COWLEY
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INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE
COWLEIAN TIMES
A BRIGHT FUTURE There was a real buzz in Cowley International Hall at The Future Fair event that was held on 22nd November. The event was attended by more than 400 students from all year groups, including Sixth Form and was organised by Cowley’s Work Related Learning Manager, Mrs Wright. Mrs Wright said, “This year’s Future Fair event was a huge success. Both exhibitors and students commented on the great atmosphere. “We had 26 stands made up of prospective employers, training providers and educational establishments, offering students careers and learning advice.
stands, they said how delighted they were with the organisation and the demeanour of students who attended.” Among those impressed with the event was an exhibitor, who commented, “It is extremely valuable for young people to plan ahead for their future whilst they are still in school. Events like this provide a great platform for employers and training providers to raise awareness of their industry and of the opportunities that are available.” For more information about Work Related Learning, students should contact Mrs Wright.
“Speaking to the companies that took up
Keep up-to-date with Cowley’s sporting news by following the Sports department on Twitter or Facebook. More sporting news can be found in December’s Sports Review newsletter.
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#1 AUTUMN 2012
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MAKING A GOOD IMPRESSION HOMEWORK CLUB BEAUTY SCHOOL NATIONAL CITIZEN SERVICE ATTENDANCE MATTERS PRESENTATION EVENING BADMINTON WIN WORKOUT WEDNESDAY PERFORMING ARTS BASH AWARDS MATHS HELP FOR STUDENTS ACCELERATED READER
@Cowleysport
Cowley sporting
MAKING A GOOD IMPRESSION
Earlier this month, a number of Year 13 Business Studies students experienced a full mock interview programme by global food and beverage leader, Pepsico.
PRESENTATION EVENING 2012
Sixth Form student, Hayley Clarkson, recently took part in the valued community programme, National Citizen Service (NCS). NCS offers young people an opportunity to participate in a personal development programme and to make a positive contribution to their local community.
Five managers and an international HR representative from Pepsico delivered a programme that included a formal interview, aptitude tests and a group task.
The National Citizen Service programme is split up into three sections, Residential Week, Residential Weekend and Social Action Days. The programme is completed with a graduation ceremony to celebrate each participant’s achievement.
On programme completion, each student was offered individual feedback so that they could take away some valuable advice and tips on how to prepare for future interviews.
For the residential part of the programme, Hayley spent an action packed adventure week in the Lake District, making new friends and enjoying activities such as scrambling, kayaking, canoeing, climbing and whaling.
Pepsico also discussed the students’ performance in detail, as they would in a real-life interview situation and after careful consideration, appointed Aimee Farrar as the successful candidate.
The Social Action Days involved Hayley and a small group planning a project to help improve their local community. The group decided to go about improving the facilities at Park Farm Community Centre in Clinkham Wood and they spent a weekend putting their interior design and landscaping skills to practice! The end result was a wonderfully decorated centre with pristine gardens, which both staff and visitors to the centre are delighted with.
BEAUTY SCHOOL
Reflecting on the programme, Hayley said, “My favourite part of NCS was meeting new people and making friends. NCS has given me valuable experience and life skills that I am sure will be useful for my future.”
A group of Year 10 students are taking part in a two year course that will lead to a professional qualification in Hair and Beauty. This course is a first for St Helens and is being run as a pilot. As part of the course, the students have been developing new skills and learning hair and beauty treatments at Es Paradis Hair and Beauty salon in Earlestown. The course also involves a theoretical side, with students documenting research styles and methodology. The group will be showing off their newly acquired skills at the Christmas Market, as they have booked a stall for seasonal face painting.
On Thursday 22nd November, Cowley held its annual Presentation Evening, celebrating achievements from the last academic year. Mr Narayanan, the Chair of Governors, opened proceedings by recognising the ongoing dedication, hard work and excellence shown by both students and staff. A packed Cowley Hall warmly applauded the achievements of students who were awarded prizes in recognition of their hard-work. The guest of honour this year was former Cowley Grammar pupil, Professor Fairclough (pictured with Mr Sheeran) who is now one of Britain’s most respected surgeons.
BADMINTON WIN! Recently, Cowley Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 students took part in the Center Parcs National Schools Badminton Championships. We’re delighted to announce that our teams are through to the next round!
NCS is an opportunity to boost your CV, learn new skills, meet new people and make a real difference to your local area. Visit nationalcitizenservice.direct.gov.uk
KS3 Team: Tolver Arnold, Tom Evans, Jack Unsworth (Captain) and Kieran Hudson. KS4 Team: Adam Hill, Matthew Kerr (Captain), Connor Brown and Steven Kerr.
ATTENDANCE MATTERS
WORKOUT WEDNESDAY
Current studies show that there is a clear link between poor attendance at college and low levels of achievement. Regular attendance establishes patterns of responsibility and commitment that will serve students throughout their lives.
Cycling is a cost effective and environmentally friendly form of transport that can also contribute towards improving general health and fitness.
For more information and support, download the Attendance Matters booklet from our website.
We are encouraging students to take part in ‘Workout Wednesday’ by cycling to college every Wednesday. Every time a student cycles to college, they will receive one entry into a prize draw for the chance to take part in a biking related trip. See Mr Foster for more information.
PERFORMING ARTS
We have experienced another exciting and busy term in the Performing Arts department. The highlight of the term was ‘Disney in Concert’ where the college’s musicians and singers staged a concert featuring over 20 songs from various Disney films from the 1930s to modern day. Over 150 people attended the concert and as ever the students performed with confidence and enthusiasm. Cowley singers were then invited to perform a selection of songs from the Disney Concert at the Town Hall in a joint show with St Helens Concert Band, who are celebrating their 40th anniversary this year. The students stole the show and wowed the audience, which included the Mayor, with their performance. In October, our Senior Choir were selected as one of two acts to represent St Helens in ‘The Chief Constables Challenge’. Performers from all over Merseyside took part in the competition and our Senior Choir won third place – an excellent achievement. The Senior Choir were then invited to perform at Park Inn, St Helens as part of a charity fund raising event for local young people’s charity ‘Tunza’s Pride’. The term also saw the 19th and last ever ‘Cowley Stars in Their Eyes Competition’. The final competition was won by Sixth Form group ‘AO2’; Lauren Riley won Best Sixth Form Act; Amber Heyes won Best Key Stage 4 Act and Lara Waterworth won Best Key Stage 3 Act. Inside the classroom, Year 13 BTEC Acting students devised and performed a Christmas Pantomime in two of Cowley’s feeder Primary Schools, whilst the Year 12 BTEC musicians presented an ‘Evening of Popular Music’ in Cowley Hall (see above). The Year 13 BTEC musicians have also put together and performed two live concerts for Year 9 pupils of original music inspired by 9/11 and Christmas. Preparations are underway for the production of the legendary musical ‘Miss Saigon’ which runs at the end of February 2013. See Mr Chambers or Mr Watkins if you would like to be involved.
FREE BREAKFAST
To ensure students are set up for the day, a pilot will run throughout the Spring Term which will provide free toast and juice to all students every morning from 8 am - 8.30 am in the main canteen.
BASH AWARDS
Last year, Cowley was one of the pilot groups for the BASH awards (Book Awards St Helens) and this year we have been joined by all the other St Helens’ secondary schools. A small but avid group of readers had their first workshop earlier in November with Local Authority library staff to decide on this year’s shortlist. We are looking forward to meeting the 2012 winner, Patrick Ness, at the 2013 ceremony in March.
MATHS HELP FOR STUDENTS
All students have access to an excellent online resource called MathsWatch, which can be accessed via a link on the college website. This wonderful mathematics resource tool includes videos and worksheets for every KS3 and GCSE topic.
ACCELERATED READER
The English department has been working relentlessly hard with the Librarian in order to successfully implement the new Year 7 reading program and thus far, we are very pleased with the way Year 7 students have adopted it as part of their daily routine, having read in excess of eight million words as well as over 1500 books! Our first ever student to read over one million words independently is Georgia McInroy, however, hot on her heels is Ashley Arnold! Year 7 readers have also been working hard on securing that essential 85% and above success rate and so it is really important that they remember to quiz within their optimum success time of 24 hours. 7I have been the front runners thus far in terms of word count and quizzes taken with the 7R cohort currently reigning supreme in terms of reading too. Which form/class will win overall as we reach the Christmas break? Finally, don’t forget that Home Connect is now up and running, so get logging on and have a look at how your daughter / son is progressing in their reading! We need your help!
YEAR 11 PROM
Fund raising events have so far raised over £500 towards next year’s Prom, which is to be held at The Isla Gladstone Conservatory in Stanley Park. Please keep a look out for any Prom fund raising initiatives and help where you can.
HOMEWORK CLUB
Homework Club is running again this year. Help is available in the Library from 3.05 pm - 5 pm. Transport can be provided for students who remain until 5 pm.
Donate your unwanted jewellery, buttons and beads to Miss Rogers for the Textiles club’s recycling project.
DATES FOR THE DIARY Wednesday 5th December, 4 pm - 7 pm Year 12 & Year 13 Parents’ Evening Cowley Hall Wednesday 12th December, 7 pm onwards Christmas Dance Show Cowley International Hall Thursday 13th December, 5 pm - 6.30 pm Christmas Market 11-16 Site Cowley’s traditional curtain raiser to the festive season as we hold our International Christmas Market. There will be numerous stalls, activities and displays, including the legendary Tombola and the usual array of festive food and drink from around the world. Tuesday 18th December, 7 pm Christmas Concert Cowley Hall The annual Christmas Concert will feature choirs, bands and soloists performing a range of festive and non-festive music. Tickets are £4, available from W10 or you can pay on the door, which opens at 6.30 pm. There is a licensed bar available. Wednesday 19th December Last day of college before the Christmas break Monday 7th January College reopens after the Christmas break Wednesday 16th January, 4 pm - 7 pm Year 9 Parents’ Evening 11-16 Site Thursday 24th January Duke of Edinburgh Celebration Evening Time and location to be confirmed.
C O W L E Y
I N T E R N A T I O N A L
C O L L E G E
PRESENTS
MISS SAIGON THE MUSICAL
TICKETS ON SALE
JANUARY
2013
SHOWING 27TH FEBRUARY - 1ST MARCH AT 7.30 pm | SATURDAY 2ND MARCH AT 1.30 pm TICKETS £6 - SEE MR CHAMBERS (W10)
COWLEY INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE Principal: Mr C Sheeran Hard Lane, St Helens, Merseyside, WA10 6PN Tel: 01744 678 030 Visit: cowleyinternationalcollege.co.uk
SHOWING 27TH FEBRUARY - 1ST MARCH AT 7.30 Pm | SATURDAY 2ND MARCH AT 1.30 Pm TICKETS £6 - SEE MR CHAMBERS (W10)