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Dear Parents/ Carers,

As we near the end of another really successful Autumn Term, I am writing to thank you once again for your continued support, and to keep

you informed of the most recent developments; we have once again achieved fantastic pass rates at GCSE which is a testament to the hard work of our students and teachers given the new examinations in English and Maths (with numerical grades). Our sixth form students have achieved some fantastic grades with a large number of them going on to top universities. We are very proud of the progress made by our students, and their achievements both inside and outside the classroom. We have the largest number of students ever in our sixth form which is now the largest in North London. The newly refurbished sixth form centre on the Broomfield Campus has been a real success, with students telling us how much they enjoy the learning atmosphere. We continue to offer the widest variety of post 16 courses ever, with the vast majority of sixth form teaching continuing to take place on the Winchmore site. I am delighted to inform you that for the fifth year running we have seen an increase in the number of students applying to join us in year 7 and are the third most popular school in the Local Authority.

The School Production of ‘The Wiz’ was the best that we have ever seen. Every year I wonder how the Expressive Arts faculty will surpass the last production, every year the ‘bar is raised’. The impact of the Arts, performance, sport and travel on our school community continues to be huge - I look forward with great anticipation to the ‘Rock Challenge’. Please continue to encourage your children to take part in the wide range of opportunities offered outside the classroom.

The behaviour of our students continues to be of a very high standard both in school and on the way to and from school thanks to your support; however, we will continue to focus sharply on behaviour for learning with a specific look at behaviour which disrupts the learning of others. Please continue to reinforce the very high standards I know you have at home; working together we have a far greater impact.

I would once again like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your support and am sure that you will join me in thanking our wonderful staff and Governors for all their hard work. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a peaceful New Year,

Jim OwenHeadteacher

MUSIC NEWS

The Wiz!

On the 15th, 16th and 17th of November, Winchmore students performed two matinees and two evening performances of ‘The Wiz!’. Performing a massive thirty-three musical pieces, the students in the orchestra worked exceptionally hard to put the shows together. The audience commented on their professionalism, often forgetting that students were supplying the music for the drama and dance on stage.

Congratulations to the students involved in ‘The Wiz!’, across the music, dance and drama departments. Also a huge thank you to parents, carers and staff for supporting their practice and rehearsals.

Music Scholarship Programme

There are currently nine spaces in our Music Scholarship Programme. Students selected to this programme will receive free music lessons and instrument hire for the Spring term. These scholarships are generously provided by the Enfield Music Service.

Spaces are available for lessons in singing, bass guitar, trombone and flute.

If your child is interested in this programme, they can see Ms Stewart in the music staff room for an information letter. Hurry as spaces are limited!

PERI Lessons & Extra-Curricular

Peripatetic music lessons for the Spring Term will begin during the second week of term. Students who have signed up to PERI lessons can check the M1 noticeboard for their lesson times from the 8th of January 2018. Students need to make sure they have a yellow card so that they are excused from their classroom lessons. This card also ensures you are not marked late to your lessons.

A new extra-curricular timetable will begin for the Spring Term. New additions include two new singing groups as well as Mr Brooker’s woodwind group on Friday lunch. Stay tuned for the timetable which will be released soon.

Goodbye and Good luck

The staff and students at Winchmore wish Mrs Roberts good luck in her new position as Head of Music at a different school. We will miss her massive contribution to the Music programme. We are very sad that she is leaving but know that she will be fantastic in her new role.

ARP

Arts Award Discover Project

The year 7 ARP students excelled themselves this term by completing their Arts Award Discover Project. As well as participating in a range of art workshops they collaborated to create an amazing final piece. The large scale final piece was based on a Henri Rousseau painting. The pupils’ jungle scene was made up of many leaves created in a range of materials and techniques. On Thursday 30th November they held an exhibition opening in their room and invited guests to see the final piece and discuss with them their work. It was a fabulous conclusion to the project and a celebration of the pupils’ achievements.

SICILY TRIP 2017

During the October half term, 23 students and 9 staff were part of the latest Science/Geography adventure to Sicily. We had an amazing adventure in Sicily and the surrounding islands. It was an action-packed 5 days of picturesque scenarios, cultural foods and unforgettable memories.

Day 1: An early start for some (or no sleep for others) as we set off on our journey at 1:45am. We arrived at Gatwick airport and boarded a 3½ hour flight to Catania Airport. There was no time to spare, as we embarked on an icy journey to see the iconic Mount Etna.

The strangest thing was how the weather changed from sunny conditions at the base of the mountain to being freezing at the peak of the mountain. While we rested for lunch, we observed breath taking views of the Island below. It’s safe to say we all slept well that night back at our hotel.

Day 2:A bright and early breakfast that consisted of a selection of cereals and freshly baked bread which certainly can’t be bought in Sainsbury’s! A very choppy boat ride brought us to the Lipari Islands. Here we had a brief tour of the islands, some free time to shop for souvenirs and take in the spectacular sites by the sea. Next stop, the Island of Vulcano and a panoramic bus tour. This offered an opportunity to see some unforgettable scenery and capture some beautiful photos. All of the Aeolian Islands could be seen including the active island of Stromboli. The evening was spent relaxing and enjoying an authentic Italian cuisine.

Day 3:Another early start began with an exhausting but exhilarating hike up a mountain to see the Tindari Lakes. Once at the viewing platform there was a real sense of achievement felt by the group. The views were sensational and the students were treated to a mini Geography lesson about the sand Spits. In the distance on an even higher mountain a very ornate monastery could

be seen in the distance. On the way down we encountered a beautiful, large white horse. We were stunned and amazed, as the path was very narrow. Next stop the busy capital city of Palermo, where we took in the lovely sights, sounds and historic buildings of the famous city. We even stumbled across the Grand Opera House ‘Teatro Massimo’. The familiarity of the Teatro Massimo stems from its role in The Godfather: Part III. After a busy day, we checked into a new hotel in Palermo for an early night.

Day 4:After a leisurely morning and breakfast, we all prepared for a long coach ride back to Catania. The journey was very interesting, as we took in panoramic views of the island, its rugged terrain and cities on top of high hills. We visited the city of Catania and basked in the sun in the beautiful square- Piazza del Duomo. Once we returned to Giardini Naxos we went for a walk around the local seaside town and ended the day watching a beautiful sunset on the beach.

Day 5:On the last day the students woke up early, ate breakfast, and packed their suitcases ready for 8:00am. The coach journey to Catania Airport lasted about 1 hour and students got the opportunity to sight a final glimpse of Mount Etna. The flight home flew by and students could see some wondrous sights of Italy from the plane window. When we arrived back in England we were driven back to school to be picked up and see our families again, everyone was very tired but were excited to see their loved ones. The trip to Sicily was both educational and a fantastic adventure.

Memorable quotes:“Does the aeroplane have parachutes?” “Do we have to put our suitcase underneath the plane?” “Is Stromboli a bowl of soup?” “Wow we are in Sicily and it is snowing up here!” “Can I live here? I am not going home!”

Miss De Souza, Mrs Tidmarsh, Mr Young and the rest of the staff would like to thank the students for being a fantastic group and making the tour very enjoyable.

JACK PETCHEY WINNERS

September Winner

Tyreece Osborne Hammond

“Pushing his own comfort levels in performance by taking part in the school production, Rock Challenge and The Wiz. Influential and positive role model to lower years. Independently offers to help Year 10 and 11 students in revision sessions after school. A worthy and irreplaceable member of the faculty.”

“Fantastic contribution to Expressive Arts faculty. He is dedicated and hardworking student. Supports younger students and took part in open evening.”

I would like to thank you for your September 2017 nominations. It is lovely to see that so many students are having a positive impact around the school.

October Winner

Luxmee Soochit

“She is extremely able in languages and she is always willing to help and collaborate with the MFL department. She was very helpful during the Open Evening, escorting parents across the school and speaking highly of the MFL department making her the best MFL ambassador. She is also kind and supportive helping her classmates and other year groups at every opportunity.”

“Luxmee is a keen linguist. She has shown a love for languages since KS3 and she has continued studying both French and Spanish for her A levels. She has a fantastic attitude to learning, she is always positive, completes outstanding work and is always trying to exceed herself. She has supported the MFL Faculty on many events always with a big smile on her face and making a real difference. She is also very helpful to her peers.”

“It has been noticed across the whole MFL department that Luxmee is a good element in French and Spanish lesson. She is always eager to learn, share her knowledge with peers and demonstrate her ability to multi-task. She really deserve to be nominated for her excellent work ethic and positive behaviour which is noticeable in the MFL Department. She is definitely setting an example for the rest of the group.”

November Winner

Lucas Rafael Cunha

“Lucas is pleasant, kind and courteous to students and helpful to staff. He is committed to extra-curricular activities taking part in steel pans, samba and the orchestra. He’s a key member of The Wiz orchestra, attending rehearsals during lunch, after school and on weekends.”

“Outstanding member of the orchestra. Lucas is performing on the piano at an impressive level and his contribution to ‘The Wiz’ school production has been fantastic.”

LETTER FROM BUCKINGHAM PALACE

Last month, some of our year 7s guided by Mrs Winter decided to write some letters to the Queen. In the letters, they asked Her Majesty some questions about her life and the importance of ruling a country.

On the 22nd November, Winchmore received a lovely letter from the Buckingham Palace. Although unable to reply personally, Mary Morrison (Lady-in-Waiting) has replied with a kind letter that can be seen below.

Our students were extremely pleased to see the reply from the Queen and they are looking forward to writing to her again!

WELLBEING AND FUNDRAISING

Global Entrepreneurship Week 2017 – 13th November 2017

This year as part of the above global event 25 of our Year 10 Business students were set a challenge by local company Metaswitsch to design an App.

Andrew Edmonds from Metaswitch was in school during the day to help students with the challenge and he was joined Period 5 by two of his colleagues to form the judging panel. Mr Serman, our Head of Business, was the fourth member of the judging panel.

Congratulations to all the students who took part and came up with some great ideas.

National Enterprise Challenge 2017

Once again we will have two teams representing Winchmore School in the finals of the National Enterprise Challenge. All Year 10 students took part in this challenge on the 22nd November. The challenge was set by Theo Paphitis and this year students were asked to design something to support Ryman’s Back to School campaign.

We have two excellent teams going to the Final in July and we wish them every success

Careers

Mrs Pearson is our new Careers Adviser and will be in school every Tuesday and Wednesday when students can book careers appointments with her. Mrs Pearson is a very experienced adviser and is also happy to see any parent or carer who would also like to attend their son or daughter’s interview. Appointments can be booked in the EWB Office which is situated by the Library. All Year 11 students will have a careers appointment scheduled over the next term.

Speakers

This term we have had two excellent speakers come into school to talk about some of the career paths in the Expressive Arts industries.

Eric Fellner - Co Chairman Working Title FilmsEric is the co-chairman of Working Title Films and has produced such films as: The Theory of Everything; I Give It a Year; Love Actually; Les Misérables: Anna Karenina; Nanny McPhee; Pride & Prejudice; Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason; Shaun of the Dead; The Italian Job; Johnny English; Ned Kelly; The Guru and About a Boy amongst many others.

The interview style session with Eric was led by Year 12 student Yulet Gjurgji and Eric also answered a number of questions that had been submitted by 6th form students. Eric shared a lot of stories about the people he had worked with and his experiences in the film industry as well as the process of setting up a production company. This talk was very successful and well received by students and it was a great pleasure for all those present in the room that day to hear Eric speak.

Karen Martin - Editor The Newsroom Programme BBC World ServiceKaren spoke to Year 12 students about what employers are looking for in the interview process. She also shared some of her experiences at the BBC and answered several students’ individual questions after her talk. It is hoped that Karen will visit our Media classes to talk in more depth about her role at the BBC ,the work of the BBC World Service and to offer advice on career pathways into the BBC

Nicaragua and Costa Rica

Adidas Raffle.The winning tickets for this raffle were drawn during The Wiz on the 17th November by Ms Crummenauer .The three winning tickets were

• Year 7 - 167 • Year 8 - 84 • Year 9 - 80

Thank you to everyone who bought tickets.

The Wiz/Winter ConcertThe students did very well with fundraising at The Wiz and The Winter Concert so thank you to everyone who supported the team.

‘Monopoly’ Sponsored eventThis January the team will be taking part in a sponsored event where they will be visiting all the streets and stations on the Monopoly Board. They are hoping to do this one Saturday and will be taking pictures to prove that they have visited all the areas named.

I am sure the students would welcome any support you can give and if you are interested in sponsoring the students or if there are any local companies who would be happy to support this event in exchange for some publicity please contact Mrs Winter at the school.

ATTENDANCE MATTERS

Attendance to school is very important; if your child is not in school they are not learning. There has been lots of research that proves a direct link between academic achievement and your child’s success in their studies.

Department of Education states : ‘Young people who regularly miss school without good reason are more likely to become isolated from their friends, to underachieve in examinations and/or become involved in anti-social behaviour’

Ensuring your child’s regular attendance is your legal responsibility and persistent absence from school, without a good reason, is an offence in law and may result in prosecution.

Please help us to help your child attend regularly. If you have any concerns about your child’s attendance and/or punctuality, or just wish to pass on some information, you can contact us on the school number or email us at: attendance@winchmore.enfield.sch.uk

% Attendance to date – Autumn Term 2017

Group Authorised Unauthorised % % Absences Absences Attend Punctual Year 11 3.9 0.8 95.3 98.3Year 10 4.8 0.9 94.3 98.3Year 9 3.7 0.6 95.7 99Year 8 3.7 0.4 95.8 99Year 7 2.5 0.7 96.8 99.4Totals 3.7 0.7 95.6 98.9

Parents/Carers - Please make sure you are aware of the start date for the new term. We will not be authorising late returns due to date confusions or holidays. We have to follow Government guidelines that state holidays are not to be taken during term time.

We wish you all a very peaceful, enjoyable break and look forward to seeing you in the New Year.

Ms Turner & Mrs Lamont – Attendance Team

TRAMPOLINING COMPETITION

On Thursday 30th November Miss Murphy took 13 pupils to Edmonton Leisure Centre for the annual Borough Trampolining competition. The Juniors competing were Erin Marshall, Chanae McDonald, Lois Hobbs, Oliver Sales, Hanan Karram, Sidney Jennings, Asia Ledgister, Michelle Clift with substitutes Anfal Gana, Tia Johnson and Hazel McGinty. Andrianna Michaelides, Year 9 represented the intermediates and Nayanna Brathwaite, Year 11 represented the Seniors.

In the Junior competition Chanae McDonald won the Bronze medal and Erin Marshall won the Gold. Our Junior A team that comprised of Erin, Chanae, Lois and Oliver came first in the junior team competition and so we retain our Junior title for another year. Andrianna Michaelides won the Silver medal in the intermediate competition.

A huge ‘Well Done’ to all competitors who represented Winchmore!

LIBRARY NEWS

Scholastic Book Fair Our recent Bookfair was a big success. Thank you for all your support. WOW! Everything was half-price and our students spent over £1,000! There are lots of new books on our shelves from the commission received and I am sure there are a few in your Christmas stockings too!

Children in Need Pudsey and his cousin say a big Thank You! to Winchmore students and staff for their very generous support. We have raised over £500 from various activities with staff and students including a classroom collection, a Library 10p-a-go Day, a cupcake sale & a Pudsey Post Christmas Card service for staff…….and the pennies and pounds still trickle in…

Festive Fireside Fun in the LRC Once again our Year 7’s listened enthralled at our ‘fireside’ to Moira Stansfield in her role of performance storyteller. Remember we are never too old to enjoy a good story. Try your own family story time session at home this Christmas – it brings together all generations and gives everyone quality time as a family.

Wishing one and all A Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year.Mrs Cordiner

LIBRARY NEWS Scholastic Book Fair

Our recent Bookfair was a big success. Thank you for all your support. WOW! Everything was half-price and our students spent over £1,000! There are lots of new books on our shelves from the commission received and I am sure there are a few in your Christmas stockings too! Children in Need

Pudsey and his cousin say a big Thank You! to Winchmore students and staff for their very generous support. We have raised over £500 from various activities with staff and students including a classroom collection, a Library 10p-a-go Day, a cupcake sale & a Pudsey Post Christmas Card service for staff…….and the pennies and pounds still trickle in… Festive Fireside Fun in the LRC

Once again our Year 7’s listened enthralled at our ‘fireside’ to Moira Stansfield in her role of performance storyteller. Remember we are never too old to enjoy a good story. Try your own family story time session at home this Christmas – it brings together all generations and gives everyone quality time as a family. Wishing one and all A Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year. Mrs Cordiner

LIBRARY NEWS Scholastic Book Fair

Our recent Bookfair was a big success. Thank you for all your support. WOW! Everything was half-price and our students spent over £1,000! There are lots of new books on our shelves from the commission received and I am sure there are a few in your Christmas stockings too! Children in Need

Pudsey and his cousin say a big Thank You! to Winchmore students and staff for their very generous support. We have raised over £500 from various activities with staff and students including a classroom collection, a Library 10p-a-go Day, a cupcake sale & a Pudsey Post Christmas Card service for staff…….and the pennies and pounds still trickle in… Festive Fireside Fun in the LRC

Once again our Year 7’s listened enthralled at our ‘fireside’ to Moira Stansfield in her role of performance storyteller. Remember we are never too old to enjoy a good story. Try your own family story time session at home this Christmas – it brings together all generations and gives everyone quality time as a family. Wishing one and all A Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year. Mrs Cordiner

ENFIELD BOROUGH CROSS COUNTRY

In the Enfield School Borough Cross Country Competition 31 pupils ran a distance of 2.3 miles around Trent Park.

Year 7 Girls ResultsHanifa Goolamallee 14thMala Gerrard-Linn 19thSaffron Pennycooke 29thTia Johnson 30thErin Marshall 34thIzzy Hall 47thMacy Flint 52nd

Year 7 Boys ResultsAmarley Wilkinson 19thBilly Mullins 26thSidney Jennings 35thSam Attaway 37thZak Marinos 38thAlfie Coen 41stSam McDermott 45thShiv Tailor 52nd

Year 8/9 Girls Results Chanae McDonald 13th (best Winchmore placing)Serene Stennett (Year 7 pupil running for Year 8’s) 25thMichelle Clift 46th

Year 8/9 Boys ResultsStanley Cambell 17thJake Ramond 24th James Street 36thGarry Creegan 73rdMilo Jackson 74thJoe Iyamu 87thVasile GhertaJames Carman

Year 10 Girls results Raluca OlteanufYear 10/11 Boys ResultsJames Street 13thWill McDermott 15th

Miss Brazier was pleased with everyrunner well done.

FREE SCHOOL MEALS AND THE PUPIL PREMIUM

Did you know … just registering your child for Free School Meals means that the school gets extra money?

Register now to make sure we don’t miss out – help us to help your child.

If you think that you may be eligible for free school meals for your child/ren, we would be very grateful if you would proceed with an application. The number of children eligible for free school meals has an impact on school funding as well as enabling you to claim your entitlement. This helps us to maximise the support we can offer to all our students, and should help your family budget, as your child would be able to purchase items from the school catering service.

It is now very quick and easy to check eligibility for free school meals, as we are part of a new ‘Free School Meals / Pupil Premium Service’ available at www.fsm.lgfl.net. This web site allows you to check eligibility instantly.

By way of an additional ‘thank you’ to parents and carers for using this enquiry facility, regardless of individual outcomes, the London Grid for Learning (LGfL) would like to offer you Sophos Anti-Virus software, free of charge, to protect home computers used by pupils. Winchmore School would also like to thank you and is offering a free Winchmore water bottle to parents who enquire.

Thank you in advance for your support and participation. If you have any queries or concerns please do not hesitate to contact us.

Terms and Holiday Dates 2017 - 2018

CHRISTMAS

HOLIDAYS 22 December – 3 January . . . . . SCHOOL CLOSED

SPRING TERM 3 January – 29 March

3 Jan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . INSET DAY

4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Start of Term for Students - Week 2

9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1st HPV Vaccine - Year 8 Girls

11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Quantum Theatre Company - A Christmas Carol (Years 10 and 11)

4-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Year 12 A Level Mock Exams

27 Jan - 3 Feb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ski Trip

1 Feb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Year 8 Parent/Carer Consultation Evening

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Intermediate Maths Challenge

7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Year 11 Parent/Carer Consultation Evening

12-16 February . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HALF TERM

19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back from Half Term - Week 2

19-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Trip to New York - Expressive Arts

22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Year 13 Parent/Carer Consultation Evening

26 Feb - 9 Mar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Year 11 and 13 Mock Exams 2

1 Mar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Careers Fair

15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Year 9 Parent/Carer Consultation Evening

21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Year 9 Options Evening

26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A level Dance Trip = Sutra - Sadlers Wells

29 March . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . INSET DAY

EASTER

HOLIDAYS 29 March – 13 April . . . . . . . . . . SCHOOL CLOSED

16 April . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Start of Term for Students - Week 2