Warlingham News - November 2017

News Warlingham School

ISSUE 1 2017-2018 NOVEMBER 2017 IN THIS EDITION FROM THE HEADTEACHER

2-5

YEAR 7 - TRIP TO GREENWICH

6-7

YEAR 7 - SUMMER CAMP

8-9

YEAR 7 - MATHS ACTIVITY DAY

10-11

YEAR 8 - BEAT THE FLOOD

12-15

YEAR 8 - HARRY POTTER TRIP

16-19

YEAR 8 - VOYAGE A PARIS

20-21

YEAR 9 - CREATIVE ARTS DAYS

22-25

YEAR 9 - TEAM CHALLENGE

26-29

YEAR 12 - WORK EXPERIENCE

30-31

GCSE TEXTILES WORK

32-33

WELLBEING

34-35

SCHOOL GOVERNOR OPPORTUNITIES

36-37

ATTENDANCE

37

CSLA: FANTASTIC SIXTH FORMERS!

38-39

SPONSORED WALK

40-41

TANDRIDGE YOUTH COLLECTIVE

42-45

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? MEGAN JOHNSON & ASHLEIGH BOURNE

46-47

Wide Horizons High Aspirations

FEATURE: Year 7 Summer Camp

FEATURE: Year 8 - Beat the Flood

FEATURE: Year 9 - Team Challenge

FEATURE: GCSE Textiles Work

FEATURE: Sponsored Walk

From the Headteacher...

Dear Parents/Carers,

Daniel Hill – A*AAA

Welcome to the first newsletter of this academic year. It already seems quite a long time since the exam results days on 17th and 24th August but it is only right that I take this opportunity to congratulate the students in Years 11 and 13 last year on their outstanding achievements.

Amin Lmoh – AAA Abby Stephens – AAA Alice Clack – AAA All of these students will now have started their degree courses at some of the top universities in the country.

The A-Level pass rate this year was 98% with 68% achieving A*-C. There were a number of excellent individual successes at A-Level, including the following students: Amelia Hill – A*A*A and an A in the EPQ (Extended Project Qualification) Maia Cooper – A*A*A Shauna Burke – A*A*B Emma Hamer – A*AAA Page 2

Amelia Hill Now at Cambridge University

The Year 11 students achieved some of the School’s best ever GCSE results which was even more impressive as this was the first year of the more rigorous exams in English and Maths.

Our pass grade in English Language was 76%, English Literature 78% and Maths 77% - all well above the national level. 73% of students passed both English and Maths and 70% gained 5 or more pass grades.

Our Progress 8 score of +0.06 shows that on average our students achieved Daisy Millington Now in our Sixth Form above their expected level based on their Key Stage 2 results when they Daisy Millington – one 9 grade, two joined the School in Year 7. Special mention should go to the outstanding 8 grades, five A* grades and two A grades achievements of: Elizabeth Sharp – one 9 grade, one 8 Rhianna Patel - three 9 grades and grade, six A* grades, one 7 grade and seven A*grades one A grade Katie Day – two 9 grades, two A* grades, one 7 grade and four A grades Anastasia Matsenko – one 9 grade, one 8 grade, three A* grades, three A grades and one 6 grade William Brown – three 8 grades, five A* grades, one A grade and one B grade Samantha Redman - two 8 grades, two A* grades, one 7 grade, , four A grades and one B grade Molly Beaven – two 8 grades, two A* grades, one 7 grade, three A grades and one B grade Rhianna Patel & Katie Day Now in our Sixth Form

James Williams – two 8 grades, four A* grades, two A grades, one 6 grade and one B grade Page 3

From the Headteacher...

CONTINUED

Amir Pandya – two 8 grades, two A* grades, four A grades and one 6 grade Harriet Emery – one 8 grade, three A* grades, one 7 grade, four A grades and one 6 grade David Stevens – one 8 grade, three A* grades, one 7 grade, four A grades and one 6 grade.

I would of course like to thank the staff at Warlingham School for all their efforts in supporting the students.

In September, we welcomed our new Year 7 students into the school community and I would like to acknowledge the way in which the vast majority of them have settled into their new environment. We wish them all a successful and enjoyable school career with us at Warlingham and we look forward to discussing their progress Religion and Wellbeing Dept (SRW) after their first full term, at the Year 7 huts. This should be ready for use parents evening in January 2018. by the students straight after halfA large part of this edition of the term. A large proportion of the funding newsletter is dedicated to reflecting on for this project comes from the last the Activities Week from July. I hope sponsored walk and this year’s walk you will agree that the articles show was successfully completed on 20th a huge number of students widening October. This year’s sponsorship their horizons and having a great time money raised will go towards the in the process. purchase of a new minibus to take students on trips, visits and to sporting As I write this article the finishing fixtures. touches are being put in place to our new covered seating area in the In the Summer Term we held a space vacated by the old Society Parents’ Forum to look at ways to Page 4

improve communication with parents.

Some of the suggestions for the school website have been put in place this half-term. The weekly round-up of sport fixtures is now on the homepage and is announced at the start of our weekly main school assemblies. In the Calendar section we now have year group key dates, to help parents find the important information for their children more easily. We have published in the Examination Information section, the provisional timetable for next summer’s GCSE

exams, to give Year 11 parents early notice of the key timelines. Details of the ongoing ‘Healthy Schools’ project, led by Mr Toop, is now featured in a new section under ‘About Us’.

The next Parents’ Forum will be held on Thursday 9 November 2017 - Mrs Needs will lead a session on improving attendance.

Mr N Bradwell Headteacher Page 5

Activities Week: Year 7 Trip to Greenwich On Friday 14th July 2017, all Year 7s who weren’t on the residential trip, had an outing to Greenwich. Whilst sunlit clouds drifted across the sky we boarded the coach to start our journey.

Our first destination was the Cutty Sark, the world’s only surviving tea clipper. It was built in 1869 and was used to carry tea from China to England. The Cutty Sark was the fastest ship of its time, breaking records. The ship travelled the globe and visited many ports.

The Cutty Sark was larger than I expected, it had towering masts and was raised off the ground. There were three decks. The lower decks contained interactive exhibits and information about the lifestyle on board. Entering the top deck was as if I had stepped back in time, everything looked polished and ornate however after experiencing the sea motion simulator I don’t think I could cope with life at sea.

We then took a 10 minute hike up a steep hill which led us to the observatory, as well as a rewarding view of London mapped out beneath our feet. From here we saw the clock developed to solve the problem of longitude and navigation. We then all stood with one foot either side of Page 6

the meridian line, the dividing point between east and west.

After having a quick break, stuffing our faces with chocolate and fudge (purchased from the gift shop) we visited what happened to be my favourite part of the whole day - the Planetarium. One advantage of being a school party we didn’t have to wait in the queue. We were ushered into a huge circular room. As the lights dimmed, stars and planets emerged from the dark transporting us to outer space. Suddenly planets came towards us putting us on the edge of our seats. The experience was so realistic but strangely relaxing maybe too relaxing as a few snores could be heard above the commentary.

Our journey home was made all the more fun as we practised our hairstyling skills on unsuspecting boys (they didn’t seem to mind) and before we knew it we were back at school.

Penny Crawley (8L)

First we went to the Cutty Sark. The Cutty Sark was used to transport spices and tea. When it was afloat and in use, it was the fastest ship. As I got to the top, I saw an outstanding view of London!

After that, we went up a massive hill

to the Royal Observatory, Greenwich.

There, we had a film about the Universe, which was a fantastic experience. Then we had lunch.

To conclude the day, we went to the Planetarium and learnt about Astronomy, and I bought some gifts: a souvenir pen and pencil etc.

The last thing we did was to have a quiz, which was about space travel and living and growing in space. The quiz had a remote control which we used to choose our answers.

The trip was both fun and interesting.

Gracie Huggins (8M) Page 7

Activities Week - Year 7 Summer Camp The Year 7 trip in Activities Week would call for us to wake up. I is to go camping in the Lake was always the first one in my District. tent to wake up and that meant I would have to try and drag my We spent the first day of friends from their sleeping bags, activities week getting on the coach and travelling to the Lake every day. They would call the different groups up for breakfast.

District. Before we got on the After breakfast we would get coach we were sorted into our ready and line up in our groups, groups: A, B, C, D, E, and F. along with collecting our lunches for the day.

Each of the groups would have different activities on different days.

When we arrived at the camp site the tents were already made for us, but they allowed us to use a mallet to secure the pins which make the tent waterproof.

We had dinner, which was good, and the staff talked through the activities and appropriate clothing we would need on the next day.

In the morning the teachers Page 8

On Tuesday my group’s, (group E), activities were: Abseiling and Ghyll Scrambling. In case you don’t know what Ghyll Scrambling is then I shall explain;

Ghyll Scrambling is a water activity (The water isn’t deep) where you go into a river. You slide down rocks and basically have fun in the water. You wear a wet suit and a helmet, as well as a life jacket. Ghyll Scrambling was my favourite activity!

of the last people to get there‌.

On Wednesday we did Raft Building and Canoeing. In the canoeing you are placed in two joining canoes, with three people in one and three in the other. I thought that the Raft Building was a lot more fun!

Friday was when it was time to go home. We packed our things and I helped put tents away (I was rewarded with a T-shirt) and we did the final checks before leaving the Lake District.

Thursday was the day of the hike. It was a very steep climb but worth it. Although I was one

Thursday was also the day of the BBQ. We had burgers and hot dogs (along with a vegetarian option). Thursday was an emotional day for most people, it was nearing the end of our stay in the Lake District.

The food, activities and overall experience was great!

Alex Moore (8N) Page 9

Activities Week - Year 7 Maths Activity Day On Tuesday 11th July 2017, we had a Maths Activity day.

There were loads of activities throughout the day. They were so much fun! The first activity we did was Mathematical curve stitching. This was where we had to map numbers 1 to 60 with our timetables starting with 3 and moving up to 6. We connected the number with straight lines and it created a circular pattern.

on to more difficult ones, towards the end of the session we had to create our own Rangoli pattern, making sure we used different shapes, loads of colours and making sure it was symmetrical.

The next activity we moved on to was Rangoli Patterns. Hindu’s used these patterns to welcome guest during Diwali and therefore they were extremely colourful.

These patterns were based on symmetry. We started off with a simple design and then moved

The last activity of the day was a Maths quiz. It was good to work in groups of four and the memory challenge was really fun. The last part of the quiz was the Maths music round where famous people sung sums for you to work out. This was hard but again really fun.

After break we made small 3D shapes which we stuck together to create a massive 3D shape.

This was called an Icosahedron, it was really fun but in the beginning quite challenging.

The teachers we had for the day were Miss Rhule and Mr Ali. They were really nice and played music for us whilst we did the activities. We really enjoyed it!

Thank you!

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Cydney Biggle and Jade Witter (8R)

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Activities Week - Year 8 Beat the Flood

The aim of the day was to work together as a team, to build a sustainable house that could survive a flood.

At the start of the day, we got given a booklet. In our groups, we had to think of a team name, come up with a design Page 12

and decide what we needed.

We then went to A3, where we were given supplies, such as tin foil, string, A4 card, sticks and modelling clay. We had to work together as a team to come up with ideas and to begin building.

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Activities Week - Year 8 Beat the Flood CONTINUED other teams, what we thought was good about our house. We also had to think of WWW (what went well) and EBI (even better if). My group decided that what went well was that most of us tried really hard. Our EBI was that we could have worked better as a team.

Overall, I learned that we need to keep on trying to succeed and work together.

Sarah Bradshaw (9H )

My group made a square box that was supported by bamboo sticks and lollipop sticks. We used modelling clay to hold it all together. Something that was very good was that we could trade items with the teachers or use up to three tokens.

Once all teams had built their houses, we had to put them in a paddling pool for 30 seconds to see if they could survive.

We then had to present to the Page 14

On 13th July, we did a Beat the Flood competition. The scenario was that we lived on an island on the Indian Ocean that was prone to flooding. Each of us was allocated part of the island and we had a job to do. My job was as a Forest Collector.

We had to make a structure that could withstand a flood.

As a group, we were given a certain quantity of resources and we could trade to get extra materials. This helped us come together as a group. In my group, we all sat down and

decided what we needed to do, and then we set about making our structure. Once we had finished our building, we had to put it in a paddling pool 5cm deep in water, where it had to withstand 30 seconds of hard rain (a hosepipe was trained on it). It had to stay stable and not sink.

Overall, I think we learned to work as a team. We realised though through trial and error that we could really make our structure work if we all put our heads together. I learned that sometimes you don’t need to be the first to finish; you need to take your time in order for things to work.

Oriana Wermig (9N)

On 13th July, we had a sciencethemed day, during which our aim was to make a floating house. We were told we would have to put it in a paddling pool, in which it had to be able to stand independently for 30 seconds. Then Mr Chotai would spray it with a hose and if it was demolished then our model

wasn’t good enough.

To make the model, we had to work in our teams. On our table was a box with lots of materials in it. We also had three tokens, which we could use to get additional items. We had 1.5 hours to build our houses. My group struggled to get going, but after about 20 minutes, we found a way to build it. We had a clear plastic sheet which we used as a base and on top of the base we arranged lollipop sticks in a square shape, to make a sturdier base. After that, we put a ball of modelling clay in the middle of our base. We then put a bamboo stick in the centre as a wall. We used a fabric, which had holes in it and glued it to the lollipop sticks. We used split pins to hold the netting together and then we cut a piece of bamboo in half and put a bit of modelling clay at the end, like a foot. It was very wobbly!

We learned that we had to work as a team to pull through and get the job done.

Maisie Connery (9N)

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Activities Week - Year 8 Harry Potter trip

On Wednesday, 12th July, the year 8 students who didn’t go to Paris, went to Harry Potter studios in Watford.

When we arrived, we queued to go into a waiting area where we watched a short video about the making of Page 16

Harry Potter. Then we took some seats in a cinema to watch another video. This was a great introduction to the studios, also the videos were exceedingly interesting.

Then the screen of the cinema split

in two and revealed the doors to the great hall. The door was an exact replica of the one in the movie even so that it opened to show the actual great hall! It was amazing.

As we walked through the great hall,

the tour guide explained how and why everything was made and looked like it did in the movies. At the front of the hall at the teachers’ table were lifesized mannequins dressed in what the actors who played the teachers wore.

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Activities Week - Year 8 Harry Potter trip CONTINUED Next, we moved onto a path which we followed around to visit the sets. First was the tri-wizard tournament. We saw the costumes and robes that the actors wore and even the ‘ice table’ from the movies.

After that we passed the flying car and other large props from the movies, such as the monument that stood in the Ministry of Magic when Voldemort controlled it. There is also a wand practice station.

We then moved past the information about the different departments. We really wanted to see the Hogwarts staircases, the boys Gryffindor dormitories and the leaky cauldron.

They were such amazingly detailed sets it was like you were actually in the movies.

Next we came to the forbidden forest.

As you head in it becomes darker and you can see Buck Beak the Hippogriff.

The trees are so realistic and the sounds and lighting is perfect to create an eerie feeling. Then you see things moving up high. Then a flash of lights comes and you can see gigantic spiders. As you start to look around you realise there are loads of model spiders everywhere - big and small. As I have a fear of spiders I hurried past where I found.. .

We then moved through the other sets like the potions classroom in the dungeons, and the burrow’s kitchen and Hagrids but with life-sized mannequins of the people who lived and worked there.

The Hogwarts Express and a very large platform. You can walk on to the Next was the green screen section. train and walk past the compartments In my opinion this was the best area. in which the actors were actually You get to ride a broom! The green screen workers give you cloaks either filmed. Each compartment for each film was labelled until the end of the from Gryffindor or Hufflepuff. Then you sit on the broom stick. It is slightly train. It was amazing to know that you had been on the same set that the uncomfortable but it is worth it at actors had been on. the end. You get a picture or video of yourself riding a broom stick with Then we rushed through to get some backgrounds put in which make you butterbeer (or those of us who were look like you are in the Quidditch willing to pay the price for a cup or stadium. mug) . It was like a caramel fizzy drink Page 18

with cream on the top. It was so strong but also creamy and delicious.

We looked quickly through Number 4 Privet Drive, the Knight Bus and the Hogwarts’ Bridge, as well as James and Lily Potter’s house.

Then we moved into special creatures and CGI. We saw how the team created Dobby the House Elf and other magical people and items. Then to the amazing Diagon Alley. I felt like Harry when he first went there (although I have been before). We passed Gringotts, Flourish and Blots and

Ollivanders Wand Shop.

The last thing we saw couldn’t be bypassed; it was the massive model of Hogwarts. It looked unreal, because of its perfect detail. The lighting made it dreamy. It’s too amazing for words!

We then came to the overpriced gift shop in which most didn’t bother to buy much more than some sweets and a charm because of the price!

We all had a great day and we thank the teachers immensely for looking after us!

Jasmine Rodrigues (9A)

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Activities Week - Year 8 Paris trip This was my first overnight trip with school, therefore I was feeling a bit anxious before setting off for Paris.

But as soon as I got on the coach and waved my mum goodbye, I was feeling much better and excited to get to Paris, even though I had to get up extremely early!

After a short ferry ride, then a very long coach ride to the hotel, we finally reached our destination.

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Once all of our bags were out of the coach, we finally got to have a look around, and the hotel was amazing.

On the second day we walked up the Eiffel Tower, which was a bit scary, and had a coach tour around Paris; we then spent the afternoon in Chantilly, which was really nice and interesting.

On the third day, we got to go around the Palace of Versailles and the gardens, which were amazing and nothing like I’ve ever seen before.

Personally, the last day was my favourite and probably everybody else’s too, we got to go to Disneyland, which was the thing I had most been looking forward to. It was an amazing day, I got to go on loads of rides, eat a lot of food, wear some Minnie Mouse ears (which I was very excited about) and go to Planet Hollywood for dinner.

I was very sad to leave, and after another long trip on the coach and ferry ride, we were back home and although I had a great time, it was very enjoyable to sleep in my own bed!

Mia Frith (9A) Page 21

Activities Week - Year 8 Creative Arts Day

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The Music department was delighted when it won 16 Ableton Push sampling units in a recent competition which ran across the whole of Europe. These sampling units are used across the world by professional DJ’s, musicians and live performers. We also received Ableton Live! software which enables us to connect the sampling machines to our Music PC network.

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Activities Week - Year 8 Creative Arts Day CONTINUED The Year 8 Creative Arts Days during Activities Week gave us the perfect opportunity to test-drive these amazing machines. Year 8 were not expecting to see these on their desks, and judging by their reaction, they wanted to access them more and more!

The students took samples from well known pop songs, and used them to create their own new pieces. The samples were all triggered from the Ableton units and recorded into the Live! software.

The students had an amazing real-life experience that really inspired them!

“Wow! This is what my heroes use when they are DJing? Let me at it! - it was a sick (Editor’s note, sick = newer version of cool. It means something is good, neat, and/or interesting) experience - I hope we get to use Ableton again in Year 9” - Josh

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“I found the setting up on a computer quite hard, but when we had Live! software running, I found it really easy to use. I really enjoyed creating patterns of drum sounds. The bass lines were so realistic and I managed to get them all in time. The second session was in the studio, we could write and record our own lyrics for our track, and we got the act like proper recording stars and recorded our lyrics - mine weren’t very good on the first take, but Mr Duff helped us and showed me how to make a great performance! I have really enjoyed this music session in activities weekbetter than going to Paris - I feel this really has given me a flavour of Popular Music” - Sam

Mr Duff Head of Music

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Activities Week - Year 9 Team Challenge

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While some Year 9s were away on PGL, the remaining students participated in ‘Team Challenge’ at the start of Activities Week. Team Challenge is a three-day event designed to develop teamwork and leadership skills.

On the first day, the students are allocated to either ‘Calendar Wars’,which is based on a task from BBC’s ‘The Apprentice’ or ‘Takeover’, which is loosely based on the board games of Risk and Diplomacy.

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Activities Week - Year 9 Team Challenge CONTINUED On the second day the teams swap so that the students get to experience both activities.

During ‘Calendar Wars’, the students work in teams of five to produce, market and work out the break-even point for a calendar to be sold to raise money for one of three charities: the NSPCC, Oxfam and the WWF.

For ‘Takeover’, they are in teams of 8-10 and have to create a strategy for the success of their nation state,

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negotiate treaties with other teams, be subject to action by the United Nations and design a national flag, national

costume etc. for their nation.

On the third day, the teams got even bigger for ‘Enigma’ - they were in teams of 18-20. Normally, Enigma would take place on the field, but this year, due to appalling weather in the run-up, the field was too muddy, so it was based in and around the PE block. Moving from station-to-station, each team had to undergo a series of mental and physical challenges that developed good teamworking skills.

Melanie Filmer B&E / Marketing Manager

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Activities Week: Year 12 Work Experience On the 10th and 11th July, I had the privilege of joining Sam Gyimah’s (my local MP) parliamentary office for my work shadowing. I enjoyed travelling into London on those days to get to Parliament, although the airport-style security was a bit daunting when entering on the first day!

When I arrived I met one of Sam’s parliamentary assistants who took me on a quick tour and then introduced me to everyone I would

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be working alongside for the next couple of days. I helped out with a couple of small tasks on my first day, although the highlight of it was definitely hearing the chimes of Big Ben every hour.

On the second day I helped with more small tasks such as filing emails from different constituents and although that sounds extremely tedious, I found it interesting reading all of the different concerns or issues

that people had and seeing how an MP would go about responding to them. Later on in the day I sat in on a debate taking place in the chamber and was also able to witness a new MP’s maiden speech which was quite compelling.

working there; I’m glad that I was given the opportunity to experience this.

Abbie Rawat (13A)

Overall, I found my couple of days at Parliament to be very eye-opening as I had never really given much thought to how much work actually goes into an MP’s daily role. I enjoyed being able to travel into London both days and I especially enjoyed the atmosphere that was present while

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GCSE Textiles Work

This years GCSE Textiles students achieved the most amazing results.

All their hard work and dedication including giving up a day in both their February half term and Easter holidays - paid off with all students gaining an Page 32

A*-C grade whilst 35% of the students gained an A*.

The students could choose from a wide range of design briefs for their course work projects.

Final products included ladies and girls

This research allowed them to generate ideas, which they then modelled and developed into a final idea and final product.

Mrs Howe D&T Textiles Design

dresses, baby play mats, bed quilts and cushions, a horse saddle pad, and even a dog coat and dog bed.

The students started off with researching similar products, their target market and theme.

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Wellbeing Warlingham School continues its important focus on wellbeing. I said during the information evenings that “mental health is a key issue for young people in the UK and across the developed world”. Recent research indicates that up to one in four 14 year-olds are experiencing diagnosable mental health conditions. Whilst Warlingham’s internal research shows that we are doing well compared to the national picture, the issues that the UK is facing are also reflected in the issues presenting at school.

I would like to stress that it is absolutely normal for mental health, just like physical health, to fluctuate over the course of a lifetime. It is normal for most people to experience mental health issues at points in their lives. Just like with a physical illness, it is vital that we know how to respond to the symptoms and signs of mental illness so that they remain within the normal range of human experience: Stress, anxiety and depression, we must remember, can get us through our day very successfully – it can raise our performance, help us meet deadlines and help us come to terms with unexpected change. However, when it becomes too much we should reach out for support from those around us.

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Warlingham offers a broad array of support for those suffering from mental ill health. Often that support is tailored and specific. Mrs Needs and her dedicated team offer wonderful support to many individuals in the school. Warlingham offers a ground- breaking mental health course for Year 7s and Year 10s with outstanding relationship education in every year through the Wellbeing lessons. This education stresses the importance of our values and our goals in raising our self-esteem. It offers mindfulness training and highlights the neuroscience behind mental health.

Another key area where Warlingham offers excellent support is through our fantastic extra-curricular offer.

Research has shown that wellbeing is raised significantly by participation in clubs and activities. It increases our social connectedness, raises our self-esteem by giving us a sense of worth and belonging. We strongly encourage all students to join in at least one extra-curricular activity either inside or outside school. You can see the website for details of the clubs on offer.

I am keen to highlight to all parents the recent research that has been focussing on the role played by the

mobile phone and, in particular the social media functions on it. It should be stressed that we should be careful not to threaten to take away the phone as this can drive students to become more secretive with their use and this can carry increased risks. However, we should have open conversations with our children about the use of the phone at home. A 24-hour social life can be very stressful and the current advice is that we should explore the possibility of having house rules that do not allow mobile phones to be used at night and in the hours before bed.

Some of our students are losing sleep through using their phones throughout the night and carrying social anxiety with them through the night.

We might start looking at our own mobile phone use, as adults, and

start discussing it with our children.

If we are reading the paper on our phone and our children see us, do they assume that we too are on social media? Are we normalising the behaviours that are causing so much anxiety in young people’s lives? Because we did not grow up with 24-hour social media, do we underestimate the impact of the mobile phone on young people? This seems to be a real moment for reflection about the impact of the fast pace of technological change in our lives.

If you are concerned about any of the issues in this article and how it is affecting your or your child’s life, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Mr Toop Associate Assistant Head

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School Governor Opportunities / Attendance School Governor Opportunities Do you have an interest in acquiring new skills in a friendly environment?

Have you considered that contributing to this school could be a very rewarding experience?

Are you curious to know what makes this school thrive and operate successfully?

Do you have ideas on how we could improve?

outcomes for all of the children in school.

We have some governor vacancies arising over this coming term, so to enhance our effectiveness we are particularly keen to find people who can bring any of the following skills and experience to the team: • law • human resources • accountancy / financial services • risk management and audit

If so, please consider being a Governor • health and safety at Warlingham School.

• facilities and premises Governors are not necessarily who you • wellbeing think they are, some are parents, some • secondary phase education with commercial backgrounds, some are members of the community with its • asking challenging questions interests at their heart. Very few come • a good dose of common sense with any background educational We ask you to commit to attending experience, but they all bring different some training events so that you personal and professional knowledge can provide the challenge to the and skills which can be beneficial school that the role of local governor and valuable to the local governing demands, and to be able to attend two committee. main meetings per term, which take Warlingham School is keen to encourage parents, carers and members of the wider school community to become involved, to help us make even more progress towards delivering outstanding learning Page 36

place at 6pm on a midweek evening in school.

If you would like to explore joining the governing team, do please contact our Clerk, Zoe Taylor by email: Z.Taylor@ warlinghamschool.co.uk and she

will be delighted to provide you with more information. If you would like the opportunity to talk this over without obligation you can arrange a conversation with our Vice Chair, Jacqueline Baker.

You can download a Governor application form from our website.

Come and join our team, work hard, enjoy the camaraderie and help to make a positive difference here at Warlingham School.

Karen Quinton Chair of Governors

Attendance Warlingham students have had a good start to this academic year with attendance over 96% for the first half of the term. The Year 7 students have transitioned particularly well.

Year 11s will now find themselves being asked frequently for their attendance certificates as they apply for their next steps. There is still time to show an improvement and good attendance and punctuality will greatly improve their choices and chances of being accepted onto the courses or apprenticeship of their choice. As plans begin for the Year 11 Prom it is important to note that students whose attendance is less than 92% at Easter will not be allowed to attend.

Attendance issues? Just ask

Attendance

over 96%

If your child is experiencing any issues regarding attendance please do get in touch with the Attendance Office; there are lots of ways we can help. We work closely with families to help improve and maintain good attendance. There is a clear link between attendance and attainment and the earlier we work together on attendance issues the better the outcome for all students.

Vicky Stokes Attendance Manager Page 37

CSLA: Fantastic Sixth Formers!

It is always a privilege running one of the enrichment courses for sixth formers at Warlingham. The CSLA course (Community Sports Leadership Award) is one such course where the students volunteer their time on a Wednesday afternoon to promote sport, physical fitness and a healthy life-style to the younger generations in the local primary schools.

This course is aimed at developing leadership and coaching skills together with promoting commitment, organisation and key communication skills to enthuse and inspire the younger generations into action.

This year we have had an amazing Page 38

cohort of sixth formers who have been super enthusiastic individuals who have cheered up many young primary children on a Wednesday afternoon. The sixth formers have shown tremendous commitment to this course by regularly giving up their Wednesday or Thursday lunch-times to travel to the local primary schools.

It is always so pleasing to see the primary children engage with the fun and lively energy of a sixth form coach who has creatively devised ways to motivate children into action. The children have enjoyed the opportunity to play games and at the same time have understood the importance of team building and working together at

something helping to foster resilience, enjoyment and understanding of how to progress at a skill or an activity.

This year we would very much like to congratulate the following cohort on a 100% pass rate of a nationally recognised qualification in Leadership at Level 2: Rebecca Adams, Taylor Beck, Ross George, James Gordon, Lucy Hughes, Zac Kellaway, Taylor Leech, Callum Ledger, Hannah Lewis, Joe Moore, Reece O’Flaherty, Issy Player, Aimee Roche, Emma Stanford and Ellen Umukoro.

At the end of each year we nominate an outstanding candidate who has been a star student of the course.

This year it was extremely difficult

to only nominate one. The following candidates were finally selected as they went above and beyond their hours of volunteering, showing not only a huge sense of commitment but were willing to give of their time and were indeed inspiring leaders who were a credit to the course. These were: James Gordon, Lucy Hughes and Callum Ledger.

As Michael Jordan said, “Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen.” This sums up the drive of our three winners this year.

Vanessa Salem PE Teacher

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Sponsored Walk

On the last day of half term, all staff and students at Warlingham School took part in a sponsored walk to raise enough funds to purchase a school

minibus to transport students to sports fixtures and trips.

This event takes place every two years and is a fun day, enjoyed by staff and students. Staff were either Page 40

walking or marshalling the route which took students across Farleigh and Chelsham taking about three hours to complete.

The weather was kind to us and made perfect conditions for the walkers which contributed to the great atmosphere and the mood of the event.

We also had a group of 30 student runners raising sponsorship too.

Mrs Pantony PA to SENCO/Assistant Head Page 41

Tandridge Youth Collective

On July 3rd the long-awaited opportunity arrived. As some may know, I represent Tandridge as part of the Youth Collective and was elected Deputy Member of Youth Parliament (DYMP). The Youth Collective informed me that I could go to Hampton Court about a month beforehand to allow enough time to plan and hold Page 42

meetings. It all took place because The Royal Horticultural Society wanted Young Reporters to interview the designers of the various gardens.

Since the Youth Collective is trusted, we were chosen alongside the National Citizen Service. Both teams split into more specialised groups.

At the meetings, we were trained

by Kate Orchard, the RHS Senior Community Outreach Advisor on how to interview people with the equipment provided. The voice recorders were the toughest for some as it can be hard to know how close or far to put it against the interviewee. In the final meeting, we all learned something new with our eagerness climbing ever higher.

On Monday, July 3rd a.k.a the press exclusive day, the Food and Urban Garden Team I lead frantically rushed to meet Kate. We dodged past the journalists to interview Martyn Wilson

who was a former town planner. The show garden aptly named ‘Brownfield Metamorphsis’ received a gold medal at the show and all went smoothly.

Soon after, Kelly Brook was spotted next to the garden, so I asked for an interview and within 5 minutes this day was blooming.

Next, we featured on BBC One’s Kitchen Garden Live and planned to ask the Hairy Bikers a couple of questions. Due to time constraints, we couldn’t ask the questions, however, later that day I did manage to persevere and interview Dave Myers as a solo mission. Furthermore, the guest at the show was none other than Stanley Tucci, who featured most notably on Hunger Games among other great films. With no hesitation, I grabbed the chance to get an interview soon after the show ended and even gave him my email with hopes of starring in a film sometime.

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Tandridge Youth Collective CONTINUED

The day progressed with many more networking opportunities.

Unfortunately, Mary Berry declined an interview as she was on her way to lunch. However, I did meet Len Goodman; there was no reason to interview him but my manager took a couple of photos of him and I. Even if there was a reason to interview him my colleagues weren’t attentive enough and walked ahead with the recording paraphernalia.

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Simultaneously, the flowers began to look dreary and we started to look exhausted. The initial bouquet of excitement transitioned into a sack of potatoes as we fried in the sun.

Moreover, the next interviewee didn’t turn up and there wasn’t enough time for the second. I found out later that the ID they provided would be valid the next day as well, therefore, being an opportunist, I accepted whereby Chris Packham gave me a signature

on a book named the ‘Wild Side of Town’. I also met Dave again and gave him my email for the chance of any upcoming job opportunities with the BBC. The success of those days must be renewed in order to further my influence and skills. The day ended with another boom which will not be forgotten.

Although my career paths are blossoming they are at the expense of school sometimes as I had to miss out on the transition period for people taking Sciences on July 3rd. Thankfully, when I requested the time off, school agreed. I even had to sacrifice opening my envelope at GCSE Results Day for a day at a Civil Engineering firm which I had been to as part of my Year 10 Work

Experience.

Finally, I would like to thank the school for introducing me to the Youth Collective. The Youth Collective is very important as it allowed me to become DMYP and meet Rt Hon John Bercow MP, Speaker of the House of Commons, late July/beginning of August in Liverpool Hope University.

Every single Member of the Youth Parliament (MYP) came to debate 20 national motions. The motion which the Youth Collective presented was passed and will be on the manifesto which will be debated in the House of Commons this year - a debate to which I am invited. I’ll be looking forward to writing another article soon!

Oliver McCourty (12M)

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We caught up with ex-students Megan Johnson and Ashleigh Bourne and asked if they could share what they’ve got up to since leaving Warlingham Sixth Form.

After two years of studying French and Spanish at University of Reading, I am currently on my year abroad in Montpellier and am studying at a university here until December. In March I am off to Argentina to teach English with the British Council!

Studying languages has allowed me to have this amazing opportunity to experience life in another country and Page 46

has given me the chance to travel the world as a part of my studies! The South of France is amazing (especially the weather!) The best way to learn and improve a language is to immerse yourself in the country and experience the culture. Being an Erasmus student has meant that not only have I met lots of French people but also students from all across Europe. The first week was daunting but after a month I am settled in and loving the French way of life!

Megan Johnson

My name is Ashleigh and I completed my Chemistry, Biology and Geography A Levels at Warlingham Sixth Form in 2013.

Ever since I was 7 I had always wanted to become a Veterinary Nurse and care for animals.

After completing my A Levels, I was accepted to enrol into the Royal Veterinary College on their Bachelor of Science Veterinary Nursing degree. I graduated last year and am now a fully qualified Registered Veterinary Nurse. I am currently doing the additional BSc year to gain the extended element of my degree and get an additional qualification in Emergency and Critical

Care. In addition to this I am working part time as a locum nurse (almost like a substitute teacher) to keep up my practical experience and earn some money. Currently the future plan is to earn more money to go travelling year after next and then eventually set up and run my own veterinary practice.

Ashleigh Bourne

Ashleigh Bourne graduated from Warlingham Sixth Form in 2014. Since then she has gone on to do Veterinary Nursing at the Royal Veterinary College. Ashleigh overcame a number of difficulties at school but with real determination and a never say die attitude, finally achieved her goal. It was with great credit to her self belief and persistence that she achieved her A Levels at Warlingham Sixth Form and we are delighted she has been so successful. We wish her every success in her career as a veterinary nurse.

Mr Knott Academic Tutor, Sixth Form Page 47 Page

Wide Horizons High Aspirations

Warlingham School Warlingham School is part of the Tandridge Learning Trust Address: Tithepit Shaw Lane, Warlingham, Surrey, CR6 9YB Tel: 01883 624067 Fax: 01883 624026 Email: info@warlinghamschool.co.uk Website: www.warlinghamschool.co.uk