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April 2016

Mind Your Language!

Inspired by the work of Dr Carol Dweck, at GCS we aim to instil in every student the belief that the brain becomes more intelligent when mistakes are made and then corrected through feedback. Moreover, it is the belief that intelligence, and abilities, can be developed through practice; how an individual turns out is not pre-determined – there is limitless potential.

Research shows that the most successful people, in any industry, share a similar ‘growth mindset’. This stems from the belief that intelligence is not a fixed trait that one is born with. It is developed throughout life by consistent application of effort. People that plateau early, and don’t achieve their potential, often have a ‘fixed mind set’; they see effort as pointless as they believe they cannot change their intelligence or ability level.

One of the most important roles that adults can play in fostering a growth mind set is to ensure that the right language is used when success, or failure is evaluated. Through her research, Dweck showed that the type of praise given when a child is successful can have

a significant impact on the type of mind set they develop. Dweck (2007) tested the use of praise on 400 students in a study in North America. Half were told their success was due to hard work and the other half told they succeeded because they were more intelligent. The results showed that the first group took on more difficult challenges and persevered for longer and, ultimately, achieved higher levels of success than the second.

Telling your child that they are naturally clever may make them feel good but actually encourages a fixed mind set. They will start to believe that they have to look good in every situation and therefore avoid a challenging question for fear of failure. They have to believe that mistakes are good. Dweck says that a better phrasing would be to say that the young person was successful due to their hard work, effort and resilience. “You kept going at that task even when it got really tough – fantastic effort!” These words are simple yet very effective.

Dweck summed up the benefits of a growth mindset like this:

“The growth mindset does allow people to love what

they’re doing ...and continue to love it in the face of difficulties. The growth mindset allows people to value what they’re doing regardless of the outcome.”

Learning your way into a growth mindset is like learning anything else. The growth mindset thrives on challenge and sees failure as an opportunity for growth. It creates a passion for learning instead of a hunger for approval. Remember that there are some very smart people who struggle as you do and if they’re winning their way to intellectual freedom, why can’t you?

Some interesting reading:

Mindset: How You Can Fulfil Your Potential Carol Dweck (2012)

Growth Mindset Pocket Book Barry Hymer and Mike Gerson (2014)

Why You Need to Fail – TED

presentation on The Power of Belief Mindset and Success

www.youtube.com/watch?

v=HhxcFGuKOys

Antonella Bosco-Reid

Assistant Head, Director of MFL

Developing a Growth Mindset

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Welcome to our New Senior Team

‘It is a curious thing, Harry, but perhaps those who are best suited to power are those who

have never sought it - those who, like you, have leadership thrust upon them, and take up

the mantle because they must, and, find to their surprise, that they wear it well’ Albus Dumbledore

Hola Everyone!

I'm Lucas, and I'm looking forward to this year, as I will be your Head Boy for 2016-17. This AS year I am taking Maths, Further Maths, Chemistry, Spanish and French (yes, I know it's a lot :/). After County, I

want to study Chemical Engineering at university, as it's a mix of most of my favourite subjects.

If anybody is looking for me after school, odds are I'll be taking part in some musical activity as I play trombone and piano; I also enjoy climbing and gymnastics outside of school.

If there is anything I can help with or if you just need someone to talk to, I'll always be around.

Lucas Joel

Hello! I'm Izzy and I am your Head Girl for the 2016/2017 season - to say I am excited about this is an understatement! For A-Level I am taking English Literature, History, Philosophy & Ethics and Psychology, so if you need me, I'll probably be

scribbling away about poems, Cardinal Wolsey or questioning the meaning of life. I'm also very involved both in music and drama. Although I don't know what I want to do in the future, I'd love to take Philosophy on to university. I'm always open to hearing your views and ideas on how to improve the school, so don't hesitate to come and find me. I can’t wait to be part of the Senior Team this year - I hope that we leave our mark and demonstrate just how amazing being part of County is! Izzy Flynn

I am Hannah and I am really looking forward to being Deputy Head Girl this year.

I am taking Geography, History, Maths and Biology at AS level, with the hope of doing a Geography degree in a couple of years time.

I love, pretty much, every sport and am in a few musical ensembles as well.

If you would like to ask me anything (however small!) I'm more than happy to have a chat with you.

If you want to find me, I will probably be in the library, so do come over and say hi!

Hannah Coles

I am proud to say I have been invited to be in the senior team this year as Deputy Head Boy. I study English Literature, Government and Politics, Psychology and History and I hope to move onto university after school, although I am not exactly sure what I would like to study yet! As far as hobbies go, music is a big part of my life and that transcends into my involvement

with various ensembles around the school. I’m a keen cook too, though some would say I could do with a little improve-ment in that area….If you ever want to find me, don’t hesitate to follow the sound of someone belting out an off key rendition of a song you liked before you heard me sing it! David Pearson

I am delighted to be given this opportunity to be Deputy Head Girl.

Presently, I am studying Art, Geography, Maths and Biology (an interesting mix, but great fun), in the hope to study Architecture at Uni. I am involved in many areas of the school, taking part in music ensembles, playing for the school netball team and leading the Christian Union. I would really encourage you all to take

every opportunity you have to get involved - that is what has made my County journey so special!

Please feel free to come and speak to me at any time.

Naomi Harrington

You may know me from my ‘Gold Digger’ rendition in House Music, playing the Angry Bird in House Drama, or indeed you may not yet know me at all. I’m currently studying Economics, History, Government & Politics and English Literature, all of which I thoroughly enjoy. I am also taking part in the very slow process of learning to drive. I look to use my life experiences

to make school a more enjoyable place to be. For example, my trip to Kenya with the school in 2015 can hopefully help create some excitement and fuel interest in reuniting the bond with our partner school, Mukono. Harry Wilkinson

As York House Captains, we are looking forward to leading students of York into the upcoming events such as House Music and House Summer Sports. The two of us promise nothing less than full commitment and

enthusiasm regarding the following year ahead of us! We are looking forward to getting to know all of you, encouraging and supporting you as best as we can!

Adhi Sudheer and Kirk Gaitskell-Kendrick

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Hi! We are Kristin and Sam and we have been in Stuart since Year 7. We are really delighted to be elected as your House Captains. We have both participated in every House event and are look forward to doing them again, this time lead-

ing Stuart House! We are full of enthusiasm for the year ahead - es-pecially with the upcoming House Music and House Summer Sports competitions. Thank you - we hope for a very successful year!

Kristin Smith and Sam Stone

Stuart

Firstly we would both like to thank those of you who voted for us; we are extremely grateful for your support. We are also very excited for the year ahead - looking forward to motivating you all and ensuring that everyone

takes part in all House events. Hopefully his will be a great year for Tudor with some important wins!

Dom Sturgis and Georgia Norris

Tudor

York

Hello Windsor House! We are delighted to be your House Captains this year and we look forward to working hard, bringing the House together. We hope that we can get as many of you involved

with House activities as possible and win many competitions along the way. We trust that we can inspire you to share our enthusiasm and drive to do well this year. The other houses should watch this space. Ollie Michell and Harry Ogden

Windsor

Hi guys! Nick and Harry here, and we are really thankful to you for voting us in as your new House Captains. We are looking forward to working with all of you in Hanover House as a team, in order to get everyone participating and winning

everything. I hope the other Houses are feeling lucky, because against team Hanover, they are going to need it.

Nick Brown and Harry Barham

Hanover

I am Rasmi and I joined County School this year …. and I'm Rachel and have been in Lancaster since Yr7. I have been involved with most House Events (though maybe not sports!). Throughout the last few years

Lancaster has been improving, even at times gaining some first places! However, this year, through the team work and cooperation of the leaders, we will destroy the opposition. Thank you TEAM LANCASTER for voting for us. Rasmi Merie and Rachel Dauncey

Lancaster

New House Captains take up the gauntlet!

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s Passing Mock Court Judgements Malaika Shouly (Defence Lawyer)

Lawrence Sutton (Defence Lawyer)

Hora Behenejad (Defendant)

Meg Ginsberg (Defence Witness)

Leah Elrick (Prosecution Lawyer)

Ella Darragh (Prosecution Witness)

Isabel Lockhart (Prosecution Witness)

Lucey Davey (Prosecution Lawyer)

Erik Persson (Magistrate)

Ellie Harvey-Williams (Magistrate)

Tom Triggs (Legal Adviser/Usher)

Dagmar Fredborg (Magistrate)

Maddy Thacker (Court Artist)

A team of Year 9s represented GCS at the Magistrates Court Mock Trial

Competition held at Guildford Magistrates Court on Saturday 19th March

2016. The team received excellent feedback on all their performances

and came runners up overall, out of 6 schools. The team retained the

Surrey Shield as the top school in the County and won a second place

prize of £150.00.

Mock Trial Competition 2016

Democracy - a beautiful thing

‘When you leave here today,

I want you to find the time to study everything that you believe in,

Why you love what it is you love,

The heart of why it is you believe it.

Find out why, keep asking why,

Until the doubts can no longer trouble you.

Keep those beliefs strong.

Make them a part of you.

Say; “This is me, and this is why.”

Because whether it’s from abroad or home-grown,

The bane of any extremist movement

Is a convincing argument for a hopeful future.

And if we can have that, an electorate that knows what it believes in,

And can tell us clearly why,

Then we shall have a Democracy that we can truly defend.’

Taken from speech given by Will Lawson Yr13

Profound and concluding thoughts from

Senior House Public Speaking 2016

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As we fast approach the exam season, I’m reminded of two television programmes which caught my attention during the summer holidays last year – Are Our Kids Tough Enough? Chinese School and School Swap. In Chinese School a class of 30 students from a school in Hampshire were taught the core subjects, for a period of 6 weeks, using traditional Chinese styles of teaching,. Concurrently another set of 30 students were taught the same core content, however using what we would describe as ‘modern’ teaching methods. At the end of the six-weeks, each set of students was tested and the results compared.

In School Swap, four students, from a high-achieving private school in Wiltshire, paired up with four students from a state comprehensive in the north of England. Each group, along with their Head Teacher, spent a week in the others school.

What struck me about both programmes was the fierce competition that awaits our students when they enter the global workplace. Our students will compete for positions around the world against the very highest achieving students.

In the past year I have also been inspired by the educational research of John Hattie. Hattie carried out a 15 year meta-analysis of over quarter of a billion students worldwide; this enabled him to identify what really aids student achievement in schools. At the very top of his list is Student Expectations. In essence, a student will perform best when they have the confidence and belief in themselves to do well.

Both programmes, along with Hattie’s research, helped to inspire the Aspirational Target Setting Programme, which students in Stuart House have undertaken this academic year. In September, each student in Stuart set a target for the number of Outstanding Commitment Grades they wished to achieve in their first Interim Report. They were instructed that they had to be aspirational, with a minimum target of five. Following each Interim Report, students are interviewed to discuss their progress and set a new target for their next report. House Assemblies are used to celebrate and reward outstanding achievements, as well as to motivate the rest of the House. Ultimately, the core aim of the Aspirational Target Setting programme is to en-courage students to have high aspirations, as it is our role, as teachers, to ensure that students leave County with a sense of self-belief that will enable them to excel on the global stage!

Daryl Bond – Head of Stuart House Foc

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Year 12 Chemists Nick Brown and Rachel Dauncey have done Guildford County School Chemistry Department proud, by achieving a Silver and Bronze Certificate respectively in the 2015 Chemistry OIympiad. The UK Chemistry Olympiad is an extremely challenging competition. Six Yr12 students competed in Round One, which was a written test, with questions based on real-world chemistry problems. These questions stimulate much debate, raising awareness of what chemistry is all about, whilst also giving students an opportunity to develop and showcase some of the skills required for studying Chemistry at university and beyond. Mention also goes to Lucas Joel, Joe Taylor and Owen Kennedy for participating in the challenge.

Joyce Kahwa, Director of Science

Nick Brown and Rachel Dauncey

collect silver & bronze certificates

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F oreign Films evoke the inner child, educate

minds, burn smaller fires, house homelier heroes,

expose the exotic, blend poetry with philosophy, lessen

the predictable, open eyes wide, deal in the real,

languish in landscapes …Love Foreign Films

Foreign Film Society continues

Coming up next and last two of the season …

Xavier is a French university student who moves to Barcelona to learn Spanish, in order to secure a desirable job. Residing in a house with other young Europeans of varied nationalities, Xavier has a life-altering experience living in such an international environment.

L'Auberge Espagnole received its world premier at the 2002 Cannes Film Festival, and went on to earn prizes at the 2002 Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, the 2003 Lumière Awards, and the 2003 César Awards.

Thursday May 12 @ 7:00pm in HRT

On a break before his last semester of medical school, Ernesto "Che" Guevara travels with his friend, Alberto Granado, from Brazil to Peru by motorcycle. The two men soon witness the great disparities in South America, encountering the poverty and observing the exploitation of labor by wealthy industrialists. When they reach a leper colony in Peru, Ernesto's values have changed so much that he sides with the sufferers, forgetting his own comfort.

Thursday June 9 @ 7:00pm in HRT

St Guilhem le Désert

Sur Le Pont D’Avignon

In March 17 students and 3 teachers flew to Montpellier in the south of France for the return part of the French exchange. All students spent a week with the family of the French student they had hosted in December in Guildford. They spent the weekend with their host family but during the week there were visits to Avignon, St Guilhem Le Desert and Montpellier, as well as a morning spent in school. Here are some comments about the fun and challenging moments from the trip.

‘I enjoyed the weekend with the family because I had to practice my French (especially with Alexia's little sister). We played games such as Trivial Pursuit. I also enjoyed the trip to St Guilhem Le Désert because we were chatting in a mixture of languages’ Charlie Longley Yr 10.

‘I was nervous about the food because I am really fussy, but I tried everything they gave me, and although there were some things I really didn't like (scallops), other things I loved, like an amazing potato pancake which I could have eaten every day. In Avignon I had some tart au citron ice cream which was delicious. The hardest thing was the first night, being on my own without anyone to talk to in English, and not knowing the family at all - how they did things, where I should go etc and not being confident enough yet to ask’ Mallie Waterfield Yr 9

‘I really enjoyed the whole experience of having to speak another language. I really liked the free time that we had at the weekend with our families because we did a lot of fun activities’ Alex Smith Yr 8

‘On the exchange I enjoyed spending time with the family and getting a taste of French education. A challenging part was being sick in a different country to my parents’ Juliette Reid Yr 8

‘I had an amazing time on the French exchange. Best bits: trying lots of new food (some of it good, some of it not so good...!), spending time with my French exchange, her family and dog and going to Montpellier. The hardest bit: replying in French and speaking with confidence’ Zoe Walker Yr 9

‘I enjoyed the day at Avignon because we had a very interesting tour around the Pope’s palace and we learned why the Pope had lived there. I practised lots of new French and became more confident speaking it. However I found it difficult to speak in French to the family the whole time.’ Jack Faulkner Yr 8

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Women in Rugby.. On Saturday 16th April 28 girls from Guildford County went to Wembley

Stadium to watch Saracens play Harlequins. The game was exhilarating and

the girls were able to see top class rugby being played.

This was inspirational for the girls who have being playing rugby for the school team

this year and also for those who came along to see what rugby is all about - it was

the biggest event that most have been to, with 80,650 supporters attending the

match.

Girls’ rugby training has been running at GCS since the beginning of this academic

year and it is growing, not only in participation levels but also ability; over 20 girls

attend training on a weekly basis.

The girls are very lucky to have England Women’s International, Leanne Riley,

coaching at school for 6 weeks. This is a great opportunity for the girls to see what

hard work and determination can lead to. It opens up their minds to see that, whilst

being a professional sportswoman takes a lot of commitment, it is also achievable

and, if sport is their thing, they can turn it into a career.

It is really important that our girls have successful female role models to aspire to

and help encourage them to fulfil their dreams.

Girls’ rugby training takes place every Wednesday after school; all girls are

welcome. Fiona Beaumont Physical Education Teacher and Girls Rugby Coach

Premiership Rugby Trip Saracens v Harlequins at Wembley Stadium

A stunning afternoon at Urnfield saw both our Yr9 and Yr11 football squads beat Rodborough School in the final of the Guildford District League Cup. After solid performances in their semi-finals, both teams went into the games confident of performing well.

The Yr9 squad have had a great season, with an unbeaten record which they should be extremely proud of. With their usual combination of flair, determination and reliability, they played some great football. The width from Mackenzie and Holden, combined with the combative midfield partnership of Stephenson and Goulden, created an early 2-0 lead, from which they never looked back. They lifted the Guildford League Cup for the first time! Goals from McKenzie and Newman.

The Yr11 squad have had an up and down season, performing superbly in their debut season in the English Schools FA Cup, but they struggled in the early rounds of the County Cup leading to an early exit. However, for this team, vengeance was what they were after this year. Having lost on penalties last year in the final to Rodborough, Year 11 started nervously, conceding to a fine strike from 20 yards from an impressive midfielder. It then became a test of character, and who wanted it more; just before half time, Lintott continued his fine goal scoring form to equalize. An end to end game led to the final whistle with a 1-1 draw....extra time and memories of the previous year started to kick in. GCS continued to pepper the target, with good saves coming from the Rodborough goalkeeper. Final whistle and penalties - never a nice occasion, but this year GCS came out on top in sudden death. Up stepped Lucas Flanders who tucked the penalty away to keepers left to secure the League Cup for the first time! Jubilation and celebration followed for what has been an incredible year for this year group—superb tribute to their commitment and dedication throughout their time at County.

The PE department are extremely proud of our students - the only school to win two football trophies in the District .... but then we are not the type to brag! Do

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County Netball

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Well done girls!

Yr9 Champions!

Yr11 Champions and their supporters!

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Thank you

It was with deep sadness that Guildford County School Community learned of the tragic death of Grant Broster, father to Max in Yr7.

Rachel and Max have sent the following message:

‘We would like to thank all of the County School family for helping Max through this difficult time and for the many kind and comforting messages, thoughts and prayers we have received. It has made a huge difference to be a part of this supportive community. We are also grateful to, and humbled by, all those who have contributed, so generously, to the JustGiving site through which more than £8000 has been donated in support of the voluntary search organisation, Surrey Search and Rescue. To help these dedicated individuals in their future work, the school will be arranging a mufti day next half term, including an assembly presentation by the inspiring volunteers’

Surrey Search and Rescue (SSAR) is a registered non-profit society devoted to the recovery of missing persons. The team is made up of volunteers and perform:

Ground search and rescue

Rope rescue

Mountain rescue

Swift water rescue

Inland water rescue

Evidence searches

Evacuation assistance

Spotting and tracking

These search and rescue volunteers provide vital support to our community in times of emergency.

Dates for the Diary:

May 07 Funk Night

May 12 KS3 Concert

May 12 Foreign Film Society ‘L’Auberge Espagnol’

May 13 Yr11 Prom -

May 13 Yr11 and 12 Study Leave begins

May 27 Yr13 Study Leave begins

Friends of GCS

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Friends - Looking for treasure(r) The Friends of GCS is a friendly group of volunteers who work together to support the activities of the school. We aim to provide a social link between parents and the school and to raise funds that can be used to buy items of real benefit to the school. The Friends, run through a committee, warmly welcome new members - even if you can only spare the time to enjoy one of our many events, we would be delighted to see you at any of our meetings or activities. We are currently looking for a new Treasurer of the Friends - all enquiries welcome - no book-keeping or accounting background is required. If you are numerate, well-organised and fine with Excel, this could be the role for you! The Treasurer’s role is not too onerous - it only involves about 2-3 hours a month, plus around 8 hours for the Xmas fair. It’s a great way of adding to your CV while contributing vital skills to benefit the school and its students. We would love to welcome a new Treasurer at our get-together in May, so please get in touch with us at gcsfriends@guildfordcounty.co.uk if you have any questions or would like to put yourself forward. Thank you. What we have achieved - together In 2015 alone, the Friends raised close to £10,000. With this, we made a substantial contribution towards the new minibus and purchased DSLR cameras and enlargers, table tennis tables, portable goalposts, headphones and 3D printer software. In 2016, we’ve already purchased a digital weather station, microscopes and vital equipment required for Food Technology.

Be part of it in 2016/2017 – an exciting year for County The next Friends AGM is taking place in the HRT Room on Monday 19th September 2016 – all are welcome. In the meantime, please feel free to get in touch anytime – you can join us for any of our events or meetings – all listed on the Friends section of the school website. Thank you for your support! The Friends of GCS

Countdown to Funk Night Only 8 sleeps ‘til Funk Night! It promises to be a great night of delicious food, good company and fantastic music, courtesy of our very own Funk Band. The dress code is ‘uptown funky’. There will be a licensed bar and ‘music-only’ tickets are still available, right up to the night itself – just send your cheque and form to the School Office by Friday 7th May.