ConnectA newsletter for parents, students and the local community

Principal: Stuart Williamswww.catmosecollege.com

Examinations

Radiowaves News

Race For Life

Cupcakes

D of E

Rotary Competition

Yr 11 Reminders

The Velodrome

Vacancies

ACADEMY STATUS 1 MAY 2012

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P 9OLYMPIC TORCH RELAY REHEARSALS: Page 2

As of 1 May 2012, Catmose Primary has changed from a foundation school to an academy.

This is great news for Catmose Primary as it will allow our pupils to continue to make outstanding progress and benefit from the greater resources being an academy brings. We have, for example, introduced a class set of iPads and from September, will be offering a range of music instrumental lessons. The fact that we have been able to move so quickly to become an academy is testament to the hard work and commitment of our governors and staff and the overwhelming support we have from our parents.

Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Education said in his letter to Catmose Primary:‘Your academy will now have the opportunity to use the freedoms and flexibilities of Academy status, to share best practice and work with others to bring about sustained improvements to all schools in the area. I would like to thank you for your commitment and wish you every success in the future.’

The change to academy status also confirms the school’s partnership with Catmose College which will be jointly managed under Catmose Federation with the same freedoms as independent public schools have always enjoyed.

Since federating with Catmose College, Catmose Primary has benefited from the expertise and facilities available at the College. For example, Catmose Primary pupils enjoy lessons with the College’s PE and art specialists, are able to attend off-site activities travelling in the Catmose Federation mini bus and, last Christmas, recorded a CD of songs using the state of the art facilities and technical support available at the College. The two schools share ICT support, site and catering facilities, improving the services for both schools.

Stuart Williams

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Pictured: Catmose Primary students: Eloise Green (aged 10) and Maxim Green (aged 8)Catmose College students: Emily Jayne Pearse, Tim Rhys-Williams (both students aged 16)Chair of Catmose College Governors: Ron Curtis, Chair of Catmose Primary Governors: Atessa Bradberry, Catmose College Principal: Stuart Williams

18 MAY 2012 ISSUE 36

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REFLECTIONS OF GROWING UP IN LIVERPOOL

I recently turned 40 and as with many who have reached this milestone I have spent time reflecting on what has influenced my views on life, in particular the parallels of the challenges I faced with those that concern the young people of this generation. The presentation above is a visual representation of that journey, it takes a few minutes to load (and can be made full screen by clicking on the more button) but has some memorable moments from the last 40 years.

My formative years were spent in Liverpool; I attended the same schools as John Lennon (of Beatles fame), lived just off Penny Lane and experienced the tough realities of an economy in a deep recession. I distinctly remember the Toxteth riots, very high unemployment and industrial action that paralysed whole industries. It was these difficult years that made it clear to me the importance of education, not just in the traditional sense of achieving ‘good’ grades but the wider skills of independence, team work and building resilience to life’s challenges. I believe that the habits of working hard and not settling for second best are just as important now as they were in the 70s and 80s; they are core to our approach to education at Catmose College.

My love of technology and its ability to more effectively communicate and solve problems began with my purchase of a ZX Spectrum 48k, a computer that I had spent a year saving my pocket money for. It introduced me to computer programming, a skill which has helped me throughout my career and one which we will be teaching formally at the College from next year.

It was a Physics teacher who convinced me that I could go onto university; an experience I would highly recommend to all who can. The alternative to university for me was a low skilled job, or no job at all; a similar choice for many young people leaving school at the moment. I studied Computer Science and Physics for three years and the love of these subjects led me to training as a teacher, believing that education is the way to give people life chances that would otherwise be beyond their reach.

The love of technology which influenced my childhood continued to influence me as a teacher, I was one of the first to use an interactive computer driven board, an article for Anglia TV gave me my first five minutes of fame. I continue to believe that new technologies should be something that teachers and students should be able to use as easily as they do a text book or a light switch. The design of our technology systems at the College reflect this philosophy; staff and students are all able to access computers, cameras and iPads as easily as they can access a book from our library.

I continue to believe in the importance of challenging myself, the experience of a bungee jump in New Zealand was a once in a life-time opportunity and will be one I will always remember. I hope that Catmose College through our sports, performing arts and electives programme will give our students similarly memorable experiences. The electives give our students the opportunity to learn a new skill, to challenge themselves and perhaps something they will find a lifelong love for.

Finally, my two children continue to be my touch stone for decisions that I make as a head; I always ask the question would it be good enough for my own children; if it is not good enough for them, how could it be for anyone else’s child?

Stuart Williams

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PARENT GOVERNOR

We have a vacancy for a parent governor to join the Local Governing Body of Catmose College.! Governors have a corporate responsibility for determining the strategic direction of the College by working with the Principal and the senior leadership team to agree policy and the transformation plan, specifically regarding the College students.! The directors of Catmose Federation have responsibility for the staffing and resources of the College.!!A key role of the Governing Body is to ensure that the Principal and the senior leadership team are able to lead the College effectively on a day-to-day basis.! The Governing Body should ensure that the senior leadership team are accountable for the success of the College by ensuring that agreed student policies and the transformation plan are implemented and followed effectively.! An individual governor cannot act independently as an individual; all decisions regarding College student policy and strategy are determined as a quorate corporate body.!This is an exciting time in the development of the College and a great opportunity to help shape our future direction.! I would like to invite every parent to consider standing as a governor.! Any parent may stand for election or vote in an election.! This means guardians and every person who has parental responsibility for a child at the College.! Once you have decided to stand you must get 2 other parents, one of whom could be your partner, to support your nomination.!!Governors are expected to attend one meeting each term, spend half a day in the College each year and to volunteer for sub committees as required.! More details about the role can be found on the College website www.catmosecollege.com/governors.!If there is more than one nomination there will be an election and all parents will be given the opportunity to vote.! A short personal statement of around 60 words will be required with the nomination form, which will be circulated to all parents, if there is an election.!If you are interested in becoming a parent governor please contact Shirley Wright by email swright@catmosecollege.com or by ‘phone 01572 772571 to arrange an appointment with me to discuss this further.!!!

Stuart Williams

EXAMINATIONS

This is a critical time for year 11 students as they do their GCSE examinations. I would like to wish them luck; if they have prepared well and revised hard I am sure they will do well. If students have anyqueries at all regarding their exams, please encourage them to talk to their subject teacher or to Mrs Townsend. Ms Savage and I are also available if you need to discuss any concerns.

Stuart Williams

ILLNESS WHILST AT COLLEGE

If your child feels ill whilst at College they must tell their teacher who will assess the situation. The teacher may give a permission slip to go to Client Services who will, if necessary, contact parents. Students should not contact their parents themselves or leave the premises. Ms Savage

COLLEGE HOLIDAY

The College will close on Friday 1 June and will re-open on Monday 11 June. I hope you and your family have a relaxing holiday and enjoy the celebration of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. I look forward to seeing all students refreshed and smart, prepared for the summer term.

Stuart Williams

INTERNATIONAL CiCLE CLASSIC RACE

Oakham - MeltonBy Calpol99 from Catmose College

On Sunday 29 April 2012, Eric and I went to the start of the Oakham - Melton CiCLE Classic Race.

At eleven am, 150+ keen cyclists set off from Market Square Oakham. The finish line was in Melton, but the distance they would have to cycle to get there was.... 114 miles! Just before the race started, the commentator said, "I think that only 25, maybe 50 cyclists will finish the race!" This was because of the horrific weather conditions - blinding rain, slippery roads and extremely muddy off-road conditions. We were absolutely drenched walking from race van to race van, let alone cycling for five hours!

The route:The race started in Oakham, the cyclists then raced around Rutland Water twice before heading through some small villages and towns. These included Langham, Burrough on The Hill and Whissendine. The race ended in Market Square Melton Mowbray.

The winner last year was Zak Dempster who was racing for the Rapha Condor Sharp Team. He is from Australia. He was racing again and hoping to win.

The winner this year was Alexandre Blain of Endura Racing.

Behind the action:

The race director is Colin Clews who commented that it was the eighth edition of the race. He said that it is the biggest single day road race event in Britain. Also mentioned by Colin was that over 20 foreign countries were taking part, and that it is the longest that the race has ever been - 183 Kms.

It was an absolute privilege to meet and interview members of the cycling area of Team GB! One of the racers, from a different team, let us see and touch his racing bike. He also showed us the electronic gear system!

Well done to everybody who took part!Callum Smith 8C & Erik Ansell 8T

Footage of the race - https://www.radiowaves.co.uk/story/382794/title/meltonoakhamcicleclassic2012Cycling channel on the S2R network - https://www.radiowaves.co.uk/s2r/c/cyclingCatmose sports channel - https://www.radiowaves.co.uk/catmosecollege/c/sports

RADIOWAVES NEWS

Radiowaves reporters have been very busy during the past week. Firstly, Harvey interviewed Father Gerard from Goa who spent the day with us in College (http://bit.ly/IXurfd ). He told Harvey about how our College was different from his school in India. !

The year 7 environmental studies group has been learning about litter and they made a video and animation to tell what they have learnt about the consequences if you drop litter (http://bit.ly/KeRLV3).

Mrs Odedra’s year 8 science class produced a short presentation about Global warming and if we are to blame. Why not watch the two sides to the argument (http://bit.ly/JcuEjJ).!!!Watch this space for future coverage of events to do with the Golden Jubilee and the Olympics. If you want to keep up to date with our latest reports, why not use the RSS feed or follow our tweets on Twitter using @CatmoseReporter.

Ms Smith

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On Sunday 13 May, 15 members of Catmose College staff and students took part in Race For Life at Burghley House Stamford.

A great day was had by all as it was such glorious weather and a magnificent setting.We decided to take part as two members of staff have been receiving treatment for breast cancer one has recently recovered and the other is currently receiving treatment.

You could either run, jog or walk the course, 5k or 10k. Claire ran and completed in 38 minutes and her daughter Hollie Kirk in 32 minutes. Teaching assistant Liz Skinner and Librarian Beth Smith both jogged and the rest of us walked the 5k course. So far we know we have raised in excess of £530.50, a big thank you to everyone that sponsored us.

Miss Warren also ran the course and finished in fourth place.

Hollie was intereviewed by a Radiowaves reporter as to why she ran for her mum. You can watch the footage if you follow this link: (http://bit.ly/K5ISzt).

Catering Staff

RACE FOR LIFE

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The Olympics London 2012 are fast approaching and at Catmose College students and staff are getting very excited. To continue to build up the Olympics, Catmose College are running a number of events and competitions. On Wednesday 9

May during electives, students took part in a cupcake decorating competition with an Olympic theme. They decorated the cakes with flags of the world. Mr Williams judged the competition.!The overall winner was Amber Goddard and! runners up were Hannah Tomkinson and Lois Munford.!Thank you to everyone for their support.! The competition was a great success.

Radiowaves filmed the event which you can watch by following this link: (http://bit.ly/K6uZjF).

CUPCAKE COMPETITION

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DUKE OF EDINBURGH EXPEDITION

Twenty year 9 Catmose College students ventured into the Charnwood Forest area of Leicestershire on Saturday and Sunday for their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award Practice Expedition. They were joined by eleven young people from Sir Jonathan North Community College and Kibworth High School in Leicestershire. Everyone involved had worked for months planning the expedition routes, learning campcraft skills and working as teams to achieve their goal of trekking for around six miles each day, with an overnight camp at Quorn Hall on the banks of the River Soar. The first day went very well for everyone and an impromptu inter-school football match continued long into the evening after camp had been set up and a meal cooked.!Then at about midnight it began to rain, never letting up for the remainder of the expedition - about sixteen hours! !We had been warned to camp well away from the river, which was beginning to flood. However, it would have taken more than the abysmal weather to stop the Catmose College students - or indeed any of the others - and they persevered in the cold, the rain and the wind to the finish at Bradgate Park. We are full of admiration for the students and the spirit they demonstrated; they will certainly never forget their first DofE expedition, and can be very proud of themselves.!Judith, Charlie and Matthew from A6 Awards.!Catmose College students: Sonia Mistry, Shivani Mistry, Isla Marshall, Amber Goddard, Mollie Evans, Charlotte Bell, Bailey Swinscoe, James Noble, Sam Cliff, John Muir, Annalise Jackson, Georgia Farr, Niamh Topping, Lewis Clark, Joe Bent, Nathaniel Cropper, Will Alexander, George Grimes, Bob Case and Conor Nicholl.

DRINKING WATER

It is important to stay hydrated during the hot weather and students are able to fill up water bottles before College, during break and lunchtime. In order that students do not miss time in lessons, bottles should not be filled between or during lessons. Water bottles should be used at all times; the College cannot guarantee the supply of plastic cups.

COLLEGE UNIFORM

Students are expected to conform to the College uniform policy at all times. During the summer term, students will be expected to continue to wear their blazer and tie unless I specifically advise students.

Stuart Williams

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ROTARY COMPETITION

Two English groups from Catmose College, year 7 and year 9, taught by Mrs Green, entered a creative writing competition set up by the Rotary Club of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; inspired by the upcoming Olympic Games to satisfy the topic of creative writing. We had to write at least 800 words around the theme ‘Olympic Spirit’ to be submitted into the competition in March. The results that we received were extremely pleasing, one year 9 student (Georgia Farr 14) won both the regional and district categories, also in the year group was second (Alicia Pickworth), third (Ellie Loxton) and two highly commended – James Noble and Isla Marshall. In addition to this, three highly commended were awarded to students in year 7 – Lily-Fleur Jackson, Jake Beesley and Cormac Boylan. Georgia was invited to an awards ceremony where she enjoyed a lunch and was presented with a certificate, book token worth £25 and, unexpectedly, the ‘Young Writer of the Year 2011/12’ award. A few weeks later the heads of the Rutland Rotary club, Mrs Robertshore and Mr Man, came to the weekly assembly and awarded everyone a participation certificate and the awards for second, third and the highly commended. All in all, it was a very educational experience which will stay in our memories for a long time to come.

Written by Georgia Farr and James Noble

Photograph 1: Lily-Fleur Jackson, Cormac Boylan and Jake BeesleyPhotograph 2: Mrs Robertshore, Alicia Pickworth, Georgia Farr, Ellie Loxton & Mr ManPhotograph 3: Mrs Robertshore, Mr Man, Isla Marshall & James Noble

YEAR 11 LIBRARY BOOKS

It is that time of year, when we ask all year 11s to return any books to the library. Please look under your beds, check your book shelves and return any borrowed resources as, if you have any outstanding items, you will not be able to purchase any tickets for the prom. We do not want you to miss out on this fantastic event that finalises your time in College with us.!The form tutors have a list of all items out on loan so if you are unsure what you have, please ask your tutor or Ms Smith in the library. !If you have lost a book, this will either need to be replaced or the replacement costs brought into College.

Ms E Smith

YEAR 11 REMINDERS

From 11 June, students will attend lessons for any subjects that they are still preparing to sit.! Staff will notify home if students are required at any other time for last minute preparation.!Students are encouraged to return books to class teachers as soon as their exam is finished.! Other books and equipment needs to be returned as soon as possible and outstanding loans repaid as a matter of urgency before 1 June.!Prom tickets will be on sale from 11 June in Client Services.!Wednesday 27 June – ‘Signing out’ Day.! Please make sure that lockers are empty before signing out.Thursday 28 June – ‘Prom’ at Greetham Valley Client Services

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REPORTS & PROGRESS EVENINGSDiary Dates:!Year 7 & Year 9 Interim Report – issued week ending 1 June!Year 10 Progress Report – issued week ending 1 June!Year 7 Progress Evening – 21 June , 5pm-7pm!Year 9 Form Tutor Report – issued week ending 29 June!Year 8 Interim Report – issued week ending 13 July

On Friday 23 March, Catmose College hosted a primary school high-five netball tournament. Brooke Hill Academy entered two teams and Langham Primary School entered four teams. The primary school pupils enjoyed themselves and improved on their skills and knowledge of the game. The event was umpired by Catmose College sports leaders Poppy Spencer, Amber McAuliffe, Isabelle Hawskworth, Holly Newton and Hannah Cooper.

Jo Appleton the primary school teacher at Brooke Hill Academy commented on the event:“I wanted to comment on your sports leaders - all of the girls I spoke to were incredibly helpful, polite and knowledgeable about netball, I thought they were all brilliant.!

All of the umpiring was done very professionally and the girls offered the teams lots of advice and coaching too, which really pushed them on to try even harder.

Please pass our thanks on to the girls as they really did stand out.”

Our Sports Ambassadors will now be preparing, with the six feeder primary schools in Rutland to attend the Top Link Festival at Catmose College in the Summer term. Well done to all the girls that helped out, a successful day.

Miss Stillman/ Mrs Powell

PRIMARY SCHOOL NETBALL

LANGUAGES TRIP 2012 - MEETINGWith our departure date fast approaching, parents and students are invited to attend a meeting on Monday 28 May at 6.30pm; the Spanish meeting will be held in Shakespeare and the French meeting will be held in Lorca.

During this meeting we will provide you with a detailed itinerary of the trip and clear guidance with regard to luggage, spending money and finer details. We will also discuss our expectations of students whilst representing the College abroad.

Please can you bring your child’s passport and E111 card with you to the meeting. We would like to collect them all in and store them securely in the school safe in preparation for our departure.

Miss K Weightman & Mrs C Williams

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VACANCIES

TEAM MANAGER CATMOSE NURSERY

APT & C Scale 5/6, points 22-28 £19,621-£23,708pa FTERequired as soon as possible37 hours per week, all year round

We require an enthusiastic nursery manager to manage this popular and thriving nursery. The nursery has 28 FTE places up to 5 years of age. You must have a good level of education with a relevant qualification and a minimum of 3 years experience. There is a highly motivated and committed staff team who have established high standards of education and earned the nursery a reputation for high quality care.

For an application form and job description for the above post please contact the College on 01572 770066 or e-mail office@catmosecollege.com. Information about the College can be found at www.catmosecollege.com

The closing date for the above post is mid-day on Friday 25 May 2012.

TUTORS

UT1-UT6 £12.50-£19.77 per hour, dependent upon qualificationsRequired as soon as possible

We are currently seeking to recruit tutors in all subjects to join our pool of staff who provide individual/small group intervention when required with students in years 7-11. We would particularly welcome applications from qualified teachers or graduates with experience of supporting students with EFL, literacy and numeracy development.

Information about the College can be found at www.catmosecollege.com

For an application form please contact the College on 01572 770066 or email office@catmosecollege.com

The closing date is noon, Friday 1 June 2012.

The College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of young people and expects all staff to share this commitment.

THE OLYMPIC VELODROME

Oli Maxwell from year 11 was recently chosen to ride in a paracycling race at the School Sports Event, which was held at Olympic venues across the UK including the Veledrome.Oli took part in the event after being approached by a teenage boy who had suffered from a brain tumour when he was younger. It was the first time that Oli had taken part in a tandem race and succeeded in winning a silver medal. He found the experience fun but also hard as it was at a high level. Oli said that his training involved lots of dedicated work and preparation and that he had to be mentally ready.

To listen to an interview between Oli and Georgia Farr (Radiowaves reporter) then please!follow this link: https://www.radiowaves.co.uk/story/391563/title/theolympicvelodromeitwasawesome

Oli pictured left with other competitors

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LOCAL EVENTS

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We are collecting Tesco Sports Vouchers again this year There will be an inter-house competition and the winning house will gain valuable points towards their final score. Individual house boxes can be found in the library and there is a collection box in the sports hall reception area.!Please help us achieve our target of 24,000 vouchers for new sports equipment.

TESCO VOUCHERS FOR SCHOOLS AND CLUBS