SUCCESSMUSI

C CONCERT

DRAMA & DANCE SHOWS

WIMBLEDON 2013

ART TEXTILES

AT DALEMAIN

ANNIE PIERSON AWARD

TEENAGE CANCER TR

UST

SKY SPORTS

VISIT

HEADTEACHER ’ S WELCOMEWelcome to the summer 2013 edition of sUCCess magazine – a vibrant 24 sides showcasing the activity, talent and enthusiasm of staff and students at this school.

With the 2013 exam season now rapidly coming to its conclusion, we are hugely optimistic about the coming results days in August. Given the great efforts made by staff and students alike to achieve the best outcome possible, it is even more amazing to read about the vast range of activities that seem to appear, as if by magic, out of nowhere.

The Art Exhibtion, as ever celebrated the talents of our students and the staff of this remarkable department and inspired those who attended. In a recent visit by the Chief Examiner for Art, the standard of work coming out of this department was singled out as unmatched in the country. Most teachers never see a score of 100% at A Level at any point in their careers - at Ullswater this year we have several!

This sUCCess is an amazing record of the many achievements and opportunities available. A big thank you to all our staff, especially to those retiring, and we wish our students all the best of luck in their exams and a very happy summer holiday. Nigel H. Pattinson

2

MATHS COMPETITIONOn 19th March, two Year 8 and two Year 9 students travelled to Caldew School to represent UCC in the UKMT Team Maths Challenge regional final. Sixteen teams from various schools

had entered and the challenge comprised four rounds in which the students worked in pairs and as a team to solve different

mathematical questions. The four students enjoyed the day and came back with some new mathematical skills.

David Howarth

MOCK TRIAL

After some weeks of preparation, fifteen Year 8

students travelled to Kendal Magistrates’ Court to

represent UCC at the Law Society’s North West

Region Mock Trial competition. Working in two

teams – one defence and one prosecution – the

students successfully defended their client against

Appleby Grammar School and then prosecuted

the defendant from Keswick School. The aim of

the day was to develop a wider understanding of

criminal law, the justice system and how law courts

work. In addition, the students gained skills in a

range of areas including listening, reasoning, public

speaking and self-confidence, not to mention the

ability to think on their feet!

John Sander

MULTI-CULTU

RAL DAY

Razwan-Ul-Haq – an Islamic artist who fuses Arabic

calligraphy with Celtic art – led two workshops

with Year 7 students. By sharing his knowledge

and philosophical thoughts on Islam and life, he

encouraged students to create their own art. The

word ‘Allah’ (pbuh) was used as the inspiration

for reflective work that resulted in a vast array of

colour and design, which can be seen in the RE

Department. Music, dance and rhythm were also

explored after we’d heard about what it means to

live your life as a Muslim.

Lynda Hepburn

HEALTH PROMOTION

As part of the AS-level Health and Social Care

‘Promoting Good Health’ unit, Year 12 students

planned, organised and carried out a Health

Promotion Event for 90 Year 8 Citizenship

students. A carousel of stalls, set out in the LRC,

gave the Year 8s advice and information or

a range of topics including healthy eating,

alcohol misuse, domestic abuse, smoking

and sexual health. The students had the

chance to taste smoothies as part of their

5-a-day and to guess the amount of

alcohol in one unit. C

hris Janz

3

MATHS COMPETITIONOn 19th March, two Year 8 and two Year 9 students travelled to Caldew School to represent UCC in the UKMT Team Maths Challenge regional final. Sixteen teams from various schools

had entered and the challenge comprised four rounds in which the students worked in pairs and as a team to solve different

mathematical questions. The four students enjoyed the day and came back with some new mathematical skills.

David Howarth

4

5

2013 A-LEVEL ART SHOW

This year’s A-level Fine Art and Art Textiles Exhibition contains some of the most ambitious

work ever produced at UCC; including painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography,

installation and a whole host of textile techniques. It illustrates beautifully the

maturity, range and depth of exploration that students achieve during their studies at UCC and serves to act as inspiration

for up-and-coming artists within the school. Many of the students exhibiting are continuing their art

education beyond sixth form, either at degree or foundation level. Students have done incredibly

well this year, with several achieving the highest possible

mark.

Owen Smith

6

UCC used to have a Rural Science Department

long ago; many of today’s parents speak fondly

about mucking-out pigs and helping during

lambing time when they were at school. Farming

runs through the veins of the whole community

and we felt that now was the right time for Rural

Science to come back to our school.

Students can now take the Environmental and

Land-based Science GCSE in Year 10. This gives

them the opportunity to learn about modern

agricultural practice and to develop the skills

and knowledge to make them employable in the

agricultural sector.Over the last year we’ve developed the

Cumberland quadrangle to allow hens, ducks

and guinea pigs to live on site. Students have

reared the animals and have also developed

extensive vegetable patches behind the Maths

block. This is only the beginning of the project

and in the future we plan to keep livestock once

again on the school site.

ENVIRONMENTAL LAND-BASED SCIENCE

7

UCC used to have a Rural Science Department

long ago; many of today’s parents speak fondly

about mucking-out pigs and helping during

lambing time when they were at school. Farming

runs through the veins of the whole community

and we felt that now was the right time for Rural

Science to come back to our school.

Students can now take the Environmental and

Land-based Science GCSE in Year 10. This gives

them the opportunity to learn about modern

agricultural practice and to develop the skills

and knowledge to make them employable in the

agricultural sector.Over the last year we’ve developed the

Cumberland quadrangle to allow hens, ducks

and guinea pigs to live on site. Students have

reared the animals and have also developed

extensive vegetable patches behind the Maths

block. This is only the beginning of the project

and in the future we plan to keep livestock once

again on the school site.

8

TOM BENNETT’S FIRST PUBLISHING SUCCESS IN ANNA PIERSON AWARDMany congratulations to Tom Bennett, who has had his work published in the Anne Pierson Award Anthology. This annual award celebrates young writers in Cumbria and the theme for 2013 was ‘Meeting’. Young writers entered a short story, a piece of descriptive prose, a monologue of not more than 1500 words or a poem of not more than 40 lines. Well done Tom – it’s a real achievement to have your work published!

Neil Highet

9

CANOPY ART TEXTILES AT DALEMAIN

Art Textiles students in Years 9, 10 and 12 have had their work exhibited alongside international artists as part of

Eden Arts ‘Canopy’ project. Year 9 pupils created beautiful felt butterflies with artist Debbie Lucas, while GCSE and A-level students

used a range of techniques to created futuristic wire insects. All the students’ work was exhibited at Dalemain House and proved so

popular with visitors that the exhibition was extended until the end of May. The work will also be on display at Low Sizergh

Barn in July and in Penrith town centre in AugustIndia Campbell

10

INSPIRATIONAL PUPIL SHAVES HER HAIR FOR TEENAGE CANCER TRUST

11

Alicia Davidson, a pupil in Year 10, was inspired by her good friends Tayla Colling and Laura Mounsey

to raise money for the Teenage Cancer Trust, which helps and supports teenagers with cancer. At lunch-time on

Tuesday 21 May, a huge crowd of pupils, staff and family cheered Alicia on as her

head was shaved. Tayla Colling was tasked with taking the first cut and Mrs Crocker,

the Hair and Beauty lecturer, completed the dramatic hair cut. Alicia’s Head of Year, Mr

Jackson said: “I am so proud of Alicia, of her courage and her willingness to go all out to raise

money for this worthwhile charity and also how keen the pupils and staff from UCC were to give

generously and provide moral support.” So far Alicia has raised a fantastic £1000.00. The total amount

raised was helped by former UCC teacher Mr Silson’s generous donation of his retirement fund. In addition,

the catering team at school made and sold many wonderful home-baked cakes in the weeks leading up to

the event. If you would like to donate visit www.teenagecancertrust.org

Rob Jackson

12

CHEER CAMP 20

13

The UCC Cheerleading Squad had an awesome

time at this year’s C

heer Camp. Setting off on

Friday 22nd March, we left a snowy Cumbria

behind to arrive at Boreatton Park in Shropshire

just before the snow hit. The cheerleading

sessions were absolutely brilliant. The squad

was lucky enough to be coached by two British

Cheerleading Champions, who taught us some

fantastic new stunts. The weekend was fille

d with

fun, laughter and so much snow that the snow-

ball fights were endless! On Saturday the girls

also enjoyed climbing the ‘vertical challenge’

and Sunday afternoon saw them flying through

the air on the ‘giant swing’. The students were

an absolute credit to the school and learnt so

many new skills that we are very excited to start

working on our routine for the next Nationals.

‘Cheerleaders – we are proud of you, we are

proud of you!’

Karen Key

13

CHEER CAMP 20

13

The UCC Cheerleading Squad had an awesome

time at this year’s C

heer Camp. Setting off on

Friday 22nd March, we left a snowy Cumbria

behind to arrive at Boreatton Park in Shropshire

just before the snow hit. The cheerleading

sessions were absolutely brilliant. The squad

was lucky enough to be coached by two British

Cheerleading Champions, who taught us some

fantastic new stunts. The weekend was fille

d with

fun, laughter and so much snow that the snow-

ball fights were endless! On Saturday the girls

also enjoyed climbing the ‘vertical challenge’

and Sunday afternoon saw them flying through

the air on the ‘giant swing’. The students were

an absolute credit to the school and learnt so

many new skills that we are very excited to start

working on our routine for the next Nationals.

‘Cheerleaders – we are proud of you, we are

proud of you!’

Karen Key

YEAR 5 SCIENCE DAYSLate in June, Year 5 pupils from local primary schools came into UCC to conduct scientific experiments. They designed a landing module that enabled them to drop an egg safely and extracted DNA from strawberries! The pupils were full of excitement and very keen to be involved; they left equally excited and enthusiastic at the prospect of joining UCC in the future. The UCC Science staff were very ably supported by some potentially outstanding young scientists in Year 10. A big thank you to every one involved in the success of this event!Alex Ford

14

MUSIC CONCERT

15

OUR UCC MUSIC CONCERT

offered a fantastic range of music, from the now

established sounds of the UCC Jazz Group,

Orchestra and Choir right through to solo and

ensemble groups. The array of musical talent on

show was a real highlight and included beginner

performers as well as more experienced

musicians. The sheer number of students

involved in the concert was amazing and

everyone who took part should be extremely

proud of their achievements. Well done!Steven Bryant

16

NORMANDY TRIP

Our first ever Year 11 GCSE French revision camp

in Normandy was a great success. After crossing la

manche, our first destination was the market in the

town of Fougères. Here, we had to buy ingredients

on a strict budget of 2 Euros, then create a lunch

fit for the MasterChef judges. In the afternoon,

we visited a traditional Norman cider farm. The

next day, we tested our nerve on two occasions:

first on the climbing wall and trapeze, then in the

beautiful town of Bagnoles, where we interviewed

the French public. Go to our Normandy blog

entry on the school website to see more.

Chris Pattinson

TANZANIA On school visits to Tanzania we have made contact with a local man – Constantine Nyaki – who, with the organisation he has founded, works tirelessly to better the lives of some very under-privileged children in the Uru area of Kilimanjaro. Over the last school year, two Year 8 forms – LOS and RMH – have organised fundraising events and have raised a total of £400 to send to Tanzania. This money has now been received and its impact has been enormous. A secure house has been built for one student and her family; the remainder has paid for school fees and uniforms to allow a number of children to attend school for the first time. In total, over the years, UCC has raised in excess of £1000 for this cause and we will continue to work with our links in Tanzania to better the lives of the many under-privileged children in that country. Thank you so much for your efforts LOS and EJR, we are very proud of you! Marcus Castle

DT TOURNAMENT Well done to this year’s Technology Team, who took part in the 2013 Technology Tournament at Windermere. The students worked hard to construct a vehicle that could be propelled by weight, using a kit comprising wooden batons, string, pulley wheels, wire and card. Although minor glitches got in the way of major prize winning, the students had a fantastic time and are already planning their 2014 entry! Lee Hutchinson

BRANCH OUT 2013Congratulations to the 280 students who took part in this year’s competition to branch out in their reading, especially to the winners of the prizes. Thanks must go to the Penrith Alhambra Cinema, who supported us once again by donating cinema tickets. Launching with John Hurt this year, the competition gains momentum every year and we look forward to new books and challenges next year! Rachael de la Mare

LEISURE & TOURISM Well done to Year 13 Leisure Studies students who, as part of their AQA coursework, were required to plan and manage an event. This event – a games fair including a rodeo bull – was held in the Sports Hall and was very well attended by UCC pupils. A total of £1310 was raised, which was split between the Great North Air Ambulance Service and Eden Valley Hospice. Julie Sandilands

17

NORMANDY TRIP

Our first ever Year 11 GCSE French revision camp

in Normandy was a great success. After crossing la

manche, our first destination was the market in the

town of Fougères. Here, we had to buy ingredients

on a strict budget of 2 Euros, then create a lunch

fit for the MasterChef judges. In the afternoon,

we visited a traditional Norman cider farm. The

next day, we tested our nerve on two occasions:

first on the climbing wall and trapeze, then in the

beautiful town of Bagnoles, where we interviewed

the French public. Go to our Normandy blog

entry on the school website to see more.

Chris Pattinson

18

AROUND THE WORLD

DANCE SHOW

The recent dance show ‘Around the World’ explored a variety of dance styles, cultures and traditions from countries across

the globe. The audience was taken on a journey to far-flung places and shown dances that dated back 1000 years or more.

Beginning in Brazil, with the Rio carnival, the show moved to Africa, Ireland, America, Spain, India, Italy and finally China. The

students involved in the two-night show ranged from Year 7 right through to Year 13, demonstrating the amazing dance talent in

UCC. The show was a huge success and I look forward to working towards the next one.

Erin Dixon

19

AROUND THE WORLD

DANCE SHOW

The recent dance show ‘Around the World’ explored a variety of dance styles, cultures and traditions from countries across

the globe. The audience was taken on a journey to far-flung places and shown dances that dated back 1000 years or more.

Beginning in Brazil, with the Rio carnival, the show moved to Africa, Ireland, America, Spain, India, Italy and finally China. The

students involved in the two-night show ranged from Year 7 right through to Year 13, demonstrating the amazing dance talent in

UCC. The show was a huge success and I look forward to working towards the next one.

Erin Dixon

20

SKY SPORTS MENTOR As an incentive for starting a new club – the UCC Triathlon Club – Sky Sports have provided UCC with an Athlete

Mentor. Amanda Coulson is a recently retired British Lightweight Boxing Champion. After breaking down barriers to become one of the first female boxers (all but one boxing club turned her away), Amanda has travelled the world competing and is now coaching Team GB’s future Olympic boxers. During her visit, Amanda talked to the Triathlon Team and to BTEC Sport and GCSE PE students, motivating and inspiring them to make the most of their abilities

and of their time at school. She was very impressed with the participation levels in school, saying “the students here all seem really nice and it’s great to see so many taking part in sport at lunchtime”.

OlI Burns

WISE UP Well done indeed! The

new ‘Wise Up’ campaign

is already raising the

profile and value of good

attendance at school. Using

a range of strategies, both

attendance and communication

between school, students and

parents about attendance have

improved. Each term, Gold and

Silver certificates will be presented

to pupils with excellent attendance

and the certificate holders entered

into a prize draw. Congratulations

to all the Year 7 certificate and prize

winners! George McWilliamsz

GYMNASTIC JUDGES

Cumbria Gymnastic finals were held at Penrith

Leisure Centre last month and UCC supplied the

judges yet again after they all showed a keen

eye for gymnastics perfection in the Eden finals!

With high standards on show, the judges were

under increasing pressure to pick up on the tiniest

of faults and errors. The judges more than lived up

to the task and are to be congratulated on their

hard work under pressure and for flying the flag

for UCC. I have heard nothing but praise for their

efforts. Well done! Karen Key

21

SKY SPORTS MENTOR As an incentive for starting a new club – the UCC Triathlon Club – Sky Sports have provided UCC with an Athlete

Mentor. Amanda Coulson is a recently retired British Lightweight Boxing Champion. After breaking down barriers to become one of the first female boxers (all but one boxing club turned her away), Amanda has travelled the world competing and is now coaching Team GB’s future Olympic boxers. During her visit, Amanda talked to the Triathlon Team and to BTEC Sport and GCSE PE students, motivating and inspiring them to make the most of their abilities

and of their time at school. She was very impressed with the participation levels in school, saying “the students here all seem really nice and it’s great to see so many taking part in sport at lunchtime”.

OlI Burns

WIMBLEDON 2013

Members of our Tennis Team were lucky enough

to take a day tip to the Tennis Championships at

Wimbledon, the first ever such visit for UCC. The

students were buzzing after soaking up the unique

atmosphere around the grounds; they even got a

chance to cheer on Andy Murray from a packed

Murray Mount. Hopefully we will go again next

year – if you want a chance to be on that trip, join

the Tennis Team now!

Oli Burns

22

THE 39 STEPS

These are tremendously exciting times for Ullswater Community College. The end-of-term production was the first by the new ‘Creative Arts Faculty’, which brings together, Drama, Dance, Music and Art. For our first venture we chose The 39 Steps, John Buchan’s exciting spy thriller magically transferred to film by Alfred Hitchcock. Taking the current stage version as our starting point, we embedded dance and music as part of the performance. The sets, film and many props – created by the Art Department – brought life to the numerous settings for the action.

The actors came from Years 8 to 13 and some ex-students helped out back stage. We set our production in the late 1930s. As they arrived, the audience was immediately transported back in time with pre-set action in the foyer area.

It was a challenge getting everything together at this time of the year after a busy exam season but we are proud of what the students created and it was a really exciting and entertaining night, where we truly brought together the four areas of the new faculty in an integrated performance.

Owen Smith, Head of Creative Arts

23

24

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

At the end

of this year we say

goodbye to a number of

our teaching staff who collectively

have provided students at UCC with over

112 years of service. Kath Daines (Head of Year),

Shirley Ivinson (Assistant Headteacher), Jo

hn Sander

(Head of Citizenship), Shaun Silson (Head of Social

Sciences) and Lesley Turney (Teacher in charge of

Global Links) have been a big part of the success of

this school, providing opportunities in the school, in

its local community and in far away places overseas.

All five will be seriously missed but we wish them

success and happiness in their lives beyond UCC.

GOOD-BYE AND

THANKYOU!