BOTTISHAM VILLAGE COLLEGE

December 2009

Principal’s News Dear Parents/Carers Another successful term As the end of the autumn term approaches, it is entirely appropriate that we take the opportunity to celebrate the many and wide-ranging successes of the academic year so far. Once again, it has been a privilege to witness these successes being recognised both inside and outside the school.

A selection of the highlights include:

• An anti-bullying conference that some of our year 11 students helped to organise in partnership with students from Soham Village College; as a result of this day materials were prepared for a series of assemblies in each school, designed to highlight the impact of bullying on young people and to empower our students to take positive action to prevent it.

• Six Bottisham students spoke at a Cambridgeshire County Council Community

Cohesion Conference to over 100 Headteachers, Governors and Local Authority Officers. They spoke confidently about their responses to a play that they had seen as part of their PSHE programme.

• A group of dedicated students from all year groups competed in the Cambridge and

Disrtrict Cross-Country Championships, and despite strong opposition from much larger schools ended up as District Champions.

• 198 students from Year 7 spent a valuable and enlightening day at Warwick Castle to

complement their studies in History • On November 30th students and parents from last year’s Year 11 came back to join

us to celebrate their record breaking results during our Certificate Evening. We have just received further national analysis of these results which underline just how impressive these achievements were; the degree of progress made by these students during their 5 years with us was exceptionally good, placing us in the top 12% of school nationally.

• Over 70 students took part in another wonderful Christmas Concert at Holy Trinity Church in Bottisham; the varied programme included students from all year groups

Building work Update Work is continuing to progress well:

• The extension to the Dining Hall was handed over shortly after half-term and is now in full use and the extra space has certainly made a significant improvement to our dining arrangements.

• The extra Maths classroom is completed and will be in use from the beginning of

next term. • The main new building is progressing well and we are hopeful that it will be handed

over to us before Easter.

Alongside this work, landscaping is under way in the Principal’s Lawn area, in anticipation of both the completion of the building work and the installation, later in the year, of the Matthew Sanderson sculpture, which is being commissioned by The David Irwin Trust; news on the progress of the sculpture will be available via our website next term.

Advance Warning on Consultation on Change of Status to a Trust School The governing body are intending to consult with all stakeholders next term about the possibility of Bottisham Village College becoming a Trust School. Detailed information and proposals will be available after Christmas, including details of how you can get involved in the consultation process. A consultation meeting with parents/carers to explore these proposals has been scheduled for Tuesday 26th January at 7pm in the Main Hall.

Farewells At the end of this term we say farewell to the following members of staff; Mrs Grabowska a member of the cleaning staff, Mr Peter Collins, one of our Site Team, Mr Cusick-Smith, one of our Teaching Assistant team, Mrs Bennett in the PE Faculty , Miss Nguyen in the Science Faculty and Mrs Hill, Head of Learning for Year 8. As a result of Mrs Hill’s departure Mr Fox will be taking over as Head of Learning for Year 8. We thank them all for the contributions that they have made to the life of Bottisham Village College and wish them all every happiness in the future. I would like to finish by thanking you all for your continued support and on behalf of all staff wish you and your families a very Happy Christmas and Best Wishes for 2010. We look forward to welcoming back all students on Tuesday 5th January 2010. Kate Evans Principal

BVC students raising money for students in India This term, students have begun to raise money for a slum school in India. The school is trying to solve the problem of girls having to bring younger brothers and sisters to school with them, which disrupts their learning. The school The slum school is in Delhi, the capital of India and it has been set up by a charity called Anusaran. Education in India is free, but poor families from the slums cannot afford to pay for uniforms, books or pencils. Consequently, many slum children don’t go to school. Anusaran has set up two schools in Delhi (one in the city, close to the slum, one on the outskirts of Delhi, serving the poorer villages) which provide completely free education for children. With Hindi, Maths and English under their belts, children can get jobs which will help them survive, provide for their families and perhaps move out of the slum. The schools are doing really well and the children who go love them. The “Little Mothers” problem Recently, Anusaran has noticed a growing problem. Many of the girls who attend their schools are bringing their younger brothers and sisters with them. Their parents are often working long hours in low-paying jobs (rickshaw pullers, labourers) and the burden of bringing up the toddlers in the family is passed onto the girls. They become Little Mothers. There is no-one else to look after the toddlers, so the girls are forced to bring them to school. Meet Reshma and Rajwana who have this problem.

My name is Reshma and I am 9 years old. I have two brothers: Dev, who is 1½ years old and Karan who is 4 years old. I carry Dev all the time. He is very heavy. Unfortunately, my father was murdered by someone. Now my mother goes out to work as a labourer and I do all the household jobs and take care of my brothers. I want to be a doctor, but I don’t know how.

My name is Rajwana and I am 9 years old. My father is a car painter and works until late at night. My mother also goes to work and comes home late. My responsibility is to take care of my 4 brothers and sisters. I want to perform my duties well and be a good carer for them, but I don’t know how.

Bringing a sibling to school is really disruptive, as the girls cannot concentrate on their lessons, particularly if their brother or sister is upset or ill. At lunchtime, there is not enough food for the whole family and the girls are going hungry – this is not helping their concentration. The solution and how BVC are helping Anusaran want to set up a child care facility so that the girls can drop off their siblings in a nursery before going to school. The child care facility will ensure the toddlers are looked after well, and will make sure they have good food and clothes. This will mean that the girls at the school can concentrate properly and can eat their own meal without having to go hungry. They will also be given child care lessons, so they are better able to care for the toddlers when they go home and their parents are out working long shifts. Anusaran need 82000 rupees (about £1100) to build a child care centre. They will need 75 rupees (£1) to feed each girl and her siblings each day. They will need 150 rupees (£2) per day to pay the wages of a child care worker. BVC pupils are trying to raise as much money as they can to make this dream a reality for the pupils in the Delhi slum school. The money raised from our non-uniform day this term and the proceeds from the Y8 Christmas Fayre are all going to Anusaran. Any other events that pupils would like to run, or any further donations that they would like to make, would be welcomed! Miss Hammond

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GCSE Catering News The Park Restaurant Our Year 11, GCSE Catering students were given the opportunity at Cambridge Regional College to run their new Park Restaurant in the evening on Monday 23rd November and Monday 30th November. Students were split into teams to either work in the commercial kitchens or prepare tables ready for the evening when parents had been invited as the paying guests. The Park Restaurant was full on both evenings and the students prepared and served a three course meal which was well received by all.

Thank you to all the students who took part in the evenings and for all the parents for their support.

FutureChef 2010 After winning the school heat of the FutureChef competition, Harvey Martin in Year 10 had been mentored by the Head Chef, Jonathan Dean at the Hotel du Vin in Cambridge in preparation for the next round. The local heats of the competition took place on 18th November at Kimbolton School. On the day, Harvey was very calm and collected and produced two superb dishes of pan fried salted cod on a bed of curly kale with a parsnip puree and pastis jus followed by an Amaretti cheesecake with poached pears and almond foam. There was a tense wait for the results but we are pleased to announce that Harvey was the winner. He now goes on to the Regional Final to be held at Bedford Regional College on 15th January 2010. We wish him all the best for the next round. Mrs Matthewson

Parent Pay – are you benefiting?

By now all parents should have received their letter detailing their Parent Pay login details. We have had a great response by parents to the Parent Pay system and many of you are now using this system to make simple and easy payments at any time of the day. If you have not received your letter or you would like a reminder please contact the finance office. Parent Pay is now our preferred method of payment and we would encourage all parents to make use of this service.

BOTTISHAM VILLAGE COLLEGE FACULTY OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION

CROSS COUNTRY TEAM ARE DISTRICT CHAMPIONS!

A fantastic team effort by students from all 5 year groups has regained the Cambridge and District Schools Cross Country trophy. The competition, on the hills of Royston Heath, is a big test for all the runners. In order to succeed, everyone has to really pull together and keep going even when the lungs and legs are saying “enough!”

Some of the victorious cross country squad with the District trophy Congratulations to all who took part. Good luck to the following runners who have been selected to represent the Cambridge and District schools team in the next round: Harriet Walker, Lucy Loughlan, Poppy Tabbron and Byron King.

Year 7 (Minor Girls) Harriet Walker 7.2 Lucy Loughlan 7.4 Poppy Tabbron 7.4 Rebecca Edwards 7.7 Alisha Vale 7.1 Hannah Murphy 7.6 Domini Wright 7.2 Alisha Walton 7.7 Lauren Price 7.7

(Minor Boys) Byron King 7.2 Charles Hall 7.5 Sam Bellis 7.5 Fintan Duffy 7.2 Lewis Cross 7.7 Jack Carter 7.4 William Foreman 7.2 Jake Jupp 7.2 Callum Fogg 7.6

Year8/9 (Junior Girls) Rose Lagnado 8.7 Katie Smith 8.1 Olivia Abbott 8.5 Ebony Rule 9.2 Zoe Colegate 9.1 Charlotte Jones 9.1 Kate Brown 9.7

(Junior Boys) Tom Bicknell 8.6 Nathan Isaacson 8.5 Lewis Stevens 8.6 Oli Walker 9.2 Ben Snaith 9.7 Matt Hogg 9.2 David Hall 9.1 Finn Conroy 9.6 Dan Cornell 9.3 Michael Ward 9.5

Year 10 / 11 (Inter Girls) Sarah O’Rourke 10.1 Chloe Beeton 10.7 Lauren Stevens 11.1 Katie Ward 11.1 Leigh Rolfe 11.5

(Inter Boys) Alex Loughlan 10.6 Daniel Melling 11.2 Jack Kiff 11.5 Isaac Smith 11.2 Chris Darling 10.3 Tyler Carr 10.4 Will Kingsmill 10.1 Brendan Mullen 10.3

Hockey Success All the school hockey teams have finished their season with the District schools’ tournaments. The year 7 ‘A’ team came third and the ‘B’ team were champions. Year 8 also had a very good competition both the A and the B teams came 3rd. The Year 9 team were knocked out in the semi final . The under 16 team played well in their section games, but didn’t get through to the knock out phase. Well done to all the girls who represented the school so well. Year 7 Hockey Squad

Olivia, Charlotte and Ben will represent the Cambridge and District Schools in the next round.

Sarah and Jack have also been selected to represent the Cambridge and District Schools in the next round.

Rugby The rugby season has drawn to a close and there were some particularly good performances by the Year 7 and the Year 8 ‘A’ teams who both finished third in their respective competitions. The year eight squad will be playing in a County competition in the new year. The ‘B’ teams also did very well in their tournaments (the Year 8 team were runners up) and it was good to see so many representing the school. In Year 9, there were a number of boys that started playing for the school having not played that much in the earlier years. Unfortunately, the squad was affected by some injuries and they struggled a bit at the tournament. However, it is pleasing that so many boys from all year groups have joined local clubs. Badminton team reach the County finals The Year 10/11 badminton team have played their way through two rounds of competition and into the finals of the County competition which will take place in January. Congratulations to Peter Liddiard, Owen Dodd, C.J. Kindred and Alex Loughlan. Orienteering An Orienteering team was entered for competition at Linton V.C. and enjoyed combining the skills of map reading and running. The best performance was by Ben Snaith from year nine. The team members were: Sarah O’Rourke, Chloe Beeton, Charlotte Jones, Gwillym Davies, Josh Lemon, and Ben Snaith. Hockey Training for Boys There has been the opportunity for boys in Years 7, 8 9 to have extra hockey coaching under floodlights after school. This has been popular with a small group who have made a real improvement in their play and understanding. Basketball Training evenings have been taking place for all students interested in developing their skills and understanding in basketball. These will continue in the New Year and are open to everyone. Details are on the P.E. notice board. Inter Form Competiton The Year 10 and 11 students all participated in the inter form basketball and rowing competitions held as part of the PSHE day. These activities need the students to be well organised, and to work together to achieve a shared goal. The competitions were fast and fun, and the sports leaders did an excellent job as referees and scorers. Well done to all who participated.

Interform Rowing

Interform Basketball Swimming Please note that there is free swimming for all students aged 16 and under in our fantastic Bottisham pool on Mondays and Tuesdays (3.00 – 4.00pm) and on Fridays (4.30 – 6.00pm). This is a great opportunity to have fun, socialise with your friends and keep fit. If transport home is a problem why not speak to your friends and see if you can share lifts. The Physical Education Faculty wish you all a very Happy Christmas and an active and healthy New Year. Mr Alvey

FRIENDS NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2009

Wow – sums up the support and money raised at this year’s Christmas Market on Sunday 29th November. The amazing sum of £3500 was raised for ‘The Friends’. Firstly a big thank you to all those who kindly donated prizes for our Christmas Raffle. Over 60 stallholders attended the Christmas Market, selling a variety of wonderful crafts and food produce with approximately 700 visitors coming through the door. Next year we hope to have an even greater selection of stallholders including more local produce. Christmas Market Sunday 28th November 2010 Bookings are now being taken for stall holders for 2010. Spaces are limited for the number of stalls per craft, to give a varied selection so book yours now to avoid disappointment. Please email friends@bottishamvc.org Tombola – Many thanks for all your support in donating the huge amount of tombola prizes. Again thanks to all students and parents participating – without your help it just wouldn’t happen. Molly Wells 10.5 won the £25 gift voucher for donating the most tombola gifts. Congratulations! Christmas Puddings – Thank you to everyone who purchased their Christmas Pudding – a great success. Having been chief sampler I can honestly say you are in for a treat!!! We do have a few remaining small Christmas puddings and Chocolate puddings if you would still like to order some. Our new additions, Triple Ginger & Citrus, Honey & Almond were a sell out and I’m sure they will return next year. Events for your diary 2010! Friday 5th February – Comedy Night Our very first comedy night. Please join us to be entertained by three top London comedians. An evening full of laughter to blow away those winter blues!!! Tickets on sale in the New Year

Friday 26th March 2010 –Quiz night Our extremely popular evening with Quiz Master Greg Alvey returns. Gather up a team and test your skills against fellow players!! Watch out for more details to follow after Christmas. Saturday 3 July 2010 – Summer Ball – A night not to be missed! To continue the celebrations of the Year 11 Leavers ball, why not join us for the wonderful night in the grand marquee. Plans are under way for this fabulous evening. Enjoy a champagne reception, and sumptuous three course meal. Dance the night away to live music and with entertainment throughout the evening. We are currently looking for sponsors for the evening. If you are interested and would like more information on sponsorship please email friends@bottishamvc.org or contact Claudine Bateman at the college. Tickets will be on sale in the Spring term. Proceeds from the Summer Ball provide the marquee for the Year 11’s Leavers’ Ball. Please support this event!

Parents of Teenagers!

Do you want to:

Enjoy the teenage years?

Stop shouting and being shouted at?

Encourage good behaviour?

And strengthen your relationship with your teenager?

Good!

Next February we are starting a free 6 week course at the Phoenix Room, Burwell Village College (Primary), Burwell on Wednesdays beginning at 7.30pm.

Every parent can benefit.

24 February, 3 March, 10 March, 17 March, 24 March, 31 March To book your place phone Susan on 01638 741791

Hazel Williams, Jan Frost and Susan Baker

We are all experienced in the running of parenting courses in local communities, so that parents can enjoy their young people more. MU Trained Parenting Facilitators.

Optional Course Book £8

Creative Computer Club Animation Reviews…

Want some new software for your computer? Bored of dull internet games?

The CCC team have reviewed a few animation programs to make

your life on the computer less boring…

Pivot Stickfigure

Pivot is a program that allows you to animate stick figures by moving the joints in their body. It is simple to use but is not ideal for creating complex animations. You are able to create characters and add them to your animation so that you can personalise your own movie. We would rate it:

****

Flash

Flash is a more complicated programme, however it is very efficient if you know how to use it properly. It uses tweens to move a shape or writing without you having to move it and take a lot of frames and time. Theoretically it is more time efficient than Pivot and therefore can be rated at:

****

Windows Movie Maker

Windows movie maker is a Microsoft program for making simple movies. It can also be used to make simple animations. You can either copy and paste images from Google or other picture search engines and paste them in, or create a manual animation by taking several pictures on a camera and downloading them onto movie maker. It is easy to use but not great for complex animation sequences. We rate it-

***

Sam Norris, Jacob Holt, Bradley Mansell, Niall Buckley and Oliver Wilson

Spring Term 2010—Calendar of Events

January 2010 Mon 4th Staff Professional Day Tue 5th Spring Term Begins Mon 11th Year 11 GCSE January Exams Start Year 10 Parents’ Information Evening Thu 14th Parents’ Drop-In Surgery Fri 15th Year 10 Trip to Tate Modern

Mon 25th to Year 9 Options Week

Mon 25th Year 11 Parents' Evening Tue 26th Humanities Master Class for year 6 students (Room 10) Fri 25th Year 11 Poetry Live Conference

Mon 1st Year 9 Options Parents' Talk and Information Evening Tue 2nd PSHE Day Wed 3rd Year 11 GCSE January Exams Finish Thu 4th Intermediate Maths Challenge Mon 8th Year 9 Parents' Evening Thu 11th Year 11 - Forms to 16+ centres Fri 12th Staff Professional Day

Mon 15th Half Term holiday

Mon 22nd Year 9 Options deadline for return of form Thu 25th Humanities Master Class for year 6 students (room 10) Fri 26th Cambridge Geography Trip March Thu 4th Geography Primary Quiz Tue 9th Humanities Master class for year 6 students (room 10) Mon 15th to Fri 19th Year 11 Catering Practical Exams

Tue 16th 16+ Interviews - Hills Road and Long Road Fri 19th Year 9 Somme Trip

Thu 25th PSHE Day Humanities Master class for year 6 students (room 10) Fri 26th Year 8 Trip to Fitzwilliam Museum Mon 29th Year 7 Parents' Evening April Thu 1st Term ends for Easter holidays

Mon 22nd Year 10 Trip to Houses of Parliament