Our students and staff have returned from the half term break rested and ready to work hard. I have been fortunate enough to go into a number of lessons this week and see the high quality teaching and learning that is taking place and it is clear that the students are keen to make progress. I have observed a wide range of teaching methods being adopted and this certainly makes for a vibrant and positive atmosphere in which students can learn. I've also spoken to many students about which lessons they enjoy the most and I've been delighted to hear that their comments are overwhelmingly positive and they have lots of praise for their teachers and the school as a whole. The introduction of the Behaviour Plan has taken place in recent weeks and I have previously outlined to parents and students how we are making sure that every effort is made to ensure a consistent approach to student behaviour throughout the school. Thank you to those parents who have emailed and telephoned to add their support to the new system and I have been encouraged that so many parents feel that it is already making an impact. I have also been canvassing student opinions and many have said that they have noticed a change in the behaviour of certain students and it has allowed them to get on with their work and avoid distractions. Clearly this is still a work in progress and I am grateful to parents who have contacted me to outline some issues that still need to be addressed but I will certainly follow up any enquiry and ensure that these matters are dealt with effectively. If we are to become an Outstanding school it is imperative that students know that the highest standards of behaviour are required. They should follow instructions at the first time of asking and comply with the school's behaviour code. I am pleased to say that the standard of behaviour throughout the school is Good but I am keen to ensure that our students are aiming for exemplary behaviour both in and out of lessons. Today we are in the privileged position of hosting the Epping Forest Schools Parliamentary Debate in the School Hall. This is a prestigious event with Eleanor Laing MP in attendance. As a school we have an excellent record in this event and have been winners of three of the last four competitions. I have spent a little time today with our two protagonists and I can tell you that we have a very good chance of a further triumph. Hannah Smith and Olivia Tinker are making the case for under 18s not to have the vote and I was very impressed with the strength of their argument and their eloquence as speakers. They have been ably assisted in their preparations by Ms Atkinson and Mr Murray and I am grateful to them that they have put so much time and effort into supporting such an important extra-curricular opportunity. I wish the girls every success this evening and I will hopefully be able to provide some good news next week. I wish you all a good weekend and thank you for your continued support of Roding Valley High School. Mr J Luck Headteacher
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Harry Mifsud 8V received the Jack Petchey award in September. Harry has helped for the last 12 months with a junior karate club. He helps out for an hour per session twice a week teaching younger children their kicks and moves.
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
English Schools Round Three RVHS v Brentwood County High Tuesday 4th November 2014 Excellent performance from the eleven boys who travelled to Brentwood in the third round of the English School FA Cup. Brentwood County High made the final 8 last year going out to Whitgift School who also had knocked us out 2-1 in the 5th Round. (Whitgift is the only British School to win national titles, in five major team sports. The football teams train two hours a day). We only had 11 players for this match, due to injuries and, sadly, a late drop-out. Brentwood were very physical in their approach to the game. Thankfully strong reinforcing kept them in check. They did go ahead due to poor communication in defence. Our team responded well and we kept our discipline. We were soon back in the game with a quick move from Brentwood’s poor free kick. Henry Moorcroft showed quick feet and laid the ball to Joe Tinsley to score. Brentwood received two bookings and one player was lucky to stay on for a foul on Harry Carter. Joe Tinsley finished off again a good team move. 2-1 to the Valley. We now await the 4th Round draw.
Roding Valley High School
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Brentwood County High
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.
Our Science Department is in desperate need of tea towels. If you have any spare, be old or new, can we please
ICT Coursework Sessions Every Friday Lunchtime With Miss Wilson in ICT4
ask that they are passed on to them.
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
The Friends of Roding Valley High School hosted their Year 7 Disco last Friday. Students had a fantastic time and raised ÂŁ600. Please support the Friends at their next event, Zumba, between 4th November and 16th December 5-6pm
Week ending 24th October 2014 Year 7 Highest Attendance
7W
Pupil with Highest Honours
Lottie Clements 7V
Form with Highest Honours
7V
Class of the Week
7qt/En2 nominated by Ms Sargent for being absolutely wonderful to teach
Year 8 Highest Attendance
8T
Pupil with Highest Honours
Pru Boyd-Walker 8V
Form with Highest Honours
8X
Year 9 Highest Attendance
9U
Form with Highest Honours
9X
Class of the Week
9qt/Fr1 nominated by Ms Lasfer—the class were extremely well behaved and got on with the work whilst helping others in a very quiet and mature manner
Year 10 Highest Attendance
10Q
Pipil with Highest Honours
Natasha Hooper 10T
Form with Highest Honours
10X
Year 11 Highest Attendance
11S
Pupil with Highest Honours
Blake Doyle 11U
Form with Highest Honours
11U
Year 11 Open Days coming up: Epping Forest College Saturday 8th November 10am-1pm Leventhorpe School Waltham Forest College Ilford County High School Grammar School for Boys West Hatch High School Hertford Regional College
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11th November 6.30-9pm 12th November 4.30-7.30pm 13th November 6.45-8.30pm 13th November 6.30pm 13th November 5.30-8pm
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 dmason@rodingvalley.net
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
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 : 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.
School Shop Opening Times
Julia Martin / Stephen Murray
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
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