March 2016

Bilborough Extra P19

Bilborough Baker P4

T H E

Business Booms! P17

Revision Strategies P31

Daffodil by Ruby Clarke

Bilborough Gems Award…….….. Page 3

Writing at Bilborough…………… Page 6

Sport…………………………….…….. Page 13

New York Trip…….…………..……. Page 25

Ethics Conference……………….…. Page 30

Charity Walk………………….…… Page 31

And so much more…

We are looking for a piece of artwork or a photograph for the next issue’s front page… perhaps an Easter theme. If you have something get in

touch with Lisa at lisa.lewis@bilborough.ac.uk

Page | 2

ABOUT US… Editor’s Note… Welcome to the

, second issue of the new look college magazine that brings together stories at Bilborough from students and staff. I am a member of staff at the college who’s been working at the here for almost seven years. I manage the International Student department recruiting students from all over the world to study with us. I am also a staff governor. Along with working for the college I have set up the College Magazine by bringing together lots of different publications into one. I also run an enrichment session for students every Thursday lunchtime and welcome anyone who wants to get involved, so if you are a student in either year and think you can write an article, seek stories or help with design and formatting, come along to a session or email me… we would love to hear from you. This magazine wouldn’t be what it is without the amazing team. It takes a lot of time and effort to put this together and they are absolutely amazing! Enjoy a happy Spring holiday and all the best of luck to all the students with their exams! Happy reading… Lisa Lewis Room B0.05 lisa.lewis@bilborough.ac.uk

Holly Hunkin I’m a Year 13 student studying Creative Writing, English Literature, Government and Politics, and History. I joined the magazine team because it provided a way to challenge and stretch my writing abilities, as well as a way to meet people and learn new skills.

Caitlin Hemsley Subjects: Media, Photography & English Lang.

I wanted to be involved in the College Mag because I have a keen interest in journalism and I like being creative.

Hambel Willow I do Psychology, Sociology and Philosophy A Levels, and am

currently in year 12. I decided to do the college magazine enrichment as I wanted to try something new, whilst

promoting the college and letting others know some of the great things we've been up-to. I have really enjoyed doing

this enrichment as I've met lots of new people and had a great time!

Rebecca Bywater Subjects: History, psychology and physics I chose to do college magazine because some of my friends started going to it and it sounded like a fun enrichment choice.

Jill Lupupa I am in year 13, studying A2's in English Literature, English

Language and Philosophy & Ethics, as well as EPQ. Joining the college magazine was a fun way of continuing to get

experience in writing and organisation, which would benefit anyone wanting to become a journalist.

Articles Needed… We are always looking for stories to tell so if you have something to say get in touch with one of us… as you will see the magazine is full of all kinds of stories from charity work, to amazing students and also fabulous staff! And if you would like to help produce the magazine why not join us when we meet on a Thursday lunchtime in room C1.13.

Page | 3

A Bilborough Sixth Form College student who cares for her mum has been nominated for a Bilborough Gems award. Warda Khan, 18, of Bilborough, was put forward by Madeleine Varley, Welfare Officer at Bilborough Sixth Form College. Bilborough Gems is an initiative of Bilborough Youth Network – local groups, schools and agencies working together for a joined up provision for children and young people.

The awards have been running since 2012 celebrating positive contribution and impact made by children and young people in the local area and has been made possible through funding from local councilors and from a Community First grant.

Warda has been caring for her mum Rifat, who has speech and mobility problems, since she was in Year 7 at secondary school.

Rifat, 50, has a condition called Paraneoplastic Syndrome which she began to suffer with after being diagnosed with breast cancer.

As a result Rifat has problems with walking, balance, speech and vision and Warda has been her main carer.

Warda said her mum was happy that she had been nominated for the award.

She said: “She was really pleased and so were my brothers. It has been difficult. I had to miss most of Year 7 when my mum was diagnosed and now if my mum needs me then sometimes I have to leave my lessons; I have to feed her and help her with her personal care. She can’t walk any kind of distance so if she needs something I would need to get it for her.

“My friends and teachers at college have been very supportive. If I have to leave a lesson my friends will take notes for me and tell me what I missed. Maddy has been great and she’s really encouraged me to apply to go to university. I’m hoping to go to Exeter to study business with a year in industry and my mum really wants me to go for it.”

Maddy said Warda was an inspiration to everyone at college and thoroughly deserved her nomination.

She said: “It’s amazing that she still manages to achieve what she sets out to do, she’s still ambitious and she’ll do anything to help anyone. She doesn’t let anything stand in her way and she should be rewarded for that.”

Bilborough Gems Award

Page | 4

No-Bake Cookie Dough in a Cup

The hardest thing about making cookies is trying not to eat the dough before you’ve got the tray in the oven, but everyone always tells you you’re not supposed to do that, because you’ll get salmonella from the raw egg. Most of the time, I’m guilty of saying: “I’ve never gotten salmonella before; I’m probably not going to get it today,” and taking a cheeky lick of the spoon anyway before washing up, but you didn’t hear me say that. Salmonella is a pretty nasty kind of food poisoning that can cause all kinds of horrid symptoms that should never be spoken of in a baking column, which is why this recipe that I stumbled across on Tumblr a couple of years ago has been such a Godsend. It’s quick and easy to make a perfect pudding-sized serving of cookie dough with ingredients that most people who dabble in the occasional bit of baking will have lying around, and it makes a great dessert served with a dollop of vanilla ice cream. Because it uses such a small amount of egg, a quick blast in the microwave is enough to kill any lingering salmonella germs without waiting around for 20 minutes whilst the cookies are in the oven being taunted by the smell wafting around the kitchen.

What you’ll need: 1 tablespoon of unsalted

butter, at room temperature.

1/2 a tablespoon of light

muscovado sugar. (But

nobody’s going to know if you

use caster or plain white sugar;

your secret’s safe with me.)

1/2 a tablespoon of light brown sugar.

1 tablespoon of beaten egg. (You can cover and

refrigerate the leftover egg for another cookie cup

tomorrow; they’re very moreish.)

A little splash of vanilla extract.

2 and 1/2 tablespoons of plain wholemeal flour.

1/8th of a teaspoon of baking soda.

A tiny pinch of salt.

1 heaped tablespoon of milk chocolate chips (or

broken up chocolate buttons if you don’t have any

chocolate chips on hand).

Method: In a small ramekin or microwavable cup, stir

together the butter and both kinds of sugar with a

spoon.

When they’re well combined, add in the beaten

egg and a few drops of vanilla extract.

Stir in the flour, baking soda, and salt and stir until

they’re just combined. I recommend doing this step

over a paper towel as a big sieve and a little pot can

easily end in a mess.

Stir in your chocolate chips and microwave the

mixture on the highest heat 40 seconds (potentially

a little longer if your microwave’s wattage is lower

than 700W). Be careful when you take the cookie

out as the pots get very hot.

Let your cookie rest at room temperature for at least

30 seconds before serving, either on its own or with

a dollop of vanilla ice cream.

I love this recipe because it only takes about 10 minutes from start to finish and is a great way to use up the last little bit of flour or sugar at the bottom of a bag. The result tastes just like a normal cookie but quicker, with less fuss and a lot less washing up. It gives all the satisfaction of eating cookie dough, without the risk of regretting it the next day. However, it is a bit fiddly to make, because stirring the ingredients and sifting the flour in such a small pot is awkward and a bit messy and something

like this could never quite live up to a proper chocolate chip cookie. Using wholemeal flour gives it a bit of an odd powdery texture and it’s difficult to achieve the glorious chewiness of a proper cookie without using an oven.

Overall, I’d give this quick but tasty recipe 3.7 Mary Berrys out of 5.

The Bilborough Baker

Page | 5

Low-Fat Lemon Drizzle Cupcakes

It’s a well-known, scientific fact that everybody likes cupcakes. However, it’s also a well-known, scientific fact that eating too many cupcakes can make you fat, and with summer approaching fast, many of us are beginning to think about getting our bodies beach-ready (and losing the pounds we may have gained whilst stress-eating a whole tub of ice cream because the coursework deadline is tomorrow and we’re still 500 words from finishing. We’ve all done it- there’s no shame.) But never fear! There is a way to reward yourself for finally finishing that past paper without piling on the pounds. This recipe, adapted from the Hairy Bikers’ cookbook, makes about 12 large cupcakes, and with each cake only containing about 160 calories a piece because it uses yoghurt and oil instead of butter, you don’t have to feel guilty about chowing down on one- though the health benefits don’t apply if you eat the whole batch in one go!

What you’ll need: 200g of self-raising flour.

75g of caster sugar.

1 teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda.

The zest of 1 un-waxed

lemon

2 large eggs.

150ml of low-fat natural

yoghurt.

50ml of sunflower or

rapeseed oil.

2 tablespoons of semi-

skimmed milk.

For the icing:

100g of icing sugar.

4 teaspoons of lemon juice.

Method: Preheat your oven to 200oC or gas mark 6 (180oC if

you’re using a fan oven.) Line a muffin tin with non-

stick paper cases. If your cases aren’t non-stick, it’s

best to grease them lightly with oil, as this cake

mixture has a habit of sticking to the paper.

Sift your flour, bicarbonate of soda, and caster sugar

into a large mixing bowl. Add the lemon zest, then

stir them together with a metal spoon, and make a

well in the middle.

Beat the eggs, then add to them the yoghurt, milk,

and oil. Whisk them together until the mixture is

light and airy.

Pour your liquid mixture into your flour mixture, and

stir them together with a metal spoon just long

enough to combine them.

Divide your batter between your paper cases,

making each about 2/3 full.

Bake the cupcakes for about 14 minutes, though if

you’ve used small cupcake cases they might cook a

little faster than this so keep an eye on them. Ensure

to turn them around half-way through the baking

time so that they cook evenly. To check they’re

done, jab them with a cocktail stick. If it comes out

of your cake clean, they’re ready for eating.

Making the icing: Whilst your cakes are cooking, sift your icing sugar

into a bowl and add the lemon a teaspoon at a time,

until the icing is about the consistency of yoghurt. If

the icing sugar hasn’t all dissolved by this point, keep

adding lemon juice a teaspoon at a time until the

icing has reached the proper consistency.

Leave your cupcakes in the muffin tin until the tin

has cooled enough to handle, then transfer them

onto a cooling rack. Once the cupcakes have

reached room temperature,

drizzle about a teaspoon or so of

icing onto each cupcake, and tilt

the cake to allow the icing to run

and cover the entire top of the

cake. Give them about half an

hour to allow the icing to set

before digging in. They will keep

for about 3 days stored in an

airtight container.

This recipe is great for a few reasons. For one, means that even if you are trying to slim

down to squeeze back into last year’s swimwear, you can still eat the foods you enjoy. It’s also pretty versatile; you could use orange or lime juice and zest instead to flavour your cakes, or replace the lemon zest with a teaspoon of vanilla extract, and the juice with water to create regular vanilla cupcakes. You could also add 100g of blueberries, chocolate chips, or sultanas, though bear in mind that they might not be so low calorie after filling them with chocolate. All things considered, I’d give this guilt-free recipe a solid 4.3 Mary Berrys out of 5.

A good baker will rise to the occasion; it’s the yeast they can do.

Page | 6

Bilborough College is proud to have a huge number of incredibly imaginative students across all areas, such as music, drama, art, and writing. Although Creative Writing may be one of the smaller creative departments in the college, there’s no shortage of talent within the student body. As such, we at the magazine team would like to showcase some of that writing talent. This term, we ran both poetry and flash fiction competitions for students to enter. Here are some of the fabulous entries we received.

Writing at Bilborough

“Spring” By Olivia Stringer

When I think of spring I don’t think of daffodils; their coruscating colour penetrating the bleakness of winter. But of your hair, Its intense glow convincing me that darkness is a myth. When I think of spring I don’t think of new life; the abundance of lambs gracing our Rural Homeland. But of your hands leading me to places that make me believe there is a meaning somewhere. When I think of spring I think of how beautiful the bluebells looked on the day we met. They matched your eyes and I knew even then that like the bluebell's presence, you too would be temporary.

“Summer Struggle” By Thomas Jeffrey

The rolling sun shines on the morning dew And brings the sparkling flowers new fresh light, In which the plants look like they change their hue As their struggles to grow turn into fights. Though the sheltered flowers miss out on rain They still get water from within the can, They take light through the greenhouse's glass pane And grow from the help of the garden man. The sheltered flowers never hear the wind They miss its breezy gusts and its whispers, Though they have supports around which they wind They're given metaphorical kisses. So which is best out of nature or tamed?

One is survival the other is made.

“Come when the nights are bright with stars”

By Anonymous

Come when the nights are bright with stars. Come when the night sky is so bright that the lone tree is but an absence of silver in the velvet ocean above. Come when the owl which swoops must avoid the blazing lights, lest he burn the tips of his wings. Come when, stood, the world is halved, part land and part not, and the not is so much more beautiful than the land. But come when, bright though they are, the stars cannot overcome the dark of the downs.

Come when we cannot be seen.

Page | 7

“Online dating” By Olivia Stringer

The difference is, I lie for a reason, my dear. I’m not like the others, the contaminators of my kind; those who seek only profit and misery. For me, it was different. I’ve never been the most ‘desirable of creatures’ you see. My hair is mousy, it hangs about my equine-esque face; a partial hiding place for the single, grotesque, piliferous slug which graces my forehead. Personality wise I’m not much to write home about either; C grades, no interest in anything remotely extracurricular and too shy for an opinion on anything that really matters. ‘No one is ever going to love you Sarah’- my mother used to berate me for my existence daily- ‘who could love a girl with the personality of a prune.’ Then she would beat me. I didn’t hate her for it. She was right. After all, mother knows best. That was when I discovered the power of the internet. There, I could be anything I wanted; an experienced traveller, the exotic lover of a minor celebrity, a freedom fighter. It started with twitter. Every month I would create a new account, under an exciting pseudonym ‘Iris Mountbatten’ or ‘Indigo Shakespeare’. I could post whatever I wanted, make outrageous statements gaining followers by the thousand and then, on the first of every month I would delete the account and create a new one, taking on a different persona, always someone irresistible to lust after. My mother began to notice the change in me, I was so much happier now. ‘You’ve fallen in love haven’t you Sarah?’ she would say ‘he can’t love you back, he won’t, you’re too feebleminded.’ Then she would beat me again and again until I realised that I couldn’t be Sarah Francis anymore; she had to die so that I could live. So I became Iris full time, she had Facebook and Instagram, even her own blog reporting overseas adventures and countless heart-breaking romances. I know you loved that about me, you loved that I had crushed the hopes of every eager suitor, saving my heart for you alone. It made you feel special. You are special. That is why only my fake version of perfection was deserved of you. Her profile pictures were always my face, my flaws erased permanently by the wonders of photo-shop, mousy became raven, the horse became an angel. I couldn’t let the others die of course, indigo and co were a part of me. So I made them her friends. Different photo- shopped versions of myself showering online compliments at each other, a constant stream of narcissism. For a while that was enough, then I realised that Iris needed something better, something real. She needed a man. I knew that you would be perfect, your online dating profile picture a cliché – topless surfer. You were popular an all-round nice guy, loved by all- everything that Sarah could never have but Iris was designed for. At first it was my plan to use you, to hurt you as payback from all the times I had been hurt by your kinsmen. But I wasn’t Sarah anymore, I was iris. And Iris had never been hurt. We began to fall in love, your remarks all genuine, mine googled witticisms. I became increasingly bedbound, my infatuation with your perfect soul not allowing me to tear my eyes away from the laptop screen for more than a few seconds, lest you send a reply. I fought back at my mother’s beatings now, I had done the very thing she believed impossible. As the days and weeks went by the messages became more frequent - you were increasingly enraptured with my contrived identity. I was in utopia: until that fateful moment when you led me to my rooftop. ‘We need to meet up’ I knew you would never fall for me the way you had for her. You will never understand my reasoning, the way my lack of idiosyncrasies caused me to create someone new. I love you truly, I do but we can never meet for, in the words of Iago’ I am not who I am.’ It is the first of the month and Iris must jump.

Page | 8

This term we’ve also received news that a Bilborough student is shortly to become a published poet. Year 13 student Holly Hunkin submitted a poem titled Word Games to the Young Writers’ The Poetry Trials competition. Her poem has been selected for publication in an anthology titled The Poetry Trials- Teen Spirit, which will be published at the end of June 2016, a copy of which will be sent to the college to add to our

library, as well as to the British Library in London.

“Word Games” By Holly Hunkin

I can never quite find the words to express the way I feel about you. It seems I too often draw a row of indecipherable tiles emblazoned with letters which I cannot fathom into words. Perhaps I should invent something and hope you do not notice; after all, the agreed-upon dictionary does not contains enough words to adequately describe your effect on me. There is no word that can convey the agony of those jagged letters snagging in my throat as I try to speak them. So yet another day slips irrevocably by with these sharp, unspoken words lingering between us. I cannot spell out in seven chipped scrabble tiles how much my every heartbeat hurts whenever you are close by. Perhaps, if I had a million more tiles, and the whole world was a scrabble board, I could decode these jumbled thoughts into something meaningful. But there are not enough letters; or perhaps I’m just not very good at this game.

Page | 9

Poetry by Heart: Bilborough student, Husna Khalid, shines in regional finals By Jeanette Burton As an English and Creative Writing teacher I’ve spent many hours poring over poetry on the page, analysing the poetic devices and cooing over a beautiful couplet at the end of sonnet. You sometimes forget that poetry comes wonderfully to life when it is read aloud and so it was a bit of a re-awakening for me to listen to Husna Khalid, a year 12 IB student, recite two poems at the Poetry by Heart regional final at Derby Theatre. Poetry by Heart is a competition for 14-18 year olds in schools and colleges across the country. Students are asked to pick two poems, one written pre-1914 and the second written after 1914. Husna chose Envy by Adelaide Proctor and Minority by Imtiaz Dharker. I asked Husna why she selected these two poems and she explained, ‘I liked the meanings behind the words and I felt like I could connect in some way with them which would help me perform them better.’ Husna and I gave up several lunch hours (not to mention delicious cheese paninis made by the lovely Kathy) to get match fit and on Wednesday 24th February we both made our way to Derby Theatre where Husna would compete along with other students from across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. I discovered later in the evening that Bilborough College was the only institution representing Nottinghamshire so this made Husna’s performance extra special. Husna was put in the unenviable position of going first, but this didn’t seem to faze her and she read Envy with flair, earning rapturous applause from the audience and nodding appreciation from the three judges who were slightly less glamorously attired than Cheryl Cole et al. Husna performed her second poem with such passion that she was praised by the head judge for ‘reading the poem so beautifully’ and the audience were left with sizable goose bumps. After all the students had recited their poems, the judges retired to a mysterious room behind the stage and we were treated to poems about big-chinned women, performance poetry from Twisted Tongues and several dirty limericks. The judges returned after their deliberations to announce the winner and the runner-up. Sadly, Husna narrowly missed out on being placed first or second, but she was awarded with a certificate and an anthology of poetry. What more could one ask for in life? The teachers were also gifted with a gorgeous hardback edition of the Poetry by Heart anthology. This was an unexpected delight which rounded off the evening very nicely. Overall, this was a fantastic evening and it was great to see young people engaging with poetry and creativity. Husna told me afterwards that ‘it was an amazing experience and a very unique one. I enjoyed it a lot and it helped me build my confidence levels. It also exposed me to literature that I was not familiar with.’ Asked if she would recommend the experience to other students, Husna said, ‘if a similar or the same event came around again, then you should go for it because it’s a wonderful opportunity. You get to perform and you get to watch others perform, making the evening even more memorable.’ So there we have it! What are you waiting for? Get reading and reciting poetry, let it into your heart and next year you may find yourself performing a Shakespearean sonnet.

Page | 10

A group of 15 Bilborough College students have just returned from the French exchange trip to Bordeaux. The students stayed with the families of the students in our partner college Lycée Fernand Daguin in Mérignac experiencing the French way of life, food and culture. They also had a day at the lycée as well as a 3-day work experience placements at local primary schools. In addition to hard work the students had a day trip to Arcachon climbing La Dune du Pyla, the highest sand dune of Europe, and enjoying their picnics on a gorgeous sunny day on the beach. Students also had a day of sightseeing in Bordeaux travelling on Bordeaux famous yellow tourist coach, and of course shopping on Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping street. On the last day the students participated in a photography competition in which they needed to come up with a photo to represent the Bordeaux exchange with an accompanying title in French.

Students benefitted personally and linguistically from the experience and share some of their comments below: ‘My highlights of the French exchange were racing down the sand dunes, playing a really fun badminton game at the lycée, and doing my presentation at the primary school as it was really difficult but rewarding.’ Annie Richardson

‘The highlight of the trip for me was visiting Arcachon and cli mbing up the sand dune. It was such a beautiful place to be and to spend time with the other people on the exchange. But I also very much liked spending time with other French exchange partners and their English correspondents. It helped me to make my French feel more natural and fluent.’ Daisy Weston

‘I would say the highlight of the trip was the work experience with the children because it allowed me to be fully immersed in the French language and forced me to step outside of my comfort zone. I would recommend this trip because it really helped me develop my vocabulary and understand the way French people speak, as well as improving my confidence in my own abilities. The work experience was incr edibly beneficial and will continue to be in the future because it allowed me to experience different styles of education, as well as exposing me to foreign work environments.’ Jess Gilhooly

French Exchange to Bordeaux

The winning entry entitled ‘La vie d’une correspondante franglaise à Bordeaux’

Page | 11

‘It is a very rewarding experience as you get to improve your French skills as you can ask your pen friend about different phrases and idioms. You can also make a new friend as you spend a week with someone that is quite similar to you but lives in France instead of England. The French exchange is also a good way to become more confident about many situations because you will probably be out of your comfort zone which will make other things seem a lot easier when you get back.’ Katherine Pennington ‘Helping teach young children basic French was really enjoyable and seeing them around the school afterwards using the new words they

learnt gave me a real sense of achievement. To people wanting to go on the exchange next year I would thoroughly recommend. I feel much more confident with my French but also as a person. It teaches you a new way of life and opens your eyes. Meeting new people and developing your confidence in skills you already have is a great feeling. I feel much better prepared for the speaking exam, but also life in university as there is a lot of time spent meeting new people and being independent’. Daisy Weston

‘I would say the highlight of the trip was the work experience with the children because it allowed me to be fully immersed in the French language and forced me to step outside of my comfort zone. I would recommend this trip because it really helped me develop my vocabulary and understand the way French people speak, as well as improving my confidence in my own abilities. The work experience was incredibly beneficial and will continue to be in the future because it allowed me to experience different styles of education, as well as exposing me to foreign work environments. Jess Gilhooly

‘I would certainly recommend the trip to any French student, as it's definitely been one of my favourite experiences so far. You have the chance to make a lifelong friend in a different country, and see what life is like in a truly beautiful city, so you don't want to miss this opportunity.‘ Evan Hollis ‘For me the highlight was working in the primary school, because they treat you like you're a French person, it's good to be completely immersed in the language. It will be helpful because it's something University's/employers would find attractive about a candidate because it shows you can work with different people in different atmospheres. The exchange I would recommend the trip because it helped improve my French and confidence. I was able to talk to different people that I'd never met before, in a

language that wasn't mine.’ Eva James ‘From my experience I believe the trip is very helpful. It makes you more comfortable with French and you learn the informal things the French people say and it actually is a lot easier than the formal. The work experience makes you more confident with the language so if you ever want to go into teaching you've had the experience in another language which means you were able to deal with circumstances containing confusion.’ Betty-Maxine Onwuteaka

Page | 12

Although childhood cancer awareness

month is over, it’s still important to remain conscious of these issues, which affect the lives of thousands of people every year. One thing that’s particularly important for college age students to be aware of is brain tumours. Around 10 young people a week are diagnosed with a brain tumour in the United Kingdom. They kill more UK children than any other type of cancer, and are the biggest cancer killer of under 40s. Despite this, research into their treatment receives only 0.7% of UK government funding, Nottingham is a key centre for research into the treatment of this disease, with the Children’s Brain Tumour Research Centre at the University of Nottingham, which works closely with the Queen’s Medical Centre and the Headsmart campaign. Brain tumours are also very difficult to treat. Only 20% of people diagnosed with a brain tumour survive more than 5 years, and those who beat the cancer are often left with disabilities and brain injuries due to harsh, invasive treatments. Part of the problem is caused by long diagnosis times- half of all young people with a brain tumour in the UK will take more than three months to be diagnosed, compared to just 5 weeks in some countries. Symptoms of brain tumours can often be passed off as those of less serious illnesses. As with all cancers, early diagnosis is vital for successful treatment. This is where Headsmart comes in. This campaign, run by the Brain Tumour Charity, intends to raise awareness of the symptoms of brain tumours so that parents, teachers, and health professionals recognise them sooner so that treatment can begin as early as possible, increasing the chances for survival. If you recognise these symptoms in yourself or a young person you know- a friend, or young family member- encourage them to visit a doctor as soon as possible. You might save their life.

Be Headsmart

Page | 13

Men’s Football 1s

Men’s Football 2s

Women’s Football

Men’s Basketball

Women’s Basketball

Netball

League Results 2015-16 SPORT

Page | 14

BILBOROUGH COLLEGE CELEBRATION OF SPORT 2016

Basketball Men Coaches Player – James Pacey Most Improved Player – Ezekiel GB Players Player – Jamie Reilly Basketball Women Coaches Player – Elia Rodriguez Most Improved Player – Naz Babayija Players Player – Mara Pem Women’s Football Coaches Player – Tillie Panayi Most Improved Player – Leah Barratt Players Player – Hannah Askew Football 2nd Team Coaches Player – Daniel Green Most Improved Player – Hash Babayija Players Player – Rohan William Football 1st Team Coaches Player – Nicky Kirkwood Most Improved Player – Jay Jones Players Player – Keaton Matharu

Hockey Mixed Coaches Player

– Alex Cargill Most Improved Player – Enum Bilal

Players Player – Alice Selby

Bilborough Netball Team Coaches Player – Emily Woollam

Most Improved Player – Lizzie Pennington Players Player – Eliza Davidson

BCS Netball Team

Coaches Player – Georgia Lawson Most Improved Player – Bethany Jex

Players Player – Lauren Peart- Roddis

Rugby Coaches Player – Jack Robbins

Most Improved – Jarek Grabowski Players Player – Aaron Garvey

Best Male – Jack Thornton

Best Female – Georgia Lawson

SPORT

Page | 15

How did you get into tennis?

I got into tennis after playing for fun after I saw the international tournament in Nottingham :) What is your biggest achievement?

I think my biggest achievement so far is qualifying to play at junior Wimbledon. I have also represented GB at many different tournaments around the world, I was ranked in the UK top 10 & 160 internationally. Other things I have achieved are:

• Under 12, 14, 16 and under 18 Nottingham Champion. • Won the national championship doubles title • 32 junior titles internationally including in Germany, Poland, France and Croatia • Back to back doubles titles in Kenya

What is your long term sporting goal?

After graduating from college in America I am hoping I can become a professional tennis player.

Georgia has also been successful in trailing for the AoC National Netball Team. She has travelled to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to play against other national teams.

She has also taken on the role of Co-Captain and is a huge part of the team.

AOC NATIONAL NETBALL TEAM

STUDENTS SPORTS PROFILE SPORT

Georgia Lawson

16 – Year 12

Tennis

Page | 16

How did you get into your sport?

My sister came home with a black belt so I really wanted to go and do it with her. What is your greatest achievements?

My most recent & biggest achievement has been winning Gold at the Dutch open in March 2016. Some of my other achievements are: 4x national champion, European bronze medallist, Croatian open and Belgian open champion. German and Spanish open medallist. What are your long term goal?

To join the full time academy at British Taekwondo with the aim to go to the Tokyo Olympics in 2020. Do you have any upcoming events/competitions? Yes I have 3 big tournaments coming, 1 in Austria and 2 in Germany. All 3 events are qualifiers for the World Championship in Canada which take place in November.

How did you get into your sport?

I first got into skating by taking Skate UK lessons from the age of 7 then started to progress up the levels. As I came to the end of the Skate UK lessons, I was asked by my coach if I wanted to try synchronised skating, I went for a trial and since then I have been part of the team. What is your greatest achievements?

My greatest achievement is competing at the Junior Synchronised World Championships, where my team and I placed in the top 10. What are your long term goal?

My long term goal is to become a fully qualified coach and hopefully take my own team to competitions. I have already begun to work towards this! Do you have any upcoming events/competitions? All our main competitions have finished so we are now preparing for the new season as there have been a number of rule changes.

FOLLOW BILBOROUGH SPORT ON TWITTER @BILBSPORT

STUDENTS SPORTS PROFILE

STUDENTS SPORTS PROFILE

Cameron Booth

16 – Year 12

Taekwondo

SPORT

Georgina Wheeldon

16 – Year 12

Synchronised Ice

Skating

Page | 17

On Saturday 27th February 2016, two groups of students from Bilborough College took part in the Young Enterprise Market Day, held at the Old Market Square in Nottingham.

With over 20 stalls, the event hosted students from across the county, all determined to sell as many products as possible to the general public. The main aim of the day was to maximise profit whilst acquiring key sales skills.

Young Enterprise gives small groups of students with backgrounds in A Level and BTEC the opportunity to start up and run their own companies. Since September, the students have held weekly board meetings during the Wednesday afternoon enrichment slots and have been assigned roles covering all the aspects of business management.

Transcend, one of Bilborough's companies, decided that their product would be slogan t-shirts. They set up their stall with a dynamic display to attract the attention of potential customers.

The whole team, who sported their t-shirts throughout the day, should be commended for the active way in which they promoted their products. They smashed their sales target and succeeded in making a profit. The striking design of the t-shirts made them noticeable on the day throughout Nottingham, with sightings on Parliament Street and in the Victoria Centre! Bilborough's rival company, Mavericks, developed an innovative headphone cable tidy to take to market. The product which they designed and manufactured, thanks to the loan of a laser cutter from Fernwood School, was also a triumph on the day. Again, the group put careful thought into their stall design. As an eye catcher for passers-by, the company produced a giant version of their product to display. Sales exceeded expectation and resulted in a tidy profit. One satisfied customer described the product as "well made and completely functional". The day was a huge success for all of the students involved, who gained a real world insight into sales and marketing. It was a chilly day, but after everyone had thawed out, they could fully appreciate their newly acquired skills. Representatives from Young Enterprise visited each stall over the course of the day and this forms part of the judging for the final awards. The groups now have to complete a company report and a presentation to area board members of Young Enterprise later in March to conclude their experience. Thanks to everyone who has supported the students through this venture – especially the Young Enterprise business advisors – and the best of luck to both companies for the forthcoming presentations and awards. Well done Mavericks and Transcend!

Business booms at Bilborough! By Alex Bennieston

Pictured left to right

Trisha Patel, Izzy Richardson, Malaika Francique, Sam Smith, Ruky Amin, Alex

Bennieston (Centre lead) and Luke Cirillo

Pictured left to right Frank Mavin, Mahfuza Parvin, Anjalee Hari

and Thea Paraguas

Page | 18

NUT members are supporting the

national campaign to protect Sixth

Form Colleges. We ran a series of

stalls in college at breaks,

lunchtimes and after classes to

inform students and colleagues of

the unfair funding in the sector

despite their hugely successful

outcomes for young people.

Colleges have faced real term cuts

of 14% over the past 5 years and

with inflation and the changes to

national insurance have another 8%

cut ahead of them. On top of this,

unlike schools and academies, we

pay VAT. Prior to this the

enrichment budget was cut, as was

the student EMA support. Similarly

funding for ‘second chance’ students

(those taking an extra year to get

Level 3) has been reduced to 75%.

To protest against the risks facing

the sector, NUT members in sixth

form colleges nationally voted

overwhelmingly (86%) to take a

day’s strike action on March 15th

ahead of budget day. NUT

members demonstrated at the

gates of college and a delegation

of members went down to join the

London rally of 500 SFC teachers

at Westminster. At the DfE the

NUT rep from Bilborough handed

over a letter of protest for Nicky

Morgan. The campaign continues

and we would urge all friends of

the college to show your support

by writing about the issue to your

MP and by signing the petition

@saveourcolleges and supporting

the twitter feeds

#loveyoursixthformcollege and

#investdontcut.

NUT members campaign to Save Our Colleges

Bilborough NUT rep Diane

Fletcher hands over a letter

of protest for Nicky Morgan

Page | 19

MENTAL HEALTH CAREERS

Eating disorder awareness

Nottinghamshire Police

Prevent Awareness

Gap year and

volunteering

KPMG School leavers and graduate

programmes

Researching university options

Applying to university and

university Life

Climate change Base 51

Child Sexual Exploitation awareness

Anthony Nolan

Blood and Organ donation

These sessions have proven very informative and successful. The attendance to these sessions have ranged

from 10 – 40 students.

As well as classroom based talks we have seen a range of external establishments in college offering drop in sessions in student support. These include:

Page | 20

Anthony Nolan Trust REGISTER AND BE A LIFESAVER

During the last week in January R&BE came in to college to run talks in year 12 tutor groups raising awareness of stem cell, blood and organ donation! On Friday 29th January we ran a recruitment drive, collecting students’ spit samples and registering the students to the Anthony Nolan register.

As a result there are 143 more potential lifesavers on the bone marrow register! This is an OUTSTANDING response as less than 1% of the general population is on the bone marrow register. Bilborough has now put 693 students and staff onto the bone marrow register and produced 3 donors - so far!

Thank you everyone that took part in the event.

Page | 21

CAREERS AND HIGHER EDUCATION FAIR

On Tuesday 8th March Bilborough College held its annual careers fair. This is event is designed to provide an opportunity for students to find out more about careers and higher education. 65 Exhibitors attended including colleges, universities, training providers, employers and gap year providers. The day was a success and we had great feedback from both students and exhibitors and we had 551 students visiting the fair.

Page | 22

The enrichment programme this term has seen a wide range of activities offered for students from politics and debating groups to a knitting club! We have seen the

addition of the below student lead enrichment activities;

Football

Basketball

Yoga

Mini Tennis

Pilates

Fencing

Archery

Circuit Training

Race for life running club

Dodgeball

Table tennis

Badminton

Women's Rugby

Futsal

20 minutes Abs Blast

Indoor rock climbing

Gym Inductions

Swimming

Street Dance

Board games

Studying abroad information

Arabic

Mandarin

Korean Language and Culture

International relations society

Korean Language and Culture

International relations society

Debating Society

English Lit Extra

Guitar Hero

Teaching English as a Foreign Language

Young Enterprise

Introduction to Sign Language

Anime Club

Politics Society

Piano

Film Club

Fashion Show Creations

Amnesty international

Henna Art

College Magazine

Christian Union

Islamic Society

LGBT

ICT Skills

Chess Club

Page | 23

ANIME CLUB

"I've really enjoyed being a member of Anime club because it’s so much more than just watching Anime together as it’s a great way to make new friends with similar interests and do activities together! We've ran a cosplay workshop, held video game afternoons, made fanfiction and our own original characters for two anime series we've watched together and we've been on a trip to the MCM Birmingham convention in March."

Kirsty Law

I completed the Sign Language course enrichment. I thought it was really good, five weeks was a perfect amount of time for the course as it wasn't rushed or intense, yet you still felt you had learnt a new skill and you've not dedicated more than a month of your Wednesday afternoons. Gives you resources so if you forget you can remind yourself in the future. Great enrichment.

Stephen Ramsden

HOCKEY I joined Hockey as an enrichment because I knew a friend who does it too. I didn't have any experience in it but going to training sessions was really helpful. Turns out I enjoy hockey a lot and would love to carry it on after Bilborough.

Roshni Pherwani

I go to every enrichment opportunity I can fit in my

already crammed timetable. Board games, table tennis,

indoor tennis, fencing, badminton... Not only do you

learn a lot about the sport involved, but you have the opportunity to relax after

hours of intense college work and lessons. Enrichment is

one of the best things about Bilborough college

Ali (Dildar) Khan

Page | 24

SIGN LANGUAGE This Term we have one Sign Language course, 14 Students attended these sessions and achieved the Unit 1 BSL101 Introductory to Sign Language certificate.

DUKE OF EDINBURGH The Duke of Edinburgh programme this year is well under way. On the weekend of 12th March 15, 15 students went to the peak district and 6 went to the River Trent to complete a weekend of training for their Duke of Edinburgh award. We are now preparing for the practise expedition which will take place on the first weekend in April. The students will also continue concentrating on gaining their skill, volunteering and where necessary residential experience to contribute towards their portfolios. Our team numbers going forward to practise expedition are as follows;

Silver (Walking) Team 1 - 4

Silver (Walking) Team 2 - 6

Gold (Walking) - 7

Gold (Canoeing) - 6 The Duke of Edinburgh Award is well underway and the students are concentrating on gaining their skill, volunteering and where necessary residential experience to contribute towards their portfolios.

ACHIEVEMENTS

Page | 25

New York Trip

Day One: We started the trip with a nice and early 5.30am start ready to make the journey down to Heathrow for the flight to New York. 11 hours later and after losing 5 hours along the line we arrived in New York. We were greeted by fantastic city views and very cold temperatures. Once the students had settled into the hotel we set off to Times Square for dinner at Bubba Gumps restaurant. Great way to start the first evening in America and sample American cuisine! After dinner we walked up to the Empire State Building to take in the night time views of the city from 104 floors up. By this point it was 10.30pm American time and felt like 3.30am UK time and there were quite a few tired looking faces!

Day Two: After breakfast at the hotel, it was off to Madame Tussauds for a business workshop and trip round the wax works museum. The talk gave the students a great insight to the wax business and the role it plays in helping Merlin Entertainment achieve its objectives of becoming the number one entertainment destination. The talk covered all aspects of business from marketing to the decisions regarding who becomes a wax work and who goes where! After the talk and a bit of lunch, we set off on our walking tour of Manhattan. The tour took us round the major sites of midtown

including, the Trump Tower, Fifth Avenue, Central Park and Grand Central Station. The tour guide informed the students of history of New York including its business history and the changes that have been taken place in the city. After the walking tour had finished the students were given a little bit of time to wonder back down Fifth Avenue – many of them did their bit to help boost the American economy though taking a visit to the shops – other of us just hid in the warm! The day was finished off on a warmer note and in the bowling alley!

Day Three: Wednesday started with a visit to the Top of the Rock – this time we got to see the New York Skyline in daylight! The views were fantastic and really enabled you to get an idea of the scale of the city. Once we had soaked in the views the next stop was Madison Square Gardens for an All Access Tour. The tour help the students to understand the logistics of running a venue such as MSG and the scale and organisation involved. The multi million pound renovations of the venue are now fully complete and the students were given the opportunity to go into the corporate boxes and facilities and the VIP areas. It was also interesting to hear how they can turn the venue from a basketball court, to an ice hockey rink to a concert hall in a very short space of time! In case you are wondering… the ice is hidden under the basketball court and the basketball court can be broken into pieces and removed in just a couple of hours. That evening the students were given the opportunity to return to Madison Square Gardens to see all they had learnt in practice at the New York Kicks VS Washington Wizards basketball match. Unfortunately we weren’t let back into the VIP papers but did get some pretty good views of the game from the bridge seating area!

Business, Economics and Accounting

Page | 26

Day Four: Day four started with a Circle Line Boat Tour down the Hudson River. The boat trip gave great views of Manhattan and the Financial District before circling round the Statue of Liberty. The trip gave the students

an insight into trading history of New York and where all ships would have come in originally to dock. The dock where the Titanic was supposed to arrive an indoor golf driving range and a lot of the large docking areas has been moved out of the Manhattan area over to Jersey and surrounding areas. We also heard about the rescue mission on the Hudson when the United Airlines plane made an emergency landing on the river and following on from the trip we headed down to the 911 Memorial Museum. It is hard to describe the museum itself – the only words we could to think to describe it were heartbreakingly moving and a very fitting tribute to those who lost their lives and supported the rescue efforts. All of the students were extremely humbled by the visit, despite the fact many of them are too young to remember the day themselves. The rebuilding work in area is still underway although the Freedom

Tower – Building 1 - really defines the landscape now. Once the students had finished walking around the memorial we walked down the Financial District and Battery Park before getting the Metro back up To Manhattan. The day was completed with a buffet meal and quiz night to test their learning at Dave and Busters.

Day Five: The last day in New York was finished with a guided tour of Macys. As always this was a fantastic tour and talk that gave the students an insight into how the largest department store in the world is run. The store has undergone a complete revamp and even more tricks of trade have been introduced to encourage us to spend more! It worked – we finished off the tour with a bit of time for shopping. This was followed by a lot of sitting on suitcases to make all the new purchases fit! Early evening we set of to Newark airport. The bus trip over gave us some superb last minute views of New York before we got the overnight flight back to Heathrow. Some 10 hours later and well over 24 hours since we had last been to sleep we arrived back at College. The trip was a fantastic experience and the students did the college proud. They learnt a lot while they were away, experience the American culture and did more than enough to help support the American retail economy!

London Marketing Trip

On the 6th and 7th January 40 Business, Economics and Accounts student took part in the marketing trip to London. The purpose of the trip was to gain a greater understanding of marketing and understand the process behind marketing campaigns across different industries. The first stop of the trip was at the Warner Brothers Studios. The whole experience around the studios gave the students a fantastic insight into the global marketing of the Harry Potter movies over the years and the complexity of this. In addition all students took part in a ‘Marketing of Movies’ seminar. The seminar highlighted to the students the importance of marketing success, how this is

measured in the movie industry and the tricks the industry uses in its marketing to increase success of movies. We also heard a little about the recent actors that had been filming at the studios and who had been spotted in the Canteen. Unfortunately we didn’t manage any celeb spotting.

Page | 27

After an evening departure from the Warner Brothers Studios the next stop was the London Eye. While this part of the trip might have the loosest link to marketing, the views did a great job at marketing London to the students and of course the London Eye has been rebranded recently as the ‘Coca Cola London Eye’. So even now a national landmark links in with the promotion of business. We finished off with a bit of sightseeing from the bus and then finally a meal in Covent Garden and finally arrived at the accommodation exhausted at about 11pm. Thursday started with an early departure from the accommodation to Chelsea Football Club. The students were given an ‘access all areas’ guided tour around the grounds. As part of the tour the students learnt about the business side of the football. The talk focused heavily on revenue streams and the importance of marketing and sponsorship to the football industry. We also got a sneak look into the dressing rooms, the press area and to walk the players tunnel up to the pitch. The talk also discussed the future plans of Chelsea. They have the designs ready for their new stadium which will have the capacity to seat an additional 20,000 fans when completed. The tour concluded with an opportunity for students to look round the Chelsea museum and of course their merchandise shop.

The next stop was the Museum of Marketing and Brands. Unfortunately several of the rooms were closed for renovations but what was open gave students the opportunity to look at how marketing and promotion has changed over the decades. The Museum has an extensive range of memorabilia ranging from products from the 1920’s to present. Unfortunately now it’s a sign of old age if you can remember Starburst as Opal Fruits or Snickers as Marathon The final stop of the trip was Oxford Street for a bit of lunch before returning to college. The students on the trip were a credit to the college and it was great for them to see marketing in practical context.

Page | 28

The Photography Department has yet again been asked by NCTX (Nottingham City Transport) to curate student images for the Tunnel Project in the Broadmarsh Centre. This will be the third display our Photography students have been in since the digital light boxes were installed last year. Participating A2 students this time are Darby Hutchby, Jessica Pearson, Xuanmei Ren, Daniella Ward, Jhenell Angus, Alice Salloway, Megan Stockdale, Ha Vuong, Mae Knighton, Chris Hudson, Amy Harrison and Thomas Smith. The actual start date is yet to be confirmed, but work will be shown during April/May. By Pauline Woolley TA Media and Photography

Image by Darby Hutchby

Chemistry By Pam Richings

Twenty of our Year 12 Chemistry students attended an A-level afternoon of lectures on 20th January at Nottingham University. They were treated to talks on ‘How to become a Chemist’ from Professor Chris Hayes and ‘Nanoscience’ from Professor Neil Champness. Students are familiar with ‘The Periodic Table of Videos’, a website which has a short video about each chemical element and other films about interesting molecules and chemistry news. Professor Sir Martyn Poliakoff features in these videos and the students were delighted to hear him talk about the development of the site. The afternoon finished with a demonstration lecture given by Dr. Pete Licence and Jim Gamble, featuring the chemistry of reactions where energy is given out and including several exciting explosions.

As a result of their attendance at this event, 3 of our students, together with others from the Midlands region, have been selected to take part in an extended chemistry project at the university based on Vitamin C analysis and spectroscopy. Sam Nash, Norbert Toth and Fred Pashley-Johnson spent a day in March in the University labs doing experiments, learning new practical techniques and using equipment only available at the University. They will be attending a follow up event in July where they will present their work and receive advice on courses at the University and UCAS applications.

Page | 29

Some of my year 12 BTEC Business students are going to start collecting SAINSBURY'S ACTIVE KIDS VOUCHERS. There will be 3 collection boxes around the college and some posters asking any students and staff to bring in vouchers from home. Is this the kind of thing you could mention in the college magazine? The vouchers will be donated to the City Hospital's Busy Bees Nursery.

BTEC Business By Ron Turford

I would like to introduce myself, my name is Kelsie Campbell and I am a year 13 student. When I am not studying my A' levels at Bilborough I swim. I am currently a member of the Nova Centurion A Squad, which is the County squad for Nottinghamshire. This was the squad that Rebecca Adlington trained with. One of my parents was born in Jamaica so I have recently been able to apply for dual citizenship. This has made me to be eligible to compete for Jamaica, with my first International competition coming up in 2 weeks. I am holding a fundraising event of NAME THE DOLL from Friday 11th March. There are 50 names to choose from and the cost will be £1.00 per name. Whichever name is picked at random, the winner will win a hand knitted doll (which I must admit is very cute). I hope you can all help.

Kelsie Campbell

Page | 30

Our BTEC Extended Diploma in Performing Arts (Acting)

students have had the fantastic opportunity, this year, to work on a project with the world renowned National Theatre. The Connections Festival is an annual event that invites young performers to work with the theatre and their directors with a chance to perform on the National Theatre's very own stage at their Southbank venue in London. Bilborough's own Gilly Archer Theatre has hosted three home shows of 'Bassett' by James Graham, to audiences including members of the public, friends and family and representatives from both the National Theatre and Derby Theatre. Derby Theatre is the regional stage which our students will be performing on next month. Representatives for both NT and Derby Theatre gave the piece excellent reviews and said that the acting was of a professional standard and how much they enjoyed the whole performance. Joseph Rasteen ('Amid') says of working on the project: "It's a real treat to have the opportunity to perform on a professional stage such as Derby Theatre. I feel as though this course has really opened a lot of doors for us." "Performing and rehearsing for 'Bassett' was my first professional (experience) and was amazing for me as an up and coming actor" Clinton Hill who plays the character 'Leo'. Sophie Brown, who plays 'Stacy' says that: "...it has been a pleasure to work on this project and to represent Bilborough College in this professional production" "I am delighted by how professional our BTEC students have been in their approach to the project and their development throughout. Full credit to all staff and students in the Drama and Performing Arts department for their support." Mia Morgan-Ford (director and Performing Arts teacher) Don't miss your opportunity to see Bassett at Derby Theatre, on 28th April 2016. Train tickets to London can be expensive.... ;)

16 students, 1 teacher, 1 mini-bus and a 3 hour drive to Oxford. After an early morning start, with the help of good music, we were able to get into the spirit and mind-set of true ethical thinking. The conference took place in the Oxford Town Hall, beginning with a talk on “Brain Sex” by Julie Arliss of King’s College London. Arliss introduced “brain sex” as a way of thinking, showing the cultural and social context change from the view of sexual ethics in the past to what it is now. Professor Raymond Tallis, scientist, writer and critic, followed with his talk “Are We (Just) Beasts?” using Darwin’s evolution theory. We were also able to get an insight into new ideas such as neuromania, which would help our studies in A2 Ethics. Following on was the guitar physicist Dr Mark Lewney, discussing “Can Science Explain Music?” Dr Lewney argued that neuroscience cannot, opposing Professor Tallis, then opened up the microphone to the floor so that all schools were able to participate in the debate and share ideas. Before the last talk, students were able to go out for lunch and had time to explore the city. Cobbled streets, University buildings, quaint shops and stunning architecture. The last talk was a breath of fresh air with Dr Lewney’s “Music Explained” presenting the science of music. He created an electric guitar revision song to Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody which was greatly interactive and kept everyone well entertained. We finished the day with a group picture and reflecting on what we had learnt, and we owe it all to our kind teacher Annie.

More information can be found on: http://www.academyconferences.com/index.php/gifted-and-talented-students/uk-programme

Performing Arts By Mia Morgan-Ford

Ethics Conference By Jill Lupupa

MINI-WHITEBOARDS By Colin Shipway

A friend of mine is working in Cambodia trying to help students remain in education. He has identified that many students are more engaged with their lessons when they use mini-whiteboards. Nick says “At the moment, in many schools participation is limited to a few children who sit near the front and are the 'favourites'. We need to reach the FIFTY PER CENT of children who will drop out between grades 7 to 9 and one way to do this is to give teachers the methodology to interact with all their students at the same time.” He is aiming to buy and distribute 6,600 min-whiteboards to help student engagement, and these boards only cost about 60p. If you would like to make a contribution to this worthy cause either a) put some money in an envelope kept at reception, b) give money directly to Colin in physics or c) give money online at:

http://smallboards.weebly.com/

CHARITY WALK By Bethan Mackie

I planned a walk from Oxton in Nottinghamshire to Scarborough to raise money for a charity named Cruse Bereavement Care. My best friend Martha agreed to come with me for some moral support and my Dad met us at various points of our walk on every day for motivation and a kitkat! We set off on Saturday 24th November 2015 and walked for nine long days and about 140 miles till we reached Scarborough on 1st November 2015. By the end, we had hoped to fundraise £1360 for Cruse, but we smashed this target and raised £1769.81. I wanted to raise money for this charity as it is a charity very close to my heart. Following the sudden death of my step-mum only a few years ago, I benefited from 9 months of counselling from Cruse. I wanted to give them something back for all the help that they had given me as they had made my life so much better in such an overwhelming time of my life. The walk itself was by no means an easy feat. We were walking for about 10 hours every day, to complete 20 miles each day. We carried our tent and all of our clothes and food that we needed all the way and we set up camp when we reached our destinations for the day. There were days that went better than others and days that I was in so much pain that I wanted to stop. However with blister plasters and a lot of moral support from my Dad and best friend (who was struggling along with me), we made it! I do believe that it was worth it for how happy and proud I made my family and friends and, moreover, I feel a great sense of happiness for giving something back to Cruse

as a little 'thank you'.

Page | 32

Five brave Computer Science students rose to the challenge of competing in the British Olympiad 2015. The first of these rounds took place in college where these students were asked to solve 3 different problems by creating a computer system using a programming language of their choice. Five winners are to be chosen from the whole of the UK to compete in the final that will be taking place at Cambridge University during the Easter Holidays. We would like to congratulate all those who took part but did not reach the final. All of the following will be getting a certification of participation. Well done to:

Adam Whitney Christopher Froggatt Eloise Rogers George Holmes Julia Ivana

The British Informatics Olympiad By Iqbal Khan

My Community Finale: Invite to Video Conference

We would like to congratulate your student Umar Ghaffar for being shortlisted as

a finalist for the HSBC’s My Community Challenge!

We are pleased to announce that Umar is one of the shortlisted finalists in your region. HSBC

are inviting finalists to pitch their community idea to a panel of judges via video conference, one

lucky finalist will be awarded £250 for their school at this event!

As a My Community finalist, Umar has won a work experience placement with HSBC this summer!

Page | 33

REVISION STRATEGIES

Break down your subject into topics.

Plan your revision timetable in detail – but not as an excuse not to get on with the revision.

Don’t spend all your time on the interesting things!

Allow some free time – all-night marathons are not the way to revise.

If you haven’t been reworking and condensing your notes throughout the year, start to do so now!

Revise everything more than once – over learning is important for retention.

Share revision time with a friend sometimes.

Try explaining your topic to someone who does not know anything about it. If you can do this, it

proves that you understand it.

Constantly be on the look-out for issues and themes.

Practise writing under timed conditions and be realistic about how much you can produce in the

given time.

Look, cover, write, check

This is an old and trusted technique that still works for many people: Revise a section of work

Cover it up or put it aside

Write down or record as much as you can remember

Check against the original

Highlight anything you got wrong or forgot

Prioritise these areas for future revision

Past papers

Going through past question papers is very helpful. You can familiarise yourself with the format of the paper and the wording of the questions. Past papers may also act as a guide to the types of topic which crop up in the exam, but do not rely on this too much!

SEE YOU NEXT TIME…