MVC NEWS www.melbournvc.org
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Winter 2018
The News Magazine of Melbourn Village College, an Academy of The Cam Academy Trust
Let Battle Commence — Page 5
Growing appeal of MVC MELBOURN VILLAGE COLLEGE
Hundreds of prospective pupils and their parents packed into Melbourn Village College to see the amazing opportunities on offer when they attended the annual Open Evening. Both the talks form Principal Simon Holmes were packed as Year 6 students and their families set about choosing where they want to go for secondary school. He told them that Melbourn’s ethos is that ‘Everybody is Somebody’ and this guides all they do in getting to know and supporting all 600 of our students. The visitors then toured the school, visiting each
subject area where there was a range of interactive activities for them to enjoy. These included biscuit decorating in Food Technology where youngsters and their adults were also challenged to tell the difference between regular and diet Coke — which many did — and between regular and low fat crisps, which proved much harder. Many parents were surprised to find they preferred the 25% less saturated fat variety! For those still hungry, there was also a chance to taste samples from the school lunch menu! There was also the opportunity to have a go at 3D
Speed-y route to new lesson plans
UP TO SPEED: MVC Staff at the Physics day.
Science staff from Melbourn Village College are bursting with new ideas for teaching physics after attending SPEED2018 (Stimulating Physics in the East of England Day) at Netherhall School in Cambridge. The Melbourn delegation took part in a range of interactive workshops at the event, organised by the Institute of Physics. These included subjects as diverse as Coaching and Mentoring to a guest talk from the RAF on their centenary. All the attendees also came away with plenty of goodies to augment their teaching of physics and make the lessons even more stimulating.
MVC work recognised
Melbourn Village College’s drive to offer an innovative, wide-ranging and personalised curriculum for its students has been nationally recognised. The school has recently achieved accreditation for transforming practice under the Schools, Students and Teachers network (SSAT) Framework for Exceptional Education. The Framework for Exceptional Education is a self-review and planning tool incorporating SSAT's 30 years of experience in school improvement. Co-developed with a group of high-performing schools and reviewed by leading academics, the framework supports schools in quality-assuring their work and sharing effective practice. To achieve accreditation as transforming practice under the strand of Principled Curriculum Design, Melbourn was reviewed by another high-performing school and an independent moderator from SSAT. SSAT's Chief Executive, Sue Williamson said: "For a school to be accredited for transforming practice is a real credit to their team and the quality of the work that they are doing." Melbourn Principal Simon Holmes, said: “Our approach to curriculum planning is firmly based on our school principle of ‘Everybody is Somebody’. “Despite the financial constraints facing all schools, we have always done our best to offer a wide-ranging and personalised curriculum to all our students. It’s fantastic to achieve national recognition of this ongoing work.” Meanwhile a former student, Charlotte Joyce, who has FUTURE LEADER: returned to Melbourn this year as a teacher of History Charlotte Joyce. and Health & Social Care, has been accepted on to the prestigious Leadership Legacy Project, run by SSAT. She will be part of a group of future education leaders from across the country who have been designated as SSAT Leadership Fellows and are in in their first two to four years of teaching. Miss Joyce, who returned to Melbourn from teaching at St Peter’s School, Huntingdon, which is also part of The Cam Academy Trust, has been identified as showing the potential to become an outstanding school leader. The SSAT also invite current head teachers to mentor Leadership Fellows and Mr Holmes has this year been asked to become a Leadership Expert. He will help his mentees — who won’t include Miss Joyce — by sharing his experiences of school leadership and helping them develop their vision.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
q Trust Update — Page 3 q A Taste of Melbourn — Page 4 q Youngsters Make Time for Themselves — Page 4 q What Matters to Youth of Today — Page 4 q Spreading Xmas Cheer — Page 4 q Let Battle Commence — Page 5 q Fake News? I Don’t Think So — Page 5 q Countdown to New Trip — Page 6 q ‘A Privilege to be Here’— Page 6 2
games programming in computing, travel back to the Elizabethan era of Romeo and Juliet (a GCSE English text), learn a few words of Spanish and Mandarin, which are both taught from Year 7 at Melbourn, have a go at pottery, get hands-on in the science department, make friendship chains and bookmarks or get active over the PE department’s obstacle course. Deputy Principal Regina Lawrence said: “It was really well attended with both talks being completely full. There was a great atmosphere.”
q Learning to Lead — Page 6 q High Praise for Students — Page 7 q Linguists get Competitive — Page 7 q A Taste of World Cuisine — Page 8 q Sports Leaders win Plaudits — Page 8 q Trying New Activities — Page 8 q Sports News — Page 9 q SCSSP Round-Up — Pages 10 & 11 q Melbourn Sports Centre — Page 12
THE CAM ACADEMY TRUST NEWS
The irony of popularity POPULAR CHOICES: All the Trust’s secondary schools have seen an increase in student numbers this year.
Autumn 2018 has marked a remarkable phenomenon across the secondary schools in The Cam Academy Trust.
All four secondary schools have seen considerable growth in numbers in the main 11-16 pupil population and the Comberton Sixth Form has also witnessed significant growth in student numbers. In total, we have more than 400 additional pupils in our secondary schools now than we did last school year. There are two fundamental reasons behind this remarkable growth in numbers: l The growth in local population in some of the areas where our schools operate. This is most obviously in Cambourne, but it does apply to a lesser extent in other areas. l The increasing popularity of schools in our Trust.
Poised to move in
We are nearly there with the new school site for Gamlingay Village Primary, the first Primary School to join our Trust. It has been a long journey (in many ways dating back over decades) to get to the point where there is a Primary School serving the whole community of Gamlingay, feeding into a named Cambridgeshire Secondary School (Comberton Village College) and located in great and appropriate premises that are a real asset to the local community. We hope and anticipate that January 2019 will mark the moment when all of these things become a full reality. Work has been finished off on the redesign of the Village College (middle school) site in Gamlingay with the result being a really good Primary School facility that can meet the needs of all. We hope that everything will be moved across and be ready to operate at the beginning of the coming term. This will be a great moment in the history of education in Gamlingay and can ensure a strong and sustainable schooling model into the future. Very many thanks are due to those, both staff and members of the Local Governing Body, who have worked so hard over such a long period of time to make this moment possible.
Greater numbers of pupils and families are making a choice to attend one of our schools. Wherever we sensibly can, we seek to accommodate that choice. This is, of course, all extremely positive and reflects very well on the education provided in our schools and the perception of our local communities regarding this. Very many thanks are due to all staff in all of our schools for making this possible and for seeking to make a reality of our mission to provide an excellent education for all pupils in all of our schools. There is, however, an irony in our positive situation. Funding for Academies works on the basis of socalled ‘lagged funding’. This means that we are funded this year for the number of pupils on our books last year. In other words, we are currently educating more than 400
extra pupils this year in our secondary schools with no funding for them. As you might guess, this is a challenge that we consider to be unreasonable given that we are serving our local communities’ needs by doing this and there are real costs associated with educating over 400 additional pupils. The Trust is therefore in ongoing discussions with Government school funding agencies to seek to have our situation confirmed as highly exceptional and hope that we might receive some funding for the actual number of pupils in our schools. In the meantime, we are delighted to have so many more pupils choosing to come to our schools and we continue to do our very best to provide the great education that we all want for everyone. Stephen Munday, CEO
First year group set to use iPads Cambourne Village College is set to become the first school in The Trust to introduce iPads to a whole year group. Following a very successful trial at the college last summer, parents were invited to the college late last month to hear the Trust’s longer-term plans for their use. From May half-term 2019 it expected that students currently in Year 8 will take possession of the latest iPads, software and keyboards (with insurance) on a three-year lease, which will see them through to their GCSE exams. Parents are being asked to make a voluntary donation of just under £10 per month. Students in receipt of Free School Meals will have this contribution covered by a bursary scheme, which may also be available to parents experiencing financial difficulties.
SUCCESSFUL TRIAL: Of iPads at Cambourne. Sean Sumner, Cambourne’s Deputy Principal who is also responsible for the iPads project across the Trust, said: “More than 100 Year 7 students and 34 staff undertook a major investigation into the use of iPads in teaching and learning during the summer term. “Staff and students undertook activities both at school and home and throughout the project we have been evaluating the use of iPads through lesson observations, interviews with staff and students, and student, staff and parent/carer surveys. Feedback from all those who have
been involved project has been overwhelmingly positive. “Parents and carers reported that having and using a dedicated personalised iPad had positively changed their child’s attitude to school, increased engagement in lessons, raised attainment levels, improved organisation and improved attitude to homework. “Students who were involved in the project and had been using a personalised iPad reported that they put more effort into lessons, that they were more organised for school and that using the iPad helped with their homework. Students also reported that they spent more time researching, preparing and practising for lessons and that lessons were more interesting and enjoyable. “Staff involved in the project reported that using an iPad helped them share resources with students more easily, helped students collaborate more and develop creativity and independent thinking. Staff also felt that students were more engaged in lessons and that using a personalised iPad had the potential to raise attainment and progress. “We believe that our vision of 1:1 deployment of iPads in our schools will enable us to work with parents and carers to fulfil our joint responsibility to all of our students to equip them with the skills necessary to succeed in the 21st century workplace: to be digitally literate, to be able to think and work independently, to be able to problem solve and to collaborate with one another. We believe that a personalised iPad can play a crucial role in the classroom, transforming the learning opportunities available to our students.” A group of Year 7 students and a group of staff at Comberton Village College trialled the use of iPads this term and from next term half of the Year 7 cohort and all staff at Melbourn Village College will begin a term of using the technology to enhance teaching and learning at their school. There are also plans to trial the use of iPads in the Trust’s primary schools in future.
For job vacancies across the Trust, visit the CAT website at www.catrust.co.uk
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A taste of lessons . . . MELBOURN VILLAGE COLLEGE
TOGETHERNESS: Older and younger community members. Pupils from Hauxton and Meldreth Primary Schools were the first to experience this year’s special days laid on for Year 5 pupils. Youngsters were given a taste of life when they move to secondary school as they took part in
TOGETHERNESS: Older and younger community members.
Spanish, Mandarin, Maths, PE and Design & Technology lessons. Ably assisted by Melbourn’s Year 11 prefects, the pupils said they had a great time and particularly enjoyed the language lessons and using the
specialist equipment in DT. Every student went home with an MVC water bottle and a certificate of participation. We look forward to welcoming pupils from more of our partner primaries for the next Year 5 experience on February 1st 2019.
Youngsters make time for themselves
Young Carers continues to be a growing and busy group at MVC — we have welcomed a handful of new Year 7 carers this term who have joined us in crafts, games, slime making, baking and Christmas crafts. The group holds meetings on the second Monday of the month for Young Carers, who is anyone who cares, unpaid, for a friend or family member who, due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or addiction, cannot cope without their support. If you feel your child is a young carer and would like some more information please contact Mrs Deadman at THE EATING: Tucking into tasty treats. cdeadman@melbournvc.org
What matters to the youth of today
THE MAKING: Young carers prepare cookies.
Tackling homelessness, ending period poverty and ending knife crime were the most important issues to Melbourn students when they voted in the Make Your Mark consultation. This was a national ballot of 10 topics to enable young people to decide what they wanted debated by the UK Youth Parliament when they met in November. After more than a million votes were cast, the Youth Council decided to focus on two of Melbourn’s top three issues — ending knife crime and tackling homelessness — as well as mental health, equal pay for equal work, a curriculum to prepare young people for life and the vote at 16. The UK Youth Parliament is made up of 11-18-year olds and it provides opportunities for those who are part of it to use their elected voice to bring about social change through meaningful representation and campaigning about issues affecting young people.
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Every year they meet in the House of Commons and contribute their ideas to make a real difference to young people by discussing things that matter to them. Last month’s debate was very interesting and it was great to see young people having an active role in the issues that are of real importance to students at Melbourn Village College. Marta Gunner, Head of Humanities, said: “It is a fantastic opportunity for the students to have a taste of what it means to vote and allow their voice on issues that are important to them to be heard. “This also allows us as a school to identify what concerns our students and to find ways to address these within our subject areas wherever possible.”
ON THEIR WAY: Gifts from MVC will go to families and old people in Eastern Europe via the Link to Hope charity.
Spreading Xmas cheer
While it looked like Christmas had come early to Melbourn Village College last month, the sight of shoeboxes packed with gifts means families in some of the poorest parts of Eastern Europe will enjoy a little seasonal cheer. The stacks loaded into Mrs Gunner’s car on their way to the collection point were the result of the college’s response to Link to Hope Shoebox Appeal that Melbourn is proud to support each year. The 20 boxes filled with essential items and treats — including things like hats, scarves, gloves, sewing kits, candles and toiletries as well as sweets, chocolate and toys — are winging their way, with the other 330 boxes collected from different organisations in the area by the Orwell vicar, Rev Felicity Couch, to deserving families and the elderly in the Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova and Ukraine. The boxes are given to those who often have to make a choice not of which gift to purchase, but between buying food or fuel at Christmas in areas where many families do not have running water, heating or electricity. Last year the Christian charity, who distribute to those in need regardless of their background or religion, distributed almost 50,000 shoeboxes.
MELBOURN VILLAGE COLLEGE
Sue Williamson, Chair of Governors at Melbourn Village College and a Trustee of The Cam Academy Trust, visits many schools in her role as Chief Executive of the SSAT, the Schools, Students and Teachers Network. In this article, first published last month, she explores some of the increased challenges facing schools and the young people they serve in an era of reduced funding for schools and local authorities.
Fake News? I don’t think so
In the midst of all the news reports on Brexit and the madness of the Westminster bubble, the UN’s rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, Philip Alston, reported that despite being the world’s fifth largest economy, the UK has levels of child poverty that are ‘not just a disgrace, but a social calamity and an economic disaster.’ Frighteningly, he highlighted predictions that child poverty could rise by 7% between 2015 and 2022. Alston visited towns and cities across the UK and said that the problems were ‘obvious to anyone who opens their eyes to see the immense growth in food banks and the queues waiting outside them, the people sleeping rough in the streets, the growth of homelessness, the sense of deep despair that leads even the government to appoint a minister for suicide prevention.’ The government has said that it ‘completely disagreed’ with Alston’s analysis. I do not agree with them: Alston is making a valid point. How does this impact on schools? When I visit schools and in my role as a trustee and governor, I hear and see much that schools are doing to help children in poverty. Free breakfasts and lunches; provision of clothing; washing of clothing; payment for school trips and so much more. Schools are often the oasis in a disadvantaged young person’s life. However, there is great frustration and anger that schools cannot do more. School budgets are very tight, and they have to provide services that were once supplied by the local authority. Last week we heard that the SEND budget in Cambridgeshire is being reduced again in 2019. All young people benefit from having an adult that they can talk to — this may be a teacher or another member of staff. Many schools have had counsellors, but these posts are being cut because of financial constraints. Other posts such as librarian, teaching assistant, assistant heads of year, are also being cut. As a result, there are fewer adults who can really get to know an individual child. There is nothing more important to a young person than an adult who knows their strengths, weaknesses, family situation, friendship groups, worries, etc. I stress again that there has to be at least one adult that a young person is able to talk to. If not face to face, then online.
Our work with white working-class boys revealed the extent that they would go to, to cover up the fact that they were sole carers for a parent. We need to understand and know the responsibilities and demands this places on the young person who is living in poverty — a hungry child does not learn. We need to understand the responsibilities and demands placed on the young person who is living in poverty — a hungry child does not learn. This work demands time and resources. More and more I hear that schools are using pupil premium funds to cover the salary bill. As I have said, staff are being made redundant and those remaining given heavier teaching loads. The government still says that schools are well funded. We need to make a better case for further investment — what is the true cost of educating a young person? Politicians of all parties are focused on Brexit, but we need them to come together to share the work on reviewing all public services, including the school system. Not a focus on structures, but on the experience of every young person. I watched the TV programme ‘School’ with the opening shot of a hall full of examination desks and a programme that included the stress of examination pressure, as well as other mental health issues. I remember a student at one of our National Conferences saying to delegates, “Are we simply data to you?” The answer must be a resounding NO. This is why at SSAT we urge schools to do what is right for their young people and not follow government ministers’ fads. As a profession we need to be able to present a balanced and well-argued case for fair funding nationally. We need to listen and to do our own research with fresh eyes. So rather than dismissing Alston’s analysis, the government needs to listen to and work with schools to ensure that all young people, wherever they live and whatever their ability, have an education that helps them take their next steps in life and work.
Let Battle commence . . .
On a foggy October morning, with a distinct chill in the air, a brave group of soldiers set forth to do battle on an English field. As forces gathered ready for their historic clash Melbourn Village College students faced each other across the foggy PE sports field, ready for a very different sort of endeavour. The History Department would like to thank all the parents, grandparents and other family members who helped with shield and sword design for the fantastically successful re-enactment of the Battle of Hastings. “This was our largest re-enactment yet,” said Principal Simon Holmes (watching from a safe distance). “One hundred and forty students enjoyed acting out one of the most important days in English History, the date you all remember from school, 1066. “Result: Normandy 1, England 0.”
FIGHTING FORCE: The battle of Hastings warriors.
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Countdown to new trip MELBOURN VILLAGE COLLEGE
Preparations are well under way for the inaugural visit of Chinese students from our new partner secondary school, the High School Affiliated to BIT (Beijing Institute of Technology), in the Haidian district of Beijing. We were delighted by the response to this new exchange, which is being run jointly with Comberton Village College. A total of 31 students in Years 8 and 9 — 19 from Comberton and 12 from Melbourn — are set to host their Chinese partners for a week in early February, before making the return visit in April. While here, our Chinese visitors will brave the winter weather to engage in a range of local visits (yes, even punting!) and will also spend plenty of time in college, experiencing lessons and our typical routines. We know that they are preparing assemblies to share something of their school and country with all pupils, too. There will also be a Saturday trip to Oxford with their English partners, a special request they made for their visit here. With MVC students are already learning Mandarin as part of the curriculum, they
will get the chance to try out their language in real-life situations. Mandarin teacher Frank Fan will be one of the staff travelling with the students when they head for China next year. The Comberton students involved will have the chance to learn a little of the language in the New Year, by participating in a 12-week introduction to Chinese, an after-school programme designed especially for the exchange. As with all of our exchanges, we know that the new China exchange will be a huge adventure and a wonderful experience for students who have an interest in China, Chinese culture and Chinese language. We are looking forward to welcoming our Chinese visitors to Comberton and Melbourn, and we hope that this exchange will become an established part of our international education. Rachel Hawkes, Director of International Education and Research, The Cam Academy Trust
FRONT OF SCHOOL: The entrance to the BIT High School in Beijing.
TEA TIME: A tea-making ceremony at the BIT High School in Beijing.
‘A privilege to be here’
My name is Jiajing Shi. I come from Yixing, China, and now work as a Mandarin teacher at Melbourn. It’s really my privilege to be the first Hanban teacher in Cambridgeshire. Hanban is a Chinese organisation that is engaged in sending teachers worldwide to introduce Chinese culture and also to teach the language. There are around 160 teachers assigned to the UK this year, most of us settled in England. Over the past month, I have had a general picture of the secondary school education system of the UK. It has inspired me a lot. The most impressive thing is that every single student will get a tremendous amount of attention and care from teachers. It’s truly student-centered. As a language teacher, I believe language has great power. Foreign languages not only equip learners with the ability to communicate with people from different cultural backgrounds, but also offer them chances to become an even better version of themselves. Due to the stronger-than-ever ties between China and the UK, Mandarin is beyond doubt a bright choice for students with such expectations. Colleagues in MVC are very kind. I want to thank them for their kindness and continued help. This year must be a precious and unforgettable experience for me, and I will try my best to support students here.
A YEAR IN ENGLAND: Jiajing Shi is teaching Mandarin at Melbourn for the year.
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Learning to lead . . .
IN THE CLASSROOM: Leaders put the theory into practice.
Ten Melbourn students from Year 9 attended the launch of the Language Leaders programme on at Murray Edwards College in Cambridge earlier this term. The programme trains keen linguists to deliver lessons to primary school children in the language of their choice. After an interesting tour of the College, students learnt how important language learning is to the future of the United Kingdom and their own careers. They were then given an insight into their own personalities and how they can use their strengths to best advantage, as well as a few tips on how to present themselves in the classroom and become reflective teachers of languages. The day ended on a very positive note with students from different schools, including Melbourn’s Cam Academy Trust partners Comberton and Cambourne Village Colleges, working together in teams to solve problems. Rebecca Griggs said: “I found the trip to Murray Edwards College very educational. It helped me to build up confidence to teach younger students. It also taught me what my strengths and weaknesses are as a leader. After our trip I feel ready to be a Language Leader.” Ben Woodrow added: “The Language Leaders day was amazing because not only did it explain how to teach languages, it also explained why languages are so useful” Molly Taylor commented: “It was a good opportunity to learn skills to be able to teach,” while Milly Bradley said: “It showed me the opportunities you can get with learning a language.”
MELBOURN VILLAGE COLLEGE
High praise for students ACROSS THE GENERATIONS: Year 10 students helped at the ‘best yet’ Celebration of Ages Christmas tea party for older Melbourn residents.
Year 10 Health and Social Care students had a brilliant afternoon helping out at a Celebration of Ages event. The Melbourn Village College students joined older members of the local community for a Christmas gathering at the Cambridge Motel. The girls helped serve the food and drink, assisted the guests in moving round the room and handed out the raffle prizes. Teacher Charlotte Joyce, who teaches the Health and Social Care programme, said: “The pupils went above and beyond to make sure everyone had a good time. “Some pupils were told stories of their great grandparents and got quite emotional. Many pupils even gave away their raffle prizes to their new friends. “I’m very proud of them and feel that they learnt a lot from the experience.” The Celebration of Ages is a regular event for invited guests and is funded by Melbourn Parish Council and organised by District Councillor Jose Hales, who is also a governor at MVC. He said: “The first event (in 2012) gathered over 200 people together at the
Linguists get competitive!
Melbourn students answered more than 175,000 questions in a variety of languages as they took part in the Language Perfect Northern Hemisphere Championships. All students were registered for the on-line competition where the linguists scored points by answering questions correctly twice in a row and Melbourn finished 25th overall, with students competing in Spanish, Mandarin, French, Japanese and Italian. Most chose Spanish, however, with Melbourn finishing an impressive 10th overall. Leading the way for Melbourn was Rosie Elliott, who earned 5000 points to earn an Emerald certificate. A further 13 students also gained certificates with Gabrielle Phillips and Ben Woodrow both achieving gold awards for topping 3000 points. It was a popular competition for students of all ages and Victoria Kay said: “It is a really great website and I can learn new languages.” Joseph Elgar added: “It is very interactive and fun but you are learning at the same time,” while Phillippa Finlaysn commented: “I have learnt a lot, thank you for suggesting it.”
college where we had an afternoon tea prepared by the college kitchen staff and students. “It was a huge success and from there we have gone from strength to strength. This was, in the guests’ own words ‘the best yet’. I have had call after call, cards, emails etc complimenting the students on their attention to detail, politeness, kindness, conversation, skill etc; simply the older generation in Melbourn think the college students are brilliant and nothing but a credit to the college and community. “Mr and Mrs Aristo, the owners of the Cambridge Motel, have also complimented the students for all the hard work they did on the day. Charlotte Joyce, their teacher, and Nicky Patel, the TA, were also complimented on their professionalism and natural ease with the students throughout the whole event. “The event went perfectly and, as I said, the students’ involvement continues to hold the college in the hearts of our community with great fondness and respect. For me, as the creator and organiser of these events, I can only say that the events are all the better and complete when our students are involved in them.”
LEADING LIGHTS: Melbourn’s top points scorers were among 14 who received certificates for their language learning.
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A taste of world cuisine MELBOURN VILLAGE COLLEGE
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE: Melbourn offers a wide variety of enrichment including Running Club (right) and Sewing/Craft Club (below).
Students will have a chance to cook — and eat — food from around the globe when a new enrichment activity starts next term. International Cuisine Cooking, led by new Food & Nutrition teacher Jo Giles, launches in January after she was inundated with students requesting a cookery club. It is open to 12 students in KS3 who have to be willing to bring their own ingredients based on the country of the week. Should there be any spaces, Year 10 students studying GCSE Food and Nutrition will be allowed to sign up. A culinary activity will also run for Year 10 in the summer term where the focus will be on building the key skills and confidence required for the higher levels at GCSE. Next term students will plan what dishes they will make, either based on Ms Giles’ suggestions or by researching a recipe of their own. The foods in focus in the new year include curry or naan bread from India, wheaten breads from Ireland, pastries or quiche from France, paella from Spain and pizza from Italy. Another new club is DofE for those signed up to participate in the award. This term has seen students participate successfully in a wide range of enrichment activities. Our Monday tennis club had a great start in September, with some wonderful tennis weather and great attendance from our lovely students, who focused on improving different aspects of their game over the six-week period. After half term, the nights began to draw in and the weather became less favourable, so we moved inside to the sports hall to play badminton. In the last few weeks, we’ve really been focusing on tactical play; trying to find the opponent’s weakness and move him/her around the court. This will continue this next term and return to tennis once the days get longer. KS3 Badminton is on every Tuesday in the Sports Hall, where students work on their technique and hope to up their game. The 'round the world competition' at the end of the session is especially popular and there have been some tough games this term as well as a few unforced errors at times. It's a mixed session, with boys and girls making good progress on the courts. Running club regularly attracted large numbers on a Friday night. Although the nights have been drawing in, the students kept on turning up for the 5km led by Mr Holder and Mr Barnes. There are more than 70 students signed up and there are also five enthusiastic members of staff. Science club runs every Tuesday and students are working on a renewable design that will be submitted to a competition against other schools around the world. They are currently in the process of making prototypes! Since September, students taking part in the MVC Choir, Orchestra, Pop and Rock Band and Jazz Band have enjoyed learning a wide range of repertoire, from Bach to music from The Greatest Showman and from Mozart to Michael Jackson. All of these groups then enjoyed preparing for the MVC Christmas Concert which took place in the penultimate week of term.
Sports leaders win high praise
This term Year 10 sports leaders have volunteered with the running of the High 5s Netball Tournament for primary pupils held at MVC. This involved umpiring matches, keeping score, time-keeping and interacting with parents and the younger students. They were widely praised for their professionalism and ability to umpire and showed they are excellent role models for the College. Thanks for all your hard work Lily Smith, Jess Boulton, Emily Haydock, Vicky Kay, Mikaela Foumakis, Adden Tokley and Alfie Pearl.
Youngsters and parents enjoy trying new activities TAKING CHARGE: A sports leader umpires a match.
PEDAL POWER: Getting wheelie active!
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A range of new, free activities proved popular with youngsters and parents at Melbourn Sports Centre’s activity day. As well as the chace to try go karting, boogie bounce and archery, plus a free family swim, the main events were races organised in conjunction with Meridian Triathlon Club. These were the mini duathlon and triathlon events and saw more than 60 youngsters ages 4-13 brave the wet conditions to compete against each other in scooting or cycling, running and swimming. There was also popular Scootathlon and Bikeathlon races, which attracted many children and parents enthusiastically trying out new activities. The sports centre are now planning to run the event again in FROM THE POOL: Heading on. 2019.
We are the champions!
MELBOURN VILLAGE COLLEGE
Melbourn Village College are the Cambridge area Year 7 hockey champions — but they left the tournament without knowing they had won. Their victory at the Cambridge and District competition was only discovered later in the week when Head of PE Kelly Coghlan was sent the results showing the girls had topped the 16-team competition. They opened their first round of matches with a 4-0 victory over Cottenham as Jessica Brickles, playing in goal for the first time, kept a clean sheet for that match and the following one, a goalless draw against Impington, which they won on penalty corners. The final group game was against Soham and although they went 1-0 down in the first five minutes, they battled back for a 2-1 victory. The second round of matches saw them beat Swavesey 2-1 and, as dusk fell, draw 1-1 with both Cambourne, who they had thrashed 7-1 earlier in the season, and Comberton. PE teacher Chloe Evans said: “I was very pleased with the team’s performance throughout the whole day. The girls have made huge improvements from their first game in September and have now been rewarded with the district title.” Melbourn’s team was Emma Baker, Jessica Brickles, Georgia D’arcy, Evie Habergham, Annabelle Helme, Alexa Hurrell, Tasi Nicholson, Emilie Norton, Lauren Schofield, Jess Wainwright, Jazzy Osborne, Jessica Hardy and Jasmine Woollison. A special thank you to Victoria Kay, who has been working with the girls during enrichment as part of her volunteering hours for her sports leadership qualification. Victoria helped organise the teams, their formations and umpired all games with her exceptional knowledge of the rules of hockey and her experience from playing for Royston. All teachers were very impressed with her conduct and knowledge of
the game. Well done! Year 9 missed out on the finals of their tournament despite a determined team performance, while the Year 11 team bounced back from a first-match defeat in their tournament to beat Netherhall and Chesterton. They missed out on reaching the final by a point. They then played their final hockey match in Melbourn colours, bowing out of school competition with a 2-1 victory at Impington.
Boys earn rostrum spot TOP TEAM: Melbourn’s Year 7s won the District title.
Melbourn’s three Key Stage 3 rugby teams gave strong performances at this term’s district tournaments. The Year 7s claimed a podium finish in the Cambridge and District School Sports Association tournament at Cambridge Rugby Club, showing the exceptional progress they have made in a short time to finish third overall. This was an exceptional achievement since many of the players were new to contact rugby at the start of term. The Year 9s competed very well to finish fifth overall after beating Parkside, Chesterton and Sawston, while the Year 8s were a creditable eighth.
Flying start for girls SUPER START: The girls team won their first four games.
Well done to our first under-13 girls rugby team, who took part in the inaugural local schools’ tournament at Shelford Rugby Club. In the morning they joined Soham Village College for some coaching, then played four games in the afternoon. Their development in a short space of time was amazing as they put new skills into practice and won all four games, beating Soham, Chesterton, Cottenham and North Cambridge Academy. The challenge for the girls is to remain committed next year and grow girls’ rugby further by inviting others to future enrichment sessions.
Success
DANCING STARS: The MVC girls.
Jasmine Woollison competed in the ISTD National Ballroom and Latin Grand Finals in Blackpool. Dancing at the highest level of Gold, she returned with a fourth, fifth and sixth against dancers from across the country. Holly Henry-Barnett competed at the ISTD national Grand finals in Guildford and won her event for her age category.
Solid gold
AMAZING PROGRESS: For Melbourn’s Year 7 team.
All three Melbourn competitors won gold in their respective Year 8/9 weight groups at the Eastern Area Schools Judo Championships. Daisy King topped the Under-44kg class using some great counters and big throws, Lara Haslam overcame a 6kg weight difference as she fought a player in the next weight category but won with a GOLDEN massive Uchi-nata to take the GIRLS: The under-52kg section, and Rebecca MVC judo Frisby won the over-57kg event with a couple of great throws. players.
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Schools on the mark! Round-up of the latest news from the South Cambs SSP
More than 30 South Cambs Schools have recently secured a School Games Award for 201718 in recognition of their commitment to the development of Physical Education, school sport and competition across their school and into the community.
Partnership Manager Claire McDonnell said, “It’s great to see local schools being recognised and rewarded for their hard work and commitment to provide the very best opportunities for their pupils. With over 5,000 young people competing in local inter-school competitions this year, we are extremely proud of our schools for their dedication to all aspects of school sport and we would like to thank all the young volunteers, leaders and officials who made our competitions possible.” An impressive 64% of South Cambs schools have now achieved an award with Barrington Primary awarded a School Games mark for the first time to join Barton and Meridian in holding the Broze Award. Thirteen schools gained a silver award, including Jeavons Wood, Cambourne Village College and Melbourn Primary, with The Vine, Cambourne, among those achieving this level of recognition for the first time. An impressive 15 schools achieved Gold with many retaining this from previous years including Comberton Village College, Haslingfield Primary, Meldreth Primary and Coton Primary. Foxton deserve special mention for gaining a Gold Award for first time. Schools achieving the Gold award demonstrate a whole school approach to PE and sport they have the wholehearted support from their headteacher and provide opportunities for all pupils at all levels. As well as this they are a community hub for sport, encouraging involvement from parents and community groups. Harston & Newton Primary School were recognised with a coveted Platinum award last year for maintaining consistently high standards with their school sport provision over the previous five years. This award lasts for two years.
Honours are shared
Run in the right spirit ON YOUR MARKS: The start of the Year 3 race.
Smiles were in plentiful supply at Milton Country Park as youngsters took part in the South Cambs School Sports Partnership Year 3&4 and Year 5&6 Small Schools Cross Country Competitions. It was a spirit of fun and enjoyment that filled the venue as 700 children competed for individual honours and team pride. Grimaces were at a premium on the two-lap course which provided fellow competitors the perfect opportunity to offer support and cheer on their team-mates. One of the overriding aspects was the sense of sportsmanship on display throughout the competition, with two boys in Year 6 helping each other across the finish line. The top three placed runners in each school team scored for their team, but individuals could also enter to compete for one of the top three meda-winning positions in each race. Tim from Haslingfield won the 6 boys’ race ahead of Toby and Alexander (both Meldreth) while Charlotte (Thriplow) took the girls’ honours and Cara (Haslingfield) finished third. In Year 5 the only youngster from The Cam Academy
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Trust schools’ partner primaries was runner-up Joshua (Coton). The combined years’ team prize went to Fowlmere ahead of Harston & Newton and Haslingfield. Harston & Newton dominated the Year 3 & 4 competition, winning the team competition ahead of Thriplow, with Fowlmere and Meridian (Comberton) in joint third. That came on the back of having four students in the top three placings at Year 4 level and one in Year 3 as Thomas won, with Sebastian third, while Molly and Amelia were second and third respectively. In Year 3 Will was sandwiched between Harvey (Thriplow) and Harry (Meridian), whose team-mates Sunny and Clemence were second and third. As well as the main competition we also celebrated the children that demonstrated the Spirit of the Games values. The following children were among those who showed amazing determination and self-belief: Jayden (Meldreth), Maya (Meridian), William (Harston and Newton), Azlan (Thriplow), Max (Coton) and Charlie (Haslingfield).
After the disappointment of having to postpone this annual event due to the high winds on the original date, we saw some spectacular running at Wimpole Hall Estate a week later as 20 ‘big schools’ from across South Cambridgeshire competed for team and individual honours. Conditions couldn’t have been better for the 800+ runners that took part; the temperature was perfect with just a slight breeze. Thanks must go to the Sports Leaders and staff from Bassingbourn Village College and Comberton Village College and Hoohaah Alison. Without these amazing people we would not be able to hold such a huge and smoothly-run event. Also a huge thank you to the National Trust for allowing us to use the stunning setting that is Wimpole Hall. The atmosphere was buzzing as all the runners were cheered on at the start and finish of the course by fellow pupils, staff and parents who had come to spectate! Each race was hotly
contested with runners keen to achieve their personal best and do their bit for the school team in pursuit of either the Year 3/4 or Year 5/6 Team Trophy. The top three placed runners in each school team scored for their team but individuals could also enter to compete for one of the top three medal winning positions in each race. Swavesey dominated the Year 5 and 6 competitions, claiming six of the 12 medals on offer and storming to retain the team trophy with a massive lead over Cottenham with Histon and Impington in third. Jeavons Wood at Cambourne took two of the top three spots in the Year 3 race with Dylan winning and Luke taking third but the team honours went to Histon and Impington, who denied Swavesey the double by a mere seven points. Hardwick and Cambourne Primary School, taking part for the first time, were an impressive third.
SPRINT FINISH: In one of the boys’ races and (below) girls line up for the start.
Round-up of the latest news from the South Cambs SSP
Rising to the challenge GETTING STUCK IN: Primary pupils work on the orienteering challenges at Comberton Village College.
Comberton Village College was a hive of activity earlier this term as 160 children from 14 South Cambs primary schools took part in a fun but challenging orienteering event designed to test their teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills.
The event was open to children in Years 3 and 4 and aimed at those who don’t normally get a chance to represent their school in sporting competitions. Mixed teams of four took part in three different challenges, including an orienteering team score competition, netball numbers and a school games challenge. Each activity involved teamwork and communication as well as running to find markers to successfully complete each challenge in as quick a time as possible. Claire McDonnell, Partnership Manager, said: “The idea behind the orienteering competition was to try and appeal to a different group of young people who, perhaps, don’t like your more traditional sports. “Orienteering is an active outdoor sport that challenges both the mind and body with children having to work together, devise a plan, find points and make decisions. It was great to see a different group of young people getting the chance to represent their school, experience being part of a team and have fun and enjoy themselves!” Year 10 students from Comberton’s Sport Leadership Academy supported the
event and were involved with leading the activities, supporting the teams and timing and scoring the challenges. PE teacher George Anderson said: “The leaders did a fantastic job and the feedback from pupils and teachers was very positive. Ciara McGrath was nominated as the leader of the day for leading the school games challenge activity with great confidence and clear communication, as well as demonstrating good organisational skills and giving lots of positive encouragement to the children taking part. Well done Ciara and all of the leaders involved with this competition.” The orienteering team score activity was won by Swavesey C team, who found the 10 check points located around the school field in a fantastic time of 15mins. Other top placed teams in this activity were Harston & Newton A, Willingham B and University of Cambridge Primary D. Netball numbers was won by Haslingfield B and Coton B, who were the only teams to complete all six courses and get all correct answers in the allocated time. Finally the school games challenge was won by Harston & Newton D team, who located all 12 pictures in a speedy time of 6.23mins. ‘Spirit of the Games’ awards were also given out to teams and individuals including Harry, from Meldreth, for demonstrating brilliant team spirit and encouraging other teams with awesome enthusiasm, and Lauren, from Haslingfield, who showed great determination and never gave up and also encouraged all her team-mates from start to finish.
Six top teams all head for county finals
round robin of four pools. There was a great turn out for the South Cambs Twelve teams battled it out in the girls’ Winning their groups were the teams from Hatton round of the English Schools FA football competition with the teams from Histon & competitions at Impington Village College. Park, Bassingbourn, Histon & Impington Juniors Impington Juniors and Swavesey Primary and Milton. Nothing could separate the teams in The event for Under-11 seven-a-side school finishing top of the two groups and both going teams included three separate competitions — the semi-finals though with both matches going through to the final undefeated. In a rematch of to the dreaded penalty shoot-out, won by small schools, girls and large schools with a total last year’s final, Histon took revenge for 12 Bassingbourn and Milton, who went on to edge of 40 school teams battling it out. months earlier and became South Cambs the final 1-0 to win the title. All three competitions were played in a round champions for the fourth time. All the winners and runners-up now go on to robin format with schools playing the other There was a record 16 teams in the competition represent South Cambs in the County Finals in teams in their pool. The top teams from each for large schools so teams were organised into a February where they will compete pool then qualified for the final to against the winners from the other determine the winners. districts for the chance to qualify for In the small schools competition, for the ESFA regional finals. schools with fewer than 120 pupils in Claire McDonnell, Partnership Key Stage 2, it was extremely Manager, said: “The event was a great competitive with a high standard of success. We were delighted with the football throughout. number of entries this year, although it There was little to separate the top did make it tricky to fit in all of the teams in each pool but with three wins matches. and two draws apiece it was reigning “We had 400 children taking part on a champions and last year’s national lovely sunny day, it was a real festival finalists Meldreth and Oakington who of football with games played in a went through to the final. friendly but competitive spirit and it The score was 1-1 for a long period was nice to see some different before Oakington took the lead and schools getting through to the finals then held on until the final whistle to PROGRESSING: Meldreth are one of the teams through to this year.” claim the shield for the first time. the County finals.
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MELBOURN VILLAGE COLLEGE
MELBOURN
SPORTS CENTRE news AUTUMN REVIEW 7KHUH¶V EHHQ D ORW JRLQJ RQ WKLV WHUP DW WKH VSRUWV FHQWUH WR NHHS WKH FRPPXQLW\ ILW DQG UHDG\ GXULQJ WKH $XWXPQ weather. Aside from our normal classes, courses, swimming and fitness suite activities, we also had: A bumper bag of Half Term activities running this year, including our Ofsted-registered PlayScheme, with a Halloween theme, where children were treated to trampolining, swimming and creative crafts. Other holiday activities included Swimming Crash Course, Personal Survival/Lifesaving Course and Trampolining Taster sessions. Customers young and old were put through their paces at Melbourn Sports Centre on Saturday 22 nd September, by taking part in a selection of free activities including Go Karting, Boogie Bounce and Archery, as well as a Free Family Swim and promotional displays from Melbourn and District Photography Society and Slimming World. The main event of the afternoon was our mini duathlon and triathlon races organised in conjunction with Meridian Triathlon Club, where over sixty children aged between 4 to 13 years braved the wet conditions to compete against each other in scooting or cycling, running and swimming. 7KLV \HDU¶V HYHQW VDZ WKH UHWXUQ RI RXU 6FRotathlon & Bikeathlon races, which proved very popular once again and it was great to see so many children ± and parents! ± being so enthusiastic about trying new activities, so we look forward to running this event next year.
DECEMBER, JANUARY, FEBRUARY, MARCH - A WINTER WONDERLAND AT MSC!
:H KDYH ORDGV RQ RIIHU WKLV PRQWK ZLWK VRPHWKLQJ IRU WKH ZKROH FRPPXQLW\ WR JHW LQYROYHG ZLWK« So why not come along and find out more about your local sports centre! COME IN OUT OF THE COLD! :H¶UH QRW JRLQJ WR OHW WKose long winter nights stop us from enjoying our exercise! As well as our indoor facilities like the swimming pool, squash courts and sports hall, we have loads of classes to keep you fit and healthy, including Boxercise, Swim Clinic, Boot Camp, AquaFit, Pilates and Body Workout. We also offer table tennis alongside our QRUPDO LQGRRU UDFNHW VSRUWV $QG WKH\¶UH DOO UHDVRQDEO\ SULFHG VR WKH RQH WKLQJ WKDW ZLOO VWD\ SOXPS LV \RXU SXUVH PARTY TIME! Looking to book a birthday or Christmas party? How about bouncing those cares away with our new trampolining party or what about a Football party instead? All session run by a fully qualified coach. We also offer our traditional pool party, which are always a great hit! To help save the mess at home we also have the adjacent Community Centre available for bookings, which is an ideal room for you to have tea and cake after the party. ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN! With Christmas fast approaching, an ideal time to book your young ones onto one of our great activity courses. These includes our Christmas Pool Party and our Ofsted Christmas PlayScheme. We will also being taking bookings from January for our February half term activities which will include our swimming crash course, trampoline tasters and our popular Ofsted PlayScheme. THE PERFECT PRESENT! With Christmas just round the corner, keep your eye out for our gift promotion ± D IXQ DQG ILW LGHD LI \RX¶UH ORRNLQJ IRU something different to buy a loved one or friend (or treat yourself!) Or why not take advantage of one of our great membership schemes to our fitness suite, which houses the latest in gymnasium equipment, including CV machines fitted with audio visual technology, an ideal present for a love one! SPRING TIME! It's a universally accepted fact - Mums are great! So this Mother's Day how about treating her to her own gym membership or purchasing a gift voucher for our other activities here at Melbourn Sports? Make this Mother's Day one VKH¶OO QHYHU IRUJHW March also sees the return of our charitable Swimathon, with all participants raising money for the Marie Curie Cancer &DUH 7UXVW :H¶G ORYH WR KDYH DV PDQ\ HQWUDQWV DV SRVVLEOH WHDPV RI XS WR ILYH DUH ZHOFRPH DV ZHOO DV LQGLYLGXDO swimmers. The Swimathon takes place on Friday 29th March & Saturday 30th March For further details on parties, gift memberships or any of our activities, please drop in, call 01763 263313 or go online at www.mc-sport.co.uk. We look forward to seeing you this season!
FITNESS TRAINING FOR TEENAGERS AND YOUNG ADULTS
TEEN TRAINING An hour fitness session using our fitness suite machines Age range: 14-15 years. Date: Monday ± Fridays / 15.30 ± 16.30 & Weekends / 14.00 ± 15.00 / Price: £2.50 per session/10 sessions for £20.00 TRAMPOLINING Mondays (term time only) 18.00 ± 19.00 / (10 years plus) Please contact reception for more details.
Melbourn Sports Centre, The Village College, The Moor, Melbourn, Royston, Hertfordshire, SG8 6EF 01763 263313 / www.mc-sport.co.uk / info@mc-sport.co.uk
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