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Visit us online at http://www.rodingvalley.net Call us on when absent on: 0208 508 1173
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RVHS Parent Bulletin Aspiration Respect Endeavour Week ending: Friday 14th December 2017
Message from the Head of School. Welcome to the last parent bulletin of 2017, a time for reflection. I am so proud to be the Head of School at RVHS as we have fantastic students and dedicated staff. The school has made significant progress this term. We have embedded our new PAL (positive action for learning) system to good effect. This new system has had a tangible, positive effect on behaviour in the school and in lessons. Our new teaching and learning framework ‘ACED’ has brought more challenge to lessons and focused teachers on a common approach to ‘teach to the top’. We will continue to work with our teaching staff to bring consistent, high quality teaching across all subject areas. I am proud of our exam results but will constantly strive to improve practice to further improve outcomes for every child. Our high ability students achieved results to rival any school, with above national attainment grade 8/9 in English and Maths. Our 2017 triple science results were also well above national levels. As well as this, our progress rates are above national with a positive Progress 8 score. I am really looking forward to Monday’s Key Stage 4 and 5 Awards Evening (invitation only). It will be brilliant to celebrate their outstanding achievements and to welcome back our Year 13 students as they return from university for their Christmas holidays. Our Sixth Form continues to grow and improve. The majority of our students are achieving their first choice places at universities of their choice. Our first cohort saw our Head Girl achieve a place at Cambridge University, with many other students off to Russell Group universities. The EF6 consortium is working effectively, allowing our students to follow a wide breadth of curriculum, which is more than that offered in many schools. Being part of EF6 has provided opportunities for students to interact with students from Debden Park High School and created many enrichment opportunities. Our Sixth Form Open Evening was very positive and I look forward to welcoming many of our Year 11 students into our Sixth Form next year. The deadline for applications is the 18th January 2018. We have re-launched our student voice to good effect and have just consulted with parents on the introduction of a House system to further enrich our student’s school experience. Our new school reports should provide clearer information to parents regarding student progress. It must be appreciated that the revised 9-1 curriculum poses many challenges for schools and learners. I would welcome feedback on the new reports as we are in a transition phase
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Education is generally facing many threats including funding, revised curriculum and a teacher recruitment crisis. We have stabilised our staff this term but do have some teachers leaving for a variety of reasons including promotions and relocation. I am delighted that we have been able to successfully recruit quality teachers with good experience. However, teacher retention and recruitment remains a national and local issue. I have today emailed out a letter regarding the key staff changes. If you have visited the site recently you will have seen that our new build is progressing well and the fabulous new 3G pitch is being used every day. We have also secured planning permission for a further 3G pitch to be built on the playing fields It has been an exciting and very busy term, the Challenge and Enrichment coordinators have greatly extended the opportunities for students and we have increased our participation in STEM events. (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths). Our students are our greatest asset, and this week I have been particularly proud of two student led events. Firstly, our Christmas pantomime ‘Peter Pan’ was led and directed by Alice Rednap and Grace Cain, two students from Year 12, who were also well supported by other Year 12 students. They have worked tirelessly with a cast from all year groups to put on an amazing extravaganza of theatre. I attach a copy of the programme which celebrates the entire cast and helpers. Secondly, the students have produced the second copy of the school magazine ‘Exposed’. Again, I attach a copy to this bulletin. This is a student led publication and is encouraging students to get involved to improve their writing skills. I am proud of the school’s achievements this term and significant progress has been made. However, we will continue to evaluate, adapt and make improvements to benefit every child and become a truly outstanding school. I am always open to feedback and thank you for your continued support of the school. Term finishes at 12:20pm Tuesday 19th December Students are back to school on Thursday 4th January. Please take the opportunity to check their uniform and equipment. Girl’s skirts should be worn below the knee, if your daughter has grown taller, please can you replace their skirt ready for the spring term. Students should be back wearing normal school shoes. Please note that the Year 11 PPEs start on the 4th January -see information later in the bulletin. Finally, have a wonderful Christmas with family and loved ones and I wish everyone a very Happy New Year. Best wishes Sharon Jenner Head of School
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Date
Event th
Monday 18 December
Year 12 and 13 Exam Week Continues STEM Visit GCSE and A Level Celebration Evening: starts at 6pm
th
Tuesday 19 December
School Closes at 12:20pm
Wednesday 3rd January
School Closed for Staff Inset Day
th
Thursday 4 January
School reopens to all students Year 11 PPE’s Begin
th
Wednesday 10 January
Year 9 Masterclass
Thursday 11th January
Year 9 Parents Evening
th
Monday 15 January th
Wednesday 17 January th
Thursday 18 January rd
Tuesday 23 January th
Wednesday 24 January th
Thursday 25 January th
Friday 26 January
Year 7 Assessments begin Year 12 Roadster Event GCSE Spanish Conference Year 12 and 13 Parents Evening Year 9 Reality Roadshow CareersFest Year 11 Road Safety Production – Dead End
Future Chef Competition Amelia Martin (8T) and Abigail Ward (11X) represented Roding Valley at the next heat of the Future Chef competition. Both girls did amazingly well with Amelia's chicken, ham & leek pot pie and tiramisu, and Abigail's Cuban dishes and caramel tart... however they were pipped at the post with such stiff competition going through to the next heat. Well done to Amelia and Abigail - a great experience to take part in! Abigail Ward
Amelia Martin
Ms. Blundy
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7X
Outstanding effort and focus in Gymnastics this week! Mr. Hudgell Henry Hammerston
Oliver Hawkins
Cameron Twine
Alex Kelly
Freddie Edwards
Ralfie Paris Miss F Williams YPL Year 7
This year as well as making donations to the food bank Year 7 collected gifts in shoeboxes for children less fortunate than themselves. These will be distributed via ‘The Salvation Army’ to children in the surrounding area. Year 7 managed to collect enough gifts to fill many boxes. They were crammed full of exciting gifts that we might think are ordinary -things like toothbrushes and toothpaste, bouncy balls, playing cards! These things will make such a difference to children with no families, some of whom would not have received a gift otherwise. I would like to say a big thank you to all those students and parents who gave so generously this year. Thank you! Mrs. M Cain
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9S
9B/SC4 “For their excellent contribution to class discussions!�. Nominated by Mrs. Patel
Darcy Andrews
Max Donaghey
On Friday 8th December Mr. Price and I took 15 Year 9 & 10 students to the offices in London of law firm DWF. This was a unique opportunity where students worked with mentors from some of London's leading employers.
Throughout the day, pupils participated in workshops devising and pitching big ideas as a way of building confidence and developing key skills. Students from Roding Valley pitched some great business ideas and stepped out of their comfort zone presenting to other groups in the room. Miss H Reed Year 9 YPL
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Congratulations to the 7 students below who are ranked the highest in the year group for progress made, out of 204 students, based on the most recent autumn examinations.
Mashrur Khondokar
Alex Croll
Lyubka Nikolova
Joe Boyton
Joseph Pollard
Tom Gower
Max Tankard
These students are now included in the exclusive 'Going for Gold' Year 11 Club in which they can win an Apple iPad Gold; as long as they are still in the club in the summer. There is still a chance for other students to get themselves in this club based on progress they make in their next round of exams. From 4th to 17th January 2018, Year 11 will be sitting Pre-Public Exams (PPEs) in their subjects. Focused revision now will impact positively on attainment and progress. It is therefore imperative that all students prepare thoroughly for these exams throughout the Christmas break – see timetable below
Mr J Quirk Year 11 YPL
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Monday 8th January 2018
Periods 1 + 2 09.00 - 11.00 Maths Paper 1 Non-Calculator 1hr 30m (Sports Hall - M10) Maths Paper 2 Calculator 1hr 30m (Sports Hall - H5) Geography Paper 1 1hr 30m (Hall - M7 - H7)
Tuesday 9th January 2018
History Paper 2 1hr 15m (Hall - M7 - T4)
Thursday 4th January 2018 Friday 5th January 2018
Wednesday 10th January 2018
Thursday 11th January 2018
French (Listening & Reading) Foundation: 1hr 20m Higher: 1hr 45m Hall: Higher CA5: Foundation Maths Paper 3 (Calculator) 1hr 30m (Sports Hall - M10)
Friday 12th January 2018
Business Studies Unit 3 1hr 30m Economics Unit 5 1hr 30m (Hall - M7 - T4)
Monday 15th January 2018
Geography Paper 2 1hr 30m (Hall - M7 - H7)
Tuesday 16th January 2018
Media Studies 1hr 30m (Hall - M7 - CA3)
Wednesday 17th January 2018
Information Communication Technology 1hr 30m (Hall - M7 - M11)
Periods 3 + 4 11.20 - 13.20
Period 5 14.05 - 15.30
English Language Paper 1 1hr 45m (Sports Hall - M11 - M7)
Science (Combined) Paper 1 1hr 30m (Sports Hall - M7 - CA3)
History Paper 1 1hr 45m (Sports Hall - M7 - T4) Biology (Triple Science) 1hr 45m (Hall - M7 - T4)
Science (Combined) Paper 2 1hr 30m (Sports Hall - M7 - M9) Physical Education Paper 1 1hr 15m (Hall - M7 - T4) Business Studies Unit 1 45m Economics Unit 1 45m (Hall - M7 - T4)
Chemistry (Triple Science) 1hr 45m (Hall - M7 - T4) Spanish (Listening & Reading) Foundation 1hr 20m Higher 1hr 45m Hall and M7: Foundation CA3: Higher English Language Paper 2 1hr 45m (Sports Hall - M7 - M11) Drama 1hr 45m Psychology Paper 2 1hr 30m Music 1hr 15m (Hall - M7 - M10) Computer Science 1hr 30m Religious Studies 1hr 45m (Hall - M7 - T4) Physics (Triple Science) 1hr 45m (Hall - M7 - LR3)
Psychology Paper 1 1hr 30m (Hall - M7) Science (Combined) Paper 3 1hr 30m (Sports Hall - M7 - CA3) Spanish (Writing) Foundation 1hr Higher 1hr 15m (Hall - M7)
Physical Education Paper 2 1hr 15m (Hall - M7 - CA3) French (Writing) Foundation 1hr Higher 1hr 15m (Hall)
All Students should have received a copy of their Individual timetable from their Form Tutors and a copy has also been emailed alongside the generic timetable to all Year 11 parents on Wednesday 13th December 2017.
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How to Apply Application Forms are available on the school website, direct from the Sixth Form Office or within the packs given out at our Sixth Form Open Evening.
The DEADLINE for Applications is
Monday 15th January 2018
Sixth Form Books and Folders: Expectations and Standards Student to Provide: 1. Clear and logical structure to their folders/ books 2. Lever arch folder/exercise book per subject 3. Contents page 4. Dividers linked to units/modules/tests studied 5. Glossary of useful/relevant terms 6. Practice essays/questions - both short and long answer 7. Evidence of class notes being ‘owned’ by the students – annotation, mind maps etc. 8. In addition to notes there should be completed closing the gap tasks
The final assembly for Year 12 and 13 will be on Tuesday 19th December 11.55am - 12.25pm in the Main Hall. We look forward to seeing all year 12 and 13 in school for the awards and certificates on the last day of term
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Finally, Christmas is a great time of year with plenty of parties and festivities to enjoy but it’s important to look after yourself.
Here are our top tips for staying safe over the festive season.
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Make sure you know how you're getting home. Plan your train journey in advance.
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Avoid catching unlicensed or cabs you haven’t pre-booked. If you haven't booked your taxi through a minicab office, a legitimate app or hailed a Black Taxi, it's just a stranger’s car.
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If using public transport, have your Oyster card ready in your hand so that your wallet or purse is out of sight
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Always wait for the bus or train in a well-lit place near other people if possible and try and arrange for someone to meet you at the bus stop or station.
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If a bus is empty, stay on the lower deck. On trains, avoid empty compartments.
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If you're on a night out, avoid being on your own. Consider leaving parties with friends and always let someone know when you're leaving.
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During the Christmas party season people may be tempted to indulge. Make sure you know your limits.
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Look after your property. Make sure you keep your belongings in a place where you can see them. Don't leave your bags unattended.
Enjoy the break, be safe, find time for family and think of others within the wider community. Mr L Harris Head of Sixth Form
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On Thursday 7th December the Year 8 Netball Team travelled to Redbridge for a rally. The team played a mixture of schools including the Oakbridge School and Davenant. Year 8 played four teams in total coming out on top in the first 3 games which gave us great confidence moving into the final match. This was against Davenant; our local rivals with which we took the lead 1-0. Unfortunately, they crawled back to win the game 3-1. However, Roding Valley came away with second overall and all girls received a medal. This is a great achievement to finish the year off!
Isabella Ruse
Jasmine Wak-William.
The Netball Team Molly Jones
Lucy Salmon
Charlotte Clay
Isabella Ruse
Jasmine Wak-William
Lili Warden
Hollie Michaelson
Emma Bracher
Charlotte Gadeke
Leya Hines Miss H Reed Year 9 YPL
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Parents of Year 9 to Year 13: Date for your diary
The Roding Valley High School Annual Careers Fest will be on Thursday 25th January 2018 from 3.00-6.30pm held once again at Epping Forest College.
The Careers Fest is for parents and students in year 9 through to Year 13. The Careers Fest gives students in year 9 the opportunity to find out about future career pathways and to consider their option choices and subjects they wish to take in year 10. The information and advice available on the evening is very important for students in Years 10, 11, 12 and 13 who are making decisions about careers and further education. It is an opportunity to network and talk to future sixth forms, colleges, universities and employers. Apprenticeship providers will also be present. In the past students have secured work experience placements and networked with potential future employers. It is a very important evening to attend.
Following last year’s event a Year 10 student told me, ‘I had no idea about pathways in the construction industry and after a conversation with an employer I am now keen to pursue a career in Quantity Surveying’. This student was offered a work experience placement and now considering a Higher Level Apprenticeship at 18. We have been running this consortium event for 8 years, every year it has been extremely successful and we are very excited this year that so many new employers will be attending. Please make sure you come along. Further details will be available to you nearer the time If you require any further information or advice please contact me. Kind regards Mrs Mason Careers Development Manager Email: dmason@rodingvalley.net Twitter: Follow @RVHS_Careers to keep up to date with our department.
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At RVHS, we offer music lessons in Piano, Drums, Guitar and singing. If you are interested; please email the below contacts and full details will be sent to you:
Piano: To book piano lessons or find out more please contact rosswall@gmail.com
Singing: Private singing lessons are now available. Please contact Alex Larke for more details at alex@thevocaltutor.com
Drumming: The following lessons are available: One to One, Two to One and Small Group lessons. Contact: marksevel@hotmail.com
Guitar: To book lessons or find out more, please contact Rachel Espeute on racheleds@hotmail.co.uk if you are interested.
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At Roding Valley High School we like our students to be well presented when representing the school. Please remember that since September 2015, all students must adhere to our code of footwear, details are as follows:
Acceptable
Not Acceptable
Boys Uniform School Uniform Trousers: Black Tailored Blazer: Black (with school badge) to be worn at all times Shirt: plain white with no logos Tie – school tie Jumper (optional): Black ‘V-neck’ jumper with school badge or black sleeveless ‘V-neck’ with School badge. Only jumpers with the school badge can be worn. Shoes: Black, classic leather style shoes only. Boots, trainers, canvas shoes, backless shoes or sandals are not acceptable. No Jewellery except for a small stud, only one in each ear, and a wrist watch. Facial, or other body piercings, are not acceptable. Coats: Must be dark (black or dark blue) raincoat, overcoat or jacket (not denim or leather and without badges or slogans)
PE Uniform Navy and silver Rugby Shirt Navy and silver T-Shirt Navy and silver shorts Navy RVHS bottoms (optional) Navy RVHS waterproof jacket (optional) Football boots, training shoes or plimsolls and a towel Navy and silver Rugby Shirt
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Girls Uniform School Uniform Skirt or Trousers: Royal blue/black/white check skirt or black tailored trousers. Skirt must be worn below the knee (Skirts which are altered to an excessively short length are not permitted under any circumstances) Blazer: Black (with school badge) to be worn at all times Blouse: Plain white blouse with collar. (Blouses should have no ‘frills’ or patterns on them) Jumper (optional): Black ‘V-neck’ jumper with the School badge or black sleeveless ‘V-neck’ with the School badge. Only jumpers with the school badge are allowed to be worn. Shoes: Black, classic leather style shoes only. Boots, trainers, canvas shoes, backless shoes or sandals are not acceptable. Tights: Tights must be plain black or natural coloured. Patterned tights are not acceptable. Ankle socks may be worn: However knee length socks are not acceptable. No jewellery, except for a small stud, only one in each ear, and a wrist watch. Facial, or other body piercings, are not acceptable. Coats: Must be dark (black or dark blue) raincoat, overcoat or jacket (not denim or leather and without badges or slogans)
Girls who choose to wear the skirt need to ensure that the logo on the skirt is below knee level. A new skirt should be purchased if this is not the case. PE Uniform Navy and silver t-shirt Navy and silver skirt Navy RVHS tracksuit bottoms (optional) Navy RVHS jumper (optional) Navy RVHS waterproof jacket (optional) Navy socks with two white rings around the top Training shoes or plimsolls and a towel Optional items include a black or royal blue leotard and hockey boots
Uniform Stockist Our uniform stockist is conveniently located at:
Forest Casual and School Wear 144 High Road, Loughton, IG10 4BE Tel: 0208 508 2848
Please click to be taken to their Website
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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 school 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 student’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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