KINGSBURY SCHOOL AND SPORTS COLLEGE April 2013 Message from the Head Teacher April has been another busy month involving students and staff in a wide range of learning opportunities. In this newsletter you will see the breadth of opportunities open to students at Kingsbury. In addition to the many exciting visits, projects and visitors outlined in this newsletter, we have also been focusing on refreshing some of our core work. We have re-designed our Student Planner and are sending parents/carers a Home Learning Booklet with advice and guidance on how to support their child‟s learning at home. We are investing some of our Pupil Premium funding on targeted work to support and extend students‟ literacy and numeracy skills. This includes small group and one to one tuition for Year 11 students preparing for their final exams. We are committed, in partnership with parents/carers, to ensure all our students make the progress necessary for the future and leave Kingsbury with a broad and balanced education. Ms C O’Driscoll, Head Teacher
Staff Changes
Dates for your diary
WELCOME to Mrs P Mullin, Personnel Officer (started 25.03.13) GOOD LUCK to Mrs M Akhtar, Personnel Officer as she th commences maternity leave on 17 May Mrs Quilty
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Mon 6 May Fri 24th May
Bank Holiday – School closed Half term begins
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Thurs 16 May Year 8 Parents Evening th
Thurs 16 May
Music to our ears
Parents‟ Forum 5pm
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Mon 13 May – Tue 25 June
Exams
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On Thursday the 28 March Year 8 were lucky enough to receive a visit from members of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Instruments played were from the String Section and included a violin, a viola, a cello and a double bass. A selection of symphonic, classical and contemporary music kept the students enthralled – with a final, rousing rendition of the theme tune from Pirates of the Caribbean. As well as performing, the musicians talked about the history of their instruments and the music played and all questions they asked were met with an enthusiastic display of hands. For many of our students this was their first experience of listening to and watching live orchestral music and from the toe-tapping and applause, it was clearly an enjoyable one. Mrs Sookdeo
CONGRATULATIONS
to Miss Chmielewska who completed the Paris Marathon over the Easter holidays, raising over £600 for Cancer Research. If you would like to donate, please visit www.justgiving.com/HannahChmielewska-JamesBeeson Mrs Rose
EXAMS th
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GCSE Exams for Years 10 and 11 take place from Mon 13 May to Tue 25 June. Please call school if you are unsure about your child‟s exams clashing with any appointments. Holidays should not be booked during this time. Mrs Perry
@KingsburySSC
Kingsbury School and Sports College, Kingsbury Road, Erdington, Birmingham, B24 8RE Phone: 0121 373 1080 Fax: 0121 306 4878 Web: www.kingsbury.bham.sch.uk E-mail: enquiry@kingsbury.bham.sch.uk
All change in the canteen Catering at Kingsbury School & Sports College is now provided by Alliance in Partnership Area Manager, Sadie Holloway, introduces the company: “We have a fresh and enthusiastic approach, and a drive to provide healthy, nutritious food to students. AiP hold the „Food for Life‟ Catering Mark which shows our commitment towards fresh, sustainable locally sourced foods in our schools. We use farm assured meats and MSC fish. We are thrilled to be working with Kingsbury and look forward to developing a highly successful relationship.”
Students Rebekah Lott and Omar Schrouder with canteen staff Julie Perrin, Cynthia Baker and AiP Manager Sadie Holloway
Omar Schrouder Year 10 describes how the students were involved in the selection: “The School Council was a part of the process for choosing a new catering company, which was very good because students know what we want in our canteen. The three companies we interviewed were very well presented and the food we tasted was very nice, so it was a hard decision. We decided on AiP because their ideas were exciting but also realistic, and they came across as the most enthusiastic. Mr Halstead and Ms O‟Driscoll took our thoughts into consideration and we now have a new catering company which we know the students had a say in choosing. In judging the presentations it also helped our own communication and leadership skills, which will be good for our CV‟s.” The Student Council did a fabulous job in representing school. All students got their point across and articulated exactly what they expected, but were mindful, respectful and polite. Look out for further information in future newsletters and around school. Mrs Barnicle
A letter from Her Majesty Students in Mrs Ivery‟s class were thrilled to receive a letter from Buckingham Palace on their return to school after Easter. The group had written letters and sent good wishes to Her Majesty during her recent illness, and they were rewarded with a letter from her Lady-in-Waiting, stating how much The Queen appreciated their efforts. Well Done to all the students involved. Mrs Ivery.
Kingsbury hosts national education debate Kingsbury is one of just six schools across the country to host a dedicated „My Education‟ debate, sponsored by TeachFirst and Pearson UK. Year 8 and 9 students took part in the debate, designed to give young people a voice in changes being made to the education system. The students‟ views will be presented to education decision makers this autumn. As well as the current education system, students discussed their aspirations for the future, and how they can make their voice heard. Jade Vaughn from Year 9 said: “It was a really helpful event because we got to express our opinions. We‟d love more workshops and debates and to get more involved with our lessons. Hopefully our views will be taken into account in the future.” Visitors said that the event gave them an amazing insight into the views of students, and several commented how interesting it was that students as young as this were so aware of changes to education and exams, the importance of having a good relationship with teachers, and that their education was an important part of their journey to adulthood. Martin O‟Donovan from Pearson was „bowled over‟ by Kingsbury‟s students. “Thank you for welcoming us,” he said: “it was a great occasion.” Our students engaged extremely well with the process and wanted to put their views across. Their conduct was exemplary, and they represented themselves, the school, and young people as a whole very well. I am very proud of them. Miss Luscombe. All students can put their views across at facebook.com/aboutmyeducation or on Twitter hashtag #aboutmyeducation.
WW1 Trip The History Department and over 40 students are looking forward to visiting the battlefields and trenches of France and Belgium over May Bank Holiday weekend. Look out for a report in the next issue. Good luck to all those participating. Mr Hussain
STEM @ KSSC Congratulations to the winners of the STEM competition for Spring Term, Ellen Ratcliffe & Sarah-Louise Geoghegan. This half-term, the STEM Club are running the „Kingsbury Big Bang‟ - a series of activities with a different STEM focus each week. After half-term we will be running a series of activities designed to develop team work and communication skills, in preparation for more in depth activities in the Autumn term. Year 10 Business classes are currently raising money for Cancer Research UK. The Giving Nation Business Enterprise Challenge runs from April to June 2013. We will be collecting donations, and selling keyrings, clay pots and sweet jars to raise money. Your donations or purchases would be much appreciated. You can also follow us on Twitter @ksscgive_nation Ramsha & Nelly 10C BS2 (Well done to Kamran for creating this poster. Mrs Jennings)
STEM Ambassador Interview Lieutenant Guy Dimmock, Royal Navy What is your current job role and how did you get there? I am a Marine Engineer Officer in the Royal Navy, currently the internal battle and fire fighting development officer for ships and submarines, based at the Ministry of Defence in Bristol. I began as an apprentice at Land Rover Solihull, after gaining NVQs and a HNC in manufacturing, a HND in Mechanical Engineering and a Degree in Mechanical Engineering. After 5 years with Land Rover I realised I wanted to join the Royal Navy. After passing the Admiralty Interview Board, a three day assessment centre that tests your potential as a future leader, I was accepted into the Navy. What are the rewarding things about your job? When the team works together and gets the defect repaired. Finishing refuelling and telling the Commanding Officer we are ready to return to sea. Also being able to react to an incident, ensuring the task or mission can be completed. What were your favourite subjects at school? Chemistry, Physical Education and Design Technology Did you do any extra- curricular activities? School Choir, school rugby team, Army Cadets Have you got any stories of endeavour in your job? I didn't get the GCSE grades I wanted so re-sat Maths and English and got my grades. Five weeks into officer training, I had an accident playing rugby, landing on my ankle and snapping the ligaments. I thought my career was over already, but I got my head down and refused to accept what happened. I completed training and passed out with my class, which everyone said would not happen. I also passed my Maritime Charge Qualification - a two day assessment board of practical exercises and a day at sea on as the engineer officer running the department and reacting to test scenarios. I gained a very good recommendation which gave me massive confidence that I can push on and really achieve a lot in my chosen career. How have the STEM subjects helped you in your career to-date? I would not be able to do my career without these subjects. You cannot get into the Navy as an engineer without an engineering degree and you can't study engineering without having good grades in the STEM subjects. Land Rover would never have accepted me on to the apprenticeship scheme without at least C grades in the STEM subjects. What advice could you give to students of Kingsbury if they are interested in a career like yours? Don't let anyone tell you are not good enough, if you have belief in yourself you will achieve what you want. I was put down a lot when I was younger. I am now in a very good career with good prospects. If you are knocked back at the first attempt keep going - don't give up! If you give up you will spend the rest of your life regretting not trying again and will sit there when you‟re old thinking „what if I had tried again?‟ Don't have a life of regrets. Mrs Jennings
WELL DONE to 3D, this year‟s Young Enterprise company, who were th runners up in the first round of this year‟s competition on 18 April. They th will now compete in the Birmingham and Solihull finals on 15 May. Miss Fisher
Staff @
Mr M Hussain‟s story exemplifies the quality of Endeavour. How long have you been at Kingsbury and what is your role?
Author visit Year 7 were treated to a visit from author and rd former RAF pilot Mark Robson on 23 April. Mark inspired the students with his story of overcoming the odds to become a pilot then doing it again to become a published author. He completed his visit with a writing workshop. Andie Milliken and Sam Perry enjoyed the event. “I really want to read all his books now” said Andie, whilst Sam commented: “It was very inspiring. It showed you could do anything if you try really hard.” Mrs Bowley
I have been teaching History for 10 years. In 2008 I developed the „Who do you think you are‟ programme. I am now Curriculum Leader for History. Tell us about your journey to becoming a teacher I came to the UK from Bangladesh when I was five, which was a culture shock - the first time I saw snow was amazing! We lived near Villa Park when hooliganism was widespread so it was a difficult time. At school I was really interested in History and Geography, due in part to the enthusiasm and passion of my teacher. At 15 I had a part time job in a restaurant, which was the main career aspiration in our community, but I decided it wasn‟t for me and that I wanted a different career. However, I started to lose motivation due to teenage distractions, and this, combined with a long visit to Bangladesh with my parents, meant I only achieved two O levels. My school allowed me to re-sit my exams at the same time as my A levels though, and because I was motivated to better myself, I did well. I studied History and Politics at Keele University, which were the best years of my life. I met people from around the world which opened my eyes to different cultures, and I played football for the university team. After achieving a 2:1 degree, I didn‟t really know what to do, so I spent two years in a variety of part time jobs. Someone suggested teaching and I returned to Keele for my teaching qualification. I was worried I didn‟t have the right attributes, and was also concerned about the lack of History teachers from an ethnic background at that time, but now I know I made the right decision! What are your interests outside school? I am married with two young children and life revolves around my family. Although I no longer live in Aston, I maintain strong ties with the community and my family there. My parents, although hesitant at first about my career aspirations, are now very proud that I am a teacher. Finally, what advice do you have for our students? I come from a similar background to many of our students; I feel I understand and can relate to their world. I know the Kingsbury community well, and have taught many siblings over the years – it won‟t be long before I start teaching their children! Education is about far more than books, lessons and school; it’s about improving yourself, and that should always be the motivation, not just to make money. Remember, everyone is a learner and a teacher, and learning never stops.
Sports News KSSC students took part in Hockey coaching sessions last term, as part of Aston Villa‟s satellite academy, to raise the profile of Hockey through Football. Eight students were selected to represent Villa in a regional tournament at Leek Hockey Club in Staffordshire. They won each of the three preliminary rounds, a real achievement as the opposing teams comprised many county players from Stoke City academy. The Kingsbury/Villa team sailed into the final to play the best Stoke team. Throughout the tournament students worked extremely hard, never giving up and always working as a team, finally coming runners up 1-0. All students played fantastically and displayed courage and determination throughout the afternoon (even through the snow)! Well done to all involved: Cynthia Tham, Jessica Preece, Lily Coulson, Dale Watt, Joe Griffiths, Oliver Steel and Lee Simmonds. Miss Walters