Bishop Justus Church of England School
Transcript of Bishop Justus Church of England School
March 2013
Newsletter
In this issue:
Head teacher's Message
Ski Trip 2013
Alumni
Speak Up! Speak Out!
Bishop Justus Church of England School
Headteacher’s Message
Music Events
Geography Trips
Mr. Broughton‘s Marathon
Careers Events
Dyslexia Awareness
Volume 2013 Issue 2
Dear Parents, It is hard to believe, given our current weather conditions, that we are approaching Easter. Whilst the weather gives us no pleasure, I do hope that reading this edition of the school newsletter does. Alongside the many activities that you will read about, I would like to take this opportunity to bring parents up to date with a change we will be making at the start of the new timetable. Full details at the end of this Newsletter. Whilst the start and end times to the school day remain unchanged, following consultation with staff and Student Council we are making some changes to improve the shape of our school day. We are moving tutor time from the end to the start of the day to allow for a greater focus on personal development, allowing this to be more closely linked with the worship life of the school. You will also notice that this model allows for lunchtime to move to 12.35pm in response to a number of requests for us to consider an earlier lunchtime. The length of teaching periods remains the same, as does our commitment to after school activities and more details of these will follow in due course. Parents of students in the 6th Form will know that a large number of our 6th form students already have lessons at 3.20pm and we have taken the opportunity to formalise this arrangement which will also enable us to reinstate a sports afternoon for all 6th form students. Please remember our students in Key Stages 4 and 5 in your prayers over the coming months as they take their important public examinations. We hope they will work hard during the Easter break to prepare for these examinations but also to rest in preparation for the weeks ahead. We also wish the staff and students a wonderful trip to Sorrento and look forward to them returning to us safely with stories of their adventures. I look forward to welcoming back our students on Monday 15th April. All that remains is for me to wish you and your family a very peaceful Easter and thank you for your continued support. Kathy Griffiths
New School Timetable
Diary of forthcoming events
See end page
Magical Images of the Austrian Ski Trip in February…. Read more on the next page
During February half term 48 students from years 8, 9 and 10 travelled to Austria for the annual ski trip,
spending 6 days skiing in the Zugspitz Arena ski area just over the border from Germany, having been
made very welcome at the Zum Schluxen Hotel in the small village of Pinswang.
The students made excellent progress on their skiing, with absolute beginners tackling red runs by the end
of the week, and the more advanced successfully completing some black runs on the final day. It was great
to see the students‘ technique really improve during the trip and to see them all really pushing themselves.
As well as skiing we also had time to visit the town of Fusen in Germany one afternoon where the students
had time for shopping before we went for a pizza in the evening. We also had an evening walk by
candlelight up the mountain path to Neuschwanstein Castle which featured in the film, ―Chitty Chitty Bang
Bang‖. We were also lucky one evening to see local people taking part in the "burning of
witches" (Hexenverbrennung). This is an old custom of driving the winter away with bonfires. The fire is
made to drive the evil winter spirits from the fields and represents the people's yearning for warmth and
spring. The students were excellent representatives of the school and made a real impression on their ski
instructors who all said how proud they were of them all. Mr Gray ran a blog of the trip this year so parents
could see how we were getting on over the week. Well done to all!
Ski Trip 2013
Alumni
Nicola Foxen at The Mail on Sunday
With its great reputation for Journalism, I knew Bournemouth
University was the place for me. Since leaving Bishop Justus
and starting University in September 2011, I have learnt
numerous things inside and out of the lecture theatre and
developed as an individual in the process. Having had a
successful first year at university gaining a 2.1, I have been
working hard throughout my second year to achieve to the best
of my ability. I have also been fortunate to be chosen as a peer
assisted learner for the first year students where I can assist
with any problems they may face.
I have benefited from going to a university with such an
impressive media school and have got involved in a variety of
its media outlets. As an aspiring journalist, I have worked on
the campus newspaper as a sub editor where I have learnt to
write even more precisely whilst also being a weekly host on
the radio show in my first year to boost my confidence.
Alongside this, I have immersed myself in freelance journalism,
developing a personal portfolio where I have written pieces for
businesses and fashion labels as well as maintaining my own
news blog. In the competitive field of journalism, I believe
experience is everything, so last summer I voluntarily worked at
my local newspaper ‗The Newshopper‘ getting a number of articles published. I have been privileged
enough to help out on other stories and been specifically asked to write a follow up piece for a local dance
company. All of these factors have been a contribution as to why, this summer, I am now looking forward
to starting a five week placement at The Mail on Sunday, working in a variety of departments and gaining
a broad insight into working at a successful national newspaper.
Although having a nervous start to the university experience, I believe the past two years have been better
than I could have ever anticipated. Bournemouth has definitely been the perfect place for me; it is like a
home away from home, with the benefits of living so close to a beach. I have met some amazing people,
had a lot of fun and learnt great life skills such as cooking, budgeting and time management to name but
a few. But most importantly, I have got a taste of what is to come in the future as life as a journalist.
Although a daunting prospect, I feel prepared to begin my third year where I face the task of writing my
dissertation.
Speak Up! Speak Out!
On Monday 25th February, 32 Year 10 students were involved in the ‗Jack Petchey Speak Up! Speak Out! Challenge‘.
We had a trainer, Ore, come in and train us in public speaking. Some people were nervous as they hadn‘t spoken in
front of a large group of people before, but she told us all we needed to know. This included hints about keeping eye
contact, using hand gestures to show expression and just the right amount of movement to make it interesting. We
started off with small tasks and Ore helped us improve before the final
task. As the day progressed, people grew in confidence and just before
lunch, we had to write a one minute speech about something we felt
passionate about that we would then present to the class in the
afternoon. People rehearsed all lunchtime and then the final
presentations came. There was a variety of different subjects; some
emotional, some funny, but each person had a go at presenting their
work from memory and did an excellent job. Each participant supported
everyone well by applauding them really loudly; everyone in the school
must have heard!
Eight finalists were picked by Miss Hamilton and Ore, though there were
meant to be six; they just thought we were all too good! The finalists were Joe Paris, Emily Smith, Olivia Freame, Faith
Nandy, Hector Jonson, Gabby Owens, Megan Pearce-Wright and Keita Orelaja. Each one then had to present their
speech in the Year 10 assembly that Thursday afternoon. They all did extremely well and were all confident, though
they thought the nerves would take over! They each remembered what Ore had taught us about being confident,
using a loud and clear voice and taking control of the room and they all produced speeches that made an impact on
the audience as they were all very powerful. At some points the speakers made the
year speechless, some made them laugh and some encouraged a reflection on the
message delivered.
There were three judges for the final: Mr Healey, Mr Blakelock and Ms Young, all
experienced in public speaking and after a long debate they picked a winner and a
substitute to then go through to the Bromley borough final, along with the winners from
the other Bromley schools. The winner for Year 10 was Hector Jonson with the
substitute position being awarded to Keita Orelaja. They both did an amazing job and
captivated the audience well. I think Hector will do our school proud in the final and
fingers crossed he makes it through to the national final representing Bromley. Each
one of the students that participated was awarded a certificate with special award
certificates being given to the 8 finalists. Bethany Mulley and Abi Morton were awarded
additional certificates recognising their efforts and improvement throughout the day.
Miss Hamilton said how proud she was of everyone because they gave it everything
and we should all be proud of the finalists who represented our year so well. It was a
great experience and everyone who took part felt that they grew in confidence and
enjoyed the day.
Winner: Hector Jonson
Runner-up: Keita Orelaja
On Monday 18th March thirteen Bromley secondary schools came together for the Year
10 Speak Up! Speak Out! Challenge. Seventeen speakers battled it out for two hours
speaking for two to three minutes each on topics varying from war, image, X Factor,
time and animal testing to name but a few. The competition was fierce but only three
students were to be named champions.
Hector Jonson represented Bishop Justus after being chosen as one of eight finalists
from a selection of 32 other students who took part in the Speak Up! Speak Out!
workshop held on 25th February and then winner of the eight in the Bishop Justus Year
10 competition on 28th February.
After weeks of hard work and practice; including performances in the Year 7 and Year
8 assembly and in Staff Briefing, the hard work paid off and Hector Jonson was
awarded second place!
This is a tremendous achievement and we are all immensely proud of him. It's not easy
to speak in front of a large audience but Hector did so with poise, articulation and
confidence.
Well done Hector!
Music Events… at the school
Easter Cabaret Concert
Music Events… in the borough
Bromley Music Festival
Congratulations to Rachel
Parker (Yr. 12) who came first
in the violin solo class earlier
this month.
Senior Sax Band Katie Haig, Year 9 Iman Beoku –Betts, Year 12
The annual Easter Cabaret concert took place on Thursday
21st March, and was one of the most successful to date. It
included performances from ensembles including Senior
Saxtet, Concert Band and Samba Band, and soloists
including Katie Haig, Heather Phelps and Iman Beoku-Betts.
On Saturday 9th March, students
from the chamber choir at Bishop
Justus sang as part of a massed
choir at the packed Fairfield Halls,
led by staff member Mr Graves, and
performing songs from Rodgers and
Hammerstein.
Heather Phelps, Year 10
On 11th March, the Bishop Justus Jazz
Band performed at the annual Duke of
Edinburgh Awards Presentation at the
Civic Centre in Bromley. The band had
the opportunity in the middle of the
ceremony to perform to the Mayor of
Bromley, as well as the assembled
crowd of hundreds of people!
On 12th March, the A Level and AS Level music
students performed their final assessed recitals
at Holy Trinity Church in Bromley in front of
friends and family. The concert was a chance to
perform in a beautiful acoustic and atmosphere,
and for the students involved, an opportunity to
showcase the results of many months of hard
work and practice. Stephen Yolland
AS Level Geographers explore the River Cray
Despite the hail at the first site, AS Level Geographers enthusiastically explored the channel dynamics of the River
Cray investigating downstream changes in processes and energy levels of the River. Measurements demonstrated
that the channel geometry and flow conformed to the expected models of behaviour. Flood management strategies
were also investigated and it was no surprise to find the flood alleviation channel at Hall Place in Bexley carrying
water for the first time in many years.
House Matters
We congratulate all students in Hoy House for their
tremendous efforts over the last two terms in moving up the
leader board to claim the House Cup for their overall House
points and commendations gained. We are also delighted to
have appointed our Deputy House Captains this term who were
welcomed during House
Worship: Jessica Frankland,
Erika Mantoura, Tim Murch,
Sonia Woolhouse, Victoria
Junaid, Jean-Louis Francois
Campbell, Jack Malham, Harriet
Egbonimali, Summer Cowans,
Nekebah Cohen, Meesha
Vaughan-Gray and Sophie
Skinner. We look forward to
these teams generating
enthusiasm for the House
system and running more events in the forthcoming weeks.
Mr Broughton (Assistant
Headteacher) will be running the London Marathon on 21st April,
2013 in aid of the YouthNet charity. He would welcome
support on the day itself as well
as any contributions to the project that he is looking to fund.
This charity project - run jointly
by Age UK and YouthNet - is aiming to link young people up
with those elderly who might
well be isolated so that the young can gain mentoring
experience by teaching the maturer members of the
community how to use the
internet. The idea would be then that the elderly can use the
internet to become more social and enjoy the convenience that
the web can bring.
My fundraising page is:
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/
PeterBroughton1
The relevant charity pages are:
http://www.runforit.org.uk/ http://www.youthnet.org/
Mr. Broughtons Marathon in aid of
YouthNet
10 lucky winners secured their places at The Big
Bang Fair last week by successfully posting in to
school a humble potato crisp. This technical
challenge set to year 9 students allowed them to visit
and participate in a huge range of events to develop
their understanding of just what scientists, engineers
and mathematicians actually do – and how they
could follow in their footsteps - activities and
resources highlighted career opportunities and
routes to those careers. The students got thinking
about what jobs in science and engineering are really
like, and how they might make the ideas they get
from visiting The Big Bang 's events a reality. It was a
fantastic event and the few that attended have been
sharing what they learned by giving presentations in
their tutor groups. Sharing all the fun and excitement,
and the bigger message about the kinds of careers
that studying science and maths can lead to.
The Big Bang Fair
Don‘t Try This at Home!
As part of National Science week,
we were delighted to host year 5
students from local primary schools.
They had the opportunity to work
with our 6th Formers extending their
science learning. The afternoon was great fun
and saw them benefiting
from using all sorts of
equipment and undertaking
experiments in our labs. Our
6th form were a real credit to
themselves too, patiently
supporting the youngsters
and clearly explaining the
concepts.
Excitement is gathering here at Bishop Justus in anticipation of the launch of
our new Career Academy on June 12th 2013. Our 6th Form students will have
opportunities to engage with local and national employers in partnership with
our school as a valuable preparation for adult life.
Our young people, who successfully enrol on the programme, will have
opportunities to extend their achievement beyond accepting the middle ground.
They will receive support that will build on their enthusiasm and help them to
identify and develop their strengths in meaningful ways that will go with them
long after they leave Bishop Justus. To find out more about Career Academies
visit www.careeracademies.org.uk. If as an employer, you would like become
part of this new initiative contact Alison Oosthuizen, who will be delighted to
involve you.
‘Just wanted to say a BIG THANK YOU for such a great afternoon. The Students from
Keston had a wonderful afternoon, it was informative, encouraging and such good
fun.’
Chris Rowland
Keston CE Primary School.
Diary of Events:
APRIL 2013
Sorrento Holiday Geography KS4— 1st April
Iceland Trip Year 11,12 and 13— 8th April
The Voice Heats—22nd to 24th April
Impact Day— 25th April
MAY 2013
The Voice Quarter Finals—2nd May
The Voice Semi Finals— 9th May
Year 13 Bingo Evening— 10th May
Public Exams begin— 13th May to 30th June
Music Tour Parents‘ Evening—14th May
The Voice Final— 22nd May
Concert Band and Choir Tour Paris/Prague— 25th to 29th May
JUNE 2013
Friends Summer Ball— 15th June
Bishop Justus Church of
England School Magpie Hall Lane
Bromley
Kent
BR2 8HZ
020 8315 8130
Through Faith and Learning
Every Learner Achieves @ Bishop Justus
Does your child have a learning difference or difficulty?
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If you would like to sign up, please email [email protected] typing ‗Sign Up To Mailing List‘ in the
subject box. We look forward to working with you!
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
8.35 Registration Registration Registration Registration Registration
8.40 Worship / Tutorial Worship / Tutorial Worship / Tutorial Worship / Tutorial Worship / Tutorial
9.15 Period 1 Period 1 Period 1 Period 1 Period 1
10.15 Break Break Break Break Break
10.35 Period 2 Period 2 Period 2 Period 2 Period 2
11.35 Period 3 Period 3 Period 3 Period 3 Period 3
12.35-
1.20
Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch
1.20 Period 4 Period 4 Period 4 Period 4 Period 4
2.20 Period 5 Period 5 Period 5 Period 5 Period 5
3.20 Period 6
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