Students - Cornelius Vermuyden School

Etc.
The newsletter for Cornelius Vermuyden School
THE WINNER IS...
Our inaugural House Awards
BRILLIANT CLUB
Special graduation report
PROM!
Saying goodbye with style
Issue 7
July - 2015
Headteacher’s
Introduction...
An Inspector Calls
W
e are very pleased with the highly
positive Ofsted Inspection led by John
Lucas (HMI) on 12th and 13th May, and Cornelius
Vermuyden has been graded as being a good school.
The Inspectors gained a very strong sense of our
collective ambitions for all students and our energetic
determination to provide them all with excellent school
experiences. The report highlighted the achievement of
students at the school, their behaviour and safety and
the quality of learning and teaching in the school. The
leadership, management and governance of the school
were all deemed to be strong. The most pleasing aspect
of the report, and the part to be really celebrated, is the
positive comments about our students.
‘Students, many of whom arrive early to school each day,
speak with pride about their school and the opportunities
that are provided for them.’
‘They arrive at lessons on time, ready to learn and often
exhibit a confident curiosity and creativity in their
learning.’
‘Students enjoy school and attend well.’
‘Relationships between students and adults are positive and
characterised by mutual respect.’
All of the inspectors were invariably impressed by our
students and their keenness to acquire knowledge and
desire to learn, their liveliness, their articulate expression
of creative ideas and thoughtful mature opinions. The
students are at the heart of the school; they are what
the school is really all about and what matters most, so
we should all feel proud of how they are represented
and praised in the inspection report. The school will
as always be working to improve for the benefit of its
students and become an outstanding school.
Some of the key points are:
“The highly determined Headteacher, ably supported by her
leadership team, has successfully created a culture in which
students can thrive and excel”
“Strong teaching over time enables students to make
good progress in many subjects”
‘Students act safely and feel safe.’
‘We like this school and we are proud of it’.
So a big thank you is due to our staff, our students
and our governors for making the inspection such a
positive one for the school.
The start of this half term has been characterised
by the process of ‘handing over’. The new prefect
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Etc. Summer 2015
‘They arrive at lessons on time, ready
to learn and often exhibit a confident
curiosity and creativity in their
learning.’
‘Students enjoy school and attend well.’
team has been appointed. It is always a joy to interview the
students in the running for the Head Girl and Boy positions.
They all express their love for Cornelius Vermuyden School in
different ways and talk of the various leadership opportunities
they’ve had and the camaraderie they enjoy. Congratulations
to Georgia Gonzalez and Henry Sims as Head Girl and
Head Boy (also our Etc. Cover Stars!) and Deputies; Michaela
Aubrey, Shannon Gonzalez, Taylor Garner and Callum
Cuthbert.
I’d like to pay tribute to the outgoing team. Holly Langdale
and James Duffield who were unfailingly reliable and
proactive, showing superb leadership and organisational skill
throughout the year. They were ably supported by Hayley
Dunsden, Kelsea Hornsby, Jared Blake and Liam Radley. All
exemplary role models for devotion to academic study,
extra-curricular activities and the Cornelius spirit in general.
Thank you all!
Creative Director has produced a very successful range of
designs to meet our marketing literature requirements. His
innovative ideas are reflective in our new website which is
awe-inspiring, astounding, breath-taking and has that WOW
factor! So in the coming months, we should have a much
more effective website to improve our communications with
parents and stakeholders showing what the school is about.
Enjoy, read, and be inspired by our stunning students and
sensational school.
Have an enjoyable summer break.
With thanks, as ever, for your continuing support.
Mrs C P Skewes B.Ed. (Hons), M.A., NPQH
We have recently employed The Grow Creative Company,
an inspirational creative agency located in Leigh-on-Sea,
who believe in producing outstanding work. Rich With, the
Etc. Summer 2015
3
Athena
Athena House Awards
O
ver the course of this year, Athena
House has gone from strength
to strength and currently holds 1st place
in house points for excellence in and out
of lessons with an amazing total of 44,482
recognition points. To every individual
member of Athena, I thank you for your
outstanding achievements this year.
I am pleased to announce that the two
lead sports captains Michaela Aubrey and
Taylor Garner have succeeded in gaining
the title of Deputy Head Girl and Boy,
well deserved and brilliant role models
to the whole House, well done. Not to
mention the remarkable triumphs of our
nine prefects and one senior prefect from
Athena House, congratulations you have
made us all extremely proud. I would also
like to commend Katie Little for attaining
the award for Overall Person of the Year for
Athena House, her perseverance to develop
the House system for all students this year
has been phenomenal, thank you on behalf
of the whole House.
Alexandra Lawrence of 8J4 has been
awarded a place in the next round of the
National RIBI Young Writer competition
and has been awarded a £25 voucher for
her entry already from Canvey Rotary Club,
well done! To continue with the success of
the Year 8 girls’ football team who were able
to reach the final of the Essex Cup with our
very own Ebony Baker, Katie Giles, Millie
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Etc. Summer 2015
A
AWARD WINNERS:
Overall Person of the Year
Katie Little
(for outstanding dedication to Athena
House)
Year 10 Person of the Year
Jamie Whitby and Cerys Palmer
Year 9 Person of the Year
Lewis Martin-Octave and Madison
Crickmay
Year 8 Person of the Year
Joe Gladman and Millie Hawkins
Year 7 Person of the Year
Taylor Gooden and Lucy House
Recognition Points award:
1st Cerys Wilks, 521 pts
2nd Jodie Bonham, 509 pts
3rd Brooklyn Walker, 415 pts
Form with the highest recognition
points over the last academic year – 8J4
Achievement award for Prefects:
Deputy Head Girl – Michaela Aubrey
Deputy Head Boy – Taylor Garner
Senior Prefect – Louise Goddard
Prefects – Katherine Phillips, Hollie
Goodwin, Elisa Lyon, Millie Sullivan,
Cerys Palmer, Katie Little and
Ella Harding.
attendance for the academic year and were
each awarded a certificate of excellence
from Mrs. Skewes and Mr. Hibben for
commitment to learning:Amiee Knight, Cerys Wilks, James Dowler,
Elisa Lyon, Daniel Matyus, Gabrielle
Moore, Michaela Aubrey, Adam Nash-DeVilliers, Connor O’Keeffe, Ebony Baker,
Chelsea Fountain, Louie Prin, Daniel Slade,
Cameron Waters, Aaron Joseph, Ethan
Lewis, Kane Lockwood
Over the course of the year, we have also
attained the achievement of 1st in sport
with 890 points for highest attendance and
participation. I would like to thank all of the
sports leaders for their enthusiasm in their
leadership roles.
The Athena Booklets this term have been
an exciting part of the House journey with
students from each year group having the
opportunity to achieve the House Leaders
Award.
Hawkins and Jessica Knight all producing a
fantastic game.
Being that this is the first academic year
that the House System has been in place at
Cornelius Vermuyden School, I would like
to thank all the Tutors who have guided
their forms to success and all the students
for their constant commitment to Athena
House to make sure that we keep that
number one spot, long may it continue.
The following Athena students have 100%
Miss L Mayhew - Head of Athena House
Darwin
XII
III
IX
VI
Darwin House Awards
A
D
number of Darwin students
were recently awarded
with certificates for their outstanding
achievements and efforts both in and outside
school over the past year.
I am very proud to say that there will be
15 Darwin students as part of the body of
prefects. Each student received a Darwin
‘Achievement award’.
Danielle Hartin received an ‘Achievement
Award for Swimming’. Danielle won a
Gold medal for 200m freestyle while also
coming 4th in the 100m breaststroke at this
year's National event at the International
Qualifying meet in Glasgow, earlier this
year. A possible future Olympian for Britain
some may argue?
The ‘Achievement Award for Football’
went to Megan Thomas, a student who has
achieved very well in the sporting field with
a number of triumphs in recent times while
also being voted supporters' player of the
year. Meanwhile Macy French received the
‘Volunteers Award’ for her hard work and
dedication for the Canvey Youth project.
The ‘Person of the Year Awards’ were very
difficult call with many students from each
year group in contention. In Year 7, the
award was shared between Alex Collins and
Zoe Johnstone for their hard work all year as
Sports Captains for the Darwin House. Alex
AWARD WINNERS:
Overall Person of the Year
Georgia Gonzalez
Year 10 Person of the Year
Jack Broadbent
Year 9 Person of the Year
Ellana Woodley
Year 8 Person of the Year
Olivia Yeo
Year 7 Person of the Year
Alex Collins and Zoe Johnstone
Recognition Points award:
1st Mufaro Mutsatsa, 587 pts
2nd Lucy Dawkins, 494 pts
3rd Macy French, 427 pts
Volunteer award: Macy French
Achievement award for swimming:
Danielle Hartin
Achievement award for football:
Megan Thomas
Achievement award for Prefects:
Lily Turnbull, Frankie Cox, Rebecca
Podevin, Georgia Gonzalez, Abi Rusz,
Kian Thorpe, Conor Overbury,
Jack Broadbent, Luke Smith,
Georgia Kelly, Amy Tomkins,
Maddie Seymour, Maya Nashnush
Maddison Kiddell, and Loren Lee.
also recently won the Jack Petchy award
while Zoe was a solid presence in defence of
the under 13 football team that reached the
Essex Schools' Cup Final for the first time.
Olivia Yeo won the ‘Year 8 Person of the
Year Award’. Her leadership as a Sports
Captain has pushed the Year 8 Darwin team
within touching distance of the inter-house
cup. Olivia is also a Sky Sports Leader, and
is achieving very well academically.
Ellana Woodley was the Year 9 winner. She
has recently made the national netball team
in her age category and has showed great
determination and leadership all year as a
Sports Captain for Darwin House.
The Year 10 ‘Person of the Year Award’ went
to Jack Broadbent who recently became a
senior prefect for the next academic year.
Darwin House would not have been as
successful without him, as he organised
many of the sports teams for every year
group.
Finally, the ‘Overall Darwin Person of the
Year Award’ was given to current House
Captain, Georgia Gonzalez. She was also
involved in the shield design for the House,
showed fantastic leadership skills as House
Captain, and represented Darwin in every
sports competition. More importantly, she
was elected Head Girl for 2015/16. A truly
worthy winner of this Darwin award.
Well done to all students and staff involved
in Darwin House this year.
Mr M Sweeny - Head of Darwin House
Etc. Summer 2015
5
Einstein
Einstein House awards
O
ver the course of the last year,
students in Einstein House have
embraced the House System and
all the inter-house competitions.
AWARD WINNERS:
We are currently holding 5th place with
38,427 house points achieved over the
year, closely following Zeus House who
are only 17 recognition points in front
of us. I would like to thank all of the
students and Tutors in Einstein House for
all of their hard work and achievements
throughout this academic year.
Year 10 Person of the Year
Joe Russell and Megan Shearman
Year 9 Person of the Year
James Mckenzie and Megan Evans
Year 8 Person of the Year
Mitchell Bevan and Georgia Hyland
Year 7 Person of the Year
Sam Forward and Ellie Cassidy
I would like to commend Nathan Leonard
who was awarded the ‘Overall Person of
the Year’ for Einstein House. Nathan is
consistently volunteering for and taking
part in various inter-house competitions
and has achieved the highest number of
recognition points in the whole school
with an amazing 583 points. Thank you on
behalf of myself and the entire Einstein
House.
Recognition Points award:
1st Nathan Leonard, 583 pts.
2nd Ellie-Marie Ashford, 360 pts
3rd Chloe Westerberg, 359 pts
Over the course of the year, we have
secured 3rd place in sports with a total of
715 points. We did unfortunately finish in
last place during the recent sports day, but
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Etc. Summer 2015
Overall Person of the Year
Nathan Leonard
the resilience and effort that all the
students and staff in Einstein House
showed during the course of the day was
inspiring, especially the encouragement
the students gave each other including
students in different years. The students
also produced amazing posters and
banners leading up to sports day, which
helped to show their support of and unity
for the House.
E
Nathan Leonard, Sam Forward and Ellie
Cassidy in Einstein House received a
Bronze Crest Award in Science, which
is a nationally recognised award and
focuses of the fun and transferable skills
in a project of the students choosing. This
required the students to work on their
projects for 10 hours in their own time
after school and present their findings to
members of the Science Department in
order to receive their award. Well done
for all your hard work and effort over the
course of the year.
I would like to thank all the form Tutors
in Einstein House for encouraging their
students to take place in the various
inter-house competitions and the Sports
Captains for each year for putting teams
together for both sports day and all the
sporting events that have taken place over
the course of the year. A special thanks to
the Einstein House Captains Joe Russell
and Georgie Anderson for all the hard
work and dedication they have given to
the House throughout the course of the
year.
Miss G Moore - Head of Einstein House
Hera House Awards
I
write sitting in sunshine, feeling
on top of the world after Sport’s
Day! Hera has made me so proud. This
afternoon, I was described as “Like an
embarrassing Mum” and I could not be
happier! Our House has been a family
this year and as the year ends, I am the
luckiest member of staff. Today all Hera
roared with pride and encouragement as
students ran, jumped, threw, pulled and
cheered their very best.
Hera students are wonderful individuals
who quietly and conscientiously attend
classes, work hard and are polite, friendly
and enthusiastic. I have noticed a marked
improvement in their appearance and
every day I am greeted by red-tied
students, smiling a “Good Morning Miss”.
Their respect for themselves, their peers
and the staff here at school has meant that
my job has become more fulfilling (and
entertaining) every day this year. Every
student has matured and they have taken
on responsibility for their own studies, the
learning of those around them and the
many roles they have volunteered for in
our House.
I am indebted to many students, for their
efforts in the House championships,
drawing designs for our banner, public
speaking, sporting events, the ‘Bake Off ’
and art competitions. Some students have
not had major roles but have done their
best every day to improve their attendance
or behaviour and a greater number who
give their all to their studies every day
making certain they are awarded a
House Point. I
am awed by the
strength of feeling
of love for Hera
from our students.
Congratulations
Hera – you deserve a
big cheer!
I must thank several
students for their hard work this year as
Sports Leaders, Ayeesha Elameay, Logan
Maxwell, Ben Isbell, Bailey Parsons, Katie
Johnson, Lewis Blatcher, Callum Prin,
Charlotte Evans, Jordan Lewis, Finley
Hall and in Year 10, our House Sports
Captains, Maria Webb and Nathan
Fieldstead.
Our House Captains have
led by example and have
been working tirelessly
behind the scenes, thank
you Beth Millard and Ben
Foyster.
Huge congratulations to all
those students in our current
Year 10 who are prefects for
next year, you are wonderful role models
to our younger students and it’s pleasing
your achievements are recognized.
Shannon Gonzalez - Deputy Head Girl,
Maria Webb - senior prefect, Rachel
Maltby, Karis Jenkins, Bethany Millard,
LeAnn Gittos, Ella Darlington, Jade
Sarling, George Taylor, Nathan Fieldstead
and Ben Foyster - all prefects, well done!
I look to you to help our new students in
September and know you will do so with
pride and kindness.
Thank you to the team of staff supporting
the House System. Events would not
happen without their support and I am
very grateful to those who are completely
Hera – and to those who have mixed
forms and lend support to all Houses!
As we end the year I question… Am I an
embarrassing Mum figure? Probably, but
so was Hera! It’s why I wear red every
day with a smile on my face. I think our
family is growing up together amazingly.
Enjoy your holidays Hera and return
2016s Heroes!
Mrs K Cooper - Head of Hera House
Etc. Summer 2015
7
Zeus
Zeus House Awards
S
tudents from all Houses have gone above and beyond to
represent their Houses in a number of extra-curricular
activities and gaining recognition points in lessons. After the first
term, Zeus was sitting in 5th place on the overall scoreboard for
recognition points. Zeus turned that around and climbed up to 3rd
by May.
Recently, Zeus exceeded all expectations by winning Sports
Day and this is not just because of the outstanding successes of
individuals but the many students who took part to represent their
House when they might not have been the most confident.
Over the year, within the sports there has been a range of leaders
who have stepped up to help organise and motivate others in Zeus.
To name but a few, my thanks goes to Lily Hilton (House Sports
Leader), Henry Sims (House Sports Leader), Harry Blight, James
Sheridan, Jessica Stafford and many others.
Attendance has been something that Zeus has lead from the start.
Many people are aware that the more time spent in the classroom
the greater the progress.
Mr S Brimsted - Head of Zeus House
8
Etc. Summer 2015
AWARD WINNERS:
Congratulations to Zeus Prefects:
Henry Sims (Head Boy)
Callum Cuthbert (Deputy Head Boy)
Leigh Webb-Waters (Senior Prefect)
Adam Cooper (Senior Prefect)
Amy Rose (Prefect)
Holly Samerson (Prefect)
Jessica Pharro (Prefect)
Recognition Points award:
1st Harry McCartney, 431 pts
2nd Liam Rodrigues, 420 pts
3rd Sunny Wheatley, 406 pts
Top Year achievers for Recognition points:
Year 7 Sunny Wheatley
Year 8 Harry McCartney
Year 9 Liam Rodrigues
Year 10 Adam Cooper
Year 11 Mukarrama Shabbir
Mersea
Island Year 7 & 8
Residential Trip
O
n Friday 15th May, 109 Year 7 and
8 students, accompanied by 12 staff,
excitedly left school to travel to the East
Mersea Essex Outdoors Adventure Centre.
Here’s our story…
Our first activity was rock climbing. We
were a bit scared, although we learnt
very quickly that Ashley and James were
natural spider monkeys and would help
us. Eventually we all conquered our fears,
climbed the wall and stood on the ‘Pancake
Man’. Although we didn’t all get to the
top we all went higher than we thought we
would.
It was then time for dinner, before Nick
and Jess’ favourite activity – the Adventure
Course. Grace said that she “loved the
Adventure Course because it was really fun
and we got really muddy – I didn’t like the
cleaning up after it though!” We all worked
as a team, again to make sure we completed
the course. Lauren was key to our success
as she coordinated our team efforts. Mrs
Cotgrove complained about how much we
all smelled afterwards – although we’re not
too sure what she expected when we crawled
head first through a cold and muddy ditch!
First up on Saturday was the Team
Challenge – Hannah said that “it’s my
favourite activity because we worked
together well and I liked being lifted up
through the Spider’s Web”. We were also
the fastest team to ever solve the ‘dog
challenge’ – even the Mersea Instructors
were shocked at our speed!
jumping off a skyscraper!”.
We then went to the High Ropes Challenge
where Lauren earned 100 house points for
Hera for conquering her fear of heights.
Our team of spider monkeys had a race
to complete the course in the fastest time
possible – James completed the whole course
in just 90 seconds, a very impressive feat!
Ashley then swooped into first place with
a completion time of just 57 seconds – well
done boys!!
Sunday – our final day and we really didn’t
want to go home. Our first activity was
archery – Kiera’s favourite. She said “I think
archery was the best because it’s all about
strength, precision and concentration”. We
discovered that Jack was our very own
Robin Hood – scoring a bullseye and the
maximum 10 points on his first shot!
After lunch it was then time for caving.
Lauren says “I was too scared to even put
my head in the tunnel at first, but then I got
through most of the tunnels. I felt proud of
myself for having a go”. We all worked as a
team when Kiera lost her asthma pump in
one of the tunnels and we all coordinated a
search to look for it.
After caving it was time for the Aerial
Runway – also known as Zipwiring. Jack
says “zipwiring was my favourite activity
because it made me conquer my fear of
heights. It was really high – I felt like I was
We had a great time and were pleased when
Mr Hibben came to visit us on this activity
– he was able to help lower us down to the
ground when Mrs Cotgrove couldn’t reach!
Our final activity was the ‘It’s A Knockout!’
Competition. The whole camp was split
into 10 teams and we competed against each
other in a series of very strange races for the
position of Overall Champions.
We all had a fantastic weekend and were sad
to go home – although we were all ready for
a long shower and a good night’s sleep.
Written by ‘Team Cotgrove’; Lauren Billins
7K5, Nicholas Dobbs 7K3, Ashley Ellis 7K6,
Haydn Gillman 7K3, Jack Johnson 7K7, James
Lock 7K6, Grace Mack 7K4, Hannah Pidgeon
7K5, Jessica Weatherstone 7K5, Kiera Bilner
8J5 and Mrs Cotgrove.
Etc. Summer 2015
9
Year 11 Prom
Sweeney Todd
J
une was incredibly emotional for the Cornelius family. Year 11’s sat their final exam on 18th June and then went
directly into their leavers’ assembly. It included many a goodbye
and thank you, along with some performances from staff that
the students found hilarious! As the students left the school, I
am sure many went straight to prepare for the prom that was the
following evening;
The prom was an excellent way to say that final farewell. Our
student girls looked breathtakingly beautiful and our boys were
handsome young men. The staff made an effort too! It was a
wonderful evening during which staff and students danced the
night away until eventually venue staff were ushering us out of the
door, neither staff nor students wanted it to end.
Year 11 have been a fantastic Year Group and we look forward
to seeing the outcome of all their hard work on results day in
August.
Mrs N Bainbridge – Head of Year 11
10
Etc. Summer 2015
The rehearsals for the gruesome 'Sweeney Todd' are in full
swing as the grisly cast sharpen their blades in preparation
for the final shows. In collaboration with the Music and
Art Departments, the students are excited to present their
murderous tale, which is based on a true story...
The cast and crew would like to invite you all to come and
see the show on either Monday 20th or Tuesday 21st July
at 7pm. Tickets are £3 for students (children under 12 years
of age not recommended) and £4 for adults. Tickets are
available to buy from Monday 6th July from either Student
Services at break and lunchtimes or online via ParentPay.
We're certain it be a ‘killer show!
Miss L Hare - Teacher of Drama
Outstanding Sporting
Achievements
F
ollowing the success of
Cornelius at the Castle Point and
Rochford District Trampolining
Competition, the PE Department
would like to highlight the outstanding
achievement and contribution of our
winners in the individual events.
Junior Individual Winner - Charlotte Fink
Charlotte has competed in trampolining
to a very high standard, being part of an
International Competition – David Ward
Hunt Cup in 2014 and now training hard
for the Nationals in September. The Castle
Point and Rochford District Trampolining
Competition was Charlotte’s first back
from injury. Whilst she was unable to
train and compete, Charlotte continued
to be involved in the PE department and
in particular with trampolining. She has
taken on a position of responsibility in her
role as a ‘lead learner’, coaching in lessons
and alongside our trampoline coaches who
work with the squad. We value Charlotte
for all her hard work and her contribution
to the PE department. She is a role model
to her peers, as she has shown them that
with determination she can overcome her
setbacks and continue to achieve.
Senior Individual Winner - Charlotte Nash
De Villiers
Charlotte has also competed to a very high
standard achieving the title of East Regional
Champion in 2012, reaching the final
of National League (graded to National
Standard) early 2014 and competing in
International League. Charlotte has made a
valuable contribution to the PE department
and school sport.
You have both shown great resilience and
should be very proud of your achievements
– well done. We wish you every success for a
bright future in sport.
PE Department
Etc. Summer 2015
11
Afternoon Tea
O
n Monday 22nd June the Year 9 Catering students
went for an afternoon tea experience at the Cliffs
Pavilion. Their current GCSE coursework topic involves
preparing, cooking and evaluating an afternoon tea which after
research, they put on themselves.
When students arrived they were greeted by Jack (restaurant
team leader) and Amy (puts the afternoon tea menu together).
Year 9 asked Jack and Amy a series of questions to do with
afternoon tea to form a crucial part of their primary research for
their coursework.
After this, the students tasted various afternoon tea treats from
smoked salmon sandwiches to macaroons to mini custard slices!
It really inspired the students in terms of creativity, taste and
presentation.
Overall the afternoon was a great success. All students involved
felt the experience was so valuable. Many thanks to the team
at the Cliffs Pavilion and Mrs Winch, Mrs Maynard and Mrs
Hibben for accompanying me and Year 9 on the trip.
Miss D Taylor - Teacher of Catering
Claire Kober
12
Cornelius Vermuyden School has
welcomed the announcement that
Haringey Council leader, Claire Kober, was
awarded an OBE in the Queen's Birthday
Honours in June. Claire is a very successful
former student of Cornelius Vermuyden
School and lived on the island during her
upbringing, before moving on to higher
education at the University of East Anglia.
Claire was hailed an “excellent ambassador”
for Haringey, willing to take risks to
ensure success and deliver the best for local
residents – including leading ambitious
regeneration in Tottenham; driving forward
huge improvements in local education;
forging productive partnerships; and
making the council a more professional and
success-focused organisation.
Claire became leader of the Council in
December 2008, is Deputy Leader of
London Councils and a member of the
Local Government Association. She
has been honoured for services to local
government.
Claire visited the school in June and spoke
to a number of Year 10 students. The
students were thoroughly engaged and very
inquisitive as to how Claire had reached
the levels she has in her career. Claire
spoke of her recognition of the role of
Cornelius Vermuyden School in her career
Etc. Summer 2015
progress and advised our students to think
big, to think imaginatively and to believe in
their abilities.
Claire has also confirmed that she will be
the guest speaker at the Year 11 Awards
Evening, held at the school, in the Autumn
Term 2015.
Mr J Gunning - Deputy Headteacher
“Our students
attained some
excellent results...
with four students
receiving
distinctions for
their efforts.”
The Brilliant Club
Graduation Ceremony
at King’s College, London
T
he KS4 cohort of the Brilliant Club graduated
at King’s College, London on Saturday 16th
May. Students, who studied Existential Philosophy
and Solar Technology, received their certificates in the
inspiring setting of King’s in the shadow of the Shard.
Again our students attained some excellent results,
one third of which were First Class awards, with four
students receiving distinctions for their efforts.
In conversation with Brilliant Club students, it is clear
that many have been inspired by the programme and
have aspirations to attend a high-class university in
the future. The research element of the courses has also
encouraged independent learning, which is reflected in
the confidence and quality of students’ work in school.
A new round of the Brilliant Club Scholar’s programme
is set to start in the autumn for Year 7 and 8 students.
Application forms will be available in September from
Mr. Knowland.
Mr N Knowland - Teacher of English
Etc. Summer 2015
13
Art & Technology
Regional Winners
Rotary
Year 10 GCSE Photography student, Georgia
Gonzalez won the regional competition for the
Rotary Club. The theme celebrated ‘light’ in the
medium of photography. Georgia produced a
beautiful image of her sister holding a candle.
Georgia was awarded £25 of gift vouchers by Mrs
T Winch, the school's liaison officer for The Rotary
Club, Canvey Island. Design of the Year
On Thursday 25th June, the RM GCSE students
visited the Designs of the Year Show at London's
Design Museum. The students really engaged with
the show and took part in the voting for people's
favourite design. They used their analytical skills
that will be needed for their controlled assessment
and were inspired by the huge range of careers that
designers can enter.
Southend Essex College
Competition Winners Year 10 GCSE Art and Design students, Georgia Gonzalez and Demi
Powell took first and second place in a competition led by the college.
Students were asked to design a postcard celebrating the theme ‘festival’.
Prizes included £150 worth of art materials and £50 worth of amazon
vouchers. I am extremly proud of the students and the work that they
achieved. Work was displayed amongst the work of degree and Further Ed
students at the college. Director of the Art and Design faculty, presented the
award. Well done to all students who took part. Mrs K Hibben - Head of Art & Technology
14
Etc. Summer 2015
Armed Forces Day
Year 10 Art GCSE Art and Design student and
Army Cadet, Alix Winstone, won a competition to
design the front cover of the programme for Armed
Forces Day, Canvey Island. We are extremely proud
of what she has achieved, in a subject Alix feels so
passionate about. Alix intends join the Army after
completing her education. Her passion and drive
to do so is admirable. I wish her the best of luck in
achieving her goal. Governor’s report
A
s another school year draws to a close, it is a time
to reflect on the achievements of the past and the
plans for the future. The school continues to improve in terms of
attainment and we have high expectations of the results of the
exams that students have just taken. That confidence is based on
the extreme hard work of the students and the high standard of
teaching by staff coupled with the excellent facilities of this modern
and innovative school. By now you will be aware of the results of
the Ofsted inspection which said that Cornelius is a GOOD school
in all its aspects. They recognise that we have a very positive culture
that has led to rapid improvements in achievement, attendance and
attitudes to learning. Students feel safe and display confidence about
their futures.
A school can only be good if it has strong leadership and
governance. Ofsted recognised the strength of the headteacher
and her leadership team, as well as the ambitious and well
informed Governing Body, of which I am proud to be the
chairman.
Governors will not become complacent though. We have a strong
program of further improvement to teaching and learning to
enhance the achievements and prospects of students. Parents can be
assured that children leaving the school are well equipped to make
their way in the world. We are looking forward to the introduction
of the new school performance indicators that will measure the levels
of progress that each student makes as they progress from Year
7 to Year 11 of which Cornelius Vermuyden School has a
particularly strong record.
I should like to recognise the hard work, dedication and skill of
the Governors who devote so much of their time to the school. As
well as termly meetings of the full Governing Body, we carry out
much of our work through a number of committees that support
the headteacher and staff, but also challenge and scrutinise school
performance. The main committees are Curriculum, Finance,
Personnel and Premises and each has a detailed annual programme,
based around both statutory duties and the School Development
Plan. Although we have no active vacancies at present, if you are
interested in finding out what being a Governor entails, please
contact me via the school.
In September we will be welcoming the new year’s intake and, once
again, more places were applied for than we had
available. Also in September, parents of primary
school children start to consider a secondary
school for the 2016 intake. For many years we
have held a very successful and informative
open day in September. Please look out for
the date this year and come and see what a
fantastic learning environment our school can
offer your child.
Mr Jeffrey Stanley - Chair of Governors
Etc. Summer 2015
15
SCHOOL OPEN DAY
There is an Open Day at the school for prospective students
on SATURDAY 26th SEPTEMBER 2015, 10.00am until 1.00pm
Arrangements for parents of prospective students.
Tours of the school will take place between Monday 28th September
and Friday 2nd October at 8.30 am.
Other times by appointment.
Please ring the school to make an appointment with the Headteacher’s PA,
Adele Beckman on: 01268 685011 - Ext 124
Cornelius Vermuyden | Dinant Avenue | Canvey Island | Essex | SS8 9QS
Tel: (01268) 685011 Cornelius
| Fax: (01268)
510290School
| Email:
[email protected]
| www.corneliusvermuyden.com
Vermuyden
| Dinant
Avenue | Canvey Island
| Essex | SS8 9QS
Headteacher:
Mrs
C
P
Skewes
B.Ed.
(Hons),
M.A.,
NPQH
Tel: (01268) 685011 | Fax: (01268) 510290 | Email: [email protected] | www.corneliusvermuyden.com
Headteacher: Mrs C P Skewes B.Ed. (Hons), M.A., NPQH
16
Etc. Summer 2015