Shaftesbury School Newsletter Spring 2023

Shaftesbury

Maths Slam Success

Youth Speaks

Trip to Auschwitz

WELCOME

As we approach the end of what has been an extremely busy term, I want to take this opportunity to reflect on the wonderful achievements of our students and staff.

Throughout this term, our students have displayed an impressive commitment to their studies and extracurricular activities. It has been a pleasure to see so many students involved in a wide range of trips and events, and we have been incredibly proud of their achievements.

From cultural excursions to sporting tournaments, our students have shown an impressive level of dedication and teamwork. They have worked hard to represent our school in the best possible light, and we have received many compliments from other schools and organisations about their conduct and positive attitude.

In addition to the exciting trips and events that our students have participated in this term, I am also proud to report on the fantastic opportunities we have provided through our careers’ visits. We believe that it is important for our students to learn about the world of work and the myriad of career opportunities that are available to them.

Throughout the term, we have welcomed a wide range of professionals from various industries to speak to our students about their careers. These visits have given our students a unique insight into different career paths and have provided them with valuable information about the skills and qualifications required for each profession.

As we look forward to the rest of the academic year, we are confident that our students will continue to achieve great things. Our teachers and staff are dedicated to supporting them in every way possible, and we are committed to providing a safe, stimulating, and supportive environment for all.

Once again, I would like to extend my thanks to all of our students, staff, and families for their continued support. We are excited about what the future holds and look forward to sharing more news and updates with you in the coming months.

Student Voice Updates

It has been a busy term for the Student Voice team at Shaftesbury School. Meeting every Tuesday during our weekly ‘drop in’ sessions, students from all year groups continue to contribute and reflect to ensure they are shaping the school and supporting its improvement and development. As always, their feedback goes directly to the Headteacher and the Senior Leadership Team so they can pursue and support with the student’s ideas and requests.

To date they have been instrumental in organising and supporting a range of initiatives, including the Red Nose Day mufti and cake sale, the quantity and quality of food in the

canteen, supporting our Breakfast Club and Peer Mentoring programmes, and ensuring there are more bins placed strategically around school.

Alongside the Youth Town Council that advises the Deputy Mayor on local issues and supporting with their projects, the voice of the students is playing a pivotal role in the development of Shaftesbury School.

Remember, if you have something to share or say, come along every Tuesday at 1:45 to Room B1.

Headteacher Shaftesbury School

Youth Speaks Competition

On Wednesday 8th February, Shaftesbury School hosted the Youth Speaks Debate Competition, in partnership with the local Rotary Club. Now in its second year, the event was a huge success, with teams representing Shaftesbury and Blandford presenting a debate on a topic of their choice, with students proposing, opposing and chairing their conversations. The audience included staff, parents, local Rotarians and even our MP, Simon Hoare. The debate topics were diverse and included the harm caused by social media, and the gender pay gap. The standard of debates was very high, and the judges had a tough job to pick their

winning teams. We congratulate the Blandford Team for winning the Junior competition and Shaftesbury School were delighted to win the Senior competition. Both teams progressed to the district finals held in Romsey competing against other winning teams from the region, providing an excellent opportunity for our students. We would like to thank Chef Clive and his brilliant team that provided a delicious Mediterranean buffet to our guests - like last year it certainly did not disappoint! Well done to all involved and we look forward to hosting further competitions next year.

Young Chef Competition

Six competitors took part in our first annual Rotary Young Chef competition at Shaftesbury School on 26th January - a ‘MasterChef’-style event for students held in our Bistro with expert coaching and tutoring by our very own Chef Clive. There were four entrants in the Senior Competition and two in the Intermediate/Junior Competition.

The entrants had to prepare two courses in 90 minutes and were judged on a range of criteria; including planning, the health aspects of their

dishes, the correct use of knives and equipment, the neatness of their working area and the range of skills used; as well as the quality of the actual dishes themselves. The judges were treated to a superb range of dishes, ranging from burgers to scallops to pasta. The desserts included chocolate brownies and chocolate tart.

The professional judges from the Fleur de Lys and The Grosvenor Arms had their work cut out, but the eventual

winners were Charlie J-S in the Senior Competition, and Evie B in the Intermediate/Junior Competition.

Charlie progressed to the Rotary Young Chef District Final competing against other winners from across the region. The District Final was held on Saturday March 11th at South Downs College in Portsmouth, where Charlie finished a fantastic 6th out of the 14 competitors. Well done Charlie!

Maths Slam

Congratulations to Year 12 student Leo R who won a prestigious maths competition in London!

The Maths Slam competition was part of MathsFest at the Royal Institute in London, which gives students the opportunity to hear from some of the UK’s top mathematicians. The Maths Slam sees individual students step on stage, and present for up to three minutes on a topic they find interesting. Students were asked to submit videos in advance and sixth former Leo was one of four students selected to present live to the whole audience. Leo delivered a fantastically interesting talk about how you can solve a common maths problem of how many triangles are within an overarching triangle. The celebrity mathematicians judged the competition and Leo was announced as the winner of Maths Slam 2023!

Maths teacher Keiha Dhruev said “We are incredibly proud of Leo – to speak in front of such a large audience, and esteemed mathematicians is no mean feat. This achievement shows not only Leo’s incredible mathematical aptitude but also his ability to clearly and confidently articulate his ideas”.

Leo was one of 25 students from Shaftesbury School who visited MathsFest and got to hear from leading mathematicians such as Tom Crawford, Zoe Griffiths, Yolanda Ohene, Rob Eastaway and Colin Wright. Topics ranged from how maths is used in the fight against ocean plastic, to the mathematics and patterns in juggling. One Year 11 student described the day as “beautifully nerdy”.

4.

Lessons from Auschwitz

Lessons from Auschwitz is a programme run by the Holocaust Educational Trust in order to establish a deeper understanding of the effects and consequences of the Holocaust. We took part in an online Orientation Seminar as an introduction and as a preliminary education, a one-day visit to AuschwitzBirkenau, and finally a follow-up Online Seminar to consolidate and reflect on what we had learned.

This year’s focus was on the personal human lives affected and more about each person’s experience of the holocaust. We saw more about everyday lives and the very human stories of those persecuted and even those who did the persecuting. It was to help humanise the innumerable number of people affected, whom we often see as a statistic.

The one-day visit to Auschwitz Birkenau started with us landing in Krakow, Poland and being driven by coach to the town of Oswiecim, and then into the first camp Auschwitz-A. This was the smaller camp and was mainly used as a concentration camp, with deaths still occurring at high rates. One of the exhibitions shown were those of the victim’s personal belongings, with the most harrowing being a room filled with women’s hair, entirely shaved, that was being used as a textile material. We were also shown a room containing a book with every name of those missing or deceased people who had someone to remember them.

Continuing we were shown around the rest of the camp and even shown where the officer who commanded the camp lived with his family, adjacent to the camp.

We then went to the better-known death camp, Auschwitz-B or Auschwitz-Birkenau. This much larger camp was used for mass extermination as well as mass labour with a horrifying number of barracks that were used for housing the imprisoned. We were taken into some of the reconstructed barracks and showed the appalling living conditions as well as where daily activities happened. As the sun lowered, we went into the forest where the gas chambers and incinerators were and had a very sombre walk. The heavy sense of death hung in the air, and all was silent until everyone met in the registration building where the rabbi told us about his grandparent’s story during the holocaust. We then laid remembrance candles before we returned home.

During the follow-up Seminar we were given a time to reflect and to realise what we had learned. A Holocaust survivor shared his story and his experiences which once again consolidated the aim of humanising the people involved and gave us a very personal and first-hand recollection of the events that occurred in what seems to be another time. The full scope of the damage caused that is still felt today resonated with my peers and really brought those experiences closer to home.

I truly believe that this experience was essential to everyone present’s understanding of just how much the Holocaust affected people’s lives and not to dehumanise anyone from either side. It was heavily emphasised during the entire trip just how human every experience was and how every person in the millions of those who perished had a unique and individual story, some that will never be heard. It is important to humanise those who committed atrocious acts as they too are people who made horrible decisions and to try to understand it, not from a bird’s eye view but from a perspective where you can understand and empathise with people.

SNOWDROP COMPETITION

We were delighted to see so many students entering the Shaftesbury Snowdrop competition, organised by Shaftesbury Arts Centre.

Here are some of the Artworks entered for the Shaftesbury Snowdrop competition in partnership with Shaftesbury Arts Centre. Congratulations to Erin W who won the competition, her picture was praised for making a big impact with its Van Gogh inspired style, and we were delighted to see it sell at the viewing event!

Intermediate Maths Challenge

The Intermediate Maths Challenge was held early in February. It is an annual maths competition for students in Years 9, 10 and 11, and 32 of our students entered. Approximately half of those who enter can expect to achieve a bronze, silver or gold certificate, but over 60% of our young people managed to acquire one. Of the 20 awarded to Shaftesbury students, eleven were bronze, seven silver and two gold. Even more exceptionally, three students qualified for a follow-on round: Riley, Emily and Alex. We are so proud of all who took part as the questions are not easy, and we are ecstatic at our most impressive results in recent years! Well done all.

MATHS DESIGN TECHNOLOGY

Our Year7s have been creating unusual and multifunctional phone stands using wood and studying Apple Company while learning workshop skills operating machinery safely. Whilst our Year 8 students have finished their decorative light project inspired by ZAHA Hadid and Alessi, focusing their studies on polymers and their properties while using laser cutter and vacuum former to create the beautiful lights.

Maths Visit to the University of Oxford

Year 12 Mathematicians were treated to an incredible seminar at the Andrew Wiles Maths Institute at the University of Oxford. This was part of a day long visit to the UK’s most prestigious university. The day also included a tour of Lady Margaret Hall (one of Oxford’s most progressive colleges) and Merton College (Oxford’s oldest). Students got a host of top tips on admissions, personal statements and how to excel at interview. Of course, there was some sightseeing thrown in as well. Don’t forget if you have an interest in studying mathematics or a similar subject at University, the Maths Futures Programme is for you!

Pi Day

March brings Pi Day (3/14), and what a tasty day we had! Entries into our annual Sixth Form pie making competition were exceptional this year. The winner was Sydney, with her very delicious apple pie. Students also participated in demonstrations where π makes a surprising appearance. Pendulums were swung, weights changed, and lengths adjusted to find that the time it takes for a pendulum of 2.45m to complete a swing is π seconds, regardless of the weight. Tutor groups were invited to participate in a π themed dingbat competition. No result at time of writing, but it is very close, though no-one has all of them correct, yet.

Year 10 are currently learning mechanism and have studied the mechanical parts by building Lego Technic, then redrawing them using technical drawings such as Isometric and orthographic. They then used there as a reference to create their own mechanical toys, using suitable materials and different manufacturing processes such as pewter casting

Our Experience with the STEAM Future of the Planet workshop

Rowan and I both attended the STEAM Future of the Planet workshop on 11th of January. Both of us really enjoyed the experience and were very eager to write this article together. The opening talk we attended was a presentation all about How to achieve a healthy planet by Dr Ruth Cromie. It was extremely interesting as we discovered that the majority of modern lead poisoning is in birds because of the lead shot used in hunting. This can also affect animals in the area as they mistake it for grit.

The first workshop we attended was Landscape Scale Habitat Restoration by Mr Seb Haggett. This was incredible as we discovered that the Dorset Wildlife Centre had restored many acres of farmland to beautiful wildlife habitats and public

LIBRARY

WABA Book Club Trip

On Wednesday 8th February we took our Book Club to Talbot Heath School in Bournemouth for the award ceremony of the Wessex Amazing Book Award (WABA to its friends). This book award was launched by myself, and the other librarians in North Dorset in 2018 and after a brief hiatus for Covid is back with a bang! Our group had prepared for the event by reading one title (or more) from the shortlist, which is chosen by students at schools in the local area. This year’s titles were The Island by C.L. Taylor, When the Sky Falls by Phil Earle, The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna, Julia and the Shark by Kiran Millwood Hargrave and Tyger by S.F. Said. Our most popular read was The Island closely followed by The Gilded Ones. After a morning of advocating for our favourite book in teams with students from the other participating schools we all cast our votes and the winner was announced by local author, Andreina Cordani. The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna was crowned the winner of the WABA for 2023, which means that next year’s award ceremony will again take place at Talbot Heath (the school who suggested the book for the shortlist has to host if their choice wins.) Everyone enjoyed meeting other book fans, chatting book stuff, eating cake and visiting another school. We were driven by Mr Eslick, one of the fabulous site team, and we really appreciated him giving up his time to take us. We also want to thank Mrs Few, Mrs Kent and everyone else who helped us

areas by flooding it, and introducing new wild species such as ex-Shetland ponies, mangalitsa pigs and butterflies. They are also looking to introduce beavers but currently can’t because they are not a native species. They are hoping to achieve more of this in other areas and farmlands. Their aim is to reconnect people with nature and tackle the current climate and ecological situation.

The second workshop we attended was Whales as Marine Ecosystem Engineers by Dr Jocelyn Elson-Riggins. We found this very interactive as during the workshop we had a go at a game where we had to create our own ecosystems on a board, all to do with whale poo and how it is beneficial for the planet. It helps humans because it takes carbon out of the

with organising our trip and ensuring it went smoothly. Our wonderful book club is made up of students from Years 7, 8, 10 and our excellent Literacy Prefects from Year 13. Thank you everyone for joining in with the award.

Author Matt Oldfield visits school

We were very lucky to have a visit from Matt Oldfield on Monday 6th February. He is author, and co-author, of the very popular series of Ultimate Football Heroes books. These are biographies of famous football stars that are written in a story style to make them more interesting and

atmosphere as there is already too much. This was especially fun as this helped us understand the topic more and it included everybody.

The third workshop we attended was Hydrogen and Batteries in Rail and Road Transport by Dr Jeff Allen. Unfortunately Dr Jeff Allen couldn’t make it to the workshop so it was led by our Leader of STEAM, Mr More. We learnt about hydrogen powered trains and the future of transport which was fascinating to discuss. Rowan in particular had an interesting conversation with Mr More about lithium batteries, mines and the effects it has on the ecosystems nearby.

By Rowan H and Erin W

having Matt in school and would love to have him visit again.

World Book Day

World Book Day this year was a little bit different due to the teacher’s strike day. We started our celebrations by announcing the theme of ‘Books that have been made in to films/tv shows’ and we kicked things off by sharing staff’s favourite books that have been made in to either a film/tv series. These are displayed on posters that they have on their classroom/office doors. We also have a superb display of books in the libraries that continue this theme. Students can come and browse and find their own favourite book that has been made in to a film/tv series. We moved our celebrating to Friday and had a quick world Book Day book quiz to try out in tutor time. Our main event, however, has been the inter-tutor competition to create your favourite book character (from a book that has been made in to a film/tv series – you’ve maybe noticed that the theme is carried throughout by now?!) using a potato. We are running this competition

until the week after World Book Day, and have had several entries at the time of writing. Well done to everyone who has entered so far. Winners will receive a special tutor time ‘party’ in the library with some extra treats! Parents/carers/ guardians – feel free to email in and let us know your favourite books that have been made in to a film/tv series and tell us if you think the book was better still. Send emails to Katie.wyatt@shaftesburyschool. co.uk and we’ll display your responses on our library bulletin board.

Accelerated Reader Update:

We are continuing to use Accelerated Reader with all of KS3 to help them read books that are the right level for their individual ability. We use a diagnostic test at the beginning of each term to work this out and then spend the following term using their personalised level to work towards an individual point target. This term the following students have reached their targets and will be invited to the AR Reward Party in the last week of term.

accessible. Matt was a very interesting speaker who gave two talks to Years 7 and 8 in the morning and then after break met with small groups of Year 9 students to give a workshop on introducing them to writing their own biography, particularly focussing on a mistake/problem that they had to overcome. This session was really good at helping students to not only find their own writing skills but teaching them a bit more about growth mind-set and overcoming obstacles. We really enjoyed

Well done to Jack J, William A, Patryk B, Ryan D, Emily L, Samuel B, Margaret J, Percy R, Esther W, Albie A, and Isla H in Year 7. Lucy H, James W, Liam H, Olivia M, Phoebe O’K, Erin W, Maisie W, Lucas B, Bluebell G-D, Rowan H, Wilfred M, Samuel T, Charlie G-B and Alfie S in Year 8. Paige BS and Lilli B in year 9. You are all AR stars for reaching your targets before the end of term deadline!

Keep reading and quizzing everyone!

6th Form .5

The Autumn term, although it now seems a very long time ago, finished with the Sixth Form Students organising Rag Day, with events including cake sales, fancy dress for staff and students, collections in town and three performances of I’m a Teacher Get Me Out of Here. The day managed to raise £1,767.06 for The Dorset Children’s Foundation.

For many Year 13 students the new year started with their PPE’s – their opportunity to test themselves before the real thing in the summer and find out whether they are on target to achieve the grades they are hoping will enable them to make the next step in their careers. All in plenty of time for them to make changes if they are not where they want to be as they utilise feedback from their teachers. Year 12 and Year 13 Students on BTEC courses

experienced ‘the real’ thing when they took the exams which will count towards their final qualifications.

In January, a group of students attended the National Apprenticeship Show at Westpoint, Exeter. This enabled students to engage with a wide range of employers and apprenticeship providers as they consider their future careers. This event was appreciated by all who attended so next year we hope to be able to take all of Year 12 as part of their information gathering for future pathways. On March 22nd Year 12 will be attending the UCAS Discovery Day, also at WestPoint, again to allow then to make informed decisions about their progression beyond Shaftesbury School.

As the Year 13s approach the end of their time in school – and their final exams! –

Ski Trip

During February half-term, 63 students from Years 10 to 13 embarked on a great adventure to discover the mountainsides of Austria. During the course of the week, we were blessed with incredible conditions - blue skies and fresh snow - and students made outstanding progress on the slopes: showing great perseverance, resilience and camaraderie. The adventure didn’t stop with the skiing either - every evening offered a new experience, from curling to watching an ice hockey match. It was a truly unforgettable experience for all. Danke schön, Wagrain!

many of the Prefect Team want to be able to concentrate on their studies, so are beginning to step back from their Prefect duties, which they have performed so well. Fortunately, an outstanding group of Year 12s have stepped forward and we look forward to working with them over the coming year, and selecting our new Head Prefects in the summer term. A number of Year 12 students have also asked to join those Year 12 and 13 students who have been trained as Peer Mentors, providing ongoing support to students throughout the school.

July 10th – 14th will be a Work Experience Week for all Year 12 student, who are currently contacting employers to arrange their placements. The Somerset Work Experience Partnership has a huge list of potential employers, but they are also able to add more employers not currently on the list for those students who get themselves

Ski Poem

There once was a school on a ski trip

It all began with a bit of a blip

We got to Dover

But couldn’t get over

We just couldn’t get on that ship

26 hours had passed

We feared it may be our last

At 3 in the morning

Everyone was yawning, But still hopeful of having a blast

organised early enough. This will provide Year 12 with the opportunity to experience the world of work first hand and give them even more information to make informed decisions about their futures.

The Sixth Form Team are proud of everything our students have achieved so far this year, and we look forward to celebrating their successes with them later in the year.

A short 6 days later

With ski skills being much greater

We had survived it all

Despite many a fall

Even Jamieson could ski a bit straighter

It’s been a really busy and engaging term for both the students and staff at Barton Hill House, which started with an excursion to Yeovil, where some of our students enjoyed shopping, bowling and the cinema. This was followed by a whole house trip to the beautiful cathedral city of Salisbury. Indeed, by the time everyone reads this newsletter we will have also visited the coastal town of Bournemouth.

Our in-house activities have also been in full flow. Every evening after prep, we offer a number of activities to engage the boarders. This term our Head of House has introduced two new activities; the popular Metal Detecting Club and a History Society, looking specifically at Barton Hill House. It is very pleasing to see our boarders wanting to get involved and spend free time together, whilst learning new skills.

We have also had the pleasure of experiencing a SCCIF inspection, when two inspectors spent three days with us, just before the February half term. The inspection team were impressed with the young people within Barton Hill, and I am pleased to report that in most areas we have made some positive improvement. These areas include the food, the leadership and management of boarding, the student voice and our extra-curricular activities. Hopefully, we can continue to grow and make further progress, and I must take this opportunity to say a big thank you to all our students and staff for their engagement and support during the inspection.

It has also been a busy time recruiting new students.

Although a planned visit to the Five Islands Academy on the Isles of Scilly was postponed because it clashed with our inspection, I am pleased to report that this has now taken place. My visit included meeting with several schools on the different islands and lots of parents, staff and students. Hopefully, this visit will be the start of our links with the Five Islands Academy, as the Isles of Scilly do not have a Sixth Form, which means pupils have to move to the mainland to continue with their education. I have only just returned and we already have one family booked in for a tour of Barton Hill House and Shaftesbury School this April.

BOARDING

Further to this visit, in just over a week’s time I will be on the move again, this time on a thirteen-hour flight to a recruitment fair in Hong Kong!

Finally, I cannot end this newsletter without saying a special thank you to our residential House Parent, Daniel Bajorat and his family. Daniel is leaving us at the end of this term after a number of successful years living and working at Barton Hill. He will be missed.

To everyone else, have a well-deserved and relaxing Easter holiday and thank you to everyone for this very busy and productive term.

History Club

Boarding students have been busy getting to grips with local history, as Head of House Anita Baker has started a History Club for our students.

Project 1 is a metal detecting club run by Bob Dunford, one of the members of the house team, who provided the students with metal detectors. The youngsters were shown finds, told about the rules and regulations around detecting ethically, and shown how to use the devices before each being given a piece of land on site to examine.

Ms Baker, a member of the Midlands Archaeological Society, said: “This subject fascinated me for many years, particularly with the idea that you could well be the first person to hold an item in the palm of your hand that, has not been touched by another human in hundreds of years.

“That feeling has never left me over the years and I wanted our students to be able to have that same experience. 362 finds have been recorded in Dorset since records began in 2012. As one of those finds was in the grounds of our very own Barton Hill, while workmen were digging footings for the Sixth Form block, I felt it would be an interesting way for our students to feel connected to Shaftesbury’s past, examine the history of the house, while igniting a sense of excitement about history and metal detecting.”

Next term, students will be starting a new project, researching the original Barton Hill Manor and the history of Barton Hill House.

Visits to Gold Hill Museum, spent examining old photos and maps, have shown the location was listed on a 1941 map as on the site of Tesco, but this has since been disproved. However, the original location has still not been found.

Students will learn research and retrieval skills, have the chance to visit the local records office and learn how to ‘read’ old maps to aid their research. Who knows they may even discover something that will go down in history!

If any old Shastonian’s have any information or old memories/photographs to share please get in touch with the school.