the news magazine of Rodillian School

Spring 2012

S tageAcademy Status * Performance *Activities

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Poetandpublished

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Year 13 student excels

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THE achievements of both students and staff at Rodillian are cause for celebration. We have moved from 19 per cent 5A*-C, including English and Maths, in 2007, to 49 per cent in 2010 and 48 per cent in 2011. In addition, we have moved from 35 per cent 5A*-C in 2007 to 87 per cent in 2011.

These fantastic results now place us in the top 20 per cent of schools nationally for the value we add to our young people. This improvement is also reflected in our Sixth Form results which, in 2010 and 2011, on student performance, were viewed to be in the top ten per cent nationally. I fully expect the results to continue to improve over the coming years.

JAMES Siddons, in Year 10, was presented with the Words&Pictures’ Creativity Award during the Key Stage 4 Awards evening. James is the first person at Rodillian to receive the award, which was donated by our communications partner.

James, who also plays the saxophone, was put forward for the award by members of staff across the curriculum for his ability to show amazing creativity in all his subjects.

CHANGES are afoot! With our application for conversion to Academy status in progress, and the consultation period well and truly under way, we thought it was the perfect time to quiz all those involved on the thinking behind this decision.

Why become an Academy?‘Academy status will allow us to enhance the learning of every member of the school community,’ says Andy Goulty. ‘Moreover, we will have the capacity to support other schools in our community.’ The focus on Academy status as the next step in our journey to drive up standards is echoed by Brian Sheldrake, the Chair of Governors, who reflected: ‘The increase in funding will allow the Head to target areas of the curriculum that will benefit our students.’

What will it mean on a daily basis?What does Academy status mean to students who attend Rodillian? Year 11 student Rebecca Brown explained: ‘It allows us to spend more money on the things we need, and motivates students

more.’ Head Boy Joe Peaker noted: ‘As we have been judged to be performing well, becoming an Academy increases our status throughout Leeds.’

Positive feedbackJulie Moran, a member of the Staff Communication Group, which is working on the conversion, said: ‘The move to Academy status will open up great opportunities for staff and students. In practice, it will allow us to obtain further funding from external sources and allow greater control over our already strong curriculum, along with providing opportunity for investment in staff in order to promote, recognise and reward excellence.’

Whoever you talk to, the message is clear. As Brian Sheldrake summarised: ‘We are taking advantage of the Department for Education’s recognition of our continuing improvement as a school.’What’s on

February

1st Year 11 Parents’ Evening

9th School closes10th Training Day20th School reopens

March

13th Year 10 Parents’ Evening

19th Key Stage 3 performance of Joseph

28th Sixth Form Parents’ Evening

30th School closes

April

16th School reopens

May

9th & 10th Performing Arts Showcase17th Year 7 Parents’ Evening26th Car Boot sale

June

1st School closes12th School reopens30th Car Boot sale

THE school held an Awards Evening for Key Stage 4 in November, which celebrated the success and achievements of students over the past year.

More than 70 awards were handed out on the night, ranging from progress to excellence in all subject areas. The awards included the Head of Year award, which was given to students for their hard work and commitment in all aspects of school life. Recipients included Kieran Nichols and Mai-Kay Davey in Year 11, and Amber Hayley in Year 10.

Winner of the most awards on the night was Sam Shenton

in Year 10, who received a record six certificates.

Award winners

in our sightsAcademy statusA first-class education

In tune withcreativity

Andy Goulty, Headteacher

Joe Peaker, Year 11

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ON the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the school stood silent to honour those who had lost their lives in both World Wars, as well as in more recent conflicts. Cadets and the uniformed service students took part in a service to rededicate the war memorial remembering past students who have lost their lives.

Students were encouraged to wear a poppy, and raised more than £570. This meant that the Royal British Legion’s annual shield for raising the most monies in the Rothwell area was presented to Rodillian for the tenth year in a row.

LAST summer, three Year 11 students – Peter Fawcett, Natalie Greening and Joel Brown – joined a 25-day expedition to South Africa with the Yorkshire Schools Exploring Society. They applied to go on the expedition in April 2010, and spent the next 12 months fundraising with help from Friends of Rodillian and the school.

During the expedition, they took part in an environmental awareness course, carried out conservation work in the

St Lucia Wetlands Park, took part in rhino walks and a three-day bush trek, where they slept out under the stars. In addition, they spent time in the Kruger National Park, helped out at a school, and toured the Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift battlefield sites.

‘The rangers cooked steaks and curries on the campfire,’ said Peter. ‘They were pretty awesome.’

STUDENTS and staff raised an incredible £210 for Children in Need this year.

Everyone had great fun taking part in a wide range of fundraising activities, including the Sixth Form, who dressed up in a variety of unusual disguises (Jedward anyone?). Bun sales at break and lunchtimes also helped to raise money.

IN September, Year 8 students at Rodillian hosted the school’s first Macmillan coffee

morning.With the help of staff, they

raised a total of £108 by baking, selling and buying cakes during breaktime.

Lest we

funFundraising

Charity cake sale

YEAR 11 ExPLORE SOuTH AFRICA

CONSIDERING applying to our Sixth Form? A current student reveals all: ‘The change from Year 11 to the Sixth Form was drastic. Immediately, I felt a sense of freedom that allowed me to explore my future and to immerse myself in the subjects I loved. This new-found independence has enabled me to explore new ideas, learn new skills and discover new talents. Although your education is guided and nurtured at every stage, ultimately, you are responsible for your own learning. It is said that hard work pays off, and this has never been more true than in the Sixth Form. I’ve found that by striving to do

my best, I’ve been greatly rewarded when it comes to the experience the Sixth Form has to offer.

‘Not only are we given more freedom, we are also recognised as being more mature. As a Sixth Form student, lessons are more relevant as you are keen to explore a particular subject, while a more equal relationship with teachers makes it easier to approach them for guidance.

‘Throughout the Sixth Form, we are continually being given opportunities to both further our experience and to be given a voice within school. Recently, we had the opportunity to organise fundraising events for

Children in Need, which was a huge success and immense fun for all those involved. We’ve also been given a say in how the Sixth Form itself is run, giving us further control over our education and environment. The school is always keen to receive feedback, reflecting their desire for us to achieve our best and support our ideas.

‘The entire Sixth Form team is incredibly dedicated, and always happy and willing to talk to anyone with any queries. My experience of the Sixth Form so far has been inspiring, and I look forward to the exciting possibilities ahead.’

ON 25th November, students were involved in

the Violence Against Women day organised by

Lofthouse Children’s Centre.

The boys got involved by tying white

ribbons around a tree in the community

garden to show their support for this

cause, and to raise awareness of

families affected by domestic

violence and the support

available.

RIBBONS

SYMBOLISE

OuR SuPPORT

Charities take centre stage

forget

Wish you were here

Sixth FormStep up to the

Laura Varley, Year 12

Peter Fawcett, Year 12

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FROM BALLET AND MuSICAL THEATRE TO PANTOMIME AND THE ANNuAL CAROL CONCERT, THE PERFORMING ARTS GIvE STuDENTS THE OPPORTuNITY TO SHINE

FOR the third year running, the Performing Arts Summer School was full of enthusiastic new Year 7 students immersing themselves in Rodillian life, even before they began school officially.

Day one was a carousel of different activities including Drama, Music, baking and designing, resulting in students taking home cheese scones and designer T-shirts. On day two, students learned a wide range

of circus skills, from juggling to magic tricks while, on the third day, they were given the opportunity to conquer their fears at Aerial Extreme in Bedale.

The Summer School aims to help new students get to know the school and staff, and meet and make friends, while having fun. Lewis said, ‘I had a great time. I enjoyed all the activities, but the high ropes were the best.’

Young performers

CHRISTMAS IN CONCERT

OuR continued partnerships with professional companies have offered unique opportunities for our students and those from our local primary schools.

After joining our workshops with Northern Ballet last year, Lydia Penston in Year 7 was ‘talent spotted’ and asked to

audition for their Young Dancers scheme. The scheme allows talented youngsters to access professional training while staying at home and remaining in a regular school environment, something that, previously, could only be done if they left home and moved to London.

Lydia now trains eight hours a week at Northern Ballet’s new home in the centre of Leeds, and is doing exceptionally well. She recently danced with the company in The Nutcracker at the Alhambra. Lydia said: ‘I really hope to join the company full-time when I’m older.’

Young dancer joinsNorthern Ballet

THIS year’s Christmas music concert was the perfect start to our festive celebrations.

Organised by Ms Davies, with wonderful performances from various year groups throughout the school,

the evening was a triumph. Positive feedback from both the performers and audience included, ‘It was brilliant!’.

Many of the students who took part enjoyed the experience so much, they can’t wait to perform again.

DuRING this year’s annual Christmas theatre trip, students were treated to an upbeat performance of Annie at the West Yorkshire Playhouse.

The show, about orphan Annie and the search for her parents, featured a variety of comic strip characters and spectacular well-known songs, including ‘It’s the Hard-Knock Life’ and ‘Tomorrow’.

Applause for ‘Annie’

take a bowTHE CAT’S

WHISKERS!

THIS year’s pantomime, Dick Whittington

and His Cat, was a spectacular success.

Music, dancing and acting combined to

create a magical story, featuring well-

known songs by Adele and from the musical

Hairspray. Mr Degun said that it was an

opportunity ‘to see teachers in a different

light’ as well as students. Certainly, we

won’t forget the sight of Mr Speight

in a dress!

HO! Ho! Ho! Father Christmas visited Rothwell Parish Church at the end of last term during Rodillian’s community carol concert.

Students from Carlton Primary, Rothwell Primary and Rothwell Victoria joined forces with soloists from Rodillian, Rothwell Music Centre and the Lofthouse 2000 Brass Band to herald in the Christmas holidays.

Carol singersraise the roof

Victoria Brown, Year 12

Laura Varley, Year 12

Victoria Brown, Year 12

A magical experience

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AT Rodillian, we believe that students have the greatest chance to succeed if parents, carers and the school work together. Consequently, we have launched the Parental Focus Group as a way of strengthening this partnership. The group meets once a term to discuss a wide range of issues, and enables us to seek parents’ views.

We asked Amanda Ashe, who is a key member of the group, why she got involved: ‘When my daughter made the transition from primary to secondary school, it was inevitable that I would have less day-to-day involvement in her schooling as she would be more independent and would be travelling to school and back by bus. So when I was approached to join Friends of Rodillian (FOR), I saw it as an opportunity

to establish some involvement with the school.

‘Through Friends of Rodillian, I have been involved in many fundraising activities, which are crucial in the current economic climate when school budgets

are reduced. Proceeds from fundraising activities have enabled us to enhance school resources and to support extra-curricular activities. The events have also given me the opportunity to get to know other parents.

‘As a parent, I feel that the school and I have equal responsibility for my child’s education and aspirations. Being part of the Parental Focus Group offers me the opportunity to make a positive contribution to my child’s education and to feel “in touch” with school life. The focus group seeks my opinion on various issues, such as the school website, the frequency of parents’ evenings, the format for school reports and communication with teaching staff. I feel that my views are listened to, and have already received feedback on ways in which our ideas have been considered and incorporated into future developments.

‘I believe that involvement in my child’s schooling has had a significant effect on her academic achievements and, as such, is beneficial to both my child and the school. It has given me greater confidence

in understanding the curriculum (which has changed significantly since my schooling days) and supporting my child with homework tasks.

‘You can never underestimate the importance of your child being happy, or feeling confident and safe at school. To achieve improved outcomes and the best possible start to adulthood, partnership working between school and parents is crucial.

‘As a parent, I feel valued by being involved, which in turn makes my daughter feel valued as an individual. I feel that this strong foundation is impacting positively on my child’s behaviour and attitude and will help her to achieve her aspirations and reach her full potential educationally.’

If you would like to get involved more in school by supporting Friends of Rodillian or joining the Parental Focus Group, please get in touch with Nikki Harrington on 0113 3368 735, or email harrinn01@leedslearning.net

We welcome your support in changing the life opportunities of our students.

YEAR 13 student Jonathan Kerr talks about his love of poetry.

‘I began writing poetry properly in November 2010,’ recalls Jonathan. ‘Just over a year later, I’m proud to say that I’ve had three poems published in anthologies that will be stocked by libraries across the country.

‘In the first anthology, A World of Verse, I submitted a poem that focused on love in as sincere way as possible to try and encapsulate what “love” actually is. In the second anthology, Poet In Me, I submitted a poem that showed in a playful, poetical way, what being a poet is all about. In the third anthology, Reflections: A Collection

of Poetry, I wrote about the longevity of true friendships and how one person can always bring you back to them. I’m inspired by a variety of things: perhaps something a stranger says as I pass by, or watching a scene unfold from a distance and trying to piece together what is going on.

PHome And SCHool– A POSITIvE PARTNERSHIP

I’ve uttered my love to shadows of what should be.

I’ve proclaimed to love once, and only.

Yet the words don’t trickle from my lips when I think of you.

‘Cause unlike before I want it to be true.

You’re the reason I’m still in this world,

And I have never felt this much compassion.

I see a life of living blind where the world is what I imagine,

or more what you paint it to be,

and that’s why it always looks so beautiful to me.

You may not hear I love you,

at least not anytime soon,

So I’ll say the only thing that I’ve ever known.

Wherever you are, is where I call home.

You’re the best part of all that is me,

So without your eyes, I can’t even see.

Sonnet of a SongbirdShe knows not that I listen to her sing,As my heartfelt silence goes unnoticed,She flies on by, a whisper in the wind,Look at me, one day you will notice this.Know me not; give me not a second glance,Walk slowly by as I, have no words too,For the perfect words never passed by chance, For no thought exists, but the thought of you.

I’m nothing more than a face in the crowd,A glance, a whisper, just show me something,As you fly so high I can’t hear your sound,A touch, a whisper, I just need one thing.A whisper of you sounds so loud to me,Yet your love for mine, that will never be.

oetic‘Poetry should make

people think, or offer them a ray of hope. If I can make just one person happy, sad or angry, then I’ve accomplished what I set

out to achieve.’Here are two examples of Jonathan’s work:

Jonathan Kerr, Year 13

licence

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Extra-curricularactivities for all

STUDENTS at Rodillian were able to take part in a wide range of activities during Enrichment Week this summer.

For the budding entrepreneurs in our midst, we held our own version of Britain’s Got Talent and The Apprentice.

Other activities included a round or two of golf. Students had the chance to be coached by a professional golfer for two days, experience two different training courses over three days and receive a prize for their contribution.

As well as Sport and the Performing Arts, students had the opportunity to work on their visual art by creating a new stage backdrop for Carlton Primary School.

IN July, 90 students from Rodillian set off for the annual school camp at Drum Hill in Derbyshire.

During the week, the students had to look after their own tents and help with the washing up.

The campers took part in a variety of trips, visiting Hardwick Hall and the Heights of Abraham, while evening activities consisted of swimming and bowling.

AFTER the success of the Hawaiian-themed summer disco, the Friends of Rodillian decided to organise a Hallowe’en disco.

As a result, more than 90 students from Years 7, 8 and 9 – dressed as vampires, witches and, even, Freddy Krueger (from A Nightmare on Elm Street) – attended

‘Fright Night’ before October half-term.Prizes for best dressed were awarded

to a gruesome-looking schoolgirl, with second prize going to a fantastic Frankenstein. The event included dance competitions and team games and, for those who dared, there was even ‘batwing’ punch!

IN 2011, the Friends of Rodillian had another busy year raising funds for the school. Events included the annual Christmas Craft Fayre in November. Thankfully, the snow stayed away, and a steady stream of visitors were able to browse through the assorted gifts and crafts for sale on the various stalls.

Reminder: Numbers are still available for the Friends of Rodillian 100 Club. Please log on to our Facebook page for details or contact Tracy Smith in school.

TO complete a unit for the group performance part of the Creative and Media Diploma, students organised a game

show for their target audience of families.The event was well attended, with more than 80 people at the

Family Fortunes-style show, ‘Clash of the Classes’. However, instead of using families, the group coerced ten of the school’s

teachers. A tense battle was fought in the head-to-head round, in which Mr Fox and Mr virtue were pitted against Mr James and

Miss Docherty.The students had to write the script and co-ordinate

the technical side of the evening as well as organising the event management.

As a result of their hard work, the evening was a great success. The money raised, which totalled

£120, was donated to Children in Need.

Enrichment across the curriculum

Happy campers!

Gruesome ghouls and grisly ghosts

Friends set out their stall

THE CLASSES’‘CLASH OF

FOR the second consecutive year, 30 students and four members of staff travelled to France in July for a PGL outdoor adventure trip as part of the school’s ongoing enrichment programme.

Activities included windsurfing, canoeing, body-boarding and sailing, which challenged students to try something new and encouraged them to work as a team to complete tasks. The group also spent a day relaxing at a local water park.

Students

Hard workreaps rewards

MORE than 470 students from Years 8 to 11 took part in a well-deserved rewards trip to Alton Towers in September. The hard-working students had all achieved over 150 stamps, and none had received any isolations or exclusions.

unfortunately, students were left stranded after one of the coaches broke down. But this only added to the sense of adventure as they waited for a replacement, finally returning to school at 10pm.

splash!make a

Laura Varley, Year 12

Lucy Dalton, Year 11

Rodillian SchoolLongthorpe LaneLofthouseWakefield WF3 3PS

Tel: 0113 336 8730Fax: 01924 825 667Email: info@rodillian.leeds.sch.ukWebsite: www.rodillian.leeds.sch.uk

Produced by Words&Pictures Tel: 01943 854800

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THE Duke of Edinburgh’s Award continues to go from strength to strength.

The initiative’s popularity at Rodillian is due, in part, to the support and encouragement provided by Miss Routledge and other staff who often spend weekends supervising expeditions and other activities.

The wide range of experiences also helps to enhance student CVs and support applications for university and beyond.

THE SKILLS TO SuCCEED

Snooker

championYEAR 9 snooker player James Pearson is

celebrating after winning his first tournament. His

achievement is all the more incredible as James was

only introduced to the sport a year ago.

James fought off stiff competition to triumph in

what surely will be the first of many wins. James

described the feeling of winning as ‘excellent’,

and one day hopes to turn professional like

his hero, Judd Trump.

games‘Olympics’ Rodillian stages

THE whole school was involved in this

year’s school sports day. The theme

was the ‘Olympics’, with each group

representing a country.During the ‘opening ceremony’, the

countries paraded their flags, after

which students competed in games such

as cup stacking, the three-legged race

and tug-of-war. Traditional track and

field races took part on the top field

during the afternoon.Trophies were awarded for the top

performing form in each year group.

Victoria Brown, Year 12