To start with, a big thank you to all parents who attended the Parents' Forum on Monday. The session was run by Mrs Jenner, Mr Vermaak and Mr Naidoo and was focussed on the changes in the way that Maths is going to be examined in years to come. The Government has announced a number of changes in terms of the degree of difficulty of examinations and the type of questions that will be asked. I am glad to say that we have worked quickly on this and the Maths Department are well set to be able to deliver high quality teaching in the years to come, providing the students with every chance of achieving excellent outcomes. At future Parents' Forums we are looking to provide similar insights for the changes that are going to affect other subjects such as English and the Sciences so please do take the opportunity to come along as it will certainly put you in a better position to help your child succeed. It was great to get so many positive messages following the Forum stating how useful parents had found it and thanking the staff for their input and commitment. On a different note I would like to mention that we are having a crackdown on litter around the school at present. I have delivered an assembly to the students about the importance of looking after the school environment and taking a pride in the school as a whole. When I show visitors around they always comment on what an attractive place Roding Valley is and how lovely to have a river running through the middle of the site. However, at times there has been a considerable amount of litter which is totally avoidable. There are plenty of bins around the school and students must use them. Not only would this demonstrate that they take a real pride in the school and show that they respect the establishment, it will also mean that gulls will not be attracted. I'm afraid that the gulls and other birds swoop in picking up any food that is dropped and this could constitute a health hazard. I have warned students that if this continues to be a problem we will have to consider more stringent sanctions to be taken against those students dropping litter. On a more positive note I thoroughly enjoyed watching the Year 9 football team taking on Forest School on Wednesday evening. I saw superb finishing from Logan Simmonds and Jamie Grace and some calm and classy defending from Sidney Jethva to name but three. I spoke to Mr Jones who takes the team and he said what a delightful group of lads they are and how it is a pleasure to see them developing as footballers. The final score was a 10 - 1 hammering which was a tough lesson for Forest and I look forward to the Year 9s next game with eager anticipation. I wish you an enjoyable weekend. J Luck Headteacher
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Secondary Sports Hall Athletics County Finals On Thursday 19th March, seven Year 7 girls participated in the Essex County Sports Hall athletics finals in Southend. The students competed in a number of running and obstacle events against nine other schools from across the county and having already acclaimed the District title the girls were motivated for the challenge. The girls were determined to succeed showing a great team morale and strong whole team performance throughout the day and after making a winning start gaining first place in the obstacle relay, the girls raced individually, with not one finish being outside the top 3. When the final race had finished the scores were in with the RVHS team finishing 3rd with 231 points, just missing out on the top spot. Clutching at their bronze medals the girls did themselves proud by showing fantastic confidence and commitment in each of their successful performances as well as in the overall team events. Well done ladies, you should be extremely proud of yourselves and your achievements. Bring on next year! Team from left to right: Madison Holden-Ettridge, Ruby Moody, Sulola Olusesan, Grace Alexandre, Lottie Clemens, Teagan Andrews, Ella Margetts (cap)
Are you aged 14 or over (by the end of August 2015)?
If so, then this volunteering opportunity could be for you:
Volunteers are needed to help children take part in the Summer Reading Challenge in local public libraries during the summer holidays. Volunteering experience is a very useful addi on to your CV and/or UCAS applica on form. Interested? See Mrs Mar n in the school library for further informa on, including a Volunteer Role Descrip on and applica on form. 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
Supported Homework Club
Learning Zone Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday 3.05pm - 3.40pm Everyone welcome A drink and biscuit are provided
Week ending 13th March 2015 Year 7 Highest Attendance
7T
Pupil with Highest Honours
Declan Comas 7Q
Form with Highest Honours
7Q
Pupils of the Week
Alfie Marigliani 7T and Sarah Bagshaw 7Q nominated by Mrs Shorter for their efforts in Maths
Class of the Week
7qr/Fd2 nominated by Mrs Abbott for working really hard and fast to complete their groupwork practical lesson
Year 8 Highest Attendance
8R
Pupil with Highest Honours
Abigail Ward 8U
Form with Highest Honours
8U
Year 9 Highest Attendance
9X
Pupil with Highest Honours
Kevin Turner 9S
Form with Highest Honours
9X
Pupils of the Week
Daisy Bloor 9Q, Ben Peet 9W, Gabrielle Murray 9R, Jessica Weaver 9R all for outstanding effort in Health & Social Care And: Eddie Broder 9R for being brilliant in class in Health & Social Care
Year 10 Highest Attendance
10Q
Pupil with Highest Honours
Elliott Gipson 10W
Form with Highest Honours
10W
Pupils of the Week
Patrick Constantinou 10W, Thomas Sugg, Estella Chambers 10T, Chloe Jeakins 10Q, Jade Leeland 10S, Phoebe Wade 10S
Class of the Week
10b/MaEA nominated by Mr Naidoo for excellent performance in Spring 2 Higher Test And: 10A/Ts nominated by Mr Patel for making fantastic progress and being a joy to teach And: 10A/Pe2 nominated by Miss Draper for great choreography and positive attitudes And: 10A/Pe5 nominated by Miss Draper for working well, being very cooperative and positive in class environment And: 10A/Sc1 nominated by Mr Poovilingham for mastering difficult physics calculations – Well Done!
Year 11 Highest Attendance
11R & 11T
Form with Highest Honours
11T
Payment reminder for activity trips Year 7 trip to Peak Venture 8th – 12th June 2015 The final payment for the Year 7 trip of £106.00 was due on 13th March 2015. Year 8 trip to Skern Lodge 1st – 5th June 2015 The final payment for the Year 8 trip of £134.00 was due on 13th March 2015.
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