Monday, 13 January 2014

St. Boniface's Catholic College Heads Blog for wb13.1.14


 
Hi everyone and a Happy New Year to you all,

I apologise for the delay in releasing this week’s Blog, I usually aim for a Friday. It is good to be back after the Christmas break and I hope that you all enjoyed yourselves despite the atrocious weather, my dog certainly enjoyed the muddy conditions!

An important week for our Year 9 students with the Options Evening for them at 6pm on Tuesday 14th. An awful lot of work goes in to trying to ensure that we match each boys wishes but unfortunately no matter how hard we try we always end up having to disappoint a few. On Monday Year 9 are also fortunate to be given a presentation from a survivor of the holocaust. Year 12 and 13 are in the midst of their mock exams and I notice that Year 11 linguists, German, are having speaking exams – with 66 school days left before the GCSEs begin things are gathering pace.
 

PTFA Meeting: Monday 13th January

 Happy new year from all at the PTFA! All parents, staff and friends of St Boniface's are welcome to attend our meetings and we would love to see as many new members as possible. Please come along if you wish to be part of a forward-thinking, motivated group who have the College's best interests at heart.

 

D MacCormick

Assistant Head Teacher

 

Year 7

Happy New Year to all Year 7 parents and students. I hope you all had a very relaxing break with your families.

We started the week with a lovely assembly on “Resolutions”. This gave us all an opportunity to reflect on the promises we were going to make to ourselves, to change for the better in 2014 at both home and here, together in school. We were also able to put our own lives into some perspective, with some real life stories of some children in Honduras who are so poor, yet are still able to help their community to change people’s lives. What an incredible thing to do. I think it really touched the hearts of many of our students, who were keen to contribute in donations to Christian Aid, who provide great support for these individuals and their community projects. Thank you to all those students who have been able to contribute.

We have some celebrations already this term and only a week in! Jack S in 7K has received over 20 merits in Maths since September and James H had received a postcard home for effort in his maths home learning. This is a really special well done for James as he has previously really struggled in Maths so sees this as a huge personal achievement! Well done both.

A few important dates for your diaries;

·         Friday 31st January – Year 7 Art trip to the Aquarium. Please ensure that you have returned the forms/payment to Miss Gosling ASAP please.

·         Tuesday 11th February 2014 - Year 7 Parents Evening starting at 3.40pm. A great opportunity for you to meet with your son’s subject teachers to discuss their progression by subject.

To ensure the extremely high standards that Year 7 continue to demonstrate, please can I ask parents to make a note of the following;

·         Students should adhere to the hair and uniform requirements at all times. Please ensure that the correct outer wear garments are being used (particularly with the adverse weather conditions currently). Students should only be wearing black or navy blue coats, thank you.

·         Mobile phones should not be on during the school day. They should be switched off and in bags so that learning is not disturbed.

·         Home learning should be completed for all subjects in a timely manner. Please can parents insist on checking planners and guiding the students with organisation.

·         Please can parents ensure their son has a reading book in his bag every day to support our reading scheme. This is to further help and improve literacy standards whereby all students will undertake 30 minutes of silent reading each day.

I hope you all have a lovely weekend and manage to recharge the batteries after such a manic first week back!

Miss Beales – Head of Year 7


Year 9

A Happy New Year to you all, I trust you had a good Christmas.

One week in and it is all systems go, next Tuesday – 14th January-   is options evening for year 9.

The process of encouraging your son to think about his Year 10 options begun prior to Christmas with a straw poll questionnaire on which he was asked to express his desires for his KS4 choices, this was in no way binding but gave the College some idea of the possible popularity of courses. On Tuesday evening following a short presentation in the hall, parents and students will be given the opportunity to talk to staff about the courses available and what each one entails before making their selection.

Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any queries over this important next step. As this is a formal school event, students are expected to attend in full uniform.

The following week is the year 9 Parents Evening when parents will have the opportunity to meet individual subject teachers, please ask your son to make you an appointment in good time with any teachers you particularly wish to meet, it is also an opportunity to discuss likely success in particular subjects with staff.

I look forward to meeting you all on Tuesday evening. 

 Mrs Mcloughlin

 
Year 10

Happy New Year!

The year started with an excellent assembly led by Dr Summers, the Faculty Leader for our year group.

A meeting has been arranged for the Head of Year and House Prefects to discuss the current issues facing Year 10 with their Head of Year. The prefects are working with all students to gauge their opinions.

Next month sees a return to VUE Cinema for the year group. Our friends at VUE were so impressed with the boys' behaviour and attitude on the last visit. We will be participating in another emergency evacuation drill and watching a film for free.


Well done to all boys currently working on controlled assessments, and a big thank you for the hard work and time being put in by their teachers. The number of interventions available to the boys is increasing week-on-week.

On Thursday, Mr Tucker's 10B tutor group led us in assembly and prayer. Thank you Barrett House!

The year ahead will be a busy one. So I'd like to thank you as parents for your ongoing support for your son's education and pastoral development.

Wishing you all a prosperous and healthy 2014.

 Mr Scott

Head of Year 10

 

Year 11

The year 11 boys have returned from their Christmas and New Year break refreshed and with a renewed focus to start preparing for their summer examinations.   It is essential that all boys now attend as many intervention sessions that are being held, as possible, to improve their general progress and their controlled assessment grades.  The mock examination marks are promising but there are a number of boys that can’t afford to be complacent and need to knuckle down to make the small incremental changes each day that will have an enormous impact on their final GCSE grade. Congratulations to the boys that have performed well and have already met or exceeded their target grade.  Keep up the good work!  A big thank you to John, one of our year 11 students   for sending me his revision tips, which he is already implementing with the intention of me forwarding them on to other year 11 boys that may not be quite as focussed nor as organised as he is at the moment and which ultimately may help to kick start their revision planning.   This is typical of John’s selfless personality, always thinking of others.  Thank you John for your tips which you’ll find below:   

1) Do some past paper questions

2) Do a mind map, presentation or poster on what you have learnt

3) Tell someone else what you have learnt

4) Look through the revision guides, ideally a few every night

 

Well done to Daniel, whom along with his team mates from the Plymouth Salle Lawrence Fencing Club produced an excellent performance in a prestigious competition staged in Exeter.  Daniel was fencing in the Buckland Abbey tournament and returned home with first place and a shield to bear witness to his success.  The shield has historic and local significance as it dates back to 1953 and was donated by the Right Honourable Earl of Mount Edgcumbe.  Daniel saw his achievement reported in the Plymouth Herald.    

 

Post 16

This first week back has seen many deadlines and last minute scrambles.

A, UCAS has to be completed this week, students are still rushing around for references from staff and writing personal statements. UCAS closes on 15 January, after this date you may be disadvantaged with your entries. If you are in doubt about applying apply. Contact me if you are worried or need more details.

B, UCAS offers are coming back for those who apply. You must now choose two of the offers. This needs considerable thought and research. Look up the Universities again, contact them, the key thing is normally accommodation and whether you can get accommodation if it is your second choice. Look at the offer and one is usually a backup offer. Contact me if you need advice.

C, Mock Examinations are in full swing for all GCE subjects. These are intended to prepare you for the real examinations. We will be asking for evidence of revision, evidence of organisation, evidence of exam technique and effort. It is a stressful time but is intended as preparation.

D, Student Finance for universities. The time to apply is approaching and I will be holding times to go through it. If you or any parents want advice then contact me at the College.

Dates for the future: March 20 is a UCAS convention day at Westpoint, Exeter. All year 12s or repeating yr12s are expected to attend. At Westpoint will be all the universities talking about their courses. The cost will be £6 and we will be leaving at 8:15.

I hope you had an enjoyable Christmas

Mr Tew

 

Lord Jesus. May your light shine our way, as once it guided the steps of the magi: that we too may be led into your presence and worship you, the Child of Mary, the Word of the Father,  the King of nations, the Saviour of mankind;  to whom be glory for ever.

Amen

 

 
Monday 13 January 2014
 
Years 12 and13 Mock Exams
13:35 – 14:20 - Geography Clinic - (Miss Beales)
13:35 – 14:20 – Film Club with Mr Redfern (Room 136)
13:35 – 14:20 – Christian Union – (Chapel)
13:35 – 14:20 – Quiz in the Library – Years 7, 8 and 9
13:35 – 14:20 – Card Club– (LfLC)                                                  
15:00 – Maths Drop in Session Room A37 – (Mr Allerton)
15:00 - Year 11 Higher GCSE Homework , Catch up and Revision - (A29)
 
 
Tuesday 14 January 2014
 
GCSE English Coursework Intervention Classes for Year 11 students
Years 12 and 13 Mock Exams
13:35 – 14:20 – Film Club with Mr Redfern (Room 136)
13:35 – 14:20 – Card Club– (LfLC)
13:35 – 14:20 - Drama Club – (Mr Trimmer)       
13:35 – 14:20 - Geography Clinic – (Miss Beales)
18:00 – Year 9 Options Evening
 
 
Wednesday 15 January 2014
 
Years 12 and13 Mock Exams
13:35 – 14:20 – Film Club with Mr Redfern (Room 136)
13:35 – 14:20 – Card Club– (LfLC)
13:35 – 14:20 – Panda Knitting Club – (Miss Gosling’s Room)
13:35 – 14:20 - Board Games (Mrs Williamson-Firth – Miss Gosling’s Room)
13:35 – 14:20 – Geography Clinic – (Miss Beales)
13:35 – 14:20 – Careers Club
15:20 – 16:20 – Philosophy Club with Miss Sandford – (Room 150) – Week B only
15:30 – 15:45 - Time for Prayer for Staff and Students – (Chapel) – Week A only
 
 
Thursday 16 January 2014
 
Years 12 and 13 Mock Exams                      
12:35 – 13:35 – Baptism of the Lord Mass for Year 9 students in St Peter’s Church
13:30 – 15:00 – Hormones and Harmony Parenting Course taster session being held in the Chapel
13:35 – 14:20 – Film Club with Mr Redfern (Room 136)
13:35 – 14:20 – Card Club – (Back room in LfLC)
13:35 – 14:20- Geography Clinic – (Miss Beales)
13:35 – 14:20 – ICT Careers Club – (Room 108)
13:35 – 14:20 – Creative Writing Club  – (Room E112 Mrs McLoughlin’s room)
 15:20 – 16:30 - Miss Gosling’s Art Club - (Week A only)
15:30 – 15:45 – Time for Prayer for Staff and Students – (Chapel) – Week B only
 
 
Friday 17 January 2014
 
Years 12 and 13 Mock Exams
13:35 – 14:20 – Film Club with Mr Redfern (Room 136)
13:35 – 14:20 – Years 9 – 11 Android Club - (Mr Neethling)
13:35 – 14:20 - Geography Clinic – (Miss Beales)
                                                    
 
PE Extra-curricular Clubs Timetable
 
January – April Clubs and Activities
 
Week A
Clubs/activities
Monday
Library lunch time – quiz for years 7, 8, 9
Library after school – extended learning – 15:20 – 16:20
Learning for life centre – lunch time – card club – D Grieve
Christian Union – lunchtime – C Rogers - Chapel
Film club – lunchtime – C Redfern
Art homework catch-up – lunchtime – J Wills
REwind – lunchtime – E Heduvan
Geography clinic – lunch – K Beales
Maths drop in sessions – lunch – N Allerton
Fitness club (lunch)
Year 7 & 8 basketball (after school)
School play - Lord of the Flies – after school - P Trimmer
French revision – after school – J McFarland
Year 7 music club – D Ousey
Tuesday
Learning for life centre – lunch time – card club – D Grieve
Film club – lunchtime – C Redfern
KS3 badminton – lunch
Drama club – lunch – P Trimmer
Instrumental opportunities – D Ousey, C Crossman
Geography clinic – lunch – K Beales
REwind – lunchtime – E Heduvan
Art homework catch-up – lunchtime – J Wills
Wednesday
Library lunch time – careers club for all years
Fitness club – lunch
School play - Lord of the Flies – after school - P Trimmer
Guitar club – D Ousey
Learning for life centre – lunch time – card club – D Grieve
Library after school – extended learning – 15:20 – 16:20
Film club – lunchtime – C Redfern
Maths drop in sessions – lunch – N Allerton
Geography clinic – lunch – K Beales
Games club – lunchtime – K Gosling’s room – Mrs Williamson-Firth
REwind – lunchtime – E Heduvan
Art homework catch-up – lunchtime – J Wills
Thursday
Library after school – extended learning – 15:20 – 16:20
Learning for life centre – lunch time – card club – D Grieve
Wind band – D Ousey
Fitness club - lunch
Careers club – lunchtime – room 109 – R Hudson – CV writing, interview techniques
Film club – lunchtime – C Redfern
Geography clinic – lunch – K Beales
REwind – lunchtime – E Heduvan
Art homework catch-up – lunchtime – J Wills
Friday
Library after school – extended learning – 15:20 – 16:20
Film club – lunchtime – C Redfern
KS4 badminton – lunch
Android club – lunch – years 9-11 W Neethling
GCSE music – D Ousey
REwind – lunchtime – E Heduvan
Maths drop in sessions – lunch – N Allerton
Geography clinic – lunch – K Beales
Art homework catch-up – lunchtime – J Wills
RE revision after school – 15:20 – 16:20 – E Heduvan
 
Week B
 
Monday
Library lunch time – quiz for years 7, 8, 9
Christian Union – lunchtime – C Rogers – Chapel
Geography clinic – lunch – K Beales
Fitness club – lunch
Year 7 & 8 basketball (after school)
School play - Lord of the Flies – after school - P Trimmer
Learning for life centre – lunch time – card club – D Grieve
Library after school – extended learning – 15:20 – 16:20
Film club – lunchtime – C Redfern
Maths drop in sessions – lunch – N Allerton
REwind – lunchtime – E Heduvan
French revision – after school – J McFarland
Art homework catch-up – lunchtime – J Wills
Year 7 music club – D Ousey
Tuesday
Learning for life centre – lunch time – card club – D Grieve
Film club – lunchtime – C Redfern
KS3 badminton – lunch
Drama club – lunch – P Trimmer
Instrumental opportunity – D Ousey, C Crossman
Geography clinic – lunch – K Beales
REwind – lunchtime – E Heduvan
Art homework catch-up – lunchtime – J Wills
Wednesday
Library lunch time – careers club for all years
Learning for life centre – lunch time – card club – D Grieve
REwind – lunchtime – E Heduvan
Geography clinic – lunch – K Beales
Maths drop in sessions – lunch – N Allerton
Library after school – extended learning – 15:20 – 16:20
Film club – lunchtime – C Redfern
Fitness club – lunch
Years 9 and 10 basketball (after school)
School play - Lord of the Flies – after school - P Trimmer
Guitar club – D Ousey
German revision/intervention – after school – W Neethling
Art homework catch-up – lunchtime – J Wills
Philosophy club – after school – C Sandford
Games club – lunchtime – K Gosling’s room – Mrs Williamson-Firth
Thursday
Library after school – extended learning – 15:20 – 16:20
REwind – lunchtime – E Heduvan
Fitness club – lunch
KS3 table tennis – after school
Wind band – D Ousey
Geography clinic – lunch – K Beales
Learning for life centre – lunch time – card club – D Grieve
Art club after school – K Gosling
Careers club – lunchtime – room 109 – R Hudson – CV writing, interview techniques
Film club – lunchtime – C Redfern
Art homework catch-up – lunchtime – J Wills
Friday
Library after school – extended learning – 15:20 – 16:20
Film club – lunchtime – C Redfern
KS4 badminton – lunch
GCSE music – D Ousey
Android club – lunch – years 9-11 – W Neethling
Geography clinic – lunch – K Beales
Maths drop in sessions – lunch – N Allerton
REwind – lunchtime – E Heduvan
Art homework catch-up – lunchtime – J Wills
RE revision after school – 15:20 – 16:20 – E Heduvan

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