message from the headteacher€¦ · be displayed at musgrove park hospital! mini messenger...

Friday 22 May 2020

Message from the Headteacher

Dear Parents/Carers,

Thank you very much for your continued support and the kind messages that we have received. At the end of another unusual half term, as a school, we are now looking forward to getting some of the students back into school starting from Monday 8th June. If you are intending on sending your son or daughter back to school on this date, please can you ensure that you let us know by emailing : [email protected] by the Tuesday 2nd June. It is vital that we know exactly which students will be in school for safeguarding and practical reasons, such as having adequate staffing to support. We are trying to keep parents updated as much as we can; therefore, a lot of important information is being emailed and sent out. Please can you take your time to read this carefully and email us if you have any queries.

As ever, the safety of your son/daughter remains our priority. These are new and untested times for us as a school, as well as for you as parents, so please continue to give us feedback and we will regularly review what we are doing.

Take care of yourselves and your families. Gregg Mockridge

Free School Meal—changes to the voucher scheme.

If have been receiving FSM

vouchers, you will receive an update in the post shortly.

Vouchers will continue to be issued, but in a different way.

Please keep an eye out for this letter.

mailto:[email protected]

Mini Messenger 2 22/05/2020

6th Form Talented Pet Competition

Ellie Scyner


Ella Beynon-Pearce

Mental Health Awareness


MFL: Language Challenge

Why not improve or learn a new language over the summer – Here are the best language learning apps: https://www.lifewire.com/the-7-best-free-language-learning-apps-1357060

Learning a new language is good for our brains and will be very handy for future trav-el! There will be prizes for impressive lan-guage learning!

‘Geokes’ of the week

Answer to Geokes of the week 6 (sent in by two Year 10 students)

1. How was it that both Robin Hood and King Arthur knew all the symbols on a map? because they are both legends

2. Why can't maps win at poker?because they always fold

Answer to Geokes of the week 7 (sent in by two Year 10 students)

1. Why are oceans so meticulous? They like to be Pacific 2. What did the ocean say to the coastline? Nothing it just waved

Knock, knock Whose there? Yukon Yukon who?

Knock, knock Whose there? Kenya Kenya who?

Can you solve these?

https://www.lifewire.com/the-7-best-free-language-learning-apps-1357060


NHS Challenge. Our students’ Art and Photography themed around the NHS, will be displayed at Musgrove Park Hospital!

Mini Messenger 22/05/2020


Building on My Motor Vehicle Experience-Welding Whilst studying motor vehicle over the last two years, which I really enjoyed, and being lucky enough to complete work experience in year 10 at Beaver Ford in the body workshop, my interests in both engine and body mechanics were sparked. I was fortunate enough to buy a car to hone my skills and develop new ones. The recent lockdown has enabled me to spend a lot more time in the garage and I have practised welding. I made sure I had plenty of supplies to practice and shut myself in the garage to de-

velop my newly found interest. It was tricky at first but it soon became a lot easier

and within a short time I felt ready to weld on the car. I needed to replace a rusty

rear sill by cutting it out, preparing the area and making a new panel to replace the

rusty one.

After grinding down the welds

smooth I began to fill the area

with fibre glass filler ensuring a

good final finish ready for a new

coat of paint, which is my next

project.

I would really like to thank Mr Speers and Mr Bulpin who over the last couple of years have motivated me to continue learning new skills and expanding my interest in cars.

Rupert Forster

Izzy Speers Shout out to Izzy Speers who has been singing her way through lockdown, playing various stringed instruments, such as the guitar and ukulele , as well as editing her own music. She has built up her confidence hugely and is a very talented young lady! Please see below link for an example of her work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjiY6okQLkQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjiY6okQLkQ


Y 12 Biology

Our Y12 Biology group were challenged to write their first scientific report about causes and types of cardiovascular diseases. Students were asked to include abstract ( a short brief about what they are writing about), and correct referencing and risk factors associated with ‘ heart’ diseases.. We had some outstanding reports sub-mitted! Please see snap examples of their work:

Introduction to one of the types of cardiovascular diseases by Ethan Burr:

Thrombosis:

Thrombosis is when a blood clot forms within a blood vessel and prevents the proper flow of blood around the circulatory system.

The clots formed may cause block-ages in blood vessel, prevent or reduce blood vessel, which can cause serious health consequenc-es. If the clot is carried through the circulatory system to major or-gans of the body, this can also lead to complications such as a heart attack or stroke.

Abstract by Chris Landon:

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a class of diseases that involve the heart or blood vessels. CVD includes coronary artery diseases (CAD) such as angina and myocardial infarction (commonly known as a heart attack). Coronary artery disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease involve atherosclerosis. It's usually associated with a build-up of fatty deposits inside the arteries (atherosclerosis) and an increased risk of blood clots. It can also be associated with damage to arteries in organs such as the brain, heart, kidneys and eyes. CVD is one of the main causes of death and disability in the UK, but it can often largely be prevented by leading a healthy lifestyle.

– Chris backed up his statement - CVD is one of the main causes of death and disabil-ity in the UK… by including a range of valid data throughout his report. Gabi Onody summary of risk factors clearly linked with a condition.:


We managed to complete AS content of the course and students were given a revi-

sion questions ( a lot of questions!), it was up to them what strategy they will use to

complete their revision. They were asked to provide evidence of revision and they

were set 124 marks exam questions to follow their revision. Biologists ware up for

challenge J average mark scores from such a long assessment from received submis-

sion was 84 marks! Well done Y12. Evidence of the revision was submitted too and I

would like to show you an example of revision cards produced by Sophie Howells,

she used a questions to produce set of revision notes. Excellent work! (PTO)


What are serial dilutions? These are several solutions of different known concentrations that decrease in concentration by the same factor each time. The method is;

A) Line up five test tubes in a

rack

B) Add 10cm2 of the initial 2M

sucrose solution to the first

test tube and then 5cm2 of

distilled water to the other

four test tubes

C) Then using a pipette draw

5cm2 of the solution from the

first test tube and then add it

to the distilled water in the

second test tube and mix

thoroughly.

D) Repeat this process creating

the concentrations; 0.5M

0.25M and 0.125 M.

DNA replication – what is the process? The enzyme DNA helicase breaks down the hydrogen bonds holding the complementary base pairs together (on the two separate polynucleotide strands) and this causes the helix to unwind into two separate strands. Each original strand will then act as a tem-plate for a new strand as complementary base pairing means that free floating DNA nucleotides are attracted to their comple-mentary exposed bases on the original strand. Condensation reactions then joins these nucleotides of the new strand togeth-er – which is catalysed by the enzyme DNA polymerase and hydrogen bonds form be-tween the bases on the original and new strand. Therefore, each new DNA molecule contains one original and one new strand. Scientists validated the Watson-Crick model of DNA replication as years later Meselson and Stahl conducted an experiment where this theory was validated. The experiment was; Two samples of bacteria were grown for

many generations , one in a nutrient broth

containing light nitrogen and the other in

one containing heavy nitrogen 9, as bacteria

reproduce nitrogen absorbed to make nucle-

otides and became part of DNA. A sample

was then taken from each and spun in a cen-

trifuge and the heavy nitrogen settled lower

down the centrifuge tube. Then the bacteria

with heavy nitrogen was placed in a light ni-

trogen broth and left for one replication.

ATP (known as adenosine triphos-

phate consists of a nucleotide base

which is combined with a ribose sug-

ar and three phosphate groups. It is

therefore known as a nucleotide de-

rivative because it is a modified form

of a nucleotide.


Leavers Hoodies

As of today’s date, we have still not received a delivery from the distributer.. We will let you know once they have arrived and are ready to collect.

Ke

ep

Co

nn

ecte

d O

nlin

e


D of E at WSC – May Update

Bronze, Silver and Gold It’s been fabulous to see how adaptive our D of E’ers have been through the lock down period. Many of you have amended your sections changing to things you can do from home, in your lo-cal area. As we have posted on Show my Homework, during these special circumstances you can in fact have 2 assessors reports, so what you had already started in your sections will still count, with one assessor report, and if you have swapped to a different one in March due to lockdown, you can get a second assessor to sign this portion of the timescale. So it’s completely feasible to keep your D of E going and is a great way to keep yourself occupied. I have people writing letters to isolated elderly in their community for their volunteering, others walking key workers’ Dogs and doing isolated neighbours shopping. For physical lots of you have swapped to doing online workouts and cooking for the family is a definite favourite for your skill. Remember to keep uploading your evidence so your assessors can see you putting your time in and getting better like these D of E ers have:

County D of E have sent the below through as an update for all our par-ticipants, We will of course aim to re arrange the expedition section of the award as and when we can, but meanwhile, this is good news that all your hard work on the other sections wont go to waste, so keep going with all that evidence collection.

PTO

Volunteering: Dog walk-ing for Keyworker during

Covid-19 pandemic Dolly is a 4 year old Sprocker Spaniel who be-longs to Dave and Sam-my Dunster. Both Dave and Sammy are keyworkers so Dolly is not getting as many walks as normal so I vol-unteered to help. 12.05.20 – Walked up to Alcombe Combe and com-

pleted a circular walk through the woods and along

the river.


The 2020 DofE Certificate of Achievement Across the UK, young people have adapted quickly, taken the initiative and changed activi-ties to keep their Physical, Skills and Volunteering sections going at home. We want them to be recognised for their efforts – even if it’s not possible for them to do an expedition and achieve their Award. So, for this year only, we’re launching a new accolade: the 2020 DofE Certificate of Achievement – a formal recognition, by the DofE, of their dedication, resilience and ac-complishments in these extraordinary circumstances. Certificates will be issued to all Bronze, Silver and Gold participants who have completed their Physical, Skills and Volunteering sections, but haven’t been able to do their expedi-tion because of the pandemic. Gold Excitingly County D of E are aiming to run a Residential over the summer at either Char-terhouse or Greatwood Camp, involving outdoor activities. Obviously this will be run with social distancing rules adhered to, and details may change as the situation changes, but it’s great to think that this opportunity will be available. The flier is attached, just let Mrs Young know if you want her to put your name forward Well done everyone who is carrying on with their DofE. If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact either [email protected] or [email protected] Caroline Young DofE Leader

Keeping busy In Quarantine Here are some of the students of Keyworkers making cupcakes with choc-olate fudge icing.




Food Preparation and Nutrition (years 9 and 10) Practical lessons have continued to be set with the expectation that students will: Try to make the recipe suggested (with their own twist on ingredients based on personal

preference or availability); Make an alternative, with equal level of technical making skills OR Prepare a dish as part as their contribution to the lockdown regime at home to give some

relief to their Parent / Carer and to keep their skill levels going. Necessity has been the mother of invention in many households to create dishes. This, with the nation’s sudden desire to bake has thwarted attempts to buy flour to complete set work. How-ever, when students have shared their photos (even though they feel they have been either less ambitious or successful), the results have been brilliant. Here is a selection of those I have re-ceived. Keep cooking and rehearsing your cutting skills. Remember to wash up and offer to do something at home.

Year 10 puff pastry challenge A tarte tatin was the aim. Puff pastry is a complex and technically demanding skill. In class time

the restriction of lesson length gives its own challenge. Lockdown puff (with patience and time)

should give perfect results. Chilling between rollings gives the fat in the dough time to solidify

and the gluten

Beth ’s attention to detail to

make these palmiers -

Amber

Ami

Hailey filled her kitchen with bacin and cheese aramos, impossible to resist!

If James had a crowd

coming round, these

would certainly

please !

Shania has a

cheese based

puff tart to

share.


Poppy-Ella’s alternative solution

was a halibut and prawn curry.

Both the fish and shellfish hold

the spices of Indian cuisine well.

This is a good example of using

what is available at home to cre-

ate an interesting meal.

On a pastry theme, this

time shortcrust, Year 9

were challenged to

make a pastry. Here

are the contributions

from Ben, early in

Lockdown, basing the

meal on complex car-

bohydrates and com-

plementary protein

sources of low biologi-

cal value and Jess.

Other students did

submit photos but I

wasn’t able to down-

load them. My apolo-

gies to you.

Courtney made a techni-

cally demanding Swiss

roll as part of the upcom-

ing series of lessons in-

vestigating raising agents.

Well done!

Savoury practical sugges-tions come in the form of a pizza from Ami The family loved these and have been appreciative of all her contributions to the household. Ben J contributed new pota-toes and curried mince. Necessity called. Kathryn (Year 10 ) has

been a formidable Food

student and this is her

fish pie contribution.

More photos next time with International cuisine (I hope). Please, students contribute photos and Parents / Carers please find opportunities for your young person to contribute and do encour-age them to send a photo. My apologies if I haven’t included your photo .. but keep sending.


ENGLISH Submit a completed short piece of creative writing which uses the

gothic conventions you have been studying

The carriage trundled through the dirty, muddy, bumpy track on what felt like an end-less journey. The driver who had picked me up at the train station, was telling me sto-ries about how the house I was staying in was haunted, only stopping when one of the horses needed attention. “I’m going to kill you…”, the driver said suddenly, waking me from my reverie. Alarmed I grabbed for the door handle, but just as I was about to fling it open, I noticed the driver hadn’t stop talking about his ghost stories, Chuckling to myself, I lowered myself back into my seat, realising now he had only been quoting someone from the story. I closed my eyes and gently nodded off again. The stopping of the carriage jolted me awake. As I rubbed my eyes and squinted into the sunlight to get my bearings, I realised we had arrived. Stepping out of the carriage into the courtyard, the eerie sound of nothingness en-gulfed me. I looked up at the high grey lifeless stone walls, topped with turrets and for-tifications of every kind, and it felt to me like I could feel all the dead souls of people who died here, fighting for the castle in the civil war, when it had been important. Now it was left in ruins, the walls crumbling on the east wing, and rotten wooden structures that looked like old scaffolds, which were used to hang people. As the wind blew through the holes in the walls, making it look like there were giant gaping mouths in the structure, it created a sound that chilled my spine. It was some-where between someone screaming in pain and the howling of a wild animal. I looked over to one corner of the courtyard where some strange stone tiles where struck in the ground. As I strolled over it dawned on me, they were gravestones, shel-tered by the old willow tree, slowly getting strangled by the poison ivy wrapping itself around it. On closer inspection it dawned on me that he people who these gravestones belonged to had all died on the same day, but in different years. A shiver went up my spine when I read that the ages ranged from newborn to adulthood. I heard a noise and turned, when I saw the carriage I had arrived in clattered over the broken stones that had fallen out of the wall, I stood and watched until it disappeared out of sight. I was now alone. With the crows circling overhead like vultures looking at their new prey, I knew I could not put it off much longer, I entered the castle.

By Jack Taylor

message from the headteacher€¦ · be displayed at musgrove park hospital! mini messenger...

Documents