July 2007 CLAYTON HALL BUSINESS AND LANGUAGE COLLEGE

Tel: 01782 297570 Fax: 01782 297569 E-mail: headteacher@clayton.staffs.sch.uk Student Absence line: 01782 297566 www.clayton.staffs.sc.uk

Dear Parent After some considerable time the school was inspected by OFSTED on the 26th June 2007. The inspection was carried out by Mr Kevin Sheldrick (HMI) and Ms Madeleine Gerard. The inspection was a reduced tariff one or ‘light touch’ due to the fact that Clayton is a high performing school. The judgement of the team was that Clayton was: “A good School with some outstanding features” This was a very pleasing judgement as it recognises the work we do as good nationally. Similarly, it highlights the outstanding work we do with our curriculum, the way we prepare students for life post-16, and, the way we seek the views of our community and then act on them. The school was judged to be good in every category and therefore had no serious weaknesses or key areas for development. As with all inspections Mr Sheldrick did identify two areas for us to develop: Firstly, he wants the school to plan ambitiously to become an outstanding school as defined by the OFSTED criteria. We agree with him that all the different components are in place for us to do this but we now need to strategically plan for it. Similarly, he would like us to look at Teaching and Learning in Key Stage 3 to ensure there is a greater consistency. Again, we agree that performance at Key Stage 3 is not as good as it is at Key Stage 4 and that we should do more work on this phase.

In many ways it was pleasing to see that the OFSTED inspection agreed with our own self evaluation and that the team felt we had the capacity to continue to raise standards at Clayton. Equally, there are very positive comments about the students, how they contribute to school life and their positive attitudes towards the school. I also know that the questionnaires returned by parents reflected a high degree of satisfaction. The hard work and efforts put in over the last 6 years have been recognised and the school is in a great position to move forward. As parents you have had a large part to play in this positive report and I’d like to thank you. As always, one of our greatest assets is our students and the inspectors were very impressed with the way they conducted themselves. Clayton has never been a school that rests on its laurels. The report is a very positive one but we share Mr Sheldrick’s ambition for the school to become an ‘outstanding’ one and we have already begun work to bring this about. Can I wish you all an enjoyable summer vacation and I look forward to meeting the students again on Wednesday 5th September. Yours sincerely Mark Heuston Headteacher

First day back in the Autumn term: Wednesday 5th September timetable: 8.45 Year 7 students only 11.30 Break and Years 8, 9, 10 & 11 to

return to school 11.55 Lower School Assembly / Upper

School Tutor time 12.30 Upper School Assembly / Lower

School Tutor time 1.05 Lunch 1.50 Periods 7 & 8 – normal lessons

Holidays in Term Time

The school has been increasingly concerned about the amount of time requested by parents for their child to go on holiday. We literally get hundreds of requests over the year and it is now impacting on the progress students make and their achievements. A two week holiday will automatically give students a 95% attendance. Research suggests that student performance is naturally affected when attendance falls below this figure. Could I please ask that parents do not take students out of school during term time for

holidays.

2

Upcoming Events

♦ Summer Creative Arts Show: “Decades” Wed 11th – Fri 13th July 2007.

♦ Y10 Performing Arts Practical Examinations (Wed 11th – Fri 13th July)

♦ “Spooktacular ‘07” Wed 31st Oct – Fri 2nd Nov

2007

Contents

What’s been going on?

• “Spooktacular ‘06”/

“The Tempest” at the

New Vic Theatre;

• Upcoming Events:

• Student success stories…

• What’s on offer in the

Extra Curricular

Programme (including

new groups to start in

September)

CREATIVE ARTS DEPARTMENT NEWS What’s been going on? The last year has been so busy we have barely noticed it go! As always, there have been the usual 2 Festivals (one in Autumn and our forthcoming summer one, named

“Decades”) but this year has also seen the students working with outside agencies in order to develop make-up and performance

skills in order to present an abridged version of Shakespeare’s well known play, “The Tempest”.

First of all, November brought to us our annual “Spooktacular” show involving over 100 students (across all year groups). Like all our whole school shows, this was an important event involving the present Y10 and Y11 BTEC 1st Diploma students in Examination work. Here is one student’s account of the show:

“Ever since the whole school show of West Side Story, in March 2004, I’ve been a part

of the school shows here at Clayton and have fully enjoyed every single one of them. Putting on an annual Spooktacular show is the first show that new Y7 students can be a part of in October/ November time. Based around Halloween, this show was almost sold out for every night it was showcased and the audience always leave with smiles on their faces. The current Y10 BTEC Performing Arts students performed twice for their baseline assessment, we were greeted with cheers before we had even begun the performance. Performing Robert Louis Stevenson’s Jekyll and Hyde, as the opening of the show, we showed off our acting skills as the principle characters, creating a tense and emotional atmosphere

whilst a chorus told the outline of the story through a Greek Chorus. Also performing Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera, which closed the show, showed off our musical theatre skills as we sung the musical’s hit songs using simple, yet effective, choreography to help emphasise the story’s key moments. I was also involved in the Advanced Street Dance’s performance of Michael Jackson’s Ghost. With our sharp movements, zombie-like costumes and sound effects we received one of the loudest cheers of the show. Vocal groups: Evolution and Phenomenon performed an emotional harmony of Queen’s Who Wants to Live Forever, whilst Pondlife – the school’s advanced boy band – could barely be heard over the screams from the girls in the audience (and the cast!) as they sung Elton John’s Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me! As a whole, the show was a great success for the audience and the cast. The show includes Fusion/ Junior Street Dance and the Y11 BTEC PA students contemporary dance/ monologues and instrumental pieces enjoyed performing. Personally, it was one of my favourite shows as I feel everything was performed well and was full of energy. I really enjoyed performing Jekyll and Hyde and Phantom of the Opera and I am really pleased that these performances are being put towards my overall BTEC grade. I encourage anyone who has never been a part of the school shows (whether it be the annual shows, the whole school show every 2 years or the talent shows) to join an extra-curricular creative arts group and be a part of the experience. You will never be able to compare it to anything else in your lives!”

Article written by Holly Henson (10V).

Meanwhile, last January saw the Department’s second trip abroad to Euro Disney/ Paris. As well as it being huge fun for all involved (we finally managed to get Miss McGregor on Space Mountain and the Aerosmith Roller Coaster!) there was great benefit, educationally, also. Over the 2/3 days that we were there, students attended seminars on how the Performing Arts areas of dance/ drama/ music fit into

3

a commercial theme park. The research and information that they gained from these seminars was then used directly in one of their major examination units on The Performing Arts Industry. But don’t just take my word for it:

“During January 2007, the Y10 BTEC and Music GCSE students travelled to Paris on an educational, yet once in a life time, trip to Euro Disney to witness real life scenarios and jobs to do with the performing arts industry. The workers and experts at Disneyland gave seminars to help the students understand how different stunts are performed, the safety precautions that are followed, the rehearsal schedules for parades and how these are organised. As well as tutorials every day, the pupils were able to experience the excitement of rides such as Space Mountain’/ ‘Indiana Jones’ and the rock ‘n’ rollercoaster that was based on the legendary band Aerosmith. Even though these rides provided laughs and screams for the students, the point of the trip was to be taught the business side to help with coursework for the current unit they were studying in their qualification. The piece of work that this was most valid to was “Discuss 3 job opportunities within the performing arts business”. We made notes on the parade and learnt about the gruelling rehearsing hours that the performers had to use to practice their routines – which were the times when the park was closed! This was between 10p.m. and 4a.m. We found out that the park was open 365 days a year so the workers had to be very dedicated to their job to look enthusiastic and magical everyday of the year whatever the time or weather. We had to examine the parade, at least once, that came around the whole of the park every lunchtime. The students and other visitors loved the beautiful costumes and loud, happy music that came with it. In the seminars, we were shown video clips of real workers who explained how and what they did in their job including costume designers and parade and stunt stars. The whole trip was an all round success as it brought the group a lot closer together, provided a great trip for the students and their friends but also gave them an insight to what really goes on in the business and how many different jobs the industry can actually provide for people who have many different interests. We learnt everything from financial matters to set and costume designing. It was a valuable experience that helped everyone in coursework and also provided a memorable week with their friends.”

Article written by Amy Fowler (10D).

So…what’s been going on since then?

In February, the school became involved with The Shakespeare 4 Schools Festival. The present Y9 Drama Group rehearsed from November through to February 5th, when they got the opportunity to perform an abridged version of The Tempest at The New

Victoria Theatre. They were a resounding success, with Gwenda Hughes (ex-artistic director of the theatre) praised the group for their innovative use of Greek Chorus for the role of Ariel. She also commented on the brilliant job done in the make-up department, which the present Y10 BTEC students were responsible for.

For the next show, entitled “Decades” (which is our first public performance examination unit), there is still plenty left to organise, from front of house displays, costumes to sort out, further rehearsals and rehearsal logs, ushering and the never ending pressure of ensuring tickets sell! So what is the show about? This is what Chelsea Jones has to say:

Take a journey through time, from the ‘40’s/ rather retro ‘80’s and even get a little taste with a blast to the future!

It’s that time of year again where Clayton students are working extremely hard on their new and upcoming show “Decades”. As the hot weather sets in, and the ice cream man becomes more popular (or at least we can hope!), Clayton students have no time for idle fun as these gifted and talented youngsters give it their all to make this show one of Clayton’s best yet. From Contemporary dances to thrilling bands and singers this show will be a sure hit with all ages, but can they really top off all those other fantastic shows from the past? There is only one way to find out….come and watch our show and see all the hard work put into action. You won’t be disappointed, we promise!

If there are any enquiries or orders for the show, the school’s Box Office is open between 1.20 – 1.40p.m., or you can ring: 01782 297570 (ext. #65) – also between 1.20 – 1.40p.m. We look forward to welcoming you on one of the evenings.

Article written by Ben Steele (10B) / Megan Bradbury (10V) and Chelsea Jones (10L).

And finally……once again, the department has seen some success stories within the wider community. Earlier on this year, Jack Spencer (8T) Alex Liebeck (8T) Sean Pellington (9D) Richard Bailey (9W) and Morgan Eglin (9R) were invited to audition for a role within the professional production of “On Golden Pond”, by Ernest Thompson:

“A gentle and richly affecting play about families, love, growing up, growing older and the dangers of growing apart. It was made famous by the Oscar-winning film starring Katharine Hepburn and Jane and Henry Fonda.” (The New Vic Theatre)

It was staged at The New Victoria Theatre during the month of June. Both Jack Spencer and Morgan Eglin secured a role within it and performed with both confidence and professionalism far exceeding their years. Heart warming congratulations go out to you

4

both on such a super performance. We are all very proud of you both.

Meanwhile, alongside the success of Ben Steele securing a place at the Birmingham Music Conservatoire, we have another success story in the guise of Adam Whittaker who has also secured himself a place at this prestigious music building, where he will be starting in September. Continued good luck to both of you and we look forward to our first official invite to one of your concerts!

“ The Tempest Visits the New Vic Theatre”:

A motivated bunch of Y9 drama enthusiasts performed an abridged version of Shakespeare’s The Tempest” at the New Vic Theatre in February. The performers were all given stage makeup designed and applied by the Y10 BTEC performing arts students. As part of our BTEC examination, we went through a unit in stage make-up, with the help of Sharon Johnson – who joined us from Newcastle College. She taught us all how to apply, remove and modify stage make-up for the show to suit different artistes. The course ran from November to February and during it, we learnt about many different aspects of performance makeup. Firstly, we were taught about basic stage makeup; applying different shades depending on skin types, and different colours to suit different designs. We then did basic casualty makeup, which consisted of constructing broken noses and deep gashes using wax and fake blood. We also got the opportunity to use prosthetics to apply fake ears and noses. After learning various other makeup skills, we moved on to working towards The Tempest show itself. This meant we had to do a lot of work learning about the artiste that we would be working with, and knowing about their skin type and character that they were in the show. We all worked hard designing our individual pieces for the people we were working on, and I designed a pattern for Ariel, which ended up being chosen and applied by seven of us. When it came to the night of the show, we had to spend from the end of the school until around 5.30 getting the artistes sorted and getting all our work ready for the show. This was fairly tense, but all worked out really well in the end, and the makeup was a great success. All our hard work in the unit finally paid off and we were sad to see it go!

Article written by Rob Amesbury (10V).

In the meantime, the department has been busy getting ready for its next annual event: The Summer CA Festival – which allows us a chance to showcase performance work in all three disciplines from students throughout the school. As previous Festivals, this is going to incorporate examination work, this time with our third cohort of BTEC 1st Diploma students who have been busy learning and perfecting performance

pieces in Contemporary Dance/ Acting and Music. The whole Festival takes place over 3 nights (11th -13th July) and is, this year, allowing the department to say a fond farewell to Miss. McGregor, who will be sadly leaving the school to take up a new post with Staffordshire Performing Arts. We hope that you will be able to join us on one of the nights as we wish her every success in her new job:

“Preparation for Time-travel!”

So you think you’ve got a lot on your plate? Well, ask yourself this: for your last piece of ‘homework’ did you have to create a spreadsheet to handle ticket prices, write up a budgeting plan, liaise with Senior Management to arrange stunt performances and refreshments, type up detailed rehearsal journals, design an inventive and aesthetically pleasing show poster, attend rehearsals, use up dinner times to run a Box Office…the list is endless! These are just some of the jobs that I, and my fellow Y10 colleagues, have been involved with in order to prepare.

So what extra-curricular opportunities are on offer?

Although we regularly have over 100 students involved in our extra-curricular programme every week, we often get asked by parents what is on offer and when the various clubs take place. To help with any planning for the next academic year (and just in case there are any budding performers out there that we have yet to discover) here is what will be on offer as from September 2007: Whole School Vocal Group (called Phenomenon); they meet once a week at lunchtimes *

Senior Male Vocal Group (called Pondlife); they meet once a week at lunchtimes *

Junior Male Vocal Group (called Tadpoles); they meet once a week at lunchtimes *

Instrumental Group (called Fusion – a group made up of both traditional and modern instruments); they meet once a week at lunchtimes *

Instrumental and Vocal Lessons (for all year groups) taught by County (and Professional) music teachers. This can be arranged by contacting Mr Mark Gallacher (Subject Leader for Music). Lessons are provided on: violin/ all brass/ all woodwind/ drums/ keyboard/ electric & acoustic guitar and voice. Information packs are provided at the beginning of the school year *

Lower School Drama Group (for Y7 and 8) fondly named: “Footlights” who will meet once a week at lunchtimes *

Year 9 Drama Group (fondly named: “Strobes”), who will meet once a week at lunchtimes *

5

Upper School Drama Group (initially involving Y10’s/ fondly named “Super-troupers”), who will meet on a Tuesday evening: 4.30 – 5.30p.m.

External Theatre Group (called RAPA) who meet up on Thursday evenings from 7 – 9p.m.

Junior Street Dance Team (for Y7 – Y9) who meet up every Friday from 3.30 – 5.30p.m.

Advanced Street Dance Team (for Y10/ Y11) who will meet up every Tuesday from 3.30 – 5.00p.m.

“The Biz”and “Skoolcast” Enterprise Groups (who are responsible for the graphic design/ marketing/ box office and front of house management for the CA shows and marketing of other subject areas); these meet up twice a week at lunchtimes *

Starting in September: “Spotlight Musical Theatre Group”: open to anyone in Years 7 and 8. This will run on one evening per week *

* exact times/ days are yet to be arranged. Notification will be given early on in the new Autumn Term. So finally: thank you to all of you who have supported the department in one way or another this academic year, particularly to the parents of our performance teams and our audience members. After all, for a show of any kind to be successful we need good audience members and parents with lots of patience and stamina and for this we whole heartedly thank you. Until the next academic year…

Miss A Willcox/ Head of Creative Arts

Since the new government food guidelines were introduced into schools in September 2006, the head teacher, catering services and the local Health Authority have been working in partnership to provide the best possible service for the school. ‘School Food Trust’ (www.schoolfoodtrust.org.uk) work alongside key people in charge of school food such as cooks, head teachers and governors, as well as local authorities, to help them introduce the new standards. They aim to transform school food to improve children’s health and education. Guidelines are continually being updated and to stay in line with these changes we will be changing the way we offer and serve the main meal at lunchtime.

To make sure each child has the best value, quality and balance of nutrition we will be introducing ‘optioned meals’ on the main servery each day.

• Option 1 & 2 priced at £1.85 will consist of a traditional and vegetarian main course, vegetables, potatoes and a sweet & custard.

• Option 3 priced at £1.50 will consist of all in meal pasta/rice + homemade bread.

• Option 4 priced at £1.50 will consist of protein, 2 salads + homemade bread.

To illustrate these options the following is one day of a six-week menu, which is available from the catering department.

1. Farmhouse lamb with Yorkshire pudding, peas, new potatoes, Dutch apple cake & custard

2. Large homemade fishcake & parsley sauce, Peas, new potatoes, Dutch apple cake & custard

3. Pasta quills with carbonnara + homemade Mediterranean bread.

4. Sliced ham, mixed salad, fruity coleslaw + homemade bread roll

Sweet & custard will be available for option 3&4 at the additional cost of 55p. With this new system the benefits are that you will know that your child is getting value for money and more importantly a nutritional balanced meal, produced daily from where possible fresh, raw ingredients. This system has been under trial and proven to be very successful and popular at another high school in Staffordshire with school meal numbers increasing. The pupils will still be able to purchase sandwiches, salads, baguettes hot & cold, jacket potatoes, pizza, hot meat baps, fresh fruit and drinks at lunchtime.

Athletics Year 10/11. Both the boys and girls team sent depleted teams to the area championships due to

6

work experience. The P.E. dept would like to express their thanks to the following athletes. Roger Howe Ben Warren Tom Flanagan Jake Goodman George Tattershall Ryan Burke Richard Sale Year 9 Curtis Nelson Tom Jones Josh Brown Liam Williams (3rd Javelin) Josh Cronin 2nd Javelin 1st 400m Ben Dutton 3rd 1500m, Jake Stribling Max Locker Greg Bailey Rob Masters Year 8 Some good individual performances left the team overall in 4th place. Thanks to the following athletes. Alex Garrett, Josh Shuker, Charlie Ryles (1st Discus), James Lindop (3rd 800m) Andrew Bradburn, Matt Galletley, Matt Tharme, Jordan Flattley, Tom Kendrick, Tom Smith, Alex Liebeck, Alex Babb (4th Discus) Year 7 The team finished a credible 6th place. Thanks to the following athletes Mitch Durose, Matt Barrow, Ben Masters, Adam Butler, Kieron Conyon, Peter Day, Moonoon, Ryan Maughan, Cameron Rhodes, Jack Rollings, Ashley Lambert (3rd Shot) Tom Bradbury. Tennis news Staffordshire K.O. competition. Clayton hosted St Josephs College in this year Staffordshire K.O. Competition and lost 5-1 to a strong team. Thanks to the following players. Alex Liebeck, Ryan Maughan, Ryan Corbett, Oliver Ford and Matt Galletley Friendlies. One result in from the three arranged Clayton lost 4-2 to St Peter’s High School in late June. Ryan Maughan (Y7) came from 3-0 down to win 6-3. 2 matches where lost on tie breaks and the doubles pair of Ryan and Alex Liebeck gave Clayton their 2nd point. Thanks also to Matt Galletley and Oliver Ford. 2 more games arranged against Newcastle Under Lyme School and St Peter’s again. Road to Wimbledon Year 7/8 Championships A good entry for this year’s competition saw Ryan Maughan Year 7 face Alex Liebeck in the final. The younger pupil edged the final with a 6-4 victory. Both players represented Clayton at

the County competition. Unfortunately neither player progressed from here. Cricket Year 9/10 team. Games played so far; Lost to St John Fisher and Wolstanton whilst they beat Madeley. 1 fixture remains against Clough Hall. “Oarsome” The P.E. department has been lucky enough to secure a £8995 grant from Awards for all. The money will be used to develop rowing in the school. Initially pupils will have the chance to row on new Concept 2 rowing machines in extra curricular sessions at lunch and after school. It is planned to use the machines during P.E. lessons with a community coach coming in for year 7 lessons in September. The award will also pay for a 4 man boat based down at Trentham Gardens Lake so that pupils can access rowing, lakeside next summer. It will also help 2-3 members of staff to gain a qualification in delivering rowing to pupils. Already it has had a good response and huge impact on pupils. The school has already entered teams including a staff team in the already well established Concept 2 rowing schools league which is a relay format with times and distances entered and updated on line.

http://www.concept2.co.uk/league/ Manchester Indoor Climbing Centre On Wednesday 20th June, 15 pupils were

driven to the Indoor Climbing wall in Manchester by Mr Williams and Mrs Dale.

We left School at 1:15 and arrived at the

wall at about 2:45.

When we got there, we were shown how

to put the climbing harnesses on, then we

went to try on some climbing shoes – these are types of shoes designed

especially for climbing because they grip on the wall better than trainers.

When we had been safety checked we

went through to the climbing walls, and

7

were shown how to use a Variable

Controller - this is a delaying device you

use to make sure the person who is on the

wall doesn’t fall off.

We started to climb and everyone had an

excellent time, challenging themselves to

harder climbs. At the end of our time we

had a 10-minute bouldering session, which

was also great fun!! Bouldering is like

climbing but with no ropes or harnesses

but there is a soft mat to stop you from

getting an injury.

We left the Climbing Centre at about

5:00pm and arrived back at school at

6:15pm. Our day was full of fun and

challenges and was enjoyed by all of us!!

Thank You for taking us to the

Manchester Indoor Climbing Centre!!

By Amy Preston. Rounders Team

Year 8 Hollie Gallagher Lucy Baker Ella Clarke Amy Vernon Vicky Bates Miriam Wardle Emily Chesterman Rachel Breeze Beth Stevenson Congratulations to the year 9 Rounders Team who reached the Semi Final stages of the Under 14 Rounders Tournament. Year 9 Elysha Nixon Eloise Bowen Anna Burton Shanttel Green Rachel Beeston Emma Lawton Jess Davies Steph Lockett Louise Guest Chelsey Thorley Williams Due to bad weather the Year 10 Rounders team are still waiting to see if they have secured a place in the under 16 final after securing a fantastic victory over Newcastle-Under-Lyme school (6 to 1 ½ rounders).

Year 10 Kerri Welsh Sam Welsh Sam Laney Chloe Wilson Steph Brookes Danni Hancock Amiee Brown Amy Fullwood Emily Shaw Harriet Rushton Abi Taylor Athletics A brilliant year for the Clayton Athletics teams, with the under 14 and under 12 teams narrowly missing the title of Newcastle District Champions and finishing in the runner up spots! The following athletes have been selected to represent the Newcastle District. Under 17 Hayley Bloor = 200 metres & Long Jump Aimee Brown = Discus Natalie Deakin = Javelin Under 15 Lily Martin = 100m Zoe Tompkins = 800m and 1500m Rachel Beeston = High Jump Laura Gidman = Shot putt Emma Lawton = Discus Under 14 100m = Gemma Pile 200m = Evie Carroll High Jump = Emily Chesterman Under 13 Charlotte Hickman = 200m Lucy Hayes = High Jump, 800m & 1500m Lucinda Ruston = Long Jump Special Acknowledgment Lucy Hayes 7R has shown an exceptional amount of commitment to her athletics this year which is paying dividends. She has recently been ranked in the top 40 nationally for the 800 metres. At the recent Newcastle District Championships Lucy smashed the standing record for the 800m with an outstanding time of 2 minutes 36 seconds. She also won her 1500 metres and high jump event.

8

The following pupils have been selected for the Netball Regional Satellite School. The trials are very competitive as the standard is exceptionally high and therefore the pupils listed below should be commended on their success. Under 16 Emma Lawton Under 14 Emily Chesterman Lucinda Rushton Tennis Team Girls Under 14 Team Emily Chesterman Lucinda Rushton Becky Dodd Evie Carroll Connexions “What does Connexions do over the summer?” As a Connexions Personal Adviser working in schools, I am often asked this question by people who want to know what Connexions does over the summer months when schools are not open. Below I have tried to give an overview of the work I am involved in at this time, as well as the other services that Connexions provides. The main focus of my work at this time is with school leavers, particularly those who are looking for employment or work-based training. In order to ensure that Connexions provides as much support as possible for these young people, my colleagues and I contact school leavers on a regular basis throughout the summer to check their current situation and to notify them of any suitable vacancies. In addition, we encourage these young people to come into the centre on a regular basis to check our vacancy boards and to access help with job-seeking skills, such as composing a CV or filling in application forms. Visits and taster sessions to local training providers are also laid on during the summer break. A member of Connexions staff is always present at Results Day in school in order that they can help out with any queries resulting from young people not achieving the GCSE grades they were hoping for or from those attaining higher grades that they were expecting. Staff are also on hand at the local colleges on Results Day and the day after in order that young people can receive guidance before enrolling on a particular course. Once young people have picked up their GCSE results, they are likely to be contacted by a member of

Connexions staff to see what their intended destination is or to see whether they are still undecided about their next steps and need more help. If this is the case, they will be invited into their nearest Connexions Centre for a guidance interview. Connexions continues to provide the usual service of offering information, advice and guidance on a range of issues to all young people between the ages of 13 and 19 (and up to 25 years for young people with a special education need) during the summer. Pupils who will be In years 9, 10 and 11 as of September can contact me at the Connexions Centre and are free to access the information services we have available in the centres at any time. I hope this gives you some idea of how we can be of help to you and your child during the summer break. If you would like to contact me over the summer months, please do so at Newcastle Connexions Centre, Hassell Street, Newcastle ST5 1AR. Tel: 297383, email: denise.sillitto@cxstaffs.co.uk

Denise Sillitto Connexions Personal Adviser

Maths Master Class On Wednesday June 20th, Aimee Brown, Jordan Edwards, George Tattersall and I took part in a Maths Master class at Staffs University. Mrs Smith took us along and after finding the right part of the University which we had to be in, took our seats in one of the lecture theatres. There we met other schools from around Staffordshire that also came. We were all then split into two groups and we went into another room where we used maths to write music. As a starter we were played music from different times in the last 100 years and had to choose out of a list what the music was and put it on a timeline of when it was written. I will not comment on how well we did on that! We then were about the different frequencies of notes and why some notes sound good together and others don’t and were shown how to use logarithms. At the end we got to write our own piece of music using maths to work out the chords that we could us in the key that we had chosen and the notes of the pentatonic scale for the tune. The University provided us with lunch and as soon as we had finished the groups swapped over. The second part of the day was about puzzles and logic. I think we all enjoyed this part more because it was more interesting and we got more involved. We were shown card tricks, told about the

9

reasoning behind simple maths and got to work our brains on solving solitaire, which we eventually got shown how to do. We all enjoyed the day and I would like to thank Mrs Smith for organizing the day.

Laura Reece 10B

School Absence Line: 01782 297566 Just a reminder to all parents that the above number is the one you should be ringing if your child is ill or going to be late in, due to an appointment. It is a dedicated line and is available for you to ring 24 hours a day. You will hear a short message asking

you to leave details of your child’s absence. The message is then passed on to your child’s form tutor.

Thank you. Mrs Osborn

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT

AUTISM The Autism Outreach Team Drop In : Monday October 8th 2007 To discuss concerns, offer tips or give advice to any parents. Anyone welcome. Please contact the school reception to arrange an appointment E Freakley, Special Education Needs Coordinator

Year 10 Enterprise Day Wednesday May 1st

At 9.15, we all found our seats in the hall; each of us in mixed groups, with people we would not normally work with, in order to develop our ability to work in a team and communicate with others successfully. The day then began with an introduction to what was going to happen throughout the day, and why it was important to be enterprising. Debra Merrick hosted the event, and there were also people from local businesses, who were there to give us advice on how to act. After everyone had been introduced, we

played a game of ‘Who wants to be a Millionaire’, where the questions were all related to enterprising people and enterprise itself. Team E answered most questions correctly and therefore won a bonus of £5,000 for their team. Then came the next task which would take us through to the end of the day. We were all vehicle companies, who designed and created different vehicle for different occasions. There were four different types of business that we could sell our vehicles to. These were: commercial, fun and funky, continental and luxury. Each company had a representative, who explained about the needs of their company before we began to create our vehicles, so we had a general idea of what they were looking for. The person on fun and funky was Mr. Smith, with his monkey mascot, Derrick. Mr Alcock was on luxury, Mrs Johnson on commercial and Julien the French assistant was on continental. We could choose to sell our vehicles to whichever company we wanted to, but there was a catch. If you chose to sell your vehicle to Julien, then you had to communicate with him in French. We were given help sheets to aid us in our task, and once we knew what we had to do, everyone was assigned a role. Some of the roles included Sales Director, who was the one who had to take the vehicles to the companies and try to negotiate a suitable price, Design Director who was in charge of coming up with ideas and making the vehicles, and Quality Assurance Director who had to check every vehicle that was made and make sure it was up to scratch. The day was divided into four periods, and after the first period everybody seemed more confident in what they had to do. The atmosphere became more and more competitive as the day went on, and towards the end of the day, everyone was feeling the stress, as we tried to act like real business people, getting contracts, meeting deadlines and getting things done up to standard. At the end of the day, the results were announced, Team H came 3rd, Team C came 2nd and Team F made the most money and won the prize, which was a box of Celebrations. There were also a few other rewards given out, which included, Best Teamwork (Team D) and most improved (Ben Mountford – who won £10!). On the whole, we all enjoyed the day and thought it was a really good experience, and good practice for if we ever decided to go into a business related career.

By Jordan Edwards & Abi Taylor.Yr10.

10

Homework Club

Helping your child to hand homework in on time and avoid detentions! Homework club runs each night after school from 3.15-3.45pm in the library. It is fully supervised by teaching assistants and is an ideal way for your child to complete homework. If you think your child would benefit from this encourage them to speak to a teaching assistant in school or turn up to the library. See you there!

Natalie Gilchrist TA

May we remind parents not to bring students onto the school site or collect them at 3.15 unless there is a medical reason

Textiles! Textiles is a brilliant subject to learn. It is very interesting and creative. We do lots in lessons, practical work and written work. Recently we have been working on juggling bags; we have learnt how to use a sewing machine and how to hand stitch. Our juggling bags look really effective. Sewing is a skill that we will never forget and a very useful one, too! We believe that Textiles will help us in later life. Everyone has enjoyed Textiles this time and hope that we can carry on in future school years. By: Georgia Bradley-Bourne, Chandler Deakin, Katie Melville, Franki Hopley, Will Brambly, Victoria Cumberbatch , Jess Slight and Becki Leech. 7XS1

ASDAN Community Project

Thanks to support from the Clayton Hall

Enterprise Fund and a successful bid for

money from Newcastle Council’s

Community Chest Fund. The year 10

ASDAN group have been able to purchase

gardening equipment to enable them to

start a community project. Since March

the group have been maintaining the

grounds of St. Andrews Church in the

Westlands and hope to extend this to St.

James Church in Clayton in the near

future. The project has been a great

success and the group will continue their

work in year 11. The group is also helping

to maintain areas of the school grounds

and further improve the school

environment.

Rev. Gerald Gardiner of St Andrews

Church has written to school. “Many

thanks to Mr Moss and his team for the

work they have done this term on the

grounds around St Andrews Church. We

have been impressed by their hard work

and skill in helping to maintain the land

around the church. It would be difficult

for people to take seriously what we do if

our grounds looked a mess. Thank you for

playing your part in helping us to look neat

and tidy.”

Rev. Gerald Gardiner.

School Computer Loan Policy From September 2007 the School will have a limited number of computers available for students who do not have access to a computer at home. The loan of the computer is free of charge subject to the following conditions: The computer must be returned in full working condition at the end of the academic year in which it is loaned. The school and its employees will not be held responsible for any damage caused to the domestic environment by the computer. The computer will remain the property of the school and must only be used for the sole purpose of school work by the student. The school reserve the right to withdraw the computer from a student at any given time with no explanation being offered. Computers will be loaned on a first come first served basis and pupils will be required to reapply every year, as there is no guarantee of them having one each year. A parent or legal guardian is to sign the loan agreement form and accept liability for any damage caused to the computer.

Please see Mr. Smith Key Stage 4 or Miss Gilchrist Key Stage 3.

11

LIBRARY NEWS

Once again I would like to thank everyone who has supported the Scholastic book club this year. The school library has been able to benefit from new fiction books brought with the commission money raised. This year I have had over £700 to spend which has kept the library up to date with the latest releases. Earlier this term I also introduced a fiction section for year 10 and year 11 readers which included the latest ‘Richard and Judy’ book award books along with some other top titles. Please let me know of any other titles or authors you would like to see in the library. The Nestle Box Top scheme came to an end for this year in April. With the tokens collected I was able to order 25 Eyewitness books with the money earned from this venture. Please continue to send in the box tops as the scheme will commence again in September. Tokens can be found on all Nestle cereal boxes and remember you will receive a merit for every one collected! BOYS INTO BOOKS The secretary of State and Education in conjunction with the School Library Association has just launched a major drive to encourage more teenage boys to read for pleasure. I have recently taken stock of 20 free books incorporating classic novels with action, adventure, fantasy, crime, horror and sports titles as well as fact based books on history and humour. These titles will be ready for loan in September and it is hoped that they will encourage more reading amongst the boys.

Mrs Corbett Librarian

YTF AWARD DAY On the 3rd July I went to the Staffordshire County Showground with 8 other pupils for the Young Teen Fiction Book Awards. There were two guest authors speaking, Sue Mayfield and Mark Robson. We all got signed books from them and they gave talks on what they had done in their lives. There were six books to read for the award and the winner, the most popular book to be voted for was The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne. Second place went to Slawter by Darren Shan and third place was Evil Star by Anthony Horowitz. Hopefully we will get to meet John Boyne when he is invited to receive his award later on in the year. This was a very enjoyable day and we had lots of laughs. I am already looking forward to next year’s book award!

By Nicola Allen 7N

Breaking News!

Year 7W Juggling Bags Year 7 pupils learn textiles skills including how to use the sewing machine to make a set of Juggling Bags in

Technology. We were invited to enter a competition against other local schools to design a logo for Clayton Community and Learning Partnership. The logo is for

use on their new website, currently under development. Three Graphics groups took part, using their lessons for the week to learn how to design for a real brief,

taking into consideration the limits imposed, such as using a maximum of 3 colours in their design. Groups also looked at making their design work at both large

and small size, and developing a black and white version, too. The winner was chosen by local

councillors and comes from Clayton Hall Business and Language College. Congratulations to

Kimberley Wright who wins a family ticket for the cinema.

12

Mr Heuston would like to mention the following students who have received a praise letters since our last Newsletter.

Laura Banks 7A Clare Hitchinson 7A Laura Holdcroft 7A Lucy Holdcroft 7A Dominic Hope 7A Jessica Timmis 7A Daniel Buxton 7N Jennifer Darby 7N Charlotte Hickman 7N Michael Hoyle 7N Laura Isherwood 7N Lucinda Rushton 7N Akila Samsudin 7N Abbie Thomson 7N Victoria Turner 7N Charlotte Young 7N William Brambley 7P Adam Butler 7P Ashleigh Cross 7P Victoria Cumberbatch 7P Chandler Deakin 7P Joseph Dobson 7P Ebony Gledhill 7P Sally Hall 7P Joshua Handley 7P Bethany Holford 7P Moonnoon Jawadin 7P Stephanie Johnson 7P Ashley Lambert 7P Annabel Le Lohe 7P Alan Leece 7P Olivia Lynch 7P Nathanael Mills 7P Hannah Nicholls 7P Giorgia Presti 7P James Salt 7P Rachel Shallcross 7P Jessica Slight 7P Shellimiah Stanier 7P Liam Stazaker 7P Oliver Steventon 7P Megan Taylor 7P Jolene Wilshaw 7P Selvi Altun 7R Lucy Ashley 7R

Hayley Bates 7R Conor Hanley 7R Lucy Hayes 7R Danielle Madeley 7R Matthew Whittaker 7R Emma Whittingham 7R Amy Yates 7R Zoey Baggaley 7S Cassandra Bloor 7S Oliver Brassington 7S Laura Burton 7S Kathryn Cosgrove 7S Gregory Davies 7S Peter Day 7S Luke Eltringham 7S Samuel Espley 7S Callum Furnival 7S George Hall 7S Jordan Hazrati 7S Lydia Hill 7S Frances Hudson 7S Jessica Hunt 7S Louise Kenny 7S Thomas Lewis 7S Ross Littlejohn 7S Matthew O'Brien 7S Jake Shakeshaft 7S Sarah Shallcross 7S Jordan Sloan 7S Stacey Tideswell 7S Bethan Tunney 7S Aaron Baddeley 7T Jordan Bates 7T Hollie Beech 7T Thomas Bradbury 7T Georgia Bradley-

Bourne 7T

Bethany Carr 7T Ciaran Conyon 7T Luke Dimond 7T Emilia Eccles 7T Niall Forrest 7T Nicholas Greatbatch 7T Amber Griffiths 7T Francesca Hopley 7T Katrina Hunt 7T Daniel Joseph 7T Sophie Lear 7T Chon Lee 7T Rebecca Leech 7T

13

Rebecca Lees 7T Imogen Love 7T Mitchell Love 7T Ellouise Master 7T Katie Melville 7T Jack Mould 7T Anna Plant 7T Cameron Rhodes 7T Robert Stubbs 7T Stephanie Whieldon 7T Ryan Williams 7T Megan Ashley 7W Emily Brownsword 7W Chantelle Christie 7W Laura Harris 7W Terri Lawton 7W Josh Barber 8A Isabelle Coop 8A Alice White 8A Alexander Babb 8D John Braithwaite 8D Ella Clarke 8D Jordan Clarke 8D Saira Hussain 8D Joshua Jenkins 8D Cameron Love 8D Jodie Rayner 8D Amber-Leigh

Whitehouse 8D

Cheneise Williamson 8D Thomas Kemp 8J Charlotte Morton 8J Sarah Pepper 8J Rebecca Phillips 8J Lauren Atkinson 8M Chloe Barnett 8M Abhro Ghosal 8M Abhro Ghosal 8M Matthew Hemmings 8M Naomi Howlett 8M Harry Jukes 8M Joseph Pearson 8M Danielle Smallwood 8M Chelsea Smith 8M Emily Twigg 8M Liam Wilton 8M Rachel Breeze 8P Olivia Brooks 8P Emily Chesterman 8P Alexander Garratt 8P

Evie Carroll 8T Amy Lister 8T Harriet Barlow 8W Victoria Bates 8W Emily Harvey 8W Shaluka Jayawardane 8W Amy McIntosh 8W Amy Vernon 8W Miriam Wardle 8W Kathleen Brookes 9C Anna Burton 9C Liam Massey 9C David Hibbitts 9D Heather King 9D Adam Myatt 9D Jie Bailey 9P Rachel Beeston 9P Robyn Fullwood 9P Lily Randall 9P Daniel Puma 9W Amy Fullwood 10B Rebecca Hooton 10B Samantha Laney 10B Ross Millar 10B Emily Shaw 10B Benjamin Steele 10B Jessica Beetenson 10D Louise Marketos 10D Chloe Wilson 10D Aimee Brown 10L James Baker 10M Danielle Hancock 10M Claire Moon 10M Abigail Taylor 10R Kerri Welsh 10R Samantha Welsh 10R Hayley Wilton 10R Megan Bradbury 10V Elizabeth Clark 10V Thomas Flanagan 10V Joseph Edwards 11H Catherine Trinder 11H Matthew Davies 11L Oliver Hargreaves 11L Stephanie Lahey 11L James Waite 11M Thomas Darby 11V