BAROMETER THE
WETHERBY SENIOR SCHOOL WEEKLY SEPTEMBER 24th 2018 | WEEK 4
FUN, GAMES AND DRAINAGE BASINS IN THE GEOGRAPHY DEPARTMENT!
FROM THE HEADMASTER Dear Parents, Over the last two weeks there have been three talks for parents which were put into the programme to support the messages being given in PSHE and in response to parental feedback about issues you were concerned about. Whilst the speakers gave us a lot to think about, there has also been a lot of constructive advice and positive messages about teenagers. It has been good to hear that there has been a reduction in the number of teenagers drinking and that teenagers actually quite like having their parents at parties (although not in the thick of it) once they understand what can go wrong. I appreciate it is not always easy for parents to get to these talks so I thought it would be useful to share some of the advice with you that was given at last night’s talk on illegal drugs by Fiona Spargo Maggs from the Daniel Spargo Mabbs foundation. Fiona lost her son Daniel to drugs in tragic circumstances when he was 16. I spoke to the Year 10 boys after their talk and she had a significant impact on those I discussed it with. The parents I spoke to last night and this morning were moved by her talk and also grateful for the straightforward and sensible approach she brought to tackling the issue with your sons. • Get informed – but don’t feel you have to be an expert to have a useful conversation about drugs and alcohol • Help your child develop an understanding of factors in their decision making, including peer influence, and
• how to be clear and confident in their own views and values. • Plan the best times to create opportunities for conversations about drugs and alcohol and take opportunities as they arise naturally, such as when it comes up on TV. • Make sure you are listening and talking regularly, and keeping the conversation open to come back to if needed. • Set clear and fair boundaries, and be prepared to adapt these as your children grow older. • Make sure emergency contact details are accessible on their phones when locked (you can find out how online) • Make sure phones are charged and a route home is planned and organised. • Agree an ‘escape plan’ with your child, if they ever need to get out of a difficult situation – a secret message from them and an agreed response from you that gets them home without losing face in front of their friends. An important part of what makes it work is you promising not to ask questions! • Be a good role model and be aware of your own attitudes and actions, for example with caffeine and alcohol. • Seek professional help and advice if you or your child are worried and feel you may require specialist intervention
There is Field Day on Thursday with trips for all year groups including the first Year 12 Field Day which sees all boys doing the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) visiting the London School of Economics to learn how to research effectively and make use of the online resources that are now available. The EPQ is a fantastic opportunity for boys in the Sixth Form to research an area that is not on their A Level specifications and a great preparation for university study. Topics being researched this year range from the German car industry, the psychology of dreams, to the impact of economic sanctions in Russia.
More information can be found at http://www.dsmfoundation.org. uk
Have a good weekend,
After a busy couple of weeks, there is more to come next week.
Also next week we have Open Day and, as indicated in the School Diary, all boys in Year 10 and 12 are expected to be in School to assist as tour guides. Pupils in other year groups are also welcome to come and support as there will be plenty for them to do. The School’s growing reputation means that the number of families who visit us each Open Day increases every time we open our doors on a Saturday morning, drawn to us by the quality of the teaching and the care we give to each boy. The privilege of leading this School, and seeing the good things that happen each week, is something I am very proud of and I hope that boys will turn out to help us continue to grow this community.
WEEK A MONDAY
WEEKLY DIARY 01.10.18
Occasional Place Assessment for 13+ 2019 09:00-13:00 Entry Talk for Sixth Form boys - 25 before 25 at Francis Holland School, Regents Park 15:00 Artist in Residence Event (Afternoon Club) Prep Schools Heads’ Dinner (13+), Hannah House 19:00-21:30 GCSE Athletics Assessment fo Year 11
TUESDAY
02.10.18
WEDNESDAY
03.10.18
Football U12/13 WSS A/B/C/Ds vs Falcon Prep (H) 14:30 Football U16 WSS vs Ibstock Place 14:30
THURSDAY
04.10.18
FIELD DAY Years 7-12 out of school Year 7 to London Zoo with the Biology Department Year 8 to Bletchley Park with the Mathematics Department Year 9 Trip to Tate Britain with the Art and Design Department Year 10 Community Service boys volunteering Year 10 Duke of Edinburgh boys navigation training Year 11 to The Globe Theatre with the English Department Year 11 Graphic Design students to Museum of Brands Lower Sixth Trip to The London School of Economics
FRIDAY
05.10.18
SATURDAY
06.10.17
All Years - Grades on SIMS (by midday) APG Senior Leadership Conference HM Assembly at Hinde Street Methodist Church 15:15-15:45 STAFF OPEN DAY PREPARATION 16:00-17:00
OPEN DAY - All Year 10 & Year 12 boys required as Tour Guides (volunteers Years 7-9 & 11) 11:00-14:00
SUNDAY
07.10.17
WETHERBY SENIOR SCHOOL WATER BOTTLE
Please ensure all uniform, games kit and equipment is clearly named.
Please note that the Live Lounge concert has been postponed.
Help reduce our school's plastic consumption by using this personalised Active Bottle, emblazoned with the Wetherby Senior School logo and your own name. Made from highly durable materials, your Active Bottle is easy to open and close, won't leak and will keep your drinks hot or cold throughout the school day. Active Bottle supports our planet by donating 10% of all their proceeds to Clean Ocean and what's more, all remaining profits from selling the bottle will go straight to support your school's PTA and their selective charities. Can't get better! You can order online at: https://activebottle.co.uk/collections/wetherby
WSS Inaugural Fundraiser We are looking for prizes both for the silent and live auction and sponsorships for any part of the event. If you have any prizes you can donate or source, please contact Karen Gillingwater on kgillingwater@me.com. If you believe you can contribute in any other way or know anyone who could, please contact the PTA Committee on pta@wetherbysenior.co.uk
IMPORTANT NOTICES
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
Soup: Leek & potato
Soup: Cream of broccoli
Soup: Roasted cauliflour
Main: Bolognese sauce
Main: Hot dogs/Quorn frankfurters
Main: Chicken & leek pie
Meat Free: Tomato and parmesan risotto To Go With: Sugar snap peas, warm chickpea, tomato & onion cassoulet, three coloured pasta
Meat Free: Pesto, rocket & goat’s cheese gnocchi
Meat Free: Stuffed portobello mushrooms with halloumi
To Go With: Vegetable kebabs, roasted vine cherry tomatoes, vegetable Rice
To Go With: Sautéed potatoes with thyme & cumin, roasted carrots & parsnip sticks, steamed peas
Dessert: Apple & forest berry crumble with ice cream
Dessert: Mango & passion fruit yogurt pots
Dessert: Chocolate fudge brownies
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
EVERY DAY
Soup: Roasted butternut squash
Soup: Roasted pepper & tomato
Main: Beef stir fry
Main: Pepperoni & bacon pitta bread pizza
Meat Free: Mixed vegetable stir fry To Go With: Egg fried rice, grilled bok choi, steamed bean sprouts, spiced savoy cabbage, rice noodles Dessert: Jelly pots
Meat Free: Tomato, mozzarella & basil pitta bread pizza Bread Pizza To Go With: Vegetable frittata, chips, grilled courgettes Dessert: Apple pie with custard
Freshly Made Bread Homemade Salads Vegetable Crudités With Hummus Sandwich & Wrap Selection Meat & Cheese Platters Fresh Fruit
MENU
CREATING A DRAINAGE BASIN As part of their assessment on rivers, Year 7 created 3D models of drainage basins using all they keywords they had learnt do far. The two teams worked incredibly hard and in the end it was impossible to choose a winning group, so we settled on a tie!
INFORMATION HUNT
The GCSE boys had to hunt around the classroom to find information on managing floods. They worked with determination to find everything they needed to complete their table.
MAKING BOARD GAMES
The boys created country fact-based board games, such as Monopoly and Taboo. They put a great deal of thought into their creations and learned a lot about different countries while playing the games.
GEOGRAPHY INTERTRIB COMPETITION
What makes the Arctic unique?
Deadline: Wednesday 3rd October 2018 Your Geography teacher can then check it so it’s ready to send to the RGS.
Young Geographer of the Year Competition 2018 What makes the Arctic unique?
General entry criteria KS2, KS3 and KS4 students will produce an A3 poster. KS5 students will produce a 1,500 word essay. All entries must clearly illustrate what makes the Arctic unique and adhere to the following criteria: Excellent attention to spelling, punctuation and grammar Use of accurate geographical terminology throughout
This year’s Young Geographer of the Year competition gives pupils the opportunity to explore the geography of the Arctic, and discover what makes this polar environment so unique. The Arctic is an environment like no other. It is home to four million people, supports an abundance of uniquely adapted wildlife, and plays an important role in moderating the world’s climate. However, the Arctic is a dynamic environment that is undergoing change. How do these changes affect the Arctic itself and the rest of the world?
Entering the competition
Clearly labelled and appropriately acknowledged sources, including diagrams, charts, maps, or images Accurate use of symbols, scales and keys, where appropriate Original and independently produced—class sets of identical entries will not be accepted If produced electronically, please use a minimum font size of point 8
Key Stage 2 criteria Describe one or more way(s) in which the Arctic is unique Use at least two annotated diagrams, charts, maps or images
Key Stage 3 criteria Describe two or more ways in which the Arctic is unique Explore both the human and physical geography of the Arctic Use at least three annotated diagrams, charts, maps or images
Key Stage 4 criteria
The competition has four categories. Key Stage 2 (pupils aged 9-11) Key Stage 3 (pupils aged 11-14) Key Stage 4 or GCSE (pupils aged 14-16) Key Stage 5 or A Level (pupils aged 16-18)
Describe three or more ways in which the Arctic is unique Explore both the human and physical geography of the Arctic Discuss how the Arctic is changing and how these changes affect the Arctic itself and the rest of the world Use at least four annotated diagrams, charts, maps or images
The deadline for all entries is 5.00pm Wednesday 10 October 2018. All winners will be contacted after this date and invited to an Award Ceremony at the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) in South Kensington, London.
Key Stage 5 criteria
Students should enter the Key Stage category which they will be in as of 10 October 2018. All entries should include an Entry Form. Submissions can be made by individual students or teachers. Teacher and school contact details must be provided. Please post your entries directly to the Society. Electronic entries may only be submitted for the KS5 category.
Describe and discuss the wide variety of reasons why the Arctic is unique Explore both the human and physical geography of the Arctic, including its environmental, political, social, cultural, and economic distinctiveness Discuss how the Arctic is changing and how these changes affect the Arctic itself and the rest of the world Explore the past, present, and future governance of the Arctic Demonstrate a strong use of annotated diagrams, charts, maps or images
The Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) is the UK’s learned society and professional body for geography. Founded in 1830, we are a world centre for geography supporting research, education, fieldwork and expeditions, and informed enjoyment of our world. W www.rgs.org E education@rgs.org
YEAR 12 GEOGRAPHERS
Wetherby Senior School’s first Geography A Level class have bene learning about the Water and Carbon Cycles. Did you know that only 3% of the Earth’s water is fresh water and of this 79% is stored in ice caps and glaciers?
YEAR 12 LOCAL FIELD WORK The A Level Geography pupils are exploring their local area for their ‘Changing Places’ topic. Pupils are studying the exogenous and endogenous factors affecting the character of Marylebone.
YEAR 10 STUDY URBAN GROWTH
Tommaso S, Year 10 writes... This year, Year 10 are studying Urban Growth in countries and cities around the world with different economical classifications. First stop, Rio de Janeiro; the gem of South America. In its Newly Emerging Economy (NEE), Rio hosts The Christ the Redeemer statue, Copacabana beach and the masses of
favelas circulating the city, displaying the challenges (from healthcare to unemployment rate) and improvements to these squatter settlements. With our next destination as UK’s economical development, wish all of us luck for GCSE style tests in the upcoming weeks!
URBAN FIELD WORK ON OXFORD STREET
Year 10 geographers undertook human fieldwork on Oxford Street to investigate how effective integrated transport strategies are. They did pedestrian counts, traffic counts, sketch maps and questionnaires.
SOME GOOD GEOGRAPHY READS All books are available in the library. Go and have a look, see what you think, and let the Geography department know if you think there is anything missing! Trash- Andy Mulligan The Garbage King- Elizabeth Laird Gold Dust- Geraldine McCaughrean Refugee Boy- Benjamin Zephaniah The Kite Runner- Khalid Hossaini Cold- Ranulph Fiennes How to Lie with Maps- Mark S. Monmonier The Little Soldier- Bernard Ashley A Squatter’s Tale- Ike Oguine v Worth Dying For: The Power and Politics of Flags- Tim Mashall Horrible Geography- Violent Volcanoes, Odious Oceans, Stormy Weather, Raging Rivers, Desperate Deserts, Freaky Peaks, Bloomin' Rainforests, Monster Lakes, Earth-Shattering Earthquakes, Cracking Coasts.
Regular Publications • New Scientist • The Economist • National Geographic • Time Magazine • The Week
Follow @WSSGeography on Twitter and Instagram!
SPLENDID THEATRE Miss Twomey writes... On Thursday 13th September, the GCSE Year 11 Drama boys attended a specialist drama workshop with Grace, a representative from Splendid Theatre Company. Their workshops aim to make difficult theatrical styles, such as Bertolt Brecht’s ‘Epic Theatre’ relevant to audiences rather than a slice of theatre history. Splendid Theatre specialise in bringing the Brechtian technique to life for students, both in performance and by providing a workshop experience for them to explore it for themselves. Furthermore, Splendid Theatre also ran a workshop on Physical Theatre, continuing the learning the boys began when they studied this style of performance during the Physical Theatre Production of Punch.
In their workshops, boys created scenes, refined acting techniques and looked at practical examples of Splendid Theatre’s staging ideas. Thank you to Splendid Theatre for leading such an excellent workshop!
SIXTH FORM LECTURE SERIES Mrs Deedat writes... Pat Capel has talked to our Sixth Form about anxiety and stress-management strategies. He made everyone aware that learning is an emotional business and that, unfortunately, more and more teenagers and young adolescent suffer from anxiety nowadays. After discussing the impact that anxiety has on learning, Pat opened everybody’s eyes on our perception of school exams as a “wall”, an “obstacle”; whilst it would be healthier to consider them as a “gateway” to another phase of someone’s life, or a “bridge” as one of the boys suggested.
Finally, Pat suggested some good relaxation technique and taught us how to take control of our lives with some simple yet effective breathing
exercises and visualisation. Definitely something everybody will benefit especially during the examination season.
SPORTS NEWS
Rugby U15A WSS vs Harrow 39-17 Men of the Match: Faisal B-H and Evan H U17A WSS vs St Columba’s College 28-17 Men of the Match: Antonio DB, Nour H, Jock S
http://www.wetherbysenior.co.uk