Dear Parents

PARENTS’ NEWSLETTER – ISSUE 5

DECEMBER 2012

Please see the following important reminders at the end of this newsletter: Our closure notification system (including advice on winter footwear) plus a letter on the 200 Club.

END OF TERM 2 ARRANGEMENTS - FRIDAY 21 DECEMBER 201 2

We break up on Friday 21 December 2012. Registration and tutor time will be 12.00 pm – 12.15 pm.

As Thamesdown will do an early pick up service this year we have been able to arrange that all our school buses will depart from school at 12.25 pm prompt.

ie: Cricklade Buses S21, S25 Bradon Forest Swindon Buses: BE1, BE2, BE3, BE4, BE5, BE6 and B90 Thamesdown Swindon Buses B1 and B2

NB: At 12.15 pm Students should line up in the usual places ready for staff to organise boarding of the buses for a prompt departure at 12.25 pm.

Purtonians or those students who do not use a bus can leave school at 12.15 pm.

BEGINNING OF TERM 3 ARRANGEMENTS – MONDAY 7 JANUARY 2013

All students (all year groups) return to school for Term 3 on Monday 7 January 2013 at 8.45 am (normal timetable ie Week 2)

Reminder: Bradon Forest Carol Concert at St Mary's Church, Purton Wednesday 19 December 2012 at 7.00 pm

INTRODUCTION

I would like to wish all students, parents, governors and friends of the school a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I hope that everyone enjoys the holiday season with their families and friends.

Thank you to all staff, both teaching and support, for their continued hard work, support and professionalism over the last year. Bradon Forest has a staff team who work extremely hard in supporting all aspects of school life.

We look forward to reporting on the many and varied activities and student achievements in newsletters during 2013.

CHRISTMAS DINNER REMINDER

KS4: Tuesday 18 December KS3: On Wednesday 19 December (Roast Turkey, Pigs in Blankets, Carrots/Broccoli, Stuffing Balls, Gravy /Quorn Loaf (V)/ Chocolate Fudge Cake)

Price £2.00. Tickets available from the Canteen from Monday 10 December 2012 YEAR 9 FRENCH TRIP

Ms Hunter reports: On Thursday 25 October 2012, 39 Year 9 students arrived at school to embark on a whistle stop sight-seeing tour to Paris. We arrived in Calais with enough time to watch a film before arriving at our hotel for tea. Due to rush hour traffic around the Parisian equivalent of the M25 we were delayed and had to microwave our tea. This proved to be quite a task with only two microwaves. The next morning we were on the bus at 8:45 ready for the sights of Paris.

There was an audible gasp of WOW - look it's the Eiffel Tower as soon as one person spotted it from a distance. Students weren't allowed to take photos when they got off the bus as they were marched across to the best viewing spot. Several artistic photographers took pictures of them holding the tower and pushing it over. Then we went to the very top. Peer pressure kicked in and the entire group managed to make it to the top, despite the wind, fog and rain - they still managed to see a proposal at the top. We then made our way to the Louvre. Mrs Marsh did a superb job navigating around the Louvre to let us all see the Mona Lisa. Once more photographs were taken it was time to get away from

the crowds and enjoy the Da Vinci moment outside by the Glass Pyramid.

Shopping time was next. Many students managed to use their French at the local McDonalds and lots of pink mini Eiffel Towers were purchased. We still had plenty to see and went back to the Eiffel Tower for our evening cruise on the Seine. Magnificent views of Notre Dame and plenty of photographs later we made our way back to the hotel, hungry and tired. After tea we explored the local area and visited the local supermarket to use more French phrases and buy a sugary treat.

The next morning was another early get up. Mr Parkes set up his lunch stop and students collected sandwiches, snacks and drinks before spending the day with Asterix and Obelix at Parc Asterix. Several students got quite soaked on the water rides and lots of students found the queues weren't very long on the new Egyptian rollercoaster ride. Mrs Atherall, Miss Daniel, Mr Parkes, Mrs Marsh and Ms Hunter made the most of the Halloween activities. Being chased by a chain-saw wielding henchman was too scary for some staff and there was a quick retreat to the dolphin show to reset stress levels.

After such a busy day students then had to pack their suitcases and were told it would be an early start the next morning. Due to clocks changing they weren't given the precise wake up time. Some students found it quite difficult the next morning to wake up and we set off again for the last part of our tour. Sacre-Coeur and Montmartre was our last visit of the trip. We had a quick look in the cathedral and spent a final hour purchasing presents in the artists' square.

A very enjoyable trip was had by all and it was such a success that Mrs Marsh and Mr Stiles have agreed to take another group of students in October 2013. Current Year 8 French students will be able to go on the next trip. ENGLISH NEWS

Bradon Forest 2nd Annual Poetry Slam 28 November 20 12

Mrs McIver reports: Yet again the talented students of Bradon Forest have excelled themselves at this year's much anticipated poetry competition. After many weeks of preparation and rehearsal we were very proud to present the coveted Poetry Slam trophy to The Ziggy Zaggy Whooshes for their fantastic poem 'Rollercoaster'.

Students in Year 7 studied the creative art of performance poetry in their English lessons during Term 1. Whilst studying more traditional poetic forms and techniques, they were introduced to expressive devices such as voice tone, gesture, facial expression and body language and they analysed examples of performance poetry by artists such as Ash Dickinson, Benjamin Zephaniah and Michael Rosen. Once inspired, they were set loose to write and perform their own poems during an extended workshop on a deep learning day in October. The results of this activity were shared and enjoyed in class.

Twelve groups were then invited to compete in this year's Poetry Slam, with seven making it through to the semi finals last week. The standard was incredibly high and the subjects of the poems were even more varied than last year's! Eventually the English team judged three groups to perform in the Year 7 assembly: The Conundrums (Meghan and Charlotte, 7S), Reflex (Anita, Ella-May, Rebecca and Emily-Jo, 7P) and The Ziggy Zaggy Whooshes (Kyra and Alex, 7Q).

Year 7 students raised the roof in support of the three finalists’ performances and were also treated to a reprise of last year's winning performance by The Lionesses, whilst our very special judges, Mr Stiles, Ms Hunter, Mr Winward and Miss Wilkinson, had the unenviable task of choosing the best performance of the day. In true X-factor style, the judges had to be pressed for a decision by our very own Dermot O'Leary, Mrs Rees, whilst Mrs McIver and Miss Harding gauged the audience response from an excitable demonstration of applause, whistles and feet stamping.

Well done to all who took part, and particularly to this year’s winners The Ziggy Zaggy Whooshes. Their performance was a true demonstration of the excellence that can be achieved through hard work, commitment and just a tiny dash of nerves. We very much look forward to next year's event. LITERACY

Ms Hunter and Mrs Chappell (Assistant Headteachers) report: Our recent Teacher Training Day (TDD Friday 30 November 2012) was used for Teaching and Learning Strategies, Literacy in Writing, Spelling Techniques and Literacy Marking. The session on Literacy Marking looked at a useful literacy marking summary chart with agreed notation. This has been adopted for use by all staff across the curriculum. (A copy of this has been given to every student and they have pasted this into their planners for reference.) In line with the guidance from the LA Advisers, when staff are marking students’ work in their subject, they will also ‘mark for literacy’ the first paragraph/section of each piece of work using the notations in the chart. This whole school consistent approach to marking for literacy will be monitored and we will provide updates on its effectiveness in future newsletters.

LITERACY MARKING

How to understand your teacher’s marking. Literacy errors will be circled and commented on in the margin.

Use these wall posters to understand the marking.

SP T Spelling Tense ^ ? Missing word Does not make sense // the New paragraph Needs a capital letter WW The Wrong word Needs a lower case letter P N.A.S. Punctuation Not a full sentence

Check English Check

DRAMA/THEATRE NEWS BLACK’S MAGIC: Wednesday 5 Decem ber 2012 to Friday 7 December 2012

Black’s Magic was devised and written by Fleur Calder and developed with additional material from the cast.

It was largely directed, during workshops by the cast themselves with mentoring and guidance by Dominic Waldron.

This production involved students across both Key Stages and included:

Cast: Stephen Hoy, Anna Witka, Lydia Clayton, Sophie Harflett, Sophie Martin, Kirsten Harris, Bradley Williams, James Coupland, Fleur Calder, Freyja Stevens, James Medcroft, Oliver Curtis, James McGlone-Fry, Lydia Geronikolos, Genna Dell, Luke Neves, Georgia Cotton

Stage Management: Genevieve Thorpe, Verity Ellison, Sky-Anne Haley.

The performances were very enjoyable – the cast was excellent with imaginative effects and impressive lighting. Overall it was a first rate production and all involved should be very proud. Well done!

MUSIC DEPARTMENT NEWS

Miss Groom reports: On Friday 7 December 2012 we were delighted to welcome Jordan Black (second from the left) into the Music Department. Jordan was a Woodwind Finalist in the BBC Young Musician 2012 competition and is currently studying clarinet at the Royal Academy of Music in London.

Jordan was able to work with all the current BTEC Music students, listening to each student perform and providing feedback on performance techniques. Jordan also worked with Miss Hedges and 10 woodwind students helping them prepare for the Christmas concerts.

Elliot Gunton (11R) reports: The woodwind ensemble, who performed in the Christmas concerts, were given very valuable tips and tricks from him and afterwards I was offered to have my own private ‘lesson’ with Jordan. He gave me a great deal of useful advice on a grade 8 flute piece I had previously learnt. From this I gained an insight into how I can make my playing more striking and interesting to the listener and I hope to carry on what I learnt from this extremely helpful lesson from Jordan in my future playing.

News and photos on our Christmas Concerts and Carol Concert at St Mary’s Church will feature in the January Issue

CUPCAKE AND TEXTILES CLUBS CHRISTMAS TEA PARTY

Mrs Jones reports: On the 12 December 2012 the Cup Cake Club and the

Textiles Club got together to hold a tea party. We are delighted to announce that we raised over £100 for the school charities. The event was attended by

our local councillor Jacqui Lay and two of our school Governors, Keane Gunton

and Claudine Pettman, along with several of the club members’ family and friends. It was a great opportunity for both groups to show off what they have

been making over the past term as well as an opportunity for people to buy Christmas decorations and Christmas cakes. The Food Technology room was

looking very festive which really enhanced the atmosphere of the evening. The

raffle for the Christmas cake hasn't been drawn yet so watch this space to find out who the lucky winner was. Happy Christmas from both clubs, Mrs Jones

and Miss Daniel.

Further reports and more photographs in the January Issue

INDIA LINK – EASTER 2014

Miss Shelley, Miss Beet and Mr Giles report: Our next student group goes to India in Easter 2014. The students have started fundraising, both as individuals and as a group. They are bag packing at Asda at the Orbital on Saturday 15 December 2012 and running Christmas Fayre stalls during the last week of term. Updates and more details regarding fundraising will be in future newsletters. The 2014 group will be our third student expedition to visit our JNV link schools in India.

Our JNV link schools in India form part of a network of schools, (Logo on the left), initiated by the Indian President Ranjiv Gandhi, to find and foster talented children from rural parts of India. The schools are residential and enable children from poorer backgrounds to have an excellent education, regardless of their social situation. JNV students have all of the cost of their education met, in order to provide excellence, equality and social justice. Their aim is to promote integration by providing opportunities to talented children largely from rural backgrounds,

from different parts of the country, to live and learn together and develop their full potential. The JNV school motto is ‘Come to Learn, Go to Serve’. Their students aspire to be future leaders in technology, medicine, engineering, teaching and politics, in order to serve their country as adults. (The picture on the right shows the 2012 group at JNV Taran Taran School.)

The 2014 India team includes: Grace Bartlett, Charlotte Butler, Emma Clayton, Lydia Clayton, Elisha Davey, Erin Donnelly, Lydia Geronikolos, Poppy Gibson, Molly Griffin, Alice Hall, Harriet Harding, Kirsten Harris, Joe Harrison, Shannon Harrison, Millie Holland, Joe Hooper, Esme Hutchison, Loren James, Ela Kanani, James Keen, Eleasha Kell, Alysia Lacey, Bebhinn Langridge, Scarlet Leggett, Hugh Powell, Natasha Roy, Danielle Spiers, Phoebe Tyler, Brittany Ward and Holly Young.

WORLD CHALLENGE: CROATIA AND MONTENEGRO - JULY 2013

Mr Lemin reports: The World Challenge fundraising continues in earnest and the team are really looking forward to commencing their training walks when the lighter evenings arrive.

This year’s World Challenge team are: Kirsty Allan, Alex Dawson, Alex Ellen, Liam Elliott, Ellie Gardner, Gus Gardner, Jessica Griffiths, Jack Hawkins, Holly Hughes, Keiran Jones, Elliot Mayo, Callum Mclean, Alice Mulley, Jake O’Neil, Sam Orchard, Will Rogers, Lucy Taylor, William Thorne, Bethany Wakefield and Nick Wring. PTA ‘ALL THINGS PROM’ NIGHT

On Friday 23 November 2012 the PTA hosted an ‘All Things Prom’ night for Key Stage 4 students and parents. Local businesses which specialise in proms came along and gave the students ideas before the actual Prom next year. These included dresses, suit hire, vintage cars, hair, nails, make up and jewellery.

The event was extremely successful with the highlight being the fashion show featuring Year 11 students and staff which was superbly compered by Mr Hutchings. A huge thanks to Gowns of Distinction and Moss Bros who lent the models their stunning outfits and also to Trish Rawlins and Hair by Val who kindly did the make up and hair for the catwalk stars.

The evening raised £260 and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the show.

SAFE DRIVE QUIZ

On Thursday 29 November 2012 thirteen Year 11 students travelled to Arval in Swindon to compete in the annual safe drive quiz. The quiz was a follow up from the Safe Drive Stay Alive road show that Year 11 had attended in September. It was a hugely valuable experience for the students who attended, with them testing and furthering their knowledge of road safety and the potential hazards of driving.

The Bradon Forest students formed into three teams to compete against a number of Swindon schools. They did a fantastic job resulting in fifth, third and first place finishes out of the ten teams who were in attendance.

The winning team of Oliver Smith, Nicholas Crawford, Katy Smith and Nancy Smirnova each won two free driving lessons with the AA for when they start to drive and a day’s training at the Swindon Fire station, where they will be able to experience real emergency situations such as cutting injured people out of cars and fighting fires.

Well done to all the Bradon Forest students who were fantastic ambassadors for the school and performed extremely well. The teams comprised: Nicholas Crawford, Oliver Smith, Brandon Dewsbury, Jonathan Heal, Ben Jones, Daniel Phillips, Elliot Willoughby, Sophie Franklin, Danielle Forsyth, Nancy Smirnova, Katy Smith, Mair Lawrence-Matthews.

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DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARD: BRADON FOREST LAUNCH UPDAT E

Mr Lemin, with the support of Mr Hutchings, Miss Hall and Mrs Chappell, is launching the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award for Key Stage 4 students. Initial interest has been fantastic with over 80 students, supported by their parents, wanting to be involved in this new venture.

Any students wishing to take part in the Bradon Forest School Bronze Duke of Edinburgh programme need to make sure that the cheque (£25.00), the Duke of Edinburgh enrolment form and school permission slip are handed to either Miss Hall (Science 3) or Mr Lemin (KS4 office) by the deadline of 21 December 2012 as unfortunately we are unable to accept applications after this time. Please remember that the expedition will need to be completed in teams and we strongly recommend that when students sign up they know who the members of their team will be. Duke of Edinburgh recommend that teams start with a minimum of six students in case someone is unable to complete the programme. If team size drops below four, the team will be unable to complete the expedition and will be amalgamated with another team. PE NEWS

Anti-Bullying Week

Miss Pratten reports: Week commencing 19 November 2012 was Anti-Bullying Week. The Bradon Forest Cheerleading Squad performed in every year group’s assembly to help promote the message for this year which is ‘We’re better without bullying’. The squad which consisted of 50 girls from Years 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 performed lifts, stunts, tumbles, jumps, dance and a special anti-bullying cheer to give students an insight into how cheerleading is a bully free sport. They showed how working together, trusting in others and accepting everyone for who they are is important and helps to promote achievement. I

would like to thank all of the girls involved with the performances for their hard work, dedication and commitment over the last few months in creating such an excellent display of their talents. All the girls have received a letter home and certificate to thank them for their efforts. Swindon Schools Dance Festival

Miss Pratten reports: On Tuesday 20 November 2012, 14 GCSE Dance students from Years 10 and 11 performed at the Swindon Schools Dance Festival held at the Wyvern Theatre in Swindon. The theme of the festival was based around a celebration of the 2012 London Olympics. Bradon Forest’s entry was titled “Spirit of the Olympics” and was choreographed by the students themselves. The performance used ideas and moves taken from styles of dance around the world including ballet from France, Romanian, Bollywood, mambo, salsa as well as contemporary choreography ideas. The students also used actions from various Olympic sports in their choreography.

I was extremely proud of the girls as they performed brilliantly and were a credit to the school and themselves. The organisers were very complimentary about the girls’ choreography and the audience thoroughly enjoyed their dance. It was a great opportunity for the girls to perform on stage at the Wyvern and all their hard work and time spent rehearsing paid off.

Congratulations to: Ellen Cleary 11P, Beth Richards 11S, Hannah Curtis 11R, Elise Cresswell 11X, Lauren Hoard 11Z, Nancy Smirnova 11Z, Anna Witka 10P, Chloe Pike 10Q, Poppy Gibson 10Q, Grace Bartlett 10Q, Georgia Croucher 10Q, Lucy Taylor 10W, Brittany Ward 10Y and Becki Boyall 10Y. Year 7 Interform Netball (Benchball)

Miss Moore reports: Unfortunately as the weather put pay to our Netball Interform there was nothing else but to play interform Benchball! The tournament was hotly contested by each tutor group, with the final placings as follows:

1st = 7S (30 points) Joint 3rd = 7Q (18 points) 6th = 7P (12 points)

2nd = 7T (20 points) Joint 3rd = 7X (18 points) 7th = 9Z (10 points)

Joint 3rd = 7Y (18 points)

Well done to 7S (winners) and 7T (runners up). After each match the girls chose a player of the match for the opposing team. The runners up of the players of the match award, with each girl receiving one vote were:

Hayley Ambrose 7S Ella-May Boxall 7P Rebecca Gurung 7P Ebony Kerr 7T Courtney King 7X Haijah Musa-Eiggie 7Y Tiggy Russell 7Z Katie Shears 7P Olivia Sinclair 7Y Caitlyn Taylor 7Y Megan Wescombe 7Y

The following girls were runners up in the players of the match award with each girl receiving more than one vote - a green slip and chocolate has been awarded for their efforts:

Alex Abrahams 7Q Felicity Bulpitt 7P Mollie Deighton 7Q Lily Harlow 7Z Harriett Kell 7T Charlotte Knowles 7Q Ella Miles 7T Saada Maskelyne 7Y Phoebe Skelton7Z Belle Walker 7S

The winner of the Player of the Match Award was: Lauren Williams 7X. Lauren received the most votes - she got 6 votes out of a possible 7. She has received 2 green slips and an edible prize. Year 9 Interform Netball

Miss Moore reports: Well done to all the girls in Year 9 who put their netball skills into practice during three lessons of netball interform on 28 November 2012. The standard of netball was good, with most tutor groups surprising themselves with how well they were doing compared to last year – PE staff were also pleased with the progress made. Well done to 9Q (winners) and 9P (runners up). Certificates are proudly on display in tutor rooms. Overall results:

1st = 9Q (29 points) 4th = 9Y (20 points) 7th = 9Z (15 points) 2nd = 9P (27 points - 22 goals) 5th = 9T (19 points) 8th = 9X (10 points) 3rd = 9W (27 points - 16 goals) 6th = 9S (17 points)

After each match the girls chose a player of the match for the opposing team. The runners up of the players of the match award, with each girl receiving more than one vote were:

Lory Baker 9W Mayah Craig 9P Stephanie Cresswell 9S Chelsey Green 9Y Charley Hill 9Z Bridgette Mpofu 9X Leanne Nippress 9Y Serenn Sanghera 9T Holly Terrett 9W Anna Tylutka 9Z Alyssa Weymouth 9P

A green slip has been awarded for their efforts. The winners of the Players of the Match Award were:

Joanna Farley 9T Bryony Lockett 9Q These girls received the most votes. They each received two green slips and an edible prize! Student Netball Success : A review of all the South West County and Satellite Netball athletes was held last Thursday 6 December 2012 led by Head Wiltshire Scout Kerrie Easey. Congratulations to Ayren Walker (9Z) who was one of four athletes chosen to attend the Talent and Performance screening in Bath in the New Year, a further step on the Regional Excel Pathway. Her sister Isabelle Walker (7S) continues to further her development in the Satellite Academy. Swindon Badminton Competition

Key Stage 4 Girls: Miss Moore reports: Last year the Key Stage 4 girl’s squad made it right the way to the regional finals in Exeter, so there was a lot of pressure on this year’s squad even before they hit a shuttle. Although they didn’t win the competition, I must say the girls did themselves proud. Helen and Polly, both club players, led the way in singles and had the experience of playing when they were in Year 10, and the three new team members Mair, Charlotte and Juliet played brilliantly in their doubles matches. I am really impressed that these three lovely ladies have recently joined a badminton club so will be able to keep their interest up outside of school.

The girls won 5–0 against Lydiard Park Academy and also won 5–0 v Nova Hreod. They were narrowly beaten 3-2 by Royal Wootton Bassett Academy and the eventual winners Ridgeway.

Well done to: Mair Laurence-Matthews, Polly Whinfrey, Charlotte Lewis, Juliet Coleman and Helen Conway.

Key Stage 4 Boys: Miss Moore reports: These five boys went all the way through the rounds to represent Wiltshire in the South West Regional round of the Badminton England competition last year in Key Stage 3, but this year they moved up an age group in to Key Stage 4. Would they still be able to be crowned Swindon School champions?

The standard of play displayed by the boys was very high, and they needed to be on top of their game against tough opposition. However, Josh Musty led his squad to victory and managed the team very well – they won 15 out of 20 games making them the overall winners. They now represent Swindon in the Wiltshire finals in January. Good luck boys!

Well done to: Ben Hares, Russell Hudson, Charlie Ilsley, Josh Musty and Cameron Shaw. Swindon Schools’ 5 a Side Football Champions

Mr Bray reports: The Bradon Forest Year 7 team have been crowned Swindon Schools’ 5 a side Football Champions. After easily winning through the preliminary rounds against Nova Hreod, Isambard and Swindon Academy the team travelled to St Josephs to compete in the finals. Following a shaky start and a 2-2 draw with Kingsdown the team started to play some great football. A 1-0 win over St Joseph’s and a 3-1 win over Lydiard Academy saw the team through as winners. It was a great team spirit and all the boys played extremely well and deserved their success. As winners of the Swindon Area, the team will now play in the Regional Finals in Torquay in January.

Year 7 Team: Louis Brown, Tom Chandler, Mitch Cremin, Daniel Farley, Connor Hibbs, Aaron Jones, Finley Taylor and Adam Thorn. English Schools’ National Cup Football – Year 10 in the last 64 in the Country!

Mr Bray reports: The Bradon Year 10 team booked their place in the last 64 in the country with a thrilling 5-4 penalty win in the last round. It was an end to end game with both teams having chances to win the game in extra time. It eventually came down to penalties and keeper Lewis Spackman made a fine save and then went on to take the last penalty to secure the win. The team will now travel to Lord Williams School in Thame in the next round and hope to reach the last 32 in the country. Photograph and further details in January issue.

Year 10 Team: Conor Cleary, Nouman Farooq-Bhatti, Nathan Groom, Zachary Jackson-Parish, Rhys Legg, Jason Matthews, Luke Neves, Cameron Shaw, Ben Spackman Lewis Spackman, William Thorne and Nick Wring. U14 Girls Basketball

Mr Matthews reports: On Wednesday 5 December 2012 the U14 girls basketball team represented Bradon Forest at the Swindon Schools’ Competition held at the Swindon Academy. They played brilliantly, beating Kingsdown and Isambard schools in the first round and then defeating Lydiard Park Academy in the final. They will now represent Swindon in the next round. Congratulations girls!

U14 Team: Lori Butler, Georgia Clifford, Melissa De-Beer, Charlotte Humphries, Joanna Farley, Bryony Lockett, Serenn Sanghera and Ayren Walker. Year 7 Interform Rugby – The weather says no so Dod ge it is!

Mr Hartley reports: DLD Deep Learning Day on 12 December 2012 and it is frozen outside, too cold for rugby it can only mean one thing Interform dodge ball!

← New competition - Spot the rugby posts!

The young Year 7 students were hot off the rugby training treadmill and were ready for action, however, the weather has yet again dictated the day’s proceedings so Interform Rugby was in the hands of nature. Unfortunately on this occasion nature won - so there could only be one substitute and that was dodge ball. Each tutor group fought with the

cunning and skill only expected and previously seen in the gladiatorial arena of the Roman games. The students worked hard to outplay and outwit their opponents in a game requiring dynamic team play and individual skill and nerves of steel. But there could only be one winner and 7T proved they could handle the pressure of the “Dodge ball”. Well done lads!

POSITION TUTOR PLAYER OF THE TUTOR GROUP 1 7T Ashley Harrison 2 7X Mitch Cremin 3 7Y Finley Taylor 4 7Z Lewis Brown 5 7S Nathan Bowler 6 7Q Harrison Green 7 7P Henry Bide

Year 9 Interform Rugby

Mr Hartley reports: On a cold but perfect day, it was time for the Year 9s to flex their muscles and battle for the prize of Year 9 Interform Rugby title.

The lads had worked hard in PE lessons refining and improving their technique since September, the rugby tournament was set to be a belter. Indeed it was, with some of the highest quality rugby we’ve seen in years, fresh of the back of England’s drubbing of the All Blacks the lads were inspired to achieve.

The Tournament was fought with skill and determination but there can only be one winner, through dogged determination 9X battled their way to victory in what was a very tight final. Well done to all tutor groups for your hard work in PE lessons to produce a fine display of rugby, well done! (Player of the tutor groups listing will be in the January Issue) PRIMARY CROSS COUNTRY FESTIVAL HELD AT BRADON FORES T

Miss Moore reports: On 5 December 2012, 50 Year 3 and Year 4 pupils from St Mary’s and St Sampson’s primary schools took part in the first ever Primary Cross Country Festival. The Year 9 students from Bradon Forest who excelled in Interform Cross Country ran the festival and took on a range of different roles. As team managers they were responsible for warming up, running with and encouraging their team and collating their team’s results. They also helped make hot chocolate for the children – with marshmallows and squirty cream! Mrs Crumbie attended the Year 3 and 4

Cross Country event as a parent helper from St Mary's and kindly emailed to say:

“I just wanted to pass on how much my son enjoyed his experience and it certainly appeared that all the other children did too. I particularly wanted to commend the Year 9 students present, what great role models they were for the younger ones and I though they did a fantastic job in briefing and encouraging their respective teams. Many thanks to you for arranging a great event.”

Miss Lloyd, a teacher at St Mary’s also emailed to say:

“The children really enjoyed themselves and have been talking about it all day today. They are looking forward to receiving their certificates and showing off their medals in assembly tomorrow! A big thank you to your leaders too. They did a fantastic job. The hot chocolate went down very well too!”

Well done to the Year 9 leaders: Jordanne Hobbs, Abbie Robins, Bryony Lockett, Anoop Rana, Stephanie Cresswell, Emily Vanes, Gabe Maddison, Ryuto Taniguchi, Jack Blythe, Brody Anderson and Bradley Phillips.

Miss Moore added that the Year 5 and Year 6 pupils at St Mary’s have also enjoyed coming over to Bradon Forest and having the opportunity to develop their basketball skills. PE staff at Bradon Forest have enjoyed working with the pupils, teachers and TAs in developing basic dribbling, shooting and attacking skills as well as playing games. The smiles and obvious delight when they scored a basket was very rewarding to see.

1st 9X 5th 9W 2nd 9P 6th 9T 3rd 9Z 7th 9Q 4th 9S 8th 9Y

FOOD TECHNOLOGY NEWS

Mrs Jones reports: The Cup Cake Club started the year with a bang by having Sam Field (Elenya and Lauren's mum) come in and work with the group. Sam makes cakes professionally and so shared her skills and knowledge with the group. So a HUGE thank you to Sam for giving up her time.

The group learnt how to make a cookie monster and Christmas trees as well as roses all out of butter cream. The students really enjoyed having a go and loved having a professional show them the ropes. The following week the club members had a go at making Rudolph and snowmen (they are busy practising for their Christmas tea party). This week it will be robins and elves so there should be some good photos soon.

The Christmas Cake Club is also working very hard in preparation for their cakes to be judged by Carole from Sugar Celebrations during the last week of term.

If you think you have food related skills that you would be happy to share with the Food Department please contact Mrs Jones in the Food Technology Department. TEXTILES NEWS

The Year 7s made an excellent start to the new Textiles project.

Students were asked to design and make a monster toy based on the Flanimals books by Ricky Gervais. Pictured left are a few of the weird and wonderful creations!

Meanwhile the Year 8s got stuck into the new Creative Cushions project and made some inspirational designs. ART NEWS

Key Stage 3 Artists of the Term for Term 2 2012/13: Mrs Cooke reports: The Year 7, 8 and 9 ‘Artists of the Term’ for Term 2 2012/13 are as follows:

Courtney King (7X) Stephen Hoy (8T) Joel Heath (8S) Ben Etheridge (8T) Lachlan Beggs (8S) Lewis Griffin (9Z)

Examples of the superb work they have produced during Term 2 are now on display in the Art corridor. HUMANITIES NEWS

Mr Heathcote reports: Year 8 students have enjoyed a rainforest experience while on a trip to the Living Rainforest near Newbury. Over two separate DLDs (Deep Learning Days) this term the whole of Year 8 were given the opportunity to develop their understanding of the rainforest ecosystem.

They were able to witness rainforest plants, animals and also encounter rainforest climate as it was raining inside, extremely humid and rather muddy. The trip involved an adaptation guided tour by a member of the living rainforest team and a teacher tour where students were able to take a closer look at rainforest plants and their human uses.

Plants included the Madagascar Rosy Periwinkle and its cure for leukaemia and the Dumb cane plant, a popular house plant

which is also highly poisonous. Students were excited about the chance to see rainforest animals such as monkeys, crocodiles, tarantulas, pythons, lizard and the recent addition a sloth.

The Year 8s were fantastic on both days and really got a lot out of the visit which has developed their understanding of plant and animal adaptations.

BRADON FOREST INTERNET RADIO UPDATE

The radio shows have continued this month with a wide range of topics and features including: Alex Abrahams and Kyra Jones of 7Q who won the Poetry slam read their poems (picture to follow); Miss Pratten was on air to explain the success of the cheerleaders and the choir and orchestra previewed their music for the Christmas concerts. The radio has also been used in the curriculum as English classes have written and recorded shows to develop students’ speaking and listening skills. All shows can be heard on the Learning Platform.

http://www.school-portal.co.uk/GroupHomepage.asp?GroupID=1213342 BRADON FOREST SCHOOL: NEW WEBSITE INFORMATION

A new Website for Bradon Forest All good things come to an end and following consultation with parents and staff it is time for a change to our website. We are currently working with Greenschools Online to redesign the website and use it keep all our stakeholders up to date on what’s happening at Bradon Forest School as well as celebrating all the successes that happen in and outside our school. We are now in the final stages of planning and designing the new website. The new site will be maintained, by school staff and the design team are consulting focus groups of students, parents, governors and staff.

We want to ensure that our website continues to be up to date and relevant but we need our new site to be smarter, quicker and easier to navigate. There will be more details in our January newsletter as we are aiming to ‘go live’ next term.

In the interim we have reformatted and streamlined the contents of the current two ‘main buttons’ on the homepage to help access. www.bradonforest.wilts.sch.uk We have included extra items that were felt to be of use following feedback from parents. The table below provides a useful reference to the updated contents.

BUTTON ONE : WELCOME TO BRADON FOREST The seven sections below provide a comprehensive range of information about our school for prospective and current parents. The School Achievement Area provides a more in depth analysis of our results and performance. Much of the information is contained in the two Parents’ Reference Handbooks which are sent out annually. (See Section 2a) Make sure you browse through our newsletters archive which provides a flavour of life at Bradon Forest School. 1 Prospectus, General Information and Admissions

• 1a Prospectus • 1b Admissions • 1c Uniform

2 School Information – Parents’ School Calendar, Term Dates and School Day Times and Attendance/Holidays

• 2a Parents’ Reference Handbooks, Parents’ Portal Instructions & PSA Contact details

• 2b Dates, Calendar, Attendance, Holidays and Trips • 2c Examinations • 2d Policies • 2e Current Fair Processing Notices

3 School Information - Safeguarding and Child Protection

4 School Information - Curriculum and Learning

• 4a Learning and Homework • 4b Key Stage 4 Curriculum • 4c Key Stage 3 Curriculum

5 School Information – Background and Extra-curricul ar provision

6 School Information - Primary Liaison Newsletters

7 School Information –Booklets for Job Applicants

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BUTTON 2 SCHOOL ACHIEVEMENTS

1 GCSE 2012 Bradon Forest Results Summary 2 Government (DFE) GCSE Performance Tables 2011 NB 2012 Tables not published by DfE/Government until late January 2013) 3 GCSE 2011 Bradon Forest Results Summary

4 GCSE 2010 Bradon Forest Results Summary

5 Key Stage 3: Bradon Forest NCT Results (Year 9) 20 08 - 2012

6 OFSTED Reports

CHARITY UPDATE:

Children in Need: The money for Children in Need was raised from a variety of activities and included: wearing PJs; cake sales; school radio donations, sponsored silence and the now infamous Mr Bray’s Mud Run (aka Cross Country with a funny title!). These and other fundraising ventures and the non uniform donations raised over £1000 on the day. Well done to all involved and to the Finance team for counting and banking the money.

Romania – Shoebox Appeal: We completed 136 boxes this year. Well done to all involved.

Guide Dogs for the Blind Association As part of a 9Q Charities Project, Sky-Anne Haley raised more than £30 by washing cars for friends, family and neighbours. Sky's chosen charity was the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association. ECOSCHOOLS AT BRADON FOREST SCHOOL Mrs Ashbee-Dobbins (Eco-Schools co-ordinator) reports: In the last year we have been lucky to have the support of students, teachers, and parents in maintaining our Bronze Award status. This year, we are aiming to achieve Silver Award. Here’s how we’re getting there…

• We have established recycling systems within the school with all key stages using the recycling bins in class. Just as a reminder, it’s not just paper – you can recycle your drinks bottles, metal cans (please empty them first!), and cardboard. No glass or food please.

• A regular litter pick around the school site using the litter pickers we won two years ago in the Wiltshire Wildlife litter competition.

• Regular faculty audits of the curriculum to increase eco-schools coverage within the school.

• Site works and improvements has enabled us to be upgraded several energy efficiency levels. Competitions within the student bulletin raising awareness of environmental issues.

• During June, we were once again involved with the inter-schools Climate Change Conference hosted by Hardenhuish School for gifted and talented Science students. During 25 - 27 June 2012, Rhian Williams 10Z, Lucy Taylor 10W and Grace Bartlett 10Q represented Bradon Forest by taking on the roles of Government advisers on climate change, representing the point of view of Australia. During the UN style event, the girls researched the impacts of climate change on their adopted country and were forced to make some difficult decisions regarding the policy changes they would need to make in order to take Australia forward on tackling global warming. Then came the most difficult part - negotiating with other 'countries' to gain support for their proposals. On 26 June 2012 they took part in an interesting visit to London to learn about the Thames Flood Barrier and ride on the London Eye to see the endangered areas in the centre of the capital.

and here’s how you can help…

• We have a table-top sale on 17 December 2012 to raise funds to adopt a snow leopard for the school (unfortunately, or fortunately depending on your perspective, we don’t get the real one) from WWF.

• Adopt a tree! We have 30 native tree saplings. If anyone would like to adopt one, please give your name to Mrs Ashbee-Dobbins.

• Consider taking public transport rather than a private car when going out.

• Hand in old mobile phones at reception – the PTA can recycle them for cash to buy YOU new resources!

• Remember to turn off lights when you leave a room.

• Don’t waste water. It is a precious resource.

• Contribute to the Water Aid collections next term.

• Take care of school resources and use them sensibly.

• Most importantly – if you have any ideas for ecoschools, bring them along to the meetings in Science 9 on Friday mornings during tutor times.

We are happy to consider working with environmental groups in the local area. Please contact Mrs Ashbee-Dobbins if you want to be involved ashbeem@bradonforest.wilts.sch.uk. 200 CLUB NOVEMBER 2012 DRAW PRIZE WINNERS

WINNER MEMBERSHIP NO PRIZE 1 Mrs K Curtis, Purton 20 £25 2 Mrs S Webb, Purton 35 £15 3 Mrs S Wait, Nine Elms 17 £10

FREE SCHOOL MEALS – CURRENT ELIGIBILTY

A number of parents have contacted us over recent weeks to enquire about the eligibility for free school meals.

The following provides the current criteria for free school meal entitlement:

Are you eligible to claim for free school meals?

If you are in receipt of any of the following benefits you are entitled to claim for free school meals for your son/daughter:

� Income Support/Income based Jobseekers Allowance

� Child Tax Credit provided you are not entitled to Working Tax Credit and your annual income is less than £16190

� The Guarantee element of State Pension Credit

� Support under Part V1 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

� Income Related Employment Support Allowance. Please contact the school office for an application form or if you have any queries, or please use the following Wiltshire LA website link:

http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/schoolseducationandlear ning/schoolsandcolleges/parentadvice/educationgrants/freeschoolmeals.htm(plus DATES OF FUTURE NEWSLETTERS 2012/13

The 2012/13 Newsletters will be published in the week commencing:

Issue 6 14 January 2013 Issue 9 29 April 2013 Issue 7 4 February 2013 Issue 10 17 June 2013 Issue 8 18 March 2013 Issue 11 15 July 2013

2012/13 ACADEMIC YEAR DATES

The dates for this academic year are reproduced at the end of each newsletter to ensure that ‘end of term’ closures and all our Teacher Development Days (when the school is closed to students) are regularly highlighted to students and parents.

Term 3 Students return Monday 7 January 2013 Ends Friday 8 February 2013 Holiday 9 February 2013 – 17 February 2013

Term 4 Students return Monday 18 February 2013 Ends Friday 22 March 2013 Holiday 23 March 2013 – 7 April 2013

Term 5 Students return Monday 8 April 2013 Public Holiday Closure Monday 6 May 2013 Ends Friday 24 May 2013 Holiday 25 May 2013 – 2 June 2013

Term 6 Students return Monday 3 June 2013 Ends Wednesday 24 July 2013 Holiday 25 July 2013 – 2 September 2013

Remaining Teacher Development Days 2012/13 (school closed to students)

Friday 8 February 2013 **Friday 8 March 2013

** Confirmation of remaining Teacher Training Day for 2012/13

We are now able to confirm that our final TD Day for this year will be on Friday 8 March 2013 Yours sincerely L Spiers Headteacher

REMINDER 1: CLOSURE NOTIFICATION SYSTEM

Reproduced from Section 19 of the 2012/13 Parents’ Reference Handbook:

The weather conditions over the last few winters have been particularly poor and unfortunately resulted in some school closures in 2009 and 2010. With this in mind we would like to reiterate our procedures for closing the school in the event of bad weather or other circumstances outside of our control.

Our aim is to give students, parents and staff as much notice as possible. The weather forecast is not always reliable and bad weather overnight may lead to a decision having to be made early in the morning to close the school.

We will always keep the school open whilst it is safe to do so. However, in access difficulties, power cuts, heating failure or in the case of an overwhelming staff shortage, we may have to take the decision to close.

If we do have to close the school we will use the following means to alert the school community:

� The school website (www.bradonforest.wilts.sch.uk) will carry a clear, dated message on the homepage stating that we are closed and providing the reasons that have necessitated a closure.

� A closure message will be sent out via Schoolcomms as soon as is practicable after the decision is made.

� BBC Radio Wiltshire on 103.5, 103.6, 104.3 or 104.9 will be informed by the school and should broadcast details of school closures throughout the day. Heart Radio on 97.2 or 102.2 and Jack FM on107.7 will be informed by the Local Authority.

Please note:

� If the weather or other circumstances lead you to think that the school is closed, please use the website in the first instance to check whether the school is open or not or check the radio stations.

� Please do not ring the school switchboard as this can overwhelm the system when we need to contact staff, bus companies, the media, local authorities, etc.

Thank you in advance for your co-operation – hopefully there will be no need to use this system this winter. REMINDER 2: SCHOOL UNIFORM - FOOTWEAR IN BAD WEATH ER CONDITIONS

During the difficult weather over the last few winters, a number of students needed to wear boots due to the adverse weather conditions to and from school.

We are mindful that parents will consider safety during any possible periods of snow and icy weather this coming winter and alternative sensible footwear/boots for these reasons is acceptable

However, this should not be used as an excuse by some students, particularly girls, to wear unsuitable ‘fashion boots’ as the smooth soles make them less safe in icy conditions than ordinary shoes. We will continue to adopt a flexible/sensible approach if we encounter further bad weather periods over this coming winter. Thank you in advance to all parents for your support with this issue.

200 Club Letter follows.