The Wyvern Issue
Darlington School of Maths and Science
English Congratulations to the 20 pupils from DSMS who have had their poems published in „Poetry Matters 2011‟. A copy of the book will be on view in the library.
11
2011
Bye, bye Branksome Bugle some Hall and now adorns the wall of the foyer in DSMS. Have a look out for it if you ever visit the school. Some of the school staff don‟t even know where it comes from.
Each pupil in Year 7 will be receiving a free book this month from the national “Booked Up” scheme. The pupils all chose a book from a long list of titles available.
The motto carved in stone is “Nunquam Cedo” which means “I never yield” or “I never give up”. Hopefully this motto still inspires members of the school even today! We have renamed our newspaper the Wyvern because that is the mythical creature on this carved stone crest of the Kitching family (above). This block was once situated over the front door of Brank-
Anyway, we have had to rename the newspaper because people think that it would be a good idea to revamp the newspaper as the school goes into a
new era. There might be a slight difference in how much we can fit on a page however we make sure that only good quality content makes it to the pages. Altogether we made 8 editions of the Branksome Bugle and in that time we met many politicians, other journalists and we represented the school on numerous occasions like the time when we went to Downing Street to drop off a children's charter. More on page 4
School Newspaper Mentioned by OFSTED In July our school was visited by Ofsted inspectors. Every pupil and member of staff received a copy of the report so I do not need to repeat the results here – what I would like to say though, is how proud I am that the school newspaper team was praised by the report. Each term we seem to get more pupils involved in writing articles for the paper and we would like to invite any new year 7s who
have anything to say to come and see us. If you want to do a book, film, or game review or have a hobby or sport you would like to tell us about or anything else you are enthusiastic about – come and see me (Mrs Surtees), Liam Pape, Katie Appleyard or any of the editing team in the library before school, at break or lunchtime. The newspaper has a new name now and an exciting new look so help us to
make the content equally new and interesting. Thank you to David Regan and The Branksome & Cockerton Partnership who sponsored us when we first started and enabled our paper to be distributed to 2,000 homes in the area and thanks too to our new head teacher Mr Kipling for enabling us to now produce our newspaper in colour. By Mrs Surtees
PAPE“R”MAIL
website: www.papermail7.blogspot.com What do you think of the new school uniform? After asking a number of people about what they think of the new school uniform I have had a wide range of replies. I found out that 60% of the people who I asked liked the blazers and only 40% of the people who I asked liked the clip-on ties. With the blazers people said that they were comfortable, they liked all the pockets and how they
STEM NEWS
looked. One person went so far to say that they would even want it framed. Unfortunately however others said that they hate the shoulder pads and they think that they look funny.
The reason we got a new uniform is because we have changed the school name and will soon become an Academy. The new school also looks smarter.
With the clip on ties some people said that they were mint however others didn‟t like the design and said that they didn‟t like their top buttons done up.
iOS 5 which is the operating system which will be featured on the iPhone 5 is looking brilliant so far! It will include over 200 new features including a Notification Centre, a Newsstand and Twitter integration. But let me start by telling you about the best feature because unlike any other versions iOS 5 doesn't need a computer to be activated. You can edit your photos and add new e-mail folders without the need of a PC! You can also wirelessly sync it to your PC
Most interesting person of the Month On the 4th July 2011 everyone in the Wyvern was invited to the Library to meet Ian Lemming (journalist). He talked to us about his career and what we can do to get a job in journalism. He was unbelievably interesting and had lots of stories to tell us. He has worked for some of the most amazing magazines. He has travelled all around the world.
so it can back up your device and always be able to access all of your movies, TV programs, photos and music. Next is the notification centre, it gathers all your new emails, texts and friends requests together. It also gathers the current weather and stocks and shares. “iPad and iPod touch join the conversation” with the new iMessage system. It sends unlimited free text messages through the internet to whoever you want as long as they have iOS 5 too.
All of this may be good, however the best feature so far for me has got to be the Newsstand. From the app store you can subscribe to a newspaper or magazine and then every time a new edition of that publication comes out it will update automatically so you can read it on your device. You can also do a lot more with your photos because you can crop them, rotate them, remove red-eye and then when you are done, you can upload them to twitter with the new iOS 5 twitter integration. The twitter integration lets you tweet directly from Safari, YouTube, photos and maps. If you are interested in iOS 5 you need either one of the latest iPhones, iPads or iPods.
Information provided by Apple and Mr Burford
For more info visit my blog (address at the top)
Where are they now? My name is Jonathan Dunn and I left, what was then, Branksome Comprehensive School in 2005. Since leaving Branksome I have completed my ALevels at QE, a music degree at Leeds College of Music and have just settled into my first job as a Music Teacher at Conyers School in
Yarm. Looking back, the five years I spent at this school were incredible and I gained experiences and opportunities
The five years I spent at this school were incredible. that had a huge impact on my future decisions. As a student I aimed to take advantage of as many of the extracurricular clubs and groups as I could. Some highlights included being captain of the school football team and
Science The Wyvern is, according to definitions that I was able to find, a mythical beast with the head and wings of a dragon and a reptilian body with a long barbed tail. Were such a creature to actually exist, I am certain that it would provide scientists with a great deal of scope for study and interpretation. It is a mythical beast however and as such is unavailable for such investigations. However, there are many weird and wonderful animals in nature and many of them have confounded and entertained scientists with their features and behaviour patterns. Take for example the Lyre bird from Australia. Most birds are able to produce a wide variety of sounds and „song‟ to either scare away predators, lure their prey in or for attracting a mate during breeding season. The Lyre bird however takes bird song to a whole new level and is able to replicate virtually any sound that it hears. In one famous clip (available for viewing on the internet) David Attenborough encounters the bird copying the noise of car alarms, cameras and chainsaws with a flair that would embarrass many Hollywood sound men! All of this is done by the male bird to make himself more appealing to female Lyre birds. Probably the only incidence where the biggest fraud attracts the best mate! Other oddities of the animal kingdom include the Sloth, an animal that moves so slowly it grows mould, the Duck Billed Platypus, the only mammal that lays eggs and the Coelacanth, a fish
By Jonathan Dunn
playing for my town, winning the annual public speaking competition and being involved in the many concerts and school productions. I was also fortunate to have been taught by some great teachers who have been a big influence on me wanting to become a teacher myself. Although you might not think it at the time, secondary school is a very important time in your life because the effort you put into it will determine your future path. I would encourage you to work hard, enjoy your years at school and to take advantage of the many extracurricular opportunities that are available to you at DSMS.
that was thought to be extinct since it was only found in fossils until a living specimen was caught in 1938. „Weird‟ animals have fascinated people for as long as there have been people to see them but they are only weird to us and all are perfectly adapted to their environments and living conditions. Some scientists though think that there is potential to change some animals by genetically engineering them for specific purposes. A news story from last year shows how a group of Korean scientists genetically engineered cats so that they glow in the dark when exposed to UV light. The advantage of this is not all that clear but it is a great scientific achievement nonetheless. More obvious advantages come from the genetic engineering of animals to make them resistant to certain diseases or to grow faster. Particularly in farmed animals this has obvious advantages to the farmers and the consumers of farmed meat. However, there is widespread fear and objection to genetic scientists „playing god‟ and tampering with nature.
Feature on a Teacher
Despite the objections, genetic engineering is probably with us for the long haul and we may well see some fantastic developments in the next few years. I am sure that the imagination of the readers, and the Wyvern‟s editor, would make for some fantastic creations. There may be a few ethical objections however!
Interests: Surfing, sport, guitar and singing.
Peter Haylock - Assistant headteacher
Name: Mr Thompson Subject: PE, ICT Time at DSMS: 10 weeks Most Memorable Moment: Watching the performance of „Under the Bridge‟ by former pupils followed by Miss Loughlin belting „Don't stop believing!‟
Favourite Band: Kings of Leon, Kasabian. Favourite TV Series: 24 Favourite Book: The girl with the dragon tattoo trilogy.
History Of the School Newspaper 20 November 2009 The Bugle starts under the name of “Read all about it!!” 10 December 2009 “Read all about it!!” is changed to “Branksome Bugle” We also start work on issue 3. 9 March 2010 Work on issue 5 commences. 3 January 2011 Work on issue 8 commences.
24 January 2011 Liam, Katie, James, Elisabeth and Rebecca all receive a vibe award for working on the Bugle 24 March 2011 Work on issue 10 commences.
What the staff liked to read when they were at school:
3 December 2009 Work on issue 2 commences. 26 January 2010 Work on issue 4 commences. 4 March 2010 We meet John Denham MP April 2010 Planning started to get a new school.
13 January 2011 Work on issue 9 commences.
What has changed since the newspaper first started? When the newspaper first started none of us had any experience making anything which we would have to publish ourselves. We also only had 1 desk and not many journalists. It was very challenging however we over came tough problems and attracted more interest in our newspaper.
The newspaper has been open for 2 years now, why have there only been 11 editions? The Courier only comes out 4 times a year so we didn‟t think there was a need to do too many issues inbetween that. Also we make sure that all the content of the newspaper is top quality and both students and adults will enjoy to read.
The Wyvern Visit our new blog
2 March 2011 We go to London. 27 June 2011 Work on issue 11 commences. 4 July 2011 We meet Ian Lemming (Journalist)
www.wyvernnews.blogspot.com
Or e-mail us at wyvern@branksome.org.uk Or read the Wyvern at: www.dsms.org
Mrs Coleman – The Tree House by Gillian Cross Mrs Fothergill – What Katy Did by Susan Coolidge Mr Day – Moonfleet by John Meade Falkner Mrs Sims – Secret Seven by Enid Blyton Mr Wilkes – The Hobbit by Tolkien Mrs Wilson – Matilda by Roald Dahl Miss Soulsby – Little Women by Louisa M Alcott Mrs Hampson – Secret Diary of Adrian Mole by Sue Townsend Mrs J Park (Site manager) – Malory Towers by Enid Blyton There will be a bigger list up in the library very soon
WARNING A new virus has hit DSMS. There is a very bad case of Keep Calmand-Carry-On -ness going round. At the moment it is mainly affecting the Senior Management but we are worried it may spread. Watch out for the danger signs – cushions, bags, mugs and framed posters with “Keep Calm and Carry On” on them. There is great danger that the whole school could eventually keep calm and carry on – You have been warned!!!
The Great Yorkshire Show The Great Yorkshire Show is one of the biggest shows in the UK where millions of people go to show their horses, pigs, poultry, bulls, cows and even goats. This spectacular show takes place over the period of three days. There are all kinds of stalls and beer tents so just go and enjoy the day watching the shows and looking around the stalls. In 2009 I went to show horses and poultry with my friends, we won two shows and came second in most of the other shows we entered as our entries were very well turned out. By Tyler Hutchinson
Shortest Pencil Results Since the last issue when George Plum claimed he had the World‟s smallest pencil we had a few replies saying that they could do better than 3cm. Here is the chart of the shortest.
0 In this feature we are finding out what pupils do in their spare time. (And we don’t mean watching TV and playing on the computer!) If you would like to recommend any activities, email me (Mrs Surtees) at surtees@DSMS.org Robert Archer won a medal at his Karate class on Sunday 2nd October. He recommends classes at St. Mary‟s Church Hall in Cockerton on a Monday night at 7.00pm it is £3.00 a session. Keep fit and have fun! Rebecca Parkinson goes to Girl Guides. This is fun and you get to visit lots of different places and take part in different activities. St Columba‟s Church, Monday 7.30pm to 9.00pm for girls age 10 to 15, £2.00 a session. Katie Appleyard does Judo at Branksome Youth Club on a Thursday evening. (6.45pm to 9.00pm ages 11 to 14, 8.00pm to 9.00pm for 14+ )£1.50 a session. Elizabeth Davey says that there are a lot of activities going on at the Youth Club at Cockerton Methodist Church on Wednesdays from 7.30pm to 9.00pm. It is only £1.00 but bring some change for the tuck shop.
English Clubs
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2
3
4
4.1cm
Kyle Mosey
3.0cm
George Plum
2.9cm
Ewan Barr and Jack Barker
2.8cm
Elijah Bainbridge
2.4cm
Dominic McDonnell
2.2cm
Hayden Thompson
1.9cm
James Allison
1.7cm
Ben Maclean
1.3cm
Adam Garget (ex Head Boy)
Miss Bloomer will be running a Creative Writing Club on Monday lunchtimes from 12.55 and a Film Club on Tuesday nights from 3.30 until 4.30 (Miss Bloomer might change this to lunchtime if students prefer). Both clubs will be in Miss Bloomer's room (EN2). Mrs Bloomer is also going to run drop in English booster sessions for KS3 on Wednesday lunchtimes from 1pm and KS4 on Thursday lunchtimes from 1pm. These sessions are available for students if they feel they need extra support in any area of the subject.
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Summer Fun York Maze This wonderful maze, which this year was styled to look like Harry Potter, was the must see attraction of the summer. It was not just a maze though. There was also an inflatable slide, farm animals and crazy golf. Out of the 3 mazes, one of the mazes was filled with optical illusions which just confused me completely. Unfortunately, this maze is only open 8 weeks over the summer!
On Friday 1st July 2011 Super 8 the pupils stood up to battle the teachers at Super 8 is a super movieCaptain of the cricket! set in 1979. Directed pupils,by Bradlee GoldStephen Spielberg and smith, commented “It was J.J. Abrams this movie is a very competitive but about a boy called Joe fun match.� and his friends. Because the game ran When Joe and hisoutfriends of time everyone are filming a movie, for decideda to settle it as a competition, alongdraw. side a railway all is going well until something mysterious happened however all is not as it seems. Harry Potter and the Rise of the As the movie goes on we discover more about the town Deathly Hallows: Part 2 Planet of the Apes where they live and strange things which have been goGoing to Hogwarts for the This movie is astonishing. ing on there. The characters are bril- last time, Harry, Ron and This movie is truly gripping from start to finish. There are liantly casted and the ani- Hermione reform Dumblemated apes look realistic dore's army. This movie is also some moments when suspense is built almost to the and lifelike. Must see movie full of action, romance, sadpoint when you have your head hidden behind your of the s u m m e r ! ness, terror and joy, this film hands. Wyvern Rating: 5/5 Wyvern Rating: 4/5 definitely ends on a high. Wyvern Rating: 5/5
A Tennis Triumph On Tuesday 19th July 12 students from Branksome went to Gainford for the day to have a tennis tournament. From half past eight to twelve o‟clock we got trained by a tennis player called Geoff he taught us everything. By the time we got back we had our lunch then we all went back for the tournament. Everybody played four games each against different people. At the beginning everybody gets a handicap depending on how good they are. We did the scoring by if you won a point like fifteen love you would just get one point until your four minutes are over. Then the two people with the most points at the end of the game will go into a final. These two people were Hayden Thompson and Sam Hutchinson both year 9 students. It started off with Hayden with a handicap of two and Sam with a handicap of nil then with two minutes gone the score is five to Hayden and two to Sam. The last minute left Hayden with six and Sam with eight. Then with the last few seconds Sam won the game with an end score of eleven to six. Everybody has agreed that it was a really good day out.
Sunderland Suffer Worst Loss Sunderland recently turned up at Norwich looking for a second win but what they got was completely different. They kicked off at 8oclock and straight from the start Sunderland were getting attacked from all directions. The first goal came at 31 minutes with a stunning strike from Barnet and just after the second half kicked off Morrison doubles Norwich‟s lead. To ruin Norwich‟s clean sheet Richardson in the 86 minute makes it 2-1which put Norwich 9th.
More names added to the 2012 list One more name has been added to the list of people participating in the London 2012 Olympics. Ben Ainslie has been asked to join the team of sailors including Iain Percy, Andrew Simpson and Paul Goodison. Eleven sailors were selected last week, so now the list of people competing for Great Britain in the 2012 Olympics is now 550 strong!
Sport By Ewan Barr, Tyler Hutchinson, Lewis Shaw, Matthew Curry and Sam Hutchinson, James Allison and Hayden Thompson and Liam Pape
Extra P.E.
Information about the extracurricular timetable for PE
Lots of things have been happening in the P.E department. With a new P.E teacher and new things going on to do with the department . So we caught up with Mr. Hillary and asked him some questions: So what's new in the P.E department? We now have new floors in the gym and hall and refurbished changing rooms as well as new football goals and a new teacher Mr. Thompson. So Sir how are you motivating people this year to join the teams? We are telling them about all the advantages of sport and bribing them with the P.E reward trip at the end of the year! Lastly what advantages do you get with joining a sports team? You can get fitter and better at the particular sport. As well as gaining confidence, and making new friends! Thanks Mr. Hillary . So as you can see the sports department are pulling out all the stops this year for the Education of you in this department.