Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School is Company Limited by Guarantee and registered in England and Wales with company number 7986921. The Registered Office is at Lichfield Road, Sutton Coldfield B74 2NH

The Governors of Bishop Vesey's Grammar School are a registered charity (No: 517907)

Lichfield Road, Sutton Coldfield, B74 2NH, 0121 250 5400, www.bvgs.co.uk

DGR/sw

01 February 2019

Dear Parents/Carers

World Cancer Day - 4 February 2019

This week our assemblies have been run by Hamzah Mahmood in the Upper Sixth. What an incredible young man. Hamzah has been delivering very moving assemblies all week about his inspirational little sister, Laraib, and her fight against a very rare form of cancer (acute lymphoblastic leukaemia with ABL2 translocation). To see Hamzah's assembly, please click here. To hear from Laraib, please click here.

Please support our non-uniform day by bringing at least £1 on Monday and buying in lots of sweets and cake. Proceeds will all go to Children with Cancer UK.

Lower School Play for 2019 - Jabberwocky

Following six highly successful productions in the past three years, Centrestage School of Speech and Drama @BVGS will be launching its lower school production of 'Jabberwocky' next week. We strongly encourage all boys in Years 7-9 to get involved! Details and letters will be distributed at assemblies on Monday and Tuesday.

Previous productions have included:

Excerpts from 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' at the Pavilion (July 2018).

Macbeth (March 2018)

Toad (June 2017)

Find Me (December 2016)

Ernie's Incredible Illucinations (July 2016)

Remembering the Somme at Lichfield Cathedral as part of the Lichfield Festival (July 2016)

Two (December 2015)

Staff Training delivered by our Sixth Form learners

Well done to the students below, who delivered staff training on Sixth Form teaching and learning on Monday. They did a great job of highlighting what works well for them in their learning and how else the school can support them in their education. Thank you all.

MedSoc

Thank you to Dan O'Carroll, Consultant in Emergency Medicine for hosting MedSoc on Thursday and to returning OVs (2015) Angela Sohal and Bhavnisha Patel for hosting an additional MedSoc Seminar on Friday.

Earth Speaks

Students in 8W completed a Big Write English task called ‘Earth Speaks’ – writing as the Earth, addressing humankind. Here are some excerpts from four of our young writers:

I was once young, precious, loved all of my body, Pangea, and the tiny blobs of bacteria started crawling over me. Humans. Humans were a mistakes, a bacterium, a single cell, turning into billions. I pass my days counting the population and trying to avoid death, evading nuclear weapons and the pollution, which gives me terrible asthma and for which there is no therapy or cure.

I feel a twitch of pain when every animal is hunted, as if a sense of guilt crawls up my body; as if to say, ‘why did I invent humans?’ I would have one request, and one request only: live with nature in peace. And if you ever disobey that, I will bellow an earthquake. Understand?

Amar Nahal

Coughing up smoke is what I do. My skin – the ozone layer – is cracking into pieces and gradually killing me. All this because of humans’ nuclear power stations – cigarettes destroying my lungs.

The tiny petrol and diesel cars, punching me in the stomach, are making me bleed inside.

However, my medicine, the trees that humans and God have planted, help to fix my wounds.

William Hume

At first it was okay: something for me to care for. I didn’t mind it when they cut down some of my trees for shelter and fire, but then they began to encase me in my own rocks and stones, stopping my natural beauty. After that came the constant noise and disrespect of all that I am. Disgusted, that’s how I feel, and yet it is still becoming worse. The last stand was the pollution which is killing me, causing my life force to ebb. I am naught but a mere part of what I used to be.

Stop now before it’s too late. Stop all the war, famine and nuclear bombs – I am dying: your carer, the one who gave you bushes bountiful with fruits, and deer to

hunt, and yet you worry more over your petty squabbles. Bah! They will matter no longer when you don’t have a world to live upon.

Luke Douglas

The fleas that bite into me are nothing more than puny bugs that torment my body. They are all harming my skin and causing me to heat up, but what makes me hotter in the head is that the ones who bite into me sell off my parts. I try to shake them off – sweat them out – but they hold on as there is nowhere else to go.

There is no compromise: first it was the giant lizards and now them, but the smaller ones cling on tight. If they damage me like this, why should I be the host of these ignorant animals?

On the other hand, some people love me – but only my best seven features, which are constantly being visited. No one cares to respect me. I’m fed up. It’s been 62-and-a-half days and I’ve been hurt too much. Mars isn’t being attacked, so why me?

Yousuf Alam

Chinese New Year in the Dining Hall

As our Mandarin students know all too well, Tuesday 5 February marks the start of Chinese New Year. On Saturday, our MEP students have an intensive day of learning at QMGS. Meanwhile, there are celebrations in the dining hall on Monday. The Year of the Pig awaits!

In celebration of Chinese New Year, Monday 4 February will be 'Chinese' themed in the Dining Room with:

Chicken chow mein

Vegetable chow mein with black bean sauce

Sweet and sour chicken served with egg fried rice

Prawn crackers

Chocolate orange cake

Please note there will be a limited service on Review Day which takes place on Friday 8 February. The dining hall will be open to purchase light snacks, hot and cold drinks, pasta pot meals, sandwiches, chips and homebakes. Parents are very welcome to join us for a hot drink and homebake.

Top Merit Winners

Three forms have stood out from the crowd this week. Well done to 7R, 8W and 8P. Brilliant effort. At the time of writing (8:40pm on Thursday) 1,321 merits have been awarded. Excellent. Well done to:

William DALE 8P, Seth ALLEN 8P, Amar NAHAL 8W, Michael OWEN 7B, Ryan CARTWRIGHT 7W, Aditya MUTHUKUMAR 8G, Nathan ALLISON 7B, Alex WILLIAMS 7B, Ethyn JAMES 8W, Ieuan PLUNKETT 7B, Sam DODWELL 8W, Tommy MYLES 7P, Alex HEIRBAUT KITTERIDGE 8R, Charlie BUTCHER 7W, Freddie MOUNTFORD 7R, Haseeb ABID 7W, James EMMS 8P, Joshua KEY 7W, Keilan MISTRY 7P, Max DALTON 8P, Roan KANG 7B, Yousuf ALAM 8W All are invited to Mr Robson's office on Wednesday 6 February at break-time.

Attendance update

Year 7 : 98.2% Year 8 : 97.2% Year 9 : 94.8% Year 10 : 95.6%

Year 11 : 92.6% L6 : 94.8%, U6 : 95.4%

Well done to all forms meeting the school target for attendance of 98%+ including: 11B, 7B, 7P, 7R, 7W, 8G, 8R, L6VII.

World Challenge

A bake sale and raffle will be held on Wednesday 13 February in GF5 to raise money for Year 9’s World Challenge trip to Croatia this summer. Raffle tickets, priced between 50p-£1, will be on sale to students from Monday 4 February at break and lunch-times. Prizes include games, books and chocolates.

Sporting Success

Netball Success at the Regionals in Telford

Sunday was a bitterly cold day. It did not stop our netball girls performing brilliantly. They beat Shrewsbury School (11-12), Hereford Cathedral School (6-4), Wolverhampton Grammar (13-6) and St Joseph's Stoke (12-2). They drew 6-6 with Higham and lost to Bromsgrove (11-12) and in the semis to RGS Worcester (7-6). A valiant team effort.

Hockey

A good cup win for the U13A at Ratcliffe College and a clear victory 6-1 over KES, Five Was for the U14A.

Rugby

This week has seen so far five good matches at KES with wins for U15A, U15B, 1st XV, 2nd XV and a close defeat 27-26 for the U14B. This following nine wins out of nine at Camp Hill last weekend.

Amazing Art

Please see excellent work from Year 7.

Harry Moors 7R Finley Brennan 7W

Pavan Plaha 7B Max Jefferson 7B

Irham Tarafdar 7R Lyon Allen 7R

Luke Mitchell 7R Jerome Escalona 7R

Nathan Lord 7R Edoardo Middleton 7G

Raiyan Tanvir 7G Jack Wadlow-Smith 7R

George Bryson 7P Sanjay Ashok 7P

Hugo Kelly 7P Charlie Morris 7B

Henry Green 7G Freddie Mountford 7R

Lucas Hollyoak 7R

Duke of Edinburgh Dates for Diaries - Bronze and Silver DofE

Our new DofE Coordinator is Miss Langham, English Department. Her contact details are s.langham@bishopveseys.bham.sch.uk.

11 April parent/ student Information Evening – Bronze and Silver 12 April Training Day in school and Sutton Park 8.45am – 4pm approx. – Silver only 4 - 5 May Practice Expedition - Bronze 4 – May Practice Expedition - Silver 6 – 7 July Qualifying Expedition - Bronze 5 – 7 July Qualifying Expedition - Silver

The Bronze training and Silver Practice will take place in North Worcestershire (Lickey and Clent Hills area). The Bronze and Silver Qualifying will take place in Shropshire (Long Mynd area)

Safer Internet Day

Safer Internet Day is on Tuesday 5 February 2019 and the focus for this year is around consent and protecting your information. The Safer Internet Centre gives the following advice for parents.

1. Choose to have a conversation

Talk regularly with your child about how they use technology, and find out what their digital life is like, including what their favourite sites and services are and also how being online makes them feel. Listening to your child will give you the best possible idea of how you can support them.

2. Choose to take a balanced approach

As parents it’s natural to feel worried about the risks posed by your child being online, but for young people the online world is exciting and fun, as it brings so many opportunities for them. Remember that your child will use technology and the internet differently given that they are growing up in a world immersed in all things digital. Try to look at both the positive and negative aspects of being online and empower your child with safe choices they can make instead of overwhelming them with restrictions.

3. Choose to make use of the tools available to you

There are lots of tools to help you manage the devices used by your family. For example, knowing how to activate and use parental controls can help protect your child

from seeing inappropriate content online. For advice and guidance on how to make use of parental controls and other safety features on devices, check out the free Parents’ Guide to Technology and Internet Matters’ step-by-step parental controls guides for online services on the Safer Internet Centre site.

4. Choose to get help and support

It can sometimes feel like young people are the experts in all things digital but remember – you are the life experts. You are always there to help your child but make sure you know how to get support too by visiting sites such as ThinkUKnow and Childline. You can take steps to support your child online by using features such as privacy settings on social media and understanding how to make a report on a range of apps, games and services.

5. Choose to be current and topical

This Safer Internet Day focuses on the very relevant topic of consent in the digital world. Use this as an opportunity to support your child with how they tackle digital consent within relationships and friendships as well as how online services use the data we provide.

Parents Teachers Friends Association

The PTFA remind you of ways in which you can help raise money for the school.

Easy Fundraising - see the link here showing how

50/50 Club - details here

Don't forget to get your tickets for the Comedy Night on 8 February 2019. More information here.

Forthcoming Events

Comedy Night - Friday 8 February in Big School - Tickets now on sale - details here

Annual Quiz - Friday 22 March in Big School

Race Night - Friday 17 May

Family summer party - Saturday 13 July

The PTFA have committed to raise funds to help BVGS, so without your support for events organised by them, there may be a need to cancel. Money raised will go towards purchasing MAC equipment for the BVGS Music Department.

Lunch at Tiffany's - 6 March 2019 at Moor Hall Hotel and Spa

In response the overwhelming success of last year's inaugural Spring Lunch, we have scheduled Lunch at Tiffany's on Wednesday 6 March at Moor Hall Hotel and Spa. The event begins at 10:30 am with a drinks reception on arrival; two course lunch and coffee; fashion show by Obsessions, Streetly Village; goodie bag; premium shopping; and musical entertainment throughout the day until the events closes at 4:00pm. Tickets are £40 per person, or as tables of ten, and can be booked through Claire Bolton in the Development Office c.bolton@bishopveseys.bham.sch.uk. Payments can be made either via the School Club office; Heidi Middleton (Obsessions, Streetly Village) 0121 353 8825; or Julie Gray (Event Organiser, Amici) 07979 075877. We would be happy to group parents together on 'Year' tables, so please make this request known when booking tickets.

Easy Fundraising

Did you know you can help support BVGS simply by booking your holiday this year? Use #easyfundraising to book your flight, package holiday or travel extras with over 250+ travel operators like First Choice, TUI, Thomas Cook, Expedia, Virgin Holidays, Booking.com, Jet2, Flybe and you’ll raise a free donation for the school at no additional cost to you. The average family holiday booking could raise over £50 for us! Find out more, visit https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/bishopveseysgrammar

Extra-Curricular Activities

Before School Activities

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Sports Hall Senior Rowing Weights 07:30 - 08:30

Rowing Fitness 07:30 - 08:30

Y8 Badminton 08:30

Music Centre Brass Band 08:15

Break-time Activities Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Music Centre Guitar Ensemble Keyboard Club Saxophone Ensemble Guitar Club Clarinet Ensemble

Flute Ensemble

Lunch-time Activities Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Music Centre Wind Band Vesey Corps - Drumline

Lower school Choir (Y7-10)

Funky Bishops

Percussion Ensemble

String Ensemble

Lest We Forget - Boys Chamber Choir

Old Big School Y7 Drama 13:30 - 14:00

Hive MedSoc in the Hive

B4 Christian Union

Room 7 Debating 13:15-13:50 (all years)

Room 8 DofE Y10 13:45

Room 11 DofE Y9 13:45

FF9 Chess all years 13:15-14:00

Robotics Club Code Club

Room 20 Room 19

German 13:25 - 13:45

Spanish Charla y Chacharea Y11

Polish Club Room 20

Spanish Charla y Chacharea Y13

Room 26 Clay Club

Room 28 KS3 Batik Art Club

Room 48 Y7 Science Club BP Stem Challenge

After School Activities 15:30 - 16:30 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Music Centre KS3 Music Tech

Composers Club

Orchestra Keyboard Ensemble Senior Choir (Y10-13) (M2)

GCSE Extra session

Big School Y9/10/11 Drama until 16:45

Y8 Drama until 16:45

Room 19 Spanish Y11 Boot Camp/Mentor Monday

Room 24 Strategy Board Games 15:30 - 17:30

FF9 Mandarin 15:30 - 16:30 Mandarin 15:30 - 16:30

Astroturf Senior Hockey

Year 8 Rugby

Year 7 Hockey

Senior Rugby

Year 8 Hockey

Year 7 Rugby

Year 9 and 10 Hockey and Rugby

Powell's Pool Senior and Y10 Rowing Y8 and 9 Rowing 16:00 - 17:30

Pavilion Y8 Rugby 15:30 - 17:00 Senior Rugby 15:30 - 17:00

Y7 Rugby 15:30 - 17:00

Y9 & 10 Rugby 15:30 - 17:00

Girls Rugby 15:30 - 17:00

Sports Hall Y8 Badminton 15:30

Astro Senior Hockey Y7 Hockey Y8 Hockey Y9&10 Hockey

Astro Turf Activities

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Sports Hall Basketball Y8/9 Table Tennis Y10/11 Table Tennis Running Club Y7-10 (Meet @ the Pavilion 13:15

Y7 Table Tennis - Sixth Form Leaders

Basketball

Indoor Rowing Room

Y9 Indoor Rowing - Y11 Leaders

Y8 Indoor Rowing - Y10 Leaders

Indoor Rowing - Y10 Leaders

Y7 Indoor Rowing - Y10 Leaders

Y10 Indoor Rowing - Sixth Form Leaders

Middle Field Pitch 3 Y 7/8 Football Y 7/8 Football Y 7/8 Football Y 7/8 Football Y 7/8 Football Pitch 2 Y9/10/11 Football Y9/10/11 Football Y9/10/11 Football Y9/10/11 Football Y9/10/11 Football

Pitch 1 Y7 Rugby Senior Hockey

Y8 Rugby Y9 Hockey

Y10 Rugby Y7 Hockey

Y9 Rugby Y10 Hockey

Senior Rugby Y8 Hockey

I may see you at tonight's Six Nations evening here at school.

Have a good weekend and keep warm

Yours sincerely

Dominic Robson Headteacher

Quote of the Week

Bravery is not being afraid to be afraid Marie Colvin, journalist (1956-2012)

An advert from one of our corporate partners programme:

Felton Consult

When planning a commercial new build, conversion or refurbishment project, it is crucial to first consult a team of experienced professionals to assist on the budget and management of the scheme. Providing a comprehensive range of cost consultancy and management services, Felton Consult are an independent firm of Chartered Quantity Surveyors recognised for their reputation for delivering a trusted and consistent service to a range of clients. Felton Consult act as the keystone between design and budget, providing clients with the full implementation of cost and management in construction - partnering with the client’s team to protect design without compromising budget.

Letters sent this week

L6 UCAS Examinations

L6 Review Day Student Documentation

UCAS Exam Timetable

Year 10 Target Review Sheet

Year 10 Review Day Letter

Year 13 Post Mock

Dates for your Diary

Spring Term 2019

Friday 1 February Six Nations Rugby Event

Saturday 2 February Mandarin Excellence Programme Day at QMGS to mark

Chinese New Year.

Monday 4 February BVGS Parents, Teachers and Friends Association

19:00 in The Hive

Thursday 7 February Senior Soloists' Concert 19:00 - 21:00

Friday 8 February Whole School Review Day and Careers Fair

Friday 8 February PTFA Comedy Night

Friday 15 February Break up for half term

Monday 25 February Term recommences

Wednesday 6 March Ladies' Lunch at Moor Hall

Thursday 14 March Year 10 Parents' Evening 16:00 - 19:00

Friday 22 March PTFA Annual Quiz

Thursday 28 March Year 8 Parents' Evening 16:00 - 19:00

Friday 5 April Year 7 and 8 PA Disco at SCGSG

Tuesday 9 April Spring Concert 19:00 - 21:00

Thursday 11 April Students break up for Easter

Friday 12 April Staff Training Day

Summer Term 2019 Monday 29 April Summer term commences

Monday 6 May May Day Bank Holiday

Thursday 9 May New Year 7 Induction Evening 18:00 - 20:30

Thursday 16 May Junior Sports Dinner at Veseyans

Friday 17 May PTFA Race Night

Thursday 23 May Students break up for half term

Friday 24 May Staff training day

Monday 3 June Term recommences

Friday 7 June Golf Day

Friday 21 June Year 7 and 8 Disco at BVGS (tbc)

Saturday 22 June OVA Sports Reunion

Thursday 27 June School closes at 12:15

Open Day 16:00 - 19:00

Friday 28 June Staff Training Day

Saturday 13 July PTFA Family summer party

Monday 15 July KS3 Main School Presentation Evening 19:00 - 21:00

Friday 19 July Break up for summer holiday

Parents' Evenings 2018-19:

Thursday 14 March Year 10 16:00 - 19:00 Thursday 28 March Year 8 16:00 - 19:00 Thursday 2 May Year 7 16:00 - 19:00