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elcome to the first edition of the HCUK 14-16 College’s Newsletter.
In the College’s first months the students have made real progress and established themselves within the College. They have fully participated in College life, contributing to fund raising, Remembrance Day services, celebration of College successes, trips and visits and of course preparing for tests and assessments. Moving into their second term, the focus is now on progression and working towards maximum levels of achievement for all students.
support for the 14-16 College demonstrated by our students’ families. We received a number of helpful comments about student and families’ perceptions of the College. Once again, thanks for all your support and we look forward to the students’ continuing success at the HCUK 14-16 College. Gary Mangan Head of School
We had a great turnout at our Yr10 parents’ evening, where constructive feedback was given and we were delighted with the
HCUK 14-16 College Newsletter • Issue 1
Energy Drinks Ban With effect from 14th January, the 14-16 College made the decision to ban the consumption of energy drinks throughout the College and we encourage parents and carers not to let their children drink them or buy them on the way to College, nor to include them in packed lunches. Why have we taken this action? Energy drinks cause young people to behave erratically and can have a serious detrimental effect on their ability to learn and concentrate as well as being a serious risk to health. Energy drinks (such as Red Bull, Relentless, Monster and others sold by supermarkets) are banned in at least 4 European countries. France banned them after an 18 year old died after drinking 4 cans in a row and in the UK Morrisons have banned the sale of these drinks to under-16s since November 2013.
Have a look at the facts: Caffeine: A cup of coffee contains around 30mg. A can of coke contains 23mg. Energy drinks contain up to 240mg, or more, of caffeine in just one can. Sugar: The recommended daily amount of sugar for children is 12mg. Energy drinks contain in excess of 27 mg of sugar in just one can. Thirst: Energy drinks do not quench thirst - they cause dehydration and make you want to drink more liquid. They reduce your body’s ability to absorb water, which is necessary for good health and concentration. Energy drinks to ‘wake you up’: Research in the UK has shown that children who consume energy drinks before or during school hours experience dramatic effects on their behaviour and concentration. In other words, they struggle with work and could end up getting in trouble. Our breakfast offer is fruit juice, water and healthy snacks. Some of the nationally reported side effects of energy drinks include: • Chest pains • Irritability • Headaches • Restlessness • Insomnia We take this advice very seriously; in general young people are more caffeine sensitive than adults, which is why we will not allow these drinks to be consumed at the 14–16 College. Any drinks brought into College will be confiscated and returned at the end of the day to be taken home. Students are encouraged to drink water during the day and have easy access to our chilled water dispenser. We hope you will support us in this action.
HCUK 14-16 College Newsletter • Issue 1
Hearing Dogs for Deaf People During February, students on Health & Social Care courses were given the opportunity to meet the team from Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. Hearing Dogs for Deaf People is a national charity and centre of excellence in training dogs to alert deaf people to important sounds and danger signals in the home, work place and public buildings. The dogs delighted the audience, demonstrating to our students how they alert their owners to various noises such as the doorbell, an alarm clock or a smoke alarm. It was an eye opening and interesting visit
and was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone involved, particularly the stars of the show, the very talented dogs. Student Aimee Allen enjoyed the session,‘It was really interesting watching the dogs respond to the different sounds’. More information about Hearing Dogs for Deaf People can be found at www.hearingdogs.org.uk/about-us
14-16 Students Visit Craven Park Primary School Last year a team of students from the 14-16 Job Club were given the task of designing and building a wooden train for the pupils at Craven Park primary school. This year, a group of Yr10 Students from the Job Club were given the opportunity to visit the school and help install the finished product, picking up some valuable skills and experience that would contribute to their vocational studies. A great, productive time was had by all. ‘It was great fun working on the train, and we learnt how to safely install the train so it is safe for the pupils to play on. The pupils at Craven Park loved it.’ 14-16 College student, Liam Bailey. The Job Club was created as a way for 14-16 students to gain real, hands-on experience with work based projects. The Club’s founder, Darren Storrer,
stated ‘I started the Job Club as I wanted to give our young students some real experience of the construction industry and working with clients as well as great experience from the diversity of work that we do. This gives them real employability skills.’ The train has been a huge hit with the young pupils at Craven Park. In the engine there is a tool box full of wooden spanners and other tools for the children to fix the engine and be mechanics. The last carriage is covered which makes a great place for activities and story time. For further information about the HCUK and Craven Park project, take a look at the feature in the Hull Daily Mail www.hulldailymail.co.uk/HullCollege-students-build-hugewooden-train/story-20307770detail/story.html
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Global Entrepreneur Week In December 2013, as part of the Global Entrepreneur Week, HCUK 14-16 College students Nauman, Loren, Mario, Liam, Luke, Jess, Jack, Jodie and Kyro were selected to attend the Secondary School Enterprise Master Class event in the Staff House function suite at the University of Hull. Our students participated in a range of interesting and challenging activities designed to demonstrate business abilities and raise aspirations. The day ran as follows: Who wants to be an Entrepreneur? A range of guest speakers discussed their entrepreneurial journeys Team Building Exercise A challenge set to test the delegates’ teamwork skills and creativity. Students were required to build a bridge from newspaper, tall enough for a football to roll underneath and strong enough to carry the football’s weight. Guest Speaker - Ruth Badger BBC’s ‘The Apprentice’ 2006 runnerup, Ruth Badger, discussed her life story with students and approach to business and entrepreneurship Have You Got What It Takes? The Sangwin Challenge Students were challenged to create a bespoke piece of practical school furniture for sale, taking into account costs and resources needed and create a video pitch to sell their idea to the judges. The winners were invited to create their product at Sangwin’s – the sponsors of the challenge What Employers Look For Phil Batty, Managing Director at Force-7, discussed what attributes employers are looking for in young employees and reflected on what’s involved in setting up a business whilst studying
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Winning both the teamwork bridgebuilding challenge in the morning AND the Best Video Pitch for their Sangwin product concept, the 14-16 College students were hugely successful and a credit to the College. They were truly inspired by the success and positivity of the local entrepreneurs and thoroughly enjoyed their day; their enthusiasm and teamwork was unparalleled.
The day was brilliant, I really enjoyed it Jodie Guy
It was an interesting experience, and I would really like to go again next year Mario Sequeira We are extremely proud of our students’ effort and achievement. Congratulations from all staff and students in the 14-16 College! More information on Global Entrepreneur Week is available on the website www.gew.org.uk Check out the GEW’s YouTube video from the day here http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=BH7Tw22cPyc
Getting Experimental at the University of Hull
At Christmas, 24 students with a love of science from both the Hull and Goole sites of the HCUK 14-16 College were invited to Hull University for a ‘science experiment’ day where they were able to carry out experiments that are not ordinarily possible in secondary schools or FE colleges due to resources, expense or due to the risk levels. The students used liquid nitrogen, dry ice (solid carbon dioxide) and silver nitrate in their experiments, carrying out the silver mirror experiment and making liquid oxygen. This event was coordinated by the University’s senior lecturer in biological chemistry, Dr Mark Lorch. Committed to science communication, Dr Lorch hosts the Beverley Science Cafe, holds regular family learning science workshops and has even been spotted doing kitchen chemistry in Hull’s shopping centres. He was a UK national finalist of Famelab and has since appeared on BBC’s ‘Coast’, BBC Radio 4’s ‘You and Yours’ with David Baddiel, US public service radio, numerous regional radio and TV shows as well as contributing to The Guardian’s ‘The Conversation’ and having a whole YouTube series of science experiments.
Dr Lorch entertained and astounded the students by making Christmas tree baubles using silver nitrate, investigating the mysterious properties of dry ice and, lastly, the incredible changes brought about by super cold liquid nitrogen. To finish off he soaked a digestive biscuit in liquid oxygen and ignited it like a rocket. As it burned vigorously, producing a flame 30 cm in height, he remarked “This is what 80 calories looks like!” Thankfully, no one lost any fingers or toes during their two hours in the University of Hull’s state of the art Chemistry laboratories. All the students had an inspiring day and were a credit to themselves and the College.
Dr Mark Lorch – Snr. Lecturer in Biological Chemistry at the University of Hull
HCUK 14-16 College Newsletter • Issue 1
Christmas Raffle Students in the 14-16 College collected gifts this year for a Christmas Raffle. The raffle was a little bit of Christmas fun and we thank you for your support in helping them raise money for their social committee fund. Our students’ fundraising activities are created by themselves to raise money for their social events and for their end of year prom.
Prizes included... • The Xpressions Gift Co. Ribbon wrapped oven glove. • Stunning set of 4 artists paint brushes • Delicious box of Maltesers • Shabby Chic Price and Kensington pink cup and saucer set
• Virgin vie Summer body lotion • Vintage Blow Football game • Bayliss and Harding body wash and body lotion set boxed • Pink ipad/notebook bag by designer bag company Domo • Make your own Sock Bear • Jewel encrusted vanity iPhone Case and two handmade beaded keyrings • £10 QG Salon Voucher • Very small desktop handcrafted Wooden Box includes drawers • Very useful Norwegian phrasebook – pocket size – • Signed and framed photograph of learning mentor Adam Burns extremely rare
…..and many, many more
Autumn Term Awards Each term we are delighted to be able to award prizes and certificates to students celebrating successes such as progress, attendance, improvement, effort and punctuality. A number of students at the end of term in December were awarded certificates and gift vouchers for success, attendance, behaviour and improvement. Amongst those students were:
HCUK 14-16 College Newsletter • Issue 1
• Callum Bell, who was awarded two Hull Kingston Rovers tickets for his 100% attendance and for having no late marks all term • Logan Madsen was sent a letter and a voucher from the local authority for his 100% attendance during the first term Congratulations to all students – keep up the fantastic work!
Upcoming Events Yr10 Visit to The Deep - Hull
Students from both Hull & Goole sites will visit The Deep in Hull for science and maths workshops on 3rd and 4th April 2014.
SCIENCE: ADAPTATION - THE NEED FOR SPEED How do animals move through water? We explore some of the adaptations found in a variety of marine animals and show the need for speed in sharks. We then use crab exoskeletons and models to stimulate discussion on how adaptations develop from habitat choice. We examine why speed is of the essence when chasing food or being prey.
MATHS: JAMES HAS A BAD DAY Apply maths in the real world! Follow aquarist James (via a presentation) through his working day at The Deep, using your maths skills to solve some of the real-life problems faced by our marine biologists. Calculations include volumes of water, medication for new fish, salt needed to recreate the marine environment and time needed to allow temperatures to rise. For James this is all mental arithmetic, but we supply calculators and formula sheets for anyone who needs them! Parents/Guardians – More details to follow shortly.
War Horse Trip As part of their reading programme, Group 5 English students were given War Horse as a reading project. As a result of successful attainment Group 5 will now have the opportunity to visit Bradford Theatre on 2nd June 2014 to watch The War Horse play.
HCUK 14-16 College Newsletter • Issue 1
Dates for your Diary
Important Dates 17th–21st February
Half Term
19th March
Student Voice/Social Committee – 9-10 – Committee room
3rd/4th April
Maths & Science Workshops at The Deep
14th–25th April
Easter Holidays
5th May
May Day Bank Holiday
14th May
Student Voice/Social Committee – 9-10 – Committee room
26th–30th May
Half Term
2nd June
War Horse trip
13th June–11th July
Work Experience
16th July
Last Day of Term
Exam Dates
Dates and times for GCSE Science are as follows: Friday 6th June - 1:30pm
Biology Groups 1 and 2 (1 hour exam)
Tuesday 10th June 1:30pm
Chemistry Groups 1 and 2 (1 hour exam)
Thursday 12th June 9:00am
Physics Groups 1 and 2 (1 hour exam)
HCUK 14-16 College Newsletter • Issue 1