The Summer term is in full swing and we have been blessed with a dry start to the term. Roding Valley High School continues to be a busy place with lots going on. The main focus continues to be on the run up to the GCSE examinations that start in two weeks time and I think most of the students will be relieved to be getting under way as it has been a long time revising and gearing themselves up to it. We realise that this is a stressful time for all concerned but students have received a great deal of advice on looking after their well being in order to ensure that they are in the best shape to do themselves justice such as:
It is crucial that they get sufficient sleep and get to bed at a reasonable time. They should be encouraged to eat healthily to maintain their strength and provide them with enough energy They must make sure that their revision schedule permits them time to have breaks and go out and do some exercise as it is important that they get some fresh air rather than being cooped up for weeks on end.
Finally, it is most beneficial if they are engaged in active revision. Rather than just reading through their books they should be making notes, answering questions and creating mind maps. The students have had a lot of guidance on this and should be able to manage their own revision but if they require some more help please do contact the school via the form tutor in the first instance. Similarly, if you do feel that your son or daughter is finding that things are getting on top of them please do let us know so that we can put support in place for them. 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
YEAR 11 PARENTS Please see below a copy of the forthcoming May/June 2015 GCSE Examination Timetable, please note there have been additions made due to a new unitised Mathematics exam being added. This exam will affect approximately 20 students and will be included on the relevant student's individual timetable. Students will receive their individual examination timetables during the week beginning Monday 20 April 2015 these will be printed on BRIGHT GREEN paper. May I also remind you that afternoon examinations will start promptly at 1.00pm not 1.30pm as in previous sessions. Students have already received a Guidance for Students & Parents booklet which is packed full of information regarding the forthcoming examinations but, if you have any questions in the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact me.
YEAR 10 PARENTS Please find below a copy of the Year 10 End of Year Examination Timetable. These exams will be conducted under full exam conditions and will start to prepare the students for the rigour and preparation to sit their actual GCSE's in the summer of 2016. Where possible the examinations will be sat in the Hall, any subject not shown on this timetable will be classroom based during lesson time. Break.
Students are regularly coming into school with cheques with the payee being left blank Can you please ensure that all cheques are made payable to
Roding Valley High School The school cannot be held responsible for any cheques which go missing and are then cashed elsewhere
Please find below a copy of the Breakfast Revision Timetable for the forthcoming GCSE Examinations. Breakfast Revision Sessions will be taking place in the Canteen from 8am until 8.45am for students sitting exams scheduled to start at 9am. Our Catering staff will provide students with croissants and juice free of charge. These sessions are hugely beneficial and we would urge you to encourage your son/daughter to attend. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. J Draper, Exams Officer
Phoebe Wade 10s awarded April 2015
Phoebe Wade awarded The Jack Petchey award for April 2015 because she is always helpful to others, and she has been supporting her peers through bad times. Great role model for the younger years
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 24th April 2015 Year 7 Highest Attendance*
7Q
Pupil with Highest Honours
Grace Alexander 7V
Form with Highest Honours
7V
Class of the Week:
7ux/En3 nominated by Mr Dowd for outstanding descriptive writing and sentences.
Year 8 Highest Attendance*
8T
Pupil with Highest Honours
Gavin Ip 8T
Form with Highest Honours
8W
Class of the Week
8wx/It2 nominated by Mr Hussain for their fantastic work in ICT – making superb patterns on new software.
Year 9 Highest Attendance*
9Q
Form with Highest Honours
9Q
Year 10 Highest Attendance*
10Q
Pupil with Highest Honours
Olivia Aldous 10V
Form with Highest Honours
10V
Class of the Week
10a/En3 nominated by Mrs Routledge for much improved attitude and standard of work.
Year 11 Highest Attendance*
11U
Form with Highest Honours
11U
*All attendance figures are for the week before the Easter holidays.
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.
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