ConnectA newsletter for parents, students and the local community

Principal: Stuart Williamswww.catmosecollege.com

27 MARCH 2012 ISSUE 34

Shrek

Post 16

Uniform

College Holiday

BBC News Report

Fundraising

Kingswood 2012

Sports News

Vacancies

ALICE IN WONDERLAND

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P 4

P 4

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P 5

P 5

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P 6

P 10ALICE IN WONDERLAND JNR: Page 4

Students from year 8 and year 9 entertained packed audiences at the College last week as they performed Alice in Wonderland Jnr, based on the popular Lewis Caroll novels, Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass and the 1951 Disney Alice in Wonderland.

Alice in Wonderland Jnr was the perfect choice of musical for the year 8 and 9 performance. With over 100 students in the cast and with the talent being so high it was not an easy task for director of drama, Leanne Mitchell and director of music, Matt Sammy, to cast the many roles.

All of year 9 students have been researching Alice in Wonderland as part of their Silver Arts Award. They have created a plethora of hats, aprons, illustrations, posters and props inspired by the story, which were on display in the Gallery to visitors as they arrived for the show.

With a talented cast in spectacular costumes, Alice in Wonderland took the audience on a journey into a magical world of the wonderland characters as they watched Alice as she ponders the question Whooooo are youuuuu?

The role of Alice was played by 3 students; Louisa Orchard (aged 13) played Alice. Tall Alice was played by 14 year old Francesca Kennard-Kettle and Small Alice by Tilly Hall (aged 14). All of the girls were thrilled to be cast in such a key role and found it to be a brilliant experience. I watched the performance with my family on Sunday afternoon and was very proud to see such wonderful talent on display.  I know how much hard work has gone into making Alice in Wonderland Jnr such a good show and all involved, whether front stage or backstage, are to be congratulated.

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ALICE IN WONDERLAND (CONTINUED)

As well as the performances on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evening, the entertainment started on Sunday afternoon with a hat parade for children to show off their amazing creations.

Stuart Williams

SHREK

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On Monday 12 March year 7 students performed their unique version of Shrek, the popular musical, at Catmose College to primary children, parents and friends.

In January, over 100 year 7 students went to London to watch Shrek the Musical and participate in a workshop run by actors from the show. Students were inspired by their visit and, in their music and drama lessons since, have been working on different songs from the musical.

On Monday morning students performed to pupils from local primary schools, giving them a great insight into the exciting opportunity they will have when they move to secondary school. In the afternoon it was the turn of parents and relatives to enjoy seeing the result of their child’s hard work.

The College was buzzing with excitement on Monday as all year 7 arrived in their costumes and were immediately in character ready to perform; for many for the first time in front of such a large audience. The students did really well.

Stuart Williams

COLLEGE HOLIDAY

The College will close on Friday 30 March and will re-open on Monday 16 April. If students are attending catch-up sessions during the holiday, they should bring their swipe card with them to access the College as usual. They should also bring their own refreshments to eat in the Restaurant or on the Hellerup, as there are no catering facilities during the holiday.

See the College website for details of catch-up sessions during the holiday.

Stuart Williams

POST 16 CONSULTATION

You should have received a letter and a subsequent email, inviting you to participate in the consultation regarding your child’s education post-16. The College is interested in your views about post-16 provision for Catmose College students. We are consulting with the local community in order to determine the best way for the College to focus our efforts to ensure 6th form provision is at least as good as that found pre-16. The survey will only take a few minutes to complete; if you have not already done so you can complete the survey by going to the 6th Form Consultation Survey on quick links on the College website. The consultation will close at 4.00pm on Friday 30 March 2012.

UNIFORM

Can I remind parents that I expect all students to conform to the College uniform policy. The policy can be found on the College website/Parents/Policies. The girls’ skirt is a particular cause for concern. Our current policy states ‘Uniform is not a fashion item. It is designed to be both formal and comfortable…….Black skirt (should be) formal, knee length.

The Student Council are currently reviewing the style of the skirt with a view to recommending a new College skirt. This will be subject to consultation with parents and students next term.

In the meantime, can I please ask that all students conform to the current policy.

Stuart Williams

YEAR 11

The dates have now been provisionally booked for the June 2012 exams. You can see all the information if you follow this link on the College website:http://www.catmosecollege.com/downloads/Parents/June-2012-exams.pdf.Catch-up sessions during the Easter holidays will also published on the website. Miss Carr

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On 15 March, 19 students from Catmose College worked on the BBC News School Report for the third year running. For the past two months the student reporters of Team Catmose have been working on the various aspects of news reporting, from basic types of questions to ask, to more important aspects of journalism such as impartiality. The students have been very fortunate again this year to be mentored by Rutland resident, Jim Buchanan, Deployment Editor, BBC UK News gathering.

The reporters started by researching the current news and writing their scripts, before recording the news items and any links to features that have previously been recorded. All recording had to be in the ’can’ and prepared by 2pm, to go live on the Catmose College website by 4pm. The report can be found, along with our previous School Reports on. http://www.catmosecollege.com/?view=bbcnews

As well as the news of the day, the reporters have also been working on features in relation to the Queen’s Jubilee, the Olympics and the Paralympics and have interviewed Helen Briggs, chief executive of Rutland County Council, Matt Hampson and various BBC journalists.

Stuart Williams, Principal, said “This was a great opportunity for students to experience first-hand the fast pace involved in getting the news ready to be broadcast in real-time. This is the culmination of their hard work during their elective sessions when the students are ably supported by our librarian, Beth Smith. I would also like to thank Jim for giving his time so generously.”

BBC NEWS SCHOOL REPORT

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GHANA FUNDRAISER

KINGSWOOD 2012

Just a reminder that the final instalment of £50 should have been paid before the Easter break. After the holiday I will send out details of kit and a more detailed itinerary. In the meantime, if you do have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me by email fmcpeake@catmosecollege.com.

Mrs McPeake

Some of our students are finding various ways to raise enough money to enable them to go on the 2013 College trip to Ghana. The trip will involve students volunteering in the country by helping to create a water supply as well as working in an orphanage. The cost for the trip is £1,300 each.

Year 9 student, Duncan Barsby is one of these students; he came up with a unique way to raise some of his funds. Duncan and his dad produced the kindling by dismantling and chopping up old pallets which were supplied by a family friend. The kindling was sold as 350 pieces, bagged and each bag costing £5. So far he has managed to raise £504, which is a fantastic achievement. Duncan has also raised cash through a sponsored cycle, which he completed over the weekend. Duncan is planning on selling again later in the year.

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SPORT NEWS

YEAR 7 GIRLS’ FOOTBALL

Year 7 girls travelled to Uppingham for the first round of the Regional Girls’ Football Competition. The girls played five matches winning four and drawing one and as a result will represent the county, Rutland, in the area final in Leicester on the 10 July. Goals were scored by Amy Lakin and Alice Radford but the whole team performed extremely well. Training will start again next term to ensure we improve our skills further and reinforce our knowledge of tactics. Congratulations girls, it was a pleasure to watch you play.

Caitlin Edens, Rosie Smith, Alice Radford, Amy Lakin, Hollie Kirk, Susannah Gibbs, Eleanor Bland, Issy Skipper, Viktorija Sulaine, Saskia Davies, Nikisha Odedra, Olivia Wilson, Jenny Stewart and Zoe Smith

Mrs Powell

YEAR 7 AND 8 INDOOR ATHLETICS

We entered the first round of the Regional Indoor Athletics competition at the College where the students competed in both field and track events against Uppingham and Casterton. It was a very close competition and it was obvious that students would have to push their performances to their limit in order to win. The year 7 boys and year 8 boys and girls won their age groups and will now be representing Rutland in Leicester to compete against other areas in the hope of going to the regional finals which will be held at Loughborough University. Unfortunately Year 7 girls missed out by only 2 points to Uppingham but were a credit to the college. Well done everyone.

Mrs Powell

YEAR 10 SPORTS LEADERS

It has been a very busy term for our sports leaders who are working towards their bronze Step into Sport Voluntary Leaders Award. They have helped out in our feeder primary schools by supporting teachers, offering extra-curricular activities and at local clubs in the area. They have officiated and refereed at tag rugby, netball, indoor athletics, football and cross-country competitions at primary and secondary level.

The students are growing in confidence and are developing excellent organisational and communicational skills which will help them in the future. They are a pleasure to work with and are very reliable and hard working. My thanks go to them for their continual support to the faculty.

Congratulations must go to Max Boulton-Smith, Holly Newton and Georgina Boulton-Smith who have achieved their Bronze Awards by volunteering fifty hours of leadership and are now working towards their silver.

A special mention must also go to the following students for all their hard work and support who hopefully will achieve their bronze before too long.Amber McAuliffe, Poppy Spencer, Will Kernard Kettle, Nick Houghton, Rhys Smith, Will Bell, Alex Durno, Holly Newton, Josh Limbrick, Seb Quinn, Georgina Boulton-Smith and Gianluca Floris                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Mrs Powell

NETBALL WEEK FIVE

On week five of this term, Catmose College netball teams faced Longfield School in the Melton and Netball School League. It was the last fixture of the term and all teams were motivated to perform well and win their last game of the season. We won three out of the five games. The year sevens, tens and elevens won. This was year eleven’s last fixture as a team and it was great that they finished on a high. They have progressed well as a team over the years and in the past three years have grown into a really strong team, with four of the players now playing netball at a high standard outside of school. Well done on the commitment of Catmose College netball teams this year in both training and fixtures. Watch out in the next report to see where the netball teams have finished in the league.

Miss Stillman

SPORT NEWS (Continued)

JUDO

Another weekend, another competition, this time to the Norwegian Spring Championship in Oslo. Having beaten three of her opponents with a vareity of throws and hold downs, Holly Newton had an epic showdown with the Norwegian number one, Michelle Harefallet, each attacking the other with knock down throws and strangles. After full time neither had been able to score and the contest continued  to the end of  golden score (extra time), when the referees make a decision on the number of attacks. Unfortunately, the decision went to the Norwegian girl and Holly finished with the silver medal in the U17s U57kg category.

Miss Stillman

STUDENT TO CARRY OLYMPIC TORCH

Year 10 student Christian Brookes has been selected from the millions of nominations to carry the 2012 Olympic torch on its journey through Stamford.  Nominated by his father, Christian’s keen interest in athletics and his excellent work in the community as a Scout leader helped him secure one of the very limited places to hold the torch aloft for this historic occasion. Christian comments “I’m really excited to have been chosen to carry the Olympic torch and am really looking forward to representing my school Catmose College and the community. I also managed to get two tickets to the games themselves so can’t wait!”

BOYS’ RUGBY 2012

This term has been very busy for the boys with the involvement in the Melton & Rutland Rugby League. From the 5 year groups, over 80 boys have been involved through attending training sessions, to develop their knowledge and understanding of the game. The students benefit by having experienced coaches in Kev Smith and Mark Powell from Oakham Rugby Club.

YEAR 8

The year 8 team have had an excellent season, where they look likely to finish in 2nd position. They have won 3 and lost 2 of their 5 games. They started with a defeat to Belvoir, after which they improved their forward play in back to back

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victories against Casterton and John Ferneley. The second defeat came when we took a depleted squad to Uppingham and due to a few players missing, we struggled to compete. They finished the season with a hard fought 17-12 victory against Longfield. The boys have shown good improvement throughout the season with Kyle Stevenson and Oscar Body showing good leadership and experience throughout.

YEAR 9

The year 9 team have had a tough season, despite some promising displays in attack. Unfortunately at times, the defence of the team has let them down. Admirably led by James Noble, the team has demonstrated a lot of team spirit and cohesion when taking on their opposition, but the lack of organisation when they lose the ball has resulted in them conceding a lot of breakaway tries. In their 4 matches this season, they have unfortunately lost 3 of their matches but gained a hard fought draw against Longfield in their final match with 2 great tries scored by Kyul Thurley and Joe Bent. If the team maintain their spirit and willingness to work together and commit to training next year, they have a lot of potential to succeed and win lots more matches.

YEAR 10

While the year 10 team have had a good season, they will be disappointed with a 2nd place finish, considering the high expectation they set themselves. The only defeat came in the 1st game of the season, away to Belvior, where they narrowly lost 28-24. In very cold and windy conditions, the lack of conversions proved costly after they dominated much of the play. They followed the defeat with a convincing 40-0 victory v Casterton and a 27-12 win against John Ferneley. Unfortunately for the boys, both Uppingham and Longfield were unable to raise a team to fulfil the fixtures.

YEAR 11

What a season for the year 11 team. Having not won a match in their previous 4 years at Catmose College, they started the year off with a fantastic win over CBEC 24-17. The win was a result of a fantastic team effort and all players concentrating and working for each other, with stand-out performance from Ross Thompson, who seems to be everywhere throughout the match. This historic victory was followed up the next week with a comprehensive victory over John Ferneley 46-0, which again was a result of a whole team effort and all the players working together and supporting each other throughout the match. Again, another man of the match performance from Ross Thompson, but other notable performances were from Nick Harrison and Liam Hudson. In their penultimate match against Longfield, it was a hard fought match on a narrow pitch which resulted in the forwards taking control of the match and having to keep the ball close. Man of the Match performance from guest player Nick Houghton who ensured our possession was maintained but also stole numerous times from Longfield, ensured a victory by 14-5 was secured. A fantastic season for the team which results in a top of the table, winner takes all encounter with UCC on Thursday 29 March.

Mr Hajat & Mr ThomasPE Department

YEAR 7 RUGBY REPORT

The year 7s have made a fantastic start to their Catmose College rugby careers, winning four out of five fixtures. The standout performance coming against close rivals UCC in a thrilling 20-15 victory. With a group of varied experienced boys, they have gelled extremely well with some scintillating performances from Daniel Cousens and Bradley Johnson in the backs and Lewis Crellin and Joel Turnbull up front. Throughout the term the team have bonded on and off the field and the future seems bright for Catmose Rugby.

Mr Elson

PRIMARY SPORTS

NETBALL

On Friday 23 March, Catmose College hosted a primary school high-five netball tournament. Brooke Hill Academy entered two teams and Langham Primary School entered four teams. The primary school pupils enjoyed themselves and improved on their skills and knowledge of the game. The event was umpired by Catmose College sports leaders Poppy Spencer, Amber McAuliffe, Isabelle Hawskworth, Holly Newton and Hannah Cooper.

Jo Appleton the primary school teacher at Brooke Hill Academy commented on the event:

“I wanted to comment on your sports leaders - all of the girls I spoke to were incredibly helpful, polite and knowledgeable about netball, I thought they were all brilliant. 

All of the umpiring was done very professionally and the girls offered the teams lots of advice and coaching too, which really pushed them on to try even harder.

Please pass our thanks on to the girls too, as they really did stand out.”

Our Sports Ambassadors will now be preparing for the six feeder primary schools in Rutland to attend the Top Link Festival at Catmose in the Summer term. Well done to all the girls that helped out, a successful day.

Miss Stillman/Mrs Powell

PRIMARY CROSS-COUNTRY COMPETITION

On Saturday some students from the College helped at the Rutland and Leicestershire Primary School Cross-country competition at Sykes Lane, Rutland Water. The day started with a thick mist and it was difficult to see the whole course. Our students helped as both hares and marshalls, giving both directions and encouragement to runners from years 3 to 6. They arrived at 8.45am promptly to give time to familiarise themselves with the course and which course each year group would be taking before the event started at 10.00am. They were a credit to the College and a number of people commented on how mature and responsible the students were. Thank you again to the students below for their support and I hope they enjoyed it as much as I did.

Zac Kernard Kettle, Ben Boulton-Smith, Sammer Al-Khayat, Robert McHugh, Lewis Perry, Michael Aiton, Jade Copse, Poppy Spencer, Gina-Boulton Smith, Issy Hawksworth, Holly Newton, Willow Spencer, Fern Spencer, Morgan Hodgkin.

Mrs Powell

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Conductor*Paul Hilliam

ConductorBarry Collett

Saturday26th May 20127.30pmOakham School ChapelOakham

Tickets on the door: £11(£10 in advance)Concessions on the door: £9(£8 in advance)Children and Students under18: £2Students in full time education: £2

Buyyour tickets in advance from:MMuussiicc && MMoorree33 MMeellttoonn RRooaaddOOaakkhhaamm LLEE1155 66AAXX Tel: 01572 756578oorr TTeell:: 0011778800 775522003311

Tickets available on the door from 6.45pm

Friends of the Rutland Sinfonia are entitled to £1 discount on all ticket prices when booked in advance or on the door

Music Director Paul HilliamLeader Sarah Latham

www.rutlandsinfonia.org.ukRutland Sinfonia is a Registered Charity in England and Wales No.1140582

Witchell Rutlandia *

Elgar Dream Children

Saint-Saëns Piano Concerto No.2

Elgar Wand of Youth Suite No.2

Ravel Pavane *

Bax Tintagel *

PianoMargaretFingerhut

In association with

Sinfoniawith theelebrateC

Sinfoniawith theelebrateC

Conductor*Paul Hilliam

ConductorBarry Collett

Saturday26th May 20127.30pmOakham School ChapelOakham

Tickets on the door: £11(£10 in advance)Concessions on the door: £9(£8 in advance)Children and Students under18: £2Students in full time education: £2

Buyyour tickets in advance from:MMuussiicc && MMoorree33 MMeellttoonn RRooaaddOOaakkhhaamm LLEE1155 66AAXX Tel: 01572 756578oorr TTeell:: 0011778800 775522003311

Tickets available on the door from 6.45pm

Friends of the Rutland Sinfonia are entitled to £1 discount on all ticket prices when booked in advance or on the door

Music Director Paul HilliamLeader Sarah Latham

www.rutlandsinfonia.org.ukRutland Sinfonia is a Registered Charity in England and Wales No.1140582

Witchell Rutlandia *

Elgar Dream Children

Saint-Saëns Piano Concerto No.2

Elgar Wand of Youth Suite No.2

Ravel Pavane *

Bax Tintagel *

PianoMargaretFingerhut

In association with

Sinfoniawith theelebrateC

Sinfoniawith theelebrateC

VACANCIES

FM OFFICERAPT & C Scale 1/3, point 4-17 £12,145-£16,830paRequired as soon as possible, 37 hours per week, all year roundTemporary appointment for one year in the first instance

We require an additional colleague in our Facilities Management department to support our busy site management team, assisting College clients and other Campus users.

TEACHING ASSISTANT, TEACHING ASSISTANT (SCIENCE TEAM)APT & C Scale 1/3, points 4-17, Salary £12,145pa - £16,830pa FTE31 2/3 hours per week, term time only, 38 weeks per yearPlus 1 Teacher Training Day = £1209pa = 71.03%Pro rata salary £8,626pa - £11,954paTemporary in the first instance for 1 year

We have two vacancies for teaching assistants to work with students who experience learning difficulties. Applicants who have experience or an interest in any of the Science disciplines are particularly encouraged to apply. These vacancies would particularly suit graduates who are seeking classroom experience prior to application for teacher training. These posts may require driving and so a full driving licence is essential.

For an application form and job description for the above posts please contact the College on 01572 770066 or e-mail office@catmosecollege.com Information about the College can be found at www.catmosecollege.com

The closing date for the above posts is Friday 13 April 2012

LOCAL EVENTS

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