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RVHS Parent Bulletin Aspiration Respect Endeavour Week ending: Friday 2nd February 2018 “Our vision is to be the school of choice for our local community, developing successful young people with high aspirations, who show respect for all and endeavour to become the very best that they can be.”
Message from the Head of School. I am delighted to confirm that the governors of Roding Valley High School have agreed that we will convert to Academy status and join the Chelmsford Learning Partnership Trust. The Chair of Governors, Mr Tony Barritt has written to all parents but if you missed the letter then it is available on the school website. The full consultation documents and report can also be found on the school website: https://www.rodingvalley.net/ This means that the school is now on a very stable foundation and can continue to build on the very effective and beneficial relationship which is already in place. We are a traditional school with traditional values, this partnership will provide a platform where we retain our identity but continues to allow us to share good practise for the benefit of students, offer further career opportunities for the retention of staff and provide for economies of scale for the financial stability of the school. Our vision is to be the school of choice for our local community, developing successful young people with high aspirations, who show respect for all and endeavour to become the very best that they can be.”. It is a very exciting time for the school and I am grateful for the continued support of our parents and the community. On this note, it is so important that our students behave in an appropriate fashion when they are out in the community wearing our school uniform. Please can parents ensure that they ask their sons/ daughters to travel home promptly after school and that they do not congregate in the Loughton station / Sainsbury’s vicinity. The overriding majority of our students are very well behaved and respectful; they are often merely waiting to meet friends. However, the perception is often that a large group of teenagers is intimidating to the public. There are also some undesirable people who may hang around at the station in the early evening and I would urge parents to ensure that their children do not have an opportunity to engage with them. Thank you to all the parents who attended the Parent Forum last week, the feedback was very positive and provided an opportunity to promote our innovative approach to teaching and learning using our ACED framework. We shared revision techniques and discussed the benefits of holding study skills days for all year groups on a consistent basis. Due to the success of this event we will repeat it and hopefully more parents will be able to attend. Mr Ali, Assistant Headteacher has shared the resources from the evening and will put them on the school website: https://www.rodingvalley.net/currentarents/parents-forum/
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Please can I remind all Year 9 parents that it is the Options Evening on Thursday 8th February at 5:30pm, the Students Options Pack will be given to our Year 9 Students on Wednesday. I recommend that all Year 9 parents attend; you will get answers to any questions you may have, as well as gaining extra insight into the fantastic courses that your child could be taking next year. There will also be an opportunity to speak to subject leaders and Mrs Mason our Careers Advisor will be available. The main presentation will be split as follows: The first Presentation will be at 6.00pm for students in 9Q, 9R, 9S and 9T A second presentation will start at 6.45pm for students in 9U, 9V, 9W and 9X While you are waiting for your presentation time, subject leaders will be available for you to speak to about their subjects. There were some excellent enrichment activities held last week, including a brilliant Harry Potter evening for our Year 7 and Year 8 students. I would like to thank our librarian Julia Martin; for organising such a fun and interactive evening. It also included a Quidditch Match organised by the Head of PE, Luke Jones.
The school continues to enjoy many sporting triumphs and we have extended our extra - curricular provision. Please encourage your child to take a full opportunity of all that is on offer. Please contact Lyndsey Ball, our new Head of Faculty for Creative Arts, Food and PE for further information. Lball@rodingvalley.net It has been a very positive half term here at Roding Valley High School. I trust that you find the new look Parent bulletin informative but also that it highlights the numerous opportunities given to, and the achievements of, our students Ms. S Jenner Head of School “Our vision is to be the school of choice for our local community, developing successful young people with high aspirations, who show respect for all and endeavour to become the very best that they can be.”
Date
Event st
Thursday 1 February
Harry Potter Night Intermediate Math Challenge
Friday 2
nd
February
Spanish GCSE Conference Year 8 Assessments Begin
Wednesday 7th February th
Thursday 8 February th
Friday 9 February
Year 12 English Literature Lecture on Jane Eyre Year 9 Option Evening Ski Trip Year 8 British Library Trip – Harry Potter
Monday 19th February
Deadline for Sixth Form Leadership Applications
Thursday 22nd February
Sixth Form Leadership Interviews Year 7 Parents Evening
rd
Friday 23 February
Enrichment Day
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On Monday of this week, we held our termly Parent Forum and were greeted by a good number of parents and guardians. We discussed our ACED Teaching and Learning Vision alongside providing parents with some examples of practical study skills as a way to better support students. As a team of passionate educators, we believe that encouraging a culture of success is the responsibility of all members of our community and as a result, have focused on developing and strengthening the partnership between school, home and child. At Roding Valley, we are committed to supporting our students to become highly successful young people who love to learn, and as a result, ask our teachers to consider three questions when planning and delivering lessons: 1. Are all pupils being challenged? 2. Are all pupils making progress? 3. Are all pupils at least engaged and at best inspired?
Having built on previous work, we have continued to develop our study skills days for all year groups, informed students of our ACED approach to Teaching and Learning and started developing more resources to support you as parents along our exciting 7 year journey together. If you were unable to attend the evening or would like to find out more, please do download our essential ‘Top revision tips for parents’.
Our expectations are high. All lessons will encourage ASPIRATION, instill RESPECT and help all pupils ENDEAVOUR to realise their full potential, through developing a life-long love of learning.
Mr. Kahil Ali Assistant Headteacher –Teaching and Learning
There are still some last-minute spots up for grabs for the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh award. Please contact Miss C. Edwards if you interested in taking part.
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Many thanks for all of the students and parents that have had the opportunity to visit our Winter Art Exhibition at the Loughton Art Centre. The written comments left are much appreciated and will be passed on to the students. The staff at the centre, who see our exhibition each year, have been just as positive and excited about the skills of our students as they always are!
Judging has now taken place in the Loughton Young Artist competition and the results will be announced at an open event on Friday 23 February at 7pm. Please join us for a drink and a celebration of success.
Mr. D Tisdale Head of Art
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On Friday, 9th February, Roding Valley High School will be hosting a Democracy Day, led by a team of Sixth Formers. Year 7 will be taken off timetable so that they can enjoy a day of workshops aimed at teaching them what a democracy is and how they can exercise their democratic rights.
Next week is also an exciting week in terms of British politics because it will be the 100-year anniversary of Women getting the vote. To celebrate this, one of our workshops will cover the history and the importance of voting. Other workshops will cover the themes of Parliament, voting and Votes at 16. The year 7s will learn vital skills in the morning and then in the afternoon, we will put those skills to the test!
Top Progress Points
Highest Attendance 7U and 7X
Ethan Wellington “For showing commitment, enthusiasm and resilience towards his learning”.
Jack Thurgood
7bdr2 “They were absolutely brilliant in this lesson and I am so proud of them!”
Miss F Williams Year 7 YPL
Nominated by Mrs. Daly
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The magic of Hogwarts came to Roding Valley High School on Thursday 1st February as some of our Yr. 7 and Yr. 8 students celebrated Harry Potter Book Night. The library was transformed into the Great Hall, while the school hall became a Quidditch pitch for a hotly contested Quidditch Competition. The event included a 'feast' in the Great Hall, followed by a Wand Duelling Contest, and was rounded off by the judging of the Fancy Dress Contest and Prize Giving. Both students and staff were definitely feeling the magic and a great time was had by all.
Mrs. J Martin School Librarian
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On Tuesday 30th January; students from Roding Valley went on a Fantasy Trip to various locations in London such as Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and the British Library Harry Potter Exhibition.
Firstly, they took a tour of Harry Potter; History of Magic in the British Library. It was decorated as classrooms of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry from the Harry Potter book series and taught the history and origins of everything magic including the beliefs of witchcraft and fantastic creatures. They took part in a variety of activities such as potion brewing, Treasure Hunts to find facts and charms of magic and designing their own magical creature. This was highly entertaining and the students left with their heads full of spells, magic, creatures, potions, charms and strange artefact’s from the world of Harry Potter.
Secondly, they went back in time and explored Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre (the third ever to be created, due to the others being burnt down and destroyed). The students learnt about the audience’s bad habits, the price of seats, the actors who were only male, the rich and the monarchs, back stage, hell and heaven; the trap doors and the rehearsals. They explored the stage before retreating to the rehearsal room and reading the script of Midsummer’s Nights Dreams. This was highly educational and the students fell in love with the stage. They would recommend this to people who like History or Drama and Shakespeare fans. The students loved this trip and came back full with facts. Written by William Cratchley 8V
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Year 8 Assessment Timetable: February 2018
Monday 5th February 2018
Tuesday 6th February 2018
Periods 1 + 2 09.00 - 11.00
Periods 3 + 4 11.20 - 13.20
Period 5 14.05 - 15.30
English (1hr)
History (1hr 15m)
Geography (1hr)
Hall - CA5 - H7 - M7
Hall - CA5 - CA3 - M7
Hall - CA5 - CA3 - M7
Science (1hr) Foundation/Higher
French (Writing) (1hr)
Religious Studies (1hr)
Spanish (Writing) (1hr)
Hall - CA5 - E4 - M7
Hall - CA5 - E4 - M7 Hall - CA5 - M7
Above is a generic copy of the timetable for the forthcoming Year 8 Exams, which begin on Monday 5th February. All Year 8 students will be assessed under formal exam conditions and will receive a copy of their individual timetable, along with the JCQ Rules and Regulations from their Form Tutor; these are also available from the JCQ website. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact Ms. J Draper, our Exams Officer.
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As we say goodbye to the week that ended with an amazing 'Blue Moon' we can all move forward with a positive mind-set and spring in our stride. Year 11 students will be receiving their mock results soon and must begin the important task of looking closely at the areas they did well in and identifying the areas that need to be improved for each of their subjects. Upon completing the exams, teaching staff can ascertain any gaps in the student's knowledge and identify how best to support them in the final months before their GCSE’s. Mr. Dobson
They will also be able to address these in subject intervention sessions and the Period 6 lessons on Tuesday and Thursday that Year 11 are attending so well. We are proud of the commitment and determination to succeed that is shown so consistently by all our students at Roding Valley High School.
I would like to thank those parents who have already spoken to us and who are supporting their child’s work at home. Working together will mean Year 11 will not only achieve their targets but will surpass them.
Thomas Compton “Thomas has taken a brilliant attitude to revision and has achieved excellent results in his PPE exams for history”
Ella Davis “Ella has been working really hard in her additional history lessons and after school revision sessions.”
Jessica Overett “Jessica has put in a huge amount of effort to catch up with the course both in lessons time and at home”
Prue BoydWalker “Prue has been trying really hard in her history lessons”
Catarina Maghales
Joe Schofield
“Catarina is consistently working hard”
“For his excellent verbal contributions in class”.
Millie Scott “Millie is consistently working hard”
11A/Hi1 “For all working really hard during their lesson time last week”.
The majority of revision needs to be completed outside of school. The history department will supplement students’ revision with a Friday afternoon session each week focusing on that week’s listed topic. This will take place in H7 between 3.10pm and 4.00pm.
Revision Guides:
This is in addition to revision at home not instead of it.
Electronic copies of the main sections in these books can be found on Google Classroom
These are easily available on Amazon at around (£5.81 per book). They contain all the content for the course and practice exam questions for each exam. Revise Edexcel GCSE (9-1) History Crime and Punishment in Britain Revise Edexcel GCSE (9-1) History Anglo-Saxon and Norman England Revise Edexcel GCSE (9-1) History Superpower Relations and the Cold War. Revise Edexcel GCSE (9-1) History Weimar and Nazi Germany
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Harry Evans “For really focussing”.
Oz Ives “For positive attitude and not giving up”.
Layla Newland
Tom McKever
Rosie Scott
Noor Anjum
“For giving 100% to her extra Geography hours”.
“For showing new found resilience”.
“For striving to work as hard as possible”.
herself for the upcoming Geography exams and attending P6 revision”.
“For preparing
Google Classroom
Additional Support Classes
What does this offer me?
Wednesday: Room H1- Exam Question Practice.
Electronic resources to help revise from. Updated regularly with new resources.
All welcome to attend to benefit from independent exam question practice
CODE: 3l6yj0
Revision Guides and Support: Start using the resources on Google Classroom to revise Paper 1. Make revision cue cards for all of Paper 1: - Hazardous Earth - Development Dynamics - Challenges of an Urbanising World Have a go at some practice questions and bring to your class teacher to check. Consider purchasing a revision workbook / revision guide to help you with your notes. Link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Grade-GCSE-GeographyEdexcel-Investigating/dp/1782946217 Link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Grade-GCSE-GeographyEdexcelInvestigating/dp/1782946225/ref=pd_bxgy_14_img_2? _encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=KTEZ1A2G6MFTF07AGWG 3
Fieldtrip: We will visit Southend on Sea to carry out our Coastal Fieldwork next half term- more info on this coming soon. Mock Exam: A Walking Talking Mock will be held after half term Extra Support: You will be invited to attend the 'Going for Grade 5' or 'Going for Grade 8' session- more info coming soon. Philosophy and Ethics: All resources, revision guides and work done in class are available to our students on google classroom. Our revision sessions are at lunch time on Thursdays.
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It was fantastic to see so many parents and students at the careers fest last Thursday evening. I do hope you found the event both informative and useful in planning the next stages of your educational and career journey. If you have any feedback from the event I would really appreciate it. We take feedback very seriously and are always keen to improve upon the event.
Year 11 Students have been participating in Apprenticeship workshops during their lunch breaks this week. Please remind students that next week will be the final week for this.
Year 9 students have participated in JED lessons all week in preparation for their options choices coming up soon. JED is the careers programme we purchase for the students, it gives students an opportunity to explore thousands of careers, the skills and qualities required and the qualifications they need to achieve. Students can access JED from home with a top up code given to them during the lessons this week. Try taking the Big Quiz it is fun and a great way to research future career options.
Year 12 and 13 students had a visiting guest speaker in Assembly this week from Investment2020. A huge variety of careers and many opportunities in the investment industry were shown to our students. Our careers page on our website has a huge amount of information and can be accessed here
If you require any further information or advice please contact me.
I have attached a newsletter from Success at School. This is their first newsletter and their website also has lots of useful information for students to help them succeed at school. The link to this website is on our careers page.
Mrs. Mason
Kind regards Careers Development Manager Email: dmason@rodingvalley.net Twitter: Follow @RVHS_Careers to keep up to date with our department.
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Football
Year 7 Girls beat Bishop Challoner Sports College 5: 3 on penalties for the English School National Cup
Monday 5 February
Basketball
This Weeks Fixtures th
Year 9 lost against Davenant 27:54
Year 8 Football v James Hornsby School: Away th
6 Form Football v Brampton Manor: Away
Netball Year 7 Team lost against West Hatch by 12:5 Jo Richardson with 17:1 at the Essex Cup Year 9 Team won against West Hatch by 12:11
Wednesday th 7 February
Year 7, 8, 9, U16 Netball v Davenant Year 9 Basketball vs Ongar Academy Home 3.30 tip off.
Year 11 Team lost against West Hatch by 16:4
Clubs Timetable: Spring Term Day
8:30am to 8.20am
Sport Ability with Mr Allen Invite Only
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
1.20pm to 1.50pm
Year 7/8/9 Basketball: Sports Hall with Mr Harrington Year 7/8/9 Basketball: Sports Hall with Mr Harrington
Year 7 Trampolining: Gym with Miss Reed
3.15pm to 4.30pm Year 7/8 Football: Astro Turf with Mr Allen Girls Football: Astro Turf with Mr Harrington Year 7/8/9/10 Netball: PG with Miss Reed / Miss Ball Dance: With Ms. Sargent
Handball with Mr Allen
KS4 Basketball: Sports Hall with Mr Jones
Netball Fixtures: with Miss Reed /Miss Ball th 6 Form Football Fixtures: with Mr Jones Year 8/9/10 Trampolining: Gym with Miss Reed All Years Boys Rugby: Astro with Mr Jones /Mr Allen /Mr Price Year 9 boys football: with Mr Harrington
Friday
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On Thursday 25 January, both Lola Collings and Amber Giddy represented Roding Valley High School at New City College, for the second round of the RIBI young Chef competition. . Both girls showed how far they’ve both come with their cooking skills and both produced excellent dishes. Unfortunately neither got through (this time!), but a massive well done to them both
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At RVHS, we offer 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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RVHS Uniform Code 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 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 ParentPay & 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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