Parent bulletin week ending 6th october 2017 by Roding Valley High School

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RVHS Parent Bulletin Aspiration Respect

Endeavour

Week ending: Friday 6th October 2017 “The beautiful thing about Learning is that no one can take it away from you”.

BB King

Message from the Head of School. It has been a really busy but very positive week in school. Last night was the Year 9 Parent Information evening which was very well attended. Our focus was on how to ensure that your child maximises their progress in Year 9. We discussed the option pathways, expectations and rigour required to be successful in the new revised 9-1 curriculum. We also discussed some of the concerns surrounding the use of social media and how to help to keep your child safe. All the information shared with parents is on our website under the Parents tab ‘How you can help your child’.

The students have been enjoying the new 3G Astro and thank you to the parents for ensuring that they are all wearing the correct footwear. A copy of the letter that was sent to parents regarding appropriate footwear can be found on the school website. In regards to parents attending Sports Fixtures, we would like to make you aware that parents are more than welcome to attend any event outside of the school day, but during school time, we must stress that due to safeguarding we cannot allow parents to attend these fixtures. Some of our Year 11 students have had the fantastic opportunity to gain an insight into the new English GCSE’s and learn some great study and revision techniques with Mr. Bruff this week. @MrBruff English is an English teacher with over 16 million views and 100,000 subscribers on YouTube. He will be back later in the year to work with more of our students. Mr. Bruff began making online revision videos in January 2011 and to date has achieved over six million views across 212 different nations. His videos are used as part of our English resources and it was brilliant to have him here in school. Well done to our Year 8s who have worked incredibly hard this week, trying their very best in their assessments.

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Can parents of Year 11 students note that their assessment week is the first week back after half term, week beginning the 30th October. This is a really important milestone in this academic year and their results will help to direct their future revision and interventions towards their final exams. Please see below for further details. These are also the final assessments prior to their applications for 6th Form and will provide the school with an indication of their expected GCSE grades and their post 16 study options. Please do note that our 6th Form entry requirements can be found on the school website in the prospectus. Our Year 9s and 10s were provided this week with an opportunity to watch an excellent drama production called Chelsea’s Choice. It was a production with a serious message to protect them against the risks of grooming and abuse. The play dealt with a very serious issue but in a humorous way. It was extremely powerful dealing with this sensitive topic through a ‘drama project’. If you still need your son/ daughter’s pin number for ‘Show my Homework‘, then please contact jhodges@rodingvalley.net . We have changed the format of our school reports in Years 7-9, as discussed at the Parent Information Evenings. We will be discussing the new format and Show my Homework at the Parent Forum on Monday 16th October, everyone is invited. Your PTA is a small group of incredibly committed parents who work hard to raise additional funds for all the students at Roding Valley High School. I know that they would love some additional volunteers to come forward and help them. Please contact committee@rodingvalleypta.net if you feel that you could offer a little bit of time or support the events. Their next meeting is on Monday 13th November at 7pm and is held here at the school. They have organised some great events and please see their flyer included in this bulletin. Important events coming up are as follows: PTAYear 7 Disco Friday 20th October Christmas Market Thursday 23rd November 7pm to 10pm Wishing you all a good weekend.

Ms. S Jenner Head of School These are also the final assessments prior to their applications for 6th Form and will provide the school with an indication of grades to enter post 16 study. Please do note that our 6th Form entry requirements can be found on the school website in the prospectus. Our Year 9s and 10s were provided this week with an opportunity to watch an excellent drama production called Chelsea’s Choice. It was a production with a serious message to protect them against the risks of grooming and abuse. The play dealt with a very serious issue but in a humorous way. It was Date Event topic through a ‘drama project’. extremely powerful dealing with this sensitive th

Tuesday 10 October

Sports Award Event

If you still need your son/ daughter’s pin number for ‘Show my Homework‘, then please contact th Thursday 12 October Year ParentsinEvening jhodges@rodingvalley.net Instructions are12 included this bulletin. th

Monday 16 October

Parents Forum

We have changed the format of our school reports in Years 7-9. We will be discussing the new format Future Chef and Show my Homework at the Parent Forum onCompetition Monday 16th October, everyone is invited. th

Wednesday 18 October

Science Stem for Girls

Your PTA is a small group of incredibly committed parents who work hard to raise additional funds for Year 13 Business Brand Museum Visit all the students at Roding Valley High School. I know that they would love some additional volunteers to th come forward and help them. Please Year contact committee@rodingvalleypta.net Thursday 19 October 12 and 13 Theatre Visit for English if you feel that you could offer a little bit of time or support the events. Their next meeting is on Monday 13th November at 7pm Year 7 Parents Evening and is held here at the school. They have organised some great events and please see their flyer th Friday 20 inOctober PTA Event - Year 7 Disco included this bulletin. rd

Monday 23 to Friday 27 October

Half Term Break

Important Up Coming Events are as follows: Year 7 Disco Friday 20th October Christmas Market Thursday 23rd November 7pm to 10pm Wishing you all a good weekend.

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RVHS Open Evening We had a fantastic Open Evening and received some fantastic feedback from visiting Parents.

“Just to say a huge thank you for tonight's open evening. Such a refreshing feeling. The speeches were informative, enjoyable and felt your true sense of pride. We stayed back to have a tour guide and were greeted by Lily (yr. 8). She is an absolute credit to you and was extremely enthusiastic. Throughout the tour I have never met such a forward thinking group of teachers. Your school stands out head and shoulders above other local schools on presentation. Everyone made themselves approachable and engaged in conversation with a real passion for what they do. Excellent!!! Here’s hoping we get our sons 1st choice school and we meet you again in September 2018”.

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Year 7

 Class of the Week: 7b/lb1 –“Nominated by Miss Bates, as they have read the most words in the entire year group (9,556,330)”.

Event

Date

Year 7 Parents Information Evening

Thursday 19 October

Year 7 Disco

Friday 20 October

 Highest Honours: Nancy Tabram  Cross Country Winner: 7R

 Career of the Month: 7R  Miss Williams Star of the Week: Ethan Wellington - “For his polite, courteous and helpful behaviour”.

 Student of the Week: Reece Cam - “For his great effort, attitude and contribution to class learning”.

Year 7 Football

Goal Scorers:

Match Players

Ryan: Aston assist

Frank

Hayden: Tugwall Assist

Freddie Edwards

Ryan

Freddie

Tugwal: Ryan assist

Freddie: Harry C. assist

Aston: Harry C. assist

Archie: Ryan assist

Harry C: Tugwal assist

Tugwal: Hayden assist

Harry C: Hayden assist

Archie

Harry Marcus

Event

Date

Ryan Dadson Hayden Porter th Year 7 Parents Thursday 19 Harry C.: Archie assist Information October Aston Watson Evening Harry Cain YearClark 7 Disco Kasey

Friday 20 October

Freddie: Harry C. assist Ryan

TugwalTurp

 Class of the Week: 7b/lb1 –“Nominated by Miss Bates, as they have read the most words in the entire Harry Hopkins year group (9,556,330)”. Bailey Allen  Highest Honours: Nancy Tabram

Archie Sherrin Country  Cross Frank  Tucker Career

Winner: 7R

of the Month: 7R

 Miss Williams Star of the Week: Ethan Wellington - “For his polite, courteous and helpful behaviour”.

 Student of the Week: Reece Cam - “For his great effort, attitude and contribution to class learning”.

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RVHS Sixth Form How to be a Successful 6th Form Student A Level is an Iceberg

The Lessons

A Level is a massive jump in independent learning. It is closer to University learning than it is GCSE. There is no spoon feeding going on. Think of your A Level course as an Iceberg. The lessons are the small but defining part above the surface but the important weight and depth are under the water.

Independent Study

What Can Parents Do To Help? Support your son or daughter:

What Can I Do As A Student?

● Ask them about their courses ● encourage them to talk

● Be proactive

● Ask them about homework

● Re-write my notes after lessons.

● Why aren’t they doing any?

● Re- work my essay responses/ ideas so that I understand them

● Provide them with a place to work

Perseverance It is hard to do something difficult. It is What Can Parents Do To Help? easy to give up when the going gets Support your son or daughter: tough… ● Ask them about their courses ● encourage them to But talk learning to cope with difficulty, to become independent and adaptable is a ● Ask them about homework vital part of education. ● Why aren’t they doing any? ● Provide them with a place to work

Remember COPE

● Speak to my teachers, asking where I can improve. ● Cut negative self talk. ● Be honest – am I really working at the level I need to be at?

Intervention & Assessment

Settling in Check – Early October, all teachers were asked to make a judgement on how students have Perseverance ● started the course. It is hard to do something difficult. It is ● easy to give up when the going gets All students with concerns will be interviewed by 6th form tough… ● team and parents will be invited in on Thursday 12th COPE will help you not just to get by October. But learning to cope with difficulty, to but also to succeed become independent and adaptable is a vital part of education. ●

Commitment Organisation Preparation Engagement

Intervention & Assessment Remember COPE ● ● ●

●

Commitment Organisation Preparation Engagement

COPE will help you not just to get by

Settling in Check – Early October, all teachers were asked to make a judgement on how students have started the course. All students with concerns will be interviewed by 6th form team and parents will be invited in on Thursday 12th October. 5 | Page

Sixth form Opportunities There are many opportunities for students to engage in within the Roding Valley Sixth Form, student volunteering, peer mentoring, lunchtime assistants, games lessons, in-house business opportunities, D of E, Curriculum Enrichment, LGBT support, work experience, School Magazine, debating club, Primary school trips, Whole school Team events. Along with numerous whole school trip, and many more….. To build up Personal Statements to prepare for University / employment, students are encouraged to aim for at least 15 hours per academic year. If there is an event that the Sixth Form would like to do they are encouraged to set one up. The first half term however students are encouraged to work on student independence and study periods, and closing the gap from Year 11 into 12, or from year 12 into Year 13 following the summer examinations.

Year 12 - Imogen Riordan

Year 13: Thisbe Barnet

Imogen epitomises what a great Sixth Form student should be. She is managing the transition from Year 11 into Year 12 by working in faculties during study periods to maximise on available staff expertise. She also is challenging herself with out of class learning, by coming into school early, along with volunteering for after school events.

Thisbe, achieved four A’s in her Summer Examinations, and has come back this term with the same amount of hard work and resilience and has achieved 1’s in all her recent “Attitude for Learning” grades, along with managing to submit her UCAS Application to University early. Excellent work Thisbe !!

Mr. L Harris, Head of Sixth Form

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Sports News Year 10 National Cup Result What a fantastic result! Our boys defeated Sir Frederic Osborn School 11:0 in a highly entertaining game!! The boys showed grit and determination to make a highly skilled opposition look average. At half time we were 5-0 up and most teams would then coast in the second half but our boys just wanted it so much more than them and got another 6.

Goal scorers:

Our New 3G Pitch in Action!!

     

Harry Maslin x4 Own goal Archie Lockex2 Casey Pettit Alfie Binet x2 Casey Lockhart

Year Seven Dance in Action!

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U19’s Division 3 Cup Roding Valley 6 - 1 Redbridge College On Wednesday, our 6th form football team carried on their triumphant start to their debut season with a 6 -1 victory in the 1st Round of the Division 3 Cup against Redbridge College. Goals from Jack Kibblewhite (2), Ben Harris (2), Jack Stone (2) sealed the victory for Roding. We have been given a HOME TIE in the next round against Palmers 3 on the 8th November. We carry on our season next week against Newham College 2 at HOME in the league, 2pm Kick Off.

Congratulations to Kaya Ali (11V) for being selected to represent the Essex County Schools FA Rep Team. He joins an exclusive list of former pupils to have had the honour to represent the county after going through 2 rounds of trials. .

Netball League Matches Reminder to all that the Netball League matches will start next Wednesday

We wish him all the luck in his up & coming fixtures. A massive well done from all of RVHS PE #proud

Year 9 National Cup Football to our Year 9 Football Congratulations Team, who played against Forest Hill this week. Goal Scorers were:

Year 8 Football Training Year 8 Football Training last week on the new 3G Astro Pitch, Great Attendance as always!!

 Springer (3)  Johnson (1) It was a great comeback!!!

Year 7 Football Training for All This will be on Monday after school on the Astro Turf. Pupils need to ensure that they have the correct footwear & shin pads to allow them to participate. The session will finish at approx. 4.15pm.

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Year 11 Assessments Please find below a copy of the forthcoming Year 11 Assessment Timetable. All students will receive their individual timetables shortly from their Form Tutor. Timetables will be printed on YELLOW paper and contain all information regarding examinations including conduct, expectations and equipment requirements. A further copy will be emailed to the students via their school email account. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Ms J Draper. Periods 1 + 2 09.00 - 11.00 Monday 30th October 2017

TO START AT 08.45  Science (Combined) (2hrs) Foundation/Higher

Periods 3 + 4 11.20 - 13.20

Period 5 14.05 - 15.30

Maths P1 - NonCalculator (1hr 30m) Foundation/Higher

English Language (1hr)

Maths P2 - Calculator (1hr 30m) Foundation/Higher

Media Studies (1hr)

English Literature (1hr)

Wednesday 1st November 2017

Physical Education P1 (1hr 15m)

History (1hr 15m)

Music (1hr)

Thursday 2nd November 2017

Geography (1hr 30m)

Chemistry (Triple Science) (1hr 45m)

 Business Studies U1 (45m)  Economics U1 (45m)

Friday 3rd November 2017

 Drama (1hr 45m)  Psychology (1hr 30m)

Physics (Triple Science) (1hr 45m)

ICT (1hr)

Monday 6th November 2017

 Business Studies U3 (45m)  Economics U5 (45m)

 Computer Science (1hr)  Religious Studies 1hr 45m)

Tuesday 7th November 2017

 French Listening & Reading - Foundation (1hr 20m)  French Listening & Reading - Higher (1hr 45m)

Tuesday 31st October 2017

 Biology (Triple Science) (1hr 45m)

Physical Education P2 (1hr 15m)

Spanish Listening & Reading - Foundation (1hr 20m)

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Event

Date

Time

Venue

PTA Year 7 Disco

Friday 20th October

6pm to 8:30pm

Main Hall ( See Flyer)

PTA Meeting

Monday 13th November

7pm onwards

Main Reception

Christmas Market

Thursday 23rd November

7pm to 10pm

Main Hall

Natalie Sellears

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COME AND SHOW YOUR CULINARY SKILLS WITH THIS UPCOMING COMPETITION Future Chef: Stage 1:School Heats Monday 16th October 2017 in Rooms T1 & T2 at 3.15pm-5.15pm If you would like to take part see Mrs. Collings or Mrs. Blundy in RoomT2. All Entry Forms and Time Plans need to be handed in by Friday 13th October 2017 Competition is open to all Students in Years 8-11

This morning the Food & Nutrition Department hosted their Macmillan Coffee Morning - a great social occasion for students, staff and governors to come together with a delicious selection of cakes baked in the department and kindly donated by students and teachers. ÂŁ136 has been raised in today's break time - so thank you to everyone for their donations your continued support is greatly appreciated.

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PTA Year 7 Disco. £5.00 per ticket, ENTRY only. Golden ticket SALE: lucky student to buy the GOLDEN ticket will get a free pizza plus a treat pack on the night!! Friday 20th October 2017, 6.30pm— 8.30pm. Refreshments sold. Buy your own fresh personal Domino Pizza £2.50 on the night. Tickets on sale now from the wooden foyer area at lunchtimes ONLY No tickets available on the evening.

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If you are passionate about improving your own road safety, your peers safety,the surrounding environment and the local community

Volunteer to become a Road Safety Ambassador The Safer Essex Roads Partnership *(SERP) is working hard to ensure that the roads in Essex, Southend and Thurrock are safer for everyone. However, we are all responsible for safety on our roads and this is how you as a Road Safety Ambassador can help. We would like you to represent Road safety within your school/6th Form to your peers. The overall aim is to reduce the number of casualties and deaths on the roads in Essex. You will be helping to spread the message in your school/6th Form. We are looking for support with our campaigns which we run throughout the year. The statistics show that young drivers/motorcyclists and moped riders have the highest collision rates of all car/bike drivers/riders in Essex, Southend and Thurrock. This can be achieved in a number of ways by you depending on your strengths. 

Promotional display/write up in school/college newsletter.



Ensuring that information is posted on the interactive screens around the school/college and on the school/college website/twitter



Working alongside road safety staff when they visit the school/college.

We will support you with the various national and local campaigns and any ideas that you may have for a road safety campaign of your own. 

Road safety weeks



Seat Belt and Child restraints campaign



Be safe be Seen



Powered Two wheeler campaign(win a bike)



#My Small Change. (win a car)



Drink/Drive and Drug/Drive campaign



Mobile phone campaign



Speed campaign

This role is entirely voluntary. You will receive a badge and an information pack to get you started. Volunteering for this role will also help you when applying for jobs and applying for a university place. If you have any questions please contact Donna Bond donna.bond@essexhighways.org

*The Safer Essex Roads Partnership is a partnership between Essex County Council, Essex Police, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, Highways Agency, Southend Borough Council, Thurrock Council and the Essex& Herts Air Ambulance Trust

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. Student Absence If your child is unable to attend School for any reason please report their absence by phoning the school number by 9.30am at the latest, 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 or medical evidence if requested explaining the reason for the absence for our records.

Medical Appointments 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. A ‘Leave of Absence’ form must be completed (these are available at Student Reception) should you require leave for your child, a letter detailing your exceptional circumstances should accompany it. 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 on our website or contact Mrs Jeanette Low, our Attendance and Welfare Manager on the school number.

Guidance for Common Ailments Please see the following guidance from the NHS of common childhood illnesses; this advises what type of illness requires time off from school and what does not. Should you require further guidance please contact the school.

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School Communications: We have been communicating by email for over a year now in a bid to get information to you quicker and more cost effectively. We found, however, our previous parental communication system did not give the functionality that people expect from smart phone apps today. So the school has invested in a new communication system call RS Connect Ed and with this comes a shiny new App.

MyEd is the free parent app that gives you a multitude of communication and information features to stay in touch with what is going on at school. The app gives you direct access to your child's attendance, timetable, absence records, achievements, behaviour and much, much more. You will also see that we update and change the information in the app as the school year moves along. Click here to see a short video about the app We are able to send you messages directly to the MyEd app relating to important information about your child's education and to remind you of events that are taking place at school. We can also embed links to regularly used systems, for example Parent Pay & Doddle so you can keep everything in one place. You will receive a notification if we send you a message and there is no charge for the messages you send to us. The App can be downloaded by anyone and they will have access to information also available on our website Only parents will be able to access their own studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s information as long as we have the email address and mobile number you are using to access the App. Everyone will be able to see image to the left. But only parents of students in the school will be able to access this when clicking on the My Students tab.The MyEd app is available for both Apple iOS and Android devices and can be found using the links below: Step 1 - Go to your App Store Step 2 - Search for My Ed Step 3 - Download the Free app Apple iOS App Google Android App Once you have installed and opened MyEd, search for Roding Valley High School and follow the simple instructions to identify yourself. Please do not hesitate to contact the school if you are having any problems and we will help you get set up.

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EXAMINATION INVIGILATORS REQUIRED Roding Valley High School is currently looking to expand our team of Invigilators for the forthcoming and subsequent examination sessions and is looking for efficient, flexible and well organised people. The role involves overseeing and supervising examinations and ensuring Awarding Bodies guidelines and regulations are followed. There are also internally scheduled examinations held throughout the school year where you will be required. Hours will be on a varied/ad-hoc basis, held throughout a school day. We do ask that you can commit to working 8-10 hours (per week if required) during exam periods. There will be appropriate training for successful candidates. Please contact Jenny Draper, Examinations Officer on 0208 508 1173 for further details.