As a school we try to reward students on a regular basis - postcards, credits, certificates, students of the week are all given out to those who make that little extra effort. We all value being recognised for what we achieve.

It was a fantastic experience for me to be invited by the Mayor of London to attend a special reception at City Hall when The Urswick School was inducted as a member

of the London Schools Gold Club. We are one of only 53 London secondary schools to be given this honour. Urswick was awarded Gold Club Status for ‘achieving exceptional outcomes for all pupils whatever their circumstances’. This is a tribute to all of our staff, governors and students. ‘Exceptional outcomes’ come about as a result of exceptional hard work and dedication to our young people.

We are not afraid to do things differently - Urswick remains the only secondary school in the country to offer all students a free school lunch, for example. We always put our students’ best interests at the heart of what we do, even at the expense of our own League Table position; it is all too easy to grasp the latest ‘quick fix’ being proposed by government or external organisations.

We still have numerous appeals against some of our exam grades going ‘through the system’. Unfortunately almost everyone has lost trust and belief in the accuracy of examination marking. It is no longer possible to compare one year’s grades with another because of the numerous changes to different syllabuses and exam papers.

Under the guise of rasing standards, politicians and the independent schools sector have interfered in our examinations system to such an extent that we no longer trust that system. This is then used as an excuse to make yet more changes, not to restore an exam system that was once the envy of the world. Crude League Table measures are then used to unfairly criticise schools whose results fall. It is up to the most successful schools and Headteachers, including Urswick, to expose this muddled thinking which is unfair to every young person taking or preparing to take exams. In this school every child does still matter, and will continue to do so.

Best wishes, Richard Brown, Headteacher

The Urswick School

newsletterOut of Hours Learning TimetableFind out what is on offer this term

Year 7 team building dayTrip to Stubbers Adventure Centre

Aiming for the premier leagueRenea is on the way to realising her dream

Issue 23 – October 2014

London Mayor’s Gold Club

Tricia OkoruwaTricia Okoruwa, Head of Hackney Learning Trust and Director of Education, died on 27th September following a long battle with cancer. Tricia had visited The Urswick School as recently as July 15th and watched a Year 7 lesson in the 4D Pod. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends and colleagues at Hackney Learning Trust.

Gordonstoun scholars

Every year, our Year 11 students are invited to apply for an A Level scholarship at Gordonstoun School, Scotland. Last term, two of our students, Shalise and Aleksandra impressed the interview panel and passed the entrance exam with flying colours.

Shalise is studying English Literature, Psychology and Business Studies, while Aleksandra is studying French, History and Classical Civilisation at the school.

Former Urswick School student Niya Clement-Hickson, who is now in Year 13 at Gordonstoun school, became a Colour Bearer this term (the equivalent of Head Boy) and had the opportunity to interview the Duke of Edinburgh last month, as part of his studies.

Tony Le and Bilikisu Olawale, who gained scholarships at the school two years ago, achieved excellent A Level results this summer. Tony achieved 3 A grades and a B and is now studying Architecture at Oxford. Bilikisu is aiming to study Law and currently taking a gap year.

Congratulations to our Gordonstoun scholars!

Shalise and Aleksandra at Gordonstoun School, Scotland

The clubs listed below are open to all students, unless specified.

Out of Hours Learning Timetable

Media consent formIf you object to your child being photographed or filmed in school for publicity, promotional and educational purposes you must fill out this slip and return it to school by Friday 14th November. If you have no objection to your child being photographed in school you do not need to do anything.

Return to Mr Brown by Friday 14th November.

I object to The Urswick School and agencies working in the school taking photographs and/or filming my child: (print name of child and form group)

Signed: Date:

Print name: Relationship to student:

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

BEFORE SCHOOL

Tchoukball Table Tennis Badminton Volleyball Ultimate Frisbee

Library Open Library Open Library Open Library Open Library OpenMusic Students

Practice (Y10 & Y11)Music Students

Practice (Y10 & Y11)Music Students Practice

(Y10 & Y11)Music Students Practice

(Y10 & Y11)Music Students

Practice (Y10 & Y11)

LUNCHTIME

Ragtime Reeds(all woodwind players)

Basketball Basketball Volleyball Maths Group (Y7 - Y9)

Instrumental Practice (Y7 - Y9)

Fola The Leaders (students taking voice

lessons)

Instrumental Practice (Y7 - Y11)

Instrumental Practice (Y7 - Y11)

Instrumental Practice (Y7 - Y11)

Volleyball Keyboard Club African Drumming Keyboard Club BasketballFootball Football Football Football Football

ICT Room 101 OpenTechnology Open Workshop (Y7 - Y9)

Technology Open Workshop (Y7 - Y9)

ICT Room 101 OpenEAL Club

(all EAL students)Art Open Studio

(Y7 - Y11)Geography Club

(Y7 - Y9)EAL Club

(all EAL students)Technology Open Workshop (Y7 - Y9)

Friday Prayers

Library Open Library Open Library Open Library Open Library Open

EAL Club(all EAL students)

EAL Club(all EAL students)

Chess ClubEAL Club

(all EAL students)

History ClubInstrumental Practice

(Y7 - Y9)

AFTER SCHOOL

EAL (Y7 EAL students)

Extension Maths(selected Y7 students)

Art Open Studios Art Open StudiosEnglish Homework Club

(Y10)

Homework ClubEAL

(Y8 EAL students)EAL

(Y9 EAL students)EAL

(Y10 & 11 EAL students)EAL

(Y10 & 11 EAL students)

Football (Y7) Art Open Studios Homework Club Homework Club Rugby

Football (Y8) Pop ChoirEnglish Homework Club

(Y7 - Y9)Coding Club

(Y7 - Y9)Basketball (Y12 & Y13)

Table Tennis Library Open FitnessScience Homework Club

(Y7 - Y9)Library Open

Trampoline Girls’ Football Roller Skating

Football (Y10 & Y11) Basketball (Y7 - Y9) Football (Y9)

Art Open StudiosDrama Club

(Y7 - Y9)Badminton

Samba Club ICT Homework Club Street DanceLiteracy Support Fitness (Y10 - Y13) Football (Y12 & Y13)

Handwriting ClubAS/A2 Bar Mock Trials workshop (Y12 & 13)

Handball

Library Open Literacy SupportAS/A2 Psychology support

(Y12 & Y13)Handwriting Club Literacy Support

Library Open Handwriting ClubLibrary Open

There is a separate, compulsory lesson 6 timetable Year 10 and 11 students. These lessons change half-termly.

Akiva, Ta’Sharn, Kariella and Yen are invited to visit the Parlour

of Councillor Sharon Patrick, the Speaker of Hackney

An invitation to visit the Speaker’s parlour

In August, Akiva and I were asked to speak at Hackney’s commemoration of the start of Word War 1. To give us inspiration for our speeches, we were invited by one of the organisers, Nicola, to visit the Imperial War Museum. This was very exciting as I had never been there before. As soon as we walked in, you could see so many war artefacts, which were very interesting. Some were really poorly structured which gave you sense of how difficult the war was.

We decided to write poems about the war, which we read at the commemoration. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, despite it being nerve wracking to speak aloud.

A month and a bit down the line, and to thank us for our involvement, we were invited to the Speaker of Hackney’s parlour, in the Town Hall, which was really nice as it is a place you would never usually go into. The Speaker’s parlour reminded me slightly of The President of the US’s office. It was very grand and a great opportunity, which I am grateful for.

Written by Kariella Francis, Year 13

Visit our website to see more photographs and read Kariella and Akiva’s poems: www.theurswickschool.co.uk

A message from Father Rob, Rector of Hackney

I have just returned from a brief visit to Ely in Cambridgeshire. Ely is a special place for me, as the Cathedral has a very special link to St John at Hackney. We try to learn from each other’s contexts something of God’s activity and love for both rural Cambridgeshire and inner city Hackney.

Last year, we took a group from St John’s to the cathedral for their Harvest Festival, which was such fun. Yes we were

surrounded by the usual tine of tomatoes and packets of pasta which were being collected for the Ely Foodbank (in the same way that our Harvest collection goes to the Hackney Foodbank), but we were also surrounded in the cathedral by sheep, chickens, carrots and potatoes which were brought in as a clear reminder that this was the work of many local people.

I have a loud voice, but I did not expect on that occasion to be competing with bleats and clucks! But what of St John at Hackney - what is our harvest? Does success look like a numerically growing church (which we are) or is our harvest more subtle than that? I am convinced that our harvest as a Christian community is about how we relate to those who are hurting in our community, perhaps through death, debt, lack of housing or lack of support.

But then, what of our school, and you, the individuals who make up a school community? Does the harvest look like good GCSE and A Level results and full classes? Well yes, but it is also more subtle than that. Our harvest may concern how we care and support each other, and how we enter fully into school life, eager to learn and eager to receive the incredible opportunities that our fantastic teachers bring. I shall be praying for you this harvest, not only that you will be doing your best academically, but also that, as Jesus has taught, you may find life at Urswick - life in all its fullness. This is a good harvest.

Fr Rob

Jeans for Genes DayOn Friday 19th

September, Sixth Form Academy students took part in Jeans for Genes Day, a national campaign which raises money to change the world for children with all types of genetic disorders.

Millions of people across the UK made a donation to wear their jeans to work or school and Mr Brown gave only Sixth Form students permission to come to school wearing jeans, in order to support the charity. Each student donated a generous amount of money, which will be used to buy equipment and fund research into genetic disorders.

This Jeans for Genes Day was highly successful, as it is every year at the Urswick Sixth Form. The students, staff and Headteacher really take pride in helping others that are not as fortunate as they are. We hope our efforts and contributions will change the lives of fellow human beings that are suffering with genetic disorders.

Thank you to the students, staff and Mr Szlosarek who coordinated the event.

Written by Mohammed Garasia, Year 12

Keeping hydratedPlease encourage your child to bring a bottle of

water to school with them.

Cans of drink are not allowed and anything other

than water can only be consumed in the canteen.

Kariella and Akiva read their poems at Hackney’s

commemoration of the start of World War 1

It was Friday 26th October when 160 Year 7 students made their first excursion as members of The Urswick School community to Stubbers Adventure Centre in Upminister, Essex.

The students were excited by the prospect of participating in a range of activities, such as abseiling, grass sledging, rock climbing and orienteering. For each activity, students were instructed on how to use specialised equipment and given advice, guidance and support on how to improve their technique.

Cosmo Siddons, 7TAB, commented: “We learned a wide range of skills, from map reading to archery. We had to work as a team to help each other climb up walls without ropes and balance giant platforms with our weight. In archery, we were taught to shoot arrows from bows and had to perfect our technique in less than an hour”.

Trimane Ricketts, 7TAB, added: “I found the trip completely amazing! We learned, yes I said learned, the full meaning of the word team. We all know a lot more abut our classmates now”.

Jakah Fofana, 7TAB felt that the day brought everyone together, saying: “I learned not to be afraid to say when you’re scared of something. I think the whole of Year 7 will be a team now’.

Written by Vanya Riley, Head of Year 7, with help from students in 7TAB

Year 7 team building day at Stubbers Activity Centre

E-Safety: What is Snapchat?Snapchat, just like Messenger or WhatsApp, is a messaging application which allows users to exchange text, pictures, short videos and even have a video chat. In Snapchat, everything sent to another user is called a Snap, and anyone viewing a Snap can see this for up to 10 seconds. It then disappears from the screen - unless the viewer decides to keep it by taking a screenshot, or using a separate camera.

Below are some questions and answers to help parents to find out more about Snapchat, and help them deal with issues around Snapchat:

Who is Snapchat for? Snapchat is directed towards upper teens and adults. Minors ages 13-17 should have permission from a parent or legal guardian before using Snapchat. Snapchat is not intended for children under the age of 13.

My child is under the age of 13 and has a Snapchat account, is that okay? If your child is under the age of 13 and has created a Snapchat account, the account must be deleted in accordance with Snapchat’s Terms of Use (www.snapchat.com/terms) by going to www.snapchat.com/a/delete_account and entering your child’s username and password.

What are the risks in using Snapchat? Like any media-sharing service, Snapchat can be used for harassment, etc. It can be particularly hurtful if that happens, because Snapchat is typically used among friends (or at least people who have each other’s username or phone number).

What should your child keep in mind when using Snapchat? All users need to take an active role in protecting their privacy and safety, and to help others by practising good digital citizenship. If they have any issues with a user they should either report this to their parents or speak to a teacher. The most important thing to remember is that everything said online is traceable.

For more information regarding Snapchat and parental advice visit www.snapchat.com

Oktay Sahbaz, ICT Teacher and E-Safety Coordinator

The official Urswick School scarf

is on sale at reception for £5.

If a student wishes to wear a scarf to

school it should be a school scarf.

Students will be expected to take their

scarves off in lessons; non school

scarves will be confiscated and

returned at the end of the day.

School scarf

Year 7 students take part in team building activities at Stubbers Activity Centre

Harvest with a twist

The Urswick School marked autumn’s Harvest celebrations with a very particular act of reflection. Harvest is a time for being thankful for all the good things we have in our lives (historically, harvest was an old word for ‘autumn’ and was the time of year when farmers would reap all the crops they had grown that year).

The school provided a hamper of gifts (with a little help from Tesco, Morning Lane, who gave a voucher towards food), which will be distributed amongst the Foodbanks in Hackney. Chaplain Heather Atkinson led her first school service in St Augustine’s Chapel, with an act of thanksgiving.

Students filled out cards, including one thing they were thankful for, and a Harvest “gift” they could offer. Unlike the traditional tins and packets of pasta lining our Harvest hamper, these could be the gift of time, for a friend in need, help around the house with the chores, or simply saying “Thank You” more often. All students were given the opportunity to reflect in their RE lessons, and the results were displayed around the canteen as the students tucked into their lunch.

Richard Aubrey, RS Teacher and Ethos and Values Coordinator

National Poetry DayOn Thursday 2nd October, The Urswick school celebrated National Poetry Day. This began with teachers sharing their favourite poems via displays around the school. Students across Key Stage 3 celebrated in fine style by reciting poems in the Urswick’s Poetry Slam.

Many of the poems performed had been written by the children themselves and touched on topics and genres as far reaching as unrequited love, vampires and Tom and Jerry!

The Slam, which took place after school on the ground floor of the Watson building, attracted an enthusiastic audience of students and teachers who were treated to the spoken word, delivered with enthusiasm, sensitivity and humour.

It was an enjoyable event that showcased the talents of many of the budding poets we have in the school.

Chantelle Sargeant, Head of English

Hackney Youth Parliament

Every student was given a taste of democracy in action on Friday 10th October, as voting took place for the Hackney Youth Parliament 2014-16. Hackney Youth Parliament aims to represent the views of young people in Hackney to decision-makers in the Council and in public services such as the Police, health services and housing providers.

Students were given time to review the manifesto pledges of the 17 candidates standing in Hackney South (our constituency), before voting during PSHCE time. Students in our Year 12 A-Level Government and Politics class advised Key Stage 3 students on the voting process, and registered voters at the ballot boxes.

It is an important time to be thinking about democracy, as we enter a General Election year. This vote marks the start of a series of events at The Urswick School building up to the national voting next May.

Richard Aubrey, RS Teacher and Ethos and Values CoordinatorDried Seed Head by Nikola Filar, Year 11

Art

Cor

ner

Year 7 students Kizzie, Rishanti and Rocio give thanks for the Harvest alongside

School Chaplain Heather Atkinson and Mr Aubrey, Ethos and Values Co-ordinator

Students enjoy lunch as Harvest cards are displayed overhead

Students cast their votes as Year 12 Government and Politics students Charlie and

Sohail man the ballot box

Students take part in a Poetry Slam

The Urswick School sportsnews

Sports round-up ■ On Monday 13 October, seven students took part in the Lee

Valley Velopark Schools’ Festival. The group tried all four cycling disciplines on offer: BMX, Mountain Biking, Track Cycling and Road Cycling.

■ The Year 10 and 11 boys athletics team took part in the Lee Valley Indoor Cup at Lee Valley Athletics Centre on Wednesday 1st October. There were some excellent performances, most notably from Joshua Gibbons who won the 60m Hurdles and the team finished in 4th place, despite having one team member less than the other schools competing.

■ On Friday 3rd October, Mr Bennett and Ms Kelly took some Sixth Form and Year 11 GCSE PE students to The Copper Box, at the Olympic Park, to watch the London Lions play against the Bristol Flyers in the top division of the English Basketball League. Staff and students had a great time and were not disappointed when London emerged as eventual winners at the end of the game!

■ The Sportshall Athletics season has got off to a flying start. The Year 7 and 8 boys and girls teams are half way through the Hackney Sportshall Athletics Championships, having completed two of the four scheduled competitions. All teams currently standing in second place, apart from the Year 8 girls who are leading the way. Noticeable performances came from Omo Agbomabiwon, 8LOH, and Toyosi Stephen, 7MAT, both winning the long distance six lap races. Good luck in the next two competitions!

Compiled by Keith Bennett, Head of PE Department, and Matthew Williams, 2nd i/c of PE Department

Dates for your diaryAutumn Term 2014: Half Term: Monday 27 to Friday 31 October 2014Finish: Friday 19 December 2014

■ Year 7, 11 and 13 Progress Day: Friday 24 October 2014(no timetabled lessons for students)

■ Year 10 and 11 Coursework Support Days: Thursday 20 and Friday 21 November (no school for Years 7 and 8; Year 9 sitting exams; normal lessons for Years 12 and 13) ■ Year 11 Mock Exams: Monday 8 - Thursday 18 December

School dates for the rest of the year are available on our website: www.theurswickschool.co.uk

Swimming at the London Aquatics Centre On Friday 24th October, 15 Year 8 and 9 students will go swimming at the London Aquatics Centre on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Students must be able to swim at least 25 metres unaided, as the session is not a “learn to swim” opportunity and places are allocated on a first come first served basis – half for girls and half for boys.

The Urswick School is a member of the Go! Schools Network, which gives our students the opportunity to use the facilities at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, as part of the Olympic Legacy.

There will be two further opportunities for students to swim at the Centre in November, so watch this space!

Keith Bennett, Head of PE Department

Students take part in the Lee Valley Velopark Schools’ Festival

Aiming for the premier leagueI know many boys in the school who aspire to be Premiership footballers, but there is one girl in Year 8 who is well on her way to this dream. Here is Renea’s story:

“Hi, my name is Renea Jarrett and I love playing football. I play every day of the week and only have one rest day on a Thursday. When I grow up I hope that girls football gets as much media attention and coverage as the mens game.

As I grow up, I want my focus to be on football, but I would also like to work part time as a Paramedic. I am hoping to gain a scholarship through football so that I can show the world that girl footballers are as good as the boys!

Right now I play for Tottenham, Islington and I also attend a Player Development Centre. I have also recently been selected to play for London Schools. We have a tournament against other counties during the half term holiday. One day I hope to play for England Women and take our country to World Cup glory. My favourite Women’s player is Kelly Smith. She’s played in America and for Arsenal. She’s really skilful and scores amazing goals. She grew up competing with the boys and was better than most players at her school. One day I hope to be as good as her. My family are really proud of me, as I’m doing well in my football and my education”.

Anyone who’s seen Renea play will realise that she can definitely hold her own with the boys and is a real talent for the future. If there are any girls who are interested in getting involved in playing for a team then speak to Renea or a member of the PE team.

Louisa Seymour, PE Teacher and Assistant Headteacher

Renea plays for Tottenham and Islington football clubs

The Urswick School is a member of the Go! Schools Network