DIXIT
EDITION 95 9th October 2020
The weekly newsletter for the Holyport College family
CCF Scheme Weekend (Bootcamp!) 3rd- 5th October 2020
Ten Year 10 new recruits (D Block) and five Year 11 ‘old hands’ (C Block) managed to survive the tail end of Storm Alex and successfully complete Cadet bootcamp last weekend. D Block arrived on Saturday afternoon looking like teenagers and within a few short hours were issued kit and visibly transformed into Army Cadets. After lessons on Drill (marching), weapons handling, and Core Values, the fledgling cadets were ready to fly into the field. A short three mile march into the woods carrying all their own supplies, and they set up camp using nothing more than bivi bags, a basher and a delicious ration pack. Sunday night was balmy and dry, some cadets even complaining they were too hot! The following sun-drenched morning was filled with lessons on Battlecraft, Concealment and Patrol Formations. Certainly the lesson on Firing and Moving was a highlight and the cadets quickly mastered the paintball rifles used for training. Our Cadets were a credit to the school and to themselves and as well as learning some of the basics of soldiering had a tremendous amount of fun.
@holyportcollege
www.youtube.com/holyportal
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DIXIT 9th October 2020
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IN THIS EDITION
From KS3 Year 7s went on a trip to Whipsnade Zoo this week
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From the Art Department Exciting news from Art
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From the Co-Curriculum DIY Club is back!
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From the Student Leadership Team What have our student leaders been up to this week?
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From the Sixth Form Psychology in action, Eton Societies and our new UCAS Bell!
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From the Biology Department The results of some fantastic work by students during Biology Week
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From the Dads’ Club Holyport College Bricks Appeal 2020
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From the Refectory Next week’s lunch menus
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From the Calendar Upcoming events and items to note
@holyportcollege www.youtube.com/holyportal 2
DIXIT
FROM KS3
9th October 2020
Year 7 trip to Whipsnade Zoo On Tuesday, after a lot of careful COVID planning, 66 enthusiastic Year 7s set off for Whipsnade Zoo for the day, in 6 socially-distanced minibuses. And it was awesome the rain held off, and the day turned out to be just perfect for wondering around the zoo. Students were engaged, and asked lots of interesting questions, and most importantly, looked out for each other while embedding friendships within their bubble groups. The zoo is so big, that other than when we joined up at the chimpanzee enclosure for a talk about designing an animal enclosure, and at lunch time, the groups barely saw each other.
Some of the highlights of the day were: • • • • • • • • • • •
Butterfly house Red pandas Chimpanzees Penguins Watching a hippo poo under the waterfall Baby giraffe Tigers Rhinos Elephants The recycled pachyderm Watching a glider from the nearby airfield
Thank you to the staff who came along with us for the day, as without them, the day couldn’t have taken place. They nominated a student from each of their groups, for the ENTHUSIASM, and KIND FRIEND awards.
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DIXIT
FROM KS3
9th October 2020
Congratulations to the following students:
GROUP
ENTHUSIASM AWARD
KIND FRIEND AWARD
Group 1: Mr Parsons and Mrs Weller
Jessica Hancock
Chloe Hughes
Group 2: Mr Cohen and Mrs Corrigan
Jason Neish
Kathan Liyanage
Maddison Horley
Poppy Baker
Jay Gohil
Eddie Fallon
Group 5: Mrs Quail and Mrs Tait
Toni Bolusire
Jasmin Mellembakken
Group 6: Mr Wingate and Mr Hale
Joshua Wilton
Woody Powell
Group 3: Mr Nosworthy and Mrs Tabram Group 4: Mr Woollatt and Mrs Belbin
ENTHUSIASM award winners
KIND FRIEND award winners
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DIXIT 9th October 2020
FROM KS3
Well done to Lulu Bailie, Emma Donaldson and Jessica Hancock for also completing the ‘Design an enclosure for a Tiger’ challenge, set by the zoo keeper at the start of the day.
Huge thanks to Mrs Belbin who put an awful lot of hard work in to organising this trip ☺ 5
FROM THE ART DEPARTMENT
DIXIT 9th October 2020
The College has recently received an artwork by Damien Hirst which has been kindly donated by Mrs Killington. The ‘Butterfly Heart’ limited edition rainbow print was created to support NHS Charities Together and London based charity The Felix Project. The work is made up of digitally printed butterfly wings, one of the artist's well known motifs. The artwork will be hung centrally for all the students to experience and it will be a symbol of hope and stability for all of the Holyport College community to enjoy.
"I wanted to do something to support the many people who are risking their lives to help those in need during this time of crisis," Damien Hirst.
The department has been extremely busy since returning from the summer break and are looking at new ways to develop the department. We have a new member of staff in the art team, Mr McGinnis, who will be carrying out his teacher training with us for the majority of the year. As a team, we have lots of exciting plans and projects in the pipeline for the students this year.
Year 7 Jason did a brilliant job with the poster for Black History Month. ➔
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DIXIT 9th October 2020
FROM THE CO-CURRICULUM
DIY Club is back for boarding students! The past 2 weeks have seen the return of DIY Club and the students have been busy formulating their own plans for projects to work on this term. So far on the workbook is making a skateboard (Isabella and Harriet), candle making (Charlize, Zara and Veronica), putting together a mobile phone stand (Finlay and Oliver) and our Star Wars fanatics are going to make a Lightsaber (Max, Donell and Fionnlagh)… Isabella and Harriet who are regulars in the club came armed with a plan to make their skateboard and were up and running from week 1.
The “Trekkies” have been busy measuring and cutting plastic tubing in preparation for wiring the LED lights to their Lightsaber. ➔ Next week the rest of the club will make a practical start on their team projects so watch this space for the finished pieces. Students had their first crochet lesson last week in CoCurricular. We learnt how to crochet chains and turn them into bracelets. Well done everyone! Ms Hafeez 7
FROM THE STUDENT LEADERSHIP TEAM
DIXIT 9th October 2020
The leadership team met this week to focus on developing some of the new ideas and invited a group of prefects along to take part in the discussion. Harry led the meeting and brought along the cake this week.
The focus at the start of the meeting was Nations Day which was started last year by Mr Hardee and Mrs Stokes who both had previously worked internationally and wanted to highlight the diversity across the College. The student leadership team has created a specific team to support both members of staff with the planning and design of the day which will take place on Friday November 27th. Last year the whole school embraced the celebration of Nations Day and this year there will be lots of new additions to make this a truly inclusive day.
All of the student leadership teams have now taken a lead with the different committees and societies and planning is taking place for future events and activities.
The African and Caribbean society have been very active in raising awareness across the school for Black History Month and the assemblies have been very informative in raising discussion. The school has recently carried out a student survey and Mr McCarey will be discussing the outcome with Harry and Azeezah in a live event the week after half term. Prefects James Ward and Hannah Trueman have been selected to build environmental and sustainable links with Eton College and are now a part of the Berkshire Schools Eco Network. 8
FROM THE SIXTH FORM
DIXIT 9th October 2020
Psychology in Action at Holyport Year 13 Psychologists have had their ‘research hats’ on this week, designing and carrying out their own unique piece of psychological research! As part of their A Level Psychology, students have chosen a topic from the specification and put their knowledge of research methods into practice. Students were asked to undertake a research report that includes their own ‘primary research’ on a topic they have studied. There are a broad range of areas covered, including how we process faces and processing in the short-term memory, all the way through to factors affecting attraction in romantic relationships, and if attractiveness can affect our political stance!
I can assure you though that students were fully briefed in terms of ethical guidelines and fully considered ethics as part of their procedures (after explaining “send them to welfare” was not an appropriate way to overcome psychological harm!). It has been a fantastic week in the department with a buzz of excitement, the students have really enjoyed getting a taste of true psychological investigation and I have been really impressed with their ingenuity and focus, as well as their powers of persuasion! As such I would like to send my thanks to those of you have been willing participants (not that Mr Bicknell took much convincing) – I do hope they didn’t cause you any form of discomfort or stress, or that the research did. They have just about collected all their data, and once analysed, they will be presenting their research and findings to an independent judging panel at the end of next week – so watch this space…findings will be revealed next week! Miss Watchman 9
FROM THE SIXTH FORM
DIXIT 9th October 2020
Eton Societies, Michaelmas 2020, Week 6 Monday 12th October: ·
Black History Month x African and Caribbean society x FemSoc: Effie ArmahTeeteh, 20:30.
·
Journalism Society: Simeon Kerr, Middle East correspondent for the Financial Times, 20:30.
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Social Impact Society: Boy presentations, ‘Social Action in Lockdown’, 20:30.
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Computer Science Society: Graeme Batsman, ‘Spying on Scammers’, 20:30.
Tuesday 13th October: ·
Black History Month x History Soc: Professor Michael W Charney, 20:30.
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Keynes Society: Chris Snowden, ‘Sugar taxes’, 20:30.
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VocSoc: Scott Stevens, ‘Careers in Financial Services’, 20:30.
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Classical Society: Dr Evangelos Kyriakidis, ‘Big Cheeses in Mycenaean Administrations’, 20:30.
Wednesday 14th October: ·
Black History Month x Law x FemSoc: Yama Otung, 20:30.
·
Wellington Society: Harry Tangye, 20:30.
Thursday 15th October: ·
Model United Nations: 20:30
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Wotton’s Society: Dr Jonathan Beale, ‘Is Death an Evil?’, 20:30.
Friday 16th October: ·
Debating: D, E & F Training, Upper School, 20:45. Until further notice all Society meetings will run virtually via webinars (log-in details to be circulated by email by the individual societies) Students—look out for an email from Mrs Tabram regarding how to access these online.
Our lovely new UCAS bell has arrived thanks to a kind donation from the family of a former student! Sixth Form students will ring the bell when they launch themselves on the path to their futures! #holyportcollegeaspire
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FROM THE BIOLOGY DEPT
DIXIT 9th October 2020
Thank you to everyone who participated in Biology Week. We were so impressed with the entries from our students and staff! Keep reading on to see some of the entries and the names of the winners. Mrs Davis Photography Challenge Congratulations to the following students who have earned a prize for their amazing photography of all things to do with Biology!
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FROM THE BIOLOGY DEPT
DIXIT 9th October 2020
Well done to all who entered. Here are a few more of the wonderful entries: âž”
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FROM THE
DIXIT 9th October 2020
Specimen Challenge Congratulations to the following prize winners!
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FROM THE BIOLOGY DEPT
DIXIT 9th October 2020
House Challenge Finally‌congratulations to Milton who were the winning house of the form time Biology Quiz, with Fawcett coming in second place, just two points behind!
Eye Dissections This week in Biology, some of our Year 11s have been investigating the structure of the eye by completing an eyeball dissection. The eyeball can be a tricky dissection to complete, but we had a class of very willing participants who did an excellent job of following instructions to complete a very neat and precise dissection.
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DIXIT 9th October 2020
FROM THE DADS’ CLUB
Holyport College Bricks Appeal 2020 The College announced the launch of an ambitious fundraising appeal back in 2019, part of which is the Dads’ Club brick appeal—leave your mark in history by buying a brick personalised with your name or your child’s name with the date they started. This will be permanently etched into a brick which will then be used to create an attractive display within the Collage Quad.
The project has been a huge success over the past few year’s and many can be seen, adorned the collage quad walls. To be part of this legacy for years to come, purchase your brick today, for £100. Thank you in advance for your support, you can contact us if you need any further information or have any questions. You can place your order here: https://dadsclubholyport.wordpress.com/
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DIXIT
FROM THE REFECTORY
9th October 2020
Next week’s lunch menus Week 1 Monday
To the Right → Traditional counter
Vegetarian choice
Starch & vegetables
← To the Left Something different
Sandwich & Snack Bar
Penne Carbonara Chicken Arabiata
Tuesday
Holyport College - Autumn Winter 2020 Wednesday Thursday
Thai Beef Curry
Vegetable & Lentil Thai Vegetable & Lasagne Chickpea Curry
Garlic Focaccia Roasted Medley of Vegetables
Fragrant Rice Stir-Fry Vegatables Prawn Crackers
Friday
Roasted Pork Roasted Chicken (H)
Southern Fried Chicken Burger
Southern Fried Quorn Burger
Fajitas
Goats Cheese, Squash & Spinach Wellington
Nacho's Guacamole Sour Cream Salsa
Lyonnaise Potatoes Medley of Vegetables Apple Gravy
Fries Sweetcorn
Chicken Fajitas
Quorn Fajitas Veg & Bean
Jacket Potato Jacket Potato with Jacket Potato with Jacket Potato Chefs choice of Chefs choice of with Chefs choice with Chefs choice Battered Fish & fillings of fillings of fillings fillings Chips, Peas, Beans Pasta Bar selec- Pasta Bar selec- Pasta Bar selection Vegetable tion of sauces tion of sauces of sauces Daily selection of Daily selection of Daily selection of Daily selection of fresh sandwiches, fresh sandwiches, fresh sandwich- fresh sandwiches, crisps and fruit crisps and fruit es, crisps and crisps and fruit
Daily choice of Daily choice of freshly made sal- freshly made salad boxes ad boxes
Daily choice of Daily choice of Daily choice of freshly made freshly made salad freshly made salad salad boxes boxes boxes
Main dessert
Victoria Sponge
Chocolate Flapjack
Cold Desserts
Selection of cold desserts
Salad Bar
Apricot Cake
Ice-cream
Selection of cold Selection of cold Selection of cold desserts desserts desserts
Seasonal Crumble Custard
Selection of cold desserts
The Catering Department will make adjustments to the daily menus where possible to accommodate special dietary requirements, when this is not possible an alternative meal will be offered. If you have any queries please contact our Catering Manager Carol Forrest on c.forrest@holyportcollege.org.uk or 01628 640154.
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DIXIT
FROM THE CALENDAR
9th October 2020
Some Dates for Your Diaries Friday 16th October—half term starts Monday 2nd November—Inset Day—boarders return at 7pm Thursday 5th November—Sixth Form open evening (virtual) - early close, buses will leave at 2.15pm
Please follow the link below for details of Substance Misuse, Online World, and Child Exploitation parents’ workshops and Q&As for this academic year, from Achieving for Children. All sessions will be virtual and places booked using the details in the flyer. Awareness workshops for parents and carers
And finally, a smile to brighten your weekend! This is Mr Smith’s beautiful daughter Camille—he managed to capture her first smile on camera
Parents’ Evening Dates 2020/21 Year 7 parents evening—Monday 16th November 2020 Year 9 parents evening—Tuesday 24th November 2020
Year 11 parents evening—Tuesday 2nd February 2021 Year 8 parents evening—Wednesday 10th February 2021 Year 13 parents evening—Tuesday 23rd February 2021 Year 10 parents evening—Thursday 11th March 2021 Year 12 parents evening—Wednesday 28th April 2021 17
