NEWSLETTER
Message from Mr Gillis, Headteacher
The school has entered the final term of its first year. The focus of many students turns
to the examination series, with a chance for them to demonstrate and celebrate their
hard work and endeavours.
Our extensive building work is taking shape with the fantastic new music classrooms and
facilities recently opened. The build programme remains on track with the unveiling of
the new block planned for the students’ return in September.
The school will welcome the new intake of
students in a wide variety of transition events this
summer, from Induction Days to Activity Evenings
and Summer Schools.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank
parents for your much valued support throughout
our first year and look forward to the continued
success and achievements of your children in the
future at Whitworth Park School and Sixth Form
College.
My best wishes
May 2013
China Trip Brings Great Rewards
A
group
of
Whitworth Park students recently
experienced the trip of a lifetime
when they took part in a cultural
exchange to China. Twenty six
WPS students students from years 8 to 10 were able
to walk sections of the Great Wall,
arriving at the
saunter around the Forbidden City,
Forbidden City
and even have lunch with a renowned
Chinese artist in his own home!
“It was a fantastic trip”, said year 9
student Leah Greenman. “I feel I have learned so much
about Chinese culture and I was amazed to discover how far their history stretches back. The first
emperors were ruling in China over 5,000 years ago!”
Perhaps the highlight of the trip was a visit to Whitworth Park’s partner school in Shijiazhuang, about
300km from Beijing. Students were accorded rock star status for the day, with Chinese peers
clamouring enthusiastically for autographs and e-mail addresses. The host school put on a superb stage
show, showing off their skills in playing traditional Chinese instruments like the zither, a sort of
horizontal harp of great complexity, and the hulusi, an ancient Chinese flute made from a gourd.
Whitworth Park students were even invited to the homes of local families for lunch so that they could
gain a greater understanding of Chinese life and customs. “The families were very generous to us” said
year 9 student Alan McNamara. “They did everything they could to make sure we had a good time and
felt at home”.
There were also fascinating visits to a silk-making factory, a tea-tasting ceremony and to the Emperor’s
Summer Palace, which for a considerable period soaked up half the wealth of the nation, so elaborate
was its construction! However, there was also a glimpse of modern China with a tour of the Bird’s Nest
Stadium, used for the 2008 Olympics, and the famous Beijing Night Market where hungry travellers can
dine on such exotic delicacies as deep-fried scorpion and roasted spider. It is testimony to the intrepid
spirit of Whitworth Park students that certain individuals sampled both of these dishes!
Organiser of the trip Mr Bedwell said “fried scorpions and roasted spiders aside, the trip really is a
fantastic window into an amazing culture. In medicine,
architecture, art and philosophy, the Chinese were many
thousands of years in advance of ourselves.
The fact that the Great Wall is over 5,000 The Beijing night
miles long almost makes Hadrian’s wall look
market where
pretty paltry in comparison. I know that the some brave WPS
students who were lucky enough to go felt students ate deep
- fried scorpion
inspired by what they saw and discovered
and roasted
and I look forward to leading another similar
tarantula!
trip in two years’ time”.
Students were paid many compliments on their attitude during the trip, most notably by the British
Airways crew who attended them on the return flight. Despite the gruelling 11 hour journey, they were
praised for their exemplary patience and politeness.
The next stage of the school’s partnership will take place in July of this year, when 52 Chinese students
will come to Whitworth Park to join in lessons and sample British Culture. “I’m sure that with a little
effort and planning, we can make the Chinese students feel as welcome as they did for us when we
visited China”, said year 9 student Beth Ward.
Arriving at our partner school in Shijiazahuang
The Firebreak Programme
A group of Year 11 Whitworth Park School
students recently took part in a Firebreak Course.
This highly successful youth programme aims to
promote a culture of safety and citizenship by
providing a range of vital life skills whilst
undertaking the various disciplines of the Fire
Service. The Firebreak programme incorporates a
wide variety of activities, usually commencing
with a parade in uniform [corporate identity]
provided by the Fire Service. Other activities
incorporated into the day include hose drills, life
skills, such as water safety, first aid, extinguisher
training, and confidence building exercises in the form of problem solving and community work relating to fire
safety.
Firebreak endeavours to:
 Instil a sense of self-discipline, self-worth, independence and responsibility.
 Promote teamwork amongst the attendees.
 Encourage trainees to respect the differences between people.
 Confirm the benefits of worthwhile and fulfilling relationships.
 Urge trainees to play an active and worthwhile role as a member of their community.
 Ensure that the trainees make the most of their own and others potential.
Each student received a certificate of achievement and a portfolio, dependent on individual achievement,
containing personal testimonials, certificates for attendance and punctuality, fire safety awareness, first aid, water
safety and teamwork. On successfully completing the Firebreak course, students gain an award from the
Assessment and Qualifications Alliance. The award is the equivalent of a GCSE qualification. A passing out parade
at the end of the course provides the team with an opportunity to demonstrate to proud parents, teachers and
friends the skills and confidence gained, and just how much can be achieved in a relatively short space of time!
Year 11 student Beth Hutchinson said: “I have enjoyed the course a lot. It gave an amazing insight into a fire
fighter’s life while also teaching us a lot of teamwork skills”.
Physics at Whitworth Park School
During the last half term the GCSE and A-level physics students have had a variety of opportunities to enhance their
knowledge and understanding of physics.
London Trip to the Institute of physics: The A level physics students spent an exciting two days in London over the
half term holiday. The trip involved visiting the Institute of physics for their Physics in Perspective lectures, a
series of four lectures from top physicists working at universities around
the country. The students enjoyed all of the lectures but their favourites
were ‘5 things not to do with a particle accelerator’ by Dr Suzie Sheehy
from Oxford University and ‘Dambusters: the engineering behind the
bouncing bomb’ by Dr Hugh Hunt from the University of Cambridge.
They gave a unique perspective into life as a physicist.
During their time in London students also had an opportunity to do
some shopping at Piccadilly Circus, see Billy Elliot at the Victoria Palace
theatre and visit the Science museum. Overall the visit was not only educational but a lot of fun and we hope to
visit again next year.
Kielder Observatory trip: The GCSE and A level physics
students were also invited to an overnight stay at Kielder
Observatory. This trip gave students the unique opportunity
to work with professional astronomers and use their
telescopes at the darkest location in Britain. It turned out to
be a fantastic night for star gazing as we had clear skies for
the whole night. The students observed many constellations,
a few galaxies and Jupiter and its moons during the visit. The
trip
also
presented
a
good opportunity
for
astrophotographers and Mrs Selby managed to capture a
photo of the northern lights (see below).
The trip was collaboration between Whitworth Park School,
St Bedes and Bishop Barrington. It allowed students to
socialise with over 30 keen physics students from the area.
We must also thank the Ogden trust for financing the trip
and also subsidising the London trip.
Medical physics trip: The A level students also visited the
University Hospital of Durham for a tour around the medical physics department by the clinical director. This trip
provided students not only the opportunity to enhance their learning about medical physics required for their
exams but to consider a possible future career within physics. The students particularly enjoyed the chance to
observe various high tech machinery such as MRI and CT scanners in use.
Finally, the students have had
guest lectures from Professor
A. Beeby and Dr. P Edwards
from Durham University to
further enhance their physics
knowledge. Hopefully there
will be more to come in the
summer term.
English School’s Judo Champion
Heather Davis (second left in picture), Year 9, is the English
Schools Judo Champion. She attended the Championships at
Sheffield and represented Whitworth Park School.
This is the first major Championships that Heather has won,
and the first National sporting
achievement for Whitworth Park
School. She also won Silver in Irish
Championships and has completed a
stint in Belgium training with the
English Judo Squad.
Well Done Heather!
‘The Vibe’
The Vibe, a local Indie Band made up of Year 11
pupils from Whitworth Park (Daniel Cole, Liam
Sneath,
Matthew
Lazenby and
Cameron
Dewey
[pictured left)
performed in a
concert
to
celebrate the
opening of the
new
music
department.
The
band
played music from the Beatles to Oasis and
Kings of Leon, it was a great success with
members of the audience commenting on the
professionalism of the group.
Summer Concert
The summer concert is on Thursday 11th July, in
the School Hall - 7pm start. Lots of exciting acts
and performances from pupils including the
school wind band, singing group and dancers.
Tickets will be on sale from the school office at
the beginning of July (£3.00 in advance or £4.00
on the door).
Year 1/2 Multi Skills Festival
Great fun was had by all at Spennymoor Leisure Centre at the Whitworth Park cluster Year 1/2 Multi Skill
Festival held on Tuesday 30th April. This included student Sports Leaders from Whitworth Park School
who did a fabulous job of demonstrating, scoring events, and encouraging everyone to do well. Nine of
the local Primary Schools participated, all 250 pupils showed great enthusiasm and determination, taking
part in a series of challenges such as the “Big Foot Race”, the “Penalty Shoot Out” and “Target
Dartboards”.
Whitworth Park School students were also involved in the final meet of the Primary Cross Country League
for 2012/13 which took place on Friday 19th April. Over 150 Year 4, 5 and 6 pupils from 10 local Primary
Schools completed the course at Whitworth Park with steely determination. Their efforts this year have
been remarkable, resulting in some of the fastest times the competition has ever seen. Huge
congratulations to The Broom who were victorious in all categories. We look forward to seeing what next
year holds! Mrs Walmsley said “a huge thanks to the students of Whitworth Park School for their
participation”. Congratulations to Byers Green and North Park who were the winners on the day!
Year 3 Multi Skills Festival
Following on from the Year 1/2 Festival, on the 10th May, some of Whitworth Park School year 10
students held a small Multi-skills event for Year 3 pupils from Middlestone Moor Primary School. It was
the first time Year 10 students had planned and lead an event, creating the activities themselves.
They performed their roles exceptionally well and were enthusiastic throughout. Well done to the
following students: Courtney Bell, Brogan Burnett, Shannon Briggs, Bethany Cant, Rachel Finlay, Lucy
Hallas, Lewis Mawson, Nicole Sheldon, Natasha Thompson and Charlotte Toney.
WPS Y8 Cricket
Whitworth Park School took part in a Year 8 cricket competition played at Sedgefield cricket club. Miss
McClelland, PE teacher, who took the team said “there was such a huge interest in the competition I had
to enter two teams”.
The ‘A’ team came 3rd with the ‘B’ team coming 5th. Jordan Hugill got player of the match. Two Y11
girls, Oasis Archer and Georgia Maughan, who have aspirations
of working with children, (Georgia a Primary Teacher and Oasis a
Social Worker), came along to manage the teams to give them
some experience.
It was a great day, the girls worked well and everybody enjoyed
themselves. The Y11s couldn’t believe how lively and full of
energy the Y8s are. They had to be reminded that they were like
that once!
Chloe Forrest has been asked to attend County Durham coaching
as they were so impressed with her!
Carillion Enterprise Challenge!
In March, Year 10 and 11 MAT students took part in an enterprise event
run by Carillion. They worked in teams of four as a design and build
company tasked to build a new state of the art primary school. Students
took on the roles of the team and used a variety of
transferable skills to complete a series of tasks. It was
interesting to see their innovative ideas and what they
considered to be a priority .
The hardest part was sticking to a tight budget. It gave us a real
insight into the processes that are going on with the new build!
Shakespeare
On the 22nd and 23rd of April, year 9 celebrated Shakespeare’s birthday by
participating in the school’s first Shakespeare Days. Over the course of the two
days, students got an introduction to the plot and characters in Romeo and Juliet,
from the English Department, as well as an insight into Elizabethan Life from
Aardvark Productions (a theatre company from Kent). Working with the theatre
company, students learnt about clothing, food and marriage in Elizabethan
England and there was lots of giggling around the “codpiece”!
A special commendation was given to the students in 9A5 (Bethany Sykes, Thomas
Harmer, Ben Wilson, Luke Kane, Savannah Glaister, Georgia Partington, Billy
Dunnett, Jack Maughan, Robert Mole, Sky Stuart, Bethany Ellis and Shannon Futers)
for their enthusiastic and positive approach to the event.
Lots of fun was had by all involved and the English Department hopes to make it an
annual event; look out for more information in the Springtime next year!
Y6 First Steps Days
Our First Steps into Secondary School days
took place on Wednesday and Thursday the
20th and 21st of March. This was the first
opportunity for Whitworth Park’s new intake
to visit the school as ‘official’ pupils. Pupils
spent the day in the newly refurbished Art
and Design Department researching and
designing African masks. We were seriously
impressed with the quality of work, the range
of ideas and the attitude of year 6. They
were certainly a credit to their primary
schools. A small group of year 7 pupils acted
as buddies and did a fantastic job answering
questions and helping out throughout the
day. Our new intake will be back again soon
to complete their masks - watch out for some
finished designs later in the newsletter!
Activity Night
Our transition Activity Night took place on
Wednesday 13 February. This was the third
event of Whitworth Park’s out of school
programme and as usual was very well
attended. Pupils enjoyed the bouncy castle,
dance mats, penalty shoot out and space
hoppers. The favourite activity seemed to be
the bucking bronco, with some determined
to succeed and trying over 20 times!
However, Mr Richardson only tried it once
and Ms Stevenson refused to even try! The
face painter and tattoo artist was also busy
and created some works of art, particularly
glitter tattoos. The final event of the yearSaturday Night Surf is on Saturday 29 June
from 6-8pm. We hope to see you there!
Y7 Easterathon
On Tuesday 26th March and Wednesday 27th March year 7 pupils took part in an Easterathon. It was a
day with a difference! The morning was spent on a different curriculum, developing citizenship,
teamwork and cooperation skills. Firstly everyone took part in a 40 question quiz (they’d had chance to
swot up beforehand) based on countries, capitals and currency. Then it was some Easter origami before
heading out on a sponsored walk, raising money for Guide Dogs. There were some impressive
performances, as you can see below:
Ryan Dufferweil and Ryan Mills scored 35 / 40 on the quiz to be overall winners and winners on Tuesday.
Luke Bromley and Lewis Bowman put up a good fight coming first and second on Wednesday.
We had lots of winners in the egg decorating competition as they were all too good to choose an overall
winner. Bradley Mould received an award for helping with the origami sessions and his overall attitude
and effort. But, the most amazing congratulations are in order for everyone who raised sponsor money.
Year 7 raised a total of £1001 for Guide Dogs. WOW! Mr McIntyre’s tutor group raised the most with a
staggering £217.50!!! Well done to everyone involved and we’ll present a cheque to Guide Dogs later in
the term!
WELL DONE YEAR 7!!!
Pool Party
What has become our annual Pool Party took place on Saturday 20th April at Spennymoor Leisure
Centre for years 5, 6 and 7. As always it was a busy event with pupils enjoying the slide and wave
machine. They got through a record amount of hot dogs and seemed to have a great time!
Rewards Trip
Whitworth Park School year 8,9 & 10 students had a great
time on a rewards trip for good attendance and zero
negative behaviour points. The trip went bowling to
Hollywood Bowl at Teesside Park
Gently at Durham Road
On Friday 3rd May, a group of 17 students from Whitworth Park Students, along with Mrs
Timmiss and Ms Wheadon, were invited to the old school on Durham Road for an exclusive
behind the scenes look at the George Gently set. It was an amazing opportunity to see how a
production company worked and how the scenes we see every day on the television are
created.
Inspector George Gently is set in County Durham during the 1960s and stars Martin Shaw as
the eponymous Inspector Gently. The old Tudhoe Grange Lower School site has been transformed to provide the
production company with a variety of locations including the police station and offices, a hospital ward and a
morgue. Students saw the sets from their conception in the art department, a partly built set in a classroom to
the finished thing with authentic 1960s props. Part of the tour included look at all the vehicles needed to support
the production of a series like Inspector George Gently. The most fascinating was the catering. When on location,
the catering team have to provide breakfast and a two course lunch for several hundred people including the
main stars, guest stars, extras, the make-up and costume team as well as the technical team. It really brought
home the scale of the logistics in producing a television series!
All in all it was an exciting visit and a great opportunity to see behind the scenes.
Calling all school and 6th form leavers!
Lesley Jacobs, Durham County Council One Point
Personal
Adviser for young people in the Spennymoor area, will be holding drop
in sessions for Y11 and 6th form leavers who have no plans in place for
education, employment or training. It is expected that all Y11 leavers
will continue with some learning for at least another year.
Drop In sessions are being held at the following venues:
Middlestone Moor Sure Start Children’s Centre (next to Middlestone
Moor Primary School) every Wednesday 2pm-4pm from 26 June to 4
September.
Tudhoe Moor Sure Start Children’s Centre (Green Lane next to Jack in
the Box Nursery) every Tuesday 2pm-4pm from 25 June to 3
September.
No appointment is necessary , however, for sessions held on weeks
beginning 15 July, 12 August and 19 August please ring 03000 261 113.
If you have any queries you can contact Lesley on this number at any
time.
Whitworth Park School & Sixth Form College
Lunchtime Activities
ROOM
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
Sports Hall
BASKETBALL
Ys 7,8 & 9
FITNESS
DODGEBALL
ZUMBA
GIRLS FOOTBALL
BADMINTON
BASKETBALL
GIRLS RUGBY
Gym
ICE HOCKEY Y8
Art Room
ARTS AWARD
Room 31
CRAFTY
CREATIONS
ARTS AWARD
FILM CLUB
BOOK GROUP
SMART CLUB
HOMEWORK
CLUB
YOUTH
DROP IN
CODEBREAKERS
CLUB - ICT
Room 34
Room 30/
RBLC
FILM CLUB
SMART CLUB
SMART CLUB
HOMEWORK
CLUB
SMART CLUB
DR WHO CLUB
(waiting list applies)
Room 13
VOICES
YEAR 8 – 11
Room 13A
SINGING CLUB
YEAR 7
Room 36
Mrs Smith’s
Room
SCHOOL
NURSE
DROP IN
BRASS
ENSEMBLE
STRINGS
GCSE THEORY
LEARNING
CLUB
LEARNING
CLUB
SCHOOL
NURSE
DROP IN
MRS SMITH’S
COUNSELLING
DROP IN
Technology
Area
LEGO CLUB
Dates for your Diary
Friday 24th May
Monday 3rd June
Thursday 27th June
Thursday 11 July
Friday 28th June
Friday 19th July
School closes
School re-opens at normal time
Year 11 Prom
Summer Concert
Year 11 Prom
End of Summer term
Mr P Gillis
Headteacher
Whitworth Park School and Sixth Form College
Whitworth Lane
Spennymoor
DL16 7LN
Mr S Bedwell (Marketing and Communication)
Assistant Headteacher
Whitworth Park School and Sixth Form College
Whitworth Lane
Spennymoor
DL16 7LN
Tel: 01388 824800 Fax: 01388 810211
Tel: 01388 824800 Fax: 01388 810211
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
Mrs M Bestford (Attendance Officer)
Direct Number: 01388 824842
Please telephone this number to report an absence
Website: www.whitworthpark.org.uk
Newsletter produced by Mrs J Pearson, Sixth Form Administrator and Media & Events Officer