Ms Tellick, Ms Robinson and
Mr Harding visit Nabisunsa Girls’ School
in Uganda
Chislehurst
School for Girls
Autumn Term 2015
In this issue
School Newsletter
As we come towards the end of another action packed and very long term, may I take this opportunity
to thank you all for your ongoing support of our school. Obviously, one of the absolute highlights of
the new academic year, was returning to such a fantastic set of public exam results, for A Level and
GCSE. As the leading local school for overall A Level achievement, we are looking forward to recruiting
some excellent Sixth Form students for next September.
Additionally, we have received our Outstanding Ofsted judgement for our teacher training provision Royal Opera House Trip
across Bromley. I am proud to be the Lead Head and thank all of our staff for supporting this crucial
Students visit the famous venue..
aspect of our work. Training and recruiting the highest calibre teachers, has to be the most important
read more inside.
thing that we can do, in order to continue to ensure the best outcomes for our students. You will have
seen and heard in the Media, that there is a national shortage of teachers, so we intend to be at the
forefront of maintaining our high standard of expectations, so therefore can provide the best
opportunities for your daughters and sons.
The plethora of events and activities across the school, are celebrated here in this Newsletter. I hope
that you enjoy reading about them. The end of term will be hectic, as always, as we prepare for the
excellent round of activities arranged by the staff for your daughters and sons. Some of these include:
Christmas Jumper Day, Xmas Fair, Xmas Concert and the Sixth Form and Staff panto.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
Mrs K J Raven
Headmistress
www.chislehurstschoolforgirls.co.uk
Pupils receive Golden Ticket
Music Students get to see the famous
‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’.
read more inside.
020 8300 3156
NEWSLETTER CHISLEHURST SCHOOL FOR GIRLS Issue # Autumn Term
Ada Lovelace Competition
CHSFG celebrates the birth of Computing
Usually, The National Museum of Computing (TNMOC) would host a Computing competition about coding or a
‘Hackathon’, but this year, it was all about Ada Lovelace. Ada was the first computer programmer the world had ever
seen. She helped program Charles Babbage’s ‘Difference Engine’ and worked on the designs of the ‘Analytical
Machine’.
Ada Lovelace was born on December 10th, 1815 and this
year will be her 200th birthday.
There were three age groups in the competition. Under 13s,
13-15, 16-18 and they had to either write an email, a letter,
blogpost, social media message (not available to the under
13s), a video, graphic, photos or images on any software
platform.
Very few students were entered into the competition with
just five students in years 8 and 9 selected; and they were:
Bonnie Allen 8C, Kiera Lauder 9C, Fabiha Rashid 8R and
Neveah Drummond 8H and Amelia Hill 9C.
Picture (above) by Amelia Hill 9C.
Therefore, on the 10th December, we should take a moment and appreciate how much computing has come on.
Without it, we would not have all the digital devices we use everyday such as computers, phones, tablets etc.
That is why we should celebrate 200 years of computing by respecting the woman who started it all, Ada Lovelace.
By Bonnie Allen 8C
ParentMail App Now
Available Calling all parents!
Attention
all parents!
The ParentMail Mobile App is now available to download on our website.
Download the ParentMail App and we can send messages to you
instantly for free, saving the school hundreds of pounds each year.
The App is free to download on Google Play for Android and the
iStore for Apple.
Have you registered?
It’s an easy, convenient way to
receive school messages.
You can:
With instant access, requiring no logins, and the ability to access your
messages from anywhere at anytime, it is the ultimate parental
communication tool. You’ll never miss another message.
Existing ParentMail users can download instantly, or sign up as a first
time user now via our website.
Receive messages on your computer, tablet or mobile
See all your messages in one handy, uncluttered feed
Link to other schools or clubs that also use ParentMail
Keep up to date with your school calendar
Authorise trips or permissions online
Registering is really easy…
Ask your school office to send you a registration message
NEWSLETTER CHISLEHURST SCHOOL FOR GIRLS Issue # Autumn Term
Traffic in Beaverwood Road
We would like to remind all parents/carers not to double
park at any time when visiting the school. It is a danger
to both children and adults crossing the road and an
inconvenience to local residents - it is also illegal.
Many local residents, as well as staff and pupils have
raised concerns about vehicles double parking outside
of the school gates, blocking entrances and putting the
safety of pupils coming to and from school at risk.
There are no facilities for cars to turn around at the end
of Beaverwood Road; the car park turning circle is for
buses and staff access only. Parents should not enter
the turning circle on the school site or the grounds of
Chislehurst Cemetery, which is private property.
The safety of children is our top priority and we'd urge
parents to do the right thing outside school and both
drive and park responsibly.
Thank you.
BB Club
As a Literacy Prefect I am involved in the BB Club on
Thursday lunchtimes. This stands for Books and Biscuits
and it is a Book Club for Year 8s.
Mrs Patience runs the club and I help out along with
Maddy and Angelica. The idea of the group is to nurture
a love of reading and during the session we can read
out loud or sit back and listen to others while eating
biscuits.
We are currently reading ‘Into that Forest' by Louis
Nowra and everyone is enjoying this heartbreaking but
shocking tale about two girls who get stranded in a
forest and are cared for by tigers.
by Alice Gant Y11
World Education Maths
Day Success
A big “well done” to all our students from Y7, Y8 and Y9
who participated in the World Education Maths Games
Day on the 14th October. They did fantastically well in
achieving a total of 21 725.09 points for Chislehurst School
for Girls, which were then added to a huge global total to
fund several educational projects and support thousands of
students in need.
All of the participating students were able to win individual games against opponents across the world. They went
the extra mile and challenged themselves to compete at increasingly higher levels, solving mathematical tasks
they had not done before.
We are proud to announce that all the girls were awarded Unicef Award Certificates.
Well done girls! We are very proud of you.
NEWSLETTER CHISLEHURST SCHOOL FOR GIRLS Issue # Autumn Term
Royal Opera House Visit
On November 3rd, Mr Harding and Mrs Hart took 20 students to see the Royal
Ballet Production of “Viscera” in the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden.
Directed by the internationally famous Carlos Acosta, the mixed programme
used music from Tchaikovsky and the opera “Carmen” and featured an
acclaimed cast of dancers.
Year 10 student Cheyenne Hanglan-Everett said:
“To be given the opportunity to attend a breathtaking ensemble of
professional ballet showcases at The Royal Opera House was a true pleasure”.
A cherished memory to be a part of the audience witnessing such art can only
be described as a once in a lifetime experience.
Skills London 2015
Mrs Jones and Ms Singer took a group of Y11 students to the Skills London 2015 Careers Fair in November.
Students got to talk to many representatives from companies about jobs, apprenticeships and careers.
Students discussed future career options and entry requirements.
The students were perfectly behaved and made the most of this valuable opportunity.
End of Term 2015/ Beginning of Term 2016 - Arrangements
Wednesday 16th December: Student Christmas dinner will be served in the canteen (optional) and the Christmas Concert will
take place in the evening. Tickets are on sale from Ms Lowing in the Music Department.
Thursday 17th December: The 6th Form/ Staff Pantomime will be performed for Years 9-13 from 11.00 am to 11.30 am during
break time. If students would like to attend, they can buy a ticket (50p) in advance from Student Reception. Years 9-13 will be
in their usual lessons Periods 1-4 and then will be dismissed at 12.35 pm after Form Time.
Students in Years 7 & 8 will attend lessons 1-4 and Form Time as usual and then will get the opportunity to watch the
Pantomime during period 5, accompanied by their Form Tutors. Students in Years 7 & 8 do not have to pay for a ticket, but
there will be a collection for charity on the doors. After the Pantomime, Years 7 & 8 will return to their form rooms and will
then be dismissed by their Tutors by 1.25 pm.
Please note, the school will be closed to students for the afternoon for staff training.
Friday 18th December: All students will have their usual lessons for periods 1-3 and will then join Tutors in their form rooms
after break for Form Time and Assemblies. Students will be dismissed as follows:
Years 12 & 13 from 11.30 am onwards
Year 11 at 12 noon
Years 7-10 at 12.30 pm
Upcoming Term Dates for 2015/16
FIRST DAY BACK ARRANGEMENTS:
MONDAY 4TH JANUARY 2016
Period 1 lessons start at 8.30 am and periods 1-6 run
as normal.
16/12/2015
18/12/2015
04/01/2016
08/01/2016
21/01/2016
Christmas Concert
End of Term - Christmas Break
First day of new term 08:30am start
Rewards & Recognition Awards Evening
Year 11 Parents Evening
NEWSLETTER CHISLEHURST SCHOOL FOR GIRLS Issue # Autumn Term
London Youth Games
On Thursday 25th November, two of our badminton teams travelled to Langley Park School to take part in the
preliminary stages of the London Youth Games. Despite competing in the competition for the first time the girls
acquitted themselves well, despite facing well-drilled teams from Newstead Wood and Langley Park.
Jess Beckett won her 2 singles games and partnered Alisha
Patel in a closely fought doubles victory.
The girls enjoyed the experience and should be proud of their
efforts. Having competed in this year's competition will only
stand them in good stead for future fixtures.
Those representing the school were: Angelika Kochajkiewicz, Hiu Man Chong, Hiu Yan Chong,
Alisha Patel, Shelley Truong, Rachel Anderson, Keira Lauder, Millie Couldridge, Deborah Adebayo,
Jess Beckett and Sema Kandemir.
Music Students find the
‘Golden Ticket’
At the end of September, students who had already shown
commitment to extra-curricular music activities were given
the opportunity to go to see a performance of the new
musical, 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory'.
Everyone had a fantastic time, as you can see! The students
are now working hard towards our Christmas Concert, which
will take place in the last week of this term.
Bebras Challenge
Some of the top Computing students at Chislehurst School took part in an internally hosted
competition, which is now known across the world. The challenge was to answer as many
questions correctly in 40 minutes.
The questions require a set of skills based on computational thinking – to be able to break down
a problem into smaller problems, notice any patterns, apply logic and any previous experience
to solve the puzzles.
Well done to following girls who won their age category:
Juniors
Intermediate
Higher
Year 7
Year 8-9
Emma Levey
Rebecca Church
Tanya Morris
Year 10 - 11 Elise Hocknell
[121]
[125]
[125]
[146]
7E
8C
9E
11aCG1
Well done girls!
By Ms Robinson
NEWSLETTER CHISLEHURST SCHOOL FOR GIRLS Issue # Autumn Term
‘Happy’ - Uganda Project
Chislehurst School for Girls has established a project with Nabisunsa Girls’ School in
Uganda. The project, which is sponsored by the British Council through their
“Connecting Classrooms” funding aims to encourage students to reflect on their
well-being and what makes them happy.
Lots of activities are taking place and our students have enjoyed writing to their Ugandan classmates and receiving
replies. Many students have also undertaken the “Oxford Happiness Survey”.
Over half term Ms Tellick, Ms Robinson and Mr Harding travelled to Kampala so as to share ideas and experiences
and take the project forward. The visit was an overwhelming success and they learned a lot from each other.
Nabisunsa is one of the leading boarding schools in Uganda and the students are not allowed access to any phones
or devices during term time. They get up at 5 o’clock in the morning and start lessons at 7:20am. Lessons continue
until 5:00pm after which students have to do supervised homework. Some classes have more than 100 students
and they do ALL of their own cleaning and clothes washing by hand! All students go for a compulsory run
on a Sunday morning and have very little or no choice as to what they eat - anyone for an exchange?
Reflections for our students:
•
Could you live without access to a
phone, tablet, computer?
Do your devices really make you happier?
•
Could you cope in a boarding school?
Imagine not seeing your parents , carers
during term time.
•
What really makes you happy?
Why do you think some children are
happier than others?
Yr 9 Geography trip to Sevenoaks
As part of the GCSE course, students must undertake fieldwork and other associated activities. In Year 9 we
start to build their skills and take them to Sevenoaks for their first day of fieldwork in preparation for this.
Here is what Georgia Gadd in 9S thought about the day:
“I am a Year 9 Geography student who took part in the
Sevenoaks trip. We had to investigate if Sevenoaks needed a
second bypass. First we went to Knole Park, to where they are
planning to build the bypass. Then we went to a road in
Sevenoaks where we counted pedestrians and traffic going
in and out of the town centre. We finally went to Sevenoaks
High Street where we gave out questionnaires that we made
ourselves for businesses to complete to get their opinion.
My favourite part of the day was walking where the future
bypass would be and giving out the surveys to find out what
other people think. I had a brilliant day.”
NEWSLETTER CHISLEHURST SCHOOL FOR GIRLS Issue # Autumn Term
Menin Gate in Ypres, Belgium Trip
Students Jessica Pickett and Lily Harrison considered themselves very fortunate to be able to take part in
the First World War Centenary commemorations at the Menin Gate in Ypres, Belgium this October.
This was a very moving experience for them and they were grateful to be given the opportunity to
represent their school and the local community in remembering all those who died during the First World
War.
The student ambassadors had been chosen to represent their school on a 4-day visit to the battlefields of
the Ypres Salient in Belgium and the Somme in France, as part of the government funded Battlefield Tours
Programme. The tour was led by school tour operator, Equity as part of Inspiring Learning and UCL Institute
of Education, on behalf of the UK government.
The tour included visits to a number of battlefield
sites and cemeteries in both Belgium and France
along with a variety of educational activities in
preparation for the Legacy 110 project which
student ambassadors will be involved in on their
return from the visit.
This post tour commemorative project is
designed to encourage student ambassadors to
share what they have learned with their local
community and help create an enduring legacy
so we never forget those who gave their lives.
The students also had the opportunity to make
their own clay sculpture that will be part of a
series of 600,000 individual sculptures which
will then form part of an art installation to be
created in Ypres in 2018.
Their sculptures will represent one of the 600,000
victims who lost their lives in Belgium during the
First World War. The installation is called
‘COMINGWORLD/REMEMBERME’ and is the idea of
curator Jan Moeyaert and the work of artist Koen
Vanmechelen. Each sculpture will also be identified
by a dogtag which will bear the name of one of the
victims and one of the makers so that different
generations and nationalities will be united in
commemoration.
Jessica and Lily were also able to undertake research about a local soldier who lost his life in Belgium
and who is commemorated on one of the panels at Tynecot Cemetary. They were able to say a few
words of remembrance and lay a wreath on behalf of the school in his honour. They also spoke in honour
of all those who lost their lives or who were affected in some way by the tragedy of the First World War.
Music students get the
Jessica and Lily began their post tour project by working with Ms Chappells to prepare the
Remembrance Assembly
which took place during PSD on Wednesday 11th November.
‘Golden
Ticket’
Further information about their ongoing work on the Legacy 110 project will be posted on the
school website in the future.
NEWSLETTER CHISLEHURST SCHOOL FOR GIRLS Issue # Autumn Term
Dance Trip - Sadlers Wells
5th November 2015
25 GCSE and A Level students went on a
trip to Sadlers Wells to see 2 pieces performed
by Rambert Dance Company – Transition Night
and Rooster. Students were able to gain
choreographic ideas and enjoy watching two
fantastic pieces performed by professional dancers.
Creative Writing Workshop
Mikka Haugaard Visits Chislehurst School
On Thursday 19th November, pupils in Year 9 and 10 took part in a workshop
provided by Mikka Haugaard. Her writing has been described in The Independent
Newspaper as being full of ‘wit, flair and invention.’
She certainly shared some of this enthusiasm and individuality with the girls!
After exploring the way that famous authors such as J.D. Salinger and
Martin Amis construct their characters, Mikka gave the girls some fabulous
advice before setting them off to begin their own narratives.
The results were exceptional, with characters ranging from terrifying strangers to
haunting vampires. Our author was very impressed and even requested the girls
to send their work to her for personal comment!
Those who took part in the workshop were very pleased with the personal input they received from a writer and
many were inspired by the visit. We hope to turn this into a tradition next year with another published author.
Text Santa
CHRISTMAS JUMPER DAY 2015
On 11th December 2015 we invited staff and students to take part in Text Santa Christmas
Jumper Day.
Students got to wear their silliest, sparkliest and cosiest Christmas sweaters and make a donation of £1
(or whatever they can give) to help Macmillan Cancer Support, Make-A-Wish® UK and Save the Children give hope
to families in difficulty at Christmas.
Some students even got creative and decorated an old plain jumper with tinsel, baubles and homemade
snowflakes to create unique crafty crackers.
Please visit the website at itv.com/textsanta to discover more about the appeal and remember to tune into ITV on
the evening of the 18 December for the Text Santa Christmas Jumper Day show to see how your child’s support
will give hope to even more families in difficulty, here in the UK and abroad.
NEWSLETTER CHISLEHURST SCHOOL FOR GIRLS Issue # Autumn Term
Year 13 Geography Trip : Yorkshire 2015
As part of the Year 13 Geography A Level course, we took the students to a residential centre near Malton in
Yorkshire for 4 days. They collected data for their skills exam in June. Isabel Smythe, Head Girl, talks us through the
trip
Yorkshire was a massive adventure for us as a class. We experienced sights and felt emotions that we have never
seen or felt before. We were warmly welcomed by the Cranedale Centre, which would be our home for the next 4
days. Throughout the fieldwork, there were times as a group that we wanted to cry out of tiredness and because of
feeling so bitterly cold, but also times that we cried with laughter and joy. However most of the time we all stood
speechless admiring what a beautiful country we live in and how lucky we were to be learning and encountering
such immense landscapes.
During the studious weekend the group of us were all sponges, constantly soaking up information and widening
our knowledge. We had amazing tutors who were young and relatable and interacted with us on the field trips and
in the classroom, which encouraged us all to be enthusiastic for learning and working with equipment we have
never come across before. On the first day we travelled out to The River Derwent where we gathered lots of
measurements in the river. We worked well as a team using many different methods to ensure we could collect all
the primary data that we needed to use in our exam. Although we were cold and looked hilarious in our
waterproof trousers and wellies, we made sure we had a laugh, kept our spirits up and helped each other through
the day. In the evening we had time to relax, and lessons to attend where we went over everything we had learnt
that day… not forgetting the lovely dinners every evening, which fuelled us up ready for the next day.
The day at the Bridlington South Sands
Dunes was very active and educational.
We put what we had learned in year 12 into
perspective, seeing a sand dune succession
in its full glory. It is crazy how when you learn
from textbooks or PowerPoints, you view the
material as just another case study.
However when you visit these geographical
ecosystems, your whole education on that
topic springs to life!
On the last day Mrs Tellick and Miss Durrant
took us along the Holderness coast. We were
so excited; firstly as Ms Tellick told us we may
have been able to get inside a Geo on
Flamborough Head. This was honestly the
most jaw-dropping experience for us as a
class.
We were so thrilled and had the most amazing time in the Geo exploring all the little caves and pathways and
taking loads of photos!
Next we went to Mappleton. We had learned so much about this coast line in year 12 when looking at coastal
erosion, so to see the devastating effects of erosion in person shocked us all. We were so taken back by how
dramatic the effects of erosion were, with roads just ending in a steep drop … We felt like it was a movie set!
This was such a brilliant way to end our trip. We all bonded and experienced flawless landscapes for the first time
together. Ms Tellick and Miss Durrant were the most amazing teachers and it was lovely for us to share this
experience with them. Yorkshire 2015 was a brilliant trip and we will cherish the memories we made for a long time.
NEWSLETTER CHISLEHURST SCHOOL FOR GIRLS Issue # Autumn Term
Children in Need 2015
On Friday 13th November we invited all pupils in Year 7, 8 and 9 to take part in our Chislehurst
Ramble for Children in Need 2015.
On the day we met on the field and endeavoured to walk as many circuits as we could in the time allocated.
This was a muddy event so an extra pair of shoes was definitely needed. You may have seen on the BBC how
important the event has been this year in raising money for Children in Need. We felt that we just had to take part.
All students were encouraged to wear something yellow or spotty on the day for a donation of £1.
Our grand total so far is £706.23p
Microsoft Office 365 - Available for All Students
With the introduction of Office365 to the school this term, we are now proud to announce the new Microsoft
Office Student Advantage Program to all our students.
For just a one-off £5 fee, your daughter/son will be eligible to download and install a full version of Microsoft
Office 365 Pro applications on up to 5 devices at home (PC, MAC, Tablet and/or mobile device).
What is included in the Student Advantage Scheme?
Office 365 ProPlus for PC (Office 2013 ProPlus base applications)
Office 365 ProPlus for Mac (Office 2016 for Mac base applications)
Office Mobile for iPhone, & Android
Programs include: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Access, Publisher
Can I use it offline?
Yes, the full Office suite can be used on PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone, and Android platforms while offline. Updates are
deployed automatically when you connect to the internet, meaning that you are always using the most up-to-date
versions.
Will it save us money?
Students and Parents wishing to purchase this software on the high street will pay much more. The retail cost of
full Microsoft Office Home + Student edition is around £119. So it’s a massive £114 saving!
The Office365 Student advantage scheme will be rolled out to all students at CHSFG in the new year. For more
information please visit our website and look for ‘Office 365 Student Advantage’ under our Parents’ Area.
Philosophy Club
In Philosophy Club we have been learning about famous philosophers and we
have been discussing some of their questions. We are making a book similar
to ‘Sophie’s World’ but ours is called ‘Chislehurst School for Girl’s Philosophy
World’.
Philosophy Club is open for Year 7 to Year 9. On the first week of Philosophy
Club, we learn about a philosopher, then at the next club meeting we discuss
one of their famous questions. We have been discussing questions such as
“should we blame teachers if we fail?” and “what is evil?”
By the Philosophy Team. (Danielle, Maria and Mikun 7E)
Have a wonderful Christmas break
from all of us at
CHISLEHURST SCHOOL FOR GIRLS
Press release
27th November 2015
Bromley Schools’ Collegiate awarded Second Successive Outstanding
grade by Ofsted for Initial Teacher Training
Bromley Schools’ Collegiate is the original School Centred Initial Teacher Training provider first
established in 1993 in order to train excellent teachers for schools in the local area. We have been
awarded our second successive Outstanding grade by Ofsted.
The Lead Headteacher, and Head of Chislehurst School for Girls, Karen Raven, said, “We are
absolutely delighted with this richly deserved outcome. It truly reflects the exceptional quality of our
teacher training and secures our place as the country's leading school based provider. We are
responsive to local need, with outstanding models of practice across our partnership of schools. We
intend to consolidate upon this, with future plans for wider workforce development for education.
Our credentials speak for themselves.”
As one of the only Teacher Training providers in the country to be awarded, two successive
Outstanding grades by Ofsted for our Initial Teacher Training courses, we have been recognised for
the high quality teachers that we produce through this approach.
Ofsted reported that
“Employment rates are very high and in recent years all trainees wanting a teaching post have
secured one.”
“Trainees and NQTs are very confident classroom practitioners whose teaching promotes very good
behaviour and positive attitudes to learning”
“The quality of training the NQTs come in with brings something very important to the schools.”
“Trainees and NQTs teach lessons characterised by a strong focus on meeting the needs of different
pupils in the class”
“The sense of shared responsibility across the partnership for training its future workforce ensures
that Initial Teacher Training has a high status within the schools involved.”
“Leaders are highly proactive in maintaining and building on already Outstanding provision to meet
the needs of local schools”
The Teacher Training Coordinator, Derek Boyle said, “The strength of a school centred teacher
training model, is that our teachers have been trained and nurtured by experienced mentors in
schools and Head teachers who recruit our trainees, confirm that they are the best equipped to
make a positive contribution to own schools with immediate effect, when they appoint them as
NQTs.”