Woodlands Newsletter 16/10/15

@Woodlands_CC

Upcoming Diary Dates

At Woodlands we aim to become an outstanding school by INSPIRING and CHALLENGING

our pupils so that they ACHIEVE well and are able to enjoy successful and happy futures

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October

22nd Year 7 Hallowe’en Disco 6.30pm to 8.00pm

October

23rd Break up for half term At 2.40pm

Inspiring

Challenging

Achieving

November

2nd Return to school At 8.25am

October

26th Half Term holiday

Mon 26th Oct to Fri 30th Oct

“We were learning whilst working and

having fun, which is very vital in education”

ISSUE 6

A Message from our Head Boy and Head Girl…

Dear Parents/Carers,

It is hard to believe that we are approaching the end of the first half term. Our new Year 7 students are here, settling in well and are now well accustomed to their timetables and the routines of the school day. KS4 are now fully immersed in their revision programmes and are starting to attend after school revision sessions. Given how quickly this half term has passed, it will only be a matter of moments before we are starting the exam season.

This half term has been incredibly busy, with some exceptional highlights. We particularly enjoyed welcoming prospective parents and students to our open evening; as a prefect team we held tours around the school and we relished the opportunity to showcase our fantastic facilities. Fundraising has been a huge highlight of the half term and we were delighted to raise £250 during our Macmillan coffee morning. This is a charity close to many of our hearts and it was wonderful to recognise this within our school. Students are now busy collecting items to create shoe boxes for ‘Operation Christmas Child’ and we look forward to seeing how many boxes we can send to children less fortunate than us.

As a prefect team, we are busy fundraising for our school prom and are very much looking forward to hosting the Hallowe’en Disco for our Year 7 students. We are also planning for the final assembly of this half term and are excited to see which House wins the cup this half term!

Best wishes,

Charlie Kirby and Emily Edwards

Careers Week Rewards

On Friday, 9th October, Ashleigh Cole and Chelsea Seifert-Vear had their driving lesson prize which they won during careers week in the summer term.

The girls had a brilliant experience and loved every moment. A big thank you to Jon the driving instructor from Drive B4 U Turn who turned up dressed as Mr Bean to raise money for Children in Need.

November

2nd Year 10 Trip Solent University

Year 9 Arts Expo Day Last week all of Year 9 spent their Wednesday being creative as part of our Arts Expo Day. The aim of the day was to give us the chance to try new things in the creative arts, to kick-start our Arts Award qualifications and to celebrate the 10th Birthday of the Arts Awards nationally. We learned new skills in street art, fusion music, improvisational comedy and

street dance, and were lucky to have the guidance and support of several visiting professional artists, musicians and dancers. We even finished the day with special cakes to celebrate Arts Award’s 10th birthday! 100% of Year 9 students responded in their evaluations that the day was an enjoyable and positive learning experience.

What was the best thing about the Arts Expo Day?

“Learning new skills, because we learned them in a fun and exciting way” – Callum Hurst. “Doing street dance with the visitor: I enjoyed it a lot because it was a laugh and it was different” – Sophie Lacey. “Meeting the band in Music” – Alan Neary. “The Drama workshop because it was fun developing my improvisation skills and the confidence to improve in front of an audience” – Hannah Munday. “Trying out spray painting because it was a new experience” – Jude Mansfield. “The performance and the question and answer session because I learned a lot about arts careers” – Levi Wellman. “We were learning whilst working and having fun, which is very vital in education” – Sina Sharifpour. “It was fun and an interesting way to learn new skills. We also found out more about the Arts Award qualifications” – Katie Atkinson.

Accelerated Reading Students in KS3 have been making a very positive effort to improve their reading and at the same time support their House teams. We are less than half way through the month and the Accelerated Reader board is already emblazoned with their successes (pictured right). If your child's name isn't already on the board please remind them that everyone has an equal opportunity to achieve: all they need to do is select an AR listed book at their own level and read it carefully. The library has a good selection of shorter stories, epic tales, series and, for the many who prefer factual rather than fiction books, interesting information books that offer AR quizzes. There really is something for everyone!

Library lessons are a good opportunity to ask for advice and assistance on book choice. The lesson is also used for activities to familiarise students with Library skills and procedures and to practise the style of questioning encountered in a reading test. If books are at the correct level students should be encountering occasional unfamiliar words and these should be researched and recorded in the vocabulary pages of their planner. Dictionaries are always available and we encourage students to submit ideas for our 'Word of the Day' which is displayed by the Library entrance. Please offer suggestions!

There are also 3 ways to gain extra rewards for using the Library:

Collect signatures when a student reads to a teacher or other adult in school.

Collect 20 stamps for quizzes passed at 80% or above

Collect 10 stamps for vocabulary quizzes taken

A Reading Millionaire is someone who has quizzed on books containing a total of a million words or more. Our first Reading Millionaire this year is Jamil Islam who has currently read 1,664,199 words. This is a tremendous achievement and a rewarding one too as he will have enhanced his own knowledge and experience in the process.

Please make sure that all entries for the Hallowe'en competition (available at the Library desk) are returned by 21st October, and

GOOD LUCK!!

Abigail

Amey

Tiffany

Arnold-Gibb

Leah

Ballard

Thomas

Boyle

James

Brading

Julia

Hebda

Megan

Kightly

Connor

Knight

Harley

Raquet

Daniel

Sherred

Our Reading Stars this week, selected for their effort and achievement...

Year 11 Inclusion - Catering

Some excellent examples of the end product from some of our Year 11 inclusion pupils after their recent Catering exam.

"I enjoyed cooking so much it was such a fun experience cooking under time conditions. I would love to do it again and I feel more positive about next time" – Hamilton Lee.

Numeracy Across the Curriculum

Two weeks ago pupils were challenged to create their own tessellation. Although we had many entries to the competition,

the winning entry selected at random belonged to Ruby Kill. Congratulations go to her and best of luck next time for everyone else who entered.

This Friday, pupils spent 20 minutes learning how the ancient Egyptians used hieroglyphics to represent their number system as detailed below.

This week’s competition is to solve the numerical problem below which is written using Egyptian hieroglyphics.

If you can solve this puzzle, your answer should be handed to, or emailed to Mr Caplen by Thursday, 22nd October. One correct answer will be selected at random and a prize will be awarded to the winner.

Netball Trip Eight of our Girls’ U14 netball team (pictured below) were taken by Miss Brown and Miss Lawrence to Surrey Sports Park, home of the Super League champions, Surrey Storm, to watch two next generation U21’s netball matches on Saturday, 10th October. Surrey Storm hosted the southern leg on the first day of the three event tournament. The first match saw Surrey Storm take on Loughborough Lightning, it was fast paced and resulted in the hosts winning 50 goals to 43. The second game witnessed Hertfordshire Mavericks play Loughborough Lightning. After their first defeat Loughborough Lightening were determined to

stay ahead. Unfortunately, the Hertfordshire Mavericks overturned their lead in a very close game and won 45-40. Both matches were exciting and exhilarating to watch with plenty of talent and skill to inspire our own players.

**ATTENTION**

ALL STUDENTS, PARENTS AND VISITORS

School Car Park Safety Reminder

Remember - Please could you all use the designated pathways alongside the school car park and be aware of the dangers posed at all times when walking through the parked cars and crossing the road.

If you are dropping off, or picking up your child from school please can you ensure that you do not block access to the designated marked pick up zone for the Paint Pots Pre-school.

Many thanks for your support with this.

Next PD Day – 20th OctoberWhat is your child learning?

Year Topic

7 Diversity – To understand who I am and my place in society.

8 Addictions – Peer pressure and Health risks associated with choices we may make.

9 Relationship – What makes a healthy relationship?

10 Diversity – How can relationships be diverse?

11 Careers – To create a Curriculum Vitae ready for college applications.

Science News, Clubs & Activities

STEM Club

STEM Club is now running after school on Wednesdays and Fridays giving your child the opportunity to explore aspects of science, technology, engineering and maths in a fun and interesting way. Last week they were designing robots using the Lego Mind-storm kit and planning activities they would be interested in doing over the coming year. Please tell your child to see Mr Vetterlein if they would like to come and join in.

Has your child got their study and revision guide yet?

Science study and revision guides for Years 10 and 11 are on sale at a reduced cost of £4.00 per copy. Year 11 students taking Triple Science with Mrs Wilcox and Mr Doulton can purchase a revision guide for £2.75. We are also offering a student study guide published by CPG for Year 7 students for the reduced price of £5.50. Students can pay at the front office and bring their receipt to the Science Prep room to collect a copy.

Parental guide for using Doddle

Doddle is an online resource providing your child access to their homework and revision resources across the Science curriculum. The self-marking homework quizzes provide immediate results and feedback. You can help your child stay on top of their Doddle homework. The student “To Do” list clearly shows all homework in date order. Talk to your child about what work they need to do on their “To Do” list, including any extra instructions given by their teacher

If your child is having problems accessing their Doddle account then please get them to see their class teacher as soon as possible. Do not wait until their homework is due in!!

Doddle homework

Remember, your child will be set homework on Doddle at the beginning of every week. This must be completed by the following

Friday.

How to access Google Classroom

By using “Google Chrome” as a web browser, this tends to work better with Google Classroom. However, any up to date web browser will work (IE, Firefox, Safari etc.) The first way of doing this is by heading direct to the Google Classroom website. This can be found at: classroom.google.com

Once you have navigated successfully to Google Classroom you should be met with a Google login page. All students have their own personal login credentials for accessing their Google school email. Your child’s teacher will have given them an invite to access their personal classroom.

Woodlands Students’ Health & Welfare

Dear Parent/Carer

Now that we have started the new academic year and the students are back together in the

classroom and in the playground, it is time to start checking your child for head lice on a regular basis.

Within most schools, at any one time, there will be a small number of children infected with head lice. Infection levels remain fairly

constant, but if you could inspect your child’s hair at least once a week throughout the term, we would be very grateful.

Head lice don’t always cause an itchy scalp (head) so many people will be unaware that they are infected. Sufferers only develop an

itchy scalp if they become sensitive to the louse saliva, and this can take up to two months.

If you suspect your child has head lice, please report any incidences to the school. Detection and effective

treatment of any head lice outbreaks is key to reducing the problem.

Treating head lice is not a problem. For further advice, consult your pharmacist or doctor. If you have

access to the Internet, you can obtain more information from www.headliceadvice.net.

Thank you for your support.

Miss Witt

School Welfare Officer

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8th October 2015

Dear Parent/Carer

I wrote to you on 11th September 2015 to invite nominations for the vacancy for Parent Governor.

I am delighted to say that there has been a good response and there are four candidates for two vacancies.

This means we must now hold a ballot.

Attached to this letter is:

• A ballot paper with the names of the candidates (in alphabetical order).

• A copy of the personal statements from the candidates who are Shirley Brading, Suzanne Kimbley,

Charlann Sharpes and Ruth Thomas.

You may vote for up to two of the candidates. Each parent can submit one ballot paper, regardless of the

number of pupils you have attending the school. As indicated on the ballot paper you should vote by marking

an X alongside the name(s) of the parent(s) you support. Head Teachers have the discretion to declare ballot

papers spoiled (in consultation with the Returning Officer) if need be. Ballot papers will be considered spoiled

and will not be counted where there is any mark which might reveal the identity of the voter.

Once you have marked the ballot paper it should then be put in the ballot box, which can be found in the

reception of Woodlands Community College by 20th October 2015. If it is not possible for you to vote in person,

please return to the following address: Jenny Edwards, Clerk to Governors, Woodlands Community College,

Minstead Avenue, Southampton,

SO18 5FW.

The election will be decided by a simple majority of votes cast. In the event of a tie, lots will be drawn.

When the election has been completed I will let you know the outcome. If in the meantime you have any

queries, please let me know.

Yours sincerely

Sue Blatchford

inspiring challenging achieving

Ballot Paper

Election of Parent Governors

There are two vacancies for Parent Governors. You may vote for two candidates, but NOT vote more than once

for each candidate.

Candidates

Candidates were asked for their reasons for applying and for their experience and personal skills. Please see

the information below to enable you to decide who you consider the best candidate(s).

Mrs Brading

My name is Shirley Brading. I have been married for 17 years and my husband is an engineer. We have 9

children. 3 who have been through secondary school 2 in secondary school and 4 to start in the years to come.

I also work in year R at Bitterne Manor every day. I have 2 diplomas in child behavior and am a qualified

teaching assistant though I am studying for my higher level diplomas and SEN diploma and 2 others. I also

home schooled my daughter Beth before she came to Woodlands. She left her previous school after being there

6 weeks after a serious bullying issues.

What can I offer to the school, well I can offer a lot of expertise in what I have learnt from children and what is

important to them and more importantly I'm committed to making the most of the experience in making the

school be the best it can be and keep our children feel safe.

Mrs Kimbley

My name is Suzanne Kimbley. I have one son at Woodlands who is in Year 8.

Mrs Sharpes

My name is Charlann Sharpes, I have one son currently at Woodlands he is in year 10.

The reason I want to be a governor is because over the last eight years Woodlands has been very supportive to

my children and our family and now I'm in a position to be able to give something back.

Some things that might help me in this role would be that I work in education, I am a TA at one of the local

primary schools and lead our KS2 nurture group.

I was also previously a governor at my son’s primary school, during this time I was on the panel for appointing

the head teacher, I think this has given me valuable skills that I can transfer to this role.

Miss Thomas

My name is Ruth Thomas and I have one son currently attending Woodlands in year 11. I also have a son in

Year 6 who I hope will be attending your school in September 2016. I am interested in becoming a parent

governor because I would like to help support the school, it's pupils and staff to continue to grow and look for

further areas of improvement. I would like to have the opportunity to voice an opinion from a parents point of

view. I feel I have many skills and lots of experience to help me as a governor. After leaving Woodlands with

8 GCSE's in 1988 I went to City College and gained a BTEC National Diploma in Business and Finance. This

dealt with financial and legal issues along with employment and marketing. This has provided me with the

basics for running a business. Seven years ago I joined the management committee of my youngest sons

preschool, Brambles Community Pre-School, and after a year became Chairperson of the Committee. I

became the Registered Person with Ofsted and managed accounts, staff and the charity as a whole. I took

on this role on a voluntary basis. After a year I studied to gain a Level 3 Childcare qualification at Itchen

College in the evenings. After completing this I stepped down as Chairperson and became a member of

staff. I have since become the preschool special needs co-ordinator and Deputy Lead. I have just finished a

Foundation Degree in Childhood Studies at the University of Winchester and graduate in three weeks. I will

be going back to complete my BA Honours in September 2016. In my time working in early years I have had

to work closely with outside agencies and parents. I have had to work within a team and support staff

members when needed. I think that as I am also working within the education system I am up to speed with

current guidance and government changes, for example Prevent and the promotion of British Values. I feel

very strongly that schools should be doing everything they can to improve the outcomes and aspirations of

children especially those in deprived areas and that by working in partnership with parents to improve the

home learning environments of these children we can provide all the support needed to do this. I would very

much like to be part of this within your school.

Please return the voting paper below to Woodlands Community College by 20th October 2015

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Election of Parent Governors – Woodlands Community College

Candidate Mark an ‘X’ to indicate

your vote

Mrs Shirley Brading

Mrs Suzanne Kimbley

Mrs Charlann Sharpes

Miss Ruth Thomas