MVC News December 2021

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The News Magazine of Melbourn Village College, an Academy of The Cam Academy Trust

Amazing New Astro Opens at MVC — Page 10

Winter 2021

A packed programme MELBOURN VILLAGE COLLEGE

It’s been all go for Melbourn’s newest students — and for those hoping to start next September.

This year’s intake started with an induction day — delayed from June when transition visits weren’t allowed due to the ongoing pandemic — and some excited but anxious pupils were greeted by staff and prefects as they joined the college community.

No sooner had they got themselves acquainted with MVC than the college opened its doors to those thinking of joining the next cohort as Melbourn managed to stage their Open Evening in person.

This showed the benefit of holding it in September with many schools who had scheduled an October event being forced to go viritual again as Covid cases rose.

It was still a very different event, however, with none of the usual ‘hands-on’ activities for year 6 pupils (Year 5s were asked to wait until next year or book a personal tour in the spring or summer terms).

To reduce the Covid risk, Melbourn’s evening was based on the ‘Ikea’ model where visitors wandered one way round a set route, giving them a chance to visit all departments with Year 7 guides.

Fewer than usual Year 10 and 11 students, as well as staff, provided demonstrations in each subject area and Principal Simon Holmes’ talk was pre-

recorded and loaded on to the school website.

Pupils from the different catchment primary schools were asked to arrive at different times and senior staff were also on hand to ensure potential bottlenecks did not build up. Visitors were encouraged to wear masks — as were the student helpers — and spares were available for anybody who wanted one.

This was in addition to the standard Covid mitigations of ventilation and hand sanitiser.

Mr Holmes said: “The ‘in-person’ event was definitely worth doing. Although we had advertised it as a ‘fairly different evening’, we were busy all evening and we had some excellent feedback from those who attended.”

Deputy Principal Niki Smith added: “Standing at the front of school, I was very privileged to speak to every child that entered, and to hear the praise from parents as they left.

“The two overwhelming themes were how wonderful the school and staff had seemed to our visitors and how amazing the Year 7 tour guides had been, which really individualised their experience.”

Meanwhile, Year 7 are getting stuck into life at MVC with a wide range of activities both in and outside of timetabled lessons. You can read more about what they — and students in other year groups — have got up to in this edition.

Shed is new asset

SHOWCASE: Members of the science department in action on Open Evening.

HERE WE GO: New Year 7 students enter Melbourn Village College on their first day.

Staff at Melbourn’s Student Support Centre are thrilled to have received a garden shed which a former pupil helped to build.

They have been given the shed by the Phoenix Trust, a social enterprise and charity based near Cambridge, which helps young people and adults with a range of learning disabilities, mental health and/or behavioural issues, experience the world of work.

One of these is Ewan Walpole, and staff at Melbourn, where he spent five years, are delighted to have watched his progress from the college to this supported coworker placement.

“Enterprises such as Phoenix help our pupils with moderate to severe learning disabilities see a pathway for them post16,” said Anna Ghale, Melbourn’s SENDCo

qFocus on Wellbeing — 3 q Support for Everyone — 3 q Students Face Dragons — 4 q It’s all go for Year 11 — 4 q Mandarin Options — 4 q Spotlight on SEND — 5 q Inspiring’Budding Bards’ — 5 q Community back at the Heart 2

and Skills Base lead.

The bright blue shed, made by Ewan and co-workers, will be used for storing gardening equipment.

Mrs Ghale added: “It’s perfect for storing the tools we use for bespoke gardening lessons with our Year 10 and 11 pupils who will be doing AQA unit awards as qualifications as an alternative to GCSEs. “We will also be doing gardening with our Year 7-9 learners who have some of their lessons in the Student Support Centre.”

You can find out more about Phoenix and some of their products, including garden furniture, planters, bird boxes, concrete ornaments and paving stones that the coworkers make, by going to their website at https://www.phoenixtrust.org/

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

of MVC — 5 q Enrichment Opportunities — 6 q Out and About Again — 6 q Dressing Down — 6 q Singing stars — 6 q Meet Dr Wilson — 7 q A True In-Site — 7 q Chinese Takeaway — 7

NEW ADDITION: Melbourn has a new shed which former student Ewan Walpole helped to build.

q Trust News — 8 q SCSSP Latest — 9 q Amazing Astro Opens — 10 q Fixtures Round-up — 10 q Leaders start Journey — 10 q Staff raise Charity Cash — 11 q Something New — 11 q Melbourn Sports Centre — 12

MELBOURN VILLAGE COLLEGE

Focus on wellbeing WELLBEING CHALLENGES: Pupils participated in a range of activities as individuals or in groups.

Each Wednesday, tutor groups have been taking part in activities to help promote and raise awareness of wellbeing.

The sessions have linked to key times and events, including World Mental Health Day, the environment/COP26 and Black History Month.

A number of tutor groups and individuals also took part in a challenge for Wellbeing Wednesdays.

This was something that could be practised over a number of weeks and progress monitored.

Setting a goal and then working to reach that goal can help give purpose and focus to people, as well as a sense of achievement.

Peers encouraged each other too – which is all good for mental health and wellbeing!

Pupils from all forms embraced the challenge as individuals or in small groups.

Tutors encouraged pupils in their forms to try to do something they could feel proud of and could see progress over time.

Franklin 10 tried to improve their card tower building skills, Hawking 10 completed the crossbar challenge to see how many times they could kick the football and hit the cross bar. They also challenged themselves to see how many times they

could score a penalty with the hope that they would achieve 7/10. It was nice to see them enjoying something that they had set up themselves.

Franklin 8 decided on a ball challenge using a tennis ball, mini football or mini Irish rugby ball to see if they could improve their skills at passing a ball between them without dropping it and to see how many passes they could get consecutively. In the end, the girls beat the boys by 19 to 15.

Individual pupils also tried various activities such as juggling, with varied rates of success!

Tutor groups have also been encouraged to go for a morning walk or jog to promote fresh air and exercise. This links not only to wellbeing but environmental themes, which students are exploring.

Assistant Principal Euan Willder said: “The aim of using tutor time to work on mental health and wellbeing is to make pupils aware of some of the challenges they may face in life but also to equip them with some approaches to positive mental health and wellbeing.

“Of course we can and do support pupils in school, but the support of their peers and the sense of working together towards a common goal can be very powerful.”

Support is available for everyone Pupil and staff wellbeing is of paramount importance at MVC. We understand that the move from childhood to adulthood can be challenging. We will seek to support all pupils in becoming confident, capable and caring individuals as they become adult members of our community.

Dedicated pastoral support is available to pupils throughout their time at MVC and external help can also be arranged where appropriate.

There are Wellbeing Zones around the school and any staff displaying a Wellbeing Zone sign in their room is trained to support wellbeing and signpost pupils to appropriate support.

This includes access to school counsellors, youth workers and support for young carers.

Parents, carers and pupils can email MEL-PupilWellbeing@melbournvc.org for non-urgent support, and this inbox is checked daily.

If you feel that a child is unable to cope and is a risk to themselves or other people seek advice from 111 and dial 2 to get support from mental health teams. If you have an emergency dial 999 to get immediate support.

There is more information and details of external agencies and providers on the MVC website at https://www.melbournvc.org/parent-carer-and-pupilinformation/student-wellbeing

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Students face ‘dragons’ MELBOURN VILLAGE COLLEGE

Students in Year 9 took part in an Enterprise Day, which culminated in a ‘Dragons’ Den’ visit for the winners.

Groups of pupils had to come up with a business idea to pitch to their class in front of guests from Shift Momentum, a St Neotsbased entrepreneurial business consultancy.

The top five teams then moved to the Community Centre where they pitched their ideas to the entrepreneurs assembled by Enterprise Day organisers Form the Future, a Cambridge charity committed to equipping young people with the knowledge and skills o move from education into a rewarding and successful career.

The final, which was broadcast to all 120 Year 9 students, was won by a group called ‘Stitch Made Perfect’.

They proposed taking ‘fast fashion’ destined for landfill and remaking and reusing them to create new items.

Well done to the winners from Franklin 9, who were Samantha, Hattie, Isla and Maddie.

It’s all go for Year 11 in a busy term

With important Mock GCSE exams taking place and thinking ahead to what they would like to do when they leave Melbourn, it has been all go for the college’s oldest students.

With exams expected to go ahead ‘as normal’ next summer but with the need to excel in the

practice ones still critical ‘just in case’, staff were delighted with how seriously students took their November tests and how they performed.

Of course, how they do in year 11 will affect students’ Post-16 choices and they have been considering their options with more than 100

PITCHING: Pupils put forward their business ideas.

attending the Post-16 evening in late September.

They have been writing personal statements and attending open events from providers like Comberton Sixth Form, Hills and Long Road Sixth Form Colleges and Cambridge Regional College.

Mandarin option offers food for thought

SETTLING IN: Kate Titmuss and Sijing Ni have joined the Mandarin team at MVC. Four students who left Melbourn last summer have opted to take their Mandarin studies to the next level.

The graduates of the first class at MVC to take the language at GCSE have moved on to continue learning the Chinese language at Comberton Sixth Form.

And they have found at least one familiar face helping them with their A Level studies as Melbourn Head of Languages Frank Fan is one of the two teachers of the subject.

He, along with Kate Titmuss, one of two new Mandarin teachers at Melbourn this year, gives a mix of in-person and online lessons to the sixth formers.

Ms Titmuss said: “I started teaching Mandarin at MVC in September and I have enjoyed getting to know many different students and staff members in the school.

“We are lucky to be able to offer the Mandarin Excellence Programme at MVC as it gives students a fantastic opportunity of achieving a high standard of Mandarin and the chance to visit China.

“I have been impressed with the high ability of the MEP students at MVC.

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THE NEXT LEVEL: Frank Fan teaches Mandarin A Level at Comberton Sixth Form.

“As well as studying the GCSE and HSK qualifications, this year is the first year that A Level Mandarin has been offered within the Trust.

“I hope our current Year 11 students will consider taking A Level Mandarin next year. The content is challenging, but fascinating for anyone with an interest in China, its culture and literature.

“The Chinese department at MVC now has three members of staff, with a student teacher coming in December on placement from China. I hope that our new teacher will feel welcomed at the school, and can help us achieve even higher results in Mandarin.”

The other full-time teacher is Sijing Ni, who has also been reflecting on a first term at MVC. “I finished my PGCE teacher training course in 2021 and was offered the opportunity to be the Mandarin teacher at MVC, which can be considered as a turning point in my life.

“I have always seen language learning as a fascinating window into the different culture of people to deepen understanding of the world and gain a possibility for living a different life.

“Learning a foreign language, especially Mandarin, enables the young generation to connect with an exciting and dynamic culture as well as boost career opportunities.

“At MVC, the Mandarin department has set up a systematic and strong teaching system.

“I am able to develop and innovate my teaching based on abundant teaching resources, which enable me to reflect my teaching effectively and improve rapidly.

“Moreover, I feel very lucky to work at MVC because the school offers me such a great professional opportunity and provides a very supportive environment.

“I enjoy working collaboratively with our great teaching team, Thank you for all your support.”

MELBOURN VILLAGE COLLEGE

Spotlight on SEND

ON CAMERA: Staff and students talk to Look East about the provision for students at Melbourn who have additional needs.

Demand for support for children with Special Educational Needs is growing across the country.

Regional daily news programme, BBC Look East, chose to film at Melbourn Village College last month as part of their report on the rising demand.

They talked to Peter Allcock, who is The Cam Academy Trust’s Director of Cabins as well as Melbourn’s Head of Special Needs (SENDCo) Anna Ghale and some of the students who access the support the college has in place for a wide range of additional needs.

The Cabin at Melbourn is one of four — the others are at Comberton Village College (with separate provision for Comberton Sixth Form), St Peter’s School, Huntingdon, and Gamlingay Village Primary — to enable children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to access mainstream education.

Look East also interviewed some of the students to hear how much they value what is on offer at MVC. Mr Allcock said: “The Trust were asked by Ben Schofield, the political editor at Look East, to talk about the increasing numbers of students with SEN in the area,

using the requirement to continually expand and develop The Cabins as an example.

“One trend that has affected this increase is the jump in the number of girls diagnosed with Autism.

“We thought the Melbourn Cabin could show how the huge increase over the last 10 years has been accommodated by the Trust schools. Melbourn was able to create a space and a provision to support and help autistic girls to cope with school successfully.

“The Cabin students interviewed at Melbourn presented both themselves and the school exceptionally well on the programme, which was broadcast on Look East on Friday November 12th.

“From the Cabin we’d like to thank everyone who assisted and made this possible. The message is that schools everywhere are needing to adapt to an increase in SEN and we at the Trust are proud of how we are responding to this new landscape.”

Years 7 and 9 enjoyed some amazing sessions with visiting poet, Ash Dickinson, last month.

The sessions sparked some super creativity from the pupils who were inspired to compose and perform their own poems.

Mr Dickinson said: “The Year 9 were much better than many other Year 9s I have met; they all threw themselves into the creative process and produced

some excellent poetry!”

He added: “I had a terrific couple of days with MVC, many thanks for having me visit. Your 7s and 9s were receptive and willing; I hope we've created some budding bards!”

Deputy Principal Niki Smith thanked staff who supported pupils and contributed to making the poetry and performance days memorable for the year groups involved.

She said: “Jo Boniface (Assistant Principal) and I were fortunate enough to witness some of the sessions and can confirm that the pupils were great – sometimes in unexpected ways.”

Emelie C (9Franklin), when asked to read out her poem about an unusual pet, emphasised each syllable with a bold stamp of her foot.

Harry S (9Hawking) wrote poignantly about Remembrance Day as follows: For the men Who died in the war There are poppies all over the floor On the fields where you lie There were others there who died Let peace be with you on a silent night.

Visiting poet inspires ‘budding bards’

Community back at the heart of MVC POETRY WORKSHOP: Pupils work with poet Ash Dickinson.

One of The Cam Academy Trust’s guiding principles is for each school to be at the heart of its community.

Melbourn was therefore delighted to see the return of its Community Education courses this term.

These have included classes such as learning British Sign Language, DIY, drawing, cookery, yoga and ghost hunting!

Other community activities included hosting the NHS Flu vaccination programme, Breast Screening Unit and the Cambridge & District MG Club, who started

their Autumn Leaves Rally from the college.

They have been supporting Guide Dogs for the Blind and we enjoyed meeting some puppies in the school hall, while the drivers had coffee and a bacon roll, before they headed off to Jordan’s Mill in Biggleswade.

The MG Club made a very generous donation to the school funds and we look forward to welcoming them back in February for their Snowdrop Run.

FOCUS: Adults learn sign language.

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Enrichment opportunities MELBOURN VILLAGE COLLEGE

Enrichment offers students at Melbourn the chance to try something different, pursue a hobby or challenge themselves to learn new skills while meeting new people and having fun.

Three days a week for an hour after school, a huge range of activities is on offer — from sport to music, creative writing to Minecraft.

Students are encouraged to join in at least once a week, with many opting for regular sessions of their favourites.

To keep things fresh, the options change each term and we are looking forward to seeing what pupils choose from January once the new programme is announced.

Happy to get out and about again

CHOICE OF ACTIVITIES: Enrichment options include sewing and craft and Minecraft.

Students finally went on their first school trips for 18 months. animals and learning about wildlife conservation, These visits, for Years 8, 9 and 10, were originally planned for the end of the As one student, Seren, said: “I really enjoyed it and thought it was both summer term but were postponed due to a spike in Covid cases nationally. educational and fun at the same time!”

Year 8 took turns in making the short trip up the road to play ‘Jurassic Golf’ Year 10 students enjoyed two hours’ exclusive use of the Gravity at the nearby Kingsway Golf Centre.

Trampoline Park in Stevenage and Head of Year Kelly Coghlan said: “The They enjoyed a round of crazy golf pupils were mature, responsible and at the Jurassic World-themed had a great time. course, complete with water hazards “Extra energy was gained by and rocks. consuming copious amounts of When they weren’t playing golf, they slush from the free refill station as competed in a rounders tournament well as eating their way through the and watched a film. café menu. All of the pupils were a Head of Year Richard Barlow, also a joy to be with and we are all looking PE teacher, was delighted to be able forward to the next trip.” to take students off site.

Although they didn’t have a trip “I believe trips and extra-curricular planned, Year 7 also had a day off activities are an important part of timetable, completing a range of arts our pupils’ wellbeing and it was and crafts in the morning with a team great to celebrate pupils’ first full Brain Teaser Challenge in the year at MVC,” he said. afternoon, while Year 11 had a day of Year 9 also stayed local, popping to PSHE, having been on a visit to GRAVITATIONAL PULL: Year 10 had the Gravity Trampoline Shepreth Wildlife Park in the next Southend a couple of weeks earlier.

Park to themselves for two hours. village for a day of looking at the

Singing stars

Dressing down

THE RETURN OF SCHOOL TRIPS: Visits postponed from the summer finally went ahead this term.

Singing enthusiast Keeley had a dream day out with the Soundabout inclusive choir.

They went to London and had the chance to sing with singer-songwriter Freya Ridings on Heart radio, as part of Global’s annual charity day, Make Some Noise, which raises funds to support small charities who help disadvantaged members of their community. STAR TURN: The chance to sing with Keeley had a wonderful day — and her mum enjoyed it too!

Freya Ridings.

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The Melbourn VC community raised more than £600 for Children in Need thanks to donations for a non-uniform day.

A big thank you for all the generous donations and to the prefects and Assistant Principal Joanne Boniface, who organised the day.

Despite trying times, we are proud that MVC continues to support good causes and it was fantastic to see the efforts some students went to.

ONESIE DAY: Students ditched their uniforms for Children in Need.

Meet the new Head of Science

MELBOURN VILLAGE COLLEGE

UNDER THE MICROSCOPE: Dr David Wilson is interviewed by two members of his form.

Dr David Wilson took over as head of Science at MVC midway through this term. Here two members of his form, Cassidy and Max, ask him about his new role, with questions from 7Lewis.

Cassidy: What made you want to start teaching?

Dr Wilson: After being successful in industry for many years, and because my mum was a primary school teacher and my uncle was a headmaster in Northern Ireland, I then decided that at a certain point in my life, I would go into teaching, and I did.

Max: What are your great achievements in science?

Dr Wilson:That's a brilliant question. During my PhD, I discovered the cure for cancer. Unfortunately, it was only useful in animal models rather than humans. So disappointing. No Nobel Prize for me yet!

Cassidy: Is it stressful being Head of Science?

Dr Wilson: Yes, it is very stressful but also very rewarding as well, because I've now got the ability to change the futures of all of the pupils in Melbourn Village College and make them amazing scientists!

Max: Do you have any tips on how to manage a healthy work life balance?

Dr Wilson: Yes, I do. You need to take time for yourself, time for your family and do things that you love. If you can do that, as well as being successful in your work, then that's a great balance. So what I normally do is I work into the evenings through the week and I have Saturdays off. I then work all day Sunday (apart from making the Sunday lunch). I think I have the correct balance between work time, family time and personal time.

Cassidy: What is your favourite part of being Head of Science?

Dr Wilson: It's certainly not the detentions! I reckon it's thinking about the changes that I can make both

CONSTRUCTION IN ACTION: Pupils visit a building site to see their curriculum in context.

minute and large, that will improve pupils’ love of science and also their grades.

Cassidy: Why is that your favourite part of science?

Dr Wilson: That's a good question. I love what I do.

I want all of my pupils to love what they do as well in terms of their learning in science.

Max: How long have you been working at Melbourn Village College?

Dr Wilson: Oh, I think it's around about five years.

However, I've been teaching for 16 years now.

Cassidy: What do you find most interesting about you?

Dr Wilson: I never used to be into fitness until about

three years ago when I discovered running and I think I'm pretty good at it. So at the weekends I will run 5-10 kilometres.

But also, being a dad of an 18 and a 13-year-old girl obviously means that I can deal with conflict and success and all that kind of stuff.

Max: With COP26 being in the news, are you worried about the future and global warming?

Dr Wilson: I try to do my bit — I’ve got solar panels on my house and battery storage (so I’m off grid in the summer months!), but I also drive two electric cars, the Tesla Model 3 being my absolute favourite.

Soooo fast!

Chinese takeaway!

ACTIVE SCIENCE: Students in Dr Wilson’s lessons get to grips with the Archimedes Principle (left) and with acids and bases.

A true in-site . . .

Pupils from the Year 10 construction class visited SDC Building Contractors’ site on Melbourn Science Park.

They were given a safety talk and tour of the development work taking place during the construction of new buildings.

The talk focused on health and safety procedures, linking closely with the construction curriculum, and pupils were issued with safety equipment for the visit.

The trip was carried out under Covid-safe conditions, being mainly outdoors and involving a single year group of pupils who observed social distancing with other adults.

Many thanks to SDC Building Contractors for hosting the visit and giving our pupils such an informative tour of the construction site.

Construction teacher Stephen Reynolds said: “Pupils really enjoyed the visit and it helped them put into context many of the topics they have been studying on their TEAMWORK: Preparing a vocational construction course.”

Chinese dish.

Every term, Head of Languages and Mandarin teacher Frank Fan leads a Chinese cookery session with Cabin pupil, Elodie who is part of the Mandarin Excellence Programme.

Last term they made prawn and pork dumplings in broth and this term it was rice and egg roll.

Fortunately the weather was dry as they are not able to cook inside the Cabin due to health and safety restrictions.

The staff in the Cabin enjoyed sampling the food and Georgina Butcher, Cabin Communication Support Specialist, said: “It is an amazing opportunity for Elodie to learn more about Chinese culture to enhance her studies of Mandarin.”

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Trust reaches milestone THE CAM ACADEMY TRUST NEWS

The Cam Academy Trust proudly marks its 10th anniversary this year.

As Melbourn VC was one of the first members of this Trust it is a time to look back on the many key moments and developments that have taken place over this decade to allow the Trust to get where it is today.

The Cam Academy Trust’s CEO, Stephen Munday, said: “Among the significant disruption and challenges of Covid-19, it would have been easy for such a landmark to go unheralded, but we have so much to look back on.

“While we were always confident the Trust would be successful, we had no idea it would grow into a collaborative partnership of 12 schools.”

The Trust, originally named Comberton Academy Trust, was formed in the early part of 2011.

Due to a growing emphasis on academies working together in formal partnerships, the Trust quickly changed to become a multi-academy trust so that more schools could join and work closely with it.

As this partnership developed it was only right that the name changed with it.

Comberton Academy Trust was renamed The Cam Academy Trust.

Stephen said: “While many things have grown and changed, our principles and purpose have remained the same.

“I firmly believe this has been fundamental to our success so far.”

With the additional schools joining, it’s

now possible for a person to have their education from the age of three through to 18 in a Cam Academy Trust setting.

The Trust has also recently broadened its approach to working with the wider education community, offering ‘associate membership’ to local schools — allowing them to work as part of the Trust, but maintain their own ultimate governance.

Bourn Primary Academy has recently taken up this offer to join the 11 full members of the Trust.

Congratulations to everyone involved with the Trust and its schools for reaching this milestone.

Working together for mutual benefit Seeking to work in partnership with others is one of the fundamental principles of our Trust (CAT).

There are lots of examples of how the Trust and our schools manage to do this in good and positive ways.

One interesting development this term has been to enable a new school, Bourn Primary Academy, an Academy church school in the Comberton Village College catchment, to join the Trust as an Associate Member.

This form of membership is enabling the school to work in very close partnership with all other schools in the Trust and to link in with all the services of the Trust while not formally being a member of the Trust.

The Trust also works with other schools and Trusts in various ways. It plays a significant role in supporting the new Teaching School Hub in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, especially in the territory of initial teacher training that CAT oversees.

Sometimes the Trust supports other schools where we have significant contacts and last month CEO Stephen

Munday and Paul Lawrence, the Trust’s Director of Education, spent two days reviewing provision for Streetly Academy near Birmingham.

Mr Munday said: “They suggested that they had found this very helpful. As always with such work, we also picked up several very interesting ideas and areas of practice that are relevant to the Trust’s schools.

‘Mutual benefit’ seems to describe this well.”

WORKS BOTH WAYS: Stephen Munday and Paul Lawrence picked up some new ideas while reviewing provision at a Birmingham academy.

Environmental responsibility is for all

Probably more than ever before, staff and students are all mindful of the seriousness with which we need to take the threat to our environment and to seek to act to counter this.

Many of the fundamental issues at stake were brought to the fore at the recent COP26 conference.

The Trust wants to make sure that it is proactive in its role in this. There is now a clear section in the Trust Development Plan that seeks to take forward positively the environmental agenda.

There are two very obvious things that the Trust can seek to do: l Seek to ensure that all our school buildings and sites are as environmentallyfriendly as they can reasonably be.

We have had our sites surveyed previously in an arrangement with the County Council to seek to introduce energy-saving measures of various sorts.

The precise nature of these has varied depending upon the nature and context of the sites.

Very recently, the most significant of these developments relates to plans to introduce a major ground source heat pump system to replace all previous oil-powered systems at Comberton Village College.

A major Government grant has been secured for this, together with a long-term financing arrangement with the County Council.

It is probably one the biggest projects of its type in a school anywhere in the country. l Support and develop environmental education at all our schools.

Schools have looked to take forward appropriate environmental education in their own settings and context.

The Trust wishes to encourage this and is supporting a programme being developed at Comberton that could be used by other RESPONSIBILITY: Comberton students talk to the COP26 conference, while at the college schools in the Trust. preparation work is ongoing for a ground source heat pump to replace oil power.

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For the latest job vacancies across the Trust go to www.catrust.uk

Round-up of the latest news from the South Cambs SSP

Pupils are full of running

START TO FINISH: The opening strides of a cross-country race and (right) medals and certificates for the top three in each race.

The South Cambs School Sport Partnership Cross Country competitions for small and large schools returned at two venues.

Youngsters in Years 3-6 competed against their peers in individual races and those who entered every boys’ and girls’ race at each year group also battled for the team prizes.

Partnership Manager, Claire McDonnell, said: “It was lovely to see so many children enjoying themselves and having fun together.

“There was lots of determination on display as the children took on the one-mile course and it was great to see them all supporting each other and cheering on their teammates.

“We have missed putting on events like this; they are really good fun but also so important for children’s physical and mental health. It was lovely to see smiles back on the children’s faces.”

First off on a beautiful autumn day at Milton Country Park last month were the small schools for fewer than 120 pupils in KS2, where almost 400 children from 11 schools took part in an event that had been suspended for two years due to the pandemic.

The first three finishers in each race received a medal and certificate, while in the team competition it was the top three placed runners from each school that scored.

Harvey, from Thriplow, and Sophie, from Harston & Newton, successfully retained top spot from 2019 but in a different year group. Harvey won the Year 6 race from schoolmate Ozzy with Joe (H&N) in third. Sophie also finished ahead of a

Great to be back!

classmate as Ruby took runners-up spot in the Year 5 girls’ race.

Hayden made it a Year 5 clean sweep by winning the boys’ race with Thriplow also on the podium thanks to Simon’s third place.

Bourn pupils have been missing from SCSSP competitions in recent years but returned with a bang.

Amelie won the Year 6 girls race from schoolmate Mia while Thomas saw off Hari (H&N) to take silver at Year 4 level. Albert also finished second, ahead of Thriplow’s Ted in Year 3.

Thriplow duo Molly (Year 4) and Esme (Year 3) also finished as runners-up in their races.

With five top three places in the four Year 5/6 races it was Harston & Newton who took the team title followed by Bourn. It was a similar story in the Year 3/4 team competition with Harston & Newton again coming out on top thanks to a lot of top 10 finishes.

In the large schools event at Wimpole earlier this month, there were podium finishes for Dexter (Hardwick & Cambourne) who won the Year 3 boys event, and Grace (Meridian), who was second in the Year 6 girls, a result that helped Meridian finish third overall in the Year 5 and 6 team competition.

Ms McDonnell added: “We couldn’t have delivered today’s event without the support of 32 sports leaders from Comberton Village College, who marshalled the route, acted as sweep runners, led the warm-up area and helped with the finish line — so a big thank you to each and every one of them.

It has been a busy term for the South Cambs SSP as all of their programmes and events have got fully back up and running in schools.

Staff have been working alongside classroom teachers in 15 primary schools to provide regular teaching support for PE lessons as well as delivering Play Leaders training for Year 5/6 children in over 20 schools and supporting them and Midday Supervisors to facilitate more active playtimes.

Other popular programmes have been new Scootabilty lessons which teach Year 1 & 2 children to ride a scooter safely and balance bike training for reception and Year 1 children which teach them to ride a pedal bike without the use of stabilisers and develops their balance and spatial awareness.

Another popular new programme this term has been Yoga which is delivered through storytelling and role play to engage children and make it fun while developing their strength and improving their concentration and emotional wellbeing.

The Partnership has also again run many of their popular competitions including football and cross-country, but also some new events such as an Outdoor Challenge Event which was hosted at Comberton Village College and targeted Years 3 and 4 children who lack social skills or confidence with the aim of encouraging teamwork and problem solving and supporting children’s social and emotional development.

Sixteen schools entered teams of four that took part in a carousel of activities including battleships, rollerball, team score and cross the vortex all led by a fantastic group of 28 sports leaders from Comberton, who had given up their day PROBLEM-SOLVING: An outdoor challenge for off to lead the activities.

Years 3 and 4 pupils.

Leading the way

EXPERT GUIDANCE: From the sports leaders.

Melbourn hosted their first primary netball tournament since the pandemic with the return of the SCSSP annual tournament.

Despite it being a rainy evening, the five teams coped very well with the conditions in the first round of the ‘Bee Netball’ event and were expertly guided by Melbourn Year 10 sports leaders who officiated by umpiring, scoring and timing the games. They did a great job and received positive feedback from the primary schools.

The event was one of six – the others were at Comberton, Cambourne, Linton, Swavesey and Cottenham – in the first round. A second round is scheduled to be played in March with the South Cambs finals nights for all teams in April or May. Which finals tournament each team plays in is dependent on where they finish in their local league.

Thriplow 1 were the eventual winners ahead of two teams from Foxton, their own second team and Melbourn and all showed excellent sportsmanship.

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MELBOURN VILLAGE COLLEGE

Amazing astro opens!

OFF AND RUNNING: From the start of the £800,000 project in the summer to the first lesson on Melbourn’s new artificial pitch.

PE staff have been handed the keys to their new £800,000 artificial football pitch.

Just a week later, MVC staged their first matches on the full-size 3G surface against teams from Chesterton School in a range of six-a-side matches.

The floodlit surface, which at 100mx64m is around four times the size of the one it replaced, was built after The Cam Academy Trust, of which Melbourn is a longstanding member, was able to secure grant funding.

The bulk of the money has come from the Football Foundation — the Premier League, FA and Government’s sports charity — which exists to improve the experience of playing football for everyone, by championing fair access to quality facilities.

The rest came from the Section 106 agreement with developers Hopkins Homes, who are building houses in the village.

Originally due to be completed earlier in the year, but only actually started in August after planning delays, there was delight as Trust facilities manager Jan Berridge confirmed the new surface had passed all the necessary inspections to

be handed over to MVC. The pitch will be used by the college in lessons, for enrichment activities and fixtures but will also be available for use by the local community, including partner club Melbourn Dynamos.

The new facility will be managed for community use by Be Active, who already run Melbourn Sports Centre on the college site.

PE teachers John Barnes and Chloe Evans were thrilled to be the first to try the new pitch and Head of PE Kelly Coghlan said: “The pupils watched every day as it was being constructed, and every day I was asked ‘when will it be ready? We can’t wait to use it’.

“During the first week we had to change our curriculum slightly so that all pupils went on the 3G to experience it and test it out.

“We will also be using it for fixtures and I am sure we will be the envy of other PE departments! Everyone is very proud of the new facility and excited about the opportunities it will bring us.”

Mixed fortunes in national cup ties

This term has seen some notable sporting endeavours and achievements.

MVC entered Year 10 and 11 boys football teams into the English Schools Football Association (ESFA) National Cup competitions.

The Year 11 team progressed in the ESFA Cup by convincingly beating King James Academy, Royston, 5-0. Joe T opened the scoring before second-half goals from Henry (2), Louie and Harun.

Year 11s also won in the English Small Schools Cup with a 3-1 win (Henry hat-trick) over Stephen Perse and are through to the last 32.

After a valiant effort, our Year 10 team bowed out of the ESFA competition, losing 2-1 to Haileybury Turnford School from Cheshunt. Callum scored a neat free kick but it was not enough. Mr Barlow was encouraged, however, and said: “to go down

to a penalty and a fortunate strike from outside the box was frustrating.”

This capped five weeks of football matches for KS4 this term. With several local schools still not able to attend their sports fixtures since the lockdowns and the girls unable to arrange fixtures at all, this is a good return, particularly for the GCSE students. Special mentions to Bradley, Alan, Ben, Ryan and hat-trick hero Henry.

A special thank you to the Parish Council and Melbourn Dynamos football team for allowing us to access the pavilion and nets etc on the local recreation ground.

Key Stage 3 pupils had their first rugby fixtures last month with newly-qualified sports leaders Thomas and Matthew helping out.

The boys played a range of matches.

Participation from all years was excellent and it was great to see so many of the Year 7 boys taking part in their first fixture. Congratulations to our Year 7 A and B teams who both won one, drew one and lost one. Year 8 and 9 teams narrowly lost.

Mr Barlow said: “The boys have progressed well in lessons and enrichments since September, but we have found fixtures hard to come by. We were delighted that St Ivo school were able to come and give us some games.

“This competitive environment was just what we needed to reinforce the learning that has taken place. We would love pupils to go on to join a local rugby club, as sport builds character and resilience”. You can find links to local sports clubs on the college website.

Sports leaders take their first steps

LEARNING TO LEAD: Practical and theory training for Year 10 sports leaders.

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Year 10 pupils started their Sports Leadership journey with Julia Scarboro from Cambridge School Sports Partnership.

They were introduced to the skills of a good leader and performed a range of team building activities.

They will now start to lead various local primary sports festivals and hopefully boost their Post-16 applications.

Sports Leaders had the opportunity to attend a Netball Youth Umpire course, which introduced the principles of umpiring and by the end of the two hours pupils were able to identify obvious infringements, communicate using correct voice, whistle and terminology and understand positioning and movement as an umpire through a game.

Well done to Philippa, Emma, Daisy, Jessica, and Isabel who completed the course.

Staff on run for charity

MELBOURN VILLAGE COLLEGE

Two members of Melbourn’s staff have pulled on their running shoes to aid good causes.

Science technician Jeanette Dyer completed the Cambridge half-marathon in October as part of a 109-strong team raising money for Tom’s Trust, a Whittlesford-based charity which supports families whose child has been affected by a brain tumour diagnosis.

She ran the 13.1 miles in 2 hours and 35 seconds, a minute faster than the previous year.

Training with the college’s running club helped her preparation, as did completing the Cambourne 10k event.

She really enjoyed the Cambridge race and said: “It was an amazing experience with all the crowds supporting the athletes along the streets of the city, through the iconic colleges and to Grantchester.”

She added special thanks to Head of Music Johny Thomson and his disco band, who played uplifting music along Queens’ Road.

Maths teacher Clare Rogers joined her husband Mike and son Gethin, who left MVC last summer, at the Kew Gardens Running Festival.

They all completed the 10km race and helped raise more than £4000 for Cancer Research.

Both Mr and Mrs Rogers were running in memory of their mothers.

Mrs Rogers said: “It was a bit too far for me to enjoy, but I’m glad I did it.

The atmosphere was incredible; lots of encouragement and musical entertainment all the way round.

“Last year when my mother-in-law was diagnosed with cancer, as a family we thought about doing a challenge that would help raise money for cancer research.

“My sister also decided to join the challenge in memory of our mother whom we lost to cancer 20 years ago.”

Students enjoy trying something new

UPS AND DOWNS: Some of the activities on offer at Clip n’ Climb in Cambridge.

RAISING FUNDS: Members of staff completed running events for good causes.

Pupils with Special Educational Needs enjoyed a chance to try out some different activities during a month dedicated to Inclusive PE. Fifteen youngsters visited the Clip n’ Climb Centre in Cambridge and Head of PE Kelly Coghlan was delighted to see them immersing themselves in climbing in a fullysupported environment — and having the centre to themselves.

She said: “All pupils had a great time and really enjoyed challenging themselves to overcome their fears. Lots of them made it to the top of the climbing walls.”

The students had a good time too and the feedback comments included: “I loved being able to achieve climbing,” “I enjoyed facing my fears and climbing the wall” and “I was feeling happy.”

Two days later a team of eight students represented Melbourn at the South Cambridgeshire Panathlon Challenge against other schools at Impington Village College.

They took part in a range of inclusive activities, including indoor curling, boccia, adapted tennis, adapted cricket, target throwing and bowling. Pupils showed excellent teamwork and had a great time and were rewarded with medals for third place.

MEDALLISTS: Melbourn’s team worked together at the South Cambs Panathlon, where they finished third, (left) and at the Powerhouse Games.

Panathlon give young people with disabilities and special educational needs the opportunity to take part in competitive sport, but also gives young sports leaders the experience of helping at these events.

And their help did not go unnoticed with “the kind sports leaders” and “working as a team” among the highlights.

At the end of November, 11 pupils took part in the PowerHouse Games at Gonvillle & Caius College, Cambridge.

The games were organised by Power2Inspire, and integrate state, independent and specialneeds school pupils alongside university student and corporate volunteers.

The university students coordinated a range of inclusive and adapted sports, such as boccia, new age kurling, sitting volleyball, goalball and sitting netball. Everyone had a chance to participate equally, to learn new skills, and most importantly, had loads of fun!

Year 10 students have also been having a go at some of the panathlon events in their PE lessons with Mrs Patel and have tried out boccia as well as seated volleyball and various athletics activities.

In the New Year they will be doing a swimming unit to increase water confidence and improve their strokes.

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MELBOURN VILLAGE COLLEGE

MELBOURN SPORTS CENTRE news )RU WKRVH RI \RX ZKR GRQ¶W DOUHDG\ NQRZ ZH KDYH

A state of the art fitness suite offering a variety of membership schemes A 20 metre swimming pool (kept ever so slightly warmer than most!)

A comprehensive swimming lesson programme, catering for all ages and abilities Upgraded multisports courts for hire including tennis, football and squash courts Water sports courses and activities Traditional and modern exercise classes Access to Melbourn Village College sports hall and gymnasium for activities such as trampolining, badminton and basketball Supervised sports and pool parties

LOOKING BACK AT SUMMER & AUTUMN 2021 ,W¶V EHHQ D KHFWLF VXPPHUWLPH and autumn academic term DW 06& ,W¶V EHHQ JUHDW WR EH DEOH WR VHH VR PDQ\ SXSLOV UHWXUQLQJ WR our swimming lessons and such relief to get through a whole term uninterrupted, after so many postponements due to COVID. It felt so good to welcome back primary schools for lessons too, including Meldreth, Melbourn, Meridian and Trumpington schools, which have been a great success with lovely feedback from both pupils and parents.

Our Summer holiday camps were once again well attended, with children put through their paces with a variety of fun games and activities. :H¶YH DOVR MXVW HQMR\HG D VZLP FUDVK FRXUVH DQG VHDVRQDOO\-themed Playscheme for the October half term. :H¶YH EHHQ ZRUNLQJ hard over the summer months to apply for funding to help improve the centre, and are pleased to announce that we have been successful in gaining some grant funds to improve our Fitness Suite machines and to finally repair our trampolines, which we hope will mean we can bring back this popular activity very soon.

7KHUH¶V DOVR EHHQ VRPH FKDQJHV LQ RXU WHDP ,t is with great sadness that we say goodbye to our colleagues Maggie Stebbing PRYHG DZD\ IURP &DPEV 6LPRQ 'DYLHV DQG $QQDEHO :ULJKW ZKR¶YH ERWK PRYHG LQWR GLIIHUHQW DUHDV RI WKH industry. Maggie DQG 6LPRQ LQ SDUWLFXODU KDYH EHHQ µUHVLGHQWV¶ RI 06& IRU PDQ\ \HDUV DQG ZH wish them all the very best for the future. $QQDEHO ZH¶UH KDSS\ WR VD\ ZLOO VWLOO EH NHHSLQJ LQ WRXFK ZLWK XV DV VKH¶OO EH SRSSLQJ LQ WR KHOS RXW ZLWK VZLP WHDching now and then!

We are very happy, however, to welcome new members into the MSC family. Emily comes to us as a former student of Melbourn Village College; she is a very keen netball player but is looking forward to learning about every aspect of fitness and leisure activities in her apprenticeship role. We also look forward to Alex joining us in January, who will focus primarily on the Fitness Suite as well as working within the centre as a whole.

NEW ASTRO TURF PITCH $V DQQRXQFHG LQ ODVW HGLWLRQ¶s news, the long-anticipated full size Astro Turf Pitch is finally completed! Clubs and organisations are lining up to make good use of this fabulous facility and addition to the Melbourn site, including local team Melbourn Dynamos. For more information on how to book the pitch, and for prices, please contact robbie@mc-sport.co.uk.

ACTIVITIES FOR THE WINTER SEASON AT MSC &20( ,1 287 2) 7+( &2/'« With the nights now longer and darker, why not come in out of the cold and have a go at such activities as table tennis, squash or badminton? Court hire from only £5.50 peU KRXU 7KHUH¶V DOVR SOHQW\ RI VZLPPLQJ DYDLODEOH RI FRXUVH DORQJ ZLWK VHVVLRQV LQ RXU )LWQHVV 6XLWH ,I \RX GRQ¶W PLQG WKH FROG RXWGRRU FRXUWV DUH VWLOO DYDLODEOH IRU KLUH IRU DFWLYLWLHV Vuch as tennis and netball.

ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN :H¶UH UXQQLQJ 3OD\VFKHPH GD\V IRU IXOO-time school age children over Christmas, but spaces are limited so early booking is recommended. The dates for these are Monday 20th ± Thursday 23rd December and Tuesday 4th -DQXDU\ :H¶OO DOVR EH running a Playscheme over February half term; booking for this will be from early next year, so keep an eye on our website and Facebook page. You may also like to bring the children along to our Family Fun swimming pool sessions (pre-booking essential at present). Our swimming lesson programme is as popular as ever, and spaces are at a premium, but if you are interested in enrolling your child, please do still get in touch!

GIVE THE GIFT OF FUN & FITNESS Why not give the gift of fitness to a loved one or good friend this Christmas? We have some great offers on for the facility, including our competitively priced membership schemes for the Fitness Suite or a general facility membership, which includes swimming pool, Fitness Suite and aquatic classes. Please ask at Reception or go online to purchase. :H¶G OLNH WR HQG ZLWK D KXJH WKDQN \RX IRU \RXU FRQWLQXLQJ VXSSRUW $OO OHLVXUH IDFLOLWLHV SDUWLFXODUO\ VPDOOHU RQHV DUH Vtruggling to survive, but with your help and patronage, we will continue to thrive!

For further details on memberships or any of our activities, please call 01763 263313 or go online at www.mc-sport.co.uk. You can also follow us on our Facebook page (melbournsports).

We look forward to seeing you!

Melbourn Sports Centre, The Village College, The Moor, Melbourn, Royston, Hertfordshire, SG8 6EF 01763 263313

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