PARENTS’ NEWSLETTER – ISSUE 11

JULY 2007

ARRANGEMENTS FOR LAST DAY OF TERM – FRIDAY, 20 JULY 2007 The school year will end on Friday 20 July 2007. School will finish at 12.15 pm; lunches will be served and all buses leave at 12.50 pm. Purtonians, or those travelling by car, who do not wish to have lunch, may leave school at 12.15 pm. FIRST DAY OF AUTUMN TERM FOR STUDENTS The first day of term for students in Years 7 and 10 will be Tuesday, 4 September 2007. Students in Years 8, 9 and 11 will start on Wednesday, 5 September 2007.

INTRODUCTION

In addition to all the usual news and information, the end of year newsletter traditionally contains a separate reference section about 2007/08 for you to retain, which includes important information on:

� 2007/08 Dates and Holidays � Personal Accident Insurance � 2008/09 Dates and Holidays � Lunchtime Arrangements � Absence Reporting � Medical help in School � 2007/08 Parents’ Evenings � School Fund � School Uniform � Student Homework Planners

END OF YEAR REPORT

As we come to the end of another very busy and successful academic year I would like to pay tribute to the hard work and support of staff (both teaching and support), governors, students, parents and friends of the school. Looking back over the year, the number of activities, events and projects that have had the fantastic support of the school community in terms of organisation, help and encouragement have been impressive. I always enjoy the privilege of reporting on these, in addition to individual students’ achievements, in the school newsletters. It is very pleasing to look back over the eleven issues of this academic year and read about the multitude of activities and successes within the Bradon Forest Community.

I would like to thank the large number of people who have commented on the ‘Bradon Forest Brochure (June 2007)’ that was circulated with the last newsletter. This brochure has been widely distributed in North Wiltshire and Swindon and in addition to highlighting Bradon Forest’s many and varied successes it has also promoted our school website and Learning Platform.

The ‘Learning Platform’ has been a fantastic development across the whole school and we have been delighted with its success. When asked why it has been so successful at Bradon Forest the reasons are clear – and the ‘technology’ is not in the top three reasons:

� The culture of teamwork – both staff and student. � That Bradon Forest is such a busy and successful school in terms of academic, cultural, sporting and social

activities. � A clear focus on teaching and learning which aims to ensure that all students, irrespective of ability, work to

their full potential and aspire to achieve at the highest level possible.

Over the last two weeks we have heard about two further Quality Standards for the school. After a lengthy and rigorous evaluation the school passed the new ‘Healthy Schools Standard’ with flying colours. We have also been informed by the British Council that we have passed the ‘Intermediate International School Award’ and that the assessment panel was so impressed by the range of work, both current and planned, they have invited the school to undergo the assessment for the full award over the next year.

This year has been very successful in terms of our second year as a specialist school, the new facilities from our DfES Successful Schools status, the success with national quality awards plus recent re-accreditation by the Arts Council for ArtsMark Gold, the ICT awards and many others.

Staff have been very generous with their time and commitment as evidenced by the numerous trips, visits, teams, plays, concerts, competitions, etc. As already indicated, it certainly has been a very busy, demanding and successful year. The care and professionalism exhibited over the last year is first rate and is a major reason for Bradon Forest being such a good school.

I hope staff and students have a safe and enjoyable holiday with family and friends and return in September ready for the challenges of another year during which Bradon Forest will continue to be happy, successful and a school of which to be proud. STAFFING

This year we have no-one leaving or moving on – all our current staff will be with us in September. Due to our DfES Successful Schools status, accompanied by careful strategic management and planning, we will be joined by two extra teachers in September: Miss James (Maths) and Mrs Carson (Design Technology). In addition to these two new colleagues we have increased the loadings of several other staff and, with the welcome return of Mrs Makinson (English) from maternity leave, we are able to run extra groups in English, Maths and Science in Year 9 and in parts of Key Stage 4. This has been difficult but careful financial and curriculum planning has ensured we are able to improve further the service we give to our students.

We are delighted to be fully staffed with specialist teachers again who are the vital main ingredient of successful schools. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our staff (teaching and support) for all their hard work, teamwork and dedication over the last year. It is greatly valued by students, parents and governors. RESULTS

The initial results for the Key Stage 3 National Curriculum Tests in Mathematics and Science have already arrived. We are delighted that they maintain the high standards of the last few years, ie Maths 85% Level 5+ and 67% Level 6+. Science 80% Level 5+ and 49% Level 6+. (The government changed the system last year and the English NCT results will be in schools in late August). Our Key Stage 3 ICT results were again excellent, 99% L5+ and 73% L6+! We are looking forward to receiving our Year 10 Science and Maths module and Religious Studies results and, of course, the Year 11 GCSE results in August. The school continues to maintain high standards and is building on this success to improve further. I look forward to reporting on all the exam results in detail in the first Parents’ Newsletter next term (Issue 1, September 2007). NEWSLETTERS 2007/08

The first Parents’ Newsletter in September will contain the publication schedule for the eleven issues over the academic year. This first issue will have a parental reply slip as usual to ensure all families receive Issue 1 and are aware of the newsletter schedule for the academic year. INDUCTION PROGRAMME FOR YEAR 6

Staff ran our traditional very successful and useful three-day Induction Programme (4 July – 6 July) for Year 6 students who are joining Bradon Forest in September 2007. This was preceded the week before by a parents’ evening for the Year 6 Parents with Senior Staff and our Year 7 Tutors. The three days’ induction was thoroughly enjoyed by our new year group. They had a great range of experiences, meeting their tutors and a number of teachers who will be teaching them next year. Feedback from parents and students was very positive. Many thanks to Mrs Davies, Mr Martch-Harry, Key Stage 3 team, new Year 7 tutor team and all colleagues – both teaching and support – who worked so hard to make this valuable Bradon Forest provision such a success for our new students. (NB: A photo gallery of the three days can be seen by clicking on the Year 6 Induction Photo on the Learning Platform home page).

YEAR 11 PROM

Our ‘Prom’ took place on Friday, 22 June 2007 at the Hilton Hotel in Swindon. Nearly 180 students and over 30 staff attended. The evening had been organised by the Prefect Team with help from the Key Stage 4 Team and support staff. It was a superb evening which started with all the ’arrivals’ being photographed in their finery - it was like being at the side of the red carpet for a formal ‘Hollywood’ Oscar ceremony of yesteryear! The girls looked fantastic in a beautiful array of gowns and the boys certainly looked the part with many unrecognisable in their tuxedos. The coverage of the Bradon Forest Prom in both the ‘Swindon Advertiser’ and the ‘Wiltshire Gazette & Herald’ certainly showed our well dressed students off to a wider audience. The Hilton did the school proud again - there was an excellent three-course meal and Starsound Express, our regular disco, provided the evening’s entertainment. The party finished at midnight and it was rated our best prom yet.

The Yearbooks were also distributed towards the end of the evening, enabling autographs to be collected. The students produced the Yearbook with some support from colleagues. They have produced a very professional memento.

Thank you to everyone who helped organise and/or attended the evening for making it such a success and a fitting way to celebrate the end of the exams and the students’ time at Bradon Forest. MFL NEWS

Year 8 Trip to France and Germany

In the May half term the Modern Languages department organised a new trip to both France and Germany designed to allow all Year 8 the opportunity to apply. 60 students accompanied by 6 staff travelled to a hotel in the Black Forest area of Germany from where cultural excursions in France and Germany were easily accessible. The Languages trips have always been an excellent way for students to enhance their appreciation of the languages and cultures they are studying and this year they visited markets in both

countries, a vineyard in France and experienced a guided tour of the city of Freiburg amongst other activities. All students were incredibly well behaved and staff were often complimented on both the students' manners and their use of French or German. Many thanks to Mr Stiles for organising the trip and to Miss Argent, Mrs Field, Mr Parkes, Mr Thomas and Ms Hunter for travelling during their holidays. Advance notice of 2008 Trip: Current

Year 7 students will be invited to go on the next Year 8 trip to France/Germany which will leave on Friday, 23 May 2008. Letters will be given to all students in their first languages lesson in September and a £50 deposit will be required by Friday, 14 September 2007. ENTERPRISE DAYS

Year 9 - Enterprise in Action

Mr Winward (Assistant Headteacher) reports: The Wiltshire Wildlife Trust has worked extensively throughout the year with the Progression team to work toward a day’s activities around the theme of ‘Enterprise’. Tutors in Year 9 worked on individual themes culminating in a showcase presentation on 10 July 2007. Themes included: recycling waste materials into street fashion, design and construction of compost bins, introduction of a sensory garden in the courtyard area of the School, business project working alongside NatWest towards a tender, orchestral instruments constructed out of cardboard and tunes to boot, recycle and reuse project for primary and secondary schools, fair-trade project working with Wiltshire Education resources, redevelopment of a brown-field site and, finally, a wind versus solar power competition.

Students will take the learning opportunities developed from the day into their studies in BCS/Business Studies during the course of Key Stage 4. The external agencies involved were thrilled with the positive approach to sustainability and the projects that were carried out. It is the intention of the Progression team to maximise the learning potential from the day as part of ongoing PSHE development. Thank you to all who participated on the day and those involved behind the scenes.

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Artistic Enterprise!

During July 2007 students were able to put their enterprising skills to the test. A group of students in Year 9 worked alongside local, and nationally acclaimed artist, Toni Robinson. Students are putting their final touches to the 'Masterpiece' prior to it being hung in the courtyard adjacent to the new Art facilities. The project sparked such enthusiasm amongst the group that the artist was keen to take a couple of students on an extended Work Experience placement to local North Wiltshire School, Rowdeford, near Devizes.

Ashley Yarranton and David Wood can be seen with students from the school during their arts festival week.

Artist's comments,

"...thank you for allowing the students to work with us this week... I hope they have gained as much from the experience as we have".

Thank you to Mr Martch-Harry and Miss Smith for their hard work and dedication and devotion to seeing the project from its early beginnings to anticipated arrival during next term.

PE AND SPORTS NEWS AND 2006/07 REPORT

Mr Bray (Head of PE) and Miss Moore (in charge of Girls’ PE) have provided an ‘end of year’ report covering the many and varied achievements in physical education and sport this year.

Key Stage 3: Girls’ Achievements in Physical Educat ion

Football Year 7 Runners-up U13 Wiltshire Schools 11-A-Side Football Cup Represented Wiltshire in Regional 11-A-Side Football Cup Georgia Telling – Wiltshire School of Excellence Year 8 Runners-up U13 Wiltshire Schools 11-A-Side Football Cup Represented Wiltshire in Regional 11-A-Side Football Cup Netball Year 7 Winners of Swindon Schools Netball League Runners-up of Avon Valley Partnership Netball Festival Year 8 Winners of Avon Valley Partnership Netball Festival Alex Lee – U14 Wiltshire County Squad Year 9 Winners of U14 Swindon Schools Netball Tournament Represented Swindon in Regional competition Mia Harrison – U14 Wiltshire County Squad Megan Staples – U14 Wiltshire County Squad Sarah-Jane Romain – U14 Wiltshire County Squad Ailie Waite- U14 Wiltshire County Squad Athletics Year 7 Natasha Chilambo – 2nd in North Wilts District Girls Junior Long Jump Natasha Chilambo – 3rd in County Girls Junior Long Jump Year 9 Naomi Saxby – North Wilts District Girls Junior Champion – Shot Putt Naomi Saxby – County Junior Girls Champion – Shot Putt

Key Stage 3 and 4: Boys’ Achievements in Physical E ducation

Football Year 7 Runners-up Swindon Schools’ Indoor Football Competition Year 8 Winners Swindon Schools’ Indoor Football Competition Craig Miles – Swindon School of Excellence Daniel Mueller – Swindon School Boys representative Year 9 Reached the last 32 in the National Cup Stephen Bray – Swindon School of Excellence Year 10 Reached the last 128 in the National Cup Swindon Schools’ League Winners William Evans, Marcus Welch, Billy Bodin, Adam Corcoran, Liam Williams – Swindon

School of Excellence Adam Bedwell, Elliott Corp – Swindon School Boys Representatives Billy Bodin – selected to play for Wales U15 squad Year 11 Swindon Schools’ Cup Winners Cricket Year 8 Craig Miles selected for Wiltshire County and West of England Year 9 Swindon Schools’ League Winners Cup Finalists (to be played) Jon Sore selected for Wiltshire U14 squad Year 10 Swindon Schools’ Cup Finalists (to be played) Cross Country Year 7 Jordan Read – North Wiltshire representative Year 9 Chris Dye, Craig Parker – North Wiltshire representatives Jake Ferris – National Finals 127th place representing Wiltshire Winners of the North Wiltshire Schools’ Championships Year 10 Jordan Cushion – North Wiltshire representative Basketball Year 8 Winners Swindon Schools’ League and Cup Perry Sangha – South West of England representative Year 10 Elite 8 National Finalists South West of England Champions County Champions Swindon Schools’ League and Cup Winners Dean Hobbis – South of England (Additional Performance Centre) Michael Farage, Ryan Way – South West of England representative Athletics Year 9 Ross Lowe (Shot Putt) – North Wiltshire Champion, County Runner-up,5th South West Chris Jones (400m) – North Wiltshire Champion, County Champion, 5th South West Lewis Elton (800m) – North Wiltshire Champion, County runner-up, 8th South West Year 10 Ryan Williams (long Jump) - North Wiltshire Champion, 4th County Daniel Norcross (100m, 200m) North Wiltshire Champion Rugby Year 10 Sam Robinson, William Johnson – Wiltshire representatives Daniel Norcross – Dorset and Wilts representative England Elite player development

group representative Rhythmic Gymnastics

We are delighted to report that Micia Falaki (8Q) and Gemma Rand (7X) competed in their gradings at the Welsh Intermediate Open competition on 7 July 2007. Both performed extremely well, with Gemma winning two bronze medals and Micia one gold medal in the Junior section. Both Gemma (grade 8) and Micia (grade 9) gained distinctions in their grades which means they have qualified to compete in the British Championships in November if they achieve the required marks in the flexibility testing at Lilleshall in early September.

Sports Day

Unfortunately after two attempts we have been unable to hold our Sports Day. The weather and resulting field conditions thwarted the planning. Staff and students were extremely disappointed to miss out on this traditional annual event which is always run so well by the PE team and staff. WORK EXPERIENCE: YEAR 10 – 2007/08

Mr Winward (Assistant Headteacher) reports: Please can I remind you that Work Experience Parents’ Evening will take place on Tuesday, 25 September 2007. This event has been timetabled early into the academic year to allow students and parents to consider their options pertaining to Work Experience and preparation. The event is intended for parents only. Students will have assemblies based around the theme of Work Experience in the first few weeks. We are increasingly aware that students wish to seek out the best placements relating to their subject specialisms and in order not to be disappointed, much work has to be carried out early on in the Autumn Term.

Mr Hutchings will lead on Work Experience this year, with the support of Mr Kirtland. The format of the evening will include a presentation based on good practice from previous years, student experiences and the legal requirements in setting-up your son’s/daughter’s work experience. There will be a guidance booklet, which will inform you of the planning procedures. From conversations with parents this year, I know that the event will be informative and allow you the opportunity to start early, thus avoiding potential disappointment. Work experience 2007/08 is scheduled for the week beginning 2 June 2008. MUSIC NEWS

Summer Music Concert

The Summer Concert was held in the Drama Theatre and was certainly up to the usual high standard. The programme was varied and thoroughly enjoyed by the audience. The Orchestra, ensemble, soloists, the Bradon Singers and all involved are to be congratulated on a concert that rounded off another very successful year. Special thanks to Claire Groom (Music Trainee) who came down from Leicester to help out at short notice. Claire did a superb job – the evening also provided an opportunity to thank Claire for all she has done during her training time at Bradon, as well as Mr Gibbs and the music team including the instrumental tutors. Well done to all involved.

Recently Lucy Bosley 7Q, sang at The Wantage Music Festival. She competed in 3 sections: she came third for the 12 and under class singing The Bird’s Lament No 1 from The Aviary. She won both the 14 and under Folk Song class and the 14 and under Songs from Shows and Films class.

Music examinations success: Charlotte Estall passed Grade 3 flute.

The music programme at Bradon Forest next school year includes:

Autumn Concert Wednesday, 17 October 2007 Carol Concert Wednesday, 12 December 2007 at St Mary’s Church Year 7 Music Production Wednesday, 12 March 2008 and Thursday, 13 March 2008 Spring Concert Wednesday, 19 March 2008 Summer Concert Wednesday, 25 June 2008 DRAMA NEWS

Learning Platform

A visit to the ‘Theatre’ area of the website which has photo galleries, video clips, flyers, programmes, reviews, advance information, etc, will instantly show any ‘visitor’ how busy and successful the community aspect of our Specialist Arts status has been. The work in primary and special schools, the community projects and extensive opportunities for our students are many and varied.

Many thanks to Mr Calder, Miss McCallum, Miss Cady and Mr Waldron for their incredible hard work over the last year producing, directing, hosting and creating so many performances and projects.

The recent production of The Importance of Being Earnest was directed by Alice Chalk (Year 10) and the cast members were from Key Stage 3 and 4. The production was excellent and a very enjoyable version of this classic.

Our Summer Arts Festival (9 – 13 July 2007) programme was as follows:

Monday � Wiltshire Dreams � Swindon Young Actors ‘The Max Factor’

Tuesday � Commedia Delle Arte � The New Dance Company

Wednesday � The History of the World in Twenty Minutes � Wiltshire Dreams � The New Dance Company

Thursday � Commedia Delle Arte � Guitar Recital – Stephen Lewis-Gilmore � Wiltshire Dreams

Friday � The New Dance Company � The History of the World in Twenty Minutes � Commedia Delle Arte

The Commedia Delle Arte production was performed on three nights of our summer Arts Festival last week. It was very clear why the primary schools enjoyed the production – it was very professional and extremely funny.

Both the ‘Importance of being Earnest’ (mentioned earlier) and ‘Commedia’ demonstrate the strength and depth of performers and stage crew coming up from the younger students – well done to all involved.

Wiltshire Dreams was an exciting collaboration between Stephen Lewis-Gilmore and a number of Key Stage 4 students, incorporating fine art, music, dance and drama in one piece, which was a delight to watch!

Swindon Young Actors again returned to Bradon Forest to perform ‘The Max Factor’ on the Monday evening which was a thought provoking piece set inside the mind of a young disabled man.

The New Dance Company involved three Year 8 students working with our visiting choreographer, Rachel Ankers, to produce an inspiring piece of contemporary dance. The girls will form the base of a new dance company within the school next year. The Seven Deadly Sins was devised and performed by three Year 10 students as part of their GCSE examination.

The History of the World in Twenty Minutes covered the period from the Romans to the digital age! This amusing and at times hard-hitting piece was produced by the History Club and direct by Miss Mazelin and Miss Crerar from the Humanities Faculty. The Key Stage 3 students worked hard to rehearse this piece in just three weeks. It was great to see other departments getting involved with the Theatre!

Well done to all students and staff involved with the Arts Festival.

2007/08 Forthcoming Events List

September 2007 � 'The Venetian Twins' performed by the New Bradon Forest Theatre Company � 'Clown Atlas' performed by Theatre Sardine

October 2007 � 'Fallen Angels' performed by Big State Theatre Company November 2007 � 'Brittle Secrets' performed by Lost Luggage Theatre Company December 2007 � 'Dona Rosita' written by Lorca, performed by BF students January 2008 � 'Romeo and Juliet' edited, directed and performed by BF students March 2008 � Performance TBC performed by BF students April 2008 � Lower School Drama Club performance TBC July 2008 � Summer Arts Festival

ART NEWS

The GCSE Art Exhibition was held in the Main Hall on 28 and 29 June 2007 to ‘showcase’ the work of our current Year 11 students. Parents and friends came on the evening of Thursday, 28 June 2007. Thank you to Miss Smith, Mr Martch-Harry, Miss Cooke and all involved.

SCIENCE NEWS

"Lights, Camera, Action" Workshop

Mr Farr reports: On Wednesday 27 June, fifteen able science students from Year 7 visited the "Lights, Camera, Action" workshop hosted by ‘Explore At Bristol’. The students assembled the script for a science documentary from materials that they had been preparing in after school sessions over the last three weeks. In this workshop the students work in a real TV studio. They have just 90 minutes to produce a TV programme, including just one rehearsal before they go for a real time 'live take'. The students took on all the necessary roles to make this happen - ranging from presenters and roving reporter to camera operators, floor manager, lighting, sound and vision mixers, and production manager to even a cable basher. Amy Chalk took solid command as director and made sure that everyone did what was needed. It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience that brought the students quickly together as an effective team. A lot of tension unwound when Amy's electronic voice from the gallery mikes was heard saying that we had a 'wrap'. BRADON FOREST PTA

Reminder: The PTA AGM will be held at 7.00 pm on Monday, 17 September 2007 in the Library. Further details in the September Newsletter.

2007/08 PTA Dates

KS3 Disco dates Thursday, 1 November 2007 Thursday, 27 March 2008

Car Boot Sale

� To be held at 1.00 pm on Saturday, 15 September 2007 in Bradon Forest School Car Park � Pitches: £5.00 in advance, £6.00 on the day � BBQ and Refreshments � To book, please call Emma Hayden on 01793 77243 200 CLUB WINNERS – JUNE ‘SUPER’ DRAW

1. Mr P Swanston 142 £100 2. Mrs D Hiscock 130 £50 3. Mr J Cook 79 £20 4. Mr D Gibbs 117 £10 OUT-OF-HOURS CLUBS – LATE BUSES

The late buses that support our out-of-hours clubs will continue to run next year. Buses will run to (i) Purton Stoke, Cricklade, Leigh and Ashton Keynes; (ii) West Swindon via Middleleaze Drive, Ramleaze Drive and the Link Centre. Free passes will continue to be available for these buses and there will be a fresh article on these services/timetable information and all the out-of-hours clubs in our September Newsletter. AWARDS ASSEMBLIES

On Monday 17, Tuesday 18, Wednesday 19 and Thursday 20 July our traditional Awards Assemblies will be/were held to celebrate a successful school year with students and their parents. We are pleased that our visitors this year are:

Year 7 Monday, 16 July 2007 Mr John Cook, Former Governor Year 8 Tuesday, 17 July 2007 Mr Paul Critchley, Church Youth Worker, Purton Year 9 Wednesday, 18 July 2007 Mr Andrew Henstridge, Headteacher, St Sampson’s, Cricklade Year 10 Thursday, 19 July 2007 Mr David Procter, Chair of Governors There will be a full report on the assemblies and awards in the September Newsletter.

I hope that our students and parents have a safe and enjoyable summer break and that students return refreshed and ready in September for another full and busy ‘Bradon’ packed year!

Best wishes L M Spiers Headteacher

REFERENCE PAGES TO KEEP FOR 2007/08 ADVANCE NOTICE OF KEY DATES FOR 2007/08 AND 2008/09

The early notice of dates should help families when planning holidays. I know that many families face the dilemma of when to take holidays and this is not made any easier when the “holiday industry” can make it financially more attractive to take holidays during term time. Students who miss school for any reason are clearly disadvantaged and we would ask that parents avoid any term time absence whenever possible.

Parents who find it necessary to consider taking holidays during term time are required by law to seek leave of absence from the school in writing prior to booking the holiday. A blue Holiday Absence Request form is available from your child’s tutor or the school office, which when completed should be returned to your child’s tutor for processing.

Approval cannot be given retrospectively and in such circumstances we must classify the absence as “unauthorised”. It is not anticipated that parents will consider taking any Year 11 students out of school during the vital year leading up to GCSE examinations, Year 9 up to and during the National Curriculum Tests and Year 10 in the lead up to a number of GCSE module examinations or important coursework time. The usual very comprehensive student calendar for 2007/08 will be distributed at the start of the Autumn Term and will help with advance planning. NEXT ACADEMIC YEAR DATES 2007/08

The dates for the new academic year in September have been published in previous newsletters but are reproduced here for reference with details on any ‘end of term’ closures and all our Teacher Development Days next academic year when the school is closed to students.

Term 1

Term 2

Begins *Tuesday, 4 September 2007

Begins 29 October 2007 Ends 19 October 2007

Ends 19 December 2007 Holiday 20 October 2007 - 28 October 2007

Holiday 20 December 2007 - 1 January 2008

Term 3

Term 4 Begins 2 January 2008

Begins 25 February 2008

NB Public Holidays on Friday, 21 March and Monday, 24 March 2008

(School Closed) Ends 15 February 2008

Ends 4 April 2008 Holiday 16 February 2008 - 24 February 2008

Holiday 5 April - 20 April 2008

Term 5

Term 6

Begins 21 April 2008

Begins 2 June 2008 NB Public Holiday Monday, 5 May 2008

(School Closed)

Ends 23 May 2008

Ends 18 July 2008 Holiday 24 May 2008 - 1 June 2008

Holiday 19 July 2008 - 31 August 2008 *Arrangements For The Beginning Of Term – September 2007

Tuesday, 4 September 2007 Year 7 and 10 only Wednesday, 5 September 2007 All students

Teacher Development Days 2007/08 (School Closed To Students)

Monday, 3 September 2007 Friday, 21 September 2007 Friday, 27 June 2008 Monday, 21 July 2008 Tuesday, 22 July 2008

FOLLOWING ACADEMIC YEAR DATES 2008/09

Outline Dates for Reference

The above dates are correct at the time of going to print.

Term 1 Term 2

Begins *Tuesday, 2 September 2008 Begins 3 November 2008

Ends 24 October 2008 Ends 19 December 2008

Holiday 25 October 2008 - 2 November 2008 Holiday 20 December 2008 - 4 January 2009

Term 3 Term 4 Begins 5 January 2009 Begins 23 February 2009

Ends 13 February 2009 Ends 3 April 2009

Holiday 14 February 2009 - 22 February 2009 Holiday 4 April - 19 April 2009

Term 5 Term 6

Begins 20 April 2009 Begins 1 June 2009

NB Public Holiday Monday 4 May 2009 (School Closed)

Ends 22 May 2009 Ends 17 July 2009

Holiday 23 May 2009 - 31 May 2009 Holiday 18 July 2009 - 31 August 2009 *Arrangements For The Beginning Of Term – September 2008

Tuesday, 2 September 2008 Year 7 and 10 only Wednesday, 3 September 2008 All students

Teacher Development Days 2008/09 (School Closed To Students)

Monday, 1 September 2008 Tba Tba Monday, 20 July 2009 Tuesday, 21 July 2009 NB Details of other 2008/09 TD Days etc will

published by mid June 2008 ABSENCE REPORTING TELEPHONE LINE

To improve the service to parents in reporting absence, we operate a 24-hour direct dial dedicated student absence reporting answerphone. The number is 01793 773013.

You do not have to go through the switchboard or usual school number. The number above is solely for the purpose of reporting student absence. This will enable parents to leave the initial message, further follow-up details as time progresses and date of return when known. When a student returns, he/she should bring in a signed note regarding the absence and the reason, as per normal practice. ADVANCE NOTICE OF PARENTS’ EVENINGS 2007/08

The following parents’ evenings are all included in the Year Calendar that will be given to students to bring home at the beginning of the new term. They are listed here, as are dates for Concerts and Productions (known to date) in the main section of this newsletter to help families with forward planning and childcare arrangements if required. 2007 Tuesday, 25 September 2007 Year 10 Work Experience Evening Thursday, 4 October 2007 Year 11 Parent/Subject Teacher Evening Tuesday, 9 October 2007 Year 11 Post 16 Progression Evening Thursday, 15 November 2007 Year 10 GCSE Curriculum Parents’ Evening Thursday, 22 November 2007 Year 7, 8 and 9 Parent/Tutor Evening Thursday, 6 December 2007 Year 10 Parent/Subject Teacher Evening

2008 Thursday, 24 January 2008 Year 11 Parent/Subject Teacher Evening Thursday, 7 February 2008 Year 8 Parent/Subject Teacher Evening Wednesday, 27 February 2008 Year 9 Parents’ Curriculum Evening Thursday, 6 March 2008 Year 9 Parent/Subject Teacher Evening Tuesday, 25 March 2008 Year 10 Parent/Tutor Evening Thursday, 1 May 2008 Year 7 Parent/Subject Teacher Evening

LUNCHTIME ARRANGEMENTS

Only ‘Purtonians’ who have parental permission to go to their own homes for lunch are allowed out of school during the school day. These students need a letter from their parents to confirm these arrangements and they will then be given a Key Stage Pass. Students may be asked to show their passes when on their way to or from home to verify they have permission to be off site. Students are not allowed to be off side during the school day. MEDICAL HELP IN SCHOOL – REMINDER

If your child needs to take medication during school time, we ask you to arrange with Mrs Marilyn Scott (School Office) to hold the medication in a locked cabinet for your child. For temporary arrangements, e.g. antibiotics, please write a note, which the student can take with the medicine, to the school office. If medication is required in the long-term, e.g. for migraines, allergies, pain relief, please ask your son/daughter to collect a form from the Reception Office so that you can provide clear instructions as to what will be required.

Please do not send any medicines to school with your child without following these procedures. The only medication that a child may carry around with him/her is an asthma inhaler if he/she suffers from severe attacks and would not have an opportunity to collect the inhaler from the school office. If your son/daughter has been prescribed an inhaler, would you please ensure that it is available at all times and that it is not empty and out of date? In view of the number of students using inhalers, it is also important that the inhaler is clearly named, so that it can be returned to the correct student in the event of it being mislaid.

Any student requiring first aid or who feels ill should report to the school’s Reception Office. We have a number of first-aiders and a structured recording/reporting system for illness/medical issues that arise during school time.

The staff concerned do an excellent job; however, we do not have a nurse on the premises and no one in school can be expected to diagnose/resolve medical problems, for example an ankle injury sustained several days earlier out of school.

Please do not send your children to school if they are feeling unwell, unless you are sure that they can last the whole day. Students are not allowed to telephone home themselves if they feel unwell. Staff, according to our Health and Safety at Work Policy, undertake this. A record is kept of students who are sent home so that we can monitor the situation and minimise the possible loss of lesson time. VEHICLES ON SITE

When entering and leaving the site, please ensure you drive carefully and observe the speed limit. Cars should not enter the site during morning and afternoon bus times. Please park considerately in the local area and respect the double yellow lines. This is all for every child’s safety.

Please remember

� The Peak is a one-way street. You can only exit the school to the LEFT to return to the High Street. � Please do not drive on to the site during ‘bus’ times. � Please ensure that you do not block neighbours’ entrances if you park locally. � Please ensure you do not park to restrict access for buses entering or leaving the site.

SCHOOL FUND

The school relies on the donations we receive each year from parents, which form the School Fund. This covers activities that take place to enrich the curriculum. It also provides vital funding to aid the running of the school’s minibuses.

We are sure that at some stage in the school year your sons/daughters benefit from something made possible by the existence of the school fund. We are therefore requesting a donation towards this fund. Your contribution is, of course, voluntary but in understanding that a small amount can make a difference, we hope you will feel inclined to support the school in this way. Donations will be collected in September with information on Giftaid that will enable us to reclaim tax and thus maximise donation value. STUDENT HOMEWORK PLANNERS

As we draw to the end of our current school year, we obviously look forward to the next, and to ways in which we can improve common practice within our school community.

We would like to remind parents that the planner is a good way to communicate with teachers, and vice versa, and we would like to see more of this in the next academic year.

Students should be aware that their use of planners will be monitored as usual next year by their tutors, Year Leaders and Heads of Key Stage; so all homework must be recorded. The planner is an academic tool and its use and appearance should reflect this. SCHOOL UNIFORM

As you are already aware, all students are expected to wear school uniform. If you need to purchase polo or sweatshirts, an order form is available from Reception. JMM Embroidery Ltd offers a mail order service, or you can visit its warehouse in Cheney Manor. The address is: Units 15/16, Enterprise House, Cheney Manor Industrial Estate, Swindon. Telephone: 01793 530806.

JMM offers a mail order service, or you can visit its warehouse in Cheney Manor, telephone 01793 530806.

We are sure that you appreciate the need to start the new school year with your son/daughter wearing the correct uniform and looking smart. The polo shirts and sweatshirts, which were introduced three years ago, have made a positive impact on students’ appearance.

May we remind parents that students should not be wearing training shoes unless they have a medical condition, which stops them from wearing school shoes. In this instance, they should forward a note from you. Next academic year if they are wearing training shoes, students will not be allowed into the school buildings. They are to be used for PE and outdoor break and lunchtime activities only.

The following page provides a useful reference summary for parents of the Bradon Forest uniform.

UNIFORM POLICY SUMMARY SHEET

School uniform is an important expression of membership of the Bradon Forest Community. All students should be clearly recognised as members of their school, visually representing Bradon Forest to the very high standards they achieve in all other areas of school life.

Thank you in advance for your continuing support for the school uniform policy. If any family has problems in providing the correct uniform, they should contact the relevant Head of Key Stage and this will be dealt with in strict confidence.

School Uniform Polo shirt Black or white with school logo; KS4 students have a special trim on the collar. Sweatshirt Grey sweatshirt with school logo for KS3; Black sweatshirt with school logo for KS4 Skirt Black Trousers Plain black full length, sensible style Shoes Black or brown shoes. Socks Boys – black or grey socks

Girls – plain white or black socks or plain black or beige tights Coats and Jackets Plain, dark colour. No denim.

Tracksuit/jogging tops are not acceptable as an alt ernative to a coat or jacket Advice to parents – relevant to boys and girls Training shoes Only to be worn for PE Jewellery Watches may be worn. One pair of small sleepers or studs may also be worn, with

one sleeper or stud per earlobe only. Other facial piercing is not allowed. For Health and Safety reasons it is vital that these restrictions are observed.

Hair and make-up Hair should be of reasonable length and style. There should be no extremes of colour. Girls may have discreet make-up and colourless nail varnish in KS4

Aprons An apron or an old shirt will be required for use in the Design and Technology area. PE Kit – Boys PE Kit – Girls Indoor requirements Indoor requirements White top (no slogans please) Plain white sports polo T-shirt White shorts and white socks Plain navy-blue or black shorts Clean training shoes or plimsolls (white if possible) Training shoes, white if possible White socks White socks Towel Towel Hairband The above kit is also worn during all lessons in the summer term

The above kit is also worn during all lessons in the summer term

Winter Outdoor requirements Winter Outdoor requirem ents Green rugby shirt (reversible if possible or a large white band sewn on the front and back)

Green rugby shirt (reversible if possible or a large white band sewn on to the front and back)

Black shorts Plain navy-blue or black shorts Green football socks Navy-blue/black tracksuit bottoms (optional) Football boots Plain white sports polo T-shirt Towel White socks (netball) and green socks (hockey) Shin pads White trainers and football boots Gumshield Towel Shin pads Hairband GCSE PE students – special T-shirt and jumper available from the PE Department

GCSE PE students – special T-shirt and jumper available from the PE Department

Labels: All items of clothing should be clearly l abelled with the student’s name.

KS4 Sweatshirts, KS4 polo shirts and Green PE rugby tops are available from JMM Embroidery Ltd, Units 15/16, Enterprise House, Cheney Manor Industrial Estate, Swindon. Telephone: 01793 530806.

Green PE socks are available from Reception at school, price £2.50 or from various retail outlets. All other items are available from chain stores/sports shops.