: students are trainee TV reporters tasked with telling the
public the story of endangered species.
Electromancer: students become Muggle Magicians and master
invisible forces!
A & E: our students take on the part of a nurse in an accident and
emergency department and have to learn to care for patients
and babies.
Alien: the students become planet hunters looking for extra
terrestrial life forms.
If there is any more information we can give you about the new
developments in our KS3 Science programme please contact us
at the school on 01229 894140 extension 226 or at
pli@ulverstonvictoria.cumbria.sch.uk
Last term I had the opportunity of being one of the foreign
exchange students at UVHS.
The day after I had arrived at my host family’s house in Dalton
I had my first day in UVHS 6th form. From the beginning
everyone – both teachers and students – made me feel
welcome and helped me to settle in my new life. I got the
feeling that students accepted me as one of them, not
bothering about me first struggling with the cumbrian accent as
they were always willing to talk to me and to repeat sentences
over and over again which helped me a lot to improve my
english. Like this, I had a great time in England and was very
sorry to leave after only three months. Thanks again to everyone
who helped me enjoy the time! Maria from Germany
Work Related Learning
Chewing Gum
Twenty year 6 pupils spent the morning in the DT faculty
manufacturing an electronic Christmas tree decoration. They
positioned electronic components, soldered them in place
and then tested the circuit. They formed a plastic base for the
electronics to fit inside and then assembled all of the parts to
complete a very
effective product.
Using the facilities of
the DT department
enhanced the pupils
learning and was
able to extend their
skills
and
knowledge. It is
hoped that more
projects will be carried out
with other primary schools
in the summer term.
Quotes from Pennington
pupils were;
“I had a really great time in
the DT department, my
favourite bit was the
soldering” - Callum
“We really enjoyed
using
the
equipment and to
see the Laser cutter
working. We were
all very pleased with
the Little Christmas
trees we made” Emily & Hannah
Letter from an Exchange Student
Year 11 Business Studies students sat their Finance Exam in Since we introduced chewing gum detentions the problem of
January. This is an extra qualification on top of their GCSE that all chewing gum in school has greatly improved! When we first
students have opted to sit.
started over thirty children were in detention on a weekly basis
The Year 10 Health and Social Care group sat their Unit 3 exam but now we have only three or less regularly. In recognition of
in January. This is one third of their final GCSE work.
an improved effort from the students I have decided not to run
The Year 10 work experience students know their work “chewing gum” detentions after half term and review the
placements and will be completing CVs and letters in situation again at Easter. That is not to say that we are now
preparation for this (9th - 13th March).
allowing chewing gum in school. If your child does so he or
Year 10 Asdan students have begun their Young Firefighters she will be placed in a conventional detention.
Award. This runs over 12 weeks and contributes to their
qualification.
History Department’s visit to Poland
th
On 8 February, thirty five History students from years 12 and
13 plus four members of staff will be travelling down to
Liverpool airport to board a flight to Krakow in Poland. This will
be the start of a four day trip designed to support the students’
study of the Holocaust, which is a part of the History A2
syllabus. While we are there we will walk around Krakow’s
pre-war Jewish area, see Schindler’s factory as well as see
parts of Krakow where “Schindler’s List” was filmed. The
students will
also
have
chance
to
eat Jewish
food
and
listen
to
some
live
Jewish music.
Of
course,
the
main
focus of the
visit will be
the full day
that we will spend at Auschwitz-Birkenau – the largest and
most notorious of the Nazis extermination camps. I am sure
that the pupils will see and hear things that they will never
forget and for many, it will be a life-changing experience.
Huge thanks again to all the parents who are financially
supporting their son/daughter on this visit. There will be
photos and a report on the school website and in the next
news letter after we return.
Language News
This term in languages Year 10 have been busy completing
their enterprise projects and presenting their power point
displays to hotel staff who visited school.
All hotel staff
complimented
students on the
quality of their
work,
their
creativity and
their team work
as well as their
politeness,
friendliness
and confidence.
Well done year
10! It’s a shame there is only one winning pair from each class,
although the Riverside Hotel came up trumps and offered all
students and their families free gym and pool passes. Bon
appétit or Essen Sie gut! to the winners who will enjoy a meal
out with their families.
It is an exciting year for us as we are entering students for GCSE
in 5 languages this year - French and German of course - but
also Spanish following a very successful 2 year course which
takes place after-school, plus Portuguese and Polish as we
have some student native speakers in school.
Years 8 and 12 will be travelling to France for a week’s intensive
language course. Year 8 will learn bread-making, fencing and
climbing and year 12 will visit a French court and police station
to find out about the French legal system.
UVHS Awarded UNESCO Status
Ulverston Victoria High School has just been awarded UNESCO
Associated Schools Status.
This is as a result of a new Gifted and Talented linking project
with a school in Chiapas in the very South of Mexico.
Founded in 1953, UNESCO’s Associated Schools Project
Network
(ASPnet),
commonly referred to
as
UNESCO
Associated Schools, is
a global network of
some
8000
educational
institutions in 177
countries
(ranging
from pre-schools and primary to secondary schools and
teacher training institutions), who work in support of quality
education in practice.
The main purpose of UNESCO, according to its Constitution, is
to contribute to peace and security by promoting the
collaboration of nations through education, science and culture,
in order to further universal respect for justice, the rule of law,
human rights and fundamental freedoms for the peoples of the
world, regardless of race, sex, language or religion. One of the
basic aims of the Organisation has always been the promotion
of peace and international co-operation through education.
After its foundation in 1946, educators working with UNESCO
produced an impressive number of new ideas and
suggestions concerning the education of young people for
international understanding.
In order to translate these ideas into concrete action, UNESCO
launched the Associated Schools Project Network (ASPnet) in
1953. As of September 2005, it includes over 7793 educational
institutions, ranging from pre-school education to teacher
training in 175 countries.
Associated Schools commit to promoting the ideals of UNESCO
by conducting pilot projects in favour of better preparing
children and young people to meet effectively the challenges
of an increasingly complex and interdependent world. The new
ASPnet Strategy and Plan of Action (2004-2009) places
emphasis on reinforcing the four pillars of Learning for the 21st
Century (learning to know, to do, to be and to live together) and
promoting quality education as outlined in the Dakar
Framework of Action. ASPnet teachers and students have many
opportunities to work together beyond their classrooms to
develop innovative educational approaches, methods and
materials from local to global levels.
http://portal.unesco.org/education/en/ev.phpURL_ID=48712&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html
Sixth Form Join United Nations Debate
Last term two teams of sixth formers took part in a United
Nations debate on the crisis in Darfur. One team had to role
play the part of the Chinese
delegation, the other represented
Chile.
After lots of hard work
preparing and researching each
position, our teams gave their best
and did exceptionally well against
some very good opposition schools.
The overall prize went to Lancaster
Royal Grammar School, but a special
mention was made by the event’s organisers of our China
delegation, Jonathan and Chris, with Jonathan winning the
prize for best speaker on the day. Massive congratulations to
all involved, and to Lucy for stepping into the breach and
leading the Chile team.
Orinoco Visits Art
Maths News
Courtesy of Mr Smith, Orinoco the owl has been in Art this week
having her portrait drawn by year 7. So inspired was Shannon
(centre) that she produced this fantastic large drawing - which as
you can see Orinoco was also impressed with.
This has been another very successful term for the maths
department. Year 11 students sat module 2 of the GCSE
course in November and received their results mid January.
Thirty students achieved an A*, which is a fantastic
achievement. Even more amazing was the fact that six
students scored 100% on both papers. We are delighted for
the year group and would also like to thank parents for their
efforts in ensuring that the children of UVHS achieve their full
potential.
This is the time of year
when year 11 students
are thinking about their
choices for AS level in
year 12. Nearly 90
students
have
indicated that they
wish to take a maths
AS level. We are
delighted by this and
believe
this
demonstrates
the
strength of maths in the school.
The Primary Maths Club has started its second term with a
bang: all 45 students have competed in a problem solving
quiz and quite a few pairs managed to get all the puzzles
correct. They have also studied M C Escher and set about
drawing impossible shapes for themselves. Year 7 will also
be problem solving this week as they grapple with over 50
tasks in a competition for the whole year group in the school
hall. Meanwhile about 60 students from years 9, 10 and 11
take on the Intermediate Maths Challenge, a national
competition with Gold, Silver and Bronze Certificates at stake.
Year 8 and 9 mathematicians are in the final stages of their
training for the Regional Final of the Team Maths Challenge
held at Barrow Sixth Form College in March. And if anyone is
still short of mathematical opportunity then there is the January
Competition to enter. This is open to anyone in Years 7 to 11
and not all the questions have to be solved – any correct
solutions to any of the problems are welcome.
Finally, a special mention should go to Hamish and Jared in
Year 11 who worked together, outside of lessons, to
successfully solve a challenging problem set on Cambridge
University’s Nrich website. The problem was aimed at A level
students, and Hamish and Jared’s elegant solution has now
been published on the website – a great honour!
Missing Child Appeal to Schools
Our son Andrew Gosden has been missing from home in
Doncaster since 14th September 2007, all we know is he
headed to London. Since this time we
have no confirmable evidence that he
is alive and well. Andrew’s reasons for
leaving are completely unknown.
We are deeply concerned for our son’s
safety and well being. We are asking
for your help, is there any one new to
your area that could be Andrew? Is
there anyone you know that could fit
his description?
Andrew is now 15 years old and would
be in Year 10 or 11. The above photo
was taken in August 2007, the month before Andrew
disappeared. He was then 14: his appearance is likely to have
altered since Andrew may have altered his hair and dress style
and will now be taller than the 5’3” he was when he left. If you
have any information at all please get in touch, contact Missing
people (freephone) 0500 700 700 www.missingpeople.org.uk or
e-mail me, Andrew’s father, at kevin.gosden@hotmail.co.uk.
Cinderella - A Sparkling Panto!
In the last week of the Christmas term, GCSE Drama students
performed their devised pantomime for Croftlands, SJB and St
Mary’s Primary Schools to resounding cheers and shots of “he’s
behind you!”
The UVHS hall saw Ellie (in the lead role as Cinderella) mistreated
by the ugly sisters
(Kurtis and Patrick )
until the arrival of her
fairy Godmother, ably
played by Aimee.
Miss Hicks, Head of
Drama, was very
proud of all the cast
and crew, including
Lucy of Year 10 who
made the matinees
magical with her sound and lighting. Well done to all!
Upcoming Events..........
“Carousel” - The Musical
On 25th, 26th, 27th and 28th February, the Drama and Music
Department jointly presents a production of the popular
Rodgers
and
Hammerstein
musical “Carousel”.
Set in New England, the show tells
the story of a carnival boy, Billy
Bigelow who falls in love with a
young girl - Julie Jordan - then
becomes involved in a series of tragic events which leads to
his death... If only he could return to earth for one day to put
right his wrongs.....
The cast for “Carousel” includes students from Year 8 to Year
13, singing with a live stage band. We look forward to another
successful show! Posters will soon be appearing in school.
Adult tickets are £5.00, with student tickets £2.00. Family
tickets (2 adults/2 children) are available at the reduced price
of £12.00.
All enquiries to the school box office on 01229 894140 or ask
at Reception.
South Cumbria Schools Ski Course
Musical Ensembles Wow Audience!
Pila in Italy was the venue for this years South Cumbria Schools
Ski Course. UVHS students were part of a party of over 300
Cumbrian pupils from seven local schools to invade the slopes!
Groups of students were
taught
by qualified
instructors to learn the
basic skills or, for the
more experienced, to
improve their technique.
In the evenings a full
programme of events
allowed our students to
mix with pupils from the
other schools, with the
activities centred around
the ancient Roman town of Aosta. All our students made
tremendous progress, achieving excellent results in the ski
assessment tests. Charlotte (Yr. 10), already an experienced skier,
achieved the highest grade possible from the ski school. Her five
star award was an outstanding result and puts her amongst the
top category skiers. All the UVHS skiers thoroughly enjoyed the
whole experience and for the first time there wasn’t an injury to
anyone in our party – a record !!
It has been an extremely busy period, as usual, for the
ensembles in Music Department, with the Swing Band playing
in Scales for the W.I., the Dickensian Festival and also in Millom
for the Round Table and Inner Wheel. The Junior Woodwind
Ensemble performed several engagements, including the SJB
Christmas Concerts, Ulverston Townswomen’s Guild and
Duddon W.I., the Brass Ensemble performed a ‘Carols on the
Green’ event at Lindal, and the new String Quartet completed
it’s first engagement performing at a wedding at the Abbey
House Hotel. All students acquitted themselves superbly,
playing to an exceptionally high standard and being a real
credit to UVHS.
Further Oxbridge Success in 2009!
th
Following on from 2008 when four of our students started On Tuesday 16 December, the Music Department heralded
courses at Oxford and Cambridge Universities, a further four the end of the Autumn Term with a spectacular Christmas
students have had offers to study for September 2009. They are Festival, performed to a packed Coronation Hall. The school
Sarah Pamenter (Natural Sciences at Cambridge), Maddy Wind Band led the proceedings brilliantly, accompanying the
(Archaeology and Anthropology at Cambridge), Rachael audience carols as well as playing several seasonal pieces,
(Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry at Oxford) and Jan including the film music for Tim Burton’s ‘The Nightmare Before
(Computer Science at Oxford). Considering that 11 of our Christmas’: this was performed in three sections which were
students have applied to Oxbridge over the last two years we are divided by Year 10, 11 and 12/13 students reading the extracts
very proud that 8 have received offers, a success rate to match from the poem upon which the film was based. Also
any sixth form in the country considering that at top universities performing were the Junior Orchestra and Flute Choir (who both
opened the proceedings with a 25 minute set as the audience
there are now often 20 applicants per available place.
were arriving), the Brass Ensemble, Clarinet Choir, Choir and
Junior Woodwind Ensemble (who decided to go away from the
seasonal repertoire and performed extracts from ‘Mamma Mia’
We have exciting news regarding an art competition which instead).
students aged 13 to 19 may enter.
Students are asked to create a design
which shows a cycling theme and will
be placed on the back of a 50p coin.
The winning entry will be produced and
circulated by the Royal Mint for 2010
prior to the London Olympics in 2012.
The winner will be invited to the Royal
Mint to see their design produced and
will even get a solid gold coin produced
to keep as well as having their design
circulated around the UK on the back of every 50p coin!
Thanks must go to Miss Thomason for organising all the
It is a fantastic opportunity and anyone interested should see Ms readings and the readers, Mrs Heginbotham and Mrs Reed for
Hunter in Art Room N3 at lunchtimes on Monday, Wednesday or organising some of the Ensembles, and most of all to Mrs Lister
Friday to find out more details and collect an entry form. Students and the Technology Faculty for yet another superb batch of
can also look at further details on the website mulled wine. All of this contributed to yet another superb
http://www.royalmintcompetition.co.uk/. Posters will be going evening’s entertainment from the Music Department and one
up around school to promote this competition further, with a that all the students involved can be rightly proud of being
closing date for entries of 24th April 2009.
involved in.
Royal Mint Art Competition
Sixth Formers Visit St Mary’s School
Ulverston sixth form students were delighted to be invited to a
discussion along with the Prime Minister Gordon Brown by class
five from St Mary's primary school about the topic of graffiti.
Unfortunately, Mr Brown was unable to attend but our students
were most impressed by how knowledgeable and prepared the
primary school children were and certainly found the whole
experience worthwhile and enjoyable. We look forward to any
future events of this nature.
The Great Uniform Debate
Due to all the recent national and local publicity with regard
to the purchase of school uniform the governors asked me to
look into the issue so we started the “Great uniform Debate”
in the October Newsplash.
You might be surprised to know
that responses are still coming in!
Over fifty parents replied but as
we have many more parents
than that the governors feel that
there was not a strong enough
mandate for any changes to the
uniform on its supply.
Most parents from these who
replied would prefer more than
one supplier.
A significant
number of parents wanted a
more formal uniform whilst others wanted it to remain the same.
In conclusion, therefore, the results of the survey were
inconclusive and the situation will remain the same. However
the governors are eager to look at the school’s relationship
with Identity in the future.
Year 10 Students Build Link with
Pequeno Sol School, Mexico
Year 10 students building a new link with ‘Pequeno Sol’ school,
Chiapas Mexico with the theme of
‘SUSTAINABILITY’
Pequeno sol (little Sun) is a small school
in the very south of Mexico in a town
called San Cristobal de las Cassas,
Chiapas Mexico.
http://www.pequenosol.org/index.php
Chiapas is a state of Mexico which is
very rich in terms of natural resources
such as water and certain minerals; it is
also one of the most bio diverse regions in the world and
contains the last piece of rain forest in Mexico – the Selva
Lacandona.
However it is also one of the poorest regions of Mexico in terms
of wealth. Over 50% of the people who live there are
indigenous living in much the same way as they were when
the Spanish came in 1521, cooking their tortilla over an open
fire in their wooden framed houses high in the mountains. Until
recently these people
did not have access to
modern
healthcare,
education and even
We have signed up for a great new collection scheme that could
now
many
provide us with hundreds of new books for the school library,
communities do not
and we would like your help.
have piped water or
From January 11th, Books for Schools
electricity.
Tokens will appear every day in The Times
In 1994 there was
and The Sunday Times. We can exchange
rebellion in Chiapas
these tokens for free books of our choice
from a catalogue of 170 titles.
There will be 12 tokens printed every week, and with books when thousands of
starting at only 10 tokens, you don’t have to be a regular Times people came from
reader to really make a difference to our collection.
their villages in the
Please collect as many tokens as you can and give them to your mountains into the
child to bring to school. Tokens can be large towns such as
deposited in our special collection boxes, or San Cristobal under
given to a member of staff. Why not ask the leadership of
your employer or other local businesses to Subcomandante
collect on the school’s behalf as well? We Marcos armed with
can provide you with a copy of a letter to guns
and
sticks
assist with approaching these companies.
demanding from the government a fair share in the wealth and
We will be placing our first book order at the end of the spring life of the rest of Mexico.
term, so please make sure we have all your tokens before the Since then many NGO’s (non governmental Organisations such
Easter holidays begin on Friday 3rd April.
as the UN and others) have made a base in San Cristobal
With your help we can make a real difference to our children’s making it is very interesting community.
library, ensuring that they have access to
The young people we are linking with come from many
some of the very best titles available to
different backgrounds.
encourage them to read and improve their
The theme of the link is Sustainability, Students on both sides of
literacy.
the link will be sharing their vision for a sustainable world and
Many thanks, in advance, for your help.
supporting development of environmental projects in both our
schools.
Pequeno Sol has been a UNESCO School for many years. Now
UVHS is also a UNESCO School we have unique possibilities to
UVHS homework clubs will be held on develop and reflect upon the UNESCO themes of Human Rights
Mondays and Thursdays after school and Sustainability together. We are excited to be linking for one
from 3.30 pm until 4.30 pm in our Library. reason that the school has worked with the process called
Monday is open to all Year 10 and 11 Philosophical enquiry for many years.
students only and will give them an Take a look at the new BLOG that has been set up by the
opportunity to work on coursework. Computing teacher there to help us communicate.
cumbriachiapaslink@wordpress.com
Thursday is open to all year groups.
Books for Schools
UVHS After School Homework Club
Parents’ Advisory Group - Year 7 Parents
Our Parents’ Advisory Group (PAG) meets informally on a half term basis with Mr Fay and other members of staff and the governors.
If parents of Year 7 students want to join the group please contact Mrs Petersen at school on 01229 483908. The next meeting
will be held on Wednesday 11th February.