DIXIT
EDITION 126 17th September 2021
The weekly newsletter for the Holyport College family
L6 Team Building Day a great success!
Originally conceived over two years ago, this day was originally a leadership selection day. Whilst we thought that the day itself was excellent we thought that it would be better to hold it as a team building day within the first two weeks of term. With around 65% of our incoming Sixth Form new to Holyport – what better way to introduce and build rapport between students, especially within their new form, than to run a team building day. The morning was split into 5 challenges – An Egg Drop challenge, a marshmallow and spaghetti tower design challenge, a series of logic problems, an Art challenge whereby students had to recreate a famous album cover and finally a Ms Cornell’s rowing ergo challenge! Form groups rotated around the activities scoring points and at the end of the day Ms Tatton’s form were the eventual winners. I would like to commend all L6 for the positive attitude that they took throughout the day and many have commented on how great it was to get to know the rest of the year group. Mr Hardee
@holyportcollege
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DIXIT 17th September 2021
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IN THIS EDITION
From the MFL Department Linguists of the Week!
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From the Art Department News from Art
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From the Partnership Lara Down in Year 11 reports on her stay at the Eton Connect Summer School
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From the PE Department Sporting activity this week
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From the Polo Field Further polo success for Charlie in Year 10!
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From the Boarding Houses Some of the activities in boarding this week
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From the Local Authority Details of a RBWM-wide Youth Engagement Project
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From the Dads’ Club Details of the upcoming Dads’ Club meeting
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From the Careers Department BCA Insight Sessions and banking opportunities for Sixth Form girls
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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
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FROM THE MFL DEPARTMENT
DIXIT 17th September 2021
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 8 • Ying Dong Xue - always participating and answering questions in Spanish. Amazing quality of work! Bien hecho Ying Dong! Year 9 • Lois Bicknell - Lois always goes above and beyond with her Spanish work, she has been fast to finish this week and completing extension work - phenomenal! Year 10
• Vaishnavi Vatsavai - consistency and hard work in French lessons, always trying the extension and challenge tasks. Well done Vaishnavi! • Dyllan Campisi-Dignan - consistent work throughout the lessons, participates enthusiastically and is number 1 in the race to complete all the MFL challenges. • Eimear Byrne - an excellent start to Year 10 Spanish - great effort and participation! Year 11 • Stanley Hwami - Stanley has made a positive and conscious effort with answering in lessons, and completing prep to a high standard - muy bien! • Hristina Atanasova - Hristina has made a positive start to year 11, lots of participation and trying in every lesson! Year 13 • Amaris Zieher - Thanks to Amaris and her Spanish mentoring of a year 12 student at the beginning of their A level course.
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DIXIT 17th September 2021
FROM THE ART DEPT
Year 12 Team Building Arts Challenge Recreating An Album Cover The Year 12s stepped up and recreated the following album covers during the team building day on Wednesday. They had 25 minutes to plan, create and edit the imagery to meet the tight deadline - lots of great results.
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FROM THE ART DEPT
DIXIT 17th September 2021
Congratulations to Remy Stannard who was recently selected as one of the finalists for the Burberry Foundation Creative Challenge. The aim of the competition was to design and create the fashion of the future and look at sustainable ways to promote and market the product. Remy will now have the opportunity to meet with the Burberry team and other finalists and receive the Burberry prize.
Remy was also responsible for designing the two new logos to support curriculum development at school. It’s wonderful to have our own in-house graphic designer! Our lovely Year 7s are fascinated by all things to do with bees and honey and I was wondering if there is someone who keeps bees and would be prepared to come in with a comb and any other interesting bits (outfit and smoker) to give a demonstration to them and answer their myriad of questions? We don't need the bees themselves just lots of knowledge, enthusiasm and some props and honey in a comb for them to taste. If you can help, please contact Mrs Coates, Outdoor Learning Coordinator: s.coates@holyportcollege.org.uk 5
FROM THE PARTNERSHIP
DIXIT 17th September 2021
Eton Connect Summer School – by Lara Down I was one of four students from Holyport College Year 10, who were chosen to attend an Eton Connect Summer School Programme from the 26th to 30th July 2021, where we boarded at Eton School for a week, attending class sessions, sport activities and tours.
Upon arrival on Monday 26th July, we settled into our rooms, attended the welcome assembly, tour of the Eton School to get our belongings and had a course photograph taken with everyone. Our first lesson of the week involved introductions and introducing everyone to what we would be doing in their lessons through the course of the week. The day ended with dinner and a movie night in one of the Eton Halls. Day Two, downstairs for breakfast at 7:40am, then to the classrooms for the first lesson at 9.00am. This lesson’s topic was having a ‘Growth Mindset’, where we learned about what it is to have a fixed mindset and a growth mindset. We were required to make vision boards about what we would like to do / study in the future and watched a TED talk, which explained the steps to achieving your goal. These steps were to: 1. Create a vision - make a vision board, with photographs of your dreams, attach emotion and place it somewhere you look regularly. Creating a vision helps you learn what you need to do to reach your goal. 2. Plan - a clear plan with clear steps and be prepared to ask for help. This helps, as the clear plan shows you how to achieve your goal. 3. Conquer your fears - have a mentor, step out of your comfort zone and ask professionals. 4. Go for it!
Eton Fives Courts (where only the Holyportians knew what Fives was)
After the morning break we had a session of sport activities, where we could choose between swimming, tennis or field sports. After lunch the lesson’s topic was ‘Resilience’, where we looked at people’s stressful scenarios and developed possible solutions to the problem. We learned about ‘the stress curve’, which shows how much stress is actually good for someone and how much stress is too much. The lesson ended with meditation to demonstrate the benefits of slowing down sometimes. After dinner we had the second sports session of the day and could choose between swimming or a rotation of sports (basketball, table tennis and Eton Fives).
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FROM THE PARTNERSHIP
DIXIT 17th September 2021
The third day commenced with a ‘Pitching Yourself’ session, where we learnt what some of our strengths / skills are and what it means to pitch yourself. We learned that a personal pitch is a speech or evaluation to sell yourself to someone. At the end of the lesson our tutor had everyone create a short 60 second pitch to present to our table groups. Following morning break we had a careers lecture by George Fussey, Director of Career Education at Eton. He talked about work experience and how it does not have to necessarily be linked with what you want to do in the future. Later in the day we had another lesson, this time on ‘Effective Communication’, where we learned about conversation techniques, such as be present, don't waffle, go with the flow and to not pontificate. After this lesson we had an Eton Mess Making Competition, where we split into groups and made our own Eton Mess’ and then had the pleasure of eating it. In order to walk off the Eton Mess, the tutors took us to the Eton Museums (Farrer Hall and Natural History). Wednesday evening’s activity was a talent show which consisted of course attendees playing the piano, singing, dancing, performing card magic tricks and drawing.
Some girls and I at Dorney Lake
Thursday started with a ‘Creativity’ session where we learnt what divergent and convergent thinking is. This lesson was followed by a morning break and a session of sport, where the choices were swimming, tennis, football or rounders, from which I chose rounders, but ended up playing football by the end of the session. After lunch, the lesson was a ‘Critical Thinking’ session, which was my favourite session, because we learned about different types of fallacy and bias. This session’s quote was ‘don’t raise your voice, improve your argument’. This was followed by some time in the boarding houses, to get ready for the short trip across Dorney Common to Dorney Lake.
Upon arrival we were treated to a barbecue dinner, with some prize presentations and thank yous. Everyone received a laminated course photograph, which had been taken on the first day, in which we had all the course attendees sign the back and actually took a while walking around. Soon after, the music started up and the disco began. By the end of the night everyone had danced and sung along together. On the final day, we needed to finish packing and vacate our rooms, including stripping the bedding before breakfast. The first session of the day titled ‘Making an Impact’ we learnt the difference between being passive, aggressive and assertive: assertiveness is: enjoying your rights, expressing your feelings, asking for what you want and stating your views. During this lesson we watched a speech by Malala Yousafzai when she was just 17 and the quote that spoke out was ‘what you will allow, you will continue’. 7
FROM THE PARTNERSHIP
DIXIT 17th September 2021
Morning break was followed by the last lesson for the course, about ‘Presenting’. We watched a TED talk that spoke about body language and how it affects the audience. We learnt that when someone is speaking to you they look at your hands first and if they cannot see your hands, the person gets uncomfortable and anxious. At the end of the lesson everyone made a small speech about what we learnt throughout the week and what we want to do with it. A farewell lunch was held, with speeches of thanks were made, followed by everyone saying goodbye to each other.
My week at Eton was one of the best experiences I’ve had learning new things about myself, like my strengths, skills and how to prepare for the future. I also learnt how to improve my communication skills, such as eye contact and being focused on a conversation. I met many people from different backgrounds and areas of South East England. I would like to thank Holyport College for giving me this opportunity and would recommend it to any Holyportian: if given the chance, jump at it, it is great fun. Lara Down
Ding Dong! Alfie is the first to ring the UCAS Bell! Oliver Dunnett, a founding student of Holyport College, who left for Oxford University to study Economics and Management a year ago, donated us a bell which can be rung by each student the moment they send off their UCAS form. There is special kudos for the first person to get their form off and this year that person is Alfie Franklin. He is applying for Law including at Brasenose College Oxford. Let’s hope that bell gets rung a few more times in the next few weeks.
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DIXIT 17th September 2021
FROM THE PE DEPARTMENT
Sports fixtures for the year kicked off last Saturday with a trip to Reddam House for the Boys and the Girls hosting St Benedict's. The U12 & U13 Football teams both suffered narrow defeats but showed promising signs for the season ahead. At Eton, The Girls Hockey teams all performed admirably - the standout result a 1-1 for the U13 A team. Miss Kerr was incredibly proud of the Girls’ efforts. Big thanks to Miss Watchman for all her help!
The U14 Rugby team competed in two fixtures this past week. A tough opening encounter vs Reddam House was followed by a narrow defeat to Holme Grange. Despite the two losses, progress is being made and confidence is still high heading into the future league fixtures. Wednesday afternoon brought the start of the Super 8 Hockey season. The Seniors travelled to Reading Blue Coat for their opening fixture. It was a great match that unfortunately ended 3-2 to the home team. Special mention to ‘MVP’ Darcey Howe for an excellent performance in goal.
NO SATURDAY SPORT THIS WEEK! Upcoming Fixtures:
Wednesday 22nd September - Seniors U18 Rugby vs Claires Court @ Maidenhead RFC. 14:30 KO Wednesday 22nd September - Seniors U18 Hockey. Berkshire Schools @ Bradfield College. 11:00 Start Wednesday 22nd September - U15 Netball League @ Furze Platt School. 16:15 Start Thursday 23rd September - U12 Football Away vs Phoenix Academy. 14:30 KO Thursday 23rd September - U14 Rugby vs LVS. 16:00 KO 9
FROM THE POLO FIELD
DIXIT 17th September 2021
Charlie Blakeley-Hipwood in Year 10 took part in the JCB Pony Club National Championships at Offchurch Bury, Warwickshire from Friday 20th-Sunday 22nd August – and they won! There were 16 teams in his u15 age Division and he played for the OS&B team in the “pro-kid” position player as “No 3” – winning all the play offs. That’s a hat trick for Charlie winning all three major u15 National Junior Polo Champs in the UK for summer 2021! •
Winner Hurlingham Polo Association British Junior Polo Championships 2021 (Hipwood Division – The Smail Trophy) playing for The Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club team.
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Winner JCB PC National Junior Polo Championships (Surtees Division – The Cooper Cup) Winner PC National Junior Champs League (Surtees – The “Gig” Horswell Trophy)
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Really well done Charlie!
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FROM THE BOARDING HOUSES
17th September 2021
Just a few of the things happening in boarding this week … Crystal and Mop enjoy cuddles
Year 8 Milton girls taking Monopoly very seriously!
First Herschelians of the week Prince (Y7) and Elliott (Y8)
Biscuit decorating for the Fawcett girls
Lots of Milton girls enjoyed making pancakes.
Boarding boys enjoyed hot dogs for treats! ➔
Follow us on Instagram! brunel_holyport herschel_holyport fawcett_holyport milton_holyport 11
FROM THE LOCAL AUTHORITY
DIXIT 17th September 2021
S.A.F.E Project A number of partners from across RBWM, including Thames Valley Police, RBWM, Achieving for Children, and the DASH charity, have come together to deliver a RBWM-wide Youth Engagement Project. This project has been named ‘The S.A.F.E Youth Project’, which stands for… •
S – Make unSafe places safe
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A – Advice, from young people to the police and vice versa
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F – Facilitate and inForm and Feedback
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E – Engagement
…and has been set up in order to: •
Engage young people, predominantly between the age of 11-24 yrs across RBWM
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Seek feedback on what the police and partners are doing well, and not so well and to capture the young person's voice
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Identify what young people are concerned about and how they feel about their community
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Inform the work of the CSP / CSP Sub-Groups and broader partnerships across RBWM
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Facilitate and inform future work with young people
The first task for the S.A.F.E Project is to gather the voices of young people living within the borough. This involves a series of questions which have been designed by young people. The questions can be completed by the young person or with their parents/carers. The link to the questions can be found here: https://forms.gle/LzE9SeuXQ1aYnhny7 Following this, a detailed report will be produced, outlining all of the tasks and workshops set up by the project and summarise the view of young people across RBWM. This will then be used to better inform all of our work moving forward. We very much hope you will support this project, and help us to gather a broad and diverse array of views and opinions of young people. The survey does not require the young person to provide their personal details. However, if they wish to do so and are happy to be contacted in the future, they will be entered into a draw to win Amazon vouchers. Survey Link - https://forms.gle/LzE9SeuXQ1aYnhny7 Thank you in advance for your support. The S.A.F.E Youth Project
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DIXIT 17th September 2021
FROM THE DADS’ CLUB
The Holyport College Dads’ Club is an offshoot of the Holyport College PTA, a group of Dads, Parents, Grandfathers & Guardians of children who attend the College, our next meeting is 23rd September at 7pm, we would love to see new Dads there …
It all started in 2014 with a small group of Dads who wanted to help raise much needed funds for the College, manning BBQs, running the bar at Quiz Nights, and putting on special events for the children and adults alike. To date we have raised over £100k for the College. We would love to see you at our next Dads’ Club meeting scheduled for the 23rd September at 7pm, to be held at Holyport College, the bar will be open, and for those wanting to continue to socialise afterwards and get to know each other we will head to the Jolly Gardener Pub in Moneyrow Green, less than a mile from the College. We hope to see you all there. The Dads’ Club 13
DIXIT 17th September 2021
FROM THE CAREERS DEPT
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DIXIT 17th September 2021
FROM THE CAREERS DEPT
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FROM THE CAREERS DEPT
DIXIT 17th September 2021
Click here to apply now 16
DIXIT
FROM THE REFECTORY
17th September 2021
Next week’s lunch menus Week 1
Holyport College - Autumn 2021
Monday
To the Right → Italian Style Chicken Traditional counThigh ter main choice Vegetarian choice
Leek,Chive, & Wild Mushroom Frittata
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Tangy Pork & Carribean Slaw Carribean Dirty Rice & Beans
Mediteranian Minced Beef Pie
Lamb Burger
Battered Pollock
Carribean Spiced Vegetable Stew
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 MedHoney Roasted bles Mixed Vegetables Coleslaw Mixed SalPeas iteranian Roasted Pumpkin Stir Fried Sweetcorn ad Veg Spiced Cabbage
← To the Left Something different
Jacket Potato with RS Baked Beans Penne Pasta with Tomato & Basil Sauce
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
Sandwich & Snack Bar
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 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 Steamed Jam Sponge Crumble Ice Cream 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. 17
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FROM THE CALENDAR
17th September 2021
Some Dates for Your Diaries Wednesday 22nd September—Flu vaccinations for Year 7-11 students Thursday 23rd September—Year 12 Parents’ Information Evening Monday 27th September—Karl Hopwood online safety talk for parents—6.30pm Tuesday 28th September—Main school open evening—early finish at 2.15pm Thursday 30th September—School photographs
Thursday 7th October—Celebration of Achievement evening at Eton College
Flu vaccinations (nasal sprays) will be available at Holyport College for all Year 7-11's on 22nd September. Please complete the consent form ASAP if you would like your child to have this vaccination. Please visit the immunisations team website for further information: schoolimmunisationteam@berkshire.nhs.uk Link to consent form: https://www.berkshireimmunisations.co.uk/Forms/Flu Holyport code: BK139971
Co-Curricular 2021/22 This week saw the launch of Co-Curricular at Holyport College. The College’s co-curriculum is far more than simply a few activities at the end of our school day: we view it as an integral part of life at Holyport College and one of the reasons our students are so rounded, positive and successful. During this time students are encouraged to develop and refine their interests alongside trying new experiences. We have a huge range of activities on offer from academic societies to sports team training and from Chess Club to Junior Choir. There is also the opportunity for any student who wants to set up their own club or activity to do so. The College has a website outlining the activities on offer for each year group. This can be found at this address: https://sites.google.com/holyportcollege.org.uk/co-curricular2021-22/home
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
Lessons from Auschwitz Project Lower Sixth History and Religious Studies students have been offered the opportunity to be involved in this years online Lessons from Auschwitz Project with the Holocaust Education Trust, they should check their emails! 18
