Issue 610 - 8th December 2017
Page 5 Learner Leadership Experience Page 4
Chef Roadshow Page 8
www.honywoodschool.com | Tel : 01376 561231
Headlines By Simon Mason
Staff News Fiona Lee Allan joined our school in January 2005 as a part-time teacher of Drama. On meeting Mrs LeeAllan for the first time, it was clear to me that I had employed an exceptional person; indeed I told her at that very early stage in our relationship that I expected her to become a school leader. It did not take long for Mrs Lee-Allan to show those leadership qualities and she quickly became Head of Expressive Arts and then Assistant Head before being promoted to Deputy Head in September 2009 – a meteoric career progression that few are capable of achieving. In the twenty five terms that I have had the absolute pleasure of working so closely with her as my Deputy, I have seen her move our school forward in so many ways. Just to illustrate, it was Mrs Lee-Allan who came up with the idea of My Learning Choices. She piloted the scheme, evaluated it and made sure that when it was implemented all the teething troubles any such initiative suffers from were ironed out. She also led the design of our My Learning Attributes curriculum and has led on the development of Showcasing. As line-manager to the Cohort of learners who left us in 2016 she oversaw the group who currently have achieved the best outcomes in the school’s history; an outstanding achievement by those learners, all of whom would tell you how much Mrs Lee-Allan inspired them to perform so well. I cannot tell you how proud I am to announce that Mrs Lee-Allan leaves us at the end of this term to become Headteacher at St George’s International School in Malaga, Spain. Of course, I am also very sad to see Mrs Lee-Allan move on from our school. However, I will never lose all the things she has taught me in the thirteen extraordinary years she has spent with us and I’m sure that every learner at our school and every member of our staff who have been fortunate enough to come into contact with Mrs Lee-Allan will have learned something from her that will ensure that she is always a part of our lives. On behalf of you all can I congratulate Mrs Lee-Allan on her exceptional success and wish her bien para el futuro. Kaytie Egan joined us in January 2016 as a trainee teacher of Science. It was immediately obvious that in Miss Egan we had found another exceptional teacher to join our brilliant Science Team and so appointing her to join us as a Newly Qualified Teacher in September 2016 was one of the easier decisions I’ve had to take in my time at the school. Miss Egan had a fantastic first year with us as a qualified teacher, but ambitious to take her career quickly into school leadership she applied for and gained the Second in Science position at Philip Morant School for January 2018 at which point she will leave us. On behalf of our whole community can I thank Miss Egan for her excellent contribution over the last two years and wish her well as she takes her career forward into subject leadership. Miss Egan’s Learning Group will be taken on by Ellen Pearce, being re-named 8EPe from January. Re-joining the school in recent weeks have been Lyndsey Morrow and Jo Brook both of whom have returned from maternity leave. Mrs Brook will be taking over as Line Manager to Cohort 8 replacing Mrs Lee-Allan in that role. Can I welcome both of them back to Honywood and wish them a speedy re-integration into their posts. In January we will see Holly Britton, Jenny Hall-Smith and Hayley Warman joining us as Learning Supervisors. All three new colleagues expect to use the position as a springboard to moving to teacher training posts later on in 2018 as many colleagues have done in the past. I will formally welcome them in Gazette 613 in the New Year.
Learner Leadership On Friday last week more than fifty of our current Cohort 10 learners took part in an experience designed to prepare them for taking on the responsibility of being a member of our Lead Learner Team. Any learner in the Cohort who wishes to apply for this prestigious post must do so by writing to me by the end of the school day on Tuesday 12th December. Any learner who was not able to attend the experience on Friday, but would like to apply needs to see Mrs Brook or Mr Munro to get the appropriate information. Interviews for the posts will take place straight after Christmas. Christmas Lunch On 18th December, for Cohorts 7 and 8 and 19th December for the rest of the school, our catering team have prepared a special Christmas lunch. Any learner who has not booked their lunch will need to bring a packed lunch or buy their lunch at break-time on these two days as the only service at lunchtime will be for those learners taking Christmas lunch. Learners who would like to get further into the Christmas Spirit may wear their own special Christmas Jumper on the day of their Christmas Lunch (i.e. learners in Cohorts 7 and 8 on 18th and the rest of the school on 19th). School Production Can I remind everyone that on the evenings of Wednesday 13th and Thursday 14th December our youngsters will be performing ‘School of Rock’. Tickets for these two shows are still available via our learner reception (£6 for adults £4 for children). The show starts each evening at 7pm, with refreshments available at the interval. Can I urge everyone to come along and support our young people and enjoy the brilliant production they are putting on for us all. Variety Show / End of Term Arrangements Can I also remind everyone that we end this term on Wednesday December 20th with a celebration of our youngsters’ performing arts skills in our annual Variety Show led by our Expressive Arts Team. The arrangements for the last day of term are as follows: 8.45 - Registration 8.55 - Learning Session 1 9.45 - Learning Session 2 10.35 - Break 10.50 - Learning Session 4 11.40 - Learning Session 3 12.00 - All learners to large Sports Hall 12.55 - All learners to Learning Group rooms for registration 1.10 - Learners dismissed Buses will be organised to collect learners at 1:10. There will not be a lunch service on 20th. Thanks To Charlie Campbell (10MWo) for his honesty in finding a mobile phone in the street and immediately returning to school in order to hand it in. To Beth Archer (11FJo), Lauren Beney (11DBr), Ellena Cardy (11FJo), Troy Collins (11CFr), Izzie Donald (11HBy), Elleanna Jenkins(11DBr), Dan Maher (11DBr), Maddie Orrow (11SAr), Holly Plank (11FJo), Molly Pride (11CFr), Ben Whitehead (11SAr) and Jack Whitehead (11AMi) for their support for our Cohort 10 Learner Leadership Experience Day last week. To Maddy Brazier (7CTh), Jack Dearsley (7AWe), Grace Divine (7AGi), Freya Edwards (7DPe), Otto Hartman (7MHa), Tom Hill (7AGi), Nia Jeffery (7AWe), Erin Kinsella (7CTh), Louis Mountague (7AWe) and Patrick Smith (7AGi) for their support with interviews held at the school this week. To Ethan Briggs (RFl), Joe Gafney (10MRa), Lily Goodey (10OCi), Shannon Grealis (10OCi), Molly Mead (8AIs), Cameron Poulter (8CRs), Emily Pytt (8KAr), Tyler Stephens (8KGu), Felix Standen (8CRs) and Megan Walby (7JLa) for their support for a meeting with representatives of Apple this week. To Chloe Bridge (10NPo) for her mature and thoughtful response to a very worrying situation. Chloe supported a man she saw having breathing difficulties by alerting his family to get him the help he needed.
Learner Leadership Experience On Friday 1st December over 50 Cohort 10 learners participated in a Learner Leadership Experience. The purpose of the event was to begin to identify the leadership qualities that each and every one has and considering leadership competencies that we would need to adopt in a range of situations. The challenge for the morning was that in teams of four learners had to demonstrate their thinking on: How can we design new opportunities to enable all youngsters across the school (Cohort 7 to Cohort 11) to develop their leadership skills? In order to begin to address the challenge each group had to decide which team member was to attend the four ignition workshops that were on offer: 1) Leadership Styles 2) Leading Challenges 3) Leadership Structures 4) Leadership Opportunities and Vision After the workshops the groups resumed, shared their learning and then began to design what leadership opportunities they could develop for all cohorts. They were given information about the 8 attributes that we call the MLAs and considered how these could be incorporated into their designs. The quality of their thinking was exceptional. During the showcase groups listened to the presentations and then commented by identifying high points and areas for consideration. During Learning Session Four the current Lead and Deputy Learners designed and then led bespoke workshops based on the leadership role in school that they have had this last year. Cohort 10 chose three workshops to attend: • • • • • •
Creating a Lead Learner application Preparing for a Lead Learner interview Learning about the key responsibilities of a Lead Learner and a Deputy Lead Learner Learning about the commitment of the Lead Learner role What do the six areas of learner leadership involve, such as Environment, Virtual World, Progression, Wellbeing, Attributes and Leadership? How do you create your ideas and share your vision with the school’s Leadership Team?
Cohort 10 Learner Leadership Timeline Leadership opportunity
Event Date
Complete the Google Survey
By Tuesday 28th November
Learner Leadership Experience
Friday 1st December
Deadline for Lead Learner applications
Tuesday 12th December 3.20pm
Invitation letter for Lead Learner Interviews
Monday 18th December
Lead Learner interviews
Thursday 4th January
Ambassador application assembly
Tuesday 9th January
Deadline for Leader applications
Monday 22nd January 3.20pm
Leadership interviews
Monday 5th February - Friday 2nd March
Apple Distinguished School Award
On Tuesday 5th December 2017, we were delighted to officially receive our Apple Distinguished School award. Representatives from Apple met with some of our learners to see how they have embedded the use of technology into their learning, using a range of apps such as Padlet, Spark Video and iMovie. Members of staff from our Digital learning team were also present as the award was presented to Mr Mason. We are very excited to continue the work with Apple and to be one of only 200 schools across the world to be in receipt of this award. Well done to everyone involved in the application process and the continuing development of our learning design using technology.
Korean War Veteran On Friday Cohort 10 History learners welcomed Bert Hayward to the school. Bert has served and is a veteran of both the Korean War and the Suez Crisis of 1956. Bert spent his time in the army as a radio operator in a tank and had many tales to tell during the session. History learners have recently been studying the Korean War and Bert has been kind enough to share his experiences of life in the armed forces especially during the Korean war. Bert spoke about his experiences before joining the army, growing up and his reasons for joining the army. Honywood learners were able to speak directly to someone who experienced the Korean War first hand, an opportunity very few people get to experience and really brought to life the Korean War. I would like to thank Bert on behalf of the History learners for giving up his time to talk to about his experiences in Korea and Suez. Mr Wood
Subject Teams on Twitter
Follow our Subject Teams on Twitter to see Learning in Action
Honywood Equestrian Team Congratulations to Molly Mead who went to the Championship Plate at Keysoe on 2nd-3rd December - for the arena eventing. She came 7th out of 30 and was the highest placed rider from a state school. Well done Molly!
Lionesses visit Colchester Stadium
England Womens team vs Kazakhstan In the afternoon of the 28th of November, at 4 o’clock, 5 girls from Honywood school (Emily Pyatt, Hannah Pyatt, Ashtyn Newley, Hannah Day and Tallulah Skeys ) turned up at Colchester Weston homes to participate in the flag parade at the start of the women’s World Cup qualifier. When they arrived they were greeted by some of the people who work at Colchester stadium and then were separated into groups for people who would participate in the different aspects of the parade. After this they had a rehearsal so they knew what they were doing. When it was time to start the parade in front of hundreds of people, the girls were led onto the pitch by someone working for the FA. “It was one of the most amazing things I have ever participated in” Emily Pyatt 8KAr. The girls were included in this amazing opportunity through their football club Beacon Hill Rovers which is an u13, all girls football team based in Wickham Bishops. Report by Emily Pyatt and Hannah Pyatt
Apprenticeship Drop In Juliet English - Advisor from the Essex Apprenticeship Promotion and Brokerage Hub is coming in to school next Tuesday, 12th December 2017 at 12.30 - 1.30 in EX1 for anyone who wants to drop in to see her for advice. She will be able to guide learners as to what kind of Apprenticeships are available and what companies are offering apprenticeships. She will also be on hand to give any CV advice.
Chef Roadshow
Fantastic experience for our GCSE Food Technology learners in Cohort 10 and 11 on Thursday 7th December as they attended the Colchester Institute Chef Roadshow. Very informative, interesting and entertaining workshop demonstrating key skills and insights into the catering industry. Thank you to the Colchester Institute and to Martin Fordham.
ÂŁ10 Challenge
Honywood School Presents
Wednesday 13th December Thursday 14th December Tickets on Sale in Learner Reception at Breaktime and Lunchtime only. Adults ÂŁ 6.00
Children ÂŁ4.00
Doors Open at 6.30pm for 7.00pm Start
Cohort 7 Art Exhibition An exhibition to celebrate the art work of our cohort 7 learners so far this year
Private View: Wednesday 13th December 3pm-4.30pm @Honywood Artspace Note for C7 Parents: The Exhibition will be on show until the end of term if you would like to visit us at the same time as your learning review.
Week 2 Main Course
Vegetarian Course
Dessert Pasta Bake
Courtyard Cafe
Monday
Salmon & Dill Fishcake with Wedges & Green Salad
Tuesday
Roast Pork with Stuffing Roast Potatoes and Seasonal Vegetables Spicy Bean Cheese & Onion Burger with puff with Roast Wedges & Potatoes and Green Salad Seasonal Vegetables Syrup Sponge Cheesecake & Custard BBQ Sausage Chicken Tikka Cheese Sauce Vegetable Tikka Plain Plain Pizza Tugo Quad Special
Menu subject to change
Pizza Tugo Quad Special
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Mediterranean Vegetable Spaghetti with Green Salad & Garlic Bread Very Berry Jelly Cheese Sauce Tomato & Basil Plain Pizza Tugo Quad Special
Vegetable Tikka with Wild Rice & Flat Bread
Stuffed Pepper Chips & Salad
Chocolate Mousse Arrabbiata Plain
Fresh Fruit Salad Pasta Bake of the day
Pizza Tugo Quad Special
Pizza Tugo Quad Special
Spaghetti Chicken Tikka Bolognese with with Wild Rice Green Salad & & Flat Bread Garlic Bread
Traditional Fish & Chips with Peas or Beans
My Learning Choices MFL Cohorts 7 and 8, do you need some extra support with your learning in MFL following your Showcasing? Cohorts 9 and 10, would you like to develop your speaking and listening skills following on from your recent skills week assessments? If so, then book an MLC with a languages teacher today! Maths - Are you curious about a specific Maths topic that you would like to learn more about? - Do you want to improve your problem solving skills and become a more capable Mathematician? - Or, do you want to boost your confidence in Maths? Please book your Maths MLC for extra support with your learning. Book for yourself, bring a friend, or if a small group of you need help with the same topic, book a session together.” Enterprise & Solutions MLCs this week are available to C7 and C8 learners that would like some extra help and advice on how best to upload and organise their recent investigations onto their My Learning Journey page. Extra guidance will also be available on ‘how to write a meaningful reflection’ and ‘how to develop my craftsmanship’.
Important Dates 12th Dec - Deadline for Lead Learner Applications 13th & 14th Dec - School Production 14th Dec - Textiles Showcase 18th Dec - Christmas Lunch C7 & C8 19th Dec - Christmas Lunch C9, C10 & C11 20th Dec - End of Term Variety Show 20th Dec - Early Finish for Christmas Holidays 3rd Jan - 2018 Back to School Week B 5th Jan - Cohort 11 Mock Results Day 9th Jan - Ambassador Assembly Launch 18th Jan - Celebration of Learning Evening 22nd Jan - Deadline for Abassador Applications 25th Jan - C7 MLA Evening for Families 29th Jan -2nd Feb Quintet Week
Spirit of Honywood Well done to our Spirit of Honywood team who were at the Coggeshall Christmas Fayre on Saturday 2nd December with a stall selling a selection of laser cut tree decorations, handmade bunting, Christmas pud Pom Poms and much, much more. All items created in school by our Technology team and learners. All proceeds will go into providing resources in school for our learners. Thankyou to the staff who kindly gave their time in preparation for the fayre and on Saturday. It was wonderful that we could be part of such a fantastic community event.
Well done to our Cohort 8 Duty Receptionists Lily Blute Ethan Chapman Thomas Chard Marshall Crane Ben Crosdale
Business Studies MLCs this week will be focused on revising the C10 ‘Influences on a Business’ end of unit assessment. Going over aspects of the course that learners are unsure of, creating useful and lasting revision resources and practising applying their knowledge across the various forms of GCSE questions, will all be available. ‘How to answer a 9 mark question’ will be a key focus across the next two weeks. English How is your learning progressing in English so far this year? Take some time to review your learning: What have your most recent learning points been? What is it that you can do to improve? What’s holding you back from achieving your learning point? Are you getting the same errors highlighted in your work again and again? Don’t hesitate to book an MLC session today to ensure you move forward with your English learning.
Family Learning Team
email FLT@honywoodschool.com If your youngster is absent please email attendance@honywoodschool.com