1

Interview with Mr Bullock

Xander Peveri - 2 & 3

Open Evening

Xander Peveri– 4

CINEMA EVENING

Piper Fitzgerald - 4

Thorpe Park

Piper Fitzgerald- 4

NUFFIELD PRESENTATION EVENING

Dr Donato- 4

NON-UNIFORM DAY

Piper Fitzgerald - 4

THE GRAND CAYMAN

Ms Marron- 5

Y7 HALLOWEEN DISCO

Rebecca Jones - 6

OSA’s GOT TALENT

Rebecca Jones– 6

REMEMBRANCE DAY

Lucy Abbott– 7

CCF

Lucy Abbott– 7

ARTS AND LEISURE

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For all of our full news articles please see:

www.onslow.herts.sch.uk/latest-news/

Sept-Dec

2

Interview with Mr Bullock

After being with us for one full term, I decided to sit down with Mr Bullock and see how OSA has

treated him so far.

Q1. You’ve been here for a few months now—how are you finding it?

“I’m absolutely loving the role, it’s better than I could have ever imagined. Staff have been

friendly and welcoming– everyone embraced the theme of change; suggestions have been taken

on board, and overall behaviour and attendance has improved.”

Q2. I’ve been here since Year 7, and I have to say—this is the best year I’ve seen so far.

“The Headteacher is an important role in a school– when I started my career I wanted to be a

Headteacher. I believe that a successful Head is one who can emphasise/sympathise with the

students; especially with the complexity of the job — everyday there is a different challenge,

with so many different aspects to take care of, whilst needing to remain optimistically positive.

But I feel this is the right school for me.”

Q3. You mentioned in your assemblies that you have a history with the area, would you like to

elaborate further on that?

“When I was younger, I lived on St Audrey’s Close and went to St Phillip Howard’s Primary

School. My father worked behind Green Lanes in the Box Factory and used to play football for

MacMillan Bloedel; their uniform was black and red, which is ironic (and sentimental) because I

started playing football for Old Owens, whose colours were also black and red.

I have lived my entire life within a ten mile radius of Hatfield and have always loved it; I ended up

going to Nicholas Breakspear but I had friends that went to Onslow.”

Q4. I think it’s important to show that anyone can get where they want in life; what do you

think about this?

“No matter where you come from, it’s where you go in life that’s the important factor. I want the

students to embrace their school experience and think bigger and further. I don’t want people to

come here because they have to come here, but because they want to.”

Xander Peveri

3

Q5. Would you like to further explain the development/investment of the school?

“The investment is huge, but very complex. We are working very closely with the Town and

County Councils. As part of the project, £3.3 million will be going towards an expansion of the

school as well as a brand new sports hall, Astroturf pitches, a brand new Science block – and

that’s only the first phase of renovation.

I want to make the school a place the students can be proud of.”

Q6. Would you be able to give us some information about the super curriculum ?

“The aim of the super curriculum is to enable the students to put more into their personal

statements, and have the ability to talk to employers about the things they love. I want to involve

more enrichment trips e.g. Sports tours, language trips, geography trips and more.

Q7. Do you have any final messages?

“I wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone who’s made me feel so welcome– it was a very

big jump going from Deputy Head to Head teacher but it’s been an amazing experience so far. I

think it’s very important for the students to know that I don’t know everything, I have to draw on

previous experience to try and make the right decision every time.

It is important to understand that it’s ok to make the wrong choices sometimes– that’s a part of

life and education, but it’s not ok to keep getting it wrong; we need to learn from our mistakes.”

Thank you very much.

A massive thank you to Mr Bullock for allowing

me to conduct this interview, and a huge

welcome from us to him. It’s great for this ship

to have a Captain who is incredibly devoted and

passionate about the school.

Being here for 7 years, I have seen the school go

through ups and downs, but this year’s start

really has been the best in my time here. I truly

look forward to seeing the future of our school.

4

Open Evening

By Xander Peveri

On the 25th of September, our annual

Open Evening occurred, allowing

potential students, parents and other

members of the community to come

and see who we are here at OSA. The

turnout for the event was incredible,

with two full-house talks occurring to

allow everyone access to the necessary

information. Other subject-based

displays included performances of

School of Rock scenes, dance shows,

and science experiments. All students

involved were incredible and helpful in

all subjects, acting professionally and

courteous to all of the attendees.

The following week was our ‘Open

Morning’ tour week, allowing parents

and students to see the school in its

day-to-day running. Students from

different years assisted Mr Bullock and

Mr Bird in the tours, helping show the

visitors around the school, explain how

the classes work, and talk about their

experiences here.

THORPE PARK

On the 24th of October, Years 12 and 13

went to Thorpe Park Fright Night. This

was to celebrate our great start to the

year. We left school at 1pm and got

back at 10pm. This was a good

experience for us all to bond and form

friendships.

“The trip was really fun and it was

something Onslow had never done

before, especially as it was our last year,

it was fun to do something as a group.

We were given our freedom as long as

we came back to the coach at a certain

time.” – Chloe Harrington

By Piper Fitzgerald

Cinema Evening By Piper Fitzgerald

On the 19th of October, Years 7 and 8

were treated to a cinema evening.

They watched the Greatest Showman

and a few students commented on

how the evening went.

Misia told us ‘I enjoyed the cinema

showing of The Greatest Showman.’

Chantee said, ‘I think the cinema was

good. I have seen the film before but

enjoyed seeing it again with delicious

biscuits and being surrounded by my

friends’.

Non-Uniform Day

By Lucy Abbott

On Friday 26th of October, everyone wore

something blue to raise awareness for

Bullying UK. A total of £331.41 was raised,

and this money will be split between

supporting those who have been affected

by bullying and the Year 11 Prom. A year 8

pupil said ‘I am so glad everyone wore

something blue as it was for a good cause’

another pupil in the Sixth Form added onto

this by saying ‘the day was successful and

it was good that so many people took

part’.

How can the money raised help make a

difference? £10 helps a bullied child, too

scared to go to school, talk to trained

advisors. £25 helps train a volunteer to

support those affected by bullying.

If you have been affected by bullying or

know someone who has and might need

support, then speak to somebody you

trust or visit bullyinguk.com —they offer

lots of advice and also a hotline if you wish

to contact someone.

Nuffield Presentation

Event

By Dr Donato

On Tuesday 23rd October, I was privileged

to be invited to celebrate the successful

completion of a research project, sponsored

by the Nuffield Foundation. Our own Year

13 student - Balint Domonkos participated

in the project over the summer at Airbus

Defence and Space.

The Nuffield Research Placement is a

prestigious scheme that allows students

enrolled in STEM subjects to carry out a real

research project alongside scientists or

engineers in a professional or academic

environment. Alongside the research, Balint

experienced writing up a report about his

findings, and had the opportunity to present

their results, hence experiencing all the

stages of a real scientific project.

This was a unique opportunity for Balint to

test and refine his problem solving skills,

liaise with team members and his

supervisors in a professional context, design

and implement his project, analyse and

evaluate his results and present them to the

wider community.

5

The Grand Cayman

By Ms Marron

say, however in Cayman they are vermin. This may seem extremely disappointing to call them vermin, nevertheless there are currently

estimated over one million iguanas across the tiny island and these animals have caused many road accidents.

Stingray City is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Grand Cayman that can only be visited via boat, where within the

Caribbean Sea host many Stingrays who may swim up to meet the tourists.

Culture

Grand Cayman is part of the Commonwealth, a British Crown Colony, so it is technically part of Britain despite being thousands of miles

away. The island has a mixture of British, American and Caribbean cultures for instance, they are extremely patriotic for the Queen,

they import supermarket food from America, whilst the radio stations play reggae.

Pets

On my last day I found my new hobby, I visited a dog shelter where many pets are homed due to

families adopting them when they move to Cayman, however they choose to leave their pet in

Cayman when they move away. The shelter is regrettably full and needs volunteer dog walkers.

During the morning I walked Hugo, an extremely excitable and rather large dog, and also Lollipop, a

very nervous puppy who wanted to be carried instead of walked. I am hoping to volunteer weekly,

perhaps by then Lollipop would actually like to walk!

Grand Cayman

Grand Cayman, an island in the Caribbean located under Cuba and

neighbours to Jamaica, is a place that I will soon call home. After a quick

trip to the island to sort a few changes to my relocation and everything is

ready for the move, so before I say my farewells I would like to enlighten

you with some Grand Cayman facts.

Wildlife

The wildlife is very different to England, no foxes or pigeons are to be

seen, instead wild iguanas, chickens, parrots and turtles. To us here in

Hatfield the iguana may seem like an exotic creature, beautifully

coloured, dragon-like one could

New school

Education is very different in Cayman, as some schools use the English School system and others the American. Cayman has a

population of children from all over the world including Cayman, England and America. As a result, the population of children that

need education is higher than the spaces available in both government and private schools, instead private tuition schools can offer

spaces for these pupils. I will be at a private tuition school for primary school pupils, teaching literacy, study skills and gradually I will

be introducing a Drama programme during the holidays!

Weather and Scenery

This small Caribbean island is ­­approximately 22 miles long with an average width of four miles with

many beaches, one of which is seven miles long! While the current climate is the ‘hurricane season’

the temperature is between 25c – 30c most days. As the climate is so warm, brightly coloured

tropical flowers surround the island and the national tree is the Silver Thatch Palm. My new home is

Farewell

Now that you have learned the facts, it is time for me to say goodbye. Soon I will be teaching pupils on this tiny tropical island and I

would like to thank the OSA community, pupils, staff and parents for all of their support during this exciting time.

Good luck and all the best,

Ms Marron

6

On 25th October, Year 7 students were entertained by a ‘haunting’ Halloween Disco

arranged and managed by a Year 13 Business Class. The Business students explained, “as

part of our Business unit, we are looking at event planning. We planned and managed

the entire event which has given us great insight into this as a career. There was a

fantastic turnout and everyone had great fun”.

Another student mentioned “The Sixth form have been here since 5:30, however it

seems that the students are really enjoying themselves and everything is going to plan”.

Year 7 Halloween Disco

By Rebecca Jones

The Year 7 students told us about their time at the disco. Students Katherine Jablonski and Evie Jeram stated “We really enjoyed

ourselves dancing and playing with the balloons. The Sixth Formers were really helpful and did a great job organising the event”.

Dominic Sztreja in Year 7 said “I really enjoyed the disco and playing with my friends”.

The Year 13 Business class provided the students with an amazing Halloween- themed hall; using glow balloons and coloured projector

lights and provided many refreshments throughout the night.

Mrs Whitaker, Director of Learning for Business stated, “the disco was a definite success. Around 50 students turned up and they all

behaved brilliantly. The disco has been happening for 4 or 5 years now, but this has been the most successful one so far. The BTEC

students (who are doing a Management and Events unit) have been very responsible and are doing very well in the course so far. I

would like to thank everyone involved and a huge well done to the Business students for such a successful night.’

Business Teacher, Miss Ring told us, ‘the Year 7 Halloween Disco was a real success. My Year 13 students have been working hard

since September to plan, organise and run this event as part of their coursework. We planned a marketing campaign using twitter as

well as posters placed around the school to promote the event; and in total sold over 50 tickets. On the night, Year 7 students came in

their very best fancy dress and enjoyed a night of dancing as well as playing games. Refreshments were available to purchase and

other than a couple of packets of crisps, we sold out completely of all food!

I am really proud of all the hard work and effort the students put into this event and thank them for making the night a real success.’

OSA’s Got Talent

This year marked a very special occasion for OSA’S Got Talent—the 10th Anniversary. The producer of the show

(and also one of this years’ judges) Mr Willis has created a very successful tradition, allowing the students of

the school to express their talents—ranging from singing, rapping, dancing and more—and creating a very fun

and enthusiastic atmosphere for the school as a community.

Well done to all the contestants who stood front of stage, and showed

everyone their amazing talent. Looking forward to next year!

Many thanks to the judges; Mrs Mountford, Mrs Fisher, Mr Willis and

Mr Bullock for supporting the students and giving each contestant

positive messages throughout the show. As well as, Mr Chandler and

Mr Finn for their brilliant presenting.

Big thank you to Rhys Gillett and Dominic Hewitt for all their work on

sound.

AND THE WINNER IS……

HENRY CHISALA!!

By Rebecca Jones

7

CCF By Lucy Abbott

Remembrance Day

On Friday 9th November, the whole school gathered to commemorate the anniversary which marked 100 years since the end of

WW1. Joining the ceremony were the school Governors and Hatfield Mayor - Jack Nelson. The NCO’s in Onslow’s Combined Cadet

Force started the ceremony by marching into the garden whilst other cadets held guard around the outside of it.

Following this, wreaths were laid by Head Boy Xander, Head Girl Harley and CCF NCO Courtney, as a way to pay respect to those who

lost their lives during conflict. Numerous poems were then read out by some of those in attendance, including Xander and Harley who

both read ‘Poppies’ by Jane Weir and Mr Bullock who read ‘The Soldier’. Jack Nelson read the famous Wilfred Owen poem ‘Dolce Et

Decorum Est’. Mr Finn played ‘The Last Post’ on his trumpet which was followed by a two-minute silence. Each year at the eleventh

hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, we observe a two Minute Silence. Armistice Day on 11 November marks the end of

the First World War and is a day to remember and honour those who have paid the price for our freedom.

By Lucy Abbott

Jack Press and Lucas Poole received promotions with Jack going from Corporal to Sergeant and Lucas from Lance

Corporal to Corporal.

They have worked extremely hard to rise up the ranks showing respect and integrity whilst maintaining the RAF ethos.

They have shown leadership skills and are both a role model to other cadets.

The CCF have taken part in remembrance parades, not only at Onslow but also at Hatfield and Haileybury.

Mr Spencer told us, that during the

ceremony ‘all students were extremely

respectful’. They have also spent the

past few weeks selling poppies to raise

money for the Royal British Legion.

Acting Pilot Officer Burahee said ‘Our

cadets worked fantastically hard. They

were determined to present their best

parade in honour of the 100th year

anniversary of the Armistice’

8

ARTS & LEISURE

MARVEL’S SPIDER-MAN

MUSIC THE GREATEST SHOWMAN :

RE-IMAGINED

By Rebecca Jones

GAMES

Many artists including James Arthur (ft Anne-Marie), Years & Years (ft Jess Glyne), Craig David, P!nk, Panic! At The Disco and more, have come together to re-imagine ‘The Greatest Showman’ using different genres—allowing artists to express their identities and recreate a truly amazing version of the soundtrack of the greatest musical in recent years.

Dubbed as ‘the greatest superhero game’,

Marvel’s Spider-Man is a non-stop rollercoaster of

emotions, thrills and action. Playing as both the

webbed wonder himself, MJ Watson AND future

Spider-Man Miles Morales, through a storyline

which will hook you, in which players can explore

the streets of New York and fight classic Spidey

villains. With enough content to keep you going

for ages, and more comic references than a geek

can shake a Kingpin-sized fist at, this game is

INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE

By Xander Peveri

A fantastic journey through an iconic Marvel storyline, Into the Spider-verse offers enjoyment for everyone. Miles Morales must balance life at his new school, the pressure of his police officer father, and the desire to graffiti the town red—and that’s before his universe collides with others and becomes one of the many Spider-Men! Beautifully animated in true comic fashion with a great voice cast and soundtrack to back it, Spider-verse is a must-see! Score—9.5/10

FILMS FANTASTIC BEASTS 2– CRIMES

OF GRINDELWALD

A more story-driven sequel in comparison to the first, Crimes of Grindelwald throws plot twist after plot twist at you, and will leave you hooked throughout until the final big reveal, and sets up nicely for the third instalment. Score—7.3/10

NEW RELEASES

Films:

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-

verse (PG)

Aquaman (12A)

Holmes & Watson (12A)

Mary Poppins Returns (U)

Bumblebee (PG)

Creed II (12A)

Music:

Thank U, Next - Ariana

Grande

Grip - Bastille and Seeb

Happy Xmas (War is Over) -

Miley Cyrus and Mark

Ronson

Scared of the Dark - Lil

Wayne, Ty Dolla $ign.

XXXTentacion

Hide - Juice WRLD and

Seezyn

Nothing Breaks Like a Heart

- Mark Ronson and Miley

Cyrus