Elizabethan
Highlights
Issue 17
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www.elizabethan.notts.sch.uk
Welcome
Welcome to the new and improved Elizabethan Highlights.
This issue we will be taking a look at how students are on the
leading edge of learning at the academy and how pupils spent
time reading to raise money for some of the best possible
causes. We will also take a look at just what has been
happening in our academy over the last few months. As
always anyone can submit an article for consideration for our
next issue. Just email it (along with some nice high quality
images if you can) to [email protected].
Get Reading.
Contents
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Page 4
Page 6
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Page 12
Student Leadership Programme
Readathon
Artwork Display
Post-16 News
The Cal Campaign
Round-up
Could you HOST?
HOST is a well-established charity
looking for homely invitations for just
one weekend, or day, or over the
holidays, for international students far
from their own homes at universities in
the UK. This could be a great way for
your family to help make the world a
friendlier place. www.hostuk.org or call
local organiser Mike Talbott on
01472 851084.
Are the host families checked?
People who volunteer to invite a
student are visited in their homes by
HOST’s trained voluntary local
organiser. We do not place any student
with hosts we have not met, nor in
homes where we would not feel
comfortable staying ourselves. After the
visit, we keep a careful eye on feedback
from both students and hosts. But we
do not require our hosts to be DBS
checked, as the guests are all adults.
Are the students checked?
It is impossible for HOST to know the
students. The check we run is to obtain
authorisation for each application from
the student’s UK university, which
guarantees that the applicant is a bona
fide registered student on a full-time
course at the university. The vast
majority of our students require visas to
study here, so immigration checks will
have been undertaken.
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Elizabethan Highlights
Issue 17
We do understand that this is a
legitimate concern. We always respect a
host’s wishes with regard to the sex of
their guest. In the 26 years since HOST
started we are not aware of a single
incident in which a student posed any
risk to any member of a host’s family.
Is my school too far from a
university to participate in this?
Although some students opt to have day
visits, which need to be within an hour’s
journey from the university, the majority
are hoping to stay for a couple of nights.
Students are often prepared to travel
long distances for the chance to meet
people in a different part of the country.
We have hosts in cities and hosts on
remote islands!
Student Leadership Programme
As our student Leadership Programme approaches its 1st
anniversary, we would like to focus on how it has impacted
on so many aspects of school life. Not only has it has helped
to shape, structure and streamline our Tutor Period
Programme, it has provided students with opportunities to
improve their communication and organisational skills as well
as build confidence and engage them to a greater degree in
the local community.
Our students have also been involved in leadership activities
not just in school but also in Bassetlaw with Sports Leaders
representing The Elizabethan Academy at local primary
school events such as the year 5/6 cross country and year ¾
Multi Skills event at Sutton Cum Lound.
Tony Wright, Senior Sports Development Officer for
Bassetlaw commented:
“I would like to extend a huge thank you to and all the
To date, we have 194 who have achieved a leaders award with Elizabethan leaders who did an outstanding job at the
Primary Schools Cross Country races at Retford Rugby Club.
a staggering 534 students adopting a leadership role within
The attitude of all the leaders throughout was superb – any
their Team, Tutor group or subject area and the numbers
continue to rise! During the weekly ‘Leadership’ day included duty they were given they did with so much enthusiasm and
in the Tutor Time Programme, students have the opportunity pleasure – from car park duties and marking the races, to
videoing, to course marshalling – to packing all the
to create, design and plan Leadership activities to deliver in
equipment away at the end. They were a credit to Elizabethan
Tutor Periods or specific subject areas.
Academy – please extend my huge gratitude to all of them”
We have had some great individual achievements in the
“The leaders involved were superb! They were willing to
leadership programme –11 pupils have achieved there Gold
learn and lead on sessions and they delivered with so much
Leaders Award and Alex Gibbings has achieved his Platinum
enthusiasm throughout. They simply could not have been
Leaders Award.
more helpful to both the professional staff but also to the
young primary school children taking part.”
www.elizabethan.notts.sch.uk
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Read
This year a selection of hobbits, tributes, wimpy kids, elves,
dragons and various superheroes descended on the Hall to
start a mammoth reading session. They were kept very
busy by the large group of volunteers from Year 7 and 8
who had decided to give up their time and raise money for
some very good causes.
Readathon is a nationwide charity event that encourages
children to raise money for good causes by raising
sponsorship. Children then take part in an organized
collective reading session. At The Elizabethan, a group of
almost a hundred pupils got together to raise money and
discuss their love of reading.
I am reading ‘A Sudden Puff of
Glittering Smoke’ by Anne Fine.
This book is funny and exciting as
most of the book about a Genie
and the things he does to get his
owner into trouble. I enjoy most
of her books.
Kadie Ellis
Now in its 20th year, the Readathon began in 1984 and has
raised millions of pounds for UK charities. Its first
Chairman was Road Dahl and it has been supported by
well-known authors throughout its history, including
Michael Rosen, Julia Donaldson and Spike Milligan.
Despite being fairly light on furniture, the Hall turned out
to be an ideal place for the pupils involved. They were to
be seen scattered in numerous corners, spread eagled on
the floor, heads deeply engrossed in whatever tome they
had brought with them. Pupils were also given the chance
to discuss what they were reading and why they liked it.
I am reading ‘Jane Austen’s Best Friend’
by Cora Harrison. My book is about this
girl called Jane Austen and she is ill at
boarding school. Her best friend is in
her room looking after her. They have
many adventures and search for the man
of their dreams.
Katie Skelton
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Elizabethan Highlights
Issue 17
athon
Eventually the group moved to the library and after a long
day, settled for the final stretch. Many of them had
consumed two, three or even four books over the course
of the day and were starting to see lines of script
everywhere. They persevered, however, and the day
wrapped up with some cheering and high spirits.
The Grand Total
After all the money had come in and all the notes and
coppers were carefully counted the grand total was
announced as a huge £541. This is a superb achievement by
the pupils involved and, as an added bonus, some of the
money they raised will be given to the school in the form
of free books to help encourage more pupils to enjoy
reading for pleasure.
Parent points
Reading is linked inextricably to progress and achievement
in school. Earlier this academic year the Instute for
Education and the University of London investigated the
reading habits of 6000 youngsters. The findings suggested
that reading allowed pupils to access the curriculum in
ways unavailable to those who did not read or read little.
This enabled those pupils to perform better in a wide
range of subjects.
I am reading ‘Harry Potter and the Goblet
of Fire’. I am interested in the films and it
is about a boy who has to learn how to
become a wizard. He is entered into a
massive competition and luckily comes first.
Keegan Loveday
I am reading ‘The Brilliant World of Tom
Gates’. This book is not a true story; it’s
supposed to be a diary. The book is
funny at times and can also be serious
at other moments. It includes funny
illustrations to help you get into the book.
Alyce Scott
www.elizabethan.notts.sch.uk
5
Elizabethan Academy Artwo
Hall Worksop for the annu
For the past 13 years there has been a Remembrance
Service and lunch in support of the annual Royal
British Legion's Poppy Appeal who provide services
and care to ex-Service personnel at the Worksop
Masonic Hall. The work of the Royal British Legion
has never been more important as with the Iraq
and Afghan generations and the on-going support
requirements will be necessary for many decades
to come.
Dr Jon Harris, who works with the British
Legion, approached the school to ask if our Art
department would be willing to get a group of
students to create artwork linked to the theme
of Remembrance. I felt that my talented GCSE
1st year group would be up for the challenge
and they did not disappoint. I wrote them an
Art GCSE brief so that it would fit into the
course as a practice coursework and had all
the assessment objectives they would
normally have to comply with. However, they
were also very aware that they were working
to an outside brief for a client as well so the
pressure was on to produce a stunning set
of final pictures. There was a whole variety
of work of different sizes and
media/techniques. There was also 3D work
and even a cake by Emily Hird.
Finally the work was ready and delivered
last Friday morning. Dr Harris was
amazed at the quality and standard from
such young students. He also asked if
one of our students could do a reading
in the service and Lydia Mathers kindly
and bravely volunteered. She went to
the practice on the Saturday morning
and I watched her do a brilliant job in
the service on Sunday. The legion
auctioned off the cake in the
afternoon and it raised £131!
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ork on display in the Masonic
ual Remembrance Service
www.elizabethan.notts.sch.uk
7
News
Zak For
President
Zak D’Amelio has been elected as the new
President of the Student Council. Abby Twemlow
and Kim Fleming have been elected as Vice
Presidents of the Student Council.
We will be holding a ‘World of Work’ programme
starting on the 18th June and staff are busy
working with students to plan the events.
Students will have the opportunity to meet with
business people from many careers sectors.
There will be workshops running including Next
steps, Goal setting, Employability, CV Writing,
Interview Techniques and Health and Safety in
the Workplace. The students will also have the
opportunity to go to Sheffield for this year’s
UCAS Convention and to meet with Higher
Apprenticeship providers.
A spotted set of cakes were
made for this event as well as
a sponsored silence from Kyle
Fitzpatrick (£120 raised
alone), a film showing, nail art
from Hair and Beauty, a DJ
slot from S Downs and T
Brett with an impromptu
Cha-cha Slide
Elizabethan Highlights
Peter Cowburn was selected for the UBS Award for
Outstanding Students and attended an awards ceremony
in London. Peter was handpicked from a very large
number of high calibre nominations.
World of
Work
Children
in Need
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Peter Collects
UBS Award
Issue 17
Student
Ambassadors
NHS Magazine
Production
Ten Year 13 Student Ambassadors have been appointed
after interview and, in pairs, they will be linked to all five
Every Learner Matters outcomes. They are expected to
represent the Post 16 Centre at a minimum of five
events during the academic year including the Post 16
Open Evening. Feedback from parents at the Open
Evening was how mature and engaging they had
found the Ambassadors.
A group of six Yr12 and Yr13 students are writing,
designing and editing a section of the Foundations for
Health magazine (the April 2014 issue), which will go
out to members of Doncaster & Bassetlaw Hospitals
NHS Foundation Trust. As part of the project, the
students are working with the Director of
Communications and Marketing, and will have the
opportunity to visit the graphic design and printing
firm that is used in order to learn about the process
of producing a magazine.
Students Meet Councillors
Tutorials have focused on developing independent learning,
presentation skills and debating. Councilor Ian Campbell has
been working closely with Yr13, but Yr12 too, on local political
issues as well as how to debate effectively. To support the
work done in tutorials, a Question Time style debate took
place with students with John Mann - Member of Parliament
for Bassetlaw, Cllr Alan Rhodes - Leader of Nottinghamshire
County Council, Cllr Simon Greaves - Leader of Bassetlaw
District Council, Cllr Hazel Brand - Independent Councillor
for Misterton, Kyle Fitzpatrick Yr13 and Joe Sheldon Yr13.
Cllr Ian Campbell, District & County Councillor for Retford
West was key in the organisation of the morning. It was a
great success and student input from the floor as well as on
the panel impressed the panel members. Questions posed
addressed local transport issues, cuts to emergency services,
Britain and the EU, job prospects for the young people of
Bassetlaw.
A group of six Yr12 and Yr13 students are writing, designing
and editing a section of the Foundations for Health magazine
(the April 2014 issue), which will go out to members of
Doncaster & Bassetlaw Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. As
part of the project, the students are working with the
Director of Communications and Marketing, and will have the
opportunity to visit the graphic design and printing firm that is
used in order to learn about the process of producing a
magazine.
www.elizabethan.notts.sch.uk
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The
Running
Man
Josh Charters in Year 9 is
causing quite a stir in local running
circles, gradually building a reputation as a winner.
In a three race series covering the 5th October, 23rd
November and 14th December over a distance of
4k. There were approximately 50 runners competing from
many schools across
Nottinghamshire.
Josh finished 2nd,
2nd, and 1st
respectively
meaning that with
5 points from the
three races he
took the gold
medal.
George Carley
Success Story
Barely a week goes by without news of another Carley
success story. In just the Autumn term George has
finished 3rd in the British Schools’ Orienteering Score
Championship at Drudridge Bay in Northumberland. He
also took 3rd spot in the Summer in the Parks
photography competition run by the local council, with a
photograph of Kings Park. The spirit of
the competition was to capture the
atmosphere of a council-owned park
or open space during the summer
months.
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Elizabethan Highlights
Issue 17
The Cal
Campaign
The Elizabethan Academy launch The CAL Campaign in memory of
Callum Wilkinson, a student at The Elizabethan who was involved in a
tragic road traffic accident whilst cycling to school, last June.
Following the tragic death of Callum, a group of his family and friends
and Elizabethan Student Council members started a campaign to
promote safer cycling in Retford and the wider community. From this
The CAL (Cycle Awareness Logic) Campaign was born. Students at The
Elizabethan were asked to design a logo to promote the campaign, using
Callum’s favourite colours, red and yellow, which are symbolic of his
passion for Liverpool FC. The winning logo, which now fronts the
campaign, was designed by Jaymee Cobb in Year 9. Jaymee said “It feels
weird seeing my logo in print, as it all happened so fast. It was my way of
paying my respects to Callum and his family. I feel proud be part of the
campaign.”
Councillor Ian Campbell, who is also passionate about making our roads
safer for cyclists, supports the campaign and attended last Thursday’s
launch. He has influenced the changes to the roundabout at the top of
Hallcroft Road, where cycle lanes have been added, with drop down-kerbs
and lights installed at the pedestrian crossing on Amcott Way. He also
helped kick-start the campaign’s fund raising by donating a £250
community grant, which combined with the money raised by students
through various fund-raising events, took the total for the campaign to
over £1000.
The event was attended by Retford Community Police Service, Retford
Fire Service, Retford Times, Halfords of Worksop, Callum’s family and
friends. The Academy Governors were represented by Vice Chair Dr Derek
Cheetham. Cycle Safety Equipment was donated by Retford Community
Police Service and Halfords of Worksop to highlight the importance of
being seen on the road. Retford Fire Service stayed throughout the
morning, to promote road safety to all students.
At the launch, CAL campaigners from all year groups promoted the 6 Point
Cycle Code which they have developed to keep cyclists safe. They will also
be sharing this with students across The Elizabethan’s primary schools.
Next steps for the campaigners are: to run assemblies in feeder primary
schools, highlighting the campaign and the need for safe cycling in the
community; run cycle maintenance workshops and continue building links
with Halfords in Worksop; continue to raise funds for the cause and highlight
the campaign by participating in Retford Charter Day.
Lynn Kenworthy, Academy Principal, told us she was delighted to see so much
support for The CAL Campaign. “As an Academy, we are absolutely
committed to making a difference to cycle safety in Callum’s memory and I
am proud of the way in which the students have led this campaign. By the end
of January our cyclists will have the necessary equipment to cycle safely to
and from school.”
www.elizabethan.notts.sch.uk
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On the 27th of March, a group of Year 8 Pupils will
be selecting, editing and reporting the news with the
support of the BBC.
The pupils will be creating professional news report
on an important local issue.
The subject has yet to be confirmed but nearer the
time you will be able to follow progress on the
website.
Family
Events
The Academy is running a number of family focused events
over the course of the year. The events include sessions
on how to support your child through their studies, DIY
sessions, film nights and many others. Full details can
always be found on the website.
Revision
Sessions
Revision sessions are now running for many subjects.
These sessions are an excellent way to improve
performance and may be the difference between a B and
an A come results day. Details are available from class
teachers.
www.elizabethan.notts.sch.uk