It's been another busy week at school with lots going on. It has been Anti-Bullying week and Assemblies have been focused on how students can work together to stamp out Bullying. Jake Forecast and Ellouise Lemon led these Assemblies and spoke to all students about the fact that it is the responsibility of us all to ensure that bullying is not tolerated at Roding Valley. Matthew Tinker and Doncho Atanassov also talked about the work that they are doing with the Epping Forest Youth Council and how important it is for young people to have a voice in society. I thank all of these students for being such a credit to the school and their families. It was great to see so many of our former students returning to the school on Thursday evening for the GCSE Certificate collection evening. It was lovely for staff to be able to catch up with them in terms of what they are now doing and how they were getting on. It was a very positive atmosphere reflecting the successes of the summer but many of the alumni commented on the fact that they really missed the school and would have preferred to stay here for their Sixth Form. With this in mind it is worth highlighting that our preparations for our new Sixth Form are continuing. Next week Year 11 students are invited to attend a series of A Level taster sessions across a range of departments. The aim is to give the students an insight into the nature of the courses that they may want to take and to get an idea about how the subjects will be taught. I am looking forward to running the Geography taster and I'm hoping for a good turn out. To my mind Post 16 teaching is very rewarding, great fun and I've really missed having the opportunity to teach at this level this year. We are also approaching the Sixth Form Open Evening on 11th December which is a chance for our students and parents to learn about the wealth of opportunities in our brand new Sixth Form and have a chance to speak to the teachers and Heads of Faculty about the subjects themselves. In this way students will be in a good position to make an informed decision about their options for September. Today we have had our Fundraising Non-uniform day with the proceeds being split between NSPCC and the Friends of Roding Valley. The day has been a great success with students in all manner of garments. The final total raised is £2,002 and I would like to thank each and every one of you for entering into the spirit of the event. I hope that you all have an enjoyable weekend and thank you for your ongoing support of Roding Valley High School. 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
Chloe Julians 7U Nominated for being extremely kind and willing to go beyond to help others. Chloe is supporting another student who can not speak English in most of her lessons. Chloe took this responsibility upon herself and has had a great impact so far. Well done Chloe
Home Learning Research demonstrates that home learning is a significant factor in pupil progress and is an expectation at Roding Valley. Therefore we are launching 'Home Learning Support' each Friday from 3.05 - 4.15pm in IT5. This will be a supervised session where Heads of Faculty and Heads of Year will be directing pupils to attend where they are failing to meet the expectations of their teaching staff with regard to home learning. Should your son or daughter be placed in Home Learning Support they are required to attend and bring with them any home learning that requires completion or improvement. They will have access to ICT to help them to achieve this where necessary. You can support you son or daughter with their home learning by monitoring their planner each week, looking at homework that is completed and contacting teaching staff where you have any concerns. Ms J Bentley
Non Uniform Day Friday 21st November 2014
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
Raised ÂŁ2002 THANK YOU FRVHS / NSPCC
Roding Valley High School Attend Inaugural Hertford Youth Conference On Thursday 13th November a group of ten students from Roding Valley High School attended the first Hertford Youth Conference hosted by St Joseph’s in the Park Prep School. The aim of the conference was for young people to share ideas about ways that they can get involved in charity projects both locally and nationally. Hannah Smith and Emma Kurton (Year 11) led a presentation on Roding Valley’s connection with Greater Joy School in Zambia through our work with Beyond Ourselves. The age range at the conferences spanned from Year 5 all the way through to sixth form students with guest speakers from Hertford Council and Beyond Ourselves. I am pleased to say that the group from Roding Valley not only gave an excellent presentation but were able to discuss ideas with delegates from all the attending schools. On a personal note, the Youth Conference showed me that there is no age limit to making a difference in our world. Whether that be locally or internationally, young people can be a powerful force for change. I look forward to taking another group from Roding Valley next year. Mr Cocker
Back row from left to right: Hannah Smith (11V), Charlotte Burke (7Q), Sophie Lewis (7Q), Madison Holden-Ettridge (7U), Ellie Blundy (7U), Joshua Worrall (7W), Emma Kurton (11V) Front row from left to right: Yasmin Mushtaq (7S), Florence New (7V), Saskia Cushings (7U) http://neiljones.wordpress.com/2014/11/14/hertford-youth-conference/
Loughton Town Council Christmas Card Competition 2014 Congratulations to Mr. Tisdale’s Year 7 art class who all entered this year’s Christmas card competition for Loughton Town Council. We are very pleased that Patricia Stow (7V) has been selected by the Town Mayor as the overall winner for the Secondary category and Lottie Clemens (7V) has been chosen as the runner up. Considering that there were over 200 entries from students between 11 and 16 this is a tremendous achievement for the girls. The reward for this success? All of the entries will be displayed in Loughton Library and Debden Library between 1st December and 6th January. Lottie has also received a commendation certificate and Patricia will receive a £25 prize at a presentation in the Council Chamber. In addition, her winning design will be used as the official Christmas card for 2014. Well done to all entries and in particular our winners!
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.
Essex Cup - Round 3 Tuesday 11th November Trinity High School -v- RVHS After five years, RVHS has never gone beyond the 3rd round of the County School Cup. We have a unique record of being knocked out either by the winners (3 times) or runners-up (twice). It was Trinity High School, last year’s runners-up, who did it this time. We went down 4-0 to a very strong and powerful team. We did create three very good chances but were unable to find the net. The team worked hard for each other and gave their best. P Fitch
Essex Cup Monday 10th November Kingsford School, Newham -v- RVHS Year 10 advanced into the 3rd round of the Essex Cup after beating Kingsford School away in Beckton on Monday evening. On a wide, 3G football pitch, both teams played some quality football. RVHS took the lead through a great header by Callum Thurgood who is one of many players making his school team debut this season. The second half saw Kingsford equalise also scoring from a header from a corner. With 10 minutes left, the game came alive with a rocket shot from Jack Kibblewhite. Then in the last few minutes, Henry Moorcroft, who had just come on, took the ball into the corner then turned back inside beating the defender and passing across the goal for Jack Kibblewhite to add his second goal. An excellent performance by our new look Year 10 team who are showing a tremendous team spirit. Well done, also, to Danny Biggerstaff who was due to start at centre back but went in goal as a replacement and had an excellent game. We are away next week in Luton in the 4th round of the Essex Schools Cup. Date to be confirmed. P Fitch
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 mwilson@rodingvalley.net
Exam Dates - Maths Year 7 - Friday 5th December Year 8 - Thursday 4th December Year 9 - Monday 24th November Year 10 - Wednesday 3rd December Year 11 - Wednesday 10th December
Week ending 14th November 2014 Year 7 Highest Attendance
7R
Pupil with Highest Honours
Tyler-Blue Kirby-Arif 7X
Form with Highest Honours
7X
Year 8 Highest Attendance
8X
Pupil with Highest Honours
Gavin Ip 8T
Form with Highest Honours
8T
Year 9 Highest Attendance
9T
Pupil with Highest Honours
Eddie Broder 9R
Form with Highest Honours
9Q
Year 10 Highest Attendance
10R
Pipil with Highest Honours
Charlotte Garvey 10R
Form with Highest Honours
10W
Year 11 Highest Attendance
11U
Form with Highest Honours
11R
Our annual RIBI Young Chef Competition was held on Wednesday 19 November. This particular competition is also open to Year 7 and we had a tremendous turnout from them!! Well done Year 7. The 3 judges for us were Mrs Cain, Mr Tisdale and Miss Atkinson and they had a really tough job. Many thanks to the judges. There were many curries on offer, as well as chilli con carne, steak and chips, salmon stir fry and many more, all of which were delicious. The winner was Ellie Blundy (7U) with a mouth-watering Katsu Curry. Second place went to Patsy Stow (7V) and our third spot went to Ella Margetts (7U). A massive well done to all who took part and thank you to all the parents/carers for their continued support. Our entrants for this competition were: Jasmine James (7X), Oliver Wells (7X), Thomas Abbott (8T), Thomas Compton (8T), Max Collings (8Q), Abbie Ward (8U), Livvy Turnbull (7X), Lara Thompson (7T), Alex Ketteridge (8T) and Olivia Dawkins (7V). The two girls now go on to the next round in January at Redbridge College. Lastly, thank you to Matthew Tinker who played the part of photographer for the event.
Year 11 Skills London 2014 21 – 22 November 2014 @ ExCel London London’s biggest jobs and careers event Taking place on 21-22 November is London’s biggest jobs and careers event for 15-24 year olds and their families. The event features over 180 exhibitors including top employers, colleges, training providers and advisers. There will be over 40,000 jobs, with ‘hands on’ activities including apprenticeships on offer. It is free to visit, for further details please see the link below. Over 185 companies have committed to being at Skills London 2014, including British Airways, Crossrail, Greggs, Heathrow Airport, HSBC, HSS Hire, IBM UK Ltd, KFC UK, KPMG LLP, M&G Investments, McDonald's Restaurants UK, Metropolitan Police, NHS, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Siemens Rail Systems, Skanska UK, Tesco Stores Ltd, Thales UK, Thames Tideway Tunnel and many more, see the full list at To book your visit go online at www.skillslondon2014.co.uk. Open Days coming up: Coopers Coburn 25th November 5pm Anglo European School 27th November 5.30pm Brentwood County High 27th November 6.30pm Woodbridge High School 27th November 7-9pm Capel Manor College 27th November 5-7.30pm Chelmsford College 27th November 6-8.30pm As you can see from the above dates some of the college dates clash, do not worry there will be further open dates for colleges in the new year. However there will only be one opportunity to visit a 6th form open evening. Whilst there, you will be able to pick up a prospectus and an application form and find out about courses available. Some of the sixth forms will have headteacher talks, look on their websites for further details. If you require any further information or advice please contact me. Kind regards Mrs Mason Careers Development Manager
Supported Homework Club Learning Zone Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday 3.05pm - 3.40pm Everyone welcome A drink and biscuit are provided
Zumba classes star ng at Roding Valley High School In the Main Hall, ALL WELCOME (enter via the side entrance) Tuesday 4th November – 16th December 2014 5pm ‐ 6pm 7 week booking £20 per adult, £10 per child, 15+ only OR Pay as you go £4 per adult, £2 concessions Pay cash, cheque (made payable to RVHS) or by ParentPay Qualified Zumba instructor This event is being run by the Friends commi ee to raise funds for the School
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 Before School: 8.30am - 9.00am Break: 11.00am - 11.20am Lunch: 1.20pm - 2.05pm After School: 3.05pm - 4.00pm PUPILS WILL NOT BE SERVED OUTSIDE THESE HOURS
ICT Coursework Sessions Every Friday Lunchtime With Miss Wilson in ICT4
LIBRARY OPENING TIMES The library is open to all students for homework , G.C.S.E. work and private study / reading at the following times : 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