Another busy week at Roding Valley as we move towards Spring. The Year 11 Parents' Evening was very well attended on Thursday and there was a very positive atmosphere throughout the school. It was lovely to speak to so many parents about how well their sons and daughters are doing as the Pre-Public Examination outcomes look very promising. It was also helpful to give some pointers and arrange some extra sessions for those that need a bit of added impetus at this important time in their academic careers. Overall the students have shown a really mature attitude to their studies and have been attending the multitude of revision sessions and Controlled Assessment clinics that staff have been running at lunchtimes and after school. The teachers have been incredibly supportive of the students and so many parents commented on how grateful they were that staff are prepared to go above and beyond the call of duty to help the youngsters make progress and give themselves every opportunity of succeeding in the summer. It goes to show what a supportive school this is with students having ready access to their teachers who will always help them. With this in mind I would like to mention the Easter Revision School that is being held for the Year 11s in the first week of the upcoming holiday. This is a chance for students to come and spend some quality time with their teachers and get further ahead with their examination preparations. This is a crucial time for them all and we really are working hard to ensure that no students go into the exams under-prepared. I want the Results Day in August to be a real celebration for the students and the school as a whole so it is all systems go until the exam period is over. I would also like to invite all parents to the Parents' Forum next week on Monday 16th March. The focus of the discussion will be on the changes to examinations that have taken place thus far and the further changes in the next two years. This is something that I feel that parents need to be kept fully informed about as the Government has brought in so many changes in recent times that it is hard to keep up with them all. Fortunately we have taken a proactive approach with this and will certainly be ready for the demands of the new courses from September 2015 and beyond. Please do make every effort to attend the meeting at 6pm in the Hall as it is something that will affect all students in the years to come. Finally I would like to congratulate Harry Gipson in Year 8 on being selected for the Under 13 Essex rugby squad. A fantastic achievement and we are delighted for him. Only last week he was starring in My Fair Lady and now he will be performing in a totally different context for the County. And Thomas Reed in Year 9 who will be attending the Essex Rugby Development training day involving over 100 boys for Essex U13s. Very well done Harry and Thomas. I wish you an enjoyable weekend. J Luck Headteacher
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Media Release - Everything Epping Forest Students perform the musical ‘My Fair Lady’ Students in Year 8 to 10 at Roding Valley High School, Loughton, put their musical talents to a performance of the well-known musical 'My Fair Lady'. The cast members developed the characters, songs and dances, incorporating their own ideas and fleshing out some of the lesser known characters for the performance. The pupils who took part were Doncho Atanassov, Thisbe Barnett, Ben Botterman, Isabella Bramley, Lillie Butler, Grace Cain, Georgie Curran, Sena Demiryaban, Harry Gipson, Amber Goodman, Aliya Silverstone and Matthew Tinker. The lighting and sound were also the responsibility of pupils Jake Carter and Harley George while the costumes were provided by the Christian Drama Resource Centre, Loughton. The school’s head of drama, Andrew Stansfield, said: “It was a pleasure to see such commitment and passion from our young people. “The performance was well supported by family and loved ones who really brought the best out of the pupils. “Their passion for Theatre really shone through and it has been a wonderful experience to direct them.” Matthew Tinker, who played the part of Henry Higgins, said: “This is one of the best characters that I performed. “The production was a wonderful showcase for the school to provide a musical to the local community and show off the talent that lies within the school.”
West Essex District Swimming Gala Wednesday 11th March Davenant Foundation School On Wednesday, a group of students from year groups 7-11 travelled to Davenant School to compete in a swimming Gala. This is an annual competition and Roding Valley has competed there many times. The other competitors were West Hatch and Davenant. We were split into categories of U12, U14 and U16 for girls and boys. The available races to compete in were breaststroke, backstroke, front crawl and butterfly - these were all individual races - and then two relays for each age group, medley relay and freestyle relay. As Roding did not have enough swimmers to make up a full team, many younger students swam up an age group, or in some cases two! Overall, everyone swam extremely well and Roding did very well considering we were racing against club swimmers and in some cases older swimmers. I swam in the individual breaststroke for both the U14 and U16. It was a close race, however, I won both races! I then swam in both medleys for the U14 and U16 and although we didn’t win these, we all swam well. In the end, Roding girls came 3rd, the boys came 2nd and we came 3rd overall. Although we didn’t win, I would definitely want to compete again next year as it was a fun and enjoyable experience. Louise Gilbert 9R Plus - a big well done to everyone that participated. There was great team morale shown throughout and this was shown in the last race with only RVHS staying and cheering on their team. Each of you should be extremely proud of the way you represented RVHS. Mr Jones Team: Holly Bachell (11S) Frankie Bullock (7V) Charlotte Burke (7Q) Tom Compton (8T) Rhys Dolan (7W) Blake Doyle (11U) Tamer Duman (7W) Louise Gilbert (9R) Jamie Levy (7U) Ella Margetts (7U) Finn Sergent (10T) Matthew Wright (9S)
Food Technology Year 11 We would like to congratulate your sons on successfully completing their Task 2 Practical Assessments.
Food Technology would like to wish Patsy Stow 7V the very best of luck in the Region Finals being held this Saturday in Hertfordshire. Good Luck Patsy.
All students worked extremely hard and the standard of food was excellent. Thank you to all Parents/Carers who helped with the provision and organisation of ingredients and equipment needed and thank you for your continued support. We wish all the students well for the future. Well Done and Thank You
Year 11 Yearbooks and Hoodies EXAMINATION INVIGILATORS REQUIRED
Order forms for the Yearbook and Hoodies must be returned to Student Reception by Monday 23rd March. Payment can be made either by cash or cheque (payable to Roding Valley High School) or through ParentPay. The Yearbook is £10 The Hoodie is £22 You can purchase both at the reduced price of £28
Roding Valley is currently looking to expand our team of Invigilators for the forthcoming May/June examina on series and is looking for efficient, flexible and well organised people. The role involves overseeing and supervising examina ons and ensuring awarding body’s’ guidelines and regula ons are followed. There are also internally scheduled examina ons held throughout the school year where you will be required. Hours will be on a varied/ad‐hoc basis held throughout a school day. There will be appropriate training for successful candidates. Please contact Jenny Draper, Examina ons Officer on 0208 508 1173 for further details.
Find below a copy of the FINAL GCSE Examination Timetable for May/June 2015. PLEASE NOTE, AFTERNOON EXAMINATIONS FOR MAY/JUNE HAVE BEEN SCHEDULED TO BEGIN AT 1PM NOT 1.30PM AS PREVIOUS SESSIONS. Year 11 students should have received in registration a 'Guidance for Students & Parents' booklet with a blue cover which is full of information and advice about before, during and after examinations. Tucked inside the front cover is a 'Statement of Entry'. This lists your son/daughter's personal details plus every examination they have been entered for. Students must check this information thoroughly, especially personal details and name on certificates. This must be the students legal forename/surname. The examination boards will charge a fee for any amendments requested after certificates have been printed. Students must also check that they have been entered for all expected exams. If any information is wrong or missing, they must speak to Miss Draper, the Exams Officer immediately. If your son/daughter has not received this information, they must speak to their Form Tutor who will have their copy in the register bag. Students will receive their individual timetables shortly. If you have any questions in the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact me. Jenny Draper Examinations Officer
Student Absence If your child is unable to attend School for any reason then please report their absence by phoning the school number by 9.30am, you must also ring in each day of your child’s absence.
020 8508 1173 On their return to School please ensure your child brings with them a letter explaining the reason for the absence for our records.
Medical Appointments When possible please make sure you make any medical or dental appointments outside of school time. If this is not possible then please try to ensure that your child attends before and/or after their appointment.
Holidays in Term Time It is not school policy to authorise any holidays during term time except in exceptional circumstances. If you put in a request a ‘Leave of Absence’ form must be completed (these are available at Student Reception). Please be aware if the absence is not authorised and the holiday is taken, the case may be referred to the Education Welfare Service who may issue a Penalty Notice for £120 (or £60 if paid within 21 days) to each parent for each child taken out of school. For full details regarding attendance please see our Attendance Policy which can be found in the ‘Parents’ section on our website or contact Mrs Jeanette Low our Attendance Officer on the school number 020 8508 1173.
Drop in times for Students with Special Educational Needs This year we are trialling some drop in times for parents of SEN students to enable you to discuss your son/ daughter's progress in detail. We will be available at the following times: Mondays 10-11am Wednesdays 1011am Thursdays 2.15-3pm Please email me to book one of these times, or an alternative time if these are inconvenient, at asmith@rodingvalley.net
Reminder Year 7 residential trip to Peak Venture Year 8 residential trip to Skern Lodge Final Payment of balance is due this Friday, 13th March
Week ending 6th March 2015 Year 7 Highest Attendance
7U
Pupil with Highest Honours
Saskia Cushings 7U
Form with Highest Honours
7U
Class of the Week
7Q/Hu nominated by Ms Cordwell for outstanding homework and attitude to learning and acting maturely when a pupil in class was ill
Year 8 Highest Attendance
8T
Pupil with Highest Honours
Sneha Gutierrez 8S
Form with Highest Honours
8U
Year 9 Highest Attendance
9T
Pupil with Highest Honours
Cameron Grossett 9R
Form with Highest Honours
9U
Pupil of the Week
Lee Maryon 9U nominated by Mr Ahmad for excellent effort and work during lessons. And: Grace Hughes 9U nominated by Mr Ahmad for excellent effort and work during lessons
Year 10 Highest Attendance
10X
Pupil with Highest Honours
Demi Braxton 10T
Form with Highest Honours
10R
Class of the Week
10a/Rs4 nominated by Mr Murray
Year 11 Highest Attendance
11T
Form with Highest Honours
11U
Year 10 Boys Vaccinations Could parents/carers of all Year 10 boys ensure that medical forms have been returned to the school as immunisations take place on Thursday 19th March. If your child has mislaid their form, please ask them to obtain a new one from Student Reception.
Supported Homework Club Learning Zone Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday 3.05pm - 3.40pm Everyone welcome A drink and biscuit are provided
Access to Water in School Parents, please be aware that the canteen has jugs of water available both during lunchtime and break time for all students to access. Bottled water is sold at all outlets Large bottle 50p Small bottle 25p
ICT Coursework Sessions Every Friday Lunchtime With Miss Wilson in ICT4
If a student is overdrawn or has no money on their lunch account, they will always be sold water.
Maths Support
Monday, Wednesday & Friday After school M5
Maths Club
School Website Please visit our school website to find details of any recent letters home, the Student Bulletin and previous copies of the Parent Bulletin www.rodingvalley.net
Tuesday & Thursday Lunchtime M3
Drum Lessons One to One, Two to One and Small Group lessons available. Learn with your friends! Learn to play the drums from as little as £5 per week Contact: jameswelsted@hotmail.co.uk
Guitar Lessons Lessons slots are available on Mondays with lessons priced at £12 per half hour. Please contact Steve van Niekerk on vn.steve.vn@gmail.com if you are interested.
www.jwdrums.co.uk
School Shop Opening Times
LIBRARY OPENING TIMES
Before School: 8.30am - 9.00am
The library is open to all students for homework , G.C.S.E. work and private study / reading at the following times :
Break: 11.00am - 11.20am Lunch: 1.20pm - 2.05pm After School: 3.05pm - 4.00pm PUPILS WILL NOT BE SERVED OUTSIDE THESE HOURS
Monday - Friday (excluding Tuesday): Before school 7.15 am – 8.30 am , break time , lunch times and after school for homework club 3.15 pm – 4.15 pm. Tuesday: Before school 7.15 am - 8.10 am , break time and lunch times. Access for early opening is via the door by resources. Julia Martin / Stephen Murray
Singing Lessons Private singing lessons are now available. Please contact Gemma Kirk for more details and to book your slot. email: g.kirk_88@hotmail.com