SHENLEY BROOK END SCHOOL

SCHOOL NEWS Vol 20 Issue 4 : 15 November 2018

Diary Dates

15 November Year 7 tutor and Parents Evening

16 November Non Uniform Day - Children in Need

19 November Music Scratch Youth Messiah Rehearsal

19 November Year 12 & 13 Economics in Action Trip

19 November Year 8 Lifeskills Drugs Talk with PC Furber

20 November Year 12/13 English in Action Conference

20 November Year 8 Spanish Residential Information Evening

21 November Year 13 PE Trip to Stadium MK

21 November Year 7 - 13 MK Cross Country Championships

21 November Year 9 & 10 Drama Trip to “About a Bank Robbery”

22 November Year 7 - 13 Music St Cecilia’s Day Concert and Rehearsals

22 November Year 8 Language Leaders

23 November Year 13 PE Trip to Loughborough

23 November Year 8 PE Girls EFL Cup

23 November Year 8 Science Network Rail STEM Visit

26 November Year 12 Safe Drive Stay Alive

26 November Year 8 Lifeskills Drugs Talk with PC Furber

27 November Year 10 Lifeskills Trip to Parliament

27 November Year 12 & 13 Computer Science in Action Trip

27 November Year 9 English Speaking Union Churchill Public Speaking

28 November Year 10-12 WRL Health and Social Care Networking

29 November Sixth Form Opening Evening

Welcome

A busy first half term of the year concluded with some very positive highlights. Our Y7

'Dig It!' Musical evening was a great success with over 150 students representing the

school for the first time at a public event. They also enjoyed their Launchpad events

through which we introduce them to the Attitudes aspect of our ASK framework through

the challenge of a team domino rally!

Across the school I'm pleased to say that our elections went well and the School Cabinet

are now elected and beginning the work of reviewing our lunchtime provision and beginning

our fundraising events.

We concluded the half term as a staff with a

very enjoyable and engaging training day in

partnership with our fellow Trust school, The

Hazeley Academy, and with the staff of 5

other schools attending as we shared together

our work on improving the quality of Teaching

and Learning.

Over the last fortnight our thoughts have

turned to Remembrance and it has been very

thought provoking to see the school awash with

tributes, poppies and creative displays in

response to the centenary of the Armistice.

Our remembrance assemblies marked this

centenary in a drama and music adaptation of First World War poetry and music and

concluded with students having the opportunity to reflect upon a grassy bank with one

poppy representing each of our students and in the centre of the school was placed a

silhouette of a First World War soldier, as pictured here. Many thanks to all of the staff

and students who made this powerful event possible.

As well as looking back, we look forward! Our 6th Form open evening takes place on 29

November and I strongly encourage everyone interested in joining our highly successful 6th

form to attend.

Mr Holmwood

Headteacher

LIBRARY NEWS

6th Form Debating Club

Ex-Shenley Brook End student, Emily Wells, now

works for the publishing house, Hodder Education

and is currently conducting research for Hodder’s

revision books for the next academic year. To assist

with her project, she asked if any Year 11 students

were willing to share their experiences of current

revision materials, in the form of a focus group.

10 Shenley Brook End students volunteered for the

group, whilst 5 members of staff also agreed to

telephone interviews on the same topic. Following the participation of these individuals, our

school Library was rewarded with £250 to spend on revision resources. A range of books

will be selected, reflecting the subject areas of those teachers who took part.

LIBRARY NEWS Cont’d

Emily thanked each student who participated in the focus group with a £10 Amazon

voucher, saying,

“… the focus group today…was absolutely brilliant – I have got a lot out of it and it was wonderful to meet so many engaged students. I’m writing up my notes now and planning what we can do to create the ‘ideal’ revision guide.”

Games and Puzzles Lunchtime

Always a popular event, our games and puzzles lunchtime was

well attended by students, from all year groups, participating in

a range of board games and activities. There was some friendly

competition and strategic thinking over chess boards,

battleships and scrabble, and some deep concentration to

complete challenging jigsaws.

Lower School Debating

A number of our Year 8 students will shortly be

taking part in an English Speaking Union public

speaking event. To practice their oracy skills, they

participated in a debate, on the motion, ‘This

House believes euthanasia should be legalised in

the UK’. Abi Moore chaired the debate,

introducing the speakers, and ensuring they kept

to time. Jamila Clare and Ella Taylor proposed the

motion, arguing that euthanasia should be used as

a last resort, under strictly monitored conditions,

to end unnecessary suffering, and an undignified

end to an individual’s life. They spoke of sick animals having their lives shortened, to

alleviate pain, and felt that humans should have that same choice, in extreme circumstances,

where pain relief is insufficient, and quality of life is distressing. Suicide, sometimes chosen

by terminally ill patients in severe anguish, as the only way out, leaves them no dignity and is

very upsetting for loved ones. Euthanasia, by contrast, can be managed and prepared for. A

national poll showed that 85% of adults in the UK were in favour of assisted dying.

LIBRARY NEWS Cont’d

In opposition, Alex Shirley and Jemma Fitzpatrick suggested that euthanasia was unfair for

medical professionals, going against their sworn oath to ‘do no harm’. Equally, it could cover

up incidents where doctors and nurses abuse their position, such as in the notorious case of

GP and serial killer, Harold Shipman. Many suicidal patients have severe mental health issues

and it would not be right to accept their decision for assisted dying, as their judgement

could be affected. The opposition also suggested cures for illnesses are being discovered all

the time, and new, more effective methods of pain relief are being developed. Finally, they

looked at the religious argument that God gives life, and only God has the right to end life.

The proposing team won by one vote.

Parliamentary Debating Competition First Round

Shenley Brook End hosted the first round of the

Parliamentary Debating Competition, run by

Conservative MPs Iain Stewart and Mark Lancaster,

and chaired by Iain’s aide, Festus Akinbusoye. The

LTC welcomed 14 MK secondary schools, from the

North and South, for an exciting and lively evening

of debating. Hawraa Hijazie and Robert Welch, from

Shenley Brook End, won their debate against

Denbigh School on the motion, ‘This House believes

it is morally abhorrent for statues of historical

figures such as Cecil Rhodes and Robert E. Lee to adorn our public spaces.’ They will

progress to the next round for a 3-way debate, with the other semi-finalist teams, on the

evening of Friday 16th November, at the MK Community Foundation, Acorn House. The

motion will be: The rise of 21st Century populism marks the end of 20th Century

globalism, with Shenley Brook End arguing in support of the motion, that nationalism is the

new norm.

Congratulations to Hawraa and Robert, ably supported in their hard work by 6th form

students, Ryan Farebrother and Safia Daryab, and many thanks to Miss Mason and Mr

Patterson-Hayes for their assistance on the evening. The delicious array of refreshments,

provided by Aspens, received many compliments throughout the evening .

Creepy Crafts in the Library

Students had the opportunity to be creative around a Halloween theme,

making jointed skeleton puppets; Day of the Dead and coffin-shaped

bookmarks and ghoulish gift boxes.

Despite the large number of students participating, the event was very

calm and industrious. Students produced some very impressive results in

the short time they had, concentrating on their individual projects and

giving their imagination free rein.

LIBRARY NEWS Cont’d

The Day of the Dead, or Día de Los Muertos, is a Mexican

holiday, celebrated at the beginning of November .

Even though the festival is called

the Day of the Dead, it is truly a

celebration of life, and the lives of

loved ones. It reinforces the idea

that life is short, and young children should not fear death,

but, rather, make the most of life.

Poppies in the Library

Poppies and poppy-themed stationery

are still available in the Library.

Donations are welcomed for the

traditional poppies; stationery items

carry a suggested donation value of

50p - £1, and the British Legion have

suggested a donation of £2 for the

metal poppy badges .

Forthcoming Events in the Library

Tuesday 13th November: 6th Form Debate at 1pm in the 6th Form Library

Friday 16th November: 6th Form Reading Group at 1pm in the 6th Form Library

Friday 16th November: Parliamentary Debating Competition Semi-Finals at the MK

Community Foundation, 6-9pm

Thursday 22nd November: Lower School Debate at 1pm in the 6th Form Library

Ms Spurrell

Library Manager

SCIENCE NEWS

Tassomai Science

Our year 11 students are enrolled onto an online science revision programme called

Tassomai.

Tassomai sets questions on the different topics studied in science. These questions help

students to recall information and helps them to identify and target areas for development.

Year 11 students are expected to complete 5 quizzes’ a week as part of their homework

programme. Last week our year 11 students answered an amazing 21 859 questions

correctly. Special mention to Connor Barboteau and Aly Khimani who answered 1800

questions correctly between them.

The following students also correctly answered 90+ % of questions they attempted:

Aly Khimani

Sajethan Jeyakumar

Abigail Harrison

Callum McIlwain

Nor-Nor Nwadiogor

Well Done year 11

Miss Hurrell, Director of Science and the Science Team

PE NEWS

A huge congratulations go to our U18

Netball team who won the Milton

Keynes Schools Netball Tournament on

Tuesday 23rd October. The girls were

low on players but high in moral. One

of our Year 9 students even made her

U18 debut to bring the team up to

seven. Remaining triumphant

throughout their games, the girls

endured six back to back games

without a break. For some this will be

their last year representing Shenley

Brook End and we look forward to hear

how our Year 13’s continue to thrive and progress in their netball careers.

Well done girls!

Miss Arkison, PE Teacher

MUSIC NEWS

We are very proud of all the Year 7 students (over 150 of them) who performed in Dig It! a

musical by Jacobson and Emerson to a full theatre, ably accompanied by the House Band.

Before the singing of Dig It! the very appreciative audience enjoyed some accomplished and

mature trumpet, voice, cornet, double bass and flute solos provided by some brave young

musicians.

Some students chose to write about the experience and here’s what they said:

I felt a little worried, but I was mainly excited and proud at the same time. I was very proud of myself as I was a character and I felt very happy and jolly.

Gemma 7EAN

I felt nervous, but after I did it I was really happy that I had done it. My mum was so proud of me because before I didn’t want to do it.

Oliver 7EAN

In our year 7 play ‘Dig It!’ it felt great to perform a solo in front of a big audience. Singing with the live band was also great because it sounded a lot better than the backing track. I felt proud of myself and everyone else, it was great!

Silvia 7EAN

I felt quite nervous performing in front of such a big audience. I have performed before but never in front of such a big audience. Once I got going it was an excellent experience. It was quite amazing singing with a live band. I had a brilliant night.

Matthew 7EAN

I felt a bit scared when I was performing but it was amazing playing with a live band. After the play I was so happy because I had so much fun.

Maaya 7SSA

When I was waiting in line to walk into the theatre I was feeling nervous yet excited. After the musical I was proud of myself for singing my best in front of a big audience of people.

Joel 7SSA

I felt nervous in front of an audience but also excited. Singing with a live band was fun because you could feel it under your feet.

Joshua 7SSA

‘Dig It!’ was an amazing performance for me to be in. Singing in front of a big crowd actually made me feel brave to sing my heart out.

Olivia 7SSA

Before doing ‘Dig It!’ I was a bit nervous but during the performance I was calm and stayed on task. It felt cool singing with a live band. After the play I felt really proud of myself.

Marty 7SSA

Taking part in ‘Dig It!’ was such fun! I was really nervous, but it was very exciting to perform in front of an audience. I really enjoyed singing with a live band (it was my first time)! I was talking about it for ages! I really felt happy and proud.

Isabella 7SSA

I felt amazing, I loved every minute of it and I loved performing with the live band. After the performance the round of applause was astonishing.

Lucy 7SSA

MUSIC NEWS Cont’d

Taking part in ‘Dig It!’ was a good experience because there was a live band. While you were singing you could feel the vibrations from the drums.

Samuel 7HME

Taking part in ‘Dig It!’ was a good way to get a closer bond with others as we were all new to each other. It was a great start to year 7 in music.

Niah 7HME

The ‘Dig It!’ performance taught me that working as a team can be very successful and as I played the drums, beat, timing and dynamics are easy to follow if you focus.

Grace 7HME

By taking part in ‘Dig It!’ I built a lot of confidence. Safaa 7HME

I absolutely loved the play because my friends were there and I love school and I had so much fun.

Isabelle 7HME

Congratulations, everybody, on a spirited, vibrant and musical performance!

The Music Team

MUSIC NEWS Cont’d

We have another lively, busy, performance-packed half term ahead of us in the music

department. Here’s a small taster of some of the events keeping our talented musicians

occupied:

Week starting Monday 19 November: all our school assemblies this week will be treated to

a mini-concert performed by a variety of our ensembles.

Thursday 22 November 6.30pm: St Cecilia’s Day Concert in SBE School Theatre. All our

musicians will be performing in a stunning demonstration of musical expertise and

enthusiasm.

Sunday 2 December: our school choir will be singing part of Handel’s Messiah at the Royal

Albert Hall with several other youth and school choirs and professional soloists and

orchestra.

Thursday 13 December: we invite our local primary schools to join us in the morning for a

musical celebration.

Monday 17 December: our annual Carol Concert will be at Christ the Cornerstone Church,

CMK at 7pm. All are welcome!

Thursday 20 December: the Jazz Band will entertain quizzers with some seasonal numbers

as they prepare themselves to be tested.

For more details of any of these events, and more, please do follow us on twitter:

@SBE_Music

Mrs Gray

Music Technician

DESIGN TECHNOLOGY NEWS

Young Furniture Makers Exhibition 2018 – Matthew Pembery

On the 10th of October I had the exciting opportunity to attend the Young

Furniture Makers Exhibition in London at Furniture Makers Hall. I went to

present my A2 Product Design project to other students, from school to

graduate level, and some of the country’s top furniture makers and

designers. This was as a result of receiving the School Design Prize for my

multi-functional projector cabinet which I designed for a local company as

part of my A level coursework.

It was great to look around the designs from other students and talk to them about how

they used the designing process to get to their final design. At such a prestigious event,

the graduate work on display was of a much higher standard than anything I had seen

before and it was really inspiring to be a part of the exhibition. Some of the advice which I

obtained from design professionals and other students at the event will be greatly

beneficial to my progression as a designer. Some of the

projects which stood out were ‘Fluctuare’ by Beatrix Bray, the

‘Obelisk Table’ by Huw Evans, ‘Arbor’ by Tim Burns and a ‘Hall

Table’ by Paul Ferris.

After exhibiting my work for 6 hours, the day culminated in an

award ceremony at 7:00pm, during which I was awarded an

overall 3rd place in the School Design Prize! As part of my

award, I have received amazon vouchers and the DT department

also received £250. In addition, Blum, who sponsored the exhibition have kindly offered me

a trip to Austria to visit their factories and explore the Alps for a few days in December!

I hope to be able to use the skills that I developed when exhibiting my work and the advice

that I received talking to other people during the day, whilst on the architecture course

that I am currently studying at the University of Bath. In future I aim to design buildings

that will be both aesthetically pleasing and functional and have a serious social and

environmental purpose. I believe that taking part in the exhibition will help me achieve this.

I was so happy to receive this award and it was a real privilege to collect my award in front

of the hundreds of people in the room in the Dutch

Church opposite furniture maker’s hall in Austin Friars

London. I would also like to thank all of my past teachers

and the staff who supported me as a student.

Matthew Pembery

Student at Shenley Brook End School (2011-2018)