RMGS NEWSLETTER

RAINHAM MARK GRAMMAR SCHOOL

May 2010

Issue No. 032

Dear Parents and Students Congratulations to Mr Clarke and our victorious Year 9 football team for winning the Kent Cup at Charlton last Monday evening. It was a very exciting match, ending 3-2 after extra time and RMGS now progress to the English Schools competition. Thanks to all staff and parents who supported the PTFA Quiz night last Saturday. We had an excellent turn-out and an enjoyable time was had by all. Lastly, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all students taking public examinations the very best over the next few weeks. We will be sad to see Year 13 (and some of Year 11) move to pastures new and I have to mention the excellent work done by our prefects this year, under the direction of school captains, Lisa and Jon. Good luck to you all. Yours faithfully Mr Decker Headteacher

VALIANT YEAR 9S WIN KENT CUP FINAL AT THE VALLEY The RMGS Year 9 football team capped a remarkable season with a fantastic victory in the Kent Cup final. The school last won the Wilf Armory trophy in 1993. Having already become district champions, earlier in the season, the team beat St Paul's Academy 3-2, after extra time, to become county champions. The occasion was made all the more special because it was played at The Valley, home to Charlton Football Club. The team qualified for the final way back in February and thus the build-up was somewhat protracted. However, this proved a blessing in disguise, given it allowed some key players to recover from both illness and injury.

In this time, no stone was left unturned in the team's preparations. Firstly, the team manager, Mr Clarke, took the opportunity to watch the opposition in their semi-final match. It is worth noting that St Paul’s Academy beat us 2-1 in Year 8. Thereafter, the squad were put through additional fitness and tactical training, not to mention an introduction to some sports psychology. The players were also banned from playing football at lunchtimes, to minimise the risk of freak injuries. Practice matches against the Year 11 football team were organised, so as to challenge the players to perform at a higher level. The catering staff prepared a special pre-match meal for the players and energy drinks were purchased for half-time, with spares for extra-time if necessary. The Head of PE, Mr Stacey, even ordered a brand new strip for the final. The weather on the day of the final was extraordinarily hot. The players were graciously allowed to relax away from lessons during periods 5 and 6. A team photo was taken prior to boarding the team coach and then, having waded through some well wishers, the team departed. The journey was trouble free, except for an intermittent and somewhat disconcerting, buzzing noise from the coach’s dashboard! The teams arrived, at the stadium, within minutes of each other, at approximately 4.45pm. Pleasantries were exchanged, between the respective team managers, before the players were taken to the impressive hospitality lounge (Millennium suite) which overlooks the pitch. The players were then allowed to inspect the pitch, before being directed to their respective dressing rooms. We were allocated the visiting dressing room; some of the players were quick to realise that England stars such as Wayne Rooney and Frank Lampard would have previously used this very dressing room. At approximately 6pm, the team began their warm-up on the pitch, just as the supporters began to filter into the main stand. Thankfully, the temperature now began to fall; however, leaving nothing to chance, Mr Clarke had brought enough fluid to fill an elephant! The final team talk, in the dressing room, followed and then it was time for the players to line-up in the players' tunnel. The players made their way out onto the pitch to a generous round of applause from the 400-500 spectators. Numerically, RMGS appeared to have a larger share of the crowd. Whilst there were 25,500 empty seats in the stadium, events would go on to prove that the atmosphere was none the worse for it.

Year 9 football report continued A minute's silence was observed in memory of a prominent Kent official who had recently passed away unexpectedly. The RMGS captain, George Chambers, called his team together for a final team huddle and then it was off! St Paul’s set their stall out very quickly, a high tempo, physical approach intertwined with some neat passing and movement. Notoriously slow starters, RMGS quickly found themselves under pressure. However, the highly organised and resolute defence restricted St Pauls to several long range (and off target) efforts. RMGS gradually got a toe hold in the game and on the ten minute mark, gained a free kick, well within the range of dead ball specialist Michael Freiter. GOAL - 1-0 RMGS!!!!! A sublime strike from Freiter left the St Paul's keeper floundering. Whilst this appeared to settle the nerves, in all truthfulness St Paul's continued to apply the pressure. This said, clear cut chances were few and far between, as RMGS always seemed to have one more player to make the necessary challenge. This aspect of the RMGS defending had been discussed in some depth during the build-up. As the half wore on, RMGS nearly extended their lead as Connor Grieve hit the cross-bar. However, with just minutes to half-time, St Paul's worked a neat ball into their dangerous striker 'Tomi' (a Charlton academy player), who left his midfield marker, skipped inside the defender and guided a low shot past the keeper, in off the inside of the post - 1-1. The St Paul's players celebrated somewhat exuberantly, but of more interest to Mr Clarke was the attitude of Connor Grieve, who picked up the ball and sprinted 50 yards to the centre circle. This inspirational ‘never say die’ spirit would be crucial later in the game. With time rapidly running out, RMGS launched one last attack, in the first half, and SCORED. Jubilant scenes ensued, only to be cruelly terminated shortly after the linesman had ruled the goal off-side! Suddenly, it was the St Paul's crowd cheering! Half-time 1-1; energy drinks were quickly distributed to the players as Mr Clarke disseminated various instructions to the players. No substitutions were made at this juncture. The second half began in the same vein as the first half, with St Paul's looking the stronger team but the RMGS defence was mostly solid and well marshalled by the superb Lewis Whiteoak, himself a Charlton Academy player. It was not long before Mr Clarke made a tactical switch, from a 4-4-2 system, to a 4-5-1 system and this certainly gave the midfield more bite. However, it left Iain Millar to fight the good fight as the lone striker, a frustrating job, but one he took on admirably. Whilst St Paul's had the better of the exchanges, neither side could break the deadlock. As the half 'quickly' wore on, both sides suffered an injury which required the respective players to be replaced. Sadly for RMGS, it was the inspirational Connor Grieve, at the heart of the increasingly impervious defence, who needed to be replaced. As the game moved inexorably towards extra time, the all too physical approach, by St Paul’s, gave Michael Freiter one last chance to repeat his first half wonder strike. With one minute to go, if successful, this would undoubtedly win the game! The enormity of this opportunity was not lost on Mr Clarke! Freiter got the ball up and over the St Paul's wall and, with the keeper stranded, the ball glided just past the post only the wrong side ... extra time (10 minutes each way)! The teams stayed out on the pitch. More energy drinks were distributed and Mr Clarke reiterated the key fundamentals of the RMGS attacking game plan. Whilst the RMGS attacking play had been largely stifled, the second half had provided glimpses of successful play. No substitutions were made at this juncture, given the game was finely balanced. The tension was palpable as the game resumed. Once again St Paul’s looked the more assertive side and once again, the RMGS defence stood resolute, until just before the end of the first period of extra time. St Paul's committed a foul on an RMGS player but, inexplicably, the referee played advantage to RMGS, just as the ball fell to a St Paul's player. The ball was subsequently worked into the ever dangerous ‘Tomi’ and he cleverly spun off his marker to score 2-1 St Paul’s. Mr Clarke's displeasure, with the refereeing, was evident for all to see. However, unlike the St Paul's Assistant Manager, who had been sent from the dugout for foul and abusive language towards an official, he just about managed to contain his frustration. The first period ended shortly after and a tactical switch was made by Mr Clarke immediately from 4-5-1 to 3-5-2, with several substitutes introduced to infuse some fresh legs into the fray. Most notably, the rather tall Tom Miller (at 6ft3") was put up front, to support Iain Millar in attack. In the second half of extra time, the game took on a whole new life, which can only be described as a rollercoaster white knuckle ride. St Paul’s nearly killed the game as a thunderous shot hit the crossbar and subsequently nearly went in off the back of the RMGS keeper Oliver Kember (Mr Clarke's heart momentarily sank). However, RMGS simply refused to accept defeat and went looking for an equaliser. With six minutes to go, RMGS worked the ball in the St Paul’s penalty area and the referee suddenly blew his whistle - PENALTY! Lewis Whiteoak (now stand-in captain), took the ball. The crowd went silent, a clean strike-GOAL!!! 2-2! COME ON RMGS!!! At this juncture, Mr Clarke turned to his Assistant Manager Mr Grieve, breathed a sigh of relief and suggested the trophy would be shared, given there was to be no penalty shoot-out. HOLD THE PRESS! St Paul's launched an uncharacteristic long ball forward and to the horror of the RMGS support, the referee spotted an infringement in the area and ‘quickly’ awarded St Paul’s a penalty. Mr Clarke, somewhat numbed by the decision, stood silently in a state of utter disbelief. However, as the striker 'Tomi' placed the ball, Mr Clarke had a 'vague' feeling that he might miss.... and MISS HE DID!!! The ball sailed over the bar. The RMGS support exploded into a frenzy of sheer jubilation intermixed with a good deal of relief.

Year 9 football report continued Despite this scare, RMGS were not content to sit back and take the draw; as epitomised by the work rate of Messrs Baker and Freiter, amongst others, who were straining every sinew. With just two minutes to go, once again, RMGS worked the ball into the St Paul's penalty area, towards the aforementioned Tom Miller, who went down under a challenge from a defender. Belatedly, the whistle was blown and the referee appeared to point to the spot. Tom Miller turned to Mr Clarke and said penalty! However, inexplicably, the referee then appeared unsure and made his way over to the assistant referee (linesman to the old school brigade, Mr Clarke included). The crowd went silent as they waited for the decision. The referee nodded and began to walk away, then turned back, double-checked and then turned, pointed ... PENALTY TO RMGS.... with just two minutes to go! Unfortunately, the St Paul's players surrounded the referee (one player was booked) and worse still, their goal keeper decided to blatantly ruin the penalty spot with his studs. Furthermore, the St Paul’s support began to boo somewhat loudly as Lewis Whiteoak took the ball. However, with a cool head, he struck the ball cleanly and once again - HE SCORED! GOALLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!! 3-2 RMGS!! UNBRIDLED JOY amongst the RMGS support, epitomised by a roar which nearly took the roof off the main stand! Could RMGS hang on? In a succinct word ... YES!

RMGS YEAR 9s - DISTRICT AND KENT CHAMPIONS Wild celebrations ensued, Mr Clarke shook the hand of the St Paul's Manager, before calling his players to the centre circle, for a group victory hug. Some things are best left ‘vague’ ... nod nod wink wink! The trophy presentation was, sadly, marred by yet more booing, by the St Paul's support, for the referee. However, the RMGS players conducted themselves in an exemplary manner by applauding each and every St Paul's player, and they graciously returned the compliment. As the trophy was lifted the majority of the RMGS players clambered for a hold. A victory lap began in earnest, however several players, clearly exhausted, quickly realised there was little adulation to be had in the empty stands towards which they were heading. As they turned to head back towards their adoring fans, they had little idea that Mr Clarke and Mr Grieve lay in wait, ready to ambush them with a champagne shower (thanks for the ammo Mrs Piper)! Not being much of a drinker, Mr Clarke had little hesitation in using every last drop on the players. A happy dressing room was made somewhat emotional by the generous presentation of a special memento by the team captain to the manager Mr Clarke, quickly followed by a chorus of 'who needs Mourinho'. Thereafter, there was time to enjoy some post match refreshments, before we headed home, most content. In summary, RMGS progressed through the rounds playing some exciting attacking football, evidenced by the fact we scored 39 goals in just six games. In the final, our attacking play was stifled by St Paul’s and yet we still managed to score three goals plus have a goal disallowed and hit the cross bar. Whilst chances were few and far between, we clearly took our chances. However, our success will largely be remembered for the resolute manner in which we defended coupled with a highly disciplined and organised approach. Winning is not always pretty, but that is not to say such performances are without skill or simply down to luck. The Year 9 team had the character and heart to hang tough and run the course; our ‘brotherhood’ knows this as D.A.D. ... nuff said! Mr Clarke would like to thank everyone who contributed both prior, during and after the match. We could not have achieved this success without your collective support. Thank you. Lastly, Mr Clarke would like to thank his players, from the depths of his heart, for making him so proud and for giving him a memory which he will cherish forever. Lads.. WE DID IT! Mr Clarke

A SPECTATORS VIEW OF THIS FABULOUS MATCH! About 15 staff left the school at 4.30pm feeling a little nervous but looking forward with optimism to the game. When we arrived we entered the eerily quiet stadium and waited with as much patience as possible for the team to walk out onto the pitch. By then there were about 500 spectators ready to greet them. When the teams lined up, it was clear that the opposition were not going to be a walk over! The first ten minutes of the game showed occasional signs of nerves from some of the RMGS players, whilst the opposing team seemed to settle quickly to their task. They had several very quick players who were confident in possession, and there was no doubting their physical presence. After a few wildly inaccurate shots from St Paul's we were awarded a free kick about 30-35 metres from goal. Michael delivered a perfectly executed shot that left their goalkeeper floundering; 1-0 to RMGS and all to play for. St Paul's rallied and continued to press. Our defence held firm and put in several excellent tackles to prevent them from equalising. They had clearly done their homework and were making it difficult for our team to have much time on the ball. Eventually the pressure told and they made it 1-1 from a well worked move. The remaining period of normal time was eventful. RMGS had come to terms with the tactics of the opposition and had the best chances to go ahead. One goal was disallowed (we think that it was ruled offside, but could not be sure), and Connor unluckily headed against the bar. Most of St Paul's shots were wide of the target, but a shot that rebounded from the crossbar proved that they could still be a threat. There were no more goals and so we were resigned to the dreaded extra time. Most of this time was spent watching through the gaps between our fingers as we could hardly bear to watch. St Paul's took a 2-1 lead in slightly dubious circumstances. One of our players had been fouled, but the referee decided to play an advantage when it seemed that none had been gained. We lost the ball and their forwards were able to play it into the area and set up the goal that gave them the lead. Their supporters made their feelings known and the players celebrated in a rather over exuberant manner! With much encouragement from the RMGS contingent our team did not allow themselves to become disheartened and increased their efforts. It was now that the drama was taken to another level. We were awarded a penalty when one of our players was brought down - who would have the nerve to take it, and who in the crowd would have the nerve to watch it? Lewis stepped up and equalised! We now had to endure a nail biting ten minutes. A few minutes after the award of our penalty, St Paul's were given their own - I think that it was pushing in the box. Their top scorer lined up to take it and shot - high and wide! What else could happen in this match? The answer, another penalty! It was not clear at first that one had been awarded as the referee consulted for what seemed an eternity with the linesman, but eventually Lewis realised that he would be needed to repeat his earlier achievement. It was difficult to watch, but the cheers from those around me let me know that he had scored. By this time the opposition's assistant manager had been sent to the stands for abuse of the officials, and we were just anxious to see out the final minutes. At long last the final whistle blew! The RMGS crowd cheered, clapped and chanted, and the players celebrated their famous win - the best of the 94 teams that had entered the competition. The boys played with great commitment and in a sportsmanlike manner. Well done to every member of the team, Mr Clarke and his support staff, but please don't put us through anything like that again! Mrs Bourne

In all Kent districts of Ashford, Canterbury, Dartford, Dover, Gravesham, Maidstone, Sevenoaks, Shepway, Swale, Thanet, Tonbridge & Malling and Tunbridge Wells and Out of County For the scheme year from September 2010 until August 2011 RENEWALS All existing Kent Freedom Passes cease to be valid after 31 August 2010. Kent Freedom Passes are NOT renewed automatically. Therefore in order to be sure of having a pass again next year, parents who want to renew their child’s pass must complete a new application in good time. To have the pass available at school at the beginning of next academic year, applications must be received at KCC’s Transport Integration office by 16 July 2010. The facility to apply online is being developed however we will still be making applications forms and explanatory leaflets available in schools from 7 June. We are printing fewer application forms this year, as they are also available to download from the website. With more than 22,000 Kent Freedom Passes currently issued, the above deadline of 16 July 2010 has been set to ensure that all applications received by that date can be processed efficiently to schools. Further information about the scheme for next year will be included in the leaflet and online at www.kent.gov.uk/kentfreedompass. NEW YEAR 7 PUPILS Children currently at primary school and joining year 7 at secondary school in September 2010 also need to ensure that their application is received by 16 July 2010, in order for their pass to be available at school at the beginning of the next academic year. CURRENT SCHEME YEAR 2009-10 Any pupil who does not currently have a Kent Freedom Pass, but wants to have one for the school summer holidays, has to apply by 28 May 2010. Please note that this will still cost £50 and expire on 31 August 2010. If you require any further information, please contact Kent County Council on 08458 247 247 or kentfreedompass@kent.gov.uk

Visit our website for more information about the school at www.rainhammark.medway.sch.uk

FOREIGN FOOD FUN

On Tuesday 2nd March 2010, I and a group of other Year 8 students took part in a foreign language cooking session at lunchtime. Here we made food which originated in France, Germany and Spain (as these are the three languages that are taught at Rainham Mark). When we first arrived, we had to get suited and booted with our apron and cooking equipment. We were then split into six groups and each group were given different recipes, which meant we were making a variety of foods. My specific group had to make nachos and crêpes (French pancakes), but I failed at cooking the pancake after I had attempted to flip it! After we had all completed our recipes, they were all served out to everyone, and as an individual we had to rate which one we thought was the best. Our pancakes and nachos were up against German Bratwürste (hot-dogs) and Frikadellen (pork burgers) and tortilla española (Spanish omelette). Unfortunately, though, neither the nachos nor the pancakes won, it was the Bratwurst which took the limelight. I thoroughly enjoyed this activity, and I am sure future Year 8s will too. It was an amazing experience, but maybe next time the teachers could make it overlap lessons…? (Only joking!) Jay Babraa, Year 8 Ms Weal and Mr Fishman would like to thank all those who took part, and also Mrs Mannerson and the DT technicians for the kind use of the Food Tech room.

INDIA DAY As part of our international links we are having an India day on 6 July. There will be activities during the day and a special evening event from 6.00 pm - 8.00 pm. A committee of students and staff have been planning this and we are very excited about our first international day. We would like to welcome all to our India evening on 6 July. Come and share in the food, watch the dancing and listen to the music. Mrs A Pilgrim

PERFORMING ARTS DEPARTMENT MUSIC: Medway Festival: On Saturday, 17th April students from RMGS took place in the annual Medway Festival of Music, Speech and Drama. We had winners in many categories: Chloe Fowler - Vocal Duet, Pop Song Claudia Frank - Vocal Duet, Lieder Jack Cassidy - Songs from the Shows Hayley Jack - Dickens reading Quadraphonic (John Clark, Callum Harris, Jack Cassidy and Mr Bowden) - Intermediate Ensemble Big Band (John Clark, Callum Harris, Ken Yi Yau, Jack Bates, Jonathan Baker, Yathukulan Maheswaran, Matthew Baker, Huw Jackson, Angus Cousins, Andrew Saunders, Richard Blake, Miss Hayles and Miss Smallwood) - Jazz Ensemble Mentions should also go to Thomas How, Ronan Newell, Sarah Andrew, Richard Blake, Andrew Saunders and the RMGS Woodwind Ensemble (Ken Yi Yau, Jack Bates, Jonathan Baker, Yathukulan Maheswaran, Matthew Baker, Huw Jackson and Angus Cousins) who also competed and many were placed 2nd or 3rd in their classes.

As a measure of their success, the highest scoring performers on the day are invited to compete in the Chairman’s Invitation Championship Concert. Jack Cassidy and Quadraphonic were selected to perform, and were highly praised by the adjudicators. Quadraphonic went on to win the Championship Trophy, making them the best overall ensemble performance in the whole competition. Ensembles entered range from youth groups to adult choirs, so this is a remarkable achievement for the group. Congratulations to all the students who entered and competed. Rainham Mark Grammar School was the best represented Medway school at the event. The certificates and trophies won are all on display in the Music department so do come and have a look!

Upcoming Events Year 8 Music and Drama Festival: This year, for the first time, all year 8 students are competing in the RMGS Music and Drama Festival. Students will prepare performances and perform these to a panel of judges on Tuesday 6th July. Good luck to all, and we are looking forwards to some entertaining performances! Year 7- Music and Drama Cross-Curricular Performance - 7th July 2010: Pupils in Year 7 will be working on a cross-curricular Performing Arts Project, in their Music and Drama lessons in term 6. This is the third year this project has taken place with this year’s theme being ‘Folk Stories from Around the World’. Each class will work on the dramatisation of a given folk story and then create Music to reflect the cultural identity of an additional folk story, in preparation for a performance on the 7th. A Letter with further details of the project and final performance will be issued to Parents of Year 7 in mid July. Mr Bowden Summer Revue – 15th July 2010: This promises to be the usual relaxed mix of Music, drama and comedy items. Do come along to see the students in action. DRAMA: Year 13 Theatre Studies trip 'London Assurance’: As part of our A2 course in Theatre Studies we went to see a production of 'London Assurance', a 19th century restoration comedy which has been revived at the National Theatre in London! We rarely see this kind of thing being done in English theatre anymore so this was a brilliant opportunity and will help us in preparing for our written exam in June! It was a great production and Simon Russell Beale as Sir Harcourt Courtly and Fiona Shaw as Lady Gay Spanker were a hoot! We would definitely recommend the play to anyone who wants to enjoy a great comedy of errors! Daisy Kennedy & Samuel Mullin, Year 13 Mr Mount

PERFORMING ARTS DEPARTMENT CONTINUED DRAMA: 'Godspell' & 'Dido': The Year 13 Performing Arts class showed their final production for their A Level on 29 April 2010, an adaptation of the popular musical 'Godspell', set in a primary school classroom! It was a fantastic show, which the students put together themselves and was a great send-off for the class who performed the musical as part of one of their units, back-to-back with a production of Christopher Marlowe's play 'Dido, Queen of Carthage'. Congratulations to all involved! Mr Mount & Ms Smallwood National Youth Theatre success: Daisy Kennedy in Year 13 has successfully auditioned for the National Youth Theatre, beating hundreds of other young hopefuls to secure one of only a few places in the company. The NYT recognises talent in young people and provides them with opportunities to further a potential career in the Performing Arts industry. This is a significant achievement and we wish Daisy every success with the summer school she will be doing in August. Daisy will be doing various fund-raising activities to help pay for her scholarship, so please look out for details and support her! Mr Mount 'The Crucible': As part of their AS in Theatre Studies, our Year 12's performed extracts from Arthur Miller's classic play about accusations of witchcraft in the 16th century to an audience of family and friends and a visiting examiner. The Year 12's worked really hard on the performances and also had to perform monologues they had chosen themselves on the same day! Well done to all involved! Mr Mount & Mrs Skinner

YOUNG ENTERPRISE 2010

This year has been busy for the Year 12 Young Enterprise students. In October Raw Enterprises established itself as a company. They started by developing a business plan, a mission statement, elected a Board of Directors and then raised £80 start up capital to pay for their company’s registration with Young Enterprise. The students soon learnt that running a business was not going to be easy and some found the responsibility a challenge.

The Managing Director of Raw Enterprises was Gideon Jinadu and there were seven others members. The students decided to set up an events management company, their aim to organise a series of smaller events to raise funds for a large event in the summer term. At Christmas they organised the first, a school disco for Year 7 students, in February they organised Romeo’s Rave for Years 7 and 8 students and in April they organised an event at Beacon Court, Gillingham. The students found that organising these events took a lot more effort and preparation than they initially thought, but as they gained more experience they were able to learn from this and produce more successful events.

Jay Nanavati (IT Director) also took part in the Medway Public Speaking competition in February. He spoke for 7 minutes before a panel of judges presenting his views of whether a change of government would be beneficial to the country. Jay achieved first place and went on to represent both RMGS and his company in the Kent final where he achieved third place. At the end of April, Raw Enterprises took part in the Medway Young Enterprise Final held this year at RMGS. The students had to deliver a presentation on their business to a number of successful business entrepreneurs, as well as parents, teachers and students from other schools. Although the company were not awarded any prizes, we are very proud of what they have all achieved. It has been a pleasure working with this year’s company of entrepreneurs; and we wish them all every success in the future. Mr Bowden and Mrs Taylor

REPORT ON SCIENCE COLLEGE ACTIVITIES TERM 5

Whilst this term has been quiet on the Science College front various activities have been continuing. The Science Club, under Miss Rogers but with help from many of the Science staff, has continued to prosper as you will see from a separate report. Our thanks go to Miss Rogers who gives up every lunch time to be with the students. The observatory is now complete in the garden and will be in full use next year. We hope now to complete the garden area over the next few months and any ideas that students may have for this area should be taken to Mr Watson who will be overseeing its design and construction. We hope this will become a valuable educational resource in the future. The GCSEs in Astronomy and Human Health and Physiology have had very good take up for next year and will hopefully be as successful as this year. Next term will see visits from the Astrodome for Year 8 and Eagle Heights for Year 9 and we hope these will be as well received as before. Once again I would like to give my personal thanks to all of the staff that kindly give up their time to help organise and run these activities. Mr Dixon, Science College Coordinator

SCIENCE COLLEGE

SCIENCE CLUB GOES TO THE BIG BANG (AGAIN!)

On Monday 5th July Science Club will be attending the South East regional final of the National Science Competition at the Big Bang science fair at the University of Reading. Five groups will be competing for BA Crest awards (creativity in science and technology), with projects ranging from collecting fingerprints to launching eggs on rockets. We will also be hosting a science club stall for the first time. This will be run by four science club students (Idrees Anwar, Rahul Khatau, Rheannon Feehan and Kerry Sildatke), ably assisted by our science senior students Kane Corcoran and Carina Bourne. They will be showcasing a number of the projects that they have been working on during the year to the thousands of visitors who will be visiting the show. Twenty students from years 7, 8 and 9 will also be attending the show as visitors to experience the huge range of exhibitions, shows and workshops on offer. I have been so impressed with the dedication of the science club students this year. They have come up with some very imaginative projects and worked extremely hard on them. Thank you also to Mrs Powis, Miss Budden and Mr Wilkinson for their invaluable help and support with this venture. Miss Rogers

HUMAN HEALTH AND PHYSIOLOGY GCSE The first Human Health and Physiology GCSE at RMGS is about to be completed. Twenty five students from year 10 have worked hard all year, in their own time, to gain this extra qualification. The course will finish in July when they have completed their coursework. Well done to all the students involved. The next group, from the current year 9, started their Human Health and Physiology course this week with Miss Budden. The course has continued to be very popular with twenty five students starting on the new course. Miss Rogers   

BIOLOGY CHALLENGE In 17 March 2010, Year 10 students competed in the National Biology Challenge. An amazing fourteen of the students achieved awards and commendations. Congratulations to Liam Bushell and Andrew White for achieving Gold awards, Oliver Finlon, Elliot Hoste, Amber Symonds, Matthew Watts, Jassimran Doklu and Sharna Bennett for achieving Silver Awards and Georgia Everett, Mitchell Sharman and Ewen Nicholls for achieving Bronze awards. Ozey Serifoglu and Daniel Moynes were highly commended and Patrick Forster was commended. Their certificates will be awarded shortly. Well done to all the students involved! Miss Rogers

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY - 2009/2010 25 to 29 May inclusive Year 9 visit to Andalusia, Spain for Spanish Language visit 28 May Year 11 and Year 13 - last day before study leave 28 May Last day of Term 31 May May Bank Holiday 1 to 4 June inclusive HALF TERM 7 June First day of Term 6 7 June to 11 June Year 8 exams all week 7, 8, 10, 11, 14 & 15 June Year 9 Geography field work to North Downs 9 June 4pm - 4.30 pm Parents meeting for Gibraltar Point Trip in July 10 June 4pm - 7pm Year 7 Parents’ evening 14 June Year 12 return 17 June and 18 June Year 12 - Find that Course 21 and 22 June Year 7 ESB exam 24 June - 7.30 pm New Year 7 Parents’ Evening 25 June 6th form visit to University of Kent for Economists 25 June pm Yr 12 visit to National Theatre, London to see ‘London Assurance’ 26 June PTFA Race Night 28 June to 9 July inclusive Year 11 work experience 28 June Year 13 Book Return Day 28 June Year 12 ESB exam 28 June to 2 July Yrs 9 - 13 Theatre-in-ed visit to various schools 30 June 2pm Lower School Prize Day 30 June to 2 July Year 10 Enterprise Days 1, 2, 5 and 6 July Year 7 exams 1, 2, 15 and 16 July Yr 12 biology students visit to Wildwood Conservation Park 6 July Indian Culture day 8 July New Year 7 Taster Day 8 July Yr 12 D&T visit to Islington Design Centre, London 9 July am Yr 12 Ethics conference 12 July Year 11 Book Return Day 12 to 16 July inclusive Year 10 visit to Black Forest, Germany 13 July AS Induction day 13 July 4pm - 5.30pm Yr 12 Achievement afternoon 14 July Sports Day 15 July Reserved Sports Day in case of bad weather 15 July Summer Revue 19 July Yr 10 visit to Buddhist Temple 19 to 23 July inclusive Yr 7 visit to Gibraltar Point Nature Reserve 20 July 3.45pm - 5pm Yr 7 tea with previous primary HTs and teachers 21 July Last day of term 22 and 23 July INSET (No pupils in school) 19 August Results for A level TUESDAY 24 August Results for GCSE

Term 1 Start of term: Last day of term: Autumn Break:

INSET – Wednesday 1 September 2010 – No pupils in school except Yr 12 in at 10.00 am and Yr 13 in at 12.50 pm Thursday 2 September 2010 - Year 7 in at 9.30 am. Rest of school in as normal. Friday 22 October Monday 25 October – Friday 29 October 2010 inclusive

Term 2 Start: Last day of term: Christmas Break:

Monday 1 November 2010 Friday 17 December 2010 Monday 20 December 2010 to Monday 3 January 2011 incl.

Term 3 Start: Last day of term: February Break:

Tuesday 4 January 2011 Friday 18 February 2011 Monday 21 February - Friday 25 February 2011 incl.

Term 4 Start: Last day of term: Spring Break:

Monday 28 February 2011 Friday 8 April 2011 Monday 11 April – Monday 25 April 2010 inclusive

Term 5 Start: May Day Holiday: Last day of term: May Break:

Tuesday 26 April 2011 Monday 2 May 2011 Friday 27 May 2011 Monday 30 May – Friday 3 June 2010 inclusive

Term 6 Start: Last day of term:

Monday 6 June 2011 Wednesday 19 July 2011

INSET - Teacher Training Days (No pupils in school these days)

Wednesday 1 September 2010, Friday 15 October 2010, Wednesday 20 July 2011, Thursday 21 July 2011 and Friday 22 July 2011

ADVANCE NOTICE - ACADEMIC DIARY FOR 2010 - 2011