We have enjoyed another busy week at school and I am delighted to announce that there have been a number of successes for the school. I particularly enjoyed popping down to watch the Year 8 Boys on the astro pitch taking on West Hatch in the gathering gloom on Wednesday afternoon. I was very impressed with their team work and they knocked the ball around beautifully keeping possession. The opposition were a decent side but our boys were first to pretty much every ball and ground West Hatch down. In the second half it became a procession and a superb hat trick from Tom Spencer and some excellent finishing from Ben Stone helped the score get to a thumping 7 - 0. I would like to thank the parents who came along to offer their support but it was also great to see so many of our students coming to watch and cheer on their school mates. I thought that it was a lovely atmosphere and I look forward to the future success of this team. The fact that Mr Bailey was quoted as saying it was "a pleasure to watch" sums it up. I have been taking the Assemblies this week and in accordance with the wishes of the Government I have been tackling the topic of "Britishness". I have been really impressed with the response from the students as I have thrown out a number of questions on the subject and the points that I have been focusing on is what makes Britain special but also how do people in other countries perceive us. One of the aspects of Britishness that I have been discussing is the importance of Free Speech and I have given some examples of how something that we take for granted is actually something that we should be enormously grateful for. However, I have been able to point out that just because we enjoy Free Speech in this country we still have a responsibility to conduct ourselves in the correct way. I have highlighted how Social Media can be a huge force for good but students must also realise and understand that what they "Tweet" or post on "Instagram" can come back to haunt them if they cause offence. At Roding Valley we take the view that our students need to be educated in the appropriate use of Social Media as it is a key part of many of their lives but at the same time they must be aware of the potential dangers in their postings. All I would ask is that you, as parents, take an interest in your sons' and daughters' use of Social Media and have regular conversations with them to reiterate the potential dangers. Linked to this I would also like to mention the School's stance on the use of Mobile Phones. We do not ban them from the school site (as we appreciate they can be helpful in making travel arrangements for example after school) however, they should be switched off whilst in school. If staff hear or see a mobile phone they will confiscate it and the student will get it back at the end of the school day. Thank you for you continued support with this. I wish you all a very enjoyable weekend. Mr J Luck Headteacher
You can follow us at www.rodingvalley.net , on Facebook at the ‘Roding Valley High School Official’ page or on Twitter (@RodingValleyHS). You can also sign up to our free electronic media release service at rodingvalleymedia@gmail.com
Young Essex Assembly During the first week of December, everyone was given the opportunity to democratically cast votes in the Young Essex Assembly election campaign. The Young Essex Assembly is the youth council for the county. Votes were cast in form time and were then sent to Essex County Council to be counted and verified. As a candidate, I attended a Declaration event on 15th December where the results were announced. Myself, along with five other young people from the district, were successfully elected to represent the Epping Forest district. My term of office starts on 1st February 2015 and I am looking forward to being able to represent my peers at Roding Valley at a county youth council level. I would like to thank everyone who voted as this was the first Young Essex Assembly election at Roding Valley. I would also like to thank Ms Cordwell for organising the voting process. Matthew Tinker
Year 11 English 30th January 2015 is the final date for Year 11 students to get their Cambridge English written coursework in. No work will be accepted after this date. The written coursework is 40% of their final grade. If there are any issues, please contact your child's English teacher. Mrs Routledge
YEAR 10 WORK EXPERIENCE OWN PLACEMENT FORMS DEADLINE IS FRIDAY 27TH FEBRUARY ONLY SIX WEEKS AWAY! Mr Murray
A massive Well Done to both Miya Atherton and Rhys Greenaway who represented the school on Tuesday in the Future Chef Competition. The girls had a great time and said the experience was a great one to have. Well done Miya and Rhys. Y11 Photography All students have completed and handed in their coursework. Students have now been issued with their exam paper which they have until the end of April to work on in preparation for their final exam. Please be aware that you should see your child taking photos regularly for homework in preparation for this. Weekly Monday after school sessions will also continue to further support students. Please contact me if you have any concerns. Mrs Costello Head of Photography
Wishing Ellie Blundy 7U and Patsy Stow 7V the very best of luck for the next round of the RIBI Young Chef Competition on 21st January. Good Luck Girls!!
Roding Valley 7 West Hatch 0 Roding Valley secured a convincing win last night. We dominated the visitors throughout, our opponents were rarely threatening. Our passing was crisp with excellent support play, silky dribbling skills, shots on target and we dominated possession. A joy to watch on a cold evening! There were goals galore in the second half. A great debut by Tom. Scorers: Tom Spencer Ben Stone Max Whittle Sam Griffiths Mr Bailey
Examinations Please find below a copy of the February PPE (Pre-Public Examinations) Timetable and a Provisional copy of the Summer 2015 Timetable. Students will receive their individual timetables shortly for the February PPE's, these will be printed on bright pink paper. All relevant documents and information regarding examinations held at Roding Valley High School are available for students and parents on our school website www.rodingvalley.net In the meantime, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. J Draper 020 8508 1173 jdraper@rodingvalley.net
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 9-10am
Wednesdays 10-11am
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
Week ending 9th January 2015 Year 7 Highest Attendance
7V
Pupil with Highest Honours
Jayga Leslie 7T
Form with Highest Honours
7T
Class of the Week
7qt/En1 nominated by Mrs Lafferty for outstanding focus, effort and work in class. And 7ux/En4 nominated by Mrs Lafferty for outstanding focus, effort and work in class.
Year 8 Highest Attendance
8U
Pupil with Highest Honours
Alex Knight 8X
Form with Highest Honours
8X
Year 9 Highest Attendance
9U
Pupil with Highest Honours
Cameron Grossett 9R
Form with Highest Honours
9S
Year 10 Highest Attendance
10R
Pipil with Highest Honours
Conor Tyrrell 10T
Form with Highest Honours
10X
Year 11 Highest Attendance
11S
Pupil with Highest Honours
Taylor Barker 11W
Form with Highest Honours
11Q
Supported Homework Club Learning Zone Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday 3.05pm - 3.40pm Everyone welcome A drink and biscuit are provided
Open Days coming up: Chingford Foundation – Monday 19th January 2015 6.30pm Epping Forest College – Monday 19th January 2015 6-8pm Trinity Catholic High School Open Day is now Wednesday 21st January 2015 at 5pm West Hatch are offering another Open Evening Thursday 22nd January 2015 at 6.30pm Highams Park Sixth Form – Thursday 22nd January 2015 6.30-9pm Warsash Maritime Academy – Friday 23rd January 2015 www.warsashacademy.co.uk/openday Barking Abbey – Tuesday 27th January 2015 4-6pm Application Deadlines Roding Valley High School DEADLINE – Friday 16thJanuary 2015 - Hand in to Mrs Mason Davenant School DEADLINE: Monday 19th January 2015 - Hand in to Mrs Mason Epping Forest College DEADLINE: Thursday 22nd January 2015- Hand in to Mrs Mason West Hatch DEADLINE: 31st January 2015 - Post direct to West Hatch Trinity School DEADLINE: Monday 23rd February - Hand in to Mrs Mason Please keep an eye on all other deadlines for sixth forms and make sure the applications are handed in well in advance of the deadline day to allow time for posting. Parents of Year 9 and Year 11 Date for your diary
The Roding Valley High School Annual Careers Fest will be on Thursday 29 January 2015 from 3.30-6.30pm at Epping Forest College. The Careers Fest is fast approaching. We have a huge amount of employers already signed up to attend and it should be a very exciting and informative evening. I look forward to seeing you all there. If you require any further information or advice please contact me. Kind regards Mrs Mason Careers Development Manager dmason@rodingvalley.net
Guitar Lessons
Drum Lessons
Lessons slots are available on Mondays with lessons priced at £12 per half hour.
One to One, Two to One and Small Group lessons available. Learn with your friends!
Please contact Steve van Niekerk on vn.steve.vn@gmail.com
Learn to play the drums from as little as £5 per week Contact: jameswelsted@hotmail.co.uk
if you are interested.
www.jwdrums.co.uk LIBRARY OPENING TIMES
School Shop Opening Times
The library is open to all students for homework , G.C.S.E. work and private study / reading at the following times :
Before School: 8.30am - 9.00am
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.
Break: 11.00am - 11.20am
Tuesday: Before school 7.15 am - 8.10 am , break time and lunch times. Access for early opening is via the door by resources.
Lunch: 1.20pm - 2.05pm
Julia Martin / Stephen Murray
After School: 3.05pm - 4.00pm
Singing Lessons
PUPILS WILL NOT BE SERVED OUTSIDE THESE HOURS
Private singing lessons are now available. Please contact Gemma Kirk for more details and to book your slot.
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
email: g.kirk_88@hotmail.com
ICT Coursework Sessions
Every Friday Lunchtime With Miss Wilson in ICT4