message from the headteacher mr a wills - ferndown...

1 www.fernup.dorset.sch.uk

Cherry Grove, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 9EY Tel No: (01202) 871243, Fax No: (01202) 893383

[email protected] www.fernup.dorset.sch.uk

MessagefromtheHeadteacherMrAWills

This Newsle er once again contains a very wide range of ar cles about ac vi es in the school and I hope you can see what a rich educa onal experience is offered to students at Ferndown Upper. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff in the school who do so much to provide extra opportuni es for students, very o en in their own me. Schools like ours provide students with the life and employability skills needed to progress to excellent work‐based training, appren ceships and Universi es. That’s one reason why we exceed the na onal average for successful student des na ons when they leave school. 93% of students at FUS progress to a sustained educa on or employment/training des na on compared to only 89% na onally.

The last statement is included in a report just released by Ofsted for school performance at GCSE during 2014. The report contains a lot of data but overall it shows that our students made very good progress between Years 6 and 11. In some subject areas, notably Science, Maths and Humani es this progress was above the na onal average and exceeded that of students in several ‘outstanding’ Dorset schools. I have wri en extensively on the subject in previous Newsle ers so forgive me one last thought for 2014 – Ofsted deal in judgements, we deal in facts. It is a fact that our last Year 11 students performed at a level in GCSE that exceeded the progress of their peers in 15 out of 19 other Dorset secondary schools. So for the ‘pupil progress at GCSE’ league table we would be ranked 5th out of 20 secondary schools in Dorset. Add to that our strength in AS level (graded ‘excellent’) and A2 (grade ‘good’) and I leave you to decide whether all the fuss we are making about an unjust inspec on is warranted.

Throughout 2014 I have been very grateful for the support, encouragement and belief of our students and their parents. It only remains for me to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.


JohnThorntonScholarshipsJTYAFNewsletterExtract

Earlier this year we supported ex‐FUS student Anya Kay to a end the Bri sh Bobsleigh Championships and we are delighted to report that she has recently been selected to compete with the Great Britain Bobsleigh Team! She will be heading off to North America very soon for her first

season on ice.

Anya pictured second from right

ChildreninNeedGungingSixthFormSeniorStudents

Laura Munday and her Y13 team raised over £250 for Children in Need on 14th November by asking students to donate towards the gunging of either Mr Rowe or Mr Tresman. The two Science teachers waited in an cipa on to find out who had raised the most money and would suffer their fate.

Despite Mr Tresman’s panicked last ditch a empt at swaying the vote by popping £10 into Mr Rowe’s bucket, he lost the ba le and had a bucket full of gunge dumped on him at break whilst our delighted students watched. The bucket contained custard, rice pudding, chickpeas, granola and soup amoungst other things! Well done to the Science teachers for being so brave!


NoPutDownWeekMissSBird

PublishedPoetsatFUSMissFSims

24th‐28th November was No Put Down Week organised by Miss Bird following the success of last year’s event. Students and staff were encouraged to present each other with compliment slips and to praise one another. The school received a flurry of lovely le ers from parents and local dignitaries which were shared with the staff to spread cheer. Thank you to all who contributed.

In English this term, students in all years were given the opportunity to enter a poetry compe on called ‘War of Words’. There were several high‐level entries, all of which have been selected to be published in the ‘War of Words South West’ book. The students selected were: Liam Brewer (year 9) – for his poem ‘Conflict: A World Wide Problem’ Cali Cave (year 9) – for her poem ‘War is a Waste of Time’ Rhianna Hutchings‐Clarke (year 13) – for her poem ‘A Soldier’s Legacy’ (see below) Helen Selby (year 11) – for her poem ‘Born to Die’

Tick, tock, ck, tock. Don’t regret and turn the lock. Tick, tock, ck, tock. Don’t look back, never stop. Le , right, le , right. Keep them marching out of sight. Le right, Le right. Don’t see their faces in the night. Pull the trigger, load the gun. Fight your burning urge to run. Pull the trigger, load the gun. Your nightmares have just begun. Kiss your wife, hug your daughter. Don’t think of those you led to slaughter. Kiss your wife, hug your daughter. Don’t forget you’re under orders.

Pull the trigger, load the gun. Fight your burning urge to run. Pull the trigger, load the gun. The Nazi fall has begun. Kiss your wife, hug your daughter. Remember those you’ve saved from slaughter. Kiss your wife, hug your daughter. It’s your last chance to restore order. Open the doors, open the doors. Free the prisoners without a pause. Open the doors, open the doors. A single gunshot marked your fall. Close your eyes, keep them closed. Now it’s almost your me to go. Close your eyes, keep them closed. Hear your legacy, it’s their freedom you chose.

Open the doors, open the doors. You see a child much like yours. Open the doors, open the doors. This is it, don’t you dare pause. Close your eyes, keep them closed. You need to see who you’ve hurt most. Close your eyes, keep them closed. One false move and the alarms blow. Tick tock, ck, tock. Never regret un‐turning that lock. Tick tock, ck, tock. Don’t look back, never stop. Le right, le , right. Keep them running back to light. Le right, le right. Remember her face in the night.

ASoldier’sLegacyRhiannaHutchings‐ClarkeY13


Following on from the success of our Sixth Form Informa on Evening in November, we are pleased to announce that we are now accep ng applica on forms for our September 2015 entry. Our new prospectus is available from the Sixth Form Office, or online under the Sixth Form tab of the school website. Interviews will begin in February, star ng with the students who applied during November and December. If courses are over‐subscribed then the early applicants will have priority for places which is why we strongly encourage students to submit their applica ons as soon as possible. The office is always open if you would like to speak to someone further about what we are offering in 2015.

SixthForm2015MrRRedwood,HeadofSixthForm

UCAS2015ApplicationsMrCMartin

The school has now completed the UCAS 2015 applica on process and we are delighted to announce that 60 of our students have applied to university next year. Some of the applica ons have been to Oxford and Cambridge as well as other Russell Group universi es. Most of our applicants have already undergone interviews and been offered places at various ins tu ons and in a wide range of subjects, such as Physics, Events Management and Primary Teaching.

ClothesShowLiveHandbagCompetitionFinalistAbiPryorY12

In September 2014, I entered the Young Handbag Designer of the Year compe on at the Clothes Show Live, Birmingham. I was over the moon when I received an

email congratula ng me on my place as one of the ten finalists and informing me to start construc ng. Star ng with just materials, kni ng needles and a denim skirt I began to make my design become reality. A er weeks of hard work and determina on, my handbag was complete and ready to be sent off to be judged. On Tuesday 9th December 2014, I a ended the Clothes Show Live and proudly witnessed my handbag (pictured right) being presented on the 'Image Catwalk'.


RallyNetballResultsMrsLBurgan

Following the Bournemouth Schools Netball Rally on 12th November, I am delighted to let you all know that the U16 girls came 2nd overall out of 8 schools. The final match both St. Peters and us had not lost a game so it came to this crunch match, sadly we lost 6 – 5; a very close game! Throughout the a ernoon the girls had won their matches convincingly (12 – 2 against BSG, 10 – 4 against Talbot Heath). Please congratulate the following players: Prudence Mwaruwari, Katy Dunn, Millie Harris, Abi Bedford, Charlie Smith, Bella Pre y and Danni Cole.

The U15 girls came 4th out of 7 schools in their age group and played really well. We had a lot of possession but sadly couldn’t score the goals!! However, it was a

good experience for them. Please congratulate them as well: They are: Laura Bedford, Ellen Salter, Ellen Bartle , Ellie Jones, Kirsty Watson, Izzy Macey, Jess Errington

Under 15

St Peters

Talbot Heath

Ferndown

BSG

Avonbourne

TBOWA

Twynham

Under 16

TBOWA

Twynham

Arnewood

Talbot Heath

Ferndown

Glenmoor

St Peters

BSG

SpanishTriptoBarcelona2016MrsFMoyano

The MFL Department is delighted to inform year 9 students that there are spaces available for those who were indecisive about coming to Barcelona 2016. If you are s ll interested, please see Mrs Moyano for more informa on and a le er.


MrsWhiteheadleavingFUS

Mrs Whitehead, Director of Music, is leaving Ferndown Upper School at Christmas to take up a new post at Bournemouth School. Mrs Whitehead joined Ferndown Upper in 1997 and has been a valued member of staff who has given much of her me to lunch and a er school clubs as well as many Soirees, school produc ons, choirs and orchestral performances. The sixth form will miss her as a tutor with her years of experience of the UCAS process and coaching students during her free me whilst they await interviews at the top universi es. Mrs Whitehead’s last Carol Service at St Mary’s Church is on Tuesday 16th December when we expect to see the largest turn out to date. We all wish Mrs Whitehead the best and thank her for her contribu ons to this school.

Exam Success Congratula ons to the following students for their theory grade exam results this term: Phoebe Mellis Grade 2 Merit Chris Buss Grade 2 Dis nc on Jake Ford Grade 5 Pass Amit Lazar Grade 5 Merit Katharina Konnerth Grade 5 Dis nc on Ben Kinch Grade 6 Pass

News of Former Students Congratula ons to James Olsen (FUS 1995‐2000) and Ryan Drummond (FUS 2004‐2007), both of whom have recently been awarded their Masters Degrees in music. James completed his at Liverpool, and Ryan at Huddersfield. Sixth Form Soiree Congratula ons to our A Level musicians who gave an excellent performance on 23rd October in the music room. Judging by the standard of the concert, we are in for some excellent recitals in the spring.

MrsCWhitehead


Schools Prom Linda Feuerstein in year 11 has successfully gained a place in Wessex Youth Orchestra for this season on violin. The orchestra recently competed in the Na onal Fes val of Music for Youth, and as a result Linda’s first concert with the orchestra was to perform at the Schools Prom at the Royal Albert Hall in London on 11th November. I was able to a end the performance, and was amazed as always by the quality of music making from this young orchestra. It was an especially proud day for the FUS music department as the orchestra is conducted by Susanna Riddell, who is a former student of the school, now a cellist in the London Philharmonic Orchestra. I’m sure it is a concert that neither will forget! Music Department Staff News Our best wishes go to percussion teacher Mr Williams, who gets married on the last day of this term.

Carol Service – 16th December 7:30pm at St Mary’s Church I hope you have all received a le er invi ng you to our carol service, which will this year be my final event at FUS. I would love to see as many students and their families there as possible. It has been a privilege to work with our young musicians for the last 17 years, and to be the first step for many towards a career in music, and I shall greatly miss the whole FUS family.

MrsCWhitehead

Another huge success with all students pushing themselves and producing some fabulous nosh! Again the judges found it hard to make final decisions and have put through 5 students instead of four to the next round. Please congratulate them if you see them around school.

YesChefCompetitionMrsDHoughton

* Finbarr MacMillan‐Cabal * Georgina Fazakerley * Charlo e James * Beau Spencer * Cameron Hawkes


In August I was lucky enough to be accepted on the Tenacious ship sailing adventure a er hearing about it through a member of staff at my school. I flew to Denmark where I boarded the ship and began the 12 day journey to the UK. In total there were 50 par cipants ranging from 17 to 65 years old. I was the youngest person on the trip! Amongst the group were two wheelchair users and two blind people. They really added to the whole experience as we learned how they manage on such a physical expedi on. For example, we hoisted the wheelchair users up to the crows nest using a harness so that they would not miss out on this thrilling experience, and we spent a day blindfolded and being guided by a partner so that we could appreciate how our blind peers were coping on the trip. Through this ac vity I no ced that boards were placed on the desks to help the blind work out where they were on the ship and which side they were on. I really found that ea ng was my biggest challenge; it was a surprise how hard it was to eat without the luxury of sight! Throughout the journey we all worked in 4 hour shi s at all hours of the day and night, including a ‘Happy Hour’ which consisted of cleaning the ship! I o en had to scrub the decks and kitchens to earn my keep on board. Other ac vi es were making an old fashioned contrap on to measure the speed of the ship. It wasn’t all hard work; we o en swam in the sea and moored up to visit countries such as Belgium and France. We were able to enjoy dinner in these countries which was a real treat. I’m very keen to go on another expedi on. Next year the ship will go from the Bahamas to The Arc c and will finish in Southampton. Unfortunately I think it will clash with my exams, but I’m going to be keeping my eye out for other exci ng journeys. I enjoy working as part of a team and helping others. I volunteer at a holiday camp for people with disabili es and assist them with pu ng up tents, cooking and accompanying them on day trips. Some mes I work with up to 80 people between 18‐35 years of age. My ambi on is to work in a role where I can con nue to help people.

h p://jst.org.uk/our‐tall‐ships/tenacious/

JubileeSailingTrustAdventurePhoebeWoodley‐Facer,6thform


Ferndown Upper School are extremely proud to announce the refurbishment of our Apple Mac Suite.

Photography students have been producing fantas c work over the last decade in this suite; however, our white iMacs were due for re rement, some of them serving the full 10 years. The suite has now had a complete overhaul with brand new Mac Minis, keyboards, mice and full HD monitors as well as a brand new server and storage. Both students and staff are now fully equipped to deliver even more amazing work for the next 10 years.

To see the Mac Suite being refurbished and other Ferndown news, please ‘Like’ our Facebook page and follow us on Twi er.

AppleMacSuiteRefurbishmentMrCDean,NetworkManager

Facebook.com/FerndownUpperSchool @FerndownUpper


In November, Ferndown Upper School were pleased to present the school produc on of ‘Grease’; a huge collabora on between staff, musicians and students from across all the year groups. Sam Harvell and Nicole Cuthbert were Danny and Sandy respec vely and gave memorable performances in their lead roles, as did the rest of the cast with special men on to Dan Jones for his superb accent whilst playing Vince Fontaine, and Kit Camble’s fantas c jive. Both performances sold out quickly and our guests were delighted with the produc on. Many praised it for being ’great fun’ and they especially enjoyed the drive in movie clip featuring cameo performances from some staff.

We would like to thank Ms O’Connor and Mr Jarvis for bringing the produc on together, as well as the many other members of staff who volunteered behind the scenes. We would also like to thank all the students involved, Mike Banton for his technical assistance, the band and the Technology Department for building the car.

CharityRaf leSixthForm

This month sixth formers Sam Milsom, Lucy Wakelin, Sam Harvell and Dan Jones have been selling raffle ckets in memory of their friend Sam Cheetham (pictured) who passed away in the summer of 2013. They raised over £100 and have donated the money to the Sam Cheetham Brighter Futures Fund.


Lunch me A er School

MON B17 open for finishing home‐work or prin ng out work

Music – Grade 5 theory sup‐port

Basketball – All Years, in Sports Hall

TUE B17 open for finishing home‐work or prin ng out work

2.45 – 3.45pm FUS Jazz Club **in A2 ** School Jazz band for all sax, trumpet and trombone players. Other instruments by invite/audi on.

Year 10 Basketball – Sports Hall (Mr Hayter)

2.40pm – 4pm Rugby (All Years) My Hayter & Mr Tresman

Girls Only Fitness Gym – Miss Harbridge

2.40pm – 4pm Netball (All Years) + Matches

2.40pm – 4pm Fitness Gym Sessions (£2 session)

Art Club (Primarily aimed at Year 9 Students)

Product Design (Yr 10 +11) Coursework Clinic & workshop / Prac ce session

Catering & HALO (Yr 10 & 11) Coursework Clinic & prac cal session

WED B17 open for finishing home‐work or prin ng out work

2.40 – 4pm Photography Club (only for current GCSE / A‐Level Photography students)

Netball (All Years) 2.45 – 3.45pm Choir in A2 (open to all)

Boys Fitness 2.40pm – 4pm Swimming (All Years)

2.40pm – 4pm Fitness Gym Sessions (£2)

Maths Club in A7

Spanish Catch Up Sessions

Resistant Materials (Yr 10 & 11)Coursework Clinic & workshop / Prac cal session

THU B17 open for finishing home‐work or prin ng out work

2.45‐3.45pm Orchestra in A2 (open to all orchestral musicians)

Basketball (Mr Hayter) 2.40pm – 4pm All Years Football

Mixed Gym (Mr Ellis) 2.40pm – 4pm Fitness Gym Sessions (£2)

Graphics (Yr10& 11) Coursework clinic & workshop / Prac cal session

“Greenpower “ Car (A er Half Term) Designing, engineering & maintenance of our ba ery powered car (See Mr Ti erington for details) Week 2 only

2.40pm Science Support Club in D2 with Mr Haynes, all welcome.

FRI B17 open for finishing home‐work or prin ng out work

Year 10 Dry Ski Sessions (Mr Hayter & Mrs Burgan) – Times to be confirmed * Help with your grade exams & GCSE H/W. All welcome. Theory of Music* Year 9 ‐13,

in A1

6th Form Football (Sports Hall)


EARN AROUND £120 PER

WEEK!

Tuesday 16 December Carol Concert at St Mary’s Church 7.30pm‐9pm Friday 19 December Mu i Day for ‘Over the Wall’ Friday 19 December Last day before Christmas holidays (students finish 12.10pm)

Monday 5 January 2015 Back to school a er Christmas Saturday 3 Jan—11 Jan Pila Ski Trip Tuesday 13 January 6pm Full Governors’ Mee ng Wednesday 28 January 6th Form Open Evening Tuesday 3 February Annual Internet Safety Day Thursday 5 February 6th Form Soiree 7.30pm‐9pm Tuesday 10 February Music Workshop Concert 6.30pm‐7.30pm Thursday 12 February Year 11 Teacher Consulta on Evening Friday 13 February Mu i Day for ‘Help for Heroes’ Mon 16 Feb‐Friday 20 Feb Spring Half‐Term Holiday ...con’t


...con’t Monday 23 February 6th Form In‐Class Mock Exams w/c Monday 2 March Halo Work Experience Week Mon 2 March‐Thurs 5 March Barcelona Trip Wednesday 11 March Y11 and Y13 Leavers photo to be taken. Friday 6 March Year 11 Science Live in London Thursday 12 March Year 9 Op ons Evening Friday 13 March London o/v Geography Trip Thursday 19 March Year 9 Teacher Consulta on Evening w/c Monday 23 March Year 11 Mock Exams (Core) Monday 23 March Spring Concert 7.30pm‐9pm Tuesday 24 March 6pm Full Governors’ Mee ng Wednesday 25 March 6th Form Teacher Consulta on Evening Thursday 26 March Trip to Opera Friday 27 March Mu i Day for Diabetes UK Friday 27 March Last day before Easter holidays Monday 13 April Back to school a er Easter Mon 13 April‐Wed 15 April 6th Form Mocks Monday 4 May Bank Holiday Mon 11 May‐Fri 5 June Year 12 Study Leave Tuesday 12 May 6pm Full Governors’ Mee ng Friday 22 May Mu i Day for ‘Bournemouth Soup Kitchen’ Friday 22 May Year 13 Last Day Mon 25 May‐Fri 29 May May Half‐Term Holiday Tuesday 23 June Music Fes val Wednesday 24 June Sports Day w/c Monday 29 June Year 10 Mock Exams Tuesday 14 July 6pm Full Governors’ Mee ng Friday 3rd July Year 13 Gradua on and Prom Mon 6‐Fri 10 July Year 10 Work Experience Thursday 9 July Year 8 Parents’ Evening Thur 9 July—Fri 10 July Year 8 Transfer Days Wednesday 15 July Year 10 Studland Trip Friday 17 July Mu i Day for ‘Riding for the Disabled’ Friday 17 July Last day before Summer holidays (students finish 12.10pm) Monday 20 July INSET (no students)

message from the headteacher mr a wills - ferndown...

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