Events as we approach Christmas

As you can imagine, school is very busy on the run up to the end of term and the Christmas break; there are musical events, drama performances, sports fixtures and, of course, our school Speech Night when prizes are awarded to our students for effort and attainment during 2013-2014. The Marlwood Singers and music exam groups joined singer Suzi Digby for a performance of the Messiah from ‘scratch’ at the Royal Albert Hall on 30th November, which was recorded for Classic FM and BBC Radio 3. In the REP faculty, we are introducing our ELP approach (Extended Learning Projects) to independent learning as a replacement for homework. We are extending this to all of KS3 this year, using the principle that in depth learning on a few aspects of the subject, is better in REP, than small discrete homework that only probe a topic so far. The task allows all pupils to take the study as far as they can, with a minimal expectation. This term Year 9 have been studying questions about the holocaust Year 7 will be researching festivals around the world; next term Year 8 will be studying the wisdom of ancient teachings. Each project lasts about 5 weeks, with weekly deadlines to monitor progress. Our staff are quite excited and looking forward to reviewing the outcomes with the participating students. Our congratulations to those who took part in the South Glos XC Championships at Blaise Castle in November. Many of the individuals who ran in the competition have been selected to represent South Glos at the Avon Championships in January. Particularly well done to the Junior Boys Team (years 8 and 9) who came first overall in the event