BVGS Newsletter Autumn Half Term 2012
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Transcript of BVGS Newsletter Autumn Half Term 2012
Newsletter November 2012
Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School
The official Bishop Vesey’s Twitter account is @BVGS1527 Follow us on
Students take the lead!
So many exciting events, visits
and opportunities in the space of
just a few weeks since the Sum-
mer update newsletter. We are
well underway now in the aca-
demic year 2012-13 and can al-
ready detect a sense of real ur-
gency and commitment about the
school. Student leaders, of all
ages, are ever more prominent,
organising and hosting our house
and school events. It is particu-
larly pleasing to see so many of
our former students returning to
offer assistance and support. We
are indebted to our benefactors
from the wider Vesey Commu-
nity and Vesey families for the
tremendous financial support we
are receiving to maintain the
‘additionality’ which offers stu-
dents such a wide-ranging feast of
activities for their personal devel-
opment beyond the classroom.
Sincere thanks to all who are
contributing to the well estab-
lished ‘Vesey Experience’.
The School is in good heart.
Lord Mogg OV re-visits his alma mater
Year 7 and Year 10 pictured here
carrying out experiments in the
Science Laboratories.
Year 7 were involved in an investi-
gation to compare the solubility of
three different sizes of sugar parti-
cles. Notice the intensity and preci-
sion of our young scientists as they
apply themselves to the tasks in
hand.
Year 10 were investigating Refrac-
tion - how light behaves when it
passes into and out of glass blocks.
(Section 5.4 of Unit 1 GCSE)
Andrew Cotterill, School Captain 2010-
11 came back to BVGS for a Head-
teacher’s Forum Lunch with students in
Year 11, inspiring them to aspire to places
at top universities. He promoted the study
of Modern Foreign Languages as well as
talking about volunteering. Andrew had
just been part of the Olympic Games 2012
army of willing helpers, who by their
model, along with the athletes themselves,
have helped to inspire a generation.
Lord Mogg OV 55-62 Chairman of Ofgem, Chair of ERGEG and
Chair of Governors at the University of Brighton, above with
members of Year 8 School Council. He had lunch with Sixth
Formers discussing the next hundred years of energy and met Old
Veseyans over tea, including his German A Level Teacher Roy
Cash. L-R Headteacher Dominic Robson, OVA Chairman
Roger Crees, former Chairman of Governors and OV Peter
Randon, Lord Mogg, Roy Cash and Executive Head David
Concentration and Solutions in the Laboratories!
Page 2 November 2012
Leo wins Biathlon
Congratulations to Leo Karski 7BL who won
Gold on 30 Sept in the Yr 7 Boys West Midlands
Biathlon held at Tudor Grange Sports Centre,
representing BVGS. He swam 50m in 30.63sec
and ran 500m in 1.33.32mins., beating the 2nd
placed runner by 00.02sec! He swims four times
a week with Boldmere and City of B’ham Swim-
ming Clubs and hopes to reach the National
Biathlon Finals at Crystal Palace in March.
All Star Students
L-R: Tom Andrew, President of BVGS School Council 2011-12 and 1st XV scrum-half achieved a record
5 A* grades at A Level this summer whilst Andrew Hyslop and Andy Quach scored ten A*s at GCSE.
New Online Resource for all the Family
Encyclopedia Britannica Online School Edition: Britannica
Online School Edition is a unique online resource packed full of
articles and multimedia. Britannica offers students vast , accurate
and up to date resources ideal for in-depth research, homework
or fact-finding. Its four age-specific areas contain a variety of
clear, current and accurate information for all the family.
Britannica is accessible at the link below. The school ID will
be required to login . The ID is available from the school
library. http://school.eb.co.uk/storeschoolcard?id=bishopveseysgs
Over 60s Computer Course
Now well established as part of our offer
to members of the local community, this
popular course allows those who are
less familiar with modern technology to
develop computer skills, ably assisted by
volunteer Sixth Formers who provide
this service through the Sixth Form En-
richment programme. Our students have
been praised for their patience and help-
fulness in this option. The course will be
run again from February.
Fireman Dan Young Firefighter
and First Aid Course Congratulations to Daniel Beggan 9R who
graduated from the Sutton Coldfield Fire Station
Youth Project on 6 October following a 20 week
gruelling course under the guidance of Blue
Watch Commander Nigel Cox.
The course enabled recruits to participate in
sessions such as using fire service equipment, drill
yard exercises, fire-fighting, search and rescue,
dealing with road traffic incidents, first aid, CPR
and road safety.
Following a demonstration of their skills, each
recruit was provided with a certificate by Group
Commander Simon Shilton.
We hope that Dan’s experience encourages more
of our students to ‘have a go’ at community re-
lated courses and extend their learning and influ-
ence for the common good. Well done, indeed!
Record Results BVGS 2012 Record Results at A Level
and GCSE will be published in The
Sunday Times Parent Power
League Table this November. We
expect to be comfortably in the TOP
60 state secondary schools in the coun-
try with our excellent results this year.
Our league position is a reflection of
the huge effort of individual students
and all staff. We believe that our high
scoring school records will be beaten
by future generations of students
through hard work, perseverance,
determination to succeed, strong pa-
rental support and the special Vesey
brand of outstanding care, support and
guidance from our first-rate staff. BVGS
results reflect a Vesey Community wide
effort to help our students.
Talent alone is not enough!
Page 3
BVGS Newsletter Page 3
Year 7 this academic year have benefited from the kind and generous support of Patrons and Friends of Vesey Music, who through discrete
financial support for the musical life of the school, have helped to provide additional experiences. All members of Yr 7 will have lessons in brass in-
struments and special vocal tuition to build more choirs and choral ensembles. We are indebted to John Clemson, Head of B’ham Music Service,
who is helping us with our initiatives for Music and who has provided the instruments for this exciting new dimension to the life of the school.
The student Alpha Course organised by senior
Christian Union members Mark Poniatowski and
Emily Riley has been running after school on Tues-
days during this term with 15-20 attendees meeting
for food, to listen to a talk by a guest speaker and to
discuss some of the most pressing questions in life.
Jenny Chester (pictured) is a voluntary youth
worker with the Walsall Faithworks team.
Tom Naraine, OV 08, is helping with CU on
alternate weeks, as part of his year working with the
Sutton Vineyard church. Christian Union meets
weekly in Room B4.
The Alpha Course at BVGS
Junior Soloists Concert On 9 October, 13 junior soloists offered a delightful
evening of high calibre entertainment and polished
performances to a packed audience in Big School. A
range of instrumental and vocal items led to a wonder-
ful showcase event. Our ambition for Vesey Music,
providing more and more platforms for performance
and developing a range of new initiatives, is already
bearing fruit. All members of Year 7 are engaged in
brass tuition and all have singing lessons. We are enor-
mously grateful to the Patrons and Friends of Vesey
Music who have offered discrete financial support to
underpin the developments for our young musicians.
Pictured above is Nick Lee 10R who starred at the
recent concert with his performance of Remembrances
from Schindler’s List. Nick is working towards Grade 8
and plays with B’ham Schools Symphony Orchestra,
Academy Orchestra and Bournville Strings Orchestra.
Join us for the Christmas Concert on Tuesday 11 De-
cember in Big School at 7.30pm. Another musical treat
in store!
English Department A busy start to the term with the launch of drama classes and creative writing classes in
Year 7 led by Sarah Slater and Karen Gutteridge. Also launched is RAW during
Wednesday lunchtimes for aspiring writers and enthusiastic readers organised by Claire
Callan and Sandra Holland. At KS4, Year 10 students have started their courses
promptly and most GCSE English Language students have completed their first controlled
assessment worth 10% of their GCSE. Year 11 students continue to prepare for their
upcoming January examinations in GCSE English Language and GCSE English Literature,
Meanwhile at AS level, five students attended a master class in reading poetry at the
University of B’ham organised by Kate Steadman. Next half term: Year 11 revision
classes on Mondays after school, AS revision classes for U6 retaking modules on Friday at
1pm in B5 and an AS trip to Shakespeare's birthplace.
Sixth Form Enrichment: Young Investors
On 8 October, 24 Sixth-
Formers undertaking the IFS
Student Investor Challenge as
part of their Enrichment Pro-
gramme were treated to a talk
by Liam Collins from the IFS
Institute in London. As part
of the Investor Challenge
students have to invest
£100,000 in a range of virtual
stocks and shares. They were given top tips about how to choose a company to buy shares
in and how to monitor share performance. Students then presented their chosen share
portfolios to Liam, justifying their investment decisions. Liam kindly commented that BVGS
was the first school he had visited where students had presented their own ideas with such
conviction to him. The prize for a team which has generated the most money from their
share portfolio by February is a place in the regional final, the first stage towards the final
prize - an all-expenses paid trip for the winning team (plus their teacher) to New York.
Teachers joining BVGS this year
Page 4 November 2012
As a former BVGS
student, Natalie is
delighted to be
back in the school
for her GTP
training year. She
graduated with a
BA Hons in
Modern Languages
from Durham
University and will
b e t e a c h i n g
German and French at the school this
year. Having lived and worked in Russia,
Natalie is very passionate about the
Russian language and culture and is
currently providing our students with
the opportunity to learn Russian during
their lunch break. Natalie is a keen
netball player, playing for Wyndley
Netball Club, and during her time here
co-founded the school’s netball team
alongside former student Jessica
Hughes. She is looking forward to being
involved in all aspects of Vesey life.
Nata
lie A
dco
ck
S u h a i l
graduated
with a
d e g r e e
i n L a w
from the
University
of Liverpool in 2010. He decided on a
career in teaching as an undergraduate
student and whilst doing his degree he
carried out work experience at a local
grammar school and was employed
during the holidays as a revision mentor
at the school. He took a gap year,
travelling and working as a private tutor
to law students. Whilst completing a
PGCE at Edge Hill University he
completed a work placement at a local
college as well as at the grammar school.
After completing his PGCE, he is now at
Vesey’s teaching Law to sixth form
students and Citizenship to lower school
students. He is a fan of rock climbing and
cycling.
Su
hail O
ugra
der
R i c h a r d
Jeffries qualified
with a BEd
(Hons) in Music
i n 1 9 9 7 ,
and taught at
Four Oaks
Primary School
f o r 1 4
years. with
responsibi l i ty
for Music. He directed numerous con-
certs, musical performances and shows
in that time. He always encourages
young people to get involved in playing
an instrument or singing, and in April
2005 founded the Four Oaks Cluster
Choir. They recently reached the cate-
gory Finals of Choir of the Year 2012.
Since 2005, he has developed several
other community choirs of all ages and
now works with nine different choirs
per week, including a choir for teenag-
ers, a Training Choir for young children
and the newly formed Vesey Voices.
Ric
hard
Jeff
ries
Davina is
the latest
addition to
the Physics
Dept. at
B i s h o p
V e s e y ' s
Grammar School. She has studied both
in the UK and in Germany and is part
of the new Year 7 Science Club team
which will run Vesey's first ever Science
Fair at the end of this academic year.
Davina is pleased to have joined the
Vesey Community and is enjoying both
her teaching and role as a Year 8 Form
Tutor. Enthusiastic and hard-working,
she contributes to the Vesey aims of
academic excellence and preparing
young Veseyans to become responsible
influential members of society.
Davin
a J
ackso
n
C a m i l l e ,
who is
from near
Lille in
Nor thern
F r a n c e ,
graduated
in 2011
from the Université Catholique de Lille,
where she gained a Masters degree in
English. She worked as a foreign
language assistant at Benenden School,
Kent during 2011-2012 and was a
French lecturer at Centenary College in
Louisiana for a semester in 2010.
Camille says she is happy to do her
GTP training at Bishop Vesey's this year
where she is teaching mainly French
along with some Spanish later in the
year.
Cam
ille
Carp
en
tier
Daniel Everett
BA in History
and English from
the University of
B i r m i n g h a m
joined the His-
tory Department
in September
2012 having pre-
viously taught for
six years at Heart
of England School in Balsall Common,
and voluntarily for one year in the
Dominican Republic. He hopes to play
his part in ensuring the History De-
partment continues its recent success.
Daniel has also enjoyed seeing the
Senior Cross Country Team make a
successful start to their season and is
looking forward to playing an active
part in athletics at BVGS.
Dan
iel E
vere
tt
C h r i s t i n e
N w a n k w o
joined us in
S e p t e m b e r
2012 as a
teacher of
Business and
E c o n o m i c s ,
having previously taught pupils from over
35 different countries in an international
secondary school in Tenbury Wells,
Worcestershire. Her enthusiasm for
Business stems from her time working
with a number of key businesses in the
West Midlands whilst working as a Finan-
cial Recruitment Consultant, prior to
entering the teaching profession. Her
ambition for the next year is to contrib-
ute further to the department aim of
raising the profile of Business and Eco-
nomics in the school, and to allow all
students to develop skills and aptitudes
which prepare them for the world of
work or a career in Business.
Ch
rist
ine N
wan
kw
o
Alex graduated
from the University
of Birmingham this
year with a degree
in Geology and
Geography and is
currently working
as an Instructor in
Geography and
Games, with an
aim of attaining
QTS at the end of this academic year.
He is keen to get students to not just
be interested in Geography academi-
cally, but to follow issues closely out-
side school and to engage with topics
that are currently affecting the world
and people’s lives on a global, as well as
a local scale. In doing so he hopes they
can then go on to take full advantage of
living in a global society and help ad-
dress some of the problems which their
generation especially will have to face,
such as climate change and a shift to-
wards sustainable energy.
Ale
x J
on
es
Over the past five
years David has
represented England
at U18, U21,
E n g l a n d A
(Outdoor) and
Seniors (Indoor) and
Great Britain Youth
i n v a r i o u s
t o u r n a m e n t s
throughout the
world including Junior World Cup and
European Championships. He knows all
about time management in order to be
able to play and train at this level and
also have time for his academic studies
and other activities. He played for
Berliner Hockey club - a very different
experience, learning about German life
and cultural differences, alongside his
hockey. To enhance this experience he
took intensive German lessons
completing up to level A1.2. Now back in
England he plays for Cannock Hockey
Club in the top league in England.
David
Beckett
Page 5 BVGS Newsletter
Non-Uniform Day 11 October 2012 - £887 raised for Islamic Relief
On Thursday 11 October, students came in non-uniform to support a water project being run by Islamic Relief. Two former students Zeeshan Ali OV 02 from the charity and Ali Nagi OV 12 held assemblies for Year 7-10 to promote the work of the charity. Pictured here in Big School: L-R Helen Pitt, Charities Co-ordinator, Zeeshan Ali, Domi-nic Robson, Headteacher and Ali Nagi.
Students pictured below going about their normal lunch-
time activities in mufti, enjoying a day in aid of a good
cause. Evidence of Vesey togetherness and working for
the benefit of others less fortunate than those of us who
enjoy the great privilege of life at Vesey’s.
Jeavon Porter-Fraser
BVGS 2005-10
We were shocked and saddened to learn of the untimely
death, following a severe asthma attack, of Jeavon Porter-
Fraser, who left BVGS in 2010, having made his mark most
notably through Vesey Sport. A great athlete who broke
the U15 100m record in 2009 which had stood since 1994.
In Junior Rugby he was the full-back star of a memorable
U13B-U15B team. At U14B he appeared in 11 matches,
scoring 26 tries and 3 conversions. Always full of energy
and bounce, outside school he not surprisingly enjoyed
trampolining and paintballing. He brought a lively and
cheery enthusiasm to all he did. Popular and endearing
amongst his peers, well known wherever he went, with an
infectious smile and a relaxed attitude, he brightened the
lives of all he met. He will be sorely missed and we extend
our deepest and heartfelt sympathy to his family at this sad
time. His funeral at St Philips’ Cathedral in Birmingham was
a celebration of his life and reflected his personality through
which he always looked on the bright side. We are indeed
the richer for having known Jeavon for whom there will be
a special Memorial and Thanksgiving Service here at BVGS
in Big School at 11am on 21 December, to which we invite
all who shared his short but memorable life.
Page 6 November 2012
Attain Travel is a proud sponsor of Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School Sports
BVGS Rowing continues to flourish with over 60 students involved in two Wednesday afternoon senior sessions
Having gained promotion to Midlands Div, 2 Veseyans are
finding their feet and after a couple of defeats recorded a
superb away victory over a previously unbeaten Stafford
side. With all players now available after some early
season injuries Captain Sam Irvine OV 03 is confident
of further success. 2nd XV have got off to a great start
recording three 50 point victories out of their first four
games of the season. 17 year old Ali Careless has been
particularly impressive. BVGS Head of Rugby Zak
Feaunati, No 8 for the Veseyans draws a trio of
opponents in this photo, before slipping a pass.
The first regatta of the academic
year took place on Sunday 14
October in Bedford, where our
best finish of the day came from
the school’s first ever women’s
double sculls involving Sasha
Collins and Head of Lower Sixth,
MFL teacher and Rowing Coach
Min Egan. Both in strong posi-
tions in this photo, with blades all
nicely aligned. The standout
performance of the day came
from Robert Huskisson who
ranked well in his single scull
category beating crews from
Bedford Modern and Emanuel
School. Rowing is fast becoming a
major sport and more and more
girls are involved.
Photo: Stu Small
BVGS students have once
again entered the Concept 2
Indoor National League this
year. Sessions run at
lunchtimes under the supervi-
sion of Brian Davies with L6
student, Dan Offen, coach-
ing Yr 7 as part of the Young
Leaders programme. Time
trials have just taken place for
the national league. Students
in teams of 4 row 125m each
and submit a time for the
500m completed. So far Yr7
are ranked 52/88 teams, Yr
10 18/50 teams and best of all
Yr 11 8/55 teams across the
country. A sport with an
excellent following at BVGS.
Indoor and Outdoor Rowing in full swing as the Regatta and Time Trial seasons begin
This year the netball squad has 24
players who have so far played
two tournaments. The practice
tournament with Fairfax and
Bishop Walsh was a warm up for
the regional tournament on 3
October. This was a great
experience, playing four different
teams and holding our own.
Unfortunately we did not progress
through to the second round but
we had some wins and a good
morale boost for the season to
come.
BVGS Teacher is National Champion
Psychology Teacher Naima Field became Na-
tional C O19 Ladies Champion at the British
Championships held at the NIA in July. At this
two day event, Naima was in second place going
into the final day. She then raised her game,
performed at her best and came away with the
Gold medal and title of National Ladies Cham-
pion. An exhilarating sport as seen in the pic-
tures. Naima is able to offer tuition to Sixth
Formers on Wednesday afternoons at Wyndley
and Elise Robinson L6 will now prepare to
compete in the British Schools Championships.
BVGS Newsletter Page 7
2nd XV, based on the foundations laid at U16, game understanding, a good work ethic, and continued player development, have made a good start with wins
against Northampton Boys’ School, King Henry VIII, KES Aston and Trent College with an agonising two point loss to RGS Worcester. P5, W4, D0, L1 F141, A36. The U16s have had a positive start to the season with a record of P4 W3 L1. The season started with an extremely encouraging performance against a strong and physical Northampton side. A fine bit of individual play by scrum half Oli Hobin set up at last minute winning try for George Hawkins, leaving
the final score at 17-14. A narrow loss to RGS Worcester has been followed by strong victories against KES Aston and Trent College. The U14A have had a fantastic start to the season with 3 wins and 2 defeats against some very strong opposition. A spirited display against a powerful King Henry's pack was the pick of the bunch with Vesey finishing the game with a solid 31-17 win. Zach Davison has also scored a number of tries out wide, set up by some quite brilliant and creative play by a promising and developing back line. U13As have had two good scores against RGS Worcester and King Henry VIII but have
struggled against some very good sides, especially Northampton and Ellesmere. Will Poland has led his team very well from fly half and has scored many tries with his darting breaks down the blindside and has defended superbly. The standout player in the forwards so far is Declan Mee, whose spectacular contact skills and work rate complement his long range kicking for goal and touch. P6 W2 L4
Rugby Round-up: After a slow start to the season with two heavy
defeats to Northampton Boys and RGS Worcester, the 1st XV bounced back with a great win over King Henry VIII 26-21 winners. Then it was
KE VI Aston. Vesey’s started very well, dominated so much of the game
but could not convert pressure into points. Eventually Vesey’s held on
to win a tight game 10-7 with Aston almost snatching the win in the
final play of the game. Another heavy defeat followed to a very physi-
cal Trent College team. The Vesey spirit was back for the KE Lich-
field game in the Daily Mail Cup Round 2, with Vesey winning 41-0
with two tries to Dan Offen and Adam Joseph-Kerr. P6 W3
L3.Notable performances so far this season Darius Paszkowski,
Nathan Felton, Dan Offen and Cameron Pallister.
Hockey Round-up: 25 students and 3 staff enjoyed a pre-season four day Hockey Tour to Belfast, with fixtures against Irish Champions Banbridge
School and later Methodist College. P4 W0 D1 L3. An excellent occasion to learn, develop and bond against such challenging, national-ranked opposition.
There was time for a tour of Stormont, indoor go-karting and an
open top bus tour of Belfast, seeing the peace walls and murals as well as the Titanic quarter. Off then north up the coast to visit the Giant’s Causeway. A huge success on and off the pitch in terms of
development. Special thanks to teachers Chris Howell, Dave
Goodwin and Kevin Doughty for the organisation and leadership.
The 1st XI have benefited from the Ireland tour with back to back wins against Adams G.S 4-3 and Loughborough G.S away with a superb 3-2 result,
before a real tussle in a home match with Warwick School - final score 4-5 after leading 4-3. 2nd XI have had some excellent results with convincing
wins over Adams G.S (5-0) and Nottingham H.S (5-0 with Lewis Chatham scoring a hat-trick). The U15s equalised in the last minute to draw 1-1
with Solihull, Sam Davis scoring the deserved goal. The U14s started with a 2-0 win against Adams G.S with Ben Green and Ben Moore scoring.
Page 8 November 2012
Last half-term we offered more opportunities for students to act as
host/compères and speakers at our public and Vesey Community
events. (Left to right and anticlockwise) Callum Delaney and Brett
Waldron from Year 9 spoke at the Year 8 Information Evening about
their experiences in Year 8. Ed Elliman spoke at two Year 7 Wel-
come Evenings to parents and students about his life in Year 7, empha-
sising that the more you put in, the more you seem to get out. Josh
Hall, Joe Perrin and Jordan Orchard compèred the recent Junior
Soloists Concert in Big School helping to create a warm atmosphere
amongst our capacity audience and drawing highly appreciative re-
sponses for our top performing junior musicians. Josh, Joe and Jordan
were successful in securing places as compères for this event from ten
candidates, following auditions held by Ben Woodford 11R and Leo
Morton 9G, both of whom have significant experience as public
speakers on stage in Big School. Other students who have been in-
volved in this new initiative: Tom Jones L6 and Steven Mapp L6
spoke eloquently at the Year 10 GCSE Information Evening and Ed
Elliman, Dominic Devine, Balamrit Sokhal and Kieran Hender-
son all in Yr 8 spoke at the Open Evening/Morning in September.
New Public Speaking Opportunities for 2012
Cross Country Running A very good start to the new season with the Senior Team re-invigorated and keen to fill up the trophy cabinet again. Despite the E-Coli outbreak in
Sutton Park, sensible precautions were taken and nine teams took part in the Annual Pairs Race. Our top runners, Captain Sam Lacey and New
Veseyan Ben Topley, took the main prize with a fast time. For the first time in many years Vesey also took the Team trophy with Megan McBrien
and Mark Poniatowski completing the foursome. In the first Sutton Schools’ race at Bishop Walsh, Vesey once again dominated the event with
three winners Year 7 Leo Karski Years 8/9 George Beirne and in Years 10/11 Sam Davis all bearing the Vesey mitre. There are two more
Sutton races this term with the finale at Vesey on Wednesday after the half term break. It starts at 3.45pm with the Sutton Primary Schools’ race.
Sam Davis L-R Megan McBrien, Ben Topley, Sam Lacey and Mark Poniatowski Sam Lacey in action
Paired runners set off in opposite directions in Sutton Park