SUCCESSPRIZE

DAY 2012

GREEN POWERED CAR

A CHRISTMAS C

AROL

NATIONAL PO

ETRY DAY

UCC EQUESTRIAN TEA

M

TAEKWON-DO CHAMPION

RESULTS

Examination outcomes for students from Years 9 to

13 showed further gains for UCC in most areas this

year. In Year 13, our students achieved the highest

average points score in the school’s his

tory and the

vast majority of students were able to accept their

first choice of university offers.

In Year 11, our GCSE results showed a further gain

to 95.5% in 5+A*–C grades, which places the school

in the top 10% of schools nationally. These results

are important in that they enable all our students

to go on to choose the next stage in further educa-

tion, work or training. Our 5+A*–C including English

and maths is the measure we have been focusing

on strongly with extra option groups in English and

maths in Year 10 and a review of the modular maths

strategy in favour of the linear for some of our key

students.

It is also worth remembering that 146 Year 9s

received BTEC results (equivalent to 1 GCSE A*–C)

in Dance or Sport Studies (42 A*, 13 A, 44 B and

47 C). Year 10s also gained GCSEs in Additional

Science and results in their modular maths GCSE.

HEADTEACHER ’ S WELCOMEWelcome to the Autumn publication of sUCCess magazine. This is the eighth edition of our school magazine and articles for this publication have had to compete hard to win a place on its pages. We’ve had a fascinating term with another summer’s results to celebrate, Prize Day, a dance show, the return visit of poet Levi Tafari, countless sporting and extra-curricular events (including new interschool equestrian events), the first competitive outing with our green racing car, Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award challenges (in the rain, naturally), mountain bike trials, various conservation and arts projects and much, much more.

In October, we were visited by Shirley Gornall and her team of Ofsted inspectors and we take a great deal of pleasure from the (mostly) very positive comments made about UCC and the helpful advice about where we need to focus further to become Good or Outstanding. We are very proud of our students and of their magnificent achievements, qualities and interests. This edition of sUCCess highlights at least some of the reasons why, in our view, UCC is already a very good place to be.

Mr Pattinson

2

RESULTS

Examination outcomes for students from Years 9 to

13 showed further gains for UCC in most areas this

year. In Year 13, our students achieved the highest

average points score in the school’s his

tory and the

vast majority of students were able to accept their

first choice of university offers.

In Year 11, our GCSE results showed a further gain

to 95.5% in 5+A*–C grades, which places the school

in the top 10% of schools nationally. These results

are important in that they enable all our students

to go on to choose the next stage in further educa-

tion, work or training. Our 5+A*–C including English

and maths is the measure we have been focusing

on strongly with extra option groups in English and

maths in Year 10 and a review of the modular maths

strategy in favour of the linear for some of our key

students.

It is also worth remembering that 146 Year 9s

received BTEC results (equivalent to 1 GCSE A*–C)

in Dance or Sport Studies (42 A*, 13 A, 44 B and

47 C). Year 10s also gained GCSEs in Additional

Science and results in their modular maths GCSE.

SILVER ARTS AWARD

Well done to Joe Currie, Lauren Frost, Marieke

Evans and Shay Brenan who, through their

creativity and dedication, have achieved

their Silver Arts Award. They each produced

outstanding work in their own art form as they

responded to the challenge of the Award. They

also successfully organised and ran their own

arts event, ‘icreatebritain’, for younger students;

teaching individual workshops on cake decoration,

music composition, illustration and landmark graffiti.

Congratulations to you all! Rachael de la Mare

3

4

On Wednesday 4th July, our Design &

Technology Green Power Racing Car and its team

of engineers took part in a 4-hour endurance race

against other teams from the North of England.

The organising committee scrutinised the cars for

engineering standards and safety issues. The UCC

car was given a completely clean bill of health

and organisers commented positively on the

quality of the engineering carried out to prepare

the car. Five drivers took the car out onto the track

and the pit-stop crew supported their efforts by

changing batteries every 20 minutes. Overall, the

UCC car came 20th out of 35 cars but, amongst

those cars new to the competition, the UCC team

was placed 2nd. Congratulations to the whole

team and good luck for next time.

Rhonda Dockray

5

GREEN POWER RACING CAR

On Wednesday 4th July, our Design &

Technology Green Power Racing Car and its team

of engineers took part in a 4-hour endurance race

against other teams from the North of England.

The organising committee scrutinised the cars for

engineering standards and safety issues. The UCC

car was given a completely clean bill of health

and organisers commented positively on the

quality of the engineering carried out to prepare

the car. Five drivers took the car out onto the track

and the pit-stop crew supported their efforts by

changing batteries every 20 minutes. Overall, the

UCC car came 20th out of 35 cars but, amongst

those cars new to the competition, the UCC team

was placed 2nd. Congratulations to the whole

team and good luck for next time.

Rhonda Dockray

Congratulations to Runa, Kayleigh, Jonathan, Tim, Callum, Cameron, Morgan, Dean, Edward, Cameron and thanks to sponsors from the Rotary Club, Mark Purdham Engineering and DJ Autospray.

6

LA ROCHELLE TRIP 2012Across a wet Cumberland Yard came a crowd of Year 7s and 8s pulling cases bigger than themselves. Mr Cooper was very insistent – “only one bag per person” – but how can a teenage boy fit his beachwear and a week’s supply of hair gel into one bag?! The bus driver (a legend) kept us entertained all the way to sunny La Rochelle. We stayed in the youth hostel, using this as a base to visit the aquarium, beaches, markets and cognac museum. Everyone really enjoyed the trip and can now order ice creams in French.

We ended the week on a high with La Rochelle’s Got Talent, discovering talents from singing to acting and our very own batman – Nathan. Thanks to all who organised the trip it was brilliant and we would definitely recommend it!

Daisy Tallis (Year 8)

7

This year I competed in the ITF Taekwon-doWorld Cup, which was held in Brightonbetween the 3rd and 7th of October2012. The competition hosted1,800 competitors from 46 different countries. I competedin the Individual Sparring, Individual Pattern, Special Technique Side Kick and High, as well as the Team Pattern and Team Sparring. Our Team patterned in front of the Grandmasters in the final against Russia’s Team 1, who we beat to win the gold medal. We also achieved a bronze medal in Team Sparring.

Amy Hullock

UCC CONGRATULATESAMY HULLOCK ON WINNING

GOLD AND BRONZE MEDALS

AT THE IV ITF TAEKWON-DO

WORLD CUP

8

PRIZE DAY

What a spectacular and thoroughly enjoyable day this was. A real opportunity to celebrate – with all of our

students – the many, many impressive qualities of our young people and to showcase what we value as a

school.

The day was enhanced by performances in drama, jazz and dance and by the presence of our visiting

guests. The effect of Denzil from Waterloo Road (actor Reece Douglas) on the majority of students in Year 8

was astonishing and Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant Sir James Cropper added a different but no less valuable

enhancement to the exceptional achievements of prize winners. Citations were delivered admirably by Deputy

and Assistant Headteachers and by Heads of Year, and pupils sh

owed their support and appreciation in warm

applause. The response from staff, parents and pupils after the Prize Day ceremonies has been hugely positive

and we’ve already begun working on next year’s event to make bigger and better still.

Mr Pattinson

9

PRIZE DAY

What a spectacular and thoroughly enjoyable day this was. A real opportunity to celebrate – with all of our

students – the many, many impressive qualities of our young people and to showcase what we value as a

school.

The day was enhanced by performances in drama, jazz and dance and by the presence of our visiting

guests. The effect of Denzil from Waterloo Road (actor Reece Douglas) on the majority of students in Year 8

was astonishing and Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant Sir James Cropper added a different but no less valuable

enhancement to the exceptional achievements of prize winners. Citations were delivered admirably by Deputy

and Assistant Headteachers and by Heads of Year, and pupils sh

owed their support and appreciation in warm

applause. The response from staff, parents and pupils after the Prize Day ceremonies has been hugely positive

and we’ve already begun working on next year’s event to make bigger and better still.

Mr Pattinson

Watch the Prize

Day Review Film via

Latest News on our website

at www.ullswatercc.co.uk.

If you have a QR capable

phone scan the code to

go straight to the film.

10

MOOR HOUSEPHOTOGRAPHY PROJECT 2012 is the 60th anniversary of Moor House, in Upper Teasdale, being declared a National Nature Reserve. To celebrate this milestone, theYear 8 Extra Art students were asked to take part in a photography project.

This was a unique opportunity for our students to visit a National Nature Reserve and look at it from anartistic/photographer’s viewpoint. They were accompanied and coached by a professional photographer and by a member of Natural England staff; each student took photographs at both the landscape and macro scale.

Braving the Arctic conditions, the students captured some wonderful shots of wildlife and the environment of the high Pennines. After editing, eight photographs were selected as final pieces. These will be exhibited at UCC and at other venues in Cumbria and the North East of England. They will also feature at a scientific seminar‘Research at Moor House NNR past, present and future’ at Lancaster University in February 2013. Bethany Grattan

11

LEVI TAFARI 2012 NATIONAL

POETRY DAY Levi Tafari returned to UCC as this year’s special

guest for National Poetry Day. He treated the

Year 7s to a showcase of his work and spoke

about his life and how he became a poet. The

afternoon saw the return of our annual RAP

(Rhythmically Applied Poetry) competition with

Levi, Mr McWilliams and Mr Pattinson being our

panel of judges. The standard was exceptional

this year, with every form putting together a

brilliant performance. The winners were

The Numptees from 7CRW. To see an interview

with Levi and watch the Rap Competiiton go to

LRC page on our website

at www.ullswatercc.co.uk or

scan the code to go straight

to the film. Well done to everyone involved! Ruth Molloy

12

A CHRISTMAS CAROLThe Drama Department staged its annual large-scale production last week when a cast of 85 students from Years 7 to 13 brought to life Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Jordan Summers took the lead role of Scrooge, with the Ghost of Jacob Marley played by his brother Kyle. The Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come were played by a chorus of students, each teaching Scrooge valuable lessons about what’s important in life. Special thanks go to Owen Smith, Harriet Moar-Smith and John Summers for their invaluable creative and technical skills displayed in the atmospheric set, costume, sound and lighting.

Jane Reardon, Head of Drama

13

A CHRISTMAS CAROLThe Drama Department staged its annual large-scale production last week when a cast of 85 students from Years 7 to 13 brought to life Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Jordan Summers took the lead role of Scrooge, with the Ghost of Jacob Marley played by his brother Kyle. The Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come were played by a chorus of students, each teaching Scrooge valuable lessons about what’s important in life. Special thanks go to Owen Smith, Harriet Moar-Smith and John Summers for their invaluable creative and technical skills displayed in the atmospheric set, costume, sound and lighting.

Jane Reardon, Head of Drama

14

GYMNASTIC MEDAL WINNERS The UCC Gymnastics Squad entered the Novice County Gymnastics Competition on the 23rd February. The Under 13 squad consisted of Tara Simpson-Sullivan, Katrina Murphy, Chelsea Twiddy, Beth Morton, Michaela Sowerby, Beth Walsh, Imogen Johnston, Leanne Lowdon and Darcy Stubbs. The Over 13 squad consisted of Emily Riley, Melanie Leeder, Ellis Hope and Victoria Elliot.

The girls were required to perform an individual floor routine and a vault. The girls did UCC proud, they performed with confidence and demonstrated what fantastic gymnasts they are. All of their moves were carried out with precision and excellent gymnastic form. The Under 13 Squad won first place. An outstanding achievement as it was all of the gymnasts first time ever in a competition. The Over 13s also did a fantastic job, ranking 3rd place. A special mention must go to Tara Simpson Sullivanin Year 7, as she won the Under 13s individual category, beating 30 other gymnasts to the top spot! Well done girls. Karen Key

DUKE OF EDINBURGH

A group of seven 6th form students took part in

the Silver Duke of Edinburgh expedition weekend

in the Pennines in September. Their challenge was

to use their map-reading skills, camp-craft ability

and general fitness to survive three full days

of walking and navigating with two overnight

camps. The students set off on Friday morning

from Cow Green Reservoir in the North Pennines

and eventually finished late on Sunday afternoon

close to Orton. Although at times the weather

was particularly testing, the entire group passed!

Well done to Andrew, Macauley, Cameron,

Naomi, Ben, Sam and Megan.

Jenny Evans

15

BLAST FROM THE PAST DANCE SHOW

When they were given the task of taking on a job from within the performing arts industry and producing a dance show based on a

theme of their choice, the Year 11 BTEC Dance students rose superbly to the challenge. The recent “Blast from the Past” dance show was the result.

Work started in July, when the students began deciding on the theme and performance dates for the show. Taking the roles of director, choreographer,

make-up designer, costume designer, marketing team, budget co-ordinator, stage crew and set designer, the students then organised, produced and promoted the

show entirely on their own. Through the process they developed their communication, team-work, organisational and creative skills.

The show itself was a huge success, consisting of dances from a selection of musicals including Moulin Rouge, Grease, The Lion King, West Side Story, Chicago, Fame and

Footloose. Year 10 GCSE dance students were involved in the performance and, despite finding the process very demanding at times, the Year 11 students cannot wait to

begin rehearsing for their next dance show.

Erin Dixon

DUKE OF EDINBURGH

A group of seven 6th form students took part in

the Silver Duke of Edinburgh expedition weekend

in the Pennines in September. Their challenge was

to use their map-reading skills, camp-craft ability

and general fitness to survive three full days

of walking and navigating with two overnight

camps. The students set off on Friday morning

from Cow Green Reservoir in the North Pennines

and eventually finished late on Sunday afternoon

close to Orton. Although at times the weather

was particularly testing, the entire group passed!

Well done to Andrew, Macauley, Cameron,

Naomi, Ben, Sam and Megan.

Jenny Evans

16

Ullswater Community CollegeWetheriggs Lane, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 8NGTelephone: 01768 210206 Website: www.ullswatercc.co.uk

EQUESTRIAN AND MOUNTAIN BIKING TEAMS

Two new teams have been added to the list of extra-curricular sports on offer at UCC: mountain biking and show jumping.

Two teams from UCC competed at the mountain bike competition at Wennington Hall School in Lancashire. In the Key Stage 3 category, Kieran Thompson won the individual cross-country event and the team came second in the team pursuit; Tom Bray won the senior event.

A team of show jumpers won one of the sections at the first jumping competition staged for schools in northern Cumbria. Ullswater pupils Amy Miller, Tamar Miller, Hannah Parkin and Romarna Wilson took top spot in the 75 cm section at the new event, which was held at Blackdyke Farm Equestrian Centre, Blackford, Carlisle.Jonny Greenwood