Headteacher’s Newsletter
BISHOP VESEY’S GRAMMAR SCHOOL
Summer 2009 Message from the Head
Three schools came together this term as we welcomed guest teachers from Poland and South Africa to BVGS. Opportunity aplenty to explore and compare education in very different settings, with much to be learned from one another as links and friendships develop. Our social and community cohesion within the ‘Vesey Community’ now has a global network base for mutual support and benefit. This half-term has seen once again so much happening both on and off-site, which has brought success and pleasure to so many. We can but marvel at and be grateful for the magnificent contributions of so many to make it all possible. The end of a truly memorable year of ‘best evers’.
David Iddon Headteacher
Staff News
Festival of
Maddy retires after 38 years of distinguished service to BVGS as Teacher of Languages, Head of Sixth Form and for the past 6 years as Deputy Head i/c Student Guidance & Welfare. We will hold fast to his wise and commonsense approach to teaching & learning and the welfare of young people and thank him for his extensive contributions to the life of the school. We say thanks and farewell to other colleagues retiring or moving on in their careers this summer after equally distinguished service: Mike Cross, Head of Maths, who retires after 25yrs, Diane Abbott, Head of Art who retires after 12yrs, Denise Quail Teacher of Languages who retires after 9yrs, Andy Hornett, Head of ICT who retires after 7yrs, Philip Blackshaw Head of Latin who retires after 5yrs, Laura Jones Teacher of Geography and Lead Netball coach moves to Adams’ GS, Shropshire after 3yrs, Wendy Turner Teacher of English after 2yrs Gareth Bartlett Teacher of PE/Games leaves after 1yr to be married in Canada and Craig Hetherington after 1yr as teacher trainee in PE/Games. We wish them all well as they journey on from our midst and thank them for the many and varied contributions they have made to the life of our school over a huge combined total of 103 years service to BVGS.
Languages in Sport
Ian
Many thanks to Mark Keeble and helpers who ran the “Languages in Sport Day” on 2 July, showing students how important languages are in the world of sport and giving them opportunities to try their hand at new activities. There were 6 exciting sessions – Football in Spanish, Handball in German, Badminton in Chinese, Kabbadi in Urdu, Sumo wrestling in Japanese and Capoeira, a Brazilian martial art. Staff were impressed with the students’ effort and enthusiasm. The day was a real success with fantastic weather too! Students and staff came away with a knowledge of new languages and an insight into the cultures of other countries.
Academic Profile We are delighted with the engagement and determination we have witnessed amongst exam candidates this year and expect record results yet again. Special thanks to all staff who helped with exam preparation and to Lesley Overton, Exams Officer and her team for their calm and efficient service within a most complex system.
Parents’ Association Year 8 enjoying the lunchtime sunshine
200 Club Winners: July - Mrs Bhamra, August: - Mrs M Wallace
Photos from the House Music Festival and Concert in honour of our South African guests