Year 13 plans and ambitions

Year 13 Parents' evening

Last night we held the Parents' Evening for Year 13.  There was a good turnout of parents / students despite the inclement weather and rising cases of winter related illnesses. A calm atmosphere pervaded the building and I was aware of many examples of commendation from staff as well as very constructive, supportive and productive recommendations and suggestions.

Forthcoming Examinations

Many Post 16 students have examinations in January and there is a strong sense of purposeful preparation for these. Year 13 students commented to me on the realisation of how important the examinations are and the motivation / drive that university offers have given them. Students are really keen to achieve / exceed their predicted grades in order to secure their university places.

University offers

These continue to arrive and  are clearly very exciting and rewarding for the students. They are also a great incentive for personal ambition for the students.

I have noticed that many students have formed study groups in the available classroom upstairs on the post16 premises and it is a real joy to see the students working and studying together - offering each other academic guidance and support.

I feel very proud of the Year 13 today - they are becoming the young adults who will represent the future and their determination and commitment is very inspiring to see.

APPLYING TO UNIVERSITY

UNIVERSITY OFFERS

I am delighted to be able to say that the majority of Year 13 students are applying to university and offers of places have been coming in thick and fast over the past 8 weeks. The majority of applicants have received offers from all their university choices. The students are in a very strong position of having to make decisions about which to accept as their first choice!

The school is very proud of the students and their achievements.

COURSES TO BE STUDIED

Our  students have been offered a  wide variety of degree courses. These include:

Medicine, Computer Science, Bio-Medicine, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Physiotherapy, Psychology, English, Politics and History.

It is a real sense of achievement that this school has supported the next generation in their academic and future ambitions.

SCHOLARSHIP

I was informed this morning that one of our students has received an offer of a £6000 scholarship from one university! This is a superb achievement.

OXBRIDGE INTERVIEWS

It is also a delight to be able to announce that all of the applicants to Oxbridge have been selected for interview. These interviews will take place over the next 2 weeks and our best wishes go these students.

It has been an absolute pleasure to see the Year 13 students completing their university applications and the hard work and dedication they have shown with crafting their personal statements. I have enjoyed reading all of these and working alongside the students and the tutors to complete the applications.

My thanks go to the staff for all their support and input into the references and especially to the Year 13 tutors for all their hard work with writing these.

... and a really special THANK YOU to Hayley Greer, KS5 Assistant, who is at the centre of all the applications and she is the person who has made everything work so efficiently.

Brilliant.

Safe Drive Stay Alive

Today, a significant  number of our Year 12 students attended the 'Safe Drive Stay Alive' campaign in Oxford.

This is produced by a road safety partnership including Thames Valley Police, local councils, and Thames Valley’s emergency services.  This campaign aims to reach new and pre-drivers in an emotive and hard-hitting way, influencing behaviour and attitude on the roads.

The statistics on accidents involving young drivers are very disturbing:

• Last year,  over 841 people aged 16-19 were injured on Thames Valley roads
• Last year, an average of 3 young people per week were killed or seriously injured.

• Young drivers are much more likely to be involved in a crash on the roads, often due to inexperience and a lack of knowledge of the risks.

• Around 1 in 4 deaths on the roads is aged 17-24. This summer Thames Valley Police also caught 69 drivers under the age of 25 for drink driving!

Post 16 Studies at The Cooper School is committed to raising awareness of safety for our valued students.

Money issues ..... Children in Need

Making our students financially aware

As part of the Year 12 Speaker programme, today we had a presentation from 'Credit Action' on key financial issues students will need to consider.  The talk covered topics on the need to budget, reduce outgoings and increase incoming income, be aware of APR, to prioritise financial needs and ultimately to start saving!!

The key financial messages can be downloaded for free from creditaction.org.uk.

Children in Need ....

Supported today by Year 12 students who came to school in a vareity of wonderful costuems and colours. All monies collected will go towards supporting the vital charity work that this fund raising  day supports.

2012 Post 16 Open Evening

 

The 2012 Post 16 Open Evening was held last night . We were overwhelmed by the numbers of prospective students. Over 200 students attended with members of their family and it was 'standing room only' in the performance hall for the presentation.

Current Year 12 & Year 13 students supported departments and explained the courses to the new students. I received many compliments from visitors about the enthusiasm of our sixth formers and also the content of the courses. Parents repeatedly stated how impressed they were by the Post 16 facilities, the staff and also the professional manner of the current sixth formers. It was a very positive evening and an absolute delight to have welcomed so many current Year 11 students to the school and to give them an insight into the range of courses we are offering Post 16.

 Thanks go to all the students and the staff for their continued motivation and commitment to Post 16 education at The Cooper School.

CELEBRATION ASSEMBLY

On the news this morning I heard a brief headline about the need for teachers to raise the ambitions of students. Interestingly, our assembly this morning was planned to celebrate the achievements of Post 16 students. For this, selected students inYears 12 & 13 were chosen by staff across the school for notable achievements within subjects. These chosen students have impressed their subject teachers with their commitment to their studies and their determination to do the best during lessons and in private study.

There were so many awards to distribute, that it took the Head boy and Head girl with the leadership team more than 15 minutes to hand them out. It was good to hear the reasons cited which for drive and ambition

This was a good end to this term. Students have also been given their reports for Term 1 and this will provide an opportunity to use the half term wisely and productively.

TERM 1 DRAWS TO A CLOSE

As term 1 draws to a close it is interesting to reflect on Post 16 life with the school's first complete cohort. The atmosphere continues to be lively and positive. It is always busy in the cafeteria but this is counter balanced by students working independently and in small groups as they approach the challenges of their KS5 academic studies.

SFLT
The Sixth Form Leadership Team have delivered assemblies to all of the lower school on Post 16 life and were impressive in their confidence and poise. They were overwhelming vocal in their support of the school and the positive impact that their studies have had for them.

UCAS APPLICATIONS
We have also now begun the UCAS application process and Year 13 students are busy completing their personal statements or having practise interviews for Oxbridge. It is exciting to report that offers of places are now coming to our students. A special mention has to go to Sam Bosley  as he was the first to complete his UCAS application and the first student to receive an offer of a place. CONGRATULATIONS

GOLD Duke of Edinburgh Award
Over 30 Year 12 students have now signed up for the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award. They will be having their practise expedition in 10 days time - Good luck to all of them.

SCHOOL OPEN EVENING

School Open Evening

Last night was the first time that we had Year 7 through to Year 13 on site, showing prospective Year 5 / 6 pupils and their parents around the school and discussing their own experiences of education here. Some Post16 students acted as guides, whilst others served refreshments or worked within departments. There was also a delightful masked performance entitled The Park' performed by Year 12 students in the post16 centre.
This was another significant moment for the school as it marked the first occasion when we are now officially a full, comprehensive school educating students up to the age of 19.

Staff Pride

There was a strong sense of pride from the staff in seeing these poised Post16 students, interacting with parents, answering questions with confidence and maturity and taking a responsible role in supporting the school and its future students.

Parent comments

Parents commented repeatedly to me about how impressive the sixth form students were in helping them explore the different subject areas. A parent stated that she felt the school was 'enriched' by having post16 students and that there were an excellent role model for the younger students.

I would like to personally thank all of Years 12 &13 for their time last night - hope you enjoy the chocolates!

POST16 STUDIES WELCOMES NEW YEAR 12

September 2012

It has been a busy and positive start to the academic year which has opened its doors to a complete and full Sixth Form.

Welcome of Year 12
The new Year 12 students have now arrived in the Post16 centre and the area is fuller and more alive than ever before. It is also very good to see the Year 13 students interacting with and welcoming the new students. Year 13 tutor groups have been paired with Year 12 groups and are becoming academic mentors to the Year 12 students as they make the transition form GCSE to the demands of A levels.

KS5 awareness evening
It was a delight to welcome the year 12 students and their parent to this evening which aimed to outline the expectations of KS5 study as well as outline the range of opportunities the school is offering for Enrichment.

Enrichment
Presentations from the 'Duke of Edinburgh Award' and 'Young Enterprise' have clearly inspired Year 12 as 36 students have now signed up for the Duke of Edinburgh award with plans for their expedition in October half term.

RESULTS!

GOOD LUCK TO ALL CURRENT YEAR 12 STUDENTS WITH THEIR RESULTS THIS SUMMER.

Year 13 enrolment = Thursday 16th August, 10am - 12pm, The post16 centre

GOOD LUCK TO ALL GCSE STUDENTS - WE LOOK FORWARD TO WELCOMING YOU TO YEAR 12 IN SEPTEMBER

Year 12 enrolment = Thursday 23rd August, 10am - 2pm, The Post16 centre

Fit For Work Conference

Today was the last day of Year 12 for our students as next week they will all be involved in work experience. The day began with an award assembly to celebrate the many notable achievements and successes over this academic year. 

For work experience, students have all secured placements in a variety of locations as a preparation for their future plans and ambitions. These work experience placements are varied and include : Formula 1, Radio work, GP surgery, Hospital placement, Vet practice and local Government.

In preparation for work experience, all Year 12 students took part in the 'Fit for Work' conference which explored how to conduct yourself in the work place, give a positive impression and to work successfully with others to create successful teams. Students were led through a variety of activities and asked to consider their own strengths as a potential member of the workforce as well as their own personal areas for development. 

I would like thank all the wonderful Year 12 students for the positive and committed approach 

to their studies this academic year and to wish all of them a happy summer holiday. 

This year has been a joy for me - and that is because of the wonderful students that have formed our first-ever Year 12.

GOOD LUCK FOR RESULTS DAY TO YOU ALL!!!

The new Year 12 joined us this week for a 2 day induction into Post16 Studies.

Day 1 was hosted by 'Young Enterprise' and gave the students the opportunity to work together in a competitive and business environment - with support and expert advice provided by BicesterVision.

Year 13 students were on hand to work with the students and the day was a lively and entertaining experience of the business world.

Day 2 was an opportunity for the Year 12 students to have taster lessons in their chosen subjects and to begin to prepare themselves for the challenges and rewards of KS5 courses.

I would like to wish all in-coming Year 12 students a good summer and I look forward to seeing you all for enrolment on results day and then welcoming you officially to the sixth form in September.

Higher Education Evening - June 2012

Thursday 28th June was the first ever Higher Education to be held at this school.

The evening was very well attended by over 80% of students who were accompanied by their parents. The aim of the evening was for the Year 12  students to explore their future options and to consider the benefits of  Higher Education. In so doing, it is intended that students make an informed choice about their future.

The evening began with a formal welcome and a presentation from UCAS on the application journey / process. Following this, there was a carousel of talks from external speakers on key issues and considerations to do with finance, student life and advice with regard to selling yourself in applications.

Our thanks go to the following speakers for their expert guidance:

Alison King UCAS : Application Advice & Guidance

Mike Nicholson Oxford Admissions Tutor : University Life

Gabrielle Bell Oxford Brookes : Financing your Studies

Project Trust - Taking a Gap Year

Next stage in making plans for the future will be the

'Fit for Work' Conference

for Year 12 to be held on Friday 13th June

YEAR 12 Art & Technology Exhibition

AS Art 

The first ever KS5 exhibition was held last night. The Post 16 centre hosted the AS Level Art work which graced the walls of the common room. In this space, the atmosphere created was one of a formal exhibition and reminded me of the brief I gave the designers for this area last year : to make it feel like an Art gallery. This exhibition was the final stage of the vision that I had for this space. It was a delight to see the range of Art work on display - the beauty and the creativity of the students' work was evidenced from the moment you entered the room. Walking around the students' individual work I was struck by the inspiration of the school trip to Venice at Easter. Equally stunning, were the students' sketchbooks which were like opening a treasure trove of artistic delights.

Engineering

I also have to mention the Level 3 Engineering students - on display was the racing car that they have designed and been creating all year. An unexpected delight - I have been promised that I will be able to drive it in the near future and I look forward to that enormously. Photographs in due course.... watch this space.

My congratulations to all the students and also thanks to the support and hard work of the staff involved: Caroline Butler (Art), Maggie Burnand (Art), Leanne Hayes (Art), Ivan Hore (D&T)  and Graham Frogley (D&T)

SWEENEY - 2 cuts

On Monday 11th June,  the Year 12 students returned to school to commence their Year 13 Induction. This was heralded by the Year 12 Performing Arts examination for which the students created 2 pieces of theatre inspired by the tale of 'Sweeney Todd'. This was the final examined section of their AS qualification and the students demonstrated their skills of music, dance, stage craft and performance.

This was an impressive and entertaining evening and a great end to the AS level examination period.

It is also really good to have the Year 12 students back on site and in lessons full time. Once again, the cafeteria is full of the noise and bustle of our students and it feels like it has come back to life again.

Year 13 Induction

YEAR 13 INDUCTION

Monday 11th June - Friday 13th July 2012

This 5 week induction period will prepare all Year 12 students for the increased opportunities and challenges that Year 13 study will bring. Students will be given on overview of all their courses and begin essential preparatory reading and research. In some subjects, students will also commence their coursework.

Higher Education Preparation

During the Induction period, students will be given a variety of opportunities to consider their Higher Education options. This will include presentations by UCAS on choosing courses, the application process and advice for writing personal statements.

Oxbridge Taster day - Tuesday 19th June

Higher Education Evening - Thursday 28th June 6-8pm

Higher Education day - Tuesday 3rd July - all day UCAS event

'Fit for work Conference' - Friday 13th July

This all day event will provide all year 12 students with an insight into the skills and attributes needed for successful applications. It will also explore and give advice about skills for successful interviews as well as preparation for the world of work.

Performing Arts Production

Year 12 Performing Arts production presents:

'SWEENEY: 2 different cuts'

Monday 11th June

7pm

The performance Hall

£1

Please Note : Due to the adult content of this play, audience members must be 15 years old and over please.

KS5 examinations

The Year 12 students are deep into their examinations now and it is amazing to realise how quickly this year has gone by.

Students continue to use the school facililties as a quiet place to revise for their examinations or as a place to prepare and anticipate that day's exams. It has been impressive to see the students arrive here prior to their exams, deep in thought, looking over their revision cards and clearly nervous but very focussed and determined. The atmosphere is very studious and it is almost palpable and possible to see their minds working.

It is even better, however, to see the students returning to the Post16 centre after their exams, looking tired but relieved!  Post examination analysis has been upbeat so far and the students continue to support each other and cries of 'Good Luck' resonate through the building as they wish each other well on route to the exam hall and also greeting each other positively afterwards.

The Year 12 students hve worked hard for these examinations and I continue to

wish them all luck.

I remember only too well these summer examination seasons!!

The start of the KS5 examinations...

 

Wishing all Year 12 Students

GOOD LUCK

with your forthcoming examinations

Year 12 Drama

MEDEA : by Euripides

For the examination part of the AS Drama course, theYear 12 students today performed this ancient Greek tragedy about a woman who gets revenge on her husband in a terrible way. With a cast of only 6, the students had to play multiple roles. They also rotated the central character of 'Medea' and shared the entire plot together. They used only minimal props - 6 black door frames on wheels - which were used to create a variety of moveable scenes and scenarios. The students have been preparing for this since January and have worked hard in their free time, after school and at weekends to rehearse the play together and to ensure they were able to match the demands and challenges of this production.

I would like to congratulate Briony Appletree, Keri Allen, Jessica Daulton, Elizabeth Lee, Francesca Montanino and Helen Oldham for their hard work and commitment to this course. They have been a pleasure to teach and I wish them all success in their forthcoming examinations.

Charity Quiz Night

On Monday 23rd April, the Year 12 Gold award 'Duke of Edinburgh' students hosted a quiz night to raise funds for the 'Village by Village' charity. 13 of our Year 12 students are currently involved in aiming to raise £10,000 for this charity.  They are intending to volunteer for the charity in Ghana in summer 2013 by building water wells and creating sanitation facilities for the local inhabitants. A very worthwhile cause.

The quiz night was well attended and brilliantly hosted by Josh Bream and Joe Hayes who are becoming very professional in taking on such roles. In their roles as masters of ceremony, they ensured the elements of fun and competition were maintained throughout the evening.

The next quiz evening will be held in June and we are already looking forward to it. All funds raised will go towards the 'Village by Village charity.

The next fundraising event will be held at lunchtime on Friday 4th May when 7 male students from Year 12 have volunteered to have their legs waxed in public!

There is an entrance fee of £2 but for a further £1 students will be able to administer the wax directly! Sounds like it is going to be a memorable occasion.

Exciting Easter Holidays

Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award

32 of our Year 12 students undertook the challenge of a 3 day expedition in the Lake District. Working in small teams, students had to overcome the difficulties of outdoor survival including unaccompanied negotiation of the terrain. With only limited supplies which they had to carry with them, students have impressed staff with their commitment, dedication and team work. Students have been commended for their excellent behaviour and friendliness throughout the experience. We are very proud of their maturity and the positive manner in which they are rising to the challenges of this prestigious award.

Cambridge university - Taster Residential
I am delighted to report that Year 12 students, Luke Dickety and Gaith Khan were selected to attend a short residential at Peterhouse College at Cambridge University. Known for its outstanding beauty, the college hosted our students with seminars, lectures, social events and formal dining experiences in the hall. Both students have stated that it was an excellent experience that has motivated them further to apply to Cambridge University.

House of Lords

The House of Lords
This morning, the Post16 students were honoured to welcome Lord Mawson from the House of Lords. He joined the Post16 students as part of their 'External Speaker Programme' which has been running this academic year.

As a Representative of the House of Lords, he explained to the Year 12 students how he rose from a working class background to the ranks of the House of the Lords through his expertise in Business entrepreneurship and his support of the regeneration of the East End of London. He also explained the important role and function that the Lords play in Parliament and Government.

He outlined that the main role was the scrutiny of the detail of potential policy through the expertise of the Lords. He explained that 'the devil is in the detail' of these policies and that success is also ensured by the painstaking scrutiny of every page of documentation and policy. Further, he outlined the need for the economy to grow through investment and business to secure the future for the students.

He has also invited students to visit The House of Lords to explore the workings from close range.

Year 12 Performing Arts - Production

IT

Production

Friday 16th March 2012

7pm

The Performance Hall

The Year 12 Performing Arts students have been very impressive in their organisation, creativity and team work over the past few weeks. They are putting on the first ever 'student production' tonight.

The format of the evening will be a talent show of the very best / finest of The Cooper School's musicians and singers. Auditions and shortlisting of the talent from across the school has been intensive and rigorous over the past few weeks.

The evening promises to be an exciting and entertaining one and my congratulations go the Year 12 students for all their commitment and dedication in organising this event.

LINK

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Ca2_8exjn1keyCDXDZmZRk7mzGhN7kVeozIpdst8Pes/edit

9 weeks until Year 12 examinations

Examination Preparation

The 2 week examination period for Year 12 will be 14th - 25th may inclusive. Year 12 are now focusing on preparation for the last 9 weeks of AS levels. Key advice from the Post16 tutors today has been :

• create a 9 week revision schedule outlining a rotation of all units / topics for each subject


• study in 30 minute blocks followed by a 2 minute rest period - this will maintain concentration levels


• reduce all 'extra' commitments to focus on exam preparation / independent study for the next 9 weeks


• remember your personal goals / dreams - use these to motivate yourself


• create a well organised study area at home - a learning environment


• form 'study' groups and work together on the exams


• visit the exam board websites for past papers and examiners' reports


• attend all extra classes that are being organised by departments


• use study periods wisely and effectively


• support each other and create a 'learning' culture during private study sessions

Adolescent Mental health

Nick Luxmore, Psychologist and writer, spoke to Year 12 today about how to support each other by listening to each other - particularly during the forthcoming stress of examinations. He talked with passion and humour about the importance of anger and being able to explain your thoughts and feelings by being listened to and understood.

AS Examination results

Congratulations go to the following students for their results in the January examinations:

Excellent results:

James Allen, Shaun Bailey, Sam Bosley, Charlotte Elgar, Ellen Giles & Gaith Khan

Highly commended:

Lauren Allison, Dan Bowden, Shaun Burden, Luke Dickety, James Nellis, Stephen Rust, Savannah Seger, James White, Katherine Worsfold, Roberta Worsfold

Krakow, Poland

To enhance their studies of Nazi Germany, the A level History students are currently in Krakow to visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. Perhaps the most notorious of of all the Nazi death camps during WW2, it is estimated that up to 1,500,000 people died at Auschwitz between 1940 - 1945. The site has been preserved as a memorial to these people and as a warning to society. The aim of this trip is to enhance the educational experiences and understanding of A level Historians.

A Level Geography Field Trip

Also happening this week is a trip for the AS level Geography students who are currently in Devon. This trip is a vital study experience necessary for the completion of their A Level course.

It is these A level educational enrichment experiences that will fully enhance and extend the learning of our students and we are very grateful to the staff who have given freely of their time and organised and these trips.

TERM 4 commences...

VENICE TRIP

Students have returned from the 'Year 12' trip to Venice with sketch books overloaded with images, drawings and photographs. This trip has given the students tremendous inspiration for their AS level Art work and was clearly enjoyed by all involved - staff and students alike. Students have also admitted to me that they are feeling withdrawal symtoms from Venice already!

Enrichment activities are a significant and important part of the post 16 experience at this school and will be remembered for a life time. I know this from personal experience as the sketch book from my own Italian A level art trip 30 years ago is still one of my treasured possessions!

"The Venice carnival was amazing and we were lucky to be able to experience it. I will be using masks in my art work." Savannah Seger

"It was a really beautiful city and I had never seen anything like it before." Jenny Howse

"We had a great time and I will be using the sculptures, arms and muscles as inspiration for my art work." Joe Hayes

"The museums were fascinating." Jack Murray

We send a big 'thank you' to the staff, Mrs Butler, Ms Hayes, Mrs Burnand and Mr McCarey for organising this wonderful trip and also to the students whose impeccable behaviour and conduct meant they were superb ambassadors for this school.

Snowy School.... Snowy Venice

SNOWY SCHOOL

The Facilities team has cleared numerous pathways around the site to ensure safe movement between lessons. I am proud of the Post 16 students for battling through the snowy weather and being ready and prepared to continue with their learning. In the cafeteria there is a plethora of wellington boots in various shapes and sizes and many Post 16 students are walking the corridors in their socks as they move to their lessons.

SNOWY VENICE

Yesterday morning a group of AS Art & English students travelled to Venice to study Venetian Art, Architecture and its in influence on literary texts. I am sure they will have a memorable experience in the city of magical atmosphere and 'shadow & light.' I look forward to seeing their sketch books and journals on their return

Year 12 applications arrive

Impressive applications

We have now received a large number of applications for Year 12, 2012-13. The quality of these applications has been impressive. Students are aiming for the highest possible GCSE grades as they are ambitious for their futures. We have large numbers of applicants for all

3 Sciences, History, English and Psychology.

Impressive Interviews

We have interviewed over 100 prospective year 12 students. Again, they have been impressive with their positive and determined attitude to their studies. There are a number of students considering a Medical / Vet career and are consequently determined to achieve at the highest possible level to be successful. Their ambitions are reflected in their current hard work and preparation for their forthcoming GCSE's.

Next week, more applicants will be interviewed by the Headteacher and Senior leaders at this school and I am sure we will have more future leaders, Politicians and scientists

amongst them as well

Next Year's timetable

The timetable is currently being created for next academic year to ensure we are fully prepared for the full Post 16 cohort.

I am looking forward to welcoming the new year 12 students to complete the school for us.

Induction Plans - July 4th & 5th 2012

The current year 12 students, led by the Sixth form leadership team are starting to make plans for the induction days in July:

"We would like to welcome you all with an afternoon BBQ/tea on Wed 4th July and an introduction to Sixth form life on your induction day. You'll also get the chance to meet your year 13 mentor who will advise you through the transition into A Levels.

We are already looking forward to next year with the exciting things that are yet to come. It should be a lovely afternoon."

Lauren Franklin & James Allen

Life in the SIxth form is....

YEAR 12 STUDENT SURVEY

All of Year 12 were surveyed this morning on their thoughts and views of life in the sixth form.
They were all asked to complete the sentence, Post 16 learning at this school is.....

"Fun , educational and challenging"

"A huge work load but really supportive teachers"

"Great...interesting...inspiring...really enjoyable...superb"

"Really good and there is a lot of support"

"Very informative and really interesting"

"Challenging but interesting and fun"

"Amazing, enjoyable, fun"

"Brilliant!"

"Really good even if there is lots of work"

"Tough but really amazing"

"Awesome"

"A big step up from GCSE but worth it"

Oxfordshire Junior Sports Person of the Year

I am delighted and very proud to announce that in December 2011, the Oxfordshire Junior Sports Person of the Year was awarded to our very own Hollie Roberts in Year 12.

She describes the evening :

'The evening was held at the Kassam Stadium in Oxford and I was lucky enough to be nominated as one of the 3 finalists. My brother and I prepared a routine which consisted of 2 Kata's and a fight scene involving karate, gymnastics and mixed martial arts. The presenters said a small piece about each of the 3 finalists and then we waited in silence to hear the winner announced....and it was me! '

Of winning this prestigious award, she says:

'I was overjoyed to have won this award, and very surprised. It definitely finished the year on a high. I was thrilled. Throughout the evening I had TV, newspaper and radio people coming to see me and congratulating me, asking for interviews. It really did make me feel so proud of myself and feel a great sense of achievement. It was great to be recognised for a sport that I enjoy doing and have always been dedicated to. '

Hollie's commitment, dedication and determination is remarkable and I am in awe of her talents and her potential.

2012 begins with a PANTO

The A level Performing Arts' students dazzled us last night

with a panto based on Snow White.

This production was a significant part of their assessment for their A level. The music, costumes, songs and technical wizardry created an entertaining modern slant on this fairytale. The impressive script was written by the students themselves and the entire production was student created. The time, efforts and creativity of these Year 12 was notable in all areas.

Memorable moments:

• The dwarfs..... 6 of them and 'Dave'



• Abi Smith as 'Dave' - the cool DJ dude of a dwarf with a flower in his mouth!



• Lauren Kerwin - unrecognisable as 'Plumpy' the dwarf in a fat suit ... and dancing too!



• Josh Bream - resplendent in a red, diaphanous gown with feathers and sparkly trousers



• Dan Pearson and his 'dancing'

• Cassie Mulhall - a fantastic old lady story teller / narrator

• Hannah Cherry and Joe Hayes during the mirror / queen interchanges!

Thanks to all these students, Mrs Eggleston and Mrs Beckett for their advice and guidance!