april 2019 ixchange ixworth what’s inside? · mr barrow, headteacher “providing a foundation...

ixchangeThe newsletter for Ixworth Free School | “Providing a foundation for life”

> Mary Poppins

> Victoria & Albert Museum

> Imperial War Museum

> Book Mastermind

> Energy Quest

> Swimathon

ixworthWhat’s inside?

“Providing a foundation for life”

Ixworth Free School is a proud member of the Seckford Education Trust

April 2019

ixchangeIxworth

This Ixchange celebrates the efforts and achievements of many different Ixworth students but I’d like to pay particular tribute to two groups. To anyone who witnessed the production of Mary Poppins, there will be no surprise that it features on the front page - it was a superb endeavour which will live long in the memory. We have also celebrated a significant sporting activity: students who took part in the recent Rotary Club ‘Swimathon’; under 13 athletics competitions; Year 9 students organising a fancy dress football tournament as part of our Red Nose Day activities; Theo who won the 2018 League in Norfolk for Go Karting and Joe winning a Bronze medal in the World IBBJF Pan Ams. Both boys were emphatic winners of their titles, succeeding in style but also being congratulated on their conduct and the manner of their victory.

In between, a range of activities is brought to your attention, including write ups for various trips and an introduction to our new Senior Students.

As no doubt everyone is aware, this term has seen the erection of our brand new all-weather pitch. I am extremely grateful to all those who helped with the bid-writing process / project management.

My second thank you is to all those students who have served the School in any way this term. At our final Success Assembly of the term, we gave out a number of Ixworth Pins to students who have committed themselves in a sustained manner to our 6Cs. I hope that those winning these awards will have enjoyed their involvement in school life – but they will have given their time voluntarily – and this act of service is what is being recognised. Finally, and on a similar theme, I would like to record my thanks to our outgoing Head Students – Lucas and Anna Rose – and the House Captains, as well as all the prefect team. I am very grateful for all that they have done for Ixworth.

Mr Barrow, Headteacher

Headteacher’s Welcome___________________


www.ixworthfreeschool.org.ukIxworth Free School,

Walsham Road, Ixworth, IP31 2HS

Mr BarrowHeadteacher

Important Date!

Wednesday 24 April 2019

Students Begin Term

SafeguardingShould you have any safeguarding concerns, pleasecontact Mrs Bell, Designated Safeguarding Lead on01359 234050 or for more information please visit

www.ixworthfreeschool.org.uk/safeguardingIxworth Free School’s named safeguarding

governor is Mrs Chenery-Morris.

Latest NewsTwitter

FacebookWebsite

To keep up to date with the latest news and events from the school,

please remember that you can follow Ixworth Free School on twitter:

@IxworthFS. Please also check our webpage for regular updates, and

our Facebook page, just search for Ixworth Free School on Facebook.

SwimathonOn Sunday 17 March 2019, a group of 16 people, including myself, Miss Cahillane and Mrs Hale, participated in an annual 40 minute long sponsored swim at Abbeycroft Leisure Centre in Bury St Edmunds. The three Ixworth Swimming Teams swam over 200 lengths, raising money for two charities, Dementia Hub and Suffolk Prickles Hedgehog Rescue.

This amazing achievement began with a single announcement and a few posters around the School, asking for people to put their names forward to participate in this event. In total 14 students came together with the two teachers to take the challenge on. Once the Ixworth Swimming Team had been formed, Miss Cahillane had the brilliant idea of hiring the pool at Culford School for a practice session. There were a great deal of benefits to the session. It allowed Miss Cahillane to coach those who needed help, whilst others who were more confident were set a drill to complete. Once these tasks had been completed, the three teams were formed based on what Miss Cahillane had seen.

After this session, the group decided which of the charities provided by the Rotary Club we wanted to sponsor. After some discussion, we came to the conclusion that we were going to sponsor Dementia Hub and Suffolk Prickles Hedgehog Rescue. From then on, everyone started collecting sponsors, trying to raise

as much money as possible in the three weeks we had before the event.

Soon enough, it was time to swim. Family and friends gathered to watch as the three Ixworth Swimming Teams did their part. At the end of the 40 minutes, we were all congratulated by the amazing and supportive crowd, as well as the Head of the Rotary Club. We all received a medal, along with a certificate, to congratulate us all on how hard we worked. I thank all of those who swam, and those who supported us, for an enjoyable experience, and how well you performed at this event.

Sam - Year 10

Energy QuestBack in January all of Year 7 took part in an externally led Energy Quest challenge. Using skills from Science, Maths and Technology, students had to build their own car and then see how far they could race it. Here’s what some Year 7s had to say about the experience........

“I have really enjoyed participating in this project as it combined a mixture of skills, such as planning and working as a team. It was probably the best timed challenge I have ever done, including primary school. The best part, by far, was the actual racing of the car. I was a bit disappointed that we didn’t win but it was still great to watch others and to see who could get the furthest.”Ursula

“I really enjoyed the day as I have never really done anything like it. It needed imagination and creativity. Seeing the cars being raced was good because you thought to yourself ‘I made that!’ All in all, very good.”Alex

Mr Ryan Pitcock; Senior Tutor

Mary PoppinsWhat They Said...“Went to the school to see Mary Poppins on Thursday. What a magnificent performance by the students, and the crew... fantastic a really good evening; thank you to all the students and teachers involved.”

“Once again I have spent an evening at Ixworth with tears over the talent of other people’s kids. Mary Poppins. Absolutely amazing.”

“A superb show displaying such talent, both in front and behind the scenes! Well done everyone involved and thank you for giving me such a great evening!”

“My first time watching an Ixworth performance. Watched both nights and didn’t want it to end! What an amazing team each and every one of you! So proud and privileged to have been a part of it! Memories to treasure!”

Mary Poppins“Practically perfect” students from Ixworth Free School presented a stunning production of Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins JR on Thursday 21 and Friday 22 March.

The cast and crew featured almost 45 students with approximately an additional 30 involved in scenery and prop making.

Headteacher Mark Barrow said: “I’m really proud of our students and staff at Ixworth who have given so freely of their own time and who have put in so much hard work to make this fantastic production.”

The production was rehearsed during the Wednesday afternoon enrichment periods at the School. Enrichment activities are part of the school day where all students have the opportunity to extend their range of educational experiences, helping them to discover talents by trying new things.

On Wednesday 20 March local primary schools came to a special matinee performance where the Bury Free Press came along to take some pictures. The results were spectacular and can be purchased from https://www.photos.iliffemedia.co.uk/

Book MastermindOn Wednesday 13 March, four students (Charley, Alex, Lucas, and Kadie) along with Mrs Campbell, had the privilege of attending the 25th Annual Book Mastermind Semi-Final to support Joe - our school’s winner. It was again hosted by Sybil Andrews Academy, and this year 10 schools attended the competition. The schools competing were: Ixworth Free School, Thurston Community College, King Edward VI School, Sybil Andrews Academy, Culford School, Debenham High School, Stowupland High School, County Upper School, Ormiston Sudbury Academy, and Thomas Gainsborough School. Tension was in the air. However, all contestants were equally excited and (I imagine) slightly nervous.

The nail-biting event followed the same format as last year’s competition. There were two rounds; in the first round, the students were asked a set of 20 questions based on the book of their choice, whilst the second round was a general knowledge quiz. The contestants had two minutes to answer as many questions as they could in the Round One, whereas Round Two had no time limit. This year, the general knowledge questions were based on: spelling, nursery rhymes, history, famous duos, star signs, and European capitals. The order of which the students were called was decided by alphabetical school name order (the arrangement changes every year). This meant that Joe was fourth to compete. The competition was tough, but Joe put up a good fight. In Round One, he managed to score 14 ½ points (out of 20), and in Round Two, six more (out of 10) points was added to his total, bringing his final score to 20 ½ out of 30.

At the end of the competition, Joe stated: “I am quite proud of the amount of points that I managed to achieve, though I still could have done better.” We also got a chance to speak to the event coordinators - Matt and Crystal. Matt - who was in charge of asking the questions - said: “I like how students have a chance to compete in something like this. I also like my job as the person who gets to ask the questions; I get to read a lot more books and see a great variety of genres. It’s amazing to see children engaged in something that’s not as “normal” - like sport.” Crystal then added: “We love this job! It’s incredible that young people are reading books, and that they have the courage to enter a competition like this!”

The top five contestants from all three day’s events are put forward to the County Final. Unfortunately, Joe narrowly missed out on this, coming sixth overall, but he will be allowed to attend the final and support the other schools on Friday 3 May. We are excited to see what the event will have in store, and hopefully, our school will be able to compete next year! Well done Joe, we are immensely proud of you!

Kadie and Charley - Year 8

Imperial War MuseumOn the Wednesday 27 February 2019, Year 9 ventured out to the Imperial War Museum in the Borough of Lambeth North in South London. The trip consisted of visiting The Holocaust Exhibition and the First World War Galleries. The building was incredibly palatial and very easy to follow. The trip disembarked and the group were split into two; one observing the enthralling museum first and one examining and experiencing the anguishing Holocaust exhibition. I experienced The Holocaust Exhibition first. Models and personal belongings were present and the exhibition caught everyone’s soft spot.

It was all so factual and I learnt so many new things. The Holocaust Exhibition reminded so many people what actually happened to the Jewish society during the Second World War. There were many screens dispersed around with many different people that survived the Holocaust.

Head StudentsnHello, my name is George and I am the new Head Student at Ixworth Free School. This year the Head Student positions have been changed from the original Head Boy and Head Girl to a more modern adaptation.There will be one Head Student and three deputy Head Students; Sam, Molly and Daisy, who will assist in the running of different areas of responsibility. Each of the deputies have a different role in the School so they work on the following areas: Sam will work on community engagement in the local community such as organising events and fundraising for the School. Daisy will be taking charge of the School council and will run it to give the student body a voice. Molly will be in charge of student support giving a friendly face for students to talk to. Finally, I will take charge of all areas in the School and will be available to discuss all items in the School community.

Between the four of us we are all doing the nationally assigned GCSE’s which are: English Literature and Language, Maths, and Triple Science. Then as our options most of us have done German, History, Photography, P.E and Drama. We are all really enjoying our options, especially the creative options where for the first time the School is running Photography GCSE. This has allowed our talented photographers to expand their interest in the subject.

Our recent performance of Mary Poppins included many of us. As you know Daisy took on the opportunity to explore her drama skills as the title role in the production. Sam also played the role of Mr Northbrook, a businessman who convinces George Banks that there is more to life than money, and family is very important. Finally, I took part in the technical side of the production working alongside other student’s getting the sound for the production fully working so that the actors can show their amazing ability. This is sometimes a stressful job as you have to adapt mid performance for an array of scenarios that may happen. To help with this we did two fundraising events. Our first event was a sponsored silence by Daisy, for this she endeavoured to complete a day of silence and raised an amazing £157. To follow this we conducted a bake sale during break time, this raised over £200 with the assistance of students who brought cakes in. This gave us the money to buy new microphones and other technical items for the school.

George - Year 10

The Nazis created the T4 euthanasia programme which was a post-war name for mass murder through involuntary euthanasia in Nazi Germany. This played a crucial role that developed into the Holocaust. There were so many eye openers and pieces of information that shocked people. This is a definite must see when going to visit London.

The rest of the museum held lots of exhibitions, displays and activities to observe or do, including The Lord Ashcroft Gallery that told many different stories of the people that received a Victoria or George Cross and other medals for courageousness. There were also countless vehicles and large objects that had been retrieved from many different places, including a boat that had been used thoroughly in Dunkirk or a Japanese bomber plane that was found on a deserted island, 50 years after it crashed.

Another main attraction was the First World War Galleries. This excited many of the students with its simulative interactive games, dress up sections and areas of voices that talked about past experiences. This was a definite highlight for people to learn about the early 20th century with quotes, films and timelines, and also the First World War running between years 1914-1918.

It was a very good trip and has been highly recommended by our Year 9 students. Hopefully there will be many more school trips like this for us in the future!

Daniel - Year 9.

Contact us... We welcome your feedback, news and comments.

Email us: [email protected]

01359 234 050Ixworth Free School, Walsham Road,

Ixworth, IP31 2HS“Providing a foundation for life”

www.ixworthfreeschool.org.uk

Star of the MonthEvery month, Mr Rearden decides on a “Star” piece from one of the many wonderful artworks made by students at Ixworth Free School.

Louisa Y8Louisa’s superb butterfly created

for our project looking at symmetry in nature.

Caitlin Y10Caitlin’s excellent painting inspired by the work of

Kandinsky.

Katie Y10Continuing with her excellent

ability to capture an image, Katie has photographed this

terrific portrait.

Eddie Y11Eddie’s work has developed its own unique style and has been the centre piece of the

art rooms.

Will Y8Will has created a highly

original sculpture using found materials.

Flynn Y8A superb copy of Roy

Lichtenstein’s Pop Art piece.

Victoria & Albert MuseumBack in January I had the pleasure of taking Year 10 to the V&A. Even though it took just under 4 hours to get there, it was fantastic to hear the students’ gasps when seeing the work.

As part of the GCSE it is vital that students are exposed to other peoples’ thinking and I have been impressed by the manner in which students have taken ideas from this visit and put them into their portfolios. Deeply impressed!


> Book Mastermind 2018

> Ixworth Remembers

> Creative Writing

> Year 8 Art Trip

> Sporting Success

> Friends of Ixworth Free School


Ixworth Free School is a proud member of the Seckford Foundation Free SchoolsTrust

December 2018

Ixworth RemembersIxworth Remembers

ixchangeIxworth

Another busy term is drawing towards a close, and one can see the exhaustion in the faces of students, not to mention the staff! It has however been a successful term with a number of highlights, including a record number of students receiving Ixworth ins and a significant increase in sporting fixtures. I have also been impressed by the quality of the Year 7-9 Extended Projects and have included a newspaper article Isaac in Year 7 has written in response to the ‘Morality and Ethics’ project students undertook in ovember.

It was also wonderful to see such strong turnouts at our Remembrance services marking 00 years since the ceasefire of the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, back in

. All generations were represented and the events of that weekend will linger long in the memory, both collective and individual.

I would like to thank all students for their considerable contributions to our Remembrance services and to the local branch of the British Legion and the Honnington Military Wives.







Important Date!

Thursday 3rd January 2019

Students Begin Term




Latest NewsTwitter

FacebookWebsite

To keep up to date with the latest news and events from the school,

please remember that you can follow Ixworth Free School on twitter:

@IxworthFS. lease also check our webpage for regular updates, and

our Facebook page, just search for Ixworth Free School on Facebook.

Book MastermindOn the 30th and 31st October and the 1st November, Ixworth School ran the first round of the Book Mastermind Competition. This is where contestants pick a book that they would like to be tested on and then answer a series of questions - all unknown in advance of the competition!

I am pleased to say that Joe Catterwell won with his book Percy Jackson and the Battle of the Labyrinth. The other runners up were myself, Alex Laddell and Charley Ennis who will be accompanying Joe at the next stage of the competition where he will have to pick a different book to be tested on, as well as a general knowledge round, in early March next year. He will be pitted against the winners from the other local schools.

Joe, the winner, said “It was a great competition; I really enjoyed the experience . Well done to all who participated and good luck to Joe Catterwell in the next round.

Thanks also to Mrs Campbell for organising the competition again this year.

Holly Bamber, Year 9

Book Mastermind

Hello, my name is Hannah Murrell and I am 11 years old and I joined Ixworth Free School in September, I am in year 7.

I have absolutely loved my first term here, it has been the greatest experience of my life so far. I never would have thought that I would be so happy at senior school. All of the teachers are so supportive and lovely. I have many new lessons, such as DT, Philosophy and Ethics, French, Drama and Enrichment where I have tried Football, Rugby, Team building and my favourite Debating. When it was raining the field was soaking wet we couldn’t have Enrichment that week, so we had a big general knowledge quiz, in the new hall which I thoroughly enjoyed. When I go into school each day I feel so excited for the day to start. Mr Barrow knows all of our names, and if we do special work, we get invited to sign his special book the “Headteacher’s Book”, which I have done twice. When I first started in September, I was very nervous, maybe up until half-term. Now I feel a lot more confident. I think this is because the teachers look after us very well and support us in everything we do. Mr Budden is my form tutor, I am 7X. We have lots of fun in tutor time, watch Newsround and play games. Mr Budden is always available to us if we need to talk or tell him anything.

Even in the short time I have been at Ixworth, there have already been lots of opportunities to do exciting things in addition to the normal lessons. Early in October, I took part in the “Book Mastermind” competition. I didn’t get to round 2, but it was very enjoyable. I will definitely have another try next year. In History we made Roman shields and then did a re-enactment of a Roman battle. The Library is open for us each lunch time, and I go in there most days to read, play chess or a game with some friends. Some lunchtimes I play table tennis, which is great fun!

I have made new friends which I am very happy about as I was very worried that I wouldn’t and be lonely.

I love the uniform, it is very smart and comfortable and I feel proud and confident in it.

The Restaurant food is absolutely gorgeous and I have tried lots of new things. We have “Kitchens of the Globe” and that is when foods from all around the world are cooked. We have had one this term and that was Greek food, beef kebab with rice, it was lovely.

Another thing I absolutely love are the amazing exercise books, I have never seen anything like it. They have a lovely photo on the front cover that describes the lesson, for example for Maths it is a protractor and a compass with squared paper underneath. French has the Eiffel Tower, English has a close up of a golden fountain pen. Inside the books have lots of information about what things we will be learning over the give years of senior school.

I am having a wonderful first term and look forward to the next fourteen terms ahead of me!

Hannah Murrel, Year 7

My first term at Ixworth

We Shall Remember Them

Ixworth fell silent on Remembrance Sunday to honour the sacrifices of servicemen and women, as the village marked 100 years since the end of the First World War.

At School we hosted a lunch for the entire village and then wartime inspired entertainment in the afternoon, followed by the Sunset Ceremony which was attended by Cameron Foreman’s 107 year old great grandmother. Special mention should be given to Kian and Evan for their contribution to the ceremony which was captured by BBC Look East.

Mr Barrow said: “We were proud to welcome the local community to Ixworth Free School for Remembrance Day; thank you to all involved and to everyone who joined us in commemorating the centenary of the First World War.

It was poignant to see the young and old come together to share stories and remember all those who gave their lives 100 years ago.”

The names of the fallen from Ixworth are:

George William Argent, Richard John Argent, Albert James Balaam, James Banham, William John Bantick, Joseph Bishop, George Brunning, Charles W. A. Bullass, Douglas Bullass, Oliver John Bullman, Percy L. Butcher, Thomas Edward Calver, Maurice Capps, Richard Norton Cartwright, Arthur William Coe, Herbert Coe, Charles S. Cotterill, Noah Crosby, Cyril Cutting, Patrick Dobbin, Frederick Dunnett, Albert Frost, Sydney Frost, Percy Robert Gaskin, Edward E. Hammond, Thomas Arthur Hammond, John Morley Hawes, Alfred Arthur Howe, Bertie M. Knott, Ernest Kontt, Luke Walter Landale, George Leech, Alfred L. Masters, George J. Boyd Masters, Henry Charles Miller, George Frederick Mauldon, Joseph J. Moore, Ernest C. Palmer, Frederick Peck, John Peck, Alfred E. Plummer, Harry Plummer, Frank Reeman, Leslie Reeve, Henry W. Oslade Seeley, Ernest Alex J. Spooner, William Talbot, John N. Tuck, Frederick T. Turner, William Tyler, Thomas F. Harry Wake, Sydney Wales, Harold W. Warren, Walter Warren and Dennis G. Wise.

Year 9 Reporting Team

We Shall Remember Them

By Isaac Russel Turner, Year 7

On Tuesday lunchtime, a mother was caught red-handed, on camera in Tesco Metro, stealing a loaf of white bread, with her child in tow!

Residents were astonished to learn of the incident, which happened in broad daylight, in a quiet village community in the heart of sleepy Suffolk.

The manager detained the mother and child, and swiftly called the Police, who reportedly arrived in under minutes.

The olice were quick to cordon off the area and set up an interview room for all witnesses.

Detective Chief Superintendent Steve Plod gathered all the important witness statements he was however, subjected to some astonishingly different opinions and perspectives.

“I was shocked,” said Mrs Fusspots, “Never in a month of Sundays have we had any stealing in the community. It’s an outrage and she must go to prison, stealing must not be tolerated, it’s a crime and that is that. Without law and rules, where would our society be? It would be chaos on the streets!”

In contrast Mr ind stated “She looked very frail, I was concerned for her health and for the wellbeing of her child. There is simply no way any decent community, can punish this poor women, she clearly needed the food, she isn’t a bad person just because she wanted to eat. I personally wouldn’t have called the Police, surely the Manager of the shop can afford a meagre, costless loaf of bread?”

Another resident felt the full force of the law was required to ensure the matter didn’t become a regular occurrence. “Crime is on the rise,” said Mr Pride “Only last week some-one cut a rose off my rose bush. I just don’t understand why they haven’t caught the culprit and this women

may even be the person responsible. She has to be found and reprimanded!”

With greater sympathy a lady who works within the Social Services suggested the woman needed some support. “We must ask ourselves why she is stealing,” said Miss W Fish “Perhaps she has no money or even worse no home and she was just trying to survive. I wonder if she has any family or friends for support and guidance? As part of the community we should try to help her, shouldn’t we?”

A local solicitor was also present and he outlined the legal stance on the issue. “Stealing is a criminal offence in the eyes of the law, irrespective of reason. Our judicial system will process the matter in accordance with statute law. Statute law is there to protect the innocent. If a jury believes the mother is guilty of her crime, she will be sentenced. It is unlikely it will be custodial as it’s a minor offence, that’s unless she has a string of previous offences. Of course the sentence may be lesser given extenuating circumstances, said Mr Law. “ roperty rights are the fundamental unpinning basis of human society. He concluded.

The Manager of the local nursery school was on hand to provide her comments. “I can’t believe she stole while she had her child with her, what kind of example does that set, complained Ms BusyBee. “Social Services, need to be informed as there is a child protection issue and the child may need to be taken into care. The mother clearly can’t provide care.

A Nurse who witnessed the travesty empathi ed with the mother. “Times are hard and sometimes, my meagre wages aren’t enough to pay for childcare, bills and have enough left for food,” Suggested urse Jab. “The mother looks like she hasn’t eaten for days and she may need to have medical help both physically and mentally. Would a custodial sentence help her I think not.

A resident who is familiar with prison life

being a prison officer, offered his advice. “Prison life isn’t too bad and at least she will have a roof over her head and regular food. Mr Bars suggested. “I think some criminals even get themselves nicked just for some comfort behind bars.

Finally Reverend Almighty was on hand to provide a religious view of the incident. “Thou shall not covet your neighbours ox or donkey or anything else belonging to your neighbour, preached Rev Almighty. “This means stealing is against the commandments of the bible and this is the word of the lord. We must therefore follow the bible as guidance in all moral decision making. I do however, have great sympathy for those who are less fortunate, and we pray for their souls. Our church has a great programme in place to support the homeless providing food and shelter and we welcome anyone in time of need. It is most distressing to note this lady and her child, who look so thin and have resorted to theft. I can but hope they will be dealt with compassionately within the parameters of the law.

After hearing all the witness statements, the Manager of the shop had decided not to prosecute. Instead he will provide a facility for the needy, in which all food that will expire will be given away for free rather than thrown away. The Manager felt prosecution, would not benefit the mother or the child and his new programme may give her a little support. In addition, he’s asked Rev Almighty, to provide details of the support from his Church and the Nurse to offer some medical assistance. The lady from Social Services, also provided some leaflets for support groups in the area.

Stealing Mother

Year 8 Art TripSainsbury Centre of Visiual Arts

Norwich Castle




Ixworth, IP31 2HS“Providing a foundation for life”

www.ixworthfreeschool.org.uk

Friends of Ixworth Free SchoolA huge thank you to our wonderful parent volunteers who were tirelessly to raise money for the School. This year we have been able to re-decorate the library and buy new chairs and, of course, more books; and have also been able to build a new outdoor shelter so that students have more shelter during break and lunch. Thank you!

Well Done Obi!Congratulations to Obi who came first in the East of England Martial Arts Games ualifier!

Congratulations Theo!

Well done Theo who won the 2018 Go

arting League in Norfolk!


> Opportunities At Ixworth Free School

> What Is Enrichment?

> How Can You Get To Our School?

> Cross Trust Competitions

> Food, Glorious Food!

> Proud To Be Part Of The Community

ixworthWhat’s it like at Ixworth?


Issue September 2018

“The school provides pupils with a rich, stimulating environment in which to learn” OFSTED; 2017

“Ixworth Free School’s Results have been impressive and to be in the top 10% of schools nationally for student progress is testament to the hard work and dedication of both the staff and students.” Rt Hon Matt Hancock MP

ixchangeIxworth

Welcome to Ixworth Free School. It is a great honour to lead this remarkable school and I hope that this newsletter conveys a sense of the passion and dynamism that students and staff bring to all they do, making Ixworth such a wonderful place to learn and work.

At Ixworth, we believe that every student deserves to go to an excellent school. Our focus is on delivering high quality, engaging lessons and providing students with the care and guidance that allows them to succeed. Our students tell us that they value the way lessons are delivered and the strong relationships that exist in school between students and staff. This is only possible because of our small si e and our belief and confidence in every student as an individual.

We offer a traditional curriculum that enables our students to flourish academically and which lays the foundations for their successful progression into post-16 learning. We are preparing our young people to be thoughtful, innovative, capable, responsible global citi ens of the future; they will leave us with excellent qualifications and having outperformed their counterparts nationally.

We also believe students flourish if they lead rich and varied lives. We are immensely proud of our exciting and wide ranging curricular and extra-curricular provision and all students are encouraged to take full advantage of the opportunities available to them. Ixworth Free School is a place where young people are able to learn and enjoy school, developing their talents to the full.

At Ixworth Free School we really want to make a difference to young people and we very much look forward to welcoming you and your family to our community and to you becoming one of our many successes of the future. Be assured that we encourage an open flow of communication between school and home so that parents really are in touch with their child’s development.

Finally, thank you for your interest in our school. Whether you are a prospective parent, a current parent, or a student, I hope you enjoy reading these pages and get a flavour of what life at Ixworth Free School is like.







Opportunities at Ixworth Free SchoolHere at Ixworth Free School, we believe in ‘providing a foundation for life’. Our aim is to provide an all-round education which inspires our students to develop a love of learning for life. We believe that as well as learning through a broad and balanced, traditional curriculum, our students should be exposed to all kinds of learning and experiences.

Each year all of our students have the chance to perform in the School production to the local community. They can sing, dance, work the lights / sound or work back stage. It is a full production completely run by the students, so there is something for everyone to get involved with.

Academically, students participate in events such as the UKMT Mathematics Challenge and The Brilliant Club. There is also the chance to join and compete in a debating team, enter poetry competitions, undertake extra GCSE’s as part of the weekly timetable and enter competitions such as ‘Book Mastermind’ which this year saw one of our students reach the regional finals.

There are many opportunities during the timetabled enrichment sessions on a Wednesday afternoon for students to try something new, or to develop an existing talent. They can choose things such as Art, Creative Writing, Duke of Edinburgh, Cookery, Gardening, Sports, Music and many more! If they can’t find something they like, then students can suggest new things to learn and do for the next half term.

Throughout the School year we have many trips to higher educational facilities, such as the University of Suffolk and West Suffolk College in order to help students choose a career or further education path and also to immerse themselves in new technology and learning environments.

This year, students have also been involved in things like; ‘Tomorrow’s Engineers’ Energy Quest, learning more about science; ‘Young Flourish’ - the School was one of a handful selected for a consultation exercise trying to find out what barriers young people in rural locations have to accessing further education and training; the school choir sang at the Bury St. Edmunds Christmas Market; and there have been many visitors into school to share their expertise and insight in their specialist areas, ranging from Winter Olympians, play companies and musicians, through to authors, writers and poets.

RestaurantThe wide range of food available in our Restaurant is one of the many special features of Ixworth Free School. Students are welcome to join us for a breakfast from 8am for toast, fruit and cereal and at break we again offer toast, fruit and soup. As a result, students should never feel hungry at school and have no need to bring in snacks or drinks from home.

Every half term we also have a “Kitchens of the Globe” themed menu which enables students to try foods from all over the World that they may not ever have tried before. There have been dishes from Russia, Japan, Vietnam, Morocco, Portugal and Australia and many others! Every day there is a hot option, a hot vegetarian option and a full salad bar, so there really is something to suit all tastes.

Parents are also invited to join us for lunch at our half termly parent open forum and during Kitchens of the Globe events.

EnrichmentEnrichment activities are part of our school day, as we believe that enrichment can extend the range of educational experiences for our students, broadening horizons, helping them to discover hidden talents, by trying new things.

Enrichment takes three forms at Ixworth Free School:The first takes place as part of the school’s curriculumtimetable. Every Wednesday afternoon students can take part in a whole range of sporting, art, and other activities. Newer activities have included Lawn Bowls and Eco-schools.

The second are the two enrichment days that take place on the last days of the Michaelmas and Lent Terms. At Michaelmas, fun educational school trips andactivities take place off-site wherever possible and at the end of the Lent Term,the whole school comes together to take part in an activity which has a learningchallenge, enterprise, work-related learning, citizenship or PSHE theme.

The final element of compulsory enrichment is Enrichment Week, which takesplace at the end of the Trinity Term in the summer. This week provides anopportunity for deep immersion in an enrichment activity or activities on or offsite and there is an opportunity for students from all schools in the Trust to opt into activities together. Last year students got to choose from a trip to Pompeii, the Opal Coast and Parc Asterix and PGL camps, as well as many activities closer to home.

Each academic year at Ixworth Free School, we choose Head Students for the whole school. They are very prestigious roles, and ones that are chosen based on the candidates ability to represent the School and set the standards for other students to follow.

To help the Head Boy and Girl with their duties, there are also a set of prefects elected each year and the same high standards are expected of them too.

We also have something known as the ‘Ixworth Gold Pin’, a prestigious award at the School, as not many are given out. It is awarded to students who achieve or do something outstanding at the School or in the interests of the school community.

Head Students, Prefects and

Cross Trust CompetitionIxworth Free School is a part of the Seckford Foundation Free Schools Trust, along with another two schools, Beccles Free School and Saxmundham Free School.

Between the three schools we compete against each other in a series of events called ‘Cross Trust Competitions’ or CTCs for short.

CTCs involve many different subject areas which means that everyone has the chance to represent the School in something that they are good at and enjoy.

Some of the competitions we do are:

Poetry writing for National Poetry Day; The Winter Games - an outdoor sporting obstacle course; Lightning Chess - a quick-fire chess tournament; Designing the Trust Christmas Card; Fame Lab - a fun science experiment and presentation; Writing short stories for

World Book Day; Art Exhibitions; Debating; The Great Trust Bake Off; Summer Concerts and Showcases; and the pinnacle of all the events, Champions Day - which sees the winners of all the individual sports day events at each school compete against each other to be crowned Cross Trust Champions!

Primary Enrichment Eventsat Ixworth Free School

Michaelmas Term 19th and 20th September

Year 5 and 6 Transition AfternoonSport

26th SeptemberOpen Evening - 5.30-7.30pm

2nd OctoberOpen Morning 9-10.30am, with

Design and Technology master class

3rd October Open Afternoon 2.30 -5pm, with Enrichment activities

4th October Open Morning 9-10.30am, with ‘Chef for a Day’

10th October Transition Afternoon – Science

31st October Transition Morning – History

9th and 11th November Remembrance Activities


Transport is available to these events. ease a the hoo o fi e o or

more details and to book your place.

Ixworth Free School, Walsham Rd, Ixworth, IP31 2HSwww.ixworthfreeschool.org.uk


> Brilliant Club Graduation

> New Student Leadership Team

> Sports Round-up

> The Latest Trips and Visits Photos

> Fire Station Visit

> New Staff Promotions



Issue 14

ixchangeIxworth

It gives me great pleasure to introduce this term’s Ixchange. I hope that everyone reading this will find much of interest and that this gives you a flavour of life at IFS this term. Covering so many areas of School life, it seems like a fitting tribute to what has been a very eventful year.

From Art Trips to sporting endeavours to new enrichment endeavours, including Lawn Bowls and a very proactive Eco-Schools team, from Brilliant Club students graduating to Cross Trust Outward Bounds Trip, from the annual Friends of Ixworth Fun Run to the appointment of new prefects, IFS students (and staff) aspire to high standards in so many ways. And of course, while all these things have been going on, every student has had exams of one sort or another to deal with (and to learn from).

At the end of another very busy academic year, I would like to wish everybody a good summer holiday period - I hope a time to rest, but also to reflect, and perhaps to visit other places. In September we will welcome a new cohort of Year 7s, students who join us for Year 9, and three new teaching staff and a second Pastoral Support Assistant.

Thank you very much to you all for your support of the School!










Latest NewsTwitter Facebook Website

To keep up to date with the latest news and events from the school, please remember that you can follow Ixworth Free School on twitter:

@IxworthFS. Please also check our webpage for regular updates, and we now have a Facebook page, just search for Ixworth Free School on

Facebook.

Monday 3 - Wednesday 5 September 2018 Staff Professional Development Days

Thursday 6 September 2018 Students Return to School

Ixworth Free School students graduate at Cambridge University Year 9 and 10 students recently attended their Brilliant Club graduation ceremony at the University of Cambridge.

These students have undertaken degree level study and have been fortunate enough to work with a PhD researcher. The programme started and finished with a visit to a university and students have met undergraduates and received guidance from admissions tasks. In order to graduate, they have been required to attend university-style tutorials and have written assignments on topics beyond GCSE and A level.

Headteacher, Mark Barrow said: “this has been a fantastic opportunity for our students. The programme emulates a university-style learning experience and has stretched and challenged each student. Next year will be extending the programme to Year 7 and 8”.

Our Visit to the Fire Station

On Wednesday 23rd May, one of the school’s enrichment groups found out more about the community of Ixworth. We were invited to visit Ixworth Fire Station. When we got there we met James, Rosie and Alf who work as firefighters but have other jobs as well such as bankers and accountants). We split into two groups and got to look around the fire engine and learn lots of facts, as well as getting to hold the equipment. We went inside the cab of the engine and some students even volunteered to try on the uniform. After the tour of the fire engine, we got to look around the building and see what rooms there were. Then we saw the control van where all the data is kept and after that we all went outside and experienced a drill and what the fire-fighters do to put a fire out. It was really fun and everyone enjoyed it.

“It was amazing, thank you for inviting us” - Jessica Thompson (Yr 7)“I enjoyed learning and dressing up as a firefighter - Joel Cross r )

We learned so much about the career of being a firefighter and it was interesting to learn that between the st and 23rd May the crew had been called out 18 times!

Written by Alana Lenzini and Izzy Duncan (Yr 9)

WW

Sports at Ixworth

AthleticsOn the 20th June I had the pleasure of taking seven Year 8s and one Year 7 student to the Under 13 West Suffolk Athletics Championships in Bury St Edmunds; 16 other schools took part from around the West Suffolk area. There were some excellent performances from all our students; all of whom represented the school with pride and a great attitude. Stand out results included: a 1.30m high jump from Leo Nesbitt (who had never high jumped before!); he finished in the top 5 and from Jevan Thompson and Benedict Measures who gained personal bests in the 100m. Massive well done to all students. Mr Mannington (Teacher of Boys’ PE).

Champions Day at Woodbridge School

WW

Sports at Ixworth Fun Run

Ixworth Bowls ClubFor our final enrichment of this academic year (Wednesday 4th July), the Bowls Group were invited to take part in a tournament at Ixworth Bowls Club. This was a challenging event, played in pairs over five different, fun events (including target, long bowl, slope and hoops).

Today we saw all our 6Cs in action, but mostly it was a sense of Ixworth Free School being part of the wider Ixworth Community and the Club becoming involved in our school Community which was the most evident.

The overall winners of the event were Joel Cross and Camden Turnbow (Yr 8). The John Sharpe trophy was presented by its namesake, John Sharpe, the President of the Ixworth Bowls Club, who was enthusiastic and committed about getting a Youth Section together in the future. Therefore, if any students or children are interested in trying out this game, please contact John Chambers, Chairman (01284 762028) or use the contact sheet on the website at www.ixworthbowlsclub.org.uk. They are a friendly bunch and it was agreed that we have all improved during our term coming to the Club because of their excellent coaching skills and encouragement.

This is a game which anyone can enjoy - our group have agreed that “it is not a game just for old people”. The overall comments were … “it was brilliant” and “we were never bored”.

We wish to thank the generosity of the Club in giving up their time every Wednesday and looking after us so well (drinks and biscuits were very much appreciated!).

The Ixworth Bowls Enrichment GroupChardonnay, Trinity, Ruby and Jess (Yr 7)Camden, Joel, Robert and Callum (Yr 8)Destiny and Izzy (Yr 9)




Ixworth, IP31 2HS

www.ixworthfreeschool.org.uk @IxworthFS

Trips And Visits

Y10 Art Trip

Royal NorfolkShow

Y10 VCERT Class visiting a CrossFit

Gym

Y7 Art Trip to Colchester

Y10 Mock Interviews

april 2019 ixchange ixworth what’s inside? · mr barrow, headteacher “providing a foundation...

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