MVC News December 2019

MVC NEWS www.melbournvc.org

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Winter 2019

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

Happy Birthday MVC — Page 5

Future leader graduates MELBOURN VILLAGE COLLEGE

Melbourn teacher Charlotte Joyce has recently graduated from the SSAT Leadership Legacy Project.

The year-long initiative was set up by the Schools, Students and Teachers Network to develop teachers identified by their headteacher as having the potential to become outstanding leaders.

During the year, Miss Joyce, a former Melbourn student who now teaches History and Social Care at the College, attended a range of SSAT events and conferences looking at aspects of successful Leadership and best practice as well as having access to a bank of resources.

Miss Joyce explained: “Within the SSAT project I attended conferences on education, with key ideas such as the use of technology as a tool to enhance education being discussed.

“I also attended conferences on the changes within the new Ofsted framework, which gave me a better understanding of curriculum design to enhance understanding both within and beyond education.

“Additionally we attended twilight sessions at different schools. I went to a school in Essex and a school in London and observed different practices around education and their effect. Within these observations I was able to shadow Senior Leadership Teams and look at decision-making.

“Following this, I created a marking policy for the Humanities department that, I hope, reduces teacher workload while enabling pupils to make clear developments in their work.

“The SSAT leadership project gave me clear opportunities to learn about policies and education in a wider environment, which I hope will make me a better teacher.

“Sharing practice in education is essential for us to be able to develop and I feel like I learnt a lot from others, but also got to impart my knowledge to create change.”

BOTTLED: Children living in the Gambian village of Siffeo with their new water bottles.

Youngsters gotta lotta bottle!

Thirty reusable water bottles emblazoned with Melbourn Village College’s logo and message that ‘Everybody is Somebody’ are being put to good use in Africa.

They have been donated to youngsters in The Gambia after two of the college’s exam invigilators carried them more than 3,500 miles across the world.

Richard Game, from Melbourn, and his wife Brenda are regular visitors to the village of Siffeo where they often take supplies of items not readily available — a recent appeal for plasters, bandages and basic painkillers left them overwhelmed by the generosity of people in the Royston area.

And after seeing youngsters use whatever they could find to carry water during their journey to school, which can often mean a long walk in 32-degree heat, the couple decided to add water bottles to their ‘shopping list’.

Melbourn Village College was delighted to donate some of those they also give to primary pupils when they visit the college for various introductory events.

Principal Simon Holmes said: “We are very happy that these bottles have found new homes where we know they will be well used. MVC students are active in finding ways to cut down on single plastic usage and having a water bottle that can be used over and over again is definitely one good way, wherever in the world that happens.”

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

q Trust Update — Page 3 q Great China Adventure — Page 4 q A Perfect Way to Learn — Page 4 q Leading the Way — Page 4 q Birthday Bash Reunions — Page 5 q Students Join Global Climate Protest — Page 5 q Marines Test Students — Page 5 q Being Creative with Clay — Page 6 q Giving Young Carers a Break — Page 7 2

GRADUATION: Charlotte Joyce receives her certificate from SSAT Chief Executive Sue Williamson.

Spotting sign of the Black Death

University of Bedfordshire history trainee Chris Berrisford was an instant hit when he joined Melbourn as part of his training. He demonstrated the workings of the buboe, notorious spots of the Black Death.

Year 7 students were fascinated by this ‘history’ practical.

"I really enjoyed the enthusiastic reaction from students and this fantastic introduction to my term at Melbourn Village College," Chris said.

Parents may be interested to know that this can be replicated at home with a doughnut, custard, black food dye and a microwave.

FASCINATED: Students watch trainee teacher Chris Berrisford’s practical demonstation of the Black Death spots.

q Primary Pupils Enjoy Trial Day — Page 7 q United in Health — Page 8 q Living the Dream — Page 8 q Girls Grab Second Spot — Page 9 q Heading for Finals — Page 9 q Quartet Race into County Round — Page 9 q SCSSP Round-Up — Pages 10-11 q Melbourn Sports Centre — Page 12

Attendance matters . . .

THE CAM ACADEMY TRUST NEWS

The Trust has appointed an Education Welfare lead for the first time.

Kerry Puttock will be working closely with our schools, helping them to achieve attendance figures above the national averages and have the highest possible levels of welfare for our students.

She will provide advice on complex cases, complete Early Help Assessments to facilitate multi-agency support, evaluate procedures and assess our monitoring systems. Kerry will also meet students and families experiencing attendance issues.

She is well-placed for this new role with a NEW WELFARE ROLE: For Kerry Puttock. background in Human Resources, where she focused on improving adult attendance, as well as having worked in pastoral and SEN roles in We were delighted to welcome Offord Primary School, near education, including at Melbourn Village College.

Huntingdon, into our Trust in September.

She said: “The Cam Academy Trust Offord is the seventh primary phase school to join The Cam is passionate about ensuring an Academy Trust. From the outset, we have been able to provide excellent and comprehensive leadership at the school with Kate Ruddock, Deputy at Hartford education for all students.

Junior School, taking on the role of Head of School.

Unfortunately, some of our students In addition, Shelley Desborough, Head at Gamlingay Village inevitably have challenging Primary, is providing an Executive Head role to work closely with circumstances which can lead to Kate to confirm strategic developments for the school, while the poor attendance. school’s governing body, including its Chair, Liz Simpkin, a former “I will be working with each school to headteacher, have formed the core of the school’s Local help improve the increasing absence Governing Body within the Trust. rates and make sure we are doing The school is making positive strides and is rapidly integrating everything we can to help students within the community of schools in our Trust. All of us look attend school and reach their forward to working positively with everyone at the school. potential.

Offord join Trust

“I will spend a day at each school, working more so with secondary schools in the first instance, and supporting primaries where needed. I will be liaising with Headteachers and Attendance Officers to identify key attendance concerns and work out where I can best support them. I will provide advice on referral letters, penalties and how to manage different circumstances affecting attendance, such as medical or mental health reasons, as well as looking at how we can support these individuals.

“It is really important to me that I get to know the families of our students. Some families have had negative experiences of school which in turn can impact their child’s view of attending school.

Although it can be challenging, if we can connect and gain support from the whole family, it can have a hugely positive impact on a student’s attendance.

“We must work to break the historical patterns and cycles of negativity within a family regarding education. Already I have seen that in schools where the Attendance Officer and Family Officer work closely together, the attendance of these pupils is higher.

“Another of my aims for this role is to increase collaboration and sharing of best practice between schools.

“I also want to work towards removing barriers to education, especially for those suffering from poor mental health. Encouraging early intervention is very important as it increases the chances of turning a situation around.”

Thumbs up from Ofsted

Hartford Junior School in Huntingdon, which joined The Cam Academy Trust in January 2017, was inspected by Ofsted in October.

The inspection went very well and properly recognised the excellent progress made at the school in recent years.

The overall grade for the school was deemed to be ‘Good’; the first time that the school has been judged as ‘Good’ by Ofsted inspectors for more than a decade (as acknowledged in the inspection report).

In the opening words of the report, the

school is “on its way up”. The report goes on to confirm that: “This is as a result of the effective leadership provided by the headteacher, the deputy headteacher and other leaders.”

We are all delighted at this great acknowledgement of the work done by everyone involved with the school. It is really good news for the local community that the school is providing high quality education for pupils and is determined to continue to improve further as it moves forward.

Working together to share good practice DELIGHTED: Hartford Junior School staff and pupils after their Ofsted ‘good’ grading.

Picture: Hunts Post

At the beginning of November we received a visit from senior staff at the Red Kite Learning Trust. This Trust has primary and secondary schools located in Harrogate and Leeds as well as having an active Teaching School Alliance that, among other things, is involved in much teacher training work. As such, the Trust has many similarities with The Cam Academy Trust.

The visit was a reciprocal visit as staff from our Trust visited Yorkshire last summer.

The purpose of the exercise is to look at particular areas of work in each Trust, compare notes and make observations to help with future developments.

The focus for the visit of Red Kite Learning Trust was to look at how our schools work together for mutual benefit and to consider ways that this might be developed further and more effectively.

Some very helpful insights were given following positive visits to several schools in the Trust and conversations with some staff.

We hope that this will help us as we consider further how we can make the most of being a group of local schools working together to support the best possible education for all pupils in all our schools.

SHARING IDEAS: Comberton Principal Peter Law with Red Kite leaders.

For job vacancies across the Trust, visit the CAT website at www.catrust.co.uk

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Great China adventure MELBOURN VILLAGE COLLEGE

A group of then Year 8 students enjoyed a fantastic trip to China as part of the Mandarin Excellence Program.

The 26, accompanied by Mr Fan and Mrs Lawrence, spent two weeks in Xi’an, one of ancient capitals, which has a splendid and fascinating culture.

As well as 40 hours of intensive Mandarin learning, students experienced cultural activities every day.

Visits included the world-famous Terracotta Army, the Bell Tower, Great Wild Goose Pagoda and Tang Palace.

They also enjoyed cycling at the City Wall and dancing with local Chinese in the public square.

Although the weather was very hot and they were often tired, students still enjoyed most of the activities because the Chinese culture is so different to the Western one.

This was a unique opportunity. However, it was just a snapshot as China is a country with more than 55 minorities so Xi’an couldn’t represent the whole country. We hope that our students have been inspired to visit China again and continue learning Mandarin.

This trip was an intensive learning experience and students attended lessons in the morning, with the different cultural activities in the afternoon and evening.

They did extremely well during the lessons and finished the homework set by their Chinese teachers. Mrs Lawrence and Mr Fan were very impressed by their dedication.

Mr Fan was also delighted that students adapted to the culture so quickly; no-one complained that they were squeezed by crowds when vising popular tourist places as this can be off-putting for many travellers.

In addition, they stayed in a group during their free time in public areas and arrived at the named place on time, which did make Mr Fan and Mrs Lawrence’s job much easier.

Moreover, before leaving the hotel, most students left money or gifts with a ‘Thank you’ note in Chinese to the cleaners. The hotel staff were surprised and grateful because Chinese customers don’t do this. Students therefore passed on the British culture by showing their thanks and respect to the people who looked after them during their stay.

Apart from the language and culture experienced, students also learnt to be strong and independent; take on new responsibilities and work as a team.

This trip will no doubt be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many of them. We hope that they enjoyed the trip and gained significantly from it.

Frank Fan, Teacher of Mandarin

A Perfect way to learn!

TRIP-OF-A-LIFETIME: Melbourn students in Xi’an as part of the Mandarin Excellence Programme.

Melbourn have finished second in the UK in Awards (500 points). an online languages competition.

Tahliah said: "Education Perfect is useful They were the second-placed school in the because if you don’t understand something Spanish section of the Education Perfect in class you can revise it and learn it with Northern Championships and were ranked Education Perfect."

31st globally out of 133 schools.

Joint Head of Languages Ivana Stanley Leading the way for Melbourn, who entered said: “I am really impressed by how much a total of nine KS3 classes, was Harrison time students have dedicated to improving (Year 9) who gained an Emerald award their Spanish. They are very competitive!” (more than 5000 points) for his efforts in Education Perfect World Series is a free correctly answering a series of questions. online learning competition which attracts Most Melbourn students opted for Spanish 30000 participants in a range of subjects. in the Northern Hemisphere regional round as they answered an impressive total of 77,944 questions during the seven-day competition, spending a total of 199 hours online, most of it in their own time!

Melbourn students also answered questions in Mandarin, French, German, Japanese, Italian and Russian and collected five gold awards (more than 3000 points) thanks to Tahliah (Year 8), Keira (Year 8), Georgia (Year 8), Emma (Year 8) and Rhiannon (Year 8).

This was a big improvement on last year when Melbourn collected two gold awards.

In total there were 18 awards for MVC students with five Bronze (1000 points) and seven Credit TOP OF THE CLASS: An Emerald score!

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LEARNING TOGETHER: Students from Melbourn, Comberton and Cambourne at Language Leaders training.

Leading the way

Melbourn's new Year 9 language leaders started their training by visiting Murray Edwards College, part of Cambridge University, to learn about the importance of languages and how to teach and inspire other students.

They worked alongside students from two other schools in The Cam Academy Trust, Comberton Village College and Cambourne Village College, before starting work on planning and delivering lessons to pupils in Melbourn’s partner primary schools.

Here's what they had to say: "Seven Year 9 students went to Murray Edwards College for the launch of Language Leaders.

“We were given a tour of the College and learnt about the importance of languages and the qualities of a good teacher, preparing us for our teaching to come.

“We are now ready to begin planning our lessons for educating younger students to enjoy Spanish! We can´t wait to get started."

Their first time in front of a class was helping out at the Year 5 trial day at the college where their efforts won many plaudits.

MELBOURN VILLAGE COLLEGE

Birthday bash reunions

LOOKING BACK: Members of Melbourn’s original 1959 cohort with current Principal Simon Holmes and (right) looking at some of the memorabilia.

Melbourn’s 60th birthday party was a huge success, with more than 200 former students and staff turning up for the reunion, including more than 20 of the original 1959 cohort.

They all had the chance to peruse an impressive display of memorabilia as well as getting a glimpse into 21st Century education by touring the school and chatting to current students.

One former student, Susan Warren, who attended from the first day until 1963, was even reunited with her 'Fashion Project Workbook' after nearly six decades!

Current Principal Simon Holmes said: “It was amazing to see so many former students and staff, many of whom had made a significant effort to get here.

“It was a clear indication of the fondness which they feel for the college and a great opportunity to share memories from their time here.”

The party took place less than 24 hours after Melbourn’s latest cohort of

prospective students were given a chance to look round at the annual Open Evening for Year 5 and 6 pupils and their parents.

Visitors were treated to interactive activities run by current students, including a probability horse race in maths, a virtual tour of the school made in Minecraft, the chance to eat bread made in Food and Nutrition, the opportunity to learn some Spanish and Mandarin, make a piece of art and/or pottery as well as participate in exciting science experiments and try gymnastics, vaulting, netball shooting and a mini rugby course.

Catering Manager Lynn Gregory also offered samples from the school lunch menu for visitors to taste.

Mr Holmes added: “We really enjoy Open Evening and it was great to see so many people braving the weather to find out more about MVC. “”We are also really grateful to all our student helpers who turned out in force.”

Students join global climate protest

Students from Melbourn were among the millions across the world who took part in a global climate strike on September 20th.

They joined the protest in central Cambridge and reported support for their cause: “While we walked to Shire Hall, several people encouraged our endeavour and wished us luck.

Many others simply gawked at our large banners, which we had spent hours making the evening before.

“As we approached the parade’s starting location, the scale of the event became more and more apparent — the number of people carrying signs on sticks, the number of bicycles being ridden and locked up, the children of all ages, and masses of people ready to stand up for what they believe in.

“We marched through the streets of Cambridge, surrounded by several hundred other climate activists, all ages, all backgrounds, all protesting against our Government’s idleness and presenting the truths of this climate crisis.

“Everyone was chanting ‘System change not climate change’, ‘Hey! Ho! Fossil fuels have got to go!’, ‘Whose future? Our future!’, ‘This is what democracy looks like!’, and ‘What do we want?

Climate justice! When do we want it? Now!’.

Once we had been going until our voices were hoarse, and our arms were aching from holding banners, we finished the event by staging a die-in.

This was where we lay on the ground on King’s Parade and pretended to be dead for five minutes to symbolise how much

climate change will affect humanity.

Finally, the children of Cambridge gave speeches to the crowds who attended.

More than 150 countries and 4,000 individual locations have seen global strikes, which aim to put pressure on world leaders to act now and change our system before it's too late.

“If we don’t change the way we treat the environment by 2030, the damage to our Earth will be irreversible, and humanity will live with the consequences for ever.”

Marines test students

UNDER PRESSURE: Fitness with the Marines!

Two Royal Marines came to MVC to talk about life in the Armed Forces and to put students through their paces.

The Marines gave a presentation about what it means to be in the Forces, and gave details of the training they underwent, the specialist trades recruits can learn and some of the vast array of jobs the UK Armed Forces perform at home and abroad.

Fifteen brave Year 10 and 11 pupils took part in the intensive fitness session, which was fast and very hard HAVING THEIR SAY: Students at the global work. climate strike in Cambridge earlier this term.

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MELBOURN VILLAGE COLLEGE

Being creative with clay ART ATTACK: Year 7 and 8 students have been busy in the pottery studio this term (above and below).

It’s been a busy term in the Art Department, with the pottery room being particularly well used by Year 7 and 8 students.

Year 8 have been studying Mehndi and have been gaining an understanding of how to produce the refined designs associated with the art form.

As well as working in their sketchbooks, they have taken the concepts into the pottery studio.

Mehndi designs are drawn on to the hands and feet of brides in India and the students have produced their version of a hand design using clay and slip.

They then returned to pottery and produced a wrap

DAY OF THE DEAD: The focus for Year 9’s artwork this term.

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vase with leaf imprint — the leaf motif is a constant in Mehndi art — as well as peacock feather tiles and tealight holders.

Meanwhile Year 7s’ introduction to pottery has seen them imprint clay into a mould of a clam shell then construct the full shell as part of the year group’s seashore observational project.

They went on to create starfish raised tiles, jellyfish flat layered tiles and seashore bowls, which all also look fantastic.

Away from pottery, Year 9 have been studying the Day of the Dead, designing a front cover reflecting

the images of the Day of the Dead, especially the use of skulls.

To develop and refine their drawing, students have researched the great Renaissance artist Leonardo da Vinci, and his incredible, detailed anatomical skull drawings.

They then produced a washed ink skull drawing with their own selection of decorative flowers around the edges.

The project learning objectives were to combine the colour and energy of the art of the Day of the Dead with the refined observational drawing of da Vinci.

Giving Carers a break

MELBOURN VILLAGE COLLEGE

ACTIVITIES AND SUPPORT: At the monthly meeting for Young Carers.

to help support students by listening to any concerns they have.

Melbourn’s Young Carers group meets on the second Monday of every Support for Young Carers began in November month.

2015 and Melbourn received the Young Carers Run by Caroline Deadman, who champions Silver award in November 2016, showing just Young Carers at the college, with help from a how amazingly effective and rewarding the support worker from Centre 33, it offers a break sessions are to the students. for the 37 identified young carers in Years 7-11. WE MADE IT: Staff Here is what some of them had to say about the A young carer has someone in the family who and group: has an illness, a disability or addiction and students “Young Carers takes my mind off everything needs extra help and support. This affects the at and is good fun. It is a good way to have fun routine at home and the quality time the young with people you can trust and takes your mind carer gets to spend with their parents, siblings Cambridge away from what’s going on in the outside world. or peers, making their life a little different from station.

Young Carers provides help for what I need to their friends’. It usually results in them having to improve my mental health.” — Year 8 student. take on extra responsibilities.

“Young Carers is a safe place. I love it because Each month they have the opportunity to forget Twelve young carers from Year 7-11 took part in a 'try a train' there’s a safe place to talk about your life.” — about those duties for an hour and take part in trip — supported by Sarah Grove, Project Officer for the a range of fun activities. Some examples are Meldreth, Shepreth and Foxton Community Rail Partnership, Year 7 student. pumpkin painting for Halloween, decorating “Young Carers is more than just some kids and Darren, a rail safety officer from GTR. Christmas baubles, making fruit kebabs, Students learnt about rail safety, how to buy a ticket, how to having fun, it’s a community in which we can cooking pizzas, cookies and cakes, making read a timetable and rail departure board and navigate a busy feel safe and be included, so thank you Mrs Deadman.” — Year 10 student.

Christmas decorations in the pottery studio, arts Cambridge train station.

Sharon Daly has recently joined the support and crafts, making body scrubs and salts, slime The idea behind the trip was to encourage students to have network at MVC for Young Carers and can be making, and lots of games! Students get a say the confidence to independently use public transport. in what they do and come up with ideas, They also squeezed in a trip to Cafe Nero for a smoothie and contacted at sdaly@melbournvc.org including their own mini-Olympics event! gingerbread man!

Abbey Deadman Mentoring appointments are offered each month

Treat to end to train-ing

Primary pupils enjoy trial day Melbourn hosted 65 Year 5 pupils for the first of two taster days for that age group.

The nine and ten-year-olds from Foxton, Harston & Newton, Hauxton and Barrington Primary Schools enjoyed a taste of secondary school life as they moved round a carousel of different lessons.

There were two languages on offer in MFL and

the youngsters learned about fruit in Spanish from the excellent Year 9 language leaders, as well as writing Mandarin symbols with guidance from Melbourn’s specialist staff.

In English the challenge was to write a story in just 100 words, while in science the pupils made their own lava lamps.

FInally, in PE it was all about improving their

basketball skills.

Primary liaison lead Kelly Coghlan said: “The students were extremely well behaved and were a joy to teach. Well done to everyone involved.”

The next Year 5 day for pupils from Melbourn’s other partner primary schools, Melbourn, Meldreth, Fowlmere and Triplow, takes place in February 2020.

BIG DAY OUT: Year 5 pupils spent a day in different lessons at Melbourn.

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United in health!

MELBOURN VILLAGE COLLEGE

Melbourn Village College has joined forced with Cambridge United to focus on mental health.

The football club has been running a ‘Mind Your Head’ project at the college to destigmatise mental health, educate young people about how to deal with stress and encourage discussion on how social media can positively and negatively affect well-being.

The whole of Year 8 have been engaged in a series of lessons with former United footballer Darryl Coakley and Sam Burke, helping students consider issues like what mental health is, how to promote positive mental health, how to seek help with mental health issues, why certain types of people are more susceptible to mental health problems and the effects of social media on mental health.

The lessons stem from the mental health awareness initiative that started with the BBC television programme, A Royal Team Talk: Tackling Mental Health, a candid film presented by Dan Walker, which was part of the BBC’s wider Mental Health season last year.

The film saw the Duke of Cambridge join footballers Peter Crouch, Danny Rose, Thierry Henry, Jermaine Jenas and current England manager Gareth Southgate discussing issues from depression and racism to career-ending injury and

Living the dream as a star player

Evie took part in The Quilter Kids First training day at Twickenham, the home of England rugby.

She and 130 other youngsters were treated to an amazing experience and made to feel like an England player on match day.

They were welcomed into the stadium through the Rose and Poppy Gates, visited the changing rooms and had a pre-training talk by Lewis Moody.

They ran on to the pitch through the tunnel and sang the National Anthem, then they had a training session on the famous pitch, received medals from the Royal Box and finally attended a Press conference.

It was a truly inspiring day, made even more so by getting to meet rugby heroes old and new, including some of the current England Women's team.

HIGHLIGHT: Meeting some of England’s women’s rugby team.

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IT’S GOOD TO TALK: Getting mental health issues out in the open.

emotional pressures — all to try to make a difference to the way men talk about mental health.

Mind Your Head is an outreach programme run by United since early in 2018 in partnership with Centre 33, a Cambridge youth mental health charity, and is, in part, funded by The MindEd Trust, set up by the parents of former Melbourn Head Boy Ed Mallen, who took his own life while at sixth form college.

Students reacted positively to the programme with Reuben saying: “I have really enjoyed Cambridge United coming in because I’ve learned a lot about an enormous range of aspects of mental health.”

Lauren commented: “The people that taught us had a good way of connecting with us and made learning about mental health interesting and enjoyable.”

And Leone said: “It has helped me become aware of different mental health. It has made me think more about my choices on social media.”

Opportunities for all players

ENTHUSIASTIC: More than 30 Year 7 boys have turned up for rugby training.

One of the school’s most popular sports, rugby has seen high participation this term from boys’ and girls’ teams across all years.

The Year 7 and 8 girls were given a fantastic opportunity at the CDSSA festival at Shelford Rugby Club, where they took part in workshops and matches.

This was a great chance for Year 7 girls, new to the sport, to pick up new techniques and core skills. The Year 8 girls shared their skills with the more novice players.

Jasmine and Kloe, both Year 8, played exceedingly well at The Annual District Tournament at Cambridge Rugby Club and their skills were recognised by local rugby coaches.

Due to the high number of Year 7 boys wanting to participate, there were A and B teams for the first time, with more than 30 students taking part.

They have been supported by the Year 10 sports leaders in training and matches.

The Year 7 boys team progressed well by scoring several tries in a draw against Parkside, who showed more experience having played more games.

However, in their next match against Cambourne Year 7 boys show their team dynamics were getting stronger with a win. Their season culminated in the District competition at Cambridge Rugby Club and

found only a few schools better than them. To enter teams into the A and B leagues and compete at the standard we did is some achievement.

At the beginning of term, the Year 8 and 10 teams both played at home to Chesterton. Both teams dominated as Year 8 won 9 tries to 5 and Year 10 won 24-20 with two great conversions from Gethin.

For Year 8 Issac and Luca scored their first tries of the season and Jacob made an very impressive debut.

Year 8 boys also took part in the District tournament, where they finished in fifth place.

For Year 9 Alan shone, scoring three tries against Impington, which secured the team a healthy win. He has also shown fine form throughout the season by running in many tries and defeating Comberton in the District Tournament, where they found themselves in an extremely tough group.

The Year 9s have made great improvements this season.

For the first time in a number of years MVC under15s took part in a Sevens tournament where they found themselves up against some of the strongest schools in the district. By finishing in fourth place, they managed to put Melbourn back on the map in a Key Stage 4 rugby competition. Well done boys!

Abbey Deadman

Girls grab second spot

MELBOURN VILLAGE COLLEGE

Melbourn’s Year 8 hockey team are the second best in the District.

They confirmed their status among the pacemakers in the area after finishing as runners-up in the annual Cambridge and District tournament at Bottisham Village College.

The 16 schools were split into three pools for the first stage of the tournament and MVC started with an impressive 6-0 win against North Cambridge Academy.

The girls continued to play very well against Cambourne, St Mary’s, CAP (Parkside, Trumpington and Coleridge) and St Bede’s B and finished top of their pool.

The next stage was a triangular final against St Bede’s A and Comberton.

They beat St Bede’s convincingly 2-0, but lost an excellent game against Comberton, who scored in the last few minutes to win 1-0.

Congratulations to all the girls who played. They are officially the second best team in South Cambs in their age group!

This success came after Melbourn had lost 3-2 to St Bede’s in a friendly after twice leading. Annabelle scored both goals, but player of the match was goalkeeper Jess, who did well to keep St Bede’s to three goals. There was an impressive debut from Rose, who only started at MVC this year and slotted in well.

The girls turned on the power in their next match, beating Impington 5-0 with goals from player-of-the-match Hermione (2), Annabelle, Evie and Emma.

The under-16s were not so successful at their tournament, but had a fun afternoon with the players all showing great enthusiasm, perseverance and teamwork. Victoria was named Melbourn’s player-of-the-tournament.

Two days later, the team had a point to prove and it was Impington who were on the receiving end of a much-improved performance as the girls raised their game collectively and individually. They supported each other in every area of the pitch and worked as hard off the ball as they did on it.

Goalscorers were Kaylam(2), Bella (2) and Rebecca, with the double goal-scorers sharing the player-of-the-match accolade.

RUNNERS-UP: Melbourn’s Year 8 hockey team.

Year 7 opened with A and B team matches against Cambourne; the A team taking on their opponents’ Year 8 side!

Their dedication to training and motivation was apparent throughout the game and although they did not get the result they wanted, they did manage to put one past Cambourne’s experienced older goalkeeper. Player of the match was Levi.

The B team had an excellent match, working incredibly hard in all areas of the pitch and showing improvements as the game progressed. In a tight game, a goal from player-of-the-match Aliah proved decisive in Melbourn’s 1-0 win.

The A team followed up with victory over Parkside, racing into a 3-0 lead and eventually ending up as 5-1 winners where Hattie was the player of the match.

Abbey Deadman

Closing in on a final place

The under-14 basketball team are one win away from qualifying for the annual District finals at Long Road Sixth Form College.

They need to beat Chesterton on January 8th to secure their place at the prestigious season finale later next term.

They have clearly benefited from a new link between the PE Department and Cambridge Cats coach Patrik Przewozny, who works at Melbourn Sports Centre. and has been delivering the extra-curricular basketball programme to students.

They were close to glory last season when they fielded a number of Year 8s.

Now the return of key players Elias, Joe and Jack , plus the hard work of Alan, has showed

why the team has so much potential.

They beat The Perse and Cambourne and then a nail-biter against neighbours Bassingbourn before losing to St Bede’s to leave them only needing one more victory.

The Bassingbourn game finished 21-21 but two baskets in overtime secured the win.

The under-16s opened with a match against the toughest opposition, Chesterton, and although they held their own and seemed to be growing in strength, they were beaten in the last quarter.

They were also beaten by Perse although key player George has shown great determination and is an excellent team player.

Quartet race into the county round

GOING PLACES: The under-14 basketball team.

Four Melbourn students have qualified for the Cambridgeshire round of the Then last month he won an individual club cross-country race at Horseheath and English Schools Cross-Country Championships after the District round at came second in the triple jump.

Netherhall School in Cambridge earlier this month.

Before he tackles the next round of the schools competition at Netherhall School, Year 7s Hattie and Alex make impressive debuts for the school, finishing in the Cambridge on January 11th, Gethin, who also plays rugby for the school, will top 16 of their Year 7 races of approximately 140 runners to secure their places in contest the county cross-country championships in St Neots on January 5th and the next round. also has the Southern championships in There was also a qualification spot London later next month before heading for Annabelle in her first year in for the nationals in Nottingham on the Year 8 and 9 girls race, while February 22nd.

Gethin continued his impressive winter season by qualifying for the Year 10/11 boys competition despite it being his first time in that age group.

He has already helped his Cambridge & Coleridge athletics club team with an impressive run in a national road race relay, taking the team from 67th when he started his of 3.88km leg to 47th READY TO RUN: Melbourn’s cross-country team before the by the end of it. The team went on District competition and (right) in fine form for Cambridge & to finish 40th.

Coleridge Athletics Club.

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The great outdoors!

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

Comberton Village College was a hive of activity earlier this half term as 160 children from 17 South Cambs primary schools took part in a fun and challenging Outdoor Adventurous Activities event designed to test their teamwork, self-belief, determination and passion.

The event was open to children in Years 3 and 4 and was aimed at those who don’t normally get a chance to represent their school in sporting competitions or perhaps don’t like the more traditional sports.

Mixed teams of four took part in four different challenges, including an orienteering team scoring competition, netball numbers, the vortex and a school games challenge.

Each activity involved teamwork, communication and problem-solving 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 event was to try and appeal to a different group of young people who perhaps don’t like your more traditional sports.

“The activities challenged 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, have fun and enjoy themselves!”

Year 10 students from Comberton’s Sport Leadership Academy were involved with leading the activities and supporting the teams.

Teams that best demonstrated the values of teamwork, self-belief, passion and determination

throughout the afternoon’s activities were nominated by the sports leaders, with the following teams picking up awards: Monkfield Park, Cambourne, A, Meldreth Primary School B, Meridian Primary School, Comberton, C and Petersfield Primary

School, Orwell, D. Among the other schools taking part were Fowlmere, Gamlingay, Harston & Newton, Barton. The Vine and Coton.

TEAMWORK: Meridian’s successful quartet and (right) leaders work with pupils.

MARKING THEIR CARD: Youngsters tracked their progress at orienteering-type stations.

Football competition attracts record entries QUALIFIERS: The Vine’s boys’ and girls’ teams are through to the county finals next term.

There was a great turn-out for the South Cambs round of the English Schools FA football competitions held over two days at Impington Village College.

The event for Under-11 seven-a-side teams included three separate competitions; small schools, girls and large schools with a record-breaking 48 teams battling it out for one of the three titles.

Harston & Newton, one of Melbourn Village College’s partner primaries, have a strong record of success in this competition and again proved the best of the small schools (with fewer than 120 pupils in KS2) as they beat first-time finalists Gt Abington 1-0 in the final thanks to a long-range shot.

The Vine, a partner primary to Cambourne Village College, finished with two runners-up titles as they

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missed out to Histon & Impington Juniors in both the large schools competition, which attracted a record 19 teams, and the girls competition as the champions retained the trophy they have now won five times.

In the large schools’ competition Meldreth Primary won the ‘Spirit of the Games’ award for showing great respect for each other, the officials and the opposition.

An ‘All Stars’ team, made up of players from Harston & Newton, Cottenham and Histon & Impington, who put themselves forward when a school withdrew at short notice, were the ‘Spirit of the Games’ winners in the girls’ competition.

The winners and runners-up in each competition will now represent South Cambs in the County Finals in

February where they will compete against the winners from the other districts for the chance to qualify for the ESFA regional finals.

Claire McDonnell, Partnership Manager, said: “All the football competitions were a great success. We were delighted with the number of entries this year, particularly in the girls’ event where we had just under 200 girls taking part, with many of these playing their first competitive football.

“I can only think they have been inspired by the success of the England women’s team this summer as we had nearly double the number of entries from previous years.

“The game definitely seems to be growing for girls at the grass roots.”

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

Top award for school

THEY’RE OFF: The start of one of the boys’ races.

On the run!

Haslingfield runners came out on top at the South Cambs School Sports Partnership Year 3 & 4 cross-country competition at Milton Country Park where mud and puddles were a key feature.

Thankfully the rain held off as Haslingfield saw off the challenge of neighbours Harston & Newton, who also had to settle for second place in the Year 5/6 competition.

Thriplow were third in both competitions, for which only schools who entered all four races were eligible.

Haslingfield’s was a true team success, coming out winners despite having no runners in the top three of any of the four races.

Sophie and Jasmine from Haston & Newton were first and third in the Year 3 girls race, with Martha from Thriplow in between, while classmate Taylor was also runner-up in the boys’ race.

Harvey (Thriplow) won the year 4 boys with Will (Harston & Newton) third, while Jessica topped the girls competition to put Barnabas Oley, Gt Gransden, on the honours board.

None of The Cam Academy Trust partner primaries featured in the top three individual finishers in the Year 6 race but there was a clean sweep for Thriplow at Year 5 thanks to Anna, Zara and Elsa while Harston & Newton claimed the top two in the boys’ race thanks to Thomas and Sebastian.

A total of 500 children from 15 primary schools took part, competing both for individual honours and school glory and one of the most striking aspects was the sense of sportsmanship on display, with one Year 5 boy helping his team-mate across the finish line.

Club is ‘overwhelming’ hit

Julia Scarboro, one of the Partnership’s Primary PE Specialists who also teaches at Comberton Village College has been delivering a breakfast running club at Meridian Primary School to help prepare the children for the annual South Cambs cross country competition while supporting them to get 30 minutes of the recommended 60 minutes a day of physical activity.

The number of children joining the session on a Wednesday morning at 8.15am has been overwhelming, with more than 60 pupils turning up most weeks.

Fortunately, Mrs Scarboro has been supported at the club by a teacher from the school plus several parents.

The pupils have enjoyed taking part in lots of different running activities and have shown a great level of enthusiasm for the club.

In the New Year, the parent helpers, staff and Mrs Scarboro are planning to invite pupils to take part in a junior park run event at Wimpole to help continue their love for running with families and friends.

Staff and parents at the school are keen to continue the club and the South Cambs Sports Partnership are hosting a ‘running’ workshop at Meridian Primary

Five South Cambs Schools have recently secured a prestigious School Games Platinum Award in recognition of their continuing commitment to the development of Physical Education, school sport and competition across their school and into the community.

Among them is Haslingfield Primary School, who achieved the platinum award having maintained consistently high standards with their school sport provision and held a gold school games award over the previous five years. Nearby Harston & Newton Primary School retained the platinum award that they have had for the previous two years.

A total of 34 South Cambs Schools secured a School Games Award for 2019 in recognition of their commitment to the development of Physical Education, school sport and competition.

Partnership Manager, Claire McDonnell said, “We are extremely proud of all our award winners for the passion which they have shown towards the School Games and their dedication to providing opportunities for all young people to take part in physical activity and school sport.

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 of the young volunteers, leaders and officials who made our competitions possible Meridian Primary School, Comberton, are one of two schools who gained gold for the first time to join Coton and Meldreth Primary Schools and Comberton Village College, who retained theirs.

Melbourn Primary School, The Vine at Cambourne and Dry Drayton were among the Trust’s partner primaries who have the silver award, while Monkfield Park, Cambourne, Barton and Barrington Primary Schools have bronze.

AND STRETCH: Pupils cool down after their morning running club.

School on Wednesday 8th January from 4pm-5.30pm to help other keen parents/ teachers to set up a running club in their local schools.

For more information about this course and to book a free place visit the www.scssp.co.uk.

New initiatives aim to give girls more kick!

South Cambs SSP are excited to have been recruited as part of a new project by the Youth Sport Trust and the FA to become 1 of 100 FA Girls Football Partnerships across the country.

The aim of this project is to work towards the FA’s target of doubling participation by 2020 and providing equal access to football opportunities for girls.

Through being a Lead Partnership, we get lots of amazing opportunities for both primary and secondary school students and staff.

Disney have partnered with the FA and Youth Sport Trust to create a new initiative for primary schools called ‘Shooting Stars’.

This initiative uses hit Disney Films such as ‘Incredibles 2’ and ‘Aladdin’ to capture the imagination of the girls while developing their

movement and football skills, as well as speaking and listening skills, through lunchtime and after school clubs.

‘Game of Our Own’ is a project aimed at secondary schools to increase leadership skills in girls.

It also aims to provide schools and teachers with a better understanding of barriers to participation and how to engage girls.

The programme trains girls as football activators who are supported to lead a project that increases girls’ participation within their schools.

There are opportunities for both marketeers (who design and create advertising for the project) and deliverers (who deliver the content). There is then a follow-up opportunity for these girls to go to a National Girls Leadership Camp.

Izzy, a former Cambourne Village College student, now at Comberton Sixth Form, was a Girls Activator last year and attended the National Camp at Loughborough University.

While there she impressed everyone so much that she won an award and got to go to Endicott College in the United States during October Half Term (see Page 12). Well Done Izzy!

Through being a Lead Partnership, SCSSP get opportunities as well. These have included being able to send a group of school children and staff to the record-breaking England v Germany match at Wembley.

To find out more or to get involved with this exciting programme please contact Laura Mott, who is leading on this work, on lmott@combertonvc.org

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MELBOURN VILLAGE COLLEGE

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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

AUTUMN REVIEW 7KHUH¶V EHHQ D ORW JRLQJ RQ WKLV WHUP DW WKH VSRUWV FHQWUH WR NHHS WKH FRPPXQLW\ ILW DQG UHDG\ during the Autumn 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 and Trampolining Taster sessions. We also teamed up with Football Fun Factory, who ran their first Soccer Camps at half term too!

Finally, participants young and old were put through their paces at Melbourn Sports Centre on Saturday 14 th September, by taking part in a variety of mini triathlon events organised by Meridian Triathlon Club.

The first of these events aimed at children from 4 ± 7 years, was a Duathlon event, where participants cycled around a course and then completed a small run. This was followed by our mini triathlon event, where over thirty children aged between 8 to 15 years braved the warm conditions to swim, cycle and then run as quickly as they could around a set course. Finally we also held our first adult event too, where participants were made to swim 280m and then complete a 3k run.

7KLV \HDU¶V HYHQW VDZ D PXFK LPSURYHG DQG ELJJHU PLQL WULDWKORQ GXDWKORQ UDFHs, which proved very popular once again. It was great to see so many children ± and parents! ± being so enthusiastic about the events and we would like to thank club and committee members at Meridian Triathlon Club for arranging such a brilliant event, which we hope will be bigger and better next year!

For more information about Meridian Triathlon Club or Melbourn Sports Centre then please visit their websites www.meridiantriclub.co.uk or www.mc-sport.co.uk 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 WKRVH ORQJ ZLQWHU QLJKWV VWRS XV IURP HQMR\LQJ RXU H[HUFLVH $V ZHOO DV RXU LQGRRU IDFLOLWLHV OLNH WKe 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 normal indoor racket sports. $QG WKH\¶UH DOO UHDVRQDEO\ SULFHG VR WKH RQH WKLQJ WKDW ZLOO VWD\ SOXPS LV \RXU SXrse!

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, where children will not only have a fun time in the pool but also get to meet Father Christmas too, plus 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 VRPHWKLQJ 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 C.V 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? 0DNH WKLV 0RWKHU V 'D\ RQH VKH¶OO QHYHU IRUJHW March also sees the return of our charitable Swimathon, with all participants raising money for the Marie Curie Cancer Care TruVW :H¶G ORYH WR KDYH DV PDQ\ HQWUDQWV DV SRVVLEOH WHDPV RI XS WR ILYH DUH ZHOFRPH DV ZHOO DV LQGLYLGXDO VZLPPHUV 7KH Swimathon takes place on Friday 27th March & Saturday 28th March

ACTIVITIES FOR TEENAGERS AND YOUNG ADULTS

TEEN TRAINING An hour fitness session using our fitness suite machines Age range: 14 years upwards Date: Monday ± Fridays / 15.30 ± 16.30 & Weekends /14.00 ± 15.00 / Price: £2.50 per session/10 sessions for £20.00 TRAMPOLINE COURSE This course is a great way to introduce your child into this fun and energetic sport. Start to learn all the basics including twists, shapes and drops!

Mondays 16.00 ± 17.00 (4 ‰ - 7 years); 17.00 ± 18.00 (7-10 years); 18.00 ± 19.00 (10 ± 16 years); Price: £4.50 - £5.50 per session (booked on a term basis)

PLUS: SWIMMING LESSONS / LIFEGUARD COURSES / GYMNASTICS / TENNIS COACHING / TABLE TENNIS BADMINTON PILATES / TRIATHLON SESSIONS / TENNIS COACHING / SQUASH AND MUCH MORE!

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

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