DIXIT
EDITION 132 12th November 2021
The weekly newsletter for the Holyport College family
We will remember
This morning, our community came together in the quad for a poignant and moving service of remembrance. Mr Brownridge officiated the service and spoke to our community about the fragility of life, encouraging students to speak to friends and family to better understand their personal experience of war (and particularly the experiences of their grandparents or great grandparents) so that these are never forgotten. It really was a beautiful occasion and we sincerely hope that we are able to invite our parents and carers to join us for the service next November.
@holyportcollege
www.youtube.com/holyportal
1
DIXIT 12th November 2021
P.3
IN THIS EDITION
From the Drama Department An absolutely fantastic opportunity for some of our students!
P.4
From COP26 A report from our Year 13 students who attended COP26
P.6
From the Art Department Year 7s visit the Eton College Design School
P.7
From the MFL Department Linguists of the week
P.8
From the CCF CCF Bramley Scheme
P.9
From the PE Department This week’s sports news
P.10
From the Chess Club Holyport take part in an international Chess challenge!
P.11
From the College Members wanted for our Inclusion and Diversity Working Group
P.12
From the Welfare Team Young Carers
P.13
From the DSL What parents and carers need to know about Netflix
P.14
From the MO’S Movember comes to Holyport College!
P.15
From the Careers Department Windsor Forest Colleges Group open evenis
P.16
From the Refectory Next week’s lunch menus
P.17
From the Calendar Upcoming events and items to note
@holyportcollege
www.youtube.com/holyportal 2
FROM THE DRAMA DEPT
DIXIT 12th November 2021
On Tuesday 2nd & 9th November, we were lucky to be invited to participate in two Drama workshops at Eton College with the supremely talented Sir Ian McKellen, along with students from Eton. The students learnt a selection of Shakespeare’s most famous sonnets and in a relaxed workshop environment, Sir Ian gave the students constructive feedback on their performance. Together, they understood the form and structure of the sonnet and had fun exploring the different meanings behind the words. Sadly, Sir Ian was unwell for the second workshop, so Mr Handy, Head of Film at Eton stepped in. It was an amazing experience and I’m so proud of the students. They represented the school wonderfully and acted with truth and honesty. I’m sure this is something we will all treasure for a long time.
3
FROM COP26
DIXIT 12th November 2021
In October, I was selected to attend COP26 with a group of 20 other students from all across the UK. For nearly three decades the UN has been bringing together almost every country on earth for global climate summits, called COP, which stands for ‘Conference of the Parties’. In that time climate change has gone from being a fringe issue to a global priority. From the 1st-12th of November we will be having the 26th annual summit, giving it the name COP26. With the UK as President, COP is taking place in Glasgow. I was lucky enough to travel to Glasgow and experience it first-hand.
I got to attend talks and panels and interviewed renowned individuals such as Zac Goldsmith, a British politician, life peer and journalist serving as Minister of State for Pacific and the Environment and member of the Conservative Party. He was its candidate at the 2016 London mayoral election and was Member of Parliament (MP) for Richmond Park from 2010 to 2016 and 2017 to 2019. I was also lucky enough to meet Kevin Courtney, General Secretary of the National Education Union, the largest teachers trade union, for England and Wales. We discussed the effects of climate change and the benefits of further educating students on this topic by adding it into the school curriculum. 4
DIXIT 12th November 2021
FROM COP26
Scientifically and politically, 2020 was described as humanity’s “last chance” to do something meaningful about climate change. Global emissions are at an all-time high and none of the big countries are on track to meet their obligations under the Paris Agreement (aims to hold the increase in the global average temperature to “well below” 2°C above pre-industrial levels). COP26 is the biggest international summit the UK has ever hosted; bringing together over 30,000 delegates including heads of state, climate experts and campaigners. There is a lot of pressure on the talks to deliver meaningful commitments to action with UN Secretary-General António Guterres saying: “I am more determined than ever to work for 2020 to be the year in which all countries commit to do what science tells us is necessary.” At COP25, Greta Thunberg delivered a brutally honest appraisal of COPs saying: “Finding holistic solutions is what COP should be all about. But instead, it seems to have turned into some kind of opportunity for countries to negotiate loopholes and to avoid raising their ambitions.” COPs are organised into two zones; the inner Blue Zone and the outer Green Zone. The inner Blue Zone is beyond the security cordon and only Ministers, accredited government officials plus other accredited individuals and organisations get into this area. The main business within the Blue Zone is the international negotiations over climate change agreements and actions. Within the Blue Zone each country or territory has a pavilion where they showcase what they are doing on climate change. Within the pavilions, countries want to put on a programme of interesting exhibitions, speakers, receptions, presentations, etc. Beyond the Blue Zone is the Green Zone. Within the Green Zone, organisations that secure space have their own ‘pavilion’, exhibition or event to show what they are doing about climate change or get their climate change message to a wider audience. Attending COP26 has inspired me to make a change, and to do as much as I can to help overcome the issue that is climate change. Natalia McLaren-Taboada 5
DIXIT 12th November 2021
FROM THE ART DEPARTMENT
Year 7 Brunel students had the opportunity to attend Eton College Design school on Wednesday to design and create a desk tidy. The students took on the challenge to make the product in two and half hours using the materials, tools and machinery available to them. All of the students performed well and made the most of their time working up to the last few minutes. It was a fantastic opportunity for Holyport students to develop their design and innovation skills and to use the facilities at Eton College.
The opportunity will be available to other Year 7 students over the next few weeks and the remainder in the summer term.
Herschel house are setting up the Walkers crisp packet scheme with our school community. If your child is a member of Herschel house please can you support us in creating collection boxes for these crisp packets, by sourcing a box for your child to decorate in form time, as well as some recyclable materials to help decorate the boxes. This initiative allows us to recycle our crisp packets of any brand helping clear our school of litter, reducing our carbon footprint and repurposing packets which would have previously gone to waste. To find out more follow this link: https://walkers.co.uk/recycle In the coming weeks boxes will be placed in areas around the school for you to place your packets into, courtesy of Herschel. Many thanks for all your help,. Herschel house team
Follow us on Instagram! herschel_holyport
6
DIXIT 12th November 2021
FROM THE MFL DEPARTMENT Linguists of the Week!
Each week the MFL & Classics Department will be choosing ‘Linguists of the Week’! Congratulations to the following students for a great week! Year 7: • Lawrence Price - Scored 100% in his first Spanish trial!! • Charlie Das - An amazing first few weeks back from half-term,working hard in lessons and being very focused • Isabella Nusser - Super hard working, does all the extensions and is focused and participative in class, genial! Year 8: • Gemma Taylor - Outstanding hard work in lessons and great participation • Precious Paine Charles - Always on task in Spanish and great participation, keep it up! • Gerard Evans Rodriguez - Amongst the three students with the best score in the Autumn Spanish assessment in his class. Bien hecho! • Jessica Hancock - Amongst the three students with the best score in the Autumn Spanish assessment in his class. Bien hecho! • Eddie Fallon - Amongst the three students with the best score in the Autumn Spanish assessment in his class. Bien hecho! Year 9: • Omar Amjad Ali - Great attitude and great progress since September • Nicole Classen - Great attitude and great progress since September • Daniel Gargiulo - Great attitude and great progress since September • George Hinxman Great attitude and great progress since September • Arabella Piggott - Great attitude and great progress since September • Tirion Watkins - Great attitude and great progress since September • Beth Whitehill - Great attitude and great progress since September • Zac Terry - Lovely pronunciation and accuracy in his Spanish role-play this week Year 10: • Vaishnavi Vatsavai - Top of her class in the Autumn French assessment. Bien fait! • Max Tuner Carroll - Very good start to the half-term being focused and participating in lessons, keep it up! Year 11: • Lara Down - Top of her class in the Autumn Spanish assessment. Genial! Year 12: • Aimee Krubally - Outstanding first attempt at Spanish essay writing skills, an excellent result. • Cate Cowper - Outstanding first attempt at Spanish essay writing skills, an excellent result.
7
DIXIT 12th November 2021
FROM THE CCF CCF Bramley Scheme
Some of the Holyport contingent, dare I say, slightly lower in number than usual, braved the November elements for an exciting weekend of military adventure with Eton. In actual fact the weather was glorious - blue skies and sunshine and barmy temperatures. As ever, there was a training phase and then a mission. Cadets learned about camo and concealment, how to stalk the enemy and conduct reconnaissance, and how to plan section attacks, not to mention, the basics of living in the field and surviving outside for three days. The mission phase was an exciting attack on three enemy positions. Made all the more realistic with the deep thud of chinook engines overhead dropping off troops at our location. The cadets came back wrung out, exhausted, sleep deprived and yet exhilarated. They had to dig deep, muster inner strength and persevere when the going was tough, and that is what CCF is all about. Next Scheme weekend: Sat 26th February -Mon 28th 2022
Cadet Kit for Winter: Please ensure all cadets have a red light tactical torch or white/ red head torch for the next camp. Base layers and thermals will be needed in the coming months along with military black or grey gloves to keep warm. If anyone is feeling luxurious on camp a USB handwarmer is great for a pocket and Christmas stocking! Cadet Direct has some great non-issue equipment. Dry Sacks are also useful for storing kit and organizing kit inside the Burgan bags, keeping it dry. Plastic bags and bin liners can also be used as a far cheaper alternative. 8
DIXIT 12th November 2021
FROM THE PE DEPARTMENT
Last Saturday the College took on LVS in both Hockey and Rugby fixtures. Excellent performances across all Year groups with notable victories for all Year 8 teams. On Tuesday, the Year 7 Football team travelled to London for Round 2 of the National Cup. The boys put in a committed performance in a tight match to emerge victorious. They now await the draw for the next round after their 3-1 win. U12 Hockey on Tuesday brought victory over Charters but defeat to Marist. Well done Girls!
Senior Sport on Wednesday saw the U18 Hockey team record another victory and the Rugby 1st XV battle heroically against local rivals Windsor Boys. A 1-0 win in the Hockey sees the Girls well placed to reach the playoffs. The Netball League at Furze Platt on Wednesday was a mighty success for Year 7. Across all games only 1 match was lost between the A & B teams. Big thanks to Isla (Year 10) for helping with umpiring and coaching! On Thursday, the U14 Rugby team backed up their victory at the weekend with a comprehensive win over Crosfields. 7 Tries scored in a dominant display of quick running and fast hands. Miss Kerr took the U13 Boys to Berkhamsted for their first Fives fixture of the Year. Despite defeat the Boys were excellent and will be better for the experience! The SE Berks Netball tournament took place for Year 8 yesterday. The Girls were outstanding throughout with the A team finishing 5th and B team 4th in their respective competitions. Rounding out the week, the Year 8 Rugby team take on Great Marlow this afternoon hoping to end the week on a high!
NO SATURDAY SPORT THIS WEEK! Upcoming Fixtures: Tuesday 16th November: U15 Rugby Away @ Kennet School. 15:00 KO Tuesday 16th November: U14 Hockey Away @ LVS. 16:00 Start Tuesday 16th November: U12 A & B. SE Berks Netball Tournament. 16:00 Start Wednesday 17th November: 1st XV Rugby Away @ Halliford. 14:30 KO Wednesday 17th November: Senior U18 Hockey Away @ LVS. 14:30 Start Wednesday 17th November: U15 SE Berks Netball Tournament @ St Georges Ascot. 16:00 Start Thursday 18th November: U12 Rugby Festival. All Day @ Reading Blue Coat Friday 19th November: U13 Rugby Away @ Brakenhale. 15:00 KO
9
FROM THE CHESS CLUB
DIXIT 12th November 2021
First Chess Challenge between Holyport College and Rivendell College
Wednesday 10th November saw the first international chess challenge between Holyport College and Rivendell College, from Toluca, Mexico. There were 12 players from each school participating in an arena style tournament where just winning isn’t sufficient, you have to win as quickly as possible so as to play more games. The start was delayed due to internet problems at Rivendell, but once underway the two schools proved to be evenly matched. Sharing 5th place were Alex F Y13 Rivendell and a Uriel Y10, a rival from Mexico, each on 8 points. Gilbert Y10 scored 12 points but was narrowly pipped to 3rd place by Shirel also Y10 on 13, Rivendell’s most experience player. However, the two outstanding scorers were Rivendell’s Oscar Y9 who managed to play the most games scoring 20 in the time available, but was just edged out by Holyport’s Peter Y9 with 21 points. Next Thursday we play in the National Schools Chess Championship against up to 7 other schools from around the country, so anyone looking to show they have what it takes to be on the team will have to do so on Wednesday when we will have an internal tournament for Holyport players only. The current team, based on the results from this match is as follows: Peter, Gilbert, Alex, Teagan, Yuvraj, Elroy, Alfie, George, Ramayan and Rhiannan. Team Holyport
. . . and team Rivendell
10
DIXIT 12th November 2021
FROM THE COLLEGE
Inclusion and Diversity Working Group This year, one of the College’s most important development priorities is reviewing its policies and practice in relation to diversity. With this in mind, we are seeking parents and carers to join a working party which will play a key role in advising the governors and the senior team as to their strategy in this area. The terms of reference for this group are outlined below. If you’re interested in joining, please email Mrs Smith on hmpa@holyportcollege.org.uk. Within your email, please outline why you would be interested in joining the group and what skills/ experience you would hope to bring to the group. Scope and Composition: • The working group will be chaired by the Head Master and will report to the General Welfare Committee • The group will operate for a fixed term of one academic year in the first instance (until July 2022) • It will be comprised of no more than twelve individuals and should include: Governors, parents or carers, College staff and students in Year 11 or above • The membership of the committee will be specifically selected from groups underrepresented at Executive level (women, black people and people of other ethnicities representative of the student body, none hetero-normative people and those with disabilities) • The group will meet 3 times per year and its membership may also meet in smaller groups in preparation or follow up to these meetings as agreed by the group as a whole Purpose: • Review and advise upon College strategy and policy in relation to race, identity, relationships and sexuality • Make recommendations to the executive as to measures which could be taken to improve student and staff attitudes towards diversity, awareness, training, education and opportunity • Report to the General Welfare Committee on the appropriateness and effectiveness of measures taken by the College Terms of Reference: 1. To receive reports on the measures the College is taking to promote community cohesion, inclusivity and diversity awareness 2. To consider and advise upon the effectiveness of strategies in place 3. To suggest opportunities for improvement in all areas of College life including, but not limited to: the curriculum, the co-curriculum, boarding provision, staff training and recruitment, governance 11
FROM THE WELFARE TEAM
DIXIT 12th November 2021
Young Carers Holyport College has recently adopted the role of a Young Carers Champion and Claire Druce, from the Welfare team will be taking lead on this. The aim of this role is to help recognise, promote and support young carers within our school community and work closely with these young people and their families. Young people with caring responsibilities are not always easy to identify, many young carers are ‘hidden’ for a variety of reasons.
As a college we are keen to identify these young people so we can ensure they are supported. Quite often a young carers personal ,physical and emotional health and education and social opportunities are all affected by the family situation and their caring role. What is a young carer? A young carer is someone who: Is under the age of 18 years old and provides regular and ongoing care to a family member who is physically or mentally ill, disabled, or misuses substances. Young carers often take on practical and/or emotional caring responsibilities that would normally be expected of an adult.
What activities might their caring role involve? The tasks and level of caring undertaken by young carers can vary according to the nature of the illness or disability, the level and frequency of need for care, and the structure of the family as a whole. These can include:
• • • • • • • •
Practical tasks – cooking, housework and shopping. Physical care – lifting or helping someone use the stairs. Personal care – dressing, washing, helping with toileting needs. Emotional support – listening, calming, being present. Managing the family budget, collecting benefits and prescriptions. Medication management. Looking after younger sibling Helping someone communicate.
If you feel that your young person fits into the category of a young carer please contact Claire Druce at c.druce@holyportcollege.org.uk so the college can register them as such and make sure they have support in place. We will also be working in close partnership with Family Action RBWM Young Carers Service. Contact details for Family Action Young Carers Service Telephone 01628 626991 Email Address rbwm.yc@family-action.org.uk Website https://www.family-action.org.uk/
12
DIXIT 12th November 2021
FROM THE DSL
If this writing is a bit small, a clearer version of the document can be viewed here 13
DIXIT 12th November 2021
FROM THE MO’S
Mr Gardner, Mr Alford, Mr Hardee and Mr Fowles are all doing their bit to raise awareness (and hopefully a bit of cash) for men's health. Yes, that's right, Movember comes to Holyport College! Movember has progressed over the years and now aims to highlight the significant impact of mental health, as well as prostate and testicular cancer. By supporting us and donating, you will be helping the Movember team to continue to fund over 1,250 projects and build on the £19.1 million raised in 2020. You can view our team page by clicking here or by scanning the below QR code. We would really appreciate all your support, so please do share the link/QR code far and wide and, if possible, donate a wee bit of your hardearned cash.
14
DIXIT 12th November 2021
FROM THE CAREERS DEPT
Virtual Events Strode’s College THIS WEEK - Saturday 13th November, 10.3011.30am Principal's Presentation via Zoom Register Now Windsor College NEXT WEEK - Saturday 20th November, 10.30-11.30am Principal's Presentation via Zoom Register Now Open Days 2022 Spring Term Langley College Tuesday 3rd February, 4.30-7pm Register Now Strode’s College Thursday 10th February, 4.30-7pm Register Now Windsor College Tuesday 8th February, 4.30-7pm Register Now 15
DIXIT
FROM THE REFECTORY
12th November 2021
Next week’s lunch menus Week 1
Holyport College - Autumn 2021
Monday
Tuesday
Tangy Pork & CarTo the Right → Italian Style Chicken ribean Slaw CarTraditional counThigh ribean Dirty Rice & ter main choice Beans Vegetarian choice
Leek,Chive, & Wild Mushroom Frittata
Carribean Spiced Vegetable Stew
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Mediteranian Minced Beef Pie
Lamb Burger
Battered Pollock
Chunky Vegetable & Chickpea Chilli
Spicy Bean Burger
Roasted Vegetable Quiche
Baby Roasted New Carribean Dirty Rice Cajan Roasted Baby Roasted Garlic & Potatoes & Beans Starch & vegetaPotatoes Hand Rosemary Wedges Chips, Baked Beans, Broccoli Florets Honey Roasted bles Mixed Vegetables Coleslaw Mixed SalPeas Mediteranian Roast- Pumpkin Stir Fried Sweetcorn ad ed Veg Spiced Cabbage
← To the Left Something different
Jacket Potato with RS Baked Beans Penne Pasta with Tomato & Basil Sauce
Daily selection of Sandwich & Snack fresh sandwiches, Bar crisps and fruit
Jacket Potato with Jacket Potato with Jacket Potato with Jacket Potato with RS Baked Beans RS Baked Beans RS Baked Beans RS Baked Beans Penne Pasta Mascar- Tomato & Roasted Macaroni Cheese Spaghetti Carbonara pone & Basil Sauce Vegetable Sauce
Daily selection of fresh sandwiches, crisps and fruit
Daily selection of fresh sandwiches, crisps and fruit
Daily selection of fresh sandwiches, crisps and fruit
Daily choice of fresh- Daily choice of fresh- Daily choice of fresh- Daily choice of fresh- Daily choice of freshly made salad boxes ly made salad boxes ly made salad boxes ly made salad boxes ly made salad boxes
Salad Bar
Main dessert
Cold Desserts
Pineaple Upside Chocloate Sponge Creamy Baked Rice Down Sponge Vanilla Chocolate Sauce Pudding Jam Sauce Sauce
Jelly Cheesecake Fresh Fruit
Jelly Cheesecake Fresh Fruit
Toffee Apple Oaty Crumble Ice Cream
Steamed Jam Sponge Custard Sauce
Jelly Cheesecake Fresh Fruit
Jelly Cheesecake Fresh Fruit
Jelly Cheesecake Fresh Fruit
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 Alan Cockerill on alan.cockerill@sodexo.com or 01628 640154. 16
DIXIT
FROM THE CALENDAR
12th November 2021
Some Dates for Your Diaries Friday 19th November—Exeat weekend Friday 26th November—Nations Day Tuesday 7th December—Carol Service at Eton Chapel Friday 10th December—end of term
The Friends of Holyport College would like to thank everyone for coming to last week’s drinks event, it was great to see so many of you there! There is a meeting at the College on Sunday evening at 7pm for those who have said they would like to join the committee. If you are I nterested in joining and haven’t said so yet, it’s not too late - please email friends@holyportcollege.org.uk Also, a date for your diaries - we are holding our very popular Christmas wreath making evening on Monday 6th December at the College. Cost will be £30 and more details on how to reserve your space will follow on Monday. Feel free to bring family or friends!
TikTok 'black out challenge' It has come to our attention that a number of schools are experiencing students entering into a TikTok game called 'black out challenge.' This involves strangulation to the point of unconsciousness, with the students then discuss the feeling. We want to bring this to your attention so that you can be vigilant and discuss this with your sons and daughters if appropriate.
Parents’ Evening Dates 2021/22 Year 7 parents’ evening—Wednesday 17th November Year 9 parents’ evening—Monday 22nd November Year 1 parents’ evening—Wednesday 26th January Year 8 parents’ evening—Tuesday 8th February Year 10 parents’ evening—Monday 28th February Year 13 parents’ evening—Wednesday 23rd March Year 12 parents’ evening—Thursday 28th April 17
