bvgs head newsletter summer 2012 half term
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Summer 2012 Half Term Head's Newsletter from BVGS Sutton ColdfieldTRANSCRIPT
What an eventful and exciting
past few weeks! On 1 April after
due consideration by the Gov-
erning Body and following careful
execution through a very intri-
cate process by School Business
Manager Graham Swindells,
BVGS converted to Academy
Status, thereby giving us new
freedoms to take the school
forward in the modern era. On
14 May Chair of Governors
Clive Richards OBE DL an-
nounced the Governors’ plans
for leadership succession in the
light of my impending retirement
in August 2013. Dominic
Robson and I very much look
forward to serving the school
community in our new rôles and to bringing yet further improve-
ments to all aspects of BVGS and
the Vesey Community.
We offer this new ‘enhanced’
eight page newsletter with more
features, more news, more pho-
tos, reflecting the increasing
number of activities and continu-
ing success of the school.
With sincere thanks to all those
involved in supporting the school
and helping to maintain the mo-
mentum of our rapid and dra-
matic developments.
Message from the Head
David Iddon
Headteacher
Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School Newsletter Half-Term Summer 2012
The official Bishop Vesey’s Twitter account is @BVGS1527
New Triumvirate for Stability, Continuity and Progression
Following the news that Headteacher,
David Iddon is to retire in August 2013,
Clive Richards has announced that the
Governors have chosen, under new
academy status, to re-model the leader-
ship team with David Iddon moving to
Executive Head i/c the strategic direc-
tion and business operations of the
school for his final year and with Dep-
uty Head Dominic Robson promoted
to Headteacher i/c the day to day op-
erations of the school, teaching and
learning and achievement outcomes.
This new model for senior executive
leadership protects the tremendous
platform of rapid growth and develop-
ment we have witnessed in recent
years and sets the scene for yet further
improvements in all aspects of school
life.
Upper Sixth Leavers Day 2012
The last day at school is an emotion-laden experience in which joy and sadness intermingle with excitement and apprehension. The bonhomie and
hilarity of fancy dress gave way to recollection and reflection in the final uniformed assembly. The swift changes between fancy dress and uniform and
back again illustrated the juxtaposition of fun and seriousness and typified the relaxed rigour which pervades our school. The Upper Sixth leave with
every good wish for the exam period and for their future careers in higher education and beyond. We say ‘au revoir’ and not ‘adieu’ for we know
our leavers will be back in touch to tell us of their adventures and success in life, beyond the memorable ‘Vesey Experience’.
Old Veseyan Association
OVA Chairman Roger Crees, supported by Com-
mittee Members Peter Randon and Paul Wallis,
along with OVA School Rep Dave Phillips held
talks on 23 March with the next generation of
school leavers to examine how best to make use of
modern-day social networking media to gather
together all those who wish to remain connected to
the school.
Follow us on
Academy Partnership
We are delighted to announce that we now have
formal Academy links with Whitehouse Common
Primary School to help develop the teaching and
learning in Science. See Page 4
A charity set up by BVGS Students Mohammed
and Ali Mirza. More details on page 5.
Twice a year Pam Maskell and members of the 6th Form help out at a local fund raising
event on behalf of the Norman Laud Association. On Sunday 25 March they all remembered
to put their clocks forward and be in position in Sutton Park ready to marshal the 7 Pools
Run. Without the support of the students, this event could not take place and The Norman
Laud Association is indebted to us for our support.
Page 2 May 2012
Charity
St Margaret’s Acad(Sipora) 1541.00 Various collections
Kids United Vision 890.04 Non-uniform 27.04.12
Marie Curie Cancer Care 342.91 11W
Cancer Research UK 35.13 7Blackroot
Parents Association News Year 7&8 Disco in Big School
The Spring Ball at Moor Hall on 20 April
was a splendid social event and raised
£6,410 for school funds. Special thanks
to David Jupp and his team for this
event but also for a total of £23K raised
through such Balls over the past few
years. Helen Green, John Beggan
and their team of helpers are congratu-
lated on and thanked for yet another
successful Yr7&8 Disco which raised
£482 on 27 April. Special thanks to
Fiona and Stephen Tomlinson for
running the discos over the past few
years and for handing over so carefully
to the new team of parents.
Vesey diners at Moor Hall. Thanks to all involved in
raising funds for the school. We are equally grateful
to the PAC hospitality team headed up by Amanda
Latham and Sue Lummus who have handed over
to Helen Green and Julie Betty for their kind
assistance in providing refreshments at events.
Annual Art Exhibition
Keeping in touch: Class of 2005……..Where are they now? Seven Years up!
School Captain now Lt Tom Wallis RN, was awarded a 1st Class
in MEng at Warwick, after 4 brilliant years of study and rowing. He
then joined the Royal Navy as an Air Engineering officer and follow-
ing his Certificate of Competency, joined 814 Naval Air Squadron,
based at RNAS Culdrose, working on Merlin helicopters. His career
has taken him to Norway, well into the Arctic Circle, to America on
HMS Ark Royal and to Oman in support of tasking in the Middle East.
He has also spent much time off the cold, wet NW coast of Scotland!
He lives in Bath with fiancée Emily and is to marry on 30 June.
The first Deputy School Captain, Dan Maskell is a PhD Research Student at the BRE Centre for Innovative Con-
struction Materials, at the University of Bath, having graduated with 1st Class Honours and having gained the 2010
Institute of Civil Engineering Award for top Undergraduate Student. He has had several articles published in prestig-
ious journals as well as most recently being invited to present a paper at the world conference TERA 2012 in Peru.
His research into low carbon building materials has the potential to greatly impact the domestic building sector.
Sam Weatherley, (above left) Gold House Captain, gradu-
ated with a 1st Class in Earth Sciences at Oxford, after an
enlightening and enjoyable experience. Beyond his studies, he
enjoyed rowing and singing, spending the long summers in the
Arctic Circle, Greenland and Mongolia as a geologist on heli-
copter supported research expeditions. He is now working on
his PhD using supercomputers, chemical analyses of rocks and
field observations to understand why partially molten rock from
deep inside the earth moves to volcanoes at the surface.
Twins Ken & Henry Zhang went their separate
ways after Vesey. Ken (left) White House Captain
had a fantastic time at Fitzwilliam College Cam-
bridge studying Engineering, learning about jet en-
gines and building robots, rowing, rehearsing for
plays or simply in one of the many College bars!
After 4 years he travelled to Thailand, Cambodia,
Malaysia and Japan, teaching in China before return-
ing to London using his skills to build financial struc-
tures with the Structured Capital Markets team of
Barclays Capital! Henry, Red House Officer studied
Medicine at Nottingham, acted in musicals, went on
football tour and experienced medicine in Canada
and Tanzania. A Foundation Doctor in the London
Deanery, he is now working at St Thomas’ Hospital
with training to become a surgeon due to start in
October. He sees his job as a challenging mix of
academia, practical skills and human interaction.
Sixth Form Help
Please join us at this
year’s Art Exhibition
of GCSE and A Level
work displayed in the
Randon Centre be-
tween 7.00pm and
8.30pm on Wednes-
day 20 June. An excel-
lent event with re-
freshments provided.
Page 3
BVGS Newsletter
Moseley Violins have kindly offered to
be sponsors and patrons of Vesey Mu-
sic, with a financial commitment, as well
as offering a number of services, includ-
ing presentations to younger students
on how to look after instruments of the
violin family. They have also offered to
showcase electric violins, violas and
cellos and will advise older students,
ready to upgrade their instruments, on
how to make their next choice. We are
delighted to have the potential for re-
newed focus on String Instruments and
encourage all those interested to see
Maryann Dye, Director of Music
and/or visit the Moseley Violins website
for further information and advice.
Nathaniel Coxon 11B gains place
at The Purcell School from September 2012
Highly distinguished pianist and burgeoning composer, Nathaniel is excited about
the prospect of being amongst the best students of Music in the country with
nationally acclaimed tuition to help him fulfil his dreams. Our loss and their gain!
Nathaniel leaves at the end of Yr 11 with every good wish for the future.
New performance platform! Busking Week 2012
An initiative to take music out and about around the school at recreation time saw our young musicians playing in the dining room to audiences lis-
tening whilst munching baguettes and the like. The appreciative applause from diners encourages us to repeat this new opportunity for the showcas-
ing of Vesey Music next year. Students participating enjoyed performing in this relaxed impromptu style.
Join the Patrons of Vesey Music Over the past few weeks we have raised just over £5K from benefactors to the school who have joined an ever increasing number of Friends of the
School who have offered significant financial support for the future development of the musical life of the school. This has enabled us to maintain our
curriculum provision, to become a hub for A Level Music, to provide more performance platforms, to appoint a peripatetic vocal specialist who will
develop new choirs and choral ensembles and to offer starter brass tuition across the whole of Year 7. We are indebted to all those who have help
to make this happen. To become a Patron of Vesey Music, please contact Headteacher David Iddon on Tel: 0121-250-5403 for further details.
Moseley Violins
New sponsors of Vesey Music
Soloists Concert is huge success
On 24 April top performing musicians performed a wide variety
of instrumental and vocal items to a capacity audience in Big
School who were equally entertained by our Sixth Form hospi-
tality team. Performers included violin players pictured below:
Victoria Hill U6 who plays at Grade 8+ standard and has per-
formed at Glastonbury and Barcelona Cathedral, such diverse
venues! Philip Reader Yr 7 is already at Grade 5 standard and
plays in B’ham Schools Concert Orchestra. He enjoys piano and
guitar and is a 1st Dan Black Belt in Karate. Please join us at our
next soloist event
Junior Soloists Concert on Tuesday 9 October 2012.
Page 3
Page 4 May 2012
Year 4 pupils engaged in a fun activity organised by Sarah
Sangster, Head of Biology, studying different food types
and the digestive system. The young pupils enjoyed the
opportunity to carry out some test tube reactions. The
visit finished with refreshments before the walk back to
school. The Science Department will continue the part-
nership links with the school over the coming months and
plans are in place to train some Sixth Form Science Lead-
ers to teach primary school lessons.
Whitehouse Common School
Year 4 Science Partnership Visit
Bake me a cake,
as fast as you can!
Want an extra large sponge
cake for that Diamond Jubilee
Street Party in half-term? Then
order from Bridie Curtis Chart-
wells Catering c/o BVGS Dining
Room. Only £8.50 each.
Tel: 0121 355 7458
Local MP Andrew Mitchell with
Sixth Form Envision Team mem-
bers 2012 and pictured above
with members of the BVGS
School Council on 25 May on his
most recent visit to school during
which he spoke about interna-
tional development and his rôle as
MP.
Library News Students are currently shadowing books on the
shortlist for the Carnegie Medal. The Medal is
awarded annually for an outstanding book for
young people. BVGS Shadowing Group’s page at
http://www.carnegiegreenaway.org.uk/grouphomepages/index.php?GroupID=53
Trip to the Rhineland: Rüdi Götschel, Mark
Keeble, Laura King & Natalie Adcock accompanied a
group of 35 Yr 8 & 9 pupils to the Rhineland. Highlights of
the visit included Cologne cathedral, the Lindt chocolate
museum, the Sports & Olympic museum, a Rhine cruise,
the fabulous Marksburg and an all day visit to the fantastic
Phantasialand theme park. Much fun was had by all, much
German spoken and culture, history and lifestyle sampled.
Planning for next year's visit is already well under way!
25-31 March, the History & Geography Depts joint
trip to New York: Sam Harper, Hannah
Lockyer, Ruth Hearn and Dave Goodwin took
40 students in Yrs 10 & 11 to see the sights of the Big
Apple. A fantastic time was had by all, visiting Central
Park, Empire State Building, Ellis and Liberty Island,
Ground Zero, New York Public Library and Time
Square. Another highlight: New York Knicks beating
the Milwaukee Bucks in a thrilling basketball game.
New York Trip 2012
French Exchange 2012 sincere thanks to Jane Broughton for organising the ‘home leg’ of the French Exchange programme and special
thanks to all host families. The French party had trips to Stratford, Warwick Castle and Trinity College Oxford and a joint trip with English partners
to Drayton Manor Park. Everyone was delighted with the experience and the return visit to Dreux is awaited ‘avec impatience’!
Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Tom Healy who left BVGS in 2010 to
study Geography at Loughborough University and who lost his life at Easter in a tragic acci-
dent. Over 300 relatives and friends, many from the Vesey Community, gathered with his
family, for the funeral at Christ The King Church in Kingstanding to celebrate his life,
through which he had brought so much to so many others. Our deepest sympathy is ex-
tended once again to his family and friends as they come to terms with this sad loss.
End of Year 11 Presentation
Friday 4 May 2012
Page 5 BVGS Newsletter
International Chemistry Olympiad 2012
Well done to the seven A2 Chemistry students Mark Smyth, Tom Andrew, Jack Whiting, Joshua
Topley, Kim Monks, Jess Garner and Maria Odyniec who competed in the recent competition.
Congratulations to Mark Smyth, Tom Andrew, Jack Whiting and Joshua Topley who all achieved
a Silver Award in the prestigious award run by the Royal Society of Chemistry. The competition involved
them completing a gruelling two hour examination so well done to all those involved.
Year 9 Forensic Science Day
All of Year 9 (pictured above) were involved with a ‘Case of Conspiracy’ during which
they had to solve the murder using different science techniques. The activity gave the
students a great insight into the work of the police and scientists and they all enjoyed
seeing how science is applied in law enforcement. Thanks to the Science Department
and caretakers for making all the arrangements.
An excellent display of team spirit as each Form pre-
sented to the rest of their Year group their memories of
the last 5 years together. For some their Vesey journey
stops here in Year 11 as they venture into pastures new
for others we look forward to them joining the Sixth
Form in September. From all the Year 11 Team we wish
them success in their exams and good luck for the future.
Non-uniform Day on 27 April - £890 raised in aid of Kids United Vision
Congratulations to Matthew Bell, Jack Robinson, Liam
Bashford and Zara Handley L6 who recently attended Cran-
more Park in Solihull to present their work at the Engineering
Education Scheme celebration and assessment The lead engineer
commented that the students work was very impressive and had
helped GKN to improve their warranty returns system.
BVGS students Moham-
med & Ali Mirza in Yrs
10&9 founded Kids
United Vision in 2009 - a
charity set up by kids for
kids. They inspired us to
devote a non-uniform day
to their well worth-while
charity which seeks to
offer help, in particular, to
orphaned children in
developing countries.
Spelling Bee: Triumph for BVGS in
the Regional Finals held at Aston Univer-
sity Vesey boys did themselves and our
school proud. Accompanied by Mark
Keeble, Amarpal Johal, 7R came first
with Aran Sandhu, 7G second in the
German contest, and in a tough French
competition Thomas Edwards, 7R
achieved an excellent fourth place. All 3
students have progressed to the national
finals at Cambridge University on 6 July.
Drama: Sarah Slater reports excellent progress towards a performance of Ro-
meo & Juliet Act 3 Scene 1 at The Main School Presentation Evening on 17 July from a
group of Yr7&8 students who form the Junior Drama Club and meet on Tuesdays
after school.
After-school Cookery Club
A new group of cooks have taken up the course this year
learning healthy ways to cook breakfast, lunch and dinner
dishes as well as healthy snacks and puddings. They have
also learnt basic food hygiene. It was run by Sam Harper
and Hannah Lockyer, with support from Ruth Hearn.
Following exam week there will be an advanced course for
those who completed the basic course last year
Biology Big Quiz
At the University of Bir-
mingham on 19th March,
BVGS A & B Teams came
joint second with two
other teams from a total
of 55 teams from around
the Midlands. The B Team
won the tie-breaker to
achieve overall second
place. A great achieve-
ment to see both our
teams in the final few.
Well done to the B Team
on achieving 2nd place.
Page 6 May 2012
Rowing: Wins this summer at the two regattas attended - Birmingham and Worcester Regatta. At Bir-
mingham the following boys won: J15 double scull Dylan Thiarya & Tom Reershemius, J16 double scull
Steven Mapp & Oliver Higgins, J15 coxed quad Adam Stewart, Matthew McElroy, James Nesbitt
and Ben Woodford. At Worcester Regatta: J18 single scull Tom Breithaupt. Coupled with the race
victories, we have also had lots of students racing for the first time and progressing well. Their own race
wins will not be to far away. Join us bankside at our next event - Stratford Regatta on 16 June. Tom Jones 11B, off a handi-
cap of 4, won the 2012 War-
wickshire Schools Boys Indi-
vidual Championship at Stone-
bridge GC on Tuesday 10
April with 72 gross, 68 nett
Cricket: 1st XI has had a very good start winning 4 out of 4. A convincing 9 wicket win over Wolver-
hampton Grammar School got the season under way after 4 weeks of rain. Hussain Siddiqui was the pick
of the bowlers picking up 3-10 in 8 overs. Monty Foley Wiiliamson led the run chase with 72 no and he
was well supported by captain George Findlay who ended up 44 no. Callum Sandford held his nerve in a
tight run chase in the U19 County Cup against South Birmingham College winning off the last ball. The defeat
of Princethorpe College came after 292 in 30 overs with George Findlay 95no. Matt Heller took 4 for 1
to help dismiss Princethorpe for 124. The U14 team remains unbeaten in 4 matches this season. The U13s
defeated Solihull School in the U13 County Cup and later Princethorpe with Callum Bick 76no. The U12s
recorded their first win against Queen Mary’s Grammar School and then beat Princethorpe comfortably.
Sam Irvine BVGS 1st XV Capt 2002-3
and Veseyans RFC Capt 2011-12
Veseyans RFC, home to many former students over the years, have finished a wonderful season as league winners of North Midlands 3 West (North)
beating Cleobury Mortimer 48-3 to clinch the title and runners-up in the North Midlands Shield with a spirited performance 16-27 running in two
late tries against Droitwich. Zak Feaunati Head Coach at both BVGS & Veseyans RFC is delighted with the progress at both school and club over
the past 4 years. Club Captain and BVGS 1st XV Captain in 2002-3 Sam Irvine is to be applauded for galvanising his squad into a winning team.
Peter Atkins (pictured left) son of retired BVGS Assistant Headteacher Bob Atkins rises high for the ball. Squad photo: Former students and staff
including Elliot Godwin BVGS Geography Teacher and Prop Forward (3 from right on front row). Contact www.veseyansrfc.co.uk for further details.
League Champions 2011-12
Warwickshire
Championship Golf
Photo Stu Small
Photo Stu Small
BVGS Newsletter
Sports Day proved once again to be a fantastic date in the school calendar with the weather holding out for the third year in a row after torrential
downpours all week. With the leader board changing hands throughout the afternoon, the relays at the end, with double points on offer, were the
deciding factor in the race for this year's winners. The competition was fierce across all age groups and for the first time Bishop Vesey's had female
competitors in a variety of different events including the 4x100 relay to finish. Individual performance to note: David James Yr10 who beat the
school record in the 800m in a time of 2.11secs. Many thanks to all the staff and competitors that helped and participated on what was another great
day of athletics. The final standings saw RED and BLUE share first place with GOLD in second two points behind and WHITE house 15 adrift in 3rd.
Sports Day 2012
Birmingham Cup Final
Against a very strong BMET College side, the
B’ham Cup Final was a tougher task than ex-
pected, especially after a string of injuries and
absences stripped to the bare minimum, what had
been a very fit and talented Vesey 1st XI . Vesey
started well and, in blistering heat, found them-
selves still in the game at half-time. In the second
half the team continued to battle hard and se-
cured two consolation goals from Alex Com-
fort (whose celebration matched the finish!) and
from Connor Hunt who helped to make the
score line respectable. A great cup run and a
creditable performance in the final.
World Champion Dan Venables in action
on his way to a win at Graftham Sailing Club
Dan Venables meets Joe Glan-
field Olympic sailing coach and
former silver medallist who gave a
presentation to Year 7 this April
on how to compete at the top.
Finally out in the cup…...
Page 7
Page 8 May 2012
Together we can maintain the momentum
We thank you most sincerely for your kind and generous donations to the Annual Fund which have been gratefully received and which have continued to make significant differences to activities at
BVGS.
Major donors and sponsors have once again offered us help through grants, special awards and prizes, team sponsorship and subsidies which have all helped to develop an even wider variety of
educational experiences for our students.
Balances are currently being accumulated to support Science Block developments with the crea-
tion of further Science teaching rooms.
We are delighted to report that £20k will be claimed through Gift Aid, £9k more than last year. This is indicative of the tremendous increase in donations and the excellent progress being made
through the Vesey Foundation.
The Vesey Foundation
BVGS Annual Fund Review 2012
Parents, Students, Staff, Governors
Old Veseyans and Friends of the School
A sincere thank you to everyone who has contributed