FITZ FOCUS july 2015.pub

The FitzWimarc School
Traditional Values – Lasting Success
FITZ FOCUS
Edition No. 61
July 2015
As we approach the summer holidays, students are quite naturally looking forward
to a very well-earned summer holiday; their work-rate, and that of the staff, has
been phenomenal this year. We now look forward to Year 11s receiving their GCSE
examination results in August, where they will reap the rewards of their efforts. For
each of the new Years 7 to 10, there will be changes in the way they are examined
and the material they will study, but we believe that, by focusing upon the core
educational principles and working hard, they will achieve the success that they
deserve.
This school is about so much more than our very strong examination results and a
great deal of the broader life of the school has been shared here, in Fitz Focus. We
are proud of each and every achievement contained within and look forward to the
opportunities and challenges that the new year will bring.
May I also offer our thanks for the massive support that we have received for our
Sixth Form bid. We have had over 430 positive responses for which we are
extremely grateful. Our bid will be submitted to the Education Funding Agency (on
behalf of the Department for Education) as this edition of Fitz Focus goes to press,
and
we
are
all
hoping
for
a
positive
outcome.
May I also take this opportunity to wish you all a restful summer break.
Mr R. Harris, Headteacher
From 6-10 July, we celebrated the Arts, with a varied programme of activities organised in school, and
during the evening. The Art Department held their annual KS3 Summer Show on 7 July, with the ‘Oh Brave
New World’ theme (see over). Other events included Circus Skills Juggling Worskshops, Year 9 and 10
Dance Club presentations, Media displays, Open Mic Sessions, a Street Dance Workshop, a Pop-up
Cinema and Laser Time for Year 8s!
On 8 July, Year 7s organised the ‘Fitz Funderstorm’ concert and on 9 July Performing Arts students held a
‘Dance Celebration’. In Literacy lessons, students took part in various activities including Year 7s, who
wrote Mini Sagas in under 50 words and Year 8s who studied, ‘Finding Poetry in Different Places’. Year 9s
studied Dystopian Literature; short story writing in the style of Collins, Orwell and Huxley.
In Numeracy lessons, topics included Tessellations – MC Escher (Year 7s), Islamic Art Geometric patterns
(Year 8s), Piet Mondrian and Impossible Drawings, MC Escher (Year 9s) and Fractals (Year 10s).
In Food Technology with Mrs Driscoll, Year 8 and
9 students had an opportunity to embrace their
‘Mary Berry’ skills as they not only baked, but also
iced, a 6 inch cake. Mrs Driscoll said, ‘ It was a
long day, but extremely rewarding. Students
baked a cake, applied a coloured ‘crumbcoating’ (butter icing) to the sides and top, rolled
out and applied fondant icing. Their cakes had a
duck, crocodile or rabbit, and a pond to decorate,
with some green piping for grass. Well done to
Fiona Holland, Connor Jones, Lucy Metcalfe,
Kane Page, Jamie Cowling, Emma TushawHales, Lilly Caskey, Mollie Jones, Luke Reid and Jamie Meadows. I
hope they, and their families, were delighted and enjoyed eating cake
that evening. Well done, to those involved, for all their hard work and
success.’
Kane Page said, ‘I enjoyed everything that I did’ and Emma TushawHales said, ‘I really enjoyed making the cakes, they all looked really
good’. Jamie Meadows said ‘The day was really good fun’ and Jamie
Cowling said ‘I enjoyed the day as I learnt how to model with icing’.
Mrs Watkins said, ‘The Art exhibition showcased the
work of our talented students. The foyer resembled
the Royal Academy Summer Art Exhibition, with a
creative riot of Art. Year 7 students were asked to
make something, from something else.
We saw
garments from food packaging, a skate board table,
shoes and a doll, expertly made from book pages,
alongside tiny creatures made from watch parts and
huge computer sculptures. Year 8 students created a
scene inspired by the artist Alexander Cornell, which showed how the world could look in
2540. There was a very inventive use of imagination, and materials, expressing a range
of ideas, both apocalyptic and very natural. Year 9 portraits were based on groundbreaking artists through the centuries; the contemporary work of Julian Opie was a
favourite influence. This year we were able to highlight the sculptures that Mr Lockhart
and a group of students had made during the year. We opened
the quad as a sculpture garden and the event was made extra
special, because the Music Department arranged for pupils to
sing and play for us….. a real festival of talent!’
YEAR 10s CREATE VIBRANT SCULPTURES!
On 4 June, a visiting
artist ran an all day
sculpture workshop
for Year 10 GCSE
Artists.
Mrs Watkins said, ‘Year 10 GCSE students very much enjoyed their Art Workshop, as
shown in these pictures. The techniques they learnt enabled them to build a fantastic
sculpture based on organic forms. The event was summed up well by the pupils in their
review at the end of the day by using words such as “unique, expansive, growing, strong,
personal, spatially aware and balanced”. Several are on display in the Art department
and all will form part of the pupils’ exam coursework.’
JACK PETCHEY AWARDS
In April, Charles Thompson in 11D3 was the worthy
recipient of this award. He was nominated by Librarian Mrs Armstrong, who said, ‘As a Library Monitor,
Charles has never missed a duty and was always punctual. He displayed patience and a willingness to
help and support his peers. He always had a smile on his face…. and always
gave 110%! His strength of character and dedication has resulted in Charles
being a true ambassador to our library and a great role model, making a real
difference.’
The winner for May was Ella Durose in 11D2. Ella was nominated by Year
11 Pastoral Assistant Mrs Joy, who said, ‘Ella has to spend a considerable
amount of time using her wheelchair and is in constant pain, experiencing
severe fatigue. Despite this, and the numerous hospital appointments she
has to attend, Ella remains determined to attend school as often as she can
and studied extremely hard for her GCSE exams. I feel that Ella deserves
some recognition for her hard work, persistence and determination.’
The winner for June was Jack Moores in 7D2. Jack was nominated by
Teaching Assistant Mr Collum, for his effort and dedication towards his school
work . He has adapted well to life at FitzWimarc and is flourishing, always
Ella and Mrs Joy
giving everything his very best effort.
WELL DONE!
AARON’S EPIC SWIM!
A Year 7 student really gave his all in this year’s Swimathon, completing an
outstanding 200 lengths of the pool at Clement Hall Leisure Centre. Aaron Parker’s
swim was all in aid of Marie Curie and, having already raised £350, has his own
Swimathon Giving Page. Aaron is a member of RADS (Rochford and District
Swimming Club) where he trains 3 or 4 times each week. In order to prepare for his
5K swim, Aaron trained for 2 extra hours each Sunday. Aaron said, ‘I found the
swim quite hard work, even though I already swim competitively, and I was really
tired at the finish. I thought it would be a good challenge and also a great
opportunity to raise money for such a worthwhile cause.’ WELL DONE AARON!
SPORT
- Our sporting success continues, reaching National Finals in a range of activities including
Gymnastics, Basketball and Athletics. The Junior Boys Gymnastics Team finished 3rd in the County, the
Year 9 Girls Basketball Team were Runners-up in the National Basketball Finals and the Year 9 and 10
girls finished 4th in the National Athletics Finals. At District and County level, we won both the Rochford
and Castle Point, Cross Country and Athletics Championships, for the 27th year in a row! Please check
the Website for photos.
If you are a novice badminton player and would to try a new sport this summer, FitzWimarc Badminton
Club will hold a Junior Badminton Tournament at the school, on Tuesday 21 July, from approx 2pm to 7pm.
For more information contact Tournament Secretary, Marie Baker [email protected]
MATHEMATICIAN
HISTORIAN
OF THE MONTH
OF THE MONTH
May 2015
May 2015
Y7 – Rachel Coles
Y8 – Joe Watson
Y9 – Ben Cook
Y10 – Jessica Down
Y11 – Bethany Colby
Y7 – Alexander Bragg
Y8 – Joshua Everett
Y9 – Jessica Brown
Y11 – Jessica Dyer
June 2015
Y7 – Jessica Willliamson
Y8 – Bethany Howard
Y9 – ClaudiaClaudia-Rose Catterall
Y10 – Hollie Wale
Y7 – Oliver Hall
Y8 – Bethany Beal
Y9 – Luke Polley
Y10 – Thomas Kelley
WELL DONE!
June 2015
WELL DONE!
CHARITY DAYS! We are delighted to
inform you that on 12 June, our School
Council met to decide upon the charities we
will support next year: the Southend
Special Baby Unit for premature babies, in
partnership with BLISS and the World
Wildlife Fund were chosen. We look forward
to organising lots of fun events, in support of
these worthwhile causes.
FRIENDS OF FITZWIMARC!
We are also delighted to welcome Stevens Garden
Care as a new ‘Friend’ offering all-year round
garden maintenance. For more information
visit
facebook: Stevens Garden Care
Information and links to local organisations published in Fitz Focus are intended to provide general guidance only. The FitzWimarc School does not take any
responsibility for, or undertake screening activities, such as DBS checks on, groups and activities not directly run by the school itself. It is solely your
responsibility to evaluate the suitability of all services, including the accuracy of any information they provide.
FRIENDS
OF
FITZWIMARC
Thank you
to these local companies
that support our school.
RAYLEIGH
TENNIS
ACADEMY
RAYLEIGH LAWN
TENNIS CLUB
WATCHFIELD
LANE
RAYLEIGH SS6
7SG
[email protected]
All
enquiries
welcome
Set in open farmland surroundings in the green
belt and with car parking for 160 cars, we
specialise in catering for celebrations of all
[email protected]
Rawreth
Are you interested in
becoming a Friend of
FitzWimarc?
If so, please contact
Mrs Canham
or
visit our Website
and click on the
’Community’ tab
In June, assemblies were a real insight into the world of study
PAST PUPILS’ LIFE AFTER
and careers, as former pupils Isla Johns and Sam Neal, came
FITZWIMARC
back into Fitz, to speak to students. Isla explained that she
had spent four years studying languages, before choosing a
career path. She asked students what career they thought she
might have chosen, and said that when she was in Year 7, she
thought she would become a Lawyer or a Vet. Students
answered with ‘Translator’, ‘Teaching English as a Foreign
Language’ and ‘Tour Guide’, but, in fact, Isla works for Save
the Children. This large international organisation defends the
rights of children and supports every child to reach their
potential. Isla is Programmes Manager for the South of
England, and supports different types of families and groups,
Former Head Girl, Isla
helping them to work in a cost-effective way and create an
impact for the charity.
Sam explained that he had finished his A Levels, and is taking
a year out working, before starting a five year Medical Degree, in Scotland. Sam is currently working as a
Maths Intervention Tutor at FitzWimarc.
YOUTH HEALTH CHAMPIONS!
A selection of Year 9 girls attended a Youth Health
Champions course, aiming to educate students in
social areas such as sex, drugs and well being. Head
of Year Mr Turburville said, ‘Discussions were aimed to
encourage conversation across schools and promote a
healthy mindset towards social hurdles. The expected
impact will see a better-educated group of students,
who are then tasked with an activity of designing and
running workshops for younger students, cascading
knowledge. Each pupil gained a Royal Society of
Public Health (RSPH) Level 1 Award in Health
Awareness.’ Well done to Amy Blatcher, Kizzie Garms,
Amber Clogg, Hannah Gombas, Lucy Roe, Imogen
Hahn, Emma Orchard
Demi Pooley, Ellie Mae
Gardiner, Lauren Clifton, Kloe Snowdon, Summer
Hurley and Regan Boniface.
YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS EVENT
On 1 July, Year 10 Business Studies students took part
in the Enterprise Education Young Entrepreneurs event
at Rochford Golf Club. Mr O’Hare said, ‘Students were
split into two groups and given a local attraction to
promote under the brief ‘Attracting Tourists to the
Rochford District’.
Although the attractions were
selected at random, both teams were assigned the
Wallasea Wetlands Project. With 40 minutes to devise,
and record a promotional video, both teams decided to
attract various market segments to the park; they had
ideas for an Outdoor Boot Camp, 45 challenges to
complete in the wetlands in order to win a prize,
promoting the reception rooms as a conference/
wedding venue, use of social media and viral marketing
to increase awareness. After a short lunch break, it
was the apprentice-style pitch! Representatives from
Southend Airport, Rochford Hundred Golf Club and
Rochford Council judged the event and, after
impressive pitches from all schools, the winner was the
team pitching for Southend Airport. Well done Jake
Tang, Kyron Sutton, Jack White, Beth Lambert, Ben
Henderson, Ashleigh McGee, Kallum Fletcher, Luke
Ingram, Liam Henderson, Bertie Reade, Harrison
Cutler, Sean Watson and Marcus Wells.’
M i s s
Gosden
organised
this trip for
Year
7s.
Billy Tabbitt
said
‘We
had to be in
school for
7:15am
because
Legoland is
in Windsor!
YEAR 7
We started
the
day
LEGOLAND TRIP!
with
a
workshop
with one of the instructors and we had to make a
Lego Lion that moved and made noises; I was
with Jack and Lewis and we were one of the first
to finish…. it was really good! We then went
around in our groups; my group was Lewis, Jack,
Will, Brad, Max, Gabs and Christian. Our first
ride was The Submarine, which took us
underwater, and we saw lots of sea animals, such
as sharks. The best ride was the Log Ride
because we went in a group of 4 and we got wet;
it was so good! Our enjoyable day had to come
to an end though, and we met up at 2:30pm in the
main area. Our group left the rides at two so we
had time to go to the souvenir shop; there were
many cool things to buy such as Lego figures
(you could make your own key chains). We were
all then ready for the long journey home. This is
definitely a place I would recommend to someone
that has not been there before; it’s a fun place
and I could guarantee 99% of you would want to
go there again!’
YEAR 9s COOKING UP A TREAT!
There is always a lovely aroma as you head up to the Food Technology
Department!
In Year 9, students have an ‘Early Start’ when choosing their Options. They
have an opportunity to chose which Technology area they would like to
spend the Summer Term in.
Food Technology is very much a skills based unit; students learn about
different pastries!
Sprinkle with flour...
roll it out…..
Fitz Focus paid Mrs Dew
and her class a visit on
16 and 17 June to see
them making flaky and
rough puff pastry, and
with
that
creating
sausage rolls, Palmiers,
Jalousie, cream horns,
cream slices, cheese
straws or Eccles cakes.
concentrate…..
can’t be too hard…..
The department also covers Healthy Eating
and Cooking on a Budget!
RESULT!
YEAR 9s COOKING UP A TREAT!
The winning video
was team INDIA!
The winning team was……….AUSTRALIA!
Well done to Mr Wright and his team
and to all teams for a fantastic effort promoting a country for the day.
Team Australia baked Anzac biscuits to
enhance their display; some were boomerang shaped!
We won!
Year 7s have a really g’day!
On 18 June, Year 7 students took part in a fun day, learning about different countries
and their cultures. The day is actually a tourism competition, that saw the whole year
group split into nine countries: Australia, Egypt, France, India, Japan, Italy, China,
Mexico and Kenya. Each team was given the challenge of creating an advertising
campaign, a short video, and a display. Students researched areas such as national
holidays, events, food, landmarks, culture, major exports, and used sound effects and
music to enhance their ‘campaign’ Mrs Rampley organised the event and said, ‘This
year’s International Day was an excellent showcase of the fantastic work produced by
all Year 7s. Everyone contributed to a team effort, to ensure that the highest standards
were achieved and that each country was well-represented. The videos advertising
each nation were creative and very entertaining
to watch! Displays filled the school hall with
colour and sounds from around the world and
were a real testament to the amount of hard
work put in.’
English Youth Ballet place for Jessie!
Year 7 student Jessie Martin, has secured a place with the English
Youth Ballet who will perform Coppélia, at the Cliffs Pavilion in
August. Jessie has been a member of the Mushroom Theatre
Company since she was three and performs all types of musical
dance. Jessie said, ‘I went to Southend High School for Girls to
audition, and was chosen as one of the 100 dancers to appear. The
audition was hard work, and I am really excited to perform at the
Cliffs. I will be rehearsing throughout August but, as much I enjoy
dance, my ambition is to become a vet.’
Year 7 Textiles Workshop!
On 25 June, as part of
Technology Week, Miss Sweetman organised a Gifted and
Talented Textiles Workshop for Year 7s. They worked to design,
and make, a fashionable LED Wristband that lights up when worn!
Well done to Freya Twomey, Abbie Jackson, Nina Kay, Jennifer
Field, Daniel Harrin, Isabelle Crouch and Abby Reggione. Abby
said, ‘We used denim, blue, red and yellow LED, conductive
thread and Velcro and cut our denim to fit our wrist. We made
small hems around the designs, so that bits wouldn’t fray off; my design was my name cut out
in coloured felt so that it would match the LEDs, stuck on with fabric glue. We stuck the
Velcro on both sides with the sewing machine, to make sure that we could wear it. Sewing
the conductive thread was very hard as it was very shiny and slippery. It was sewn from our
positive bit on each LED, to match up to the battery, but we had to leave a gap so that we
could fit a switch in; whether we wanted it on or off. We sewed our negative side on each
LED, so that it would match to the negative side of the battery. Some of the wrist bands didn’t
work, but we found this fun and we all learnt something new….I would definitely do this again! ’
Green-fingers revamp The Lavers!
On 16 June, five Year 8 students worked to revamp a
garden in the local community. Michael Chapman, Joshua Bailey, Blake Blyth, Jacob Marsh and Cameron
Noakes worked with social action charity, Catch 22, to design and install an eye-catching water feature, at
The Lavers retirement living scheme, owned by Rochford Housing, as well as renovating garden furniture.
Students received certificates from Rochford Housing, commending their garden achievements. The
project has been marked through a commemorative plaque, fixed to the garden seating, leaving a lasting
memento of its success. Students planned and organised their social action from start to finish. Through
working as team, they successfully overcame challenges to make a positive and lasting difference to the
local community. Head of Year 8 Mr Box, said, ‘This project has been invaluable in helping the students’
organisation, responsibility and teamwork skills, as well as
building up practical know-how. It is fantastic to see the
difference they have made in the local community.’ Lavers
resident, Hildah Huxley, said, ‘I really enjoyed having FitzWimarc
students here and would like to see more things like this at The
Lavers.’
Housing Association Managing Director, Emma
Keegan, added, ‘The young people have really helped to
improve the outdoor area of The Lavers so the residents will be
able to appreciate it this summer. This resident-led project
helped to build relationships between the older and younger
generations of Rayleigh. Here’s hoping for some nice weather
so the residents are able to enjoy the garden!’
THE GOOD DEED FEED!
Thank you Tegan Chapman, who
handed in cash. Elisha WhitheadJensen also handed in cash she
had found. Alfie Hague found a
mobile phone and Keiran Grove
handed in cash he found in a
classroom. WELL DONE!
LEARNING SUPPORT AWARDS - JUNE
Year 7 Emma Butler, Year 8 Angel Howard,
Year 9 Kane Page, Year 10 Ben Henderson.
For Progress/Effort: James Scott in RE,
Geography and History, Jessica Montanaro in
Food Technology, Harry Hutchings in
Construction and Katie Collins in Maths.
WELL DONE!
David Cameron skateboards his way into Fitz! It really was an extraordinary sight as students
and staff witnessed David Cameron on his skateboard, coming into school! Of course, it was just a
scarecrow, the creation of Daniel Harrin and Morgan Lee in 7A2, as their entry for the Rayleigh
Town Council competition to create a scarecrow of a famous person. The scarecrow took around 5
hours to create and was made of wood and straw, dressed in an old suit from Daniel’s dad and a
rosette from the Conservative Association!
The First Rayleigh Art Trail!
The Rayleigh Town Team organised the first
Rayleigh Art Trail that ran from 11-16 June. With 19 venues, displaying artwork
from artists and organisations in the town, the event was a great success. We
were pleased to display our double-bass and ‘Art of Music’ artwork, alongside the
‘Women in History’ boards that won the Rayleigh in Bloom Senior School
Competition last year, at AR Adams in the High Street. This high profile location
made an excellent showcase for our students’ work.
Ronnie Scotts date for Olly! Oliver Davis (newly appointed Deputy Head Boy), was invited to play
at the famous Ronnie Scotts in London, on 11 July and was part of a big band with young musicians
from around the country. They had never met before and the music they created in such a short time
was amazing! Olly played a solo and some VIP members of the audience recommended that he join
the National Youth Jazz Orchestra.
Craft Club supplies Fathers Day treats! Our Craft Club came to the rescue of students and
staff who were wondering what to buy Dad this Fathers Day! On 16 June, a great selection of
chocolate, money bags and sweet pots were on sale, offering tasty treats for the big day.
Daniel Harrin gave his lunchtime to sell the goods and was kept very busy.
COMMENDATIONS
Well done Year 7s: Danielle Holland, Owen Bailey, Danielle Holland, Erin
Bellman, Nathan Buschhold, Rachel Coles, Billy Edwards, Daniel Harrin (2), Sam Hooper, Daniel Jillins, Calum
Mayfield, Declan McGhie, Louie Sargeant, Ellie Trumm, Cameron Wheaton, Liam Adshead, Sophie Belcher (2)
Neve Gribble, Leo Thomas, Daisy Hemmings, Ellee Lammas, Shaun Marchant, Ellie Newton, Adam Nobles, Joe
Norfolk, Tom Thwaites, Hazel Culff, Maisie Deacon, Grace Dulwich, Oliver Hall, Roma Patel (4), Bailey ScottScottDouglas, Joanne Wright, Mary Allison, Isabel Davis (2), Poppy Delany, Benjamin Harvey, Cameron Mantle,
Theo Spittle, Charlotte Taylor, Adam Wallis, Alexander Bragg, Isobelle Crouch, Jennifer Field, Harry Jenkin,
Jack Moores, Bradley Morris, Abby Reggione, Harry Stone (2), Jessica Welsh, Joe Wheeler, Jessica Cudby (2),
Niamh Dempsey, Cameron Lowen, Ellie Ridgley, Benjamin Tillbrook, Maddie Bartlett, Louie Haydon, Darius
Shukru, Lientho Barclay, Emma Butler, Evie Hughes, Luke Mason, Leah Newton, Aaron Parker, Liam Petchey.
COMMENDATIONS Well done Year 8s: Beth Cooper (2), Lianmei ManonManon-Og, Amy Simson, Emma
TushawTushaw-Hales, Grace Canning, Bryony CareyCarey-Button, Abbie Pert, Owen Hicks, Amelia Lockhart, Cameron
North, Harry Brown, Maisie Camp, George Hutchings, Andrew Moffat, Luke Reid, Ella Sharp, Benjamin Susans,
Cameron Wilson, Jasmine Ellis, Holly Quinlan, Gemma Winn, Bethany Beal (2), Karyn Giles, Fiona Holland,
Bethany Howard, Mia Chantree, Hannah Frost (2), Rebecca Rowan, Billy Tansley, Daniel Blows, Grace Farrant,
Chloe Hooper (2), Katie Randall, Olivia Spittle, Henry Stokes.
COMMENDATIONS Well done Year 9s: Alex Bartlett, Nicole Catling, Jennifer Claybourn, Joe Hunter,
Isobel Jackson, Imogen Hahn, Chloe Hobbs, Edward Wright, Amy Bellman, Benjamin Cook (2), Emily Cooper,
Harvey Deal, Cheyenne Deridisi, Charlotte Foreman, Joshua Hayes (2), Megan Hayes, Harry Sawford, Max
Swain, Callum Williams, Emilia Woodgate, Reece Hawkins, Alfie Fisher, Joshua McMeakin (2), Thomas
Kirkham, Mohima Begum, Julianne Wise, Lauren Johnson, Jenson Kelly, Lucy Roe.
COMMENDATIONS Well done Year 10s: Ryan O'Leary, Aimee Champness, Jack White, Ellie Mae
Johnson (2), Emma Stanford, Beatrice Au, Jessica Montanaro.
COMMENDATIONS Well done Year 11: Isabelle Trunley.
A VERY WELL DONE ……. to Emilia Woodgate in 9C1, Jennifer Claybourn in 9A1 and Gemma Winn
in 8C3 who all achieved 10 Headteacher's Commendations and, therefore, were awarded a Governors
Certificate of Excellence!
THE YEAR 8 TOWER OF LONDON TRIP
Thank-you to Governor Mr Gosden, who accompanied our Year 8s on 12 June, to a
fantastic day at The Tower of London.
He said, ‘The day promised warm and sunny
weather for the Year 8 trip to the Tower of London.
The students gathered in the Dining Hall at 8am,
filled with expectancy, and after a brief roll call, we
boarded the coach for what should have been an
easy drive to London. The A13 let us down though,
and the journey took nearly two hours!
When we got there all thoughts of the
tedious journey were forgotten, as we
looked at the magnificent edifice, steeped
in history. We split into groups and made
our way to some of the key visitor
attractions.
The Crown Jewels were
incredible and the vast doors that seal the
vault impressed us all. Inside the gold
gleamed, the diamonds sparkled and the
rubies glistened, but sadly no pictures
allowed inside! The students had a walk
on the ramparts, visited the torture
exhibition (always compelling), and the
spot where Anne Boleyn lost her head.
Lunch meant pigeons….. and also being
attacked by a Raven.
After lunch
everyone climbed the steps up to the
White Tower and the incredible array of
exhibits housed within. Then just time for
a quick ice-cream before returning to the
coach and another slow journey home.
Students happy, staff exhausted, but the
visit as a learning experience was of
tremendous value.’
Also accompanying students on this trip
was Mrs Blacklaws, Mr Box, Mrs Phillips,
Governor Mr Heale and Mrs Hewitt.
The FitzWimarc School Academy Trust is a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in England and Wales, with Company number 9434988,
trading as The FitzWimarc School. Registered Office: The FitzWimarc School, Hockley Road, Rayleigh, Essex SS6 8EB
The FitzWimac School is proudly boasting not one, but TWO Karate
Champions! Henry Stokes and Hannah Winning represented the UK over the
weekend of 20 June, in Holland, for the World Karate Championships and they
both performed magnificently! As a result of several successes at club and
National level, both Henry and Hannah were selected to represent TSKUK
(Traditional Shotokan Karate UK) at the WJKA World Championships in
Vlissingen. The event was attended by competitors from Austria, Belgium,
Congo, Germany, India, Lithuania, Nigeria,
The Netherlands, Russia, South Africa,
Tunisia, Ukraine, USA and the United
Kingdom.
Since 2008, Henry has trained with
Westwood Karate Academy, and achieved
his 1st Dan (Black Belt) in November
2013. Henry trains three or four times a
week and already has over 50 medals and
15 trophies. Henry achieved Bronze in the
Individual Kumite (fighting) event, Gold in Team Kata (form) and Gold in
Team Kumite. Henry said, ‘I really enjoyed going to Holland to
represent the UK but, with all those other countries taking part, I felt a bit
nervous! I was relieved after the competition, and then could relax and
take in all the sights with a tour of Amsterdam the following day. I really
enjoy Karate and look forward to many future competitions.’
Hannah trains with Westwood also, and did really well achieving Bronze, and Gold in Team Kata. Hannah
has been taking Karate for around 8 years, originally joining in with her brother. She enjoys the teamwork
and finds it really good fun. Hannah said, ‘I was really excited to go to Holland to take part in this event as
it was a once in a lifetime opportunity I will always remember. I was nervous, but excited, and very pleased
to take part as I have put a lot of hard work into it.’
WELL DONE HENRY AND HANNAH!
Henry and Hannah ,
BRE Construction trip
Lewis Murphy in 10D1 said, ‘Firstly we went
to the BRE centre for a tour, and to look at
different types of houses (and how their
specific construction methods benefited the
environment), the cost to run it and the
aesthetic appearance. After that, we went to
McDonalds (which everyone enjoyed!) followed by a visit to the
Emirates stadium that is home to Arsenal FC! The tour was very
good as we could go off in groups on our own, to explore different
parts of the stadium. We saw the tunnel that leads onto the pitch,
changing rooms, control rooms, press room and the seats that viewed the pitch (£25,000 for a season
ticket). After the hour tour we went to the shop where we could buy merchandise etc. We would like to say
a special thank you to Mr Wright, Mr Hooper, Mr Merrick, Mrs. Wallace and the BRE and Emirates staff for
an enjoyable day.’
Head’s Up!
25 June was a day of transition as we said thank you and goodbye to this year's Senior
Prefects (Beth Eden, Tom Child, Fern Dempsey and Hugo Summers) the new postholders were appointed.
It is a reflection of the strength of the school that the standard of applications was exceptional. All Year 10
students can apply to be a Prefect by letter of application where Assistant Headteacher Mr Hooper, and
Head of Year 10, Mr Merrick selected 100 Prefects from applications received. Those selected, can apply
to be Head Boy, Head Girl or a Deputy and from those that applied, there was a short-list of fifteen that
were interviewed on Tuesday 23 June. There was then further short listing, before progress to day two of
the process, which involved speaking in front of sixty Year 7 students about their three key pieces of advice
to younger students. All students who applied and did not get short-listed, received verbal feedback from
Mr Merrick. It was an extremely difficult decision for the selection panel as all of the short listed candidates
would have made highly credible and successful senior prefects. It was then that Jess Down (Head Girl),
Emily Howard (Deputy Head Girl), Gabriel Annim (Head Boy) and Oliver Davis (Deputy Head Boy) were
appointed. Jess’s speech was about making the most of your time at Fitz and she encouraged extracurricular activities, whilst Emily spoke about taking every opportunity, trips and making friends. Gabriel
focused on how to benefit from, and make the most of, your time at school and Oliver spoke about
developing skills like teamwork. We wish them every success in their new roles and particular thanks go to
the unsuccessful candidates who performed so admirably and accepted the news with grace and dignity.
The next Fitz Focus will include interviews and a photo-shoot with our newly-appointed students.
THE YEAR 8 TOWER OF
LONDON TRIP
www.fitzwimarc.essex.sch.uk
Henry and Hannah ,
Karate Champs!