lycee français charles de gaulle - Lycée Français Charles De Gaulle

BRITISH SECTION
Spring term newsletter 2015
Celebrating over 60 years of excellence with a taste of India!
British Section tops the table for
GCSE and A level
The British Section of the Lycée has once again been ranked top for its GCSE and A levels in Kensington
and Chelsea in the Department for Education national league tables. The British Section was placed
higher than many well known independent and state selective schools on its A level point score both in
London and nationally including Harrow, Highgate, Latymer Upper, Tiffin Girls’ and Boys’, James Allen’s,
Alleyn’s, Dulwich College, City of London Boys, City of London Girls, South Hampstead High, UCS and
Henrietta Barnett. Although the British Section is not selective and its students have been educated in
French until the age of 14, the A level results would have put it top of 25 out of 32 London boroughs! In
one of categories for facilitating subjects where students achieved grades A,A and B or above the British
Section achieved a higher score than Westminster School! Congratulations once again to our students
and our excellent teachers on these outstanding results!
Oxbridge successes
Well done to those students who have received Oxbridge offers this
term in spite of growing and ferocious international competition. The
successful subjects were Economics, Engineering, History, Human and
Political Studies and Mathematics with History being the most
successful subject. British Section students had twice as many
successful offers as French Section students and accounted for 50% of
the Oxford offers. Our thanks to Mr Duxbury for his Oxbridge
preparation this year and to all the parents and other volunteers who
interviewed the students.
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A special thank you to Dr Carr for the India trip
2015 !
I just wanted to thank you again ever so much for this phenomenal trip you
managed to conduct single-handedly. It has really inspired me to achieve new things
in life, and I will definitely be joining you next year within a new, tight-knit family.
Once again, the contrast between the simplicity and peacefulness of the Tomb of
Safdarjung and the hectic streets of Chandni Chowk was completely mind-blowing
and I know only yourself could have organised such an on-point experience
(bearing the fact that we managed to fit it all in 6 days!). Once again, doctor, a
massive thank you, it has really changed my life on my perception of architecture
Group photo in Delhi
and has pushed me to further my career. I also learned about interactions with
humanity and understanding of religions. I want to convey one last time how
grateful I am. Keep it going doc!
William Rawlingson-Plant PAL
Rajasthani musician
The third successive Delhi Trip had somewhat inauspicious beginnings: not only was there a premature
episode of Delhi-belly at Heathrow but our first full day found us beset by eunuchs. As the week unfolded it
was apparent the latter had blessed us, evident not only in each day's vibrancy and sunshine but even in a
positive outcome to a brief 'hostage' situation. While the opulent architecture of tombs and temples lent
great impact, it is a succession of spontaneous moments which still resonate - from roadside Rajasthani
musicians to the street celebrations following India's cricketing victory over Pakistan. The historian in me
should relay the poignancy of visiting Lord Krishna's birthplace. I should also conjure the historical
imagination as we boated by the ancient ghats of Mathura or as we imbibed the magnificence of the
Moghul Red Fort; instead, however, it was the students who impressed. Their open hearts and minds
enabled positive engagement with India's sites, sounds, colours and people over a genuinely joyful week.
I'd like to thank them and the unfailingly supportive Ms Knowland for an unforgettably enlightening and
eventful Delhi Trip.
Dr Carr
We would like to thank Dr Carr for his hard work organising the very special trip to India and also Ms
Knowland for accompanying the students.
Ino Rousselet in PAL wrote the following about an experience on the India trip:
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Under the hazy sunlight of an Indian afternoon we wondered down the street. A man selling bananas was
strolling up and down. The bunches were stacked high and heavy on his extended arm. It seemed a
strongman and balancing act rolled into one. Muffled chanting and resonating bells echoed through
Vrindavan. We turned a corner, and stopped, awestruck by the imposing white temple standing before us.
Once we had removed our shoes and socks, a custom that had now become second nature to us, we set
foot into the gleaming pearl walled courtyard from which the chorus rose. Women resembling brilliant
butterflies, whose saris pierced the dust with their colour sat beneath the covered arcade. They reposed
dexterously weaving strands of marigold, garlands of jasmine and rose, the sweet aroma filling the air.
These would then be offered to Lord Krishna as puja. A man draped in toga-like saffron cotton greeted us
with the phrase “Welcome home.” Slightly bemused by this surprising address, we could think of nothing
else to say but a sheepish “Thank you”. He then proceeded to tell us that we would never leave this
newfound home.
Thankfully, we were not held captive in the mandir. However, I’m sure that despite our flight back to
London two days later, we all left a part of us in India.
Vrindavan-ISKCON Hare Krishna Mandir
In the February holidays, Dr Carr and Ms Knowland took PAL History to Delhi. It was the best school trip I
have ever been on. We saw the most amazing things, including lots of temples. On day one, we visited
Akshadam Mandir. The enormous terracotta bulbs glowed boldly in the sunset. Inside was a ferociously
multi-coloured pavilion of gold and precious jewels. A few days later we stopped off at Hanuman Mandir,
another one of Delhi’s technicolour wonders. Usually overlooked, squeezed as it is in a jut towering above
the flyover, it is a day-glo orange, giant monkey. The cacophony of the Indian motorway rattles around its
steel shell day in, day out. There’s something oddly impressive about the priest swaying and chanting
above the din. He’ll smile to see his temple has visitors. Although most of Delhi is just really loud (it is
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bisected by Asia’s busiest street, Chandni Chowk), some of it is intensely peaceful. Sadarjung’s Tomb is an
exquisitely beautiful, 18th century abandoned Mughal structure, so quiescent it is stripped of a sense of
time. Delhi’s lovers go there to be together, and sit under the trees like fallen fruit. Despite all this
architectural magnificence, most people said their favourite event was, rather randomly, the trip to the
ice-ream parlour. Indian sweets are great! They come in fabulous flavours like saffron, almond, lavender,
orange, rose… It was about midnight, but our district was electric. At one point, the ice-cream parlour was
subsumed by a chaotic, fantastic wedding parade. Tuk-tuks took us back to the hotel, driving obstinately
through the traffic like enraged gnats criss-crossing the seething night.
Eve Judah PAL
The British Section goes to CFBL
As part of the agreement between the Lycée and the Collège Français Bilingue de Londres in Kentish Town
Miss Fletcher, Mme Feurtet and Mr Zane with Nounda and Gaspard (pupils from 3GCSE) visited the
school to talk about the British Section. The visitors were made very welcome and the students, staff and
parents enjoyed hearing about the opportunity for students at the CFBL to apply to the Lycée to join the
British Section. Our thanks to M. Robin, CPE, for arranging the visit and to the pupils, Miss Fletcher and
Mme Feurtet.
British Section meetings with 4e students
Three special meetings were arranged this term to enable students in 4e and their parents to receive
information about entry to the British Section. All the meetings were appreciated by the students and
parents, some of whom queued for a considerable length of time afterwards to ask questions! Many
thanks to all the members of staff who spoke at the meetings: Mrs Fleming (Miss Hobbs), Mr Tweddle,
Mrs De Silva, Miss Fletcher, Dr Carr, Mr Burgess, Mr Van Mellaerts, Mme Adol, Ms Knowland and Mr
Duxbury. The 4e students also had the pleasure of listening to a number of current British Section students
in TAL and 2GCSE
Work experience for 3GCSE launched
The work experience preparation for 3GCSE 2015 was launched at a special meeting this term for parents
and students. If you can offer a work experience placement please contact Mme Feurtet
(ifeurtet@lyceefrancais.org.uk).
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PAL, TAL and 2GCSE mock exams
Congratulations also to TAL, PAL and 2GCSE who have had intensive mock examinations this term. They were very
well behaved and took the mocks extremely seriously. Special praise needs to go to 2GCSE who so efficiently beat
the bus strike to attend their exams. Thank you to all the members of staff who invigilated and arranged the mock
exams this year and to Mme Feurtet for organising.
Congratulations to the British Section from the Centre Inspection
Service
The Joint Council for Qualifications Centre inspection service has sent a letter to the Lycée congratulating
the school for “those involved in examination administration… for their work to support and maintain high
standards.”
A level day for 2GCSE
2GCSE and 2nde students applying to the British Section for PAL attended a special A level day during which they
heard how the PAL/TAL form tutors support the students and during which Mrs Fitzgerald from the careers
department explained about Higher Education in the UK and how to choose A level. Thank you to Mrs Fitzgerald and
Mr Goodman.
UCAS made clearer to PAL and Première parents
Our thanks go to Mrs Fitzgerald for arranging and presenting two highly informative UCAS information
evenings for parents this term. Mr Duxbury also presented the Oxbridge programme. Mme Masek was also
present to answer queries. The evenings explained key points regarding applications to British universities
and how parents could best support their children with their applications. Separately Mr. Zane was asked
to attend a special UCAS meeting at Webcredible to feedback on changes the organisation is meeting to its
website.
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Cambridge International
Examinations train French teachers at
the Lycée
Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) provided special training for PAL French teachers preparing the
IGCSE French native language qualification. The course was arranged for the first time at the Lycée to help
the teachers understand the marking and demands of the papers. The teachers were delighted with the
training provided and also with the feedback they received from the CIE trainer who has also previously
examined IGCSE native langue French. She looked at the programme organised by the French teachers
(Mme Mellis, M. Van der Stegen and Mme Mallett) and planned preparation and said it was a very
appropriate way of training the PAL students.
Destination Nepal
Under the guidance of Mrs De Silva some 31 students in 2GCSE
and PAL have begun a project to raise money to raise funds for
a very special trip to Nepal in 2016. Apart from experiencing
the unique scenery of this amazing far flung Asian country,
students will also be meeting key personalities involved in
international development. They will also plan and bring to
realisation a development project of their own to help some of
the people of Nepal. Our thanks to Mrs De Silva for coordinating this exciting and important opportunity for our
students.
British Section Working Party grapples with Special Needs
This year’s British Section teachers’ working party has been looking at the demanding subject of special
needs with view to creating a policy document and recommendations for the future. The participants have
been looking at national special needs guidelines, French section procedures, curriculum ideas,
methodology and dyslexia training. The working party hopes to publish its report by the end of the year.
Thanks to Ms Knowland, Mr Coleman, Mrs Fleming, Mme Feurtet and Miss Fletcher for their work.
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CFBT training for History and Geography Departments
As part of the British Section’s commitment to providing training for staff two inspectors from the CFBT
education trust came to work with Geography and History teachers. The trust works around the world to
advise and support international schools. Pippa Leggate and Julie McGrane observed lessons, spoke to
students and staff and then organised a bespoke training programme for History and Geography teachers
which incorporated ideas and requests suggested by the members of staff. The inspectors commented on
the fact that in Geography and History all the lessons that the teachers showed secure subject knowledge
and that the students were afforded a good range of fieldwork opportunities both nationally and
internationally to create a “rich context in which to develop understanding of key Geographical issues”.
In History, the inspectors referred to the “commitment of the teachers to trips which generate additional
interest and greater awareness of the impact of history in the wider world.” They commented on the
improvements in GCSE and A level attainment and that the students who had spoken during lessons and
in interviews with the inspectors were “articulate and insightful”. In the training session arranged for the
teachers the inspectors provided additional ideas for differentiation such as pattern and challenge cards as
well as starter activities, Socratic questioning methods, dialogic learning and strategic leadership. The
inspectors said that the British Section staff were very positive and a “pleasure to work with”. Thank you
to Pippa Leggate and Julie McGrane for providing the feedback and training and to Dr Carr, Miss Fletcher,
Mrs Burke and Mrs De Silva for their time, support and enthusiasm working with the CFBT on this
invaluable initiative. It is hoped to arrange further bespoke training and review visits involving other British
Section departments in the near future.
Lycee Students attend the ERC Clash of Titans debate
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Economics students from both the British and French sections attended the ‘Clash of the Titans’ event at
the Economics Research Council (ERC) on Regent’s Street. The three renowned economists, John Llewellyn
representing the University of Cambridge, Michael Mcmahon representing LSE, and Kate Barker
representing the University of Oxford, discussed the future of the UK’s economy. They each gave a speech
aided by powerpoint presentations, justifying their forecasts of the economy, looking at each of the main
economic indicators, such as GDP, inflation, and unemployment. At the end of the talk, the students gave
in their predictions of how they thought the British economy was going to perform, in the hope of winning
a prize from the Economics Research Council. All in all, the students had an enjoyable evening and
benefited from this occasion as a supplement to their economics studies. Many thanks to our Economics
teacher, Mrs Hibbert, for organising this opportunity. Mia Rackind PAL
Sirina Leads the Debate
Following the recent grim events in Paris one student in TAL decided to mobilise her fellow students to
meet and discuss the implications. Sirina Lebreton in TAL spoke to Lycée management, teachers and
students and created a presentation which she showed in Iselin to students from different year groups.
The debate was fast-moving and showed passion at times. The students agreed that it had been very
helpful to discuss the issues. Well done to Sirina for her actions and thank you to Mme Feurtet for her
logistical support.
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History trip to Mandir
2GCSE enjoying their trip to the Temple
2GCSE historians enjoyed a trip to the huge Swaminarayan Mandir in North West London. The trip was
designed as an introduction to studies on British India and students learnt about aspects of Hinduism
(which influenced Gandhi in particular) and also observed Aarti (worship with devotees). The trip was also
an introduction to involvement in next year's PAL Delhi Trip to India. Many thanks to Dr Carr for arranging
the visit and to Fiona.
Debates out and about update
Lucas Holt and Joshua Mareschal debating at New College
On Thursday the 5th February Charlotte Aureau and Lara Ruthven in TAL presented the Lycée at the
Oxford Schools debating competition at a regional round in Norwood School. This was their first interschool debate and competition was tough, with mature motions and short preparation time: "This house
believes MI6 and the CIA should assassinate dangerous fugitives, dictators and warlords.""This house
would mandate that partners equally divide maternal and paternal leave." Very well done to the both of
them for participating in the debate. It was an interesting and entertaining evening, giving opportunity for
students to share stories and skills.
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On Saturday the 7th of February Joshua Mareschal and Lucas Holt in 3GCSE represented the Lycée at the
International Competition for Young Debaters held at the New College of the Humanities in Bloomsbury.
The debate ran all day over three round, one for which they had been preparing and two which allowed 15
minutes of preparation. Josh and Lucas did very well, winning their debate proposing that 'This house
would lower income tax for women' and coming 11th out of 28 teams overall. The atmosphere buzzed
with argumentative energy as teams occupied the stairwells and many rooms as they prepared to speak.
The judges were fair, thorough, and friendly and gave lots of advice after each round. Well done to the
boys and many thanks to organisers Cambridge Union for being so welcoming and supportive. Many
thanks to Mr Burgess arranging, training and supporting the students with such enthusiasm.
3 GCSE Physics photo competition winners!
Congratulations to this year’s physics photo competition
winners!
Coline Aksoy won for her photo to show the effects of
shadow and the refraction winner was Terence McAvoy.
A-level biologists enjoy special lectures at the Institute of Education
London’s internationally famous Institute of Education
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On Thursday 12th March Mr Burgess and Mr Tweddle took the A-level biologists to a series of
lectures at the Institute of Education Training Partnership's "Biology in Action: A Student’s Guide to
DNA and Genetics" which has a reputation for fascinating talks from expert researchers and quality
journalists that has our TAL returning eagerly and our PAL already looking forward to next year.
Journalist Adam Rutherford started by telling us 'Everything you know about genetics is wrong',
trying to persuade us to name a law in his honour: Whenever you read a newspaper headline that
begins "Scientists Discover the Gene for..." the prospective Rutherford's Law responds, "They
haven't, because it doesn't exist!" Next we were treated to the latest in bone growth research
from Professor Richard Oreffo, then the 'Origins and evolution of milk drinking' from Professor
Mark Thomas. Doctor Anne Osterrieder presented 'Of plants, cells and jellyfish' and the day was
finished off by journalist Alok Jha's 'Tales from Antarctica'. Subjects were diverse but all pertinent
to A-level study and pitched at a level that everyone in the hall could enjoy. Look forward to these
cutting-edge topics appearing in written work or to a family dining table near you." Our thanks to
Mr Tweddle and Mr Burgess for arranging the conference and for accompanying the students.
Key British Section dates for the summer term
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Monday 11 - Friday 15 May
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Wednesday 14 May
4e interviews for British Section
4e English written test – Churchill 17.00
Friday 8 May
2GCSE and PAL – last lessons before study leave
Friday 22nd May
TAL – last lessons before study leave.
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Wednesday 27 ,Thursday 28 and Friday
29th May
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Tuesday 9 June
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Monday 9 – Friday 13 June
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Thursday 18 June at 5 p.m. in Iselin
3GCSE end of year examinations
PAL return to lessons
3GCSE work experience week
New parents’ evening for 3GCSE 2015-2016
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A very happy Spring holiday to our students, staff
and parents from the team
at the British Section
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