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13 November

2012

Heart

of

Herts

In this issue:

Meet our Language Assistants 3

Sponsored Walk for Uganda 8

Biology Field Work 10

Sports Successes 12

Pink Superheroes 14

Tea Time Concert 15

On Friday 26 October, an Honour Roll Breakfast for Year 7 students took place. We invited students and their parents to attend to celebrate students’ success in a variety of different areas from outstanding academic achievement and progress to an exceptional contribution made to their form or their chosen charity.

Dear Reader,

What an excellent autumn term! It has been particularly exciting to see our young sportswomen stealing the headlines in both Hertfordshire and Essex. The legacy of the summer’s Olympic and Paralympic Games continues; for the first time, female athletes were championed throughout and it is most encouraging to see so many Herts & Essex girls not merely participating, but competing and winning.

Reflecting upon the successful start to the new academic year turns my thoughts to what ‘success’ really means. How do we measure success and why is it central to so much that we do? Unquestionably, school success is measured on exam results, but what other triumphs do we celebrate and on what scale? Our parents obviously want their children to enjoy happy, fulfilled and successful futures. Speaking for myself, the true measure of our success as a school is that our students step confidently into the world and that they seize and enjoy every opportunity across all aspects of their lives.

It is fascinating to read about how our students and staff embrace so many personal learning goals and objectives and how accomplished they feel in their achievements. The Tea Time Concert and Chamber Concert showcased amazing talent and achievements. The Honour Roll Breakfasts celebrate the very highest effort, progress and attainment. Our Sponsored Walk, which raised money for our partner school in Uganda, Eden High School, raises awareness of global issues and demonstrates our students’ absolute commitment to a community which has so much less than ourselves. Whatever their goals, the reward and celebration each student receives in their achievements inspires confidence and self belief. In my view, this is the secret of ‘success’ at Herts & Essex.

Our newsletter enables us all to enjoy the outstanding achievements of our students and staff. It also provides us with a fabulous picture of the depth of expertise that operates behind the scenes of our busy, thriving school. Our Foreign Language Assistants provide us with first-hand, up-to-date language knowledge; trips such as the A Level Biology visit to West Runton allow real-life experience of science.

There is an important balance to be struck within school life, from hectic exam periods to the calm of the summer holidays; from the intense hard work of the current months to the exuberance of performance arts and from the glamour of celebrations to Oxbridge and university ambition. Maintaining a happy

equilibrium is at the heart of all our students’ work.

As always, reading Heart of Herts I am overwhelmed by our students and their achievements across the board. Without doubt, we will see Herts & Essex students shape their own success stories for the future.

With warm regards,

Cathy Tooze

Headteacher

Year 7’s first Honour Roll Breakfast

P A GE 2 H E A RT O F HE R TS

House Update

On Friday 19 October, 56 Years 10, 11 and 12 Drama students went to see ThickSkin Theatre’s ‘The Static’.

ThickSkin Theatre are a relatively new and inventive theatre company whose productions are a dynamic mix of multi-media and physical theatre.

The production showed our students an innovative style of theatre, that many of them are unlikely to have seen or experienced before. The play was based around a central 15 year old character, and was immediately relevant and accessible to our students. It was also staged in a relatively small studio space, which gave students imaginative ideas for what they can do to utilise space successfully in their own practical work.

James French

Faculty Leader: CEA

A "Static" Coach Trip On 19 October, 56 Drama students embarked on a lively theatre trip : one of hope, despair, karaoke and traffic. Years 10, 11 and 12 travelled to Riverside Studios, Hammersmith, to see 'The Static'. The name, however, was relevant in more ways than one: traffic delayed us and we were on the coach for six and a half hours! Many spent their time assuming the role of Brendan Sheerin, (of Coach Trip fame) if not accumulating anticipation for the much awaited show. Nevertheless, we enjoyed ourselves, having seen - at least half of - a visual piece of physical theatre, incorporating various multi-media elements, by the theatre company ThickSkin. Themed around guilt, desire and mind over matter, 'The Static' is a coming-of-age love story about Sparky, a volatile, failing high school student with ADHD, who gains kinetic superpowers enabling him to act upon his darker thoughts. John, the driver of our Channel 4 extravaganza, said that we were the best school group he had ever driven for. We have also been referred to as "rather large mice" by one online reviewer, when we darted to our seats part-way into the show. So, on behalf of 53 mice, I'd like to thank Mr French, Mrs Blyth, Mr Chart and Ms Dean, and all others involved in the organisation of the trip!

Amie Goodwin, 12E

‘The Static’

There have been lots of students gaining House Points this term, from student librarians to those winning assembly riddle challenges and Cause for Applause points. The PTA even got involved by giving out House points on their social evening! Well done to allwho has been doing their bit this term, especially Seaxe who are currently in the lead!

Have a look at the table to see where your House is at the moment. Look out for more competitions to earn House Points next half term.

Charlotte Walker House Leader

Poetry Corner

Here is a poem for Remembrance by Isabel Galwey 12A, inspired by Sebastian Faulks' 'Birdsong' and Wilfred Owen's famous poem 'Dulce et Decorum est’. Students were asked to respond to two descriptions of gas attacks from the first world war by writing their own poems. Isabel's is from the viewpoint of the young nurse.

'Nurse!'

The MO barked, and breathing deep, I crossed the ward to help him tend The newcomer, a boy, my age, My height (when hunched with pain), My burden was his writhing agony.

His squalor, my starched cap. His gas-blind eyes, mine seeing every wound. His mottled burns, my skin smooth and soft Yet not smooth enough My slightest touch was hellfire to him.

He was like a son. He was brother, friend, sweetheart, father, child. And yet some coward instinct in my heart Longed to flee, to leave him to his fate. Perhaps it would have been kinder.

Blinded by chlorine, half already-dead Obscene, no living body, living corpse Even his screams tainted and choked Each day, the others prayed for him to die.

Heaven had never seemed so far way.

When finally the end came, There was no relief for me, for us The girls, the women, forced to live on. Our impotent care. Our useless love. Our salt tears in their wounds We could not save them.

P A GE 3

Teaching School News

1 3 NO V E MB E R 2 0 1 2

As a Leadership Partner School and Teaching School, The Hertfordshire & Essex High School takes a lead role in training and supporting school leaders at all levels.

This year, the Middle Leadership Development Programme (MLDP) has attracted a large number of participants whom we were delighted to welcome to the programme’s launch on Thursday 18 October.

The programme is led by Eira Barker, Subject L e a d e r o f Business Studies a n d R o b e r t Mason, Faculty L e a d e r o f Humanities who

have been trained and certificated by the National College of School Leaders (NCSL). MLDP participants come from a wide variety of local schools and we are pleased to work with both primary and secondary colleagues. We wish them luck as they begin this year long programme.

Jane Bennett

Assistant Headteacher

Year 7 Get Together

Meet our Language Assistants

Je m’appelle Océane Menuet. J’ai 24 ans et je viens de la Basse-Normandie en France. J’habite à environ 1h 30 des plages du débarquement. Je suis ici pour 8 mois en tant qu’assistante de Français. Cette expérience à l’étranger va être bénéfice autant pour mon anglais que la pratique de l’enseignement. Puisque j e s o u h a i t e d e ve n i r professeur de français à l’étranger.

Me llamo Marta Peñalver. Tengo 23 años y soy de Madrid, España. Voy a estar 8 meses trabajando como asistente de español. Estoy encantada de estar aquí y espero poder ayudar todo lo que pueda a los alumnos y mejorar mi inglés, para ser mejor profesora.

On the evening of Friday 5 October, many Year 7 students were prepared for a lovely evening where their parents could get to know each other and we could bond some more as forms. When we arrived, we were given a chance to introduce our parents to our friends’ parents and they were able to catch up with their old friends from the playground in primary school. The Chairman of the PTA, Mr Graeme Laws, welcomed us all and invited the parents to take part in a fun competition, where they had to identify different wines and cheeses. This kept them busy, whilst we went off to do an inter-form competition, with the help of some Year 11 students. We were given piles of newspapers, rolls of sticky tape and a black bin liner. The objective was to create a model out of these materials. Forest made a large tree with Harry Styles from One Direction on the side. Seaxe created fashionable head gear. Lea made clothing, Hart made a palm tree and Castle made a castle. Hart were judged to be the winners.

Then the winner of ‘guess the number of jelly beans in the jar’ was announced. Overall, it was a fun evening, which helped me get to know my form better.

Harriet Chapman 7F

PAGE 4

Parent Survey Cadogan Hall

H E A RT O F HE R TS

Dear Reader,

Parent Survey: Kirkland Rowell

Parents and carers will remember that in the spring, you filled in an extensive questionnaire about the school. In the June newsletter, I provided a summary of some of its key outcomes, with which we were delighted. I have also personally read every comment you made and have already responded to your suggestions. It is most rewarding to read your overwhelming support of the school and I feel it would be interesting for parents to read some of the comments:

“Since my daughter started I have been very impressed with the care shown to settle her in and also the level of work expected from her.”

“My daughter leaves for school each morning a very happy child. I could not ask for more. Her confidence, personality and ability have blossomed since becoming a Herts & Essex pupil.”

“The management of transition into the Sixth Form is very good.”

“Please continue to provide the strong academic subjects together with your high levels of discipline.”

“The school uniform is very smart and I welcome strict dress codes.”

“School meals are excellent.”

“We’re really pleased with our daughter’s progress.”

“She has really been putting a lot of effort into her homework and enjoys the recognition this brings.”

“Really like the tracking system and the regular reports.”

“There is a strong sense of identity with the houses.”

“I am very impressed with the communication between school and home and feel well informed about school life.”

We survey parents and students biennially. Therefore, in the current academic year, we will survey our students. I will certainly provide a summary and feedback in the newsletter. In the meantime, thank you for taking the time to complete the questionnaire and for your insightful and very useful comments.

Cathy Tooze

Headteacher

On 16 October the Year 12 Music students, accompanied by Mr Mann and Mr Clayton, went to Sloane Square’s prestigious Cadogan Hall to watch the Academy of St Martin in the Fields, directed by renowned American violinist Joshua Bell. The orchestra has been described as one of the finest chamber orchestras in the world and it certainly lived up to its reputation under its Musical Director. The all German programme opened with Beethoven's First Symphony, a set work at AS Level. In the second half the orchestra performed Max Bruch's ‘Scottish Fantasy’ and Felix Mendelssohn’s Third Symphony. Several of the students had never been to an orchestral concert before, and the packed programme exposed them to a range of music, from the late Classical period – Beethoven completed his first symphony in 1801 – through to the mid Romantic era – Mendelssohn finished composing his A minor ‘Scottish’ symphony in 1842 and Bruch’s Fantasy was first performed in 1880.

Andrea Sze, 12D said, “I had never been to an orchestral concert before and was really excited to see such a fantastic live performance. It was particularly interesting to see how Joshua Bell exaggerated his movements in order to lead the orchestra whilst still playing. His virtuosic playing in the Bruch especially added to the performance. What I found extraordinary was the level of precision with which each piece was played and particularly how the strings sounded like one instrument despite the number of players in the section. The orchestra as a whole moved with such fluidity and it was obvious that the players were totally immersed in the music; even their head movements were almost simultaneous! The experience totally surpassed my expectations and there is no doubt that I will be going to another orchestral concert soon.”

Thomas Mann

Teacher of Music

1 3 NO V E MB E R 2 0 1 2 P A GE 5

Seven Years for Eden

Two 17 year old students, Abbie Harrendence, 13B and Abigail Beastall, 13A, have walked for seven successive years to raise money for Eden High School, The Hertfordshire & Essex High School’s partner school in Uganda. Across the seven years in which Abbie and Abigail have been doing the walk, starting when they joined the school in Year 7, they will have raised, between them, almost £1,000.

They set off on Sunday 14 October, with a group of more than 80 students, teachers and parents who were taking part in the school’s tenth annual sponsored walk. (See following pages.) Once all the sponsor money is handed in, over £1,000 will have been raised this year.

Much fun was had, especially in the muddier parts of the route, as students, many in fancy dress, walked from the school to the Shell House in the middle of Hatfield Forest and back again – a distance of about 10 miles.

Sponsored Walk Organiser

Scouting about for a challenge, Jessica Smith,10C together with father Ian and brother Matthew, decided to undertake their own version of the Five Peaks Challenge, climbing Ben Nevis, Scafel Pike, Snowdon, Slieve Donard in Northern Ireland, and Snaefell in The Isle of Man. Jessica, who managed the climbs with very few blisters, and seemed unfazed by the challenge – even when they encountered snow at the top of Ben Nevis – puts her success down to a good pair of boots and the fact that she walks regularly. “I really enjoyed being able to visit different parts of the country, but it was good to know that we were going for a reason.”

Jessica’s family raised £170 in sponsorship for Sports Relief.

Rising to the Challenge

Early Days at Herts & Essex

I am really enjoying being at Herts & Essex. I am getting to know where everything is and where I am meant to be at lesson time!

I know where all the classrooms are now, the lessons are fun and I’m learning loads of exciting new things.

At first I was really scared coming to a bigger school with so many more people, but I soon got used to the hustle and bustle.

I am really happy that I got in to Herts & Essex because it is such a great school! There are lots of fab clubs to join: swimming, ukulele, hockey and more, I’ve made loads of lovely new friends as well.

I cannot wait until I can go on the exciting trips to see lots of different countries. I am so excited about the years ahead of me at Herts & Essex.

I am really happy; I love Herts & Essex!

Emily Knight, 7L

PAGE 6

Sponsored Walk for Uganda 2012

1 3 NO V E MB E R 2 0 1 2

Page 7

Sponsored Walk for Uganda 2012

H E A RT O F HE R TS

On Sunday 14 October, over 80 students, teachers, parents and dogs took part in the 10

th annual

Sponsored Walk to raise funds for Eden High School, our partner school in Uganda. Many of the students added to the fun by wearing fancy dress and some appeared to have forgotten to get dressed and sported their ‘onesies’ – one piece pyjamas – creating a new look when teamed with their wellies! We were very lucky with the weather and enjoyed the Autumn sunshine in the forest.

This is a vital fund-raiser for Eden High School and over the years our efforts have helped the school develop and expand to be able to offer secondary education, which is not free in Uganda, to many more students. The link between the two schools is very valuable to us both and every year a group of our Year 13 students spends three weeks in Uganda, an experience which many have said, changes their lives. We are also lucky enough to be able to welcome two teachers from Eden to The Herts & Essex every year in the Spring term.

Right now, the total stands at just over £900 with some sponsor money still to come in. This is a terrific effort and will allow Eden High School to continue its vital work. A big thank you to all those who took part!

Warmest Thanks to Work Experience Placement Providers

We would like to extend our sincere and heartfelt thanks to the companies and organisations listed below who very kindly took one (or in some cases, several) of our Year 10 students for their work experience week in June 2012. Without the support and assistance of these organisations we would not have been able to offer our students such a comprehensive range of work experience opportunities.

Dany Atkins

Work Experience Co-ordinator

ABRSM Adamson's Laboratory Services Ltd Albury C of E Primary School All Saints CE Primary School and Nursery Attwaters Solicitors Baby Boy Tattoo Studio BB Originals Beau Belles Bell Pharmacy Bespoke Beauty Birchanger C of E Primary School Bishop's Park Play School Bishop's Stortford College (Music Department) Bishop's Stortford College (Junior School) Bishop's Stortford Lawn Tennis Club Bishop's Stortford Montessori Nursery Bishop's Stortford Veterinary Hospital Blueprint Collections Ltd Boots UK Ltd Breakfast Agency Busy Bees Nursery (Thorley) Buttercups Children's Centre Cancer Research UK Challenge Active Chestnut Cat Sanctuary Clavering Lodge Clavering Primary School Crabbs Green Farm Boarding Kennel Craft Days Dandelyons Duffield Harrison Solicitors Eden Hair Group Edwards Interiors Elements Elmhurst Residential Home Elsenham C of E Primary School Fawbert & Barnard Infants' School Fidessa Fleur de Lys Bridal Flex Apparel Furneux Pelham C of E JMI School Gilston Alarms GlaxoSmithKline Grant Instruments (Cambridge) Ltd Hallingbury Hall Equestrian Centre Hatfield Forest Estate Office Hawkins\Brown

Hillmead Primary School Host Restaurant House of Commons J.A.C. Kew & Partners Jennings Bet Joseph Smith Hair Design Knead Food Ltd La Provence Leni's Model Management Lime Tree Unit Little Hadham Primary School Little Hallingbury C of E Primary School Little Hallingbury Playgroup Little Paddocks Ltd London Borough of Tower Hamlets Mandeville Primary School Manor Fields Primary School Maple Pollard Riding Centre Ltd Mariposa Brides and Grooms Marks and Spencer (Bishop’s Stortford) Marks and Spencer (Harlow) Marks and Spencer Group plc Marks Farm Veterinary Centre Marriott Hanbury Manor Hotel Mayfield Farm Bakery and School Mia Sposa Cambridge Motability Much Hadham Forge Museum Nevetts Care Home Northgate Primary School Nursery on the Heath Parsonage Farm Boarding Kennels Pellys Solicitors Ltd Pestell & Co Estate Agents Pets' Corner PHD Architectural Services PixiFoto Playsomething Plexus Law Polymime Animation Company Ltd Potteries Swim School Premier Court Residential & Nursing Home Prontaprint RAF Marham Rhodes Museum Richard Whittington JMI School Ronnie Johns Hair & Beauty Royston Veterinary Centre

Saffron Building Society Sainsbury's Supermarkets Ltd Saplings Day Nursery Save The Children UK So Heavenly Soccer Development South End Farm Specsavers Opticians Spellbrook C of E Primary School VC St Andrew's CE Primary School St Elizabeth's Centre St Joseph's Catholic Primary School St Mary's C E Foundation Primary School Starlight Stars Stortford Grange Physiotherapy Centre & Sports Injury Clinic Summercroft Primary School SW Golf Ltd Taylor Library Tees Solicitors The Animal Rescue Charity (ARC) The Blues Pre-School The Cranbourne School The Lemon Tree Restaurant The National Institute of Medical Research The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust The Railway Children's Day Nursery The Terrace Café The Woolpack Veterinary Surgery Thorley Hill JMI School Thorley Pre-School Thorn Grove Primary School Titan Airways Ltd Tones Music Store Twyford Livery Stables Van Hage Garden Company W H Smith Walton Lodge Veterinary Clinic (Bishop’s Stortford) Walton Lodge Veterinary Clinic (Hoddesdon) Waterstones Booksellers (Cambridge) Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute West Essex Saddlery Windhill Primary and Nursery School

PAGE 8 H E A RT O F HE R TS

Learning to Lead

Governing Body News

Have you heard of Learning to Lead?

Learning to Lead is a great opportunity for any student at Herts & Essex who would like to get involved. There are many different teams ranging from Student Researchers to the Recycling Team and Public Relations. You develop your teamwork and leadership skills and it is great fun.

You can participate in a range of activities and events with your team both inside and outside of school. Learning to Lead is holding a Fresher’s Fair for anyone who wants to join the teams next half term, so look out for details of this event coming up. Learning to Lead is open to all year groups in the school and is a great opportunity to mix with other students and share your ideas. We hope to see lots of new faces soon!

The Public Relations Team

Learning to Lead

Who are the Community Ambassadors?

The ‘Community Ambassadors’ is a Learning to Lead team devised to help create a stronger sense of community, both within and outside school.

Last year the team was still relatively new but still managed to accomplish a variety of things such as visiting Elmhurst Residential Centre to sing carols at Christmas; we intend to do this again this year. Additionally, we would like to visit a local nursery at Easter and run some themed activities such as Easter egg hunts with the children.

We are also working hard within the school and have numerous ideas on how we can improve our community by getting different years involved in projects together, for example making banners for Sports Day. Also, we wish to raise awareness of various issues that we as a team feel passionate about; one of our first projects this year will be on chewing gum.

The team is always open to any suggestions you might have as to how we might work to strengthen the school community. We hope you will see how we are benefiting our community as we strive to improve it.

The Community Ambassadors Team

Learning to Lead

Grace Takes High Road

One of our talented Year 9 students, Grace Walker, 9C, has just returned from Scotland after being specially chosen to compete at the Junior Ballet and Tap Scholarships. She travelled to Glasgow earlier this month after being invited by the British Association of Teachers of Dancing.

This was the first time that Grace had been selected to showcase her skills at such a high level. She competed well and achieved a second place in the ballet scholarships and was placed in the top six students for tap.

Mrs Charles

Year Leader: Year 9

A chance to join the Governing Body at Herts &

Essex

Would you be interested in joining the school’s Governing Body, or do you know someone who may like to do so?

If so, perhaps you would consider becoming a “Partnership” member. Partnership Governors are nominated by parents and other people in the community served by the school, and whom the governing body considers appropriate.

If you would like to know what this commitment may involve, please contact our Clerk to the Governing Body, Vanessa Fitzsimmons, for more details: staffvf@hertsandessex.herts.sch.uk.

Please note that parents, staff, county councillors and LA employees are disqualified from nomination as a Partnership Governor.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Vanessa Fitzsimmons

Clerk to the Governing Body

P A GE 9 1 3 NO V E MB E R 2 0 1 2

1 3 NO V E MB E R 2 0 1 2 1 3 NO V E MB E R 2 0 1 2 PAGE 10

West Runton A Level Biology Field Work

Bladder Wrack, Key Species on this shore

Enteromorpha intestinalis, also called gut weed, common on the upper shore

One of many shore crabs found hiding under rocks

A limpet, Patella vulgaris, patella is also the name for the hum an kneecap because they are the same shape.

A beautiful Blenny was an exciting find.

P A GE 1 1 H E A RT O F HE R TS P A GE 1 1

West Runton A Level Biology Field Work

H E A RT O F HE R TS

Black-headed gull in winter plumage

We had a great day.

Students gathering data about populations of all species on the shore, using a one metre quadrat

Topshells

An edible periwinkle makes a run for it!

Running Club Schools Challenge

We were successful in retaining the Team Challenge cup for a second year running in this competition. The students who scored points for the team event were Annabel Hunt, 7S who came second overall in the girls’ event, Miranda Kennett, 9F finished third with a very much improved personal best, Amelia Wyatt, 7C finished sixth and Evie Wood, 8S finished seventh. Congratulations to all four runners.

Elizabeth Bellinger

Teacher of Physical Education

On Sunday 7 October we took part in the Manuden 5K Fun Run, for St Clare’s Hospice. We arrived at Munuden Primary School at 10.15 am and got our numbers. Cerys’ was number 318, Charlotte was 330 and I (Miranda) was 319. After we got our numbers we pinned them on our polo shirts and started to warm up for the race which started at 11.00 am. When the race started it was mainly uphill at the beginning and had a massive hill which made you tired before half way but after half way it was downhill and much easier to run!

In the end we all finished; Cerys and Charlotte came joint 44th with a time of 42.33 and I came 16th with a time of 25.57 out of the possible 45 people running. It was a really fun and enjoyable day and it was a brilliant atmosphere. All the people on the paths were very supportive and would cheer you on to keep going!

We all received a medal and t-shirt for running the race and we bought some cup cakes that were being sold afterwards.

Miranda Kennett, 9F, Cerys Roberts, 9F and Charlotte Blunderfield, 9S

PAGE 12 1 3 NO V E MB E R 2 0 1 2

Manuden Fun Run

Mairead with her individual gold medal and team championships cup along with Josie Frost, 7H who also took part.

My dad wakes me up at 6.00 am. I feel very tired but very excited with a couple of nerves thrown in. I make myself get out of bed and get dressed. I had prepared my kit bag the night before but I still check if everything is there. I go downstairs to have my breakfast. I have a bowl of cornflakes and a banana.

At 7.00 am I leave the house to meet up with a fellow participant for the long journey in the car to Loughborough; it takes over two hours but I am too on edge to sleep. We arrive at Loughborough at 9.30 am which is busy with only a handful of the competitors who will fill the sports hall. I am entered in the female Kumite section under 45 kg. My dad always asks what that means in ‘old money’. I presently weigh 7 st 2 lbs. I recognize lots of different faces from other competitions and the atmosphere seems to build. I take this opportunity to eat some of my sandwiches for lunch.

Finally my category is ready to start. I get my gum shield, pads and belt ready. We have to fight in either a red or a white belt and the same colour pads depending on which belt this is, so the referee can identify whose hand hit where.

My name is called and I step onto the mat. My nerves are tingling all over my body but I feel confident. I use the adrenalin to focus my mind. I cannot remember my fights and what happened in them, only the scores. My first fight I won 4-3 and my next two fights 4-1.

My final fight was against a girl called Terri. She had brown hair tied up in a ponytail and brown eyes. The next couple of minutes were a blur. I worked my socks off and managed to sneak in a left punch. She fell on the floor from the sheer force of it. I was awarded the point and won the match. It took a few moments to realise that I was the English National Champion! It felt great. I rushed to phone my parents. I warm down and stretch, then I ate a bit more food - I have suddenly become very hungry.

The long journey home goes quickly and it feels good to turn up with two gold medals and a trophy, for I had won the team event as well. My two younger brothers are full of questions. The time is now 9 pm so it has been a long day. I go off to bed and reflect on my day.

My head is still buzzing from the adrenalin so it is difficult to switch off. I know this happens to everyone who does sport. I finally fall asleep.

Mairead Ladbrooke, 8C

England Karate National Championships

On 10 October our Year 9 hockey team had a very successful afternoon in the District Plate Competition.

Megan Pointer, 9L, Fiona Lemon, 9C, Jessica Barker, 9F, Isobel Inkley, 9F, Molly Fozzard, 9C, Charlotte Dean, 9C, Lisa Cooper, 9C, Celia Henson, 9C, Alice Dyer, 9C, Natasha Atkinson, 9L, Danielle Riley, 9H, Madeline Rowe, 9F, Francesca Limmer, 9H,

Lili Herbert, 9L

Results v Hockerill Lost 2 - 0 v Leventhorpe Won 1 – 0 (Goal scorer: Madeline Rowe) v Freman College Won 2 – 0 (Goal scorers: Lisa Cooper & Natasha Atkinson) Final Result of Plate Competition 1

st Hockerill

2nd

Herts & Essex 3

rd Freman College

4th

Leventhorpe

PAGE 13 H E A RT O F HE R TS

At this age students still play 7 a side and will step up to 11 a side next year. The photo shows both U13 teams

together. Both teams played really well on a very cold and windy afternoon, playing games into the early evening.

The A team finished 2nd in the plate tournament behind Helena Romanes School. That was the

only game they lost and it was only by one goal. The B team won their plate competition, beating St Marys, Helena Romanes and Leventhorpe.

Elizabeth Bellinger Teacher of PE

U13 District Hockey

U14 District Hockey

On 29 September and 13 October, students from Years 8, 9 and 10 attended the Hertfordshire County Netball Ch am p io nsh ips a t t he Stanborough School in Welwyn Garden City. The girls had high hopes of doing well in the competition after both age groups reached the finals of the District Netball Competition last May, with the then Year 10 students winning the U14 competition. However, the competition would be tough as they would be competing against the best netball teams from across Hertfordshire.

The U16 team faced a tough job as they were playing ‘up’ an age group and would be competing against students up to a year older and more experienced than them. They played excellently in the group stage against some extremely competitive and aggressive teams and progressed through to the quarter-final stage of the competition. They were unfortunately knocked out by only one goal. However it was a very promising result for when the girls return next year at the top of their age group.

The U14 team certainly drew the toughest pool of the group stage and put up a good fight against tough competition. Whilst the girls didn’t qualify out of the group stage, their play certainly improved with every match which will no doubt help their performance against the other teams in our district when the netball season begins after Christmas.

Well done girls!

U16

Rosa Peck, 10S, Francesca McLeod, 10C, Louise Crocker, 10H, Chloe Gregory, 10L, Emily Kavanagh, 10S, Chloe Gazzard, 10L, Isabel Peck, 10H, Millie Limrick, 10L, Molly Trimble, 10L, Georgina Pryor, 10C

U14

Emily Allen, 8C, Rebecca Allen, 8S, Fiona Fuller, 8C, Molly Fozzard, 9C, Megan Field, 9H, Chloe Cartwright, 9H, Francesca Limmer, 9H, Charlotte Dean, 9C, Ellie Clark, 9L, Lili Herbert, 9L

Leah Dixon

Teacher of Physical Education

County Netball

PAGE 14 1 3 NO V E MB E R 2 0 1 2

U15 District Hockey

Under 15 District Hockey – Plate Competition

Our Under 15 hockey team competed in the District Hockey Championships on Thursday 11

October and

did exceptionally well. They played some excellent hockey and were very unlucky not to come away as winners. Games were very short, just ten minutes, which meant goals were difficult to come by. The Herts & Essex goal scorers were Molly Trimble, Abigail Penman and Georgina Pryor. Congratulations to all members of the squad.

Results:

v Leventhorpe Drew 0 – 0 (won 3 – 0 on short corners)

v Freman College Drew 0 – 0 (won 4 – 0 on short corners)

v Birchwood Drew 1 – 1 (won 3 – 0 on short corners)

v St Marys Won 2 – 0

v Helena Romanes Won 1 – 0

2nd

Place Overall = District Plate Runners-up

Under 15 Squad

Molly Trimble, 10L (Captain) Daisy Aylott, 10F Megan Maskell, 10C Louise Crocker, 10H Emily Kavanagh, 10S Ceilidh Brown, 10H Eryn Madsen, 10L Francesca McLeod, 10C Skye Cardwell, 10L Amelia Eddershaw, 10C Grace Chu, 10C Megan Hensen, 10C Charlotte Taylor, 10H Georgina Pryor, 10C Katherine Tiller, 10F Abigail Penman, 10L

Sue Everett

Subject Leader: Physical Education

Herts & Essex students and staff “wore it pink” on Friday 26 October to raise money for Breast Cancer Awareness. A total of £1,015.19 was raised for this vitally important charity.

Although students were invited to show their support by wearing pink accessories alongside their school uniforms, the highlight of the day was undoubtedly the superhero-themed events at lunchtime. Brave Sixth Formers dressed up in pink clothes and competed in a series of challenges to find out who was the winner. Apple bobbing, eating donuts from a string and a marshmallow eating contest were all part of the fun. Year 13 students triumphed eventually after a tie break required a spontaneous dance-off to decide the overall winners. This was a particularly memorable event!

This event was organised by the Interact Club. We are extremely proud of the initiative taken by this group of Sixth Form students in their endeavour to raise money and awareness for a variety of charities over the course of the academic year. Interact president, Aimee North said, “We really enjoyed organising this event and it’s great to see how generous the students have been both with their money and their time.”

Jane Bennett

Assistant Headteacher

Pink Superheroes

PAGE 15 H E A RT O F HE R TS

Tea Time Concert

This October I was delighted that 21 students performed confidently on a variety of instruments including clarinet, flute, guitar, piano and voice in our informal Tea Time Concert. To quote from a (non Music Department) member of staff: ‘The Tea Time Concert was just so relaxing and lovely to watch the students perform’. It is a pleasure to relax with tea and cake,

to meet new parents and to appreciate the real talent we have at Herts & Essex. It is especially pleasing to see students improve and progress on their instruments and play with a real sense of musicality and style. Many of the performances would not have been out of place in our larger formal concerts and that is something to be really proud of.

Apart from choosing the cookies and cakes, I can take no credit for the concert. Instead, it is the hard work of the students and their excel lent per ipatet ic teachers that prepared them so

well for the concert, so thank you to you a l l . Students are a l w a y s encouraged to take the initiative and get involved with music making. I hope that we will long continue to put on musical events with our keen, enthusiastic and very talented students.

Peter Clayton Acting Subject Leader: Music

A Level Politics students were enthusiastic about the opportunity to listen to and talk with Ben Morris from Cambridge Democratic Reform group, an organisation closely associated with the Electoral Reform Society (ERS).

Mr Morris explained the ERS’s central aims, including reforming the first-past-the-post voting system, giving 16 year-olds the vote, and introducing elections for positions in the House of Lords. He also discussed the implications of the No-vote outcome of the 2011 Alternative Vote referendum for future electoral reform in the UK. Indeed, the AV system is arguably superior to FPTP because of its ability to remove the spoiler effect, but it is far from a proportional system, such as the Single Transferable Vote, which is the electoral system of choice of both the ERS and Liberal Democrats.

Thomas Mann Subject Leader: Government & Politics

Electoral Reform Society

Sixth Form trip to Thorpe Park

Costumes on and faces made-up, we boarded the coach. Unfortunately we spent rather a long time on the coach in the traffic following several accidents on various roads leading to Thorpe Park. However the students did their best to entertain themselves and the staff whilst our drivers sought alternative routes to the theme park.

On arrival, the students set off at a cracking pace and everyone managed to get on the rides they had been listing on the journey. Great fun was had by all with much screaming, including Mr Grant who said “SAW is really scary!”

Mrs Whittock

Visit Supervisor

Fright Night

What’s Happening in Maths? My First Six Weeks

I have had a wonderful time so far at Herts & Essex and I cannot imagine being anywhere else. Everybody is very friendly and helpful, so I always feel welcome and at home. There has been a lot to do, for example going to Cuffley Camp and the Year 7 social get-together. All of my subjects are interesting especially Latin, Music, Drama and Science, and each day is exciting. A good thing about Herts & Essex is that it offers a wide variety of clubs from Music and Drama to Sports. I have joined Concert Band, Brass Group, Year 7 Choir and Drama Club already.

I went with my form, 7 Castle and 7 Forest, to Cuffley Camp. It was a great day with lots to do, which everyone enjoyed.

First our form was split into groups, each with a different sixth former. The whole of our form did different problem solving activities like river crossing and plank skiing. After that we did an assault course and it was fun to see Mrs Gull, our form tutor, and another member of staff joining in. It was everyone’s aim to try and push the members of staff off the apparatus and I succeeded many times! We all had lunch and were very worn out. Next we built dens in our groups. My group’s den was quite stable but let in a lot of water when it was tested. Finally it was time to go home but it was a day that I’m sure we would all happily do again.

Overall, my first six weeks at Herts & Essex have been thoroughly enjoyable. I still can’t wait to come to school each morning as it is very exciting. I am so pleased to be a member of Herts & Essex and I am looking forward to many more years to come.

Eleanor Philcox, 7C

Two of our Year 9 students are currently attending the University of Hertfordshire Mathematics Masterclasses.

I have been going to Maths Masterclasses at the University of Hertfordshire since September. I have been there three times so far over about two months. The first lesson was called ‘Population Dynamics’, where we learnt about a prey-predator model which was a long equation for a prey and a predator in the wild. We also played a ladybird and aphids game which showed us when the aphids’ population rose, the ladybirds’ population increased as well, and when the aphids began dying out so did the ladybirds. This was a very interesting lesson because it was all about maths in biology. I think this has been my favourite lesson so far. Although at times the lecture got a bit confusing, in the end I understood.

The next lesson we had at the University was called ‘Data Mining’. In this lesson we learnt about predicting data, and about clustering. We had to cluster a set of numbers and plot them on a grid. We had to work out the distance between each set of numbers based on the Euclidean distance. I found this a very useful lesson because we learnt about how to sort data into clusters. The most recent lesson we had was called ‘knot or not?’. This was a fun lesson because we learnt how to draw knots and looked a bit into knot theory. We tried to draw our own Celtic knots using a set of rules. They showed us how to classify certain knots and their names, as well as learning how to undo certain knots using Reidemeister moves. I enjoyed learning about the knot table and I was amazed at how many knots you could get. These maths masterclasses have been very interesting and enjoyable and I can’t wait for the next one called ‘Maths in Engineering’.

Jessica Fish, 9H

On 21 November two Year 12 and two Year 13 students will take part in the Senior Mathematical Team Challenge. This competition is a regional final and will be held at the Octagon Building at the University of East London.

In our last newsletter we asked the following question:

Each of the Four Musketeers made a statement about the four of them, as follows:

D’Artagnan: “Exactly one is lying.” Athos: “Exactly two of us are lying.” Porthos: “An odd number of us is lying.” Aramis: “An even number of us is lying.”

How many of them were lying (with the others telling the truth)?

The answer is: two or three

At least one of d’Artagnan and Athos is lying. One of Porthos or Aramis is telling the truth and the other is lying. So the number of liars is either two (d’Artagnan and Porthos) or three (all except Porthos).

Andrew Stuart Teacher of Mathematics

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Charity Fundraising

Thank you to all our students, staff and parents who have raised awareness for and donated funds to the following Charities so far this term:

Eden High School

Breast Cancer Awareness

PAGE 17

Year 7

Bunting has become very popular in recent months. I therefore decided to use it as a way to teach Year 7 some basic textiles skills. Students were given a piece of fabric and decorated the fabric with an applique shape which they used the sewing machine to sew in place using zig-zag stitch.

They also decorated the bunting using buttons, sequins and computer transfers. To finish it off they used foiling to add some glitter to the bunting before stitching round the bunting with straight stitch.

This was a fun way to learn a range of skills. The photos below show some of the students with their bunting and the final photo is the whole class posing under a sample of the bunting.

Sally House

Assistant Headteacher: KS3

The Student Welfare Committee deals with admissions, uniform policy, attendance, discipline, catering - in fact most issues that aren’t directly curriculum, finance, or personnel related.

Admissions is one of the largest parts of our workload, especially during the autumn term where we help out at open evening and parental briefings. The sports aptitude test is always a busy (and cold!) day; the music tests are equally well attended, but we very much enjoy working with the staff to ensure the girls have a positive and friendly experience. Of course, with such a popular school, it is inevitable that not all applicants will secure a place, so the appeals process falls within our remit too.

The catering in the school is always carefully monitored and we constantly look at ways of trying to improve the services and make sure the students are offered a good choice at a fair cost. In the past year we have visited other schools to see how they operate in this field and been involved in the tendering process.

The school uniform discussions take place frequently; the last change we made was altering the length of the skirt. We currently have plans to update the uniform in the coming months, which has meant examining dozens of styles, in dozens of fabrics and meeting with suppliers.

The students will have a big input into the final style, but whichever one they choose, we shall do our utmost to ensure it is affordable and good value.

Judith Keogh

Chair of Student Welfare Committee

Student Welfare Committee

H E A RT O F HE R TS

Year 8

Sports Report: 8C

We may have only just finished half a term, but 8C haven’t been lazy; they’ve got straight into the action. Already members of 8C have taken part in the rugby and hockey tournaments that have happened this year, and I know that they will happily represent Herts & Essex again.

One of the first sports’ fixtures of the year for Year 8 was the District Plate Tournament. Zoe Forbes, Mairead Ladbrooke, Emily Allen, Milly Aylott and I, as well as lots of other girls from other forms, all went to Leventhorpe School, where we both played five matches against various schools in the area for the plate. We played to our absolute best, and we couldn’t have been prouder of the results, the B Team came first, and the A team came second. We were all extremely pleased with how well we did, and how well we can work as a team.

Another major sporting fixture was the Rugby Plate tournament, where Freya Geddes, Ciara Lynch, Amber Richardson, Mary Fisher, Mairead Ladbrooke, and I went to the Hertford Rugby Football Club, and played another series of matches against some very strong teams. This was everyone’s first time playing a proper rugby match, and everyone was nervous, but Miss Dixon reassured us that as long as we played at our best and remembered what we had been taught, we would be fine. We all worriedly stumbled onto the pitch but as soon as the whistle went our confidence grew, and after our first match we found we had won 15-10. We were all so proud of ourselves, but it wasn’t over yet as we played three more qualifying matches. We won our quarter-final to get to the semi-final, and although we didn’t win, we all knew that we had tried our best and we had done incredibly well, especially considering that this was our first match together and some of the other teams had been playing together for two years! When we had got back onto the coach, everyone was so happy and proud of each other, that there wasn’t single sad face to be seen. We were so pleased as we had proved what we can do. We were also proud of how well we worked as a team, which was made even better as we played with two Year 7 students on our team as well.

Rugby and hockey aren’t the only sports that our form has taken part in Inter-Form Rounders, where we did extremely well. Some others have been hard at work out of school as well. Kitty Smith, gained her green belt in Kung Fu, Alexandra Oliff, came first in her Ballet solo, and Mairead Ladbrooke, won a trophy and two medals in her karate.

Although we have only just completed half a term in Year 8, look at how much we have achieved in that time!

Elizabeth Hood, 8C

On 9 October, we participated in a riddle challenge as part of our year assembly. After we had been divided into groups we were given a pack of riddles, which we had to solve within the time limit. Each riddle we deciphered earned us house points, but house points could also be deducted if we became too noisy (though thankfully this was uncommon!). The challenge started well, but as the questions became progressively more difficult, some of us began to struggle. Overall the results were as follows:

1st Hart with 23 House Points

2nd

Lea & Seaxe with 20 House Points each

3rd

Castle with 17 House Points

4th Forest with 14 house points

Everyone enjoyed this challenge as it was something different to try and it was very interesting.

Could you complete some of our riddles?

What has arms but cannot wave?

What has a face but no head?

What has a mouth but no eyes?

Year 9

Many Year 10 students have responded to the invitation to participate in the splendid Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme. There are seventy-five students who, by now, should have logged into the eDofE website and set up their individual accounts. As Eleanor King, 10S explains:

‘I decided to start my Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award because I thought it would be a good opportunity to learn life skills that will stay with me and help me in the future. I liked the idea of doing something that was new and it is a good way to challenge myself to move into new areas. The Duke of Edinburgh programme develops different skills to the ones that we learn in the classroom and these new skills will help me when I am finding a job and pursuing a career. I think that it will be a great experience and lots of fun; I am especially looking forward to going on the expeditions.’

Currently students are covering basic map skills and looking forward to going outside to practise identifying features in order to follow a route. Enquiries are being made as to decisions about how they will volunteer, learn a new skill and develop their fitness by committing themselves to some form of physical exercise. Mrs Dee Whittock, who is the school co-ordinator for the Bronze Award commented, “It is good to see so many enthusiastic students who are excited to be getting involved in this challenging programme.”

Melanie Seward

Assistant Headteacher: KS4

Year 10

1 3 NO V E MB E R 2 0 1 2 PAGE 18

P A GE 19

Year 12

Study Skills Day

On Monday 22 October, as part of our continuing Sixth Form induction and in preparation for examinations, every student in Year 12 took part in a study skills day. The aim of the day was to advance our studying methods in an easier and more enjoyable way. The programme was planned through Learning Performance, a company focused on motivating students to prepare for A Level study and exams, which advised us on the most beneficial strategies of revising, ranging from lifestyle habits and memory techniques to stress relief.

Having been separated into six groups prior to the day, three groups spent the morning in the workshops and the rest took place in the afternoon. We were greeted by our presenter, who would get to know us throughout the morning and introduce us to the programme. The enthusiasm shown by the members of Learning Performance made the day amusing and a more relaxing way to prepare for a time that is extremely stressful.

Despite only being half a day, the programme covered a number of topics which are vital to get us through the stages of revision, and to ensure that we go into our exams as well prepared as possible. This involved memory techniques, revision mind maps and breathing and relaxation exercises, all of which were also included in a hand-out booklet. There was also further advice on healthy eating and sleeping patterns.

Every student was constantly involved in the session, interacting with the presenter and fellow students, gaining valuable skills for the year ahead. As a student preparing for exams in a couple of months, I now feel at ease with my preparation and am confident with the techniques and skills taught by Learning Performance.

In the evening, there was an hour long presentation for parents of Year 12 students to summarise the students’ study skills’ day. They were advised on useful study techniques in order to help us though our Sixth Form period. Both parent and student sessions were extremely successful and it was a great introduction to getting back into studying for the new sixth formers.

Hattie Gould, 12A

Year 11

The vast majority of Year 11 students are working very hard, many taking advantage of the support sessions which have been set up for them. Indeed, I hear this morning that so many students attended the Maths session on Wednesday lunchtime that the teacher ran out of worksheets! This is good news.

Recent assemblies have included a visit from Mrs Tooze and Mr Vaughan. They spoke of the future pathways the year group might follow and Mr Vaughan in particular outlined the requirements for entry into the Sixth Form. His second assembly on 5 November included a speech about how to get the most from the Sixth Form Open Evening on 7 November. We had another excellent assembly this week from 11 Castle who gave us useful information about the work of The United Nations. Many of our future assemblies this term will focus on studying in the Sixth Form.

At the time of the newsletter going to print, we are preparing for Curriculum Extension Day. We will be focusing on Study Skills and have an outside company coming to run this programme for us in an imaginative way. Details of the day will be featured in the next school newsletter.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme is well underway again this year and two members of the year group have given me details of events so far.

D of E Bronze has been really enjoyable. On our practice expedition, all the tents folded and one flew away. Our leader had no option but to cancel the second day of the expedition, much to our joy! The actual expedition was completely different in that everyone was smothering themselves in sun cream and drinking gallons of water. After wading through a field of head high rapeseed, everyone arrived back at camp. The first group to arrive were so pleased with themselves that they decided to pose for a photograph. They then realised that they had set fire to the grass and their trangia was melting. It was a great experience; we are glad we did it and would recommend it to others.

Verity Moring, 11C

Silver Award so far has involved several meetings, discussing the expeditions in April and May. We have looked at the Countryside Code and what to take with us in our rucksacks. Nothing glamorous! No hairdriers or make-up! We can’t wait to cook meals on our trangia and get on with the preparations.

Emily Rush,11C

As you can see, Year 11 are very busy people. We have collected all the monies for the year book and will be sending out the order forms for the hoodies before Christmas.

Marjorie Callander Director of Student Progress: Year 11

H E A RT O F HE R TS

Applying to Cambridge

Make no mistake: applying to university is a challenging process, especially when Cambridge is one of your choices.

I have applied to study Architecture at four of my choices, and Structural Engineering and Architecture at Sheffield. To date, I have completed my UCAS application, an architecture portfolio and the Cambridge Supplementary Questionnaire.

The hardest thing for me was writing my personal statement and an additional personal statement included within the Cambridge questionnaire. Since I am studying Maths, Physics and Art A Levels, writing is something that I have had very little practice in over the past year. As a result, it would be an understatement to tell you that these writing tasks took a long time. However, in the end the hard work is worth it, as I have experienced with my offer from Sheffield. An interview from Cambridge would be the icing on the cake!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the staff that have supported me in my application, especially Mrs Curtis and Mrs Moore.

Henry Robinson, 13E

Year 13 Pupil Premium

Pupil Premium hit the headlines recently – Herts & Essex chose to focus on it last term!

A little background

The Equalities Act of 2010 brought together a number of existing laws under one umbrella, in a bid to make it easier to apply; under this umbrella are nine pieces of primary legislation – including the Race Relations Act 1976, the Sex Discrimination Act 1975, the Disability Discrimination Act 1975 - plus over one hundred pieces of secondary legislation. The Act sets out characteristics which are protected by law - known as ‘protected characteristics’ - and the behaviour which is unlawful. Its aim is “to make Britain a fairer society, improve public services, and help businesses perform well”. Who is protected by the Act? What are the ‘protected characteristics?

The protected characteristics are disability, race, sex, gender reassignment, pregnancy & maternity, religion & belief, sexual orientation, age, marriage and civil partnership. What kind of behaviour is unlawful? Discrimination, harassment, victimisation, and/or the putting in place of a policy (or way of doing things) which has a worse impact on someone with a protected characteristic than on someone who does not, is unlawful behaviour. How does this impact upon schools?

All of the following bodies bear responsibility for ensuring that unlawful behaviour does not occur: government departments, service providers, employers, education providers, providers of public functions, associations/membership bodies, transport providers. This responsibility is called the General Public Sector Duty and has three aims:

to eliminate discrimination, harassment, victimisation and any other conduct which is prohibited by or under the Equalities Act;

to advance equality of opportunity between persons who share protected characteristics and persons who do not;

to foster good relations between persons who share protected characteristics and persons who do not.

What does this mean for The Hertfordshire & Essex High School? In order to meet the duty, all schools were required to identify at least one specific and measureable objective by Easter 2012. Here at Herts & Essex, we chose to focus on the Pupil Premium in the coming years, in order to achieve the three aims of the General Public Sector Duty. We will be monitoring closely the impact of the extra money received, ensuring that we use it effectively and innovatively, in order to facilitate maximum impact in terms of achievement, for the students for whom we receive Pupil Premium. We will also publish progress reports via newsletters and our website, during the school year; naturally no students’ names will be mentioned.

Christine Bruce Assistant Headteacher

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Former Students

We have recently heard news of Jennifer Rabot, who left Herts & Essex in 2008 to take up a Tennis scholarship to study at Purdue University , Indiana, USA. We would like to share some of the letter that we have received from her mother. ‘Jennifer has now graduated from her original course and is currently studying for her Masters in Business Administration at the University of Eastern Michigan where she is funding her studies being the Assistant Tennis Coach.

Jenny quickly rose up the University tennis team, playing the number 1 position in singles and doubles. The team rose through the rankings and made history last May when they won their conference ‘Big Ten’ beating higher ranked teams.

She would not have achieved this without the fantastic support she received from Herts & Essex, allowing her to combine excellence on the tennis court and in the classroom. Jenny captained her team to achieve their biggest achievement in the tennis programme and is extremely grateful to all those who played a part in her journey.’

Safeguarding our Students

The Hertfordshire & Essex High School and Science College …

… recognises that the welfare of the child is paramount. The school takes its responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of the young people in its care seriously, and is proactive in ensuring this. Governors, staff and volunteers at Herts & Essex understand the importance of working in partnership with children, their parents/carers and other agencies in order to promote children’s welfare.

P A GE 2 1

School Term and Holiday Dates - Academic Year

2013/2014

Autumn Term 2013

Ends Friday 20 December (school closes 1.30 pm)

Spring Term 2014

Begins Wednesday 8 January

Half term Monday 17 February - Friday 21 February

Ends Friday 4 April (school closes 1.30 pm)

Summer Term 2014

Begins Wednesday 23 April

May Bank Holiday

Monday 5 May (no students or staff in school)

Half term Monday 26 May to Friday 30 May

Awards Evening Wednesday 9 July

Ends Wednesday 23 July (school closes 1.30 pm)

The days prior to the beginning of each of the school terms, Monday 2 and Tuesday 3 September 2013, Tuesday 7 January 2014 and Tuesday 22 April 2014 are designated CPD (Continuing Professional Development) days, as is Friday 27 September 2013. Students are not required to attend on these days.

The school’s occasional day this year will be Monday 6

January 2014.

Term Dates

H E A RT O F HE R TS

Absence Notes

Please may we remind the very small number of you who do so, that it is not possible for parents to use this staff car park, or its entrance, to drop off and/or pick up students. The space in the car park, and its entrance, is limited and our students are entering or exiting the school via the car park at these times. Any such use of the car park poses an obvious risk to the safety of our students which we cannot allow. Our school travel plan encourages our students to walk to school whenever possible, even if using public transport or having a lift by car; students can be dropped off a short distance away from the school so that they can then walk the last leg of their journey. May we suggest that you discuss with your daughter/son where you can safely drop them off or pick them up away from the car park, encouraging them to walk the rest of the way.

Nicola Christopher School Manager

Dear Parents

When supplying a note to school, for what ever reason, please ensure you include your child's full name and form, particularly if your surname differs from your child.

Many thanks

Mrs D Whittock

Attendance Officer

Dunmow Road Car Park

Forthcoming events

P A GE 2 2

Our Learning Community

The Hertfordshire & Essex High School is a strong and vibrant learning community, which inspires high aspirations in the people within it. We are a centre of excellence at the cutting edge of education. We use innovative technologies and teaching methods, which enable everyone to both give and achieve the best they can. We value the success of every individual, as well as their honesty and integrity. We celebrate creativity, foster resilience and compassion and encourage initiative and independence. We expect each person to respect others and have a sense of responsibility towards the community in which they live and work.

Our Values

Head on the Blog ...

Students and parents alike will be interested to know that Mrs Tooze has a regular blog on the Herts & Essex Observer website. Control + click on the photo to access the blog.

Please could we remind parents dropping off/picking up their children, in either the morning or the afternoon, that they are asked not to drive further up Warwick Road than the Pine Grove turning, to avoid congestion outside the school gate and the risk of accidents involving students crossing the road between Firlands and the main school buildings.

We should also like to ensure that all parents know we are unable to provide parking on the school site for school events. In this respect we would particularly ask that parents do not use our Dunmow Road staff car park, nor the car park at the front of Hockerill Anglo-European College. If parking in Pine Grove or in Warwick Road, please ensure that our neighbours’ driveways are not blocked.

Many thanks for your support.

Ann MacRae HR & Admin Manager

Parking

Nov 20 e-safety info evening for KS3 parents

Nov 21 e-safety info evening for KS4 parents Senior Maths Challenge

Nov 22 Year 12 tracking on Frog

Nov 23 School Disco (lower school)

Nov 23 Year 10 Art National Gallery/Tate Modern

Nov 27 Year 12 Parents' evening

Parental Forum

Nov 28 German exchange trip until 2 Dec (Mainz stage)

Nov 29 Year 9 tracking on Frog

Nov 30 Year 12 Honour Roll breakfast

Year 12 Politics trip to Westminster

Dec 4 Year 11 reports on Frog

Kids Lit Quiz

Dec 6 Year 11 Parents' evening

Dec 6 Year 7 tracking on Frog

Dec 7 Year 9 Honour Roll breakfast

Dec 10 Year 13 Media Studies trip to BFI

Dec 11 Year 7 PARD meetings

Dec 12 Year 11 IAG Meetings

Dec 12 Pupils' Piano Concert

Dec 13 Year 11 IAG Meetings

Dec 17 Year 13 Film Studies trip to BFI

Dec 14 Christmas Fayre

Dec 18 Christmas Concert

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