BUSHEY MEADS SCHOOL: A SPECIALIST TECHNOLOGY COLLEGE 21ST NOVEMBER 2014 ISSUE 10

Bushey Meads

NEWS

Diary Dates

25th November 2014 Executive Principal’s

Parent Surgery

25th November 2014 Year 12 Silver DoE Parents

Information Evening

26th November 2014 Year 10 Theatre Trip

27th November 2014

Year 13 Consultation Evening

3rd December 2014 Year 10, Year 12 & Year 13 Ski Presentation Evening

11th December 2014

Sixth Form Open Evening

WOW Training Session: Debating Society Monday 17 November 2014 A fantastic event! The debating Society were visited by Daniel Berger, Law Faculty University of Hertfordshire and his undergraduate student, Katie. During a brief lunch break, we were treated to the art of succinct delivery, or how to present a skeleton argument within one minute. Our students were fascinated and participated with gusto, asking questions, offering counter arguments. Feedback from this dynamic speaker was most encouraging: ‘Lovely to meet you today - your students were fabulous! Feedback from our students ‘We wish we could have had longer, it was brilliant.’ We are now ready to enter the WOW – War of Words – challenge and await the topic title with anticipation and excitement. If any students wish to join with us in this exciting new venture, please contact Mrs Pinkus in H2 for more details.

Parent Survey By Mrs Ash, Assistant Headteacher, KS5 Thank you to all the parents of year 7 and 11 who have already completed the online parental surveys. Parents of year 13 students will be sent the link on Monday and it would be useful if they could complete the survey before the parents evening on Thursday. There will also be an opportunity to register and complete the survey on the evening.

Deborah, 11Elm Deborah is this week's KS4 student of the week. Deborah has not only been working hard in preparation for the upcoming year 11 PPEs but she also devotes her time in school as a charity representative and an active member of the debating society.

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STUDENTS OF THE WEEK

Noel, 13Ash Our KS5 student of the week this week is Noel who is currently in Year 13. He has been awarded this for his service to the school by supporting at parents evenings, assisting the technical requirements for performances and volunteering to conduct school tours. Noel is currently studying Business Studies, IT and Maths.

Key Stage 3 Parents Consultation Evening By Ms Dhanecha, Pastoral Manager KS3 Thursday evening saw the first of Key Stage 3's Parents Consultation Evenings of the year. The evening was very well attended with lots going including an online survey which was fully supported by our team of IT technicians, parent packs were given out, refreshments were served and of course it was the perfect opportunity for parents and carers to meet their children's teachers. I wanted to say a big thank you to all who attended and for all of the positive comments you made about the school and our staff. It was certainly uplifting to hear how happy the children are at Bushey Meads and how well they are progressing. I would also like to thank our group of Year 8, Year 9 and Sixth Form students who helped out on the evening. All in all, a successful evening!

The BMS School Community Support for Children in Need

Many students and parents who I spoke to at the end of the evening were delighted that the school are offering this exciting opportunity which gives our students the chance to really achieve something special and set themselves apart with any future CV, applications to Sixth Form or University places post A levels. The even more prestigious Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award is being offered to Sixth Form students. I look forward to hearing about the student successes at each level of the award and would like to thank Miss Kerr and Miss Ward for their leadership of these exciting initiatives at BMS. Miss Kerr wrote ‘It was a pleasure last week to see so many Year 10 students and their parents eager to take part and learn about the Duke of Edinburgh award. Both the lunch time and after school meetings were well attended. Miss Ward and I are looking forward to reading the Year 10's application forms (due by the 3rd of December). We are looking forward to starting the award in January and the new fire skills course with Watford Fire Station’.

By Jeremy Turner, Executive Principal

Last week Miss Kerr and Miss Ward led a Year 10 Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award Information Evening that was really well attended by a cross section of students and parents.

Our Children in Need Fundraising Day was a real success last Friday. Everyone – staff and students, entered into the spirit of the day and, in doing so, raised a lot of money for the very worthy cause.

Well done everyone!

Governors’ Day at Bushey Meads School By Jeremy Turner, Executive Principal

On Tuesday 18 November earlier this week we held a very special day and 12 of our Governors were in school for our very first Governors’ Day. This new initiative was planned as a way of promoting the work of our Governing Body with students and staff and also to enable our governors to gain a real insight into the day to day work that goes on at our fabulous school. The busy day started with the governors being welcomed to the school by the Student Leadership Team and Student Learning Consultants and then meeting staff and students at Breakfast Club in the school restaurant before school.

Our Chair of Governors Di Hoeksma and Vice Chair of Governors Richard Abrahams led an inspirational morning Key Stage 4 Assembly and shared their thoughts about the theme of the week ‘Determination.’ The other governors also attended the assembly to introduce themselves to the students.

Governors were then taken on a tour of the school by students - visiting all classrooms and teaching areas. The students answered any questions that the governors had about the school and the learning that was taking place.

Governors then spent time meeting students to find out more about each faculty area in the school. Students showed the governors their work and told them about the strengths and what they wanted to see develop in each area of the school.

All the governors commented on how superb the students were in these sessions – talking clearly about their ‘Stars’ and ‘Wishes’ for each faculty area and showing their commitment to the ongoing success of the school.

At breaktime the governors joined the hard working Bushey Meads staff in the staffroom and used this opportunity to thank them for all they are doing in the school to support the students at the school in such an exemplary way.

Each governor wrote a report about their meeting with the students and this will be shared with the Head of Faculty, the Full Governing Body and Senior Leadership Team of the school.

Governors also met with the Head of Faculty for each area to discuss the faculty results and plans for future developments. They also went on a tour of the faculty with the Head of Faculty. Discussions were also held to explore ways to strengthen the link between the Governor and the work of the faculty in school.

During lesson 4 a joint Governors/Student Parliament Meeting was held in the Main Hall to discuss ways in which the school could be further improved as a learning community, particularly in relation to the use of rewards and celebration of achievement.

At the start of the meeting Head Boy Jamie and Head Girl Sophia gave an update of the work of the Student Parliament and reminded students of the previous meeting and achievements that they have made in the school to date.

After lunch for the governors and students in the restaurant area, the day finished with some stunning performances in the Drama Studio by students currently studying Music in the school and also rehearsing for the School Show Les Miserables due to be performed at Bushey Meads School in February 2015.

I would like to thank all the staff and students for their hard work in making the Governors’ Day such a success and also thank all our governors for giving up their time so generously.

The day certainly gave our governors an invaluable insight into the work that we all do to make Bushey Meads School such a successful school.

Sharing Outstanding BMS Practice The staff at Bushey Meads School are always looking for ways to share the outstanding practice that exists here across the different faculty areas of the school.

Each week on a Friday at our regular Staff Briefing, key teachers share a ‘Friday Faculty Focus’ that showcases something of excellent practice that improves learning and achievement in lessons.

Last week Mr Dawson our Head of Faculty for English showed staff a method that he uses to promote even higher standards of extended writing by modelling to students a standard of writing in the first half of an essay that the students then match by completing the second half of the task. Staff were given 1 minute to discuss the potential impact of the strategy in their own subject areas and came up with 10 powerful reasons to promote and embed the simple, but effective writing strategy across the whole school. A powerful 3 minute sharing of good practice based around modelling, discussing and planning to embed a strategy to have real impact on learning and achievement.

Word of the Week By Mike Dawson, Head of English Faculty

Subjective (adjective)

1. Influenced by personal feelings or personal opinions rather than based on facts. Example: My subjective view of the two plays is that I consider ‘Romeo and Juliet’ the stronger drama. Comment: The word ‘subjective’ is an impressive way to provide an opinion or judgement. It establishes the writer’s stance as serious and formal - but still allows him/her to voice an opinion. ‘My subjective view…’ could act as a welcome change from ‘In my opinion’ or ‘I think…’! It is the sort of phrase to use to start off a concluding paragraph to an essay or a piece of coursework.

Year 11 into Year 12 Taster Day

Reminder to year 11 that this day is taking place on Monday 15th December. On that day Year 11 students are permitted to wear smart office wear as detailed in the 6th Form dress code (details are on the school website).

The Year 11 Pre-Public Examinations By Mr Lee Arnold, Assistant Headteacher (KS4) Year 11 students have been busy revising since the half term holidays for their upcoming Pre-Public Examinations (PPEs) which begin on 1st December.

Traditionally, these exams have been referred to as “mocks”. However, the word “mock” does not accurately reflect the importance of these exams as it suggests that they are “pretend” or “just for practice”. The reality is that these exams, as well as providing excellent preparation for public examinations, can also give students and teachers some really valuable information about current levels of performance, as well as identifying strengths and areas that still need to be developed. Students have been issued with PPE Timetables and have benefited from a special session concerning revision techniques as well as receiving a study skills book packed with useful tips and strategies. Many parents of Year 11 students then tried out some of these methods during their very own revision techniques evening. Extra classrooms with computers have been specially laid on for Year 11 students to spend lunchtimes revising for these exams and countdown timers have sprung up all over school reminding students that the exams are only just around the corner. And already it is clear to see that Year 11 students are treating the PPEs very seriously. Whilst I am certain that Year 11 will do even more revision and exam practice before the public exams in the summer, it is important to approach the PPEs with the same level of determination. With thorough revision now, the chances of all students achieving their potential in the summer are so much greater.

Thank You – Year 11 Consultation Evening Helpers By Mr Richard Allen, Pastoral Manager KS4 KS4 would like to say a big THANK YOU to those students who gave up their own time to help staff during the Year 11 parents consultation evening on Tuesday 18th November. The event was a huge success and the students were extremely helpful on the night serving refreshments and handing out information. You are all a credit to the school and KS4 are grateful for your efforts.

Laila 10 Ash Yama 8 Ash Ben 8 Beech

Ben 8 Ash Jamie 13 Maple

Noel 13 Ash Maddie 13 Elm

Elizabeth 13 Maple Sophia 13 Elm

Outstanding Hertfordshire Headteacher Visits BMS By Jeremy Turner, Executive Principal

Just over a week ago the outstanding Headteacher of Sandringham School in St Albans Alan Gray visited Bushey Meads School to see some of the outstanding work that is being done at the school across all curriculum areas and also discuss potential links between the two schools.

He was very impressed with what he saw at the school and was delighted to be able to speak to so many of our Student Learning Consultants who confidently explained about the learning that was taking place in the lessons we visited together.

Our visitor’s comment in our Visitors’ book said it all…..

What a wonderful school. The students were enthusiastic about their learning, they were

working hard and had great relationships with each other and staff. Thank you

High Achiever Awards at Bushey Meads School This year the school has introduced a special new award for students called a High Achiever Award. Throughout the year, every half term, each faculty is asked to nominate one student from each year group to receive a High Achiever Award based on the student’s work, effort, attitude and achievements made throughout the previous half term. Each student who receives a High Achiever Award will have their name published in the weekly newsletter, and a copy of their certificate displayed on High Achiever noticeboards which are placed in prominent places around the school site. They will also will receive a letter of recognition from the school and their certificate is posted home to their parents. I am delighted that the following students all received a High Achiever Award for their work during the last half term in PE & Health. We congratulate them all for their recent success. PE and Health

Anna Finley 7E for high levels of effort and enthusiasm in aspects of curricular and extra-curricular PE

Jasmine Phillips 8O for selection for Under 14 County Football squad and excellent effort in lesson time

Callum Bedwell 9E for excellent attitude and performance level in aspects of curricular and extra-curricular PE

Lyes Titouah 10M for selection for Watford District and Herts County Football squads and high level performance in PE

Matt Walker 11M for excellent attitude and enthusiasm and attitude in all aspects of curricular and extra-curricular PE

Emily Charalambous 12O for making an excellent start to the A level PE course and her commitment to Community Service

Mabel Pooley 13E for excellent attitude in all aspects of BTEC Sport and support in lessons

Year 7 Reception Helpers – ‘Superstars’ By Mrs Biggerstaff and Mrs Nealon

From 20th October 2014 our new Year 7 students have been supporting us as

student receptionists.

The students who have been appointed to date have been fantastic; they have

been a pleasure to work with and have really “stepped up to the mark” as they

carry out their duties for us and have displayed great team spirit, in spite of the

adverse weather conditions we have experienced recently.

Without the help of our student receptionists, we would struggle to support the school staff and parents in

delivering important notes to students around the school site.

Many thanks for your support Year 7 and we look forward to this continuing team spirit.

Brunel Ducks Made A Big Splash In Their Florida Basketball Tour Debut By Damian Reid, Cover Supervisor Thanks to everyone that has been involved and supported the Brunel Ducks and l to make such a wonderful trip happen. All 12 players and 2 coaches fully enjoyed every second of our 10-day USA high level pro atmosphere competition tour. We were hosted by some of Florida’s Top Universities and stayed in some of the most highly rated hotels in the US. Some of the teams we played along our route were:

Nova South-eastern University

Lynn University

St. Leo University

Rawlins University

Florida Tech University All teams and coaches battled hard; the ducks fought with every bit of British power, but they came up short a few times throughout the competition and finished the tour with a 1-4 record. The Ducks now focus on winning the UK EBL National Level 4 competition in order to move up in national league 1, where they will hopefully be contenders in the UK’s Top Basketball League: the BBL sometime in the near future. Please follow the duck’s journey and come out and support at all home games at Brunel University (Uxbridge). Just simply google the ‘Brunel Ducks’ and follow links to the 2014/2015 team schedule. Mr. Reid would like to welcome all interested BMS students to join, compete and play during many of our BMS open evening / drop-in basketball club sessions. We are currently looking at organising the clubs for girls Y7-8 on Mondays 3:30 - 4:30 and boys Y7-8 on Wednesdays 3:30-4:30. Please keep checking the BMS Learning Gateway for more future basketball dates. Also coming to BMS in the near future will be some exclusive coaching sessions, brought to us by members of the official “Brunel Ducks Basketball Team”.

Cross Country Trials By Ashley Cartledge, Head of PE & Health Faculty

The Year 8, 10 and 11 races took place on Tuesday 18th November. After some heavy rain in the week the conditions made running difficult but all of our students put in a spirited effort with both Lyes Titouah 9th and Jadd Jalkhi 10th recording top 10 finishes in the Year 10 Boys race. Year 10 boys recorded the schools best overall team place with a 3rd overall. Special mention to Matthew Walker in Year 11 who was the best performing Bushey Meads student across all races with a very creditable 7th in the Year 11 Boys race. Other notable performances on the day included:

Sophie Ashby - 11th year 8 Girls

Anouska Barrett - 23rd Year 8 Girls

Jack leech - 18th Year 8 Boys

Leon Nyoro - 11th Year 10 Boys

Toby Peskin - 22nd Year 10 Boys Well done to all students who have taken part over the last couple of weeks.

“Eye say, what are Year 8 up to?” By Mr Bilton, Head of Science Faculty Year 8 students got to grips with a set of eyes today as they carried out a dissection to identify structures and features of a mammalian eye. Having discussed the function of the eye beforehand, and seen various optical illusions that manipulate how the eye interprets the information it receives, the students were keen to get hands-on experience and thoroughly enjoyed it. They worked exceptionally well – we clearly have some budding opticians in the class!

Stakeholder Surveys and Questionnaires As a school we listen carefully to all members of the school community and work together to improve the school. Every year we conduct a number of surveys involving all of our key stakeholders (students, staff, parents and governors) and feed the information obtained into our ongoing school improvement planning. Parents are being encouraged to use the online Parent View Questionnaire. Please click on the link below to access the Parent View Questionnaire and enter your opinions of Bushey Meads School.

https://parentview.ofsted.gov.uk/login?destination=give-your-views At each Parents’ Consultation Evening throughout this year our ICT team will be on hand to support and encourage all parents to complete the Parent View Questionnaire on line. Obviously if you manage to complete it before the evening it will save time. Many thanks in advance.

Anti-bullying Week 2014

To help promote anti-bullying week we have asked the students to write down what they feel about bullying

on a leaf. Each leaf has been gathered to form a display at the front of the school. The messages have been

lovely and thought provoking, such as: “Bullying is something that no one should have to experience. It’s sad

to know that someone is bullying you because deep down they might be hurt themselves. Don’t let them get

away with it, but don’t bully them back. Tell someone that you trust. They will help you.”

Strategies to deal with bullying at Bushey Meads School:

there is a confidential “post-box” for student use, situated in the library, to report incidents of bullying

there is a confidential area of the school website (www.busheymeads.herts.sch.uk) for reporting incidents of bullying or racism

talk to our two trained anti-bullying co-ordinators, Ms Day and Miss Clayton

UKMT Senior Maths Team Challenge 2014 By Mr Varsani, Head of Maths Faculty

On Monday 17th November, a team of four A-Level Maths students took part in the UKMT Senior Maths Team Challenge. The challenge took place at Merchant Taylors School in Northwood and our boys were faced against some very fierce competition. The final results saw our team achieve 14th place out of 20. Well done to Ben Nunes, Sean Jennings, Dylan Kelly and James Burton. A big thank you to Mr Lardner and Mr Sennesie who accompanied and supported our team. The boys will now help our Intermediate and Junior challengers to prepare for their individual and team challenges!