We seem to have been fortunate this week with the weather on Friday morning. Although there was a significant amount of snow along the M11 corridor in the early hours of the morning and across to Chelmsford, the Loughton area seems to have come through unscathed. As such we did not have to use our "Alternative Day" strategy but it is likely that with more inclement weather to come we need to be prepared. I would ask that all parents take note of the "Alternative Day" letter that has gone out and keep an eye on the school's website so that we can keep you updated as required. Hopefully we will not need to close the school as we do not want any interruptions to learning so as to ensure that all students may maximise their rate of progress. The Year 11s embark on their Pre-Public Examinations next week and I know that they have been working hard to prepare themselves. This will provide students with the valuable experience of sitting examinations under the same conditions that will prevail in the summer and they will be able to identify areas that they need to develop before the "real thing". A huge amount of work has gone into ensuring that students are fully aware of their current grade and their target grade in every subject. Regular conversations take place between staff and students to encourage all students to work hard and give themselves every chance of success. It also allows the identification of students that need extra support and this is put in place as a matter of urgency. The overall picture looks good and we are anticipating another year of success for the students and for the school. I hope and expect our GCSE outcomes to improve again on last year's record figures. This has been a week when the newspapers have been full of information about schools slipping backwards in terms of student achievement. I am delighted to say that this has not been the case with Roding Valley and we compare very favourably with our neighbouring schools. The Performance Tables that have been published this week make pleasing reading for the school and I would hope that further progress will be possible in the summer. I would like to thank all parents for their continued support and for helping to drive their sons and daughters to work hard and take their education seriously. All of the data available points to the fact that students who have parents who take a real interest in their child's education and check their progress regularly, achieve significantly higher outcomes than those whose parents do not get involved. I wish you all a very enjoyable weekend. Mr J Luck Headteacher
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Humanities Postcard Home Competition Congratulations to the winners of the Humanities postcard home competition. The winning designs will be made into postcards for us to send out when students who achieve or do well. It was a tough decision as the standard of entries was high. A collective decision was the following: Congratulations to Kate Sommerova 7U Yasmin Mushtaq 7S Ella Margetts 7U
Year 7 Day Trip to France If your child has been allocated a place on the day trip to St. Omer on Friday 3 July 2015, the sum of ÂŁ46 should be paid to student reception or via ParentPay by Friday 27 February. Should your child no longer wish to go on the trip, please inform the visit organiser at nchambers@rodingvalley.net
YEAR 10 WORK EXPERIENCE OWN PLACEMENT FORMS DEADLINE IS FRIDAY 27TH FEBRUARY ONLY FOUR WEEKS AWAY! ALL SECTIONS OF THE FORM MUST BE COMPLETED OR THE FORM WILL BE RETURNED TO YOUR SON OR DAUGHTER Mr Murray
Food Technology would like to wish Patsy Stow 7V the very best of luck for Saturday 7 February when she will represent the School in the District Final of the RIBI Young Chef Competition. Well done Patsy and GOOD LUCK!
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
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
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 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 23rd January 2015 Year 7 Highest Attendance
7R
Pupil with Highest Honours
Lauren Atkinson 7U
Form with Highest Honours
7Q
Year 8 Highest Attendance
8X
Pupil with Highest Honours
Megan Clark 8T
Form with Highest Honours
8Q
Year 9 Highest Attendance
9S
Pupil with Highest Honours
Igor Dasuzhau 9S
Form with Highest Honours
9S
Year 10 Highest Attendance
10T
Pipil with Highest Honours
Ishani Juttla 10W
Form with Highest Honours
10W
Pupil of the Week
Isabella Agombar 10Q & Taylor Samson 10T both for outstanding work and progress in Maths
Year 11 Highest Attendance
11S
Form with Highest Honours
11U & 11V
Pupil of the Week
Amy Xenofondos 11R – nominated by Ms Draper for learning her S & L off by heart without being prompted by a teacher. She can deliver her speech without any cue cards!
Open Days coming up: Waltham Forest College Saturday 31st January 10-1pm Harlow College 3rd February 5.30-7.30pm
Application Deadlines
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.
A huge thank you to everyone who came along to the Careers Fest yesterday. It was so nice to see so many of you there, I do hope you all found the event very informative. If you need any further information or advice please contact me. Kind regards Mrs Mason Careers Development Manager dmason@rodingvalley.net
Supported Homework Club Learning Zone Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday 3.05pm - 3.40pm Everyone welcome A drink and biscuit are provided
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
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 :
School Shop Opening Times Before School: 8.30am - 9.00am Break: 11.00am - 11.20am
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
Lunch: 1.20pm - 2.05pm After School: 3.05pm - 4.00pm PUPILS WILL NOT BE SERVED OUTSIDE THESE HOURS
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