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