DIXIT
EDITION 100 27th November 2020
The weekly newsletter for the Holyport College family
Nations Day Lite 2020 We weren’t able to run a full Nations Day due to Covid-19 restrictions but that didn’t put a dampener on the day! After an assembly to celebrate a variety of cultures and National costumes, we had lessons as normal this morning and then moved to a lovely lunch prepared by our Sodexo colleagues with a variety of foods from around the world. The afternoon heralded a Nations Day quiz for students in lessons and then the newly instituted flag parade. This was wonderful and saw the whole College celebrate the 64 nations we have in our community. The flags will be hung permanently in the dining hall as a permanent reminder to everyone of the diversity of our community. Many thanks to Mr Hardee and the Sixth Form Prefects for organising a great day.
@holyportcollege
www.youtube.com/holyportal
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DIXIT 27th November 2020
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IN THIS EDITION
From the Curriculum Updated curriculum information
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From the Biology Department Some impressive work and information about Medsoc
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From the Geography Department A plea for help and DofE news
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From the PE Department Miss Boutcher-West wants to find Holyport’s hidden sporting gems!
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From the English Department Introducing the new Sixth Form Reading Ambassadors
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From the Classrooms News from Art and History
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From the Music Rooms A reminder of the music opportunities for Christmas
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From the Co-Curriculum Join the new virtual cultural exchange programme!
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From the Sixth Form Eton Societies next week
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From the Careers Department Upcoming events and items to note
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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
FROM THE CURRICULUM
DIXIT 27th November 2020
Updated Curriculum Information We’ve always been pretty clear that part of our core purpose at Holyport College is to ensure that our students are not only well rounded and well qualified when they leave us but also well educated. Our academic curriculum really is at the heart of all that we do and, over the past year, our teaching faculties have been reflecting on what they teach, why they teach it and mapping the skills and knowledge which students will develop in each subject from Year 7 to GCSE and beyond. Yesterday, we made a major update to our website so that you as parents and carers can now see in detail what your sons and daughters will be learning in each subject each term and also, most importantly, how this fits into the bigger picture of their time with us. This isn’t just about exam results: the fundamental purpose of our education is to ensure that young people develop an understanding of the world in which they live, its past, its present and its future. They must learn about the culture of the world, its people, its ways and its faiths and they must learn about the global environment and their responsibilities in relation to this. We believe that the curriculum we have developed goes a long way towards meeting these aims however we also know (as I mentioned in my statement at the beginning of Black History Month) that it isn’t yet perfect and we will continue to refine and develop it so that it can be truly reflective of the diversity and beliefs of our wonderful community. Please do take some time to have a look around the updated subject pages which can be found on our website here: https://www.holyportcollege.org.uk/curriculum Ben McCarey Head Master
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DIXIT 27th November 2020
FROM THE BIOLOGY DEPT
This week the Upper Sixth students have been impressing us with their modelling and recall skills. They were challenged to recall all steps involved in the entire process of aerobic respiration without looking at any books or notes, and they did not disappoint! Well done to Polly, Chi Chi, Michaela, Sera and Lauren who were winners of the challenge and to Olly, Ronny, Fabienne, Francesca, Dylan, Amy, Fiona and Charlotte who were extremely close runners up!
Medsoc Medsoc has been meeting (at a social distance) in co-curricular for both day students and boarders. Obviously Covid 19 and our response to the crisis has provided lots of interesting topics and news stories to research and assess. Fortunately many medical schools are providing virtual work experience opportunities and our students are enjoying finding out about medical careers in the virtual world. This week's meeting saw the Year 12 students carrying out online mock interviews with our Year 13 medics and pharmacists. Interviews are fast approaching and any opportunity to practise, even with nice friendly students is helpful. Any student thinking about careers in health related subjects are welcome to attend Medsoc. See Mrs Dawson for more information.
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DIXIT 27th November 2020
FROM THE GEOGRAPHY DEPT
A Level Geography - help needed! The Upper Sixth geographers are currently conducting research for their independent investigations (coursework). With lockdown and the pandemic restricting their data collection many of them have written online questionnaires to gather their data about changes occurring in Maidenhead and would be very grateful for your responses. India’s questionnaire https://forms.gle/uApQnNDxU2uwLZAt5 Joe's questionnaire https://forms.gle/XFYjenuJgWziDnjr5
DofE Year 10 & Year 11 Mrs Day is still chasing a large number of students in Year 10 & 11 who need to update their edofe accounts and sign off activities. Please ensure any activities that have been completed are signed off before the Christmas holidays. We will be launching the Silver award in January for those Year 10 students who are wishing to progress and have completed all the elements of their Bronze award. Bronze - Year 9 The launch of Bronze DofE for students in Year 9 has been postponed until after Christmas as a result of the recent lockdown conditions. 5
DIXIT 27th November 2020
FROM THE PE DEPT Staff Sports Profiles
As we celebrate the 100th edition of Dixit, it’s the perfect time to launch our new Staff Sports Profiles!
Did you know that Mr Alford represented Bath as an U19 rugby player? Did you know that Mr Parry is a very handy volleyball player? Did you know that Mrs Crocker is a windsurfing instructor? Pic below! Each fortnight, starting next term, a profile of a member of our school community will appear as a feature in Dixit and up on the board in the sports hall corridor. If you participate in a sport or activity outside of school, send an email to Miss Boutcher-West with the details of what you do, how often, and to what level you have performed. We have some fantastic sporting legends amongst our staff team – where are the hidden staff and student gems we have yet to discover?!
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DIXIT 27th November 2020
FROM THE ENGLISH DEPT
Introducing our Year 12 Reading Ambassadors Congratulations to our 4 newly selected Year 12 Reading Ambassadors at Holyport College! I am really looking forward to working alongside you in achieving our goal towards raising the profile and value of reading across our school community. I am particularly looking forward to celebrating literary occasions; celebrating the publication of Jane Austin’s Pride and Prejudice, reaching out and sharing our reading experiences with residents at a local care home and organising whole school events such as World Book Day and National Poetry Day. Miss Scambler Twitter: @HolyportEnglish ‘Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.' - Margaret Fuller What I’m Currently Reading: 'Why I'm No Longer Talking To White People About Race’ by Reni Eddo-Lodge This text is very current due to the Black Lives Matter movement, and discusses prejudice and structural racism within society. This is also a different genre to the books I have previously read.
Reading is so important as, especially at the moment, it gives you a sense of escapism and can be very educational. As a reading ambassador I'd like to encourage other people to read, and encourage a wider range of genres. Jessica Garratty What I’m Currently Reading: ‘The Fault In Our Stars” This is a romantic tragedy text about two teenagers, who are both suffering from cancer. After meeting at a support group, they end up becoming friends for which Augustus surprises Hazel with a visit to Amsterdam to meet Hazel’s favourite author.
Reading is important because it allows you to relax and indulge in your imagination. Statistics show that reading reduces stress levels by 68%. As a Reading Ambassador, I would like to help as many people possible to discover the enjoyment of reading. Emily Light What I’m Currently Reading: The Bloody Chamber by Angela Carter. I am thoroughly enjoying the text because it challenges the societal norms and presents a clear subversion of gender roles. The Bloody Chamber is also known for its horrific imagery and its isolated gothic setting exemplifying the gothic genre. Umair Irfan
What I’m Currently Reading: “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood This is a dystopian novel, set in a futuristic, patriarchal, fundamentalist society where all the women are divided into classes based on their fertility. I am enjoying this book because it is relevant to 2020 (abortion laws, women’s rights). It also has a very thought-provoking plot.
Reading is essential to our everyday lives and is not only educational, but also an easy way to escape reality. As a reading ambassador, I would like to promote the joy which comes from reading, so that it is not just seen as a boring task. Alexandra Findel-Hawkins Albarran 7
FROM THE CLASSROOMS
DIXIT 27th November 2020
ART INSTAGRAM @HolyC_ART
Congratulations to the Year 7 History students who are embracing revision ready for their first Holyport trials week. The historians’ posters and revision pages summarising the Norman conquest are particularly impressive. For more pictures search for @HolyportHum on Twitter.
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DIXIT 27th November 2020
FROM THE MUSIC ROOMS
Christmas Music - Opportunities We are all really sad that we are unable to have our amazing Carol Service this year and have been thinking of ways we can still use music to celebrate the love, joy and hope of the Christmas season. I would like to invite any student who would like to, to make a video of themselves playing or singing a piece of Christmas themed music. This doesn’t have to be religious (but equally, it can be!) - it can be anything from ‘O Holy Night’ through to ‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree’ and beyond! These videos will be shared with our community in Notices, Assemblies and on our social media platforms. We might not be able to make music en masse, but let’s still make it count! We would also like to try and put together a virtual choir recording of ‘Silent Night’ using software and Mr McCarey has kindly offered to put this together. Anyone can take part in this, and this would involve the student singing along to a backing track supplied by me to ensure we are all in the same key, through their earphones whilst being videoed. There can’t be any rehearsals, (but I’m happy to offer help remotely if needed!) so it’s very much up to the student to decide if they’d like to do this on their own and send it to us. Students should email me at j.bryant@holyportcollege.org.uk to ask for the track. Please encourage your child to be involved - it would be wonderful to get a ‘virtual’ open access choir together for a Christmas celebration. Mrs Bryant
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DIXIT 27th November 2020
FROM THE CO-CURRICULUM
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FROM THE SIXTH FORM
DIXIT 27th November 2020
Weekly Societies Bulletin Until further notice all Society meetings will continue to run virtually via webinars (log-in details to be circulated by email by the individual societies) For recordings of previous webinars please visit the Societies page on Firefly
Michaelmas 2020, Week 11 Monday 30th November: ·
Journalism Society: Alasdair Glennie, writer for The Guardian, 20:30.
Tuesday 1st December: · Classical Society: Professor Judith Mossman, ‘Medea on the Move: a Travelling Heroine’, 20.30. · Scientific Society: Professor Cooper, University of Liverpool, ‘Building an Intelligent Mobile Robotic Chemist’, 20:30. ·
Simeon Society: Karnie Sharp, BBC Newsday Presenter, 20:30.
Wednesday 2nd December: ·
Political Society: James Cleverly MP, 20:30.
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LitSoc: Professor Bennett, ‘Moby Dick’, 20:30.
· The Social Impact, Education & American Society: Julia McWilliams, author of ‘Complete or Close: Traditional Neighbourhood Schools Under Pressure’, 20:30. ·
Disability Awareness Symposium: 20:30.
Thursday 3rd December: · FemSoc: Dr Claire Harvey, GB Paralympian, ‘Disability & me: definitely not superhuman’, 20:30.
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Indian Subcontinent Society: Ian Peebles, ‘Race after Racism’, 20:30.
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Model United Nations: 20:30.
Friday 4th December: ·
Debating: D, E & F Training, Lower School, 20:45.
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DIXIT 27th November 2020
FROM THE CAREERS DEPT
Career and upskilling opportunities with PwC Purpose and values are important to us – and likely to you too. Our values define how we do things, and our purpose is why we exist – to build trust in society and solve important problems for our clients, our people, and the communities in which we operate. Now more than ever our business is evolving. We offer a variety of programmes for school and college leavers to start shaping their careers with PwC. For students looking to go to uni whilst starting their career Our Flying Start degree programmes in Accounting or Technology offer the best of both worlds. Studying at university, students will get to experience the full-time student lifestyle but with integrated paid placements at PwC, they’ll have some money to enjoy it too. They’ll gain a degree, and hopefully impress us enough to secure a graduate job with us after they graduate. Developing employability skills We’re thrilled to bring you the latest instalment of PwC’s Virtual Classroom - a virtual programme open to students between Years 10 and 13* focusing on racial equality, social mobility and gender equality. Students will also have the chance to engage with a range of PwC ambassadors through the interactive live sessions, while having the flexibility to watch and listen to the recorded sessions at a time best suited to them each week. Students can sign up to the virtual sessions click here. For those interested in work experience
For students in Year 12** who are keen to understand how they can progress their career in the world of business, accounting or technology at PwC, our Virtual Insight Week offers them a fantastic opportunity. During the week students can get involved in sessions covering Accounting, Business, Digital and their career development. Applications for our Virtual Insight Week will open in February 2021, and you and your students can sign up to our Talent Network to be first to hear when they do. 12
FROM THE CAREERS DEPT
DIXIT 27th November 2020
Click here to register.
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DIXIT
FROM THE REFECTORY
27th November 2020
Next week’s lunch menus
To the Right → Traditional coun-
Vegetarian choice
Starch &
vegetables
← To the Left Something
Week 1 Monday
Tuesday
Tandoori Chicken
Jerk Pork Loin
Thai Beef Curry
Roasted Gammon Or Roasted Chicken (H)
Chicken Burger
Jerk Quorn Fillet
Thai Vegetable & Chickpea Curry
Goats Cheese, Squash & Spinach Wellington
Southern Fried Quorn Burger
Fragrant Rice, StirFry Vegatables & Prawn Crackers
Roast potatoes, Seasonal Vegetables & Gravy
Chips, Coleslaw, Boston Beans & Salad
Tandoori Cauliflower
Bombay Potatoes, Sweet Potato Mash, Roasted Courgettes, Sauteed Peppers & Pitta & Ratia Sweetcorn
Jacket Potato with Jacket Potato with Jacket Potato with Chefs choice of fill- Chefs choice of fillings Chefs choice of ings Pasta Bar fillings
different Vegetable Noodles
Sandwich & Snack Bar
Salad Bar
Main dessert
Cold Desserts
Holyport College - Autumn Winter 2020 Wednesday Thursday
Selection of sauces
Pasta Bar
Daily selection of Daily selection of fresh Daily selection of fresh sandwiches, sandwiches, crisps and fresh sandwiches, crisps and fruit fruit crisps and fruit
Friday
Jacket Potato with Chefs choice of Battered Fish & fillings Chips, Peas, Pasta Bar Beans Selection of sauces Daily selection of fresh sandwiches, crisps and fruit
Daily choice of Daily choice of Daily choice of fresh- Daily choice of freshly Daily choice of freshfreshly made salad freshly made sally made salad boxes made salad boxes ly made salad boxes boxes ad boxes Fruits of the Forest Upside down pineapEve's Pudding ple cake
Selection of cold desserts
Selection of cold desserts
Sticky Toffee Pudding
Seasonal Crumble Custard
Ice Cream
Selection of cold desserts
Selection of cold desserts
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. 14
DIXIT
FROM THE CALENDAR
27th November 2020
Some Dates for Your Diaries Friday 27th November—Nations Day Friday 11th December—end of term
This year we are supporting Winter Woolly Wednesday is aid of Child Bereavement UK. Students and staff are invited to wear a Christmas jumper (or even full on Christmas fancy dress!) for a donation of £1. Please support us if you can.
Parents’ Evening Dates 2020/21 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 15
