Week 33 (2013 14) parent bulletin 6 6 14

I would like to start this week’s bulletin by congratulating a number of students. Firstly, to Abbie Bromley (8X) who will be playing netball in the London Youth Games in July. Congratulations also go to Francesca Cavadino (8R) who represents Essex Cricket at County level and last week was one of the main strike bowlers in a win by Essex over Sussex. The plaudits continue to our Tennis squad who thrashed Woodside School 10-1 earlier on in the week. Finally, I would like to wish the following students ‘good luck’ as they represent the school in the Essex Schools Athletics Competition at Melbourne Stadium, Chelmsford tomorrow: Greg Gilbert (11U)400m, Max Wintle (7U)800m, Louise Gilbert(8R) 1500m and Nancy Callagher (9W)1500m. We wish these 4 students well and I will update you on how they got on next week.

Next Thursday (12th June) is our annual GCSE Art and Photography exhibition. As part of the GCSEs in Art and Photography, the students have to display their work and I have to say that the standard of work this year is as high as I can remember with some stunning pieces on display. All parents are welcome to attend (regardless of whether your child is exhibiting work or not) and the Art Gallery and Art rooms are open from 4-6pm. My thanks also go to the Art and Photography staff who continue to produce outstanding results from their students.

Parents may have noticed an article on the front page of yesterday’s Epping Forest Guardian regarding concerns from local police and neighbourhood watch about the use of nitrous oxide in the Epping Forest Area. This leads on from concerns that I raised to parents in a previous Parent Bulletin. I would like to stress to parents that this is not a school issue, however it is clear in speaking with our local police officers and neighbourhood watch that there are concerns about young people in the Epping Forest area using this at the weekends and in the evenings. As a local school, therefore, I have a duty to bring this to your attention in order to safeguard the wellbeing our children.

We will be running a series of assemblies in the next few weeks and will be highlighting the dangers to our students: http://www.guardian-series.co.uk/news/11250185.Police_warning_over__laughing_gas__use/ Next Thursday (12th June) is our transition evening for our new Year 6 parents and I am looking forward to welcoming those parents new to the Roding Valley community. The school’s new Headteacher, James Luck, will be in attendance and I know from speaking with him that he is eager to attend future events at the school.

I would like to offer a thank you to the anonymous donor who responded to the Science Department’s request for fridges/freezers last week. Your donation of the new equipment to the school was amazing and we are extremely thankful for your generosity.

Finally, please remember that the school is closed on Monday 7th July 2014 due to the impact of the Tour de France on the local area.

I wish you all a good weekend.

Paul Banks Headteacher

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

Art and photography work goes on display Work produced by more than 60 Year 11 students at Roding Valley High School features in this year’s GCSE Art and Photography Exhibition.

A variety of work will be on display such as paintings, drawings, sculpture, photography and clay pieces.

Subject matters range from ‘Natural Forms’ to ‘Portraits’ and candidates have been ambitious in their responses to such themes.

Head of Photography Sheila Rahman said: “We would like to congratulate our students on their hard work and positive attitude throughout their time on the course and we hope parents will be able to join us to celebrate their achievements.”

Further images from the exhibition can be found on the school’s Flickr pagehttps://www.flickr.com/photos/rvhs/

The Science Department would like to say a really big thank you for the generous donation of both a new dishwasher and fridge freezer.

Both items will be put to very good use.

Thank you

Psychology GCSE Revision for Paper 2 Sunday 8th June 1.15pm - 3.15pm Students, please meet outside the main front entrance School uniform is NOT required Mr Murray

Maths End of Year Test Dates Paper 1—Non-calculator Paper 2—Calculator

Year 7 Year 7 Year 8 Year 8 Year 9 Year 9 Year 10 Year 10

Date 20th June 24th June 9th June 11th June 13th June 17th June 4th June 6th June

Day Friday Tuesday Monday Wednesday Friday Tuesday Wednesday Friday

Tickets will go on sale on Monday 9th June Pay via ParentPay or at Student Reception Tickets £22.00 Price includes a photo and a £2.00 donation to the Zambia trip

Paper 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2

Congratulations to Abbie Bromley in Y8 who has been selected to play in the U14 netball in the London Youth Games in July. Abbey plays for Essex Met and Essex Open and we are very proud of her selection.

Well done and Good Luck!

Congratulations to Francesca Cavadino in Y8 who has been representing Essex for cricket for some time now. Last weekend she was playing away against Sussex and won by 84 runs. She opened the bowling and took the wicket of one of Sussex's key players.

We are very proud of you!

Woodside School, Wood Green 1 RVHS 10 Mini sets - Singles and Doubles RVHS celebrated a fine win in this annual tennis fixture Over 40 games played on their hard blue surface Team: Toby Parsons 9V Jake Smith 9X William Garcia 9U Timmy Moncur 8X Well done K Bailey

Roding Valley High School students crowned national champions with county football team

Two Year 9 Roding Valley High School students have been part of the Under 14 Essex County football side that has triumphed to become national champions.

The title was secured with a 3-1 win over Sussex in the national finals.

Conor Tyrell and Harry Francis have been ever present in the matches this season and have both also earned the prestigious honour of being 'capped' for their county.

Players are only given caps after making ten appearances for their county.

The boys have been part of a team that has travelled up and down the country defeating a number of teams to reach the final.

Both boys play football outside school for Brentford FC. Headteacher Paul Banks said: “The school is incredibly proud of Conor and Harry's achievements with the Essex County Football team.

“They are two exceptionally talented footballers who have represented the school with honour in being capped for their county.

“The success achieved by the team is a very special achievement and the boys should be commended for their role in the team.”

Roding Valley High School students visit The Somme A large group of Roding Valley High School students visited the battlefields of The Somme as part of their study into war poetry.

The staff and English faculty students remembered those who gave their lives for their country in a ceremony at the Thiepval Monument.

Head of English Louisa Routledge said: "It was an extremely moving experience for both staff and students. The trip brought home the fact that the First World War is not something that we study in History and English but a war that affected the soldiers, their families and whole nations.

“Our study of War Poetry in English was certainly enhanced by the visit.”

Year 9 student Doncho Atanassov said: “As June 28 approaches we will be remembering the 100 years since the Great War broke out. To honour and remember the fallen soldiers who fought and to study the poets who fought in the war we visited the Somme battlefields.

“The Battle of the Somme was one of the greatest battles of the First World War starting on July 1, 1916, and ending on November 18, 1916, and was won by British and French forces, however there were more than 600,000 casualties and 500,000 German casualties.

“The battle was also heavily criticised by lower ranking officers but highly praised by higher ranking officers to reassure people that the war can be won.

“We also explored how Britain managed to build its army by millions in the first couple of weeks of the war and the effect propaganda had on ordinary people.

“We visited many battle sites and with the help of our guides lived through the horror of the morning of July 1, 1916, when the largely inexperienced recruits went over the top to their almost certain death or injury.

“The number of graveyards packed with the fallen British soldiers was overwhelming. Many of the students spent time looking for the dead soldiers who shared their own surname.

“The most shocking aspect of this was the number of ‘unknown’ soldiers.

“We laid a wreath at a ceremony at Thiepval Memorial - the largest British war memorial in the world. It commemorates the 72,191 missing British and South African of the First World War. “At Beaumont-Hamel, the preserved battlefield park where the Newfoundland Regiment made their unsuccessful attack on July 1, 1916, during the first day of the Battle of the Somme.

“Again the tragedy of the loss was quite overwhelming, brought home to us all when we realised that many of the dead soldiers were just a little older than us.

“It was quite a surreal feeling knowing you have been walking where other people have been shot, blown to pieces, cut and suffocated not just British and French soldiers but also Canadians and Germans.

“Today the battlefield are largely covered with trees and grass, yet it was not hard to imagine that 98 years ago these same fields were just grey lands strewn with blood, shrapnel and corpses.

“Even though we are aware of places like Pompeii where people have lost their lives and even though the battlefields were now covered in grass and trees, the Somme seemed to be darker and more brutal place.”

Year 10 Careers Programme The Year 10 Careers Programme is already underway; students in Year 10 have all had group work sessions in the careers room to discuss their Post 16 Options and the application procedures.

Careers Impact Day On Tuesday 1st July the timetable will be suspended for Year 10 and they will learn how to write a CV, letter of application and attend work shops with the Barclays Life Skills Team on interview techniques. At the end of the day they will have completed a CV and a letter of application in preparation for their Mock Interviews on Wednesday 16th July. During Period 5 students will attend a presentation in the hall from Essex University and Epping Forest College.

Epping Forest College Taster Day On Wednesday 2nd July students in Year 10 are all attending a taster day at Epping Forest College. Students will be given the opportunity to try out courses they may be considering when they leave Roding Valley in Year 11. I will be sending home letters after half term. Please ensure your son/daughter return their permission slip. They are to make their own way to the College to arrive by 8.45am. If they have chosen a sport session please remind them to bring their sports kit and a towel.

Mock Interview On Wednesday 16th July students will be offered a ‘mock interview’ either with an employer at their premises or with a visiting employer at the school. Students do not have to wear uniform, they are allowed to wear suitable clothes in which to attend an interview. I will be sending home letters with further details for parents to sign after work experience.

Kind regards Mrs Mason Careers Development Manager dmason@rodingvalley.net

Please support our school library in a prize draw being run by National Book Tokens!

National Book Tokens are currently running a prize draw which offers school libraries the chance to win £2,500 or even £5,000's worth of National Book Tokens.

See the link below for full details: http://www.nationalbooktokens.com/ schools#.U33D0Hpwbcs By entering Roding Valley High School's name and submitting your details you'll be giving the school library a chance of winning this fantastic prize - the more times our name is submitted the more chance we have of being picked out!

Many thanks in anticipation of your support with this.

Governor’s Update As a Governing Body, we recently agreed to communicate (via parentmail) the work of the various committees. We hope to do this on a monthly basis, as we are keen to improve on our communication with parents and this is a priority plan for the GB this year. As Chair of the Personnel, Finance and Premises Committee, I’ve volunteered to write the first bulletin.

In this academic year, we met in October, November, March and April - and our last meeting this year is on 5 June.

So far this year we have made it a priority to review the use and impact of Pupil Premium Funding, which is the money we allocate in order to narrow the attainment gap for students with a variety of disadvantages; either social or learning. We have discussed the review of SEN provision at the school and have fully supported the proposed changes. We have also noted the welcome results of our earlier decision to raise the financial provision for free school meals this academic year, so that every student regardless of circumstances has the opportunity to eat well during the school day.

We’ve monitored the budget throughout and in April, approved the new budget for 2014/15. We are very grateful to Karen Salmons the Business Manager for her helpful and clear updates throughout.

We reviewed the school’s recruitment policy and selection techniques, along with a whole raft of school policies.

One of our most important tasks this year has been to appoint a new headteacher and to agree the interim arrangements for the Senior Team until the new Head is in a position to make substantive appointments. The committee and the Governing Body generally are determined to have continuity in the coming months until the new Head is established and so we were pleased to approve temporary appointments at Senior Leadership Team level, as well as Heads of Faculty. We support the policy to grow our own talent, while giving the school continuity as we say goodbye and good luck to our outstanding Headteacher, Paul Banks.

It has been a busy year with lots of changes, but as we approach the end of the academic year we are delighted with the school’s revitalised financial position and are excited by the promise of a new sixth form next year.

Any parents who would like to get in touch about the work of the committee (or indeed any governance issue) can contact me via the school. I’d welcome any questions or feedback!

Tracy Hayden Chair of Personnel, Finance & Premises Committee

Year 11 Geography Revision Monday or Thursday Lunchtime

Well done to Harry Gipson (7W) who plays for Wanstead RFC Harry played in a tournament on the Isle of White at the end of April.

This is the biggest mini rugby tournament in the UK His team did extremely well but narrowly lost in the final.

Week ending 23 May 2014 Year 7 Highest Attendance

7T

Pupil with Highest Honours

Imogen Kemp 7V

Form with Highest Honours

7Q

Year 8 Highest Attendance

8R

Pupil with Highest Honours

Sam Barrett 8X

Form with Highest Honours

8X

Year 9 Highest Attendance

9V

Pupil with the Highest Honours

Charlotte Garvey 9R

Form with Highest Honours

9R

Class of the Week

9ux/MA3 nominated by Mr Home for continuously working hard showing resilience in all their class work and very supportive of each other during the lesson

Year 10 Highest Attendance

10U

Pupil with Highest Honours

Ali Beiki Ashkezari 10T

Form with Highest Honours

10U

Year 11 Highest Attendance

11V & 11W

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.

Friends, Parents Association, of Roding Valley High School Newsletter End of School Year 2013—2014

Here are details of the past year’s events which we have helped to run and raised valuable money for your child’s School: Lauren Higgs, Year 11 student, parachute jump £215 Family Quiz Night, Sept 2013, raised £400+ Year 7 Disco, Oct 2013, raised £900+ Year 7 Disco, March 2014, raised £900+ Adult Quiz Night, March 2014, raised £475+

GRAND TOTAL OF OVER £2890.00 for the School.

Thank you for any support given at any of these events.

The committee plays an active role in the life at RVHS and offers a great opportunity for parents to become more involved with the School community.

Members organise a wide range of fundraising events, support the funding of a whole host of student activities and resources. The money we raise pays for things the school would not otherwise afford. Picnic benches, sports tabards, bread makers, Year 11 Prom etc…….

The Association meets on a regular basis during term times and we always welcome new members. We are especially keen to hear from new parents at the school and we also encourage comments, feedback and ideas from everyone.

Joining us does not take all your spare time, meetings are approx. 1 hour every 6 weeks. Currently our committee consists of less than 10 members.

Our next meeting is Wednesday 9th July at 7pm. Please meet at School Reception.

Our email address is frvhs@hotmail.co.uk or view us at www.roding-sec.essex.sch.uk/frvhs

FINAL GCSE Examination Timetable May/June 2014 STUDENTS HAVE NOW BEEN ISSUED WITH THEIR INDIVIDUAL EXAMINATION TIMETABLES VIA THEIR FORM TUTORS, THESE HAVE BEEN PRINTED ON BRIGHT YELLOW PAPER. IF YOUR SON/DAUGHTER HAS NOT RECEIVED THIS YET, PLEASE ASK THEM TO SPEAK TO THEIR FORM TUTOR OR SEE MISS DRAPER FOR ANOTHER COPY. PLEASE ENSURE THIS SHEET HAS BEEN CHECKED FOR ACCURACY AND YOU HAVE BEEN ENTERED AND SEATED FOR ALL EXPECTED EXAMS. Year 11 students should have received in registration a 'Guidance for Students' booklet with a blue cover which is full of information and advice about before, during and after examinations. Tucked inside the front cover is a 'Statement of Entry'. This lists your son/daughter's personal details plus every examination they have been entered for. Students must check this information thoroughly, especially personal details and name on certificates. This must be the students legal forename/surname.

The examination boards will charge a fee for any amendments requested after certificates have been printed. Students must also check that they have been entered for all expected exams. If any information is wrong or missing, they must speak to Miss Draper, the Exams Officer immediately.

If your son/daughter has not received either their booklet or individual timetable, they must speak to their Form Tutor who will have their copy in the register bag.

If you have any questions in the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Jenny Draper Examinations Officer

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

GCSE (Mock) Examinations Please find attached a GCSE (Mock) Examination timetable for the forthcoming Year 9 and Year 10 end of year exams which are taking place after half term.

Students will have received their individual timetables via their form tutors, these have been printed on BRIGHT PINK paper. If your son/daughter was absent on Friday 23 May, timetables will be posted home. If you have any further questions in the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Jenny Draper Examinations Officer Roding Valley High School

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 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 FOR FURTHER MATCH REPORTS, RESULTS, FIXTURES AND TEAM SELECTION, LOG ONTO rvhspeblog.com

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.

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

Supported Homework Club

Science Revision for Year 11 and Year 10 every Wednesday a er school

Learning Zone Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday 3.05pm - 3.40pm Everyone welcome