ConnectPrincipal: Stuart Williams

www.catmosecollege.com

A newsletter for parents, students and the local community

18 JANUARY 2013 ISSUE 46

YR 7 LONDON TRIP

DRAMA REHEARSALS

RUTLAND RADIO REPORTER

CHARITY BIKE RIDE

NEW STAFF

LIBRARY NEWS

SNOW

VACANCIES

SPORTS NEWS

NEW WEBSITE & INTRODUCTION TO CATMOSE FEDERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.catmosecollege.com

At the end of December we launched the new College website. The design is cleaner and more contemporary in its style so that it is easier to access all the information needed about the College. The new site was designed to be easier to navigate and includes lots more detail, for example you can now check the curriculum for each subject or find out even more about the extra-curricular activities that the College has to offer.

There’s more detailed information regarding the different aspects of Catmose Federation; the trust responsible for Catmose College, Primary and Nursery. You can find out more about the strategic and financial management of the Federation by using the Governance link on the left hand side of the site.

OLYMPIC VOLLEYBALL GB PLAYERS VISIT CATMOSE COLLEGE - PAGE 7

YEAR 7 LONDON TRIP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .On Wednesday 9 January, 134 Year 7 students and 9 staff travelled to London on two double decker coaches. On arriving, all of the students visited the famous Pineapple Dance Studios where they were taught the choreography of the song ‘Revolting Children’ by members of the Matilda cast. This song, one of the most energetic in the whole musical, really kept the students on their toes and they picked up the very fast moves extremely well. After the exhausting workshop the students visited two different Pizza huts (one in the Strand and one in the Haymarket) to have lunch (as much pizza as they could eat)! The performance of Matilda started at 2.30pm at the Cambridge Theatre. Half of the cast of this musical are children and their professionalism and skill was outstanding, particularly the lead role of Matilda, played by Chloe Hawthorn. The songs, choreography and set all came together to give an energetic, magical feeling to this remarkable performance. The students came out of the theatre astounded by what they had seen and very enthusiastic as to what they will be able to create in their Drama and Music lessons. Over the next few weeks the students will be working on different songs from Matilda, which will culminate in a performance to the primary schools and to parents around March time. Our students were shown to be great ambassadors for the College, being complimented on their behavior and attitude by those they met around London. Well done Year 7.

Mrs Mitchell

PERFORMANCE REHEARSALS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .THE DEMON HEADMASTER: Rehearsals for ALL CAST Every Tuesday 1-1.25pm & 3.30-4.30pm

DRAMA FESTIVAL: All students performing a Monologue or Duologue in the Drama Festival must attend rehearsals in the Drama studio on Mondays between 12.40-1.20pm.

‘SCHOOLS WILL ROCK YOU’ REHEARSAL SCHEDULE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mon 14 Jan 12.40 Killer Queen & Khashoggi (AP) [A1:SC5&7,A2:SC5] 3.30 Galileo, Scara, Britney & Meat (LM) – Finish 4.30pm [A1:SC8&9]Tue 15 Jan 3.30 Galileo & Scara (TW/AP) - Finish 4.30pm [A2:SC2,4&6]Wed 16 Jan 11:45 Galileo & Scara, Britney & Meat (MS/JB) 11:45 Pop & Khashoggi (LM) [A1:SC1] 2.30 Core Dancers - Finish 3.30pmThu 17 Jan 12:40 Pop, Killer Queen & Khashoggi (MS) Mon 21 Jan 12.40 Killer Queen & Khashoggi (AP) [A1:SC5&7,A2:SC5] 3.30 Galileo, Scara, Britney & Meat (LM) - Finish 4.30pm [A1:SC8&9]Tue 22 Jan 3.30 Galileo & Scara (TW/AP) - Finish 4.30pm [A2:SC2,4&6]Wed 23 Jan 11:45 Galileo & Scara, Britney & Meat (MS/JB) 11:45 Pop & Khashoggi (LM) [A1: SC1] 2.30 Core Dancers - Finish 3.30pmThu 24 Jan 12:40 Pop, Killer Queen & Khashoggi (MS) Mon 28 Jan 12.40 Killer Queen & Khashoggi (AP) [A1:SC5&7,A2:SC5] 3.30 Galileo, Scara, Britney & Meat (LM) - Finish 4.30pm [A1:SC8&9]Tue 29 Jan 3.30 Galileo & Scara (TW/AP) - Finish 4.30pm [A2:SC2,4&6]Wed 30 Jan 11:45 Galileo & Scara, Britney & Meat (MS/JB) 11:45 Pop & Khashoggi (LM) [A1: SC1] 2.30 Core Dancers - Finish 3.30pmThu 31 Jan 12:40 Pop, Killer Queen & Khashoggi (MS)

Mon 4 Feb 12.40 Killer Queen & Khashoggi (AP) [A1:SC5&7,A2:SC5] 3.30 Galileo, Scara, Britney & Meat(LM) – Finish 4.30pm [A1:SC8&9]Tue 5 Feb 3.30 Galileo & Scara (TW/AP) - Finish 4.30pm [A2:SC2,4&6]Wed 6 Feb 11:45 Galileo & Scara, Britney & Meat (MS/JB) 11:45 Pop & Khashoggi (LM) [A1: SC1] 2.30 Core Dancers - Finish 3.30pmThu 7 Feb 12:40 Pop, Killer Queen & Khashoggi (MS) 11-15 Feb -------------------------HALF TERM--------------------------

PERFORMANCE DATES:

1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th & 5th July 7:30pm ‘SCHOOLS WILL ROCK YOU’ PERFORMANCE

After winning the Rutland Radio Christmas DJ competition, I travelled to Rutland Radio in order to co-present the morning show with Rob Persani. He asked me questions about my school experiences and future plans as well as giving me the opportunity to present a well-loved aspect of the show ‘Topical-Tunes’. As a further part of my prize I received a beautiful solar-powered digital radio as the competition was sponsored by Knights of Oakham. I would like to say thank you to all at Rutland Radio and at Knights of Oakham for giving me such a fantastic opportunity, thank you to Ms Smith for accompanying me so early in the morning, and I would also like to say ‘Hi’ to Dan Purse who was following everything from his new home in Tasmania. bit.ly/W7w8ht

Georgia Farr

RUTLAND RADIO CHRISTMAS DJ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

CHARITY BIKE RIDE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Catmose College students Will Alexander and Robert Case recently took part in a charity bike ride to raise money for Cancer Research UK. They took part in the event as part of the volunteer section of their bronze Duke of Edinburgh award.

They cycled around Rutland with support from Robert’s dad and brother Tom and managed to raise a staggering £786.20.

Will and Robert chose Cancer Research UK after researching various possible charities and felt it was a charity that was close to many people’s hearts. They are both keen to continue their charity work and do something similar in the future.

To view a report created by Makewaves please follow this link: bit.ly/ZSyL7C

NEW STAFF. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MRS WILLIAMS – DESIGNATED SPECIAL PROVISION TEAM LEADER

Mrs Williams has recently joined the staff at Catmose College. Her role involves teaching a range of subjects to the DSP students as well as leading the DSP staff team. Before her position at the College she was the Director of Specialism in Design and Technology at Guilsborough School a Specialist school based in Northamptonshire.

In her spare time she is kept very busy by her two daughters aged 3 and 4 who both love reading and making cards. She loves spending time with them doing crafty things.

MISS POLLOCK – TEACHING ASSISTANT IN MATHEMATICS AND ICT

Miss Pollock has been working for the College since the beginning of term 3. She previously worked for two primary schools, Brooke Hill Academy and Copthill Independent Day School. She recently completed an Open University degree in Mathematics and Its Learning. Her role at the College will be to help students in mathematics and ICT as well as working with groups of year 10 students who need extra support.

Miss Pollock spends her spare time playing hockey for the Rutland Ladies Hockey Club and also coaches 7 -16 year olds. She also has a keen interest in cricket and tennis.

LIBRARY NEWS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Encouraging Your Child’s Reading for Pleasure: Our school library catalogue online and introducing ‘Who Next’ and the iMLS App Our school is strongly committed to improving literacy and knows the importance of reading for pleasure. There is good evidence to suggest that young people who read for pleasure daily perform better in reading tests than those who never do. We want to encourage children to enjoy reading and to read a wide range of good quality literature. I am delighted to inform you that the school has recently made a significant investment in our library with the introduction of a new online version of our library catalogue. The new system allows pupils, staff and parents to view our school library catalogue online and pupils are encouraged to use this to help with research, to write reviews about books they have read and search for new books and other library resources. The system includes a fantastic new feature called ‘Who Next’ which recommends new books and authors based on the books that your child has already read. You will be able to use this feature at home to help your child select their next book. You can access the system via the school website or directly using the following link: bit.ly/WHGxPs If you have access to an iPhone, iPad, iPod touch or Android phone, then you can also download a new App called ‘iMLS’ to access the library from those devices. The app is available from the App Store and Android Market. Having the library accessible in this way and having parents engaged with reading, will help to support our commitment to improving literacy standards. If you would like your child to be able to use the new app, please ask them to come and see me to update their login details. If you would like to use the new app to track their reading history and borrowing patterns, please ask your child to email me (esmith@catmosecollege.com) providing permission for me to provide you with their login details. We hope you find the new facility useful and welcome any feedback.

Ms Smith

SCHOLASTIC BOOK CLUB

Students of the College have now been issued with the latest Scholastic Book Club magazine. You can now place any orders using the Scholastic Book Club school group order online at clubs-school.scholastic.co.uk/catmosecollege and you’ll be able to have your books delivered to College for FREE! You need to order your books by Friday 18th January 2013. After that date, I’ll confirm that all orders are in and the books will be delivered to school for me to hand out in class. For every £1 you spend 20p goes back to our school to spend on books for our library. Take a look at what’s on offer here http://clubs-school.scholastic.co.uk/vale-of-catmose – there are some great bargains with books costing as little as £1.99!

Ms Smith

SNOW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .In the event of severe weather we will make every effort to keep the College open and to continue as normal. However, in extreme circumstances this may not be possible and emergency procedures may have to be adopted and your child will be sent home. It is wise to be prepared as we will not be able to notify you in advance.

Information will be given as soon as possible on Rutland Radio on 107.2, 97.4 FM, the College facebook page and the College website. This will usually be by 7.30am.

If conditions allow, your child should set off for the College as normal but you should be prepared for two eventualities.

If you are dependent on a bus and roads are not clear, buses may not run and your child will need to return home.

If your child does arrive at the College and we are facing extreme circumstances, such as an unsafe site or not enough staff able to reach the College to safely look after students, we may have to close and your child will be sent home. PLEASE MAKE SURE YOUR CHILD KNOWS THE NUMBER TO USE TO CONTACT YOU DURING THE DAY.

Extreme weather during the day

In the event of extreme weather we may have to send some or all students home early if the bus companies advise it due to the state of the roads.

PLEASE DISCUSS WITH YOUR CHILD WHAT PROCEDURE YOU WILL ADOPT IF, IN AN EMERGENCY, HE OR SHE HAS TO BE SENT HOME.

Our main aim is to ensure the safety of all students. Please make sure your child knows where to go if you are unlikely to be at home.

NO CHILD SHOULD LEAVE THE COLLEGE IN AN EMERGENCY IF THEY HAVE NOWHERE TO GO OR IF YOU CONSIDER IT IS UNSAFE FOR THEM TO TRAVEL HOME.

If we have to send students home, we will tell students who cannot return home for any reason to go to the restaurant where they will remain in the College under supervision.

If you are unable to look after your child in an emergency or you think it is unsafe for them to travel home, you should tell your child to remain in College.

Stuart Williams

VACANCIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

AV TECHNICIANAPT&C Scale 3 /4, points 14-21£15,725 - £19,126pa FTEFull time post, 37 hours per week, all year roundOr term time only - £12,990 - £15,800 pro rata We’re looking for someone with all round experience in sound, lighting, AV and basic ICT use. The ideal candidate will be as comfortable placing the right mics for a concert and running the desk as they are focussing a profile or setting up for, and filming, a multimedia presentation.

CLEANERAPT & C Scale 1, point 4, £12,145pa FTE (£6.29 per hr)10 hours per week, 4.00pm until 6.00pmAll year round post = 27.03%Pro rata salary £3,282pa

For more details or to apply please visit catmosecollege.com/vacancies or contact the College or email swood@catmosecollege.com The closing date for the both posts is Thursday 24 January 2013. The College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of young people and expects all staff to share this commitment.

DANCE LEADERS - RUTLAND YOUTH DANCE ACADEMY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

On Saturday 15 December, dance leaders from Catmose College came together with dance leaders from Uppingham Community College to perform at the Rutland Youth Dance Academy annual showcase, this year titled, ‘Best of British’. The showcase took place at Queen Elisabeth’s Theatre Oakham and featured work by all of the academy groups from year 2 up to the academy’s adults. The dance leaders, who have been rehearsing their dance for 10 weeks gave a brilliant and confident performance to ‘Uprising’ by Muse dressed as punks and rockers. “The dance leaders really enjoyed being part of the showcase and having a public performance opportunity. They should all be very proud of their hard work and I hope it has helped to improve their confidence” said Sarah Bell who teaches the Dance Leaders course and runs the Youth Dance Academy.

Mrs Powell

OLYMPIC VOLLEYBALL GB PLAYERS VISIT CATMOSE COLLEGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .On Monday 14 January Catmose College was visited by two Olympic/Paralympic athletes from team Great Britain as part of the Olympic Legacy Roadshow. Catmose was chosen as a venue for the road show due to our excellent continued development with volleyball and our success of placing first place in the Leicestershire and Rutland School Games.

The GB athletes who visited were Maria Bertelli (GB women’s volleyball team) and Andrea Green (GB Paralympic volleyball team). Maria (born 6 October, 1977) represented Team GB at the London 2012 Olympics. She used to be a footballer and played for Charlton Ladies in the 2007 Women’s FA cup final. She swapped sports and is now one of the top members of Britain’s women’s volleyball team. Whilst some footballers are millionaires, Bertelli and her other team mates had to beg and borrow money to get funding for the Olympics after their lottery funding was stopped. Without the help and support of their friends, family and donations their Olympic dreams would not have been made true. Maria started playing volleyball from a young age and gave up her job to fulfil her Olympic dream. The GB team are ranked 69th in the world however being an Olympian was ample reward for all the sacrifices she had made. Andrea Green (born 29 May, 1970) represented team GB Paralympic sitting volleyball team. In the London 2012 Olympic Games team GB placed 8th in the world which was a great achievement since a lot of the players are new to the sport. In 2010 Andrea was awarded the tile of GB sitting volleyball player of the year. Andrea is classified as a MD athlete and has over 40 GB caps. She works as a Physiotherapist and is classified as a Paralympic athlete due to a dropped foot as a result of nerve damage in her lower spine. The Olympic athletes led an inspirational assembly to year 7 and 8 detailing their experiences of the Olympics and then they led a volleyball master class with the help of England volleyball coaches to fourteen of our year 9 and 10 students. The students then went on to play other schools for a place in the School games to represent Rutland. Catmose College secured their place in the Leicestershire and Rutland School Games at Loughborough University. The students had a great time learning new skills and applying these skills in to the game. Well done to all students that took part.

Miss Stillman

ATHLETICS COMPETITION, LONDON

On Saturday 15 December, Ben Higgins and Tabitha Woolhouse from year 7 went down to Lee Valley Athletics Centre in North London to compete in an indoor athletics competition. They had the option to choose three events and then gain points for each event according to their time or distance. They were each competing against around 50 people, from all over the country.

Both Ben and Tabitha felt honored to be competing at such a fantastic venue especially as many top Team GB athletes train there.

Both Ben and Tabitha took part in the 60m, 60m hurdles and 600m as their 3 chosen events. Tabitha won the competition for the year 6/7 girls age group by just 1 point with personal bests in 2 of her events and a total points score of 184. Ben came second for the year 6/7 boys, with personal bests in all 3 of his events and a total points score of 201; the winner was just ahead with 204 points.

Medals were presented by British Olympian Margaret Adeoye, who had competed in the women’s 200m final during the 2012 Olympic Games.Ben and Tabitha will both be competing again at the Lee Valley Centre during January and March.

Mrs Powell

CROSS COUNTRY – BEN HIGGINS

Ben Higgins competed in the Leicestershire and Rutland County XC Championships on Saturday 5 January at Gaddesby. The conditions were so muddy and boggy underfoot that everyone struggled! Ben actually lost one of his spikes about a third of the way round the very hilly course - Ben being Ben didn’t even consider stopping and ran the remaining 2km with just 1 shoe on!!!! He finished 11th in his race (year 7 and 8s) with only 2 year 7s finishing ahead of him - the others were all year 8 boys so he did really well!

Ben and Tabitha Woolhouse are competing at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham on Saturday 12 January at a Midlands athletics indoor meeting and the PE Faculty want to wish them all the best.

Mrs Powell

SKI TRIP 2014

The College will be taking students on a ski expedition on 15 – 22 February 2014. There are still 10 places remaining to Folgarida in the Italian Dolomites. The cost is £1115, which is all inclusive of 5 hours ski lessons a day, all meals, all evening entertainment, ski equipment hire, lift passes and full insurance. If you are interested then please follow this link: bit.ly/13yoxwQ

Mrs Powell

HOUSE SCORES

House scores after term 2

1st Hambleton 100 2nd Burley 94 3rd Armley 68 4th Barnsdale 67

Mr Teasel

SPORTS NEWS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .