autumn term deputy headteachers ’ message · 2018-12-21 · cv will help me to make my cv stand...

Stockland Green SchoolAutumn Newsletter 2018

Eistockfod: A celebration of all things Stockland Green!

This year our normal celebrations and awards event took on a slight twist: Stockland Green’s all new creative event saw the whole school

involved! This ambitious event was inspired by the famous Welsh celebration known as Eisteddfod, however, of course this one was

customised to fit our wonderful school and students. Deputy Headteacher, Mrs Goode commented: “The goal of Eistockfod was to

allow students to be involved in a positive competitive opportunity and to show loyalty and belonging with their house group. Many of

our students went above and beyond to belong to the winning house.” The theme of Eistockfod was Children’s Rights, which is very

much in keeping with the values and ethos of Stockland Green School. The event was a wonderful celebration of creativity and diversity.

With categories ranging from creative writing, poetry, art, photography, digital animations, baking, cake decorations, music and

dance, all of our students were able to demonstrate their talents.

The deadline, 5th December, saw streams of students bringing an astounding array of entries from every tutor group. All students were

asked to enter two categories but many went far beyond that and really demonstrated their commitment and dedication to their school.

It was a wonderful evening with a fantastic atmosphere. Deputy Headteacher, Mr Castle commented, “Our students are what makes

Stockland Green School a special place for those who work and study

Excellence is always rewarded

54 students and their families were invited to attend this term’s celebration evening.

Ethan Cherrington, Year 11, was recognised for his outstanding contribution to school life with the

Headteacher’s Award. Mr Castle, presenting the award, spoke of Ethan’s composed, diligent attitude.

Receiving progress awards were Year 11 Jay Ferrarah, Year 8 Hafsa Mohammud and Year 9 Katie Cotterill for

outstanding effort and “grace” in all that they have done at Stockland Green School.

Half house colours were also awarded to a number of students for consistent participation in house events and support of the school. These students are role models to

others and exemplify the Stockland Green Standard.

Autumn Term Deputy Headteachers’ message

Autumn term has seen a continuation of the celebratory mood established by our wonderful examination results. We have seen numerous opportunities for students to showcase their creativity both in and out of the classroom, whilst also having Wellbeing Week and rolling programmes which allow students to be fully equipped to make safe, healthy, positive choices.

New initiatives have been launched to enhance knowledge retention across curriculum subjects and deeper learning of subject content. Knowledge organisers will enable students to be mature learners, developing their independence and resilience. We have had a sharp focus on careers provision this term through both Citizenship and external providers, including interview days, careers fairs and increased provision for guidance into future careers.

We continue to be proud of our young people and what they achieve each and every day, and on behalf of the Stockland Green family, we wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Mr Castle and Mrs Goode, Deputy Headteachers


Ei’Stock’Fod Winners

Festive Decoration

1st – Patrick MacNulty 7RA

1st – Tyler Davis 10TB

Festive Card

1st – Heesha 8TB

1st – Hayqa Jahangir 10RA

Art

1st – Memoona Asghar 8CB

1st – Daniel 9TB

Photography

1st – Shelbie Styles 8TA

1st – Zoe Luckman 10RA

Animation

1st – Charlie O’Neill 7CA

Creative Writing

1st – Hafsah Mohamud 8RA

1st – Alaynah Qaisar 10RB

Bake Off

1st – Daniel Dalton 8RB

Poetry

1st – Sharmina 8TA

1st – Muhammed Qasim 10TA

Cake Design

1st – Antony 11RA

Music

1st – Miranda Langton 9TA


Wellbeing Week at Stockland Green School

Stockland Green School celebrated its second Wellbeing Week in the week beginning 12th November. Student wellbeing and their understanding of the world around them is incredibly important and as such an innovative and ambitious programme was arranged for students. Underpinning this was the theme of ‘Respect’ which linked together the centenary of Armistice Day with the national Anti-bullying campaign.

Happiness Rocks at SGS!

Deputy Head, Rebecca Goode commented, “Nothing is more important to us than our students’ wellbeing. A happy student is a productive student.” Indeed, Year 7, 8 and 9 all took part in a rotation of activities which included designing and painting happiness rocks with messages for the lucky people who find them. Students took part in mental health and wellbeing workshops with the Health Exchange to reinforce the message that students must look after themselves and seek support if they are in difficulties. Year 8 T&L Leader, Corey Holder commented, “I feel safe and secure at Stockland Green School and now I know there is lots of support out there if I should ever need it.”

A Rights Respecting School

Students also learned about what a Rights Respecting school is and does and learned about where the convention of rights for children came from and what it means to them.

Defining your own destiny

Year 9 and 10 students were treated to an inspirational lecture from Hezron from the NCS who wowed students with his own story in which he outlined how was he able to turn a corner from his troubled adolescence to a successful and happy adult life. Female students worked with the Precious Trust to raise their aspirations and male students met Alison Cope, the mother of a victim of knife crime, to reinforce the message about making positive choices and the real and serious consequences of making the wrong choices.

Directions and Destinations

Meanwhile, Year 10 were busy preparing themselves for the world of work. Year 10 student and Form Ambassador Anna Sazuze commented, “The interview made me feel really proud and increased my confidence in presenting myself. The feedback on my CV will help me to make my CV stand out for future employers.” Assistant Headteacher and Careers Leader, Rachel Hill, commented: “Our students did themselves proud and really impressed the many employers who met them today.”

Headteacher, Mrs George, summed up the week: “Our students deserve the very best and we believe that they have had a first class experience this week which will help prepare them for their futures. We are already looking forward to our Spring Wellbeing Week!” Mrs Hill, Assistant Headteacher, Tame House


Houses of Parliament visit

Each year, Jack Dromey oranises a youth parliament and invites schools of Erdington to discuss his upcoming youth manifesto. Five lucky Year 10 students: Milly Savin, Sophia Bailey, Hayqa Jahangir, Komul and Bilal Chrakie, were selected to be taken down to London to visit the Houses of Parliament. On arrival they were welcomed by Erdington’s MP Jack Dromey who gave them a tour of the building and showed students iconic spots where famous people had stood. The day consisted of debating various topics such as education, mental health and youth clubs with other secondary schools, sixth forms and college students in the Houses of Commons. Their feedback was collected to inform Jack Dromey’s manifesto. The students were even given a speech by the speaker, John Bercow on aspirations and chasing dreams, no matter what your social background was. The students were interviewed by ITV News on the events of the day and we look forward to hosting the next Youth Parliament at Stockland Green School in mid-January.

Miss Vernon’s thoughts on Houses of Parliament: “The day was a fabulous opportunity for students to network with other schools and meet MP Jack Dromey to put forward ideas for the Erdington Youth Manifesto.” Sophia Bailey and Milly Savin , Press Gang - Year 10

School production: Tales of Narnia – The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

On December 4th and 5th, audiences were treated to a spectacular evening of entertainment thanks to the hard work and dedication of the CAPA faculty and a wonderful group of

students.

Setting the Christmas mood, the Pevensie children were believable as the troubled little war-time evacuees. Peter and Edmund argued and disagreed as Peter tried to lead his

family and be the sensible one. Miranda Langdon perfectly showed his natural leadership and bravery as well as his frustrations. Ceana Hussain also brought Susan to life as a

motherly, whilst also rebellious young woman. Will Hopwood sulked, brooded and sulked some more as the petulant Peter and Charlotte (year 8) was energetic and innocent as

young Lucy.

Milly Savin showed her acting talents as she took on a range of roles including Mr Tumnus and Maugrim. Kiera Roche as the White Witch was fierce and commanding as she

heartlessly murdered everyone’s favourite lion: Aslan. Emma Watts was also excellent as the professor.

The teachers couldn’t resist taking to the stage and Mr McCarthy donned the lion suit to be Aslan whilst Mr Crawford was woefully too thin to be the real Santa Claus yet convinced the

younger members of the audience as he came to reward the Pevensey children with the tools they would need to overcome the White Witch.

Mrs Lee, Head of CAPA Faculty, Tame House

Careers Quest

Rea, Tame and Cole recently competed in the Careers Quest to find out as much as they could about the different career paths staff in school had experienced. It was great to see so many students getting involved and even asking our staff about their careers. A special well done to Jessica Burreli in Year 9 who managed to find 18 out of 20 answers. Miss C Quinn Enrichment Leader, Cole House

Eco schools

Stockland Green School has taken the first step to becoming a greener school by putting together the school’s first ‘eco-mmittee’. The committee are looking at tackling some of the school’s environmental faux pas, which will help obtain the bronze eco schools award. The cohort has been assembled by using one representative from each form, to ensure that every student has the opportunity to influence the improvement of the schools environmental impact. Mr Venencia, Enrichment Leader - Rea


Knowledge Organisers ensure that student know knowledge is power!

Leading the way in current pedagogical thinking, Stockland Green School has pioneered Knowledge Organisers in 2018/19. Across the country, educators have recognised the impact of the new style of examinations, brought in from 2017 onwards, which place more importance than ever of the breadth and depth of students knowledge and understanding of their subjects. This means that

the curriculum has become increasingly context rich and the onus is on the students to retain vast amounts of knowledge compared with exams of the past.

Organisation is everything

As such, it has been imperative to find innovative and effective ways to suport students in this new style of learning. The Knowledge organiser works in numerous ways to strengthen our students as learners. Students in Key Stage 3 are supported by

having their Knowledge Organsiers bound for them, but students in Key Stage 4 have to be independent and proactive in arranging their notes meaningfully in a way that benefits their learning.

Chunking and Self quizzing

Students have had assemblies and tutor time in which to learn about the impact of chunked learning. To ensure learning can be retained it is important to separate out material into manageable amounts. By having low stakes testing in class time, students

begin to ensure that they are able to recall key information and ideas. For ILT (Independent learning Tasks) students have to ‘self quiz’to ensure that knowledge is embedded.

Exam technqiue

Students have built confidence in how to prepare for their exams by being taught about techniques such as flash cards, mind maps, revision posters. In this way students are taught valuabe skills which will prepare them well in the future when they revise for terminal examinations. Year 8 student leader, Danielle Capnerhurst commented, “I really enjoy having the independence to

shape my learning in a way that is meaningful and personal to me. It makes me feel more grown up and trusted to make the right decisions about my learning.”

We look forward to seeing Knowledge Organsiers going from strength to stregth as they continue to be embedded in all subjects.

January Expectations: Students will receive updated knowledge oragnisers. It is up to them to add these alongside previous knowledge organisers as they build up their folders.

Please note that we have a Knowledge organsier stall at every parent’s evening if you have any questions or want to find out more!

Mrs Lee, Head of CAPA Faculty, Tame House


Mindfulness

The introductory week of the 10 week mindfulness programme has now been delivered to a group of students consisting mainly of year 11 pupils. The session looked at the idea of the mind being separate from the brain, how emotions and thoughts have physical impacts upon the body and how through practice and consistency the brain can be rewired to help people to train away negative thoughts and feelings. The cohort then took part in two mindfulness practices, which will be built on over the following weeks. After the session was

over 92% of the students present decided that they will find the course beneficial and signed up to continue with the course.

Mr Venencia, Enrichment Leader - Rea

PE and Sports leadership

There are been some fanatic sporting results at Stockland Green this term! Students have been working hard in lessons and gaining house Points at extra-curricular clubs. Follow us on Twitter @STockgrn

Year 8 Football Team: A fantastic 5-2 victory for the year 8 football team against Heartlands! A great team performance with a special mention to hat-trick hero Jack Fox!! Well done boys!

Year 10 Football Team: What an amazing performance by the Year 10 football team! They beat one of the best teams in Birmingham @NBAcademy 3-2.

Sports Leaders excelled at leading the local primary schools in multi skill event at Nechell’s Community Sports centre.

Remembrance

The theme was thank you. There is no better way to celebrate 100 years since WW1 than to say thank you to soldiers of the empire, children, women, the arts and armed forces. During Wellbeing Week many Year 8s went on a trip to the National Memorial Arboretum to pay their respects. We observed the two minutes silence as a school. Across the school remembrance lessons took place and a ‘thank you’ display was created in the humanities SLZ.

Black History Month: During Black History Month we had assemblies to recognise great achievements and inventions. Our history lessons were focused on WW1 officers. English lessons consisted of black poets and authors. Our Math lessons were based on famous black Mathematicians.

Sophia Bailey and Milly Savin , Press Gang - Year 10

Student Leadership

Student leaders applied earlier this term to join one of our leadership teams: Wellbeing, Teaching and

Learning and Form Ambassadors.

Each group has been involved in creating their own ‘roles and responsibilities’ as well as beginning the

project that they will be leading on. Wellbeing leaders have continued to work on their Rights Respecting

Schools Award, Silver. On 20th November they performed their own protest about violations against children’s rights around the world as part of Universal

Children’s Day.

The Teaching and Learning Leaders have been learning more about what is meant by ‘teaching and learning’ as well as being instrumental in helping design and refine the Stockland Green School P.R.ID.E Awards

which will be launched in the Spring term.

The form ambassadors are learning about how to represent the voice of their tutor groups as well as

working with Miss Vuong on the Eco Schools Award to ensure that we are recycling.

Mrs Hill, Assistant Headteacher, Tame House

https://twitter.com/NBAcademy


Macmillan Coffee Morning

On Friday 28th September we held our annual MacMillan coffee morning and bake off House competition. Students from the three houses competed to design and bake an imaginative, creative, show stopping cake. Cakes were also baked by students to sell at the coffee morning and for students to purchase. Everyone who participated in the bake off received Enrichment house points, with the winning bakes earning more.

Competition winners for Cole, Rea & Tame Highly Commended Zulaikha Muradi 7CA, Missy Bembridge 8RA, Fizza Ishaq 7TB & Amaan Tariq 9TB 3rd Place Bethany 8CA, Libby Whelan 8RA, Trina Rai 9TB 2nd Place Tylah 8CB, Leah Turner 8RA, Sienna Parris 7TB 1st Place Kaitlyn Atkins 11CB, Madeline Cottrell 8RA, Zoe Bull 7TA Our coffee morning and bake sale was a magnificent success and we raised a staggering £669.70 for the very worthwhile charity. Rea won the house competition by raising the most money.

Halloween Pumpkins

This year’s Halloween spectacular saw an abundance of creative and innovative pumpkin designs from our students. It was fantastic to see lots of entries coming from our new Year 7s in particular who are embracing

the chance to get involved in lots of enrichment activities across the school. All students who entered were awarded participation points.

Here are some photos of our winning entries:

Rewards: New for 2019

Using a range of student voice, student leadership and staff liaison,

Stockland Green School has recently updated and improved upon the

rewards and Awards policy. This is so that we can ensure recognition of all

students who go above and beyond the Stockland Green Standard every day.

Many of our students do not stop at meeting the daily expectations but

strive to contribute to the wider life of the school community.

Previously we have recognised students who have met expectations with the ‘Aspire Movie’ and a sweet treat at the end of each term. However, as our school goes from strength to strength, so do our students. This policy raises the bar even higher so that we can continue to challenge and reward our students. The new policy gives clear guidelines of what the students are aiming for. We look forward to rewarding many students at gold and silver level as they reach their true potential.

Mrs Goode, Deputy Headteacher.


School Uniform

As many parents will be renewing their children’s uniform over Christmas, we would remind you of our expectations for our female students’ appearance.


Dates for your diary

Spring Term7th January 2019 – 12th April 2019

7th January – INSET Day (School closed to students)

18th February – 22nd February - Half term

8th January - Year 11 Mock exams commence

8th January - Precious Trust: ‘Hear me Roar’

17th/18th January - Year 10 BMET Assemblies

25th January – Year 9 Loudmouth Drama event

11th – 15th February Spring Wellbeing Week

15th February – Year 11 Interview Day

1st March – Teen Immunisations

12th March - Precious Trust: ‘Hear me Roar’

14th March – Year 10 Parent’s Evening

4th April – Year 8 Pathways Evening

Enrichment Cycle After Christmas we have an exciting opening for all Year 7 and 8 students. This is a great opportunity to be immersed in special enrichment opportunities, as they will enhance creativity and knowledge outside of your regular subjects. For Year 7 these enrichment activities will include:

• Movie Animation • Colouring Club • World Affairs • David Attenborough Club • Drama and Improvisation • Video game competitions

For Year 8 these enrichment activities will include:

• Blue Planet • Film Club • Meditation and Mindfulness • Bhangra • Art • Marvel Club

Miss Quinn, Enrichment Leader - Cole

autumn term deputy headteachers ’ message · 2018-12-21 · cv will help me to make my cv stand...

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