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Another busy week at Roding Valley as we move towards Spring. The Year 11 Parents' Evening was very well attended on Thursday and there was a very positive atmosphere throughout the school. It was lovely to speak to so many parents about how well their sons and daughters are doing as the Pre-Public Examination outcomes look very promising. It was also helpful to give some pointers and arrange some extra sessions for those that need a bit of added impetus at this important time in their academic careers. Overall the students have shown a really mature attitude to their studies and have been attending the multitude of revision sessions and Controlled Assessment clinics that staff have been running at lunchtimes and after school. The teachers have been incredibly supportive of the students and so many parents commented on how grateful they were that staff are prepared to go above and beyond the call of duty to help the youngsters make progress and give themselves every opportunity of succeeding in the summer. It goes to show what a supportive school this is with students having ready access to their teachers who will always help them. With this in mind I would like to mention the Easter Revision School that is being held for the Year 11s in the first week of the upcoming holiday. This is a chance for students to come and spend some quality time with their teachers and get further ahead with their examination preparations. This is a crucial time for them all and we really are working hard to ensure that no students go into the exams under-prepared. I want the Results Day in August to be a real celebration for the students and the school as a whole so it is all systems go until the exam period is over. I would also like to invite all parents to the Parents' Forum next week on Monday 16th March. The focus of the discussion will be on the changes to examinations that have taken place thus far and the further changes in the next two years. This is something that I feel that parents need to be kept fully informed about as the Government has brought in so many changes in recent times that it is hard to keep up with them all. Fortunately we have taken a proactive approach with this and will certainly be ready for the demands of the new courses from September 2015 and beyond. Please do make every effort to attend the meeting at 6pm in the Hall as it is something that will affect all students in the years to come. Finally I would like to congratulate Harry Gipson in Year 8 on being selected for the Under 13 Essex rugby squad. A fantastic achievement and we are delighted for him. Only last week he was starring in My Fair Lady and now he will be performing in a totally different context for the County. And Thomas Reed in Year 9 who will be attending the Essex Rugby Development training day involving over 100 boys for Essex U13s. Very well done Harry and Thomas. I wish you an enjoyable weekend. J Luck Headteacher

Media Release - Everything Epping Forest

Students perform the musical ‘My Fair Lady’

Students in Year 8 to 10 at Roding Valley High School, Loughton, put their musical talents to a performance of the well-known musical 'My Fair Lady'. The cast members developed the characters, songs and dances, incorporating their own ideas and fleshing out some of the lesser known characters for the performance. The pupils who took part were Doncho Atanassov, Thisbe Barnett, Ben Botterman, Isabella Bramley, Lillie Butler, Grace Cain, Georgie Curran, Sena Demiryaban, Harry Gipson, Amber Goodman, Aliya Silverstone and Matthew Tinker. The lighting and sound were also the responsibility of pupils Jake Carter and Harley George while the costumes were provided by the Christian Drama Resource Centre, Loughton. The school’s head of drama, Andrew Stansfield, said: “It was a pleasure to see such commitment and passion from our young people. “The performance was well supported by family and loved ones who really brought the best out

of the pupils. “Their passion for Theatre really shone through and it has been a wonderful experience to direct them.” Matthew Tinker, who played the part of Henry Higgins, said: “This is one of the best characters that I performed. “The production was a wonderful showcase for the school to provide a musical to the local community and show off the talent that lies within the school.”

West Essex District Swimming Gala Wednesday 11th March

Davenant Foundation School On Wednesday, a group of students from year groups 7-11 travelled to Davenant School to compete in a swimming Gala. This is an annual competition and Roding Valley has competed there many times. The other competitors were West Hatch and Davenant. We were split into categories of U12, U14 and U16 for girls and boys. The available races to compete in were breaststroke, backstroke, front crawl and butterfly - these were all individual races - and then two relays for each age group, medley relay and freestyle relay. As Roding did not have enough swimmers to make up a full team, many younger students swam up an age group, or in some cases two! Overall, everyone swam extremely well and Roding did very well considering we were racing against club swimmers and in some cases older swimmers. I swam in the individual breaststroke for both the U14 and U16. It was a close race, however, I won both races! I then swam in both medleys for the U14 and U16 and although we didn’t win these, we all swam well. In the end, Roding girls came 3rd, the boys came 2nd and we came 3rd overall. Although we didn’t win, I would definitely want to compete again next year as it was a fun and enjoyable experience. Louise Gilbert 9R Plus - a big well done to everyone that participated. There was great team morale shown throughout and this was shown in the last race with only RVHS staying and cheering on their team. Each of you should be extremely proud of the way you represented RVHS. Mr Jones Team: Holly Bachell (11S) Frankie Bullock (7V) Charlotte Burke (7Q) Tom Compton (8T) Rhys Dolan (7W) Blake Doyle (11U) Tamer Duman (7W) Louise Gilbert (9R) Jamie Levy (7U) Ella Margetts (7U) Finn Sergent (10T) Matthew Wright (9S)

EXAMINATION INVIGILATORS REQUIRED

Roding Valley is currently looking to expand our team of Invigilators for the forthcoming May/June examina on series and is looking for efficient, flexible and well organised people. The role involves overseeing and supervising examina ons and ensuring awarding body’s’ guidelines and regula ons are followed. There are also internally scheduled examina ons held throughout the school year where you will be required. Hours will be on a varied/ad‐hoc basis held throughout a school day. There will be appropriate training for successful candidates. Please contact Jenny Draper, Examina ons Officer on 0208 508 1173 for further details.

Year 11 Yearbooks and Hoodies

Order forms for the Yearbook and Hoodies must be returned to

Student Reception by Monday 23rd March.

Payment can be made either by

cash or cheque (payable to Roding Valley High School) or through

ParentPay.

The Yearbook is £10 The Hoodie is £22

You can purchase both at the reduced price of £28

Food Technology would like to wish

Patsy Stow 7V the very best of luck in the Region Finals being

held this Saturday in Hertfordshire.

Good Luck Patsy.

Food Technology Year 11

We would like to congratulate

your sons on successfully completing their Task 2 Practical Assessments.

All students worked extremely hard and the

standard of food was excellent. Thank you to all Parents/Carers who helped

with the provision and organisation of ingredients and equipment needed and thank you for your continued support. We wish all

the students well for the future. Well Done and Thank You

Find below a copy of the FINAL GCSE Examination Timetable for May/June 2015. PLEASE NOTE, AFTERNOON EXAMINATIONS FOR MAY/JUNE HAVE BEEN SCHEDULED TO BEGIN AT 1PM NOT 1.30PM AS PREVIOUS SESSIONS. Year 11 students should have received in registration a 'Guidance for Students & Parents' booklet with a blue cover which is full of information and advice about before, during and after examinations. Tucked inside the front cover is a 'Statement of Entry'. This lists your son/daughter's personal details plus every examination they have been entered for. Students must check this information thoroughly, especially personal details and name on certificates. This must be the students legal forename/surname. The examination boards will charge a fee for any amendments requested after certificates have been printed. Students must also check that they have been entered for all expected exams. If any information is wrong or missing, they must speak to Miss Draper, the Exams Officer immediately. If your son/daughter has not received this information, they must speak to their Form Tutor who will have their copy in the register bag. Students will receive their individual timetables shortly. If you have any questions in the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact me. Jenny Draper Examinations Officer

Student Absence If your child is unable to attend School for any reason then please report their absence by phoning the school number by 9.30am, you must also ring in each day of your child’s absence.

020 8508 1173 On their return to School please ensure your child brings with them a letter explaining the reason for the absence for our records.

Medical Appointments

When possible please make sure you make any medical or dental appointments outside of school time. If this is not possible then please try to ensure that your child attends before and/or after their appointment.

Holidays in Term Time It is not school policy to authorise any holidays during term time except in exceptional circumstances. If you put in a request a ‘Leave of Absence’ form must be completed (these are available at Student Reception). Please be aware if the absence is not authorised and the holiday is taken, the case may be referred to the Education Welfare Service who may issue a Penalty Notice for £120 (or £60 if paid within 21 days) to each parent for each child taken out of school. For full details regarding attendance please see our Attendance Policy which can be found in the ‘Parents’ section on our website or contact Mrs Jeanette Low our Attendance Officer on the school number 020 8508 1173.

Drop in times for Students with

Special Educational Needs

This year we are trialling some drop in times

for parents of SEN students to enable you to discuss your

son/ daughter's progress in detail.

We will be available at the following times:

Mondays 10-11am Wednesdays 10-11am Thursdays 2.15-3pm

Please email me to book one of these times,

or an alternative time if these are inconvenient, at asmith@rodingvalley.net

Reminder

Year 7 residential trip to

Peak Venture

Year 8 residential trip to

Skern Lodge

Final Payment of balance is due this Friday, 13th March

Supported Homework Club

Learning Zone

Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday

3.05pm - 3.40pm Everyone welcome

A drink and biscuit are provided

Week ending 6th March 2015

Year 7

Highest Attendance 7U

Pupil with Highest Honours Saskia Cushings 7U

Form with Highest Honours 7U

Class of the Week 7Q/Hu nominated by Ms Cordwell for outstanding homework and attitude to learning and acting maturely when a pupil in class was ill

Year 8

Highest Attendance 8T

Pupil with Highest Honours Sneha Gutierrez 8S

Form with Highest Honours 8U

Year 9

Highest Attendance 9T

Pupil of the Week Lee Maryon 9U nominated by Mr Ahmad for excellent effort and work during lessons. And: Grace Hughes 9U nominated by Mr Ahmad for excellent effort and work during lessons

Year 10

Highest Attendance 10X

Pupil with Highest Honours Demi Braxton 10T

Form with Highest Honours 10R

Class of the Week 10a/Rs4 nominated by Mr Murray

Year 11

Highest Attendance 11T

Form with Highest Honours 11U

Pupil with Highest Honours Cameron Grossett 9R

Form with Highest Honours 9U

Year 10 Boys Vaccinations

Could parents/carers of all Year 10 boys ensure that medical forms have been returned to the school as immunisations take place on Thursday 19th March. If your child has mislaid their form, please ask them to obtain a new one from Student Reception.

ICT Coursework

Sessions

Every Friday Lunchtime With Miss Wilson in

ICT4

School Website

Please visit our school website to find details of any

recent letters home, the Student Bulletin and previous

copies of the Parent Bulletin

www.rodingvalley.net

Maths Support Monday, Wednesday

& Friday After school

M5

Maths Club Tuesday & Thursday

Lunchtime M3

Access to Water in School

Parents, please be aware that the canteen has jugs of water

available both during lunchtime and break time for all students to

access.

Bottled water is sold at all outlets Large bottle 50p Small bottle 25p

If a student is overdrawn or has

no money on their lunch account, they will always be sold water.

Singing Lessons

Private singing lessons are now available. Please contact Gemma Kirk for more details and to book your slot. email: g.kirk_88@hotmail.com

Drum Lessons One to One, Two to One and Small Group lessons available. Learn with your friends! Learn to play the drums from as little as £5 per week Contact: jameswelsted@hotmail.co.uk

www.jwdrums.co.uk

LIBRARY OPENING TIMES

The library is open to all students for homework , G.C.S.E. work and private study / reading at the

following times :

Monday - Friday (excluding Tuesday): Before school 7.15 am – 8.30 am , break time , lunch times and after school for homework club 3.15 pm

– 4.15 pm.

Tuesday: Before school 7.15 am - 8.10 am , break time and

lunch times. Access for early opening is via the door by

resources.

Julia Martin / Stephen Murray

Guitar Lessons Lessons slots are available on Mondays with lessons priced at £12 per half hour.

Please contact Steve van Niekerk on

vn.steve.vn@gmail.com if you are interested.

School Shop Opening Times

Before School:

8.30am - 9.00am

Break: 11.00am - 11.20am

Lunch:

1.20pm - 2.05pm

After School: 3.05pm - 4.00pm

PUPILS WILL NOT

BE SERVED OUTSIDE THESE

HOURS