A big thank you to all the staff and students who raised an impressive £862.13 for The BBC Children in Need Appeal; and thanks also for the donation of £50 to the together for short lives charity raised through the sale of Christmas cards.
MOVING FORWARD WITH THE RESPECT AGENDA
Each month two of our Sixth Form students join a member of the Senior Leadership Team at the Breakfast Networking Club run by our Premium Partners for Schools. This gives our students leadership opportunities to introduce themselves to the business community, to network with prospective employers and sponsors, and to take questions from the community on their school experiences and aspirations.
MUSIC AT MARLWOOD
Towards the end of last term, our Year 12 Music students visited the local recording studios at NGM Thornbury, spending the whole day running recording sessions alongside the professional recording engineers at the studio. The completed recordings will contribute towards their overall AS grades so the pressure was on for every take to be perfect! With a total of 32 performances to record, the day was extremely fast paced, with students working very hard to lay down their tracks with a superb degree of professionalism and efficiency. Every single student rose well to the occasion and did their absolute best on the day. The biggest problem came when we had finished recording and had to drag them away from the studios! Well done Year 12!
MARLWOOD PRESS TEAM
I am delighted to welcome an initiative on the part of the Performing Arts Faculty which offers leadership opportunities for our students interested in journalism and/or photography. Students will be covering events happening in and around the school and reporting on them via our termly Newsletter, the Headteacher’s Blog, Twitter accounts, and communications home. Keep your eyes open for some exciting and interesting articles from ‘the horse’s mouth!’
CELEBRATING SUCCESS
This term has seen us celebrate many
successes with our students, some of which have already been shared through the
Headteacher Blog. Our Performing Arts
students have brought a wealth of talent and technical skills to the Year 13
performance of ‘Shakers’; Year 10 Access to Music students have been collaborating
with younger students to showcase their musical skills in a series of ‘open
mics’ workshops; and we are eagerly anticipating exam performances from Year
12’s The Importance of Being Earnest’ (Oscar
Wilde) and Year 11’s Private Peaceful! (Michael
Morpurgo). Two of our Year 13 students took part in ARTiculate – a prestigious
public speaking event at the Arnolifini – and were complimented by the judges
on their passion for their chosen subjects and an exemplary delivery.
Our Year 11 and Year 10 Rubgy teams
have continued to represent the school with enthusiasm and determination; our
Year 9s and Year 10s saw success in the South Gloucestershire Rowing Challenge,
and congratulations go to Joe Leather (Year 9), who is representing Avon in the
County U18 Tennis Competition.
Congratulations also to Jessica
Chalkley (Year 10) who has won her semi-final heat of the Rotary Young Chef
Competition. We wish her every success in the District Finals in February.
It is always pleasing to
share good press with our parents - for those of you who didn’t catch the news
in the Gazette “Castle and Marlwood schools buck the national trend and named amongst
best in South Gloucestershire” click below for the whole article.
SIXTH FORM APPLICATIONS
We are delighted with the response of
applications to join the Sixth Form from Year 11. As well as an academic programme for
students, we will be developing the ‘Enrichment Programme’ to ensure students
have opportunities for leadership within their timetables. If any student is
still thinking about joining us, it is not too late to submit an application form.
SCHOOL GOVERNORS
As we have moved towards Academy status, Term 3 has seen some changes in the constitution of our Local Governing Body: Mr W Tingley and Mrs R Clark (Parent Governors) and Mrs C Oglesby (Staff Governor) have stood down and we thank them for all their hard work and commitment to the school whilst in office. The Governors are delighted to welcome Ms R Allgood, a Castle School Education Trust Director, as the newly appointed Chair of Governors. We also welcome Mrs M Beckford (Parent Governor) and Mr V Green (Staff Governor). This leaves the Governing Body with two vacancies for Community Governors and a vacancy for a Parent Governor. If you feel you have the right skills and enthusiasm, with time to commit to this role in an exciting period for the school, please contact the Clerk to the Governors for more information.
TERM 3 NEWSLETTER
Our Term 3 Newsletter is now available via this link to the web site – it is full of details of what our students have been doing throughout the term, House updates and useful information on forthcoming events see http://www.marlwood.com/ws-public/uploads/269_Newsletter-February-2015.pdf
UNIFORM
Term 4 will see us driving a
whole-school agenda to ensure our students arrive at school wearing the correct
uniform and we have communicated with parents to request their support. We are
also starting a consultation with students and the wider school community on
the appropriateness of our current uniform. Students are encouraged to have
their say through their House and School Councils. We ask that parents/carers
refrain from buying any items of uniform for September until we have confirmed
what changes – if any - there might be. The results will be fed back at the end
of Term 4.
ATTENDANCE MATTERS
We have a school target to reach of 95% attendance and are encouraging all our students to attend school and to arrive punctually. Research shows the link between good attendance and academic outcomes. At Marlwood, as part of our vision for achieving excellence, we aspire to create that connection between attendance and outcomes.
HEADTEACHER ASSEMBLIES – Working together for excellence
I met with all the year groups last week to talk about how best we can
support students in their learning: for the Year 11s we are emphasising the
need to PLAN their revision before their exams in order to do justice to their
learning and to reflect their hard work; for the Year 10s we want them to be
thinking already of how they will structure their learning over the next 16
months to give them the best possible
grades they can achieve; for our Year 9s it is about their options – which
study paths to take that give them the most flexible choices for their GCSEs, A
levels and beyond; for our Year 8s and Year 7s we covered leadership and taking
the opportunities presented to them to participate fully in their whole school
experience; and for our Sixth Form it is all about putting in the time and
effort now for the payback of choice for University/College or apprenticeship
and their eventual career path. It is a
competitive world our students are preparing to enter and we want them ready
and excited to grasp the opportunities ahead of them
PARENTS FORUM
The school welcomed a
group of parents to our newly formed Parents Forum which is designed to provide
opportunities to explore and discuss school initiatives with parents and to
receive their viewpoint and feedback. The first forum, which met last week,
looked at alternative approaches to the format for Parents Evenings, the
Respect Agenda in some detail, and a first round of consultation on school
uniform. We are very grateful to the parents who turned up on a cold, wet and miserable
evening to take part and who contributed fully to the discussions. They have agreed
to continue with the forums until the end of the school year. The next meetings
are scheduled for 25th March and 24th June. If you would
like to join us, please contact ‘theschool@marlwood.net’.
RESPECT AGENDA
The school has been
delivering our Respect agenda throughout the school via assemblies. The Respect
agenda is based on students embracing leadership opportunities throughout their
time in school, which will prepare them well for the world of work/study when
they leave school. It is supported by the House system and all students are
encouraged to participate through the School Council and school initiatives
(such as the Spelling Bee). Leadership encourages a sense of responsibility and
a share in the decision making of the school where appropriate. Current
projects include investigating whether we introduce a Prefect System, various
School Environment projects – Marlwood’s version of ‘Dragons Den’ where students bid for funding
for projects based on ideas worked through by students, and the Bright Futures
Careers initiative which helps our students understand career pathways, and
gives support with CVs and mock interviews.
REMOTE CAR CONTROL COMPETITION
53 of our students took
part in the Remote Control Car competition; students from Y7 – Y11, teamed up
with students from the University of the West of England to create cars from
kits using their skills from Science, Technology and Engineering. They also
designed the paintwork and stencils used to add the finishing touches. The
school used this learning opportunity to support our Respect agenda which helps
students develop their skills in leadership and responsibility; we added
another touch of spice to the competition by making it a House event and Holt
won.
CROSS CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE SCIENCES AND THE ARTS
As part of our cross-curricular opportunities for the Sciences and
the Arts, our Year 9s enjoyed an exciting visit to the Cinelive Project, which
included intro-immersive performances (placing students inside the world of the
event with performers),and Science
workshops delivered by Bristol and Cardiff neuroscientists. Our students
explored the structure and nature of the human brain, and a screening of the
film ‘The Village of the Damned’ (1960) on which the whole event is based to
tie all of the theatre, science and full immersion together. The feedback was
our Year 9’s were a credit to the school, participated well and were
fantastically behaved. We are extremely proud of them.
Marlwood School RESPECT Agenda
Last week saw the launch of the Respect agenda to students
through assemblies.
Respect is a fundamental principle of the school ethos and in
this context the agenda presents leadership opportunities for our students
in order that they have a real say in some of the school's initiatives over the
rest of this academic year and beyond.
We are encouraging students to put themselves forward, to seize
these opportunities for leadership and thereby have a real stake in the development
of the school.
To see the Powerpoint used in the assemblies,
please click here http://www.marlwood.com/ws-public/uploads/269_RESPECT%20Assembly%20Jan2015.pdf
Raising money for charity
We are very proud of all
our students who have been working to raise money for charities. We would like
to share the success of Evie Fellowes (Year 9) raised £524.52 for
‘HopeForMorgan’ on the non-uniform day of last term, and Harriet Clapp (Year 8)
who not only raised £850 for CLIC but also had her long hair cut off for The
Little Princesses Trust, who will use the plait to make wigs for children with
cancer.
School Council
The School Council has
met for the second time during this term. Their role in the new style of
meetings is to support the House system in its development through the year.
The School Council holds termly meetings, after the House Councils have met, to
discuss any improvements and support needed throughout the school. Certain
sub-groups work closely with Mr Gallop, the Assistant Headteacher, with regard
to the many House competitions planned to take place through the year.
Marlwood Spelling Bee
On the evening of 19th March 2015, Marlwood School will hold its first ever Spelling Bee. This promises to be a really exciting event and is being supported by members of the local business community. Students are currently taking part in tutor competitions in order to find a worthy winner from each group who will then take part in a series of heats during the evening until we have our very first Marlwood Spelling Champion. As well, there will be ‘Oscar’ style performances of finalists from the Music Department’s ‘Music and Lyrics’ competition, with the finalist announced on the night, and a display of ‘spelling’ related art from an Art Department competition.
Our Literacy Leaders and
Ambassadors will be delighted to welcome parents, friends and family who are
all invited to attend this fantastic event which we hope will become an annual
celebration of spelling excellence at Marlwood School.
Mentoring
Continuing the theme of students taking on leadership and contributing to their community.
Year 11 Mentoring - A number of Year 12 and Year 13 students have started mentoring Year 11 students to support them with their GCSE revision and preparation.
Peer Mentoring - There are also a number of students offering 'Peer Mentoring' in the Sixth Form. these students are supporting each other to help build confidence in different Sixth Form subject areas.
Reading Mentors - Developing their own communication and leadership skills, whilst supporting others, 26 students in the Sixth Form are listening to students read. They help younger students to choose their next reading book, listen to them read it and offer support where necessary.
The Sixth Formers are enjoying leading the planning of these sessions, being a 'critical' friend and pointing out which areas should be a focus for the student they are working with
Students meet to support each other during tutor time at various times in the week.
The feedback so far has been very positive.
Year 11 Mentoring - A number of Year 12 and Year 13 students have started mentoring Year 11 students to support them with their GCSE revision and preparation.
Peer Mentoring - There are also a number of students offering 'Peer Mentoring' in the Sixth Form. these students are supporting each other to help build confidence in different Sixth Form subject areas.
Reading Mentors - Developing their own communication and leadership skills, whilst supporting others, 26 students in the Sixth Form are listening to students read. They help younger students to choose their next reading book, listen to them read it and offer support where necessary.
The Sixth Formers are enjoying leading the planning of these sessions, being a 'critical' friend and pointing out which areas should be a focus for the student they are working with
Students meet to support each other during tutor time at various times in the week.
The feedback so far has been very positive.
Year 13 - Next career steps.
Our Year 13 students have been very busy over the course of the last 4 months. Not only have they been working hard on their qualifications but they have also been securing the next stage of their career progression. Some will seek out jobs using their qualifications, others will begin apprenticeships and a few will take a 'gap' year. The majority will apply to University and today we celebrate as the last of the 'UCAS' applications were sent away.
Writing these applications is not easy, making yourself stand out amongst the many students who will be applying for the same university course as you is a real skill. Our students have been very well supported by their tutor and the Sixth Form leadership team.
Today the year 13 students shared their experiences with year 12 students. This was fantastic to see as the older students showed leadership and teamwork in supporting the younger students as they make decisions about their future. A real example of 'working together for excellence'. The key points that were shared:
Writing these applications is not easy, making yourself stand out amongst the many students who will be applying for the same university course as you is a real skill. Our students have been very well supported by their tutor and the Sixth Form leadership team.
Today the year 13 students shared their experiences with year 12 students. This was fantastic to see as the older students showed leadership and teamwork in supporting the younger students as they make decisions about their future. A real example of 'working together for excellence'. The key points that were shared:
- prepare your personal statement (individual student details) early as it is the most difficult thing to get prepare
- get ideas for CVs from www.careerpilot, other websites and the 'Apply Booklet' provided by the School
- visit Universities whilst you have the chance in term 6 at the end of year 12
- remember that your enrichment work in Year 12 is a large part of your application, so take advantage of all of the opportunities for community and leadership, NOW!
- remember that you can apply to University, an Apprenticeship or a 'Year in Industry' all at the same time. So if you are not sure make your applications and then decide later.
Passion for reading at Marlwood 2
Our "Concorde Crew" reading group made and sold
cakes this week to contribute towards the costs of a guest author (Ali Sparkes)
appearing at the Concorde Book Award in March. Their cakes looked delicious and
the excited group raised £64.10 towards the fund.
They will be holding a book sale in February and
will start to collect good condition books after the Christmas
holidays.
Passion for reading at Marlwood School 1
Our 'Accelerated Reader' programme goes from strength to strength.
Key stage 3 readers in years 7-9 are doing brilliantly. 86% of all students have read a book and taken a quiz on its content in the past 30 days (actually 98% in year 7!) . Students have taken staggering 2170 quizzes on books they have read since September. Four students are now 'word millionaires' having read a million words this term. Two of the year 7 English teaching groups have reached the 5 million word mark. More certificates to be awarded, well done all, and keep it up over Christmas.
Key stage 3 readers in years 7-9 are doing brilliantly. 86% of all students have read a book and taken a quiz on its content in the past 30 days (actually 98% in year 7!) . Students have taken staggering 2170 quizzes on books they have read since September. Four students are now 'word millionaires' having read a million words this term. Two of the year 7 English teaching groups have reached the 5 million word mark. More certificates to be awarded, well done all, and keep it up over Christmas.
Attendance
As we approach the end of this term I wanted to write on the issue of attendance. Much is reported in the media, from detailed academic research, into the factors which will have the greatest impact on the ability of a student to achieve the best they can whilst at school. There is no doubt that the most important of these factors is attendance. Put simply, if a child is not at school it is very difficult to offer them a high quality education. And in this regard it is the regular short term absence that can be the most damaging as it disrupts the learning over an extended period of time. The figures are well publicised:
- one day off per week equates to an attendance figure of 80%. Whilst this sounds an impressive number, over 5 years of education this would be the equivalent of one whole school year missed.
- one day off per fortnight equates to an attendance of 90%. Again this is an impressive figure but over 5 years would be the equivalent of half a year missed.
In either of the scenarios outlined above it is easy to see how achieving academic excellence would be very hard for a child.
The national average for attendance is just above 94%. As a school with a focus on excellence our aim is to beat this figure. We have set ourselves the target of 95% for this academic year.
Now the good news. Marlwood school has had great success this year in regard to improving the attendance of individuals and consequently the whole community. At the last count we were just short of our target and above the national average. Most impressively this is a big increase on last year.
So a big well done to all those students who got themselves into school and continue to do so on a regular basis. And a big thank you to the parents on providing the support that students sometimes need to get here when they are not feeling their best.
As we move through the winter months I hope we can continue 'Working together for excellence' in regard to attendance and keep those total figures as high as possible.
- one day off per week equates to an attendance figure of 80%. Whilst this sounds an impressive number, over 5 years of education this would be the equivalent of one whole school year missed.
- one day off per fortnight equates to an attendance of 90%. Again this is an impressive figure but over 5 years would be the equivalent of half a year missed.
In either of the scenarios outlined above it is easy to see how achieving academic excellence would be very hard for a child.
The national average for attendance is just above 94%. As a school with a focus on excellence our aim is to beat this figure. We have set ourselves the target of 95% for this academic year.
Now the good news. Marlwood school has had great success this year in regard to improving the attendance of individuals and consequently the whole community. At the last count we were just short of our target and above the national average. Most impressively this is a big increase on last year.
So a big well done to all those students who got themselves into school and continue to do so on a regular basis. And a big thank you to the parents on providing the support that students sometimes need to get here when they are not feeling their best.
As we move through the winter months I hope we can continue 'Working together for excellence' in regard to attendance and keep those total figures as high as possible.
Celebrating excellence at Marlwood School
As we approach the end of term there are two events that allow us to celebrate the success of students at Marlwood School. ' Speech Night' on Thursday 18th December is our traditional prize giving event. The hard work, contribution and success of Marlwood students in the academic year 2013-2014 will be celebrated. Those students just starting out on their journey at Marlwood to those who have now left us to pursue their chosen career will be applauded and rewarded. In total there are 226 prizes with certificates, gift cards and, in some cases, trophies presented to the students. There are additional prizes this year in recognition of the progress and attainment of students in all subjects in academic years 7-10 last year. This allows us to involve a larger proportion of our students in this special event.
Following Speech Night on Friday 19th December, each House will have its own 'Celebration of Success' assembly. This is in recognition of the hard work, contribution and success of students in the current academic year. In total we will hand out 1601 certificates and 2457 awards. A true reflection of the positive culture that is being developed at the school.
A huge well done to all of the students involved in these awards and a big thank you to all of the staff and parents who have supported them this term.
Following Speech Night on Friday 19th December, each House will have its own 'Celebration of Success' assembly. This is in recognition of the hard work, contribution and success of students in the current academic year. In total we will hand out 1601 certificates and 2457 awards. A true reflection of the positive culture that is being developed at the school.
A huge well done to all of the students involved in these awards and a big thank you to all of the staff and parents who have supported them this term.
Children In Need
A well done to all in our community who dressed up, baked cake and ate cake for 'Children In Need'. Today we received notification, from Pudsey Bear, that we raised and donated an impressive £1130.13.
Parents' Discussion Forum
We are setting up a Parents’ Discussion Forum in order to gauge parents’ views on a number of school issues and some of the big projects we are planning for the future.
Further details will also be available on the school website via the headteacher’s blog.
We would welcome parents of students across the age range, and parents who might be long standing associates of the school as well as those who have a first child who joined this September.
We ask that, if possible, you commit to three one hour evening sessions over the rest of this academic year. If you are interested in being a member, please make contact with the school’s Deputy Head, Mr C Reed, through his secretary - t.marshall@marlwood.net - in the new year.
The proposed dates - to be confirmed - are as follows:
Forum 1: Wednesday 28th January, 2015 7-8pm
Forum 2: Wednesday 25th March, 2015 7-8pm
Forum 3: Wednesday 24th June, 2015 7-8pm
Bugsy Malone
Yesterday Marlwood school extended a warm welcome to the community for the production of Bugsy Malone. There are few events in the school calendar that reflect our vision of 'working together for excellence' in quite the same way as a school production. Students and staff from across the school have combined to stage 'Bugsy' for your delight. Every aspect of the production, from the performers, music, costume and choreography through to the technical support, publicity, box office and even refreshments have involved the hard work, talent and leadership of our students. Yesterday saw a matinee performance to local primary schools, followed by a wonderful evening performance. If you were present at either I am sure that you will have thoroughly enjoyed the show, as did I. I know that you will join with me in offering congratulations to them all. If you missed it, I hope you are able to catch the last performance tonight.
Literacy at Marlwood School
An exciting two terms for our first ever set of Literacy Ambassadors. there are 64 students leading this exciting project to develop the literacy skills of all students. Literacy Ambassadors have been testing their own knowledge, through teaching staff how to punctuate accurately in after school sessions! They have also been sharing the Word of the Week (WOW) with their tutor group.
Students are busy gearing up for Marlwood's first Spelling Bee on March 19th. The heats will be held in tutor groups and the best from each group will take part in the event. Family and friends will be able to come along, cheer and even join in.
A music and lyrics competition will also be part of the evening. This will be led by the Music Department. Alongside all of this there will be a book sale to support Marlwood's continuing and successful involvement with the Concorde Book Award.
The Poetry of Remembrance competition won by Fred Wakefield in Year 9 who became our first 'Poetry Star':
I REMEMBER YOU
I remember you
I remember your soul
Your happiness
Your life, your everything
Here you are not forgotten
Your grave with secrets beneath
A body of hope
Your life shouldn’t have ended
You should be here today
Just remember we love you
Do not be afraid
We are still close
By Fred Wakefield
Year 9
Berkeley House B4.
All prize winners will receive a book of their collected poems, which is illustrated by Art pupils.
A longest sentence competition containing all the WOW words from Term 1 drew in some fantastic responses. there were a number of prize winners but the overall award went to:
The optimism of the student was waning as the scarcely sonorous voice of the art teacher rang out; his far-from-abnormal penchant for leaving the class-room stood liminally teetering on the edge of his mind, his ambulance soon to be restored by the prudent and timid sound of the bell that could transfigure a class of well-behaved children into a pack of feral, wild beasts.
By Ben Baldwin K4 Kingsley House
All winners will receive a 'Sentence Star' badge at the end of term assembly.
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
Marlwood School Christmas Concert 2014
Year 11 - Preparation for Exams
A busy week for Year 11 students. On Wednesday 3rd December they received the results of their November Practice Examinations. The aim was to mimic the results day that they will experience in August 2015. Envelopes were handed out. The students opened their sheet and looked at the results carefully and of course they then compared their own results with those from other students. The message was simple - if you are pleased, fantastic. Now how do you make sure the same results or better are achieved next summer. If you are disappointed, what do you need to do in order to change the outcome next summer. The following day all year 11 students gathered in the Drama Hall for an inspirational message from the 'The Big Picture'. The message was serious but delivered with humour - your future, in your hands, you are the master of your own destiny BUT only if you take action. Large numbers of students report being inspired and we look forward to seeing how this impacts on their grades.
House Competitions
These have been running all year and students are taking
part in the events that match their skill set. The competition is very close with all four houses
collecting similar amounts of points.
At the time of writing the House Bench competition has been judged with Kingsley winning with a catching leopard spot design.
Students have got
involved from the building of the flat-packed benches against the clock, creating a unique design to represent their
house and finally the execution of the design in tough gloss paints. All four of them are now installed around the school site for students to use. Well done to all involved and watch out for an article in next week's Gazette!
Opera in a Day 2014
On Wednesday 19th November the great tradition of
Marlwood students working together with those from New Siblands School
continued. With advice and
guidance from the English Touring Opera Company, the students worked hard all
day before presenting their piece to an audience in the early part of the
evening. The contribution made by
our year 10 students was fantastic and everyone present had nothing but praise
for all involved.
Rotary Chef Competition 2014
After school on Tuesday 18th November six KS4 students
entered the Design Technology Kitchens to prepare their two course menus for
the assembled judging panel. The
competition was fierce and all present commented on the quality of the food
served. Congratulations to all of
the competitors. Each one
benefited from professional advice and the pressure of the competition.
Governors Day
On Wednesday 26th November a groups of Governors
joined us in school. They were
here to look at the work of the school, specifically in regard to the House
System and the quality of work in Students Books. They attended a House Assembly – with a presentation on the
important work of Young Carers in our society. They were impressed by the quality of the messages and the
very respectful behaviour of our students. They also went to a house tutor session and watched as
different age students worked together to answer questions and solve
problems. They liked the way the
students interacted and the way the activity prepared students for the day ahead. The Governors then went on to a training
session on how student exercise books can be used to find out how much progress
is being made by students. They
found this task very revealing as they looked at the books of 29 students in
year 8. In the best examples
students clearly showed progress as they corrected work in response to feedback
from their teachers.
We finished the day with a full Governing Body meeting where
we discussed the progress made by the school in its improvement planning.
The catering for the whole day was provided by KS4 students
as part of their coursework requirement.
They provided a lovely lunch and an afternoon tea that was enjoyed by a
large number of staff and governors.
Well done to them all.
Feedback and Communication
Many thanks for the numerous positive comments about the new
school website. As we strive to
achieve excellence in our communications with our community we are delighted
that you are finding the website so useful. We are continuing to work on this to provide a range of
functions so if some links are not ‘live’ please be patient.
As I create more blog posts and I become familiar with the technology the updates will appear
on a more regular basis. In order
for you to be informed straight away of any new content on the website, in this
blog or for more general news about the school please follow us on Twitter -@marlwoodschool.
If you do not currently have a twitter account I would encourage you to
set one up, this can be done quickly at www.twitter.com. The key advantage to using twitter is
that it enables you to receive information from the school (and other places)
direct to your computer or mobile device through the twitter website or ‘APP’. We are planning on a number of accounts
within the Marlwood School brand that you can follow to receive information
from across the school.
This term continues at quite a pace. Students and staff continue to work
hard together to achieve excellence in learning and student outcomes. Year 11 and 13 are focused on their
forthcoming exams. They are
reminded often that they are not very far away. Year 11 students are receiving their mock exam results and a
whole range of support and interventions are being put in place to ensure they
achieve the best results they can.
A large number of students are contributing to our community on a daily
basis, a big thank you to them all and to the staff who are supporting them. Some highlights are identified
below. Please check the calendar
carefully for all upcoming events.
Marlwood Remembers
11th November – Armistice Day. At the 11th hour of the 11th day Marlwood School remembered them. At 10.55am all staff shared with students the memory of remembrance and the importance of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. At 11.00am Peter Stace stood in the School Quad and played the Last Post. There followed a beautifully observed 2 minutes silence as the school community reflected and remembered. Peter then signalled the end of the Silence with 'The Reveille'.
Year 12/13 Parents Evening
The Year 12/13 parent evening on 6th
November was a chance for parents
and students in the Sixth Form to meet subject staff for advice and guidance on
making the most of their sixth form experience. If you missed this then please do not hesitate to contact
the Sixth Form team or subject staff directly.
Maths Challenge
Senior Maths Challenge 6th November -
saw a number of our students compete in this national competition run by
UKMT. Maths is a real strength at
Marlwood School and we expect great things from ALL of our students in this
critical curriculum area.
Children in Need
Children in Need . Students came into school in
clothes in the colour of their house.
A £1 charge was made for this privilege and contributed to the fund
raising activities throughout the day, including a staff ‘bake off’ to discover
Marlwood’s baking talent.
Sixth Form Open Evening
Sixth Form Open Evening last week was a chance
for all Year 11 students to see what is on offer in the Sixth Form at Marlwood
School. A reminder that ALL
students are expected to stay on in some form of education until they are 18. We certainly expect it to be their
aspiration that this will be to study with us and to join in the success that
our students have in securing pathways into higher education.
Year 11 Examinations
Year 11 Mock/practice examinations. Students have been well prepared for
these exams through skills sessions to improve study and revision technique
. This has been in addition to the
specific subject preparation that each student will be receiving in each
lesson. The outcomes of these
exams will be important for ALL students as this data will help to determine
the next steps that they take in their education.
A new channel of communication
In
our drive to achieve ‘excellence’ in our communications with you we are in the
process of developing and improving our website www.marlwood.com and social media
presence. This blog, which is the
first of a regular update from myself and the school, will coincide with the
launch of the new school website.
In order for you to receive update communications with as little effort
as possible, I would urge you to follow us on twitter @marlwoodschool.
If you do not currently have a twitter account I would encourage you to
set one up, this can be done quickly at www.twitter.com. The key advantage to using twitter is
that it enables you to receive information from the school (and other places)
direct to your computer or mobile device through the twitter website or
‘APP’. We are planning on a number
of accounts within the Marlwood School brand that you can follow to receive information
from across the school.
James Pope
Headteacher, Marlwood School
Headteacher, Marlwood School
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