Bishop Vaughan Catholic School Ysgol Gatholig Esgob Vaughan Parents’ Newsletter October 2013 Cylchlythyr Rhieni Hydref 2013
Tropical Inc Visit
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Bishop Vaughan School Newsletter October 2013
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SCHOOL TERM AND HOLIDAY DATES 2013 - 2014 HALF TERM HOLIDAYS Term Autumn 2013
Term begins Monday 2nd September
Begins Monday 28th October
Ends Friday 1st November
Term ends Friday 20th December
Spring 2014
Monday 6th January
Monday 24th February
Friday 28th February
Friday 11th April
Monday 28th April
Monday 26th May
Friday 30th May
Monday 21st July
Summer 2014
Dates for your Diary Last day of half term is Wednesday 23rd October 2013; school closes at 3.25 pm. All pupils return to school on Monday 4th November 2013 - week 1 on the timetable.
Inset Days Thursday 24th October 2013 Monday 28th April 2014
Friday 25th October 2013 Monday 21st July 2014
The full academic year school calendar is available to view on our website, alternatively parents can collect a paper copy from the school’s main office.
PLEASE NOTE: Whilst the school understands the difficulties with holidays, we would remind you that breaks should not be booked without the Head approving the time off first. Please write requesting permission to the Headteacher. We would bring to your attention that School Inspectors have regularly pointed out that there is a clear link between absence and lack of academic progress!
Bishop Vaughan School Newsletter October 2013
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Message from the Headteacher
To all Students, Parents and Guardians concerning Public Examinations Please note that with effect from summer 2012, students whose school attendance is less than 80% of available sessions, will not ordinarily be entered for public examinations, or allowed to sit them. This applies to some students in year 9, as well as students in years 10,11 and the Sixth Form. Please be aware that there is very clear evidence from the Inspectorate, and several other agencies, that students’ achievements are linked to their attendance. The school can no longer support examination entry for those with poor attendance and those who do not complete their courses properly. Bearing in mind that Inspectors consider 95% as the minimum acceptable attendance rate, the school believes that in having 80% as a cut off point, it is being more than generous in providing examination opportunities for students. Of course special circumstances of illness and/or distress will be considered exceptionally and on their merits, and should be brought to the attention of the Headteacher as soon as possible. Thank you
Mr J Blackburn Headteacher
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School Uniform September 2013-August 2014 Year 7-11 Pullover:
burgundy, v-necked with official school logo
Tie:
years 7-11 official school tie
Socks:
with trousers, dark-coloured or white with skirts, standard grey or white
Tights:
should be flesh-coloured, medium grey or black, plain and seamless
NB socks or tights MUST be worn Blouse/Shirt:
plain light blue, standard school style. Not denim or fashion
NB During the summer term only light blue polo shirt with school logo, may be worn. Skirt:
mid-grey or black in material and standard design, standard knee length (knife or box pleat permitted)
Trousers:
dark grey or black and standard design NOT fashion or jeans. No denim, leather, flares, corduroy, skinny or tapered styles, leggings etc
Shoes:
black, dark brown or dark grey with flat or low heels. Ankle boots may be worn in winter provided they conform to the above regulations
Trainers are not permitted. Felt/fabric shoes are not permitted. Heavy boots (military, Ugg etc.) are not permitted Outer Garments:
pupils may wear, coats, anoraks or cagoules. However, all outer garments, of whatever type, must be plain, dark and single coloured. Anoraks or cagoules must not be too long, too short, denim type, hoodies, tracksuit tops or cardigans A luminous reflective strip is permitted and parents/ guardians are strongly advised to consider this. No logos, writing, patterns of any description should be present. Denim is not allowed.
Hats e.g. Beanies, Baseball caps are not permitted in any circumstances. Head bands must be plain and dark. There is no necessity for anorak hoods to be worn at school. Jewellery:
A single sleeper or a single stud of minimum size in the lobe. No other piercings are permitted e.g. stretchers, spacers, nose or tongue piercing. A medallion or chain may be worn if discreet. It must be removed for PE/ Games. All other jewellery is forbidden. It should be noted that tattoos are not permitted.
Make-up/Hair Dye:
Make-up is forbidden. If hair dye/highlights are used they should be a single natural colour with no extreme contrasts (i.e. purples, reds, dip dyes etc are not permitted), no ‘designs’ to be shaved into the hair. No ‘skin head’ type haircuts or shaved patches.
All items of clothing should be clearly marked with the pupil’s name. FOR ALL YEAR GROUPS – NO DENIM
Bishop Vaughan School Newsletter October 2013
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School Uniform September 2013-August 2014 A new PE kit was introduced for all year 7 pupils starting in September 2013. Games Kit Rugby Shirt (boys):
burgundy with blue/white side panels
T-Shirt (boys):
burgundy with blue/white side panels
T-Shirt (girls):
white polo shirt with blue/white side panels
Shorts (boys):
burgundy with blue/white side panels
Shorts (girls):
burgundy with white trim
Footwear:
soccer, rugby boots and training shoes as applicable
Socks (boys & girls):
burgundy
Hooded Top (girls):
black with school logo (hooded top is optional)
Tracksuit bottoms (girls):
plain black (only to be worn in cold weather)
Shin pads are to be worn for all hockey and football lessons. Gum shields are strongly recommended for hockey, football and rugby. Pupils in year 8-11 can continue wearing the existing kit.
Sixth Form Uniform Pullover:
navy, v-necked with official school logo
Tie:
Sixth Form official school tie
Shirt/Blouse:
plain white, standard school style (not fashion)
NB During the summer term only navy blue polo shirt with Sixth Form logo, may be worn. Skirt:
navy blue, knee length
Trousers:
Trousers: navy blue, black, dark grey, standard design. No denim, leather, flares, leggings, corduroy etc
Socks:
with trousers: dark coloured, or white with skirts: navy blue or white
Tights:
plain, seamless, navy tights may be worn
Shoes:
dark coloured with flat or low heels. Ankle boots may be worn in winter and sandals in the summer. Trainers and canvas shoes are not permitted
Topcoat:
dark blue/black/grey – single coloured only
Members of Sixth Form are expected to wear the uniform throughout the school day. A single sleeper or a single stud of minimum size may be worn in the lobe. No other piercings are permitted e.g. stretchers, spacers, nose or tongue piercing. If hair dye/highlights are used they should be a natural colour with no extreme contrasts (i.e. greens etc are not permitted), no ‘designs’ to be shaved into the hair. No ‘skin head’ type haircuts. Baseball caps are not permitted in any circumstances. Any jewellery must be removed if in the judgement of any staff, instructors or technicians it constitutes a health and safety hazard, especially in laboratories, workshops and PE areas.
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Bishop Vaughan School Newsletter October 2013
Message from the Headteacher Welcome
A very warm welcome to our new pupils in Year 7. We trust that your stay at Bishop Vaughan will be a happy and memorable one. We also welcome back into the sixth form very many of the students who completed their GCSE’s in the summer. A particularly warm welcome is extended to those who have joined the sixth form from other schools.
Year 6 Open Evening A very successful open evening took place on Thursday, 17th October. The main hall was filled with prospective pupils and their parents and guardians. The Headteacher introduced the school, highlighting its Catholic ethos and approach to teaching and learning. The sixth formers then took groups of the visitors to meet the staff and some of our current pupils and to see the school facilities. A big thank you to all pupils who gave up their evening to demonstrate the various subjects Bishop Vaughan has to offer. Many favourable comments were received and we look forward to receiving a large number of applicants for the year 7 places available. Please be aware that the application process for all Swansea schools is now online. Though Bishop Vaughan, as a Catholic Voluntary Aided School, is its own Admissions Authority, it is sensible to follow the same process as other Swansea schools. Therefore, applications to Bishop Vaughan should be made via the Local Authority online system. The facility will be available from Friday 27th September 2013. The closing date for applications is Thursday 28th November 2013. The Swansea Council website is www.swansea.gov.uk and from there you will be directed to the page where you apply online. The Local Authority will notify parents by Friday 28th February 2014. However, the school will be able to track applications and will also be in touch directly to inform parents of governors’ admissions decisions. Please do not hesitate to be in touch with the school’s admissions officers, Mrs H Hutchins or Miss H Morgan, if you need any help in making your application. As necessary, we can provide computer access for this purpose. The admissions officers’ contact number is 01792 772006 ext 227 or call in at school reception. If you know of anyone who has not received a prospectus directly from the school or via our feeder primaries, please urge them to be in touch with the school as soon as possible.
Bishop Vaughan School Newsletter October 2013
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EXTERNAL EXAMINATIONS Guidance to Candidates Outside each examination room will be a copy of the regulations which have been agreed by all the examination boards. This sheet gives you further guidance to help you through your examinations so that you are quite clear as to what is expected of you. Make sure you read both documents carefully and if there is anything you are unsure about, please ask. Some important points:Follow your personal examination timetable closely. Keep it in a safe place. Make sure you know your personal candidate number. It is shown as ‘Exam Number’ on your timetable. Morning examinations start at 9.00am and afternoon examinations start at 13.00 (1.00pm) unless otherwise indicated. Aim to arrive at the examination room at least 10 minutes before the scheduled start time. If you are late it will cause you unnecessary anxiety, and if you are very late you may not be allowed in. You are expected to attend examinations in correct school uniform. You will not be allowed into the examination room if you are not correctly dressed. If you attend with unsatisfactory uniform, entry in to the examination will only be allowed after your parents have been contacted and asked to deliver the correct uniform to the school. Wait outside the examination room until you are called in. Remember to visit the toilet – you could have a long desperate wait otherwise! Bags and coats must be left at the back of the exam room. You will be allowed to take in only what you need. Pencil cases are not allowed unless they are clear. Pencil tins, boxes and ‘solid colour’ cases are not acceptable. A clear plastic ‘sandwich-type’ bag is just as good as a clear pencil case. Make sure you have the appropriate equipment for each exam – pen (plus spare), pencil, rubber, ruler, sharpener are essential. For certain exams e.g. Geography, Science, and Maths you may need to add compass, protractor, calculator, coloured pencils to your list. Check with your teacher. You will not be allowed to borrow any equipment during the exam. As soon as you enter the examination room you must not communicate in any way with anyone other than an invigilator (supervisor) until you leave the room after the exam. If you become unwell during the examination, raise your hand and inform an invigilator. If you have a specific medical condition, e.g. diabetes, make sure you bring the appropriate drink and snack which should be placed on the floor alongside your desk. You must remain in the examination room for the time allocated to the paper. If you have any time remaining use it wisely to check your work – you will not have another opportunity, and a correction made may result in a better final grade. If you are too ill to come to school you must let the school know by telephone at
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Bishop Vaughan School Newsletter October 2013
EXTERNAL EXAMINATIONS If there are particular circumstances such as recent illness or you are suffering from distress for a particular reason, and you feel it has affected your performance in an examination, inform Mr Brown and bring a letter from home. You may be entitled to special arrangements in your examinations such as extra time or help with reading. You will be informed of these arrangements before the examinations affected. Mobile phones, iPods or MP 3/4 players are not allowed in the exam room. If you have an examination clash you must report to the main hall at 8.40AM on the day of the clash. Certificates Certificates gained during summer 2013 examinations are available for collection at the school from December 2013 It is important that you collect your certificates as they will be returned to the examination board after 12 months The examination boards charge ÂŁ35 for a replacement certificate Procedure to collect Certificates Students that have left Bishop Vaughan need to phone the school giving their name and the date they sat their examination. Your certificate will be ready for collection form the school the next day. Finally, plan your examination preparation carefully and thoroughly, but most of all GOOD LUCK! Mr A Brown, Exams Officer
NOVEMBER EXAMINATIONS TIMETABLE Date Tue 5th Nov
Start Time Duration Board/Level Sub Code Subject 09:00 01:00 WJEC/GCSE 41710001 English / Engl Unit 1 Foundation
Tue 5th Nov
09:00 01:00
WJEC/GCSE 41710002 English / Engl Unit 1 Higher
Tue 5th Nov
09:00 01:00
WJEC/GCSE 41720001 English / Engl Unit 2 Foundation
Tue 5th Nov
09:00 01:00
WJEC/GCSE 41720002 English / Engl Unit 2 Higher
Wed 6th Nov 09:00 01:45
WJEC/GCSE 43700003 Mathematics-Paper 1 Foundation
Wed 6th Nov 09:00 02:00
WJEC/GCSE 43700005 Mathematics-Paper 1 Higher
Mon 11th Nov 09:00 01:45
WJEC/GCSE 43700004 Mathematics-Paper 2 Foundation
Mon 11th Nov 09:00 02:00
WJEC/GCSE 43700006 Mathematics-Paper 2 Higher
Examinations Information for Candidates Sitting External Examinations Enclosed with this Newsletter are JCQ information sheets (Pupils in years 10-13). It is important that both parents and pupils familiarise themselves with the rules and regulations of external examinations prior to the January 2014 examination series.
Bishop Vaughan School Newsletter October 2013
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First few weeks at Bishop Vaughan Here a few of our new Year 7 give their first impressions of Bishop Vaughan Being in year 7 has been amazing. I have found my way around the school very easily and have made lots of new friends. Cerys Morris 7.3 So far I am loving BVS, I am in Mabyn house. We don’t do the same lessons as we did in Primary School, we now do D&T. My favourite subject is History because my teacher is really nice. I hope I will do well in exams and tests. BVS is great. Antonia Matthews 7.3 Since I’ve been in Bishop Vaughan I’ve been very happy. I love year 7. My favourite subject is PE and Games because they make you active and help you be fit. Dylan Holle 7.3 I’ve loved my time in Bishop Vaughan and I’ve joined guitar lessons. My favourite subjects are Science and English and my least favourite are Maths and RE. My favourite time of the day is break time. Aeron Caswell 7.3 I have settled in well. I thought it would be scary but it’s brilliant. I’ve joined the football team and we won our first game 9-3. I like the breaks and lunches because we get to play football and the lunch is nice because you can buy hot food. I love the fact that you have a lot more freedom in Bishop Vaughan. Bradley Gibbings 7.4 I am really liking Bishop Vaughan and I have settled well. The lessons are good but my favourites so far are French, English and History. I have made good friends and have joined rugby club. I would recommend Bishop Vaughan. Ethan Fage 7.4 My first impression of the school felt weird. I enjoyed it the first day. Sitting in the hall waiting for us to be put into our forms and finding out who I was with. It was fun meeting up with everyone. I have joined Netball and its really fun. I’ve made lots of new friends in my form. Mercedes Cobley 7.5 At first I thought year 7 would be scary but I have settled in very well. My tutor and all my teachers are nice. I have made lots of new friends I prefer Bishop Vaughan to my primary because there is a wider variety of clubs and lessons. I have joined the choir and been asked to join the chamber choir. Natalia Romanello 7.6 The start of year 7 has been one of my favourite times in school. I have joined the choir and I am enjoying it and I feel accepted. When I first got here I was very scared. There were sixth formers and the school was very big. But I soon found my way around and the sixth formers accepted me as well as the choir. Sean Kwok 7.6 I have enjoyed school so far. My favourite subject is D&T because you build stuff! I also enjoy games because you don’t do any writing and you are active all the time. I have joined piano club and I go every Week 1 Monday. Jack Roberts 7.8 I think I have settled good. I know my way around the school now, my favourite subjects are Art and Music as I love drawing and singing. My least favourite subject is games because it is hard work and I get out of breath easy. Morgan Coward 7.8
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Bishop Vaughan School Newsletter October 2013
Year 6 Welcome Mass On Thursday 11th July, Bishop Tom Burns visited our school to celebrate the annual Mass for Year 6 pupils and their families. Bishop Tom welcomed the new pupils and spoke about sharing our talents with others. With readings and music from Bishop Vaughan and Year 6 pupils, the Mass was lively and enjoyable. We are very grateful to Bishop Tom for joining us in this important event. Welcome Masses Each House has started their new academic year by coming together to celebrate their Mass, led by Fr Ceirion Gilbert, our school chaplain. Fr Ceirion welcomed the new Year 7 pupils and spoke about the importance of always striving to make the very best of ourselves. Year 7 Fr Ceirion will be visiting Year 7 RE classes in the next few weeks to teach them all about the Mass. Our pupils will learn about the history of the Mass and what it means to Catholics. They will also have the opportunity to prepare and celebrate Mass with Fr Ceirion in our school chapel. We look forward to welcoming Fr Ceirion into our classes!
100% of Year 7 pupils voted for a 'No put down zone' This year we have introduced a new anti-bullying policy called the ‘No Put Down Zone’. At Bishop Vaughan we believe that it is a basic right of all pupils and young people that they feel secure in school and that they receive their education free from humiliation, oppression or abuse. Our aim is to maintain a friendly, secure and safe environment within the school so that parents may send their children to school in the confident knowledge that they will be protected from bullies. Year 7 have spent several weeks, within tutorial time, looking at bullying and its consequences. They were set the task of designing a NPDZ poster to draw attention to the zone throughout the school. The winning poster is displayed below which was designed by Fiyinfoluwa Akinade of 7.6. During assembly pupils were given the opportunity to vote confidentially for or against the NPDZ. 100% of the pupils voted for the NPDZ and the poster is now displayed in all year 7 tutorial classrooms.
Bishop Vaughan School Newsletter October 2013
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Presentation Evening This year's Key Stage 3 Presentation Evening took place on Thursday 4th July. The event was attended by Mrs Gomes (Chair of Governors), Mr Colin Greenwood, Father Michael Burke, Canon Flook and many of the teachers, parents and, of course, the pupils. Our theme for the evening was the Year of Faith. We investigated what it was like to be a pupil at Bishop Vaughan in the Year of Faith and decided to present this in an unusual way! MI3, Trinity Secret Service, went undercover at Bishop Vaughan and portrayed the spiritual life of our school in a series of video clips that were shown during the evening. We had great fun filming the clips and interviewing the staff and students but we also learnt that the ethos of our school is very much alive in our everyday experiences. This small group, consisted of Thomas Hutchins, Felix Thomas, Olivia Collins, Georgia Coffey, Elizabeth Crudge, Alicia Cardone, Cinzia Amieni, Muyembe Mwanza and Mary Jefferson. Those who attended this prestigious event were lucky enough to listen to a speech made by Mr Colin Greenwood, who spoke about the importance of education and his own experiences of being a Headmaster. It was clear that Mr Greenwood was passionate about how education and faith can make a real difference in the world. The speech was truly inspirational and many of the students at the evening were delighted to see their former Headmaster at the event. Throughout the evening the audience were also treated to a variety of different musical items. The choir performed a medley from ‘Les Miserables’ and a sacred piece ‘Lead Me Lord’. Both items were sung superbly well and we were also treated to a lively performance by the school band ‘The Wire’. There were a number of different awards presented throughout the evening including awards for Performing Arts, Sports and Individual Subjects. The Special Awards recognised the ethos of the school and the House Awards were fiercely contested! For the first time, a whole tutorial won the Caritas award (8.4’s fundraising for brain tumour research). A new award was created this year in memory of Daniel Sanders. The award for Maths and Science was presented by Daniel’s parents and we were honoured to have them with us to present it for the first time. It would be impossible to mention all the pupils given awards, but special congratulations to: Megan Yeomans, Paul Crudge, Aodhan Griffin Barr, Soffia Cahill, Thomas Hutchins and Alice Warren, who all received the Senior Tutor Awards for their Year Groups. Also, congratulations to Elisha Hughes and Morgan Mainwaring who received the Headteacher’s Award for Outstanding Progress. The evening was drawn to a close by the 'Vote of Thanks', made by Thomas Hutchins and Elizabeth Crudge and ended with a prayer. The evening as a whole was extremely enjoyable. It was a brilliant way of recognising the wide array of talents that we have in Key Stage 3, and celebrating these talents through this most distinguished evening. We would like to thank Ms Spencer for all of her hard work with the 'Year 9 Team'. No idea is ever too big for her to contemplate and she really lets the pupils speak in their own voices. It was certainly an evening that will be remembered for a long time. We will never forget the kindness of the man with the van! The Year 9 Team
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Bishop Vaughan School Newsletter October 2013
Science Year 7 Biology Trip to the Botanic Gardens Summer Term 2013 All the year 7 pupils had the opportunity to visit the Botanic Gardens in Wales during the summer term. The pupils really enjoyed this educational trip and 7.2 wrote about their experiences on their return. Today we went to the Botanic Gardens. We learnt a lot about pond animals and how they live. Some pond animals we talked about were ramshorn snails, tadpoles, newts, water louse and dragon fly nymphs. Later we built a little raft to sail down the stream. It had to float and carry a grape. Then we went on a long walk around the gardens. We looked at a lot of plants and looked at how a pineapple grows. It takes 18 months for a pineapple to grow. Then we went to see the bees and found out that we need bees to live. Sara Hadi This morning we went to the Botanic Gardens. First we went pond dipping and put the animals we found under a microscope. We found a ramshorn snail, water fleas and newts. In the afternoon we made rafts out of twigs and sailed them down the stream and timed how long they took. Later we went to see the honey bees and learnt that honey bees are very important to us because if the honey bee dies out, mankind would only have about four years left alive. So don’t swat or kill bees please! Hollie Raddenbury
On the science trip to the Botanic Gardens I was given a net and went pond dipping. I learnt all sorts of names and what bugs look like such as water boatman, water spider and great diving beetle and many more. We made food chains with these animals. We also went to the great big dome. Inside the dome there were lots of animals and plants and we were able to look around. There was also a café where we had our lunch. After lunch we had a competition to make small rafts. We put the rafts on a little stream to find the best one. Mine came last but I didn’t mind as it was so much fun. We had a walk around the gardens and saw banana and pineapple trees. Last we went to the bee hive. There were twenty bee hives and each one had a queen. I learnt that if all the bees died we would die in four years. Cade Spring
Bishop Vaughan School Newsletter October 2013
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Science Chemistry Quiz On the 27th September 2013, eight of us (two from each year group) went to Birchgrove for the annual Chemistry Quiz to represent Bishop Vaughan. On arrival we were greeted by the Headmistress of Birchgrove, before using one of their Science labs to have a final practice. Prior to the competition we had decided on a ‘Team One’ and ‘Team Two’, as each team had to have one representative from each year group. We decided that Team One would compete in the first competition, and so it was then time for the first round to begin. After the round, a multiple choice ‘Who Wants To Be a Millionaire’ style game, Bishop Vaughan were leading by three points. They then extended their lead over the next couple of rounds, until Birchgrove came back with an impressive buzzer round. Going into the final round the scores were Bishop Vaughan with 32 points, and Birchgrove with 24. However, the quiz finished 37-30, meaning that Bishop Vaughan had won! We were all very pleased, and were given the opportunity at the end to talk to the pupils from Birchgrove. We’d like to thank Mrs Davies for organising Bishop Vaughan’s involvement in the Chemistry Quiz. Let’s hope we’re as successful in our next competition, which is taking place towards the end of October! Emily Davis Year 11
UK Junior Mathematical Challenge There are 6 more girls than boys in Miss Jones’ class of 24 pupils. What is the ratio of boys to girls in this class? A: 5:3
B: 4:1
The solution can be found on page 26
C: 3:1
D: 1:4
E:3:5
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Bishop Vaughan School Newsletter October 2013
Science Biology Department Year 12 Ecology Field Study day at Oxwich – Summer 2013 All the year 12 biology ‘A’ level students went to Oxwich Bay in July as part of the A2 biology course. The aim was to conduct a survey of primary succession on the sand dunes and to put biological sampling techniques into practise. When we arrived we were briskly marched through the woods down to the sand dunes. We were handed point quadrats, keys and measuring tapes and we studied the change in the species as we moved from the strand line on the beach across the dunes until we reached the woods. We identified many plant species and were lucky enough to see a rare orchid that grows there. After a short break we swapped our point quadrats for frame quadrats and did a different survey to find out the effect of trampling on the different species of plants across one of the paths. Once finished we made our way to the river to see the effects of eutrophication and saw the algal bloom on the surface of the water. Here we also stopped to practise our observational and drawing skills by drawing sea holly, a xerophyte plant. Finally we had a long walk across the beach. Here we stopped to have our lunch and to buy an ice cream. A perfect ending to a great day! By Emma Clarke and Erin Myles Species of rare orchid found growing on Oxwich sand dunes
Trip to St Madog’s Centre On a baking hot day on 9th July, pupils from Mrs Hughes’ Year 10 and former Year 11 classes set off for the St Madog Christian Outdoor Centre in LLanmadoc. Exactly one hour later we, including Mrs Goss, were all grateful to be led to a shady wood, which is part of the site. Groups of three grappled with making survival shelters and fires from flints. Keeping the fire going was a knack all on its own — dried leaves, by the way, are useless. After various games such as hug-atree and find-the-leader, we went pond dipping and saw a tame owl swoop for its food (dead chicks since you asked). We ended the day by drinking nettle tea (never again) and roasted marshmallows on our fire (any time). Exhausted but happy, we returned to school pondering such facts as that some spiders live in the depths of ponds (EWWW) and white embers, not flames, cook food! And yes, it can reach nearly 32 degrees centigrade on Llanmadog beach in July! (All nature pictures taken by Toria Necrews-Morgan on the day.)
Bishop Vaughan School Newsletter October 2013
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RE RE Day 3rd October 2013 Active Citizenship As part of RE Day, Year 12 students examined several issues related to active citizenship. Several teachers from a variety of disciplines delivered lessons which engaged the students into thinking about the issues facing society in the twenty-first century. Students were encouraged to reflect on lessons learned from the past by studying the issue of genocide. They studied a number of examples, including the Holocaust and the 1994 Rwandan Genocide. The students looked at survivor testimony and used this to understand the process through which genocide occurs. They also considered the role of individuals in preventing injustice against others. Another issue discussed on this day was the controversial issue of organ donation. Every year, the National Health Service reminds everyone just how brilliant organ transplants are, asks as many people as possible to register themselves as donors, and gets people who have registered to tell their families. This session used games and discussion to give the pupils information about organ donation and allow them to formulate their own opinions about it. The pupils were able to identify organs for transplant, recognise different types of donation, and find out why there is currently a shortage of donors in the UK. Pupils were encouraged to consider whether they would ‘opt-in’ to the organ donor register in the future. Donors can give blood from the age of 17, and so the pupils were asked to think about whether giving blood would be an option for them now that they were at the age to do so. The pupils agreed that this session gave them a lot to think about, and showed them how to go about becoming donors if this was something they decided was the right thing to do. Students were also encouraged to think about ways in which human rights are affected through exploitation. As part of the Swansea Schools’ initiative to raise awareness of respecting the Rights of the Child, last year Bishop Vaughan School was fortunate enough to host a talk given by Jean Robert Cadet. He is returning to school for a visit on October 18th 2013. Jean Robert Cadet has spoken about children’s rights at the UN and has first-hand experience of what it is like to be a child whose rights had been neglected. Jean Robert spoke to over 700 students about his life and his work in Haiti which aims to help children who are known as Restavik or ‘looked after’ children. Often these children have their fundamental rights taken away and many, like Jean, do not even know their birth date. Students in year 12 were given a talk about this situation and encouraged to buy wrist bands in support of the Restavik charity set up by Jean Robert Cadet. Our Schools’ Police Liaison officer was kind enough to deliver a session on sexual exploitation and how students can keep themselves safe. The students studied an anonymous case study about sexual exploitation and discussed ways in which the situation could have been avoided. Students also took part in a philosophical discussion about human trafficking and slavery in the twenty-first century. The RE Day was very well attended and we hope that it will give students food for thought about how they can actively be good citizens in our society. RE days are statutory and designed to help students prepare for university through extra-curricular enrichment. Many thanks to the students and staff who took part. Mrs H Hansen
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Bishop Vaughan School Newsletter October 2013
PE Sports Ambassadors Young Ambassadors are selected as role models by their schools and School Sport Partnerships such as 5x60 and share the Olympic and Paralympic Values by organising workshops, attending assemblies and run practical sessions. They are also used at a variety of sporting events across Swansea ranging from the 5x60 Dance Festivals to the annual Kids of Steel Triathlon, and Swansea Sport Awards to the International Paralympic Committee Athletics European Championship launch. Each year, two new pupils are selected from Year 10 to represent the school as Silver Young Ambassadors to help promote all of the above and be the representatives of Bishop Vaughan Catholic School at the range of sporting events run by the City and County of Swansea. A group of pupils are shortlisted by the school who fit the necessary criteria and who they feel will be outstanding ‘sporting’ ambassadors for the school. Two questions are then asked to all on the shortlist why do you think you would make a good young ambassador? And, if selected as a young ambassador what ideas do you have for the following school year? After all of this, two are selected. The standard this year was very high and there were some very great ideas. Pupils enthusiasm for sport was very apparent, and all could have been selected however there is only space for two on the National Sport Wales scheme sponsored by Adidas. Congratulations to Kharma Buliyani and Ailin George who have been selected as the school’s sports ambassadors. Young Ambassadors are inspirational young people who are using the power of the Olympic and Paralympic Games to encourage other young people to take up sport and physical activity. The Young Ambassadors have three main roles, to: raise participation in sport promote the Olympic and Paralympic Values promote school and community sports
Bishop Vaughan School Newsletter October 2013
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PE PE Kit A reminder to all parents that PE kit must be brought to all physical education and games lessons. If a pupil is not able to participate due to illness or injury then a note needs to be written in the pupil planner. Pupils will still need to change for the lesson but will be given alternative activities/responsibilities.
Sports Clubs/Sports Fixtures A variety of sports clubs are available to pupils and fixtures are regularly played against local schools. If your son/daughter is involved in an offsite activity then parental consent is required. To avoid duplication, only one form will need to be completed and this will cover all sporting activities for the academic year. In addition to the clubs organised by the physical education staff, there are 5x60 clubs at lunchtime.
5x60 Clubs Lunch 1 KS 3 Lunch 2 KS 4
Monday Badminton
Tuesday
Wednesday Basketball
Thursday Indoor athletics
Fitness Basketball (week 2)
After school
Friday
Multi sports Street dance
Healthy Eating Club This has gone from strength to strength since it started in September 2012. This half term, the pupils mainly in year 7 and 8, have revised their knife skills to make an apple and celery coleslaw – how crunchy! This week we have been keeping fit by gathering blackberries to make some Autumnal muffins. We meet every Wednesday between 3.30pm and 4.30pm. Bring a container and £1 and let’s get started. See Mrs Thomas in HEC for an application form.
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Bishop Vaughan School Newsletter October 2013
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ESDGC Our school Eco Committee continue to improve our school grounds. The Eco Garden is finally up and running and so far we have been able to grow a variety of herbs and tomatoes. The committee members are looking to make the garden bigger and have recently set up raised beds to grow deeper rooting plants. Since the start of term the Eco Committee have been campaigning to reduce litter around our school site and have taken a number of assemblies to help raise awareness.
Our next campaign is looking to help children in developing countries. After half term we are launching ‘Operation Christmas Child’ which is part of the Samaritan’s shoe box appeal. Students will be asked to fill a shoebox with gifts, wrap the boxes in festive paper and bring them into school. Pupils will find out more details in assembly. If any pupils are interested in helping organise this event or want to help with our eco-garden; come join our eco-club held on Tuesday week 2 during lunch. .
Bishop Vaughan School Newsletter October 2013
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International Links Comenius Project – “Our Common European Roots” September sees the start of our new Comenius project. This time the themes are based around our common roots in areas such as our shared histories, our sporting, music and food traditions, our language roots and our historical heritage. Many departments will again be involved in the delivery of these themes with our partner schools. Once again we will be working with Cor de Maria D’Olot (a private Catholic school in Catalonia, Spain), but our new partners are Liceo Classico “D.Alighien, in Ravenna, Italy and Özel Çağ Koleji, near Tarsus, Turkey. In readiness for our first project meeting in Olot, Spain in November, Mrs Williams (Drama) is running a logo competition to represent the theme “Our Common European Roots”. The four best designs will be taken to Spain in November and one design will be chosen from all entries to represent our project. Four Year 11 pupils, Aimee Brudenell, Tilly Davies, Symon Sasis and Sophie Thomas will be accompanying us to Spain. As well as seeing all the region has to offer they will take part in several school-based workshops and they will deliver a presentation introducing our school, city and country. In February we are looking forward to hosting our partner teachers and students. Again they will take part in school-based workshops and an organised sight-seeing itinerary. Hopefully the weather will be kind to them.
Olot, Spain Tarsus, Turkey, (Birthplace of St Paul)
Ravenna, Italy Mrs S Thom Director of Welsh Baccalaureate
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Bishop Vaughan School Newsletter October 2013
Geography in action As part of the Geography GCSE course Year 10 pupils were invited out to take part in observing Geography in action. Over 90 pupils who opted for Geography at GCSE visited Pwll Du beach located on southern Gower. The purpose of the visit was to help students prepare for their upcoming coursework, as you can see in the photographs Year 10 had a very busy day!
Pupils were asked to measure the beach profile at Pwll Du and identify how coastal processes altered the shape and size of deposits across the beach.
A Level Geography As part of the A-Level course, students carry out field work to complement their studies in class. Students were asked to investigate land-use patterns in Swansea and to see if the Burgess Land Use Model applied.
Iceland 2014 The Geography Department’s planned visit to Iceland continues to build momentum. There are only two places remaining; so if you have taken Geography for GCSE or A-Level and are interested in coming let Mr Richards know as soon as possible.
Bishop Vaughan School Newsletter October 2013
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Tropical Inc As anticipated in the previous newsletter, July once again saw the return of Steve Rowlands who runs Tropical Inc, an animal rescue-centre based in the West Midlands. He introduced some of our pupils from Years 7 to 13 to a variety of animals, many of which they would be unlikely to see otherwise, let alone touch – let alone in the classroom! The appearance of a one-year-old python caused some excitement. (Thank goodness he didn’t bring the two-year-old! He couldn’t – he’d hurt his back just trying to lift it the previous week!) Many of our pupils were brave enough to volunteer to hold this awesome snake, and how it liked to climb! It even wrapped itself around the projector on the ceiling at one point, dislodging it. The gecko liked to climb too – it worked its way up the door and up a number of the pupils’ school jumpers. The sizeable tarantula was also passed along a row of willing hands. I’m always impressed by the students’ courage when it comes to holding these animals. Would their parents have been so brave? I certainly wasn’t going to volunteer! The star of this year’s show though, surprising though it might sound, was a cockatoo called Nigel! He seemed shy for about three seconds and then revealed himself to be an attention-seeking diva. After introducing himself with a long ‘Helloooooooo’ he then jabbered away in a babble of (mostly real) words which became louder, faster and more incoherent as we all laughed and he became more excited. When Steve sprayed him with water, Nigel flapped his wings, bobbed up and down and shrieked. He was fantastic! Thanks to Tropical Inc for another enjoyable and educational treat. Thanks also to Penguin Recruitment for funding the event which we couldn’t have run otherwise. (And thanks to Joe for fixing the projector in D1 so that RE lessons could resume as normal.) Mrs M.Richardson (English/Classics)
Classics Club Any pupils wishing to join Classics Club (Years 7-9) or the Ancient Greek Club (Years 10-13), please see Mrs Richardson. These clubs are held on Wednesdays.
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Bishop Vaughan School Newsletter October 2013
Trip to the Roman Baths
On the 11th of July 2013 we were lucky enough to go to Bath on a trip with the Latin and Classics Department. We ranged from Year 9 up to Year 13, and all of us were looking forward to the day ahead! When we arrived in Bath after the long journey, the sun was shining and it was extremely warm. We made our way towards the Roman Museum and Baths through the hustle and bustle, observing many cultural buildings on the way. The Museum was positioned in the centre of Bath, surrounded by many other rather old and important buildings. We were split into several small groups and then told exactly where we would be going. Our group began in the Museum itself, listening to a talk by one of the Museum workers about Roman Health and Medicine. It was extremely interesting, and we learned lots about the different artefacts that were on show to us. It made us realise how different the Romans’ way of keeping healthy was, from how it is today! We were then given the opportunity to ask any questions we had. The groups all joined together then for lunch, sharing with each other what they had done in the morning. After we had finished, our group was then told we would be going down into the baths themselves. We were given our own ‘tour guide’ an audio guide that gave us information about the baths. We both particularly liked the ‘Great Bath’ as it seemed so peaceful and it was interesting to learn about who used the baths and what they were used for. There was also the opportunity here to see actors in costume, which added to the atmosphere. After we had finished our tour of the baths, we vacated to the shop. Here we managed to pick up souvenirs that would remind us of our trip to the Roman Baths, although unfortunately it would have been too difficult to try and bring the full Roman gladiator suit on sale back home! We then had an ice-cream, before getting onto the bus and travelling back to Swansea. Overall we had a fantastic day, learning lots about the Roman baths and also their culture. It was a brilliant opportunity to actually see the baths, and we think everyone would agree that they were wonderful. Thank you to the Latin and Classics Department for organising such an enjoyable trip! Emily Davis and Akeem Halimi, Year 11
Bishop Vaughan School Newsletter October 2013
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Sixth form news
Goodbye Year 13 2013 Leavers. After up to seven years at Bishop Vaughan and fourteen years in education, it was time for 97 of our year 13’s say goodbye. They are all moving on to a new and exciting chapter in their lives. Some will be carrying on to study at University, some will go straight into the world of employment and some will be taking gap years. We wish them all well in their future endeavours and look forward to hearing any snippets of updates we get along the way. In terms of university applications, 68 of our pupils are going on to become undergraduates at a variety of universities. Special congratulations must go to our outgoing Head Girl, Ananya George, who is off to Bristol to study Medicine, and also to Daniel Minister who is going to study History and Politics at Oxford University. Hopefully all the students have enjoyed their time at school. A Leavers’ Mass was held at the school chapel to celebrate the end of their school career. On the last day we all got together for pizza and pink cake. There was laughter and tears; leaving school can be an emotional time, students will have made some of their closest friends here and they are heading off into the unknown. Mr Walker advised all Year 13 to “Think positively and embrace all the opportunities which lie ahead of you.” From all those at Bishop Vaughan we wish you all well in your future!
Our Current Year 13 A debating club has been formed for the sixth form. So far this has attracted a large number of pupils. Controversial issues such as helping the Syrian rebels have already been discussed. The debating club provides a stimulating environment for those who want to express themselves. Mia Jefferson
Physics During the October half-term a group of sixth form pupils studying physics are travelling to Switzerland to visit CERN. As the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, CERN is the home of The Large Hadron Collider, which is the world’s most powerful accelerator. Physicists and engineers at CERN use the world’s largest and most complex scientific instruments to study the fundamental particles. CERN also has a lot of history, as it is where British scientist Tim Berners-Lee invented the World Wide Web in 1989. The visit will allow us to extend our knowledge of physics beyond what we learn at school and help to develop our understanding of how physics is applied to real life situations. We will have the opportunity to view experiments and see how the results allow us to gain an insight into what the universe is made of and how it works.
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Bishop Vaughan School Newsletter October 2013
Sixth form news Term began with 211 Year 12 pupils starting in the Sixth Form, our biggest entry so far, with 30 of these joining us from other schools across Swansea.
An induction day was organised by Ten Ten Theatre Company involving sketches, liturgy, and a team-building exercise which resulted in a variety of skills being discovered in a range of activities including model building, limerick writing and dancing the Macarena. The Enrichment Fair followed, giving the chance for Y12 to discover activities, clubs and charitable groups to join in the Sixth Form, and a number of outside agencies encouraged pupils to consider voluntary work in the local community. Mrs Power
“You won’t make any friends going to a new school/sixth form” This is one of the things my close friends said to me when I told them I was going to Bishop Vaughan sixth form. Thankfully they were all wrong, and they couldn’t have been more off the mark if they wanted to. A new school, a new environment: how was I going to survive? Luckily, the transition from my old secondary school to Bishop Vaughan sixth form was effortless and simple. Bishop Vaughan doesn’t ‘chuck you in at the deep end’ like other schools/colleges; they take the time and effort to help each and every pupil. The sixth form leadership team were brilliant when I was faced with not liking one of my subjects, as they took the time to help me choose a new subject. After the first week I felt as if I had been here since year 7! Making friends was easy at Bishop Vaughan mainly due to the fact that the first two days were teambuilding days, designed to introduce people to one another. The teambuilding day included dancing with a team to the Macarena on stage and making a ‘tower’ over a metre long with only newspaper, straws and paper plates. Small on class sizes, big on options! I always knew that college was never going to be an option for me as I didn’t like the thought of finishing at 5 every day. So I looked at sixth forms all around Swansea, and no other sixth form comes close to the amount of variety Bishop Vaughan has in its subject choices. The classes are small and intimate which is ideal for a sixth form class. It makes it feel almost as if it’s one-on-one tutoring. The reason I took the time to write this short piece is so I can express how happy I am that I made the right choice of choosing sixth form, as I believe it really is the best way to be taught. Tomas Garrett 12.1
Bishop Vaughan School Newsletter October 2013
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Sixth form news The Sixth Form are taking a major step up in their involvement in assisting to run and take part in the school's Eco-Club this year. The plan is to have those who signed up to help in three ways. They are; Developing the school grounds thus dealing with the schools Eco Garden located in the courtyard by the Sixth Form Common Room and eventually to grow more plants around the school site. Helping run our Global Communication and Development Scheme where Eco-Club will assist in the Shoe Box appeal and the running of Fair trade fortnight with younger pupils. Assist in the running of Assemblies and Litter Campaigning and the running of competitions alongside the younger years such as the Litter Post Competition and Rehash Your Trash. It is an opportunity for Sixth Former's to further develop their skills in teamwork and organisation and is an excellent attribute to place on your Personal Statements for any University applications. If any Sixth Formers Y12 or Y13 are still interested in signing up please see either Mr Richards (Geography) or Thomas Lloyd-Reed (Head Boy).
Wales Schools Debating Competition On Tuesday the 1st October I and Michael Tofts in year thirteen were lucky enough to get the opportunity to take part in the first round of the Wales Schools debating competition. We had to prepare a seven minute speech each and a four minute summary, this took a lot of research, however, when the day came we were prepared. We were the proposition and were given the motion, ‘This house believes we should no longer continue the search for Nazi war criminals’ we were both a bit uncertain before we started the research then we found some really valid reasons to support our arguments. We arrived at Ystalyfera School at about lunch time and we were lead to the debating room. I was a little nervous but fortunately there were four debates and ours was the last one, after seeing the three debates before us I was quite looking forward to voicing my opinion. I was the first proposition therefore I had to speak first, when I started I was nervous and I didn’t think my speech would last a whole seven minutes, but when I was a quarter of the way through I started to really enjoy it, one of my favourite parts was rebutting the oppositions point. After our debate the judges left to decide the winner. Unfortunately we did not win the competition but we were given forms so we can still apply for the Welsh schools team that will go to the World Schools Debating Championships in Thailand in 2014. Although we didn’t win it was a very exciting experience, that I was pleased to be able to take part in and hopefully will be able to enter this competition again next year. Ffion Jones
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Bishop Vaughan School Newsletter October 2013
Sixth Form Prom Our Year 13 prom was held in the Marriott Hotel in Swansea on July 10th and was greatly enjoyed by all in attendance.
Christmas Fayre After the success of last year’s Christmas Fayre it will now be an annual event. This year it will be held on Wednesday 4th December. If any parents or small businesses are interested in holding a stall at this event, please contact Emma Clarke or Tom Lloyd-Reed at kirsty.smith@swansea-edunet.gov.uk for further information
Year 7 Disco This was a lovely evening with our new Year 7 pupils having fun together. The evening was made especially enjoyable by the support of sixth formers running the disco. Parents also had the opportunity to informally meet the year 7 Tutors.
Pupil Information If any details have changed, please write or email into the school office so that our records may be updated. This includes any change to address, contact telephone numbers (especially mobile telephone and emergency contacts), place of work, doctor, or any new medical conditions of which we should be aware.
Could you please pass onto the school any relevant email address that we could use to contact you. Maths Challenge solution A
The number of boys in the class is (24-6) + 2 = 9. So there are 9 boys and 15 girls. Hence the required ratio is 5:3.
Bishop Vaughan School Newsletter October 2013
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Bus Passes Could both parents and pupils be aware that the children should carry their bus pass with them at all times. Pupils could be asked at any time whilst travelling on a school bus, to produce their bus pass as evidence that they are allocated a seat. If pupils have misplaced their bus pass please contact the school office who will organise a replacement. Also pupils are not allowed to travel on any other bus other than the one that is printed on their bus pass. On several occasions lately pupils have tried to travel on different buses, e.g. to go over to a friend’s place after school. This is not allowed and the drivers have the right to refuse entry to pupils who are not allocated to their bus. It is parents’ responsibility to collect their children and take them to alternative venues after school.
Parking Outside Bishop Vaughan A letter has been received from the School Community Police Officer asking us to pass on the concerns of local residents in relation to parking and vehicles causing obstructions outside the school from 3 o’clock every afternoon. Police Officers will be patrolling regularly outside the school to take positive action regarding any vehicles which are parked in contravention of road traffic legislation.
Mobile Telephones If pupils have mobile phones they should note that they are not to be switched on or in use inside the school. This includes the buildings, playground and playing field areas, before, during and after the school day. Mobile phones are to be kept out of sight, either on the person or in the school bag. The school can take no responsibility for any loss or theft of mobile phones. Parents and guardians are asked not to contact their children by phone or text during the school day. If an emergency message needs to be conveyed the school office will take the call and pass the message on. Similarly if a pupil needs to make an emergency call home he or she just needs to approach the office. Failure to comply with these rules will result in the phone being confiscated and kept in the school office for collection by a responsible adult.
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Bishop Vaughan School Newsletter October 2013
PLEASE NOTE! School Website The school website can be found at: www.bishopvaughan.swansea.sch.uk
Paying for trips Remember, if your child is paying for a school trip, the House is open from 8.30am until registration and at morning break and lunch times. All cheques should be made payable to ‘Bishop Vaughan Catholic School’ and the pupil’s name, tutorial and trip should be clearly written on the reverse. Thank you.
Lost Property We still have a number of items in lost property - which is now located in the main office.
None of the articles are labelled and cannot, therefore, be returned to their owner. If your child has lost any item, please tell them to come and check with Mrs Gwyther/Ms Hancock in the main office. After two months items not claimed will be given to a charity shop as there is no room to store them. Lost property is available for checking at break and lunch-time. PLEASE LABEL ALL ITEMS OF SCHOOL UNIFORM SO THAT THEY CAN BE EASILY RETURNED IF HANDED IN TO LOST PROPERTY. Please can all parents and guardians be aware that the school cannot supervise pupils arriving before 8.40 am.
Bishop Vaughan Catholic School Mynydd Garnllwyd Road Morriston, Swansea SA6 7QG Phone: 01792 772006 Fax: 01792 790565 E-mail: bishop.vaughan.school@swansea-edunet.gov.uk www.bishopvaughan.swansea.sch.uk