BVGS Head's Newsletter Spring 2010

Headteacher’s Newsletter

BISHOP VESEY’S GRAMMAR SCHOOL

Half Term Spring 2010 Message from the Head Disrupted by snow closures, we remain nonetheless undeterred as we continue to push back the boundaries in search of all that is possible at BVGS. Another excellent half-term, packed with activities and achievements, which has been marked by so much, but quite remarkably by the Vesey link to the l a t e s t Cl i n t E a st w o o d f i l m ‘INVICTUS’, released last weekend. Our Head of Rugby Zak Feaunati plays the role of Jonah Lomu in a re-working of the 1995 Rugby World Cup triumph for South Africa, through which Nelson Mandela, with a stroke of leadership genius, united a nation, for so long torn and divided by apartheid. The film provides a wonderful back-drop for the further exploration in our school of „heritage and harmony‟, as we bring together all members of the Vesey Community around common values, providing a model for modern Britain. Do enjoy reading about all that has happened in the last 6 weeks, here at BVGS.

Staff News

Oxbridge Success 2009-10

Congratulations to Deputy Head Dominic Robson who has been awarded the NPQH, a national qualification in preparation for headship, and also to Cheryl Taylor who becomes Teacher i/c Sixth Form Enrichment, Citizenship and Life Skills. Welcome to Alison Harvey Teacher of Languages who joins us until 1 April 2010. We also welcome Matthew Bakewell (OV 09) who has volunteered his services in English, French & German before starting his studies at Aston University in September 2010, tutored by Pam Maskell.

‘Six of the Best!’

Record Results in GCSE Maths Congratulations to Peter Cragg and his 30 FastTrack GCSE Maths students who gained 29 A* grades and 1 A grade in the November early entry this year, setting a new Maths Dept record.

Oliver Bentley Physics Jesus College Oxford Shane McIntyre Geog/Econ Jesus College Oxford Peter Whiting Chemistry New College Oxford Naomi Zainuddin PPE Oriel College Oxford Ryan Felton Chemistry Pembroke College Oxford Junaid Qasim Theology St John’s College Cambridge

Beautiful Scenes of BVGS Cohesion through Rugby

David Iddon Headteacher

Matt Collins i/c BVGS Community Cohesion meets with Imam Saeed ur Rahman and Imam Riaz on a visit to Aisha Mosque & Islamic Centre in Rutter Street, Walsall.

Congratulations to our six successful Oxbridge candidates this year who endured a tough selection process and increasingly fierce competition to gain coveted offers of places at the TOP TWO universities: left to right:

In this pre-match U13B Team huddle, Zak Feaunati, aka Jonah Lomu, brings unity and harmony to the wide-ranging Vesey heritages and inspires BVGS players to stand together, badged under the name of Vesey. U13B: P11 W7 L4

……...and ‘Vesey Grit’ and determination to get the show back on the road……...and down the road!

in the snow…...

Headteacher’s Newsletter

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Political Life at BVGS

School Council

Question Time, an Election and a local MP come to Vesey’s! School council meetings have been focussing on the re-negotiation of the canteen contract.

Yr7 are keen to develop the healthiness of our food options and are looking forward to being part of the decision-making process of selecting the school provider. Meanwhile, Yr 8 are enthusiastic about the use of interactive whiteboards in the Maths and Science Departments.

If students wish to raise concerns about any issues in school, they can email the Council direct at school.council@bishopveseys.bham.sch.uk.

Chair of the School Council, Mohammed Bilal, is working to ensure that the BVGS Council is put on a proper constitutional footCongratulations to Mohammed Bilal, President of the School Council on staging this the first ing and will be sustainable for generations to Vesey „Question Time‟, the subject being „Gender Equality‟. Panel members debated in front of an audience of 50+ students in this lunchtime session. Well done to Shane McIntyre, School Captain come. and his team on holding the UK Youth Parliament elections at their Polling Station in Big School, ahead of the imminent General Election, a topic amongst others which was discussed on 5th Feb with Sutton Coldfield MP, Andrew Mitchell, pictured below on his annual visit to our school .

EES Engineering

Physics Andrew Mitchell MP

History Moving assemblies by Hannah Lockyer on the theme of „Holocaust Memorial‟ took place at the end of January to coincide with „Holocaust Memorial Day’ on 27th Jan and will now be followed up in Yr 9 lessons.

Team Vesey 2010 On 27 Jan three Yr 9 teams took part in the Birmingham University „Big Physics Quiz‟ attended by about 70 other teams from across Birmingham.

One BVGS team came second to King Edward‟s VI High School for Girls, with our other teams 4th & 19th. Our thanks go Julie Wadeson and Phil Coulson who made the participation possible. The teams were; Alexi Stepanenko 9W, Josh Williams 9W, Harry Marriot 9G, Dominic O’Neill 9B who came 2nd; Joseph Davies 9W, Callum Riley 9R, Chris Nowek 9G, Bradley Perham 9G who came 4th and George Payne 9W, Joseph Dunne 9G, Toby Lambeth 9G, Charlie White 9G who came 19th. Reserve: Nathaniel Coxon 9B

The Great Midlands Fun Run 6 June a big day for the Vesey Community. The event organiser Tracey Spare kindly came in to talk to students about the run in assemblies. We would like to see as many Veseyans as possible (Students, Parents, Governors, OVs and Teachers) participating as part of Team Vesey.

Please contact Dominic Robson, Deputy Head or PAC Chairman Russ Tipson.

Bhangra Beat in Big School

Lecture at Birmingham University The last of the Institute of Physics Lectures takes placed on Tuesday 23 February at 7:00 in the Poynting Lab of Birmingham University. It is entitled “Positron Imaging – From Medical uses to Industrial Applications” and is delivered by Dr Thomas Leadbeater of Birmingham University.

All are welcome. Details from Phil Coulson in the Physics Dept.

Vesey students enjoy the special dancing lessons after school to the beat of the Dhol drum with expert Bhangra dance teacher Vijay Mehay from a dance group called Nachda-Sansaar

Four L6 Formers are taking part in an Engineering Scheme in conjunction with a local firm to design and manufacture a test rig to be used to test a rear wheel side shaft, a part on the new McLaren Supercar which needs to be tested quickly to confirm it is within tolerances. Phil Griggs, James Chapman, Chris Cantwell and Tom Gough L6 accompanied

by Simon James went to B‟ham University recently as part of the scheme to use their top of the range facilities. The students will present their work in May at B‟ham University to other schools from around the country. They have finished their design and the manufacturing process for the final rig is well underway.

Arts Award comes to BVGS! The Arts Award is an accredited, national award that supports students to develop as artists and arts leaders, preparing them for further education and employment. Students can gain their award through any art practice from writing to stage lighting. The Arts Award, a collaboration between the Arts Council and Trinity Guildhall is designed to appeal to students from all backgrounds, working with a trained Arts Award adviser supporting them with their aspirations. Here at BVGS, we have students working towards the Bronze level of the Award in Music, Art and Drama with some working towards their Silver Award. Further details from Eve Chang, Arts Award Adviser for the school.

Diary Date: Thurs 1st July 2010 at 7.30pm New: BVGS ArtsFest in Big School

February 2010 Carols at Christmas

Sixth Form Public Speaking Peter Moss, Penny Hodges and Danny Knowles spoke with knowledge and passion on the topic of global warming in the Rotary Club Speaking competition. Coach, Hannah Lockyer and Sam Harper accompanied them on the trip.

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Art & Geography Trip Year 8 enjoyed a combined Art and Geography Department trip to Twycross Zoo, despite the incessant rain on 22 January. Many thanks to party leaders Anne Fitton & Emma Neville and the accompanying staff who with the students listened to talks given by zoo staff on the rainforest and issues regarding climate, habitat and conservation.

Everyone had a fascinating, if very damp, time.

Governor Learning Walks On the last Thursday afternoon before the Christmas break a group of 6th Formers, accompanied by Wendy Brown, Cheryl Taylor and Lynn Penny visited Royal Court to sing carols to the residents. The audience was most appreciative and kindly gave the singers refreshments, a donation which was passed on to the „Crisis‟ collection and a beautiful knitted scarecrow. A „Name the scarecrow and give him a home‟ competition will be held during next half term, the proceeds of which will be sent to a charity. In the photo: Some of the singers: left to right: Back Row: Ronan Davis, Ben Prince, Tom Mulqueen. Front row: Amy McAleavy, Chris Wall + Scarecrow, James Dunlevy and Nicky Boden

Trip to the Ballet A new experience for many, as Headteacher, David Iddon & Kate Steadman led a Sixth Form party to see The Nutcracker at the Hippodrome in the last week of term before Christmas. Perhaps the start of another Sixth Form Enrichment Activity to complement the other theatre going trips we offer.

Personal, Health and Social Education makes you think!

Year 8 have been learning about Knife Crime in PHSE lessons. They have looked at its effects on the families of the victims and the community as a whole. This has led to a number of mini plays, examining the dangers of „gang‟ culture, produced by Forms groups.

Well done to Year 8 on a positive response to a highly charged and sensitive issue!

Sincere thanks to Governors who have conducted „Learning Walks‟ around school, which have been very helpful to us in our ongoing monitoring and evaluation. Governors have commented on the good quality of learning and teaching observed and applauded assemblies.

Classics at Vesey’s: Grand Musical Event BVGS and SCGSG Joint Music Concert at Adrian Boult Hall 24 March at 7.30pm Following the success of our Gilbert and Sullivan production last year, we are staging a joint concert which will feature Baroque and 20th Century choral and orchestral works. Tickets available after half-term.

Eco-Schools Award Congratulations to L6 students Peter Moss, Ronan Davis, Danny Knowles and Penny Hodges on gaining a Bronze Award and EcoSchools status for their initiatives around school which now include an „Environmental Garden‟.

Despite the demise of Latin and Classics in state education across the country, we are delighted to report that Peter McNeely who joined us in Sept 2009 is bringing new energies to the study of the ancient world and „lingua Latina‟.

Update on University Entry

New E-Mail System

Dave Goodwin and Pam Maskell attended the Annual Admissions Conference for Teachers and Careers Advisors at Aston University on 12 January. Every member of the L6 has since been given a careers aspirations interview, which will be beneficial in focusing the students and setting them on the right path when looking at their university options.

We are about to roll out a new Zimbra email system. It is the ideal productivity tool for today's academic environment and offers increased performance enhancements whilst giving our school email flexibility.

Year 10 Work Experience Day

Year 10 Credit System Highest Earner Prize: Nov - Rob Cotterill, Dec - Connor Hunt. Random Draw Prize - Nov - Matt Bryant, Dec - Nathan Felton all receiving a £10 voucher. In addition, all of Yr 10 have been involved in creating presentations based on their perceptions of various aspects of Chinese life a reciprocal project linked to our partner school.

Charity Collections

Role-play in performance is used to increase understanding and empathy and place students in a position where they experience what it may be like in real life to be under threat.

vivat, crescat, floreat!

Generosity to others, a key value we cultivate here at Vesey‟s, has led to substantial sums being raised recently for the following charities, from collections and non-uniform days: Crisis Christmas £530.41, Disaster Emergency Committee: Haiti Appeal £1283.06 and Acorns £104.00. Sincere thanks to all who contributed to these very worthy causes.

Students enjoyed a Work Experience & Business Enterprise Day on Tues 9 Feb in which they explored business models and enterprise opportunities through a number of activities including 'teamwork' and 'problem-solving' exercises.

Parents’ Association Council Recent 200 Club winners: September: Mrs J Beasley, October: Jenny Ball, November: Mr Paul Stewart, December: Alison & Mark White, January: C Mistry and February: Mrs W Pearce.

Headteacher’s Newsletter

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U15 Daily Mail Cup Not outclassed but the better team won in a match which saw BVGS competing in the last 16 of the National Schools U15 Rugby Cup. Succumbing to Oundle School 35-12, 5 tries to 2, our students were a credit to BVGS in a match, which proved to be a memorable experience, even if the result did not go our way. Congratulations to Team Coach James Young and his U15 squad in reaching the final stages of this national competition.

BVGS U13B Rugby Team, warming up and in a match against KE Camp Hill

Cross Country

Rowing

At the water-logged West Midlands Championship meeting in the War Memorial Park, Coventry on Saturday 23 January, there were two superb performances from Vesey runners. Sam Watkins 9B came 4th in the U14 race and Kieran Smith MSL came 5th in the U19 event. Conditions underfoot were energy-sapping and both runners showed tremendous qualities of grit and determination. It is likely that both Sam and Kieran will be selected for the English Schools Championship at Heaton Park, Manchester.

BVGS is in the process of gaining equipment and a new venue is being established for outdoor rowing.

Indoors we continue to dominate in competitions with 8 Gold, 5 Silver and 6 Bronze medals at the B‟ham Schools Championships on 3rd Feb, when Muzamil Shaikh 9B produced the performance of the day.

Sam Watkins 9B

Kieran Smith L6

Hockey

National Swimming Finals The Senior and Intermediate Swimming teams competed in the ESSA 52nd Annual National Championships at Coventry on Sat. 6th Feb. The Intermediates finished 11th in both Medley and Freestyle relays and the seniors 9th in the Medley and 10th in the Freestyle, against very strong competition from top independent schools in the country.

Senior team: James Youngman, James Mills, Adam Kelly & Dominic Rickards Intermediates: Luke Robinson, Philip Hewitt, Mohammed Ahmed & Alex Gudmunsen

Sports Sponsorship

Sincere thanks to Vesey parent Richard Morgan, pictured above, being thanked by Yr 9 and Yr 10 Cricket Captains for his personal sponsorship, in conjunction with OfficeTeam, of the U14 & U15 teams for the next two seasons.

Indoor Athletics Win At the Sutton Schools Indoor Athletics Competition at Fairfax on 4 Feb, Yr 8 won to compete in Regional Finals at The National Indoor Arena.

U18 Warwickshire County Hockey Champions 2010

BVGS beat Rugby School 1-0 in the Semi-Final and KES B‟ham 1-0 in the Final to become County U18 Champions for the first time since 1987.

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1 XI - stand out results, beyond the County Trophy win, are a 4-2 win over Queen Mary‟s and a 5-3 win over Warwick - Tom Homer scoring a hat trick in both games. The side has really started to gel and the results are now beginning to come. 2nd XI - had a thriller of a game against King Henry‟s Coventry and eventually ran out 5-3 winners. This young side is continuing to develop but needs to find further sharpness in front of goal.

U15s are having an up and down season and are striving to find the required level of consistency. They have some important matches coming up and the recent 4-2 win over King Henry‟s will hopefully provide a springboard for success. U14 - had a fantastic win over Derby Grammar School with Drew Byrne scoring a superb goal. Congratulations to Head Coach, Chris Howell and all concerned in the recent progress and wins in hockey.

Published for BVGS by Sharon Weblin, Headteacher’s PA sw@bishopveseys.bham.sch.uk. Printed by Jayne Joyce , BVGS Reprographics.