ConnectPrincipal: Stuart Williams

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A newsletter for parents, students and the local community

15 MARCH 2013 ISSUE 49

YOUTH SPEAKS COMPETITION

LIGHTS, CAMERA, PARLIAMENT

SHARING GOOD PRACTICE

LITERACY WEEK

MURDER MYSTERY DAY

CRICKET CHAMPIONS

NETBALL MASTERCLASS

TAG RUGBY

SWIMMING GALA

INSPIRATIONAL SPEAKER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .On Tuesday 12 March, Claire Lomas was invited to the College to talk to year 7 and 8 about the challenges she has faced in life since her spinal accident and how she has overcome them and turned her stumbling blocks into stepping stones. Claire was injured in an eventing accident in 2007. She has a T4 spinal cord injury which means she is paralysed from the chest down. Claire told us “During my time in hospital I saw many people who had had their lives turned upside down - some who are unable to breathe without the use of a ventilator. I have been very lucky to have a lot of support from family and friends helping me deal with this catastophic injury - some don’t have this support.”

Claire is a former event rider who finished the 32nd Virgin London Marathon in 17 days using the ReWalk robotic suit. Claire is the first user of the ReWalk robotic suit in the United Kingdom.

She is now a British campaigner and fundraiser for Spinal Research and The Nicholls Foundation, who are getting closer to finding a cure and need vital funds. She has started a fundraising page for a new challenge to raise vital funds for Spinal Research and The Nicholls Foundation. “After the Marathon I decided to tackle something in 2013. It will be a bike ride covering 400 miles of England - using the Handbike and the ReWalk suit. I will stop at schools and organisations to talk about my story. The Marathon raised a massive £210,000 for Spinal Research and it would be fantastic to raise the same amount again... My next challenge is in memory of a very special young woman I was lucky to know. She suffered a similar injury to me in 2010 and contacted me via my website. Sadly Catherine Kouam lost her life on 26 August 2012 due to complications.”

Over the next few months we will be organising events to help raise funds for Spinal Research and if you wish to support the College in our aim, please send any donations to Helen Orgill in the finance office. If you wish to read more about Claire please visit the following sites:www.justgiving.com/Claire-Lomaswww.get-claire-walking.co.uk

Mrs Powell

YOUTH SPEAKS COMPETITION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .On 2 March a team from Catmose College, Yaznia Pourmozafari and Gemma Gregory from year 8 and Tom Law from Year 9 represented the College at the third round of the district finals of this national public speaking competition. The event was held at Buccleuch Academy, Kettering.

The team had previously been given a choice of themes to concentrate on. After much deliberation they decided that they would like to do their presentation on ‘A Vision Fulfilled’ based on the Olympic and Paralympic games. They felt that the topic struck a cord with them, especially Yaznia as she is a keen sportswoman and had also been on the College trip to the 2012 Paralympic games and had felt very inspired by the experience.

ANNUAL RUTLAND & YOUNG PEOPLE’S AWARD 2013. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .If you would like to nominate a young person for the annual Rutland & Young People’s Award 2013, then please follow this link: http://bit.ly/YUF4Xy for an application pack. Students, staff and the community can make nominations. The closing date is Monday 18 March 2013.

KINGSWOOD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Just a reminder that the balance of £100 is due on or before 22 March 2013. The balance should be paid using Parent-pay where possible. A kit list and full itinerary will be sent out after the Easter break. In the meantime if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me.fmcpeake@catmosecollege.com

Mrs McPeake

Yaznia who was the Speaker gave an eloquent six minute speech. She was very happy with her performance and said “It was the best speech I have delivered so far”. Tom was the Chairperson and his role was to introduce and conclude the presentation. Gemma acted as Proposer of Thanks and spoke for two minutes.

To prepare for their speech, they presented it to the Year 7 and 8 students during their assemblies and they also took time to practice on their own and as a group.

The team came runner up and will go through to the regional semi-finals at Buccleuch Academy on 16 March. Tom says that he is feeling more confident and that it’s great that it will be at the same venue, as they will know what to expect, but does realise that they will have to work hard.

There were also individual awards: Yaznia came first for ‘Best Speaker’ and was commended for her answers to the question from the floor ‘Do you feel that the Oscar Pistorius story will affect aspiring paralympians?’ Gemma came joint second for the best Proposer of Thanks and Tom came second for his efforts for best Chairperson.

We wish them all the best for 16 March.

Gemma Gregory, Yaznia Pourmozafari and Tom Law

Yaznia with her trophy

CONSULTATION ON TERM DATES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rutland County Council is currently consulting on school term dates. We have been operating this very successful six term year in the County for some years; what other county can boast so many outstanding schools? The regular six week terms, the longer October break and the slightly shorter summer break all contribute to very positive student outcomes. The council would like your view as to whether you support the current structure or would like to switch to a different one. Visit the news page of our website: catmosecollege.com

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

For the second year running, the Catmose College Media team was invited to undertake interviews at the Whole Education Conference in London on behalf of the organisation and Makewaves, the safe social network for schools. The title of the conference was Journeys to Outstanding and featured the ‘journeys’ of schools across the country that have overcome the fear factor and used innovative practices to improve their schools to become truly outstanding. The students’ brief was to listen to the keynote speakers before undertaking interviews using issues and messages raised within their talks. After being introduced to conference, the media team interviewed the former Secretary of State for Education and Skills, Baroness Estelle Morris and they asked her questions regarding her former career as a teacher and the skills she then brought to her political career, as well as her ideas about how education in the UK could be improved by sharing good practice and a modern curriculum, including learning outside of school. The interview can be seen the College’s Makewaves social network - http://bit.ly/XswoeD

Elizabeth McAuslan, Whole Education said “We were delighted to welcome back student reporters from Catmose College to Whole Education’s conference in Central London. Speakers and guests were incredibly impressed by how articulate and mature the students were. We hope to work with them again!”

Ms Smith

‘SHARING GOOD PRACTICE’. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

In term 2, students on the journalism elective took part in the Lights, Camera, Parliament competition. For this competition, the students had to create a film to suggest a new law or an amendment to a current law. Our teams created two films, Life must mean life https://www.makewav.es/story/448496/title/lifeshouldbelife an amendment to the sentencing laws and Stop messing with our education https://www.makewav.es/story/474217/title/stopmessingwithoureducation film asking for amendments to the education laws to be announced before students start secondary school and only affecting those who start after their implementation, not part way through their education. Although the two films that we submitted did not win, we still have the opportunity to win a prize if our films receive the most viewings. Please click on the links to view our films. Thank you

Ms Smith

LIGHTS, CAMERA, PARLIAMENT

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Thursday 21 March is Newsday and this will be the fourth year that our College has taken part. This year we have been invited to take part in some events surrounding the finding and exhuming of King Richard III’s bones. If you would like to know more, please follow @Catmosereporter on Twitter or access our page on the College’s website after 4pm on 21 March to see our newsday report and footage - http://www.catmosecollege.com/bbc-school-report

Ms Smith

BBC NEWS SCHOOL REPORT

MakeWaves reporters interviewing Baroness Estelle Morris

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MR BOND – AV TECHNICIAN

Mr Bond has recently joined the New Technologies team as an AV Technician. His role will involve technical support, technical advice, working in the recording studio and theatre. Mr Bond has previously worked at Grantham College as an AV Technician where he had worked since graduating from Leeds Metropolitan University with a degree in music technology. He is really enjoying the new challenges that the role at Catmose College gives him, especially the interaction with students.

In his spare time Mr Bond enjoys playing mandolin for his band, which also involves touring around Britain and Europe. He also has a keen interest in going to see other bands and musicians perform live.

NEW STAFF

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .LITERACY WEEK To coincide with World Book Day, the English team and the library worked together to raise the profile of reading throughout the College. In English lessons, some of the students dressed up as their favourite characters with the pictures posted on Facebook. Staff have also played their part in being recorded by reading an extract from their favourite books. We have also been lucky to have received support from Henry Winkler (aka The Fonz), Matt Hampson, Rob Persani from Rutland Radio, PC Joe from Oakham Police and Stephen Creek from Makewaves. We really appreciate everyone giving up their valuable time to support us and the videos can be viewed on bit.ly/13Pc3DU and bit.ly/10CATpU

Ms Smith

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .On Tuesday 19 February, a group of Year 8 students attended a Murder Mystery Forensic Science Activity Day at Pera Technology, Melton Mowbray.

PERA is a leading Scientific Research and Development Company which helps hundreds of companies realise the Scientific potential of new and innovative products. It provides an important link between Science and Technology in the ‘real’ world.

It was a great experience for students and teachers alike, and all agreed, an extremely positive visit. It helped the students to see how Science can be applied to the real world, not just as the series of equations, theories and concepts and photographs which we study in the classroom but how the application of science is all about solving real life problems and finding improvements to many areas of our lives, which we can all relate to, whatever our academic background or interest.

The day began with news of the murder of the unfortunately named Dr Morte and our task was to determine who killed him through processing the crime scene, gathering and assessing all the evidence and considering different witness statements and motives. We learned about the usefulness and limitations of different types of scientific and other evidence and that that proof of guilt is no easy task! Using some highly technological equipment on site at Pera, we examined the DNA profiles left at the scene; we used chromatography, fibre analysis and flame tests to gather and build scientific evidence. We learned about processing fingerprints and we even fingerprinted ourselves to rule ourselves out of having committed the crime! We considered the value of different witness statements and analysed the ink, handwriting and content of a poison pen letter. In the end, we correctly identified the murderer and came to the conclusion the motive was a crime of passion!

Following the excitement of the murder mystery activity, Andy West, Senior Chemist at Pera gave an engaging presentation on some of the technology projects Pera has developed in the past. We were also taken on a tour of Pera’s innovation labs where exciting products of the future are being developed. The finished articles will appear in the shops in approximately seven year’s time (that is how long it takes on average to commercialise the inventions developed).

One thing is certain. If you study Science at school you are destined for an exciting career. Dr West informed us that over the last 18 months he has had the opportunity to travel to no less than 12 different countries. Along with this, he has experienced the thrill of working on a variety of cutting edge new technology projects.

Our students learned that a science background is transferable across many different careers, and so should be an option worth serious consideration at GCSE and post 16.

Mrs Price & Mrs Ricketts

MURDER MYSTERY DAY

A wide range of lost property is waiting to be reunited with owners. Students may call at Client Services during morning break or lunch. We currently have books, pencil cases, shoes, trainers and items of uniform.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .LOST PROPERTY

This is a busy term for our Year 11 students as they work towards their forthcoming exams. The GCSE exam timetable for May/ June 2013 can be found on our website - www.catmosecollege.com

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .EXAMS MAY/ JUNE 2013

Catmose Federation still has a limited number of training places available for September 2013 through the School Direct Scheme. For more information please visit the vacancies page on the College website.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .INTERESTED IN A CAREER IN TEACHING

SPORTS NEWS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

INDOOR UNDER 13 CRICKET TOURNAMENT

On Wednesday 27 February our Year 7 girls’ cricket team travelled to Leicester to compete in the area competition to select a County team to compete in the level 3 County tournament at Loughborough in a few week’s time. Having had some coaching by Tom Leonard, the cricket development coach, we were well prepared for the tournament. In our first match against Castle Donington our nerves and lack of confidence got the better of us and having bowled a number of no balls we came off the pitch a little deflated with a loss of 95 points to 66. After a team discussion and some tactics in place, we started to perform to our true potential, winning our next few matches. Our games were back to back so we had only a few minutes after each match to review our progress. Our last match against Soar Valley was our best performance, with a number of the team making some vital catches and scoring high runs. As a result, the Soar Valley were out before all the overs were bowled and we came away with a decisive win.

We were delighted to discover that we won the tournament and are now Rutland and Leicestershire County Champions.

The girls are now aware that when they compete, confidence and concentration are so important to achieving success, as within a few minutes, matches can be won or lost. Their trophy was presented by Shiv Thakor who plays for Leicestershire and is the England U19 Captain.

Congratulations to you all for an excellent result. Team Eve Orton, Katie Baines, Emily Broughton, Zina Cheikh, Isabelle Dooley, Charlotte Allman, Tabitha Woolhouse and Lauren Gear

Mrs Powell & Miss Stillman

INDOOR ROWING

On Tuesday 5 March we entered the level 2 rowing competition to select a team to go to Loughborough University for the next round of the School Games regional competition. As we have been successful in a number of events this year, we did not include any students who were already representing Rutland in other activities. Four girls and four boys were selected to make up a key stage 3 and key stage 4 team. In the key stage 3 competition, initially, we were doing really well and after the relays we were joint 1st with Uppingham Community College. However, although there were some strong performances over the individual 500m races, we found ourselves trailing 5 points behind UCC. We clawed back a few points but at the end we came second overall to UCC by 4 points but beat Longfield and John Ferneley. In the KS4 event we were not as strong and despite some excellent performances in the 6 minutes row, finished third overall. Fantastic atmosphere though and team spirit, with everyone giving of their best.

Well done to everyone Mrs Powell and Miss Stillman

Catmose Colleege KS3 team

Our indoor cricket champions

ENGLAND NETBALLER LEADS NETBALL MASTER CLASS

On Thursday 7 March Catmose College had a visit from Olivia Murphy to deliver a netball master class to the Year 7,8,9 and 10 netball teams. Olivia has 95 International caps and was England captain from 2000 to 2006. She has represented England at the World Youth Championships, taken part in three Commonwealth Games and two World Championships where she gained three bronze medals. Olivia has also been head coach of Loughborough University, Loughborough Lightening Netball team, technical coach with England netball team and England Under 21 netball team. Her current role is now East Midlands Regional Netball Manager.

The students at Catmose received a talk from Olivia where she informed them of her netball career and showed the students her Commonwealth medals. The girls asked Olivia many questions such as what was her most memorable moment which she replied “There are a few, but captaining England for the first time was amazing, especially singing the National Anthem”.

After the talk, the Catmose College netball teams were coached by Olivia Murphy with the day finishing in games which Olivia umpired. Olivia was a real inspiration to the students and they thoroughly enjoyed the day. They now have aspirations to play netball at an International level. Francesca Kennard-Kettle Year 10 asked Olivia “What is required to compete at such a high level?” Olivia’s response was “Hard work, lots of hard work”. Well done to all students that took part.

Miss Stillman

Olivia Murphy with our College netball teams and Miss Stillman

TAG RUGBY

On Wednesday 6 March some of our young leaders who are working towards their Level 2 Sports Leaders Award, helped organise a tag rugby tournament for Year 5 and 6 students at Oakham Rugby Club. Previously the sports leaders group were taught the rules and some coaching drills by Scott Johnson, who is the Rutland Community Rugby Coach, to prepare the students for the day.

They had to officiate the game and record the scores. All students had a fantastic time and found that during the course of the afternoon they grew in confidence and their refereeing was praised by the staff accompanying the students.

Congratulations to the leaders again for representing themselves and the College in a mature and professional manner.

Team: Charlie Watt, Isaiah Wilks, Robert Case, Amy Smith, Tom O’Connor, Will Durno, Danny Childs and Joe Bent.

Mrs Powell

SWIMMING GALA

On Tuesday 12 March we travelled to Uppingham School to compete in a swimming gala against John Ferneley, Longfield and Uppingham.

On Wednesday 6 March we had swimming trials and having selected a team, were hoping to perform well.

The boys in our key stage 4 team performed exceptionally well, finishing first in two races and a second and third. The girls finished second in three events and a fourth so we were hopeful of a first position overall. The final mixed relays were extremely close but unfortunately we came second to Uppingham by 2 points. As two of our selected squad were unable to compete on the day we thought this was an excellent achievement.

Team: Guy Mousley, Sam Kirkland, Reece Smith, James Rosillo, Bethany Baker, Emma Foers and Ellie Firth.

In the key stage 3 competition, again we had to make quick changes on the day and many thanks to Finlay Gabbert for stepping in at the last minute. John Ferneley had very strong club swimmers and we knew our main rivals would be from the other two schools. First positions from Connor, Sam and Cameron gave us enough points to beat Uppingham but we needed two more points to beat Longfield into second position.

We did enough to be selected to represent Rutland at the level 3 competition next Friday at Loughborough University so well done to all involved.

Team: Chelsea Lucas, Alice Lucas, Laura Rhys-Williams, Jessica Guy, Connor Boylan, Finlay Gabbert, Cameron Gorman and Sam Wilkinson.

Mrs Powell