Greased Lightning!

During six sell-out shows our students did us proud with this year's school production. Grease is always an entertaining show, but rarely has it been so funny, so vibrant and so full of energy. Congratulations to all members of the team, including all the students and many staff who were involved behind the scenes and front-of-house. You served up a musical treat. Read more inside.

The official newsletter of King Edward VI School

‘Passionate about learning’

ISSUE 31 | DECEMBER 2014

Inside:

The Dragons Descend!

Shanghai Impact!

Bouncing to Success!

Maths Mania!

Christmas GreetingsChristmas Greetings

Celebrating our Students

HEADLINESWelcome to our Christmas issue of Celebrate! I can't remember a more action-packed term, and it's a tribute to our tremendous staff team that as well as all the hard work inside the classrooms, so much has been taking place outside – in sport, music, drama, debating and all the other areas that we see as central to a great school.

This edition is brimming over with student names in a variety of contexts. We are on a mission to celebrate as many personal successes, large and small, as possible – which is why you'll probably agree that this edition has more quirky surprises than usual.

So another calendar year ends. But the school year moves into a different gear with a term ahead which will focus relentlessly on preparing our students for the summer's examinations.

Before then, there's a holiday to be had. Thank you for all of your support and encouragement throughout the year, and best wishes to you and your family for a peaceful Christmas and healthy New Year.

Celebrating Achievement

Psychology students ‘turn to crime’by Jess Nixon, Teacher of Psychology

Almost 100 A Level Psychology, Sociology and Philosophy students were immersed in a world of crime and punishment as ex-offenders and a forensic psychologist shared their experiences of life on both sides of the law. The compelling day, delivered by ‘True Life Conferences’ was full of intrigue and analysis, and gave a fascinating insight into the workings of the UK's criminal justice system.

Students advise the Bankby Tony Diver, Head Boy

The Target 2.0 Challenge, run by the Bank of England and the Times newspaper, is an opportunity for Business students to explore economic ideas beyond the curriculum. In November, Esmae Wallace, Josh Unsworth, Jesse Lapworth and Tony Diver (with help from Ryan McGowan), competed against other schools in the region to advise the Bank of England on monetary policy. They were challenged by a panel that included an economic analyst and a member of the communications department of the Bank of England.

Into the 'Dragon's Den’by Penny Hunt, Teacher of Business Studies

Year 12 Business students have been preparing business plans since early September with a view to presenting to a tough panel of judges made up from local business leaders and Governors. They have now submitted their formal business plans and presented their ideas, along with their forecast projections of sales and costs. The experience was invaluable in helping them to get to grips with the realities of business outside the classroom setting and in giving them the confidence to pitch ideas to prospective investors.

French and Germanby Lynda Webb, Head of Modern Foreign LanguagesCongratulations to Georgia Wisker and Stephanie Thompson, recognised for their exceptional effort and contributions. Special thanks also to Stephanie for setting up a French club.

Students who achieved the best scores in their respective groups in the November vocabulary competition are:

Year 9Alex Lee, Cameron O’Connor, Libby Richards, Grace Rosbrook, David Maybe, Toby Wood, Georgia Holland, George Tricker, Christopher Goodchild, Sam Barrett, Olivia Beales, Zoe Pettit, Thomas Chandler, Megan Housley, James Keeling, Ethan Tang

Year 10Jake Summerscales, Myka Angelyka Gonzales, Tayla Clarke, Abigail Blake, David Csontos, Jasmin Bulpitt, Toby Wojslaw, Georgia Bowen, Joshua Finch, Holly Dodds

Year 11Michael Taylor, Michael Brown, Becky Humphreys

Business Studies Awardsby Michelle Hemmings and Penny Hunt, Teachers of Business Studies

Congratulations to the following students for all-round excellence this term: Henry Chaves, Matt Field, Cam Haddow, Elliot, Marison, Cam Nicholls, WIll Sealey, Aymen Shah, Ben Sime, Sam Waterson

GCSE Applied Business Well done to the following students who have worked extremely hard and are achieving well above their target grades: Ania & Misia Fajgier, Tom McGregor, Archie Mijares

AS BusinessWell done to these students who are surpassing their targets this year, despite not having studied Business at GCSE level: Oliver Barratt, Callum Morton, Dan Davis, Dannii Elliott, Emma McKinstry, Travis Walton

The following students have been recognised for outstanding commitment and achievement:

GCSE EconomicsLiza Critchley, Erin Cooper, Harry Stonebridge

A2 BusinessEsmae Wallace, Alex Smith

Year 10 Computingby Richard Morgan, Head of ICT

Thanks go to Tom Caruth (Year 13) for giving an incredible level of support to the Year 10 students who worked outside the curriculum to enter a Microsoft coding competition. The Year 10 students were: Holly Dodds, Alice Booth, Grace Moss

Artby Kate Brown, Subject Leader for Art

In addition to their excellent work ethic and devotion to the subject, we’d like to recognise the following students for the attributes that have stood them apart this term:

Year 11Sarah Cooper - continues to demonstrate a rare and superb level of skill. Harry Glover - attends catch-up sessions at lunchtime; his level of work produced is well above his target grade. Billy Fordham - perseverance with painting technique to extend his skill level; excellent work produced and now working above target through sheer hard work. Amelia Austin - extremely hardworking and always meets deadlines; her level of work produced is good well above her target grade. Zoe Beckley - extremely hardworking and always meets deadlines, her level of work is outstanding.

TextilesYear 11Eloise Dodman - excellent effort, very hardworking and always meets deadlines despite her extensive commitments in the performing arts.

Becky Marsh - fantastic progress this year; incredibly hardworking and always meets deadlines.

Year 10 For outstanding effort and commitment to GCSE Art since the start of the course, including participation outside the curriculum: Martha Roberts, Laura Herod, Sarah Moody, Chloe Bunn, Polly Buick, Isaac Cunningham, Sophie Lawson, Megan Stevenson, Lauren Stiles, Lillian Wade, Lucy Ambrose, Jack Barford, Antonia de Freitas, Phoebe Cutler, Josh Finch, Ethan Gee, Lucy Howard, Erin Limmer, Dora Mountford, Evie Nicholas, Rosie Paveley, Megan Poole, Jack Stannard-Brown

other

Celebrating Achievement Celebrating the Performing Arts

Geographyby Mrs Ryan, Teacher of Geography

Well done to these students who have been recognised by the Geography department for their work this term:

Year 13For outstanding work ethic and commitment to excellence: Yvie Morgan, Sammy Hepper, Rachel Herod David Strawson, Mark Wreford, Emily Mason, Jenna Brame

Year 12For making an excellent start to the A Level course: Elliot Gaywood, Ben Francis, Dan Wood, Chantel Law, Ellen Laidlaw, Daniel Davis, Matt Fleur Year 11For their effort on fieldwork and Controlled Assessment: Elizabeth Bevan, Lucy Brown, Will Sealey, Megan Dean, Brad Hammond, Isabelle Copeland, Helen Jones, Kira Steggall Year 10 For an excellent start to the GCSE course:Jack Stanard-Brown, Joseph Kidd, Lucy Howard, Anna Fajgier, Misha Fajgier

Year 9For outstanding effort so far this year: Sophie Brandon, George Wilson, Lucia Bowler, Lucy Evans, James Marshall, Andrew Rogers, Toby Wood, George Tricker

Media Studiesby Christine Westwood, Teacher of Media Studies

Well done to the following students who achieved top marks for production in the Year 10 ‘Music Magazine Covers’ project:

Annabel Frogley, Summer Morley, Sophie Lawson, Shanelle Owen, Aimee Malkin, Rosie Wright, Lilly Wade, Ed Tagg, Kendra Goddard, Grace Gould, Bethany Hartley, Ethan Gee, Tom Manning

Dramaby Jonathan Lodge, Head of Drama

We would like to say well done to the following students for simply being outstanding in every lesson: Oliver Templeton, Billy Abbott, James Marshall, Andrew Roberts, Hannie Bentley, Adam Levey, Gustavo Da Costa, Tommy Aldea, Douglas Collett, Lucy Tovey, Niamh Fenn, Cameron Dean, Megan Housley, James Richardson, Elisabeth Baxter, Grace Hayden, Niamh Jenkins.

Identified as having shown high levels of effort and engagement: Sam Alberts, Lucy Ambrose, Jess Cleverdon, Annabel Frogley, Mia Ginders-Alderton, Amy Handley, Chelsea Ribbon, Ellie Barford, Sam Chapman, Joe Kydd, Morgan Smith, Eleni Haines, Megan Barber, Katie Beard, Natasha Buckingham-Redman, Jasmine Doe, Josh Ely, Alice Plampin, Hollie Lister, Christopher Osborn, Joanna Phirippis, Ollie Remington, Ellie Farnell, Maya Dwane.

Recognised for great commitment to extracurricular activities: Ed Mitchell, Ollie Remington, Chris Osborn, Shey Spears, Toby Skelton, Matt Green, Audrey Woodhouse, Jess Bugg, Grace Buck, Ella Shipley, Jess Cleverdon, Rosie Barnes, Erin Mann, Megan Barber, George Clay, Rachel Marshall, Molly Stacey, Ellie Johnson.

Recognised for their leadership: Toby Skelton, Rosie Barnes, Shey Spears, Ella Shipley.

Grease is the word

After our success with Schools Will Rock You last year, we wondered how on

earth we could follow it. Which popular blockbuster could really cut it, and

how could we match it? Well, the 120 strong cast and crew from all year

groups, and partner school involvement from Hardwick, Westley and St

James Middle Schools, did exactly that. In fact, according to the reviews,

they pulled it off in style. These are just a few of the comments we received

on our Facebook Page after the shows…

“Wow, wow, wow…to say the performance last night was great is an

understatement. It was incredible and every single student contributed to

created such an atmospheric production!! So honoured that my boys are

part a school that embraces and encourages diversity and

inclusiveness......can't wait for the next big production...and a massive

thank you for the best show ever”

“What a fantastic production of Grease. Everyone was amazing!! Very professional!!”

“King Edward VI School is truly a gem in Bury St. Edmunds. Year after year you exceed my expectations by about a million miles and tonight you did it again.”

“Congratulations to everyone involved. I am so proud to be associated with your school and everything it stands for. Very well done and have a wonderful Christmas!”

And so, yet again, our students ensured that King Edward VI School history was made…

Arts Festivalby Mark Hird, Assistant Headteacher

This year, the Arts Festival was bigger and better than ever with extras such as 'Open Mic' sessions and the brilliant 'Industry Education in Music' workshops. The IEM team worked with musicians and singers of all abilities on songwriting, musicianship and the dynamics of playing in bands. Whether you are a budding superstar or a casual participant, the Arts Festival is designed to inspire you to get involved.

Stars Come Out to Helpby Jonathan Lodge, Head of Drama

120 students from Hardwick, St James and Westley Middle Schools watched the dress rehearsal of Grease in the lead up to the shows. Joining them, and later giving performance tips to help the 110 strong cast and crew was Andrew Simeon Lewis, a professional performer from London's West End whose career has included Grease, We Will Rock You and Starlight Express. Our Performing Arts staff are well connected with professionals from the industry, and are aiming to nurture these relationships and continue to bring the arts world alive for our students.

Celebrating our Colleges Celebrating our Colleges

Hengrave Collegeby Izzy King (Year 11)

Party on Hengrave!The students of Hengrave College are aiming to raise money for the Teenage Cancer Trust by planning to break the world record for the number of party poppers released at one time. The College leaders are hoping to enrol as many people as possible to help achieve this goal early in the New Year.

Support for Storehouse Hengrave College students led the way in gathering large quantities of food for the Storehouse charity. Storehouse provides basic essentials such as food, toiletries and clothes to help those most in need within our local community. Thank you to all students from all Colleges who donated.

Gemma goes to HollywoodGemma Grose (Year 11) won a competition to travel to Los Angeles to meet the famous pop band ‘5 Seconds of Summer’. To enter, she had to create a six second video, relevant to the band’s songs and interests. This was an exclusive, exciting opportunity and we are all very proud of Gemma for doing so well.

GreaseCongratulations to the following students for their involvement in the production of Grease. As well as the three principals Jess Cleverdon, Ollie Remington and Dani Standring, other stars of the show were:

Sammy Hepper, Lauren Toms, Gemma Grose, Izzy King, Nat Owen, Alex Rudkin, Elizabeth Bevan, Misia Fajgier, Max Bader, Hettie Jeffryes, Auke De Vries

Kentwell Collegeby Rob Johnson, Head of College

After a busy and exciting term, I am proud to say that 58 students gained the '100% Attendance Award' this term, with the lucky iPod winner being Katie Brighton in Year 12. Well done to all students who are really trying hard to keep attendance as high as possible.

First place for Kentwell QuizzersHaving trailed throughout the term, Kentwell stormed through to win the Inter-College Quiz Championship in the final week of term. Well done to all who contributed.

Dodgeball Winners

Well done to MT who won the dodge ball competition having beaten HZ in the final, who were close runners up.

Winners of the Tutor Awards were:

Amelia Austin, Meera Al Omrani, Ella Shipley, Isabelle Copeland, Will Burgess, Beth Mottram, Tom CaruthSeb Justin, Callum Grant and Lizzie Gray

Ickworth Collegeby Andy McLellan, Head of College

I have been impressed with the attitude of our students this term and I’m proud to congratulate 4 individuals for their outstanding approach to school: Josh Ely (Year 11) for his outstanding work ethic and for organising tutoring sessions with Sixth Formers. Zoe Pettit (Year 9) for her growth in confidence, work ethicand extra-curricular involvement. Holly Dodds (Year 10) for an excellent start to her GCSE courses, her organisation and care for others. Elise Das (Year 10) for her hard work, excellent academic results and her involvement in extra-curricular sport.

Molly Chapman, Holly Clements, Natasha McCarthyTom Hurst, Lousie Harkham, Hannah Fleming-BrownAlex Dexter Mills, Kallum Clark, Frank Edwards andShannon Riley

Finally, I would like to extend a big thank you to all the tutors and students of Ickworth college. Your hard work and achievements have made me proud.

Melford Collegeby Rebecca Taylor, Head of College

After a successful term for so many students in Melford College, I am particularly excited to announce my choices for the ‘Melford Superstar’ awards: Year 9 - Larissa Ungureanu Year 10 - Lucy AmbroseYear 11 - Cydney Ault Year 12 - Marie CoppingYear 13 - David Strawson

Tutor Award Winners were:

Joshan Lally, Rory Collett, Declan Howard, Amber DelglynElif Mutlu , Becky Humphreys, George Wilson, Alice BuckseyLucy Kopferschmitt and Harry Burgess

Benchball Winners

Miss Nixon’s team came out as winners of the benchball competition in a hard fought battle - well done to all.

Finally, with the holiday beckoning, it just leaves me to wish you all a very happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Elveden Collegeby Sharon Shelley, Head of College After a busy, but productive term full of exciting accomplishments, Elveden College leaders excelled themselves by organising a brilliant end of term Achievers Assembly. Led by Emily Haines (13 DW) they delivered a celebration of the whole of the College with an array of entertainment and awards. One of the highlights was the ‘Shelley’s Heroes’ awards for all round excellence. Winners were:

Sarah Cooper, Cameron Woolnough, Joshua Finch, Nicola Dzierzak, Chloe Board and Aleksis Butler

Congratulations also go to the Tutor Award winners for this term, who were: Kieren Bedford, Lucy Howar, Nina Allen, Georgia Walker,Georgia Walker, Caitlin Brinkley, Anna Elliss, Milan Potgieter Kevin Collins, Miles Orlopp and Harry Glover

These students exemplify what Elveden College is all about, but I would also like to recognise all our end of term achievers and the 150 students who made it on to the weekly ‘Elveden Roll of Honour’. To all in Elveden College - I am proud of you, and I wish you a very happy Christmas.

Wyken Collegeby Penny Hunt, Head of College

After a busy term of exciting achievements for so many students in Wyken, I would like to highlight the following ‘Hunts Heroes’, who have made outstanding progress this year:

Barney Maguire, Saskia Grant, Jasmine Doe Joshua Scarfe, Cameron Tricker

The Wyken College Tutor Awards were won by:

Sara Lauder, Harry Macro, Casey Brinkley, Pippa Haddow,Georgie Earnshaw, Theo Tsoi, Tom Barneveld, Ellen Laidlaw, Cameron Haddow and Noah Horne

I would also like to pay tribute to Year 9 student Ellie Llewellyn, who manages to achieve in school despite her gruelling swimming regime. For many, getting up in the morning is a struggle; well, it is worth noting that Ellie gets up at 4am three times per week, with a further three evenings spent training. In fact, alongside her kickboxing, she spends a total of 12 hours per week doing sport.

Students (from left to right): Josh Ely, Zoe Pettit, Holly Dodds and Elise Das)

Benchball winnersWell done to Mr Hobbs’ team who won gold in the intra-College benchball tournament, with Miss Richards’ team grabbing silver, and Mr Starling’s team picking up bronze.

Finally, as Head of Wyken College, I would like to wish all students, parents and staff a very restful, happy Christmas, and a fabulous New Year.

Celebrating Sport Celebrating SportGary Clarke, Head of PE:Something we are always keen to promote is our philosophy - that sport is for everyone. So, the child who progresses through sheer hard work and a good attitude is just as valuable as the elite performers we nurture. Participation, enjoyment, leadership and confidence are at the heart of what we are about. In the same breath, in a term where 61 sports fixtures took place with 87% of resulting in 'wins', we are proud to celebrate some of these highlights, as well as recognising other forms of participation.

JETTS Ball-Girls givennational dutiesby Sue Sweny, Pastoral Support Officer

Year 11 girls Alice Temple, Hannah Chadwick, Alice Hunt and Niamh Leeson were selected to be ball-girls for England’s international match against Malawi at the Olympic Park in December. The girls were chosen from several hundred to represent JETTS Netball club. We are proud to be linked with the club and to continue to support the girls in their quest to develop their leadership skills. U16 Girls badminton team

win againby Rebecca Stewart, Teacher of PE

The U16 Girls Badminton A Team came first in the first round of the West Suffolk Center Parcs badminton competition. This is a great start to the competition and the girls are looking well set for the second round.

Team: Siobhan Coleman, Antonia De Freitas, Ciara Hamill-Lawn, Shanelle Owen and Lillian Wade

Sport Spotlight:Harris Lister

Main Sport: FootballFavourite Food: KebabFavourite Colour: BlueFuture target: AthleteFavourite Sports Team: Manchester UnitedFavourite Sports Person: Cristiano Ronaldo

Football: I started playing at Newmarket when I was eight years old and was spotted by Cambridge when I was ten. I then went on to play for Easter Junior Lions at Needham Market. I joined Haverhill Rovers when I was 12 and I’m still playing for them.

Tennis: I’ve played tennis since I was nine and have competed in regional tournaments.

Cycling: I’m also a keen cyclist and compete for the county.

Swimming and cross-country: I was a county swimmer at the age of 11, and I also run for the Schools cross country team.

Year 9 and Year 11 Basketball updateby Danny Burton, Teacher of PE

An exhibition game between our Year 9 and Year 11 basketball teams saw a great opportunity for both teams to develop their tactics in preparation for their final western area league fixtures coming up after Christmas. Top scorers were Theo Stasiak (Year 10) and Ben Whiteman (Year 11).

Volleyball team do‘The Double’by Danny Burton, Teacher of PE

The U15 boys volleyball team went into the county finals unbeaten, having previously won the Western Area Championships. They continued their winning streak as they beat Copleston, Alexander College and Castle Manor to take County Championship honours. Man of the match was Jack Stannard-Brown, and Sixth former Connie Gibbs was team manager.

Team: Tom Manning (10SZ) Sam Nixon (10SX) Jack Stannard-Brown (10BD) Myles Turner (10 MR)

Cross-country runners qualify by Rebecca Taylor, Teacher of PE / Head of Melford College

Mud puddles, pigs and golf balls were the order of the day at the County A Cross-country race. Congratulations to the following students who competed well and qualified for the County B Race at Culford in January

Year 9 - Henry Steele, Tom Wright, Frazer Elsworth and Megan Housley Year 10 - Henry Martin Year 11 - Gemma Grose and Casey Maggs Year 13 - Seb Anthony

Sixth Form Volleyball Team unbeaten in 5 yearsby Danny Burton, Teacher of PE

The team beat St Benedicts 3 - 1 in a best of 5 game this term, with player of the match voted in as Nathan Gauld. Despite making his debut, Nathan helped to secure their 5 year unbeaten record in style.

Tchoukball players makeUK squadby Mike Harman, Sport Development Coach

Seven students have qualified for the UK Under 18 Tchoukball training squad, with Sam Clark (Year 11) looking set to be picked for the team heading out to Dubai in 2015. Other Bury Tchoukball Club players Martin Wright, Joshan Lally, Ethan Page, Niamh Farrelly, Andrew Rogers (Year 9) and Abdullah Muhammed (Year 11) will also be pushing for a team place as they train hard towards the championships. Carrying on the King Edward VI Tchoukball legacy are former students Max van den Oort and Harvey Dinkele who have since been asked to train with the UK mens squad.

Trampoline team in regional finalsby Rebecca Curtis, Teacher of PE / Dance

Elise Das, Fran Cole and Alaska Tuthill (Year 10) competed in the Schools Trampolining County Finals, winning a place in the regional finals in January, despite some nerve racking moments and a spate of injuries. Well done to the girls for their commitment and resolve.

It’s Official!

Over 40 boys and girls have received expert training in football refereeing from Suffolk FA over the last year. Many have progressed to refereeing on weekends, as well as school matches, and their confidence and credibility in the community are growing. Among the various sports courses we are planning to offer to our students, and community partners are: FA Level 1 Football, RFU Level 1 and 2 Rugby, Sports Leaders Awards, Sports Leaders Award and Netball Umpire.

Celebrating International Partnerships Celebrating School Partnerships

Science in Indonesiaby Kate Robertson, Abi Mauger andMegan Taylor

Operation Wallacea is a biology and conservation-based, international project which gives young people access to some of the most exciting scientific experiences in the world. After a year of fund-raising and planning, 12 Sixth Form students left for a two week experience in Indonesia where they made important contributions to a real scientific conservation project. Their physical and academic skills were put to the test through daily lectures, open water jungle drives, and treks.

Not content with leaving it there, in typical King Edward VI School fashion, the students surpassed expectations by fundraising to bring three aspiring English teachers (Fifin, Ivan and Inank) here to the UK. The return visit has been a great success and has been run almost completely by the students themselves. The next project launches early in the new year, and will leave in 2016.

The Team: Kate Robertson, Emma Jones, Jess Larwood, Megan Last, Molly Stacey, Abi Mauger, Jacob Manning, Oli Bos, Matt Jeffreys, Adam Place, Harry Unwin, Nathan McClellan. Teachers: Georgie Brigden and Rob Johnson

Shanghai Advanced Leadershipby Rob Walden, Assistant Headteacher

This year the ‘Shanghai Legacy’ programme (for students based in England) was taken to new heights, and included over 100 English and 29 Chinese students. Children from all year groups immersed our Chinese guests in classroom lessons, sport and dance activities and hosted them for meals in their homes.

The trip to Shanghai in their own words…

Charlotte Wotton was one of a number of students who wrote about the impact of being part of the Shanghai experience this year. Here is a snippet from her log which we feel captures the atmosphere of the trip perfectly…

“Before I knew it, I was tasting odd yet delicious food that I never even thought existed! Around me, the endless skyline was obscured by beautiful architecture, and the blinding sunshine bounced off the formidable skyscrapers…this was Shanghai! After a breakfast of noodles and Chinese dumplings (!), we headed off to explore this magical, surreal city with some Chinese friends we met during their visit to England. I have made lots of new friends who live in China, and have kept in close contact with all of them. The trip was a truly life changing experience, and I personally couldn't have wished for anything better”.

Other comments written by parents and students upon about the experience of a lifetime...

“The Shanghai Experience has pushed my daughter into areas of learning, leadership, tolerance, understanding, acceptance, independence, perseverance and determination that not only had she herself had not understood, but I did not quite expect from her at this stage of her development”.

“It was one of the hardest and tiring things I have ever done, but it was so rewarding!”

“The trip has taught me so much, and I feel as though it has affected my confidence (positively) massively!”

As the Bury Schools Partnership goes from strength to strength, we are proud to celebrate the collaborations between King Edward VI School and our Primary and Middle School partners. Some 700 children have worked together on a variety of exciting projects this term, with more to come in the new year.

Maths in Spaceby Jonathan Hobbs, Key Stage 3 Maths Coordinator

Abbots Green, Great Whelnetham, Hardwick Primary, Risby, Sextons Manor, St Edmunds, St Edmundsbury primary, and Hardwick Middle schools.

Nine schools from across the Bury Schools Partnership came together to explore the mathematics of the solar system. A wide variety of activities were led by Year 10 students from King Edward VI School working together with Year 8 Students from Hardwick Middle School. The Year 8s then delivered the activities to 40 Year 4 pupils from across the Bury Schools Partnership.

Ms Rittberg from Hardwick Middle School said “It was fantastic to see our young mathematicians from across the age range working together to solve problems, improve understanding and have fun at the same time.”

The event was delivered as part of the ever-expanding Maths Leaders programme at King Edward VI School.

Primary ‘School of Rock!’St Edmundsbury Primary School

80 St Edmundsbury Primary School pupils in Year 3 and 4 have been studying the rock music genre, and to bring the curriculum alive they eavesdropped on one of the early rehearsals of Grease. It was a fascinating insight for the budding rockers as they saw how music teacher Hayley Last pulled the 15 musicians together to complement the stagecraft with a blast of the fabulous ’50s.

Chinese performancesWestgate, Sextons Manor, Howard and St Edmundsbury Primary Schools.

As part of the month long ‘Advanced Leadership Exchange’, 28 students from Yangjing Juyuan Experimental School in Shanghai entertained 200 primary school pupils with a stunning lineup of dance and music performances. This included a dance finale, choreographed by a collaboration of Chinese and English students, and interactive Chinese songs which saw the primary school children leaping on to the stage to join in. The youngsters were also given tours around the school by our Year 10 students.

Art leaders inspireby Kate Brown, Subject Leader for Art

Risby Primary School

A class of 14 Year 10 Art students and Sixth Form Art Leaders welcomed 27 Year 4 pupils from Risby Primary School to the Art Centre where they designed and created their own ‘paper birds’. A return visit to Risby involved a further 11 Art leaders who helped the youngsters to build bird boxes to house their new paper-feathered friends. It was a wonderful mini-project delivered by some fabulous students. Izzy Bos (Year 12) said “We love working with primary school children. They work really hard to get things right!”

Art Leaders were:Year 12: Megan Taylor, Emily Young, Izzy Bos, Lauren Price, Naomi Halls

Year 9: Niamh O’Doherty, Mia Neal, Emily Day, Grace Rosbrook, Owen Winser, Edan Walters, Libby Richards, Sarah Conran, Lisbeth Stawarz

Special thanks to Stephanie…

Although Stephanie Thompson has never travelled to China, she has been one of the most influential leaders on the Legacy Programme since it began. The Legacy is based on home soil and has enabled Stephanie and others to study Mandarin Chinese and to lead younger students on a number of international projects. This quote from Clare Lamb, Headteacher at All-Saints Primary School in Lawshall, demonstrates the impact of the programme as well as Stephanie’s skills and commitment.

“I just want to pass on my thanks for such a brilliant visit from your Chinese visitors…the children were buzzing with excitement and facts about China…I would also like to pass on how impressed we were with Stephanie Thompson who came along to support the Chinese students. She was an excellent ambassador”.

Celebrating School Partnerships Celebrating School Partnerships

Stop Motion Magicby Christine Westwood and David Gower, Media Studies

Ickworth Park and St Edmundsbury Primary School

More than 80 Year 3 and 4 children from Ickworth Park and St Edmundsbury Primary School joined forces with our Sixth Form students to produce stop-animation movies.

After a launch which saw children planning their storyboards and choosing materials, they visited our Media Centre to receive tuition on how to use Apple Mac computers, USB sound recorders and flip cameras. With the help of our Media leaders, they then created their very own ‘Wallace and Grommit’ style movies using fruit, vegetables, LEGO and Plasticine.

Amanda Sledge, Deputy Headteacher at Ickworth Park Primary said “It is extending their computing skills with an added bonus of working with older students. Our Year 4 children will now come back to teach the Year 3s how to do it”.

Primary Heads Praise Ambassadors

Although the impact of this year’s Shanghai trip is fresh in the minds of those who travelled, we always get reports of transformations in confidence and leadership skills for many years after. For example, after our Year 13 ‘Shanghai Graduates’ chaperoned Chinese students and teachers to local primary schools, the feedback from the headteachers was striking:

Dani Standring (Year 13)Lisa Tweed, Headteacher, Risby Primary School - “The children loved the Chinese visiting our school...thank you! Also, please pass on our thanks to Dani Standring and let her know how impressed we were with her...what a credit to the school”.

Abi Mauger (Year 13)Debbie Knight, Headteacher, Sextons Manor Primary School - “Please pass on a huge thank you to Abi Mauger who was polite, professional, confident and a delight to have in school. She conducted herself very well and led a -and-answer session with 50 children and all staff present. She should be highly commended”.

Yvie Morgan (Year 13)Pusunny, Chinese visiting staff - Yvie was a wonderful ambassador for your school, and the children here warmed to her enthusiasm. Her confidence in helping our students to communicate with the young English children was impressive”.

question

Partnership Cross countryby James Sturgeon, Primary Schools Sports Coordinator

172 children from 11 Bury Schools Partnership schools took part in the annual cross country event at Howard Middle School. Conditions were ideal, with dry ground underfoot and a blustery wind keeping the rain away.

Reuben Soroashian (Ickworth Park Primary) won the boys race and Jasmine Westcott (Gt Whelnetham Primary) the girls, with Abbots Green Primary winning the boys team event and St Edmundsbury Primary taking the girls team title. Congratulations to all runners and thanks to all staff and supporters who helped to run the event.

Go Run for Funby James Sturgeon, Primary Schools Sports Co-ordinator

Over 200 pupils from Guildhall Feoffment, Risby and Westgate Primary Schools took part in the mile long 'Go Run for Fun' which took place on the athletics track and King Edward VI School fields. Organised in conjunction with Abbeycroft Leisure and 'NOVA' (the company that organises 'The Great North Run'), the aim was to engage children aged 5-11 in literally 'running for fun'.

The course was lined by our sports leaders who were acting as race marshals, and the pacemaker was King Edward VI and England race walker Callum Wilkinson, who was followed stride for stride by several runners from all 3 schools. Well done to all involved.

Old Buriansby John Ottley, Old Burians Secretary

What a busy calendar year we've had. The sporting events were very successful, with a close run win against the school cricket team, and a challenging outing with the Sixth Form golfers. The Reunion weekend in September drew a goodly number of former pupils with members of the Sixth Form leaders joining them.

Last year's Head Boy and Head Girl have initiated a recruitment drive which is now underway. On Easter Tuesday, they are due to lead a brain-storming session which should provide a new vision plan of activities for the Old Burians over the next five years. Hopefully, a hockey match will follow in the afternoon.

Our new website pages will reflect this wider range of events. We are hoping to gather material about the school's involvement in the reopening of the Theatre Royal in 1965. Some school drama productions took place there and a concerted effort is being made to assemble actors of that period at the 2015 reunion.

As I write this, I look back on a great term with affection, and with the stunning production of Grease, the Carols at the Cathedral and the Year 13 presentation evening fresh in my mind.

I would personally like to wish you a great Christmas, and a Happy New Year.

Where are they now?News of former students:

Clare Harris, former Head Girl, is now t h e c o u r s e d i r e c t o r fo r t h e undergraduate degree in Archaeology and Anthropology at Magdalen College, University of Oxford. She has taught English in a school for Tibetan refugees in India; studied for her BA at Cambridge and attended the School of Oriental and African Studies (London University) to gain her MA and PhD. Clare went to Oxford in 1998 and joined Magdalen College in 2002.

Amy Donegan, all-round sports girl and dedicated academic student achieved a first-class degree in English Literature in 2013. Having travelled extensively, she returned to the UK to work for The Eve White Literary Agency where she spends her time reviewing and hopefully seeking out the next J K Rowling.

Ambassadors go ‘Back to the Future!’by Rob Walden, Assistant Headteacher

More than 40 students are to go back to their former primary and middle schools in the new year, in order to help make the future generation of high school children’s future transition informative and exciting. Many of our students have fond memories of their primary schools, and the idea is that they will re-connect and give something back. They will assist teachers and teaching assistants, and support by giving individual help to the younger pupils, as well as helping out with sport and performing arts classes and clubs.

Celebrating Celebrations!

Sixth Form students Kate Robertson and Megan Taylor paid a visit to Sextons Manor Primary School with four aspiring Indonesian teachers, in a bid to share knowledge about cultural celebrations. The Year 4 pupils have been studying ‘Celebrations’ as part of their curriculum, so when they got the chance to teach our Indonesian friends all about turkey and crackers, they took it a step further, bursting into renditions of ‘White Christmas’ and ‘Jingle Bells’. The Indonesians were over the moon with the reception they received, and in return taught the children all about the Muslim festival of Ramadan.

Photograph courtesy of: Bury Free Press

Celebrating Reading

King Edward VI SchoolGrove Road | Bury St Edmunds

IP33 3BH

01284 761393 admin@king-ed.suffolk.sch.uk

www.king-ed.suffolk.sch.uk

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Bonfire Night dangers for wildlifeJessica Reynolds, ICT Administrator

ICT Administrator Jess Reynolds brought her hedgehog Snowball into school to highlight the dangers of sleeping hedgehogs in bonfires on Guy Fawkes Night. This is just one example of how staff and students are being given a platform for raising awareness of issues they care about.

Caitlyn Holdgate - Silver medalist

Well done to Caitlyn Holdgate (Melford College) who trains at Ipswich Skating Club and competes in Artistic Roller-skating events. She recently won a silver medal in a retro skate competition.

Mr Barton's Holiday Reading List for Parents

If, like me, you're someone who likes to slope off from the festivities (and family!) over the Christmas period to escape into a good book, here are my three recommendations:

1: Fiction: 'David Nicholls, 'Us' - a hilarious and sometimes poignant novel of family life

2: Autobiography: Marcus Berkmann, 'A Shed of One's Own' - funny, bad-tempered musings on life

3: Non-fiction: Charles Duhigg, 'The Power of Habit' - a fascinating exploration of how we make decisions

Happy reading this Christmas.

Geoff Barton