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SANDBACH COLLEGE NEWSLETTER: MAY 2016

Several members of the SLG have been working with Design Office to launch a new project called The Scoop. The Scoop comprises of several online platforms: a Facebook page, Twitter account and an Instagram page designed to connect and represent our College community, aiming to keep students updated on relevant info such as activities, social happenings and key information revolving around the new Sixth Form build, potential apprenticeships, guest speakers, plus so much more! These platforms are for the benefit of students and managed by students! For more info contact Caledonia, Dylan or Rebecca from the SLG.

In the past, the prestigious Rotary Club Citizen of the Year award has been

given to people with a long history of community service. Grace has, of

course, not got this long history, but what she has done in a short space of

time has been remarkable. Grace was the prime mover-and-shaker behind

the setting up of the Interact Club based here at Sandbach High School. She

was voted in as President by the other members. The club, under her

leadership, has taken part in the Rotary Swimathon to raise money for

WaterAid and St Luke's Hospice. They also helped entertain visitors to the

Rotary International Summer Camp at Petty Pool Outdoor Centre. Grace has

given presentations about the Interact Club at District Council meetings and

also at the annual 1285 District Conference in Southport last October (which

can't have been easy!) She attended a Rotary Youth Exchange Summer

camp in Austria where the aims were to learn some German, gain an idea of

Austrian culture and enjoy a range of outdoor activities - a trip which she

really enjoyed. The Interact Club has taken part in many community activities

in Sandbach, working with the Tidy Town Group litter picking, weeding,

planting bulbs and painting railings. They also took part in redecorating

Sandbach Station. Grace, together with Ramina, attended the Community

Pride Awards last year, representing Interact. In September the group took

part in Sandbach Today to promote the work of Interact to the public. They

helped at the Elworth Park Halloween Event, leading the procession around

the park and judging the pumpkin carving competition. They have raised

money for other charities in different ways. A car wash raised £75 for Cancer

Research UK and they are also fundraising for Mary's Meals and Sandbach

Animal Rescue. All in all, Grace, as President of this Interact Club, has

represented her club, her college, the rotary club, her town and her country

and has proved to be a brilliant and inspiring ambassador for young people.

We are all very proud of her!

ALSO

in this issue:

- Special Product

Design Feature

- Charity Updates

- UCAS

Conference

- Sports News

INTRODUCING…..

#PROUDCOLLEGE

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR—GRACE MILNER

BIOLOGISTS RECOGNISED caption MATHS FEST ‘16

Have you ever wondered how gossip spreads so quickly?

Or how serial killers can be located?

On the 9 February, five gifted and talented college students were lucky

enough to attend the first ever Maths Fest in London, to have these questions

and more answered.

A number of ‘mathemagicians’

including Hannah Fry, Matt

Parker and Lucie Green,

gathered to celebrate all things

numbery. They selected their

favourite areas of maths and

gave an engaging presentation

about its uses and

applications - if there were

any! However, they did give

up the limelight to offer stu-

dents the opportunity to do the

same and show off their own mathematical skills. During the breaks we had

the opportunity to meet all the guest speakers and even get our books and

calculators signed. Throughout the day we had a very enjoyable experience

and we all hope to attend next year and see what new guest speakers will be

offering emotional and mathematical support.

Chloe Floodgate and Sophie Tonge—Year 12

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The British Biology Olympiad is open to students around the world aged 16-18. It consists of two one hour multiple choice papers to be taken online under exam conditions. The Olympiad challenges and stimulates students with an interest in Biology to expand and extend their talents. It enables students to demonstrate their knowledge and be encouraged to continue their study beyond the A-level specification. Eva and I completed the Olympiad both at AS level and again this year at A2 level with a range of other biology students and we both gained a Bronze award, an improvement from last year. This award is very highly respected by Universities on UCAS applications as it demonstrates extra qualifications alongside the main A-level. We enjoyed challenging ourselves to put our knowledge from the two years into practice along with being faced with questions that we hadn’t learnt the content for which allowed wider reading knowledge to come into play. If this is an opportunity available to you as a biologist we highly recommend participation due to how respected it is along with the challenge that it provides.

The full honours list: Bronze:

Lauren Sherborne Eva Yeun

Highly Commended:

Harriet Barker Maham Adnan

Sophie Brett Tatum Askey

Commended: Grace Milner

CONVICTED MURDERER ON SITE!

On the 29 January 2016 the ‘True Life Conference’ team visited

Sandbach College. The day consisted of a speech from each of the

three criminals as well as a surprise reveal from the host of the

company, who was a convicted murderer! A Forensic Psychologist

was also present on the day giving us an insight into some of the key

characteristics they look for in psychopaths, for example the inability

to experience regret when they have done something wrong. Students from Y12/13 attended the conference, with students from Sandbach

School also joining in. Part of the day consisted of these boys having to dress up in the various uniforms that offenders are faced with on

arrival at the prison, and although very funny it also highlighted the power prison institutes have over taking away a person ’s identity. One of

the more interesting criminals, committed his crimes in order to get noticed by the police. He was aware of his mental health deteriorating and

he had been denied help from other services such as the local GP. He stole hundreds of thousands of pounds and then turned to burning

money. He burnt over £250,000 and even after doing so he was forced to turn himself in as the police still didn’t come to him as he had

wanted. Alex was sexually abused as a child and speaking to him taught us first-hand how those experiences impacted on his entire life. This

also highlighted the underlying issues that are present within our society regarding minimal help for those who need it. The day gave all the

students a taste of what life is like in prison and the extremities that are associated with it. One of the other criminals, also stated how it was

his time in prison that taught him how to successfully pull off criminal offences and another said that him and his friend brewed alcohol on site.

This then raised the question as to whether something needs amending in our Penal System. It was thoroughly interesting to listen to each of

the different criminal’s story and their experiences in prison and it was a great opportunity for those involved to widen the ir knowledge and

understanding about our Penal System and the lives of criminals. Emma Bell—Year 13

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CHARITY FUNDRAISING

Kim Tzabach—Yr13 raised a total of £ 8 0 8 . 4 8 f o r t h e C h r i s t i e Hospital in Manchester by organising a Non-uniform day. The much needed funds will go towards projects that focus on 4 main areas, research, care and treatment, education and extra patient services.

Nicole Twitchett Y13 donated 16 inches of her own hair to the Little Princess Trust to help make natural wigs for children with cancer.

Lorna Aitken and Phoebe Gibbons Yr13 organised a wear red day and sold cakes in aid of the BHF and raised an impressive £220.00

Bethany Moore Yr 12 organised a Swimathon at her local swimming club - Crewe Flyers in aid of CRUK, raising a massive £4177.00

On the 2 March our A Level dancers led the Performance Group at the Regent Theatre's annual dance festival '016 Sport in the City'. We performed three dances focusing on the mental and physical preparation to compete in sport and the dedication it takes to be at the top of your game. The students represented our College superbly, demonstrating excellent creativity and high levels of technical competence. It was great for all involved to perform in such a professional setting.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF….

Our BTEC Sport and AS PE students were lucky enough to experience a day as a Sports Science student at MMU in Crewe. The students experienced life as a student in a number of practical workshops that were delivered by both lecturers and present students. In the morning the students were put through their paces by completing a number of fitness tests using extremely high tech, expensive equipment! Tests included a speed test using top of the range sensors and unfortunately, none of them

managed to beat Miss Banister!

The students experienced life in the food hall with a complimentary lunch followed by a final session in the sport science labs. The college students were pushed to their limits again completing a gaseous exchange test where some found themselves needing a bib, not mentioning any names! All of the students acted in a mature and enthusiastic manner with, as you would expect, great competitiveness. They fit in to

the student life well!

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‘016

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MOVING ON MAGIC!

ALTERNATIVE CURRICULUM DAY

Friday 22 April provided Year 12 students with the opportunity to build on the information received at the UCAS Conference in order to

consider their next steps beyond College. The day had two alternative routes, where students could pursue either the University and

apprenticeship pathway, or alternatively look to begin to build the necessary skills for future employment. Pathway one was introduced by an

external visitor from the University of East Anglia. He was able, through a variety of interactive and technological methods, to encourage the

students to consider what matters most, when applying to University. This thought provoking presentation, was capped with practical guid-

ance on the UCAS process, which will be invaluable to all students looking to apply next

year. This knowledge was then built on by students who looked to use the remaining time

to research and discover the vast array of opportunities open to them, with some surpris-

ing finds made! Pathway two was led by our internal careers advisor, Mr Knight who

looked to help students build and create a purposeful and engaging CV. This session allowed students to consider their own experiences and

strengths and looked to embed them within this crucial employment document. All Year 12 students then came together to create

presentations on themselves! This challenging skill of being able to discuss your own achievements, threw up some surprising finds, clearly

highlighting the wonderful and mature students our College contains.

All in all, the day was a huge success with all students now in a stronger position to make future decisions!

UCAS CONVENTION

Year 12s spent a busy morning at the annual University Conference in Manchester exploring the different exhibition stands and picking up as

much information [and as many freebies!!!] as they could. The day was in preparation for the first stage of our Moving On Programme which

leads our students carefully through the process of deciding what pathway to follow once they have finished their studies with us.

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QUIZ NIGHT

As we stood nervously awaiting the arrival of the teams for our first quiz night I couldn’t help but

worry I would be stood at the front of the common room faced only with my grandmother. We had

never before organised a school event ourselves and were all feeling the pressure. However, our

worries were just that – worries, by the time the final team had arrived there wasn’t a table to

spare! The night was a great success!

The enthusiasm of everyone who came along and joined in really made the night perfect.

Following the triumph of our pilot Mother’s Day themed Quiz Night we had a lot to live up to in

order to ensure that our second St. George’s Day Quiz was to be just as good! After both nights,

the grand total of funds raised is currently at £410! 20% of the total amount we raise this year will

be donated to Cancer Research UK – the school charity this year.

As for the other 80% of the money, our intention is to have you, the staff and students at

Sandbach High School and Sixth Form College, to bid for what the money should be spent on, so

get your thinking caps on!

Our last and final quiz for this academic year is scheduled to be held on Tuesday 19 July! Keep

your eyes peeled for posters nearer to the time and if you’re around come along to join in!

On a final note, we are now recruiting for members to join the team and continue the Quiz Nights

in the next academic year! If anyone is at all interested please email the team:

QuizNight@sandhigh.cheshire.sch.uk Harriet Barker—Year 13

EPQ NEWS

This April, another cohort of College students successfully finished

their Extended Project Qualifications, with their hard work over the

year culminating in a day of presentations to fellow EPQueurs. Around

100 students in the current Year 12 and 13 have now

completed the course, which continues to attract some of the

college’s best and brightest students.

For the EPQ, students independently study a topic of their choosing.

From Emilia Rusbridge’s study of Ancient Greek influences on

modern acoustics and engineering to Charlotte Griffiths’ badger cull

polemic, the mix of study areas this year was pleasingly eclectic. Ellie

Armstrong-Mortlock, a Costa Book Award winner in the making, wrote

an impressive novella, Katie Warrington designed and

produced a multi-sensory educational playmat for visually-impaired

children and Millie Beresford’s investigation into the effect of

behaviour management strategies on students proved most insightful.

All of this year’s EPQ students can feel proud to have completed a

tough academic challenge which is so highly regarded by

universities. As the current Year 12s look forward to submitting their

UCAS forms in the autumn, those with an EPQ can feel confident that

they have developed the research skills and spirit of independent

enquiry which will set them apart.

BRILLIANCE FROM THE WORKSHOP!

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This year, A Level and AS Product Design students have been busy creating our final products which

count as 25% of our overall A-Level grade. After weeks of designing and testing followed by countless

hours in the workshop making our final prototypes, we are able to show you our final products.

From top left – Rachel Joyce (Y13), Amy Lewis (Y12), Emily Platt and Katie

Warrington (Y12). Opposite page from top left— Olivia Jeffries (Y12), Grace Walley (Y13),

Meg Hough (Y13) and Georgia Lawton (Y12)

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#PROUDCOLLEGE

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SNOW, SNOW & MORE SNOW

APRICA CERTAINLY DIDN’T DISAPPOINT!

We'd all been looking forward to the trip to Aprica, Italy for months. Even the 28 hour drive from Sandbach to Sondrio couldn't spoil our excitement, as we set off on Friday morning. After a long journey across the channel with Dodgy Dave the bus driver at the wheel, we finally arrived in Aprica to find out that we certainly wouldn't be disappointed with the amount of snow. Six days of skiing ahead of us, we got our boots and skis the afternoon we arrived, and looked forward to the morning. We could see loads of the slopes from the balcony in our hotel room, and couldn't wait to try them out. Aprica was a fantastic resort, and as well as four hours of ski lessons per day, we had three hours of f ree ski ing before our lessons. Luckily, the hotel was just a few metres away from the first lift, and we were able to go back for meals. We ate a lot of flat meat! In the evenings, we enjoyed activities like fancy dress and quizzes, as well as going out for pizza and karaoke. Some of us got to ski down the Magnolta, the hardest black run in the resort! There were lots of falls and giggles while skiing, some of which were caught on camera. The beginner skiers made really good progress, and by the last day, everyone was able to ski together. We left Aprica on Friday evening, and begun the long journey back - luckily the younger girls had been tired out and were much quieter than they had

been on the way there! Eleanor Armstrong-Mortlock—Y 12

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BRINGING LEARNING TO LIFE

HARLECH BIOLOGY FIELD TRIP

College students busy studying river ecology and sand dune

eco-systems

HISTORIANS ON TOUR! History students visiting Edinburgh Castle and London Landmarks.

The Great Sandbach College Bake Off led to impressive show stoppers from every Year 12 Form making Mr Leigh’s job of judging the competition more difficult than he ever thought possible. 12 Gawsworth were the overall winners – adding valuable points to the inter-form league table and one or two extra inches to Mr Leigh’s

waistline.

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LIFE IN THE COMMON ROOM

I was asked to write about my experiences whilst studying Hospitality and Catering, here at Sandbach College for the last two years.

Throughout my time here I have learned and progressed in lots of different skills, and overall had a fantastic time. I have gained a lot of

experience and knowledge about many different aspects of the catering industry that I’d previously not thought about, such as: being in the

restaurant, managing various school events, taking part in work experience at hotels and learning about worldwide cuisines other than our

own. At the start of the first year of Hospitality and Catering I focused on getting the theory work done, on time and detailed, we didn’t do

much practical work at the beginning of the year which, whilst I thought was disappointing at the time, I soon came to realise that I had learnt

so much despite the fact I hadn’t been in the kitchen yet! Not only did the coursework help me progress but I was also given the opportunity

to visit a 5 star hotel with a 2 Michelin star and 1 AA Rosette awarded restaurant called Alyn Williams which gave me a look at a high class

working kitchen. During the trip I interviewed the staff at the hotel which gave me the opportunity to ask them anything I

wanted to know about how things work in such a high class hotel. I learned and experienced many different things from the trip and it was

definitely a high point for me. However what I have most enjoyed was The Common Room Restaurant events we held most Thursday

nights, which have been open to the public, and gave me a real insight into a real working environment and created many opportunities for

me to master the art of excellent customer service. I had my last ever restaurant event on Thursday 12 May during which I, Niamh Broad

and Elly Dixon-Miller, ran all by ourselves - not a member of staff in sight! I fully enjoyed our last restaurant evening together and thought that

it went extremely well! We are a great team and were able to put all of our learnt expertise into action. I have really enjoyed my time here and

will genuinely miss Sandbach College next year. Josh Bailey—Year 13

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SWIMMING SUCCESS This year I qualified for 5 events at the regional finals, 50m, 100m and 200m backstroke, 100m freestyle and 200m Individual Medley. On April 30th and May 1st, I competed at Manchester Aquatics Centre in all five events. The competition was fierce as I was against people from all across the North West Region. I managed a Personal Best in the 200m IM and 100m freestyle, whilst remaining around my recently achieved long course times in all backstroke events. This is the competition I have been training for over recent months and in the 200m back I managed to qualify for the final in my age group (17 and over) and came a pleasing

6th place overall. Bethany Moore—Year 12

FRONT PAGE NEWS FOR

STEFFAN

After being sponsored by Gorilla Fitness UK, Steffen

Iruthayanathan (Year 13) took the chance of going to

a K1 (Kickboxing) Federation Championship and after

placing 38th out of 200+ he was more than pleased

with his performance and delighted with the

opportunity to appear on the front cover of K1 Flex

Magazine. He is hoping to qualify again in the coming

months and secure an even higher placing. Good

Luck Steffan!

SPORTS NEWS Small Numbers—Maximum Impact

The Drama department would just like to

congratulate Katie French on being probably

the bravest student in college for being the

only student in Drama this year! Her

perseverance has been amazing in a

subject that generally relies on group work,

discussion and rehearsal, so for trying to see

both of us Drama teachers as simply ‘other

s t u d e n t s ’ i n t h e c l a s s w h e n

rehearsing some really weird scenes for

Woyzeck – she deserves some recognition!

We also need to thank Imogen Rice-Birchall,

and especially Harriet Barker for not

disappearing from the drama world completely,

and helping Katie with those difficult rehearsal

lessons, her devising project and the new

Musical Theatre Club – your contributions to

the department have been many and are very,

very much appreciated. Thanks for being so

wonderful!

Congratulations to Chloe Ravenscroft, too, for

a superb recent performance in Sister Act, the

Musical. We are very proud of Chloe for

managing a mad rehearsal schedule for shows

outside school alongside her AS Unit 2

performance exam, in which she and Shelley

Robinson were joined by Georgia Parker-

Aiken. We await some excellent results in

August. Shelley must have a mention for

performing as Mari - an absolute ‘tart’, and

mother of Little Voice; I’m sure that playing a

drunken, sex-mad middle-aged mother will go

down as a highlight of Shelley’s Drama career

in college!

Good luck to all of our Drama students in the

summer. Fingers crossed!

Ms Aldridge & Mrs Bennion

SCHOOL GAMES AMBASSADOR I recently found out I have been selected to be a Young Ambassador at the Level 4 National School Games 2016 held at Loughborough University. Over 4 times the number of applicants for spaces available applied for the chance to be a residential volunteer so I was extremely happy to receive my place. I have been a volunteer at the National School Games before and know what an amazing opportunity it is and am really looking forward to this year’s

event in September. Laura Kirby Year 12

ROWING STAR OF THE FUTURE

I was recently chosen to represent my Rowing Club at the Junior Sculling Head, held at Dorney Lake where the rowing events in the London 2012 Olympics took place. We raced against clubs from all over the UK and in the end were placed 5th with less than 10 seconds separating 2nd place and us. Being such a competitive athlete I would have preferred 5th to have been 1st and will be working towards this goal over the coming months. Anya George Yr 12

DRAMA

APPLICATIONS FOR SEPTEMBER 2016 STILL WELCOME:

Pick up an application form from main reception or telephone: 01270 765031 or E: office@sandhigh.cheshire.sch.uk for more information

SANDBACH COLLEGE AT SANDBACH HIGH SCHOOL MIDDLEWICH ROAD SANDBACH CHESHIRE CW113NT

SPORTS NEWS

INTERNATIONAL HOCKEY DUTIES FOR

GABBY— Cymru Am Byth!

Gaby Goodman [Year 12] travelled to Switzerland with the Wales Under 18 squad during the

Easter holidays. Gaby was one of 19 players to represent the Dragons in an International Test

Series, consisting of three intense games against the Swiss. Wales were able to come out with

the Triple Crown, winning the test series overall. This was made all the more exciting, as the

matches were broadcasted nationally over the internet, meaning Gaby’s family were able to

support from home. Gaby was also able to bag two international goals for Wales throughout the

test series. Gaby said “It has been such a great experience. I spent a week doing what I loved,

with the best hockey players in the country. Singing the national anthem definitely sends shivers

down your spine. There’s no better feeling than winning all three tests as a team, as we all put

our best efforts into the matches. There were some tough times during the trip. Having to train

as soon as we arrived from a 24 hour bus journey was definitely one of them, as well as having

to cope with nonstop moaning from the coaches after we put Pitch Perfect on too! Highlights

included recovery sessions in Lake Geneva, with a spectacular view of the Alps.” Gaby is now

waiting upon replies to see whether she will be selected to represent Wales against Ulster,

France and the Europeans in July. She goes on to say, “A lot of preparation is needed for these

important matches, and I will be sure to put 110% effort in. I have had to travel up to Cardiff and

Wrexham during the weeks of my exams, but have made sure I plan my time well for this. I can’t

wait to see what the next few months hold for me with Wales.”

OUR HEPTATHLETE EMMA JUST KEEPS GETTING BETTER!

well as in the Triple Jump. A star of the future!

The 14th and 15th May was another busy weekend for our Heptathlon star Emma Fowler—Year 13. Bidding to reach both the English Schools' Combined Events finals and to achieve a qualifying standard in the Triple Jump, Emma had a gruelling schedule of seven events at the Cheshire County Athletics Championships in Macclesfield. Saturday saw her scoop two Golds and a Silver in the Long Jump, 400m and 100m Hurdles, achieving Personal Bests in the two races and a Season's Best in the Long Jump. Sunday was even harder with four events, Triple Jump, Javelin, Shot Putt and 200m, but was no less successful, resulting in two more Gold medals and a Silver and a bronze as well as two more Personal Bests. Her performances mean Emma is now ranked in the top 30 Nationally for three of the seven events in her heptathlon as

MORE HOCKEY SUCCESS

Katie Cuttle [Year 13] has been training with the Cheshire U21 squad for 2 years now, and this year has been selected to represent the North of England as part of the U21 squad in fixtures against Scotland and Wales this June. Katie is managing to balance the training and competing demands whilst completing her A Levels and is looking forward to taking her place at Leeds University next year where she is able to continue her Hockey and has already been invited to take

part in their summer Hockey Training Camp.

CONGRATULATIONS!

KIM TZEBACH

Crowned

British

Women’s

Air Rifle

Champion

2016