Uppingham Community College held its annual Presentation Evening on

Friday 11th November to celebrate the achievements of the Year 11 students who took their GCSEs in August this year. The evening highlighted the fact that the year group as a whole was extremely successful and there were also some

outstanding individual achievements, both academic and extra-curricular. Students also received recognition for their vocational qualifications. We were very pleased that so many guests from around the county were able to attend and the guest of honour was Mr Richard Harman, Headmaster of Uppingham

School, who gave an inspiring and thoughtful speech.

It was a delight to see so many ex students who have moved on to the next stage in their future careers.

PRESENTATION EVENING

PRIZEWINNERS - TROPHIES AND AWARDSTHE JENNINGS CUP for Fine Art Theo BroganTHE WILLIAM TROWER CUP for Commitment to Sport Outside of College Theo BroganTHE JENKINS AWARD for Painting & Drawing Agnes CameronTHE BOYSE CUP for Design and Craft Sophie McKinnon-WoodTHE STEWART AWARD for Ability in the Ceramics Area of Design Catherine RossTHE DE VOYLE CUP for Ability shown in the Graphics Area of Design Catherine CrookTHE MISS C E JOYCE AWARD for Textiles Rhian OwenTHE THOMAS LEM CUP for Citizenship Pascal RisiTHE MISS E G BROWN CUP for English Harry RobertsonTHE WILKS TROPHY for Outstanding Achievement in Sport Harry RobertsonTHE SIMPSON AWARD for French Frances Salt

THE HEATHCOTE AWARD for Geography Jacob PorterTHE FARM PROTECTION LTD AWARD for German Kathryn AylwardTHE WIGNELL AWARD for Drama Thomas JohnsonTHE BREEZE CUP for History Thomas JohnsonTHE BUSINESS STUDIES CUP for ICT Thomas OwersTHE WHIGHT CUP for Information Technology Zoe Mitchell

Newsletter: December 2011

Uppingham Community CollegeA Specialist Technology Academy

PRIZEWINNERS - TROPHIES AND AWARDS ContinuedTHE WISE AWARD for Progress in Information Technology Georgina TaylerTHE BAILEY CUP for Mathematics Jordan FunnellTHE TALBOT-SMITH CUP for Music Katherine JonesTHE RICHARD BAKER CUP for Performing Arts Elizabeth DrysdaleTHE MILLER TROPHY for Technology Elizabeth DrysdaleTHE SWINFEN CUP for Achievement in Science Rachel HarriesTHE WILKS TROPHY for Outstanding Achievement in Sport Rachel HarriesTHE RUTLAND LIONS’ AWARD for Maths & Science Fergus KennedyTHE FIELD TROPHY for Overall Contribution to College Sport Jacob NortonTHE HARNETT AWARD for Contribution to Outdoor Education Skye ThomasTHE SALLY REDDIN AWARD for Athletics Rebecca Wymant

THE SMITH AWARD for Special Progress and Attainment Steven Farrow

THE CAMPBELL-SUMNER CUP for Determination and Commitment to Progress Kyran BartlettTHE HOLMES AWARD for Outstanding Attainment Harry Robertson

THE INNER WHEEL AWARD for Outstanding Attainment Agnes CameronTHE RUTLAND LADIES’ CIRCLE CUP for Contribution to the year Cara LigginsTHE GOVERNORS’ TROPHY for Year Involvement Joshua Haynes

Rachael CawteTHE MATTHEWS CUP AND ROTARY AWARD for Contribution to College Life Grace Hodge

Ethan FrisbySPECIAL ACADEMIC COMMENDATIONS

Rosemary Pitts Jessica WhightHannah Gregg Catherine CrookACADEMIC COMMENDATION for RE

Charlotte Phipps

PRESENTATION EVENING

Term BeginsMusic Instrumental Lessons (start this week)Yr11 English Literature : Unit 2 (am) (resit)History ExamYr11 Mock GCSE French ReadingBiology : Units 2+3 (am)Yr11 Geography : SDM (pm) (resit)Yr11 Mock GCSE DTCollege Council Meeting (P1)Yr10 GCSE Drama Theatre Trip to LondonYr11 Mock GCSE English LiteratureYr11 Reports HomeChemistry : Units 2+3 (am)Yr11 Mock GCSE PE PracticalNewsletter DeadlinePhysics : Units 2+3 (pm)Yr11 French GCSE Controlled SpeakingYr11 French GCSE Controlled Speaking

Yr11 Parents EveningYr11 Mock GCSE French Listening

January

3rd

9th-13th

17th

23rd

24th

25th

26th

27th

30th

31st

February

1st

Yr9, 10 & 11 Intermediate Maths ChallengeYr11 Mock GCSE German Listening & ReadingYr11 Mock GCSE Spanish ReadingYr11 Spanish GCSE Controlled SpeakingYr11 German GCSE Controlled SpeakingYr10 Spanish ExchangeYr8 Trip to Mayenne (France)Ski TripSpring Break

February

2nd

3rd

8th-17th

9th-13th

10th-18th

13th-17th

IMPORTANT TERM DATES

hPV ImmunIsatIonsby Miss shelly

The first HPV Immunisation will take place on Tuesday 10th January for Year 8 girls.

2

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As always, the Autumn Term is very busy and this year has been no exception. The students have achieved a great deal and I am very proud of their contributions to college life and also to the wider community. For example, each House now has its own identified charity and has been fundraising hard during our Christmas Charity Week to ensure that we all think of those less fortunate than ourselves at this very special time of year.

Our international links have also been particularly strong this term. The French Exchange was very successful, as were the German and Spanish Work Experiences – something offered by very few state schools in the UK. The annual trip to Berlin was of course a highlight and we were also honoured to host a delegation of Chinese head teachers on a reciprocal visit from my trip to Sichuan in May last year. The visitation, once

again funded by the British Council, included a tour of all the types of schools in Rutland and then concluded with a fantastic concert and closing ceremony at UCC. The standard of performance from some of our primary schools was very impressive and the level of expertise demonstrated by UCC students was quite outstanding. The delegation were particularly impressed with the practical application of skills in the Design Technology department, as our students have a ‘hands on’ experience using high specification resources not available to students in China. In fact, our DT facilities are among the best in the East Midlands. Our Science lessons were also much commented on as practical Science teaching is unheard of in Chinese schools. They also enjoyed lunch in the canteen, with roast beef being very popular! Our students greeted our guests with the utmost politeness – ‘ni hao’ being used consistently in every classroom.

The Year 11 students who returned for the

Presentation Evening in November are now all well established in their new colleges and 6th forms and it was a pleasure to see so many of them. Mr Richard Harman, Headmaster of Uppingham School gave an excellent speech and then awarded the highest number of prizes we have ever had.

I am delighted to announce that Polly Rubenstein, Morag Topham, Geoff Thompson have been appointed as parent governors and bring a wealth of experience to our very knowledgeable and hardworking governing body.

May I wish you all a Happy Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous New Year.

Regards

JAN TURNERPrincipal

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4

natural hIstory museumby Dr Major

In September Year 8 spent a day at the Natural History Museum.

They were shaken about on the earthquake simulation, marvelled at the diversity of life on display and enjoyed the interactive displays. In the creepy crawly exhibition, a few students were able to question the entomologists who had brought out additional specimens for visitors to look at. An enjoyable and informative day was had by all.

We ran two competitions for the students one for the best photograph taken at the museum and the second for the most informative booklet completed during the visit.

Photograph (above) taken by Karalaini Kataiwai 8KW.

The two best booklets were completed by Amber Bedwell and Angela Wilson 8RM congratulations to them and to all students who submitted their photographs and booklets.

ba Crest awards

CREST is a nationally recognised award run by the British Association for Science.

We ran CREST for the whole of Year 9 for the first time last year. It proved to be very successful with over 90 students achieving their bronze certificates and one group of students making it to the Big bang Science Fair in March. This year we will be giving the current Year 9 students the opportunity to carry out a scientific project of their choosing. They will spend 10 hours working on their project to enable them to be considered for a Bronze CREST Award.

Any businesses who would like to get involved in CREST please contact the school.

year 10 exams

Year 10 are sitting their three science exams in June 2012. We still have a few

revision guides available for both the GCSE science and Triple Sciences at a cost of £5 each.

year 11 exams

Year 11 are sitting two science exams in January.

Biology - 24th JanuaryChemistry - 26th January

Physics - 30th January

There are still a few revision guides available to purchase in school at a cost of £2 or £5. We also recommend that students access past papers from the AQA web site see details below:

web.aqa.org.uk/admin/qp-ms_library.phpselect current GCSE, Science, Additional Science, key materials, Question papers

other useFul websItes:

www.antonine-education.co.ukwww.gcserevision101.wordpress.com

www.passmyexams.co.uk

SCIENTIFIC PURSUITS

COLLEGE MESSAGESelIgIble For Free sChool meals?

by Mrs onn

Would all those eligible for free school meals please apply to us to register

their eligibility. This benefits the school by increasing our funding and with the cashless catering, the free meal allowance is automatically added to your child’s account, benefitting you as well.

VaCanCy: mIdday suPerVIsIon

We are looking to recruit more midday supervisors to work in the

dining hall at lunchtime. It would be for two or three hours per day but we have some flexibility as to exact days and times. If you are interested please contact Mrs Bridger at the college either by telephone or bridger_s@ucc.rutland.sch.uk.

Car Parkby Mr berriDge

Thank you for your support with the measures we have taken so far to improve

the drop off of students at the College in the mornings. However, we are still experiencing considerable problems with the volume of traffic in the car park particularly at the end of the day. The duty staff will continue to work hard to ensure the safety of your children at these very busy times and I would be grateful for your continued co-operation.

The greatest help would be if you could delay your arrival for 10 minutes after the close of school, as the car park would then be

clear and you could drive in without having to queue and also being able to make use of the empty bus drop off area.

If you could take note of the following guidelines it would help us all.

• Please drive slowly at all times.

• Do not drop off or turn around at the front of the College.

• Move into the car park to allow room for vehicles coming in behind you and avoid causing an obstruction.

• Always aim to drop off against the kerb where possible.

• Do not park or wait for any length of time in the drop off area as this disrupts the flow of traffic.

• Any vehicle parked on the Lyddington Road between the entrance and exit of the car park, restricts the view of oncoming traffic to vehicles leaving the car park so please avoid parking here.

• Collect after the buses have gone. Then you will be able to use the whole car park, including the bus drop off area.

messages/delIVerIes For studentsdurIng the sChool day

by Mrs anDerson

The number of items and messages being brought in for students has increased.

Whilst we are always willing to help, the

interruption of lessons is causing disruption not only to the student involved but is also affecting the learning of others.

Students need to be more responsible and organise themselves for school, making sure they bring everything required at the start of the day.

With this in mind, we are only able to ‘deliver’ items or messages to students during the course of the day if it is an emergency. If a student is aware that items will be brought in, they will then be able to collect them personally from Students Services at break or lunchtime.

Thank you for your co-operation.

ICe skatIng In wInter!by Mrs Wanliss

The above photo is of 8KW on a recent visit to Peterborough Ice Rink where

we learned that not only is Josh Billson a competent and confident skater, he will take part in the forthcoming Christmas Show!

5

ImPortant InFormatIonIn the eVent oF bad weather

by Mrs Turner

As we know, snow and bad weather can disrupt our work at the College.

Therefore, in the spirit of being prepared, this letter outlines guidelines which we can all use in the event of inclement weather.

Students who normally travel to the College by bus or coach should not attempt to come in if their bus or coach does not turn up because of very bad weather. If a bus doesn’t pick up in the morning, it should be assumed that they won’t in the afternoon. We would suggest that students wait no longer than 15 minutes after the published pick-up time before returning home.

Parents would be unwise to try to get their children to College if a bus does not turn up. Whilst this may be possible at the time particularly for those with 4 wheel drive vehicles, it may present real problems later in the day when students attempt to return home.

The College will be open unless it is announced that it is closed on Rutland Radio, Leicester Sound, Radio Leicester or Hereward Radio. It should be noted by parents that if the College provides a limited day during bad weather it may be impossible to provide normal lessons. This is due to the fact that many staff will also have problems reaching the College. Equally the College cannot guarantee a full day - deteriorating weather conditions may necessitate an early closure.

In outlying areas you may feel it necessary to collect your child early. It is your decision to do so and you should contact the College in advance of your request.

In addition, whenever possible, information about closure and updates will be on the College website : www.ucc.rutland.sch.uk

If the College has to be closed, buses will be summoned early. Parents will need to make contingency arrangements in the event of their son/daughter arriving home earlier than expected if an emergency arises. Those

students who do not have a ‘safe haven’ to go to should advise their form tutor or another member of staff immediately and they will remain at the College until suitable and safe arrangements can be made to get them home. Parents who have specific requests regarding students being sent home must make prior arrangements with the College. Please contact Student Services immediately to discuss details.

External users can assume that when the College closes during the day for school students it will also be closed for adults (day and evening).

Further information can be obtained from:

bbC radIo leICester: Broadcasts on 104-9 FM

(Main broaDcasT beTWeen 0700 anD 0900 anD oTher TiMes as The siTuaTion DeManDs)

leICester sound: Broadcasts on 105.4 FM

rutland radIo: Broadcasts on 107.2 FM in rutland Broadcasts on 97.4 FM in staMFord

hereward radIo: Broadcasts on 102.7 FM

(For Those in The easTern parT oF caTchMenT)

do not rIng : Just lIsten

We hope you find this information helpful and that you retain it in a safe place should it be needed.

the PrInCess and the Peaby The uppinghaM TheaTre coMpany

Uppingham Theatre Company is producing the Princess and the Pea as

their pantomime this year. The story follows Prince Ranjit of Northamptipur who is escaping from his parents and an arranged marriage in search of a bride of his own choice. He journeys through forests, gets into trouble with lurking dangers before finding himself in the middle of a major competition in Rutland. The finale is a big bollywood extravaganza featuring colour, movement and spectacle. Complete enjoyment for all the family so join Uppingham Theatre Company over the New Year weekend for a fantastic start to 2012.

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COLLEGE NEWS

Early Pea SpecialAvailable up to Sat 17th Dec

Family Ticket2 Adults or concessions

plus 2 children£25 Tickets & Info available from:

Paula Donaldson 07736318662pauladonaldson2008@googlemail.com

Uppingham Sports & Books01572 822 211 and

www.wegottickets.com

The Uppingham TheatreStokerston Road LE15 9UDFriday Dec 30 at 7:30 p.m.Saturday Dec 31 at 2:30 p.m.Sunday Jan 1 at 2:00 p.m.Sunday Jan 1 at 6:30 p.m.

Adult £10Concessions £8

students gaIn PublIC sPeakIng suCCess!

by by gareTh sTerry, 10Mi

On the 28th November, we participated in a Public Speaking Competition hosted at the Falcon Hotel. Our team consisted of

Ellie Hemmings, Lydia Katsipi and me (Gareth Sterry). We all spoke in front of members of the Rotary Club in an attempt to progress to the regional speaking competition. Our speech was on how the media influences the youth of today which we wrote ourselves during our Enrichment session with Mrs Hodgson. Although we were all very anxious about speaking in front of an audience, we managed to stay calm and to deliver an enthralling speech.

Although we didn’t win, we came a very commendable 2nd and we were ranked higher than Uppingham School! It was a really good evening and we were thrilled that so many months of hard work had paid off. It was definitely a competition that we will remember.

In November, we welcomed the Chinese Exchange Delegates here at the College,

and a showcase concert was performed in the drama studio by members of the school and associated primary schools. The Concert Band opened and closed the concert, but other items included recorder and flute ensembles, dance groups, and assorted duets, including a banjo and guitar version of Duelling banjos. The students should be commended for the variety of talent on show.

At the Uppingham Parish Church on Tuesday 13th December, we held our annual

Celebration of Christmas Concert with added Mince pies and mulled wine helping get us all into the Christmas spirit.

The recent Leicester Festival provided some of our flautists the opportunity to test themselves against other instrumentalists from around the county, and once again they showed how good they can be.

two orChestral Instruments (14 and under)

1st Place(Flutes) - 84%

Rebecca Salt & Rebecca Wootton

three orChestral Instruments (oPen)

1st Place(Flutes) - 85%Caitlin Pigott

Abigail Thompson-O’ConnorMegan Horton-Bell

woodwInd solo (12 -14 years)

2nd Place(Flutes) - 84%

Abigail Thompson-O’Connor

MUSICAL TALENT

ENGLISH SUCCESS!

GAINED AWARDS

GeMMa Hall

MartHa rHodes

danny tHoMas

cHloe Kenna

annee conway

daniel weBster

www.dofe.org

Contact Mrs ThomasFor more information

01572 823631 dofe@ucc.rutland.sch.uk

ComPleted InternatIonal FIrst aId CertIFICate In

‘CommunIty FIrst aId’

antHony BeBB

MattHew rHodes

ComPleted the duke oF edInburgh’s bronze award

Jadene cleGG

eMMa tHoMas

Miles PetHericK

Ben sHarMan

Grace MillBanK

ComPleted nICasleVel 1

7

by Melissa Dolby 11Kg, harrison ginn 11Kg, jaMie gregory 11cb, lorlor

osborn 11TW anD eD WrighT 11cb

In the first week of the October half term holiday we had the incredible opportunity

of traveling to Granada in Spain to undertake a week’s work experience. It was going to be interesting to describe the differences between the work experience

that we had in England and the one that we had in Spain.

It was a different experience for us, and for the Spanish also; so it was good to know that we were bringing something new to them.

Jamie and Edward were located in the Sports Centre, Melissa and Harrison in the Swimming Pool and Lorlor was in the Library. These were

very different environments to work, but the staff were so friendly and it felt just like working in England (except of course for the language). Having this experience definitely broadened our Spanish Vocabulary and meant that we met some friends for life. If we had the opportunity to do this again, we would take it in a heartbeat. It makes you more eager to learn some new language and was a very enjoyable experience.

FRENCH EXCHANGEby lauren hicKs 9gc

anD Megan scoTT 9gc

On Friday 30th September, the French arrived in an unusually sunny England.

While they were here, we went on many enjoyable trips, including a great day out at Drayton Manor and a memorable day in London. Westfield Olympic shopping centre was definately popular with both the English and French, although it was so big, it took 20 minutes to find one shop!

The exchange definitely improved everyone’s French; we went from putting ‘le’ in front of every English word, to understanding a lot more than before.

At the disco our moves couldn’t match those of Mr Duffin to Macarena, both English and French were very impressed with him! After a week of living with our new friends, it was a very tearful goodbye in the typical freezing English weather. We all can’t wait to go back and visit them later in the year!

SPANISH WORK EXPERIENCE

8

COLLEGE TRIPSgCse geograPhy

by Mr reDMonD

On Friday the 7th of October the Year 11 Geography Students took a

fieldtrip to the North Norfolk Coast to collect data for their GCSE Geography Controlled Assessment. The day involved a whistle-stop tour to West Runton and Sheringham. The students collected beach data and took photographs of the main coastal processes at these locations; and the coastal defences that have been built over the years.

The day began with a pleasant but long bus journey. On arrival in Norfolk it was clear that this thankfully was going to be a rain-free, very windy but reasonably warm day. Following our visit to West Runton we moved on to Sheringham town centre. Here students investigated the considerable sea defences and enjoyed the local delicacy of fresh fish and chips. It was an interesting day that enabled us to complete our Geography work; and the students seemed to enjoy seeing the North Norfolk Coast and sampling local

cuisine. The students had a very successful day and they are currently writing up their findings in Geography lessons.

YEAR 10 ABERGLASLYNan amazIng trIP!

by KaTe grunWalD anD ella brahMachari

On arrival we were faced with our first challenge of the week. We looked at

the steep incline that stood before us and then back to our over filled suitcases. It became apparent to most of us that we were no longer in little old Rutland. After conquering the driveway (and the staircases) we went to our rooms to unpack and then down for dinner which (as always in Aberglaslyn) was very well received. After this we assembled in the common room where we were told the news…a night walk was to commence across the welsh hills… quite contrary to many thoughts of a relaxing night and sipping hot chocolate. However the walk turned out to be a success as most of us took great amusement in watching others slip in the mud. When returning to the hall, the warm showers and common room were a comforting setting before we all turned in for the night.

As morning one in the hall came, so did the breakfast bell and the slow train of tired teenagers complaining about the time! After breakfast and chores, another assembly was called in the common room; this time to tell us what activities lay in store for us. In our group we decided that kayaking would be the sport of the day, so we swiftly gathered our things and climbed onto the minibus to make the trek to one of Wales many lakes. Once we had arrived at the lake and, in true Welsh style, it began raining. We got in our kayaks and paddled out for a day on the water, although it was cold, we didn’t really notice, as the amusement in splashing others was just a bit much to handle! After lunch we decided it was time to do some swimming, and plunged into the freezing cold depths, this was truly hilarious. Returning to the hall

and eating dinner, we were relieved to hear that there would be no strenuous night walk that evening and instead just a game of Remember Lego, which is far too complicated to explain. After supper we called it a day and retired to our rooms, exhausted!

Morning two, and an even slower entrance by most, into the dining room. After breakfast the usual meet in the common room commenced as we decided what activity to partake in. A mountain walk was chosen, Typhan (or something like that) so we packed our bags and set off for the walk of a life time! The mountain was massive, and a daunting prospect from the car park at the bottom, however starting walking we realised that a simple game of Chinese Whispers could cure any aching legs! The final push to the summit left most petrified as the wind pelted us from either side! However the descent was far more relaxing leaving time to laugh at one another as they toppled down the slippy mountain face! Dinner and then a night activity of packing meant there was plenty of time left for singing on bunkbeds and building dens in our rooms!

Morning three and the slowest arrival yet to the breakfast table. The common room assembly and decision making went on as always and gorge walking was chosen, so we got kitted up and started treacherous wandering up the rapids! Absolutely freezing but never the less having a whale of a time, we reached a branch blocking the gorge and had to turn back. However, on finding a slide made of rock we all found great pleasure in spending ages jumping and sliding and just generally being childish! We got back to the hall, showered off the chilliness and decided to do some team building exercises! Highly stressful, but regardless hilarious!

Orienteering and code breaking just to name a few activities that ended our stay at Aberglaslyn Hall perfectly.

After the final pack up and tidy, it was time to leave. We said farewell to our instructors and bid adieu to the Hall, meandered back down the drive which, may I add, is far easier than coming up, and set off home. A journey on which the plan was to sleep quietly turned out quite the contrary, but still a lovely way to round off the stay.

9

year 11 trIP to berlIn 17Th – 19Th ocTober 2011

by Mr reDMonD

A group of Year 11 Historians took their annual trip to Berlin during October

half term. As part of their GCSE in History, students study the Cold War from 1945 and it was therefore fantastic for the students to see the places that they are studying and to have a taste of Berlin and its amazing history. Students experienced a packed three days with the first day starting at the Soviet War memorial - Treptower Park. This was built on the site of the 1919 Spartacist uprising. The memorial commemorates both the Communists who lost their lives then; and the Soviet soldiers killed in the fighting in 1945. Students were impressed by the nature and size of the Soviet propaganda and symbolism evident throughout the site and were very respectful to the many Russian visitors who were paying respect to the 5,000 soldiers that are buried there. Students were then taken into Central Berlin where they visited the Reichstag, the Fuhrer Bunker, and Brandenburg Gate; and finished at the controversial Holocaust memorial to

the murdered Jews of Europe.

On the second day students experienced what was the most emotionally challenging part of the trip – a visit to the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp. This

was one of the first camps to be set up, in 1936 and initially housed political prisoners; especially communists. Although not specifically built with the Jews in mind, around 1800 of them were sent there following Kristallnacht in 1938. Although Sachsenhausen was not a “death camp”, over 100,000 prisoners died here. They were shot, gassed, hanged, tortured or beaten to death, or died of overwork, starvation or disease. Included among these were several groups of British commandos executed under the direct order of Adolf Hitler. Year 11 students laid a wooden cross, on behalf of all at UCC, in memory of the British soldiers killed at Sachsenhausen. This was by no means an easy place to visit and the students conducted themselves with the most immense maturity and understanding throughout the whole three hours at Sachsenhausen.

A highlight of the trip was visiting the “Olympiastadion” built for the 1936 Olympic Games. This is famed for Jesse Owens winning four gold medals on the track and field. Berlin had been awarded the 1936 Olympic Games in 1931, two years

before the Nazi’s came to power. Hitler saw the event as an opportunity to demonstrate the efficiency and power of his regime as well as the “superiority” of the Aryan race. A vast new stadium was constructed that could hold 100,000 spectators. The sheer size and imposing nature of the building was incredible, coupled with some last remaining symbols of Nazi power and dominance. This was truly a remarkable visit and one the students enjoyed immensely.

The final visit of the trip was to the Berlin Wall and Checkpoint Charlie. The history that the students had been studying for their GCSE now came alive. These were the places where events that they had been studying and their historical significance had changed the course of post-war Europe. The guides for the tour were ex-British soldiers, one of whom had been stationed in Berlin during the Cold War and had patrolled the Berlin Wall. The stories that he had to tell the students were fantastic making everything once again come to life. Students left Berlin having hugely increased their understanding of European history, in particular, the significance of Berlin and how it became the symbol of Cold War tension and the biggest single flashpoint during the War.

For the whole three days, students conducted themselves with immense maturity, intelligence and enthusiasm for Berlin and were a credit to the College. They certainly got a lot out of the trip and no doubt memories will stay with them way beyond their GCSE years.

HISTORICAL EVENTS

10

DRAMATIC NEWS

extra CurrICular Clubby Mr rhoDes

A small group of Drama students, who have been part of the extra-curricular

club, took the stage recently as part of the special concert which was held for our Chinese visitors. The group produced and performed a physical theatre piece which used masks as the main motif for the action.

The piece highlighted a ‘normal day’ at school and the masks demonstrated all

the different emotions that teenagers experience throughout that day. The piece depended heavily on images and gesture to communicate meaning as no language was used in the performance at all. It also incorporated dance movement and mime to help tell the story of the piece.

The performance was well executed and the performers were able to repeat their success to their year group assembly. The group were ecstatic to be able to share all their hard work.

CongratulatIons

Congratulations to the Year 10 students who have just completed their first

piece of GCSE coursework. The students had to create an improvisation in the style of Pantomime. The students worked extremely hard to create their work which culminated in an evening of performances for family and friends. The performances were very successful and showcased a range of talent and skills. Well done to everyone involved.

DON BOSCO40 years!

by Mrs borroWs

In April 2012 we will be welcoming our friends from Don Bosco, for our annual

sports exchange.

It is 40 years since the first exchange took place in 1972, and with the exception of one year, due to Foot and Mouth disease, it has taken place every year since. There are about 90+ students involved in either hosting Belguim students when they are here or vice

versa. The visit consists of two days of highly competitive sport and a day trip to a Theme Park, as well as evening events.

Over the years of taking part, students make friends that can last past their time at UCC and the same applies to the staff. I am sure there are some parents reading this who have their own memories of participating in this exchange.

Letters will be available after Christmas to students who would like to become involved

in this event. However, I would like to ask if there are any parents who would like to help with the sports, especially to referee matches. The dates of the exchange are April 2nd to 6th, with the sports being played on April 3rd and 4th. If you are able to help, please contact me at the college or email borrows_f@ucc.rutland.sch.uk

11

wInter sChool games

by Mr leWin

• After Christmas our Tuesday Sporting Enrichment programme is changing with the introduction of our first ever Winter School Games. • Students that choose the School Games as their enrichment choice have the opportunity to take part in 4 different sports over the 12 week term.

• For each of these sports there will be a tournament with teams competing for points.

• The team that gathers the most points over the 4 different sports will become the UCC Winter Games winners for 2012.

• The timetable for the Winter School Games is opposite so if you would like to be part of this exciting new competition please make sure you select it as your enrichment option for next term.

• For more information on the School Games please see Mr Lewin.

SPORTING NEWS

martha rhodes won Corby young Person sPortIng talent award

Martha was nominated by her netball club and shortlisted for Corby Young Person Sporting

Talent Award. The ceremony was held at the Best Western Hotel on October 12th, where it was announced that she had won and was presented with the award. This resulted in automatic nomination for the Northants County Awards held in November, where Matha qualified for the Northants County Development Squad in Netball.

tuesday - year 7/8Date Year 7 GIRLS Year 8 GIRLS Year 7 BOYS Year 8 BOYS

Week 1 (3rd January) Netball Hockey Rugby Rackets

Week 2 (10th January) Netball Hockey Rugby Rackets

Week 3 (17th January) Netball Hockey Rugby Rackets

Week 4 (24th January) Hockey Netball Rackets Rugby

Week 5 (31st January) Hockey Netball Rackets Rugby

Week 6 (7th February) Hockey Netball Rackets Rugby

Week 7 (21st February) Football Rackets Football Handball

Week 8 (28th February) Football Rackets Football Handball

Week 9 (7th March) Football Rackets Football Handball

Week 10 (13th March) Rackets Football Handball Football

Week 11 (20th March) Rackets Football Handball Football

Week 12 (27th March) Rackets Football Handball Football

Please note we Can only aCCommodate 32 students Per grouP on these sessIons

thursday - year 9/10Date Year 9 GIRLS Year 10 GIRLS Year 9 BOYS Year 10 BOYS

Week 1 (3rd January) Netball Hockey Rugby Rackets

Week 2 (12th January) Netball Hockey Rugby Rackets

Week 3 (19th January) Netball Hockey Rugby Rackets

Week 4 (26th January) Hockey Netball Rackets Rugby

Week 5 (2nd February) Hockey Netball Rackets Rugby

Week 6 (9th February) Hockey Netball Rackets Rugby

Week 7 (23rd February) Football Rackets Football Handball

Week 8 (1st March) Football Rackets Football Handball

Week 9 (8th March) Football Rackets Football Handball

Week 10 (15th March) Rackets Football Handball Football

Week 11 (22nd March) Rackets Football Handball Football

Week 12 (29th March) Rackets Football Handball Football

Please note we Can only aCCommodate 32 students Per grouP on these sessIons

Year 9 (pictured) and Year 10 Boys have won the @Rutland and Melton Football league. Well done everyone!

Year 8 Girls at present lie in 1st place in the ‘Rutland and Melton’ Netball league. The second part of the season continues in March. Good luck ladies!

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