Contact InformationNarcot Lane, Chalfont St Peter, Bucks, SL9 8TP

www.chalfonts.org

The Chalfonts Community

Joanna AdkinsAssoc. Assistant

Principal

Issue 17 - December 19th 2017Chronicle “Success is an Attitude...”

Tel: 01753 882032Fax: 01753 890716

Email: info@chalfonts.orgTwitter: @CCChalfonts

Sometimes these pressures are imposed on them by school, sometimes by parents and also by theinfluence of social media (See Chronical Issue 4). We are committed to trying to find ways in which we can support them and reduce, or at least try to manage, the pressures they face. Maintaining excellent attendance at school is a constant focus for The Chalfonts, as we know that being a fully immersed member of a school community is one way in which we can help ease the burden and pressures on our young students. Absence breaks the continuity of learning and research shows that it leads to underperformance which may ultimately damage a student’s future job prospects. With increasing pressures however it is often our friendship groups which provide the needed encouragement and support. Poor attenders’ friendship groups often shrink and eventually close, leading to an added stress of isolation (http://dera.ioe.ac.uk/8655/1/RR424.pdf).

As I begin the mission of Christmas card signing, I realise again that it is often the school friendships thatbecome our lifelong companions and support network. Every day at The Chalfonts we look forward towelcoming a returning student in one year group or another and we thank you for your efforts in supporting our students and promoting excellent attendance at The College. It was only this week that I overhead a Year 9 student sharing with his peer his sense of achievement over his accomplished attendance to date and as the term draws to a close, we look forward to more formally celebrating such achievements.

Our aim as always at The Chalfonts is to develop and nurture students who achieve well, but moreimportantly, are well balanced and feel they are surrounded by a community which offers support andfriendship at all times.

We wish you all a happy and safe Christmas and we look forward as always to seeing you again in the New Year.

Once again, we are at the end of another academic term; a successful term for The Chalfonts and our community. Like all schools, our core business is learning and teaching, and I am pleased that in these areas there have been significantdevelopments so far this year. The second tranche of the new A-Levels and GSCEs have been introduced, so all are busy planning and delivering its challenging yet current and exciting content. In all cases, the students and staff have risen to the challenge of these changes and although there is still work to do to fully implement the courses, we are pleased with the attitude and determination that everyone has shown to establish the new schemes of work and curricular changes.

With the new curricular reforms and extra pressures on young people to perform and achieve, we are constantly mindful of the pressures our young people are under.

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Well it can be said that the music department has had a very busy and exciting half term. The

department has been filled with different groups of talented students rehearsing for various performances.

It has been fantastic to see so many students coming together and filling the corridors with great sounding

music whenever possible.

The event was a great success with 15 choir members bracing the cold and giving a fantastic performance

of ‘Jingle Bell Rock’ and ‘Winter Wonderland’. The event was supported by many parents and the students

did the college proud. Before leaving the stage the choir was asked to perform an encore of ‘Winter

Wonderland’ where members of the public and staff joined in with a rousing rendition.

Christmas songs were heard as early as October as the Year 7 and 8 choir

rehearsed for their first outside performance at the Chalfont St Peter’s ‘Fun Night’

on Friday 1st December.

Courtesy of paulupward.co.uk

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All the students were required to introduce their performances with confidence and some good humour added to the atmosphere of the evening. There were some extremely strong performances from all involved and even a guest appearance from Johnny Marrs’ (The Smiths), green Jag Fender. The gig was done professionally and it was an entertaining evening.

As part of their course, on Tuesday 5th December the Year 12 music students organised a full gig. This included lighting, stage management andperformance.

On the 18th December we held the annual Chalfont Community College Christmas Concert. This is always a great event and this year was no exception. There was a variety of music with something to suit every taste. Year 7 student Felix Flower, opened the concert with his solo of ‘Once in Royal David’s City’. The Year 7 and 8 choir was once again in fine voice with ‘Jingle Bell Rock’ and ‘Winter Wonderland’ and the Year 9s took us to the Caribbean with some great self-composed ‘Christmas Calypsos’. These were the work of weeks of learning about the origins and features of calypso music which resulted in some very catchy pieces. There were some enjoyable performances from all Key Stage 4 and 5 groups who have beenworking hard to put their pieces together. The concert came to an end with some festive favouritesincluding ‘I wish it could be Christmas Everyday’ and ‘Happy Xmas (War is over)’ which had everyoneleaving with that special Christmassy feeling.

The music department would like to thank all the students for their continued commitment and for all of their hard work this term. We look forward to another term of incredible music making in January. On behalf of all the Music Department we would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Mr. Stuart Forster, Teacher of Music

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Lille,France

On Friday 8th December 2017 a group of approximately fifty Year 9 and 10 students travelled to

Lille, France at 4:30 in the morning. We drove in a coach to the port of Dover where, after some

duty free, we took the Eurotunnel to Calais. We then drove for around two hours to Lille where

we parked outside a patisserie shop called Brioche Doree.

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We were given a map of Lille and a leaflet with of essential French vocabulary, after which, we

were allowed to explore our surroundings. In our groups we visited many French shops and

became weighed down with shopping such as sweets and chocolate in particular! Most

importantly however, we went to the traditional Christmas market of Lille. There were many stalls

selling a wide range of ornaments and local delicacies. At 4 o’clock we headed back to the coach

for the return to Calais to catch our Eurotunnel back to England. We arrived back at school at the

late hour of 9:30pm.

Thanks to Ms. Louis-Marie, Ms.Bremner, Ms.Cook, Ms.Carte and Ms.Draper for allowing us to use

our French language and knowledge in an authentic environment which helps us to develop our

understanding of French culture and lifestyle.

George Purdy, Year 9

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On Tuesday 19th December Freddy Newbert raised a large amount of money for Action 4 Archie and World Challenge. All students were allowed to wear trainers for a contribution of £1. In return, Freddy shaved off his hair. It was a great thing that Freddy did and we hope that the money raised will get well

spent on research.

Here’s a little more about Archie and Muscular Dystrophy:Archie Hill is in 7G5. You may have seen him walking around the school. Archie has DuchenneMuscular Dystrophy which is a muscle wasting condition that affects mainly boys and it makes walking and running very difficult. It can also lead to paralysis. Some boys with Duchenne lose their ability to walk as early as age 10. At present there is no cure for Duchenne.

Archie's family set up 'Action 4 Archie' six years ago with the aim of raising funds to support research into finding a cure for the condition. So far 'A4A' has donated over £190,000 to Muscular Dystrophy UK. It is the largest charity that supports people with muscle wasting conditions and funds research intoDuchenne.

We all take for granted the simple things in life, but for Archie, even putting his school shoes on is really difficult. Take a moment and think about it, just getting up from the floor or rising from a chair issomething Archie may not be able to do one day; a simple flight of stairs is already a real problem for him. Message from Freddy Newbert- “Over the last four years of being friends with the Hill family, I have found that, despite their situation, they are the most supportive family they could possibly be to Archie. Archie continues to smile every day and his determination to keep going is unreal.So please if you have a moment please donate to ‘Action4Archie’ by using this link: https://www.just-giving.com/fundraising/action4archie or by searching “ Action for Archie Just Giving”

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The Chalfonts Community College’s staff and students took part in the NSPCC Christmas jumper day on

Friday 15th December. This event allows students and staff to wear a jumper instead of normal uniform

or professional dress in exchange for a donation of at least £1. The normally reserved staff briefing was a

sea of knitwear in reds, white and greens; there were flashing LED lights and baubles a plenty. Around the

school students wore a variety of jumpers that featured Rudolf, elves, trees and Nordic knits. There were

plenty of comparisons and compliments as those that took part commented ‘Nice jumper’ as they passed

each other.

This event is all about having some fun and raising money for the NSPCC. We managed to raise over £500

this year so thank you to all those that donated and took part.

Have a very Merry Christmas and see you in 2018 for our next fund-raiser.

Giles Scoble

Vice Principal

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Amelia maintains success in the Golf European Junior Championships.

The Junior European Open (first staged in 1993) in association with Sky

Sports is widely believed to be the toughest test in junior golf in Europe.

The Champions Week Finals in Andalucia, Spain are staged over five

rounds on two of the top courses in Europe. This is an individual stroke

play event, played off scratch and open to boys and girls. There is no

handicap limit.

Held in late November, Amelia and Rachel Mackinlay travelled to Spain to compete against the nation’s

best junior golfers aged 11 to -17 years. With some tough competition over the five rounds, Amelia

successful achieved fifth place conceding only twelve strokes behind first. As one of the youngest in the

competition, Rachel Mackinlay gave it her best attempt and the experience sets her up well for future

competitions against such strong golfers.

Huge congratulations to both Amelia and Rachel, you both deserve a rest over Christmas.

Miss Fenner and the PE Department

Year 8 and 9 Shine in the Rain

They endured continuous rain from

8:30 to 1:15 and participated

happily without complaining.

An example of true resilience.

Naomi Noble

Teacher of PE

WELL DONE to Year 8 and 9 girls for fully engaging and enjoying PE in the pouring rain last week, as we

had no available space inside due to mock exams.

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U13 Girls’ FootballOn Thursday 30th November the team competed in

a Wycombe Wanderers 6 A-side Futsul tournament

at Cressex Centre. We played six games undefeated,

though the match against Dr Challoners was on goal

difference and won the semi-final against Great

Marlow 2-0.

The final saw us playing against Princes Risborough

who unfortunately scored in the last minute of the

seven minute game. It is a tough tournament as the

games are only 10 minutes long making it difficult to

get several goals within one game. The weather was

absolutely freezing but the girls were driven to win and

powered through the day with huge smiles on their

faces.

Scores:

2-2 vs John Colet

2-0 vs Eden

3-0 vs The Beaconsfield School

4-0 vs St Josephs

1-0 vs Beaconsfield High School

0-0 vs Dr Challoners

Semi Final - Won 2-0 Great Marlow

Final - Lost 1-0 to Princes Risborough

Well done to all of my lovely girls! I am a very proud Coach. Naomi Noble, Teacher of PE

Due to the lack of areas for PE this week we decided to go into the Winter Garden for a Christmas dance.

Grace, Year 9, led BTEC students with a session of "All I want for Christmas”. Lots of laughs and smiles

throughout; the boys definitely enjoyed it the most!

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The school is working closely with the Rotary Clubs of Jordans & District and the Misbourne Matins to deliver valuable interview coaching.

In January members of the Rotary Club are going to introduce a group of Year 10 engineering students to the interview process. They will give advice and tips on the students’ communication and presentation skills. A couple of weeks later thestudents will have a 1:1 interview with a Rotarian.

We are very pleased to be working together for a second year and grateful for the help and support the Rotarians are giving our young people.

Morrisby Profile (Psychometric Assessment) – for Years 11 to 13

The Morrisby Profile is a careers diagnostic tool available to students or adults, who wish to identify the career opportunities most appropriate for them. It uses a series of paper based tests and a questionnaire, which assess aptitude and work/study orientated personality. The earliest stage a student can do this test is when they are in Year 11. The assessment takes three hours. The results of the assessment are presented in a detailed personal report which shows how a person’saptitude relates to relevant careers and take into account their intended qualifications and work-related interests. For each suggested career, there is a brief description of what it involves, the exams usually required, information on professional organisations and suggestions for associated career areas. Inaddition, a ‘Looking Forward’ supplement gives suggestions of appropriate A-levels / degree courses your son or daughter may want to consider. They then have on-going access to the Morrisby informationwebsite to continue exploring their ideas.

The Careers Guidance Company Adviza will be running a session at The Chalfonts Community College.

Date: Saturday 20th January 2018Time: Arrive 09:30 for 10:00am start

The cost of our Morrisby package is £99 which includes the one to one feedback and guidance of thepersonal report. There is a bursary available.

For more information please visit:

https://www.adviza-guidance.org.uk/services/assessments/morrisbyor contact Andrea Gilbey: andreagilbey@chalfonts.org Direct Line: 01753 881 744

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The Annual Spelling Bee Competition

The Grand Finale of the Spelling Bee competition took place on Thursday, 14th December and thecompetitors were absolutely phenomenal. I was beginning to run out of words to give to the last two spellers in the Senior Category. It was the word ‘Coulis’ that separated them.

Congratulations to the Junior Champion Ted Bartlett (7K1) and the Senior Champion Gaurav Pant (10K4).

Let me take the opportunity to say thanks to our judges, Mrs Castleton and Miss Tahmazian; they were fantastic. The Spelling Bee Competition was again a resounding success, the competitors and supporters superb and I look forward to another exciting competition in 2018.

Elaine Brooks, (Spelling Bee Coordinator)

Sixth form performed brilliantly in this year’s pantomime production of Beauty and the Beast.

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Apprenticeship Live Company Broadcasts for Year 13s

We have been involved in two more live broadcasts from Highways England and Cap Gemini.

The Talent Specialist said:

“We want a team made up of people of all ages, combining experience and energy, and investing in

people that could in the years to come, become our leaders. We're proud to say that our apprenticeships

are helping us to achieve it. We recently received the prestigious Top 100 Apprentice Employer and

Regional Best Large Newcomer awards. Now, we’re keen to develop and earn even more recognition so

that we can attract, recruit and develop the next generation of highways specialists.

We offer a wide range of apprenticeships across our business:

• Business Administration

• Civil Engineering

• Customer Service

• Electrical Engineering

• Information Technology

• Project Management

You'll have the support of a talented coach or mentor that will help you develop the skills and knowledge

you need. Depending on your apprenticeship you’ll either carry out work-based learning or attend college

as part of your working week. All of our apprenticeships also allow you to earn as you learn.

Highways England is responsible for motorways and major (trunk) roads

in England and have around 3,500 staff based in locations around the

country. During the broadcast, we were able to ask questions of a Project

Management Apprentice based in Birmingham and the Highways Talent

Specialist.

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Cap Gemini is a global leader in consulting, technology

and outsourcing services. They help clients to transform

their businesses through ingenious technology solutions.

Cap Gemini offers the following degree and higher

apprenticeships:

Technology Degree: This is a 4.5 year Technology Degree Apprenticeship Programme. Graduate with

Aston University studying a BSc (Honours) in Digital & Technology Solutions and take on roles such as

Software Developer, Technical Applications Consultant and Insights & Data.

Business Degree: This is a 4.5 year Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship Programme. Graduate

with Aston University studying a BSc (Honours) in Leadership & Business Management and take on roles

such as: Business Analyst, Service Delivery Analyst, Functional Applications Consultant or Project

Management.

Cyber Security Higher Apprenticeship: This is an 18 month Level 4 Cyber Security Apprenticeship

Programme. It's ideal for those people who want a Level 4 Qualification but want to work at the same

time. You will follow a structured development plan covering Technical Security fundamentals giving you

the essential skills to meet industry needs. Roles will include: Cyber Security Specialist and Cyber

Security Analyst.

The Recruitment Specialist explained to us the process of application:

• Online application

• Online digital interview – scenario to work through

• Telephone interview

• Assessment centre

They look for people who are enthusiastic and show a real interest in the organisation. Their values are

boldness, freedom and fun. Some of their locations include London, Woking, Surrey, Aston, Manchester

and Bristol.

One of our Year 13s has attended a couple of the broadcasts:

“So far, I have found the Apprenticeship Live Broadcasts very helpful. They have given me the

opportunity to speak to current apprentices and understand what their jobs entail. I have also spoken to

employers to find out what key characteristics they look for which has been helpful in my CV writing as

well as application.” Ella MacDonald

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Stephen Wright

LTA Tennis Coach

Up to date DBS and First Aid Trained

Tennis Coaching at The Chalfonts Community College

NEW PLAYERS WELCOME !!

Tennis coaching sessions will be taking place at The Chalfonts Community College next term. The

sessions will include instruction on the following:

• Racket Handling

• Basic striking skills

• Racket and Ball control

• Rallying Skills

• Ball Sense training including throwing/catching

Wednesday 2:50 to 3:40pm (Years 7 - 10)

We run other sessions at the tennis club as well, but the classes do fill up quickly and a waiting list has

been put in place.

If you would like further information on the tennis club’s coaching sessions including term time lessons,

private lessons, holiday tennis camps, league and competitions please contact Head Coach, Stephen Wright

directly using the e-mail address or phone number at the top of the page.

You can also fill in the details below and send to the e-mail address and Stephen will be in touch with you.

I would like my child_________________________ ______Year_____________ to take part in the

Tennis Lessons at Chalfont St. Peter Tennis Club/The Chalfonts Community College

Mobile number: _________________________E-mail: ________________________________________

Medical conditions/Allergies: _____________________________________________________________

Signed ________________________________Parent/Guardian

Child Date of Birth: ______________________

Telephone: 07946 491 696

E-mail: s.wright@internationaltenniscoaching.com

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We would welcome donations of PE kit that students have grown out of or no longer need. This

includes old trainers and football boots too.

The PE department need as much spare kit as possible. It’s extremely useful for when students

forget to bring theirs in. We can then give them spares to participate.

Please deliver to reception

The Chalfonts Community College is working in partnership with School Lettings Solutions to

utilise our facilities during evenings, weekends and school holidays, creating a community

network with clubs and groups within the area.

SLS have a dedicated School Leisure and Sports Manager who is responsible for taking bookings

of the facilities, ensuring that the main focus for school staff is pupil attainment and day-to-day

responsibilities.

Facilities include an astro turf pitch, gymnasium, grass pitches & much more. To hire a facility or

for more information about what SLS can offer, please visit their dedicated lettings

website http://chalfonts.schoolbookings.co.uk/ or contact the School Leisure and Sports

Manager on 0151 515 6556

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Sports Fixures

Date Year Sport Versus Home/Away Staff

ApproxPick up

time

Mon 8th Jan11 Basketball Chesham Grammar Home HWD 17007 Basketball Dr Challoners Away CHA 1730

Weds 10th Jan

9A & 10A Netball Dr Challoners Away CHG 173010 Basketball Dr Challoners Home DCY 1700

7 - 9 Badminton Dr Challoners Away 1730

Dates for your DiaryThurs 4th January - Start of HT 3

Weds 10th January - Y8 ‘Options Day’

Thurs 11th January - Y11 Dance Show - 6:00PM

The draws for the Autumn Term have taken place and the lucky winners are as follows:

September £50 - Orlessa A (18)

October £50 - Christina A (63)

November £50 - Kim H (99)

December £150 - Sharon W (69)

Congratulations!!

Many thanks to everyone who purchased tickets in this year’s 50

Club. One hundred tickets were sold which, after prize money is

deducted, will leave proceeds of £500.

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InformationHelp us to help you!

Do your online shopping through The College website and The College will benefit in commission.No registration or sign-up required.

Add this page to your favourites and start shopping today:

http://www.chalfonts.org/onlineshop

All Year 9 students are being given information leaflets by their tutors. Information and consent forms have been e-mailed or posted to parents/carers.

Please complete them and return by e-mail (or a paper copy) to the Medical room by Monday 18thDecember.

Any issues completing or printing them please contact Miss Romney in the Medical room.

Lost PropertyThere is still a lot of ‘lost property’ being generated – please encourage students to look after theirbelongings – especially items of PE kit.

All named lost property is returned to its owner via e-mails to the students’ tutor, so please name anything that is likely to get ’lost’. Un-named lost property is put on the table in the corridor outside the medical room for anyone to claim and is recycled after a couple of weeks as there isn’t any storage space for the quantities of items received.

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Gayle Romney Medical Administrator/First Aider/Lost

Property

01753 881627gayleromney@chalfonts.org

Use of the Medical RoomReminder for students that the medical room is open at break and lunch-time for students to ‘Drop-In’.It is only open during and between lessons for accidents and medical emergencies.

Medical ConditionsIf your son or daughter are diagnosed with any medicalconditions, or are prescribed any medication that they may need during the day, please contact Miss Romney so that the information can be recorded.

Medical Time-Out cardsStudents diagnosed with a medical condition, which may necessitate them leaving a lesson, are issued with a Medical Time-Out card so that they can leave the lesson, without having to explain the rea-son to the teacher and with as little disruption as possible to the rest of the class.

Most students issued with these use them very responsibly but last term a small minority abused their use of them.

If your child is issued with an M T-O card, please will you remind them that they need to use it sensibly as they are issued for their benefit. i.e. they don’t need to explain to each teacher why they need to leave the room.

News from the Medical Roomand Lost Property

Students using crutches following an operation or injuryPlease advise Miss Romney if your son or daughter has an operation, or sustains an injury, and needs to use crutches on their return to school, as we need to ensure that they are given anysupport needed to keep them safe. This includes a risk assessment being carried out.

Principal; Russell DenialNarcot Lane, Chalfont St Peter, Gerrards

Cross, Buckinghamshire, SL9 8TP01753 882032

info@chalfonts.org