HEADMASTER’S LETTER
T0 PARENTS
CHIGWELL SCHOOL
FEBRUARYÂ 2015
Dear Parents Fortunately, we have avoided the worst of the weather in this part of the country and most activities here have gone ahead as planned. I continue to be impressed by how hard many pupils work and how many commitments they juggle, which will serve as good preparation for life beyond school. As always, thank you for your unstinting support for the School and your children.
Contents Page 1
Universities Holidays
Page 2
Investor Challenge Grade Changes Survey
Page 3
Drama
Page 4
Drama
Page 5
Festival of the Spoken Word
Page 6
Festival of the Spoken Word Careers
Page 7
Music Oxford Debating Competition Biology Olympiad Paying School Fee
Page 8
Netball
Page 9
Hockey
Page 10
Hockey
Page 11
Summer 2015 Public Exams Parking Staff News Cricket Course News From Chigwell The School Shop Bad Weather
Page 12
Finally
Page 13
Chaplain
Universities Middle Sixth students have been
Robyn Schaffer (classics, Downing) and
receiving offers of university places from
Gopal Kambo (modern and medieval
a variety of prestigious institutions. Four
languages - French and Spanish, St
of these hope to be taking up their places
John’s).
at Cambridge University later in the year:
studied at Chigwell School for at least
Nathan Edwards (maths at Trinity Hall),
seven years and we will follow their
Helena Tunks (classics, Newnham),
future progress with interest.
Each of these students has
Holidays Could I please remind all families that any
pupils are not withdrawn during term
request to take children out of school
time unless there are very exceptional
during term time should be made in
circumstances. It is important that they
writing and any planned absence does
have maximum attendance in order to
need to be authorised. We do ask that
engage fully with the curriculum.
1
Investor Challenge Four teams of economics students took part in the IFS Student Investor Challenge this year. This competition has over 100,000 students from 2,500 schools taking part and it involves teams investing ÂŁ100,000 of virtual money in the stock market. Students need to keep portfolios healthy by reading and forecasting market information provided online to identify shares and make judgments about when to buy and sell in order to make a profit. Congratulations go to Aimee Selling, Tom Parsons, Ethan Rose and Joe Klein who beat the other three Chigwell teams and made ÂŁ7,811 profit in two months. This also put their portfolio in the top 10% of performers nationally. We would like to enter more teams next year and encourage non-economics students to participate; look out for details in September.
Grade Changes Very occasionally, when Heads of
were changed so that the seven students
Department review public examination
achieved two A grades and five Bs.
results, they gain the impression that
Meanwhile, the English department
pupils have not been given the results
picked up some anomalous results in the
that they deserve. This was the case last
marking of iGCSE English Literature. We
summer in art where Middle Sixth
requested some re-marks which resulted
Students all achieved A or A* grades
in grade changes and on appeal, the
whilst Lower Sixth seemed to have AS
examination board agreed to review the
results that were lower than expected.
marking of the whole cohort for one unit.
We reviewed the results carefully and
This led to twelve grade changes so that
followed the examination board appeal
two thirds of the year group achieved at
processes, and ultimately the AS grades
least an A grade in the subject.
Survey I hope you have received a link to the parental survey that we sent out earlier this week. Please complete this and return by Monday 23rd February. We value your comments.
2
Drama There have been a number of trips to the
The English play was a fabulous success
theatre this term. The Upper Fifth and
with star turns from Jordan Stack,
Lower Sixth went off to the West End to
Lawrence Brooks, Jusden Halabi, Odette
see “The Play That Goes Wrong” and
Clark and Kayden Chahal. The Crucible is a
thoroughly enjoyed this ingenious slap
notoriously difficult play to stage with fast-
stick comedy. The Middle Sixth visited the
paced scenes featuring throughout but the
Lyric Hammersmith to see Frantic
mostly LVI English cohort performed with
Assembly’s highly acclaimed production of
aplomb and real engagement with this A2
Shakespeare’s “Othello”, which was an
English Literature coursework text. It is
innovative performance that provoked
really pleasing to see non drama students
much discussion on the tube home.
take to the stage as well, including Rhea
The Lower Fifth were the first to perform
Gupta, Rajas Chitnis, Meha Valera and Diana Mircea which demonstrates the
this term with their GCSE Scripted
spread of talent and enthusiasm for drama
performances, a suite of five, thirty minute
across the Sixth Form.
shows that were performed after school. This veritable festival of drama included a range of modern comedies and serious dramas, two of which were written by our very own Miss Janey Foster and Mr Joe Maingot. Candidates offered acting, light, sound, costume and make up for assessment
making
this
a
highly
professional evening.
3
Drama
4
Festival of the Spoken Word Compèred with panache by Harry
Zoe Wright was judged the better
Benjamin, Will Lord and Tim Lovett, the
humorous reading with Spike Milligan’s
2015 Festival was performed to a
“The ABC” while in the original writing
capacity audience. The competition was
section Charlotte James-Pajwani impressed
particularly keen in the areas of serious
with her piece entitled “Shadowless” with
readings and monologues with many
Freddie Cooper-Rendu second with the
fine and impressive performances.
moving “I Cried Real Tears”.
Annabel O’Reilly won the serious
The highly contested monologues left
reading with “Badly Chosen Lover”
the adjudicators, Mrs Evelyn Gibbs and
while the runner up was James
Dr Glen Winfield, with some difficult
Mulholland with “Explaining the Plot of
decisions but Shanaiya Pithiya with
“Blade Runner” to my Mother who has
“Vicious Circles” won the section with
Alzheimer’s”. The title of the poem was
Will Lord’s “Amazing Jesus” second. If
worth an award of its own!
the monologue category was hard to
5
Festival of the Spoken Word
Careers
judge, the ‘more than one’ category
usual
The UV careers aptitude tests run as by
Cambridge
Occupational
Analysts (COA) will take place in the
provided even more problems as each of
second half of term during the exam
the four contributions was excellent in
week beginning 2nd March. Reports will
its own right. How does one differentiate
be prepared during the following weeks
between excellence in broad comedy or
and students will receive these at one-
intense drama? The highly entertaining
to-one interviews with COA advisers to
team effort of “Phobia Workshop” (Harry Benjamin, Sarah Chamberlain,
be held on the last two days of term.
Bethany Hartland, Will Lord and Tim
On Thursday 23rd April,
Lovett) won the section with a very
we have our annual careers
moving scene from “The Crucible” (Will
convention. The aim is that
Weightman and Stacey Cockram), the
pupils in the Upper Fifth
runner-up. Tess Kelly and Venetia Bailey
and Sixth Form have the
were particularly impressive in “Fault”
opportunity to talk with
and “Fat Fighters” from “Little Britain,
representatives of
performed by Janathan Ahilan, Portia
different career areas.
Blogg, Tom Bromwich, Aanya Gujral and
We try to put
Fergal McArdle, raised many laughs with
together as
their characterisation and timing.
broad a
The housefest also provided many
range of
laughs with Penn’s version of Dahl’s
businesses
“Cinderella” winning the section with
and
Swallow’s Removes and their re-creation
evening
showcasing
some
talented
really
possible,
and
to represent their area of work, we
Chigwell, second. Overall a most entertaining
as
therefore if any parent would be willing
of Chemistry and German lessons here at enjoyable,
professions
would be delighted to hear from you. Please
contact
Mrs
Sue
Lee
(slee@chigwell-school.org)
students.
In addition, if any parent would be willing to offer work experience to older students, please contact me directly.
6
Music The Prom Concert Series continued with the
Oxford Debating Competition
Lower Two year group. Always a special
Two teams took part in the Oxford Inter-
event, this was the first concert in the New
schools Debate last Monday comprising
Space on the Mezzanine level in the Drama
of James Mulholland and Ben Kennedy,
Centre and it provided a modern bright space
and Linda Zhong and Rajas Chitnis.
for our pupils to perform. Marshalled by Miss
Unfortunately, they narrowly failed to
Felicity Leach and assisted by Miss Lucy
qualify amongst the top eight out of the
Potterton, Mrs Sue Spicer–Winand and Mr
sixty four schools in the competition.
Len Sach, there were a staggering 43 pieces
However, the four students will be
demonstrating with certainty, strength in
attending Debate Mate all day Saturday
depth. Pupils gave lively renditions on a wide
which is both a display of debating and a
variety of instruments including voice, piano,
competition.
violin, cello, flute, drum kit and guitar to name a few. Congratulations to all who
Biology Olympiad
played so well.
Nationally, over 6,000 A level students
Earlier in January, the Chapel Choir
take part in the Biology Olympiad Competition. Students from Chigwell
conducted Evensong at St. Paul’s,
performed well with Shucayb Ali
Goodmayes. The programme included the
achieving Highly Commended; Kyle
Preces and Responses by Clucas, Magnificat
Dewer-McKay a Bronze Award; Yasmin
(cantor - Adam Melvin), Nunc Dimitis
Nikookam and Anna Chelchowska both
Collegium Regale by Howells (soloist – Max
gained Silver Awards; and Oliver
Albert), and the anthems Greater love hath
Maclean gained a Gold Award. Many
no man by Ireland (solosists – Sarah
congratulations go to all five students.
Chamberlain and Gopal Kambo), Locus Iste by Bruckner and Jesu dulcis in memoria by
Paying School Fees
Victoria. Pupils continue their preparations in earnest for the Spring Choral Concert in
I have been advised by the Bursar that we
Christ Church, Spitalfields on Saturday 14th
have received fee payments that have
March for which tickets go on sale after half-
come via a Paying-In Machine. Our advice
term; details to follow. The programme
would be for parents not to use this
includes Mozart’s requiem and Beethoven’s
method of payment as it is not possible to
piano Concert no.3 soloist Katie Marshall.
identify the source of the funds.
7
Netball The netball term has started off on a real
with many more joining local clubs.
high. All teams have made an impressive
Looking forward into the term, the
start and they have continued to
Junior teams will be aiming to reach the
maintain a good standard of netball. The
final of the IAPS competitions, the U15
season started with senior and U14/U15
squad who are now part of the 1st and
pre–season training, involving match
2nd teams looking to win the Kelsall
play with Highgate and tactical practices
tournament again this year, with the
in each squad. The U13s started their
U13, U14 also taking part in this
season
annual
competition. The highlights so far for
tournament at Chigwell and the younger
this term have been the improvement in
junior teams have continued to take part
the netball played by the teams. This has
in a number of fixtures during Games and
developed significantly over the years
after school. There is a large number of
and the squads are reaping the benefits
girls playing in each squad this season,
of their hard work.
off
hosting
their
8
Hockey It has been another successful start to the
stages of the county tournaments after
boys’ hockey season. In KS2 more pupils
losing out to rivals Bancroft’s in a penalty
than ever are attending the extracurricular
flick shootout, whilst the U15s highlight
lunchtime clubs whilst the majority of
has been a hard fought 2-0 victory after an
Lower and Upper Two pupils have
impressive team performance against
represented the School in fixtures against
Forest School. The 2nd XI have led by
either New Hall, St Aubyn’s and
example and have been this season’s
Bancroft’s.
consistent performers, unbeaten to date and with impressive wins away to Harrow
At the top of the Junior School, Third and
and Alleyn’s. Finally the 1st XI, have
Fourth Form pupils have continued their
progressed to the 3rd round of the
positive approach and excellent form from
England Hockey Schools’ Cup competition
last season. Local triangular tournaments
after an excellent hard fought 1-0 victory
held at Old Loughtonians Hockey Club,
away at Gresham’s School.
have given boys an opportunity to participate in competitive fixtures prior to
The 1st XI boys’ hockey team have
the Essex and IAPS tournaments, the
qualified for the fourth round of the
former of which was regrettably cancelled
Hockey Association cup competition
due to the weather.
following their convincing victory away at
The pupils’
enthusiasm was highlighted further, when
Ipswich.
despite a cancelled fixture against Alleyn’s
possession in the first half, the Chigwell
School due to a frozen pitch, the boys took
team’s work rate was impeccable and the
part in a friendly ‘penalty shuffle’
final score was 3-2. We wish the boys the
competition against their opponents. A
best of luck in the next round of the
special mention should also be made of the
tournament where the competition
five Junior School pupils who have been
enters the national stages.
selected to attend the U14/U13 Junior Academy Centres over the coming weeks. (Nathan Moscow, Joseph Ahern, Oliver Betts, Patrick Duke and Ben Kearin). In the Senior School, the U14s continue to make good progress and were unfortunate not to qualify to the regional
9
Despite Ipswich’s greater
Hockey
10
Summer 2015 Public Exams
Cricket Course Once again, we will be running a three day cricket course for all age groups and
Would parents of pupils in the Upper
abilities over the Easter break on
Fifth and Sixth Form please check the
Wednesday 15th, Thursday 16th and Friday
current exam timetable and exam
17th April. Information and application
entries for their child on Chigwell
forms are available on the website.
Gateway via the Pupil Profile. Any changes in the spelling of the name or
News From Chigwell
date of birth need to be brought to our attention, as well as any other errors or
The latest edition of News From
omissions. Please do not worry about
Chigwell highlighting some of the
any exam clashes as these will be dealt
stories from the last term and a half is
with at a later date.
now available on line If you would like a paper copy, please
Parking
collect one from Reception.
Once again can I please ask that parents are considerate and patient when parking
The School Shop
on site, and to adhere to any requests
The School Shop will be open on the 17th,
made by staff who try to help manage the
18th, and 19th February between 10am
parking. You will appreciate that we are
and 3pm.
very fortunate to have parking for parents
resume on the 23rd February.
Normal opening times will
on site, unlike many schools, but at certain times of the day, the site does
Bad Weather
become congested. The safety of children
As I said in my last letter, in the event of
is our paramount concern.
heavy snow or ice please consult the school website (www.chigwell-school.org) for
Staff News
confirmation of arrangements for the
We send our congratulations to Ms Andrea
school day. We would always be very
Gehrke and Clive on the arrival of their baby
reluctant to close the School, but are
daughter Alessandra (Lissy).
mindful of the safety of pupils and staff.
11
I hope half term will provide the opportunity for some rest. Three school trips are taking place over half term to our partner school in India, to Hamburg and to Iceland. I am very grateful to the staff who have given up part of their holiday to lead these trips and I look forward to hearing about the expeditions when they return. With best wishes Yours sincerely
Michael Punt
12
Chaplain
It must have been a wonderful moment
In the rush of our lives what do we fail to
when Mary and Joseph brought the baby
see? Do we rush past without stopping to
Jesus to Temple Mount in Jerusalem in order
marvel at the wonders of life? Is it possible
to make an offering of thankfulness for his
that we miss glorious moments with our
birth. This new structure, built by Herod the
children, glorious moments with our loved
Great, must have created an awe inspiring
ones, glorious moments when our eyes are
experience. Having personally stood on
opened to look at the beauty around us?
Temple Mount at Christmas and gazed towards the Mount of Olives on one side and
In Chapel I have challenged the pupils to
Jerusalem old town on the other it remains
take time to stop and see, time to pray and
an awe inspiring place today.
reflect. We are all so busy, so caught up in the rush of life that each day can become a
In the crowds that Mary and Joseph must
challenge; however, we can learn to be more
have experienced on that day there are just
like Simeon and Anna and take time to pray,
two people who take note of this young
take time to see. Maybe then we will marvel
family and their special child. We are told
again at all that God has given to us.
that Simeon and Anna are both elderly; maybe that is why they have the time to pray, the time to see something special.
Father Simon
13
Term Dates Term ends: Friday 27th March 2015 Trinity Term First day: Monday 20th April Half term: Saturday 23rd May to Sunday 31st May (INSET day Monday 1st June) Term ends: Wednesday 8th July 2015 Michaelmas Term First day: Thursday 3rd September Half term: Saturday 17th October to Sunday 1st November Term ends: Wednesday 16th December