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| 5th November 2021 |
| Student Bulletin |
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Welcome to the new Parent and Student Bulletin |
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Welcome to the new Parent and Student Bulletin which we are reintroducing this year. This bulletin will be distributed on a fortnightly basis.
We are aiming to bring all the general school information to you as well as including year specific information in their own sections.
This is a bit of a packed edition with lots going on across school.
The software we are using is all 'a bit new' so it might take us a bit of time to get used to it!
If you have any feedback then you will find a link at the bottom of this email. |
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| Headteachers Letter |
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| Have you read the Headteacher most recent letter which covers the reintroduction of facemasks and details the importance of regular LFD testing? |
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| Whole School |
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Pre-loved uniform will be available on the 1st Tuesday of each month in reception between 3.30pm and 4pm. Items will not be individually priced, however, we would ask for a donation to the schools fund if you are able. We have a selection of purple/black jumpers, grey trousers, rugby tops, PE tops, socks, aprons and even shoes/trainers. Appointments to be made via email at office@highcliffeschool.com
Lost Property
Please see below a list of lost property which can be found in Student Support.
- Light blue mountain warehouse rain jacket with hood. XS
- Dark blue Tribord Adventure rain jacket. Age 12-13 yrs. This does state “George, Dad & Bertie” on the label.
- Black Crivit coat with hood. Large
- Black Mingli puffer coat with fur hood. Large
- Black TU man coat with hood, Medium
- Black Crivit rain jacket with hood. Medium 14/16
- Navy blue puffer jacket with hood. Medium
- Black mountain warehouse coat with hood which is zipped away in the collar. 11-12 years
- Navy blue rain coat from Primark with patterned sleeves. Small
- Black Karrimor rain jacket with hood. XS
- Black Karrimor coat with hood. 13 years
- Light blue Freedom Train jacket with hood. 13-14 years
- Black AFC Bournemouth rain jacket with hood. Small
- Black McKenzie coat with brown fur on hood. 12-13 years
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| Whole school |
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Have you checked out ‘MyWrite’ recently?
MyWrite is our English webpage showcasing the work of our brilliant writers and advertising the latest writing competitions. Many national competitions have huge prizes to be won and often offer the chance to get your writing published. Check the webpage regularly to find out details of current competitions, such as our new mini-saga competition running until the end of December. You can submit your work using the online form and we look forward to reading your entries!
https://highcliffe.sharepoint.com/sites/LearnEnglish/SitePages/MyWrite.aspx |
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| Whole school |
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Parents Forum
Two weeks before half-term we held our very first Parents Forum meeting. This was an opportunity to share the work that the school is doing across the school and also hear feedback directly from parents. THANK YOU so much to those parents that booked and attended the evening.
We are now busy taking on-board the feedback and have already endeavoured to make some changes where possible including adjusting lunchtimings for Year 8 and introducing a 'Priority Queue' for those students wishing to eat a hot meal. We will continue to work on the other area we discussed.
Shortly we will publish 'notes' of the meetings on our websites but wanted to give you dates now of future meetings in this year.
- Tuesday 15th February 6pm
- Tuesday 17th May 6pm
More information about the these sessions and how to book will be distributed nearer the dates. |
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| Year 7 - Information |
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What a wonderful half-term from Year 7: they are polite, enthusiastic and motivated and the Year 7 team are very proud of their achievements.
Our focus for the next two weeks will be to support the students with home study and organisation. Home study started for Year 7 on 1st November so please help your children with organising their time to meet the deadlines and provide a quiet space for them to complete it. Should they need support or clarification there are a number of strategies they can employ: using MyHelp, an online request for support available through MyHighcliffe; email or speak to the teacher directly; ask a buddy in the same class; attend home study club after school, Mon-Thur in the library or ask for help from the tutor. Myself, Mr Witton and Miss Harding are also available in the atrium of the Da Vinci building every morning.
Additionally, tutor speaking and listening presentations start this week. Please encourage and support your child to participate in these as they are an excellent way to build confidence, resilience and become an integral part of the tutor group. Furthermore, they meet the Highcliffe Challenge for communication.
Forthcoming assemblies will be on Retrieval Practice on the 5th November and Remembrance Day on the 9th November.
Advance notice: We will be having another disco on Thursday, 25th November with a Christmas theme.
Mrs Pearson - Head of Achievement Year 7 |
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| Year 8 Activities |
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Year 8 Disco
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On the last Thursday of term Year 8 had a Halloween Disco, it was so nice to see students having a great time dancing until the very end. A big thank you to the Halloween Committee for helping to make decorations and decorating the hall before the Disco.
The event raised just over £600 which will be shared between the Year group fund and a charity of the year groups choice. |
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Commendation Challenge – Actively Engaging in Learning
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During the last two weeks in September we ran an actively engaging in learning commendation challenge in Year 8. Across the two weeks Year 8 were awarded a total of 1970 commendations. The highest commended teaching group was 8MA1/x and the winning tutor group was 8.2. The top three students in the year group were invited to a celebration breakfast of pastries, tea and orange juice with the Pastoral Team. A big well done to you all for taking part in the commendation challenge.
The next commendation challenge will be Excellent Work and will start on Monday 8th November and run for two weeks. Good luck with the next challenge. |
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| Year 8 Girls Cyber First Competition |
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The CyberFirst Girls Competition aims to support girls interested in a career in cyber security. A team of up to 4 students will take part in online challenges in order to qualify for the semi-finals.
Whatever your ability, from beginner to expert, the CyberFirst Girls Competition is an opportunity to learn something new about cyber security. |
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| Year 8 and 9 Girls CyberFirst Girls Development Day |
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We are pleased to advise you that we have organised to be part of the national ‘CyberFirst Girls Development Day’ trip to Plymouth on Saturday 20th November for female students in Year 8 and 9.
There is a £6 cost for the trip, which covers the use of the minibus. There are only 12 places available for this trip, so spaces are extremely limited. |
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| Year 8 and 9 - KS3 Graduation |
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Graduation Launch - Yr8
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During last half term Year 8 had GCSE Ready and KS3 Graduation launched to them in an assembly. At the end of Year 8 Students will Graduate into Year 9 with one of the levels below depending on how many of the 5 criteria (see below) they have managed to achieve across both Year 7 and Year 8. The Graduation will be a formal event in the last week of term with parents invited in to watch. Teachers of Year 8 have started to use language from the below regarding the criteria for Graduation and award levels where opportunities arise in their lessons to familiarise students with the expectations of being GCSE Ready and gaining the highest Graduation level possible. As a result of the assembly launch and conversations with teachers students are aware that GCSE Ready means being independent, organised and resilient learners who find solutions to problems and lesson expectations and behaviours have also been clearly discussed with them, linking directly into our GCSE Ready expectations.
It would be great to see parents also using the language above with students at home and also helping them to work towards the Graduation levels below. Thank you in advance for your support regarding this very important part of KS3. |
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Graduation Launch - Yr9
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During last half term Year 9 had GCSE Ready and KS3 Graduation launched to them in an assembly. At the end of Year 9 Students will Graduate into Year 10 with one of the levels below depending on how many of the 5 criteria (see below) they have managed to achieve across both Year 8 and Year 9. The Graduation will be a formal event in the last week of term with parents invited in to watch. Teachers of Year 9 have started to use language from the below regarding the criteria for Graduation and award levels where opportunities arise in their lessons to familiarise students with the expectations of being GCSE Ready and gaining the highest Graduation level possible. As a result of the assembly launch and conversations with teachers students are aware that GCSE Ready means being independent, organised and resilient learners who find solutions to problems and lesson expectations and behaviours have also been clearly discussed with them, linking directly into our GCSE Ready expectations.
It would be great to see parents also using the language above with students at home and also helping them to work towards the Graduation levels below. Thank you in advance for your support regarding this very important part of KS3. |
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| Year 9 Commendation Challenge |
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During the last two weeks in September we ran an actively engaging in learning commendation challenge in Year 9. Across the two weeks Year 9 were awarded a total of 1465 commendations. The highest commended teaching group was 9EN5/X and the winning tutor group was 9.4. The top three students in the year group were invited to a celebration breakfast of pastries, tea and orange juice with the Pastoral Team. A big well done to you all for taking part in the commendation challenge.
The next commendation challenge will be Excellent Work and will start on Monday 8th November and run for two weeks. Good luck with the next challenge. |
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| Deadlines for Registering |
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Year 9 Silver DofE deadline Friday 5th November. Click Here.
Year 10 Silver DofE deadline Monday 15th November. Click Here. |
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| Year 10 - Information |
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Work Experience - We are delighted to be able to provide your son/daughter with the opportunity to participate in the Year 10 Work Experience programme. Work Experience is a valuable learning experience for all students, regardless of ability and aspiration: almost all young people will enter employment during their adult life and a meaningful work experience can help influence their career direction. All parents should have received a pack of information about the programme and we would request that you support your son/daughter in securing a placement as soon as possible.
Year 10 Progress Check and Parents Evening – You will soon be receiving our first Year 10 Progress Check. . We hope that you will find it useful in tracking the progress that your son/daughter are making. Please take time to discuss the Progress Check with your son/daughter in order to congratulate them and direct their attention to areas needing improvement. . If you have any concerns about your child’s progress, please contact their subject teacher, tutor or myself as appropriate. Due to the current situation with Covid-19, we have investigated solutions that would enable us to continue our subject evenings online. You will soon be invited to an online Year 10 Subject Evening on Thursday 11th November 2021. During this evening, you will be able to discuss your son/daughter’s progress which makes it important that parents and students attend this event. This evening is very important in the Year 10 calendar and your attendance would be greatly appreciated.
Personal Statements/CV’s – Year 10 students are also working on their Personal Statements and Curriculum Vitae. These will be useful when making contact with their prospective employers for work Experience and when they take part in our Mock Interview programme in the new year. All students will undertake a formal interview with a local employer. In the past, we have received excellent feedback and students have found the interviews to be very rewarding. |
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| Year 11 - Information |
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Sixth Form Taster Day – 12th November sees our Sixth Form Taster Day. Students will experience a day in the life of a Sixth Former, so will attend in non-uniform and will go to a number subject taster sessions of their choice. The decisions they take at 16 are important in defining their future career path and opening up additional avenues for personal fulfilment and discovery. The day will provide insights, information, advice and guidance about the courses that will enable students to grow and develop, whilst maintaining the supportive structure that only a Sixth Form environment can provide. On the same day, some students will be getting an insight into vocational courses at Bournemouth and Poole College.
Mock Examinations – These start on 29th November. In order for students to have adequate time to revise for these examinations, the school will cease to set non-revision based home study from 15th November. In order to provide additional support, the My Engagement portal has opened, providing information about the topics to be assessed in each subject, study skills videos that students might utilise and My Futures lectures. The latter were created for students by staff at Highcliffe School and cover all the subjects undertaken by our Year 11 cohort.
Science 'Walking Talking' mock - Students will be completing a Science Walking Talking Mock to prepare for their mock exams. This is where teachers will demonstrate and do the examination live with students showing how to approach questions. The topics will be Paper 1 topics. This will take place on Thursday 18/11/21 lessons 3 and 4. More details will follow nearer the time from your Science teachers and in the bulletin. Make sure you know which tier of entry you are.
Poetry Live - This amazing opportunity to see and hear some of the poets in the Power and Conflict Anthology is not to be missed. Simon Armitage, Carol Ann Duffy, John Agard and Imtiaz Dharker will provide insights into their writing as well as responding to questions from the audience. An experienced Chief Examiner will lead two sessions giving guidance on answering the Unseen Poetry questions, focusing particularly on how the exam board would like to see evidence used to support answers. This conference will expand your ideas and boost your success in the poetry sections of the English Literature exam: students in previous years have been excited and empowered by the experience of the day. The English team strongly advise you to book your place and join us on Monday 7th February.
A copy of the letter that was given in class is available on the website (here) if you need a replacement. Get on Wise Pay and book your place today! Return your completed permission form to Student Support. |
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| Now launched! |
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| Above you can see the many different Year 11 Support Sessions that are already running. More will be added as they start up. THANK YOU to all the teachers giving up their time for these sessions. |
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| Have you seen all our Clubs? |
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| Click below to view all the clubs and extra curricular activities that are presently running. |
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| Whole school - PE Extra Curricular Clubs |
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| Year 8 Gardening Club |
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| Bit of work to do ;-) It already looks better than the photo! |
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| The Year 8 project this year is the garden area within school. This club runs on a Tuesday and Wednesday lunchtime (weather permitting). So far it has been well attended but new members are always welcome so please do come along and help get the space ready for lots of spring flowers and vegetables. Gloves etc are provided but students are welcome to bring their own. |
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Upcoming Dates
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Week Beginning 8th November
All Week:
- Autumn GCSE Re Sits
- Y9 Learning Behaviour Focus Week
Thursday 11th November
- Y10 Subject Evening (Online)
Friday 12th November
- 6th Form Taster Day (For Y11)
- School closed to Y7 - 10 (see above)
- Y11 Brockenhurst Taster Day
- British Physics Olympiad Round 1
Week Beginning 15th November
All Week
- Y8 Learning Behaviour Focus Week
- Anti- Bullying Week – ‘One Kind Word’
- Autumn GCSE Re Sits
Thursday 18th November
- Y13 King Lear Performance 7pm
- Y11 Science Walking Talking Mock
Friday 19th November
Saturday 20th November
- Y8 & Y9 CyberFirst Girls Development Day
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| Feedback Welcome |
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| We welcome feedback on the Bulletin as want it to be as useful as possible. If there is something you would like to see added or changed then please let us know. |
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| External Promotion - no school involvement |
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| We value the power of education to change lives |
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