Monk’s Walk News
December 2016
Diary Dates
Headteacher message
End of Autumn Term
Wednesday 21st December 2016
As the autumn term draws to an end and we all look forward
to a well deserved rest over the festive period, I would like to
take this opportunity to wish students, staff, parents and
friends of Monk’s Walk a peaceful break and happiness,
prosperity and joy for the New Year.
Start of Spring Term
Thursday 5th January 2017.
Year 13 (C) trial exams
Monday 9th—Friday 13th January
2017
Year 9 (G) options evening
Thursday 12th January 2017
Year 11 (E) consultation evening
Thursday 19th January 2017
Parent Forum Thursday 26th
January 2017 6.30-7.30pm in the
Sixth Form Study Centre
Year 13 (C) consultation evening
Thursday 2nd February 2017 5pm—
7.30pmin the Sixth Form Study
Centre
Year 10-12 Trip to Berlin
Thursday 2nd—Saturday 4th
February 2017
Year 11 (E) Key Dates
Trial results session Friday 13th
January 2017 time tbc.
Year 11 (E) Consultation Evening
(meeting with subject teachers)
Thursday 19th January 2017
4pm - 7pm in A block hall. Online
booking opens 9.00am on Friday
16th December 2016 and closes at
12.00pm on 17th January 2017.
Robot Rumble
Over the past six months, the Monk’s Walk Robotics team
have strived to create the best robot fit to complete
challenges. Team members, A. Smith, G. Shand, I. Thomas,
S. Mathes and J. Lounds are lead by Mr Hunte. On Saturday
10th December they competed at The University of
Hertfordshire, with support from MBDA, against 17 other
schools, including two teams from Viewpoint School in
California. In the first six events of the day they struggled to
gather points, largely due to issues outside their control.
However, they came back fighting in the intermediate
challenges in the afternoon where they were paired with
Herts and Essex schools and made it through to the semifinals. Unfortunately, they were knocked out of the semi-finals
by the team that went on to win the Robot Rumble
competition overall. Their considerable efforts throughout the
events were recognised in the award ceremony. They were
one of five schools to win a trophy for their efforts and were
recognised for having created and delivered the best
presentations regarding their design and development of their
robot. The team was also awarded a medal and certificate to
recognise their participation and will go on to achieve the
Silver Crest Award.
Royal Academy Life Drawing Day
Year 12 took part in a successful life drawing day. Producing a whole host of drawings under the
tutelage of Charlotte Steel (painter and printmaker from the Royal Academy of Arts). Challenging and
unconventional in approach, the students produced many expressive studies, pushing their drawings
skills and approaches beyond the comfort of previous explored drawing. The techniques explored were
based around process led activities, often more important than the actual outcomes themselves.
Life drawing challenges having to draw from an actual model rather than images and photographs. This
brings with it the challenges of the exploration of the three dimensional form and translating these forms
in two dimensions. Universities and Art colleges often look at these approaches as its pushes towards a
more confident art practice.
Students enjoyed the day although did feel exhausted having to think and work on the go from 9.00am
through to 3.00pm.
Ironically Year 13 students often request to join these sessions due to a later realisation of the need for
exciting work in their portfolios for university interviews.
https://www.royalacademy.org.uk/articles/tag/outreach
A real life artist!
On Tuesday 13th December our Year 9 students met the Australian
artist Sue Beyer. Sue was an artist we found randomly around 5
years ago when trying to make links with mapping, new towns and
Ebenezer Howard's Garden City movement. An image found online
led to using Sue's work as an influence for a whole Year 9 project on
the students’ awareness of their location, identity and broader
issues as regards social geography.
Sue's work explores the impact of planning in towns and cities, the
social implication of new developments and renewal of used spaces.
Her work involves layers of maps and abstraction of images in
creating vibrant large paintings as commissions and as private work
for exhibitions. She said that "colour is my first priority" and this is
clear when exploring her work.
Sue received a really warm welcome from our Year 9 students who
listened closely throughout a 40 minute presentation on her work and
life in Australia, asking great questions and adding comments throughout. One or two questions on
kangaroos and whether she was "now rich" were well received and Sue was fully impressed by how
well our students behaved and responded.
After a brief tour of the school and impressed by how quiet the
lessons seemed, Sue spent the next couple of hours chatting to
Sixth Formers about their portfolios of work and future plans. Lunch
was spent with a group of Year 12 students and 'selfie's with a
group of Year 10's. She later joined a Year 9 and 10 class before
venturing back to London where she is currently visiting and
working in a artist led studio initiative.
A lucky day for all in the art department and one in which some
Year 9s and 10s didn't quite believe happened; "is that the actual
Sue Beyer?"
Individual Maths Challenge 2016
Art apron request
On 8th November, the A Level Further Maths
students took part in the individual UK Mathematics
Trust Senior Challenge. They sat a one hour paper
consisting of 25 multiple choice questions, with 4
marks available for a correct answer but a penalty
of a 1 mark deduction for an incorrect answer. D.
White (Year 12) was “Best in School” and not only
achieved a Gold Certificate, but has also qualified
for the next round of the competition. D. Ackland
(Year 13) achieved best in year attaining a Silver
Certificate. Silver Certificates were also achieved
by T. Fong (Y13), H. Ramlaul (Y13) and M. Smart
(Y13). Bronze Certificates were achieved by
S. Clark (Y12), D. Dorken (Y12), G. Gordonsmith
(Y12), D. Levin (Y12),
R. McGachen (Y13),
V Patel (Y13), L. Penson
(Y13), J. Underwood (Y13),
S. Vishnubhotla (Y12) and
H. Wise (Y12). Our
congratulations go to them
all.
Do you have any old shirts lying about that you no
longer use or need? If so Monk’s Walk’s Art
department would be extremely grateful for any
shirt donations which they can use as art aprons
for the students. If you are able to donate, please
bring them into the main reception.
Othello Lectures
On Tuesday 29th November, Year 12 students took the train into London (Farringdon, City Temple) where
they listened to a series of lectures on 'Othello'. The four lectures were delivered by professors and
doctors from a variety of universities. Not only were the topics engaging, ranging from an analysis of race
in the play to the role of women, but it gave the students a taste of what university-style lecturing is like. All
students were focused and engaged, and made lots of notes which they will be able to use in class to
impress Mr Haseler with their knowledge of the play! Below are a couple of comments from our students:
‘I found the second lecture the most engaging
and helpful. The speaker made very complex
ideas simple. He was enthusiastic about
'Othello' and that really played across; it
made me enjoy listening to him’ D. Parker
‘Personally, my favourite was the second
lecture on the Othello as a tragic hero: the
speaker dismissed the ideas of the previous
lecture which showed how they all had their
own interpretations and ideas making the
whole experience thoroughly engaging’
J. Strong
Chemistry In Action
Thirty Sixth Form students attended Chemistry in Action lectures at the University
College, London on Monday 28th November. Students explored the world of the very
small in a lecture entitled nanoinvasion.
During the lecture, materials scientist Jamie Gallagher, explained the need to protect
him from the things he is creating, since a single skin cell would crush the materials he works with.
The inspiration for nanotechnology came from ideas by Richard Feynman. It was illustrated by putting
mobile phones under a microscope. The phones contain nanotechnology and the developments in the
technology come from shrinking it down.
It has also been shown that the structures of the surface that stem cells are placed on affect the way in
which the cells develop. Regular arrangements cause it to remain as a stem cell whereas an irregular
arrangement caused it to turn into bone or specialise in a particular way.
The TV presenter also used the idea of nanodrones being used to target damaged areas of the body
eg: cancer cells. This needs a revised idea of what a robot would look like eg: a bucky ball or carbon
nanotube, to deliver targeted cancer treatment.
After lunch the students were given an insight into the art of beer making.
Food and drink expert Melissa Cole started by describing how hunter gatherers would first have made
beers, before then explaining the number of complex chemical processes that needed to be
encouraged or inhibited to get a good high quality beer. This included not drinking beer from green or
colourless glass due to the development of lightstrike - the same pungent smell used by skunks.
It was explained that the green and colourless bottles let through the ultraviolet light that causes the
reaction to happen.
In A is for Arsenic, students were given a brief insight into the world of poisons. Author Kathryn Harkup
describes the twitching and whole body convulsions associated with strychnine poisoning. She
explained how the poison switches off glycine receptors in the body making the nervous system highly
sensitive causing your nerves to trigger continuously - leading eventually to asphyxiation over a long
period of time.
She also highlighted the need to shake medicine bottles before use, adding: "It is there to prevent the
medicine concentrating at the bottom of the bottle and causing a potentially fatal dose."
Arsenic - the byword for poisons - was tested by Cleopatra to find which poison was best to use. She
tested it on slaves before she decided the effects of it were so horrible she decided to die from the bite
of an asp.
Kathryn Harkup highlighted the uses of arsenic including rat poison, colouring and in medicines as well
as face cream in Victorian England. Indeed the element arsenic and arsenic poisoning led to the first
forensic test - the Marsh test.
It was a highly effective test because the arsenic doesn't decay or go away. The author explained why
arsenic was so poisonous. This is because arsenates mimic phosphates in the body but its reactions
are much slower. This is partly because the arsenic bonds extremely strongly to the sulphur in enzyme
structures stopping the body from working. Mr Probert
Maths in Action
In December, eighteen Year 12’s were taken by Mrs Rayment to a day of
interesting lectures exploring subjects from how we are currently pushing
the boundaries of modern technologies through maths to how maths has
led to technological breakthroughs, shaping the world as we know it.
The most memorable part of the day for me was when David Acheson, a
“mature” professor at Oxford University, impressively showed off his electric
guitar playing, having explained the equations of tension and frequency in
the guitar strings.
Then I learned about “the sexiest job in the world: a data scientist” and
how much their work influences hundreds of little things in my own
everyday life. Ben Dias is the lead data scientist at Tesco, and he
explained how in demand computing and maths skills are in his job, and
that it could be a very well paid job.
Dr James Grime (of “numberphile.com” fame) demonstrated a real
Enigma machine from Nazi Germany and explained, in depth, the code
breaking technologies of the time. Then there was a talk on Game
Theory, where mathematical logic is used to consider possible outcomes.
Finally, mathematician Hannah Fry (of the BBC’s ‘City in the Sky’ fame) showed how the hidden
connections of people were able to be analysed and documented, with maths helping to solve crime and
other problems. There was also a short talk by Dr Frost on exam technique that I found very helpful. (His
superb website is drfrostmaths.com.)
Overall the day was very interesting as it used maths to explain the world around me and has shown me
how many maths related career paths there are available.
By Charlotte Payne
Year 7 Festive Cards
Thank you to the Year 7 students who coloured a festive card for their previous primary schools. The
cards look great and will be much appreciated by the Year 6 class teachers who intend to make a
display from them. Miss Chilton has now posted all the cards to the primary schools. Well done J Year!
Year 7 Transition
Presentations
Following our Year 7 students, who went back to
their old primary schools to give presentations to
the current Year 6 students, on transitioning from
Year 6 to starting secondary school, we have
received some glowing reports and feedback from
the primary schools regarding how well behaved
our students were and how useful the Year 6
students found their presentations. Below are just
a couple of comments we have received:
‘Ollie and Maisy who came into our Year 5/6
class this morning. Both left our school in July and
it was not only lovely to see them both again, but
to hear them speak with such confidence,
positivity and enthusiasm about their transition.
They presented well and answered every
question with thought and care’ - St John's CE
JMI.
‘Both Ryan and Oliver did a fantastic job and it
was lovely to welcome them back to Harwood Hill.
The presentation was excellent and the boys
coped well with the many questions posed to
them by Year 6! We have put pictures and a brief
write-up on our website’ - Harwood Hill.
‘Just wanted to say Bobby and Louise did really
well this morning and I can already see the
difference in them from leaving last year’ Springmead
We are extremely proud of all of our students!
Poetry Live 2016
These were the words uttered by esteemed poet
Gillian Clarke, one of seven poets that we had the
absolute pleasure of hearing from on the Year 11
Poetry Live trip on a frosty Friday afternoon at the
beginning of December. “Whilst the bitter weather
settled outside, we were warmed by the passion
with which the poets performed their poetry and
divulged their inspiration.” We listened intently,
scribbling notes all over our anthologies. We were
even treated to several sessions from Chief
Examiner Tony Childs, who gave away many a
trade secret on how best to approach the exam
questions we will be facing in the not too distant
future. Perhaps best of all was listening to lively
John Agard, who walked on stage to rapturous
applause and cheers of glee. He did not
disappoint! Not only did he sing to us, but he
inspired us to appreciate language, listen to the
melody of words and to truly enjoy poetry.
On the day we were invited to submit our own
poetry for the annual Simon Powell Poetry Prize.
Here is our entry – I wonder whether we will
win…?
Enrichment Lesson
At the end of November my husband, Kevin
Rayment, came in to talk to our Year 13
mathematicians, who had just finished the
Statistics part of their ‘A’ Level.
Mr Walmsley
What subject do you teach? Science.
How long have you been teaching? This is my
third year.
Why did you want to become a teacher? I have
always loved science and enjoy finding out more
about the subject. I also found in my previous work
that I enjoyed helping others to develop and achieve
their goals.
If you did not go into teaching, what job would
you do? I have written some novels and would
work on these to try and get them published.
Currently the Reliability Process Manager for
Network Rail, he talked about how he has used
maths and statistics in his career as an engineer
at Ford Motor Company and at Network
Rail. Written specifically for our students, Kevin’s
presentation and discussion meant that the
students could see how some of the work they
have studied is used in the “real world” and how
they may use it in all sorts of disciplines, not just
in engineering.
Mrs Rayment
What was your favourite subject when you were
at school? Biology
Where was your
favourite holiday
destination Safari in
South Africa, driving in an
open-topped Land Rover
behind lions as they
hunted wildebeest at
dusk.
What is your favourite
film? Casablanca.
The Hertfordshire Road Safety Partnership is launching a new
campaign to ‘put it away’ as many drivers are continuing to use
their handheld mobile phone while driving. However good your
driving is, checking a text, browsing, scrolling through your music
means you not paying attention to the road and reaction times
are reduced. Remove the temptation and put your mobile away in
a bag, in the glove compartment, out of reach – it is just not worth
the risk. www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/putitaway
Soon the penalties for using a handheld mobile phone while
driving are doubling to a £200 fine and six points on your licence,
and an immediate ban for new drivers.
Thank you for your support #putitaway – follow on social media.
Mrs Griffiths wanted to commend Gracie Arno
on her outstanding attitude towards English and
her fantastic pieces of prep that she has
produced recently, going above and beyond
what was asked for.
These students have been recommended for a
Headteacher's commendation for their fantastic
production of pop-up books in D&T. The
students are Ellie Clark, Daisy Barter, StaceyAnne Beard, Alfie Walker, Simone Baker-Croft
Monk’s Walk at The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award 60th
Anniversary Celebration Event.
Mr Riley, Behaviour Manager, at Monk’s Walk recently attended a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Event
held at County Hall, Hertford, celebrating 60 years of DofE.
Awards and commemorative keepsakes were handed out to all of the schools who participated. Guest
speakers attending were The Countess of Verulam (Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire), Taryn PearsonRose (HCC Assistant Director Customer Engagement), Lindsey Rigby-Smith (Outreach Manager,
Outreach and Widening Participation University of Hertfordshire), Christian Scott (DofE Director South
East) and Richard Roberts (HCC Executive
Member for Children’s Services).
Monk’s Walk have been offering the Duke of
Edinburgh programme to students for more
than 5 years with over 300 students achieving
the bronze, silver and gold awards. The
school’s DofE achievements were included in
the recent Duke of Edinburgh annual statistical
report, with Monk’s Walk currently sitting in the
top 10 schools countywide for the amount of
awards achieved and student participation, and
1st in Hertsmere and Welwyn/Hatfield District.
Football Results
Mon 5th Dec 2016
Monk’s Walk (B) U12’s v The Grange
Won
8-2
Weds 7th Dec 2016
Monk’s Walk (B) U12’s v Hertswood Academy
Won
5-0
Weds 14th Dec 2016
Monk’s Walk (B) U12’s v Etonbury Academy
Lost
1-3
Rugby Results
After school on Monday 5th December, Year 7’s
Rugby team played against Thomas Alleyne
Academy in Datchworth. Monk’s Walk played
downhill in the first half of the match attempting to
gain the lead quickly. The opposition were ahead at
the end of the first half, 2-3. In the second half
Monk’s Walk tackled harder and protected the ball
ferociously, working together in both defence and
attack, scoring more tries. The Year 7 team worked
incredibly hard which resulted with them winning
the match 5-4, well done boys! George Hawes (JN)
Monk’s Walk Table Tennis
Teams
Badminton Tournament
Monk’s Walk’s boys
Badminton team took
part in a badminton
tournament where they
played against 10 teams.
After qualifying in 2nd
place from their group of
5 teams they boys came
5th overall which was an
amazing achievement.
A big well done to Monk's Walk table tennis
teams who entered Herts Table Tennis Finals
on Friday 9th December. They were all district
winners and their final positions were:
Monk's Walk Under 13 girls came 5th place
Monk's Walk Under 13 boys came 5th place
Monk's Walk Under 16 girls came 2nd place
and Monk's Walk Under 16 boys came 4th.