'SPECTRUM' opens for business in time for Christmas

S P E C T R U M

These are the rings made from old lego pieces and scrabble sets. They have been created by the 'Young Enterprise' business group set up by Year 12 students. For this, the students are learning business skills from Mr. Cardon as well as receiving support from representatives from the BicesterVision group.

Through this guidance they have now launched their new jewellery business as well as developing their business acumen, expertise and entrepeneurship skills. Future developments are intended to include cufflinks, decorative pins and contemporary items.

To all the Year 12 students, I hope you have a very merry christmas and that 2012 brings you the success and hopes you wish for.

SIXTH FORM LEADERSHIP TEAM CREATED

ELECTIONS & VOTING
Over the past 3 weeks, Year 12 students have been preparing for the election of the Sixth Form Leadership team. Candidates for the posts delivered speeches to the Sixth Form students and staff. These presentations outlined their potential ideas and aims of the role if they were to be elected. All of the audience was impressed by the confidence and visions of these exceptional students. Voting was very close and the top 8 students were then elected to become the voice and representatives of all post 16 students. Congratulations are passed to these students:

James Allen, Mathew Ash, Giles Baldwin, Hannah Cherry, Jess Daulton, Luke Dickety, Sophie Grose, Lauren Franklin

These students are now investigating the possibility of lockers, extending the use of the televisions, broadening the range of food on offer as well as the launch of a Sixth form student created web page / eMagazine entitled 'The Lounge.'

Head boy & Head girl

The final round of the elections saw all 8 of these students delivering an individual presentation to Mr Baxter, Headteacher followed by an interview. Mr Baxter has stated that he was very impressed by the confidence, maturity and extensive preparation of these students who he described as being "a credit to themselves and to this school.' He also stated that 'the calibre of the current Post 16 students is exceptional and the sixth form leadership team clearly have an exciting future ahead of them."

Our Head girl position is awarded to Lauren Franklin & the Head boy is James Allen.

Year 12 support World Aids Day

Stand Up Stand Out

Year 12 students were the first nationally to upload a photograph to mark this important day and received an instant congratulation email from 'The Terence Higgins Trust' at 9.30am.

To mark this day, students came to school wearing something red and were photographed on the 'red carpet' staircase in the Post 16 centre. Students also wore the red ribbon and spent the day selling these ribbons and collecting money for the charity.

Students plan to develop a village in Ghana

'Village by Village'

This is a charity that works in Ghana to help and support communities to develop. It is involved in a range of programmes; building, teaching, business and sports leadership. They visit and support villages and travel around Ghana to offer support which will benefit a community. This is run by volunteers and they usually have 14 students from schools around England who spend a month supporting their great work.

Year 12 students

12 students from TCS have now enrolled to work on this project and are travelling to Ghana in June 2013. In order to do this, they have to fund themselves entirely - including travel, accommodation and food. In addition, each student has to raise £800 directly for resources for the charity. These students are: Francesca Montanino, Kirsty Mills, Giles Baldwin, Joe Hayes, Marcus Linfoot, Jack Rowland, Jack Stone, Charlie Paviour, Bethany Kyle, Jess Daulton, Ellen Willams and Georgia Marshall.

Fundraising

To raise the necessary funds, these students are embarking on a 12 month fund raising programmes. They are currently organising a range of events including; cake sales, a 24 hour trampolining event, and a sponsored cycle ride where they try to meet the mileage of the distance between GB & Ghana. All the proceeds from these events will go directly to support the charity work and to cover the volunteering initiatives.

'Shop to Fund Raise' initiative

Our students are also looking to link into this excellent idea. This is an initiative where the buyer does not pay more for the product but a percentage of their total spend goes directly towards the charity. Full details of how to use this will be issued shortly.

INFORMATION ON HOW TO SUPPORT THESE STUDENTS AND FULL DETAILS OF FUND RAISING ACTIVITIES WILL BE PUBLICISED SHORTLY

CHILDREN IN NEED DAY

Children in Need

The Year 12 students approached this day with ingenuity and a sense of fun. Students appeared in assembly this morning dressed as animals, Super Mario, the Incredibles, a nurse, a shark, and some students were even sporting bubble wrap dresses. There a group of young men in 'all in one' outfits who were impossible to identify! They are currently collecting money and raising funds for 'children in need.' A great effort and photos are available for viewing.

Sixth Form Leadership Team

The process for applications and voting was outlined to the students this morning:

Monday 21st November

Students to register their interest / obtain job descriptions.

Thursday 1st December

Students deliver speeches to Year 12 students & staff on why they want to be in the leadership team. Votes will be counted and the 8 students with the most votes will be elected into the Sixth Form Leadership team

Wednesday 7th December

The elected 8 students will deliver a short presentation to Mr Baxter, Headteacher to outline why they should be chosen as Head boy / girl.

Friday 16th December

There will be a celebration Assembly to announce the results of the election.

Sixth Form Leadership Team

Sixth Form Leadership Team

The Year 12 students have now decided that it is time to create their own leadership team. They want to organise a small group of 10 - 12 students who will become the 'voice' of all Post 16 students. They are aiming to focus on the daily running of the facilities, as well as providing a route to ensure that Post 16 studies is continually forward thinking and progressive.

Head Girl / Head Boy

The students will also select a Head boy and Head girl who will become the most influential and significant students in this school. This will be a role of responsibility and will be awarded to the students who have the most leadership potential. These 2 students will represent all post 16 students on formal occasions. Consequently, this will be a very prestigious role.

Decision making process - The Vote!

The students are currently organising a list of individuals who would be interested in becoming part of the leadership group. We will then organise a session for speeches and hold a formal voting process so that year 12 students have a genuine say in who is selected to represent them. Staff will also be invited to cast their votes. In the event of a tie-break situation, the school leadership team will oversee the final decision making process.

This will clearly become a very influential group of students who will help to steer the learning and teaching at this school and I look forward to the next few weeks as we prepare to decide on our first ever Sixth Form leadership team.

Sixth Form Open evening

Impressive attendance

The Sixth form Open Evening was held in the Post 16 centre last night. The school was delighted to be overwhelmed by the numbers of prospective students and their parents. The doors opened at 6pm and the queue to sign in for the evening extended across the school. It took 15 minutes to get everybody through the door.

Departmental stands

Each department hosted a stand with information on available courses. The response of parents and students was very positive and comments were made frequently about the enthusiasm of the staff and the quality / range of the available courses.

Year 12 front the evening

The current Year 12 were impressive in their commitment and support of the school and each department had a group of students available to explain their experience of the subject, to outline both the challenges and the aspects that have interested and inspired them. The centre was full of activity, people, noise and conversation.

STOP PRESS....STOP PRESS...STOP PRESS....

More courses potentially available next year!!

There was much interest in our school offering the following subjects:

AS MEDIA STUDIES / AS TEXTILES / AS COMPUTING / AS GOVERNMENT & POLITICS / AS LAW....

Please indicate on the application form if you would like to study any of these courses as we are seriously considering extending our range of courses.

Term 1 ends - celebrations all round

Celebration Assembly

We ended our first term of sixth form with a prize giving assembly for students this morning. Heads of Department nominated students who have particularly impressed staff with their commitment, dedication and outstanding efforts with their studies. This was a very positive occasion for all concerned with staff and students celebrating academic success. Mr Baxter was also able to join us and this further created a sense of occasion.

Hannah Cherry and Shaun Bailey both received 4 nominations each and rightly deserved special commendations for this outstanding effort.

Halloween party for KS3

More examples of excellent work by the students is evidenced by the Young Enterprise group 'Spectrum' who have been organising a Halloween celebration for KS3 students. This is to be held this evening in the Performance Hall. My office is currently full of refreshments and various (interesting) decorations and fancy dress costumes. It is clearly going to be a well attended and memorable event. It is a delight to see Year 12 students working for the younger students in the school. The photographs will be on the website after half term.

Special thanks also go to Helen Oldham for her fund raising efforts and also to all the students who were involved in the fashion show with Morleys and raised over £200 for charity. These efforts are impressive and these students are a credit to this school.

...& thoughts of Christmas??

I would also like to say that this has been a really fantastic term with our Year 12 students. It has been a joy to have the building alive with the sound of noisy / laughing students who are clearly enjoying their studies. The hard work and demands of KS5 study are also apparent but so is the way that our students are now rising to these challenges.

I would like to wish all current (& indeed future) sixth formers a happy, restful and informative half-term. I genuinely look forward to next term.

I think we need Christmas decorations and a tree in the centre. I am therefore formally requesting volunteers to help me organise these for our next celebration!!

Year 12 charity work

I am delighted to be able to report that the Year 12 students have once again impressed me with their proactive approach and commitment.

This week they have been involved in raising money for charity and showing their skills of ingenuity and community spirit once again.

CANCER RESEARCH

Students have decided to show their support for family and friends by raising funds to support this cause.

CAKE SALE

Samantha Barker, Christina Namooa-Foster and Hollie Roberts persuaded the big Tesco in Bicester to donate all the ingredients for a massive cake scale. They covered the work surfaces in the post 16 cafeteria with all the home made cakes and raised a massive £127.

All the proceeds from their efforts will go directly to cancer research as the girls said they wanted to do something positive to help.

SPONSORED WALK

Tasmin Dickinson, Ellie Vickers, Charlotte Elgar, Megan Mackay, Keri Allen and Abbie Lloyd were all involved in a sponsored 5 mile walk around Bicester. They wanted to raise funds for Sobell house hospice. As Kerri said, she wanted to raise money in memory of her 'second mum' who spent some time there.

GUEST SPEAKER

To further raise awareness of the work of cancer research and to highlight key health messages, the Year 12 students will be having a talk on Friday 21st October.

Trips & visits

The staff are currently organising a range of extra-curricular activities for the Year 12 students to ensure that their learning experience at KS5 is as fulfilling and enriching as possible. The following is a sample of what is being currently offered to the students:

For Art / English students - a trip to Venice in February 2012

For Art students - visits to the 'Artist in Residence' at a local secondary school as well as a visit from an established artist, Ian Murphy who will give talks and workshops

For History Students - In 2012 a trip to Krakow, Poland to explore the concentration camps as well as plans for a day trip to London to see The Imperial War Museum

For Physics students - A Physics master class at Oxford University planned for November 2011

For Chemistry Students - In November, a day with Oxford University / UK Energy research centre as part of 'The Festival of Science'

For Maths students - a national Maths conference to be hosted by this school

For Drama students - theatre visits planned in Oxford, London and Stratford starting next week to see a performance of the national tour of 'An inspector Calls'

For Performing Arts students - a trip to London is in the pipeline to see 'Wicked'

...and that is just for starters!

Year 12 Enrichment

REASONS FOR ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Our post 16 students have all been advised that it is in their best interests for all future applications that they are involved in enrichment activities. Mr Mike Nicholls, Oxford University Admissions tutor, informed them that competition for Higher Education Courses means that places are usually offered to students who have taken part in a range of opportunities which are in addition to their academic achievements.

THE RESPONSE OF OUR STUDENTS

Consequently, our students are now finalising their plans and arrangements for their individual enrichment programme. The enthusiasm and commitment of the students has impressed me. Students are considering their future aims and aspirations and attempting to secure opportunities that will complement and enhance their studies.

OPTIONS CHOSEN

Impressively, out of 104 students, we have enrolled 43 students on the Duke of Edinburgh Gold award scheme. Our advisers, Sam Sykes & Jo Russell, have been astounded by this number.

In addition, we have 18 students enrolled on the Young Enterprise programme. These students are now beginning to establish their business ideas with their 3 advisers from BicesterVision. Budding entrepreneurs all!

The remaining students are involved in a range of leadership activities which include: working in local primary schools, being attached to lower school students / classes, helping to run sporting clubs, or becoming Sports Leaders on the CSLA programme.

Student quotations

I would like to thank Year 12 students for their impeccable and responsible attitude during our school Open evening last night. They were a credit to the school and genuine role models for younger students.

The Year 12 students have been interviewed on their views / experiences of life in the Sixth Form:

Andre Garrick: "I am learning lots of new things to help with my future career."

Helen Oldham: "It's been amazing. The free lessons mean you can study in your own time."

Chris England: "It's been fun and a new experience."

Ellen Giles: "It's very different to the lower school - there's more freedom and you take responsibility for yourself."

Luke Dickety: "It's a big step from GCSE but it's really enjoyable."

Samanda King: "It's extremely different to all other years of learning because it's more independent and more fun."

Dan Pearson: "I love it!"

Kayleigh Harding: "The atmosphere is really good and everyone gets on really well."

Stephen Rust: "It's a lot of hard work but fun and enjoyable."

Emily Spittle: "It's hard work but I don't mind doing the extra work because it's really interesting."

Week 2 ....

As we complete the 2nd week of term the students are clearly settling into their courses and beginning to shape ideas for the future. The positive approach is still very much in evidence and staff have stopped me frequently to inform me how much they are enjoying teaching the KS5 students.

KS5 evening - Thursday 15th September

This was a very well attended evening and I would like to thank parents and students for their support. It gave the school an opportunity to explain the aims of KS5 studies and begin to outline how students can make the very best of their time here. We were also able to clarify our expectations of students both in / out of lessons. In addition, we clarified the range of enrichment activities open for students as well as involvement in community service.

It also gave the Post 16 tutors a chance to meet the parents and begin to establish a partnership of school - student - parent so that we can all work together to support and encourage the on-going progress and development of the students.

We have definitely had a fantastic start to our new sixth form and long may this continue! Enquiries are already coming in from parents / students about the application process for next year.....

The 1st week of the 1st term with our 1st Year 12

The Post 16 centre

The Post 16 centre has come alive with the sound of Year 12 students in the cafeteria and the classrooms upstairs housing the first ever AS level lessons. The building is as it should be - full of students, noise with movement to and fro. The students are making themselves at home using the kitchen facilities and the vending machines need frequent refills. It has been a good start to the sixth form. Students have commented to me that they have found the lessons thoroughly enjoyable and interesting. I know staff have also enjoyed the academic challenges of delivering A levels. It has also been very interesting to see the lower school students watching the sixth formers with respect and clearly wanting to visit the facilities and enquire about Post 16 courses.

External Speaker

As part of the students' enrichment programme, I have organised a range of speakers to come and talk to the students. Today we welcomed Mr Mike Nicholson who is the Director of Admissions at Oxford University. He spoke about the great advantages of Higher Education and gave some important advice about choosing courses and institutions. This was an entertaining and informative talk and provided a good start to the programme.

Enrichment

I am encouraging all students to partake in an enrichment activity / community service. Many students have requested to support lower school pupils and this will provide a great support to students. I have been particularly impressed with the positive approach of the sixth formers.

It has been a really good week and a delight to have the Year 12 AT LAST in the school!

THANK YOU

Thanks to all Year 12 students for their enthusiasm, energy and positive feedback about the 2 day induction programme. The local business advisers were impressed by the students commitment and determination to succeed. They also commented on the talents of many individuals and were very complimentary about our new sixth formers.

The staff at the school have also praised the calibre of students and their enjoyment of having 'like minded young adults' in their lessons. It was certainly a productive induction. Staff have also commented on how nice it was to have sixth formers walking about the site and what a different atmosphere that created.

I thoroughly enjoyed the entire induction. It was a joy to have the students on site at last!

I would like to wish all our forthcoming students an enjoyable summer. I hope that you use the time productively to prepare for your KS5 studies. I also wish students all success with their GCSE results and I look forward to formally enrolling students on August 25th 2011.

PS - quick building / furniture update ......

The classroom tables have just arrived & we have just arranged the furniture in the cafeteria ! Looking even better!!!

Photographs....to reality

I spent an hour this morning sifting through all the photographs of the build from last July up to pictures taken yesterday. Mrs Paviour and myself have been trying to recreate the stages of the building as it went up - the cranes, the foundations, the skeleton, the stairs going in and the scaffolding coming down. It has been an impressive process that has steadily and completely taken shape week by week. We aim to use these photographs for display purposes next week.

I was in the building yesterday and have been choosing the sites for the notice boards in each of the classrooms. It really is at the last stages of completion - with the furniture about to go in and complete the rooms. The reality of the build is nearly complete and we are going to be issued with the key shortly!

So, this really is it.

I have thought about this every day for over 12 months now and next week I can officially welcome all the Post 16 students to this school. So, I look forward enormously to seeing all the Year 12 students on Wednesday.

Bring it on!

Looking back ... looking forward

LOOKING BACK

This has been a momentous 12 months. When I was offered this job in April 2010 a close family member described it as 'the best job in the country' and often over the past 12 months I have thought that too. The creation of the Post 16 centre is an amazing opportunity for this school and for the students. I have felt privileged to have been offered the opportunity to be part of it and it is a responsibility that I have undertaken with delight.

In June last year I came to visit the school for the first time after being offered the job here. I stood on a little bit of green grass with some students I had never met before and we were with Mr McCarey and his camera . Together we made the first Sixth Form film. That day passed in whirl of faces, blogs and architectural plans.

In September there were the first assemblies with Year 11 and the creation of the Post 16 prospectus. The open evening in November and the receipt of the applications in January. One of the highlights of the year was meeting the prospective year 12 students during the interviews. Since then, I have been organising the option choices so that it matches the requirements and interests of the students. We have also recruited 14 new teaching staff! Since May I have been heavily involved in organising the opening ceremony and Induction programme for the students and I am now at the stage when things are all coming together and it is becoming real.

THE BUILD

However, in the background, constantly changing, is THE BUILD. The progress and change has been staggering to watch and every week Mr Batty updates me on the developments. This week I know that the classrooms are being finished and I have been told that by next week I will not recognise it!

LOOKING FORWARD

All the things to come for the Year 12 students will include .......

....Year 12 Induction.... the opening ceremony....results day....Year 12 enrolment....the start of the academic year...examinations...speaker periods...Higher Education events.... trips abroad...applications for jobs and university...taster days at university... leadership opportunities...a Post 16 leadership team....

Carpet...lights..

.... and nearly action!

CARPETS & LIGHTING

The tour of the build with the contractors yesterday was my first sight of the carpets in the common room, Business / ICT room, as well as the flooring in the cafeteria. These impressive rooms looked even more spectacular as a result. The circular wall lights along the corridors were also switched on which provided a really warm, ambient glow. Even the contractors, project managers and designers commented on how beautiful this building is already and can only get even better.

PAVING EXPERTISE

Most spectacular yesterday was watching the paving experts laying the stones / bricks in front of the building. The speed and dexterity of these men was a genuine wonder to behold. Mr Baxter, Headteacher commented on the fact that the men were so quick that the lorry could not load the bricks off quick enough to keep up with them. Mr McCarey was able to film this work which we intend to use in the final video of the build. They are creating a 'plaza' / 'piazza' at the front of the building which will also have large planters and a seating area.

FINAL VIDEO

I need some lovely Year 11's to come into school on Tuesday 5th July at 3.30pm to meet myself and Mr. McCarey. We will only need you for about 30 minutes - so if you are free please come along.

.......less than 3 weeks until the opening!!!!!

Final preparation stage!

The build

The phrase 'finishing touches' springs to mind as a summary of this week - ordering stationery for the office, agreeing the colour of tiles in the WC, the lighting system being installed and even agreeing the location of the photocopier and the 2 plasma screens. It has also been good to see the paving slabs being laid around the front of the building - again, another very stylish feature.

The next 4 weeks are going to pass very quickly and it is nearly a year to the day that I first stood on the grassy knoll that was then the planned site of the build. What a difference since then!

The Opening Ceremony - Wednesday 20th July 2011

Please note that this is an INVITATION ONLY event. I have been working with Mrs Nia Jeacock as we finalise the arrangements for the catering, the musical performances, the official opening and speeches as well as the timing of all the events.

Could I please remind Year 12 students that the invitation requests that they MUST RSVP to Mrs Jeacock to clarify if they will / not be attending the ceremony. We are catering for exact numbers and need to know which students are coming.

PARENTS VIEWING OF THE BUILD

I shall be organising a separate special occasion for parents / family members of the school in the Autumn term through the 'Parent Voice.' Full details of this will be given in September and I will look forward to welcoming parents to that forthcoming significant event.

THE OPENING CEREMONY

I N V I T A T I O N S

All prospective Year 12 students should have received their invitation to the official opening of the Post 16 centre on Wednesday 20th July 2011. This will be a very important occasion with local dignitaries, business representatives, school staff and the local / national press in attendance. It is an 'invitation only' occasion so if you have been offered a place to study here next year and have not received your invite please email me.

The Opening Ceremony

This will consist of musical performance, speeches, the grand opening, a tour of the new build as well as 'High tea' refreshments for all. Forthcoming students will be interviewed by the press and I have personally invited some students to take on the formal role of greeting all the guests and taking a lead role on this occasion. It should prove to be a very memorable occasion and the photographs from this occasion will be on display in the centre next year.

Just a reminder, for the entire day all students will be expected to dress appropriately for this formal occasion and therefore be prepared for a range of photographic opportunities!

The kitchen area is installed

It was very good to return to school after the half term break to see the progress that has been made. The scaffolding is coming down, the exterior walls are nearly finished and the windows have been replaced by very stylish grey ones which look great. The builders are also beginning to work on the exterior ground area at the front of the building which will make it look much more finished. I took a tour of Year 10 boys around the site today and they said it was like the tardis - much bigger on the inside than it looks from outside.

The Kitchen area
The builders have now installed this and the wooden worktops look very stylish with the white cupboard doors. There are 2 microwaves, a dishwasher, a sink and a range of cupboards for students to store their own goods. When the table is installed it will be a very popular area for students to use. We have also agreed the contract for the 2 vending machines - again, these will be very useful indeed.

Painting of the walls
The walls are beginning to be painted and the colour of the interior wall looks great. The majority of the walls and all the ceilings are white and when we have the furniture installed the rooms will be bright, airy and very contemporary. I wanted the whole building to look like a modern Art gallery but to have the comfort of a coffee house and this remains the vision we are working towards.

The builders are still on track, the opening ceremony and invitations are fully planned and the press will be there.

All I need now is my sixth formers here to begin the whole process.....

Furnishings, colour schemes and a ceremony

C O L O U R S C H E M E S

This week has been most notable for the choosing and careful selection of the colours for the fabric on all the different sofas and chairs that will go into the common room. These finalised plans will be sent off to the maufacturer's today. My thanks go to Mrs Jeacock who created a template that allowed us to experiment with varying colours; thus proving she has hitherto unknown interior design flair! Her work proved to be invaluable in the final decision making process, and we were thus able to include Mr Baxter's request of, 'a little bit of turquoise somewhere.'

In addition, the colours for the chairs for each of the classrooms has now been agreed so that each of the classrooms will have a colour theme. This was a popular choice for students and I am very gald we were able to accommodate this. The manufacturer's of the furniture are fully briefed for the installation which will be in time for the opening ceremony.

The Opening Ceremony

The plans for this special and historic occasion are being fully developed now and please watch this space for the details and schedule for this. All prospective Year 12 students will be invited to what will be a momentous occasion.

Reply slips for induction

Please note, the deadline for the return of these is TODAY.......

The GCSE examination period is progressing well and my thoughts and best wishes go to all my future sixth formers at this very important time.

Signage and Induction

ROOM SIGNAGE
This week we have begun to consider the signage and naming of each of the rooms in the building. On the face of it this would seem to be quite an easy job but the possibilities are endless. Colours, characters, ordinary numbers or something inspirational & motivational? We will be having a meeting next week to consider these again and also to decide on the location of display boards and equipment / furniture in all the rooms.

INDUCTION
The planning for day one (Wednesday 20th July) of the Induction Programme has now been finalised. This day will ensure all the new students are involved in an exciting team building exercise and should ensure that the expectations of Post 16 studies are embedded. Just think 'The Apprentice.'

ENROLMENT
I have also created the 'Enrolment Pack' for each student which clarifies the procedure for ensuring your place in the Sixth Form. I will explain these in detail during the Induction days and ensure all students will recieve a personalised copy of this in July.

ACCEPTANCE LETTERS
Could I please remind all students that these need to be returned to me by FRIDAY 27th MAY. I have a growing waiting list for places in the Sixth Form and these students are very keen to hear if they have been successful in obtaining a place.

The GCSE examination period has now begun and I hope that all of you

are successful in your endeavours.

Three visits to the build

Visit 1 was for a small group of Year 10 students who have been very interested to see the new Sixth Form. Potentially they will be coming up to the Sixth Form in September 2012 and it was really good to see their amazed / positive reaction to the size of the facilities and also how impressed they were by it. They also asked me about entry requirements and I could see them beginning to raise their sights on their potential future.

Visit 2 was candidates for the Exams Assistant post. Again, they were all very impressed by the facilities and very keen to support the school and the students with their AS / A2 / Diploma examinations. Mrs Baker was offered the post and she is a very welcome addition to the staffing of the the Sixth Form and will become an integral part of the Sixth Form life and examinations.

Visit 3 was for the staff of our Learning Support Department. Again, they were amazed by the size of the rooms, the space of the common room and the magnificence of the cafeteria. Even though I see the build progressing regularly, it never ceases to impress me with the height of the ceilings, the large windows and the quality of learning space it will provide the forthcoming Sixth Form students.

I feel very honoured, and humbled, by the responsibility and also tremendously excited by the prospect of having my Sixth Form next year and being able to share with them such high quality facilities. I genuinely cannot wait for September 2011.

The scaffolding begins to come down

The rear of the building is now free of scaffolding and, quite simply, looks stunning. It brings to mind the Harvard building in America. It has the same sense of space, light and elegance about it. The yellow / blue panels will be replaced very soon and with the new rendering on the front of the building it is starting to look even more finished. Again, I have been assured that is build is still on schedule for a July completion. Mr Baxter, Mr Cook and Mrs Jeacock have also had an opportunity to explore the photo-voltaic cells on the roof and have taken some very impressive futuristic images which will be put on the website.

I also visited the build this morning to see the dado rails up in all the rooms, the trunking in all the rooms and also a 'mist' coat of paint across most of the walls. Again, the sense of 'finishing' springs to mind. The ceilings are beginning to go up in the rooms and that will make a great difference.

The plans and design for the canteen area are also completed. It will be fitted out with cupboards which have white doors and a wooden worktop. This area will also be equipped with 2 vending machines, 2 microwaves, a fridge, sink, basin, dishwasher and hot water boiler. It will be a very stylish, modern and practical area for the students to use.

The designer has also come up with the plans for the colour schemes for the walls and flooring. He will email these to me next week and I shall put these on the website. Red carpets on the stairs is a striking feature of his design!

I have posted details about INDUCTION to all students today and these should be with you early next week.

Only 2 months to go and I know that will fly by!

Thursday 28th April 2011

The first thing I did when I arrived at school on Tuesday morning was to visit the site and look around the progress. Most notable was the exterior of the build where the rendering is covering the front of the building and this makes it look more impressive and stylish. I spoke to the project manager this morning and we are now beginning to plan the colour scheme for the walls / blinds and carpets. He informed me that the yellow / blue windows will soon be redesigned as well. He is very happy with the progress of the build and says we are still on schedule for a July completion. This is great news.

On the inside the contractors have been continuing to plaster the walls and put up the frames for the doorways. With the under heating now in place the inside is beginning to look more completed and is no longer a skeleton or shell. I also saw the contractors working on the lift and there are plans afoot for the ICT connections we will need for our students.

Daily progress continues. The timetable is now written for next year and students here are very excited by the prospect of next year - as we all are. With the weather so lovely it really is a good time of year and everyone seems very positive and calm.

To all Year 11 students and my future Sixth Formers - good luck with revision over this long weekend. Keep up the good work and remember it will be worth it!!

Staff visit the building for the first time!

This morning, Cooper school staff visited the building for the first time. I will leave it to the staff to give their impressions of the Sixth Form building after seeing it for the first time: 'It is exciting and modern' - Miss Patchett 'Fabulous' - Mrs Devereaux 'Amazing' - Mrs Brown ''It is corporate and will make the students grown-up' - Mrs Roberts-Ablett 'Inspirational' - Mrs Greer 'Fantastic. Really nice building.' - Mrs. Brown 'Lush' - Mrs Roberts-Ablett 'It's such a fantastic place to spend time. Our students will be the envy of other students.' 'Cooper students will love it' - Miss Box 'Much better than the staff room' 'Can we have teacher training sessions in there?' 'Can the staff use the facilities?' 'I'm jealous. They are so lucky. Our sixth form wasn't like this!' 'Stunning' - Mrs Eggleston 'It's like the tardis' - Mr Chambers 'I want to see it in action' - Mrs Whiffen 'It is deceptively large' - Mrs Howells

Year 12 Induction - July

I have spent this week organising the details of the 2 day Induction programme in July. I am aiming to make this a dynamic, interactive event where all the students can begin to integrate together as well as find out about their chosen subjects by experiencing lessons. It should be a busy two days of challenge and enjoyment as well as good fun. I will write to my prospective Year 12 students after Easter with the full details of the programme of the days with more information about what to expect. But, to summarise : Wednesday 20th July 2011 TEAM BUILDING event with formal presentations For this formal and important day, students will need to dress in smart / formal clothing as there will be presentations at the end of the day. The press will also be on site. Thursday 21st July 2011 Post 16 course / departmental day This is for students to experience the 'start' of their studies. All students will be given important information about the courses they have chosen as well as experience a 'taster' lesson for each. On this day, all students will be able to wear smart-casual clothing. These days will really set the tone of what to expect next year and I look forward to welcoming you all to the start of your Post 16 studies.

GRAND DESIGNS

This has been a wonderful week of design ideas, colour schemes, paint swatches and carpet samples!

The colour schemes

I have spent this morning in the building exploring and considering the colour schemes for the interior and the exterior of the build. For the exterior, there is an agreement to change the blue/yellow panels around the windows so that the building has a more modern and contemporary feel. For the exterior, we are considering the use of a sandy colour which has flecks of glass in it.

This morning the designer was describing the use of colour and the possibility of creating subtle feature sections around the building. However, the aim will be to ensure a calm and modern learning facility. I anticipate that the furnishings and the wall art will be used to create the real dynamic sense of colour and vibrancy. The wall spaces are vast enough to lend themselves to displays of art and photography - which could be changed and rotated.

The whole building, both inside and out, will have a sophisticated and contemporary feel. I spoke to the designer about the colours of Renaissance Italy and he seemed to like that concept. We have also seen the first design ideas for the furnishings and layout of the classrooms and common room which I have in a folder to show students for feedback and suggestions.

Cafeteria

We have agreed where the plasma screens will go for displays of important school notices, national news channels and even the possibility of a sixth form channel created by the students. The designer also had some ideas for the style and location of the cafeteria facilities. There will be a large table in there for eating, socialising and working on- all at the same time no doubt! I also imagined having meetings around this table with the sixth form tutors and senior students.

Outside space

The space directly in front of the build will be paved and there are also plans to have down lighting around the building which will create an excellent evening ambiance. I imagine sunny afternoons like today will see a number of students enjoying this area. I also envisaged the possibility of using this space for the display of 3D Art or Design & Technology.

The official opening ceremony

This is now being planned!!

We have a potential date, a potential format and are drawing up the invitation list. This will be a very special, public occasion and more information about this will be issued in due course - so watch this space.

Letter to the new Sixth Form students (No.1)

Dear future Year 12 students

I wanted to thank you all for your applications for Post 16 studies and for your positive and enthusiastic support of the new Sixth Form. Many students impressed us with their application as well as the maturity displayed in the interview. Furthermore, many of the revision plans you produced showed tremendous thought and detail and I have kept copies of these for possible reference for other students.

I am currently planning the details of your Sixth Form Induction on the 20th & 21st July. I am aiming for these days to be a combination of team building and entertainment as well as providing you with a 'taster' lesson in all your subjects. I want these 2 days to set the tone of learning which you will experience in the sixth form: a time of both enjoyment and personal achievement.

We hope to have a ceremony in the new building where we can formally mark and celebrate the beginning of a new phase of your education as well as the completion of a dream that this school has been working towards for years. Mr Baxter, Headteacher, is already considering the form that this event will take. It is an event that is getting nearer by the day and is in the forefront of our minds as we plan and consider options.

The building is progressing well and on schedule for a July completion. We are currently discussing the locking system and entrance / security system. We have even begun to consider the colour of the walls and carpets. We have organisations planning designs for furnishings and also the redesign of the exterior. The ICT & Technology for each room is also in progress . These things are all happening simultaneously and all organisations working together to welcome you to the finest Sixth Form institution that we can provide. All of this is for you and for subsequent students to have a greater choice about your options Post 16.

My aim is to ensure that your experience of the Sixth Form is the best of your schooling and I am looking forward to supporting you all through your studies as well as celebrating your achievements with you.

Keep working hard on your GCSE examinations. All the hours you study for these examinations will underpin your future learning and ensure you commence your studies with confidence and ease.

Cate Mallalieu-Needle
18.3.2011

Tours of the site

I have just had a tour of the build and taken some recent photographs of the rooms to show the completion of the partitions and to give a sense of the size of the rooms and the light from the windows. These are being placed on the website. Mr Batty, the Project Manager, has informed me that he will be completing the underfloor heating from next week so there will be no opportunity for tours until this is finished. We have also had a number of visitors to the school this week who have been given tours of the build. The feedback from them has been surprise at the size of the common room and cafeteria and the amount of space for the classrooms. They have also said how impressed they have been by the overall facility.

We have also had a number of educational furniture companies on site who are offering their suggestions for the furnishings in all the rooms. Again, this is an exiting next step in the process. I spent some time with Year 11 students yesterday looking at furniture catalogues and considering colours, styles and possibilities. I have kept their labelled pages for reference for the final decisions. We are also considering having a colour theme per room and students here seemed very positive about that.

I will also be speaking to the design team shortly about the exterior of the building and their ideas for making it modern and appealing. I am looking forward to that very much. The brickwork is reaching to the top of the building now and it will be good to see it all pulled together with modern design features.

An so another week passes, more building progress is made and we move another step closer.

Our first Year 12 students

The future Sixth Form students

This is a momentous moment for the school.

I have in front of me the list of the students who will form the new Sixth Form. I am getting to know these names (and students) very well and am beginning to remember individual course choices! Mr Rushworth, the Deputy Head, is already creating the timetable for next year. We are aiming to ensure that course combinations are considered for each individual student and we are in contact with students whose options need further discussion.

Our aim throughout this entire process is to ensure that the school advises each student individually and supports students in making the right choices and decisions for them. We have had a signifcant number of applications and each student is considered and processed individually.

Offers of places in the Sixth Form

I am in the process of writing to students with the outcome of their application and this should be completed over the next two weeks, as I am still interviewing the last few students.

Offers of places will be dependent on GCSE grades and will be finalised on results day. I need to state publically on this blog that we have had more applications than we are able to offer places. The consequence of this is that we have had to make some very tough decisions. None of these decisions have been made lightly and throughout I have considered and balanced what is in the best interests of each applicant and what we can best provide for the majority of students.

GCSE Results Day - Thursday 25th August 2011

I would like all applicants to note that I will be running a clinic on this day, from 10 am until 2 pm. Any student / parent who would like to discuss results and options are very welcome to come and see me during this time for advice / guidance

NEW FILM

The most recent addition to the filmic updates of the progress of the build is now on the website. Once again, my thanks to the efficient and talented Mr McCarey for his expertise in this area. I hope that this video gives you a picture of the interior and size of this impressive area.

The next video instalment will be teachers who have requested to see the inside of the build.

Courses & bricklaying

As we move into half-term I have been reflecting on the significant progress and developments we have made with the Sixth Form. The past week has been centred on the continued organising of the interviews and processing of the applications.

POST 16 COURSE OPTIONS
We have also been exploring the course options and provision of our Post 16 choices. I have added more courses to Pathways 3 & 4 which are now placed on the school website for information. It is also exciting to note that due to the demand for certain subjects, we have created 2nd groups. These are also clarified for information.

COURSE CHOICES
We are also exploring the combination of courses that students have opted for. Our aim is to ensure a flexible approach to this and as we begin to create the timetable for next year, this aim underpins our intentions and our aims.

BRICKLAYING
The contractors of the Sixth Form build have even given me a lesson in bricklaying this morning! Although, it took me about 15 minutes to set one brick! As a consequence of this, I have promised the Facilities staff that I will not get involved on the building site.

To all our future students, I hope you have a good half-term. Work hard for your forthcoming examinations and approach the time with a positive attitude. I promise, it will be worth it!!

Our new Year 12

The interviews this week have been fantastic.

The Senior Leadership Team at the school were very impressed by the quality of the applications and the mature manner the students exhibited during the interview process. Many students came extremely well prepared: outstanding personal statements, detailed CV and some very extensive revision and study guides to show their preparation plans for their forthcoming examinations. These were able to give us insight into each student's approach to learning and their capacity for independent study. It is these qualities that will determine success at KS5.

Many students showed tremendous support and enthusiasm for the new Sixth Form. We were told by students who are already here that they want to continue their education with the staff they know, believe in and trust. They stated that this is a place where they feel their talents will be further nurtured and they see this as the environment in which they can fulfil their potential. In addition, external applicants stated that they wanted to come here for their Post 16 education because of the excellent reputation of the school. These comments I shared with the staff here during our morning briefing session today.

All students will be informed, in writing, of the outcome of the interview. More interviews take place next week and thereafter we will issue the offers of places. I would anticipate that students should receive these within the next 3 weeks.

I would personally like to thank all the students for their efforts with the interviews. For the first time I felt able to 'see' the new Sixth Form and envisage the students in the building and preparing for KS5. Once again, we move another step closer to the opening.

Applications & the Sixth Form common room

The Applications

The Sixth form applications are now in and we are delighted by the number of prospective students and the range of choices being made. We are clearly oversubscribed. Some subjects will potentially have more than one group to cater for the demand. This is fantastic news as it reflects the interest of students, supports our aim to offer the very best post 16 courses that we can and also provide a range of opportunities for our students.

To repeat, if any student would like some advice or guidance on the interviews please contact me. The interview process aims to ensure that students have applied for the most appropriate courses and also to explore attitudes and style of learning.

The Sixth Form Common room

The Senior Leadership Team was given a guided tour of the site this week. This was also filmed and I hope to update the website soon with the latest screen offering. The most striking feature of the build is the sheer size of the common room. I had not realised how big it is and it means that we can furnish it to provide a truly flexible learning environment with a broad range of seating / lounging opportunities for the students. The common room feels as big as the performance hall and will, no doubt, prove to be the hub of the Sixth Form.

In addition to this fantastic space, Post 16 students will also have a cafeteria area for social use. There will also be doors that will open onto a grassed area which we could make into a summer seating area.

Furnishing the Sixth Form Centre

THE BUILDING

The building continues apace and will be completed and furnished, fully fitted and ready for our Year 12 on September 1st 2011.

THE FURNISHINGS

I am currently planning the interior decor and fittings / furnishings of the classrooms, as well as the Sixth form Social area and the cafeteria. This week Mr Cook and myself visited another Sixth Form centre in Oxfordshire which is currently refurbishing their sixth form facilities. This gave us more ideas and contacts and I have put together a visual display of the ideas that we are working on. Please follow the link to see this. We are planning the centre to be bright, light, modern and fully equipped and designed to support the learning needs of Post 16 students. The images on the Sixth Form page of the website reflect our intentions of providing a modern, flexible learning environment.

I will fully involve our prospective students in the furnishings to ensure we support their learning styles and design ideas. The trip to furniture companies with Year 11 students is still planned and will happen soon!

APPLICATIONS

Applications are coming in from a variety of students and it is very exciting to see the level of interest and the variety of course options that students are applying for. All applicants will be issued with an interview date and time where we will explore their aims and intentions to ensure each student is applying for the most appropriate courses.

THE REVISION TIMETABLE

A number of students have asked for clarification on this. The aim is for us to discuss with prospective students their independent study skills and how they are preparing to achieve their predicted grades. A revision timetable will show us the organisation skills of students.

Developments

Another week has passed and the building continues to develop. I have been informed that the internal partition walls are going up which will mean the structure of the rooms is more visible. I have been promised another tour within the next 2 weeks so that I can make the next video update of the progess.

We have even begun to discuss the colour of the walls and the use of the entrance foyer, cafeteria and study area for A Level Art displays. Combined with the use of the LCD screen we should have a multi-media ever-evolving & changing display space. Discussions have also begun on the size of the foundation stone to be laid, its inscription and also the beginning of plans for the opening. Students will be involved in these decisions and I have some plans for commerative goods to mark the occasion - more details of this to follow.

Applications are continuing to arrive in waves and have come from internal students as well as applicants from outside - 1 student has even applied from Liverpool! Former students who left 12 months ago have also applied as they wish to return to the school for greater success in Year 12 here. I have even begun to draft out my welcoming speech.

The date for interviews will be WEDNESDAY 9th FEBRUARY 2011 and students will be receiving individual, written confirmation of the time and venue for this. Students are being asked to bring their revision timetable as they will be asked to explore their intentions in gaining or exceeding their current predicted grades.

As ever, if any student wishes to discuss the interview beforehand , they are very welcome to contact me directly at the school - cmal6047@cooper.ocnmail.net

IMPORTANT DATES

I would like to thank Connexions (Megan & Hayley) for their support at 'The Pathways Advice Evening' on Wednesday. The personalised guidance given to prospective students and their parents was invaluable in helping students make important course choices for their future. The guidance websites also helped students begin to focus on their academic strengths and needs and begin to tailor their options to suit their future aims and plans. I know that the parents and students who attended found the evening very helpful.

Miss Esther Miller from the Science department also spoke about the importance of STEM -Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. As the STEM co-ordinator for the school she is available to guide students and is also planning to highlight the need and importance of STEM in this country and also the increased role of women in STEM.

Some important dates are :

Closing date for applications : FRIDAY 28th JANUARY 2011

Interviews for students : Wednesday 9th February 2011
(letters will be issued)

Year 12 INDUCTION : Wednesday 20th July & Thursday 21st July 2011
(details will be issued)

The building continues to progress and take shape with windows in and the internal structure coming along well. James Batty has promised me another tour soon and I am looking forward to that. Each week marks another stage of development and takes us a step closer to the completion of the build and the 'Grand Opening.'

2011 begins

2011 is going to be a momentous year for the school. The Sixth Form will enrich all the staff and students here and will raise aspirations of learners in all Year Groups. Much anticipated and greatly deserved for all.

The building continues to develop and it was the first place I went to after the holidays. The windows and all the walls are now being created and it is becoming an impressive part of the landscape of the school. The size of the building never ceases to impress me and it will be such an asset for its future sixth form inhabitants in the years to come. James Batty, the project manager has informed me that they are now working on the interior of the build and he is very happy with the progress.

Applications are arriving daily and it is very exciting to see the combinations and choices that the students are applying for. I would like to remind all prospective students that if they need further advice and guidance on choosing the most suitable courses there are a number of options that can be taken:

• Any student can seek advice directly from me - in person, by telephone or by email (cmal6047@cooper.ocnmail.net)
• Students could book an appointment with Connexions
• Students could speak directly to their tutor and / or subject teachers for advice on suitable courses

In addition, I would like to remind students that there will be a 'Pathways Information Evening' on Wednesday 12th January 2011 from 6 pm - 7 pm in the L2L centre. This will be an informal evening where students and their parents can seek advice on possible options. Connexions will also be in attendance.