1

THE URSULINE ACADEMY ILFORD

A Catholic Academy for Girls

Weekly News – Issue 8 3rd November 2017

Dear Parents/Guardians Headteacher’s Headlines… F1

Next week in school, our theme for the week is Remembrance. There will be a Remembrance box in the Chapel for students to remember deceased family and friends and those who gave their lives for their country. November is of course the month when Catholics show love for their loved ones by praying for their eternal rest. It is important for the girls to realise that we are not only a community of teaching and learning but we are also a community of care and compassion.

On Wednesday this week, we celebrated All Saints day in school with two lovely masses. The first for years 10, 11 and the Sixth Form we were pleased to welcome Fr. Andrew (St. Peters and St. Pauls) to say Mass for us and shortly after we had Mass for Years 7 8 and 9 with Fr. Matthew (St. Theresa’s). Both were very prayerful services with impeccable behaviour from the girls and some wonderful singing.

We are pleased to report that we have a brand new Prospectus for Sixth form this year. It has all parents and students need to know about studying at Ursuline and will be available at our 6th Form Open Evening which takes place on Tuesday 7th November at 6pm. It is important that Year 11 students and their parents attend this evening even if they are considering moving on. We have looked very carefully at our offer for next year and we have a number of new

courses running. We also have our new Scholarship programme; a tailored package of support and financial incentive for our brightest students to support them in their studies. (See School website/prospectus for details). Please also see copy of the Recorder Advert on page 14! We have a number of Governor Visits to Ursuline coming up. Governors are invited to come in and either meet with a Middle Leader (Head of Year or Department) or accompany a Senior Leader on a learning walk. This is a good opportunity for Governors to get to know the school even better and see the school at work. There is an increasing emphasis on the importance of good governance from the Government. Our own governors show strong support for the school and we are grateful for their commitment to Ursuline. We have a vacancy for a parent governor at the moment. Whilst there are no formal qualifications needed for governors, we would welcome interest from parents who have a legal or financial background. If you feel you could commit the time and want to make a significant contribution to our community please contact Kerry Herbert, my PA, who is Clerk to Governors who can provide more information.

2

Please follow Ursuline on Social Media! We can be found via the following links - Facebook Page: The Ursuline Academy Ilford https://www.facebook.com/The-Ursuline-Academy-Ilford-391419821200584/ Twitter: @the_ursuline

Instagram: UrsulineAcademyIlford https://www.instagram.com/ursulineacademyilford/

Date for your Diary! St Cecilia’s Concert Tuesday November 21st @ 6pm.

An interesting piece of information on the patroness of Music: Saint Cecilia is said to have heard heavenly music inside her heart when she was forced to marry the pagan, Valerian. A wealth of music, art and festivals in honour of St. Cecilia has grown from this little bit of information from her biography. She is the acclaimed patron saint of music, especially church music, as well as that of musicians, composers, instrument makers and poets. The name Cecilia means blind and so, although we don’t know if she herself couldn’t see, she is also the catholic patron saint of the blind. Tickets are £2.50 for adults and £1.50 for students and can be bought from the music department or from 6th Formers Ms Maguire, Head of Music

Chaplaincy News

Pope Francis @Pontifex · November 1st

Dear friends, the world needs saints and we are all called to holiness without exception. Don’t be afraid!

Forward in Joy – 366 days with Angela Merici - Daily words of wisdom from our patron saint November: Community 3rd November: Live in harmony, united together, all of one heart and one will. 4th November: God has granted you the grace of choosing you to serve his divine Majesty. 5th November: may you sustain and carry out vigorously and faithfully the charge laid upon you. 6th November: God will give you the necessary strength, provided you do not fail for your part. 7th November: There will be no other sign that you are in the grace of the Lord than that you love one another and are united together. 8th November: Rejoice together. 9th November: God has so ordained from all eternity that those who are united in doing good enjoy every prosperity.

3

Ursuline Links Retreat During the October Half term, some students from Ursuline attended a retreat day organised by Ursuline Links. The day was held in the new Ursuline Links base "Desenzano" which is the house where the Ursuline sisters used to live in Ilford.

The point of this day was to encourage students from a couple of the Ursuline schools to work together and share ideas and fun for the day. We played games, had discussions and prayed and reflected together. The day was the first of its kind and a great success. This time round we had students from Ilford Ursuline and St. Ursula's in Greenwich, but we hope to open the day up to other schools in the near future. Here are some comments from our girls and photos

Anthonia – Yr10 I really enjoyed meeting new people and the activities we did together. I would definitely come again Alyssa-Isabella – Yr7 I enjoyed everything about the day. I would definitely come again – I can’t wait for the next one. Euna - Yr7 I've loved making new friends and yes I would come again! Tia 7.4

I enjoyed meeting other girls from other Ursuline schools. Would I come again? Yes! I had a really lovely day.

4

Year 7 took part in a session with the chaplain where they had to imagine themselves as Superheroes and think of ways that they can be a superhero at school and at home. Here are some of their responses. “The obstacles that stop me from being a superhero is that I am sometimes shy and get worried easily but I can be a superhero by helping mum at home and being friendly to people who are lonely at school. My best superhero quality is loyalty.” “My superhero quality is honesty! God is a superhero to me because he helps me with the stuff I find difficult. I can be a superhero at home when my mum is tired. I find it hard to be a superhero when people tell me that I can’t do things.” “I would make a great superhero because I am brave, smart, fair, understanding and determined. In order to be a better superhero, I need to learn how to work better in a team. God is my superhero when I am troubled and have no one else to talk to.” “Ways that I can be a superhero… Invite people to play with me, don’t leave anyone out, don’t be cocky, listen to other people. At home I can help out with chores, do what my parents tell me, be kind to my cousins and No Attitude!!!!” Cleo Gammon, Chaplain

Krakow 2018 Reminder to parents and students. The third payment of £100 is due ASAP, the balance for the trip (£399 total) is due by 25th November. A meeting for parents and students will be held closer to the date of the trip. Thank you for your continued support. Ms Mackie, Ms Keogh and Ms Filipe

5

Conference at Selwyn College, Cambridge

My experience at the Cambridge BME conference was really fun whilst being fun and informative. It debunked lots of myths about the university application process and showed us what A-levels are best to do for certain university courses. We got to talk to past and present Cambridge University students and had a tour of the different colleges. After the taster sessions I have never felt more inspired to learn in my life. Iona Williams 11.1 I believe that attending the BME at Cambridge University gave me valuable insight into university life as well as the job prospects available for those who attend the university, this was from Cambridge alumni. I also learnt about what courses such as Computer Science and Modern Languages would entail. I was given further insight into how to enhance my application to Russell Group universities, such as pursuing extra-curricular activities which compliment my field of interest and subject choice as well as spending time outside of school reading around these subjects. Angie Muyeke 11.5

P E News Our year 10 netball team beat Oaks Park 15 – 7 on Wednesday evening! Lady of the match: Chiamaka Umeh Captain: Ninikanwa Mbanu Also our Year 8 Netball team beat Trinity last night 9 -2 Lady of the match and captain: Jesica Sabau Thank you so much to all the staff and student teachers that popped out to the playground to watch the girls Ms Keogh, Head of PE

During the half term break two of our year 11 students were lucky enough to be accepted onto a BME conference at Selwyn College, Cambridge. The focus of the event was widening participation at Cambridge University and the students had their first exposure to the opportunities available at such institutions. Mr Robertson

6

Library News The Autumn Leaves are falling………………….. Congratulations to our Year 7 winners for their beautiful and creative ‘Leaf Book Reviews’ which are displayed in the library helping to brighten up the grey autumn skies. The winners are: Sania Meih,7.1 Rashmi Purushothaman, 7.2 Euna Wasirwa, and Dilpreet Syan (absent from photograph) both 7.3 Joeliyn Nesarajah 7.4.

This is our Library display for Remembrance week… To tie in with our theme please have a look at these ‘Recommended Reads’:

All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque Remembrance by Theresa Breslin War Horse by Michael Morpurgo

Ms Finlay, Library Manager

7

Careers

https://successatschool.org for Work experience and Apprenticeships

Trainees at law firm BLP learn by working with clients straight away - and this two-week WEX placement in summer 2018 is a great taster. The scheme is aimed at state-school students completing Year 12 who would be the first of their immediate family to go to university, and/or who receive free-school meals.

View Work Experience

Rolls-Royce are famous for making cutting-edge engines and power systems for use on land, sea and air. They're offering high-skilled apprenticeships & training in areas like engineering, accountancy, and manufacturing - many giving you the chance to study for a fully paid degree while earning a salary!

View Opportunities

Dentons' six-year law apprenticeship gives you the chance to qualify as a solicitor and be awarded an LLB university degree by BPP University. Based in the London office, you will gain experience, earn a salary and complete a law degree - with your tuition fees paid for!

View Apprenticeship

KPMG are a global firm offering services in areas like tax and auditing. All over the UK, they are offering rotational apprenticeships which provide experience across the company, plus a Digital degree apprenticeship in a choice of technical specialisms.

8

View Apprenticeships

Food manufacturers Nestlé are offering two delicious high-skilled apprenticeships in management and finance, with opportunities available in Gatwick and York.

View Apprenticeships

Ms Finlay, Careers Co ordinator

Merit Race

1st Place: 8.3 158 Merits Winner Gracela Owusu Barniej (15 Merits) 2nd Place: 10.1 107 Merits Joint Winners Piper De Stefano, Lesley Rogers & Ayesha Patel

(5 Merits) 3rd Place: 7.1 114 Merits Winner Kamila Kleczek (7 Merits)

4th Place: 9.4 61 Merits Joint Winners Leyla Feron & Laura Ihegbu (5 Merits) 5th Place: 11.3 17 Merits Joint Winner Alex O & Gabriella Y (6 Merits)

Remember, remember 5th of November – gunpowder, treason and plot! The lunch menu for Monday will be as follows:

Hot Dogs Pork or Quorn with fried onions Beef Burgers or Vegetable Burger with fried onions Potato Wedges Sweetcorn Free biscuit with any of the above main meals Beef Bolognaise with pasta Garlic Bread Toffee Apples Selection of Paninis

9

Did you know…just registering your daughter for Free School Meals means that our school gets extra money!

You can register your daughter for Free School meals if you receive any of these benefits:

Income Support

Income based Jobseekers Allowance

Income related Employment and Support Allowance

Support under Part V1 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

Guaranteed element of State Pension Credit Child Tax Credit (without Working Tax Credit) and have an annual income of below £16,190

If you want your daughter to have a free, healthy meal at lunchtime that’s great – she will get a free meal (saving you more than £400 per year!). There is no stigma attached and no one will know because we operate a cashless payment system in our Dining Hall. If you qualify but don’t want your daughter to have free school meals, please still register as the school will get additional funding. Your daughter can still continue to have her packed lunch as normal! To apply please complete the on-line Free School Meal application on the Redbridge.gov.uk website. You can apply regardless of which borough you live in because your daughter attends a school in Redbridge. It is important to note that-

Taking the meal is recommended but not compulsory

Your daughter may receive additional help as a result of being registered, for example, help with the cost of music lessons or school trips

No one will know and it will not affect any other benefits you are claiming

Registering your daughter for free school meals will bring more money to our school

Next week’s Menu (Week 2):

10

The school has launched an exciting new parental communication App, Connect Ed, to replace the Clarion Call system currently in place. Along with the ability to send and receive texts and emails, the App links directly to the school’s website where parents can find useful information about terms dates, our newsletters, policies and details of

upcoming events. In addition, the App provides information about your daughter direct to your phone or mobile device and includes up to date details of attendance and achievements. Parents can also complete forms and provide consents for trips etc. all via the App. Access is via secure login and all data is secure. Don’t forget to download the App today!

School Uniform Please note our uniform shop will be open every Thursday 3.20 – 4.00p.m.

Please see Revision & Extra Curricular Diary on Pages 12 & 13!

SCHOOL DIARY

Date Time Event Category

Monday 6th November 9.30a.m. – 12.30p.m. GCSE Maths Re Sit Selected Students

Monday 6th November 12.40 -= 1.40p.m. KS4 Book Club (G2) KS4 Students

Monday 6th November 1.40 – 2.30p.m. Year 13 General RE with Fr Vlad (Chapel)

Year 13 Students

Tuesday 7th November All Day Year 9 Retreat (9.4) (Walsingham House)

9.4 Students

Tuesday 7th November 4.00 – 7.30p.m. Year 7 Parents Meeting with Form Tutors

Year 7 Parents

Tuesday 7th November 6.00 – 8.00p.m. 6th Form Preview Evening (Hall)

Prospective 6th Form Students & Parents

Wednesday 8th November 9.30a.m. – 12.30p.m. GCSE Maths Re Sit Selected Students

Wednesday 8th November All Day Year 9 Retreat (9.1) (Walsingham House)

9.1 Students

Thursday 9th November All Day Year 9 Retreat (9.3) (Walsingham House)

9.3 Students

Thursday 9th November All Day 11R Drama Component 1 Practical Exam (Drama Studio)

11R Drama Students

11

Thursday 9th November 9.00 – 9.50a.m. Year 8 Online & Social Media Presentation with

PC Kimberley (Dining Hall)

Year 8 Students

Friday 10th November All Day Year 9 Retreat (9.2) (Walsingham House)

9.2 Students

Friday 10th November All Day 11Q Drama Component 1 Practical Exam (Drama Studio)

11Q Drama Students

Friday 10th November 8.30a.m. – 1.40p.m. Year 13 Sociology & Politics Into Film Festival

(Haymarket)

Year 13 Sociology & Politics Students

Tuesday 14th November 4.30 – 7.30p.m. Year 11 Parents Consultation Evening

Year 11 Parents

Thursday 16th November 9.00 – 9.50a.m. 7.4 Sign Language Session with Fr Keith Stokes

7.4 Students

Thursday 16th November 9.50 – 10.40a.m. 7.2 Sign Language Session with Fr Keith Stokes

7.2 Students

Thursday 16th November 10.00a.m. – 12.40p.m. Music & Media Documentary for GCSE

Music Students (Hackney Picturehouse)

GCSE Music Students

Thursday 16th November 12.40 – 1.40p.m. Lunchtime Mass with Fr Matthew

Whole School

Thursday 16th November 1.40 – 2.30p.m. 7.3 Sign Language Session with Fr Keith Stokes

7.3 Students

Thursday 16th November 2.30 – 3.20p.m. 7.1 Sign Language Session with Fr Keith Stokes

7.1 Students

Friday 17th November All Day Year 13 RE Conference (London)

Year 13 RE Students

Friday 17th November 8.30a.m. – 2.30p.m. GCSE PE Cycling Assessment (Redbridge

Cycling Centre)

GCSE PE Students

Monday 20th November All Day 6th Form Youth Conference on Crime & Punishment (London)

6th Form Sociology Students

Monday 20th November 12.40 – 1.40p.m. KS4 Book Club KS4 Students

Tuesday 21st November 6.00 – 8.00p.m. St Cecilia’s Day Concert (Hall)

All welcome!

Wednesday 22nd November

All Day The Big Sing (Ss Peter & Paul’s Church)

Selected Students

Thursday 23rd November All Day Year 11 Art Trip to Curwen Press

Year 11 Art Students

Thursday 23rd November 9.00 – 9.50a.m. Year 7 Bookbuzz Presentation

Year 7 Students

Friday 24th November 11.00a.m. – 12.40p.m. 11Q Component 1 Evaluation Controlled

Assessment

11Q Drama Students

12

13

14