News@com summer 09

The News Magazine The of Comberton Village College TheNews NewsMagazine Magazineof ofComberton CombertonVillage VillageCollege College ISSUE21, 20,SUMMER SPRING 2009 ISSUE 2009 ISSUE 21, SUMMER 2009

SUCCESS CVC WIN TOP AWARD STORY!

SCHOOL SCHOOL materials, COMBERTON has materials,and andaaweek's week'spaid paidtrip triptotoValenValenCOMBERTON hasbeen beennamed named Mr Shelley said: “Beth’s VISIT: María YEAR 7 pupil Beth Cadwalladr is now a published author.

VISIT: María cia ciafor forsix sixstudents studentsand andaamember memberofofstaff. staff. as a Spanish School of the Year. as a Spanish School of the Year. story is a real treat! She’s Teresa Teresa This isisnot Comberton's only languages The 12-year-old from Hardwick won a competition organised to coincide This not Comberton's only languages The annually chooses TheSpanish SpanishEmbassy Embassy annually choosesup up award this year. The college also won a used the opening senRodríguez Rodríguez with World Book Day earlier this term. award this year. The college also won a to five for fivesecondary secondary schools forthe theprestiprestitenceschools in a really clever Suárez, the Suárez, the European Her storyofof— The Cry of the Wolf — was one of just 11 chosen fromtothe EuropeanAwards Awardsfor forLanguages Languagesfor forits its gious and this year giousaccolade accolade and this yearComberton Comberton way, the writing is rich Spanish WAY Spanglovision WITH WORDS: The award is handed Spanish project, aaSpanish song nearly 3,000 entries from 500 schools to the 2009 Evans Schools Short Spanglovision project, Spanish song shares the honour with three London shares the honour with three London and original.”

Embassy, atat Embassy, Story Competition to go in an anthology of secondary school pupils’ work. competition ininwhich all over during an English lesson. competition which allYear Year77students students schools and one Sheffield onefrom from Sheffield competition was CVC CVC And with towith add even more prestige, Beth’s story was chosen for the titleschools of the and The participate. participate.

The announcement The announcement judged by Stewart Ross, one of Britain’s most versatile authors for young Assistant anthology — The Cry of the Wolf and other short stories — and is the first Assistant Another Anothermember memberofof follows followsaasuccessful successful people. He said: “I find it difficult to believe what I have been reading. Leigh Principal one in theand book. A separate book from Primary School winners has also Principal and the department, the department, Leigh visit visittotoComberton Comberton Many of these stories, by 7 to 15 year olds, are vastly better than adult Director ofof been published.

Director McClelland,collected McClelland,collected by María Teresa by María Teresa equivalents. Anyone wanting to know what the young are thinkingatnowaLanguage Beth and others in Mr Shelley’s English group entered the competition after Language that thataward award atthe the Rodríguez RodríguezSuárez Suárez of their minds are working, is urged to read these days,of how terrific collections College being given the first line of a story — different schools were given different College annual EAL annual EALAwards Awards the Spanish Embassy. the Spanish Embassy.

— and stand amazed at their skill, inventiveness, vitality, sensitivity, wit Rachel openings — to work from.

Rachel ceremony ceremonylate latelast last The schools Theabest best and painful honesty.”

Hawkes and Theirs came tale schools Hawkes andfrom adventure writer Bear Grylls and Beth came up with month. month. were selected on the were selected on the The Cry of the Wolf and other short stories went on sale around Deputy in which a boy is torn between his allegiances to man and to nature.

Deputy Comberton Combertonhas hashad hadits its following criteria: the country for £3.99 on March 5. All profits from the Language sale of specialist Principal She was presented with her own copy of the book and a certificate following during an criteria: Principal Language specialist the anthology will be donated to World Book Day. provisionofofSpanish Spanish Mary Martin.

English lesson and the school has been given 100 copies as well. provision Mary Martin. status statusfor forthree threeyears years and students andto studentstake-up; take-up; Another Comberton pupil was also a hit on paper. Fiona “I was absolutely amazed when I heard I had won,” said Beth. “I used and the end ofofthis and the end this Innovation ininCarter, pedagogy and in Year 9,curriculum; reached the finals of the Doodle4Google com- that Spanish Innovation pedagogy andcurriculum; write a lot of stories when I was younger, but haven’t done many since I term termmarks marksonly onlythe thethird thirdyear year that Spanish Extra-curricular activities, use ICT and petition.

Full story — Page 3 Extra-curricular activities, useofof ICT and was in about Year 4.” has been the first foreign has been the first foreignlanguage languagetaught taught International links.

International links. at the YEAR ofofwill aa open thecollege. college.and planners in Year 9 YEAR99pupil pupilAudrey AudreyBraven-Ayres Braven-Ayresreached reached thefinal final be looking for buddingatarchitects COMBERTON’S new the sixth form in 2011.deputy Comberton Mary Comberton deputyprincipal principal MaryMartin Martin Rachel Hawkes, the Director of Language national nationalart artcompetition. competition. to advise on all aspectsRachel of theHawkes, plans. the Director of Language At a recent meeting of Cambridgeshireplus County Driver, Canas and plusJane JaneCouncil, Driver,Maria MariaCollado Collado Canas and College, said: "We are totohave Her in the top 100 of the more than College, said: "We arethrilled thrilled have Herposter posterwas wasshortlisted shortlisted in the top 100 of the more than Following a curriculum for the new the development of an exciting new £7.5m state-of-the-art Agnieszka Barcz-Morgan from Agnieszka Barcz-Morgan fromthe the extensive research, been chosen for both these awards.

1,600 Brits at Art competition run by been chosen for both these awards.

1,600entries entriesfor forthe theYoung Young Brits at Art competition run by sixth form has been approved by governors which matches sixth form was given the go-ahead.

Modern Department ModernForeign ForeignLanguages Languages Department "We now forward the Rights Commission.

"Weare areComberton nowlooking looking forwardnow nowtotothe the theEquality Equalityand andHuman Human Rights Commission. and aspirations of pupils.

This ambitious and generously-funded collected project will the award the Spanish collected themean awardfrom fromthe theneeds Spanish teaching ofofour 11 KS4 Spanish classes All art work that told their teaching our 11 KS4 Spanish Allentrats entratswere weretold toldtotosubmit submit art work that told their At the heart the curriculum is the new ‘English classes teaching spaces built to the highest specifications, with Ambassador, HE Carles atatof the Ambassador, HEspeCarlesCasajuana, Casajuana, the beginning ininYear 10 as story totobe aayoung person ininBritain.

Year 10this thisSeptember, September, storyabout aboutwhat whatititisislike like be young person Britain.

Baccalaureate’ which beginning has traditional A-levels at its core as cialist facilities and library/study areas Embassy equipped with the this Embassyearlier earlier thismonth. month. well asastotobroadening our links with our Audrey 100 entrants were invited to the well broadening our links with our Audreyand andthe theother othertop top 100 entrants were invited to the with 'Spanish the added advantage of accreditation for additional InInaddition very latest in ICT provision. additiontotothe thedesignation designation 'Spanish three Spanish-speaking partner schools in South this month when the winners Spanish-speaking schools SouthBank BankCentre Centreearlier earlier this month when the10 10 winners elements such as Dukethree of Edinburgh, criticalpartner thinking and in School the also Social spaces will include a café, refectory andof student School ofthe theYear Year2009', 2009', thecollege college also Gijón and Figueras, Spain and Arequipa, were Gijón and Figueras, Spain and Arequipa, wereannounced. announced. an extended research project. receives common room. receivesaanumber numberofofprizes prizesincluding including£500 £500 Peru." zzTelling Peru."

11 TellingaaStory Story— — Page Page 11 cash, aafurther £500 teaching Turn Work has already started on planning and we will shortly to Page 2 cash, further £500Spanish Spanish teaching zzGlobal GlobalFestival Festival— —Page Page66

Poster Poster is is top top class class Green light for sixth form

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2

Ofsted delight COMBERTON Village College has been named as one of the country's top schools for the fourth time.

It was also highlighted as one of only four schools which has been identified by Ofsted inspectors as particularly successful or outstanding on four separate occasions.

In the latest Ofsted report Christine Gilbert, Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education,

HONOUR: Paul Lawrence with Christine Gilbert, Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education, Children’s Services and Skills.

Children's Services and Skills, praised Comberton and the other 2,944 schools, childcare providers, colleges and children's homes which were rated outstanding.

She said: "It's encouraging to see so much outstanding provision across all areas of education and care and I pay tribute to all who contributed to this success.

Paul Lawrence, a Deputy Principal at CVC, said "It was very gratifying that the college has been recognised not only for the outstanding work undertaken by staff and pupils at the time of the last inspection, but for the fact that an excellent level of provision and achievement has been sustained consistently over a significant period of time."

Plans progress

SIGNIFICANT progress has been made with the development of plans for the new sixth form opening in September 2011.

Governors have approved the outline plans and department heads are busy refining the details in specialist teaching spaces to ensure the best provision possible for sixth form teaching and learning.

The consultation process has reached the stage where the widest possible representation will be sought from within the college and the local community, before a planning submission later this summer.

The image above shows the architect’s computer generated image of the proposed main sixth form building, filling the space currently occupied by the old gymnasium and incorporating a remodelled front entrance to the college. One of the main aims of the building design was to provide a more visually impressive and elegant building to improve the front aspect of the site. The focal point of this plan is the first floor bowed structure at the front of the build which will incorporate an impressive 150 tiered seat lecture theatre.Other bespoke sixth form accommodation is also being planned within the main college site for the delivery of performing arts, design technology and sport, which will also include the construction of a new gymnasium & sports science laboratory.

Immediate next steps include seeking the views of a pupil panel who will have valuable insights and suggestions to ensure that every aspect of design and planning receives the all-important student perspective.

Phil Evans, Deputy Principal

INSIDE THIS ISSUE z DofE Round-up — Page 3

z Adventure Club — Pages 8 & 9

z Focus on Science — Pages 4 & 5

z Course Hits Right Notes — Page 10

z ‘Death’ on Road — Page 5 z Virtual Global Tour — Page 6

z Learn Something New — Page 10 z Making Things Right — Page 11

z Looking at World of Media — Page 6

z Audrey’s Art — Page 11

z A Taste of CRC — Page 6

z Work Experience — Page 11

z Pupils Out to Work — Page 6

z Pupils rise to Challenge — Page 11 z Sports Round-up — Pages 12 & 13

z Learning to Lead — Page 7 z Pupils Take on Teaching Role — Page 7 z Helpful Hints — Page 7

z Vocational Update — Pages 14-16 Designed and edited by Judy Czylok.

Contact: publicity@comberton.cambs.sch.uk This publication and previous editions are available on-line at www.publications.combertonvc.org

Department praised THE excellent work of the geography department was recognised recently when it received a subject inspection from Ofsted. Individual subject inspections are carried out so Ofsted can look closely at how a particular curriculum area is being delivered at selected schools nationally.

The inspector observed lessons, talked to staff and pupils and looked at pupil work. Not only did the lead inspector conclude that Comberton’s Geography department was an outstanding one overall, he judged that it was outstanding in every aspect, including achievement and standards, teaching and learning, leadership and management, the geography curriculum and its contribution to community cohesion.

The full report can be read at http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/oxedu_reports/download/(id)/106 418/(as)/110900_333414.pdf

3

Students looking good for DofE success after practice expeditions

High hopes YEAR 9 pupils on the DofE Bronze award look set to do really well on their assessed expedition in September.

Despite one group having terribile weather for their practice expedition earlier this term, they completed the tasks.

The practice took place in the Chilterns. Saturday was spent learning to use a map, getting used to the pace of the group and then planning Sunday's route.

Sunday was a chance for the groups to walk a route planned by themselves, complete with all their camping equipment on their backs!

For the first time Year 10 DofE Leaders went on the expeditions and here are some of their recollections: Weekend A:Earlier Earlieron onin inthe theyear yearaagroup groupof ofYear Year10 10pupils pupilsvolunteered volunteeredto to Weekend A: assist assist on on the the Year Year Nine Nine Bronze Bronze Duke Duke of of Edinburgh Edinburgh weekend, weekend, after after enjoying enjoying itit so so much much ourselves ourselves last last year. year. We We were were all all expecting expecting aa lovely lovely sunny sunny weekend weekend in in the the beautiful beautiful Chilterns Chilterns and and somehow somehow managed managed to to experience experience quite quite the the opposite opposite -- although although itit was was still still fairly fairly beautiful, beautiful, itit poured poured with with rain! rain! After After setting setting up up our our tents tents (and (and some some of of the the year year nine’s nine’s tents) tents) and and setting setting up up the the trangias, trangias, we we helped helped the the year year nines nines complete complete their their (night) (night) orienteering orienteering challenge; challenge; which which proved proved to to be be not not as as easy easy as as itit looks… looks…

After After aa long long first first night, night, itit was was time time to to begin begin the the walking. walking. The The groups groups set set off off one one by by one, one, and and the the leaders leaders each each went went off off with with aa different different group. group. The The first first day day was was spent spent walking walking with with the the groups, groups, passing passing on on our our skills skills and and then then the the second second day day was was spent spent letting letting them them go go off off on on their their own own and and meeting meeting up up with with them them at at check check points points on on their their maps. maps. All All the the year year 9s 9s worked worked extremely extremely hard hard and and were were aa pleasure pleasure to to spend spend time time with. with. Overall Overall the the rain rain didn’t didn’t stop stop us us from from having having aa great great weekend! weekend!

By Holly Holly Gale Gale 10V, 10V, Autumn Autumn Elbourn Elbourn 10V 10V and and Belinda Belinda Hughes Hughes 10E 10E By Weekend B: After a long trip in the coach on the Friday afternoon, we all

HAPPY CAMPERS: Year 9 pupils outside their accommodation. walked towards the field in which we would sleep and eat for the weekend.

For many of the Year 9s this would be the first time, but for the DofE leaders camping is what we love. On the first night we cooked and ate a varied diet from curry to super noodles. And then a well earned sleep. On the second day the first practice walk, this started in the morning, and finished in the afternoon. After this route planning. This consisted of marking and timing theirs routes. Many groups found this hard. In the evening everyone went swimming, this was relaxing and enjoyable. Again cooking now was important for they groups needed their energy for the walk tomorrow.

Everyone had to wake up early to start the walk on Sunday. This day was for the groups to show off what they learnt over the previous day. However many groups still found it hard. The trip home was great for everyone as it was a time to crash out.

Jack Murphy (10T)

Walk, walk, walk

Staff join DofE team

AROUND 80 Year 10s (double last year!) did their practice expedition in the Peak District earlier this term.

The weekend was set up differently to previous years with Saturday given over to training to develop key navigation skills, particularly focused on compass work and pacing. The rest of the weekend allowed the participants to show their proficiency with these new skills and many impressed. Here is one group's account: We set off for a long weekend in the beautiful Dark Peak area of the Peak District. After setting up our tents and preparing ourselves on Friday evening; we began a full day of training (including pacing, a bit of walking and learning some key skills). This proved to be very enjoyable.

Sunday was… a little more challenging, putting everything we learnt into practice by walking ALL day to the small village of Bamford. And when we thought we had to do no more, we found ourselves walking all day Monday too — across numerous hills and ridges!

Belinda and the Bolsheviks (Holly, Autumn, Belinda and Melissa) TEA WITH A VIEW: In the Peak District.

WE are delighted to announce that two further members of staff have joined the D of E team. Jamie Freeman and Vicki Robertson will both take on some responsibility for the delivery of the D of E at Comberton from September, further strengthening our team and allowing us to ensure that all pupils have the opportunity to do D of E, and have the best experience possible through their involvement.

As a team we are keen to look at improving the Silver training programme, working towards the introduction of e D of E (a web-based Record Book), and supporting pupils VICKI further with their individual secROBERTSON tions.

In addition to our core team of staff who work on the expeditions, we have a huge team of volunteers: other teachers, school staff, parents, ex-pupils and people from the community. If you are interested in volunteering with the D of E at Comberton, please do not hesitate to JAMIE contact us at the college.

FREEMAN

4

Crystal clear THE Science Club at CVC entered the Crystal Growing Competition at Cambridge Science Week, 2009.

We were given a pack of materials which included special salt called potassium alumni but other salts, such as cooking salt (sodium chloride) can be used as well.

This is how we made our crystals: We gently heated a mixture of 300ml of water and 50g of salt, then we let some of the mixture cool on a saucer to make seeding crystals. Next, we poured the rest of the solution into a glass jar, carefully tied the seed crystal to a pencil with a long thread and let the crystals grow.

It’s a good idea to choose a seeding crystal which is regular in shape, and to use a fishing line to tie your crystal. You need to grow your crystals for about two weeks somewhere where temperature doesn’t change rapidly and away from direct sunshine or any heat source. We came third overall.

You can see crystals grown by the school children if you visit the MRC Crystal Growing stand at the Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge during Cambridge Science Festival. The next one is in March 2010. See you there.

David Papworth (7O)

Cold power!

I REALLY did enjoy the mini lecture we had on the liquid nitrogen. I found it fascinating. Just absolutely gobsmacking! I never knew liquid nitrogen can do so many interesting things.

Loved it a lot! We were able to make ice cream in about 10 minutes, turned a banana rock hard and used blue-tack as a pin! I believe everyone around me enjoyed it. I certainly did!

Abir Zaman (8C)

BRIDGE WORK: Year 6 pupils build spaghetti bridges.

COLD WORK: Pupils learn about liquid nitrogen.

A sparkling week AT the school science week we made fireworks from different powders. We dipped a splint in water and then dipped it in different chemicals and then held it over a Bunsen burner. It sparkled in different colours.

Dima Tupikov 7I OTHER activities in science week at CVC included making custard balls. Here are their comments: “I loved it, it was really fun but messy” and “I thought it was great fun” Chloe and Michelle (Year 7). On fire writing: “I thought this was a brilliant experiment” and “very fiery,” Brooke and Hollie (Year 7)

Sticky spaghetti

AS I picked up the Year 6 pupils and saw my previous teachers, memories came back to me when I participated in the Year 6 Science Challenge.

I never thought that bridges and spaghetti had anything in common, but clearly they do.

This year’s participants had to construct a bridge made of spaghetti using only sticky tape and scissors. This required cooperation and teamwork within the groups.

It was also a great social occasion for the Year 6s to get to know their future year members.

There were celebrations in more than one way in the end!

A thoroughly enjoyable day!

Aneesh Sharma (8M) WINNING DESIGN: The top team with their eco-house.

Home work is eco-friendly

MIXING: Pupils make custard balls in science week.

IN science we have been doing a project about eco-friendly homes. We had to make models out of cardboard and recycled materials that we brought from home. Then the class got into separate groups which then designed, made and showed their work in an exhibition. Lots of different teachers came and looked round our houses while

we talked through how our houses are ecofriendly. Then at the end we all voted for the home which was the best. The winners were Hannah Day, Lucy Eaton, Jess Hinson Olivia Rowbotham and Jing Yang. We would like to say a big thank you to Miss Sterling for her help with the project.

Lucy Eaton (9V) and Jess Hinson (9R)

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5

Insight into life of science we were able to take double the number of stuTEN pupils, who study triple science, were lucky enough to be invited to attend the schools science dents this year and are are hoping to be allocated more places next year as our students showed day at the Babraham Institute.

The students chose two different such interest and enthusiasm.”

Students worked alongside the projects to carry out from a list of 15 that included: scientists in the laboratories counting mutations on fruit Proteins – Can’t stop ‘til I get enough! Studying Cell flies modified for research into degenerative diseases such as Division, with Glowing Results! Glow-in-the-dark gene Alzheimers and Huntington’s, expression and how muscle mashing up cells and separating proteins on gels, and isomends.

There was also a talk by varilating DNA. Josh Cox (10V) commented: ous scientists at Babraham about how they had ended up SCIENCE AT WORK: Year 10 “The activities were working there. This gave valu- pupils at the Babraham Institute. enthralling, especially the secable insight into the various ond one I did. This involved using parts of a dissected mouse to look at their academic routes that are available to students immune cells. Overall I would recommend this who may want to seek a career in science.

This is the second year Comberton has run this trip to anyone with scientific ability.”

There was also an excellent lunch and a goody trip and competition for the places was fierce. bag which was well received by everyone.

Mrs Dean, who organised the trip, said: “Luckily

‘Death’ on road

Taking up the challenge

BEAK DESIGN: CVC pupils in action.

AT the Swavesey science challenge we had four challenges: biology, chemistry, physics and a quiz, which we won.

For Physics we had to design and make a spaceship for an egg to fly and successfully land with no damage.

For Chemistry we made dyes from natural products.

“It was challenging yet enjoyable” For biology we had to create three different bird beaks, all suitable for picking up seeds.

It was really interesting working with new people and learning about their skills and abilities. It was a test of teamwork as much as science.

Peter Sayer, Maria Gouvernier, Adam Hannaford, Jessica Holmes, Thomas Denney and Darcey Dear

Murder, mystery and metal I WAS one of the four pupils chosen to represent CVC in the Salter’s Science challenge at Cambridge University’s chemistry department. The first challenge was about testing different chemicals in order to find their metal and non-metal composition to solve a murder mystery. It was very exciting and we had to keep an eye on the clock to not run out of time. After lunch we were swiftly thrown into another challenge about separating food dyes.

Towards the end of the day, we watched a fascinating lecture called ‘Just add water’.

It was based around the many ways water can react with other chemicals and also how it changes in different locations. We learned that water can be as dangerous with magnesium and Rice Krispies and how unreliable old Batman films can be when it comes to dehydrating humans.

Unfortunately, we didn’t come in the top three. However, we did have lots of fun RISING TO THE CHALLENGE: Comberton’s team (and free biscuits). who entered the Salters’ Challenge at Cambridge Anne-Lucie Bugain (7B) University.

ON STAGE: The Anglo-German version of Academy of Death.

COMBERTON’S resident musical ‘Academy of Death’ heads for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival next month after the first part of its tour.

Pupils from Comberton went to Germany to stage a second joint production of the play written by CVC music teacher Geoff Page.

They teamed up with pupils from Comberton’s partner school, Modellschule Obersberg, to put on a bilingual version of the play with a huge combined cast of 65.

Having first shown it in the Performance Hall at Comberton, the completely revised and redirected performance was well received before heading for Germany where it was performed to audiences of 500-plus at the Bad Hersfelder Festspiele earlier this month.

Who would have thought it possible that the two casts could rehearse separately over six months and yet come together so successfully that many in the audience were left guessing who was actually German and who was English?

The next challenge for the Academy of Death is to reduce the show to fit in a smaller venue in readiness for the Edinburgh Festival in August.

For information about the show and the tour, please see www.academyofdeath.com

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6

Looking at the world of media THE Computer Club 4 Girls (CC4G) club went on a trip with Mrs Heeley and Ms Smith, to Cambridge Media group (CMG), which is a company made up of a lot of groups that publish books and websites.

The first people we visited were the book and magazine company. There are two of them who work as editors and use Adobe software. We saw some of the magazine and the books they publish and then a lady called Lisa showed us her software and how she makes the books on her computer, it was really cool!

We also visited a man called Tony. He creates websites and he showed us a couple of websites that he had designed. We were excited to learn that they also use the same Dreamweaver software to design their websites that we use at school.

We really, really enjoyed this trip to Cambridge Media Group. We were amazed at how quickly they can publish and edit a book; it is between three weeks to a month.

Rebecca Bird (7B) and Emily Philo (7T) GIRLS ON TOUR: CC4G at CMG.

SAM Bols, Eric Clery, Alex Paddock and Autumn Elbourn went with Miss Norman to the Cambridge News to see what it was like to work in a press office environment. We met Chris Elliott, the senior reporter, and he showed us the offices, photo library, different sections like sports, management, editorial etc.

We got a taste of how the newspapers are compiled and what kind of information is cut from the headlines.

Then we were shown the database full of thousands of photos which the newspaper can use for their columns.

As we neared the end of the trip, we entered into the most exciting part: the manufacturing building. We entered a room upstairs, led by the printing director. He showed us how the stencils for newspaper pages are created and cut. After that, we went downstairs into the main production factory where it was unbelievably loud and technical. Huge drums of ink and rolls of paper surrounded the hall and it was amazing to see how each of the steps was processed into the end product. We watched the stages of printing, packaging and delivering then ended our trip back in the main office.

It was so interesting to see how everything works and we all thoroughly enjoyed the trip.

Virtual global tour THERE was another global success for Comberton with its Global Culture Club festival last month.

Pupils made for the Lecture Room to embark on a virtual journey around the world in 30 minutes.

Within no time, the spacious room looked like a buzzing marketplace along the Silk Road in Samarkand. Pupils visited each stall offering a wide range of activities. Around this small diverse world, hungry pupils started the adventure by lunching on Indian cuisine with spicy pillau rice, vegetable curry, nane bread, Welsh bakestones cakes and delights and French cheeses (Brie, Emmental, goat cheese, Camembert, etc.), croissants and pains au chocolat. Students were then challenged at Mankala a game from Africa, discovered Zimbabwean expressive music, experienced the vibrant Greek dancing, created Origami objects, persevered with lateral thinking German puzzles, won Flag quizzes and learnt more about the culture of Ghana and India to name a few. The Global Culture Club succeeded in creating the international meeting place it promised. In return, pupils learnt, shared and enjoyed the experience which they want to repeat on a regular basis.

A big thank you and well done to the Global people again for all their hard work and effort they invested in making this event a huge success: Mehr Hammad, Yasmin McMullon, Matthew Stirrup, Jack Liddle, Mathilde Matthews, Isbeal Tannahill, Lara McCarthy (Year 8), Darren D'Souza, Sebba Kumar, Letitia Budu, Larry Reed, Charlotte Jones (Year 7), Nick Lee and Jack Halpin (Year 9).

TOUR GUIDES: Members of the Global Culture Club.

Pupils go out to work ALL of our Year 10 students took part in two weeks’ Work Experience as part of their Work-Related Learning programme.

A number of students were able to take up placements which had already been organised for us by Connexions but the majority had to find their own placement — they were encouraged to stay as local as possible and not to work with close friends/family.

Work Experience provides our students with practical experience of the world of work including interviews, working with adults other than their teachers and being independent. It is also the basis for a speaking and listening exercise which they undertake in Year 11 for their English GCSE.

A taste of CRC LAST month George Collison and I went for a taster day at Cambridge Regional College, which was good fun. Year 10 students from Comberton and across the region also attended on different days depending on which subject they were looking at.

We chose catering and hospitality; there were 15 other students from different schools in our group.

Half the group then cooked a main course of chicken and the other group made profiteroles for dessert. This was such a good experience as we got to work in one of the kitchens similar to that you would find in a restaurant. After the food had been cooked we were then able to eat it in the college’s public restaurant where the hospitality students had laid the tables.

Overall it was a great experience.

Natalie Biggs (10C)

7

Learning to lead THIS year’s Student Leadership Programme was launched last month, giving Year 10 students the opportunity to develop their skills while making a positive contribution to the College.

The Leadership Schemes on offer this year include curricular areas such as: Business, Geography, History, Drama, ICT, Maths, Philosophy and Ethics and Science Leaders.

Additionally students could apply for extra-cur-

ricular programmes including: Cabin, extra-curricular Music, Year 7 Centre, Recycling and Sports Competition Leaders.

A large number of students went through the application process and positions have now been appointed by the co-ordinating members of staff.

Student Leaders make an important contribution to the life and opportunities on offer at the college.

Some work with Year 6 students to ensure a smooth transition from primary to secondary school, while others work with staff and indepen-

dently to offer extra-curricular clubs and activities.

Through the scheme students have the opportunity to develop and perfect their leadership skills while having fun in their area of interest.

Students maintain a logbook detailing their commitment to the programme and reflecting on what they have learned.

At the end of Year 11, the logbooks are collated and student leaders are awarded the Bronze, Silver or Gold Award to recognise their achievements.

Young pupils take on a teaching role

LEARNING CURVE: For Comberton’s new prefects.

Newest prefects are given helpful hints

FOUR members of Year 7 turned teachers when they planned and delivered a workshop for the 14 Peruvian exchange students.

Kit Hallett-Morley, Chloe Scrivener, Anne-Lucie Bugain and Alice Ellwood have all been working extremely hard to design a course to teach students and teachers how to use the educational site Rafi.ki.

Rafi.ki is a secure portal for schools all over the world and is being used to promote and maintain contact with our partner schools abroad.

Kit, Chloe, Anne-Lucie and Alice spent three weeks producing a user booklet and preparing presentations to guide the Peruvian students through the different facets of the site.

They delivered the sessions in a very professional manner and the Peruvian students had all managed to create their own web-page, navigate around the site and left messages for their Comberton partners in their own personal Rafi.ki chatrooms.

Kit, Chloe, Anne-Lucie and Alice then moved on to train the school’s South African partners from Edendale School when they visited Comberton recently.

EARLIER this term, 45 Year 10 students spent a day at the Eastern Learning Centre, being trained in the arts of leadership.

The day was led by Grant Bage, who used anecdotes from his past to illustrate bad leadership (like the ‘Brown Shoes’ incident).

We spent the morning looking at different leadership styles (eg The Outgoing Male or The Dictator), then we had to choose the most appropriate style for different scenarios, with one pupil going straight to The Dictator.

Afterwards, in groups of two or three prefect teams, we completed an exercise in teamwork, with some team members counting the number of f’s in a sentence; some building a tower out of spaghetti and marshmallows; and others wrapping someone in toilet paper!

In the afternoon we worked in our groups again, but this time in an Apprenticeesque competition (with Miss Driver and Mr Carrick as Margret and Nick respectively) with each group having to pitch their plan for a school disco, some of whom got the wrong end of the stick, while others got it spot on including the winning team made up of the Charities Prefects and the Year 11 Fundraising Prefects.

IN FRONT OF THE CLASS: Four Year 7 pupils have been Overall, not only was this day informative but also very enjoyable. responsible for preparing and delivering lessons in the use of the David Cadwalladr (10E) Rafi.ki portal.

8

Harnessing the powe we ADVENTURE Club (AC) has been operating at CVC for the last 4 years – although the format has changed over that time.

Originally the brain-child of the Director of PE and Sport, Nigel Carrick, the programme, now jointly run by Ian Rigg and myself, has helped and supported a large number of pupils, including 27 this year benefitting from the AC experience.

‘Experience’ is perhaps the best description for it. Pupils have an experience that is long lasting and in some cases life-changing. Strong claims indeed, but it is true!

Sport, in its widest sense, has been credited with changing lives for the better — The Sports College framework and the Youth Sports Trust (the organisation that oversees the work of sports colleges), are based around a principle that ‘Sport’ plays a vitally important role in the development of the lives of young and old and not just because of the physical benefits.

Adventure activities are just one branch of the world of sport and PE — OAA or Outdoor and Adventurous Activities have long been used to challenge and affect the young.

AC is Comberton’s way of using OAA to impact the lives and learning of some students.

Pupils are selected for AC on the advice of Heads of Years and tutors. The pupils may

elp all require support for a variety of reasons What we try to do is help all pupils pupils elp positive potential. signed progra Once the group has been selected they follow a specifically designed progr signed re developed with a series of four lessons where certain skills and abilities are developed re wit This year the Year 8s have focussed on mountain biking skills, starting starting with with sted through maintenance and riding proficiency. The Year 8s’ skills were tested through sted terms leading towards the expeditions in the summer term. strated in One of the central themes of AC is teamwork — this is demonstrated in the the strated encouraged to support their fellow AC members; skills that are going going to to be be ce in expeditions. This year some of the expedition training took place in thick thick sn s ce Once the training was done it was time for our first expedition to to Harlton.

Harlton. PP ver — adventure with perhaps the toughest problem solving activity ever — puttin puttin ver They soon learnt that if they didn’t help each other, support or communicat communicat as just stay wasn’t going to be comfortable. The Harlton adventure was just the the rig rig as expedition two; Edale in Derbyshire. This time pupils had the luxury luxury of of sta sta etting-up, wa barn, but what they missed in terms of bonding over the tent setting-up, wa etting-up,

Please mention this publication when Real bravery is facing a challenge you don’t want to do contacting the Advertisers. It is through their

IS there a link between being wet and muddy and having fun? mountain bikes around Ladybower Reservoir. There were lots of generous and continued support that this We set off in the rain and it followed us all the way to places to play skipping stones and explore. At the ‘Slippery Magazine is brought toshared you lunch at no cost to who begged for sandChesterfield where Mr Goldring told us why the steeple is twistStones’ we with the sheep ed to point to the West. Here we spent ages choosing our food wiches.

Jordan and Josh were as nimble as the sheep as they Comberton Village College. for our three days in a camping barn at Edale in the Peak leapt across the boulders in the stream encouraging others until District. Once unpacked and full of cake we headed into the they were wet. hills. Naithan and Josh just bounded the 1000ft climb We to hope youThe willBagshaw support theseCave local Adventure was close by and several of us ‘Ringing Roger’ and then on to ‘Kinder Scout’ to explore the not too keen. Being is not the same as climbbusinesses were in appreciation of underground their peat groughs. Using keen native tracking skills, local knowledge ing a mountain in the sunshine although for some, the smaller commitment tothey thehadCollege. and our compasses we got back just as it was getting dark. the hole to squeeze through the more they liked it. For Once back from the hills we started making pizza dough and others anything called the ‘Mouse Hole’ was a challenge and piling on the fillings. Everyone has personal preferences, possi‘real’ bravery is facing a challenge you don’t want to do and bly fussy preferences but there were lots of healthy choices. overcoming it. Underground no-one can see how scared you Callum wins the prize for his love of exotic fruits especially his feel and back in the sunshine everyone is the same shade of wet pink ‘Dragon’. orange mud.

While Kieran wins the prize for being the first up, Mat and ‘Home’ for more food, cards, talking until sleep took over. Mark Naithan had to be prised from their beds to do the 12 miles on slept most of the way back and Mat talked non-stop until Cambridgeshire came up on the horizon. The hills were gone, we were dry and clean but we have some fantastic memories of FOCUS ON FOOD: At Harlton OOD: At At OOD: our adventures together.

Ian Rigg FOCUS ON FOOD:

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We had no electricity and the only item we needed was running water. The fire Please callfor cooking, sitting was our focal point and on talking around455123 from 5.15 am when now 01480 Toby and orKieran emailgot up to about midnight when Naithan and Josh were the sales@searsweb.com last to choose their bedtime. The other focal point was the ‘Toilet Hole’ dug slowly by a few and mostly by Louis.

Ask for Everything we ate had consequences and Dee, Hannah or the loo being it was great sport to watch emptied.

Stephen If the days were sunny the nights were PEDAL POWER: A lot of the around PEDAL POWER: Aactivities lot of revolved the activities freezing. In the morning the fire had to mountain bikes be restarted for bacon and eggs. The revolved around mountain bikes.

DESIGN

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smell got most of us up but George doesn’t make a pretty sight crawling out of his tent in the morning and Josh only emerged in his sleeping bag.

Fires need feeding and the local woods had a great supply. At first we collected enough to last one meal, but realised that if we wanted to eat and be warm more was needed and chopped. Darryl, Hal and Kieran chopped and sawed every moment. George and Jordan arrived with a dead small tree!

On a hot sunny day we rode to Wimpole with Louis stopping off to check a ‘broken’ wrist that was only sprained. Josh struggled up the hills but was quickly revived by ‘Jam and Custard Jammie

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Dodgers’ Dodgers’.

Dodgers’. energy ra energy ra down aga aga down sensitive m m sensitive described described s tropical se tropical from its its m m from queueing queueing the close close a the ing bulloc bulloc ing tive as as we we tive marshma marshma very close close very ran, whic ran, which idate them them idate of them them so s of herd agai agai herd

er of adventure

pupils achieve achieve their their full full pupils

programme. This This starts starts programme. eloped. eloped. ng with aa lesson lesson on on bike bike g with hroughout the first first two two roughout the

in the the way way pupils pupils are are in to be be vital vital when when on on the the to hick snow! snow! hick rlton.

Pupils started started the the lton. Pupils putting up the tents. putting up the tents. unicate effectively effectively their their unicate the right right preparation preparation for for the of staying staying in in aa camping camping of up, was was more more than than made made up,

99

for in in the the shopping shopping challenge. challenge. The The pupils pupils took took on on the the responsibility responsibility of of sourcing sourcing proviproviuup for up sions. Once Once stocked stocked up, up, we we settled settled into into the the beautiful beautiful surroundings surroundings of of The The Peak Peak District.

District. More More sions. biking, but the boys also had the opportunity to walk/climb some of the impressive peaks biking, but the boys also had the opportunity to walk/climb some of the impressive peaks around us. us. Navigation Navigation work work in in the the mist mist on on ‘Kinder ‘Kinder Scout’, Scout’, and and caving! caving! This This was was the the activity activity around where, for for many, many, the the biggest biggest challenge challenge lay. lay. This This isis where where we we confronted confronted and and overcame overcame our our where, fears and and maybe maybe learnt learnt the the most most about about ourselves. ourselves. fears Teamwork isis key, key, surviving, surviving, living, living, supporting supporting each each other other in in our our AC AC community community — — learning learning Teamwork that our our actions actions and and words words can can have have an an enormous enormous impact impact (positively (positively and and negatively) negatively) on on those those that around us. us. Developing Developing skills skills that that allow allow challenges challenges to to be be tackled tackled and and overcome overcome — — that that isis around Adventure Club.

Club.

Adventure And how how does does this this impact impact the the pupils’ pupils’school school life? life? ItIt isis vital vital that that the the skills skills learnt learnt are are not not left left at at And camp — with support, the pupils transfer their ‘new approach’ to their studies.

Their new camp — with support, the pupils transfer their ‘new approach’ to their studies. Their new found confidence confidence — — the the ‘can ‘can do’ do’attitude attitude isis transferred transferred from from climbing climbing to to aa Maths Maths lesson, lesson, PE PE found or even even homework. homework. Their Their interaction interaction skills skills are are used used across across the the curriculum curriculum and and the the school school UNDERGROUND: or UNDERGROUND: Caving Caving with with UNDERGROUND: Caving with the Adventure Club community. community. the Adventure Club.

The power power of of Adventure.

Adventure.

Mark Goldring, Goldring, Assistant Assistant Director Director of of Sport Sport the Adventure Club.

The Mark

A chance to excel . . .

A PICTURE PICTURE can can tell tell aa thousand thousand words. words. Josh Josh may may not not be be known known for for his his athletic athletic A prowess, his his gymnastic gymnastic ability ability or or high high adrenalin adrenalin action action but but here here isis the the proof. proof. (see (see prowess, left). left).

Everyone excelled excelled themselves, themselves, Ben Ben making making pizza, pizza, black black pudding pudding and and bacon bacon was was my my Everyone favourite, Louis riding the hills and streams and bogs on his bike, Toby burrowing favourite, Louis riding the hills and streams and bogs on his bike, Toby burrowing underground in in the the caves, caves, Alex Alex climbing climbing and and finding finding personal personal armchairs armchairs in in the the underground rocks. rocks.

We were were staying staying in in aa camping camping barn barn on on Ollerbrook Ollerbrook Farm Farm in in Edale.

Edale. The The farmer, farmer, Mr Mr We Thornley, doesn’t doesn’t use use many many words. words. In In fact fact he he doesn’t doesn’t use use two two when when one one will will do do and and Thornley, often doesn’t doesn’t use use any any at at all. all. However, However, Louis Louis and and Toby Toby found found out out more more about about wormwormoften ing sheep sheep than than II ever ever have, have, even even though though they they nearly nearly got got wormed wormed as as well. well. IfIf farmers farmers ing are sparing with words, the bike hirer uses plenty, expressed very slowly.

He like are sparing with words, the bike hirer uses plenty, expressed very slowly. He isis like the gatekeeper gatekeeper in in aa fantasy fantasy adventure; adventure; unless unless we we could could endure endure the the sleepiness sleepiness of of his his the talk we we couldn’t couldn’t have have his his bikes bikes to to explore explore the the kingdom kingdom — — we we explored! explored! talk Once hurtling hurtling around around the the lake lake we we stopped stopped to to gather gather strength strength for for aa big big hill hill and and met met Once another adventurer adventurer dressed dressed all all in in grey, grey, like like Boromire, Boromire, accompanied accompanied by by aa huge huge grey grey another hound. He’d He’d had had aa hard hard workout workout yesterday yesterday so so he he was was just just taking taking aa gentle gentle 11-mile 11-mile hound. hike to to exercise exercise his his dog, dog, which which usually usually ran ran three three times times his his walking walking distance. distance. Once Once hike LEAP OFOF FAITH: On Kinder Scout.

LEAP OF FAITH: On Kinder Scout.

Scout. he’d he’d shared shared our our stories stories and and encouraged encouraged us us with with aa few few of of his his own own he he disappeared disappeared into into LEAP FAITH: On Kinder :nAt At Harlton.

Harlton. the forest forest only only to to reappear reappear and and disappear disappear over over lunch. lunch. the Lunch had had less less to to do do with with food food and and much much more more to to do do with with the the slippery slippery stones stones in in the the Lunch stream. Shoes Shoes were were discarded; discarded; socks socks became became redundant redundant exploring exploring the the stream, stream, espeespestream. cially after after Alex Alex had had fallen fallen in. in. There There was was only only one one local local tourist tourist and and when when asked asked ifif cially At night night we we went went off off to to Harlton Harlton Woods Woods to to she minded if trousers could be cast off she just smiled her approval. Josh did disdgers’.

Alex and and Naithan Naithan had had lots lots of of At gers’. Alex she minded if trousers could be cast off she just smiled her approval. Josh did display ‘Man ‘Man Hunt’, Hunt’, although although in in aa spooky spooky rgy racing to to the the top top of of the the hills hills and and cuss the the day’s day’s events events with with aa local local sheep sheep thinking thinking he he was was safely safely protected protected by by the the play gy racing cuss wood at at night night everyone everyone felt felt like like the the hunthunt- stream, but she knew better. She just crossed the bridge; all we saw was a set of were wn again. Out Out in in the the fields fields there there were wood n again. stream, but she knew better. She just crossed the bridge; all we saw was a set of ed. ‘Hunters ‘Hunters and and Prey’ Prey’stayed stayed close close sitive moments watching watching nature. nature. Toby Toby horns crossing crossing the the bridge bridge above above the the wall wall to to reappear reappear besides besides Josh Josh to to get get better better ed. itive moments horns together and imaginations ran riot in our cribed it as ‘watching wind play on a aquainted. together and imaginations ran riot in our aquainted. ribed it as ‘watching wind play on a own ‘Forbidden ‘Forbidden Forest’.

Forest’. When When you’re you’re rescued aa lamb lamb lost lost pical sea’! Kieran Kieran rescued re Underground itit isis difficult difficult to to know know who who you you are are talking talking to to Bob, Bob, our our guide, guide, was was full full own ical sea’!

Underground scared and it’s dark it’s OK to hold m its mother, we avoided the OAPs of stories stories about about mining, mining, stalactites, stalactites, stalagmites stalagmites and and glass glass eyes eyes which which glow glow in in the the scared and it’s dark it’s OK to hold m its mother, we avoided the OAPs of hands! Back Back at at the the fire, fire, reviving reviving our our egos egos dark. In the absence of any light our brains invented an image of our hand which we ueing for for tea tea at at Wimpole Wimpole and and made made hands! ueing dark. In the absence of any light our brains invented an image of our hand which we with hot hot chocolate, chocolate, marshmallows marshmallows and and close acquaintance acquaintance of of the the neighbourneighbourcould still still see see when when our our eyes eyes were were shut! shut! Wow! Wow! Once Once we we were were crawling crawling with with the the with close could popcorn the feeling was that this was way bullocks.

They were only as inquisimud below below and and the the mountain mountain above, above, excited excited words words just just bubble bubble out out and and some some dubidubipopcorn the feeling was that this was way mud bullocks. They were only as inquisibetter than than school. school. Then Then we we listed listed the the as we we were were and and on on our our search search for for better ous noises noises were were invented invented from from the the unidentified unidentified torches torches in in the the dark. dark. Conversations Conversations as ous school subjectz subjectz we we had had covered covered throughthroughrshmallow sticks they they followed followed us, us, school happen all all the the time time but but most most often often over over meals meals when when we we found found out out who who likes likes Top shmallow sticks happen out the the days. days. We We even even fitted fitted in in Music Music with with Trumps, who plays ‘Runescape’, who mends bikes, who loves a ‘Supersize’,Top too closely. closely. If If we we ran ran they they y closely closely — — too out what Trumps, who plays ‘Runescape’, who mends bikes, who loves a ‘Supersize’, what Naithan’s rapping rapping and and MFL MFL through through disdis- uncle Jess did, who is in the Cadets and who got thrown out. The best conversa, which which was was worse. worse. Josh Josh tried tried to to intimintim- Naithan’s uncle Jess did, who is in the Cadets and who got thrown out.

The best conversacussions with with George George about about Italy.

Italy. Perhaps Perhaps tions are overheard as we patrolled at night. Young boys do have lively imaginathem but but they they were were bigger bigger and and more more cussions ee them tions are overheard as we patrolled at night. Young boys do have lively imaginawe should should just just move move the the school school out out into into — one one hem so so we we all all stuck stuck together together — we hem tions but but my my lips lips are are sealed. sealed. Sometimes Sometimes II wish wish theirs’ theirs’were! were!

Ian Rigg Rigg tions Ian the open air?

Ian Rigg d against another. the open air?

Ian Rigg d against another.

in open-air classroom

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We hope you will support these local businesses in appreciation of their commitment to the College.

10

Course hits right notes REMEMBER the snow back in February this year?

What a great day to have a taster lesson for the re-launch of the Yamaha Music School at Comberton. That lesson obviously had to be re-arranged, but from Spring half-term onwards two classes have been meeting after-school each week learning to play keyboard in a fun and creative environment.

The classes, of up to 10 students each, are learning on state-ofthe-art keyboards provided by Yamaha.

The Play for Keeps course material follows a fully accredited Trinity Guildhall exam syllabus and can take the student from beginner to Grade 8 standard.

It encompasses a broad range of musical genres, with a focus on popular music from the Rock and Roll era to the present day. Working in a group setting brings the additional advantage of being able to learn to play in a band, as well as solo.

Yamaha Music Schools aim to develop rounded musicians who can play by ear and compose their own arrangements, as well as read music to a high standard.

Steve Gaze, the new Yamaha Keyboard Tutor, has played in music groups in Britain, Africa and the South Pacific using a range of styles (particularly gospel, blues, pop, jazz/funk influences). He is involved in youth work in local villages and CVC and he is excited by the opportunities these classes offer to young musicians to learn to play and enjoy making music together. The students’ first public performance was as part of the CVC concert earlier this month.

“We will be starting more beginners classes in the autumn term, and there will be opportunity for a free taster lesson so potential students, and parents, can check it out before they commit to classes”, said CVC Head of Music Ben Parker.

These classes will be aimed at upper primary school and Year 7 students so look out for details in September or e-mail Steve Gaze (stevegaze@googlemail.com) for further information.

TUNED IN: Primary and secondary students at the Yamaha Keyboard classes.

Chance to learn something new THE new Adult Education programme for September will be on the college website soon and will also be delivered door to door over the next month. Please request a copy if you don't receive one on (01223) 264721 or commed@comberton.cambs.sch.uk A range of part-time day and evening courses will be on offer again and fees will remain the same as last year.

Activities include Arts and Crafts, Day schools, Computing, Languages, Music and Dance. New courses in September include: Exploring the Universe — a Beginners Guide to the Cosmos (Weds eve) with opportunities for hands-on use

of a large telescope.

Safety First Investing — the five-week course will be an excellent introduction to the market for investors or potential investors (not speculators).

An Introduction to the Enneagram — a five-week course for those who want to understand more about this model of human motivation.

Maths GCSE and Sociology AS (Mon eve) — two interesting but also very useful qualifications.

Oil Painting Beginners/2nd level (Wed eve) and Life Drawing with model (Mon eve).

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11

Working it out . . .

COMBERTON once again held its annual Apprenticeship and Job-Seekers Convention for those Year 10 students who may be considering work-based learning as their 16+ route.

The event, in the Performance Hall, was attended by more than 100 Year 10 students from Comberton, Bassingbourn and Melbourn village colleges.

Students were given on short talk on a Work Based Learning and Apprenticships and then had the opportunity to go round the hall and talk to the representatives from the various organisations who were there. A wide range of training providers and local employers attended including Marshall Aerospace, Cambridge Regional College, YMCA, College of Animal Welfare, the Armed Forces and South Cambs District Council.

As in previous years exhibitors and students found the event very worthwhile and many students gained a better understanding of the opportunities available to FINALIST: Audrey Braven-Ayres’ poster. them when they move on.

Telling a story AT the start of term my form 9E entered the Young Brits at Art competition Young Brits at Art is run by the Equality and Human Rights Commission. It is open to everyone between the ages of 11 and 19 and wanted young people to create a piece which explains what it is like to be a young person living in Britain.

It could be done however you want and this year 1,639 people entered.

In June I found out I had been shortlisted to the last 100 and was invited to the Southbank Centre in London where 10 winners were announced and the shortlisted work displayed. Unfortunately I wasn’t in the top 10, but I still had a really good day out. I would like to thank Miss Quinn and Mr Joseph for entering me.

Audrey Braven-Ayres (9E)

Making things right!

AMNESTY International is an organisation that defends human rights and encourages the upholding of human rights.

Its motto is ‘protect the human’. The CVC Amnesty International Group, meeting once a week, has been in existence for several years. It is run by pupils and overseen by Mr Dawes.

This year, as an enthusiastic group, we have written letters on behalf of Amnesty to those leaders, government ministers, and Members of Parliament whose responsibility it is to ensure that human rights abuses are kept in check. We

have been a positive influence in defending human rights along with the thousands of other individuals and groups across the world.

Coming from people of school age, moreover, we hope our messages - of goodwill to those exposed to affliction (take Amnesty’s annual greetings card campaign), as well as of protest to the people in power – are especially prominent.

Amnesty International is now, more than ever, a large and diverse organisation that has been and always will be respectable to the highest degree.

Its work is founded on a strong advocacy of the fundamentals of human life and as an organization it shows itself to be both accessible and

devoted. Because of this I think we all ought to embrace it in whatever means possible, either at CVC or elsewhere.

On Friday lunchtime at school, we tend to alternate between writing letters and discussing issues and cases that we have seen or heard about, most of which have featured in the main news. The atmosphere is informal and should pupils wish to come along on a Friday to MA6, with their lunch, they will be most welcome.

For more information about Amnesty in this country, you need only visit www.amnesty.org.uk.

Please mention this publication when Sam Wood (9R)

contacting the Advertisers. It is through their CVC pupils hoping for a further challenge generous and continued support that this EIGHT Comberton pupils took part in this year's Kielder Challenge in Huntingdon and hope to go further.

The challenge is a national outdoor adventure competition which has been running for more than 20 years.

It involves outdoor problem-solving activities that test the skills of a team to work together, communicate, plan and evaluate. Most importantly, the Challenge is fully inclusive and open to all young people.

All team members can play an active role in solving the challenges and the inclusion of all students is a key goal for each team.

This is Annabel Harvey’s (7E) report.

Eight children from different years went to Hinchingbrooke Country Park, Huntingdon, for the Kielder challenge

Magazine is brought to you at no cost to where you work on your team skills.

You had to choose all of your tactics Comberton Village College. as a group and the teachers were not allowed to help in the challenges.

We hope you will support these local The team from CVC had a great time there, so great that we came second. businesses in appreciation of their And now we are first in reserve for the commitment to the College. plate final that will take place over five days in the Kielder forest, Northumberland in September.

The people in the team were Annabel Harvey, Ben Sievewright, Daniel Cracroft Rice, Alex Hay, Liam Goddard, Devin Barry, Charlie McLaughlin and Sam Spencer.

Everyone had a great time there, and all of the challenges were great fun and exiting. At the end of the day we TEAM COMBERTON: CVC’s Kielder Challenge team. all were very tired.

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12

Girls in titles double BOTH Comberton's girls’ teams are the District football champions.

After a series of Grand Prix events throughout the year, they clinched the district titles — but just missed out on the county ones as well.

The under-14 team, which included some Year 7 players in the final round — were edged out 1-0 by Impington in the county final, but previous results were good enough for the district title.

And the under-12 team reached the semi-finals of the county competition, but were crowned district champions after consistently winning their matches at the events throughout the season.

Under-12 squad: Nicole Ferre, Katy Blackhurst, Grace Vaudin, Roxanna Shini, Emily Randall-Bowen, Liddy Pinner, Eva Main, Emily Arnold Under-14 squad: Joanna Raymond, Fiona Carter, Becky Randall-Bowen, Summer Cutmore, Sarah Raymond, Millie Turner, Fiona Kendall.

WINNERS: The two Comberton teams with their medals and trophies.

Stunning save seals victory A SUPER save from Lewis Powter helped Hardwick win their own 12-team football tournament.

His save ensured a 5-4 victory on penalties against Monkfield Park after the final ended goalless.

Coton, the only team to have beaten Hardwick on the day, finished third, with Caldecote fourth.

The competition, which also included teams from Foxton, Bourn, Melbourn, The Vine, Robert Arkenstall (Haddenham) and Barton, was refereed by Comberton Year 8 and 9 pupils.

Alex Minei, a teaching assistant at Hardwick and The Vine, who organised the event, said: "It was a great afternoon of football despite the early rain. There were some memorable matches; none more so than the tense final and I would like to thank all the GOALMOUTH ACTION: From the game between children, parents and CVC helpers for Coton and Monkfield Park at the Hardwick event. making it such a good spectacle."

Great day out COMBERTON'S two teams had a fantastic day at the Youth Games in St Ives.

Although they did not win overall, they did have some success in their games of Boccia and cricket and all gave 100 per cent in the fourth annual event for pupils with special physical and learning needs.

TA Sarah Spencer, who took the teams, said: ."It was really great that the students work so well with students from other years" For those who don't know, Boccia can be played by individuals, pairs or teams. All competitors take part sitting down and the aim of the game is to throw leather balls as close as they can to a white target ball. A point is awarded for each ball that is closer to the target ball than the opponent's closest ball. The most points wins.

SPORT IN FOCUS: Comberton teams competed in Boccia (above) and cricket at the Youth Games in St Ives.

WATER FIRST: Comberton’s first team at the county schools regatta.

The Price is right for CVC pupils MEMBERS of the Sailing Club took part in the Cambridgeshire Schools Regatta for the first time this year.

The event was held in baking heat at Nene Park in Peterborough on 1st July and consisted of three races in single-handed dinghies.

Several schools fielded teams and some of the competitors were experienced racers who sail in national events, but we held our own!

All of our sailors came in the top 30, and two in the top 10 — Year 9 pupil Michael Steward was just pipped at the post by Will Price, also of Year 9, who romped home in the final race to become CVC's top sailor.

A fantastic time was had by all who came on the day and a special thanks to Ms Smith and Mrs Sharpe, who came with us and supported the team throughout the day.

The Sailing Club

13

Youngsters fly high at Olympic festival

TAKE OFF: Pupils enjoyed long jumping into a proper pit.

YEAR 4 pupils from all nine of Comberton’s feeder primary schools were among more than 1300 eight and nine-year-olds who spent a sporting day at the Cambridge University Athletics Ground in Wilberforce Road.

The youngsters took part in the sixth annual South Cambs School Sports Partnership Mini Olympics where they joined pupils from 33 other primary schools across the district.

They had the chance to try an incredible range of sports including athletics, football, cricket, tennis, golf, hockey, tug-of-war, dance and orienteering.

Each pupil was given a T-shirt, sponsored by Cambridge sports specialists, Hobbs Sports, with the different families of schools represented by a difmention ferent colour. AllPlease the Comberton fam-

ily schools wore royal blue as they made their way round the circuit of activities.

Claire McDonnell, the Combertonbased Partnership Development Manager, said: “This is all about taking part and seeing the children doing their best at sports.

“It gives them an opportunity to try as many different sports a possible and hopefully they’ll find one they want to conintue with.

“It was great for them to be able to go to a really good sports facility, unlike anything they have in school. They liked being on a proper athletics track and doing the long jump in a proper pit.”

Sports leaders from Comberton were ON TARGET: Pupils practised their among the secondary school pupils golf skills at one of the activities on a this publication when helping out on the various events. day-long sports circuit.

contacting the Advertisers. It is through their generous and continued support that this Magazine is brought to you at no cost to Comberton Village College.

Top three spot for girls

We hope you will support these local businesses in appreciation of their commitment to the College.

HARDWICK Primary School's girls' team finished joint third in regional finals of the National Kwik Cricket contest.

came down, Hardwick were unable to continue their fine form and went out to a stronger team in their first appearance at the regional stage.

That meant they agonisingly missed out on a place in the national finals at Headingley, Leeds as both finalists went through.

Having won the district round and finished county runners-up to Westwood, the Year 5 and 6 team took on the top two teams from Hardwick: Sadie Agg, Holly Gillson, Katie Hunts, Norfolk, Suffolk and Bedfordshire and Reynolds, Erica Parr, Chloe Livermore, Ceyda the top three from Herts and Essex in a dayRefioglu and Akasya Refioglu (captain). long competition at Mildenhall.

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In a tense game, they eventually Ask for won convincingly Dee, Hannah or to set up a clash Stephen with Holt Farm in the semi-finals.

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DESIGN

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POINTS INTHE THE POINTS IN BAG: From BAG: Fromthe the javelin event. javelin event

Morgan spears points A WINNING throw from Morgan Young added an impressive 29 points to Comberton’s total at the at the regional round of the English Schools athletics team cup.

Having won the Cambridgeshire round in May, Comberton found themselves up against some very strong London schools at the regional event at Wilberforce Road in Cambridge.

But Morgan, of 8E, threw the javelin close to his then personal best with 36.55m.

There was also a great show from Myles Carter (8B).

He earned 46 points from a possible 56 in his two events then stepped up as a reserve in the 100m to collect another 18 points.

It was a great team effort and the boys finished eighth of the 15 schools involved.

A big thanks also to Miss Moore and Miss Frogatt.

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APPLIED

A Specialism of Comberton Vi l l a g e College

LEARNING

Achieving potential THIS term has been a reflective one for all of us involved with our applied learning courses, and the school as a whole.

Our first cohort of pupils have completed their BTEC qualifications, and while we cannot be certain of their results yet, it is looking like there will be some phenomenal achievements to celebrate in the summer.

The process of setting up the BTEC subjects, learning how they work, resourcing them, coming up with innovative and high quality experiences for our pupils, and then supporting them to achieve highly, has been challenging, but equally enjoyable and rewarding.

Despite inevitable budgetary pressures, additional funding for our Applied Learning specialism has allowed us to run smaller classes, as well as providing additional resources, most notably in Construction and Art and Design.

Our applied courses are now firmly embedded in the curriculum and 50 per cent of our Year 9 pupils are taking an applied learning course next term.

Governors and staff all agreed that applied learning courses were vital to our role as a successful, fully comprehensive school and are instrumental in

More choices AS part of the on-going process of curriculum review at Comberton designed to increase choice for our pupils, students in the current Year 9 will be able to consider the new diplomas in Sport & Active Leisure or in Business & Financial Administration in our new sixth form at CVC. This increased offer is part of an ambitious national programme to widen curriculum choice for 14-19 year olds, with 17 new diplomas across a wide range of subject areas including construction, hair & beauty, land based studies and engineering and media.

Schools and colleges in the South Cambridgeshire area are working in partnership to offer all 17 subjects by 2013.

Individual institutions seek to develop existing strengths to ensure all students can access all 17 subjects within the local area.

We are delighted to be taking a big part in both the Sport & Active Leisure and Business and Financial Administration diploma group, building on our Sports College specialism, and our success with the BTECs in Sport and Business. We believe very strongly that these diplomas will offer our students high quality, applied learning opportunities to prepare them for either University or careers at 18.

Details of the courses available here at CVC and other institutions locally will be made available to pupils and parents during the Autumn term.

Phil Evans, Deputy Principal

achieving our aims of providing excellent education to all pupils and ensuring that they all achieve their potential.

The final area of reflection is our exciting new sixth form for 2011. From the start there has been a clear expectation that our sixth form will be fully comprehensive, and that applied learning courses will have a key role. We had some great news in being given approval to offer new diploma courses in business administration and sport science at level 3 (A-level equivalent).

Heads of Department are also starting to think hard about what other applied learning courses they feel it is appropriate to offer, for example BTEC Nationals to run alongside the extensive range of AS & A level provision.

Our Applied Learning Specialism is our newest specialism at Comberton, just over two years old, but from the wealth of activities you can see in this edition & the stunning performance of our first cohort, we are very proud of what we have achieved in such a short time, and are full of plans and exciting ideas on how we can improve the education of our pupils in the future.

Lorna Bateson, Director of Applied Learning

Girls’ vital role in successful show FIVE BTEC Art and Design students were asked to assist with a prestigious Fashion Show by designers from Cambridge University.

Kim, Dassa, Sophie S, Sophie C.and Hannah were immediately welcomed as part of the voluntary

after Milton's poem. Local designers had interpreted the theme of the Fall of Man in different ways and the range of clothes and accessories was as vast as it was eclectic.

There were two shows of 40 minutes each with live music, video — and reptiles!

While three girls helped dress the models backstage, two others photographed the show which consisted of very tall, very slim models teetering around the room in stilettos and sculpted material — and that was just the boys!

It was breath-taking; it was awe-inspiring and, very quickly, it was over!

The girls sprang into action at halftime, selling the Goodie bags to the 130 members of the audience. Kim was especially good at this — bags were flying out of her hands and altogether, we raised £270 from goodie bag donations.

The first audience was ushered out and HELPING HANDS: Girls on the BTEC Art & Design course. the second one made comfortable.

Another 140 guests watched the second team of artists who were putting on the show in show along with the girls who had been back stage aid of Teenage Cancer Trust. first time round.

Goodie Bags had to be sorted and labelled, chairs Backstage, flowers were flying, very tall people put out and floors swept. There was to be a glamwere hugging each other and the exhausted makeorous after-show party and the girls helped prepare up artists were gearing up for a well-earned party! the Cambridge Student Union for this. Then there It was a fantastic experience for everyone and we were the snakes! Yes, three, live 20 foot pythons all headed for home with music, congratulations wound around their keepers that needed looking and amazing images whirling around our heads — after! and the satisfaction of knowing that it wouldn't The theme of the show was “Lost in Paradise” have been as successful without us.

15

APPLIED LEARNING

Fresh ideas appeal to young voters THE Ballot Box competition was open to all Year 8 students.

stickers and took part in public speaking in their social area. In assembly they bravely presented their ideas in a 60-second party political

Its aim was to help students to develop their enterprise skills: creativity, teamwork, decision-making, organisation, independent learning and leadership. It was also aimed at developing their knowledge and understanding of the election process, economics and the government’s role in society.

Students formed a political party in groups of 4-6 members as if they were campaigning for control of the UK Government.

They had to think about what they would change if they were in power; what they thought was the most important issue for the country at the moment; and in the future. They used these ideas to form party manifestos. They then competed against other groups (other political parties) ELECTED: The winning Year 8 ‘party’. to win an election. broadcast to their peers. They prepared Three teams took part: Fresh, Commitment PowerPoint presentations, speeches and one Council and The British Freedom Party. group even prepared their own pre-recorded During campaign week they prepared posters,

version of BBC1’s Politics Show. We had a few technical hitches but the students remained unflustered and all delivered excellent party political broadcasts.

The next day the voters went to the polls and Year 8 voted for the political party with the best ideas and for a party that they believed would be effective leaders. 250 students took part in the voting. The votes were overseen by the form reps and counted by staff.

After several recounts,‘Fresh’ were elected as the winners with 46 per cent of the poll, just two per cent ahead of the British Freedom party with the Commitment Council third! All the students who participated were awarded with a certificate and the winning party members each received a voucher for the Grafton Centre.

Well done to all the students who took part. It was great fun to see their creative ideas and their excellent team working skills. They have a great political future ahead of them!

Hard craft pays off . . .

YOUR Name Here, a company selling handmade craft items picked up two of the three prizes in the Year 9 Enterprise Competition.

The object of the competition was to develop enterprise skills: tenacity, independence, innovation, imagination, risk-taking, creativity, intuition and leadership and in total the teams made a combined total of £1,580 and have donated £315.96 to charity.

Well done to all the teams who took part. They all worked extremely hard and gave up a lot of their spare time to take part in the competition.

Emma Weston

The all-girl business of Abigail White, Martha Hallett-Morley, Lisa Jiang and Anita Jiang won the overall prize as the most profitable business, clearing an impressive £729.75 and were also given the Team Performance Award.

Your Name Here produced more than 200 products as a team with each member managing their own section. Their records of all transactions were excellent and it was clearly a very professional set-up with students giving up many hours.

The other special award went to the Gems Jewels team of Emma Pinchen, Nicola Warren, Lauren Wilson and Jadene Barker, who sold ready-made and made-to-order jewellery.

They were recognised for an excellent demonstration of enterprise skills.

Their products were highly creative and unique and the team were dedicated and showed great tenacity.

Overall five teams completed the competition; the others being Phoenix (James Oyler, Tom Evans, Lucas Tanburn, Samantha Marcus and Daniel Ruddock), who sold smoothies at pre-arranged school events, Cleaning Unlimited (Josh Harland-Mears, Naveen Pappachan, Angus McCutcheon, Sam Tilley, Sam Richardson and, Everett Symmonds Miller) who cleaned cars and Orange Photography (Sam McKay, Austen Durham, Brad Winter and Jack Hanizsch) who sold greetings cards, photographs and calendars.

ENTERPRISING: The winning Year 9 team.

16

APPLIED LEARNING

The people theme!

FIFTY-ONE Year 10 and 11 BTEC Business students set off for Thorpe Park under the keen supervision of Mrs Weston, Mr Evans, Ms Bateson and Mr Allen.

We visited Thorpe Park as part of the study of Unit 5 — People in Organisations.

Students were involved in interviewing staff, looking at terms and conditions of employment, personal attributes and team working needed within the park and training and development opportunities within the park.

The students received a 45-minute talk from Thorpe Park’s Education Officer Chris Chedzey, which was really interesting.

He was able to answer all of the pre-prepared questions the students had about procedures within the business… and Sam Bols’ pressing question…

“Is Saw open today?”

The students then made their way to the Dome where they worked together in teams to interview members of staff about their job roles.

Among the helpful answers they also got some rather interesting ones! It was amazing to find out how little some staff knew about their own terms and conditions of employment, which might be down to apathy or because they were mainly seasonal workers.

The students observed employees working and spoke to them about what their jobs involve and what attributes they need in their job. They learned about the importance of team work and how management often pitch in on

INSIDER KNOWLEDGE: Thorpe Park’s Education Officer Chris Chedzey explains how the theme park works. busy days.

The students had a really enjoyable day and learned a lot about the way a successful business is run.

Pupils go ‘over the edge’

THE JOHN LEWIS WAY: Pupils get an insight into the workings of a successful national business.

The art of business JO and Maya from The John Lewis Partnership in Cambridge visited Year 10 and 11 BTEC Business students as part of their study on Unit 5 — People in Organisations.

They gave an excellent presentation about practices at John Lewis, including how they recruit and shortlist their staff and the skills and attributes that they look for in an employee.

They discussed the importance of terms and conditions of employment and how John Lewis has been affected by recent economic events. The students had 20 questions prepared and were attentive and proactive in taking notes.

It was a very beneficial session as the students gained an insight into a real life successful national business.

Over the Edge was a Year 7 enterprise activity run as part of my Gold Business Leaders Award.

This activity took place in the Old Gym during lunch time. The teams had to arrive as soon as possible equipped with trainers. (Well done to 7O and 7N who got awarded an extra point for being organised!) The hall was set up with 2 benches set 2.5 ft apart and some mats around for safety.

Each form had to enter 8 pupils for each team. The team then used their decisionmaking and communication skills to nominate one person as the team leader.

The leader was given an instruction card on the day instructing them to rearrange the team to line up according to birthdays (from youngest to eldest or vice versa), ascending or descending height order or ascending alphabetical order of surnames on the other bench and was the only person who was allowed to speak once the game had started.

They were timed for how long it took them to finish the task. The team who finished quickest was awarded 10 points, second received 9 points and so on. 7E were the quickest and it only took them 28 seconds! However, a point was

deducted every time someone spoke, stepped off the bench or had a team-mate missing on the day! In the end, the winners were 7M! They were awarded with certificates and a form prize of a board game compendium in assembly.

Although this activity did not involve any financial transaction, it was called an enterprise activity because the teams developed their enterprise skills. They developed the verbal communication skill while selecting the team leader; non-verbal communication skill when they are not allowed to speak during the activity; they had to be creative to think of ways which effectively allowed them to rearrange themselves in order on a narrow bench without falling onto the mats.

They developed some risk-taking because even though they know moving around may result in them falling and losing a point, they still had to do it!

I would like to say thank you for all the enthusiasm all forms showed towards this activity which allowed it to run successfully; thank you to all teachers helped supervise and to Kuda Zhandire and Kevin Stearn in Year 11 who helped to set up the equipment.

Miranda Lin (11I)

Wallis, Cavendish House, Cambridge Road, Barton, Cambridge CB23 7AW. 5 mins from J12 - M11

Designed by Judy Czylok, CVC. publicity@comberton.cambs.sch.uk

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