Newsle er Issue 55
July 18th 2014
INSPIRING
LEARNING;
ACHIEVING
EXCELLENCE
INSPIRING
LEARNING;
ACHIEVING
EXCELLENCE
IMPORTANT DATES FOR
IMPORTANT
DATES FOR
YOUR DIARY:
YOUR DIARY:
July 18th : Whole School
Assembly
Dec 7th: House Plays
Dec 7th: Years 7 & 8
September
School
Fulham
FC 3rd:
Girls
Football
Returns (see page 5 for
Tournament
mes)
Dec
12th:
Year
9
September 9th:
Years 12and
Geography
Gifted
& 13 Parent/Carer
Talented
Workshop
Informa on Evening
Dec 12th: Newsoms trip
Years 10
toSeptember
Shrek the11th:
Musical
& 11 Parent/Carer
Dec
13th:onYears
12 & 13
Informa
Evening
Parents Evening
September 16th: Year 7
Dec
13th: Informa
Christmas
Parent/Carer
on
Lunch
Evening
Dec 13th: Year 8 English
September 18th: Years 8
Enrichment Trip, evening
& 9 Parent/Carers
only
Informa on Evening
Dec
14th:
Year
12
Contemporary
Theatre
Production
Dec 19th: Certificates
Evening 5-7pm
Dec
20th:
Concert
Christmas
Dec 21st: School ends
lunchtime, 12.50 pm
Jan 7th: First day of
term, Lesson 1- 8.40am
As we near the end of what has been a very positive and successful year, I would like to reflect on some of the
significant events of the year and share how the school will be moving forward in the next academic year.
Students at the school have continued to progress in their academic attainment and achievement. We are
looking forward to a very positive set of exam results at KS4 and KS5, with large numbers of Year 13 set to go to
university. In KS3 students have made very encouraging progress with the current Year 9 year group moving into
their GCSE studies on track for their longer term ambitions.
One of our mantras at RPHS is ‘no winding down’ and that is certainly true when you consider the number of
events and activities that have taken place in the past fortnight. We have continued to build effective
partnerships with the local primary schools and this is a key part of our community ethos, therefore it was a
delight to have nearly 1300 Year 4 & 5 students join us over 4 days in July. They came from a wide range of local
primary schools … Burlington, Hillcross, Hollymount, Joseph Hood, West Wimbledon, Wimbledon Chase,
Cranmer, Malmesbury, Aragon, Hatfeild, Liberty, Poplar, Priory, Lonesome and Green Lane Primaries. During the
day students did a full range of activities across the subject areas and I was incredibly proud of the way RPHS
students supported the Year 4 & 5 students and were excellent ambassadors for the school. The feedback from
primary colleagues, families and students was glowing!
The school play took place on Thursday 10th and Friday 11th July with nearly 60 students involved from Year 7
through to 13. As ever it was a pleasure to see the wide range of theatrical and musical talent on display, as well
as the teamwork and commitment of the many students who worked the lights, staging and props. It was a prime
example of RPHS community in action. I would like to express my sincere thanks to Ms Valmarana for leading
and directing the play, as well as Ms Hodge, Mr Clooke, Ms Jager, Ms Bartle and Ms McGullion for supporting the
project.
Tuesday saw our first Sports Day on the new sports ground. As you can see from the photos the day was a real
success with students participating and performing to a very high standard. It was great to enable the whole
school to collectively use the sports ground with the event well led and organised by Mr Hayes and the usual
stream of commentary provided by Mr Barnicott on the PA system!
On Wednesday and Thursday 16th and 17th July we held the first RPHS ‘world week’ with students attending a
wide range of educational trips and activities designed to extend and develop their learning and wider awareness
of all aspects of the world. Students have chosen their activities over the two days and staff have arranged and
organised a wide range of events including; Jurassic Art, Promenade Theatre, London Horrible Histories,
producing a radio show to name a few.
Each school year brings some changes to staffing as colleagues move onto new challenges and stages.
We have spent a considerable amount of the Spring and Summer term ensuring we recruit excellent staff and I
look forward to introducing them to you formally in September, however I would like to welcome the following staff
who started with us on July 1st:
Ms Dexter, Ms Holland, Mr Hatch Ms Cooke Ms Aris Ms Dennis are joining the Maths faculty. Joining Science we
have Ms Gunathasan (Biology), Ms Sahardeed (Biology), Ms Baker (Biology), Ms Grimshaw (Chemistry), Ms
Colombage (Chemistry). Ms Fennell (French & Spanish), Ms McKee (French & Spanish), Ms Pavitt (Spanish)
join our languages team. Ms Murray is joining DT and Mr Saunders Geography, Mr Halpin Business and Mr
Perryment English and Drama.
Finally, we have extensive premises developments happening over the summer break that will enhance the
learning environment for students as well as the formal opening of the Sports Ground in September. We will be
continuing to provide regular updates on these via the school twitter account.
I would like to thank parents and carers for their support this academic year and I look forward to seeing all of you
at the parent and carer evenings in September (see page 5 for details). Thank you for giving us the privilege of
teaching your children.
Headteacher - Phillip Wheatley
@officialRPHS Keeping Up Appearances
Our Reference: PW/KT
1st July 2014
Dear Parents / Carers
Uniform for 2014 2015 Academic Year – Changes and reminders
At Raynes Park High School we have high expectations of all, in everything we do. This includes personal
appearance. Uniform plays an important role in establishing the ethos of our school. At Raynes Park High School
we believe that our uniform policy benefits the school in a number of ways:
It encourages identify with the school and nurtures the notion of community
It protects students from social pressures to dress in a particular way
It supports discipline and good behaviour and ensures the health and safety of students
It instils a sense of pride in the school
It promotes more effective teaching and learning
Full co-operation with our dress code enables staff to concentrate their time and effort on teaching and learning.
Anyone arriving at school in non-uniform clothing will be provided with alternative uniform to be worn and have the
item(s) confiscated. The decision about what is and is not acceptable will always remain with the school. Students
are expected to adhere to the uniform rules on the journey to and from school.
Our uniform for September 2014 is detailed below, and I look forward to your continued support in ensuring our
students arrive for the start of term without any uniform or appearance issues.
Yours faithfully
Official Uniform Supplier
Phillip Wheatley
Headteacher
Trutex of Worcester Park
or online at :
www.casualschoolwear.co.uk
140 Central Rd
Worcester Park
Surrey
KT4 8HH
020 8337 6230
Essential Uniform
Boys and Girls Blazer: Navy blue blazer with a new RPHS embroidered logo * students must have this
with them at all times.
Boys’ Trousers: Plain black trousers (not black denim).
Girls’ Skirt or Trousers: Plain black pleated skirt or plain black trousers (straight cut school wear, not
fashion style or black denim). Skirts must be worn on or below the knee.
Tights are allowed but must be black opaque. Socks should be black.
Boys and Girls Shirt: White collared (top button essential).
School tie: Clip on tie, (all students will be provided with one of these in September).
Boys and Girls Shoes: Plain black, low heel, fully enclosed leather shoes – No trainers, plimsolls or
canvas shoes or leather shoes carrying an explicit sports logo.
Boys and Girls Pullover:
Navy blue long sleeve jumper with school logo or navy blue sleeveless tank top with school logo.
Boys Headwear:
Turbans may be worn (for religious purposes only) and should be either plain black or blue.
Baseball caps and bandanas may not be worn.
Girls Headwear:
Hijab may be worn (for religious purposes only) and
should be either plain black or navy blue.
Baseball caps and bandanas may not be worn.
Hair: Hair should be neat and tidy and not died in
unnatural colours or cut into severe styles (as defined by
the school).
Makeup:
Make up is not permitted for girls in Year 7 – 9.
Light makeup may be worn by girls in Year 10 & 11.
Coloured nail varnish is not permitted.
Nails should not be a length that may cause injury to others (as defined by the school).
Jewellery: One pair of small ear stud earrings. (One in each ear.) Students are not allowed earrings in the
tragus of the ear.
Facial studs, ear expanders or any other earrings that are considered by the school to be excessive are not
permitted.
Rings and Bracelets may not be worn.
Coats and Bags: Should be proper outdoor waterproof coats. Denim jackets and coats that the school
deems as ‘Hoodies’ are not allowed. School bag that fits an A4 folder inside, robust and sensible.
Boys and Girls PE Kit :
School PE Shirt (pale blue cotton polo top with logo)
Plain black shorts
School training top (navy blue with logo)
Plain black tracksuit trousers
Plain white or pale blue socks
Training Shoes
Gibbs Z: “Our Star Shines Brightest”
.
What an amazing year we have had and how quickly we find ourselves at the end. As a community
we have been through so much together and there is a huge amount to celebrate.
7GZ: Under the guidance of their tutors, Year 7 settled in so well. The number of positive apps is at
a record high with Mia Howard achieving 800 Apps so far. Several students took part in the
victorious House Plays and House music competitions. Josh Potts received the Head of House
termly prize for Gibbs Z for an all-round excellent display of our core values.
8GZ: Another great year for this group with individual achievement in the form of Maths Challenge
and Merton tennis tournaments. 8GZ were awarded a pizza party for most improved attendance.
We are sorry to see Tiegan Gould leaving us and we wish her the best for the future.
9GZ: The class stepped up to the challenge of being the oldest students in KS3 and have set the
standard for positive apps and attendance. Jack Crookes and Craig Horsford represented RPHS at
Wimbledon tennis and Amy-Leigh once again showed us her vocal talents.
10GZ: We wish Year 10 the best of luck with work experience and continued support with their final
year. We are very proud Lola Mahedeo and Shaznay Bond were winners in the National Street
Dance Championship. Sam Wylde continues to show us how to be caring and responsible and I am
sure next year will be even more successful for this group.
We said an emotional farewell to Year 11 with a well-attended last day and Prom. They have worked
so very hard and deserve the best results. We will see many of them again in Year 12.
On a personal note, I would like to thank all members of the GZ family. You all work so very hard
and it is always a pleasure to be your Head of House. GZ is built on very strong foundations and I
look forward to even greater success next year.
Have an amazing, well-deserved break. You are all superstars!
Head of Gibbs Z - Mr Liyanage
Attendance and Term Dates
As we are now just a few weeks until the start of the new academic year, I would like to remind families of the
term dates for the new academic year 2014 – 2015, as well as other key dates during the year (including the
starting times for students on the first day back).
I would like to take the opportunity to remind families attendance in the single biggest determinate of success
for a student at secondary school and it is imperative every student is present for the maximum possible
number of days. I would therefore ask you to ensure your child returns to school on Wednesday 3rd September
at the times shown below. Attendance at all school sessions is required by law. The only exceptions to this
are in cases of illness or where the Headteacher has granted special leave-of-absence. Students should arrive
at school by 8.30am at the latest. Leave cannot be granted for holiday in term time – this is reflecting a change
in the law in September 2013.
Autumn Term 2014
INSET Day 1: Monday 1 September 2014 – Staff
Only
Spring Term 2015
First day: Monday 5 January 2015
Half term: Monday 16 February to Friday 2 February
INSET Day 2: Tuesday 2 September 2014 – Staff
Only
Student First Day back:
Wednesday 3rd September:
Summer Term 2015
Year 7: 8.40am
First day: Monday 13 April 2015
Year 8: 9.30am
Half term: Monday 25 May to Friday 29 May 2015
Year 9: 10.00am
Last day of academic year: Friday 17 July 2015
Year 10: 10.30am
Year 11: 11.00am
Year 12: 9.00am
Year 13: 10.00am
INSET Day 3:
Friday 24th October – Staff Only
Half term:
Monday 27 October to Friday 31 October
2014
INSET Day 4:
Friday 28 November 2014 – Staff Only
Last day: Friday 19 December 2014
Parent / Carer Information Evenings
Year 13: Tuesday 9th September at 7pm
Year 12: Tuesday 9th September at 7.45pm
Year 11: Thursday 11th September at 7pm
Year 10: Thursday 11th September at 7.45pm
Year 7:
Tuesday 16th September at 7pm
Year 9: Thursday 18th September at 7pm
Year 8: Thursday 18th September at 7.45pm
Farewell and Best Wishes to RPHS Staff
In the teaching staff will be saying goodbye to Mr Dodd who will be retiring after 36 Years at RPHS. We are
immensely grateful for the commitment and dedication he has shown to the school. It was a pleasure to meet
with so many present and former students and staff on Friday 4th July at his retirement party. Mr Dodd
embodies so many of the key values of RPHS and his retirement will be a real loss the school.
Mr Hoban will be moving onto promotion to Head of Year at Wimbledon College having completed 27 Years
at RPHS as Head of House and Geography teacher. I am immensely grateful for his dedication and
contribution to life at RPHS and wish him well.
Ms Kerson, has been a Science Technician at RPHS for the past 26 years. She will be retiring at the end of
August. She has made an immense contribution to the faculty over the past three decades and her positive
attitude, care for the students and hard work will be missed. We wish her a long and happy retirement and
hope that she will stay in touch.
Ms Watson will be leaving RPHS after 15 years as Head of Administration and more recently Exams and
SIMS leader. Her dedication, hard work and attention to detail has made such a difference and we are very
grateful for all she has done.
In DT Ms Rechter will be leaving us to retire having spent 14 years at RPHS, a considerable number of them
as Head of DT. We are immensely grateful for all of her hard work and commitment. We are very sorry to see
her leave and wish her well in the future.
Mr Campbell (who has been with us for a decade!) is to emigrate to Australia. Mr Campbell has made a real
contribution to the school both in Maths and as Deputy Head of Sixth Form. We are also very grateful for the
pioneering work he has done in developing Rugby at RPHS.
Ms Boyd-Leslie has been Head of Music at RPHS for the past 10 years and will be relocating to Oxfordshire.
We are immensely grateful for all her hard work and it will be sad to see her formally sign off at the End of
Year concert on Thursday.
Ms Kennett, our Finance Officer is leaving us after 9 years to become a church administrator at Emmanuel
church on Stonecott Hill. Her organisation, attention to detail and positive attitude has made a real difference
to staff and students alike.
In Geography, Dr Cabral will be moving to teach at St Philomena’s in Carlshalton having joined RPHS in
2008. During that time she has made a real contribution to the school in leading the Geography department as
well as contributing to many working parties and wider development of the school.
Ms Kugele is relocating to Loughborough over the summer having been with us for over two years, both as a
trainee and as a qualified teacher. During her time she has contributed to many aspects of school life
including gaining the ‘Secondary Geography Quality Mark’ – a prestigious award recognising the curriculum
and development of Geography at RPHS.
In English Mr Clooke is leaving us after 3 years at RPHS to go onto promotion at St Philomena’s school in
Carlshalton as Literacy Coordinator. We wish him well and thank him for the work he has done across English
and Drama – both in the classroom, as well as extra curricular.
Ms Biggs, our Head of Sociology, is leaving us after having been with RPHS since Sept 2008. During her
time as HOD Sociology, she has established the subject as one of the most popular and most successful
subjects in the Sixth Form curriculum. We are very grateful for all of her hard work and wish her well in the
future. (L-R) Ms Kerson, Ms Boyd-Leslie, Mr Hoban, Ms Rechter, Mr Campbell
Best Wishes to all
In Science we are sad to say goodbye to Ms Jones but proud she is going onto promotion as Head of Science at
a North London School.
Mr Wort is leaving us in August to relocate to Southampton with his family and Mr Hemraj is taking a career
break.
Finally Ms Dennis will be moving to an Oasis Academy in North London having done a superb job as a
Chemistry Advanced Skills Teacher over the past two years.
In Maths Mr Owusu is moving to a Key Stage Coordinator post as a promotion to a school in Southampton.
Mr Wolfe is leaving us to move into a career in financial statistics in the commercial world.
Mr Fox is leaving us to pursue his career abroad, initially planning to teach in Australia.
In Languages, Ms Alverez Gomez is relocating to Spain in September. We are very grateful for all of her
enthusiasm and hard work.
Ms Williams is leaving the Health and Social Care team to study for her master’s degree, with which we wish
her every success.
Ms Divine, our Head of Access Centre will be leaving us to move onto promotion leading a brand new specialist
provision in North Kensington, Kensington Aldridge Academy. We are very grateful for the past three years
which she has devoted to RPHS and we are very sorry to see her leave.
We will also be saying goodbye to two of our Key Support Workers for the Access Centre.
Ms Angrish is returning to university to train as a Speech and language therapist and Ms Sinnott is moving to
Ursuline School as a key support worker.
Ms Lowry, Ms Hughes-Brown and Ms Cadoux-Hudson will be on Maternity leave in September – we wish
them well and look forward to the news of their new arrivals.
Ms O’Shea – DT Technician and Ms Blakeney – HLTA English, are both leaving us to start their teacher training
as DT teachers at Glenthorne High School in Sutton. We wish them all the best with the next step in their
careers.
Phillip Wheatley
Thirty Six Years Behind the Bell
’All Good things must come to an end ‘’ is a saying I’m sure most of you have heard of. It is certainly true in my case. After
thirty-six years of teaching at RPHS I have taken the decision to retire. This was not an easy decision to make because this
school has been my life since 1966. That was the year that I first joined the school as a student and, apart from my years at
college to train as a teacher, I have been here ever since.
I consider myself to be a very lucky individual. Not only did I receive an education that allowed me to gain the necessary
qualifications to become a teacher, but also my time here has made me into the person I
am today. This has always been an exceptional school. All schools have periods of highs
and lows, but I can honestly say that I have had had a fantastic time here. I have met some
incredible people, both colleagues and students, that have had an effect on my life. Some
have become close friends, some just passing acquaintances, but all have left an impact.
This school is like a close family. We like to install a feeling of community, a sense of
belonging, and a knowledge of what is right and wrong. Education is much more than an
ability to pass exams – it is an appreciation of what it is like to become a valuable member
of society. RPHS has a done this, and I know the students who come here have the best
opportunity to do both.
I leave here with a heavy heart but know that the school is in safe hands with a committed
and dedicated staff who have the interests of the students as the centre of their being. I
know that it will continue to be a successful and rewarding place.
I would like to thank the staff and students, both past and present, for making my time here so happy. I could not have
wished for a better and more fulfilling vocation. I wish the school all the very best for the future and will continue to raise my
glass to it at every opportunity. Head of House NX Clive Dodd (1966—2014)
Educational fun for Years 4 & 5
.
Raynes Park High School was bursting at the seams on three days last week when a fleet of Route Master
Buses brought 1300 Year 4 and Year 5 pupils from 14 local primary schools to enjoy
a taste of secondary school life.
The Transition Days were the culmination of a year-long programme unique to
Raynes Park High that aims to make the transition from primary to secondary
school less daunting. It also showcases the different subjects students will be
taught in secondary School.
The children participated in a range of classes including Business Enterprise,
Product Design, Science, Catering, ICT, Drama and Media which were a great hit
with the primary pupils.
Feedback from teachers was extremely positive:
“the students loved it all, but possibly cooking the best”
“full of value and interest for our pupils, they have had a great taste of
secondary school!”
Mr Wheatley said, “We had a large team involved with the organisation of the three activity days including our
own Year 7 students. It was extremely rewarding for us all to see such high levels of enthusiasm, especially
when the primary pupils were enjoying subjects for the first time. We look forward to welcoming even more
primary pupils next year for a taste of life at Raynes Park High School”
Visiting schools were: West Wimbledon, Burlington, Cranmer, Hatfeild, Hollymount, Liberty,
Poplar, Priory, Hillcross, Lonesome, Joseph Hood, Malesbury, Wimbledon Chase and
Green Lane Primary Schools.
Success in the Community
Raynes Park High School is proud of its long
association
with the All England Lawn Tennis
Club and once again our students were in
action throughout the championships. The
rigorous selection process starts in September
when our Head of PE Mr Hayes organises
school training sessions. He then selects his
best students to go forward to The All England
Lawn Tennis Club training programme for
further selection tests. The AELTC training
runs from January through to the
championships and is extremely demanding.
Only about 50% of the boys and girls make it
through the training process to actually
becoming a Wimbledon Ball Boy or Girl. Mr
Hayes says “it is a great experience for our students who
show exceptional qualities including dedication,
concentration and teamwork. “ The Raynes Park High
boys participated in many of this year’s high profile
matches with Gregory playing his part in the thrilling five
set final between Federer and Djokovic.
Ethan Wood enjoying the Wimbledon Quarter Finals
The Raynes Park High School Wimbledon 2014 team:
(L‐R) Craig Horsford, Gregory Horsford, Ashley Saidi
and Jack Crookes.
Ethan Wood, 8NZ enjoyed a day at the Quarter
Finals of Wimbledon with the blessing of his Head
of House Ms Daly. Ethan, a keen tennis player
didn’t want to miss out when his uncle secured
front row seats for Centre Court on Mens’ quarter
final day. Knowing that it was likely he would have
been spotted on TV, he asked permission to use
the occasion to further his tennis knowledge. Ethan
said, “being at Wimbledon has taught me to play
tennis differently. I know how to hit the forehand
harder and lower to the net. I saw the different
single and two-handed back hand techniques and
how when serving there are different body positions
from leaning back to throwing the ball higher. I am
now enjoying putting what I learnt into practice at
Cranleigh Tennis Club.”
Craig is Surrey Schools’ Golf Champion
Craig Horsford, has had an extremely busy few weeks, not only was he in
our Wimbledon Ball Boy Team, but he has just won the Surrey Schools
Golf Championship at Surrey Downs Golf Club on 8th July.
Craig, a member at Wimbledon Park Golf Club has been playing golf for
6 years. With a 13 handicap he was the overall winner in the Medal
competition and was 3rd in the Scratch competition partnered with his
brother Gregory.
Golf is just one of many sports Craig plays at school with rugby,
basketball, tennis and athletics amongst his many sporting interests.
Year 12 Geography Students go into the Future
.
geographers visited On Thursday the 3rd July seven year 12
the Siemens Crystal in East London. The Crystal is a
sustainable cities initiative by Siemens exploring the future of
cities. It is home to the world's largest exhibition focused on
urban sustainability and is a world-class centre for dialogue,
discovery and learning. Students explored the impact of
growing urban populations and increased resource
consumption in many of the worlds developed and developing
world cities. The interactive exhibition simulated real life
solutions to problems such as health care and water supply
and provided them with many case study examples of how
cities around the world are becoming more sustainable. They
also had the opportunity to sit on one London’s new tube
carriages.
After the Crystal we crossed the Thames on the Emirates
cable car and went for lunch in Nando’s before exploring
the Nissan Innovation centre in the O2. Here students
drove a simulator version of Nissan’s electric car to
experience the cars they may drive in a more sustainable
future. To complete the experience, though slightly off topic
we were treated to a series of Formula One driver tests,
including reaction times and personality tests before each
driving the F1 simulator. Ms Kugele and Katie Sullivian (the
only female AS geographer) were the only two to
successfully complete a lap of Silverstone Race Circuit!
Once again it was a pleasure to take these students on a
trip and marked a fitting end to their AS course and
beginning of A2.
SSAT Achievement Show
Through achievement of the Secondary
Geography Quality Mark, both Dr Cabral and I
were invited to speak at the SSAT Achievement
Show at Twickenham Rugby Stadium on the 26th
June. The department was recognised as one of
several inspirational departments from schools
across the country, specifically for our work on
global learning. We had the opportunity to share
our KS3 curriculum, global learning weeks and
importantly the work of our students with other
teaching professionals; this included our Shape
the Future Competition entry. Ms H Kugele
Shaping the Future - Giving Girls a Voice
.
RPHS Reach ‘Shape the Future’ Competition Final
Since being awarded the Secondary Geography Quality Mark with Global Learning for
excellence in teaching and learning in geography, the geography department has continued to
provide opportunities for students to engage in global learning activities. The department for
International Development has, for the past two years run a ‘Shape the Future’ Competition to
encourage young people to have their voices heard on global issues. This in turn gives policy
makers the opportunity to hear what young people believe should be done in order to combat or
solve these problems. This year the theme is girl’s rights and giving girls a voice. A group of year
9 and 10 students decided they wanted to combat the gender equality imbalance by bringing
greater awareness on issues such as education and forced marriage. They built a forum and
blog on which young people could discuss issues affecting both boys and girls and filmed and
edited a short film. The film asks some awkward questions and encourages the student body
and staff to get behind their awareness campaign. It can be seen on their website
http://kazoointernational.weebly.com/.
The team has been shortlisted for the final three and will present at an event on 19 July at the
DfID offices in London. This is a testament to their fantastic work, commitment and enthusiasm
amidst preparing for GCSE and end of year exams. If the team win the competition they will
attend a work experience day at the OXFAM offices to witness first-hand how these issues are
being tackled. We wish them the best of luck.
Years 9 and 10 - raising awareness
of education and forced marriage.
Head of Geography - Dr Cabral
RPHS School Play ‘Kip’s Stone’
.
When grandmother Joy can no longer look after the pub by herself, Mr & Mrs Wirth and their daughter Izzy move in to help
out. Izzy finds it hard to get on with a grandmother who is mean, xenophobic, bitter and, well... a bit loopy. After all, when
the only thing in the world you soften to is the grave stone of your deceased dog 'Kip', you can't be all there, can you? But
what if it's not a dog lying under the stone? What if it's something much more tragic?
Joy: Hush, Kip. Are you cold? No, no. So far below,
away from harm. No-one can get to you. You’re
perfect. You were mine once. It’s just you and I, Kip,
against the world. People aren’t to be trusted, they
just destroy each other. Men. Sometimes when I walk
along the path there are little boys screaming with
laughter. How can they laugh with you lying dead
underfoot? They pick up sticks from the forest floor –
sticks, twigs, leaves, anything they can get their
hands on to make a makeshift gun from. Little boys
and their toys. They may look sweet now but they’re
just training for the real thing. I stayed away from
men, Kip. Stayed away from friends too. We had each
other, didn’t we. I’m watching out for you, Kip. You
can sleep easy. I’ll stay and watch you all night.
Leading Lady Kalyn Chesney and Leading Man Laurence
Smith above, Jess Tugwell top le .
Congratulations to our fabulous cast of actors, singers,
dancers and artists. This year's play, 'Kip's Stone' was an
incredible showcase for the wealth of talent at Raynes Park
High. From the hilarious cleaners to the crazy foxes, the
cast did a fantastic job. Leading ladies Kalyn Chesney and
Jess Tugwell handled a really difficult and emotive plot with
professionalism and star quality, with many finding it hard to
believe this was Laurence Smith's school play debut.
Joanna Wyllie's performance was also remarkable, again in
the mature way the material was handled.
It has been a real pleasure working with such enthusiastic
performers and I am so pleased you got so much out of the
whole process. Have a restful summer. House play
rehearsals
start in September!
Head of Drama - Ms Valmarana
A special thank you goes to Ms Valmarana who wrote
and directed the production. RPHS Sports Day-Inter House Cup Challenge
.
I t was 9am on the 15th July, the sun was shining, the students arrived all ready for action and the teachers
were on hand to supervise the first Inter-House Sports Day at The Raynes Park Former Pupils Memorial Sports
Ground, and what a great day of competitive sport it proved to be!
Years 7, 8 and 9 took part in track and field events with every competitor being awarded house points
depending on their finishing position. The tension is still mounting as to which House will be victorious with the
results being announced at the end of year assembly on Friday 18th July. As well as the winning House getting
the sporting honours, their points will go towards the overall House Cup so competition was fierce and the
supporters cheered them all the way.
In the afternoon the sporting theme continued with team sports including basketball, rounders, benchball,
football and tug of war. Year 9 results are on page 15.
Year 7 Girls
Distance
100m Seed 1
Year 7 Boys
House
Winner
Time
Distance
MZ
Deborah Oladoke
13.05
House
Winner
Time
100m Seed 1
HZ
Owen Eversley
13.43
100m Seed 2
NZ
Hannah Curant
15.35
100m Seed 2
NX
Nathan Best
13.30
200m Seed 1
MZ
Deborah Oladoke
30.30
200m Seed 1
HZ
Owen Eversley
28.76
200m Seed 2
HX
Cachel Mann
31.24
200m Seed 2
NX
Nathan Best
400m Seed 1
GX
Petra Szicso
1.20
400m Seed 1
NZ
Sean Fallahi
1.11
400m Seed2
HZ
Anastasija Jasinska
1.17
400m Seed2
GZ
Josh Potts
1.06
Nathan Best
2.49
5.56
800m
GX
Emily Cooke
2.56
800m
NX
1500m
GX
Emily Cooke
6.24
1500m
GZ
Josh Potts
Shot
HZ
Bailey-Beau Wise
6.38
Shot
NZ
Sean Fallahi
Javelin
HZ
Bailey-Beau Wise
6.38
Javelin
MX
Martin Chau
Vortex
HX
Olivia Horsford
23.84
Vortex
HZ
Owen Eversley
Discus
HZ
Bailey-Beau Wise
13.42
Discus
GX
Dylan Hodges
Long Jump
GZ
Ellen Frewtrell
3.80
Long Jump
NZ
Sean Fallahi
3.5
4 x 100m Relay MZ
4 x 100m Relay NX
Winner
Time
Year 8 Girls
Distance
House
Winner
Time
100m Seed 1
MZ
Janeii Cogle
14.42
100m Seed 2
GZ
Jemima Yeboah
14.84
200m Seed 1
MZ
Elisha Arjoon
31.15
200m Seed 2
MZ
Janeii Cogle
30.66
400m Seed 1
NX
Athena Stacy
1.18
400m Seed2
GX
Wiktora Kwapisz
1.25
800m
GZ
Jemima Yeboah
3.17
1500m
GX
Joanna Wyllie
7.36
Shot
NX
Kayla Thomas
7.89
Javelin
GX
Ekaterina Bozhilova
Vortex
HZ
Discus
Long Jump
Year 8 Boys
20.60
Distance
House
100m Seed 1
MZ
Phillip Condeh
12.97
100m Seed 2
HX
Michael Lorenzo
13.09
200m Seed 1
HX
Michael Lorenzo
28.31
200m Seed 2
HX
Kelvin Jones-Esan
28.46
400m Seed 1
GX
Craig Nash
1.13
400m Seed2
MZ
Phillip Condeh
1.05
800m
HX
Jack Gibson
2.35
1500m
MZ
Phillip Condeh
5.30
Shot
HZ
Donnell Brannon
9.10
8.75
Javelin
NZ
Ethan Woods
20.40
Katelin Selvadurai
26.04
Vortex
GZ
Grant Stokes
44.18
NX
Kayla Thomas
19.27
MX
Yoana Tomova
4.40
Discus
Long Jump
MZ
MZ
Phillip Condeh
Phillip Condeh
21.00
4.65
4 x 100m Relay GX
4 x 100mRelay GZ
Winning House Points is a Serious Business!
.
Access Centre Alternative Sports Day Fun!
.
The Access Centre students enjoyed
their annual alternative sports day on
Friday 11th July. They spent the
morning at Wimbledon Park where
they all challenged their nautical skills
sailing on the boating lake. After lunch
they had an energetic time bouncing
on giant inflatables. Everyone had a
fabulous time, including all the staff,
but special thanks must go to Mrs
Kern who organised the whole day.
...Year 9 Sports Day Results
Year 9 Girls
Distance
House
Winner
Time
100m Seed 1
MX
Kali McCabe
100m Seed 2
HX
200m Seed 1
Year 9 Boys
Distance
House
Winners
Time
13.36
100m Seed 1
HZ
Peter Batte
11.92
Jennifer Niazi
15.59
100m Seed 2
MX
Reece Payton
12.34
MX
Kali McCabe
28.80
200m Seed 1
HZ
Peter Batte
25.28
200m Seed 2
MX
Mia-Sue Earles
32.16
200m Seed 2
n/a
400m Seed 1
MX
Kali McCabe
1.11
400m Seed 1
HX
Jevon Daley
1.05
400m Seed2
MX
Stephanie Obeng Konadu 1.24
400m Seed2
GZ
Freddie Paterson
800m
NZ
Chloe Osborn
3.03
800m
GZ
Craig Horsford
2.35
1500m
GZ
Hannah Frankland
8.20
1500m
HZ
Harry Keeder
5.38
Shot
MX
Raneesha Le Blanc
7.55
Shot
GZ
Craig Horsford
10.57
Javelin
MX
Raneesha Le Blanc
9.02
Javelin
GZ
Jack Crookes
28.40
Vortex
MX
Raneesha Le Blanc
26.02
Vortex
GX
Arnold Osei
47.18
Discus
MX
Raneesah Le Blanc
19.02
Discus
MX
Babloo Jawaid
20.05
Long Jump
MX
Kali McCabe
4.70
Long Jump
MX
Reece Payton
4.6
4 x 100m Relay HZ
4 x 100m Relay MX
School Report from The Governors
.
It has been a good year for the Governors and for RPHS. We are here to set a strategic vision for the
school and to provide challenge and support to the Headteacher and the Senior Leadership Team.
Improved results are key to RPHS’s future and the Governors have a relentless drive for excellence. We
continue to demand the best for and from our students and we have been very impressed over the last
twelve months with the way staff, students and parents have worked together to make the school a better
place to be.
The year got off to a lively start with the OFSTED inspection, which said many good things about the
school’s direction of travel and endorsed the changes that are under way.
We think the school’s programme of work, which takes into account the OFSTED findings, is bearing fruit.
Student attendance is now at national average levels and there is real progress towards the academic
targets we have set the school.
As Governors, we have been keen to endorse and support new measures like the summer and Saturday
schools which we believe make RPHS a very special place. We also believe that some of the initiatives
taken this year like the Basketball and Rugby Academies are making the school very attractive to new
groups of students.
We are conscious too of the extraordinary hard work and commitment of RPHS staff. We demand the best
of them and they consistently give us no less than that.
As ever, it has been a pleasure for Governors to carry out their half-termly Strategic Visits this year to see
the school in action. It has been a particular pleasure to meet groups of students and to discuss with them
their hopes, aspirations and experiences.
During the forthcoming year the Government requires us to review the constitution of the governing body
with a focus on the complementary skills that members can bring to the challenges of governance.
Undoubtedly there will be opportunities to recruit new members, both parents and from the community.
Institutions like RPHS must constantly change to improve and the school is managing to do that while
preserving its caring heritage. As Governors, we are very grateful to everyone at the school – students,
teachers, managers and support staff – for everything they have done over the past year. Have a good
break – and more of the same next year, please.
Neil Jordan
Michael Ross
Chair and Vice-Chair of Governors
Neil Jordan
Michael Ross
Chair of Governors
Vice‐Chair of Governors