Dixit 13th December 2022

EDITION 170 9th December 2022

The weekly newsletter for the Holyport College family

Merry Christmas from our Head

As we enter the Christmas holidays, I would like to wish our whole community a very happy and restful Christmas: this has been a hugely busy and successful term for our whole school community and our students have certainly earned a break! There have been many great things to look back on this term: fantastic teamwork on the sports field; a huge range of trips and activities both locally and internationally; the phenomenal success of our World Scholars' Cup teams; community events such as Nations Day and our Christmas carol service and the huge array of opportunities offered to our boarders on a weekly basis.

The highlight for me this term however has been something which I sometimes take for granted but was reminded of when I popped into Londis in Holyport this weekend to pick up some cat food wearing a branded College hat. The owner of the shop recognised me and took time to tell me how wonderful our students were when they went into the shop after school: always courteous, always kind and always respectful. Likewise, every time I show visitors around the school (education professionals, prospective parents, governors or applicants for teaching posts), the one comment they always make is regarding how well behaved, kind and hard-working our students are. I would therefore like to thank all of our students for being such wonderful people and all of our families for the support they give (particularly when things go wrong) to ensure that the school which our kids experience is a calm, kind and happy one.

Wishing you all a very happy Christmas!

Ben McCarey Head

9th December 2022

FROM THE STAFF ROOM DIXIT

Our fantastic Laundry Assistant, Paula Hardy, retired on Friday. Paula started to work for the College when it opened in September 2014. However, there is much more to the story than that - when she was younger, she attended Holyport Manor School, the school which used to be on our site. In that sense, she's been here longer than any of us. She also made history again on Friday, as she is the first member of Holyport College staff to officially retire. Everyone is going to miss Paula, especially the boarders for whom she did so much. We all wish her a long and happy retirement.

Christmas shopping trip to Reading

Student Leadership Dinner and Drinks at the Jolly Gardener

Boarders’ Christmas Party

FROM

9th December 2022

BRUNEL HOUSE DIXIT

Brunel Christmas Champions!

This week in our assembly, we celebrated the fantastic achievements of Brunel students this term! ‘Legends of the Term’ were selected in each year group by their tutors, alongside recognising those with over 100 house points. There was also a Dominos treat for all the students who had received 0 behaviour points this term.

Mr Fowles and Miss Oliver are SO proud to be Brunel Housemasters, and look forward to sharing lots more success stories in 2023!

DIXIT

9th December 2022

FROM THE ART DEPARTMENT

We in the Art Department would like to invite every student to enter our Winter photography competition - get your camera out, get inspired! The theme is ‘Winter’, maybe a frozen landscape, maybe a beautiful winter market, maybe a cold wind-chafed face, or a warm cosy fireplace, options are endless! Please also write a line or two about the photo. Email your entry to: p.paice@holyportcollege.org.uk

Every valid entry (1 entry per student) will receive a house point, the winning entry will be displayed on our Golden Easel and will receive a Holyportian and a small sweet treat! Good luck!

FROM THE

9th December 2022

MFL DEPARTMENT DIXIT

Christmas Card Competition

We challenged all HPC students to create a Christmas card in any foreign language and, after having received some amazing entries in a plethora of languages, we are pleased to announce the winner this time of the first ever MFL Christmas Card Competition is Kajan Kataria in Year 7.

Huge well done Kajan! Your card was not only tremendously artistic and creative, but also extremely interesting from a cultural point of view. Kajan included a drawing of KFC, as this is quite a typical Christmas food in Japan. Who knew? Top work Kajan- enjoy your £20 Amazon voucher as your prize.

FROM THE CURRICULUM SUPPORT DEPT

Emotional Wellbeing Support

The Curriculum Support Department has produced a document for students, teachers and parents with regards to Wellbeing resources. This useful resource can be found on Edulink under ‘links’. The document contains many links and phone numbers to charities and organisations that offer a wide ranging variety of support. Holiday periods are often a very difficult time for our more vulnerable students. It is hoped that by having this resource in an easily accessible place students and parents will be able to access the support that they need.

Wishing you all a Safe, Peaceful and Merry Christmas.

If you need any further information please contact Claire Druce - Curriculum Support Officer - Winton c.druce@holyportcollege.org.uk

9th December 2022

FROM THE ECONOMICS DEPT DIXIT

We are pleased to announce the arrival of The Holyport Journal, a student-run publication, focused on bringing you the latest and best in the world of Economics. The Journal highlights major events happening in today's world in addition to more controversial economic topics. Has there ever been a more important time to get under the skin of the economy and understand what is really happening?

You are encouraged to take a look and subscribe at the link below: https://theholyportjournal.wixsite.com/theholyportjournal/about

A taste of what to expect can be found here: The Collapse of FTX The link is to an excellent article by Teagan Parry-Williams of Year 11 on “The collapse of FTX. What happened and whether this precipitates the downturn of the crypto market?”

The venture is driven by Jayden Tao, Year 12 with a strong team of budding economists from both Years 11 & 12, including Elwyn Mollart, Dylan Gibbs, Alicia O’Donnell, Teagan Parry-Williams, Mick Warner, Francis Dyte and Jack Faulkner. We wish them well and look forward to some stimulating reading!

Ms C Cornell Subject Lead Economics

9th December 2022

FROM THE COLLEGE DIXIT

Magic Hoops Basketball Academy is coming to Holyport!

From the 9th January, we'll be hosting coaching sessions on Mondays between 5pm and 8pm for Years 7 -13 (please use link below to see exact timings).

We love basketball, and we want as many people playing as possible. That's why we're coming to Holyport. We want to give your children access to our great coaches and help them get involved in the sport. Boarders and day students welcome.

If you want to sign them up for the spring term (including a free session!) please use the link below.

https://www.magichoops.co.uk/holyportcollege/

If you have any other questions, please just email admin@magichoops.co.uk or call 07375 363 535.

In the new year, Muse Dance School will be running their dance lessons in our Sports Hall. See below if your child would like to sign up! Boarders and day students welcome.

Wednesday



6pm - 7pm: Standard 6 Ballet - this class would be suitable for school Years 10-13, it is not a beginners class and would only be suitable for pupils who have had a fair amount of prior ballet training Cost £8.50 per lesson



7pm - 7.45pm: Grade 3 Tap - this class would be suitable for school years 7-9 Cost £7.50 per lesson

Friday





5pm - 5.45pm: Standard 4 Ballet - suitable for school years 7-9 Cost £7.50 per lesson

5.45pm - 6.30pm: Modern class - suitable for school years 7-9 Cost £7.50 per lesson

We are happy to offer a free taster session to anyone who wants to try a class, if they then enrol for the classes they are charged for half a term at a time and fees are due at the beginning of each half term. There is no joining fee.

To sign up or book a taster session, please email musedanceschool@gmail.com

We will then confirm the taster date and issue invoices direct to parents if their child joins up.

DIXIT

9th December 2022

FROM THE

AFRICAN CARIBBEAN SOCIETY

Holyport’s ACS would like to thank the Holyport College family for the food donations. Merry Christmas everyone!

Deputy Head Master’s challenge

Congratulations to Kayan for winning my final challenge of the term with this wonderful Christmas photo

Looks like he enjoyed his Dominos!

Mr Gardner

9th December 2022

FROM THE FRIENDS DIXIT

Our Christmas Wreath Making evening on Wednesday 7th December was a fantastic evening! The wreaths were beautiful. Thank you to all who came along to support us.

FROM THE

9th December 2022

TVLP DIXIT

Upcoming events and opportunities for students

NEW. Career speaker: 'A Career as a Corporate Fundraiser', with Ed Garrett. Monday 16th January 2023, 8:30pm-9:30pm. This is an in-person event at Eton College. TVLP students and staff are welcome to attend. Book your place by sending your first name, surname and school email address to info@tvlp.org.uk

NEW. Career speaker: 'A Career in Brand Strategy, with Sarah Howell and Ellen Fazakerley. Tuesday 17th Monday 2023, 8:30pm-9:30pm. This is an in-person event at Eton College. TVLP students and staff are welcome to attend. Book here: VocSoc - Sarah Howell & Ellen Fazakerley - A Career in Brand Strategy Tickets, Tue 17 Jan 2023 at 20:30 | Eventbrite

Career speaker: 'Architecture: Shifting perspectives - Tech, Space & Social influence of Architecture', with Robert Kerr. Thursday 26th January 2023, 8:30pm9:30pm. This is an in-person event at Eton College. TVLP students and staff are welcome to attend. Book here: VocSoc - Robert Kerr Oe - Architecture Tickets, Thu 26 Jan 2023 at 20:30 | Eventbrite

Career speaker: 'Careers in Sports' with Charlie Methven. Tuesday 31st January 2023, 8:30pm - 9:30pm. This is an in-person event at Eton College. TVLP students and staff are welcome to attend. Book here: VocSoc - Charlie Methven - Careers in Sports Tickets, Tue 31 Jan 2023 at 20:30 | Eventbrite

TVLP Leadership Skills Course, for students in Years 12 and 13 at TVLP schools. 3 x 1 hour sessions, with the option of attending in-person at Eton College or online. Wednesday 1st, 8th and 22nd February 2023, 5:00pm-6:00pm. This course is now fully booked.

TVLP Orwell Youth Prize writing workshop. Friday 3rd February 2023, 9:30am-2:30pm. Location: Slough & Eton C of E Business & Enterprise College. Open to students in Years 10, 11 and 12. To register your interest in bringing students, email info@tvlp.org.uk

TVLP Festival of Music. Wednesday 8th February 2023. Location: The Windsor Boys' School. For further information and/or to register your interest in bringing pupils, please email info@tvlp.org.uk

Finance simulation (online) workshop for 6th form students. Tuesday 21st February 2023, 5:00pm-7:00pm. Delivered by Amplify Trading. More information to follow. To express an interest in attending, email info@tvlp.org.uk

TVLP Philosothon. Tuesday 14th March 2023, 5:30pm-8:30pm. Location: Eton College. Dinner will be provided by Eton College for attending students and staff. Further event information to follow. Information about a Philosothon can be found here: Philosothon UK - Academy Conferences invite you to participate. To register your interest in attending, email info@tvlp.org.uk

9th December 2022

We are very pleased to announce that the FUEL Christmas programme is ready and families living in RBWM who access free school meals are able to book onto FREE activities across the borough.

Please follow this link https://rbwm.afcinfo.org.uk/pages/community-information/information -and-advice/fuel-holiday-activities-and-food-programme for further information.

The booking process has changed this year and this is explained here:

We are able to offer some spaces to children who do not have access to FSMs but would benefit from the free spaces. The Extended Eligibility Criteria is those that are:

Accessing Pupil Premium Child in Care Ukrainian refugees Child being supported by Early Help or Social Care Children with an EHC (education, health and care) plan Young Carer

This year all families wishing to access the FUEL programme or professionals referring a family who meet the extended eligibility criteria will need to complete the basic expressions of interest form - Expressions of interest form.

Please pass onto families that have access to free school meals in order for them to access this great opportunity.

For any queries please email haf@achievingforchildren.org.uk.

Danny

Gomm

Family Hub Manager

Family

Hub Service

Achieving for

Children

Providing children’s services for the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

9th

December 2022

FROM THE CAREERS DEPT DIXIT

Win a £50 Amazon voucher and a live Q&A for your school with NHS ambassadors by taking part in the NHS Christmas Careers Challenge between 10th Dec 2022 – 10th Jan 2023

KS3 and KS4 pupils of all abilities can find out about diverse careers through our modules and by asking questions of our ambassadors/ mentors. These have been designed to be bite-sized and accessible to pupils with additional needs but helpful to any pupils who are interested in careers within the NHS.

To complete the Christmas Challenge pupils must complete the following: 1. Sign up to https://hee.connectr.co.uk/hee/ 2. Complete 2 tasks 3. Send a message to a mentor/ambassador

The schools with the most pupils completing the challenge will win an Amazon voucher worth £50 and connect with our NHS ambassadors for a live session about careers in the NHS.

Some of the modules:

Some of our mentors:

FROM THE CAREERS DEPT

What kind of construction apprentice could you be?

Apprenticeships provide an opportunity to learn how to do a specific job … on-the-job. So what are you waiting for?

Do you want a career where the sky is the limit? Have a think about Steeplejacking.

Or are you looking to get your hands dirty with Plant Mechanics training?

Maybe driving machinery is more your thing and a Crane Operator role would work for you.

You can train for these roles and many more, as a construction apprentice with the National Construction College.

Find out more

What do you need to do?

 Check out the National Construction College apprenticeships

 Contact your local Job centre, Construction companies and search Talentview to find an Employer



Once you are employed apply to start training

As an apprentice, you’ll earn while you learn, so you can gain an industry-specific qualification without needing a student loan. You’ll be employed full-time which include time spent training at college. Apprentices receive a wage and benefit from paid annual leave, sick pay and pensions.

National Construction College will help you gain the skills to achieve your goals.

9th December 2022

FROM THE CAREERS DEPT DIXIT

UBS provides financial advice and solutions to private, institutional and corporate clients worldwide. With more than 70,000 employees, they have a presence in all major financial centers in more than 50 countries. They offer a collaborative, international and diverse working environment that rewards passion, commitment and success.

Discover opportunities at UBS

Apprenticeships

Their UK School Leaver Apprenticeships are an important entry-level pipeline for UBS. The programs provide apprentices with the skills and experiences required to transition from school to the workplace while working towards recognised qualifications. Apprentices are full-time employees who will have a mixture of on-the-desk duties, learning and development. If you want your students to have a great introduction to the world of work with one of the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers, this is the program for them!

UBS offer both degree and advanced apprenticeships in lots of business areas so your students can choose the program that suits them best!

Degree apprenticeships are carried out in partnership with the University of Exeter, a distinguished member of the UK’s Russell Group universities. Apprentices get a set amount of working hours dedicated to an element of learning with full access to the university’s academic resources.

Apprentices can gain a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Applied Finance or a Digital & Technology Solutions Degree. These are great choices for students new to the financial services industry. They will also gain a number of recognised qualifications throughout both programs and be awarded their degree at the end of their fourth year.

The advanced apprenticeships typically range from 15-18 months and will enable students to gain industry-recognised qualifications to start their career. Completion of the advanced apprenticeship can also lead to a relevant higher apprenticeship and further qualifications.

They will be registered as a learner with a UBS training partner and have access to training, guidance and support.

Apply now!

UBS offers a collaborative, international and diverse working environment that rewards passion, commitment and success.

FROM THE CAREERS DEPT

Why Work at IBM?

At IBM, work is more than a job it's a calling. To build. To design. To code. To consult. To think along with clients and sell. To make markets. To invent. To collaborate. Not just to do something better, but to attempt things you've never thought possible. To lead in this new era of technology and solve some of the world's most challenging problems.

Register your interest in an IBM apprenticeship

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships at IBM are all about picking up skills for the workplace and embarking on a long and successful career. We have your professional development in mind from the day you join us as a permanent employee. Our apprenticeships range from Level 3 to Level 6 and each pathway gives you everything you need to start your career in the industry!

You will get lots of exposure to set you up for a lifelong career. In addition to the day job there are plenty of opportunities to get involved in social activities and volunteering with other Apprentices, Students and Graduates.

Degree Apprenticeships

Degree Apprenticeships allow you to work and achieve a Bachelors Honours degree at the same time. You will be doing a real role at IBM and using what you learn in the workplace as part of your degree.

Apprentices on our Digital & Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship are currently studying at University of Exeter and Manchester Metropolitan University. Choice of University is made in response to the needs of our IBM businesses. Time at University is typically one day a week either on site or via online education and you will be required to work during University vacations.

It’s time to define your career.

Some

Lessons from Auschwitz Project

Congratulations to Lower Sixth students Sinead Denwood and Alessandra Francesconi who have been chosen to represent the College on this years Lessons from Auschwitz Project. We look forward to hearing more from them later in the Spring term.

Whole school attendance up to 2 December 2022 = 95.5%

Target for whole school attendance = 96%

Year 11 attendance = 92.2%

really do need to see Year 11 attendance improve after the Christmas break. Vital exam preparation work will be taking place and your child cannot afford to be off school.

Year 12 UPE reports published 30th June

SUM/EOY reports published 13th July