Worthing High School

Dear Parents, Carers, Staff and Governors,

At the end of a very busy term it is important to reflect on all that has been achieved. Students this term have remained extremely focused, Yr 11 and 10 students have sat a second round of mock GCSE exams and now enter their final preparation time for the summer exams.

Carolyn DickinsonHeadteacher

More from the Head on page two

On Friday 13 March, Shami Chakrabarti CBE visited Worthing High School to speak to all Key Stage 4 students about the importance of voting.

Shami is the Director of Liberty, the British civil liberties advocacy organisation. She is also Chancellor of Oxford Brookes University and University of Essex. She studied Law and started working as a barrister in 1994.Shami spoke to nearly 500 Year 10 and 11 students about the importance of using their vote and shared her views on equality and civil rights.

She explained to students that: “Voting is like eating, essential but the menu is not always delicious.” She informed students she felt

young people should be able to vote from 16 years of age and encouraged them to get involved with politics so that they could shape their tomorrows. Her presentation was very thought provoking and inspiring.

Shami also spent time with our Year 11 Student Leaders.

One parent commented via Twitter: “.. my son came home buzzing from your talk at school today. You really inspired him.”

March 2015

HANNAH BEHARRYGB BOXER, PROMOTES

SKY SPORT LIVING FOR LIFE - PAGE 11

STUDENTS FUND RAISING SUCCESS TUBE CHALLENGE

- PAGE 7

CHRIS BRADFORDMARTIAL ART EXPERT,

BODYGUARD AND AUTHOR RETURNS TO

WHS - PAGE 9

SOUND OF MUSICMOST SUCCESSFUL

WHS MUSICAL - PAGE 6

MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD

SHAMI CHAKRABARTI VISITS WORTHING HIGH AS PART OF THE SPEAKERS FOR SCHOOLS PROGRAMME

NewsletterSemper Ad Excellentiam Contende

Always Pursue Excellence

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Dear Parents, Carers, Staff and Governors,

Shami Chabrabariti, Director of Liberty UK, visited us on

March 13th to address Yr 10 and

11 students on the importance of democracy and the rule of law. Our Student Leaders, lead by Jack Window and Emily Coles, hosted Ms Chakrabarti and her address provided an excellent springboard into the exam season. There is a full account of her visit on the front page of our newsletter.

I am particularly impressed with the way all students have taken the window installation programme in their stride. The installation company have paid many tributes to the courtesy and respect shown by students to their staff. We have completed a total refit of all windows in the school and I pay a huge

tribute to our Facilities Manager Ricky Beasley for managing this programme so seamlessly. I also thank staff for their forbearance as their classrooms became out of action.

Following two serious cycle accidents this term we will be introducing a helmet policy for all students who cycle to and from school. This policy will come into force after the May half term, the detail of this policy is set out below.

This term we say goodbye to three members of staff:

Mr Browne leaves the Science Department; Ms Cullen leavesthe English Department and Mrs Lloyd leaves to take up a new Sociology and Psychology role at

Worthing College.

At the start of term we will welcomeMrs Bureau to the Englishdepartment, Andrew Parkinson to Music and Jacqueline McHale tothe Science Department. After May half term Ms Colejoins the Englishdepartment and Mrs Chaplain willjoin the Maths Department.

I would very much like to take this opportunityto thank you all for your continuing support and to wish you a very peaceful Easter.

Kind regards

Carolyn Dickinson

MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD

The last day of this term for students will be Thursday 26 March 2015. (Friday 27 March

is an INSET day and the school will be closed to students.) Please note that there will be no early

finish on Thursday 26 March for students.

The Summer Term begins on Monday 13 April 2015

when students are expected in slightly later at 9.40 am.

This will be in time for registration before Lesson 2, of Week 1 on our two week timetable

COMPULSORYCYCLE HELMETS

From the 1st of June 2015 all students who cycle to school will be required to wear a cycle helmet. This is to ensure that all students who cycle to and from school do so in a safe manner. More detailed communication regarding the implementation of this new requirement will be sent to all parents/carers during April and May.

Mr Browne

Ms Cullen

Mrs Lloyd

TERM DATES AND ARRANGEMENTS:

Damaged Helmet

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CHICHESTER CONTROLLED ASSESSMENT

‘There is no substitute for ‘real-world’ learning.’ - Geographical Association.

As part of the GCSE Geography course, Year 10 students visited Chichester for their Controlled Assessment fieldwork. Fieldwork is a valuable component of the Geography curriculum, allowing students to actively engage with the world around them. The trip provides students with a day to apply the knowledge they have acquired in the classroom to a real place and test whether it meets the classroom theories.

Students spent the day in Chichester looking at different aspects of the area, allowing students to test the hypothesis: ‘The functions of Chichester CBD match those of the core and frame model’. The data collection included a land use survey, pedestrian count, field sketches and a questionnaire

The project creation has now begun in the classroom with Year 10 students applying their findings from the day to geographical theories – this project is worth 25% of their final GCSE Geography grade.

‘The trip gave me a chance to test whether what we have learnt in the classroom actually applies to somewhere I have been!’ – Jack, Year 10.

The fieldwork aspect of the day promotes motivation in geography and builds skills in team work, evaluation of theory and a personalisation of learning whilst the project develops a range of skills which will benefit them in higher education and their future careers in Geography.

Lee HardwickLeader of Geography.

On Tuesday 27th and Wednesday 28th January Year 11 GCSE Historians visited Brighton for the day to explore the sites in order to see for themselves the reasons why Brighton grew to be such an important town from 1500 -1900.

The cold weather did not deter their enthusiasm and Charlotte Thompson described the day as “a brilliant balance of fun and education. It was very interesting to see what we had learnt in the classroom and the element of independent investigation furthered our understanding.” Emily Coles added “ It was a good chance to put everything we learned into perspective and to see that the attractions from the time of George IV are still the attractions today for tourists.”The students visited the Pavilion, the museum, the Pier and surrounding area including the Metropole, Grand and Old Ship Hotels. On the second day 11D were privileged enough to be taken to the cellars of the Old Ship Hotel courtesy of Sarah Paine, Events Manager of the hotel. The Old Ship is the oldest hotel in Brighton dating from 1665. Katie Scott said,” I really enjoyed our historical visit to Brighton as it allowed me to envisage what the up and

coming city of Brighton was like as it developed through the ages “ and Lewis Strotten concluded, “ the visit to Brighton allowed us to see, with our own eyes, the developments that Brighton has undergone. It put what we learned in to first-hand experience.”

THE IMPORTANCE OFBRIGHTON IN HISTORY

Jules GrindelLeader of History

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This year the Leavers Prom will take place in Brighton at The Hilton Brighton Metropole on July 3rd.Last year the Worthing High School leavers celebrated at The Long Furlong Barn, Clapham, a fantastic venue but it can only cater for 150 covers. With such a large year group, 250, we didn’t want to restrict the number of our students who could attend.

Therefore, this year we looked at larger venues and deicided to celebrate at the Metropole in Brighton.

Tickets are £32 which is £3 a head cheaper than last year. The evening will start at 7pm with students taking their

places in the Dining Room for 7.45pm. Students will recieve a drink on arrival, a two course meal of Chicken with Lemon and Fennel sauce served seperately in jugs, Duchess potatoes, broccoli and baton carrots, followed by Chocolate mousse in mini chocolate waffles. The Vegetarian option is Vegetable Wellington. There will also be jugs of squash and water on the tables. If you have any dietary requirements or allergies please make the school aware when ordering your ticket.

Please collect your son/daughter promtly at 11pm, students will NOT be allowed to leave the venue without their parent, guardian or carer.

The cut-off for the Leavers package, which included the Hoodie has nowended,

but you can still purchase Prom tickets, the Prom photo Cd (£5), and the Yearbook (£15) all via wisepay. Please don’t leave it to the last minute, the sooner we have the numbers the easier it is to organise. The deadline for

paying for your Prom tickets is Friday 1st May 2015!Please see further details, rules and terms and conditions at this link: http://www.worthinghigh.net/student-letters-year-11

Year 11’s can enter our ‘design a Prom ticket’ competition, the winning design will win a free Prom ticket, up to three designs per student. Please see details and samples of previous years invitation at the same link above.

The school do not make any money from any of above items, the Yearbook is subsidised and the Prom decorations and balloons cost extra money.Therefore we are holding various fund raisers to support these costs. The first was a cake sale, which £150. Next is the carboot sale on 18 April. The Year 11s will run the sale and take the gate money as well as sell items on their own stall. Please come and support or donate goods to sell. Please bring items to sell to Mr Peacock before April 18.

2015 LEAVERS PROM INFORMATION

FORM TIME FUNWorthing High School was pleased to welcome Kevin Newman, from All-Inclusive History, to lead a training session for our Lead Learners and Student Leaders. The session explored how to organise more engaging, fun, and relevant form times. In the training session, students were given ideas of what they could do, were encouraged to come up with their own ideas, and looked at ways that form times could be used in even more interesting ways, such as telling

younger students what to expect from later years, or preparing for those later years themselves.

Also suggested was the Student Direction Tracker, which allows students to plan ahead where they want to go and what subjects they want to take all the way until graduation. Kevin’s tuition also allowed students to look at key issues surrounding

organising form time, such as getting the class’s attention, and making sure they’re on your side. Overall, it has been an incredibly useful experience, and will certainly make an impact on form time in Worthing High School.

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WHSA Quiz – Thursday 30 April 2015

Bookings are now being taken for the upcoming WHSA Quiz. Do come along to what always proves to be a fun evening for all the family. Please see the flier on the school website under Parents/WHSA/Forthcoming Events or at www.worthinghigh.net/whsa-forthcoming-events-and-news.Tickets are just £3 per person or £15 per team (maximum 6). Please see full details at the link above and return the tear-off slip

on the flyer to main reception or email us at whsa@worthinghigh.net with your team names as soon as possible. All bookings must be made by Thursday, 16 April 2015.

The event will be held in the Millennium Hall - please enter through the Student Services entrance.

Car Boot Sale Dates – First Date:

We will once again be running monthly car boot sales at the school from April - July. An ideal chance to spring clean and de-clutter or grab a bargain! See our webpage for further details at www.worthinghigh.net/whsa-car-boot-sales-2015 .

WHSA NEWS

‘I really enjoyed the day and would definitely recommend it to students next year!’ – Joe, Year 9

On Friday 13th February 2015, thirty Gifted and Talented Year 9 and 10 students visited the University of Brighton for a day of activities run by Brighton’s PGCE Geography trainee teachers. The day was a real success and all our students made Worthing High proud with their exceptional behaviour, continued engagement and enthusiasm throughout the day.

The day consisted of a variety of different activities which were centred on active learning, the topics included: The Development Gap, The advantages and disadvantages of tourism and Climate Change & sustainable energy. A wide variety of learning

styles were tapped into, with activities including the use of Brighton University’s iPads to research the differing levels of global development and students working in groups to construct the most efficient wind turbine.

The day was a fantastic opportunity for our students to work closely with a range of university graduates to develop their learning in each of the topical geographical issues.

‘I really enjoyed visiting Brighton University for a day of master

classes; the activities were really interesting and give me a chance to learn more about each of the topics.’ Zoe – Year 10.

The trip celebrates the strong links which are being made with the Geography department and Higher Education establishments, allowing students to gain a personal insight into University life and future careers in Geography.

Lee HardwickLeader of Geography.

Brighton University

Geography Trip

Gates Open 11am (SELLERS ONLY) Car Boot Sale Starts 12pm

(BUYERS)

Sellers cars/people carrier £6Transit Van (private) £10

Transit Van (commercial) £20Buyers – adults 25p, children free

Refreshments available

18th April

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On 23rd-25th February, students from across the school staged this year’s spectacular production of The Sound of Music. The show was our most ambitious venture yet, involving students from both Thomas a Becket and The Vale School as the younger Von Trapp children and members of the chorus. We branched out even further by staging our production at the new performing arts building at Worthing College: The Sealight Theatre.The show was a huge, sell-out success. Each and every performer shone on stage with exceptional performances from the lead actors. The audience was packed to capacity every night of the three night run and we even had to turn a few people away! The students worked tirelessly in rehearsals leading up to the show and showed even further commitment over the course of the show week! A photo CD and DVD of the show is available by letter from Mrs Hunwick and the cast and crew will be invited to a special screening of the DVD next half term.

THE SOUND OF MUSIC

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On Saturday 14th February Iwan Jenkins, Callum Liston , Amelia Smith and Josh Ageros set off to London in pursuit of breaking a world record by completing the zone 1 tube challenge. The world record stands at 2hrs 39 minutes, the challenge is to go to all 63 Tube Stations in zone one by tube.Callum and Josh had spent weeks meticulously planning the route and times, trying to find the quickest route possible. The challenge started at Vauxhall tube station and finally ended in Euston in 3hrs 5 minutes and 29 seconds, which was over 45

minutes faster than their previous attempt in February 2014. However they missed the record by 26 mins, but are in the top 100 teams out of 1,000s of attempts.Most importantly they raised £780.80 for Cancer Research, a charity that means a lot to these Students.To raise even more the school are helping by having a Mufti Day on the last day of term, which should bump up the donation greatly!

Amelia said “It was an amazing experience, I thoroughly enjoyed the day!”

Callum felt that “Amelia and the boys showed great spirt, the team’s effort was a fantastic tribute to such a great cause. The experience was so much fun, I have planned an attempt on not only the DLR Challenge but also the 11 Lines challenge on Saturday 28th March.I would like to thank the school for raising more on Mufti Day, it really does mean a great deal to all of us involved.”

Iwan said “We want to thank everyone for sponsoring and supporting us, if you wish to donate, you still can on our justgiving page”.https://www.justgiving.com/TubeChallenge1-2/

LONDON TUBE CHALLENGE 2015

On 19th March some of the cast from The Sound of Music visited the Assembly Halls in Worthing for a very special concert. Thomas a Becket hold their annual Spring concert and we were invited as special guests to sing songs from our recent successful production: The Sound of Music. The evening

was a delight, full of a fantastic array of musicians forming bands and choirs and even some inspirational staff performances!We were on during the second act and it was a great opportunity for the cast to don their beloved costumes again! We sang Do Re Mi, Maria and So Long, Farewell.

The students we had worked with from Thomas a Becket during the show were so pleased to see the students from our school again and it was a pleasure to be involved in such a wonderful event.Mrs Hunwick-Leader of Drama

ASSEMBLY HALL CONCERT

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LEARNING RESOURCE CENTRE

The shortlist has been announced for The Amazing Book Awards and they are brilliant! Everyone is welcome to join in reading with the 32 schools participating this year. We will then vote for our favourite book and meet the authors at the presentation evening on Friday 10th July @ 6pm, Shoreham Academy.

We are thrilled to announce that Chris Riddell will be our host for the evening.

Everyone is welcome, friends and family too!

Come and see us in the LRC for more information. It isn’t too late to

join in either in a book group or to read independently.

Do check out the website for more information: http://amazingbookawards.co.uk/

Accelerated Reader—Home Connect

Year 8 and 9 students have received a letter to pass to their parents or carers about a new scheme we are piloting called Home Connect. You will be able to monitor their achievements on Accelerated Reader, the reading scheme we run during library lessons. The letter will give you a login to access the site which is fun and easy to use. If you do have any questions on Accelerated Reader please contact me or their English teacher.

Amanda PhelanLearning Resources Manager aphelan@worthinghigh.net

HOME CONNECT

Editor’s

note...

Yr9 Student

modelling

new uniform

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Chris Bradford visited the school today to talk to our Year 8 students. We also welcomed other local feeder and secondary schools too.Chris put on a fabulous action

packed show and students all had an amazing time. We heard about how he trained in martial arts and personal protection to write his Young Samurai and Bodyguard books. He told us what it takes to be a good Bodyguard

and he also showed us some basic techniques (kihon waza) with his Samurai Sword (Katana). Many students got the chance to participate in the presentation to

become bodyguards or assist in his Samurai sword display. Students said it was one of the best author talks they had ever seen and our feeder schools are looking forward to returning for any future events. The books are now flying out of the

library as our students are so keen to read them.

LEARNING RESOURCE CENTRE

Meeting the Authors - CHRIS BRADFORD 2nd March 2015

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WORLD BOOK DAYWorld Book Day was on the 5th of March and because our teachers like to get students involved, in each lesson of the day we heard a section of a short story by Roald Dahl. By the end of the day we were all excited to hear the end of the story. As well as this, there was a novel in a jar activity, in which we all had a chance to try to guess the novel from the key words we could see through the glass.

The English teachers also brought in shelfies and it was fun to see what books they read at home.

Overall World BookDay has inspired us to read and find the creative side of reading.

By Morgan, Kiera and Millie Year 9

ELECTION 2015From the 24th of April until the 7th of May, during tutor time, Worthing High students will be taking part in a mock election when they will follow a comprehensive full election process mirroring the General Election.

The activities will teach the students about the election process, how a democracy works and students will be given the opportunity to learn how to argue and defend points of view

Worthing High School is taking part in the National Walk to School Week this week. Students have been encouraged to use sustainable travel for their journey to and from school during their form time sessions and community assemblies.

We are holding a prize draw for all students who use sustainable travel for their school journeys Monday, 23 March – Thursday, 26 March, and who take part in the

‘Selfie Challenge’.

We have tasked students to participate in something sustainable and active for example: cycling pier to pier; running around the park; walking to beach; etc on Friday, 27 March (INSET day). The students have been asked to take a selfie of themselves completing their challenge as proof to show their form tutor. The draw for the £50 voucher will take place during the week beginning 13 April 2015.

Good luck!

Lee HardwickLeader of Geography.

WALK TO SCHOOL WEEK

Q:Which English

Teacher owns this bookshelf?

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CRICKET SUCCESSWell done to Jaynil Patel, Muadh Khan, Ammad Khan and Luke Winter who have made it into the West Sussex Spartans. The students from Worthing High School cricket academy were put through their paces during a three week trial held at the Sussex County Ground.

Over 120 students across the county from years 8 and 9 took part in the trials. Twenty students were selected, 4 from Worthing High school. The students will now go on to an eight week training programme ending in several trial matches at the end of May. If the boys are successful they will be awarded with a place in the county squad.

Alan Smith and Matt Reynolds (Worthing High School academy coaches) were delighted that the boy’s hard work, talent and enthusiasm had been awarded.

Marie Field (Leader of PE) was delighted that the Worthing High School cricket academy players had been recognised as 4 of the

best 20 players for their age group in the County. The cricket Academy continues to develop with the recent introduction of gifted and sessions for local feeder schools. Miss FieldLeader of PE

PSHE NEWSIt has been another busy term in the PSHE department. In February, year 8 had a whole day dedicated to Health and Well-being. Their usual lessons were replaced with learning about: the impact of smoking, emotional and mental health, road safety, the benefits of living a healthy lifestyle, as well as a recap of the changes we experience in puberty. Year 9 had a slightly different PSHE day this term as we had a charity called “Mocktails” delivering the sessions. The day was focused around educating young people about the risks of alcohol, as well as engaging students in a “Dragon’s Den” style activity.

There were about 15 visitors in school delivering sessions in their areas of expertise: alcohol workers, accountants, marketing professionals and even a mixologist!

Each group of students got the chance to create their very own mocktail; sampling and creating their own original fruit based drinks. This was the basis of the project which meant that each group of students had to cost the price of their product, create marketing materials for their product, as well as providing

evidence of their understanding of alcohol awareness.

Each group then had to formally present and pitch their ideas. An overall winning group was selected by the Mocktails team...”His & Hers”! This this group have the exciting prospect of competing in the final against other winning teams from local schools in the luxurious surroundings of South Lodge Hotel!

Well done to all involved and good luck to His & Hers!

Mrs LloydHead of PSHE

Winning Team -His & Hers

01903 237864achieve@worthinghigh.net twitter.com/worthinghighwww.worthinghigh.net

ENGLAND AND GB BOXER INSPIRES OUR STUDENTSHannah Beharry, Boxing for England and Great Britain, who has won a string of gold medals, spent a second day this term with students at Worthing High school.

During Hannah’s first visit to the school Hannah delivered several inspirational assemblies to KS4 students on her life to date. Describing how once faced with an uncertain future, she discovered a positive channel for her energies

at All Stars, one of London’s most prominent boxing clubs. Hannah went on to explain how she has transformed her life through sport, not only excelling at boxing, but acting as a strong role model for her local communities by promoting boxing in schools.

When Hannah returned to WHS on Wednesday 11th February she worked with three different groups on Sky Living Projects. Throughout the sessions Hannah worked with

students on the six keys to success, mental toughness, hunger to achieve, people skills, sports and life knowledge, breaking barriers and planning for success using her own life experiences and team building skills.

Leader of Physical Education at Worthing High, Marie Field said: ‘The day was incredible, students were motivated and inspired throughout. Hannah is an inspirational role model and ambassador for the positive influence of sport. Projects and programmes like these are invaluable to help young people develop important life skills that will help them in and outside of school, now and in the future.”

Speaking about her role as an Athlete Mentor, Hannah commented: “I wanted to get involved because I want to play my part in helping young people change their lives. Through telling my own life story the

students have a real life example of someone from a disadvantaged background who was ‘destined to fail’ and has, in fact, managed, through determination, confidence and ambition, to change their life and overcome obstacles to achieve things beyond their wildest dreams.“Sport has helped me to turn my life around, helping me to gain confidence in myself, grow as a person, meet new people and become the person I am today.”

We look forward to running various new projects next year.

Miss M Field - Leader of PE