A SPECIALIST SCIENCE COLLEGE FEBRUARY 2007

Issue No. 3

Eggar‛s is the 7 th most improved school in the country!

The Gove r nmen t r ec en t l y announced their new version of the GCSE league tables which made headline news in the National Press.

This year there is a new ‘Gold Standard’ for measuring a school’s performance. Historically this has just been 5 or more A* ­ C grades at GCSE. This year this statistic now includes English and Mathematics.

The Government has looked at this criteria applied to schools over the last four years and compiled a list of the top 100 schools in the country.

Eggar’s School was ranked 7th in the whole country and can be found right there at the top of the most improved schools list on the BBC website. This most recent success follows another National accolade for Eggar’s School.

Happy New year to you all!

I have again got good news and congratulations to hand out.

Year 10 have now completed some of their Science Module Examinat ions and I was extremely pleased to be informed by Mr Carter, Head of Science Department, that the results have been very good. In fact, he told me that the overall grades were an improvement on last Year 10's achievements.

I would also like to welcome to Eggar's School four new member of Year 10. Welcome to Robert MacKay 10MR, Darryn Lewis 10MKc, Sara Maxwell 10SKi and Hannah Moss10SKi.

I am certain that you will be as successful as the year group you are joining.

Nicki Curtis Head of Year 10 English Curriculum Leader

So congratulations to Year 10 on yet another academic success, following so closely on the heels of the SATs achievements!

Year 8 have had a busy start to the spring term and I have been very pleased with the progress they are all making.

As you know we provide you with information on your child showing their termly progress reviews. I was delighted to see that Year 8 are making excellent progress in their lessons and that all teachers are pleased with the attitude they are displaying.

Year 8 Exam Week was a success as all pupils showed they had spent t ime rev is ing and behaved impeccably throughout their exams. I look forward to seeing all of their results.

More Year 8 News

There are still places available on either half of the week for the Year 8 Calshot Trip in May. If you are interested please could your son/ daughter collect a letter from the school office.

This trip is a thoroughly enjoyable and a very active two and half days.

May I remind everyone that while the weather is still very cold you can buy green Eggar’s jumpers and stylish black coats. Pupils are not allowed to wear non­school uniform tops under their blazers or trainers in school.

I hope you all have a well deserved rest at half term ready for a busy next term.

A huge congratulation to Declan Russell 8SMo, James Bevis 8REo and Stuart Sharpe 8REo for achieving a superb 1 st place trampoling out of all the students representing Under 13’s in the South.

The competition took place on the Isle of Wight. Miss L Rogers

Head of Year 8

The Government announced their new version of the GCSE league tables which recently made headline news in the National Press.

This year there is a new ‘Gold Standard’ for measuring a school’s perform­ ance. Historically this has just been 5 or more A*­C grades at GCSE. This year this statistic now includes English and Mathematics.

The Government has looked at this criteria applied to schools over the last four years and compiled a list of the top 100 schools in the country. The key to in­ clusion in this table is consistency, and a school’s results have had to have im­ proved each year.

Head Teacher, Mrs Felicity Martin said: ‘This is a fantastic achievement for us to cele­ brate. Over the past year we have achieved many successes and we are particularly de­ lighted to have secured this latest accolade. We have received a letter of congratulations from the Minister of State for Schools, Mr Jim Knight and we have shared his comments

with our excellent team of staff and Governors.’

In September 2006 the National College for School Leadership announced the first wave of ‘National Leaders for Education.’ Mrs Felicity Martin was successful in becoming one of the first 50 Head Teachers in the country to achieve this status, and Eggar’s thereby be­ comes a National Support School sharing the good practice which has taken the school to local and now National success.

Spring Term February 26 Return to School following Half­Term

28 17:30­18:30 Parents drop­in session in LRC March 1 Y10 Citizenship Day

3 Dress/technical rehearsal for musical production 4 Dress/technical rehearsal for musical production 5 Evening performances of musical this week to include dress reheasal to primary schools

7 Y11 Science repeat modules Alton College Open Evening 19:00 ­ 21:00

12 Y10 Modular Science exams Y11 MFL orals KS3 Y9 Mock SATS week

14 Y7 Science Big Bug Show (postponed) 15 Y8 Science Trip to Natural History Museum (Group X) 16 Y8 Science Trip to Natural History Museum (Group Y) 19 Y11 Science special event – Shock, Awe & Inspire 22 Spring Concert 19:00 hrs 23 Academic Review Day—1 to 1 reviews with pupils, tutors and

parents 26 Y7 Exam week

Y10 visit to Pertuis 28 Y8 reports to parents

Summer Term April 2 ­ 13 EASTER HOLIDAYS

16 INSET DAY 19 Y7 Geography/Art trip to Living Rainforest (Group X) 20 Y7 Geography/Art trip to Living Rainforest (Group Y) 23 Y10 Geography Calshot trip departs 25 Y10 Geography Calshot trip returns 26 Y7 Science Reptile Day (TBC)

Y10 Art Full GCSE Y8 Parents Evening

27 Y10 Art Full GCSE

6 Y10 Art trip to Tate Britain, Tate Modern & River Cruise (TBC)

30 Y10 Exam week May 3 Y11 Full GCSE Art

4 Y11 Full GCSE Art 7 MAY DAY BANK HOLIDAY 9 Y10 Drama GCSE 11 Y10 Science special event ­ Shock, Awe & Inspire 14 Y10 Work experience begins (2 weeks)

Y8 Geography Calshot trip ­ 1st half departs 16 Y8 Geography Calshot 1st half returns/2nd half departs 17 Y11 Leavers Dinner at The Grange 18 GCSE Music

Y8 Geography Calshot 2nd half return 23 Y7 Reports to Parents 24 Y9 Trip to Barcelona ­ return May 28th 28 HALF TERM

School Calendar 2007 ­ Dates for your diary

An Ofsted Inspector recently visited Eggar’s to consider the school’s submission for the National Healthy Schools Award. During her visit she interviewed students, staff, parents and Governors and scrutinised a detailed submission and a wide variety of evidence. She walked the site, and joined pupils for lunch, choosing from the full range of healthy options always on offer at mealtimes. The Inspector said that she was pleased to confirm that Eggar’s is a healthy school and the

Eggar’s Achieves Healthy Schools Award

Mr Patrick Sullivan, Deputy Head Teacher receiving Eggar’s National Healthy Schools Awards

Mr Patrick Sullivan, Deputy Head Teacher expressed his delight. He said ‘With the Government’s agenda focussed on the principle that Every Child Matters, this has become a very important National award for schools. We are pleased to have been awarded the standard which confirms what we know, that Eggar’s recognises and cares for every indi­ vidual child.’

Rehearsals are well underway for the Eggar‛s production of ‘Anyth ing Goes' . Most departments in school are involved in some way and over 70 pupils have been working hard to ensure that the show goes on.

Tickets are now on sale daily from Reception, please ensure cheques are made payable to ‘Eggar‛s School‛ and have your son/daughters name and tutor group on the reverse. Ticket prices are £7.50 for Adults and £5.00 for OAP‛s and Children under 16 years.

“Anything Goes”

Learning the script of ‘Anything Goes‛, Katie Brook 10SL, Ben Lynn 11AS, Tristan Norris 11AS and

Charlie Yarrow 8REo.

Some of our talented Year 8 and Year 11 students busy

rehearsing ‘Anything Goes‛.

Opening night is on Tuesday 6th March with curtains up at 7.30pm prompt - further performances are on the nights of Wednesday 7th, Thursday 8th and Friday 9th March.

If you would like to be part of the experience, please ensure

you purchase your tickets soon, as they are selling

quickly!

Badminton Success for Kieron Riley 10SW

I am currently taking GCSE PE and was encouraged by Mr Eost to take my badmington playing further by entering me into a competition at Westgate Badmington Centre.

FUNDRAISING FOR S.U.D.E.P BY RUBY CLARKE 10SW

I have been fundraising again for Epilepsy Bereaved, but this time I held a ‘Guess The Number of Chocolate Heroes in a Stocking‛ competition at Christmas.

The competition was 50p a go and I also sold blue ‘In Memory‛ wrist bands for £1.00.

The observation team were impressed with my playing and have offered me the opportunity to take part in the Hampshire Badmington Development School, where I will have County training and a chance to represent the County team.

I will keep you updated with my progress and results.

Kieron Riley 10SW

Overall I raised £71.00 and in total I have now raised £398.00.

Thank you to everyone who supported me with this fundraising.

Ruby Clarke 10SW

RAISE THE ROOF BY VANESSA ANDERSON 8KN

Miss Hampson received a letter from Jane, the Vicar of All Saints Church, informing us of a sponsored sing to raise money for a new church roof.

I asked some friends if they wanted to come and sing with me but unfortunately they all had other commitments and could not join me so I decided to volunteer my sister Angel. At first Angel was enthusiastic but as the day got closer nerves set in!

We both practiced at night after school and sometimes in the mornings if we had time.

The day finally arrived and we set off to All Saints Church. When we arrived Jane was sat at the piano playing. We were the first to perform as not many other participants had arrived yet.

I was ready to start but Angel‛s nerves got the better of her and said she was sorry but could not go through with it. Jane, Mary and I talked her round and in the end she stood behind me to sing.

It went well and Mary was very proud of us.

The Church needs to raise £75,000 for the new roof; so far they have raised over £35,000. I‛m not sure how much they raised on ‘Raise The Roof‛ day but I feel glad I did my bit for All Saints Church.

Vanessa Anderson 8KN

Once again our school will be taking part in the Sainsbury‛s Active Kids campaign.

We are one of over 31,000 schools that have registered for this scheme in the last two years, benefiting from a share of an incredible £34 million worth of active equipment and experiences.

Last year, with your help, we collected 22344 Active Kids vouchers, so thank you for your support. Of course we want to aim even higher this year to take advantage of a range of new and innovative equipment for in and out of the classroom.

Active Kids will run from 7 February to 29 May 2007, during which time you will receive one Active Kids voucher for every £10 you spend at Sainsbury‛s.

Your support and commitment will again be crucial and there a number of additional ways in which you can support the school throughout the Active Kids campaign:

♦ You will receive a bonus voucher for every £10 you spend on fresh fruit and vegetables and all products with the healthy apple symbol.

♦ Convert your Nectar points into Active Kids vouchers by visiting nectar.com - simply select the school from the drop down list and follow the instructions on the screen.

Remember, all you need to do is post the vouchers into the Active Kids collection box, located in the school.

Thank you for your continued support.

At Eggar’s we pride ourselves on our careful monitoring of student progress. This year we have added to the information that parents receive.

Eggar’s Assessment and Reporting Cycle 2006­2007

Termly Progress Review (TPR’s)

These will be produced for every pupil at the end of the Autumn, Spring and Summer terms. An Academic Review Day will also follow at the end of the Autumn and Spring Terms so you can discuss the progress of your son/daughter with your child’s tutor.

Annual Subject Report

An annual subject report for every pupil is also produced this will contain information about achievements your son/daughter has made in each subject area and suggest strategies that they can follow to help them achieve their target grades. A subject consultation evening will follow which will give you an opportunity to discuss the progress of your son/daughter with their subject teachers.

KEEPING PARENTS BETTER INFORMED

Sainsbury‛s Active Kids 2007

Keeping Parents better informed

At Eggar’s we pride ourselves on our care­ ful monitoring of student progress. This year we have added to the information that parents receive.

Eggar’s Assessment and Reporting Cycle 2006­2007

Termly Progress Review (TPR’s) These will be produced for every pupil at the end of the Autumn, Spring and Sum­ mer terms. An Academic Review Day will also follow at the end of the Autumn and Spring Terms so you can discuss the pro­ gress of your son/daughter with your child’s tutor.

Annual Subject Report

An annual subject report for every pupil is also produced this will contain information about achievements your son/daughter has made in each subject area and sug­ gest strategies that they can follow to help them achieve their target grades. A sub­ ject consultation evening will follow which will give you an opportunity to discuss the progress of your son/daughter with their subject teachers.

DRAMA CLUB Relaunch

Drama club has taken off with a flying start this term after a short break.

We were lucky to have secured the services of drama practitioner, who has experience of a range of drama projects.

Laura Dymock has taken on the role of encouraging pupils to develop confidence and drama skills, and has many exciting ideas which, with the help of her committed band, we hope to see coming to fruition over the coming months.

As a member of the Phoenix Kids Drama Group at the Phoenix Theatre in Bordon, I have been involved in several productions. Last term I played the starring role of Scrooge in ‘A Christmas Carol’.

Drama Club is open to all pupils in Years 7, 8 & 9 located in the Drama room on Thursday after school from 3.25pm - 4.35pm.

Please see Mrs Walker if you would like further information.

Drama note from Cameron Reid 7JW

The next production will be ‘Mary Poppins’, the auditions are already complete, but please come and support the group by buying tickets! If you fancy getting involved, please talk to Cameron Reid.

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VISIT TO THE NATIONAL GALLERY, LONDON BY THE ENGLISH DEPARTMENT

On Friday the 2 nd February the Year 8’s visited the National Gallery in London as part of a scheme of work created by the English Department, which looks at how literature, media and art combine to reveal the best and the worst in human nature.

At 9:00 am an excited group of 139 Year 8 pupils boarded the coaches and set off for the art gallery. Once they arrived at Trafalgar Square, the pupils and accompanying staff were divided into two groups and then subdivided into tutor groups so that they could taken on a lecture tour by the staff of the gallery’s Education Centre. The first half of the Year Group began their lecture tour immediately while the other half spent some time in the gallery shop buying souvenirs.

The lecture tours were absolutely fascinating and the pupils were encouraged to share their insights and explore the various elements of the paintings they were shown. Our pupils were enthralled and participated with enthusiasm in these discussions.

The paintings which they were shown had been selected in advance by the gallery staff who had been informed about theme the Year 8s were studying and had been given copies of the poems so the focus of these discussions was “The Nature of Man”.

Pupils were able to see great artists’ interpretations of love; war and peace; the seven ages of man – from birth to death; the quest for knowledge; beauty and the grotesque and the excellence as well as the folly of humankind.

After an informative and inspiring hour in which each group examined and discussed three paintings which had been specifically selected by their own tour guide, the Year 8s headed for the food halls to have their lunch before boarding the coaches for the return journey to Eggar’s.

Miss K Mitchell

A Gortesque Old Woman By Quinten Massys

An Experiment on a Bird with the Air Pump by Joseph Wright of Derby

There have been a few responses to my request in the December Newsletter for parents who are interested in finding out more about the Duke of Edinburgh Award, which is an exciting opportunity for our pupils.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award has been developed to offer Young People between the ages of 14 and 25 an enjoyable, challenging and rewarding programme of personal development that is recognised to be an outstanding achievement by employers and further educational establishments in many countries.

It’s not too late to consider finding out about offering to mentor a group of up to six keen youngsters so that they can complete the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Regardless of whether you have any particular qualifications, the Eggar’s Award Team needs volunteers. This could include helping out generally, being a group leader, or perhaps instructing in a certain sport or skill. Some volunteers could help in the administration or fundraising activities to help support our Award Group. It could be as simple as you offering to provide assistance with transport. All roles are equally valuable.

You will be invited to a preliminary meeting where questions can be answered and a more specific guide to the Award Scheme provided. You should then complete the confidential Criminal Records Bureau forms and we can begin.

Just to remind you of the benefits of volunteering:­

Share the satisfaction and enjoyment of young people’s achievement Improve your relationship with young people Work alongside pupils in informal settings Get involved in your local community Enhance your career prospects Work with other volunteers in a team, sharing common objectives Make new friends Enhance your organisational and professional skills

If you would like further information please contact me at school.

Many thanks to those who have already volunteered and for your continued support.

Jill Sandeman

Year Seven Kware Update

7OW SPONSORED SILENCE shhhhh...

Members of 7CG are hoping to add to the fantastic fundraising efforts for the Kware project by filling empty Smartie tubes with twenty pence pieces.

Charity representatives for the Tutor Group – Jake Benstead and Naomi Hide reported “We all agreed to buy a tube of Smarties before Christmas, so we enjoyed eating the contents knowing that we would be raising money for such a good cause.

The tubes are going to be collected in at the end of January so we will let everyone know the total we raised as soon as possible!” Fund raising has never been so tasty!

Well done to the whole of Year 7 for embracing the Kware Charity Project with such enthusiasm!

Some of our pupils from 7OW took part in a sponsored silence for a day. There were one or two slip ups along the way which were overlooked of course.

From left to right Kelsie Hunter, Libby Spong, Ben Watts and Hugh Wheatley(7OW) taking part in the Sponsored Silence.

Thank you to all those who supported this fundraiser.

Poet In The Making! Hannah Smith (7JW)

has recently had one of her poems published.

Here is her poem for you all to read.

Antarctica

Ice and snow like a blanket, Over the cold, dark Antarctica,

Penguins looking for food, In freezing water keeping an eye

out, For an attacking seal,

Powerful, ravenous blizzards, Blowing and swirling around,

North and South Poles, Never warm or hot.

Well done Hannah!