Issue 38: Autumn 2019

In this Issue: Rememberance Sunday Commemerations, High School Musical, House Competition, Poland Trip and much more!

‘Every Child, Every Step, Every Day’

Testwood School

TS Review

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In this 38th edition of the Testwood School review, we’ve gone digital!! This saves paper and ink as well as preventing copies of our magazine ending up in bushes along Greenfields Avenue!

Please take a moment to put your feet up, take a break and soak up all of the wonderful activities we’ve been up to since September. The academic year 2019/20 started well with another jump in numbers. Testwood is now home to 734 students. Thank you to all of the parents and guardians who are sending their children through our doors.In Key Stage 3, the 289 Year 7 and 8 students

have also been busy. Accelerated Reader is once again a key focus for all of the Year 7 and 8 students and many of them have recorded significant gains in their reading ability since September. Lots of badges and certificates have been issued and we hope all of the students will find time to read as much as possible during the Christmas holiday. It is really important to read regularly with your children, if you can. Hearing them read and asking them about what is going on in the text can really help deepen their understanding and build the bank of language they need to be successful in upper school.

I am sure you will join me in being really proud of the students at Testwood and all of their endeavours, but it is always lovely to thank the teachers and support staff who work tirelessly

to ensure all of the activities are well delivered and safely planned. Finally, a huge thank you to all of our readers, parents, guardians, grandparents, aunts and uncles, who keep the children safe and make sure they get to school on time every day.On behalf of all the staff and governors, I would

like to thank you for your continued support. Your sons and daughters have worked very hard during the Autumn term and the teachers and support staff are really pleased with their efforts.May I wish you all a restful Christmas holiday and look forward to welcoming all of the children back for a new decade, new year and fresh start on 6th January 2020.

Mrs J PitmanHeadteacher

Welcome to the Autumn TS Review 2019

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Testwood in the CommunityRemembrance SundayOn Sunday 10th November, as part of Testwood School’s remembrance day commemorations, the senior prefect team took part in the Totton Memorial Parade, along with hundreds of other marchers. They paraded in silence to pay respects to the fallen. As part of the event, students had the great privilege of laying a wreath on behalf of the school. Further attendees at the event included many other primary and secondary schools in the area, New Forest East MP Julian Lewis, and leading members of the Totton and Eling branch of the Royal British Legion. On the whole, the event was an extremely emotional affair, but equally as necessary when commemorating the sacrifices brave soldiers have made at war.

Food Bank AppealOur High Attaining Students took part in a So-cial Enterprise Project, which was to arrange a school wide donation to our local food bank. We were delighted with the amount of dona-tions that we received and sincerely thank every student and family who provided an item. We are immensely proud of the students involved in running this project and of all the students who have shown such generosity and commu-nity spirit by donating items.

British Diplomat VisitIan Proud, a British Diplomat and former Testwood student, gave up his valuable time to educate us about his interesting job in the most captivating way possible. He shared stories of his time abroad – visiting 53 countries, how the Taj Mahal is much better in reality and how he was in Russia at the time of the Salisbury crisis. He inspired many of the stu-dents listening and we had great fun speaking to him. We hope he enjoyed his time re-visiting Testwood School. It helped many of us think about our careers, especially those thinking of going into the Diplomatic service. He has also invited us to visit him at the Foreign Office in London in the new year!

High Attainers

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Art

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Testwood Fauve StyleYear 7 have been learning colour theory and painting skills to enable them to create a unique piece based on Fauvism. They have used Photoshop to manipulate images of the school in a wild and unrealistic way and are using these to help them create their own Fauve paintings of Testwood School.

GCSE Fine ArtYear 9 have been completing a series of mini projects based on developing their skills and confidence with a variety of media. Year 10 are completing their main coursework project based on the theme I, Me, Mine and have created Chuck Close inspired portraits as part of their artist research and experimentation. Year 11, having finished their mock exam, are now busy preparing their chosen projects that they will submit for 60% of the GCSE.

Natural Forms PrintingYear 8 have been refining their observation skills with their study of various natural forms. These drawings have been the basis for their printing designs and experimental printmaking with Mono and Relief. Some students have also had the opportunity to create a Chemigram or a Photogram in the darkroom based on the natural form theme.

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GCSE PhotographyYear 9 have been spending the first term learning essential skills and techniques, from knowing how to use the cameras to manipulate the exposure of an image to Photoshop post production work. Students have also been developing skills in darkroom photography creating experimental Photograms, Chemigrams and Cliché Verre prints and have combined these techniques with the development of their 35mm film negatives to create unique and beautiful images.

Year 10 are completing their main coursework project based on the theme Distortion and have created David Hockney inspired images as part of their artist research and experimentation.

Year 11 have finished their mock exam and are now preparing their chosen projects that they will submit for 60% of the GCSE.

EnglishNew Texts in EnglishWith the ever-changing curriculum, the English department invested in some new texts to teach Year 9. A play was chosen to support the GCSE modern prose requirement and some Year 9 students have been immersed in the world of Al Capone, The Omerta Code and Italian Immigration in the 1900s in New York, studying Arthur Miller’s ‘A View From the Bridge’. It is a classic text, with inspiring characters, rocky relationships and secrets that, of course, are eventually revealed. There are some rather exciting scenes that Year 9 acted out, including Marco’s challenge of lifting a chair up by one leg. Eddie accused Catherine of “walkin’ wavy”, which led to some very dramatic and hilarious interpretations from especially from some of the Year 9 boys.

It is really exciting to be able to embed new texts into our curriculum and we look forward to welcoming new texts in the new year for Years 7 and 8 too!

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CareersCareers Information EveningIn September, the Year 11s had a Careers Information Evening in the Learning Resource Centre, which was well attended by students, parents, all nine Hampshire Colleges and a range of employers / careers. A big thank you to all of our contributors.

This event followed on from our Year 11 assemblies, which took place in early September when all Colleges visited and spoke about options and courses available for Testwood students, with Southampton City College finishing off the presentations with a visit in December.

In October, the Royal Navy Logistics team visited Year 11 students studying Food and Nutrition to deliver a Careers presentation and a Ready, Steady, Cook practical session over two hours. The students thoroughly enjoyed the visit and experience of cooking alongside three Royal Navy chefs.

Careers Advisor MeetingsAlso throughout the term, a number of Year 11s and some Year 10s during Year 11 Mock Exams have received 1-1 Careers Advice from Roma Gee, our in-house Careers Advisor from EBP. This is an on-going programme throughout the rest of the year, which will involve Year 10 more in the summer term when Year 11 are on GCSE exams.Take a look at the Careers page on the school website regularly, as there are a number of key pieces of information on it around our Careers provision, direct links to Colleges and useful websites for a range of Careers guidance. It will be evolving as the year progresses.

Year 9 NetworkingYear 9s recently completed an online careers survey linked to the Southern Universities Network based at Southampton University. This is a survey to ascertain students’ aspirations for Higher Education, their current knowledge of career choices, opportunities available and pathways. The University Network then uses this information to provide programmes across the area to support and provide career opportunities and experiences for 14-18 year olds.

This was then followed up in December through EBP Careers advice service providing a Year 9 Business Networking session either side of lunch. All Year 9 students experienced an hour of networking with a range of careers and businesses.

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ScienceSolar SystemAll Year 7 students were given homework in their Science lessons to make a model of the Solar system. Students took to the challenge and made excellent representations of the Solar system, including information, and some students even went as far as adding lights to enhance their model!It was really hard to choose the winning models from each class, as they were all so amazing but we chose our favourite three and here they are:-Evie Norman 7G1Evie Goy 7E1Lily Tiller 7BLWell done to all students from Year 7 who put the time and effort into their homework. Here is just a sample of some of the Solar System models.

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Performing Arts

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High School MusicalTestwood School again wowed the audience over two nights with their production of Disney’s High School Musical. With Ellis Ferguson and Tania Riveros Nino inhabiting the roles of Troy Bolton and Gabriella Montez, other notable performers included Katrina Cook as Mrs Darbus, Brooke Randall as Jackie Scott and Connor Coffin and Ruby Morse as Ryan and Sharpay.

Over 70 students were involved with many singing, dancing and acting on stage, with others providing a fantastic backstage crew. This continues the fantastic trend set by Little Shop of Horrors, We Will Rock You and The Addams Family, which have all been put on by Testwood’s Performing Arts stars in recent years.

Mrs Amy Barnes was the director with Mr Chris Byrne the musical director.

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LRC

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Christmas Challenge and Christmas Book HuntAs usual, the LRC will be running a Christmas challenge and a Christmas Book Hunt. For this year’s Christmas challenge, we are inviting students to write reviews on the books they have received as Christmas presents. The ‘How to Write a Book Review’ guide will be available in the LRC from 12th December, as will the New Year cards on which the review must be written and a copy of the Christmas challenge rules and conditions. The Great Christmas Giveaway Book Hunt involves students finding a Testwood LRC Christmas card hidden around the school and once they have answered the Christmas question inside the card, they can collect their book goody bag from the LRC. The date for this is LUNCHTIME Thursday 19th December. These books can be used in the Christmas present review challenge.Books make excellent gifts and if you would like some ideas on buying books as Christmas presents, BookTrust.

org.uk is full of excellent ideas.Or, if you’d rather have a go at winning some books for free, go to https://www.booktrust.org.uk/books-and-reading/have-some-fun/competitions/

Modern Foreign LanguagesPrimary OutreachThis term, the MFL department has been supporting our local primary schools by delivering French lessons on a weekly basis. We have taught in Oakfield, Calmore Junior and Abbotswood Primary School. It’s always a pleasure to see how enthusiastic children are about learning languages. Children were taught how to ask and answer questions to be able to introduce themselves. They took part in surveys all in French, learned French songs and a little about French culture and how Christmas is celebrated there. We look forward to going back there in January to wish them “Bonne Année” and continue our successful partnership.

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Barton on Sea TripAt the beginning of October, 65 Year 8 Geography students spent the day at Barton on Sea and Hurst Spit. We were ably assisted by the New Forest Education officers, who explained how physical processes affect this coastline. We also looked at the issues connected with coastal erosion and how these could affect local residents in the future. We were very proud with the enthusiasm which Year 8 showed towards their learning during the day and in subsequent lessons in class!

Geography

EcosystemsWe currently have three GCSE groups studying Geography. Our first topic has been ‘Living Things’ and we have been learning about ecosystems and how they work. Class 9A1 have produced some amazing examples of practical learning by creating an “ecosystem in a box”!! Students were given a choice of creating either a desert or rainforest ecosystem, with labels to explain the adaptations of plants and animals. One of our students also decided to bring in the skin which a tarantula had shed to add authenticity – can you spot it? Here are the results of their hard work over three lessons.

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IBM ‘Smarter Schools’Executives from IBM visited the school in September to work with Year 8 students on devising smart solutions to how schools run.With a wide range of ideas worked on two teams were selected to participate in the grand final at IBM Hursley.Both teams had ground-breaking ideas on how to change the way schools operate, with the idea of a pen refill station for ink to reduce the amount of plastic thrown away, and an app which tracks the amount of exercises students do and calculates the reduction in Co2 emissions due to the increase in exercise.The students delivered their ideas to a number of senior executives from the company and certainly did themselves very proud with their efforts - the entrepreneurial and environmental spirit is alive and well at Testwood School.

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HistoryTrip to KrakowIn October, students from Year 11 visited Krakow, Poland. The trip gave GCSE History students the opportunity to enhance their understanding of the realities, and the extent of, the Holocaust during World War Two. In addition, they spent time learning about the nature of the Nazi occupation of Poland. During the trip, students visited many sites including the Schindler’s Factory Museum, the Galicia Museum, and Auschwitz-Birkenau.

Bebras Computational Thinking ChallengeStudents from a range of year groups took part in the annual Bebras Computational Thinking Challenge. The event requires students from across the globe to complete a series of logical puzzles in a set time limit.Many of those participating achieved scores higher than the national average for their age category, with the students pictured doing even better, as they have been invited to participate in another challenge as their scores were in the top 10% of students across the country.

Computing & ICT

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At Testwood School, we are very proud to have such a strong and successful Young Leaders programme. Aimed at providing opportunities to develop leadership skills, over 100 students have attended and supported a number of sporting competitions and events this school year. This half term, students have volunteered at events including Football Festivals, Orienteering, Boccia, Dodgeball Festivals, Tri-Golf, Table Tennis, Sportshall Athletics and Futsal.

Young Leaders

Inclusive ‘Can Do’ FestivalIn November, Testwood School Young Leaders supported a ‘Can Do’ Inclusion Festival, a multi-skills and sport festival delivered by New Forest School Sports Partnership (NFSSP). The event was aimed at social inclusive children and those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), with nearly 100 participants from primary schools. Young Leaders from Testwood School lead the children through Paralympic-themed activity stations including Seated Volleyball, Boccia, New Age Kurling, Blind Running and Goalball. We were also joined by GB Paralympic athlete mentor Aaron Phipps, who performed a leadership workshop before the event and supported the leaders and particpants.

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Physical Education

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The Year 11s enjoyed their last ever football match representing Testwood and did it in style beating Ringwood 1-0. The boys showed great togetherness, respect and friendship during their last fixture and it was down to the reliable Tommy Brammer to score an excellent solo goal to secure the win in their last ever match. The team has been a pleasure to work with and great company throughout their time at Testwood.

Fitness Day at Totton Leisure CentreYear 9 Sport Studies students were put through their paces at Totton Leisure Centre. Firstly, they enjoyed a boot camp fitness session before using the fantastic studio facility to complete a spinning session. All students were pushed to the limit and thoroughly enjoyed the session. Please be aware that students can now access the spinning facility at Totton Leisure Centre. Please make the most of it!

Boys Football The Year 7 Football team enjoyed an excellent first season. The commitment to train and improve has been excellent. Testwood have guaranteed a top two finish and could still be crowned champions of the Year 7 division when all the fixtures have been played. The Year 7s, led by Matt Hutchings in midfield and defence, have been hard to beat all season and with the speed and attacking threat of Dylan Reid, Will Giles and Kian Smith meant that Testwood would always score!! Well done on a great season and fingers crossed results go our way and bring the trophy to Testwood!

The overriding highlight of the season for Year 10 was beating Hounsdown at Hounsdown. This fixture has proven to be tricky in previous seasons but Testwood approached the game with a positive mind-set and played out of their skins to secure a 1-0 win. Owen Green scored an excellent solo goal, where he lobbed the Hounsdown keeper early in the first half. It was then down to solid defensive performance marshalled by captain Tom Cheater which kept Hounsdown out. In the very last minute, it looked as though Hounsdown were about to salvage a draw when they were awarded a penalty. However, it was to be Testwood’s day when man of the match Toby Huckle pulled off a terrific save to ensure Testwood got the three points.

Girls Football Girls football at Testwood is continuing to grow in popularity. The Year 7 and 8 teams played in the 3rd round of the

English Schools Cup against St. Barts School in Newbury. The girls played brilliantly and all gave an excellent account of themselves.

Both teams also played in the New Forest Schools’ competition. The teams did brilliantly, with Year 7 claiming gold and the Year 8 team finishing with bronze.

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Sportshall AthleticsTestwood hosted the annual U13 Indoor Athletics Championships in December. The teams competed in throws, jumps and running races in front of friends and family. The teams had focus and determination during the field events, which lead to an exciting start to the running races. The overall placings came down to the exciting relays. Congratulations to everyone who took part and represented Testwood in a superb manner.

Year 7 Girls – New Forest Champions Year 7 Boys – New Forest ChampionsYear 8 Girls – Runners Up Year 8 Boys – New Forest Champions

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HockeyU16, U14 girls and boys hockey league began in September, with new players strengthening all teams. The girls’ season commenced in September, with the U16 girls’ team building upon their previous skills, scoring goals and winning games, in particular against Ringwood. The U14 girls’ team was brand new and as a result had a daunting first game against Burgate, but when they played in the end of season tournament, they secured a draw against the same team. Superb development. The U14 boys’ team also had a lot of new players and their first game demonstrated great determination against strong competitors, scoring their first goal of the season.

House MatchesThis term saw the return of Dodgeball House Matches, with every year group and house competing for the pride of the school. The competition was fierce and emotions deep. The tide is slowly turning, with Bedivere and Lancelot winning some of the tournaments. The reign of Excalibur and Galahad is beginning to fracture, which is making for a great sense of pride and excitement for the houses. Congratulations must be given to the Year 10 Sport Captains, who did a superb job officiating the event.

School Games KitemarkThe School Games Mark is a government-led awards scheme launched in 2012 to reward schools for their commitment to the development of PE, Sport and Physical Activity across their school and into the community. Testwood School is proud to have been awarded the School Games GOLD Kitemark for the FIFTH YEAR IN A ROW!This year we will be applying for the PLATINUM award and we are confident of achieving this!

Table TennisWaterside Table Tennis Club continue to run our after-school club on a Friday from 3-4pm. From this, two boys and two girls’ teams represented Testwood at Under 13 and Under 16 level. It proved to be a successful afternoon with Testwood winning three out of the four competitions; both the Under 13 boys and girls competition and the Under 16 girls. Testwood finished runners-up in the Under 16 boys’ competition. Well done to all the teams. Three of the teams went onto represent New Forest Schools at the County event in December. It was the Under 13 boys’ who proved most successful by finishing third in the County. Well done; Jayden Shuttle, Dylan Webb, Harrison Price, Kian Smith and Patrick Scott.

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Testwood SchoolTestwood Lane, Totton, Southampton, Hampshire, SO40 3ZWTel: (023) 8086 2146 Fax: (023) 8066 6514 Website: www.testwood.hants.sch.ukHeadteacher: Mrs J Pitman Issue 38 Autumn2019

Taekwondo Champions On Sunday 29th September, Tilly Hiscock went to Enfield, London, to participate in the UTF London International open at the Lee Valley athletics centre. It is one of the biggest taekwondo competitions in Britain. Team Waterside took a squad of 19 fighters, three non-contact and three poomsae to make a solid team of 25. This was her second competition after starting sport sparring in November 2018. Tilly ended up having to be moved up a weight category due to her fight not making the weigh in. Tilly had to fight a black belt in the semi-finals, but lost 12-0 and achieved bronze.

Extra CurricularYogaThis term saw up to 15 pupils register to Yoga classes and another three members of staff attend Yoga at Testwood classes. They were able to experience the relaxing effects of a yoga practise, where breath and movement are linked to enable the mind and body to reconnect and find peace. It’s a blessing to witness the positive effects of yoga even after the very first lesson, and there are still spaces available! Yoga was proud to have played a part in Testwood’s event on helping studentsmto manage Anxiety Evening in November. A brave family joined in after the talks and it’s wonderful seeing families come together to support their children. Classes are free and on Wednesdays, 3-4pm in the Gym with Mrs Lee-Betti, a certified Yoga Alliance Professional teacher. (Collect a registration form from ML1 and return prior to attending)

Congratulations to both Tilly and Tristan. From all of us at Testwood School, we are really proud of your fantastic achievements!

On Saturday 9th November, Tristan Neill attended the National Taekwondo Championships in Manchester, held in the fantastic venue of the Manchester Velodrome with his Waterside Taekwondo Team, supported by his coaches Colin Graves and Sean Neill . Tristan competed in the semi final, securing a victory over his first opponent winning 16-8. He then advanced to the final, winning this fight was a very close match with a nail-biting final 30 seconds to keep the advantage. Tristan succeeded by winning 7-6 and taking gold medal, making him National T a e k w o n d o Cadet +65 Champion.

Outstanding Achievement