22 May 2015
Dear Parent
Welcome to our first newsletter for the summer term. At this time of year our thoughts are with
students in Years 10, 11, 12 and 13, all of whom are sitting public examinations. We wish them every
success as they continue to work their way through the various papers; we trust that they will feel a
sense of confidence, having studied hard and prepared well.
With the start of the examinations we have, of course, had to bid farewell to students in Year 13.
Study leave for them began on 8th May. On that morning they led an assembly to formally mark the
end of their time in the sixth form which was memorable, not least of all as they dressed as famous
characters from screen and stage. As well as commenting on how impressed we have all been with
the year group, I would particularly like to thank the senior team, School Captains, Alistair Shields and
Eleanor Pandya, Vice Captains, William Faulkner and Daisy Munn and Chair of School Council Jessica
McDonnell. Their commitment to their school has been second to none. Whilst we shall miss them
we do, of course, wish them well as they move on to the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.
Of course, with the departure of members of Year 13, we welcome a brand new team of prefects and
senior students to pick up where they left off. On 1st May 43 students were presented with their
prefect badges; they will be taking up their duties in earnest following the conclusion of AS exams
after half term. Appointed as School Captains are Matthew Hillman and Saffron Stay. Assisting them
will be Vice Captains William Norman and Lucy Bowles, and Chair of the School Council for 2015/16 is
Lewis Thomas. We are delighted that these students have accepted these significant responsibilities
at Ranelagh and we look forward to seeing them flourish in their new roles.
Whilst we will be welcoming the majority of them into Year 12 in September, last week was also a
milestone for members of Year 11. Their final full school assembly was marked by a memorable
performance by Oliver Nelson of his own composition for the piano, ‘This is the Life’. Accompanied by
Ed Virgo (bass), Ewan Lenton (drums) and Miss Cumiskey (flute), Oliver’s playing was remarkably
accomplished.
This week, the focus has shifted firmly onto the GCSE examinations. Teachers are undertaking final
revision lessons and workshops and students are urged to take full advantage of these in order to
supplement their independent study at home.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM DEPARTMENTS
Biology
Twenty Year 10 students took part in the ‘Biology Challenge’, an annual national competition run in
March by the Institute of Biology. It is an online competition consisting of two thirty minute papers.
There are questions set on the GCSE Biology curriculum but the challenge also rewards those students
whose knowledge of the subject has been increased by reading books and magazines, watching
natural history programmes, taking notice of the news media for items of biological interest, and
maintaining a general awareness of our natural fauna and flora.
We were delighted that several of our students received certificates: Lydia Shaw was awarded a Gold
certificate; Silver certificates were awarded to Bertie Munn, Emily Parry, Ben Clark, Logan Russell and
Cordelia Tubb; Bronze certificates were awarded to Amy Hillman, Ben Simmons, Connor Bannister,
Freddie Finch, Paige Corfield, Rebecca Harper, Rose Wright and Jacob Sugden. Congratulations to
everyone that took part.
Drama and Music
Congratulations to Erin Eaves, one of our year 12 students who sings with the Taplow Youth Choir, on
a very successful tour of Prague during the Easter Holiday. The choir performed to capacity audiences
and enjoyed a thoroughly successful tour.
In school it has been a busy half term for staff and students in Drama. After Easter, Year 11
moderation took place in which some students received full marks for their practical work. The
evening performance was well attended and students performed excellently in both devised and
scripted plays, including extracts from Godber’s Shakers. Staff are very proud of all of the practical
work students have achieved over the past two years and wish them well in
their up and coming examinations.
Following the GCSE moderation it was the turn of Year 12 students who
performed a version of The Caucasian Chalk Circle by Bertolt Brecht. They
used their excellent performance skills to play many different characters
and communicate the message "you own that which you know, not
that which you can buy”. Each of the students also had a 2 minute
monologue to perform showcasing their practical skills and understanding
of contemporary texts. Students selected extracts from A Streetcar Named Desire, Wit and Road, all of
which were greatly enjoyed by an audience of friends and family.
On Thursday 7th May a number of Year 10 students completed their Theatre
in Education coursework by performing devised pieces and facilitating a
practical workshop for Year 5 students at Fox Hill Primary School. The
performances aimed to promote and develop literacy skills through Drama.
One piece involved an author who was struggling with
writer’s block as she completed her novel A Sense of
Adventure. Year 5 students were encouraged to help her
complete her story about a group of teenagers out on a
school trip. In the process they developed their knowledge of adjectives, metaphors
and similes to complete some outstanding work. Another piece had students
writing about a new room in Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory with pupils up on
their feet exploring their new rooms and sharing their experiences. All of the pieces
were enjoyed by the students and teachers at Fox Hill and provided our students
with experience of the classroom from a different perspective; many now have a new found respect
for their teachers!
Modern Foreign Languages
Spelling Bee Regional Final
The Regional Final was held in Brighton on the 17th April and for this our competitors had to learn an
additional 50 words, so making a total of 150 words. The following is a report written by two of the
participants about their experience:
On the 17th April, we participated in the French and Spanish Spelling Bee Competitions. Many
different schools from all over the region took part. To get to the Regional Finals was a huge
achievement as we were the best of the 12,000 students who had begun the competition in
September.
It was a great opportunity and a chance to impress other schools. However, it was very daunting
having to speak a different language in front of an auditorium full of people.
We were allocated 60 seconds to spell (with the correct pronunciation) words fired at us by the
judges.
Sadly none of the four Year 7 Ranelagh students got through to the National Finals. Although we were
disappointed, it was still a great day.
Bethany Cook and Tia Simms
Art
Ben by Lee Simmonds
The department has been delighted to receive news this term that
former School Captain for 2013/14, Lee Simmonds, has had his
portrait (left) of a friend selected for the National BP portrait award
exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery this summer. His work was
selected from 2,800 entries and, whilst not short listed for an actual
award, it is absolutely marvellous that Lee’s painting will be viewed by
thousands of visitors to this prestigious exhibition. We are extremely
proud of him.
ACTIVITIES
Fundraising
The school receives many requests for support with fundraising activities, but this month, two of our
students in Year 10 took the initiative to raise funds for the Nepal Disaster Appeal. Moved by the
news coverage of the damage and hardship suffered by victims of the earthquakes, Ellie Day (10Z)
and Evangeline Bateman (10V) orchestrated a cake sale at lunch time on Monday 11th May. Having
baked for the event, the girls were delighted to raise £132.38 which has been donated together with
the proceeds of last week’s Holy Communion retiring collection, to the National appeal. Thank you to
all of those who supported the appeal and congratulations to both girls.
Duke of Edinburgh Award
Last weekend 41 students took part in the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award expedition in the New
Forest. All groups worked exceptionally well to complete their routes, although some did take slight
detours! The camp craft skills were outstanding, with students cooking a variety of meals and being
incredibly organised. All showed off their improved navigation and camping skills to their assessors and
the comments received at the end of the expedition were a reflection of the group’s positive attitudes
and effort. The participants this year have been exceptional and a credit to the school.
Congratulations must go to them all and many thanks to the staff who assisted in making the training
and expeditions possible.
SUPPORT FOR THE SCHOOL
The Big Tidy
Very many thanks to all those members of the school community, staff, students and their families
who joined us this year on Saturday 9th May. The school boasts a lovely site which is very well
maintained, but the additional effort to collect debris, weed and prune made a welcome difference.
The rain held off and it was a genuine pleasure to share a couple of hours (and the odd bacon
sandwich) in this joint endeavour.
Sainsburys School Vouchers
The PE Dept is collecting Sainsbury's School Sport Vouchers. Every voucher brought into school really
does make a difference to the department, benefiting all students. Please encourage your son or
daughter to bring in all vouchers from home. There is a collection box in Reception.
Gardening Club
Ranelagh School has an amazing heated greenhouse on the second floor of the Science block. Our
gardening club meets twice a week at lunchtimes to grow fruit, flowers and vegetables. Might a
green-fingered parent or grandparent be interested in volunteering to join with the teachers and LSAs
who run this activity, on either a regular or occasional basis? If you or someone you know might be
interested, please contact [email protected] .
PTA
Please find their newsletter and information sheet attached. (Appendix 1 ).
Friends of Ranelagh
Please see newsletter attached (Appendix 2 and 3).
ROUTINE INFORMATION
Half-term Holiday Cover
The School Office will be staffed each week day, except the Bank Holiday, between
9.00am - 4.00 pm.
Contact details
In order to help us to accurately maintain our records, please ensure the school is informed of any change of
address or telephone number.
Medical Room
If your son/daughter is unwell and you are collecting them from school, ALWAYS report to Reception
on arrival. A member of office staff will collect your child from the medical room.
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Diary Dates
Monday 25 May – Friday 29 May
Monday 1, 3 and 4 June
Monday 8 June
Half Term
Yr 9 History visit to Imperial War Museum
Year 7 Geography visits to Bracknell this week
Friday 12 June
Monday 15 June – 19 June
Tuesday 16 June
Friday 19 June
Tuesday 30 June
Wednesday 1 July
Friday 3 July
Monday 6 July
Year 8 Theatre Visit
Year 9 Tirabad/Rhos residential visits
Year 10 visit to Design Museum
PTA Event: Musical Evening
Year 12 visit to Horse Shoe Lake
Year 12 – Higher Education Evening
Sports Day
Year 11 Action In the Community
Year 8 Farm visit
Art Exhibition
Biology Fieldwork residential visit
Founder’s Day
Professional Training Day
Performing Arts Evenings
End of Summer Term
Tuesday 7 July
Tuesday 7 July – 12 July
Saturday 11 July
Monday 13 July
Wednesday 15 – Thursday 16 July
Wednesday 22 July
The staff, students and governors of the school wish you a relaxing half-term break.
Yours sincerely
B Stevens [Mrs]
Headteacher
Appendix 1
Ranelagh P.T.A.
Dear Parents,
It’s hard to believewe are entering the finalhalf term of the school year and thank you for your
support at theevents held this year. In thisever challenging economic climate every penny we raiseis
so greatlyappreciated by the school and enablesus to help to buy those extras for the departments
that might notusually be within their budget.
The departmentsput bids in recently forthings that would benefit them and, with the guidance of
school, wehave allocated the followingfunds: Design and Technology will receive £619 for a
specialised printerthat lots of children in theschool will use. P.E. have been given £400 for new
basketballkits. Geography have £300 towardstheir upcoming weather balloon project which they
hope to launchon or around Founder’sDay.Modern Foreign Languages will receive £265 to purchase
French and Spanisheasy readers to enhancethe students’ understanding of a new language. The
Middle Schoolreceive £400 for revisionguidesfor students that will be signed out and used year
upon year tobenefit all students moving throughthe school. English, Maths and Science will all be
given a grantof £1000 each to spend onthe increasing needs within their departments and 20% ofall
funds raisedannually will be used to supportIT expenditure across the school.
Additionalfunds this year will be used toenhancethe profile of “Mindfulness” which caters for the
wellbeing ofour students in all year groupsand areas. It is with this in mind that we are holding our
next eventand hope to raise money foruse in this much needed area.
‘Ranelagh Nightwith the Stars’
Friday 19thJuneat 7.30pm
FeaturingAndy Wilshire
‘CabaretEntertainer of the Year’
Ticketsare £15 per person
which will include:‐ A drink on arrival, a hot meal
and of courseyour night’s wonderful entertainment.
(LicensedBar on the Evening)
Andy is backby popular demand and hislast two events at school met with rave reviews, so don’t
miss out thistime around. He will performa Michael Buble set, followed by a Robbie Williams set with
a disco duringthe breaks. A comparable eveningin a hotel would cost in the region of £35 per person,
so not only willit be a superb evening, itisalso fantastic value.
We are aimingto raise between £1500and £2000 from this event to go towards ‘Mindfulness’ forthe
wellbeing ofour students and we do hopeyou will be able to come along and support us. Please
complete theslip at the end of the letterand return to the office FAO: The PTA by Monday 15thJune
2015.
Appendix 1
Founder’sday on Saturday the 11th July2015will also be an opportunity to celebrate Ranelagh’s
‘OutstandingOfsted Report’. As alwayswewould be grateful for helpers on the day. We are
particularlylooking for someone to takechargeof and man the BBQ this year; you will of course have
additionalhelpers to assist you. More informationwill follow after half term, but please put the date
in your diariesand if you think that youcould help with the BBQ or any other stalls, make cakes or if
you wouldlikea stall of your own then pleasecontact us through the PTA email on our link on the
website or fillout the slip at the end of theletter
We hope thatyou all have a relaxing half termand that the sun decides to shine for us.
As always thankyou for your continuedsupportand if anyone would like to come on the committee
next year or hasany event ideas, then wewould love to hear from you.
Your RanelaghPTA
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
‘RANELAGH – NIGHT WITHTHE STARS’ ‐ FRIDAY 19THJune2015
Name :..................................................................Child’s Name and Form :............................................
Phone:..............................................E‐Mail:...........................................................................................
I would like (.........)Tickets @ £15 p.p. (Allcheques made payable to Ranelagh PTA)
Please informus of any special dietary requestsor tick if you are vegetarian (
)
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Founder’sDay – Saturday 11thJuly 2015
A Celebrationof Outstanding Ranelagh
I/We would liketo offer help at RanelaghFounders Day by (please tick)
Name ……………………………………………..ContactNos ……………………………………………………
E‐Mail …………………………………………………………………………………………
Child’ Nameand Form ……………………………………………………………….
Manning a Stall12 – 1 ( ) 1 ‐2 ( ) 2 ‐3( ) or set up 10 – 11 ( ) 11 – 12 ( )
I would liketo book a stall of my own (
)
Appendix 2
RAISING MONEY FOR YOUR
CHILDREN’S BENEFIT
THANK YOU…
Thank you to everyone who contributes to the Friends of Ranelagh; your ongoing
support is invaluable.
In the past year we have been able to donate £88,000 to Ranelagh School which
has paid for ICT and kitchen equipment as well as other vital projects. Look out
for further details in the annual letter! any of the issues raised in this
[email protected].
…YOUR
DONATIONS
ARE VITAL
As you may be aware, cuts in government funding have resulted in our school
having increasingly tighter budgets. Support from you is now even more
important so that this generation of students do not suffer the consequences.
Your generosity will allow us to continue to support the school which is
benefitting from a brighter, more spacious environment and improved facilities
for our children. .gov.uk
WE REALLY NEED YOU!
We are currently in need of volunteers to become trustees for the Friends of
Ranelagh. Unfortunately trustees have recently had to leave due to other
personal commitments. In addition a number of long-term trustees have retired.
This has left us rather short and in particular we are in urgent need of a
Treasurer and a Database Manager.
The Friends are a group of parents
and ex-parents who meet just once
a term usually for 60-90 minutes.
We discuss any recent
developments, future plans and also
agree the donations to Ranelagh
School with the Headteacher.
If you can help please contact us by
either phoning our Chairperson
Louise for an informal chat on 07951
661921 or using the contact details
on the right.
Appendix 3
Ranelagh School PTA
2nd Hand Uniform Sales
Has your child out grown or worn out their uniform?
Shocked at the price of new uniform?
Do you have good quality uniform which you would like to sell?
We run very successful 2nd Hand Uniform Sales throughout the year
and would be glad of both your custom and your no-longer-used
uniform. New members of the sales team are always welcome!
HELP!
Our stock needs replenishing - good quality clothes for the
forthcoming new Year 7 parents' evening.
Sales left this academic year, in the Studio, are:
Monday 15th June 2015 – 6.30pm
Saturday 11th July 2015 - midday - 3pm
If you have any good quality uniform which you would like to sell please send it into the
office prior to the sale with the following details written on an envelope and safety-pinned
to each item. If you are unsure how to price your items leave the price blank and we will do
this for you.
Date:
Childs’ name:
Childs’ form:
Price:
The monies for all items sold *within one year*, less the 40% school commission will be
returned to you via the envelope and your child.
For clarification: the Uniform Sale policy is that for those items sold after one year, all
monies go to the PTA.
Any queries please contact: Carol Brombley on 07851 548749 or
email: [email protected]