I very much hope that you all had an enjoyable Bank Holiday weekend. Although the weather wasn't perfect it was still an opportunity to get out and about. I realise that for many of our Year 11 students they will have been working hard revising as the examinations are starting in earnest. The Art and Photography exams have already taken place and I would like to say how impressed I was with the overall standard of the work that the students produced over the 10 hours that they had to work on their pieces. There was an excellent range of paintings, sculptures and photographs displaying the talent of our students which was great to see. I would also like to mention that next Monday (11th May) the Parents' Forum will be held in the Library starting at 6pm. After the success of the previous Forum where the Maths Faculty talked parents through the changing demands of the Maths curriculum in the forthcoming years, it is now the turn of the English Faculty. The feedback from parents last time was incredibly positive and several of you emailed to say how useful you had found the presentation. It is vital that you, as parents, are fully aware of the extent of the changes that are impending and I feel that this is a valuable opportunity to hear from the staff that will be delivering the new English curriculum. It will also give you a chance to hear how you can best support your sons and daughters to be successful. The new courses require a very different approach to teaching and learning and we are committed to ensuring that all of our students are given the best experience to enable them to achieve as highly as possible. Another date for your diaries is the 12th May as this is the Year 10’s production of their take on the Wizard of Oz. This will take place in the Drama Studio starting at 7pm and tickets are currently available from the student reception. If it is anything like the last production that I was lucky enough to attend in the Drama Studio you are in for a real treat and I would encourage you to come along and enjoy the spectacle. Finally could I just remind parents of Year 7 students that it is the Year 7 Disco on Friday of this week? Tickets are on sale all week and we hope to see a good turn out. The last Disco in the Autumn Term was a great success and I was impressed with the students in attendance. They were polite, friendly and very well turned out for the event and I hope that Friday is enjoyed by all just as much. It is lovely that the Friends of Roding Valley put on events of this kind and I would like to thank all those volunteers who have agreed to give up their time so that the students can enjoy themselves. J Luck Headteacher Message from the Governors The members of the SRC had presentations from the staff on the Home Learning Policy. It is understood that a similar presentation was made to the Parents’ Forum. The school had responded to concerns previously expressed. The committee members were delighted to hear that the library was full at 8am, every morning, with students undertaking independent learning. The committee approved the Home Learning Policy, and forwarded it to the Full Governing Body for final approval. A further presentation was made on Rewards, Attendance and Behaviour. The new systems were described in detail. The committee members were pleased to hear that these systems were working well, and this was supported by data provided. The Governors heard that Easter Revision classes had been well attended and staff had given up several days of their time to support students facing public exams. The committee was very grateful to the staff. Frank Solarz Chair, Governors’ Student Related and Curriculum Committee
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.
YR10 PARENTS - CHANGE TO END OF YEAR TIMETABLE Please find below a copy of the Year 10 End of Year Examination Timetable. Please note that Physical Education has now been added. 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. This is a generic timetable and students must refer to their individual timetables for precise timings of examinations relevant to them. Students will receive their individual timetables shortly
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
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.
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 1st May 2015 Year 7 Highest Attendance*
7U
Pupil with Highest Honours
Tilly Crossman-Cox 7R
Form with Highest Honours
7V
Year 8 Highest Attendance*
8U
Pupil with Highest Honours
Phoebe Black 8W
Form with Highest Honours
8T
Year 9 Highest Attendance*
9W
Form with Highest Honours
9R
Year 10 Highest Attendance*
10Q
Form with Highest Honours
10Q
Pupil of the Week
Charlotte Garvey 10R nominated by Ms Humphries for always trying so hard in Maths and nominated by Mr Dhlamini for her outstanding effort in class Isabella Agombar 10Q nominated by Ms Humphries for moving up a set in Maths and also trying really hard Kai De’ath 10V nominated by Mrs Shorter for making good progress in Maths
Year 11 Highest Attendance*
11T
Form with Highest Honours
11T
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
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